10/18 Thursday
Another day of exams slowly passed by. Once again, she managed to get through them without much trouble.
As she moved to leave school for the day, however, she suddenly found herself surrounded by a bunch of girls.
"Niijima-san!" one of the girls shouted.
Several members of the volleyball team gathered around her.
"Niijima-san, have you been talking to Shiho recently?" another girl asked.
"Yes, I have. Why?" Makoto asked.
"Well… we were hoping to see her too." One of the members confessed. "Because we… wanted to apologize."
"Apologize?" Makoto repeated.
"We… weren't there for her when she needed us." a club member confessed. "Maybe if we had done something…"
"I see…" Makoto trailed off. "Well, I could try talking to Shiho and see what she has to say."
"Thank you!" a club member said. "We'd appreciate it."
With a new task in mind, Makoto quickly texted Shiho and Ann, seeing if they were feeling up to meeting the other club members.
"I changed my mind! I can't do this!"
"Relax, Shiho. I'm sure it'll be fine." Ann encouraged.
"B-But what if they're angry at me?" Shiho asked. "I… I'm worried that they might hate me…"
"They seemed genuinely remorseful." Makoto stated. "I think they really do regret what happened."
"Me and Makoto will be here the entire time!" Ann promised. "So there's no need to worry!"
"Y-You really think so?" Shiho asked.
"We know so." Makoto nodded.
"...Ok. Ok." Shiho nodded. "I can do this. Let's go."
The three girls went to a small park near Shujin, where the other volleyball team members were waiting.
"Um… h-hello." Shiho greeted.
"Oh, Shiho, you made it!" one of the volleyball members exclaimed.
"Y-Yeah." Shiho nodded. "S-So, um… what did you guys want to talk about?"
An awkward silence fell over the group until one of the volleyball team members stepped forwards.
She recognized her as Kaya, the one who had given Shiho trouble before.
"We… wanted to apologize." Kaya muttered. "Apologize for everything that happened."
"Really…?" Shiho asked. "All of you?"
"I said a lot of horrible things to you, so I… wanted to apologize again." Kaya confessed.
"And the rest of us… we weren't there for you when you needed us, even though we're supposed to be a team." another member said. "You suffered so much because of Kamoshida, but we weren't able to do anything."
"It's… it's alright. I just hope he didn't do anything too horrible to the rest of you." Shiho whispered.
"We… still feel really bad though…" Kaya muttered. "So that's why…"
"We all pitched in and got you this!" one of the team members beamed, holding out a gift basket filled with flowers, fruit, and sweets.
"We're sorry that we weren't able to give it to you back when you were in the hospital." Kaya said. "But, well… at least we can use it to celebrate your recovery."
"O-Oh. Thank you." Shiho whispered in disbelief.
Shiho hesitantly took the gift basket from them.
"So, Shiho… is it true that you won't be returning to Shujin? a team member asked.
"I… I'm sorry." Shiho frowned. "I just… don't think that I could go back there… not after what happened."
The other team members looked disappointed, but understanding of her decision.
It made sense. Even if Shiho had fully recovered from her physical injuries, the mental ones might still be there…
And even if they weren't, Shujin hadn't done much of anything to change after what had happened with Kamoshida, aside from hiring Maruki…
And even then, she was beginning to feel more and more uneasy about Maruki as of late…
"We'll miss you, Shiho!" one of the club members shouted.
"We'll never forget you!" another one cried.
"We should try to keep in touch!" yet another one exclaimed.
"Thank you for everything." Kaya smiled. "You'll always be our teammate."
"Everyone…" Shiho sniffled, tears starting to fall.
The entire team gathered around Shiho, bringing her into a hug.
"E-Everyone…!" Shiho cried, her tears freely flowing now.
They stayed like that for a while before they finally said their goodbyes.
But she had a feeling that they would all stay in touch.
"Thank you for convincing me to come here today." Shiho expressed.
"Shiho… let's keep in touch too, alright?" Ann suggested. "Even if we won't go to the same school…"
"Of course." Shiho beamed. "I'd like that."
"Shiho… you don't have to answer but… do you want to continue playing volleyball?" Makoto asked.
Shiho thought for a moment before nodding her head.
"I do. I… like I said, I don't think I'll be able to go back to Shujin, but… I don't want to give up volleyball!" Shiho exclaimed. "If I did… that would just be letting Kamoshida win. I can't let him have control of my life any longer."
"Shiho… you're so strong." Ann said in awe. "I'll just have to be strong too!"
"Oh? What do you mean?" Shiho asked.
"I feel the same as you!" Ann beamed. "I can't let Kamoshida or anyone else hold me down. I… have to take charge of my own beauty! I'm going to be the best, most confident model I can be!"
"That's the spirit, Ann!" Shiho cheered.
"I'm sure you'll be great." Makoto smiled.
"Yeah! And I might be able to branch out and become an amazing actress!" Ann continued.
"Um…" Makoto trailed off.
"Ahh…" Shiho muttered.
"H-Hey?! What's with you two?!" Ann cried.
"L-Let's not be hasty now." Makoto gently said. "One thing at a time."
"Y-You don't think I'm a good actor, do you?!" Ann accused. "Come on, Shiho, back me up!"
"I'm sure your acting is just as good as your art, Ann." Shiho innocently smiled.
"Yeah, see!" Ann grinned. "Told ya, Makoto… wait…"
Ann whipped around, pointing an accusatory finger towards Shiho.
"Shiho, you think my art sucks!" Ann snapped.
Shiho let out a giggle.
"Shihooooooooo!" Ann whined.
Shiho just continued to laugh, Makoto and Ann quickly joining in.
"Hahaha… thank you both, really. I'm… very happy that I did this." Shiho beamed. "I wouldn't have done this without your encouragement!"
"Of course, Shiho." Makoto smiled. "Anytime."
She felt her bond with Shiho growing stronger.
SUN CONFIDANT: RANK 9
After speaking with Shiho for a little longer, she went home for the day.
10/19 Friday
The final day of exams had ended, and she found herself satisfied with how she had performed overall.
"Ah, Niijima-san, hello!"
She saw Maruki waving as he walked over to her.
"Say, Niijima-san, if you have the time, I want to talk to you about something." Maruki said.
"Oh, all right. I'll be right there." Makoto said.
To be honest, she had more than a few questions for him as well…
She followed Maruki to his office, sitting down on the couch.
"There was actually something I wanted to talk to you about first, Doctor." Makoto stated.
"Oh, of course. Please, go right ahead." Maruki insisted.
"Doctor… What exactly are we to you?" Makoto asked.
"Hmm? Niijima-san, what do you mean?" Maruki asked.
"Are we just… guinea pigs to you, doctor?" Makoto wondered. "Guinea pigs for you to work on your paper."
"H-Huh?! No, of course not!" Maruki insisted, his expression looking hurt. "Niijima-san, how did you come to a conclusion like that?"
"... I've looked into some things." Makoto mentioned. "There was something about Kasumi's behavior that seemed off to me. And I found some very odd things…"
"What kind of things?" Maruki asked seriously.
"What exactly… did you do to Kasumi?" Makoto asked. "Or rather… what did you do to Kasumi's sister?
Maruki paused for a moment, glancing away for a moment. "Now, Niijima-san, all I wish for is the best for Sumire."
So her real name was Sumire. That… would be something she would have to keep in mind.
"I wouldn't want her to be burdened by trauma, holding her back from her happiness." Maruki continued. "I simply wish to help people… just like the Phantom Thieves."
Makoto gripped the seat of her chair ever so tighter. "You would… compare yourself to the Phantom Thieves?"
Maruki gave a friendly smile. "Well, as a Phantom Thief yourself, do you think it's an apt comparison?"
Makoto winced. "T-That… that's quite the accusation. What makes you think that I'm a Phantom Thief."
"Just by chance, I happened to see you and two others appearing in an alleyway near Shujin." Maruki replied. "It was around the time that Kamoshida had a change of heart. I was able to put two and two together."
Makoto said nothing, not trusting her own voice.
"We all have our own secrets that we have to keep." Maruki stated. "Secrets that we desperately don't want getting out."
"A-Are you… blackmailing me?!" Makoto gasped.
"Oh, no, no, no!" Maruki insisted. "Please don't think of it as blackmail! That's not my intention at all!"
"Then what is your intention?" Makoto asked.
"The same as yours." Maruki claimed. "To help people who don't have anyone in their corner."
"How can… I be sure about that?" Makoto frowned. "I want to believe you, but…"
Maruki thought for a moment before answering. "Well… how about I tell you a story?"
"About what?" Makoto asked.
"You remember when we were at the buffet, and I mentioned a former girlfriend, right?" Maruki asked.
She nodded.
"We were actually engaged. She could be aggressive and hot-headed at times, but she was also so kind and cheerful. You know, you actually remind me a bit of her, Niijima-san.
"W-What?! I'm not aggressive!" Makoto protested.
She suddenly recalled all of the brutal ways in which she had dispatched shadows in the Metaverse.
"… Maybe a little." Makoto admitted.
"Haha… she used to get annoyed when people called her aggressive too." Maruki chuckled.
Maruki let out a sigh.
"She was the best thing that ever happened to me." Maruki reminisced. "But things didn't last…"
"What happened?" Makoto asked, her curiosity piqued.
"A burglar broke into her family's house one day." Maruki answered. "Rumi and I happened to be there at the time. It was… just bad luck."
"I… I had no idea." Makoto whispered.
"The burglar must have been desperate to escape. He attacked Rumi on the way out." Maruki continued. "I was right there, but… I couldn't do anything to help her."
"It's… not your fault." Makoto insisted. "But Rumi… did she…?"
"She lived, thankfully." Maruki replied, answering her unspoken question. "Her physical injuries weren't that severe… her mental ones, however…"
Maruki shook his head in regret. "The shock of the incident was too much for her. She suffered a mental breakdown. She… never really recovered from that."
"That's awful…" Makoto trailed off. "I'm so sorry for both of you."
She could tell from Maruki's face that even now the incident was affecting him as well.
"She didn't deserve it!" Maruki exclaimed. "She didn't do anything to deserve what happened!"
"D-Dr. Maruki…" Makoto trailed off, surprised by his outburst.
"Sorry…" Maruki muttered, before letting out a smile. "Heh… maybe they ought to hire another counselor just for me."
Despite his attempt at lightening the mood, she could tell that there was a lot of pain behind his smile.
It reminded her of Ren, in a way…
"When I saw Rumi in her hospital bed, I made a vow." Maruki explained. "I promised that I'd do whatever I could to fight back against the unfairness of reality, and to help anyone who was suffering like Rumi."
"How is she doing right now?" Makoto wondered.
"… She's in a better mental place now. She's happy." Maruki answered.
"So… because of what happened back then…that's why you wanted to finish your tea so badly." Makoto realized.
"I couldn't have done it without you, Niijima-san." Maruki said, his expression turning serious. "No matter how long it takes, I will see this through. For Rumi's sake… and for yours as well."
Perhaps she should have been flattered that he was doing this for her sake as well, but…
She still wasn't really sure if she actually approved of his methods…
"Thank you so much for everything, Niijima-san." Maruki expressed. "Thanks to you, I found my answer. I hope that I'll be able to help you find the happiness that you deserve as well."
"I'm… quite happy right now. You don't have to worry." Makoto insisted.
"Even so, you have suffered quite a lot." Maruki mentioned. "If there was a way to ease that suffering…"
"So, um… no more of these meetings then?" Makoto asked, changing the subject.
"I suppose not." Maruki said. "I'll let you know when the paper is finally finished. I'll have to thank you one more time for everything you've done to help me."
"Right…" Makoto trailed off.
She felt like she had a better understanding of Maruki…
COUNCILOR CONFIDANT: RANK 9
Seeing that she wasn't going to get any more information out of him, she went home for the day, ironically feeling much more stressed after her visit with the counselor.
10/20 Saturday
The moment classes ended for the day, Makoto pulled out her phone.
She did have Akechi's contact information…
She texted him, asking if he was free at the moment, which he thankfully was.
Akechi: I'm over by this arcade right now. I'll text you the location…
The moment that she had arrived, she saw Akechi standing over by an arcade machine.
"Having fun, detective?" Makoto asked.
"Ah, Makoto-chan!" Akechi greeted with a grin. "Sorry to drag you out here. I was gathering intel, and noticed many of the patrons playing this game."
"Oh, the shooting game, right?" Makoto asked. "I've played it."
"Really?" Akechi questioned. "I admit, that's quite unexpected. I was actually thinking of playing it myself…
He let out a small chuckle.
"Go easy on me, would you?"
She smiled, playing a round of the game with him. Thankfully, now that she was used to these games, she didn't gasp or move around as much while playing it.
… At least, not as much as she used to.
Akechi, on the other hand, seemed to take to the game like a fish to water.
He didn't waste a single movement, perfectly striking down every target in the game.
Finally, they finished the game, Makoto just barely able to keep up with Akechi.
"Phew! My fingers might be sore in the morning after that." Akechi chuckled. "Quite the realistic game, wouldn't you say so?"
"I suppose…" Makoto trailed off. "Akechi-kun, have you ever fired a gun before?"
"Ah, so you noticed." Akechi nodded. "I have to get a lot of practice in if I want to take you down."
"W-What?!" Makoto gasped.
"Just a joke." Akechi smiled.
He certainly had an… interesting sense of humor.
"I'm afraid I don't really have any experience with this." Akechi claimed. "This was just beginner's luck."
"Is that so…?" Makoto asked, trying to hide the skepticism in her voice.
Akechi nodded. "What about you, Niijima-san? Have you ever practiced firing a gun before?"
"… No, I haven't." Makoto claimed.
"Is that so?" Akechi asked, an amused grin on his face as he mirrored her words. "Well, to be honest, this does feel a bit nostalgic."
"How so?" Makoto asked.
"I did have a toy gun when I was a small child." Akechi answered. "This reminded me of how I used to run around the house, playing hero."
"Hehehe… you two, huh." Makoto noted. "I… actually had something like that too."
"Really?" Akechi asked.
"Yes. I kept begging my father to get me a toy gun until he finally got me one." Makoto recalled. "I liked to run around the house and pretend to be a police officer."
She also had Deputy Buchi with her at all times… but he didn't need to know that.
"That's quite surprising." Akechi admitted. "From what Sae-san has told me, you've always been quite obedient and reserved. Though the more time I spend with you, the more it seems that might not be quite accurate."
"I see… well, maybe I was like that at one point." Makoto admitted. "Although, thinking back… I think the reason I played like that was because I wanted to be a hero."
"Yes, me too." Akechi admitted. "Although, I suppose there are many different types of heroes, aren't there? Each with their own moral code, which may or may not be at odds with the laws of society. Do you think it's better for heroes to follow the laws or not?" Akechi asked.
"That… well, I suppose it depends." Makoto answered. "Sometimes it's impossible to make a change while sticking to the law… but it's hard to know when it reaches that point."
"I see… yes, I suppose it would be hard to come up with a definitive answer." Akechi nodded. "As always, you offer an interesting perspective, Makoto-Chan! I'd love to be able to pay you back for the conversation."
"Well, about that…" Makoto trailed off. "You don't have to if you don't want to, but…"
She explained the situation with the school festival.
"Ah, I see. So you want me to come and speak at your school festival?" Akechi asked. "Hmm… I am rather busy normally… but I'm sure I can make the time!"
She could tell from his body language that he seemed to be looking forward to it.
The two of them went to the subway, getting onto the same train.
She glanced over at the television in the train, seeing someone giving a speech in front of a crowd.
"The Phantom Thieves are a menace!" the man declared. "I have always disapproved of their methods, and now, they have shown their true colors!"
She let out a frown, seeing how engrossed the crowd was in his speech.
"These criminals will continue their killing spree if they aren't stopped!" the man continued. "They must be brought to justice immediately!"
"Shido Masayoshi."
She turned to Akechi, who was also staring at the television screen.
"That's the man on screen." Akechi clarified.
"Ah… I believe I've heard of him." Makoto noted. "He's… a candidate for prime minister, right?"
"Yes, I believe so." Akechi nodded. "Certainly not who I'd personally vote for, but he seems to be the one to beat."
"Really?" Makoto asked.
"He's had some harsh criticism for the current administration." Akechi stated. "For example, he had numerous criticisms of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. After that incident with the train back in April, people have been paying a lot more attention to him…"
Makoto nervously fidgeted.
"Ah, sorry, perhaps now isn't the best time to talk about train incidents." Akechi apologized.
Eventually, they both got out at their stop.
"I'll be looking forward to speaking at the festival. For now though, I'll be heading home. See you then, Makoto-chan."
She felt her bond with Akechi growing stronger.
JUSTICE CONFIDANT: RANK 5
After parting ways with Akechi, she went home for the day.
Taking a second to compose herself, she knocked on the door.
"Come in!" Maruki cheerfully said.
Slowly, she entered the office.
"Ah, Okumura-san!" Maruki greeted. "Come in, come in."
Haru slowly walked into the room, sitting down in an empty seat.
"So… how have exams been for you?" Maruki began, making small talk.
Haru shifted in her seat. "I've, ah, been given a small extension because of… what happened."
"O-Oh, of course!" Maruki stammered. "Please, excuse me…"
A silence fell over them…
"I'm sorry." Haru whispered. "I'm not very good at saying what's on my mind."
"Oh, that's alright. Take your time." Maruki encouraged. "Would you like some snacks?"
"No, I'm fine, thank you." Haru replied.
Another awkward silence fell over them.
Several times, Haru would lift her head, wanting to say something, only to lower her head again.
"Umm…" Haru trailed off. "I must seem pretty weird, right? I came here myself for counseling, but I can't seem to think of anything to say."
"It's always difficult at first." Maruki assured her. "So don't worry. We can go at whatever pace you're comfortable with. And if you still don't feel comfortable by the end of our time here… well, that's fine too. I'll even fix some tea, if you'd like.
Haru's expression slowly began to soften as she felt herself beginning to relax.
"I do enjoy teatime." Haru smiled. "I think it'll be easier if I think about it like you said."
"Absolutely!" Maruki grinned. "No one would ever be able to relax if I told them, 'You have to talk right now!'."
"I do often relax with tea, but by myself." Haru brought up.
"Do you find that more relaxing?" Maruki asked.
"Well, for the longest time… the people closest to me didn't seem like people I could sit and enjoy tea with." Haru replied. "My father was always focused on work…"
"Was mealtime the same then? All alone?" Maruki asked.
"… Yes." Haru whispered. "The only times when we did eat together, we're at work related events and meetings."
"I see…" Maruki frowned. "Would you say that that… made you feel lonely?"
Haru paused for a moment, staring at the floor.
"Lonely… yes, I think so." she admitted. "If I were given the chance… I would like to spend more time with my family."
"Really? Even though your father spent most of his time working?" Maruki asked.
"He… wasn't always like that." Haru admitted. "There was a time when I could tell that he really did love me, even if we weren't able to spend much time together. That's why… it hurts when people say that he got what he deserved. I… can't exactly refute them. Father was involved in the suffering and even death of so many people. But he's still my father…"
"I understand." Maruki nodded. "Why don't we call things off here for today? Feel free to stop in again whenever you like."
"Thank you, Dr. Maruki. For the talk and the tea." Haru giggled.
"Of course! I'll be sure to get some snacks that pair well with tea next time." Maruki promised.
After Haru said goodbye and left, Maruki pulled out a notebook and began scribbling something down.
"More time with family…" Maruki repeated. "Good to know…"
Makoto's Confidant Progress:
THE FOOL - Ren Amamiya: Rank 9
THE HUNGER - Igor: Rank 9
THE CHARIOT - Ryuji Sakamoto: Rank 8
THE MAGICIAN - Morgana: Rank 8
THE FAITH - Eiko Takao: Rank 7
THE TOWER - Chiaki Yasui: Rank 8
THE SUN - Shiho Suzui: Rank 9
THE MOON - Takayo Tachibana: Rank 8
THE HIEROPHANT - Sojiro Sakura: Rank 7
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 6
THE EMPEROR - Yusuke Kitagawa: Rank 8
THE EMPRESS - Haru Okumura: Rank 5
THE LOVERS - Ann Takamaki: Rank 8
THE HERMIT - Futaba Sakura: Rank 5
THE STRENGTH - Caroline and Justine: Rank 7
THE JUSTICE - Goro Akechi: Rank 5
THE PRIESTESS - Kasumi Yoshizawa: Rank 5
THE FORTUNE - Phantom Thieves of Heart: Rank 7
THE JUDGMENT - Sae Niijima: Rank 6
THE COUNCILOR - Takuto Maruki: Rank 9
Are the Phantom Thieves just? Yes 53.5%