Part 16: May 1 - May 5: Sanzo's Greatest Duty

-Signs of Love-



> You wonder if someone will show up on the Midnight Channel tonight...You can only wait and see. What should you do today?


Now that Yukiko's with us, I think it might be good for her to get some experience being in that place. Just give us a call if you want to go. See ya!

> Chie hung up. You thought about exploring the TV world today.

But then I remembered there'll be plenty of time for that on days when we actually have to go in.



Here's where Golden's bonus content starts to unlock. Unfortunately it looks like the unlock dates do not, in fact, reset on a new Clear Data game--I'll have to either guess at the proper dates, or just show it whenever.

-How Much?-


I lived there, too, once...When I was young and naive, a mere stripling, still wet behind the ears. Here, the air and the water and the light are more pure. I've forgotten everything from my time in that hell.

Even if we're not hitting the TV today, Yukiko should at least be prepared.



She won't need any of Daidara's weapons, but she can make good use of this Smokey Bear poster the others found in the castle.



-Heartbeat, Heartbreak-


Those idiots! Can't they do anything right!? I tell ya, the world is chock-full of idiots! Take those morons that ride around on bikes in the middle of the night for example! Guys like that can't do anything without each other! They're worthless! And lemme tell ya...

> The student from a rival school ranted on and on...

Sanzo manages to escape somewhere between "Why feminism is counterproductive" and "Why newer tabletop RPGs are all terrible."


I've been waiting for you. Hey, why don't you take me somewhere? I don't know the area. You know your way around, right?

> It seems Marie wants to go out...

Yeah, let's go! Today, I want to go to a lively place. I want to go to "Joo-nes." I heard about that place.

-Junes Theme-

> Junes, Electronics department. You were dragged here by an excited Marie...


Everyone was rushing to grab something called "sallah drezzing?" Whatever it is, it must be worth fighting for.


Who's this girl? She's so cute.
This is Marie.
Huh? Oh, yeah...

> Marie looks perplexed.

Marie-chan, huh? Ooh, that's a nice name. Oh, I'm Chie Satonaka. Nice to meet you!
Okay...I know what this is. It shows a lot of stuff.


Yeah, I want one, too. We still haven't replaced our old one.
I-I don't want one! I don't, but...
Maybe...Can you turn it to "StarScandalz?"
So you DO want one.
N-No I don't! I just was wondering how you're supposed to watch it.

> Marie seems interested in the TV...

...So how do you watch it?

> You explain to Marie how to use a TV.

Huh!? Are you one of those people who doesn't watch TV!?
There isn't one in the room.
Really!? Wow. You must have super-strict parents.
Girl, I don't think I could stand it. Life without kung fu movies...Brr!
Oh...But there's no "eclectic loutwits" in that room.
There's at least a couple.
I'll tell The Nose to install one of those "eclectic loutwits." There's nothing to do in there!
Hey, wait, Marie-chan!?...You don't even have electricity in your room!?

> Junes, Food court. You came with Marie and Chie...

-Youthful Lunch-


I haven't had the steak here in a while, but it really isn't all that bad.
Marie-chan, you haven't eaten at all. You, too, Sanzo-kun.
You've gotta eat if you want to grow up big and strong. Just kidding, haha!
You eat too fast...You're gonna be fat one day.
I didn't need to hear that!
Uh...I'll go get us some drinks! O-Oolong tea sounds good.


If they have TVs, they should be watching them instead of wasting time here.


Mother: No. You just had one. You'll have to wait.
Child: I wannit, I wannit!
Mother: I said no. You'll rot your teeth.

> Marie watches the mother and son...

Hey...Do you think I was ever like that?
You don't remember?
Yeah. There's a lot I don't remember...Everything.

> Marie looks serious...

I don't remember anything. I was just walking...I had nowhere to go, and I just ended up in that car. Then Margaret told me to stay there. She also gave me the name "Marie"...It'd be hard to get around without a name.
You can't remember anything?
I don't need to.

> Despite her casual words, Marie has a concerned expression...

But...I don't know why, but this town is familiar to me.
Do you remember anything else?
...I don't know. The only thing I remember--or more like "know"--is that this is mine.


I had this from the start. This is definitely mine. But...so what?
This doesn't help anything...

> Marie confided in you about her memory...




...You should stop. There's no such thing.
...This conversation's boring. Let's talk about something else.


The shop was busy, so I just ordered and came back here. They'll bring it to us when it's ready.
Uhh...Is it me, or is the mood a bit heavy around here? D-Don't worry, you two! I ordered for all of us! Oolong tea for everybody!

> After talking with Marie and Chie, you escort Marie back to the Velvet Room...

I'm bored with desk work. Let's just go straight to bed today.



> For some reason, you dreamed that Marie was chasing you. It was heart-pounding, but your relationship with Marie has intensified...

When you go to sleep without doing anything else that evening, you have a chance to boost a random Social Link. It is not very reliable, especially once you have a decent amount of links.




It's raining. It's not going to last past nightfall, though.
Every time it rained while I was "over there," you must have been...
Oh, I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be gloomy.
I know! Golden Week starts tomorrow, right? Do you have any plans?
I'll have a family outing.
I-I see. That must be tough.
But, at least it looks like we're going to have clear skies all week.
It'd be nice if it could stay peaceful like this, but the mystery hasn't been solved yet. Perhaps we should visit "over there" once in a while so we can become stronger.

-Specialist-


Your duty is to study! You don't have time to fool around, alright!? Do not misunderstand what freedom means! It does not mean that you can live without taking responsibility! Even Pythagoras said, "As soon as laws are necessary for men, they are no longer fit for freedom!" Next order of business! Midterms are coming up next week! The results will be posted to humiliate low-scoring losers! If you don't want to be shamed, study hard! It's that simple! If you do well, who knows!? You may become a more popular cretin! And you know, popularity leads to intimacy! On top of that, my reputation goes up. It's a win-win situation, people! Like I said, study hard!

A few days after you pass a rescue deadline, random townsfolk will develop a hankering for Shadow bits.


What is it?
Timid female student: To be honest, I haven't been able to sleep lately. I'm afraid of so many things out there. But, if I had some sort of charm, I could calm down and actually rest...I think. Like an Angel Statue, or something...I get the feeling that it could protect me. Someone from the city like you should know where to get one of those, right? O-Of course, I'll repay you! Umm...How about I trade you my old good-luck charm for it? It's a key. I don't know what it's a key TO, exactly, but it seems like it could be worth a lot.
I'll keep an eye out.
Timid female student: Huh!? Really...!? Thank goodness. Well then, I'll leave it in your hands.


Shady student: Or if you would prefer, the Occult Club.
There's nothing mysterious or occult about Magic: The Gathering. You're not fooling anybody!
Shady student: Surely a student of your tastes...can appreciate the dark arts?
...Yeah, sure.
Shady student: I knew it! Just as it was foretold! Haha...Perhaps you'd like a reading of your own? No, I'm getting carried away. Anyway, I was just about to get to the point of our little chat, now wasn't I? You see, I would like a really really DARK ornament for our club's room. That would be ideal, yes? After all, a lasting first impression is key. 80% of our choices are dictated by that alone. So, you must journey to an Old Castle where you will seek out the most evil looking Demon Statue you can. It should be obvious, but you'll have better luck finding one if you look for a magician of sorts...I think that would satisfy our needs splendidly. So, what do you think? You ARE capable of finding this, right? Naturally, you can expect a reward from us. Let's see...I have numerous things one might use to restore one's "health." Catch my drift?
I think I can find it.
Shady student: Ah, yes! Then all is as the higher being has foretold! Thank you very much. You shall be rewarded handsomely!


Male student: They're really not that hard to build, if you have the right materials and an antenna. I made one when I was in grade school. I found it last year when I was cleaning my house. It really brought back memories. Maybe I'll make another one. Oh hey, this is changing the subject, but would you mind listening to me for a moment?
Sure, I'll listen to you.
Male student: Well, I'm making another crystal radio, but I don't have all the materials I need. I don't have any Ritz Wire for the antenna. Do you know what that is? I need the twisted, enameled kind. I was going to cannibalize a TV for parts, but I couldn't figure out how to break it down...I thought I could get one, but I can't find one anywhere now. If you ever come across one, remember me, okay? I'll give you something "not sold in stores" in return.
I'll look around in the TV.
Male student: Huh? You sure say some weird things sometimes. But, it's all good. Well, I'll leave it in your hands, then. I'll be waiting for a Ritz Wire. It's not really sold in stores, so...


Artisan apprentice: Amazing! It's so light, yet so easy to swing...I'm begging you with my life! Please exchange that Iai Katana for the weapon I made!

> Exchanged Iai Katana for Cleaning Mop.

Artisan apprentice: R-Really!? Thank you so much! No backsies! Oh, I can't thank you enough! I'll keep doing my best from here on out!
The Cleaning Mop is identical to Sanzo's old sword, except its resale value is only 1 yen. I don't think that boy really made it, either! Still, Sanzo gets to kill shit with a mop now. We need this for something later on anyway.

It's the week before an exam, which means no band, and it's raining, which means no other Social Links either. Sometimes they'll want to do other stuff that's good for a boost, though.


You don't know how relieved I am to see Yukiko safe and sound! Thank goodness we got her out of there...
Oh, you wanna talk to her? I think she's on the first floor of the Classroom Building right now.
*sigh* But still, the test...Ugh. Are you free today, Sanzo-kun? Maybe you could tutor me...Or not...
Sure.
Alright! Let's head for the library!

> Yasogami High, Library...You studied with Chie.


Got it! Thanks for helping me, Sanzo-kun!

Studying or reading on rainy days will give you extra Knowledge points as well.


Announcer: The vehicle, which was abandoned at the scene, had been reported stolen by a local contractor. Since the culprit was able to act quickly before the security guards arrived on the scene, the police have...
Dad's late...
Phone: *RING RING*


Yeah...Yeah.
...Okay...Alright.


He can't take those days off.


Hello? Sorry, but I'm going to be late tonight. Make sure you lock up before you go to sleep. And about that time off on the 4th and the 5th...One of the younger guys got sick...
And, well, that case he's handling, we can't just let it sit...Looks like I'm the only one who can take over for him.
Poor Nanako...
Sorry to spring this on you all of a sudden...
Um...How's Nanako holding up? Would you mind comforting her for me?...Thanks. All right then, see you.



There is no way to comfort Nanako here.

-Sky Full of Stars-


That place is so empty at night, it's scary. It's only lively during the summer festivals. I've heard rumors that ghosts appear at night, but the good luck that comes from there is amazing. It's thanks to that good luck that I can keep this place open. I visit it every so often to pay my respects and offer the stones I've gathered. You should visit there, too. I'm sure you'll be blessed with greatness.


Me? I'm on my way home. I was talking with Daisuke until just a moment ago. If you're bored, you wanna hang out for a bit? Ooh, that's what I'm talking about. I like how you roll.


I haven't heard any news about them in a while...I still can't believe it.
Well, I mean, murders happen every day all across the country, but still...Our local news usually consists of stuff like a lost cat. To jump from that to murder! That's a big difference.
Did they find the cat?
Huh? Oh, yeah, they found him. Uh...You're more worried about that?
You're kinda missing a few screws, huh? I like that about you.

> Kou is impressed...

Oh, yeah, did you hear about this? There's a school near here that got its volleyball team into the prefectural tournament. Things got crazy. It was like everybody was just partying over it. When I was a kid, one of my drawings got picked for some prefectural art competition, and it was like that, too...

> You made small talk with Kou...

Ouch, I'm really pushing my luck with the time here. I should head home. Hey, you want this? I bought more than I could handle.

> You received Mini Cornet from Kou.

Take care on your way home.

> You parted with Kou and went home...





> You wonder when it'll rain at night again...



> Nanako is watching TV today, as usual.

Doorbell: *BING BONG*

> It sounds like someone's here...Chie came to see you.


Hey, if you're free today, wanna go somewhere? Yukiko's coming, too. How 'bout you, Nanako-chan? Wanna come?
U-Um...
Yeah, come with us.
Huh? I-I can come?
Of course you can!

> You decided to take Nanako out along with Chie and the others. You met up with Yosuke, who's still on the clock, and Yukiko, who finished her work back at the inn.

-New Days-


Where else is there to go?
I love Junes!
N-Nanako-chan...!
But we were supposed to go on a real trip somewhere. We were going to make boxed lunches...
Wow! You can make boxed lunches, Nanako-chan?
Nanako shakes her head and looks at Sanzo here. It didn't really come across in any of the screenshots.
Oh, so you're the family cook? Pretty impressive, "big bro!"
Big...bro.
Whoa, you can cook? Well, you do seem to be great with your hands--Um, never mind.
I-I'm a pretty good cook too, you know...Probably. If you'd asked, I would've whipped up some boxed lunches. Easy as pie! Yeah...
Uhh, lemme think about--No.
What makes you think I can't cook!? Let's have a cook-off and see for ourselves!
My, my, doth the lady protest too much? And hey, I never said I cooked.
But I have this weird feeling...Like I'd win anyway.
Ahaha, I can understand that.
What the--Yukiko!?
Here, Nanako-chan can be our judge. I bet we'll make something that ranks up there with your mom's cooking, Nanako-chan!
I don't have a mom. She died in an accident.
Hey, Yosuke...
I-I see...Um...
Sorry, I didn't know...
It's okay. Even if I don't have a mom, I have Dad with me.


And I'm having a lot of fun today! I love Junes!
Y-Yeah? That's good.
We'll play with you anytime you want, Nanako-chan!
Yeah, we should hang out more often.
C'mon, Nanako-chan. Let's go get a soda!
Okay!


Yeah. She makes me feel like I'm the little kid here.
That's it, I'm gonna go get something for Nanako-chan too!



> Nanako gives you a carefree smile...

-Strength Of Heart-





Justice represents decisions, morals, and responsibility.



> You had a fun time with Nanako and your friends...



Let's check out that shrine tonight.



It's quiet here...too quiet. Wait--what the hell's that behind the lion statue!?


Lady in white: I came to offer my fuda to celebrate my child's seventh birthday...However, I'm so hungry I can't even walk...It is truly shameful...

Speak on, O mournful shade! What regrets keep you fettered to this mortal coil? How might we speed your eternal rest!?



...With fish, as it turns out.

Lady in white: Th-Thank you very much...This is an expression of my thanks...Please, take this...

> Obtained Kingyou Stone.

More specifically, fish in exchange for gems. I'll feel pretty silly if these are the same gems Old Lady Shiroku brings here.

-Sky Full of Stars-


Sounds tough.
Ooh, a sympathetic spirit? Both the customers and part-timers were making crazy demands, haha.
Well, better this than sitting around bored. I can't get my mind off certain things whenever I have a spare moment...
Certain things?
Uh, you know...stuff. I mean, well...
Argh! Let's not get into it! Why do I get the feeling this is going to turn into a depressing conversation!?

> Yosuke forces himself to act cheerful...

Oh yeah, would you be interested in working at Junes? We're pretty understaffed right now, so...

> You enjoyed your idle chat with Yosuke...

Crap, how long have we been talking here? We should both be getting home. Oh yeah. Here, have this. I've heard it's pretty good.

> You received Red Bean Cornet from Yosuke.

Well, see ya!

> You part with Yosuke and go home.



-Signs of Love-




This might be kind of weird to ask after we hung out yesterday, but do you wanna hang out again today? I'll see if I can find someone else to come along with us. Oh, hey, why don't you bring Nanako-chan with you? Let's all hang out together.

> You made plans to go out. Junes, Electronics department...

-Junes Theme-


The first thing out of her mouth when I asked where she wanted to go was "Junes!"
Who could blame her? This place has everything...It's like a storehouse of magic. I can see why she likes it. Anyways, isn't she cute? I have a younger sister too. I wish she was cute like Nanako-chan.
I-I'm not cute...
Oh, did I hurt your feelings?
Don't worry, you're not cute.
That's going kinda far!
Are you stupid or something!?
That's the Daisuke I know.
Hehe, don't flatter me like that.
I don't think he is...
B-Big bro...That TV is huge...
I feel like if I watched sports on a TV like this, I'd get sucked into the screen.
C-C'mon...Like that could happen.

> It promises to be an entertaining day...You spend an afternoon with the group.



-Sky Full of Stars-


Drunk subordinate: Boss, you're drunk! Put yourself in my shoes for a sec! And...you smell...! Stinky feet, stinky breath, stinky lectures! Stinky stinky stinky!
Drunk boss: Wahahahaha! Of course, I'm your boss! Alriiiiight, get yourself ready for the next onnnnne!


I just came back from satisfying my hunger! Since we're both here, you wanna talk? Yeah! That's what I'm talking about!


It's loaded to the gills. Now there's a dish that really puts your love of meat to the test.
You should try it out if you get the chance. Meat's the perfect meal for a rainy day.
My love for meat will win out.
Ooh, you know the majesty of meat too!? Haha, I bet you and I can enjoy some great dinners together!

> Chie is nodding cheerfully.

But the Mega Beef Bowl's a pretty serious challenge. Even you might have trouble.
Do tell.
If you plan to take it on, you have to still your mind and just shovel it down your throat!

> You enjoyed your idle chat with Chie...

Huh? Whoa, look at the time. It's getting pretty late...we should start heading home.
Oh yeah, this is for you.

> You received Meat Gum from Chie.

Meat Gum is the best way to finish off a steak dinner! This sinewy texture's too good. Well, we should get going.

> You walked Chie to her house and went home...



> You have no plans today. You decide to go somewhere you don't normally go.







> You decide to go to the shrine in the shopping district on the way back.



> The dusty shrine doesn't seem to be well-maintained. You decided to go home.

-Border of Insanity-







> Does it live at the shrine? The fox is staring at you...You notice an "ema" plaque in its mouth. The mysterious fox nudges the ema into your hand.

-Deduction-



> The ema has someone's wish written on it. Why did the fox give this to you?...Upon closer inspection, you notice an unusually shaped leaf stuck on the back of the ema. You don't recognize this leaf from the local plant life. Is this also the work of the mysterious fox?


Old man: Nobody lives here anymore. I come by to tidy things up once in a while, but lately my legs are so achy, I just can't do it. I've been tryin' to get this place up to snuff, but there just isn't enough money to go around. Well, I s'pose I'll pay my respects. If my legs don't heal, I can't maintain the shrine. That, and I won't be able to visit Keita anymore. He's my grandson, y'know.

> You wonder if it could be the same Keita who wrote the ema. The ema said, "Please help Grandpa's legs get better"...

Old man: Hmm!? What's that you got in your hand there? Could it be!? That leaf! That's it! Way back when, my grandmother always used to say a leaf shaped like that was the best kind of ache remedy out there! Ah, what memories! But how'd you get your hands on this!? I didn't think you could find those in the mountains anymore. P-Please, young man! Can I trouble you to spare me that leaf!?

> You gave the old man the leaf that was stuck to the back of the ema.

Old man: Oooh, this is it, this is it...Now let's see here...

> The old man stuck the leaf onto his leg...

-Like A Dream Come True-

Old man: Oooh, I can feel it! It's working! Amazing! The pain I've been feeling for who knows how long--it just up and vanished! Hm? Hrmmm!? Why, I feel better than I have in years! You really helped me out, young man! I'm so grateful! Now I can visit my grandson! I'd better pay thanks to the shrine for bringing us together like this!





> Not only did it heal his aches, it restored his vitality.



> It seems to understand that the wish on the ema has been granted.



> It even seems to understand that the shrine has received an offering. Perhaps you were given the ema with the leaf for that express purpose.

*yip*

> It seems it has taken a liking to you...It has a mouthful of the same leaves as the one you gave to the old man. It seems the fox has a large stock of mysterious leaves with healing powers.

*yip*

> The fox is looking up mirthfully. Is there something it wants from you? You cannot help but think how strange an encounter this is, as you realize a fox is showing you a pile of leaves...

-Strength of Heart-





Hermit signifies guidance, solitude, searching, and introspection.



> You reflect on how useful it would be to have this kind of help while searching the "other side"...

*yip*

> Does it understand your thoughts...? The fox gestures toward the offertory box. Is it offering its services for a price?

*yip*

> It seems the mysterious fox has agreed to aid you in your search. However, it appears that it will require a fee for its cooperation...You returned the ema to the shrine and went home.



> You decided to go home.


Announcer: The alleged thief is Pumena Sushin, a 26-year-old former employee of the company which reported the stolen vehicle. According to the police investigation, Pumena Sushin was...
I'm home.
*sigh* How many days is he gonna call in sick? These rookies lately sure are--
Welcome back!

-New Days-


Oh, um, my big bro and his friends played with me instead.
I see...Thanks.
Oh, that's a Junes bag! What's in it?
Haha, good eye. Well, today is Children's Day, so I brought you a present.
Yaaaay!
Oooh, a t-shirt.


Oh wow, there's a picture on the front! That's so funny! Ahaha, yay!
I got you one, too. Not that you're still a child or anything, but fair's fair.


Thank you.
Don't mention it.
I thought you might need one soon. Well then...let's eat.
Okay!






I'm sure you'll end up taking a swim sometime this year. Make sure to wear that, okay?
"Yes sir, I promise not to skinny-dip."

> For some reason, you dreamed that Nanako was chasing you...