Part 26: 5/9-5/10: Track Team Is Serious Business
Part 25: 5/9-5/10: Track Team Is Serious BusinessAnon: Admin has to be trolling
Anon: I searched makes no sense
Anon: Whos spreading this?
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
You going snowboarding or something?
Guh Pollen allergies suck I couldnt go to the mountains even if I wanted to My eyes and nose would gush like rivers.
That sounds awful...
Thats right, the news said pollen season was starting later than usual this year. Looks like the pollen problems have only just begun. People are about to have some itchy eyes. This might affect Mementos the same way weather does.
Uhh ...
...Allergies? Oh, uh, maybe! I do feel kind of dazed, and everything feels weird! But um actually Ive been having this feeling that someones watching me I hope not Oh! Maybe I just cant shake off the feeling of infiltrating a Palace! At the Palace, were always cautious of not being noticed, you know! So it has to be my imagination Yeah...
He got what he deserved
I wonder who put up those postings.
Whats his problem? Casting shame on the whole school like that...
Your life is pretty much over if you do something like that.
Anon: Sounds fake, but
Anon: gtfo with that shit LOL
Anon: even kids arent that dumb
Anon: ugh another online rumor?
Anon: played too many games
Admin: No trolling please ;-;
Ha, poor Mishima.
Music: So Boring
I wish someoned just thank us for it or something
Either way, everything has worked out for the best.
I wonder whats gonna happen to him now. I mean, hes a famous criminal at this point, right? Hes gonna have to deal with people hating him forever...
That might be true, but I dont have any sympathy for him. He got what he deserved.
For sure.
Music: Tokyo Daylight
I saw it on the Phan-Site, but Ive heard about it at school too. Anyway, theres a guy at school whose bullying has gone too far. I want to help the victim, but thats impossible for me...
Youre amazing! The bully is a brown-haired guy frequently seen standing out front of the school entrance. And from what I can tell, his name is Daisuke Takanashi. Just make sure nobody knows I told you the name!
Maaku immediately goes up to the blackboard and writes MISHIMAS A NARC.
What good timing! I know this is a small case, but we have a name, so we should be able to consider him a target. Lets go gather at the hideout and discuss!
And were immediately whisked away to the hideout (that hasnt been closed off yet, oddly) to talk about Mementos.
Music: Suspicion
What are you talking about? Dont we need to study for exams?
Pff, nerd.
Eh, dont worry bout that stuff. Lets ignore the details and just go chargin in head-first!
Thats easy for you to say but we dont even have a target.
Thats actually not a problem anymore. Some intel has come in from Mishima.
Ooh, perfect timin! Lets just go in right now then!
Youll really do anything to avoid studying, huh ?
So, we have two options here. Despite the game spitting us out at the hideout, we can actually duck out of here and go raise Confidants, or we can do what the game wants and head into Mementos. For today, well be exploring both options. First, well very briefly head into Mementos to explore the weather effect, then reload and raise a Confidant instead. This isnt because Im afraid to deviate from a schedule, but more because theres something I want to do ASAP and I cant afford to lose my night time as well if I want to get to it. Well see that in the next update, though.
Before we head into Mementos, though, we need to confirm the target by hitting View Requests.
Cmon, just tell us
Oh do you mean the calling card!? But wait a sec did we send one the last time?
The Treasure materializes when we change the targets subconscious with a calling card. Thats the rule when dealing with a Palace. But in Mementos, it seems like we can just go for the target immediately.
Wait, what? We dont need a calling card or nothing?
Something else already exists that fulfills that role. Fortunately for us, Mishima put a comment up in the forum saying the Phantom Thieves are coming. For a small target, thats enough of a calling card. That alone will put some fear in them for a while. Even that Nakanohara must have seen Mishimas comments about him on the Phan-Site. And thats why the Nav picked up on him.
...Can we really leave something that important to someone else!?
The desires of the Mementos Shadows are nothing compared to those of the Palace rulers. Still, we need to unanimously agree on our target. No ignoring the rules, even for smaller ones. Anyway, lets get to discussing the intel weve gathered! This intel is on an arrogant brown-haired bully. Hes a student at Shujin Academy. Things have gone a little too far for just bullying though. Hes abusing and blackmailing kids.
Hes the perfect target! Cmon, lets take him down!
Are you sure you arent just excited to go to Mementos? Then again, we cant really leave a guy like that be We should go.
No objections, right? Mm were good to go if youre OK with it. Thats a unanimous decision! OK, all thats left now is to take down the target in Mementos!
Music: Mementos
We can warp around to certain floors of Mementos, which is a life-saver.
Oh yeah I have something for you before we head in there.
Those were the last I had. Youre on your own now, OK?
The targets really in here, huh?
Definitely. Im sensing them deeper than before, but their presence is certainly here.
All right then. Lets go look for em!
Achoo! Achoo! The pollens out of control today Itll definitely have an impact on Mementos...
Huh? Whaddya mean?
Well, Mementos is affected by the emotions of the public.
Wait, so youre saying weather changes peoples feelings, and that in turn changes Mementos?
Not just Mementos. The Shadows inside too. The type of change will depend on what kind of weather it is. This might turn out to be useful.
More dangerous Shadows, but more items as well.
What happens when theres a ton of pollen?
Im not too sure but the impact on Mementos is determined by how the public is feeling. How have other people been seeming to you?
Come to think of it, some of the kids in my class have bad allergies. They all seem really out of it. Apparently the medicine makes them sleepy...
I see There might be a similar effect in Mementos then...
Sleepy shadows means free ambushes and avoidable fights, which is a really great effect.
So itll prolly be easier to beat Shadows or ignore em completely. Cmon, lets go find out.
Sure enough, this Shadow is asleep. But well leave actually dungeon crawling for a later date. Reload!
Music: Tokyo Daylight
Out in front of the school, we find that bully, Daisuke.
I dont know wh-what you want from me...
Only good thing you got going on is that youre loaded. Understand me, you two-legged volleyball?
Harsh, Daisuke! Oh man, Hippo looks like hes about to cry!
Yikes.
She looked tired, especially because of the Kamoshida incident. I heard shes been acting under direct orders by the principal. I wonder what shes doing.
I dont know. She hasnt said anything to me.
I guess she cant rely on us for some reason. I wish she wouldnt handle everything alone like that.
Seems like Makotos got her hands full.
Lets go check on her.
Was he acting any different after that strange posting went up?
Ummm I think he was the same as always, but Im not sure I heard hes dangerous, so I try to keep my distance from him...
Whoever could they be talking about? Dangerous? Better steer clear of that guy.
Im sorry, I dont know anything else Is he involved in this?
...All Ive done till now is avoid you though, so Ill hear you out if you wanted to ask me anything.
I havent found much on them at all. I havent seen much info on the internet, either
They have a fucking website.
Lets hang out with Ryuji today.
So, yknow how we were lookin for somewhere we can train? Well, I finally found a spot. Were free to do whatever we want! How bout we head on over there?
>Hang out with him
Its a gym over in Shibuya. Pretty damn cheap too.
Music: Whats Going On?
Its pay per visit, so you dont gotta worry about any bullshit contracts or nothing. The equipments kinda crappy, but they got tons of variety. Plus, its real damn cheap. Totally worth, even without a pool or hot tub. Oh yeah! You bring your stuff?
Im talkin about spare undies! Gettin back into your sweaty clothes after a nice hot shower is like, the grossest goddamn thing. ...Oh, but dont go gettin your hopes up. No way Im gonna let you use mine. Anyways, lets head in.
Music: Break it Down
Phew My forms comin back but I dont got any stamina *cough*
Dont you mean good morning? Hahaha, youre as eloquent as ever, Sakamoto.
Heck yeah, man! Ive been studyin my words n shit!
Of course you have, haha. Oh, and you dont need to call me senpai anymore. Ive already graduated, remember?
This game does away with most of the honorifics as compared to Persona 4, which just makes it weirder when they do pop up.
Hm? Hes, uh a friend! By the time he showed up, the track team was already well, yknow.
Speaking of which, hows your leg?
Eh, Im managin How bout you, Senpai? You still runnin?
I actually joined my universitys track team. Youd think I wouldve quit entirely after what happened
About that, Im real sorry...
No, I should be the one apologizing.
I was supposed to be the leader of our team, yet I just resigned myself to Kamoshidas will
Thats cause you needed him to write your letter of rec, right? You were just lookin out for your future but I still managed to eff it up anyways.
Kamoshida clearly never intended on writing my letter of recommendation. You were just his excuse not to. And honestly, I enjoy where I am now. The track team isnt anything special, but its perfect for me. So in truth, I should be thanking you for what you did, Sakamoto.
Senpai...
Ive always regretted not doing more to protect you guys But I heard some good news recently The Shujin track teams being reinstated!
I mean, Kamoshida confessed all the horrible stuff he did, right? I guess the school got the old team together and told them they want to try starting it up again.
...Nobody told me about that.
Huh, odd The rumors got as far as me, and Im not even a student anymore. Anyway, I heard theyre going to get Mr. Yamauchi as their new advisor.
Yamauchi ? Hold up, THAT Yamauchi!?
Yup, the one who was basically Kamoshidas lapdog. Apparently he volunteered. Hes really enthusiastic about pulling the track team up from the ashes.
He is ?
You know, now that the team is being reinstated, theres no need for any bad blood, right? Why dont you go talk to them? Im sure they could use someone with your passion.
...Yeah.
Ikeda leaves.
Music: Alright (Elp Version)
Good for them.
For real though, Im glad the teams comin back. Its sweet that Nakaoka and them can start trainin again. But Im still worried bout their advisor, Yamauchi. Hes basically like a mini-Kamoshida.
Hed always yell at us at practice, but then be a huge kiss-ass when our parents were around. Ugh, I cant believe a moron like thats gonna be advisin the track team. He doesnt even teach PE! ...Hes gotta be up to something. Ill do some research Theres a chance Im gonna need your help too, mkay? Youd be free to lend me a hand if I need it, yeah? Ill be countin on you!
I feel like my bond with Ryuji is growing deeper...
All right, we dont got time to be messin around here anymore! Lets head home! Wait, I gotta shower first ! Seeya!
Music: Beneath the Mask
He apparently gives speeches at Shibuya Station, but you cant judge a book by its cover.
...Another box came for you.
...What did you get?
Must be what you ordered off the TV.
These Calming Masks give us Resist Confuse.
The students found it hard to hide their bewilderment at the scandal surrounding a popular teacher. The police plan to finalize the arrest once they collect more evidence and finish investigating.
The school is swarming with police. Anyway, it looks like thats the end of this case.
Im in trouble for anything thats not English. I havent been studying at all Oh! Maybe we can make some progress if we keep an eye on each other! Wanna study together?
We can choose to study with Ann for increases to both Knowledge and our relationship with her, but Im pretty sure we dont need any more points with her right now, and studyings for losers.
Whatever could you possibly be referring to?
Remember that lottery ticket we bought weeks ago? Neither did I. We won 300 yen from a thousand yen ticket.
You won, but Well, I guess its better than nothing.
Lets talk to the speech man again.
Oh, you were working at the beef bowl shop before! You have a lot of perseverance for a young person. Well, if youre interested, I could use your help. I want to change the state of this country, and to do so, I need the power of the youth. ...However, due to certain regulations, I cant offer a job to a student. I was thinking you could learn some things if you chose to attend a few of my speeches though...
This sounds shady. Im in.
Really!? That would be helpful indeed! Well then would you mind telling me your name and contact information? Youre a student from Shujin Academy, hm? Its nice to meet you. I am Toranosuke Yoshida. I used to be a member of the Diet but no longer.
The Diet is kind of like Japanese Congress, if you know nothing about Japanese government. I happen to know only slightly more than nothing, so Im sure someone will respond telling me how thats a really inaccurate analogy.
In the past twenty years, Ive lost seven straight elections This isnt good. Im dwelling on the negative right before my speech. Well then, I hope I can count on your help immediately.
Maaku looks so goofy holding that sign, though I have no idea what it says.
With common sense no longer our guide, we make decisions based on our selfish wants and desires. This has resulted in a deluge of self-centered people who delight in taking advantage of the weak.
A world where it is acceptable to trample on the rights of others for your own benefit A world where the young exist only to be exploited Is a world that must be changed!
Music: Suspicion
Nothings going to change. Well just keep getting exploited.
You mustnt base your decision on whom to support merely according to the party they belong to
I cant wait for the inevitable political discussion that will arise from this update, by which I mean dont you fucking dare start that shit in this thread.
Ah, shut up already! Youre just a washed-up politician!
If I am chosen to represent the will of the people, then I am fully prepared to
In the best interests of all!? Hah! Save your blathering for when you get elected! ...IF you get elected!
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
Well, what did you think of my speech?
Indeed. Do you feel the same? Such as I am, Id like to believe that Im capable of giving a moving speech. ...However, there are times, like today, when the audience has a difference of opinion on a topic. Some feel I should concentrate on getting elected before I worry about others Do you agree?
Thank you. Its encouraging to know that my message has won you over. Besides, I have grown quite accustomed to those types of reactions Although I dont know if that is necessarily a good thing. Regardless, no matter what they say, I must continue on...
Perhaps Ill ask for your impressions again sometime.
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
You also seem pretty close with Takamaki-san if youre both coming to school together. You just transferred here though I guess you two really click.
...I see. You seemed a lot closer than that yesterday morning. I heard she was a victim of Mr. Kamoshida, but was there all there was to it ? Either way, closer inspection should clear everything up Goodbye.
Makotos got an interesting strategy when it comes to spying on me, in which she walks right up, asks me direct questions and then admits that she has been watching me and will continue to do so in the future. Genius play.
Music: So Boring
...Shit, Im fucked arent I?
Now then, pickng up from last time The end of the Heian period marks the rise of the samurai, which Im sure youve all been waiting for. As described in The Tale of the Heike, it was a time when all that was great would fall from grace. It wasnt unusual for the heroes of yesterday to be struck down as rebels of the present day. By the sympathizing with the loser or the weak is called magistrates patronage. That term came from the name of the position that a certain hero held. Now then, Hamiru-kun. Who do you think is the origin of the term magistrates patronage?
Exactly.
Although Yoshitsune helped defeat the Taira, he was driven out by his brother and killed himself. However, in the centuries that followed, Yoshitsune became more popular as a tragic hero.
Maaku gains Knowledge +1.
Rather than siding with the one who has overwhelming power, people prefer the underdog opposing them. Its sort of like rooting for a minor-league baseball team instead of an all-star, major-league one.
I can understand that. Its like, if I dont root for them, then who will?
Music: Tokyo Daylight
Nah, Im fucked anyway, might as well continue blowing them off.
Its his fault I have to live such a shitty life...
...Its got nothing to do with you. Hes fooled everyone. Youre all idiots...
People without charm or popularity always use force to get their way Push, pull, and then the smooth follow-up. Without these skills, can you call yourself a man?
Between these dudes and the fucking PUA manual we bought from the bookstore I wonder if Atlus has some weird conception of what a pick-up artist actually is, because in real life its just about the most hilariously skeevy thing in the world.
Eating away at humankind The Sun God is the only one who can oppose such an evil force!
Ahhh the power of the Sun God flows through me !
Yes! YES! This is the promised land! Feel the warmth of the Sun God radiating within you!
Thats why Ive poured my soul into this songto help restore our hope. I give you Breaking School!
This should be interesting.
Breaking, breaking, class schedules/Breaking, breaking time to go home/Be firm, be strong/Dont lose resolve/Who the hell hid my sliiippeeers/Ill fill ya desk with fried dooough
Well, that was...
Thanks, bay-bee! Could you feel the passion of my soul?
You dont get it? Well I guess American pie is more rock n roll than fried dough...
Finally, lets talk to that homeless guy who said all that terrifying shit when we visited him at night.
Haha, Im touched that youre concerned about me. Dont worry, Im used to it. Ill be just fine. I was living this kind of life before I knew it. My memorys a little foggy though. I actually have trouble recalling anything that happens at night Well, I guess its not a problem.
I dont like where this is going...
Lets just hang out with Ryuji again.
Hey, uh Do you remember that guy Yamauchi I was talkin about before?
The hellre you talkin about!? Thats a dog, man! And besides, its daschund! I actually know my dogs, dude!
Ironically, they spelled dachshund wrong.
...Anyways, Yamauchis the teacher whos gonna end up bein the new track team advisor. He dont give a rats ass about the sport though or even the students. So, ysee, I heard this rumor Apparently hes got in trouble at school before with his drinkin but that hasnt kept him from goin out. I was thinkin, maybe hed let some shit slip when hes drunk. We should totally try and tail him sometime. Ill look into where he goes to drink. Whats the plan for today though? You gonna train with me?
>Hang out with him
Lets get changed then. We can meet at, uh Hmmm, somewheres gotta be open. Lets try lookin around at school.
Music: Whats Going On?
I mean, wed prolly run into Nakaoka and them if we stuck around here You got any ideas?
I bet wed just end up eatin ice cream and playin video games all day long. Thats just kinda what happens, yknow? ...Eh, I guess it wont hurt to peek round the gym. If they aint there, maybe we can--
Music: Suspicion
So what, you gonna ask him questions with your fists? And anyways, aint a three-on-one kinda cowardly?
The only coward here is Nakaoka! All the shit Kamoshida put us through is his fault He was telling that bastard secrets about us the whole time !
Plus, aint the track team comin back? You dont gotta fight!
...Sh-Shut up! Im telling you, this piece of shit sold us out! How do you think Kamoshida found out about your parents, Sakamoto?
Hes gotta be a snitch!
If you think thats gonna make you feel better, go for it. ...But youre gonna wish you didnt. Trust me, it feels real bad lookin back on shitty stuff youve done.
Huh?
Look Even if Nakaoka was workin with Kamoshida aint it fine now? The bastards gone, so you guys can just put this crap behind you. Theres no reason to fight, yeah ?
We cant keep people around whore gonna try and undermine our team.
But I didnt do anything. I wasnt working with Kamoshida. No matter how much you hit me, my answers gonna stay the same.
Oh yeah ? Weve got proof. Yamauchi told us all about it.
Cmon Takeishi, we gotta get out of here. Itd be real bad if anyone else showed up.
...Nakaoka. Shit like you isnt welcome on our new track team. Youd better remember that.
Track team is apparently serious business.
What the hell was all that?
Just stay out of this, Sakamoto. It has nothing to do with you.
But...
When you hit Kamoshida, you were really hitting all of us who tried so hard to endure his bullshit. You mightve felt relieved, but it only made life harder for us Cause of you, we lost the one place we could vent our frustrations the one place we could really belong. Tensions got pretty high after that and thingsve just been kinda rough from then on. ...You really think its all fine now, huh? Well what if I told you theyre right about me ? Would you still think its fine if I was the one who told Kamoshida about your parents?
Yeah. If you told him, you told him. Im over all that stuff with my parents anyways. Besides Ive realized something, Nakaoka. I mightve messed up with Kamoshida back then, but hangin on to the past aint gonna help anythin. Im just gonna focus on bein myself now on bein free.
Whatre you talking about ? Free, huh? Haha
Nakaoka leaves.
Music: Alright (Elp Version)
I guess bein free is like Its like how I feel when Im talkin to you, man.
Uhhh, I dont know what else I gotta say. I just feel free.
What, we stuck on repeat or something? Hahaha!
Ryuji and Maaku share a laugh.
I feel like my bond with Ryuji is growing deeper...
Harisen Recovery allows a party member with the ability to cure a status ailment on a party member when their turn comes up. Status effects can be debilitating, so its incredibly useful when it triggers.
Mannn, that was some funny shit. ...So much for trainin though, huh? Cmon, lets get outta here. Oooh, we should grab ramen on the way home!