Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

(10/25, Early Morning)

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

Asuka let out a yawn as she put on her shoes. “Hm, maybe I can stop by Leblanc for a coffee before I head to school today.” She mumbled to herself. She was gonna need the energy today considering the busy day ahead. “I never thought I’d be so scared to go to a festival...” She then muttered as she made sure she had everything before exiting her apartment.

However, she was surprised to see Katsuragi just outside, dressed in a white t-shirt and navy blue shorts.

“K-Katsu-nee! Good morning.” Asuka got out in her usual peppy tone.

“Hey.” Katsuragi exhaustedly greeted with a yawn.

“What are you doing out here?” Asuka had to ask.

“Just...taking in the morning air.” Katsuragi answered with a shrug.

“Okay.” the brunette responded with a nod.

“Where’s Homura?” Katsuragi had to ask.

“Oh, she went out earlier than me.” Asuka replied as she put some of her hair behind her ear. “She needs to organise her committee to make sure there won’t be trouble at the culture festival today.” She then revealed and explained.

“Ah, right. That’s happening.” Katsuragi muttered.

“Are you coming?” Asuka soon questioned.

“Actually, we have a mission today.” Katsuragi revealed.

“Eh, have you found anything about the Phantom Thieves?” Asuka questioned, a small bit of worry welling up in her stomach.

Katsuragi looked over at her leader before giving her answer. “...No. But we did catch wind of something.”

“And that something is...?” Asuka pressed, hoping Futaba was listening in so she could set up some defenses.

“You don’t need to worry about it.” Katsuragi soon assured.

“You sure?” Asuka soon asked. “I can help.” She then offered. If it was something connecting the Thieves to her friends, she needed to sabotage it.

“Not at all.” Katsuragi responded as she waved it off. “Actually, you’re probably more needed at Shujin, with the festival and all. Don’t worry about us, we can deal with it without you.” She then pointed out and informed before reassuring the brunette.

“Ah, well...okay then.” Asuka uneasily responded. “I’ll see you later at the festival, then.” She then added.

“Maybe. Go have fun.” Katsuragi replied.

And immediately, that got Asuka’s attention, knowing how the blonde usually was towards her. “...Something’s up.” She thought to herself, but she realised she couldn't focus on that right now. “Okay, bye!” She then let out in a happy tone.

“See ya...” Katsuragi mumbled as she watched the brunette head off. After silently waiting for a minute, she let out a groan. “...Urgh, I hate this.” She then muttered.

“Us too.” Ikaruga spoke as she, the pinkette, and the white haired girl stepped out of hiding from within the third years’ apartment.

“I still really can’t wrap my head around this.” Katsuragi complained as she twirled her hair around her finger. “Asuka, the nicest person I’ve ever met, as a Phantom Thief? They only appeared, like, a week after she left, right?” She got out before recalling.

“...Actually, I think it was closer to two to three...” Yagyū corrected.

“Whatever. She just isn’t the type to do such a thing.” Katsuragi grumbled.

“Unless she was convinced.” Yagyū responded. “Didn’t a girl try to kill herself at Shujin?” She soon recalled.

“Yeah, because of that gym teacher...” Hibari informed in a sad tone.

“That would convince anyone to act if they had the power.” Yagyū stated with a frown.

“But why didn’t she just...?” Katsuragi began in a frustrated manner, before Ikaruga raised her palm to stop her.

“Look, this is a complicated issue right now we cannot deal with alone.” Ikaruga stated in a serious tone. “Let’s save it for when we meet with Crimson Squad later.” She then decided.

“Okay...” Hibari responded with uneasiness. “I wonder how they’re holding up.” She then wondered out loud.

(Harajuku, Haruka’s Apartment)

Meanwhile, in Haruka’s apartment, Haruka, Mirai, Yomi, Hikage, and Poochie were silently eating breakfast while Tsumuji served pancakes to everyone.

Tsumuji was soon washing the dishes as she then rejoined the others. “So, are you guys gonna tell me why you all came here looking like you just saw your favorite character die a pathetic death and then passed out?” The maid-shinobi questioned. “You know Imu and her gang have been trying to call you guys?” She then pointed out. “Plus, your sister will obviously be worried, Haruka-sama.” She soon reminded.

Almost as if to punctuate her point, one of their phones went off.

BZZT! BZZT!

Haruka did nothing but hang up. She didn’t need Imu screaming into her ears right now.

“At least tell them you’re alive and not captured by the enemy.” Tsumuji advised.

“Fine.” Mirai sighed before taking a picture of everyone miserably having breakfast before texting one of the twins.

“Now tell me what the hell happened!” Tsumuji demanded.

“Last night...last night was way more emotionally taxing than anticipated.” Yomi answered as poked her pancakes.

“How so?” Tsumuji responded with narrowed eyes.

“We just learned that...there is a possibility that Homura-chan might be a Phantom Thief.” Yomi hesitantly revealed.

Tsumuji blinked. “...You’re kidding me.”

“We’re not sure. The evidence came from Mori.” Hikage however revealed. “It could be a lie concocted by our enemy...or a truth we don’t dare face.” She then stated.

“You’re telling me a Phantom Thief was right under our noses the entire time?” Tsumuji got out in disbelief before groaning. “Actually, that makes way more sense than I’d like to admit.” She then mumbled in defeat.

“Homura...isn’t a Thief.” Mirai however stated. “She can’t be. She’s not the blackmailing type.” She then added and reminded.

“But it’s not blackmail. It’s something else.” Haruka countered. “What that is, though...” She then wondered.

“If she lied to us about being a Thief, she could also be lying about not knowing about how the mental shutdowns work. She might already have that power.” Tsumuji then pointed out.

“She probably doesn’t want the Evil Shinobi faction to abuse this power either...” Yomi soon deducted. “Which...I can understand...” She then confessed as the others nodded in agreement.

“Which means she betrayed Hebijo far earlier than any of us.” Mirai then stated. “She was already willing to abandon us, if that were true.”

“Probably ‘cause she would’ve thought we would’ve still been loyal to Hebijo.” Hikage soon deducted.

“But the Phantom Thieves appeared, like, three weeks after she left. Don’t tell me she threw everything away that fast.” Tsumuji then pointed out. “Don’t tell me she’s been planning this.” She then added in a dangerous tone.

Soon enough, everyone became uneasy by the mere thought of that.

The third year blonde and doctor in training however sighed to this. “Everyone, stop. We don’t know all the details though. This is all just speculation at best.” Haruka ordered before reminding.

The others in turn nodded in agreement to this.

“Wait a minute, Miyabi was supposed to help her, right?” Mirai began to recall.

“Yes?” Yomi confirmed.

“Is it possible Miyabi’s part of their group too?” Mirai soon questioned. “She’s been sending in similar reports, unless Homura is deliberately sabotaging them...” She then recalled.

“Didn’t I just say to stop speculating?” Haruka grumbled.

“...We really have too little information in general.” Hikage concluded with a sigh.

“What we do know is that Homura hasn’t been acting like she should.” Mirai responded.

“Haruka-sama, you didn’t notice anything or...?” Tsumuji had to ask.

“Miyabi, we haven’t talked all that much, but I...I trust Homura not to lie to me.” Haruka stated with furrowed brows. “At least, I thought I did.” She then added.

Tsumuji then narrowed her eyes. “Haruka-sama, you’re not...” She started.

“No! I only spend time with...Akira-kun.” Haruka insisted before taking a pause as she remembered how close the boy was to the tanned girl. “I’m not a Thief. Please believe me. I would’ve told you all if I was.” She reassured and reminded.

“And Homura doesn’t!?” Mirai responded.

“Arf! Arf!” Poochie barked out.

“Poochie is right. This isn’t the time to turn against each other. At the very least, we should focus our attention on our leader.” Hikage agreed with a nod.

“We really shouldn’t just believe what Mori said.” Haruka reminded. “That recording could very well be faked. Audio editing has gotten rather advanced in this day and age.” She then stated.

“I know. It could be nothing more than a trick but...now that the possibility is there, we can’t ignore that because Homura is our friend, right?” Hikage replied and pointed out. “We should at least find evidence to disprove that claim. Innocent until proven guilty.” She then stated.

“And what happens if she is guilty?” Tsumuji questioned with narrowed eyes.

That caused some unsettled looks to appear on some faces. “Well...we still need the Phantom Thieves, either to change Dōgen’s heart or...” Yomi started.

“We bring him their heads.” Mirai finished.

“Which is something we aren’t doing.” Hikage stated as the others nodded in agreement.

“So we die trying?” Mirai questioned in a frustrated manner.

“We just have to wait things out until Hanzō arrives to remove our Yoke Techniques.” Yomi responded.

“But Dōgen won’t give up so easily.” Haruka reminded. “Neither will Mori, either. She could very well kill Hanzō before he gets to us.” She then stated.

“You sure? He is the Legendary Shinobi after all.” Mirai asked and reminded.

“We can’t just say that with confidence.” Haruka pointed out with a frown. “As legendary as he is, he is still human like us, and he has been around for a long time. A new legendary shinobi has to usurp the previous one someday, why not today? We can’t make assumptions and do nothing. We need to act on this. I’m sure the Hanzō shinobi are thinking the same.” She soon reminded in depressing detail.

“We do need to take the initiative, but we can’t just go around accusing our friends without reasonable cause.” Yomi stated. “This involves the Hanzō shinobi too. We should hold off further discussion until we meet up with them.” She then recommended.

“Right, we promised to meet them later.” Hikage muttered. “...Where are we meeting them again?” She then asked.

“They haven’t sent the location yet. They’re probably scouting out places and-” Yomi began, however...

BZZT! BZZT!

“Ah, it must be Ikaruga!” Yomi got out as she took out her phone as her friend gathered around.

[DesscendantOfHien: There is a bathhouse in Yogen-Jaya, right across from a café named Leblanc. Meet us there.]

“What did she say?” Mirai asked.

“To meet in the bathhouse in Yongen-Jaya.” Yomi reported as she put away her phone.

“Ah, I know it.” Haruka revealed with a smile. “Quite cheap, yet provides an excellent experience!” She then informed.

“Cheap?” Yomi got out with widened eyes.

“Hey, we can even have coffee afterwards.” Hikage pointed out.

“We better prepare now. We have no idea if Mori is spreading around that Asuka and Homura are Phantom Thieves or not.” Haruka then suggested.

“Right, it’s only a matter of time before every shinobi in Tokyo is after them.” Hikage agreed. “And whether they’re Thieves or not, we have to protect them!” She then declared.

“Hai!” Crimson Squad responded with nods all around.

“...Even if it costs us our freedom.” Haruka mentally added.

(10/25, Afternoon)

(Kanda, Kosei High School)

Yusuke let out a breath as he turned his exam paper over. He had been taking exam after exam since this morning, and he had just finished his final one for the day. Although he wasn’t totally confident in his answers, he had at least answered every question, and that was more than satisfactory in his book.

RING RING!

“Pens and pencils down. Please remain seated while I come around and get your exams.” The teacher soon instructed.

Almost instantly, his classmates soon began talking amongst themselves as they started packing up their things. However, just as Yusuke was about to finish up a sketch while he waited for the teacher to dismiss them, he began hearing some peculiar things.

“We better get running! We gotta catch the first train to Shujin!”

“Akechi is gonna be there!”

“Dude, you heard wrong. It's Rise Kujikawa!”

“There’s a lot of people heading to Shujin.” Yusuke thought with a frown. He knew before that some students from his class were heading there, it was where he got the idea from, but it sounded like everyone was going.

That could only mean trouble.

“You heading there too, Kitagawa-san?” One of his classmates asked out of nowhere.

“Ah, yes. I am.” Yusuke responded with a nod.

“I know that artist brain of yours is gonna flip at the sight of the graffiti all over the school.” His classmate then assumed.

“Maybe.” Yusuke replied with a curt nod.

“Alright, class is dismissed. Have a good rest of the day everyone.” The teacher then announced after collecting everyone’s tests.

Without another word, Yusuke took his bag and headed out of the classroom. After he switched to his outdoor shoes, he walked out of the school to the usual meeting spot, where Yumi was already waiting.

“Yusuke-san.” Yumi got out as she put away her phone.

“Yumi-senpai,” Yusuke greeted. “Have you-” He began to ask.

“Yes. My classmates have been talking about going to the culture festival.” Yumi confirmed with a sigh.

“It seems that everyone in our school is planning to do the same.” Yumi noted. “It is possible that the public has caught wind of Akechi’s panel.” She then deducted.

“How...troubling.” Yusuke responded in an uneasy manner as they began walking towards the station. “And I predict it will only get worse.” He then predicted.

“I don’t think I've had time to relax since Destinyland...” Yumi sighed out as she stretched her limbs. “I can’t be this stressed out before the concert.” She then added.

“Ah, right. The Halloween Concert with Milky Pop. It's on Monday, correct? I almost forgot about it.” Yusuke then remembered, a little ashamed he had forgotten something like that.

“It's quite poor scheduling to have it on a school night, even if it is a holiday...” Yumi confessed with an awkward sweatdrop.

“How has practice been going?” Yusuke then asked.

“I’ve perfectly memorised the songs and choreography. I’m as prepared as I can be for my guest spot.” Yumi revealed.

“So you’ve been getting along with them.” Yusuke assumed.

“Hai, they really are nice girls. We even have a group chat together.” Yumi replied and confessed before revealing with a smile. “My manager is hoping I participate in more collaborations in the near future.” She then added in a hopeful manner.

“I see. I’m glad everything is going well.” Yusuke stated with a smile.

“And how are your art pursuits going?” Yumi soon asked in a curious manner.

“Going rather well. I just painted four pieces last week.” Yusuke answered, looking quite pleased with himself. He then noticed the stare his senpai gave him. “...That is not about Ann and Asuka.” He then reassured.

“I’m glad to hear.” Yumi smiled at that. “However, I do wish you would take a part-time job next year. You need some savings for when you graduate.” She then recommended.

“Futaba has suggested I take commissions online.” Yusuke got out. “She has claimed that there are plenty of people wanting art that I could fulfill. Plus, they allow me to express some artistic freedom.” He then revealed.

“Really? Is it lucrative?” Yumi asked with a raised eyebrow. Surely, there had to be an ulterior motive when it came to the gremlin.

“She has claimed there are suspiciously wealthy animal lovers who would gladly pay handsomely for such services.” Yusuke assured, looking quite interested in the endeavor. “I may need to practice my depiction of pets. You think Morgana would model for me?” He then stated before wondering.

“If you convince him that it’s a human activity, then maybe.” Yumi giggled before looking up at the sky. “There really is too much going on in our lives.” She muttered in a somewhat tired tone.

“I know.” Yusuke sighed while shaking his head. “Where are we meeting Miyabi-san and Futaba-san again?” He soon asked.

“At the Underground Mall in Shibuya.” Yumi informed.

“Ah, right. Thank you.” Yusuke responded with a nod as they kept walking, following the trail of students also making their way to Shujin Academy.

(Shujin Academy, Entrance)

When the non-Shujin Thieves arrived at the infamous school, the festival was in full swing! However, what shocked them more was seeing how many people were there before them. It was a bustling event full of students from other schools and people from the public, with a lot of them taking pictures and selfies of the graffiti left by the infamous Phantom Thieves. It seems there was an attempt to integrate the vandalism into the decor.

“It seems the festival is a success.” Yusuke remarked, pleasantly surprised.

“There’s definitely a lot more people than last year.” Ann stated as she looked around. Plenty of unfamiliar faces too.

“Well, yeah. This place got famous and all. The Phantom Thieves, Kamoshida, Principal Kobayakawa. On top of that, we got Akechi as a guest.” Ryuji pointed out with a frown.

“That definitely got spread online...” Homura sighed. It was putting more pressure on her committee to keep things in order.

“There may be police officers and shinobi in plainclothes too...” Makoto then warned, causing the others to get a little nervous. “Actually, they’re probably around us right now. We better be careful about what we discuss.” She then advised.

“Maybe we shouldn’t have this type of conversation in the damn entrance.” Miyabi deadpanned.

Yumi nodded to that. “Yes. One wrong move and we’ll be-”

“HEY YUMI-CHAN!”

“IIIIIIIYYYYAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Yumi let out a very girlish scream.

“Whoa, aren’t you jumpy today.” A familiar voice cheekily remarked in a joking manner.

Yumi turned around and noticed her colleagues from Gessen, who were all in casual clothes but still getting the attention of others, making her freeze as she stared at them for a couple seconds. “Y-You all made it.” She breathed out, surprised by this.

“Yep.” Shiki got out with a grin before turning her attention to the rest of the group. “And you must be Yumi-chii’s friends! Sup Akira!” She then assumed before greeting.

In response, Akira couldn’t help but smile softly. “Hey there girls.” He greeted.

“Akira-nii!” Minori exclaimed as she went and hugged the boy.

“Hehe, easy there Minori.” Akira jokingly instructed as he rubbed the brunette’s head, who in turn giggled.

“Akira-kun~!” Murakumo and Yozakura happily got out.

Akira in turn smiled at this. “It's been a while, Murakumo-san, Yozakura-san. You two doing well?” He replied before asking.

“Mmm...why don’t we talk about it later? Maybe over dinner tomorrow.” Yozakura suggested, a light pink blush on her cheeks.

Murakumo’s eyes suddenly widened before stepping in front of her sister. “Y-Yeah. I can tell you all about what we’ve been doing after the festival.” She then added.

“...Uh, sure. We can all head to Wild-Duck Burger.” Akira soon decided.

The two crushing sisters blinked. “Y-You mean Yozakura and I, t-together?” Murakumo got out as she began to blush. Was he...?

“And Minori, Shiki, and Yumi.” Akira casually listed off. “We’re all friends after all.” He then added.

“Ooh, I always wanted to- MMPH!” Minori began in an excited manner, only for the fashionista to cover her mouth.

“We have stuff to do. Can’t make it then.” Shiki stated before shooting the two a look. “Keep it clean, you two.” She silently warned.

Yozakura and Murakumo could only nod. They didn’t want to cause any more trouble (and possibly make Akira think they were both not worth dating).

The others in the Phantom Thieves meanwhile blinked at the sight. “You know them?” Ryuji got out in surprise.

“Yep.” Akira responded with a nod. “That’s Minori, that’s Shiki, that’s Yozakura, and that’s Murakumo.” He then introduced, with each girl waving upon hearing their name.

(In a more romantic timeline, Akira’s girlfriend(s) began to feel uneasy with Yozakura and Murakumo. Just something about how they talked to their boyfriend seemed...off.)

“My sisters.” Yumi concluded.

“You're sisters?” Ann asked with a raised eyebrow. “But...none of you look alike.” She then pointed out.

“Ah, all of us except Yumi are adopted, but we’ve known each other practically all our lives.” Yozakura explained.

“Oh, right. You were taken in by your grandfather.” Makoto remembered, knowing the feeling of losing both her parents.

“Yes...we were.” Murakumo mumbled with a sigh.

“Yeah, we heard what happened.” Ryuji spoke up in a polite manner. “Sorry for your loss.” He then got out.

“Thank you, but you don’t need to do that. We’ve already mourned, now it is time to move on and have fun.” Murakumo bowed to that, thankful for their sympathy. “And get revenge.” She then growled under her breath.

“What was that last part?” Makoto got out with widened eyes.

“Oh, and get some nice food.” Murakumo then clarified with a smile.

“Psst, Yumi.” Yozakura soon whispered to the gray haired girl.

“Yes?” Yumi quietly whispered back.

“There’s a possibility Hanzō Academy shinobi will be here.” Yozakura informed in a serious manner. “We must take our revenge on them. For Kurokage-sama.” She then declared as she cracked her knuckles.

Yumi had to resist glancing back at the Vice Leader, who was happily having a conversation with the youngest of the Gessen group. “If they find out she’s Hanzō-san’s granddaughter...” She soon thought as she began to sweat a little.

“Aw, thank you Minori-chan~!” Asuka cooed as the girl gave her some sweets. “I have a friend who loves sweets too. I think you and her would really get along great!” She then added, getting an excited expression and starry look in her eyes from the brunette. “Hibari-chan would like this girl.” She thought to herself.

“Hey, do you mind if we take Yumi with us for a while?” Shiki then asked.

“Yeah, it’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to hang out together.” Murakumo soon explained.

“I mean...” Akira began in an unsure manner, which was shared by the other Thieves.

“It’s only for a little while. Yumi, do you want to explore the festival with us?” Murakumo soon asked.

Yumi wanted to say yes but...knowing that the more time they spent with them, the more suspicious they may become, she had no other choice. “I’d like to spend time with my friends here first. I hope you don’t mind.” Yumi soon replied, internally wincing.

As expected, the Gessen shinobi flinched. “Oh, that’s...that’s fine. We can meet up later.” Shiki soon got out.

“Yes. Later.” Yumi responded.

“Okay, we’ll be...around.” Yozakura got out before taking a lingering look at Akira. “See you later.” She then let out.

“See you.” Yumi responded as she watched her sisters leave.

“They look upset...” Asuka mentally noted with furrowed brows.

“Y-Yeah...” Yumi got out, guilt and sadness in her voice. “I-I can see them later.” She then muttered to herself.

“In this crowd?” Ryuji pointed out. The school was pretty packed with festival goers.

“I don’t know. I get the feeling they’re gonna be easy to spot.” Akira deadpanned, trying not to stare at the bouncing balloons.

“...We gotta relax more...” Ryuji sighed as he shook his head.

“I agree, if only to maintain our cover.” Morgana got out. “Just ignore that shinobi exist and act like normal students.” Hen then suggested.

“But what if you’ve never been a normal student?” Futaba nervously pointed out. “What do you normally do at a school festival?” She then asked.

“Look around at the exhibits...and eat stuff?” Ann answered.

“There’s no rules. Remember when we went to the beach before? Why not go about it like that?” Ryuji then suggested.

“Yeah, it’s a festival, so let’s get...festive.” Asuka encouraged.

“It’s kinda hard to do that when you’re constantly looking behind your back...” Yumi sighed while shaking her head.

“A word of warning,” Makoto began as she looked at Akira, Ryuji, Ann, Asuka, and Homura. “There’s a possibility that your names have come up during the course of the investigation.” She soon revealed.

“!?” The Thieves flinched at that.

“I already heard that.” Homura sighed. “I think the cops are trying to tie me to the principal’s death since I was the most outwardly hostile.” She then revealed.

“A couple of the teachers had been questioned before, and we were even interviewed the other day too.” Ann then recalled.

“Don’t let your guard down too much.” Makoto then warned.

“It’s true that the initial members have been at this for a long time, making it easier to get tracked...” Morgana soon stated in a serious manner.

“All riiight...” Ryuji groaned.

“Now, now. Let’s leave it at that. We just need to be mindful about what we’re saying, correct?” Haru soon remarked.

“Oh, um...” Makoto got out with an embarrassed blush.

“You seem to be having quite a lot of fun, Haru. You did mention that you were looking forward to this.” Yusuke soon noted.

“I want to go around with everyone and eat at the refreshment stands.” Haru then got out with a smile.

“Well, it’ll be a nice change of pace! A lot of nasty stuff’s happened lately.” Futaba then added with a pout.

“Shall we head off to the stands then?” Makoto asked.

“Hai!” The Thieves all responded with a nod.

“Let’s do it.” Akira got out with a smile.

“Oh right. This is your first time at our school festival.” Makoto soon remembered as she looked over to the transfer students.

“They’re pretty good. From what I’ve heard...” Ryuji informed, which caused a little confusion for Asuka and Homura.

“You skipped last year’s?” Asuka assumed in a curious manner.

“Didn’t wanna go ‘cause of...y’know...” Ryuji mumbled as he tapped his bad leg..

“Ah.” Asuka got out in understanding. “Well, where should we go first?” She then asked.

“I know a great one! Follow me.” Ann instantly took charge as she led them to her chosen destination.

(Yongen-Jaya, Bathhouse)

Meanwhile, in Yongen-Jaya, there were things in motion that the Thieves couldn't stop.

Ikaruga sighed as she stripped off her garments and tied her long hair up. Ever since last night, she had been feeling...Well, she didn't know exactly what she was feeling. It was a mix of betrayal, confusion, sadness, fear, understanding, and enlightenment. None of them quite overtaking the other, but mixing into an utter mess of emotions.

Asuka...as a Phantom Thief? How many secrets did the girl have? How long has she been hiding this? Whose word should she trust?

“...I miss the days where the lines between us were clear...” The acting leader lamented.

“You really took my bathhouse suggestion seriously?” Katsuragi remarked as she walked up to her best friend, wearing nothing but a towel over her shoulders.

“You made good points, Katsuragi-san.” Ikaruga admitted as she wrapped her towel around her chest. “We need to absolutely trust each other, so we must be willing to meet our allies in our most vulnerable states.” She then informed.

“Gonna be honest, I just wanted to see their boobies.” Katsuragi confessed as she put her hands on her hips. “Can’t really focus on that now.” She then mumbled under her breath.

“We still can’t rule out the possibility the recording was fake. She didn’t even send us the file so we could confirm for ourselves.” Ikaruga then pointed out, providing some comfort to her friend. “Asuka-san couldn’t have betrayed the academy. At least, not easily.” She soon added.

“That was the Asuka from before she left.” Yagyū corrected as she folded Hibari’s clothes. “The Asuka we know now is a different person altogether. We don't know exactly what she has done. We cannot trust her reports.” She then stated.

BOING!

“I wanna trust Asuka-chan and Homura-chan.” Hibari got out as she handed the white haired girl her panties, leaving her in nothing. “No matter what we learn, we can’t let this break us apart.” She then declared in a determined manner.

“Yeah. This is just a, uh, speed bump on a rough road. It’ll smooth out eventually.” Katsuragi breathed out. “We just...We can get through this.” She then added.

“...Katsuragi-san, do you wish to comfort yourself with my chest?” Ikaruga soon offered.

“I’ll...wait until I see Hyō again.” Katsuragi responded in a saddened tone, surprising the ravenette.

The two first years soon blinked to this. “...I don’t like it when Katsu-nee’s sad...” Hibari soon confessed in concern.

“Me too.” Yagyū had to admit with a nod.

Soon enough, the Hanzō shinobi entered the women’s bath wrapped in only towels, which was thankfully empty today. However, they didn’t enter the water just yet, as they were waiting for their allies to arrive.

They didn’t have to wait long, though, as a few minutes later the Crimson Squad girls arrived, all wrapped in towels (while Poochie had a little shower cap on).

“Hello, everyone.” Haruka politely greeted.

“Hello.” Ikaruga replied as she looked over at the other group of girls.

“...You’re really just letting it all hang out, huh.” Mirai remarked in a flat tone, staring at how shameless the Hanzō blonde was.

“Hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it.” Katsuragi responded with a light giggle as she cocked her hip to the side.

To that, Mirai raised a finger to that and opened her mouth, but soon paused and said nothing as she looked down at herself and did a small hop.

BOING!

And soon smirked proudly with a gleam in her eye.

“See?” Katsuragi soon asked in amusement.

“Now, as a precaution, we need to make sure you aren’t carrying anything...” Ikaruga began as she looked over at the girls.

“We assumed. Remember, baths are neutral territory." Haruka quickly began before dropping her towel onto the floor, revealing her nude form to everyone.

As well as the bandage around her arm.

“Where did that come from?” Yagyū questioned.

“A gift from Mori, unfortunately.” Haruka informed with a shake of her head.

“So that’s how you know her.” Ikaruga stated.

“Don’t you need to waterproof it?” Hibari questioned in concern.

“The outer layer is hydrophobic.” Haruka revealed and explained. “Sensei insisted when she changed my bandage earlier.” She then added to the explanation.

“Sensei...” Hibari repeated in a curious manner. “You mean...” She then began to assume.

“Ah, I work for Dr. Takemi at her clinic here in Yongen. Not my shinobi instructor.” Haruka soon informed.

“...You’re too young to have a medical license." Yagyū pointed out.

“Dr. Takemi said she would assist me in getting one.” Haruka revealed. “We are working on trying to find a cure for cancer after all.” She then added.

“Really? That’s quite noble.” Ikaruga remarked.

“And we’ve made plenty of progress.” Haruka happily informed, though that had been put on hold until she was healed up and they weren’t in mortal danger.

“Alright, alright. Are we just gonna stand around and talk, or are we gonna take a bath?” Yomi spoke up. She paid 500 yen for this, she didn’t want it to go to waste.

“She is right. Let’s...calm down before we talk business.” Hikage agreed as she dropped her towel to the floor.

“Tattoos...” Hibari mumbled with widened eyes.

“They’re a reminder of something that happened to so...someone I care about.” Hikage vaguely explained, a hint of sad nostalgia in her voice.

“Arooo...” Poochie whined as she snuggled her owner in an attempt to comfort her.

“Okay, let’s go in.” Ikaruga responded with a nod as everyone else began dropping their towels as well.

SPLASH!

And soon enough, the eight girls all got into the bath while the puppy was adorably floating around in a basin enjoying himself.

“Arf arf!” Poochie barked happily.

“...Haah, we’ve got some killer bods in this bath today.” Katsuragi suddenly got out, breaking the silence.

“Urgh...” Ikaruga groaned as she slapped her face.

“What? It's not our first impressions anymore.” Katsuragi pointed out.

“Second impressions are just as important.” Ikaruga stated with a glare.

“Meh, Haruka is probably as pervy as her.” Hikage casually pointed out.

Haruka gasped. “I am...” She responded.

The others waited for a moment before taking on looks of confusion. “...I am...what? A saint?” Yagyū questioned and assumed.

“No, that was the end of the sentence.” Haruka stated with a shameless grin.

“Hehehehe~” Katsuragi giggled as the two locked eyes, already feeling a bond form between them.

“Oh dear lord, no.” Ikaruga let out in horror as the two pervs smiled at each other.

Yagyū then looked at the other eyepatch wearing girl. “...You seem to be glancing at your bust a lot in a proud manner.” She noted.

“They’re just...so beautiful.” Mirai stated, choking up a little.

Yagyū just looked at the short girl weirdly before sinking into the water.

“She was self conscious about herself for a long time due to being a loli before her...growth spurt.” Haruka casually revealed. “She even recorded a message for herself for when she's all tall, and curvy, and hot-” She then added as she started listing things off.

“I-It came true, didn't it!?” Mirai countered, interrupting the third year and doctor in training.

“You have to admit, that's kinda sad.” Hikage stated.

“It’d be less sad if Haruka didn't broadcast it over the speakers!” Mirai cried out before diving into the water to hide her shame.

“...Really?” Ikaruga deadpanned, clear disapproval in her voice.

“It was so cute!” Haruka got out before petting the first-year’s head. “But sorry, Mirai-chan. I promise I won’t do that ever again with the other recordings.” She then added.

“...Other recordings?” Yomi repeated with a raised eyebrow.

“DELETE THEM!” Mirai growled as she stood up and pointed angrily at her senior.

“Is that mole between your buttcheeks?” Hibari idly noticed in a curious manner.

“AH!” Mirai yelped as she dived back in the water.

“Enough.” Ikaruga spoke up as she looked over their combined group. “Let’s get serious here. We need to discuss what happened...last night.” She then reminded, which instantly brought down the mood.

“Right.” Yomi mumbled with a nod.

“Have you told Murasaki-chan about...?” Hibari began to ask.

“No, Homura is our Leader. That means she’s our responsibility.” Haruka informed. “We don’t want anyone else interfering.” She then added.

“We didn't report Mori’s little reveal either to our sensei or the council.” Ikaruga assured. “So far, this is only between us and Mori.” She then stated.

“But that may already be changing soon.” Yagyū then pointed out. “She could be spreading that information around as we speak.” She soon stated in a serious tone.

“But...I feel like I have to ask first: Who is Mori exactly?” Katsuragi questioned.

“She is a servant of Dōgen: a major investor of Hebijo.” Haruka explained. “We don't exactly know what her goals are, but it involves my death and the subjugation of my team.”

“And what do you get in exchange?” Yagyū pressed.

“We get to leave Hebijo. No strings attached.” Hikage answered. “He is an evil, evil man. And we do not trust him to uphold the end of his bargain with us.” She then scoffed.

“So you’re planning on turning against him?” Katsuragi assumed.

“Ever since we realized this isn’t the life we want to live. As soon as the Yoke Technique is off us, we’ll make sure he’ll never show his face around us again.” Haruka confirmed. “Is...Hanzō here yet?” She then asked.

“No, not yet. You’ll just have to wait a little more time.” Yagyū shook her head.

“Damn.” Haruka cursed.

“Are you sure he’s not...?” Yomi began to ask in a worried manner.

“I assure you that Hanzō-sama will not fail us, especially something as important as this.” Ikaruga then assured in a confident manner. “...Perverted as he is.” She then deadpanned in a less than amused tone.

“So...is the truce between us...official?” Mirai had to cautiously ask.

“Yes.” Ikaruga confirmed, the other Hanzō Elites nodding in agreement.

“Thank you. We’ll be glad to join forces to complete our goals.” Haruka breathed out in a relieved manner.

“And now...what are our goals now that we’re together?” Hikage soon questioned. “Now that there’s a possibility that our leaders...” She then began, only to trail off as the others grimaced.

“...I’m afraid to say it, but we must collect information on Asuka-san and Homura-san.” Ikaruga soon stated. “Either to dispel Mori’s trickery...or to confirm her findings.” She then added.

“She didn’t even give us a copy of the recording, and that alleyway didn’t have the best acoustics.” Yomi complained.

“We are all aware the recording could be faked, and this is simply a ploy by Dōgen, but we have to confirm for ourselves that our friends aren’t hiding something from us.” Hikage then got out.

“But all we have is speculation and circumstantial evidence.” Yagyū then pointed out. “Do we have anything more reasonable than that?” She then questioned.

“You know...several of Asuka, Homura, and Akira-kun’s friends came to the clinic all of a sudden...” Haruka recalled. “Not all at once, but they all came to get checkups. I’d dismiss it as simply Akira-kun recommending sensei, but now I’m not so sure.” She then revealed.

“Does...your sensei know something you don’t?” Hibari asked.

“...” Haruka had opened her mouth to say something, only for her to shut it and wince as she thought more about it.

“Fuck...” Katsuragi then swore.

“Who else can’t we trust currently?” Mirai wondered out loud.

“We must assume Asuka-san and Homura-san's friends may also be Phantom Thieves.” Ikaruga stated with a grimace.

“So that would be...” Hikage urged as the rest of the Crimson Squad listened closely. After all, outside of Asuka, they’ve barely heard of anything about Homura's other friends.

“Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Yumi, Miyabi, Makoto, and...Haru.” Yagyū listed.

Katsuragi flinched at the mention of Ryuji. “Shit.” She whispered.

“It can't possibly be all of them.” Hikage got out with narrowed eyes.

“Maybe, but we have no choice but to make that assumption.” Ikaruga sighed, clearly hating the idea.

“But Haru-chan would never hurt her father!” Hibari pointed out. “We know her! I mean, sure, she didn’t like how he was treating her, but...” She then started before trailing off.

“Why exactly didn’t she-?” Hikage began to ask.

“Arranged marriage to an asshole.” Katsuragi answered, interrupting the green haired girl.

“...Seriously? An arranged marriage in this day and age?” Mirai asked in in disgust.

“It was...a political marriage arrangement.” Ikaruga uncomfortably revealed.

“Ugh...” Yomi groaned out in disgust and disapproval.

“So she might have wanted to change his heart to try and get out of it...” Haruka deducted.

“Why not change Sugimura’s heart then?” Katsuragi then pointed out.

“Because there would be other men lined up to replace him. Sugimura, as terrible as he is, isn’t the source; it’s her father.” Haruka replied and explained.

“Okay, that makes sense.” Katsuragi responded in understanding. “But now that begs the question of how it went wrong.” She then pointed out.

“It could be an accident...or that she snapped...” Ikaruga theorised. “Either way, she’s still a suspect. We can’t dismiss anyone at this point.” She then stated, sadness clear in her voice.

And so did the others, as they had expressions of sadness and guilt on their faces, but none so more than the Hanzō blonde, who looked like she had been...betrayed. “Why do you look so anxious, Blondie?” Mirai then asked.

“Well...Ryuji happens to be my boyfriend.” Katsuragi revealed as she bit the bottom of her lip.

“...You have a boyfriend?” Mirai vocally asked the Crimson Squad’s question to the Hanzō blonde.

“And a girlfriend.” Katsuragi added with a slightly cocky smirk. “...And now one of them is possibly a Phantom Thief.” She then mumbled as she sank a little deeper into the water.

Meanwhile, the other Crimson Squad girls blinked in sheer befuddlement...and slight jealousy. “...How-” Haruka started.

“Don’t ask.” Ikaruga sighed out.

“Would...Would Ryuji lie to me about this...?” Katsuragi muttered in worry.

“Probably to keep you safe.” Hikage pointed out.

“I’m a damn shinobi! I can keep myself safe!” Katsuragi called out in a frustrated manner.

“He doesn’t know that, though.” Hibari pointed out. “...Unless Asuka-chan told them...” She then mumbled.

“Dammit, did Homura tell Asuka and the rest of her friends that we’re shinobi!?” Mirai soon exclaimed.

“...Wait, what if they became friends with us because we were shinobis?” Hibari soon suggested.

“...Hibari, you seem like a sweet girl, but the first rule of being a shinobi is to trust no one.” Haruka however pointed out. “Especially a shinobi from another faction.” She then stated.

“Yes, I agree. That is far too trusting of you, Hibari-san.” Ikaruga scolded with a frown. “You could very well risk getting yourself killed with that attitude.” She then warned.

“Mohhh...” Hibari mumbled.

“But that begs the question: What made them join forces in the first place?” Hikage questioned. “Kamoshida? He would’ve targeted them given...” She then guessed before everyone looked down at their sizable chests.

“I’d say so.” Yagyū stated with a nod. “Asuka has quite the strong sense of justice.” She then admitted as the others from her school nodded in agreement.

“And Homura would get mad over an adult ruining her life.” Yomi added.

“But if they really are the Phantom Thieves, they would've taken care of him in a more subtle way.” Mirai pointed out.

“Yeah, I doubt either of them would even think about such a concept as calling cards.” Haruka got out. “Although, the red theming is likely Homura's idea.” She then guessed.

“There's also the thing about all their friends.” Yagyū then added. “They seem like the oddest group of friends. How did they even meet each other?” She then wondered.

“Akira is a transfer student, Ryuji used to be a track star, Ann’s a model, Yusuke and Yumi go to Kosei, Makoto is the class president of Shujin, Haru’s an heiress, and Miyabi...Miyabi's a damn adult!” Katsuragi listed off in disbelief.

“Adult? Wait...Miyabi!?” Mirai soon repeated in realization. “YOU GUYS KNOW MIYABI!?” She then asked as the Crimson Squad members' eyes widened.

“Eh?” Ikaruga got out in confusion. “Well, we know a Miyabi.” She responded.

“White hair? Yellow eyes?” Yomi listed off.

“Hunky?” Hikage continued.

The Hanzō girls in turn blinked to that description. “One of the shopkeepers at the beach did call her a hunk.” Hibari recalled. She also remembered how the light gray haired girl and Shujin Student Council President had to hold her back.

“Yep, that’s our Miyabi.” Haruka confirmed. “She’s the daughter of Hebijo’s principal.” She then revealed.

“Eh!?” Hibari exclaimed. “B-But Miyabi-chan was so nice at the beach!” She revealed, confusing the Crimson Squad members.

The white haired girl in turn nodded in agreement to this. “She was like a big sister to Futaba. She taught her how to swim and everything.” Yagyū recalled. “...She was also rather serious about water gun fights.” She then added.

“...That doesn’t sound like her.” Haruka got out, blinking to this new information as she tried and failing to picture it. “She was supposed to help Homura and kill the Phantom Thieves.” She then revealed before her eyes widened. “Something must’ve happened to her too.” She soon realized.

“And what makes you say that?” Yagyū soon questioned.

“Because she nearly killed me and demanded to get her back to her full strength.” Haruka then revealed as she rubbed her shoulder. “We only began cooperating after we settled matters, but...she has seemingly lost interest and hasn’t asked for anything else since.” She then recalled before realizing.

“Full strength?” Ikaruga repeated.

Haruka in turn nodded. “Hai. She had woken up from a three year coma recently before requesting to come here to Tokyo.” She soon revealed.

“A-A coma!?” Hibari got out in concern.

“She didn’t look like she just came out of a coma recently.” Ikaruga recalled.

“Imu is a very good caretaker, apparently.” Yomi got out with a shrug.

“Still, I can’t imagine Miyabi being a big sister type.” Mirai soon admitted, the other Crimson Squad members nodding in agreement to this.

“You sure? Whenever me and Futaba talk on the phone, she always complains about her ‘Big Sis Miyabi’ giving her a lecture.” Katsuragi replied and recalled in amusement.

“That’s because you feed her all your perverted fantasies.” Ikaruga grumbled with a glare. “You have thoroughly corrupted her!” She then accused.

“In my defense, she asked first.” Katsuragi countered.

“...This chick asked you to teach her to be a pervert?” Hikage asked.

“Oh no. She was already a casual pervert.” Katsuragi replied and corrected. “I’m making her competitive since apparently, she used to be a shut-in.” She then revealed.

“...Wait a minute, I think I’ve heard one of us talk about a Futaba before...” Yomi recalled, her eyes soon widening.

“Oh yeah, Murasaki!” Mirai soon recalled. “She has an online friend she plays games and chats with when she comes back from Tokyo.” She then revealed.

“Really? Murasaki-chan knows Futaba-chan too?” Hibari asked in a curious manner.

“But could it be the same Futaba?” Yagyū however questioned.

“Well, I hear ‘Mwehehehehehe’ sometimes.” Mirai then informed. “...The walls aren’t really soundproofed...” She then mumbled with a sweatdrop. Probably due to all the explosives planted underneath.

“She giggled like that during the volleyball match I had with Makoto-san...” Ikaruga then remembered. “Especially when my bikini began to come undone.” She soon recalled with a blush.

“Ufufu~ That must’ve been embarassing.” Haruka giggled out to imaging it.

Ikaruga immediately sank a little into the water.

“...There seems to be many coincidences...” Yagyū got out, blinking to this.

“Or it’s fate, guiding us to our inevitable confrontation.” Hikage added.

“A little dramatic, don’t you think, greeny?” Katsuragi jokingly asked.

“...That’s a new one.” Hikage admitted.

“Still, what are the possibilities that they’re all Phantom Thieves?” Haruka soon asked. “It is possible that Asuka and Homura could be the only ones and they’re keeping it from everyone else.” She then pointed out.

“If they were doing it by themselves, they wouldn’t be looking so healthy at that point.” Yagyū soon stated. “They may be shinobi, but they’re still human. I mean, there were calling cards all around the city for President Okumura. That can’t be done with just two people.” She then reminded.

“And it happened overnight. A school night, even.” Yagyū then reminded.

“And neither of them are hackers, given the Medjed incident.” Hikage then pointed out.

“Yeah, Asuka doesn’t really use computers too much.” Katsuragi then revealed.

“...We still know too little in general.” Ikaruga and Haruka concluded, causing the others to nod in agreement.

“Yeah. Anything is possible. Heck, with how weirdly smart Poochie is, there's a non-zero chance Akira’s cat is a Phantom Thief.” Mirai soon pointed out.

“Arf arf!” Poochie barked as she continued floating around the water.

“Poochie says she’ll talk to Morgana to see if he knows anything.” Hikage then informed.

“...Can cats communicate with dogs?” Yagyū questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“I’ve just given up on understanding Poochie...” Mirai sighed as she shook her head.

“If they really are one of the Thieves, it’ll be difficult to get any information from them given how well they’ve hidden themselves.” Haruka muttered.

“What if we ask them?” Hibari soon suggested.

The others blinked. “...You're serious.” Yomi got out in disbelief.

“Well, we’re still friends, despite everything.” Hibari then explained her reasoning. “If we tell them that we know, maybe they’ll be honest with us.” She soon got out.

“Or they’ll lie and they’ll cause a shutdown or change our heart. Remember, there’s also the possibility that the Thieves can do such a thing to us.” Hikage then pointed out.

“They’d...never do that.” Katsuragi soon muttered.

“They’d also never lie to their teammates.” Hikage reminded.

“...” That quickly made everyone silent.

“So...it’s settled. We must investigate Asuka and Homura’s friends.” Mirai sighed out.

“Yeah.” Haruka confirmed with a nod. “And we should probably do it ASAP, before any other shinobi gets to them first.” She then pointed out.

“Wait, shouldn't they be both at Shujin Academy right now?” Hibari suddenly remembered.

“Yeah.” Yagyū responded. “And Shujin is holding their culture festival.” She then added.

“Oh shit! We should go too!” Katsuragi replied and decided. “...OH SHIT! I FORGOT I HAD A DATE WITH RYU-KUN AT THE FESTIVAL!” She then yelled out in remembrance as she stood up.

“I guess we’ll have to cut this bath short.” Ikaruga eventually stated as she began lifting herself out of the water. “Let’s make our way to Shujin Academy now.” She then decided.

The rest of the girls nodded in agreement to this before climbing out of the bath to get dressed.

(Backalley)

Meanwhile, just outside Leblanc, a peculiar group of girls were waiting outside. Miki was on her phone, Yuki was enjoying some ice cream from the nearby grocery store, Maki was petting one of the local cats, and Reki was casually looking at the sky.

The only person missing was their leader, Hyōki, as she was inside the café talking with the owner.

Miki noticed a group of girls soon leaving the bathhouse. “Huh, big group...” She thought as she turned to scrolling through social media.

At that moment, Hyōki walked out of the café looking rather disappointed. “Dammit...” She cursed.

“She's not here today either?” Maki assumed.

“The owner said she was out with friends.” Hyōki informed as she shook her head.

“Time is of the essence.” Maki reminded with a frown. “We can't act civilly anymore. Let's just find where she lives and break into it to find anything useful.” She then suggested.

“Let’s not take a forceful approach yet.” Reki advised. “Do we even know what she looks like?” She then asked.

“Well...I found orange hair dye in the café’s trash.” Yuki revealed as she pulled out a used bottle of hair dye from her bag. “Maybe she’s running around as an orange like that girl from Milky Pop.” She then suggested.

“At least she’ll be easy to spot but we have no idea where she is. She could be hiding anywhere.” Maki then muttered with a frown.

Miki meanwhile sighed to this as she took out her phone before going on social media, soon blinking as something caught her eye. “...Hey, did you know that Shujin Academy is having their culture festival today?” She suddenly asked.

“Why is that relevant?” Hyōki demanded.

“Because...It's pretty tricky to hide in the age of social media and smartphones.” Miki soon revealed with a grin.

“Eh?” Reki got out in confusion.

Miki just smirked before showing the girls her phone.

Come to Shujin Academy and enjoy the festivities! We’re open to all! Use #ShujinCultureFest when posting pictures.

Picture: Homura Shinkukage preparing for the festival. Queen Dragoness of Shujin, everybody! #ShujinCultureFest

Asuka-senpai is super sexy! Did her boobs get bigger? #ShujinCultureFest #OppaiPatrol

Who’re these randoms these models are hanging out with? #Losers #ShujinCultureFest

Whoa, that woman with white hair is hot! #DomMeMommy #ShujinCultureFest

IS THAT FRICKIN’ YUKI YUMI!? #YUKIYUMI #YUKIFAN #FUCKYOUKOSEI #ShujinCultureFest

And right in the background of one of the photos...was a young girl with orange hair walking alongside a familiar white haired woman.

“...That’s gotta be her.” Maki concluded.

“How recent were these photos?” Reki then asked.

“About two minutes ago.” Yuki reported as she checked the date and time.

“D-Did that jerk call my Ryu-kun a loser!?” Hyōki growled as she glared at the username, burning it into her brain.

“Easy, Hyōki-chi.” Yuki got out.

“...Shujin Academy it is.” Miki declared as she and the rest of the Senki Shu headed for the station.

(Shujin Academy, Classroom Building 2F)

The Thieves soon arrived at the place Ann was happily taking her friends to. It was...depressingly empty.

“This is the place!” Ann declared.

“Maid Takoyaki...?” Haru read aloud the sign that adorned the classroom’s entrance, along with the copies of hastily-made posters and paper decorations.

Meanwhile, Miyabi’s eye twitched.

“New customers! I’ll show you all to your seats.” The maid manning the front, who was dead bored a second ago, exclaimed with a smile.

“...So it’s your class’s stand.” Ryuji got out in an unimpressed tone.

“Hey, we worked hard to set this up.” Asuka whined.

“And it’s still a refreshment stand, isn’t it?” Ann then added.

“Who the hell is being refreshed here?” Miyabi questioned as she looked around to see that this particular part of the hallway was empty, despite how packed the school was currently.

“It’s like a deserted island...” Futaba remarked.

“Well, I guess it’s good for talking since there aren’t any people here...” Makoto pointed out.

“And we don’t have to try too hard to find a table for all of us.” Akira then added. “Come on, let’s push these desks together so we can all fit.” He then decided.

“That sounds like a Dad move.” Futaba quipped.

“I mean, plenty of girls call me daddy already.” Akira automatically responded...and instantly regretted it.

“Seriously, ya gotta learn to shut your mouth.” Ryuji scolded.

“Coming from you!” Morgana called out.

Soon enough, the Thieves had made a combined table large enough for them to all sit at. Now they were waiting for a maid to arrive so they could order their meal.

“We heard a lot of rumors on the way here...” Haru muttered, looking rather upset.

“And it was all bullshit.” Ryuji growled.

“I thought there were still a couple of people who believed in us?” Asuka sighed as she shook her head.

“I guess they changed their mind due to peer pressure or being convinced to.” Yumi assumed with a frown.

“Dammit...” Homura cursed under her breath.

“...It has been ten minutes.” Miyabi meanwhile mentally remarked in disapproval as she glared at the spot where a maid should be. “This is unacceptable. What is taking them!?” She mentally ranted in her head, her maid cafe co-manager side in control.

It was at that moment they heard someone coming out of the classroom. “Here she comes...Act normal.” Morgana warned.

“Who cares...? There’s nothin’ normal about this anymore.” Ryuji grumbled.

“We cannot be too careful these days.” Yumi whispered.

“Welcome home!” The maid happily greeted as she put down two menus for the Thieves. “May I take your order?” She then asked.

“You’re actin’ like a waitress, not a maid!” Ryuji soon complained.

“Ryuji-kun, don’t yell.” Asuka scolded. “Um, sorry about that, Hitori-chan.” She then apologized.

“Oh, don't worry.” The maid waitress waved off. “His reputation precedes him.” She then revealed.

“What's that supposed to mean!?” Ryuji exclaimed.

“So, what are we getting, everyone?” Akira soon asked as they looked at their menus.

“There are a lot of odd flavors...” Yusuke remarked.

“We should probably just get a normal one, I don’t have a lotta faith in this place...” Ryuji then suggested.

However, the maid winced. “I’m so sorry. We sold our last normal one to the previous customer.” She soon apologized.

MIyabi’s eye twitched to this.

“It’s like one in the afternoon, how is that possible!?” Ryuji got out in disbelief.

“Well then...I’ll have the mentai cheese takoyaki.” Yusuke soon decided.

“I’m sorry. We’re out of cod roe.” The maid then informed, her smile beginning to look more strained.

“Then, how about the squid-” Haru then began to request, however...

“Um...We’re currently out catching squid. It’ll probably take another five or six hours...” The maid then got out, sweating more and more.

“By then the festival will be practically over...” Yumi stated with a shake of her head.

Ryuji growled before slamming his hand on the table. “That doesn’t even sound remotely possible! Ain’t this whole menu just a sham!?” He then complained.

“Actually, we spent most of our budget on making the maid costumes look nice.” Ann sheepishly revealed.

“I mean...they’re okay, I guess.” Futaba mumbled, completely unimpressed. Where’s the absolute territory, dammit!?

Miyabi scoffed. Her own uniform looked more expensive and yet was super cheap to get replaced.

“We didn’t put too much effort into the octopus.” Ann then added.

“Please don’t tell me we only bought takoyaki from Triple 7.” Homura soon groaned. She was busy with her committee, so she couldn’t help out with the refreshment stand. She was soon regretting not at least checking in.

“It was actually half-off at the groceries...” Asuka confessed.

“I can see that!” Ryuji called out.

“Ngh...” Miyabi groaned. This was pathetic in comparison and had to resist the urge to give the so-called maid a lecture.

“Maybe we should’ve gone with the sushi bar...” Akira muttered under his breath.

“Ryuji, you’re making a scene.” Morgana got out with a glare.

“They deserve it!” Ryuji countered as the maid’s smile strained even more.

“You are telling me.” Miyabi mumbled, her business side on the rise to get out.

Haru could only let out a polite smile as she turned her focus to the pained maid. “We’re sorry about him. What would you recommend that’s currently available?” She soon apologized before asking. She then asked.

“Try the Russian takoyaki!” The maid soon suggested.

“Russian...?” Yumi repeated with a raised eyebrow.

Miyabi also raised an eyebrow to this. That was something new to her.

“Do you have anything else available?” Homura had to ask.

“Nope!” The maid simply chirped.

“We’ll have that, please.” Akira requested in an exasperated manner.

“This will take a little time.” The maid informed with a bow before heading into the classroom to prepare their order.

“...What an effin’...” Ryuji then grumbled as he slumped in his seat. “It’s been one shitty thing after another today.” He then remarked.

“No kidding.” Homura agreed as she clenched his fist. “People are starting to think Kamoshida was a victim! Kamo-f’ing-shida! Who the fuck started that!?” She then revealed before asking.

That in turn caused some anger to grow in the Shujin Phantom Thieves members.

“I’m so glad Shiho isn’t here anymore...” Ann groaned. “This is only making me want to eat my stress away.” She then stated.

“I don’t think your metabolism will take that kindly.” Akira muttered.

“Not only that, I’ve heard conjecture that the principal was killed for knowing too much.” Morgana added with a frown.

“He didn’t know anything.” Asuka mumbled. Kobayakawa might’ve been one of the worst people she’s had to interact with, but he didn’t deserve to die like he did.

“And now it’s all Akechi is cool and Akechi will catch the Thieves!” Homura then complained. “We still had people who believed in us last week! Where are they now!?” She then demanded.

“His popularity has risen farther than before the Thieves came into the picture.” Yusuke then pointed out.

“And all thanks to the Conspiracy and Black Mask.” Futaba then concluded.

“Who Akechi might be...” The shinobis of the group soon muttered the reminder, getting nods from the others.

“Or, at least, is a part of.” Miyabi mumbled. There’s no way some civilian detective could handle the Metaverse all by themselves for two years after all...right?

“You know, did Akechi agree to show up here ‘cause he believes we didn’t kill anybody...?” Ryuji soon wondered.

“Or relishing in his newfound fame.” Yusuke assumed with a frown.

“Oh, true. He didn’t seem like he minded being pampered by the media at all.” Ann then remarked.

“We plan on stealing intel, but we might fall into another trap. I’m gonna be bummed if that happens...” Morgana sighed out.

Meanwhile, Akira glanced over towards the classroom. “Is the takoyaki done yet?” He suddenly asked, interrupting the frustrated mood the Thieves all had.

“Akira-kun...” Asuka groaned.

“You’re so carefree.” Makoto remarked, almost in awe by his casualness. “...Does it mean you have nerves of steel in any situation?” She then asked.

“No, he’s just reckless.” Miyabi sighed while shaking her head. “Still, we have no idea what Akechi is doing exactly. If we want to stop him, we’ll need to-” She then started, however...

DING!

“...Was that a microwave?” Miyabi got out, looking rather horrified. “That’s going to ruin the takoyaki!” She mentally exclaimed in anger.

“Yep.” Akira deadpanned as the maid arrived with their order.

“Thank you for waiting.” The maid got out as she put down a paper tray filled with a dozen takoyaki balls; one for each Thief.

“It’s piping hot!” Ann exclaimed in delight.

“It’s reheated...” Miyabi and Futaba quietly deadpanned.

Suddenly, something snapped with the only adult of the group. “Where's the moe moe kyun, maid?” Miyabi soon asked.

“Eh?” The maid got out in confusion as she suddenly felt killing intent being directed at her, causing her to shiver on her feet.

“Where. Is. The cuteness, enhancing, chant. Maid.” Miyabi demanded as she glared straight into the poor girl’s eyes.

“E-Eh...” the girl nervously mumbled, unsure what to do other than follow the white haired woman’s orders. “M-Moe...Moe...k-k-kyun~?” The maid awkwardly and uneasily got out while shakily forming a heart with her hands.

“You are a shame to all maids of your calibre.” Miyabi coldly growled, scaring the innocent girl.

Meanwhile, the Thieves, while confused, were beginning to think the woman was going to kill their classmate.

“S-Settle down, Miyabi-chan.” Asuka tried to calm the woman down. “Wow, I didn't take you for someone so serious about maids...” She then got out.

“I expect perfection from those who choose to wear that dress.” Miyabi stated in a deadly serious tone.

Ryuji then sighed. “Well, it’s not like I was expectin’ crispy takoyaki at a school festival or anything. So, what makes this a Russian takoyaki...?” He soon questioned.

“Could there be jam in it as a secret ingredient? That sounds quite delicious.” Haru then assumed.

“Well...one of these is special.” The maid vaguely answered in an ominous tone.

“You mean this one?” Yumi assumed as she pointed to the glowing red hot takoyaki in the middle of the paper tray.

“It isn’t Russian-style takoyaki, it’s takoyaki Russian roulette!” Asuka exclaimed. Someone else must’ve bought them, because she certainly didn’t buy any!

“With a clear glass cylinder.” Akira added in a flat tone.

“...I’ll have to admit, it's an interesting idea.” Miyabi mentally confessed, making note of it to give the idea to her fellow manager.

“It’s, like, going for the obvious one is manly?” Ann guessed with a grimace. Oh God, she could feel the spice from where she was.

“I-Is that so?” Morgana got out, looking suspiciously eager to do something dumb.

“No the hell it ain't.” Homura groaned as she palmed her forehead.

“...I really should’ve helped more...” Asuka muttered as she awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck.

“Well, there's one for each of us, including the bullet.” Akira soon got out as he looked around. “So, what is everyone picking?” He then asked.

“I’d prefer the most beautifully shaped one...but all of them are misshapen.” Yusuke spoke up, glaring at the horrible aesthetics of the takoyaki.

“That one is more cube than ball!” Futaba suddenly exclaimed as she pointed at one. “How is that even possible!?” She then asked.

“Oh, aren’t you all going to eat? I think I’ll go for the special one.” Haru then decided as she picked up the red octopus ball.

“Haru-chan!?” Asuka exclaimed in shock.

“Wait...Is she honestly going for it?” Makoto got out in worry.

“Haru-san...that is a pretty angry red.” Yumi noted in a cautious manner. “Are you sure?” She then asked.

“Of course.” Haru responded in a chipper manner. “It would be quite exciting to taste something so delectable!” She confessed and explained.

“I pray for your tongue, senpai.” Homura responded. “And stomach. And bowels. And toilet.” She then muttered.

“Oh, everyone’s all here!” A familiar voice greeted, that caused a few of the Thieves to jolt in their seats.

“A-Akechi-kun!?” Asuka squeaked.

“Crapbaskets...” The shinobis all thought in unison.

“Th-The panel isn’t until tomorrow though...” Makoto muttered in disbelief.

“I came to check out the venue. I can’t make any mistakes since a lot of people will be present.” Akechi explained.

“Someone’s eager.” Futaba remarked, though Miyabi noticed how the young girl was trying to lean away from the boy.

“Of course she’d try to stay away from him. It’s likely he was the one who killed her mother.” Miyabi thought, resisting the urge to attack him right now.

“But people ended up recognizing me. Everyone bombarded me with questions.” Akechi sighed out, looking a little exhausted by such an ordeal. “I grew tired of the baseless rumors they kept bringing up, so I escaped to where there weren’t any people. Thankfully a group of nice women helped me.” He then stated before adding.

“Really now...” Yumi muttered as the Thieves knew exactly who these girls were.

“Well, you came in the suit you wear to every interview. Of course people would recognise you.” Ryuji pointed out, causing the detective to chuckle.

“Well, it’s part of my contract that all my public appearances would be in this suit. It’s actually quite comfortable.” Akechi soon informed in a jovial manner.

“Like Colonel Sanders?” Futaba quipped. “...Now I want some fried chicken later.” She then admitted.

“Hm, that reminds me, I haven’t eaten anything since this morning.” Akechi soon got out before seeing the tray of takoyaki. “Do you mind if I take one?” He soon asked, though he had already taken the takoyaki from the fluffy haired girl’s fingers.

“E-Eh!?” Haru got out in shock.

“Hey, wait, that’a- MPH!” Asuka began, only for the dyed blond to cover her mouth.

“Let it happen.” Ryuji whispered, a small smirk on his face.

“Let’s just call this my performance fee.” Akechi cheekily declared before...

NOM!

“But-” Ann gasped, but it was too late as the detective ate the fluffy haired girl’s snack.

“Just let him have it.” Homura got out, unable to hide her devious smirk.

“Mmm! It’s quite deli-” Akechi began to say, only to freeze up all of a sudden. “...” His eyes soon widened.

“Uh oh~” Homura got out in concern.

“...HNNNNNNNGH!” Akechi suddenly got out in strained pain.

“You should really savor food instead of eating it one bite.” Miyabi suggested in a casual tone, smiling as the detective doubled over in pain.

“Ngh...My throat...! Urgh! This is...! Ohhh...Oh, my stomach...It burns!” Akechi panted out as he broke out in a sweat, his face turning completely red.

“Are you okay? Do you need water?” Ann asked in concern.

“Water doesn’t work all too well. Get milk.” Homura then suggested.

“We didn’t get any drinks though...” Asuka then muttered, wondering if that would’ve been a good idea.

“I-I-I’m...I’m fine...! I just love...uh...spicy- spicy stuff...hahaha...hah...!” Akechi tried to laugh it off, but considering his entire body was trembling, it didn’t convince anyone.

“Hey, does he sound broken to you?” Futaba eventually asked, though was laughing on the inside.

“W-Well then...I’ll...I’ll see you...uh...t-t-t-tomorrow.” Akechi managed to say before awkwardly walking away towards the nearest drink stand.

The group soon relaxed a little after seeing the detective was out of their eyesight. “Wow, he’s really trying to hold it together. He’s waddling around like a comedian!” Ann giggled.

“It’s like he wants to get picked up for some commercial or something...” Ryuji muttered.

“Yeah, he definitely shit himself.” Miyabi concluded, amused by the sight. “Karma’s a bitch...” She thought to herself.

“...And this is the guy we think is Black Mask?” Homura deadpanned.

“Hey, we’re not that much better.” Akira pointed out, which the tan skinned girl had to agree with.

“But...did he truly come to simply check the venue?” Yusuke wondered as he furrowed his brows. “...This isn’t good. I keep suspecting every little thing...” He groaned and soon confessed.

“...I know what you mean. I’m doing the same too. I need to do my best tomorrow. We need to somehow get him to be our source of intel...I’m gonna pull this off no matter what!” Makoto declared in a determined manner.

“That Akechi guy...When he got here, didn’t he say that everyone’s all here?” Futaba suddenly noticed. “Everyone...?” She then specified.

“What?” Ryuji got out in confusion.

“Yeah...he did...” Akira confirmed.

Their doubts about the detective were beginning to fade away, and it was only a matter of time before he revealed his true colors to them.

Though...not everyone was focused on Akechi...

“My...takoyaki...” Haru murmured as she stared hauntingly at the paper tray of soggy, lukewarm octopus balls.

“...Haru, are you crying?” Ann got out in concern.

“Please. I am in mourning...” Haru requested.

The Thieves sweatdropped. “...Another order of Russian takoyaki, please.” Akira ordered.

“Right away.” The maid bowed before heading back to microwave more takoyaki.

(Courtyard)

After “enjoying” their meal of takoyaki, the Thieves decided to split up and explore what the culture festival had to offer. Right now, Futaba and Miyabi were walking through the school together just to see the damage the Thieves had done to the school.

“How was Haru able to tank that!?” Futaba exclaimed in disbelief.

“Haru is just...built different.” Miyabi stated. Though, she was surprised all Haru had to say about the bullet was that it tingled her tongue.

“Built terrifying, more like it.” Futaba deadpanned. “With terrifyingly big boobs in secret.” She mentally added.

“Haru isn’t that scary.” Miyabi lightly scolded. “She’s just...unique. Extremely, disturbingly unique. Still a nice girl, though. I hope she shatters her fiance’s kneecaps.”

“And I’ll record every single second of it.” Futaba giggled.

“You’re pretty disturbed too.” Miyabi then remarked with a sigh. “I had to drag you away from some weird-ass game before coming here with you.” She then grumbled. She had walked into Futaba playing way too many games that would make even Ryōna faint in shock.

“Hey! DDinosaur with Double-D’s has some real artistic merit!” Futaba insisted with a glare.

“She had tits up to here, Futaba!” Miyabi called out as she reached her hands out far from her chest. “Who the hell makes these games, anyways?” She then asked.

“The Dutch.” Futaba deadpanned.

“Miyabi-senpai?” A familiar voice (to the white haired woman) got out in a surprised manner.from behind the two spoke, surprising the white haired woman.

“Huh? Who the fu-” Miyabi began in confusion, only to see who it was. “Y-Yuki!?” She gawked in confusion.

“Odd to see you here, senpai.” Yuki got out as she approached the two. “And who's hiding behind you?” She then asked.

“Hiding behin- Futaba, come on.” Miyabi began to repeat before sighing out, not even bothering to turn around.

“H-Hello...” Futaba awkwardly greeted, using the older woman as a makeshift hiding spot.

Miyabi once more sighed in response. “Don’t mind her. She’s nervous around people. She’s getting better though.” She replied and explained before revealed.

“Aw, that’s so cute.” Yuki got out with a grin.

“Big Sis...” Futaba mumbled.

The blonde’s eyes soon widened to that. “And she calls you Big Sis!?” Yuki gasped in amazement. “What else have you been hiding from me at work, Morgan-senpai?” She playfully asked.

“Yuki...” Miyabi got out through gritted teeth.

“Let’s go somewhere a little more quiet. I can barely hear myself think around here.” Yuki soon decided.

“Fine.” Miyabi sighed out as she looked at the orangette. “Don’t you say anything.” She then instructed.

“What do you mean, Morgan-senpai?” Futaba sweetly got out as she fluttered her eyelashes.

“Hush you.” Miyabi all but ordered.

“Hushing.” Futaba responded as the three headed out.

(Classroom 3-B)

One very...admittingly lazy class, 3-B, decided to set their classroom up as a conversation room where people could have private talks and partake in some cheap snacks from Triple 7.

“Let’s get the introductions out of the way.” Miyabi spoke as they all sat down. “Futaba, this is Yuki. She’s a friend from work. Yuki, this is Futaba. She’s...well...” She started introducing one another before trailing off at the end.

“The cutest, awesomest, smartest little gremlin in Tokyo!” Futaba bombastically declared with pride. “N-Nice to meet you.” She then mumbled in a nervous manner.

“Hi.” The other girl responded with a smile. “So, how do you know each other?” Yuki asked.

“Through mutual friends.” Miyabi responded with a shrug. It was technically the truth, even though there were extra details like I was planning to murder them and We bonded over shared trauma.

“Like Sakura-san from Leblanc?” Yuki guessed.

“You know Boss?” Miyabi got out, a little shocked.

“Yeah, his coffee is really nice.” Yuki giggled. “Actually, me and my friends were there for a group project for school.” She then revealed.

“Really? Well, studying and coffee go pretty well together.” Miyabi muttered.

“What’s the topic?” Futaba had to ask.

“About modern hidden gem scientists, men and women who went under the radar with their discoveries, like Wakaba Isshiki.” Yuki answered.

Instantly, Futaba and Miyabi tensed. “Never heard of her.” The duo responded in unison.

“You should. She was a rather brilliant researcher on psychology, with a theory on something called cognitive psience.” Yuki then explained before letting out a sad sigh. “It’s real interesting stuff. Too bad that her papers are either locked behind paywalls or...gone.” She then sighed out.

“Gone?” Futaba repeated.

“Like they were scrubbed from the net. We only found a few references to cognitive psience.” Yuki stated as she shook her head, seemingly bothered by the erasure of the researcher’s work. “But she was only one part of our presentation. I don’t think we need that much detail.” She then relented.

The orangette soon adjusted her glasses, the tint hiding her eyes. “...W-Wakaba Isshiki was my mom.” Futaba revealed, surprising the white haired woman.

“...Eh?” Yuki got out.

“She...was a researcher. I even have a few notes left.” Futaba revealed. “Sorry I lied about not knowing her. I’d be glad to talk if you want.” She then apologized before offering.

“Really? Are you sure?” Yuki got out. “You don’t need to.” She then offered.

“It’s fine.” Futaba reassured. “I want my mom’s name to be remembered after...” She then added.

And immediately, the blonde classified the orangette as adorable. “Aw~ Come here...” Yuki gooed before...

SQUISH!

Embracing the young girl in a hug.

“Soft~” Futaba got out in satisfaction.

“Thank you so much, Futaba-chi! Do you mind if we meet up at your place?” Yuki soon got out before asking.

“Sure. Just tell me when.” Futaba responded.

“Ooh, we should exchange numbers then.” Yuki soon suggested as she took out her phone.

“Sure.” Futaba replied as she did the same.

After a quick exchange of numbers, Futaba and Yuki now had each other in their contacts list.

“Thank you again, Futaba-chi. You saved our project!” Yuki responded in a grateful manner.

“Glad to help.” Futaba replied. She smelled like peonies.

Yuki then noticed the time on her phone. “Ah, I have to go meet up with my own friends now.” She soon remembered. “See you around the festival, Futaba-chi! And sorry, Miyabi-senpai. I wish we could’ve talked more.” She got out.

“It’s fine. Go have fun.” Miyabi responded and requested.

“See you at work!” Yuki replied as she ran off.

“...You do realize that Yuki could be fishing for info about the Thieves, right?” Miyabi soon pointed out. “Or she just wants your mom’s research.” She then added.

“I know. And that’s why I’m doing it.” Futaba replied and revealed.

“What? Why?” Miyabi responded before asking.

“You don’t think I haven’t planned for this?” Futaba countered with a smirk. “Don’t worry, Big Sis. After I’m done with Yuki and her friends, they’re gonna regret coming after us.” She reassured.

“...You know, I just remembered you’re just as terrifying as Haru.” Miyabi soon admitted.

“And I got you to thank for that, Big Sis.” Futaba replied with a smirk. “...So, Morgan-senpai?” She then started.

“Oh, don’t act like you don’t know already.” Miyabi remarked as she rolled her eyes. “Come on, let’s continue having some fun at the festival.” She then decided, taking the girl’s hand and they left as well.

(Classroom Building 3F)

Although Homura was trying to enjoy the festival, she was also making sure there was no serious trouble happening. She was both glad that a few committee members took it upon themselves to patrol the school, but also wanted them to relax and have fun. After all, they weren’t at risk of being killed (most of them at least).

“Ah, Homura-buchou.” Yui suddenly got out as she noticed the tan skinned girl wandering around.

“How’re things going, Yui?” Homura responded with a polite smile. “No one’s making out in the bathrooms or anything?” She then asked.

“W-What? No! Absolutely not!” Yui replied as she shook her head.

However, Homura noticed the blush on her face and how she tried to avoid eye contact. “...Yui, did you make out in the bathroom?” She then asked.

“No.” Yui squeaked, but the look the Disciplinary Head gave caused her to break down. “...It was a closet.” She then relented.

Homura sighed but didn’t seem too bothered. “Glad to know you and Rito are going well, but...get a room. Please.” She then requested.

“Y-Yes ma’am.” Yui stammered out.

It was at that moment Homura realized something. “...Wait, is he still here, Yui?” She soon got out in a slightly panicked and concerned tone, knowing what usually happens to him.

TRIP!

“KYA!” Another familiar voice yelped out.

Yui blushed as she began to step towards the source of the scream. “Um, I should...you know...” She stammered out.

“Just make sure he doesn’t get arrested.” Homura responded. “And tell Rito-san and Haruna-san I said hi.” She then requested, recognizing who yelped.

“Hai!” Yui did a quick salute before running to the latest trouble in her boyfriend’s life.

“Jeez...” Homura sighed out, slightly amused by this.

“Hey, Homura.” A new familiar voice greeted.

“Sora?” Homura got out as she saw the light blue haired boy. “Hey, how are you enjoying the festival?” She soon asked.

“Everyone pulled out all the stops for today. It's been fun.” Sora replied and admitted. “Although, you don’t look like you’re having any.” He then noted in concern.

“Sorry, it just isn’t easy with some of us not focused.” Homura sighed out and apologized. “...Or here due to the people related to them that we plan to target in Mementos...” She thought to herself in frustration. “We really need to do a Mementos run soon.” She then added in her head.

“Yeah, I hope the others are alright.” Sora got out in agreement.

“But that’s not something you should worry about for now.” Homura responded.

“Sora-kun!” A group of female voices called out in unison.

“I’m coming!” Sora called out. “Sorry, I have to go. Have some fun, that’s an order!” He apologized and requested.

“Right, you too. Have fun with your fangirls.” Homura replied in amusement, giggling as she watched the boy blushed.

“H-Hey, some of them are friends...” Sora stammered out as he left.

“He is right. Being this stressed out isn’t good for you.” Musashi replied and reminded.

“I know.” Homura mentally sighed out. “Maybe I should’ve gone with Sis or Akira instead of going off on my own...” She got out as she stretched her limbs.

“My, my...I didn't expect you to be here by yourself.” A more elegant voice suddenly noted in a satisfied manner.

“Eh?” Homura got out.

Turning around, the tan skinned girl saw the familiar face wearing a royal purple winter jacket lined with yellow gold that hugs her body with a white turtleneck underneath the jacket with a dark blue bordering on black skirt, long white thigh leggings and black winter heeled shoe.

And soon, the tan skinned girl girl grinned. “Kochō-senpai! You made it!” Homura got out in a pleased manner.

“Of course. I promised I would.” Kochō replied and reminded. “How are things going?” She soon asked.

“It's been pretty chaotic.” Homura sighed out.

“As expected of a festival.” Kochō admitted in amusement.

“Not helped by being the Phantom Thieves school...” Homura reminded.

“You seem to be upset about something.” Kochō noted.

Homura in turn sighed. “Having to resist the urge to yell at people calling Kamoshida a victim does that...” She confessed.

“Eh?” Kochō got out with widened eyes.

“Yeah, they...they say that Kamoshida was brainwashed into confessing his crimes. That someone else made Shiho-” Homura began as she started to feel like she was going to explode, only to stop herself before someone got hurt. “I need something to distract me from it.” She soon confessed.

“Well, I’m glad to have made it.” Kochō responded. “Let us partake in the variety of attractions your fellow classmates have-” She started before trailing off at the end.

“...Kochō-senpai?” Homura got out with a raised eyebrow.

“G-G-Gacha café?” Kochō read out with a gasp.

“Huh?” Homura got out in confusion before seeing the sign Class 1-A made. “Oh no...” She then let out as she remembered how much of a gacha addict her friend was.

“M-May we stop by this one? Just for a moment.” Kochō soon requested.

“...Kochō-senpai, do not fall for this temptation.” Homura soon instructed.

“But the call of five star characters... they are calling...” Kochō mumbled.

“It’s not that type of gacha, senpai.” Homura informed. “You just get random food to eat. It’s not worth it.” She then stated.

“But it could be something delicious! Like pudding!” Kochō replied and pointed out.

“You promised me you’d keep control yourself.” Homura reminded.

“...I haven’t rolled anything in two weeks, Homura-san. I am in control.” Kochō revealed in reassurance. “J-Just one roll, and I shall leave with my head held high.” She then added.

The tan skinned girl immediately sighed to this. “Get it together, girl!” Homura soon ordered. “This isn’t the senpai who I’ve come to admire! Breathe, dammit! Control your dark urges! Do not. Let it. Take you.” She then reminded before instructing.

Kochō sniffled before taking in a deep breath. It was more difficult than it should be... but she managed to pull herself away from those deep, dark desires.

“T-Thank you. You...You have saved me once again.” Kochō got out in a grateful manner.

“Remember this when the rolls begin to call again.” Homura soon instructed. “Now, let’s partake in something less related to gambling.” She then decided.

“Yes. There are plenty of other activities around that do not-” Kochō started, however...

“Come on, come all! We're having a lottery, with the grand prize being this big-ass slab of ham! Only 100 yen per entry.”

“Wait, is this legal?”

“Couldn't they get a better prize?”

“I mean...who doesn't want ham?”

“L-Lottery? Meat?” Homura whispered as the ham reflected in her eyes.

“H-Homura-san?” Kochō stammered in concern.

“M-Maybe we can get a few entries in there. Maybe 100,000 will do.” Homura suggested, already beginning to drool.

“Homura-san, get a hold of yourself.” Kochō soon instructed. “W-What happened to not letting desire take you?” She then asked.

“This is a need, senpai!” Homura responded.

“I’ll buy you ham later.” Kochō offered. “But for now, we have the rest of the festival to enjoy. Now, will you let desire corrupt you or will the purity of our friendship pull you from it?” She soon asked.

“...O-Okay. I-I won’t let ham take me from you.” Homura replied as she took the other girl’s hand.

“Excellent.” Kochō praised in approval. “Now, there was a takoyaki stand with quite the unique gimmick-” She then started to suggest.

“Actually, there’s a little shooting range at 3-B. Let’s go there.” Homura interrupted before suggesting.

“Ah, that sounds more exciting! Let us go there and test our ability to shoot.” Kochō agreed as the two locked arms and began heading out.

(Practice Building 1F)

As soon as Yumi separated from the Phantom Thieves, she was already searching around for her dear sisters. Being with the Phantom Thieves, as much as she loved spending time with them, was too risky with the possibility of police and shinobi watching them as a group.

“I can’t get them involved yet. It’s far too risky.” Yumi thought in a worried manner before spotting her sisters talking amongst themselves in the middle of the hallway. “Ah! I’m here!” She called out as she rushed over to them.

“Yumi-chi, you’ve finally decided to join us.” Shiki responded, not exactly looking happy to see her sister.

Yumi flinched. “I-I apologize, but I’m here now. I heard you helped Akechi-san run away from his fans.” She apologized and soon recalled.

“Ah, yeah! He was super nice!” Minori exclaimed.

“I see.” Yumi responded with a nod. “So, what are you all doing now?” She then asked in a curious manner.

“Oh, we just did an escape room.” Yozakura informed.

“Don’t Get Your Heart Changed.” Murakumo added, causing Yumi’s eye to twitch. “It was actually quite fun to solve. Too bad we can’t do it again.” She then lamented.

“Ah. I see.” Yumi mumbled with a sigh.

“It also would’ve been nice if you were there.” Shiki added.

“...If you’re trying to guilt trip me, it’s working.” Yumi got out in a guilty manner.

“It is.” Shiki then admitted. “But also, we got stuck on one puzzle, which cost us first place.” She then mumbled as she glanced over to the leaderboard, which put them at last place.

“How could we have known we needed to arrange the straws like that!?” Murakumo complained.

“My brain still hurts...” Minori moaned.

“So, what's going on with you?” Shiki soon asked.

“Eh?” Yumi let out, surprised by the sudden accusation.

“Yumi, it feels like you're avoiding us.” Murakumo stated with a frown.

“Ah...” Yumi grimaced. “I’m sorry, but I have so many commitments these days to my friends and work.” She then explained in an apologetic tone.

“But what about earlier? When you decided to hang out with Akira-nii and the rest.” Minori then pointed out.

“I...” Yumi began as she tried to figure out what to say.

“Yumi, be honest with us.” Yozakura soon got out in a serious manner. “Do you prefer hanging out with your new friends than us?” She then asked.

“What!? No, no, not at all!” Yumi exclaimed as she shook her head, shocked that her sister would even ask her such a thing. “I just...” She tried to say something, but nothing came to mind.

“Just what...?” Shiki got out as everyone leaned close with judging eyes.

“...I’ve...” Yumi began with a wince. She didn’t want to lie, but the truth would be so much worse. “I can't say. Not now at least. I’m sorry.” She vaguely added.

“What can't you say then?” Murakumo pressed, sounding a little frustrated. “Come on, you can be honest with us. We’ve been through too much together to hide something from each other.”

Yumi’s eyes soon began to shift away from her sister, trying to think of something to get out of this. “...The concert.” She finally said, unable to make up anything else.

“Eh?” Minori let out as the rest looked on in confusion.

“I’ll...I’ll tell you all at the concert.” Yumi sighed in a defeated tone.

“Why?” Yozakura demanded as she narrowed her eyes.

“Because there's too many eyes, too many ears here, and I don’t have the free time to explain everything. And if I say anything more than this...you may never see me again.” Yumi explained in a serious manner.

“Yumi...?” Murakumo muttered, not used to seeing the leader look so...paranoid.

“W-What did you get yourself into?” Minori questioned in worry.

“Something big.” Was all Yumi could say.

“Jeez, if you're gonna tell us at the concert, you should at least get us tickets...” Shiki groaned.

“I’ve said it before, I’m already pushing it by inviting all my...other friends.” Yumi reminded before grimacing at the mention of the other friend group. “B-Besides, I know you’ll win the dance competition.” She then confessed.

“But...what if we lose...?” Minori pointed out.

“Then I’ll tell you after the concert, but right now I just...I can't do it right now.” Yumi stated.

“You're not exactly making sense here, Yumi, but...Urgh, we’ll go along with it.” Yozakura relented, knowing that there was nothing else they could do.

“Thank you for understanding.” Yumi breathed out as she bowed.

“We don't understand, Yumi-chi. But...we’re willing to trust you, okay? I know you’d never do anything that would hurt us, at least on purpose.” Shiki then corrected and hoped.

“I’m sorry for any sadness I have caused.” Yumi then got out in an apologetic tone. “Let me make it up to you all.” She then offered.

“Really? How?” Minori asked.

“Well, there is a classroom they turned into a karaoke room.” Yumi informed. “Why don't I give you all a private concert?” She then added.

“You sure? There’s no clause stopping you from doing that?” Shiki pointed out.

“Even if there was, what they don’t know won’t hurt them.” Yumi giggled. “Now come on, before people realize.” She then decided.

“Ehehehe, sure!” Minori exclaimed as she and the rest of the group followed their sister to the makeshift karaoke room.

(Courtyard)

Morgana had left Akira’s bag and made his way to higher ground to observe all the people wandering around the school, making sure to look for anyone who seemed suspicious. “It’s scary to think there could be so many shinobi here right now, and we don’t even know it.” He muttered to himself.

This entire situation was seriously worrying him. At any moment, one of their own could disappear, never to be seen again. He couldn’t even smell death on shinobi because it was masked by so many other smells.

Unfortunately...all he could do was watch...

“...No, I can’t think like that!” Morgana told himself as he shook his head. “Everyone believes in me, and I won’t let anyone take them away. It’s what-”

Morgana froze.

What...What was he about to say? “It’s...what...who...?” The not cat muttered as he tried to remember. It was...It was...!

“Arf?” A familiar animal barked out.

“YOWL!” Morgana screamed, jumping at the sound of a dog right behind him.

“Arf arf!” The little puppy greeted, introducing herself.

“Huh? How did you get up here!?” Morgana questioned, ready to fight this Poochie if he had to.

“Arf!” However, Poochie did no such thing as she approached the other pet and...

“M-Mreow!” Morgana meowed, trying to get the puppy to go away, who was cuddling up to him in a friendly manner.

“Arf arf!” Poochie barked out.

“L-Look, buddy. I may not be a cat, but I’m not exactly a dog person either.” Morgana grumbled as he tried to move away.

“Arf? Arf arf.”

“Oh, sorry. You’re a girl?” Morgana apologized and asked.

“Arf!”

“I-I’m still not too comfortable with you around and-” Morgana began.

“Arf.”

“...What?” Morgana responded with widened eyes.

“Arf arf!”

“Y-You can tell I’m not a cat!?” Morgana exclaimed in shock.

“Arf arf!”

“Oh, right...you have a better nose than me...” Morgana remembered, sounding a little bummed out. “Wait, what do I smell like?” He then questioned.

“Arf? Arf arf.”

“Coffee, curry...fish...schoolbooks...perfume...” Morgana listed off. “Oh, I smell like Akira...!” He then groaned.

“Arf arf!”

“You’re right. I don’t smell like a cat either.” Morgana responded with a nod. “But...without Akira, what would I smell like?” He then wondered.

“Arf arf!”

“Me?” Morgana repeated with widened eyes.

“Arf! Arf arf arf!”

“...That’s...No one’s ever said that before.” Morgana breathed out. “Wow, for a dog, you’re really making me think.” He then chuckled.

“Arf.”

“Wait, what!? You’re only a year old!?” Morgana gasped in shock.

“Arf arf!”

“What a great owner you got.” Morgana then remarked.

“Arf!”

“Really now? Who are they?” Morgana pressed.

“Arf!”

Morgana blinked. “...Come again?” He questioned in confusion.

A distance away, the Phantom Thieves Leader watched the interaction between the not cat and the puppy in amusement.

“Glad to see Morgana enjoying himself with Poochie.” Akira quipped in amusement. He had actually seen greenette around, which did send a spike of unimaginable, pant-wetting fear in him and the not cat, but soon relaxed as the greenette casually greeted him. It seems like she was just there to enjoy the festival, is all.

Unfortunately, not everyone was here for the great food, fun activities, and good company. Some...were here to hit on the many girls who decided to attend the festival, that Akira couldn’t help but think were other shinobi.

“Urgh! There’s too many beautiful girls here!”

“I know. We just passed by a serious hottie earlier.”

“Dude, you think she’ll say yes if I ask her out?”

“I dunno, man. She’s totally a chunni with that eyepatch. You better act like a Dark Lord or something.”

“...Did they just say an eyepatch?” Akira muttered to himself, thinking of the two girls he knew that both wore eyepatches. “Either it’s a pirate cosplayer, or one of the two I’m thinking of. Only one way to find out.” He started, however...

“I finally found you!” A familiar voice got out in a confident manner.

“Huh?” Akira got out as he soon saw a ravenette wearing a black turtleneck sweater, a white skirt decorated with cats with guns, white sneakers, thigh high socks, and a black stocking cap with cat ears on it. “Uhh...hi there.” He awkwardly greeted.

“Hey yourself.” The girl replied with a grin as she walked up to the boy, her being as tall as his chest as she then placed her hands on her hips. “...So?” She soon started.

The boy in turn raised an eyebrow to this. “What?” Akira got out in confusion.

“Aren’t you going to compliment me?” The girl then suddenly asked in a teasing manner.

“...I’m sorry, I don’t exactly have the best memory in the world. Who are you?” Akira got out in an apologetic tone.

“Hehehehehe...” The girl mischievously giggled. “I guess I should give you a hint since it's been a while.” She then stated...right before putting on her eyepatch.

The Leader in turn blinked to that in confusion as he then got a better look at the girl and what she pointed at. “...Mirai?” Akira got out, blinking at the sight as he recognized the eyepatch.

“The one and only!” Mirai proudly confirmed, hands on her hips.

“...You had a growth spurt.” Akira noted, blinking at the sight. “Holy shit...” He thought to himself in disbelief.

“Hehe, I know.” Mirai happily giggled out rather proudly.

Akira in turn snickered to this, glad to see she was the same girl. “And you’re still at the right height to be headpattable. Headpatible? Headpatted. I’m just gonna pat your head now.” He responded while trying to find the right word before doing what he decided to.

Mirai giggled some more to that as the boy began rubbing her head. “It's good to see you again too, Akira-nii.” She replied.

“Same here, but are you okay?” Akira replied before asking. “I heard you got into some trouble at your school.” He then vaguely recalled.

“Serious trouble, actually. And...I’m still paying for it.” Mirai vaguely responded as she then hugged the boy.

BOING! SQUISH!

“I...I really missed you...” Mirai confessed, pressing her bust against his chest.

“...I missed you too.” Akira responded as he returned the hug...and felt the assets pressing against his chest. “...This is going to take some getting used to.” He then admitted.

“Yeah. I’m still getting used to all these compliments I’ve been getting all day.” Mirai replied and soon admitted.

“Give me your beauty tips, eyepatch girl!”

“Yo! Did you fall from heaven? Because I’ve always wanted to taste an angel! Wait...”

“Hey girl, wanna play D&D after school? I’m a Level 5 Sorcerer!"

“Damn you, Kurusu!”

“Why does he get all the sexy girls after him!?”

“Aaaaand now people are jealous of me...again.” Akira awkwardly got out with a sweatdrop. Though, it wasn’t like they weren’t jealous already considering the people he hangs out with.

Mirai meanwhile blushed a little to this. “You’re quite popular yourself, huh?” She assumed.

“Not in a good way.” Akira sighed out. “Don’t let the growth spurt give you too big of a head. Fame isn’t all it's cracked up to be, you know.” He soon advised.

“I-I know Akira-nii.” Mirai responded, the blush still on her face.

“We should probably get out of here before someone accuses me of getting another girl into my harem.” Akira soon suggested with a smirk.

“They think you have a harem?” Mirai got out, blinking and soon blushing more to this idea.

“I do not.” Akira confirmed.

(In a more philandering timeline: yes. He does.)

“So don’t start falling for me yourself, Mirai.” Akira soon requested, moreso in a joking manner.

“O-Oh, don’t kid yourself, Akira-nii.” Mirai responded, cheeks pink. “I just like being with you, nothing more.” She then confessed.

“Alright then.” Akira replied with a nod. “Oh, I just remembered: we have a room where we can play PC games. Wanna head there?” He soon recalled before asking.

“Akira-nii, I love you!” A starry eyed Mirai confessed as she cuddled up to his arm. “Let’s go!” She then decided in excitement.

“Hahaha, lead the way.” Akira laughed as the two headed out.

(Practice Building 3F)

“So this is Shujin Academy...” Gekkō remarked in awe as she and Senkō walked through the halls (while ignoring all the stares at their tits).

“It’s a lot livelier than I was expecting. Certainly after all those scandals.” Senkō soon remarked.

“I assume it’s because of the Phantom Thieves’ increasing infamy.” Gekkō assumed with a shrug.

“People can’t stop talking about them...except now they want their heads.” Senkō mumbled with a frown.

“I hope it dies down eventually.” Gekkō admitted.

“Me too.” Senkō nodded in agreement.

“I bet Fubuki-sama is sick of hearing about them by now.” Gekkō soon assumed.

“I wonder what Fubuki-sama is doing for...her...” Senkō began, only for her to blush upon both sisters spotting something they never thought they’d ever see, standing right beside the door to a lively exhibit.

Fubuki sighed as she turned to the half-sisters, lamenting the fact that she had to be seen like this. “Ah, Senkō. Gekkō. You decided to visit.” She greeted.

“W-What!?” Senkō squeaked in a flustered manner.

“Welcome to the Bunny Casino of Class 3-A.” Fubuki said, her face dull and her tone duller. “We have Blackjack, Tycoon, Poker, Bullshit, Asshole, and Uker. The entry fee, along with 100 chips, is 1000 yen. Win fabulous prizes like a model kit, a portable fan, Phantom Thieves merch, and more.” She then explained.

“Fubuki-sama?” Gekkō spoke, doing her best to hold in her laughter.

“Why are you two here? I thought you two and Sayuri-san were looking for red orbs.” Fubuki soon questioned with narrowed eyes.

“We already collected as much as we could. We thought you’d need help here, so we decided to visit.” Gekkō informed, unable to help herself from glancing down at the half-yōma’s outfit. “Um...what are you doing?” She soon asked, cheeks pink at the sight.

“Helping with my class’ chosen activity.” Fubuki responded in a flat tone.

“And...the b-bunny girl suit?” Senkō questioned.

“I was determined as the most likely to attract customers.” Fubuki informed. “Or at least the second most, but Niijima-san decided not to help us and instead hang out with her friends.” She then added in an unamused tone.

“Oh.” Senkō let out.

“I only accepted because people like to talk when gambling.” Fubuki then added. After all, with the right atmosphere, you could get people drunk without even providing any drinks.

“Well...have you gotten anything from doing this?” Gekkō asked.

“The Phantom Thieves reputation is falling by the day.” Fubuki informed as she glanced over to the barely-touched PT merch table. It seems like some students were trying to offload some ill-thought purchases.

“We noticed.” Gekkō sighed.

“Ignorant masses...turning on anyone at the slightest mistake.” Senkō grumbled.

“Yes.” Fubuki then got out. “The Thieves have not made a move in a while, neither against an important figure nor a minor nuisance.” She then remarked.

“Do you think they are laying low?” Senkō assumed.

“No, that would be foolish if I were in their position.” Fubuki responded as she shook her head. “If they were to regain the public’s trust, they would already be planning their next move.” She then added.

“And what move will that be?” Gekkō asked.

“...Well, I have an idea on who they may be focusing on...” Fubuki responded as she glanced over at a poster on the wall.

Tomorrow Night!

Goro Akechi Q & A!

Be there, or be square!

(Practice Building 2F)

“Mohhhhh...” Asuka groaned as she stared at a copy of the poster advertising Akechi’s appearance tomorrow night. “To think so many people believe in someone so...so...” She then mumbled, getting madder as she thought about it more and more.

“Ah ah ah. Save your judgement until you know for certain he is Black Mask.” Chiyome responded and reminded. “He is innocent until proven guilty, as they say.” She then added.

“But...if he really is Black Mask...” Asuka mentally started. “...I-I don’t know if I can hold myself back from doing something bad to him.” She then admitted in her head.

“And I’m sure everyone has those exact same feelings.” Chiyome soon reminded. “However, it is paramount that you calm yourself. One mistake could spell the end of you and your loved ones.” She then stated.

“Way to calm me down, Chiyome...” Asuka mentally sighed out.

“I am only reminding you what is at stake, but I trust that you and your friends will pull through.” Chiyome explained and admitted.

“...Thanks.” Asuka responded with another sigh.

“There you are!” The brunette recognised the voice coming from her left, and nearly found herself bowled over by how excited her friend was in finding her.

“M-Miki-chan!?” Asuka gasped in a surprised manner.

“Hiya, Asuka-chan!” The pinkette turn greeted as she adjusted the beanie atop her head that hid her horns. “God, I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” She then admitted.

“Erm, how did you know I was here?” Asuka had to ask.

“Why wouldn’t you be?” Miki however asked before pulling out her phone. “You look so fashionable, even when you don’t even know a camera is on you.” She then added.

“People have been taking pictures of me...?” Asuka mumbled.

“Why wouldn’t they? You look really cute in your uniform.” Miki pointed out and complimented.

“Ehehehehe...” Asuka awkwardly giggled as she tugged at her scarf.

“Asuka-san.” Then another she recognised let out.

Asuka gasped. “Ikaruga-chan!” She exclaimed before going over to hug her.

“And who are you supposed to be?” Miki asked as she narrowed her eyes.

“Asuka’s senpai from her old school.” Ikaruga revealed, piquing the pinkette’s curiosity. “I’ve been looking for you.” She then revealed.

“Ah, well...I’m here.” Asuka awkwardly replied. “And this here is Miki-chan. She's a fellow model I became friends with.” She revealed and explained.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Miki soon replied in a polite manner.

“Likewise.” Ikaruga responded. “...Don't I remember you for advertising some facial cream that caused people to break out into hives?” She soon recalled.

Miki in turn winced at that, but then sighed at the reminder. “That was more so the company, not my excellent salesmanship.” She responded. “I just perform to the whims of my agency.” She then claimed.

“I see. Well, I hope you don’t meet Yagyū-san today.” Ikaruga responded.

“Ah, if you could apologize to her for me, I would appreciate that.” Miki soon requested and admitted.

“I doubt a simple apology would suffice, Miki-san.” Ikaruga responded as the pinkette winced. “But I will relay your words.” She then added.

“Thank you.” Miki bowed to that.

“Erm...so...um...What do you want from me?” Asuka then asked as she looked at her two friends.

“Well, I want to- wait, no, wait your turn. No, stop copying me. Ignore her, Asuka, and just- NO! STOP! What is with you!? All I want is to- AARGH!” Miki and Ikaruga tried to say, only to begin glaring at each other as they realized neither of them were backing down.

“Ehehehehe...” Asuka awkwardly chuckled with a sweatdrop. Looks like she was going to be here for a while until the two of them stopped.

(Classroom Building 2F)

Meanwhile, in another part of the school, the Mikagura sisters and Naraku were walking through the halls, partaking in the various food stalls around the place while heading to their destination.

“Nom nom nom nom!” Hanabi happily got out as she chewed on her cotton candy.

“This festival is seriously in full swing!” Renka remarked.

“I was expecting more dicks painted on the walls...” Kafuru remarked as she looked around the graffitied hallways.

“Dick?” Naraku repeated in confusion. “But why would the Phantom Thieves paint Goro Akechi on the walls? Or do you mean riding crops? I hope you certainly don’t mean nothing would be painted.” She then wondered.

Kafuru blinked in confusion. “...What?” She let out.

“Focus, dammit.” Renka sighed as she rolled her eyes. “We’re just here to check on Kagura-sama. Hopefully she’s doing fine...”

“Where is her classroom again?” Hanabi asked.

“She texted us the map of the school.” Renka reminded as she pulled out her phone. “She said Class 2-D, so it should be right...” She then added, before...

“Welcome!” A familiar voice greeted, which caught the group by surprise.

Dressed in a long black French maid dress with long sleeves and a skirt that covers just above her feet with her hair in a braided ponytail, was one of the most dangerous beings ever to exist in all of human history.

And the four immediately gawked at the sight. “K-Kagura-sama!?” Naraku gasped in shock.

“Yes. I am Kagura.” The black haired girl confirmed with a smile. “Would you like some takoyaki? Ah, I should mention that a few items from our menu are currently unavailable.” She soon offered before informing.

“You look so cute in your maid outfit, Kagura-sama!” Hanabi exclaimed while her blonde sister took pictures of the yōma slayer’s current outfit.

“Yes. 69 people have said the exact same sentence since the culture festival opened.” Kagura informed with a nod of confirmation before revealing.

“Urgh, perverts, dammit...” Renka scoffed as she rolled her eyes.

“You see Akira or Asuka?” Kafuru then asked.

“No, I was busy buying more squid, but I did hear they were at the stand earlier.” Kagura responded. “Goro Akechi was also there, and reportedly soiled himself.” She then revealed.

The Mikagura sisters blinked. “...Seriously?” Renka deadpanned.

“It is what my classmate Hitori-san said.” Kagura informed.

“Dammit, we’re getting nowhere...” Renka soon sighed out. “All this time, and we still don’t know exactly why all of them smell so much like yōma.” She then reminded.

“They’ll slip up somehow, but right now we need to keep focus.” Naraku however responded. “The whole world is relying on us to find out what exactly these guys are. We can’t falter here.” She then reminded.

“Yeah.” Hanabi replied in agreement. “I wonder if they really are normal people...or they’re hiding so much more underneath.” She then wondered and added.

“I doubt any normal human would find themselves soaked in yōma blood...” Kafuru reminded.

“Um...Sorry to insist, but we require that you buy some takoyaki or move along.” Kagura awkwardly requested.

Kafuru then took a better look at the teenage yōma slayer. “You seem to be enjoying yourself, Kagura-sama.” She soon noted.

“It is quite the experience.” Kagura confessed with a genuine smile. “...Ah, I could have gotten a better chance of being closer to Akira if I accepted his offer to tutor me.” She then realized.

“Eh!? Why didn’t you accept it already!?” Renka exclaimed.

“I didn’t think it would be necessary to learn more than I needed to pass.” Kagura explained.

“I thought you were near the bottom...” Kafuru remarked.

“Of my class. However...” Kagura explained before the girls turned to see a male student hitting on a blonde girl and a silver-haired beauty.

“Yeah, I drink gasoline because I need fuel to run these guns.”

Yomi and Reki, who had incidentally crossed paths, gave the boy a flat look before walking away.

“Hey! Wait, was it because gas isn’t green? Uhh...I burn grass! And eat solar energy! I’m super-effin’-healthy! Please come back!”

“...I am not at the bottom overall.” Kagura concluded.

“Wow, these guys are pretty dumb!” Hanabi stated, which did not go unnoticed by the others.

“Accept the offer next time you see him, Kagura-sama. This could be our chance to finally find out what truly happened to all the yōma.” Naraku advised.

“Very well.” Kagura got out with a nod. “...You still haven’t bought any takoyaki yet.” She then pointed out.

“Fine, fine. Just...give us the plain ones.” Renka then decided after taking a quick glance at the menu.

“We’re all out of plain.” Kagura automatically informed.

“Eh!?” Renka let out in shock. “Um...with cheese?” She then asked.

“We’re out of cheese.” Kagura informed again.

Renka began to sweat. “Hyuga Style?” She then assumed.

“We’re out of salt.” Kagura got out, which only baffled the brunette even more.

“...Russian...?” Hanabi cautiously suggested.

“Right away.” Kagura bowed before heading into the classroom to prepare the meal.

“She’s really getting into it.” Kafuru noted.

“I do not like the idea of Kagura-sama being subservient to others...” Naraku grumbled.

“Aw, come on, Naraku. It’s just for today.” Kafuru pointed out.

BEEP! Huuuuuuum...

“...Is that a microwave?” Renka soon asked with a sweatdrop.

“Our class focused more on making cute costumes instead of the food itself.” Kagura awkwardly informed.

“S-Seriously?” Renka got out, getting a nod from the ravenette before she soon face-palmed herself. “Jeez...” She groaned.

“Hehe, Onee-chan’s triggered since she doesn’t like cuteness.” Hanabi snickered.

“...Worth.” Kafuru meanwhile declared before taking more photos. This is definitely going on her wall.

(Classroom Building 1F)

Class 1-C was running a custom sweets-making class, which Hibari dragged Yagyū over to as soon as she heard about it.

“I want my sweets to look like Ninto!” Hibari soon decided.

“Hibari, remember that we’re here on a mission.” Yagyū reminded in a whisper. They needed to collect info from Asuka's friends to help determine whether or not she was a Thief.

“They could be here.” Hibari whined. “Ann-chan loves sweets after all.” She then informed.

“But why would she-” Yagyū began to ask, only for her visible eye to widen as soon as they arrived at the room. “Hibari, get behind me.” She suddenly ordered.

“Eh?” Hibari let out in confusion.

“Don’t argue.” Yagyū ordered as she glared at the direction she sensed the danger: a girl that was likely older than either of them, sitting by herself. “That girl...I can feel the killing intent she's suppressing right now.”

“What's wrong?” Hibari whispered.

“Nothing yet, but we must remain calm.” Yagyū instructed in a serious tone.

“Oh, hi! Are you here for the class?” A student who was overseeing the class asked as she noticed two newcomers arriving.

“Ah, yes!” Hibari got out in a happy tone. “I wanna make bunny candy!” She then revealed.

“Sweet!” The student exclaimed, giggling at her own little joke. “Why don't you take a seat next to...un...th-that girl over there. We don't have anywhere else right now.” She then instructed.

Of course, it had to be the person that was raising a million alarm bells for the self-proclaimed guardian. “Sure! Come on, Yagyū-chan!” Hibari excitedly got out.

The white haired girl was reluctant, but she had no choice but to sit down next to the mysterious girl with a killer’s aura.

“Hm?” the brunette let out, a little bothered by the fact she wasn't alone anymore.

“Hello! I’m Hibari and this is my best friend, Yagyū-chan!” Hibari greeted.

“Maki.” The brunette girl replied in a polite manner.

“You don't seem like the type to do something like this.” Yagyū however noted.

“What gives you that impression?” Maki responded, attempting to keep the sarcasm out of her voice.

“Moh! Yagyū-chan, anyone can make candy!” Hibari stated. “What are you making right now?” She soon asked.

“Melonpan.” Maki revealed.

Hibari immediately perked up to that. “I love melonpan!” She confessed.

“You have five here...” Yagyū noted.

“One for me and all my friends.” Maki simply revealed. “They’d get annoyed if I didn't give them one each.” She then explained with a sigh.

“Ah! We should make some for our friends too!” Hibari soon realised. “What would everyone like?” She then wondered.

“I suggest anpan.” Maki replied.

“Good idea! Do you mind helping us out?” Hibari soon asked.

“Hibari...” Yagyū whispered in a warning tone.

“Yagyū-chan, don’t be mean.” Hibari argued with a pout.

Yagyū went silent for a moment before sighing. “Haaah...fine.” She then relented.

“Yes! So, will you help us, Maki-chan?” Hibari questioned again.

Maki thought about it for a moment. “...Sure.” She responded with a nod.

“Yay!” Hibari cheered.

Maki unconsciously smiled as she worked with these two strangers to make sweets together. “Huh...this is actually pretty nice.” She unintentionally thought to herself.

While this was happening, Ann, Haru, and Makoto were watching the shinobi playfully make sweets together.

“Um, should we...leave?” Ann had to ask in a cautious manner.

“I think it’ll be fine, Ann.” Makoto soon replied, seeing that they weren't doing anything other than having fun.

“Ah! Look at what I made!” Haru suddenly got out as she proudly displayed her creation to her friends: several pairs of carefully decorated buns.

Ann and Makoto blinked at the sight. “...Haru, are those-” Makoto began.

“They’re all based on the chests of my friends from the Melon-Peaches!” Haru informed before she hugged her buns. “Ahhhh...they feel just like them!” She then sighed in a nostalgic manner.

“...You memorised the feeling of their chests...?” Ann got out with a raised eyebrow.

“I do now!” Haru exclaimed happily as she rubbed her face on her creations.

“Friendship is stored in the boobs, I guess...” Makoto thought with a sweatdrop as she glanced down at her own.

BOING!

(Practice Building 1F)

Meanwhile, Ryuji hadn’t been enjoying the festival as much so far.

Ever since that farce of a maid café, he had just been wandering around and checking out whatever the other classes had done. However, he couldn’t even like a single thing because he was too busy looking behind his back and trying not to yell at anyone badmouthing the Thieves. He’d get the attention of the cops...or worse, the shinobi.

The police were too obvious to him, as he could definitely tell by the way they stood or how they were asking questions (or the gun in their pants), but the real threats were hidden amongst the crowds, hiding in plain sight.

“Man, who the hell could be a shinobi ‘round here?” Ryuji thought as he vigilantly studied the crowd. Seriously, there were a lot of people around and any of them could be an enemy!

BOING! BOING! BOING!

And many satisfied Shujin girls he recognized for years that now had bouncing busts as well.

Dammit, it could be that brown-skinned girl with the crow on her shoulder, or the girl cosplaying as a Super Sentai, or that American girl with the pom-poms, or the little girl with the butler bear toy, or even the cute girl with the dark hair as black as night and glowing yellow eyes coming straight at him!

...And with his luck, all of them were shinobi.

...Wait, yellow eyes?

“Hey Ryuji-kun!” A familiar voice happily greeted.

And the dyed blond soon realized who it was. “H-Hyōki-chan!?” Ryuji gawked in a surprised manner.

“I finally found you!” Hyōki got out in relief before groaning. “Urgh...there’s too many people here, but at least no one has blond hair like yours. Well, except for one other person...” She soon admitted before correcting herself.

“So you actually did decide to come.” Ryuji assumed with a smile.

CHU!

“Of course!” The ravenette replied as she kissed the boy’s cheek.

However, this got attention from other students who noticed this.

“WHA!?”

“D-Did that girl just kiss Sakamoto!?”

“The hell!? A cutie like her!?”

“Wasn’t he with some blonde chick?”

“MANWHORE!”

Ryuji’s eye twitched at that last one. “OI, that’s Akira!” He countered in annoyance.

“Ignore them.” Hyōki sighed as she snuggled into his chest. “So...how’s the festival so far?” She soon asked.

Ryuji chuckled as he looked at his second girlfriend. “Great now.” He revealed with a grin. “Though, I think it could get even better if Katsu-chan was here.” He then admitted.

“She’s not here?” Hyōki got out in surprise.

Ryuji shook his head. “I tried callin’ her ‘fore I came, but she said that she would-” He began to explain, however...

“Arrive whenever she’s needed?” A familiar voice assumed in amusement.

“Huh?” Ryuji got out as he soon felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Yo!” Katsuragi playfully greeted with a finger gesture.

“KAT!” Hyōki happily declared as she rushed over and hugged the blonde.

“Hehe, hey there Hyō!” Katsuragi playfully greeted as she rubbed the ravenette’s head.

“Moh! What are you doing back in Tokyo!? You should’ve told me!” Hyōki soon asked before pointing out in a slightly whiny tone and a pout.

“Ah, sorry. Just been busy with...stuff.” Katsuragi sheepishly and vaguely responded.

Hyōki simply gave the older girl a flat stare. “Kat, if you wanted Ryuji-kun for yourself, you could’ve asked.” She soon pointed out.

“H-Hyōki-chan...” Ryuji mumbled with a blush.

“No, I’m serious! I’ve been busy with...stuff.” Katsuragi responded. “Important stuff, yeah. My friend was making me focus on studying too.” She replied and revealed in a sheepish manner before leaning over to the dyed blond and kissing his cheek.

CHU!

“But I just had to make some time for our boyfriend, Hyō.” Katsuragi admitted with a smirk as the dyed blond blushed.

“K-Katsu-chan...” Ryuji mumbled, looking rather red as he felt all the stares around him.

“Aw, don’t mind them. Let them weep at our happiness.” Katsuragi giggled as she wrapped her arms around her man.

“WHAT THE!?”

“Blondie kissed Sakamoto too!?”

“And the other girl’s not phased by it!?”

“What is even happening!?”

“...Did she just say our boyfriend!?”

“No frickin’ way...”

“HEY!” A new ravenette with the red Shujin Academy Disciplinary Committee armband got out as she pointed at them. “No PDA! Please refrain from such things while on school grounds! Especially as a student, Sakamoto.” Yui soon reminded and pointed out.

“Ah, sorry!” Ryuji quickly got out with a blush as he pulled himself away.

The blonde meanwhile pouted to this, but then smirked. “What? You wanna join?” Katsuragi offered as she wiggled her eyebrows.

“Ack!” Yui choked with a blush. “I have a boyfriend!” She soon revealed.

TRIP!

“Ahn~!”

The trio blinked at the sound of a girl moaning. “...Was that-” They all began in unison.

“My boyfriend.” Yui confirmed with a sigh. “Urgh...fifth time today...Momo, you lucky...” She grumbled before rushing off.

“...I think I got to her once.” Katsuragi mentally recalled as she glanced at the bust she had.

“Um, we should probably do something instead of making-out in the hallway.” Hyōki soon suggested.

“Sure, Hyō. If you want a change of venue.” Katsuragi replied.

“Yeah. Let’s have some fun!” Ryuji agreed with an excited nod.

“Hey! This is our first official date as a throuple!” Hyōki soon realized in excitement.

“WHAT!?”

“I-It is, isn't it.” Ryuji got out.

“Yeah.” Katsuragi replied with a smirk. “So, what are you guys thinking we should do?” She soon asked. “Head to the shooting range? Get some food? Find an empty closet?” She then began suggesting.

The ravenette immediately blushed pink to that. “K-Kat...” Hyōki stammered out.

“Hehe, I’m kidding.” Kasuragi giggled. “...That’s third date territory.” She then added under her breath.

“Um, let’s start with something not too complicated. Like, we haven’t had a chance to hang out in a while.” Ryuji suggested. “Let’s just...um...talk. Shoot the shit.” He awkwardly decided.

“Great idea! And I know exactly where we can go.” Katsuragi exclaimed with a grin.

“...HOW THE HELL DID SAKAMOTO GET TWO GIRLS THAT ARE WILLING TO SHARE HIM OF ALL PEOPLE!?”

“IS THERE SOMETHING IN THE WATER!?”

“DID KURUSU TEACH HIM HIS WAYS!?”

“SHUT THE EFF UP!” Ryuji screamed at the jealous crowd, instantly making them shut up. “So, ladies?” He then responded in a much more polite tone.

The two in turn latched onto their boyfriend’s arms, giggling all the while as they knew how jealous other guys were.

(Nurse’s Office)

“...The Nurse’s Office?” Hyōki got out as they entered the room.

“It’s empty and quiet, isn’t it? Plus, I don’t see a nurse anywhere.” Katsuragi explained.

“Where is she?” Hyōki had to ask.

“Probably getting wasted in the teacher’s lounge.” Ryuji casually assumed. “Good idea, Katsu-chan.” He then added.

“Thank you.” Katsuragi replied with a bow. She was glad she thought of it as soon as she saw the nice and clean beds available!

“I just hope no one is going to get injured soon.” Hyōki got out as she sat down on one of the couches.

“Ah, they have some sweets here.” Katsuragi noticed as she grabbed one from the bowl on the table.

However, Ryuji didn’t seem too enthused about eating candy right now. “Eh...I’m gonna grab some stuff from the other stalls. You girls want anything?” He soon decided as he headed for the door. “...Don’t make me get takoyaki, please...” He mentally pleaded.

“I only want a bag of kettlecorn from the courtyard.” Hyōki soon requested.

“Me too.” Katsuragi spoke up.

“Drinks?” Ryuji then asked.

“Surprise us.” The two girls replied in unison.

Ryuji nodded. “Okay. I’ll be back soon.” He assured before heading out.

“Ahh...look at him go...” Katsuragi breathed out with a smile. “...His butt is getting better and better. Though, I wouldn’t mind if it got a little squishy.” She then complimented.

Hyōki giggled before popping a chocolate kiss into her mouth. “Kat, you’ve been acting a little...weird.” She soon noted in concern.

“Eh?” Katsuragi let out in surprise. “I’m just acting like my usual self.”

“Kat...” Hyōki responded with narrowed eyes.

“What makes how I’m acting now any different from all the other times?” Katsuragi questioned.

“There’s an edge in your voice.” Hyōki pointed out almost instantly. “Like...you’re afraid of something. You haven’t been afraid of anything since I’ve met you, and it’s around Ryuji-kun? That’s worrying.” She then explained.

“Ack!?” Katsuragi choked. Eh!? She was that easy to read!?

“Plus...all your pervy antics earlier feel more forced this time around.” Hyōki then remarked. “Like you’re burying it, trying to hide something underneath boobs and butts.” She then added.

Katsuragi slumped. She’d been found out. “...Can you keep this a secret?” She asked in a dour tone.

“Sure, but why are you...?” Hyōki began to ask, only for her to come to a realization. “Oh. My. God.” She whispered with widened eyes.

“What?” The serial sexual harasser got out.

“I know you wanted to do it first, but you didn’t do it with protection!?” Hyōki assumed in a freaked out manner. She wasn’t ready to be a mother!

“What!?” Katsuragi exclaimed with a blush. “What!? No no no! We aren’t...we haven’t gotten to that point yet. It’s more...Personal.” She then explained.

“What do you mean?” Hyōki pressed.

“...There is a slight possibility Ryuji is hiding something from me. Or, well...us now. And...I’m so afraid of finding out if it’s true.” Katsuragi revealed in a nervous manner.

“What?” Hyōki gasped in disbelief. “But...Ryuji-kun is...”

“The most honest guy we know.” Katsuragi finished with a sigh. “But...what he might be hiding...it could be big. Like, really, really big.”

“It can’t be that big.” Hyōki denied as she shook her head.

“It could be as big as my love for groping jugs.” Katsuragi revealed in a serious manner. After all, she had seen so many lovely girls with giant tits all day...and yet, she couldn’t bring herself to even stare at a single pair.

She was not the cause of all the sudden breast growth today, dammit!

“Oh dear God...” Hyōki gasped in horror.

“I know.” Katsuragi nodded gravely. “I don’t know what to do, Hyō. I need help here.” She then confessed in a worried tone.

“You’re asking me for advice?” Hyōki questioned with a raised eyebrow. “Um, I’m not exactly experienced...” She then pointed out.

“I’m not either, that’s why I’m talking to you. I need a new perspective on this whole thing.” Katsuragi then explained.

“Then what type of secret is he hiding from us? Is he going through something like a terminal disease? Did his crappy father show up trying to reconnect with him? Is he cheating on- no, wait, you’d actually view it as a good thing...” Hyōki tried to guess.

“It’s...” Katsuragi began before wincing. She couldn’t tell Hyōki that there was a chance that their boyfriend is a Phantom Thief, that would be way too much! “I don’t know what it is, but I’ll tell you when he...tells me.”

Hyōki frowned. That was probably all the info she was going to get about the matter. “...Then...talk.” She then suggested.

“Eh?” Katsuragi got out in confusion, not expecting such simple advice.

“Talking with you, being with Ryuji...you both taught me to be upfront with my feelings. That it’ll hurt more the longer it takes.” Hyōki informed with a smile. “Where’s that girl who threw caution into the wind and confessed to him on the second date?” She then demanded.

“Well...It’s not quite the same as-” Katsuragi tried to explain, however...

“Kat.” Hyōki interrupted as she held her fellow girlfriend’s hand. “Just ask him. I don’t think he’ll hide it from you.” She then stated.

“And if he does?” Katsuragi mumbled in a worried tone.

“Then we’ll march right up to him and demand the truth.” Hyōki declared with conviction. “We can’t make this relationship work without knowing each other inside-outside (figuratively and literally). If he really is lying to us over something that could affect our relationship...he doesn’t deserve us!” She then called out.

“Hyōki...” Katsuragi whispered, a little amazed by the younger girl’s promise. “...You’re right. I’ll confront him and...we’ll talk.” She then responded.

“Do you want me to be there with you?” Hyōki then offered.

“No, this is...this is only between us.” Katsuragi got out. “But...not now. Not today.” She then added, a little bit ashamed. She just wasn’t mentally prepared for that, and besides...she wanted to know if Asuka was a Thief first.

“You’ll have to do it sooner or later, okay? I’ll hold you to that.” Hyōki pointed out.

“Yeah.” Katsuragi assured. “Soon.” She then concluded.

“I’m back!” Ryuji announced as he entered the room. “Kettlecorn and drinks. Hope ya like placenta.” He then declared while placing his spoils down on the table.

“Thanks, Ryuji.” Hyōki giggled as she opened the bag of kettlecorn. “...Wait, what?” She then got out in confusion.

However, just as Ryuji was about to explain, there was commotion just outside the room as a mob of students chased after a poor (strangely happy) girl.

“PLEASE TAKE MY NUMBER!”

“I’M SO LONELY!”

“PLEASE! I’LL SUCK YOUR STRAP-ON!”

“GET AWAY YOU HEATHENS!” The pretty eyepatch-wearing girl screamed as she ran down the hallway just to get away though both of the dyed blond’s girlfriends noticed the conflicted, flattered smile she had as she ran by.

“That girl...is she enjoying the attention or hating it...?” Hyōki thought as she narrowed her eyes, not sure how to describe the sight.

“...Some guys are just that effin’ desperate at this point.” Ryuji remarked in disappointment.

“...Wait, was that Mirai?” Katsuragi mentally realized.

What has she been doing all day to attract such attention?

(Classroom Building 1F)

After a rather fun gaming session with Mirai, Akira was wandering the halls of the festival once again. Mirai hadn’t joined him because she was too busy...well, running away from boys who wanted to ask her for a date.

Turns out, hot girls who play games are really attractive, and Mirai was still deciding whether or not she’d be happy about this.

“It’s starting to get late...Okay, one more stand, and then it should be time to meet up with the others.” Akira thought to himself before checking his phone. “Now, who’s available to hang out with...?” He muttered to himself.

“May I suggest this girl? She seems nice.” An older girl suggested as she pointed to a specific contact.

“Heh, I’m sure she’s busy.” Akira responded with a smirk.

“Oh, I don’t think she’s doing anything important right now.” She stated in a playful tone.

SQUISH!

And the Phantom Thieves Leader chuckled as he felt someone hugging his arm. “Hello, Haruka.” Akira greeted.

“Aw, you’re not even surprised?” Haruka pouted.

“Why would I be when I heard the rumors of a pretty girl looking for me around the school today?” Akira pointed out.

“You know that applies to a lot of girls you know.” Haruka giggled.

Akira chuckled before gaining a serious expression. “How’s your arm?” He asked.

“Eh? Oh, I barely notice it.” Haruka got out as she rubbed the arm that had been shot a couple of days earlier.

Akira then looked around and leaned in close. “Any progress on...?” He started.

Haruka then lowered her gaze, her mind replaying her most recent encounter with Dōgen’s lackey. “...No. No progress at all.” She lied.

“Well, if you need help...” Akira began as he rubbed the back of his neck.

“Let me take care of it, Akira-kun.” Haruka insisted as she shook her head. “And besides, today is the day you shouldn’t be worrying about me. You should be enjoying the festival.” She responded and reminded.

“I am.” Akira replied. “Are you?” He then asked.

Haruka then snuggled up to the boy. “I am now.” She confessed.

“Well, let’s get going then.” Akira got out as he led the blonde through the halls of his school.

“How has the festival been going?” Haruka asked in a curious manner.

“Pretty decently I say.” Akira replied with a shrug. “If you ignore all the anti-PT sentiment, the undercover cops, and the shinobi.” He mentally added.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Haruka then questioned.

“Here and there. Mostly hanging out with friends and- Oh, I recently saw Mirai too.” Akira responded before revealing. “...Was her growth spurt your doing, somehow?” He then asked.

Haruka however shook her head to this. “No. I had no involvement this time.” She confirmed as she leaned into the boy’s ear. “It apparently happened while she was imprisoned.” She then whispered.

Akira raised an eyebrow. “I thought prison would make her...not that.” He admitted.

“I have no idea how it happened either.” Haruka responded with some fascination in her voice.

“Well, she’s certainly suffering from success right now.” Akira muttered.

“Are the boys here really that desperate?” Haruka questioned.

“The Student Council President grew three cup sizes over the summer and she got a serious popularity boost. Us hot-blooded men just really like seeing pudding jiggle.” Akira then pointed out.

“Oh, so you do like seeing me.” Haruka giggled.

“There are some things in nature you can’t fight.” Akira responded with a smile. “...Though, a terrible personality kills any sort of attraction for me.” He then added.

“Well, it’s not like I spend so much time with you just for your good looks.” Haruka stated. “You are quite handsome though. It's no wonder Murasaki-chan and Ryōna-chan gained a thing for you too.” She then complimented and pointed out in amusement.

“Hey, there are prettier people out there.” Akira countered.

“What? Like the Detective Prince?” Haruka assumed, soon smirking as she watched the boy’s eye twitch. “He has nothing on you. Speaking of, I heard he was coming tomorrow.” She then stated before recalling.

“That he is.” Akira confirmed. “Will you be there? It is open to the public.” He then asked before informing.

“Maybe. Maybe not.” Haruka vaguely answered. “I’d rather not listen to a bunch of sycophants and philistines praise someone who does not realize how the law has failed many of us. How...it failed you.” She soon confessed.

“I’m not gonna refute that.” Akira replied with a sigh, glad she understood and cared for him so much in that sense. “...Still, laws are there for a reason. Without them, it would be total anarchy.” He then pointed out.

“Oh, has Akechi managed to convince you away from starting your own rebellion?” Haruka assumed.

“No, not at all.” Akira quickly shook his head. “People need to stand up for themselves, fight against problems before they become part of daily life. The law helps, but it isn’t perfect. We need rebels more than ever.” He soon stated and explained in a professional manner.

“Or...simply have the Phantom Thieves take care of it.” Haruka suggested. “Not many people have the power to change hearts...or stop hearts and put CEOs in comas...” She then mumbled.

“...”

“...I still do believe in them, you know.” Haruka soon confessed.

“You do?” Akira questioned, blinking to this reveal.

Haruka in turn nodded. “Yes. I believe that something is wrong. That this is nothing more than a ploy to distract the public from the real problem. I...I would like nothing more than to help them resolve whatever the cause of this insanity.” She then confessed.

“...Yeah. They probably need some help these days.” Akira admitted with a nod. “Too bad it’s u- sorry, them against the world.” He then added.

“Not everyone has turned against them.” Haruka pointed out as she pulled out her phone to show him a familiar website. “See? There’s still 20% left defending the Thieves on the Phan-site. Certainly better than how they started out.”

“It is dropping, though.” Akira muttered.

“It’ll be fine. The Phantom Thieves always win, no matter how stacked the odds are against them.” Haruka then assured. “Just be patient. The Thieves will be heroes of the people again soon.” She then added.

“...I will.” Akira nodded.

“Now enough about the worries of outside. There has to be something inside this school you’d enjoy.” Haruka soon suggested.

Akira looked around to see what he wanted to check out before settling on a particular sign that caught his attention. “How about a haunted maze?” He soon suggested.

“Ara ara, Akira-kun~” Haruka got out in an amused manner. “You want me to clutch onto you tight in case the scary monsters try to take me away? Well, I’m sorry to say, but I’m a lot braver than you think. If anything, you will be clutching onto me.” She then declared with a smirk.

5 minutes later...

“AKIRA-KUN! ZOMBIE!” Haruka cried out, scared out of her wits and clutching onto the only normal boy in this dark and scary maze.

Pop!

Not even a second later, the zombie dropped once he took a bullet to the brain.

“Got ‘em.” Akira got out as he blew the imaginary smoke off the barrel of his toy gun (it shot foam darts with plunger tips). “You know, this is fun. That was a good idea, Haruka.” He then complimented.

“Just keep your gun loaded!” Haruka reminded, thankful that she swiped a weapon from the shooting range. Akira also had to convince the students doing the haunted house to play along after Haruka nearly splashed her potions upon the first scarer.

“You’re actually pretty cute when you’re scared.” Akira soon admitted with a smirk.

“Th-These costumes are very high quality!” Haruka insisted.

That did explain why the maze was so shit.

“Grwar!”

“AAAAHHHHH!” Haruka screamed as she hid behind the boy.

POP!

“Stay down.” Akira quipped as another monster dropped. “I better hurry this up and get Haruka out of here.” He thought in concern. She was shivering as if she was naked in the middle of a winter wonderland.

And...great, he now had the image of Haruka in a sexy Santa costume crawling onto him in his head. “Curse my overactive imagination!” Akira mentally cursed.

“I’MGONNASUCKYOURBLOOD!”

Akira didn’t say anything as he snapped to the masked vampire and...

Click!

“Ah.” Akira let out in a plain manner. “I’m out of ammo.” He announced.

“HOW CAN YOU BE OUT OF AMMO ALREADY!?” Haruka cried out in a panic.

“I only got three darts.” Akira explained. And it was too dark to find them after they fired.

“O-Oh, I should...I’MGONNAIMPRINTONYOURBABY!”

“Akira-kun!” Haruka called out as she scrambled away.

Akira frowned for a moment before he tossed the toy gun to Haruka...

WOOSH!

...And then getting behind the masked girl and putting his hand on her paper disguise.

“Show me your true form.” Akira declared with a cocky smile.

“Akira-kun!?” Haruka exclaimed.

“Harder~” The masked vampire moaned.

“What?”

“What?”

“What?”

There was an awkward moment of silence as no one had any idea how to react. “...Oh, there’s the exit. Thank you.” Akira then pointed out before taking the blonde out of the haunted house.

“You’re welcome.” The masked vampire mumbled, thankful no one could see her blush...or nosebleed.

It was best for all parties, including the other ‘monsters’ who were there watching the entire thing, to forget that ever happened and go on with their lives.

“That was fun! Don’t you think so too, Haruka?” Akira got out in a jovial manner as he put away the toy gun.

“Mohhhhh...” Haruka moaned in despair, sitting low to the floor and looking quite exhausted.

“Wow, you sounded like Asuka.” Akira remarked.

“I-I showed a side of myself that’s unbecoming of my image...” Haruka mumbled as she stood back up.

“You shouldn’t mind that.” Akira soon assured as he brushed a few strands of hair from her face. “It’s nice to let your other side out sometimes. Keeping a mask like that on is too tiring.” He then added. “Plus, it was cute.” He soon confessed.

“Still, it was quite embarrassing.” Haruka got out with a blush. “But...also quite fun.” She then admitted.

“It was.” Akira agreed with a nod.

Haruka then smiled at the boy. “...Have I told you how glad I am to have met you?” She then confessed.

“Every time we meet. Silently or not.” Akira responded as he smiled back.

“Then let me spell it out for you again: I’m happy that you’re in my life.” Haruka got out as she hugged the boy.

(And in a more romantic timeline, Haruka finished it off with a very deep kiss.)

“And I’m happy I’m in yours.” Akira concluded.

Haruka giggled. “Well, make sure you stay then.” She then got out.

“I’ll try.” Akira assured.

“By the way, what was that about? That whole Show me your true form thing?” Haruka had to ask.

“Ah, it's a little in-joke with my friends. Nothing more.” Akira answered.

“What other in-jokes do you have?” Haruka pressed in an interested manner.

“Several.” Akira replied.

“You mind telling me some?” Haruka then asked.

“Sorry, Haruka, but you’re gonna have to earn that right.” Akira responded as he shook his head. “I can’t share everything after all.” He then added with a smirk.

“...I bet you do.” Haruka sighed. “Now, come on. Let’s go get a drink. All that screaming did make me thirsty.” She then admitted.

“Sure.” Akira nodded as they soon began making their way to the nearest drink stand.

However, all the while, Haruka was mulling over what she was learning about the boy throughout that entire experience.

He was fast, sneaky. He wielded a pistol like a professional hitman. And that mask thing...

Why hadn’t she noticed it all before...? That can’t all be Homura’s shinobi training, right?

“...Akira-kun...are you really a Thief...someone who just stole my heart...or both?” Haruka thought as she furrowed her brows.

(Shujin Academy, Entrance)

After a long day of having fun and checking out what the festival had to offer, the Thieves soon returned to the entrance.

“That was fun.” Asuka exclaimed with a fist pump.

“Yeah. We all got through today pretty fine.” Ryuji chuckled.

“Yes, but the associated mental fatigue was extraordinary. Being cautious takes a lot out of you...” Yusuke confessed with a tired groan.

“Seriously. I think I’m as tired now as I am after midterms.” Ann admitted as she held her forehead.

“There goes heading to Mementos today...” Akira muttered under his breath, knowing that they really needed to go soon.

“I didn’t mind any of that. I just loved seeing that detective gulp down the special takoyaki...” Futaba giggled with a devious smile.

“I had fun as well, since I got to spend time with you all.” Haru replied with a smile.

“What would you like to do now, Haru? Walk around a little more?” Makoto then asked.

“I appreciate the gesture, but I’m satisfied with stopping here.” Haru responded with a shake of her head. “Why don’t we go home and rest up? We’ll have to deal with Akechi-kun again tomorrow, after all...” She then reminded.

“I have to agree. What will his next move be?” Morgana agreed before wondering.

“Whatever it is, we’ll need to make sure we're one step ahead of that.” Homura stated in a serious tone.

The Thieves nodded to that in unison. Today was only a brief respite.

Tomorrow is when the real battle starts.

(10/25, Evening)

(Shinjuku, New Moon Apartment Complex)

“Today went pretty well!” Minori exclaimed as they gathered around the table, enjoying a large platter of sushi they had gotten while heading back home.

“Yeah, hanging out with Yumi-chi was good.” Shiki agreed with a nod. “Though, I still have no idea why she wants to wait until after her concert.” She then muttered.

“I wonder what Yumi is hiding from us...” Murakumo wondered out loud.

“She’s willing to tell us, but not until after the concert? It doesn’t make sense unless...” Yozakura muttered with a frown. “What if she’s doing something shady!? She was involved with Madarame, right?” She soon assumed before recalling. She soon got out in worry.

“She was Yusuke’s friend while he was still under his tutelage.” Murakumo recalled.

“...If whatever Yumi-chi is involved in goes on for too long, she could be in trouble.” Shiki then got out in concern. “I-I can’t stand the thought of her doing something so dubious alone.” She then admitted. She then admitted.

“Well...we should still support Yumi-chan however we can, even if she doesn't want it.” Minori stated, with her sisters nodding that.

“We should at least understand the full situation first before we do anything, though...” Murakumo then pointed out.

“She’s probably going to go see the Akechi panel.” Shiki assumed. “Maybe if we come back to Shujin, we’ll learn a little more about what Yumi-chi is doing.” She then added.

“Still, we also gotta prepare for our own competition tomorrow.” Yozakura soon reminded, her sisters nodding in agreement.

“And lucky for us, it’s after Akechi’s panel.” Shiki recalled, going over the details of the competition. “Oh boy, I hope we can do this...” She then breathed out in a nervous manner.

“Don’t worry. We’re ready. The competition will never see us coming!” Minori declared with a fist pump.

Meanwhile, just outside, Yumi had a platter of sushi the Vice Leader made for her in hand as she tried to figure out how to knock with her hands full. “Hm, maybe I should use my forehead?” She thought.

“That would not work...” Mikoto deadpanned. “You’d give yourself a headache.” She then added.

“Well, what should I do to get their attention?” Yumi mentally asked.

“There’s a doorbell.” Her Persona pointed out.

“...Ah.” Yumi blushed before using her elbow to press the button. “Hello? It’s Yumi. I have sushi.” She got out.

“Sushi?” Yozakura repeated from behind the door before opening it.

“Well, I still feel guilty for ditching you guys, so I asked a friend of mine to...” Yumi began to explain...only to see her sisters already had a platter of sushi. “Oh.” She let out with an awkward giggle.

“Hey, more the merrier. Come on in.” Shiki called out as she shifted to make a spot at the kotatsu for the gray haired girl.

“Thank you.” Yumi responded with a bow before taking off her shoes. “Good evening, everyone. What were you all talking about?” She soon asked as she sat down.

“You, actually.” Murakumo admitted.

“Ah.” Yumi let out. “It must be my request. I know it’s esoteric, but...I just need some time, okay?” She then assumed.

“Why are you hiding stuff from us, Yumi-san?” Yozakura questioned. “What changed?” She then added.

“Being here in Tokyo...helped me learn more than you think.” Yumi vaguely confessed. “Especially the fact that those in the shadows would use any means to get their way.” She then revealed with narrowed eyes.

“...So you think the Phantom Thieves are being framed...” Murakumo concluded.

“Yes.” Yumi confirmed with a nod. “The Shujin principal’s death and Okumura’s shutdown is far too convenient of a fall when the Thieves were at the height of their popularity.” She soon exolained.

“But we’ve never actually seen the moment a change of heart occurs.” Yozakura pointed out. “They disappear from the public eye for a while before reappearing as changed men.” She then informed.

“Then at the very least, the principal was simply an accident, but that doesn’t explain Okumura.” Shiki soon stated. “He was...crying black tears and...” She mumbled out before trailing off at the end.

“It was super scary...” Minori mumbled, trying to forget seeing such a horrible sight.

Yumi furrowed her brows. “...It’s likely the Phantom Thieves were involved...but something else seemed to have interrupted.” She then got out after some thought.

“Eh?” Her sisters let out in confusion.

“The current assumption and what the media is pushing is that the Thieves have been the cause of all the incidents pertaining to the breakdowns.” Yumi stated before shaking her head. “However, there is a possibility that it isn’t the case, that they only realized how to change hearts far more recently.” She then proposed.

“You’re proposing there’s another malicious actor in the mix.” Yozakura got out in disbelief.

“Yes.” Yumi nodded. “After all, before I came here, the incidents had been happening for well over a year. The Phantom Thieves have only appeared in April, and in a far more amateurish state. And remember, they went after a gym teacher, not like the far more important figures that have been targeted. And frankly, the victims prior to the debut of the Thieves didn’t seem all that bad. Not innocent, but...not at the level of corruption as Ichiryusai Madarame or Junya Kaneshiro.” She soon revealed and explained.

“So...you think there are two groups with similar powers.” Shiki got out.

“The Thieves change hearts, and this other group breaks it.” Murakumo summarised.

“Exactly.” Yumi responded with another nod.

“That’s...some fair reasoning, but it’s only speculation. It’s still possible they’re one and the same.” Yozakura tried to argue.

“And even if what you’re telling us is true, that only leaves us with one burning question: How exactly can they change hearts?” Murakumo then questioned. “The theatrics, the vandalism, the cards...why go through all this? It’s far more work and more of a risk of getting caught.” She soon questioned.

“Yumi-chan...you were quite close to Madarame through Yusuke-kun, right? Did you see the moment his heart changed?” Minori soon pressed.

“I was busy with my network at the time.” Yumi informed. “But I do know that the next day, Madarame collapsed. In similar timeframes, Kamoshida suspended himself, Kaneshiro turned himself in, and President Okumura locked himself away. But...from my research, it seemed like the incidents were far more sudden and instant.” She then revealed and explained.

“So...there really could be two groups with the same power running around!?” Yozakura exclaimed, shocked at how much sense that made.

“Maybe.” Yumi however got out in a cautious manner. “It could be disproven, but that's my best guess given what I know.” She then added.

“...Dammit, I suddenly feel guilty.” Murakumo soon admitted as she cursed under her breath. “I really thought the Phantom Thieves did do something evil, but now there’s a possibility that there’s two groups...” She then muttered.

“I guess without knowing all these exact details, of course the public would turn against them.” Shiki muttered.

“Still...the council wants answers, and we can’t turn against their orders.” Yozakura reminded. “We’ll need both the Thieves themselves and the evidence to back up their claims. They also may demand them to join us.” She then stated.

Yumi smiled at that. That didn’t seem like a bad deal. They’d no longer need to worry about money, they’re get proper training, and they could possibly stay together.

But then Yumi thought about it a little more. The fact that Good Shinobi worked with the government presented far too many problems. Too much red tape, the need to follow their orders, being forced to wage shadow wars...

...No, that would be the death of everything they believed in. There was plenty of corruption in the government already, and following the whims of authority is what destroyed many of their lives to begin with! The very hearts they might target could very well be their own leaders if they were to pledge their allegiance.

It was a sobering thought to realize now but Yumi couldn’t see it any other way. The Phantom Thieves needed to stay renegade, or they would all be in the exact same spots they were: abused by those who would throw them away once they had no use anymore.

And so, Yumi had to ask, “...And what if they refuse?” She soon questioned.

“Well, I doubt they’ll just let them go.” Yozakura stated in a blunt manner. “I think the council would want them killed to ensure no one else can learn their ways.” She then added.

“Eh!?” Minori exclaimed in shock.

“Yes. If it falls into the wrong hands, it’ll change the world for better or for worse.” Murakumo agreed. “It...would be a shame, but...we’ve seen how dangerous it is. We can’t let it fall into enemy hands.” She then stated.

“...So the Thieves still need to die...” Yumi muttered in a quiet voice.

“Unfortunately, it would be better for the world if it was erased.” Yozakura then got out. “Even with noble intentions, no one should have this power. After all, even with a bad actor in the midst, the Phantom Thieves aren’t infallible. They’re teenagers, and they could make a mistake they cannot take back.” She soon explained.

“We can be pretty dumb...” Shiki then admitted, though it looked like she didn’t like the thought of eliminating a force of good.

“...Yes, I agree.” Yumi responded with a nod.

“Nooo...” Minori let out in a tiny voice.

She was reluctant to admit it, but she could see their perspective and the Yumi from a year ago would’ve agreed. However, as a changed woman who has gone through hell to change the hearts of the corrupt, to risk her life just by existing as she is now...

...She couldn’t let her family interfere.

She didn’t want to die.

She didn’t want her friends to die.

“I’m sorry, everyone...but you are still my enemy.” Yumi thought in a depressed manner.

Suddenly, the sushi tasted like ash.

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

“You seriously didn’t get anything!?” Imu got out in disbelief as Haruka and her girls flinched (mostly by the volume of her yelling, people were trying to sleep after all). “You promised me today that you guys would have something!” She then reminded.

“All I learned is that Akira-kun is good with a toy gun and likes showing people their true form.” Haruka reported.

“...What?” Imu questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“I don’t get it either...” Haruka sighed.

“I was too busy fighting off the thirsty!” Mirai revealed.

“Can you stop smiling? We’re supposed to be having a serious discussion.” Imu then requested in a flat tone.

“What smile?” Mirai innocently responded.

“Urgh...” Imu groaned as she slid her hand down her face. “Please tell me you guys just didn’t goof off at the festival all day.” She then pleaded.

“I couldn’t find anyone because it was so crowded.” Yomi sighed as she shook her head.

“Well with how popular Shujin is as of late, it was to be expected.” Hikage pointed out. “I am still disgusted that there’s rumors going out trying to make it seem like that Kamoshida guy was a victim.” She then added, causing everyone else's eyes to widen.

“WHAT!?” Mirai exclaimed in anger. “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?” She soon asked.

“...Are they brain-dead or something?” Imu soon asked in disgust.

“How retched...” Yomi growled out.

“Plus, there were police there looking for trouble and who knows how many shinobi infiltrated the school.” Haruka reported.

“I think I saw Katsuragi while I was running away from my fanboys.” Mirai soon recalled.

“Still smug about it.” Imu noted in a deadpan tone.

“Arf arf!” Poochie then chimed in.

“But at least Poochie made a friend who’s just like her.” Hikage informed.

“That could mean anything.” Mirai muttered as she stared at the anomaly in the shape of a puppy.

It was at that moment Murasaki and the twins entered the apartment.

“We’re back from dinner!” Ryōna announced as she put down a bag of leftovers on the table.

“Urgh, how was the festival?” Ryōbi had to ask. Unfortunately, she and the others had to come into work today.

“Unproductive, from what I hear.” Imu answered as she sat down on a nearby chair.

“D-Did you see Akira-kun there?” Murasaki asked as she poked her fingers together.

“Hai. And a smooth talker like always.” Haruka confirmed with a grin.

“...I’m so jealous, Haruka-oneesama...” Murasaki confessed.

“Yeah...” Ryōna mumbled in agreement.

“Actually, you might be able to see him tomorrow.” Haruka got out. “You all don’t have work, right?” She then asked.

“Nope! We’re free.” Murasaki instantly informed.

“Good, because we need backup.” Haruka responded.

“Backup? What for?” Ryōbi questioned.

“...Possibly, for the Phantom Thieves.” Hikage answered.

“Eh?” Murasaki let out with widened eyes.

“I thought you said you didn’t get anything.” Imu pointed out.

“Anything new.” Yomi clarified. “We...have come across information that could lead us directly to them.” She then mumbled out.

“You didn't tell us you had a lead!” Ryōbi called out.

“What about the hair?” Ryōna soon reminded.

“The hair...is irrelevant right now.” Haruka informed as she shook her head. “We have something far more solid.” She soon revealed.

“What is it?” Imu all but demanded.

The festival goers went silent for a moment, glancing at each other to figure out what to say next. “I...I can’t say. Not yet.” Haruka sighed.

“...Does it have to do with Akira?” Imu assumed with narrowed eyes.

The doctor-in-training flinched. “I mean...” Haruka started.

“No, it’s Homura.” Yomi interrupted.

“Homura? What does she have to do with the Thieves?” Ryōbi questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“That’s what we intend to find out.” Hikage responded as Poochie nodded from her spot in her cleavage.

“Wait, if Homura’s involved, so is Miyabi by virtue of her mission.” Imu realized. “What’s going on, really?” She then asked, growing more and more suspicious.

“You’ll just have to find out tomorrow.” Mirai answered.

“Wait, tomorrow is also the panel for Goro Akechi making an appearance right?” Murasaki meanwhile recalled.

“Yeah.” Mirai confirmed with a nod. “You think the Phantom Thieves will be watching?” She then asked.

“He has been supporting them lately...” Ryōna mumbled, sounding quite annoyed by that fact. “At the very least, they’ll keep an eye on him, just in case some crazy fan decides to kidnap him or whatever.” She then added.

“Then it’s settled. We’re going to the festival tomorrow.” Murasaki decided.

“I’ll go tell Miyabi.” Imu got out as she pulled out her phone.

“No!” Mirai called out. “She can't know.” She then stated.

“What? Why?” Imu got out, confused and a little angry.

“Because...she’ll be there anyways. She's involved already.” Mirai then informed.

“Eh? Why didn't she tell us?” Ryōna gasped.

“Miyabi would never...” Imu began to growl, however...

“She might not be the Miyabi you know ever since she left for Tokyo. That could be the same for Homura too.” Mirai pointed out as she looked over the people in the room. They had all changed in some way or another. “And it's high time we find out what they became.” She then declared in a dramatic tone.

Meanwhile, in Hibari and Yagyū’s apartment, the Hanzō girls were looking over their notes and findings they’ve collected over the course of the festival.

“So, what have we learned today?” Ikaruga asked. “Information on something we can use or anything from Asuka's friends?” She then added.

“Well, a couple of them seemed sort of jumpy and stressed, but other than that...” Yagyū reported before shaking her head.

“Maybe they saw the undercover cops wandering around.” Katsuragi assumed with a shrug. “They weren't exactly hiding all too well.” She then remarked.

“What about Asuka-chan, Ikaruga-chan? You were the only one to actually spend some time with her.” Hibari soon asked and reminded.

“I couldn't get anything from Asuka.” Ikaruga stated with a frown. She had spent a good amount of time getting to know Asuka’s modelling friend, but that had led to nothing more than conversations about clothes. “She just seemed like...” She started before trailing off.

“She was just having fun at the festival, just like everyone there.” Yagyū guessed, to which the ravenette nodded to confirm.

“...Mori must've lied to us then. Asuka would never commit treason for any reason!” Katsuragi then called out.

“Hey, that rhymed!” Hibari exclaimed.

“It has only been a day. We can't just assume such a thing without putting in the time to determine either guilt or innocence. We don't even have a single confirmation that she is a Phantom Thief.” Ikaruga then pointed out.

“Yes. We’ll have to keep going.” Yagyū stated.

“What's going on tomorrow?” Hibari had to ask.

“Goro Akechi is coming to Shujin Academy for a Q & A.” Ikaruga stated. “We should be there as well as the Crimson Squad.” She then decided.

“What can we get out of some detective who only speculates on the Thieves?” Katsuragi soon questioned. “And get it mostly wrong, by the way.” She then pointed out.

“Have you listened to his last couple of interviews?" Yagyū got out. “He suspects that the Thieves are being framed. He may not believe their philosophy, but he knows their actions. And in a city where everyone is your enemy...” She soon reminded before explaining.

“...You’ll have to turn allies in the most unlikely of places.” Hibari gasped in realization. “Like us and Crimson Squad!” She then added.

“That's how I realized it.” Ikaruga stated.

“So...you think the Thieves will meet Akechi?” Katsuragi guessed with a raised eyebrow.

“If they really are Shujin students...if they really are Asuka and Homura...” Ikaruga then explained her reasoning. “They’ll be there with him.” She then added.

“There is more to this going on than we know.” Hibari sighed.

“I wonder what they're doing now.” Yagyū mentally wondered. “Are they planning? Talking with their friends? Looking for their next target?” She then thought as she narrowed her eye.

The two sisters were flat asleep, exhausted from spending so much time at the festival today.

“Zzzzzzzz...” Homura snored out, drooling on her pillow. “...Death to all humans, beep boop...Zzzzz...” She then grumbled with a smile.

“Ehehehe~ keep licking that, Mallow-chan~” Asuka mumbled in her sleep.

(Rise’s Apartment)

At the same time, Rise, Rin, and Daidōji were having dinner, trying to settle down knowing what was to come tomorrow.

However, it seemed like world loved to torture them with a face they saw everywhere...

“Another rerun!? Do they really like Akechi that much!?” Rise complained as she shut off the TV in frustration. After a long day of work, she wanted to relax, but everything just kept reminding her that things in Tokyo were falling apart by the second.

“Calm down. I don’t want you to get stressed before your guest appearance.” Rin warned.

“Urgh, I need to get off...everything for the next month or so...” Rise sighed. “Social media, TV, even the bus...I can’t seem to escape Akechi love and Phantom Thieves hate. And before that was Akechi hate and Phantom Thieves love!” She then listed off and stated.

“They have been the hottest topics this year.” Rin reminded as she shoveled some noodles into her mouth before swallowing them. “And no other group of Persona-users have allowed themselves to be this public.” She then added.

“I’m just really worried about those kids.” Rise sighed as she brushed her hand through her hair. “This is too big for them.” She then admitted.

“I would like to remind you we were also in over our heads. Sometimes we still are.” Daidōji then pointed out. “All we can do is trust them that they do not screw up.” She soon stated.

“They definitely do have a plan. Makoto did specifically get Akechi to be a special guest tomorrow.” Rin informed. “She told me he may become a key player soon enough.” She soon revealed.

“I passed by him earlier and...he had the same feelings I got from Adachi.” Rise admitted with a frown. “But...only after he busted himself.” She then added.

“Then we must ensure that he does not do anything to harm the Thieves.” Rin stated in a serious manner. “I get the feeling that tomorrow will be a turning point.” She then added.

“But will it lead to the truth or fade into the fog of lies...?” Daidōji wondered.

“We’ll just have to see.” Rise breathed out, unsure how things would play out for the Phantom Thieves.