Part 25: May 29 - June 1: Shop 'Til You Drop

> You've never seen this show before. This must be the shopping program you'd heard about.

-Tanaka's Amazing Commodities-


Singers: Granter of your desires!
This is Tanaka's Amazing Commodities, the mail order television program, being broadcasted live to you! We guarantee your purchase will meet your satisfaction for a fair market price! Now, let's introduce the products that will be on sale for the next three days! Adios Shoes! This is a limited edition pair of high-quality shoes! But wait, there's more! I'll add two Slimming Foods to the Adios Shoes! All this for only 5,980 yen! We've got another fantastic product on sale today! One Medical Kit! It's very helpful in emergencies! What can I do to sweeten this pot for you? Ooh, I know! For this one, I'll add four Medicines to your Medical Kit for 2,980 yen! These deals are so popular, we're only allowing one order per person! Which would you like to purchase today!? Wow! We've sold through our entire stock! Thank you all so much for your participation in today's show! Today's sale is over, but we'll be back for another three days next Sunday, on this very same channel! To all my loyal customers who got shut out today: I'll see you next time!

> You hear the same song again.

Singing Voice: Here comes Tanakaaaaa Over the airwaves to youuuuu

> The shopping program has ended. You turned off the TV.

A proper TV purchase should be either amazingly useful, or ludicrously useless. Tanaka doesn't have anything like that this week. That should change soon enough.


If you're bored, wanna do something with me and Daisuke today? Sound good?
Sure.
Alright! Don't forget, okay?

-Like A Dream Come True-

> Yomenaido Bookstore...


A comic. I was feeling kinda nostalgic when I saw it 'cause I used to have it.
Wait...this isn't what I...
I got the wrong one...Instead of Rubber-Armed Pitcher Hero, I bought Lovely Witch Detective. Here, Sanzo, you can have it.
Thanks.
I didn't know you read those kinda books...
You must be one of those comic snobs.
What can I say? The covers looked exactly alike.


You three, all together? Now that's a weird trio. Then again, you guys are all into sports, huh?
Ch-Chie-san. Uh...What are you doing?
...Training!
Training...?
You're the man, Chie.
Hell no!

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

-Sky Full of Stars-


Drunk boss: Gahahahaha, what are you saying? You're young! You'll never get promoted with that attitude! Come on, follow my example! I'm like a jungle cat when it comes to work, women, and whiskey! A goddamned lion!
Drunk subordinate: You're a lion alright, a MERlion! *hurgh* I'm the one who always has to clean up after you! I'm sick of it!


Hmm...Having a young man around here may not be such a bad idea. It may actually attract some new patrons...Haha, don't look at me like that. I'm only joking. Well then, let me explain what you'll be doing here. It's quite simple. You'll just be washing dishes and taking away empty glasses. Tipsy patrons may strike up conversations with you, but make sure you stay sociable and listen to them. That's what this place is all about. I'm sure you'll understand when you start learning how to drink. But not now, of course. You're still too young. If anyone offers you a drink, you need to politely decline. So...Will you work today? Well then, I'll be counting on you.





> Which customer's glass will you take?



> When you go to clear the seemingly brave old man's glass, he begins talking about his past...You heard about a heroic episode of his. The pub had enough patrons today that you received a bonus on top of your pay.

So there's dishwashing. Boosts Diligence, with a chance to boost a second stat of your choice.



-Specialist-


I bet he's out there dicking around all day long!...What? What's with your faces?
Poor choice of words, Mr. Morooka.
You trying to tell me I shouldn't assume things? Don't tell me you're friends with that punk!
...All right, listen to these words! Aristotle said, "A true friend is one soul in two bodies!" You better watch who you hang out with! You'll only bring your own worth down! Though, I doubt the trash of society would even have friends like you!

-Heartbeat, Heartbreak-




Slim woman: I'm channeling my mental energy in order to control my urges. I mustn't want snacks...They'll just make me faaaat...Shiroku Store is my enemy...Remember all that dieting and exercise. Do you want to have to do all that again? Must shun the snacks...Ahhh! Snacks...I want to eat snacks! *sigh* I wonder if there're any bad-tasting snacks. Actually, it doesn't have to be bad...Maybe if it were just odd-tasting, I would stop thinking about them? I want to distance myself from those Shiroku snacks...

> Perhaps she's the one who wrote the ema request the fox showed you. It seems she is looking for a snack that isn't like the snacks that she's currently craving.

Slim woman: What's this smell!? It smells juicy, raw, and yet sweet...Is this the rumored Meat Gum!? *gulp* Hey, can I have a bit? I want to try it.

> You gave the woman Meat Gum.

Slim woman: Urp!! Wh-What is this!? It's chewy meat! This is also considered a snack!? The world of snacks is indeed vast and infinite...Well, that was certainly different and odd. When I think "snack" I'll definitely recall this taste now. Thank you...Now I won't linger in front of the Shiroku Store any more. Oh, yes. I need to visit the shrine. I made a wish to hate snacks there. I'll use my snack money as an offering!
Great job driving even more business away from the shopping district, Sanzo!

-Like A Dream Come True-

Samegawa flood plain. Yukiko handed you a homemade boxed lunch...



> It looks normal. For some reason, an unusually pungent smell hangs in the air...

Let's eat!
Go ahead!

> Yukiko is looking at you expectantly...It seems you have no choice but to eat it. You started with the...omelette-looking...thing...It's actually sof--? There's something too hard to bite on inside...And it smells burnt, yet raw...You worry that your body will reject the foreign matter...You were finally able to swallow it...

...You're not about to tell me how delicious that was, are you?

> Yukiko looks sad...

There's always next time.
I-I suppose...Thank you.

> Yukiko seems relieved...

What are you doing?


Ooh, I want some.
I-I'm sorry, but I can't give you any. It's not good...
Oh. If you make a good one, will you let me have some?
Huh? S-Sure, if you want...
Yay! I'm rooting for you!
Nanako-chan...Thank you. I'll do my best, okay?
I need to go now. I'm going to Mai-chan's house. Bye!
Be careful.


I'm having fun.
R-Really? I'm glad to hear that...

> Yukiko seems relieved. You can sense that Yukiko is relying on you...





A good upgrade to tide the team over until Yukiko starts getting full heals.

Only about a year left, huh? I need to be able to do anything on my own by then...

> You handed Yukiko the rest of the boxed lunch and went home.

-Sky Full of Stars-


Are you studying? Students need to study. Want me to tutor you?

> Adachi seems to be on his way home from work...Will you have Adachi tutor you?

Did that completely fly over your head? I forgot everything I learned in high school. Oh...But you did invite me over for dinner that one time. Fine, but just today, alright?

> You headed to the Dojima residence with Adachi...

-Like A Dream Come True-

> Dojima Residence, living room...


Though maybe I could help with Nanako-chan's.
Really!? You would? I have some homework! A book review!
Oh, those. They're really easy if you know what to do.
You don't have to read the whole thing. Just read the notes in the back and then summarize those.
I don't? But my teacher said, read it, and write what you think.
Don't worry about that. We have to be efficient here.
You're right.
Haha, are you the same way? What a bad older brother!

> Adachi is laughing heartily.

Big bro! Are you a punk!?
Come on, Nanako-chan. Bring your book.


I just have to read it. And then get a mark from a grown-up saying I did.
Oh, okay. That's easy enough. Though...a mark? Dojima-san's going to be late today.
Will you give me one, Adachi-san?
Me? Okay. If you're good, I'll draw you a big flower.
I want one!
Alright, then get started.
Once, in a deep deep forest, near a small, small river, there lived a pink alligator...

> Nanako is reading intently...

...And so no one remembered the pink alligator. Even today, the lake is shining the way it always did. The end.
Hmm...? Oh, you're done?
Do I get a big flower?
Yeah, sure, I'll give you one.
Yaaay! A flower!
What about you? Don't you have anything you want me to draw a flower on?
Nope, nothing.
You're no fun...Are you really related to Nanako-chan? Never mind...
You look mature, but you're still in high school, you know. I'm not saying it should be me, but if something happens, you shouldn't hesitate to bring it to a grown-up.

> You can tell that Adachi worries about you...


Man, I'm tired. Mind if I take a little nap? That old lady brought me some photos of potential matches. She kept insisting I see these girls because they're "nice," and I had to do overtime because of it. Like I'll ever get married.
You don't want to get married?
Marriage is where fun goes to die. You'll understand in about twenty years, Nanako-chan.
Come to think of it, Dojima-san will be father-in-law to whoever Nanako-chan decides to marry.
Eeesh. That's certainly going to put a damper on her chances.
What do you mean?
There's just no way. Sorry, Nanako-chan.
I don't want to get married, either! I don't like people with holes in their socks!
I don't have holes in my socks!
You did! The other day!

> The three of you spent an enjoyable evening together...



-Heartbeat, Heartbreak-



> Come to think of it, there was a woman looking for a snack that doesn't taste like a snack.

And she took all of Sanzo's Meat Gum! He never got to try it! This is how you get Meat Gum for her if you haven't spent any evenings chilling with Chie.

> Chie may know something...

A snack that doesn't taste like a snack...? Hmm, I have no idea. My snacks taste like snacks...You want some?

> You obtained Meat Gum x 3 from Chie.

Speaking of snacks, you ever get hungry inside the TV? Maybe I should bring something with me next time...
"I've still got plenty of ladybugs & teleport root, but thanks."

-Like A Dream Come True-

> Samegawa riverbank...You decided to train with Chie.


Unfamiliar guy: Huh? It's Chie. Whatcha doing?


W-Well...training! I'm working out!
Unfamiliar guy: Huh? When're you gonna graduate to being king of the hill?
K-King of the hill...?
Unfamiliar guy: In kindergarten it was the Runt Gang, in elementary school you were an Ally of Justice...Middle school, it was the Vanguards of the Lunch Revolution, wasn't it? Haha, so...What is it now? You a Protector of Earth's Peace?
Those things all sound awesome though?
W-Well...
Quit bagging on her.
Huh? Wait, what're you saying?

> Chie is in a panic.

Unfamiliar guy: Oh, uhhh...I didn't mean that in a mean way. I'm Takeshi Kouno. I was with Chie up until middle school...I'm not gonna get in you guys' way.
Hey, what are you...?
Unfamiliar guy: Oh, how's Yukiko-san doing? Does she have a boyfriend yet...?
...She's fine, and I don't think so.
Unfamiliar guy: I see. Cool, cool. She still good-looking? Maybe I should try for her again...I'll see you later. Say hi to Yukiko-san for me.

> Chie looks somewhat sad to see Takeshi leave...What should you do?

(Crack a joke)

> You pulled out your best joke. You showed Chie your impression of a different Takeshi...



> Chie is laughing hysterically.

I-I'm sorry. He really is rude, huh? Seriously...He was always staring at Yukiko. H-Hey, don't get me wrong. He's nothing but an old classmate to me! We're just friends, y'know? We used to get that a lot, though.

> Chie smiles somewhat sadly. You felt that you learned something about Chie...





Chie doesn't get any better ice skills on her own--from here on out, she sticks to kicking faces in. This'll keep her basic attacks useful for a little longer.

...But that's all in the past! Let's head home.

> You talked with Chie about various things while heading home.

-Signs of Love-


I'll go see the veggies!


Dad, did you really do that part? There's still some weeds.
All right, all right. Looks like you're more on top of this than I thought...
Oh, don't step there! We planted something!
R-Right, sorry.
Whew...I'm not sure if I'm actually helping out or just getting in the way...

> You should be able to expect a higher yield in tomorrow's harvest.




I heard there was a bunch of things to do there. So take me.

> The closest thing to a "big city" near Inaba is Okina City. You decided to take Marie to Okina City. You brought Marie by train to satisfy her curiosity...


It's a funny place. Wide, yet narrow. It's grey and full of squares. Hey, what do you do in the city?
There's nothing to do.
"Usually my other friends and I just kind of stand right here and chat."
There isn't? Let's go home, then. I'm sick of trains. Let's take a plane.

> Marie is in anticipation...




Oh, that's right. You haven't met her before, huh? She's Marie-chan. I had lunch with her once.
Oh yeah, this is Yukiko Amagi! She's our friend.
...Friend.
If she's someone you know, then she must not be from around here, right? Did she come from the big city?
Ah, I get it. So that's why you're here in Okina City, huh? There's diddly-squat to do around where we live, right? Yeah, I know.
...And a red one today. What're Green and Red doing here?
Green and...red? Green and red!?
Ah...Haha...I was wearing green last time I saw you, wasn't I?
I didn't say it was bad. You look good in those colors.
Oh, uh...Th-Thanks. I didn't think it was a compliment.
She's a nice girl. There's no doubt about that.
But Red Girl's all red. Does Green Girl always wear the same thing all the time?
To the point as ever...
...But she's right.
No, that's not what I meant. It's just...It's a waste. Humans can change their clothes, right? You should try wearing other colors.
I-Is that so...? I don't really pick out my own outfits...
I know! We were just on our way to get some new clothes. Why don't you come with us, Sanzo-kun? You too, Marie-chan!
Chie, they might already have plans of their own. Don't just assume they can come along at a moment's notice.
If you want to.
Huh...?
I...don't mind.
All right, then! Let's get going!

-Youthful Lunch-

> Okina Station, Croco Fur...Chie and Yukiko are having fun while looking for clothes.



> Chie is holding a green shirt...

I think it's good.
Yeah, but it's also green...
Whoa, you're right! Why do I keep buying myself green clothes!?
Marie-chan, what's your favorite color? Don't tell me...blue, right?
Er, I don't really have one...



> Yukiko has a crimson skirt in her hands...

I think it's good.
Sanzo is operating entirely on autopilot. Any second now, he'll start mumbling "Yes dear...no dear..."
Yeah...but it's red.
I see. So, wearing a single color isn't in? I like to keep things simple...
Thank you. I'll try exploring. Away with simplicity!
Oh...Well, okay.
What about this? Does this say, "me?"
...Green again?
How about this one? Away with simplicity!
There's too many colors. I'm getting dizzy.
If only they weren't all violent shades of pink. This store always makes my head ache.
This skirt's cute! It would go well with...How's this?

> Chie selects a yellow shirt and blue skirt...

At least it's not green...
Wait...But, yellow and blue...make green, right?
Oh. Ahahaha, you're right. Maybe it's some kind of instinct...?
You're not doing it on purpose...?

-Like A Dream Come True-

> Chie and Yukiko finished their shopping and returned to the station with you.


It can't be helped. Let's go back sometime later. They might have some new inventory by then.
Why don't we all go together, then? The four of us!
Of course.
Huh...? Me, too? Why?
Er, why? Because we're friends?
...Friends? We are? Since when?
Wait...didn't you have fun!? W-Was I bothering you today?...And last time, too...?
Huh? No, you weren't bothering me. I was just asking about why you said "friends."
...What does it mean to become friends?

> Marie has questions...

Well, I don't really know. The meaning of friendship? Hmmm...
You'll know once you have one.
Yes...I believe there is meaning. There are things you can't do by yourself that you can do together with others. Like today. We had you to help us choose our clothes.


I almost forgot! There's a DVD I wanted!
Let's hurry! It'll sell out!
It's a kung fu movie, right?...I doubt it will sell out.
Enough talk! Come on, everybody! Hustle!
Huh...? Me too?
Let's hurry.
I don't get it...It's not like I don't wanna go, though.

> Marie seems perplexed, but not against the idea...

Hey, those two are Persona-users, right? They're "chasing after the truth" with you, huh? You can't do that on your own, but you can do it together? Because you're friends...?

> It seems like Marie is wondering about what Yukiko said...


Hey! Pick it up, you two! Move, move, move!

> After looking around Okina City with everyone, you escort Marie back to the Velvet Room...

-Signs of Love-


Oh, I'll gather them, too!


The veggies are ready! Let's harvest them, big bro!
Great vegetables. See what your hard work gets you?
*giggle* Let's do it again, big bro!

Normally you get 2 Return Daikons per planting, but because I spent last night in the garden, I get 4.

Well...Planting seedlings, huh? It's been a while since I last did anything like this. I'm excited to see them come in.
Mmhm! I hope tons of veggies grow.



> You busily cleaned the recently vacated hospital room...




Oh, it's you, the student worker. I see you're doing your job. I'm sorry. I haven't introduced myself. I'm Sayoko Uehara. Nice to meet you.

> The nurse seems kind...

When you're done here, come on by the nurse's station. I'll pour you some hot coffee...Just kidding.

-Who's There?-


Hmhm, your skin is so smooth...Hey...You know what I'm getting at, don't you? Don't worry, no one'll see...
I'm not interested.
......
Oho...How adorable!...I like you. When's the next time you're coming? I'll adjust my shift. Looks like even a town like this has something fun to do...

> You can feel mischievous affection coming from Sayoko...

-Strength of Heart-





The Devil represents temptation and vice, but also ignorance, hopelessness, and bondage--especially self-imposed.

I'll see you again.