6/8 Friday
As Makoto began preparing her lunch, her phone began to vibrate.
She glanced at it, seeing that Ann had texted her.
Ann: Hey, Niijima-senpai? You think we could meet up today? In private?
Makoto: Sure. We can go to the council room during lunchtime.
Ann: That would be perfect! See you then!
She put her phone away, humming a little tune to herself while she finished making her lunch before heading to school.
As the lunchtime bell started to ring, she immediately made her way to the council room, Ann already waiting for her.
"Sorry for asking you here like this." Ann said as she sat down.
"Oh no, it isn't a problem…" Makoto insisted. "I actually find it refreshing to be asked to the student council room… although it's somewhat nerve-racking as well."
"...I think I'm a bit nervous myself." Ann admitted. "If I had known that you would be so helpful, I would have come to you for help a lot sooner."
The two sat in an awkward silence for a few seconds before Ann stood up from her seat.
"Um… I wanted to apologize again." Ann confessed. "I… really am sorry for everything… I took my guilt at not being able to help Shiho out on you."
Ann gave a deep bow in apology.
"Takamaki-san, there's no need for that." Makoto told her. "I've already forgiven you."
"But-"
"I think that… we're quite similar actually." Makoto told her. "Kamoshida… he had been abusing students for a long time. I had heard rumors, but… I didn't do any investigating. I was so foolish… I thought that the entire staff had our best interests at heart, and that I was fine if I just kept following orders… so many people suffered because of my inaction… my worthlessness..."
Ann shook her head. "Don't say that. You've done more than anyone else. As soon as you found out about how awful he was, you took action. That's what separates you from people like the principal."
"...Even so, I want to apologize myself." Makoto told her. "I said some harsh things to you, and didn't realize how you were suffering."
"Well… why don't we just call it even." Ann smiled.
"Even…?" Makoto repeated, before letting out a smile herself. "You're right… that sounds nice."
"Oh, and… you shouldn't call yourself worthless, Niijima-senpai." Ann stated. "If it wasn't for you, Kamoshida and the principal would still be getting away with all of the horrible things they've done."
"Thank you, Takamaki-san." Makoto smiled. "Umm…"
"Yeah?"
"Would you mind… if I call you Ann?" Makoto hesitantly asked.
"O-Oh, yeah!" Ann stammered. "I guess you're on a first name basis with all the others, huh? I… I can do the same, right M-M-Makoto… rgh, this is sooooo embarrassing…"
Makoto let out a laugh. "Why don't we get something to eat after school?"
"Ooh, I know a place!" Ann beamed. "There's a crepe shop at Central Street that totally stuffs their crepes."
"Oh, so we could split one?" Makoto asked.
"Mmm… how about we get one each, and go half and half on those?" Ann suggested.
"That sounds wonderful." Makoto beamed. "I'd love to!"
"Great!" Ann replied. "See you then, Ni-er, M-Makoto!"
As they both agreed to hang out later, a familiar voice rang out in her head.
I am thou, thou art I… thou hast acquired a new vow. It shall become the wings of rebellion that carry you to thy future. With the birth of the Lovers Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…
LOVERS CONFIDANT: RANK 1
After classes finished, the two girls made their way to the crepe stand that Ann had praised before.
"O-Oh, wow…" Makoto trailed off. "These crepes really are stuffed. So many calories…"
"Hm? You say something, Makoto?" Ann asked, already digging into her crepe.
"N-Nothing." she stammered. "Anyway, are you excited for the school trip?"
"Of course!" Ann grinned. "I've never been to Hawaii before!"
"Neither have I." Makoto replied. "Have you been out of the country before?"
"Oh yeah. I spent a lot of time in Finland." Ann told her. "It's actually where I got my first modeling gig."
"Really? It's a lot colder there, isn't it?" Makoto asked.
"Oh, definitely!" Ann exclaimed. "I used to play in the snow all the time when I was there."
"I guess Hawaii would be the exact opposite." Makoto figured.
"Yeah, I'll bet." Ann said, a small frown on her face.
"Something wrong?" Makoto asked.
"It's just… I remember that Shiho was really looking forward to this class trip." Ann muttered. "But she won't be able to go…"
"Oh…"
As the conversation turned dour, she tried to think of a way to cheer Ann up.
"Well… maybe we could throw a little celebration for Shiho once she gets out of the hospital." Makoto suggested. "There are plenty of festivals in the summer, so we could take her to one of them."
"That's a great idea!" Ann shouted, her face lighting up. "The three of us can all go to a festival together! I'll tell Shiho the next time we're there! She'll love it!"
"I'm sure she will." Makoto agreed.
"Say, what about you, Makoto?" Ann asked. "I heard that you're going on the trip too. Are you excited?"
"Well… most of the time will probably be spent on the beach." Makoto said. "I… I haven't been to the beach since I was little."
"For real?" Ann asked. "Do you not like swimming?"
"No, swimming's fine." she replied. "I just… don't like swimsuits that much."
"Aww, Makoto." Ann said, giving a sympathetic look. "Why don't the two of us go shopping for a swimsuit together? For something you're comfortable in."
"Thank you, Ann." Makoto smiled. "I really appreciate it."
"No problem, Makoto!" Ann grinned. "Now let's hurry up and finish our crepes so we can start shopping!"
"W-Wait, you mean right now?" Makoto asked.
"Of course!" Ann nodded. "No time like the present!"
After they finished their crepes, Ann practically dragged her off to go shopping for a swimsuit.
Ann seemed more excited about it than she was!
Ann immediately brought her to a store that she liked, the two of them heading to the swimsuit section.
"Are you going to be buying a swimsuit too, Ann?" Makoto asked.
"Oh no, I already have one." Ann told her. "Today is just for you!"
As they started looking through the swimsuits, she heard a squeal behind her.
"Makoto! I didn't think you'd be here!"
Eiko ran up to the girls, an excited look on her face.
"Makoto, are you looking for a new swimsuit too?" Eiko asked. "You should have told me!"
"Oh, hello Eiko." Makoto greeted. "Sorry, this was sort of a split-second decision."
"Is this another friend of yours, Makoto?" Ann wondered.
"I'm Eiko Takao." Eiko said, introducing herself.
"Ann Takamaki." Ann replied.
"I realized that I didn't have a swimsuit, so we went shopping for one." Makoto explained.
"Oh, I see!" Eiko grinned. "Don't worry, Prez. I'll find a super cute bikini for you that'll have Renny swooning!"
"Oh? What was that?" Ann asked, suddenly looking extremely interested.
"Eiko, don-"
"Miss Prez is dating the transfer student!" Eiko exclaimed. "She really likes her bad boys!"
"For real?!" Ann gasped. "That's like… something out of a shojo manga!"
"I know, right?!"
Both Eiko and Ann let out squeals before turning to her.
"Makoto, why didn't you tell me?" Ann questioned. "You have to give me all of the details!"
"I-I'll tell you later." Makoto promised.
"Hehehe… don't worry, Makoto." Ann grinned. "We'll find you the best bikini we can!"
"Renny won't be able to keep his eyes off of you!" Eiko added.
"H-Hey! Let go!"
"This is for your own good Makoto!"
"Leave it to us!"
The two girls approached an embarrassed Makoto, dragging her to the changing room…
The three girls went through a lot of different bikinis…
"Ann, I'm not really sure about the colors on this one..."
A lot of different bikinis…
"Eiko! This is way too revealing!"
After a while, the two girls handed her another bikini that, at first glance, seemed very nice.
She tried on the olive-colored bikini with a green and white leaf pattern, with slits in the sides of the bottom.
It looked amazing and breathtaking… so there was probably no way she could pull it off.
"Not this one either." she sighed.
"...Maybe we should try something a bit more modest." Ann suggested.
The two girls handed her a white bikini, the bottom resembling a skirt.
"I… I like this." Makoto smiled. "Let's get this one."
"All right!" Eiko cheered. "It'll look great on you… I'm sure Renny will think so too!"
She purchased the swimsuit and said goodbye to Eiko. As Ann and her made their way to the trains, she spied a massive grin on Ann's face.
"Soooo… about you and Ren." Ann smirked.
"H-Hold on! Let me explain." Makoto insisted.
She explained the entire situation with Eiko and Tsukasa.
"Oh, so it's fake dating." Ann realized. "But… are you sure that you don't want to start dating him for real?
"But… I still don't know how I feel…" Makoto trailed off. "And I wouldn't want to make things awkward…"
"Well… alright. See you later, Makoto." Ann said. "Let's hang out again during the Hawaii trip!"
"Of course!" Makoto agreed. "Goodbye, Ann."
As they went their separate ways, she could have sworn that she saw a mischievous glint in Ann's eyes.
She was definitely planning something…
After saying goodbye, she made her way home, studying for a bit before heading to bed.
6/9 Saturday
As soon as classes ended for the day, she felt her phone buzzing.
Akechi: I realize that this invitation is rather sudden, so feel free to decline, but I'm thinking of playing billiards in Kichijoji. Care to join me?
Akechi was inviting her out? That was interesting…
"Hmm… we should probably accept." Morgana advised. "Especially after what you learned the last time we saw him."
She nodded, recalling what he had said the last time they had met with him.
"He mentioned something about pancakes, but you were the only one who mentioned anything like that." Makoto recalled. "Although… I'm not really sure what that means."
"Well, that's what we need to figure out!" Morgana exclaimed.
"I suppose you're right." she nodded.
She replied to Akechi, who gave her directions as she set out.
"Niijima-san, I'm glad you could make it." Akechi smiled. "I imagine your schedule must be fairly busy."
"Same to you." she replied. "It's nice that we both have free time at the moment."
"I don't exactly spend time with other people that often." Akechi commented. "At least, in a non-professional setting. I imagine it's the same for you?"
She frowned. Up until recently, he would probably be correct…
"Studying for entrance exams have kept me very busy." Makoto stated.
"Of course." Akechi nodded. "It's good to take a break though. So, have you ever played pool before?"
"Only a few times." she admitted.
"Well, I'm sure this'll be a great learning experience." Akechi smiled.
They started the first game, Akechi taking the first shot with his left hand and immediately sinking multiple balls into the holes.
"Oh, my apologies. A break ace." Akechi grinned. "It seems I don't know my own strength."
He has a very humble way of bragging…, Makoto mused.
"I guess that's your win then…" Makoto trailed off.
"Well… we can just start over." Akechi grinned. "I'll try to go easy."
Things went much smoother for her in the next round, with her being just at a slightly lower score than Akechi.
"Oof… bad shot." Akechi muttered. "This could be trouble for me if you get this next shot. But I suppose now I'll get a chance to see your skills."
She carefully lined up the shot, slowly taking aim, and fired…
Only to just miss the hole.
"Ah… I see." Akechi muttered.
The game continued for a while longer until Akechi took the final shot with his right hand.
"I win." Akechi simply stated.
"You did. You are pretty skilled at this." Makoto admitted.
"Well, it was still a close game." Akechi smiled. "I suppose it would be rather embarrassing to lose to a beginner, huh?"
"Wait a moment…" Makoto muttered.
"Hmm? Is something wrong?" Akechi asked.
"When we played the last game, and when we shook hands, you were using your left hand." Makoto recalled. "But right now, you're using your right."
"Huh… I'm surprised you noticed! You're quite perspective!" Akechi complemented. "That's right. My left hand is my dominant hand. I switched hands during this game, as I felt that going all out against a beginner seemed a bit gauche."
"You still seem very adept with your right hand." she pointed out.
Akechi nodded. "I am rather dexterous with my right hand. I can even use chopsticks with it. To be frank, I didn't expect you to see through it."
"Maybe I'll end up becoming an ace detective as well." she said, letting out a small smile.
"What a lovely idea!" Akechi grinned. "My work would be a lot more interesting if I had a rival!"
A rival, huh?, Makoto mused.
"You truly are much more intriguing than I gave you credit for." Akechi complemented. "You never cease to amaze me."
A part of her couldn't help but wonder what he thought of her before…
Right now, however, she could definitely sense his appreciation.
JUSTICE CONFIDANT: RANK 2
"You're surprisingly good at chess and pool, Niijima-san. Perhaps if you brushed up on your tactics and technique a bit, you'd stand a better chance against me." Akechi suggested. "If you ever managed to beat me while I'm using my right hand, I'll face you with everything I have."
"As rivals, correct?" she asked.
"Of course." Akechi smiled. "I'll be looking forward to our next match."
They spoke for a little while longer before she went home for the day.
6/10 Sunday
After she finished her breakfast, she checked her phone, seeing that she now had a text from Yusuke.
Yusuke: I managed to finish that painting that was inspired by the Metaverse. I would like for you to see it.
Oh, right, the time we went to the Metaverse together, Makoto mused, I am curious what it looks like.
She quickly texted her reply before making her way to Yusuke's dorm.
"I'm glad you could make it, Makoto." Yusuke greeted.
He directed her attention to a covered-up painting.
"This is the completed form of my draft from earlier." Yusuke explained. "I was hoping to finish it and show you before we left for our class trips."
"Are you going on a class trip too, Yusuke?" she asked.
"I am." Yusuke nodded. "My school is going onto a trip to Los Angeles."
"Oh, that sounds really nice." she smiled. "I hope you have fun."
"Thank you." Yusuke nodded. "I had hoped to purchase more art supplies while I was there, but I've already spent most of my money."
"Yusuke, you need to be more frugal with your savings!" Makoto lechered. "You'll have a very difficult time later in life if you don't learn some restraint."
"Makoto, you don't understand." Yusuke insisted. "I saw the most exquisite painting for sale, and I knew that I had to have it as a reference. I also found some high-quality art supplies while I was there… although they did, admittedly, set me back a bit."
"Can't you order some art supplies and get them delivered to your dorm?" she asked.
"What do you mean?" Yusuke wondered.
"You could probably find some good deals for art supplies online." Makoto suggested.
Yusuke looked at her as if she had shared some forbidden knowledge or something.
"You can… buy art supplies online…?!" Yusuke gasped.
"You didn't know?" she asked.
"You must show me!" Yusuke exclaimed, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her.
"Ok, ok, ok!" she cried. "Just let go!"
Yusuke released her, and she took out her phone to show Yusuke what she meant.
"You see right here?" she asked, directing his attention to her phone.
Yusuke glanced at her phone in awe, glancing at all of the good deals.
"Incredible! I'll have to shop on here from now on!" Yusuke declared.
"Just try not to go overboard." she pleaded.
"I understand your concern, but my purchases were worth it in the end!" Yusuke proclaimed. "Behold!"
She let out a gasp as Yusuke unveiled his painting.
It looked like a red and black swirling vortex. It definitely reminded her of Mementos.
"I would like your honest opinion… if you would." Yusuke requested.
"T-This is incredible." Makoto whispered. "It looks so… so mysterious."
"Hah… just as I hoped." Yusuke proudly smiled. "But is that truly all you have to say about it? I was hoping for something a bit more… concrete."
"Ah… sorry, Yusuke, I'm not an artist, so I'm not sure that I could give you what you're looking for." Makoto responded.
"I'm aware." Yusuke nodded. "That is why I will only require a four hundred word review from you."
"E-Excuse me?" she stammered.
"Well, we can discuss that more later." Yusuke said. "This painting is how I choose to interpret 'desire'. A foul charm that is held deep within the abyss of the heart."
"It seems so… otherworldly… I can definitely see the inspiration from Mementos." Makoto observed.
"I believe it was because of our foray into Mementos that I am able to capture desire so elegantly." Yusuke said matter-of-factly. "After seeing the manifestation of distorted desires myself, I now understand the intricacies of the heart in a way I had once thought impossible."
"I suppose it would offer a unique perspective." Makoto agreed.
"I plan to submit this piece to an upcoming art exhibition." Yusuke stated. "I'm quite confident that no one has seen the abyss of the heart in such a raw manner before! The discourse will be quite fascinating! It shall be the spark that revitalizes my slumbering art career!"
"I'm glad to hear that you've gotten over your slump, Yusuke." she smiled. "Would it be alright if I come to see your piece once it goes public?"
"I was hoping that you would." Yusuke nodded. "I'm sure that it will be a sensational experience for those who opt to undergo it. And I was the one who was able to bring it to life, thanks to your assistance. You have my sincerest gratitude."
"You're very welcome, Yusuke." she beamed.
She could feel the two of them growing closer…
EMPEROR CONFIDANT: RANK 2
She spoke with Yusuke about the painting a little more before heading home.
He seemed very enthusiastic about his latest work, touting it as one of a kind and revolutionary. She was no expert, but she also couldn't help but feel enthused herself. He had just gotten out of his art slump, after all.
She was sure that everything at the exhibit would go great...
When she arrived home, she started packing all of the supplies that she would need.
Clothes, my swimsuit, my toothbrush and toothpaste, extra sunscreen, my notebooks if I have time to study…
"Packing for the trip?" Morgana asked.
"That's right." she nodded.
She just barely heard Morgana let out a quiet sigh.
"Morgana, is something wrong?" Makoto asked.
"Huh? Oh, um… it's nothing." the not-cat replied.
She narrowed her eyes.
"Morgana, tell me." Makoto insisted.
"I told you, it's nothing." Morgana muttered, curling into a ball and facing away from her.
She shook her head.
He's far too prideful…, Makoto thought.
She'd have to hit him where it hurt.
"Tell me or no sushi for a month." she threatened.
Morgana fidgeted a bit, narrowing his gaze, but said nothing.
She'd have to bust out her trump card.
"...And I'll stay up an hour past my bedtime." Makoto added.
"ALRIGHT, I'LL TALK!" Morgana caved. "I just… I just wish that I could come with you guys."
"Oh, Mona." Makoto sympathized. "I'm so sorry. I wish that I could bring you, but there's no way I could sneak you out past airport security."
"I know…" Mona sighed.
She gently picked up Morgana and placed him on her lap, stroking his fur.
"I'll miss you." she told him. "I'll get you a souvenir while I'm there, ok?"
Morgana nodded. "I just wish that I wasn't stuck here, not able to do anything or be helpful."
"Well… I think I might have something that you could help with." Makoto rescinded.
"Really?!" Morgana gasped.
"I need you to look after sis for me, ok Morgana?" Makoto asked. "Sis is strong, but even she has a limit. I don't want her working herself too hard."
"I'm on it, Queen!" Morgana declared, happy to be able to help out.
"I know I could count on you." she smiled.
She was still a little concerned about Morgana, but for now, she'd leave things be.
She just hoped that, in the future, he'd be more willing to share things with her.
Mona curled up next to her as the two of them drifted off to sleep.
Hidden away in his little hideout, Kaneshiro vigorously dug into his dinner until he heard his phone start to ring.
Kaneshiro glanced at the caller ID, raising an eyebrow.
"What do they want?" Kaneshiro muttered.
He picked up the cellphone and answered it.
"Yeah?"
"My boss has a request for you." the man on the other line said. "He wants you to "do something" about a certain someone."
"Oh? Well, that's funny. Usually, it's the other way around." Kaneshiro stated. "Not that I'm complaining or anything, but what's stopping you from sending your little hitman to do… whatever it is he does?"
"There were… complications." the other man vaguely said. "That's all you need to know."
"So who's the target?" Kaneshiro asked.
"The principal of that school you've been targeting." the other man explained. "Shujin Academy, right?"
"Yeah, that's it." Kaneshiro idly said. "So, what did he do to piss you guys off?"
"There's something wrong with him. We think he might be going through a 'change of heart' or something. He's a liability now." the other man said.
"A change of heart?" Kaneshiro repeated. "What, you mean like what they were saying happened to that artist? You tellin' me that Phantom Thief shit is real?"
"We have reason to believe that there are people who can trigger these dramatic changes in others, similar to how mental shutdowns and psychotic breakdowns." the other man explained. "That's why we need to take care of that principal before he confesses."
Kaneshiro gave a wicked grin.
"5 million yen."
"Are you insane?!" the other man yelled. "We'll give you 1 million at most!"
"You need me." Kaneshiro pointed out. "You already told me that you can't take him out the normal way…"
"...You realize that if we go down, so do you." the other man countered.
"Tell you what." Kaneshiro began, grinning. "There's a 3 million yen hole in my briefcase, and it's really pissin' me off. So maybe we could help each other out…"
"...Fine." the other man scoffed. "Three million, and not a single yen more. Don't screw this up!"
"Don't worry." Kaneshiro smirked. "I'll send the Cleaner after him."
"Good. One more thing… about those Phantom Thieves… here's how we're going to deal with them..." the other man trailed off.
Makoto's Confidant Progress:
THE FOOL - Ren Amamiya: Rank 4
THE HUNGER - Igor: Rank 4
THE CHARIOT - Ryuji Sakamoto: Rank 3
THE MAGICIAN - Morgana: Rank 4
THE FAITH - Eiko Takao: Rank 4
THE TOWER - Chiaki Yasui: Rank 4
THE SUN - Shiho Suzui: Rank 3
THE MOON - Takayo Tachibana: Rank 3
THE HIEROPHANT - Sojiro Sakura: Rank 3
THE TEMPERANCE - Naoya Makigami: Rank 2
THE EMPEROR - Yusuke Kitagawa: Rank 2
THE EMPRESS - Haru Okumura: Rank 1
THE LOVERS - Ann Takamaki: Rank 1
THE STRENGTH - Caroline and Justine: Rank 2
THE JUSTICE - Goro Akechi: Rank 2
THE FORTUNE - Phantom Thieves of Heart: Rank 3
THE JUDGEMENT - Sae Niijima: Rank 3
THE COUNCILLOR - Takuto Maruki: Rank 3