The moment that she got home, she immediately plopped down into bed.
"Say, why did I have to stay home today?" Morgana asked.
"Oh, um… I just had something I had to do in private." Makoto muttered.
"Huh… well, ok." Morgana replied.
Morgana started to stretch his body before lying down at her bedside.
"I can't believe we've gotten another new ally!" Morgana exclaimed. "I was a little worried for a moment there, but we managed to pull through, like always!"
"Yes, we certainly did." Makoto nodded. "I'm glad that Eiko was able to stand up for herself, but… it feels like she still has a lot that she has to deal with."
"Maybe, but she at least has you to help her out." Morgana stated. "You're always there to lend a helping hand to all of the others."
"W-Well, it's just what anyone else would do." Makoto insisted.
"Well, not everyone can be as effective of a leader as you." Morgana praised. "When I first joined up with you guys, it was mostly just for the purpose of getting my memories back. But now… I want to stay with you guys for as long as I can!"
"Aww, Morgana…" Makoto beamed.
"So… even if I regain my memories… even if we stop being Phantom Thieves…" Morgana trailed off.
"You can still stay with us." Makoto promised.
"Thanks, Makoto." Morgana smiled.
A few minutes later, both of them drifted off to sleep.
"So, there was another member, then? Witch, was it?" Sae asked.
"Not an official member…" Makoto quickly clarified. "They had trouble controlling their power, so it was usually too dangerous to bring them on infiltrations."
"Do you expect me to believe that?" Sae asked.
"Just because someone can enter the Metaverse doesn't mean they were a part of the Phantom Thieves." Makoto pointed out. "There was that black masked individual I told you about."
"And you believe that they're the one who is responsible for all of the mental shutdowns and psychotic breakdowns?" Sae asked.
"I do." Makoto nodded. "As I mentioned, these incidents started a few years ago.
Sae seemed to think for a moment before speaking up again.
"I… admit that there could be someone else responsible for these incidents." Sae acknowledged. "That being said, it's still possible that you could be responsible for the death of some of your targets. That's why I need you to tell me every detail about what happened the next few days."
"Of course." Makoto nodded.
This would be a crucial part of the interrogation. From now on, she couldn't afford a single slip up. She had to convince her sister, no matter what!
10/4 Thursday
"Did you hear she lost the meet?"
"Yeah, I heard that she only got a bronze medal."
"Seriously?! She only got 3rd place after being hyped up that much by the school?!"
"Oh man, the principal's not going to like that."
Most of the time, she tried to ignore the rumor mill going around at Shujin, but today it was particularly obnoxious.
"I'm surprised that Yoshizawa-san did so poorly."
"So, they're talking about Kasumi…" Makoto muttered.
She vaguely remembered something about Kasumi representing the school at a gymnastics competition. It seemed that it hadn't gone over too well. Maybe she should talk to her sometime.
After getting some studying done for the upcoming exams, she left the school library, but before she could head home…
"Hey, Makoto!" Ann called.
Ann came running up to her.
"I just got an email from my agency. They want me to do a shoot at the Sky Tower. Wanna come?" Ann asked.
"Sure, of course. I'll cheer you on." Makoto promised.
"Great!" Ann beamed. "Hmm… It looks like Mika will be there too. A men's magazine is running a special on her to capitalize on her recent popularity."
"But then why are they asking for you too?" Makoto wondered.
"Apparently, Mika wanted me to be there." Ann answered.
"That's… odd." Makoto replied. "Do you think she's up to something?"
"Maybe… still, I want to go. I have to see just what she wants!" Ann commented.
"Alright, let's get going then." Makoto nodded.
The two of them made their way to the sky tower, quickly spotting Mika at the top.
"Oh, so you actually came." Mika said.
"You requested me, right?" Ann asked. "I almost didn't recognize you. Did you lose weight? Change your makeup?"
"The theme for today's shoot is 'the elegance of woman'." Mika replied. "So, I had to condition my body in order to make it more elegant."
"What do you mean by that?" Ann asked.
"Controlling what you eat, how you move… it sounds easy, but it's actually pretty difficult." Mika answered. "I had to write down everything I ate, and the calories and nutrients it had. I even hired a professional trainer to oversee my diet and exercise routine."
"Woah, that's amazing!" Ann gasped. "I don't know how I would survive without my double chocolate crepes!"
Makoto watched as Mika's eye twitched. She probably wouldn't take kindly to Ann's love of sweets.
"Well, not all of us have the luxury of being able to pig out on whatever we want! I'd get fat with one bite of that stuff!" Mika snapped. "Do you realize how much work I have to put into maintaining my figure?!"
"W-Well, I…" Ann trailed off.
"Ugh… A natural beauty like you would never understand how much work goes into my modeling!"
"N-Natural beauty?" Ann repeated. "Hehehe… it's a little embarrassing to be complimented like that."
Mika's eye twitched again.
"Sorry, did I say natural beauty? I meant natural airhead!" Mika scowled.
"Hey, who are you calling an airhead!" Ann snapped. "I'm plenty smart, right Makoto."
"O-Oh, of course!" Makoto nodded. "You'll be able to prove it with our upcoming exams."
"WAIT, THERE ARE EXAMS?! SINCE WHEN?!" Ann cried.
Makoto sighed. At least she tried to back Ann up…
"Eek, Ann-senpai, stop it! You're scaring me!" Mika shirked in an overly cutesy voice.
"Mika-chan, are you ok?!" the cameraman asked.
"Man, Ann-chan is scary." Another member of the staff muttered.
"You…!" Ann trailed off, glaring as Mika let out a smirk.
The two girls got ready for their shoot, striking poses as the cameraman focused on them.
"This way, Mika-chan! Yeah, that's perfect! That's exactly the expression I want!" the cameraman cried.
Mika let out a giggle, which seemed to excite the cameraman even more.
"So, this is a test, huh?" Ann muttered. "Well I won't lose!"
Ann struck a pose, letting out a giggle of her own. The cameraman just frowned in response, however.
"Um… Ann-chan? Could you… try to be a little sexier?" the cameraman requested.
"You mean like thiiiis?" Mika asked, striking another pose.
"Oooooh, that's perfect!" the cameraman shouted.
"M-Mika, why are you doing this?!" Ann asked. "I thought you looked up to me!"
"Obviously, that was a lie." Mika frowned. "I guess you're just as naive as you look. Stupid amateurs like you really piss me off. Try not to drag me down."
The cameraman continued to focus on Mika, angering Ann even more.
After the shoot had finished, Mika walked up to Ann, a smug look on her face.
"Well, I think we know who's the more talented one here." Mika smirked. "You never took any of this seriously, did you? Just coasting by on connections and natural beauty, without any sort of hard work!"
"T-That… well… that's about to change!" Ann shouted.
"Huh?" Mika questioned.
"I mean… that's not true anymore!" Ann excused. "I'm almost done with high school, so I plan to take things much more seriously from now on!"
"Yeah right." Mika scoffed. "I doubt that you'd even last a minute doing some of the exercises I do."
"F-For your information, I get plenty of exercise!" Ann argued.
"Oh really?" Mika asked, clearly skeptical.
"Yeah! I do lots of… running! Running!" Ann answered.
Well, if they counted their time in the Metaverse, that was true.
"And what else?" Mika asked.
"Um, uh… Ah-Aikido!" Ann exclaimed. "Makoto was going to practice Aikido with me!"
"Huh?!" Makoto gasped.
"And, and, and she was going to give me tips on how to improve my diet!" Ann continued. "She's a tooootal health nut."
"Ann…" Makoto trailed off.
"You're going to help me out, right, Makoto?" Ann asked, a pleading expression on her face.
"…Yes, I will." Makoto replied.
"See, there you go!" Ann grinned.
"Heh, well if all of that really is true, then maybe I'd actually respect you just a little. But I doubt it." Mika sneered.
Makoto sighed as they watched Mika walk away.
"You certainly put me on the spot." Makoto said.
"Sorry about that." Ann apologized. "But it's just… I'm so pissed off!"
"H-Hey, I know that Mika just called you here to show you up, but…"
"It's not just Mika I'm pissed at. I mean, yeah, she used some underhanded methods, but…" Ann muttered. "I'm pissed off at me too…"
"Why are you angry with yourself?" Makoto asked.
"Because Mika was completely right. She worked so hard to get where she is… but I only became a model on a whim. I never really took it too seriously. She's on a totally different level!"
"I don't… think it's that bad." Makoto replied. "You're still trying to figure out what you want to do in life."
"Well… if I do want to become a successful model… then I'll have to put in a lot more effort!" Ann exclaimed.
"Well, I'm sure that you'll be able to do it, as long as you put your mind to it." Makoto encouraged.
"That's right!" Ann exclaimed. "Just watch me! I'm going to take the world by storm!"
She felt a little closer to Ann.
LOVERS CONFIDANT: RANK 7
She spoke to Ann a little longer before heading home for the day.
10/5 Friday
The moment classes ended for the day, she got a text from Yusuke.
Yusuke: The art critic from before invited me out to a restaurant. Would you like to come as well? Your presence would be appreciated.
Yusuke must have been feeling apprehensive about meeting with the man. She would have to do her best to support him.
She texted him back, saying that she would be there, and he replied with directions to the restaurant.
When she arrived, she saw Yusuke and Kawanabe already sitting down.
"Ah, Yusuke mentioned that a friend of his would be coming." Kawanabe noted. "Come, sit. I've already ordered your portion as well."
"Oh… alright. Thank you." Makoto nodded, sitting down next to Yusuke.
"Before we eat… there's something I have to ask." Yusuke said. "Could you tell me more about yourself?"
"Hmm… well, my work involves gallery management, but I have more hobbies than that." Kawanabe replied. "To speak broadly, I scout out and nurture the talent of promising young artists."
"In what ways?" Makoto wondered.
"We offer scholarships, mediate studying abroad programs, and connect artists to customers." Kawanabe answered. "Madarame participated in the program for a time as well."
"Sens- Madarame as well?" Yusuke questioned.
Kawanabe nodded. "I was aware of the dark rumors surrounding him… but I couldn't imagine his confession. I suppose he might have been deceiving me too."
"To think… I once relied on his teachers." Yusuke frowned. "Even I was aware of the rumors… but I didn't want to admit it."
"Perhaps your art slump is because of Madarame?" Kawanabe asked.
"That must be the case…" Yusuke acknowledged. "Because of him, I can no longer view paintings with a pure heart." Yusuke admitted.
"Ah… that would explain your previous painting that I saw." Kawanabe realized.
"Before, it was simply my love for painting that led to me seeking beauty." Yusuke confided. "But now, I feel myself bogged down by the darker aspects of the art world."
"I see… but, I feel like it would be a waste to let your talent wane." Kawanabe said. "My program would gladly support you."
"How so?" Makoto asked.
"The last student of Madarame… and the son of the true creator of the Sayuri. It would be very easy to sell you as a tragic artist."
"Sell me, huh? Hahah…" Yusuke humorlessly chuckled.
Makoto sighed, knowing that that was probably the last thing Yusuke wanted.
"Indeed. A struggling, starving artist will tug at the heartstrings that even those who don't understand art." Kawanabe elaborated. "In today's climate, art alone isn't enough. You need a story to sell too."
"A story…" Yusuke muttered. "I don't really-"
"We can handle the details, so don't worry about that." Kawanabe said. "In exchange, you will be selling your art through our gallery. We will take a fee, of course, but you will have a steady income and a sizable customer base."
Yusuke stood up from his chair, anger evident on his face.
"Do not mock me!" Yusuke snapped.
"Y-Yusuke, calm down!" Makoto exclaimed.
"Are you listening to him?!" Yusuke shouted. "Story? Tragedy?! That's not what art is about! In the end, this is all about money! That which taints art! Would you have me follow the same path as Madarame?!"
"How immature…" Kawanabe sighed. "Have you learned nothing? You aren't looking at reality objectively."
"Sir, with all due respect, I don't believe that you are considering Yusuke's feelings on the matter." Makoto defended.
"Perhaps… however, I do not believe he is acknowledging his own feelings either." Kawanabe countered.
"What do you mean by that?" Yusuke asked.
"Are wealth and fame really that horrible?" Kawanabe asked. "Consider that, and also consider if creating completely pure art is possible… or just an illusion that you are chasing."
"S-Shut your mouth!" Yusuke cried. "I reject your offer! I will resolve to get out of my slump without your help."
"Hmm… I was afraid of this." Kawanabe sighed. "But at least consider this… my program is holding a gallery and compilation for aspiring artists around the nation. The grand prize, should you accept, will be our support. Of course, there will be a lot of pressure on you, should you enter. Are you perhaps afraid?"
"What did you say…?" Yusuke muttered, taking the bait.
"There will be tons of strong competition. I'm curious if you have what it takes to compete. I look forward to finding out." Kawanabe said.
Kawanabe left after paying the bill, leaving the two of them alone.
"That… That avaricious bastard!" Yusuke cursed. "Why is it that all artists talk about is money, money, money?! What happened to passion?!"
"Well, he said to ask yourself if money and fame are really that bad." Makoto recalled.
Yusuke sighed.
"If I may confess something… I've been struggling with those thoughts for a while." Yusuke admitted.
"Really?" Makoto asked.
"Yes. There's an ugly attachment to my art now." Yusuke muttered. "I feel the desire to be acknowledged. The desire for praise and rewards. The desire for money. I try to ignore it, but it's always there."
"Well, I don't think that's inherently a bad thing." Makoto replied.
"But I can't help but worry that these desires will make me become more like Madarame." Yusuke frowned.
"I think it's fine, as long as you strike a healthy balance." Makoto advised. "Everyone has desires… it's just a matter of making sure they don't become distorted."
"Maybe so…" Yusuke considered. "As always, I must thank you for your help, Makoto. And also…"
"Also what?"
"Well, if all else fails, I suppose that I could fall back on painting nude models." Yusuke brought up.
"… Yusuke." Makoto warned.
"... Say, Makoto, do you think Futaba would-"
"Let me stop you right there." Makoto frowned. "You know Boss would kill you, right?"
Yusuke blinked. "Ah, yes, I suppose I hadn't consider-
"And then I would bring you to Mementos to revive you." Makoto said. "And then kill you again."
"... And Ren would do the same, I presume?"
"Most likely."
"I see…" Yusuke noted. "Well, again, thank you for your assistance today."
"You're welcome, Yusuke." Makoto replied.
She felt a little closer to Yusuke.
EMPEROR CONFIDANT: RANK 7
"By the way, Makoto, there was one other thing that I wanted to talk to you about." Yusuke requested.
"Oh, of course, Yusuke." Makoto replied. "What was it?"
"It has to do with Naoya." Yusuke noted. "He's been acting very strange recently."
"Did he… get involved in another 'accident'?" Makoto asked.
"Possibly." Yusuke muttered. "From my observations, I fear that he may know more than he's letting on."
"I got that impression as well." Makoto agreed. "I know that they don't want to talk about it, but if it's gotten so bad that he's had to go to the hospital…"
"Would you perhaps be able to come with me tomorrow to talk to him about the situation?" Yusuke requested.
"Of course." Makoto promised. "I'll be there.
After discussing things with Yusuke for a little longer, she decided to head home for the day.
10/6 Saturday
As soon as classes ended for the day, Makoto made her way over to the gym that Naoya frequented, finding Yusuke already outside.
Walking into the gym, they saw Naoya talking to someone.
"Come on, Naoya, how many times do I have to tell you. You aren't cut out for this." Kazuya sighed. "It would be best if you just gave this up."
"B-But… I've been fencing for so long…" Naoya muttered. "It's what I'm best at."
"Well, it seems like you've hit a bit of a plateau." Kazuya pointed out. "Isn't it about time you start thinking about getting an actual career, and stop wasting your time on this?"
"But… I…" Naoya stammered.
"Come on, you aren't going to disagree with your big brother's advice… will ya?" Kazuya asked, narrowing his eyes. "I just want what's best for you."
Makoto narrowed her eyes, letting out a frown. Kazuya's words seemed a little harsh, even if he did claim to be doing this for Naoya's benefit.
"Oh, looks like your friends are here." Kazuya noticed. "Well, I'll be going now. Make sure you remember what I said, Naoya."
Kazuya walked off, leaving a conflicted looking Naoya.
"Oh… Niijima-san, Yusuke. Hello." Naoya greeted. "Yusuke… you said that you wanted to try out fencing with Niijima-san and me, right?"
"That's correct." Yusuke nodded. "Are you still free?"
"About that…" Naoya muttered. "Um… Niijima-san?"
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry, but… I don't think that I'll be able to practice fencing with you anymore. I just can't do it anymore."
"Why not?" Makoto asked.
"I'm just… not very good at it…" Naoya sighed. "It's time I stop fooling myself."
"If this is what your brother said-"
"My brother is right!" Naoya snapped. "I'm just no good at fencing."
"Naoya, that's not true at all." Makoto insisted. "I think that you're very skilled at fencing. Weren't you planning on becoming a professional fencer?"
"I-I mean… before, yes… I may have won a few competitions, but… it just feels like I'm not good enough." Naoya confessed.
"Perhaps you're just lacking in confidence." Yusuke theorized. "But a few matches might help you regain it."
"Confidence, huh…" Naoya trailed off. "I see… I suppose that it would be rude to deny you a match after you came here to see me."
"Thank you." Makoto said. "Let's get started then."
Makoto put on some fencing equipment before taking on Naoya, Yusuke watching their duel intensely.
While she had done plenty of practice matches against Naoya before, it was clear that he had the advantage, having plenty of experience on her.
Finally, she saw what she believed to be an opening, moving to strike.
However, Naoya managed to parry her strike, using the momentum to easily strike her, winning their match.
"Very impressive." Makoto complimented. "I've been practicing, but I still didn't stand a chance."
"I-It wasn't really that impressive." Naoya insisted.
"I do not believe that an amateur would be able to replicate that technique." Yusuke noted. "Would you perhaps be able to teach me how you did that?"
"O-Oh, well… I suppose I could try and teach you." Naoya muttered.
Yusuke put on the fencing equipment, taking Naoya on.
His natural agility and ability with a sword allowed him to hold his own against Naoya for a while, but even he was no match.
However, he was able to grasp the technique that Naoya showed him rather easily.
"Just as Makoto said… very impressive." Yusuke noted.
"You really think so?" Naoya asked.
"Indeed." Yusuke nodded. "If you feel like you're in some sort of slump, you'll just have to work hard to overcome it."
"Yusuke's been in a bit of a slump himself." Makoto explained. "But he's been working very hard to get out of it. I'm sure that you'll be able to do the same."
"But… Kazuya said…"
"Makigami-kun… just because they're your older sibling… doesn't mean that they know what's best for you." Makoto pointed out.
"Maybe you're right…" Naoya admitted. "I… have to think on some things. Thank you for the talk, Niijima-san."
She felt a little closer to Naoya.
TEMPERANCE CONFIDANT: RANK 7
"Actually… Makigami-kun, there was one other thing that we wanted to ask you about." Makoto said.
"Oh? And what was that?" Naoya asked.
"It's about your injuries." Yusuke bluntly said. "Do you really have no idea about the person who inflicted them on you?"
"I… I'm sorry, but I can't say anything." Naoya mumbled.
Makoto began to worry. Without any information, they wouldn't be able to help Naoya.
"Hmm… the last time you were dealing with thieves, you sent a request to the Phantom Thieves, correct?" Yusuke asked. "You could make an anonymous request on their website."
"I… suppose I could do that." Naoya replied. "But even so…
Yusuke cleared his throat, beginning to speak.
"You know… back when I was staying with Madarame… my living conditions were truly terrible." Yusuke recalled. "I was fed very little, and I, and the rest of his pupils, were forced to share a single room with no bed. We would be painting every day, knowing deep down that Madarame would just plagiarize our work."
"Yusuke…" Makoto trailed off.
"Deep down, I think I knew how awful his treatment was, but… I still denied it again and again." Yusuke continued. "I didn't want to admit that a man I considered family would be treating me like this. But… once I came to terms with it… once I got it off my chest… I did feel a lot better."
"I see…" Naoya muttered.
"You mentioned that they were able to mess with the security in your family's restaurant." Yusuke recalled. "Is it possible that they have experience in security?"
Naoya bit his lip. It was clear that he knew something.
"Makigami-kun, didn't you once say that your brother and some of his friends worked at a security firm?" Makoto asked.
"T-That…" Naoya stammered.
"Naoya, we just wish to help you." Yusuke explained. "If you know anything about the person who did this to you…"
Naoya paused, thinking over what we said, before taking a deep breath.
"It was… Kazuya. My brother." Naoya mentioned.
"Your own brother has been abusing you?!" Makoto gasped.
"Y-Yes." Naoya admitted. "All of the bruises were caused by him. He's also been stealing money from our parent's business and encouraging me to give up fencing."
"Why would it matter to him that you give up fencing?" Yusuke wondered.
"I'm not sure myself." Naoya sighed. "B-But please… you can't tell anyone about this. Kazuya threatened me, saying that if I ever told anyone, he'd…"
"I understand." Makoto nodded. "But your brother… just to be clear, he has the same last name as you, right?"
"Y-Yes, but you can't go to the police or anything!" Naoya begged.
"I promise, we won't." Makoto stated. "But… if you ever do feel like you need our help, please don't hesitate to ask.
After speaking with Naoya a little more, she and Yusuke left the gym.
"I assume that Kazuya will be our next target, then?" Yusuke asked.
"As long as everyone agrees." Makoto stated. "Although I don't know why they wouldn't."
Yusuke nodded. "Very well then. I'll be free tomorrow. Hopefully the other's will as well."
"I am too. I'll check with everyone then." Makoto said.
After speaking with Yusuke for a little longer, she went home for the day, drafting plans on how they would deal with their latest target…
Makoto's Confidant Progress:
THE FOOL - Ren Amamiya: Rank 9
THE HUNGER - Igor: Rank 8
THE CHARIOT - Ryuji Sakamoto: Rank 8
THE MAGICIAN - Morgana: Rank 8
THE FAITH - Eiko Takao: Rank 7
THE TOWER - Chiaki Yasui: Rank 7
THE SUN - Shiho Suzui: Rank 8
THE MOON - Takayo Tachibana: Rank 7
THE HIEROPHANT - Sojiro Sakura: Rank 6
THE TEMPERANCE - Naoya Makigami: Rank 7
THE STAR - Hifumi Togo: Rank 6
THE DEVIL - Mitsuhide Matsuoka: Rank 5
THE HANGED MAN - Munehisa Iwai: Rank 5
THE DEATH - Yohei Kiritani: Rank 5
THE EMPEROR - Yusuke Kitagawa: Rank 7
THE EMPRESS - Haru Okumura: Rank 5
THE LOVERS - Ann Takamaki: Rank 7
THE HERMIT - Futaba Sakura: Rank 4
THE STRENGTH - Caroline and Justine: Rank 7
THE JUSTICE - Goro Akechi: Rank 4
THE PRIESTESS - Kasumi Yoshizawa: Rank 4
THE FORTUNE - Phantom Thieves of Heart: Rank 6
THE JUDGMENT - Sae Niijima: Rank 5
THE COUNCILOR - Takuto Maruki: Rank 7
Are the Phantom Thieves just? Yes 84.5%