Part 50: 6/14-6/15: (Vaguely Witty Title)
Part 49: 6/14-6/15: (Vaguely Witty Title)Anon: NO. They piss me off.
Anon: Akechi-kun is right!
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
Oh hey, random lady I met once a month ago. I totally remember you.
Morning! Going to school now? Im just heading home! The morning sun is too bright...
I pulled an all-nighter. Journalist Ichiko Ohya works around the clock, you know! Well, you work hard on your studies.
Music: Suspicion
So, whose heart do you want us to change?
Getting right to the point for once, I like it.
...A mafia boss.
Whatre you talkin about!?
Thats what they call themselves. This group seems to be the cause of the rise in phishing scams. Whats worse, once youre in their sights, they wont stop threatening you until you get what they want. Theyll force you to take part in their scams, threaten your family, and ultimately destroy your life.
Holy shit...
It appears that their victims include some of our students.
No!
They primarily target juveniles.
Whats their bosss name?
Ryuji, actually being forward-thinking.
Nobody knows.
Well, uh. Fuck. Can we get an easier one?
The victims are being threatened not to testify, so even the police cant get a grasp of the situation.
Thats where you want us to start!?
You should be able to pull it off If youre really the righteous Phantom Thieves. Or is Akechi-kun correct when he says you act without justice?
Cant you say something witty back at her?
I have to.
I knew you were gonna say that!
Another fun detail of that response I like is that Makoto has no response to it. She just totally ignores you.
Their main hub of activity is in Shibuya Thats all the information I have. You have two weeks. Once that has passed, Ill submit all the evidence I have to the police and to the school.
Two weeks!? We had more than that for even Kamoshida, and we knew his name!
I hope you dont let me down...
Dont let me down Dammit, she was just bossin us around...
Come on, we should get in touch with Yusuke.
Music: Interrogation Room
Are you saying that Makoto was sticking her nose into this Phantom Thief business ?
Thats not the issue here ! Why would Makoto...
Sae checks her watch again.
Fine. Ill listen to everything you have to say before I decide the truth of your statements.
Music: Wicked Plan
The mafia? Hm...
Can we really do this ?
...
Either way, we have almost no information on our target. This guys a crime boss, so I wouldnt be surprised if he had a Palace. Still...
Isnt this a prime opportunity for us though?
How!? Were in huge trouble!
Even after we punished an evil man who seemed to be good, the public did not acknowledge us. However, if we take down an actual criminal, let alone a target the police dont have answers for...
Oh, right ! That might make people believe in us!
I get it! That means even Akechill hafta acknowledge us as the Phantom Thieves!
Have you idiots learned nothing? We need a better hideout.
Whaddya say, leader?
Hell yeah! We just gotta do what we always do!
Our time limit is two weeks, correct? We cant afford to waste too much time. ...Ill ask around Kosei and see if there are any victims.
OK, I know some girls who go to Shibuya pretty often. Ill check with them about it.
All right, then Im gonna see what I can find on the net. (to Maaku) That leaves our school up to you and Morgana. You figured out what to do during the whole Kamoshida thing, right?
Ill back you up.
I feel so much better knowing the cat is here with me.
All right, lets get back together at the end of the week once weve got all our info! Ill get in touch with you guys later!
Music: Tokyo Daylight
Could I have a moment?
Well, its I had a yearning to see the Sayuri So, if youre heading homeward, Ill accompany you.
Uhhh sure thing.
Im glad I chose to leave it here.
Music: Alleycat
Through my artistic career, there have been moments Ive struggled with particular motifs or techniques However, those struggles came to pass on each occasion. Yet now I find myself in a similar situation but the more I try to escape it, the worse it becomes. It seems I am trapped in what we in the art world call a slump Are you aware that I am attending Kosei on an art scholarship? Such coveted grants are not given as charity. I must continually achieve within my field to remain eligible Were I to lose my scholarship I would likely have no choice but to leave the school as well. In the earlier days of my career, I would exclusively paint what I desired, when I desired it. The only goal I had in mind was the pursuit of pure beauty That goal is what drove me onward. I wanted nothing more than to attain the lustrous allure of the Sayuri in my own work Yet what reason do I have now? Holding on to my scholarship? Keeping a roof over my head? Worldly desires are all that spur my brush to move and the resulting work reflects such impurity of mind. To be honest, I am unsure as to whether I can even call myself an artist anymore...
...My apologies. It seems I got somewhat carried away there. But I simply cannot accept this lack of purpose in my work. That is why I am so upset with my own indecision. Such vague ambition is, in essence, a sin of sorts Though I suppose allowing my young career to come to an end here would be even more sinful. I only wish to create a work I can be genuinely proud of Maaku. Please look over there at the Sayuri. Her incandescent figure, alluring gaze That is the meaning of pure beauty!
Im not sure I would use the world alluring to describe my mom, but okay.
Yet no matter how hard I try to replicate it, an elegance so sweet remains elusive to me ! Why is that, you ask? It is surely because the painter behind the work differs Because the soul differs ! But if my estimations are correct, the soul is nothing but another way to speak of the human heart. What, then, is the heart ? How does it bring forth such beauty? I must understand !
This is getting a little heavy for me, man.
To be perfectly frank though I am unsure of how to do so. Maaku Would you be able to provide me assistance? You have already brought profound change to my world. Hence, I believe you of all people may be able to bring me closer to the truth.
At the moment, my art teacher has yet to notice any drastic changes in my work But I cannot hide forever. Impurity of the heart will undoubtedly seep onto an artists canvas eventually. I must go now. My curfew approaches. I look forward to speaking about this matter again.
I walked Yusuke to the station...
Music: Beneath the Mask -Rain-
Now, in my expert opinon, Iida of class 2-D is guilty.
You mean Iida-kun from our class? Wait, start at the beginning. Whats he guilty of?
Supposedly hes been spending money left and right recently. Said its because of some great part-time job he got.
I see. That may very well be worth looking into.
Right? Can you try asking him about it, Ann? I dont think hed be cautious around a girl.
In that case, yeah. I dont mind giving it a try.
Thanks, thats a huge help.
Im hoping for some great things this time from Takamaki-sans world-class wonderful acting.
Shut it.
I hopes this will get us even marginally closer to their so-called boss. I leave this Iida to you two. And I have high hopes for your acting as well, Ann.
Youre both missing the point!
Is it true that Iida guys guilty? Well, well need to dig up some dirt first thing in the morning.
I can really sense her kindness and tenderness from it. Mothers really are strong.
Yeah, moms are tough.
Have you ever given it any thought? What is justice to you?
I see. Thats one way to look at it, but you only perceive what is on the very surface. The boy who was featured in that TV discussion is still in high school. Akechi, was it? He was well-spoken and skilled in the art of debatealmost as good as I was at that age.
Man, fuck this dude.
A team of reporters followed a police investigator who is on the mafia case. What was clear is that there is little the police can do.
Even the police are having a hard time. We cant let our guard down.
Next, we head over to the diner. Maaku gains Guts +1 and Knowledge +3.
Anon: Theyre cool, so HECKYEAH!
Anon: Probably at least somewhat
What a bullshit answer.
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
Music: Everyday Days
Ah, the legendary gentleman thief, Arsene. Its hard not to idolize himhes preeminent in our field.
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
I didnt think it had anything to do with me, but there are even victims in my class...
Oooh, I know all about that! These guys supposedly come asking if you want an easy, high-paying job But then if you say yes, you get dragged into some real shady stuff The teachers or student council prezll do something about it though. Peoplere real worried.
Oh, are you talking about that posting? I wonder if she was serious about it I heard she knew about Kamoshida and the sexual harassment she prolly wont be too much help...
Music: So Boring
Leave it to me!
That level of motivation actually makes me a little more nervous In any case, let us know if you learn anything.
Music: Disquiet
Apparently the damage done by this so-called mafia has even reached our student body!
Well...
Not only are there victims, there are even rumors that some are involved with such crimes Ive even received inquiries from their guardians. Why is this happening ?
Unfortunately, I do not have the answer to that...
This is the greatest disgrace in the history of this academy If it were to be discovered
I dunno, the principal, teachers, and affected family members actively covering up sexual and physical abuse so outrageous a girl attempted suicide over it still seems a little worse than this.
This is a vital issue for the student council! Did I not ask you to resolve it!?
Im doing the best I can.
A-And I can trust you!? You must do something about this at once! Youre the only one who is reliable around here Dont let me down...
From what Ive heard, even the other students are starting to be dissatisfied with you. At this rate, you and I will both lose our roles at this school. Do you understand?
I do. Please, just give me a little more time...
Music: So Boring
Its the only month of the year with no holidays, and its filled with raintruly a season of hell. Im exaggerating, you say? Haha. Youre all just ignorant After all, whats falling from the sky is acid rain that can melt metal. Hamiru-kun. Lets test your knowledge and imagination. What would happen if you keep washing your hair with water thats contaminated with metal?
Thats right. By the way, your hair will turn green if the metal is copper or red if its rust. However, acid rain cant melt gold or silver. If you want to dye your hair gold, use bronze coins.
Fuck yeah, gold hair. Im gonna look like the lamest Super Saiyan.
Thinking you could save money by skipping a visit to the hair salon? ...It seems you still dont understand the horror of acid rain.
Maaku gains Knowledge +1.
London once had acid rain on the level of stomach acid. More than four thousand people died. Perhaps one day such a deathly rain will fall on Japan
Jesus christ, this is one morbid teacher.
My heart, too, is overcast, just like the rain that falls on the city Oh rain!
...Im tired of thinking up witty comments.
I was going to remark on the sudden laziness of the writer, but holy shit, youre allowed to just stop trying to come up with jokes? Fuck me, this LP is going low-effort from now on!
Music: Beneath the Mask -Rain (Instrumental Version)
Youre gonna back her up, right?
(tired joke where I refer to Morgana as cat)
Can you tell me about this easy part-time job? Im sure you know about it, Iida-kun. Please!
You dont need my help. A girl like you could probably get a job anywhere, right?
Huh !? Ummm Now that you mention it Yes So, um What I mean is...
(disbelief in characters incompetence)
This is going south fast.
O-Oh, Francois!
Huh?
Hey, what are you--
My cat Francois got run over by a car and also has an incurable illness! I need money fast!
Thats not convincing at all Is she talking about me ?
If Francois were to die, I think Id die too! Probably
Come on, dont talk like that...
If you dont like it, then tell me about that easy part-time job. You know something, dont you? Ive heard the rumors.
Rumors !? Was it Nishiyama who--
Nishiyama ?
Oh, uh...
Hey, what was that about Nishiyama?
Thats...
She actually got the momentum back. Shes not acting anymore now, is she? Come on, lets leave this guy to Ann and go look for that Nishiyama fellow.
(sarcastic greeting to Mishima)
Youre looking for something, right? I want to help you out, so please ask me anything.
So thats why Takamaki-san was chasing him Rumor is that hes been spending money like crazy lately. I also hear that hes been acting weird. If youre curious about Iida, Id say its best to ask Nishiyama Im sorry, I dont know where he is right now He usually stays till late, so I think hes probably still somewhere in the school. Ill keep digging around while youre looking for him!
...Well, I guess we can let him handle this.
(Emphatic denial)
Well have to ask someone else about Nishiyamas whereabouts. Can you think of anyone who might know?
The student council is on edge. Hurry up Do you have anything you want to ask about?
I heard the muggings, scams, prostitution, and drugs are making them tons of money. Most of their victims have been high schoolers, leading our school to warn its students as well. But nobody actually knows how they operate. Even the police are completely lost.
(curious response to relieve insecurity regarding my amount of commentary)
The principal asked for us to come forward with any information we might have, right? I heard someone did come to the student council, saying they were being threatened I dont want to assume this of you but you didnt have anything to do with that, right?
(faux-offended response)
Iida-kun, from your class? Ive heard hes a serious student Although he has seemed a little down lately. I wonder what happened...
Nishiyama-kun? Are you looking for him? Hes a really serious student with great grades. I always see him at the library after school. The librarys just up on the floor above this one Why dont you go talk to him?
(pleasant surprise at Newspaper Club Member, one of the better NPCs, having plot-critical information)
(self-deprecation about pushing this gimmick too hard)
Yeah, I heard its because of the mafia. Theyre even forcing girls to work as prostitutes for them.
(veiled discomfort at the subject matter)
I cant believe theres drug dealers in Shibuya now. I wish someone would get rid of them
Maybe we should ask the Phantom Thieves? They fight for justice, take down bad guys, right?
They cant just tell us to stay away from Shibuya. I have to go to cram school there.
This is so dumb. The mafias just a bunch of lowlife losers, arent they? I dont care if people want to be criminals, but dont do anything that might affect my life. Geez.
Ah Its nothing. I was just looking at the bulletin. Anyway, how is the investigation going? I dont believe theres much time left at this point.
(annoyed rebuttal that there was never much time left, and besides, she gave us this mission yesterday)
Hm? Perhaps I misjudged your ability? Anyway, this is a very important matter for our school. I hope you can return with good news. And dont worry Ill keep my promise as long as you uphold your end of the bargain.
(relief at finding Nishiyama)
Youre THAT transfer student, right ? You need something?
(mention of overpowering laziness preventing me from making a portrait for this guy)
Iida ? How do you know about that? Are you doing something to him!? Hes been acting really strange lately...
Wh-What do you mean? Is he really wrapped up in something shady?
...One day the two of us went to Shibuya, and a man approached us over near Central Street. He asked if we were interested in an easy part-time job I said it wasnt, but Iida was into it He was asking the guy all sorts of questions.
U-Um, I dont know I was so scared I ended up going home alone But according to Iida, it only takes ten minutes, and is good for people who dont stand out.
Iida statted spending a lot of money. Thats when his strange behavior began too But thats all I know Thats enough, right?
A man on Central Street, hm? That is suspicious Maybe he was making him commit crimes?
I have tried looking into this high-paying part-time job myself. People seem to be talking about it here as well. Supposedly a man will talk to you in broad daylight over on Central Street And your job is to deliver a small envelope he hands you. Well, I will contact you again if I learn anything more.
(reminder to the audience that Makoto said these guys were behind phishing scams, which this is emphatically not)
So that means this part-time job is somehow crime-related It takes ten minutes, is good for people who dont stand out, and involves a small envelope ...Does that ring any bells? Its something the mafia would definitely be up to.
What does that have to do with envelopes? And its not really something you can do unnoticed. Hmmm Any other ideas? Its something the mafia would commit.
Like illegal drugs ? Maybe they made Iida smuggle drugs for them. That definitely fits with the small envelope, and you can get arrested just for possession...
Well, I looked into Iida on my own anyway. Rumor has it he got involved in some kind of suspicious part-time job. And that jobs apparently totally insane Something about trafficking drugs, I think. I hear they ask you to take part in it down on Central Street. In broad daylight, even
(exasperation at Mishimas outdated information)
So he is smuggling This wont be pretty. Come on, lets go back to Lady Ann! Well ask Iida directly!
No problem. I just want to see you guys succeed. You wanted to ask Iida something, right? Hes still in the classroom with Takamaki-san.
(defeated sigh at no one ever understanding sarcasm)
Shes still doing that ? All right, take over for her.
Hamiru !? Come on, you too ? I already told you, I dont know...
He did!? That bastard Dammit! Shit Well, if you already know about it, fine But I dont want to talk about it here. Lets go somewhere a little quieter.
Music: Suspicion
Yeah, I got a job! So what? Isnt that normal? ...Whatre you getting at?
Thats right! You have to smuggle it to people while its still hot! I mean, not that kind of smuggling! Tell him what you heard earlier!
I dont know what youre talking about.
How do you ? Ive only told one person about that Of all people, I cant believe you were the one to find out Y-Youre right They told me they had an easy part-time job for me, and I ended up smuggling drugs All I had to do was put envelopes into coin lockers, and they said theyd give me a hefty paycheck. I didnt know what was in the envelopes though! Still, this is what came out of it...
So you knew, huh They started threatening me right after they deposited the money into my bank account They had pictures of me carrying the goods. Said theyd expose what I did unless I paid them off You know why are you even asking me this stuff ? Are you just gonna use my job to blackmail me too ?
(statement mourning the death of Maakus reputation)
I see Well even if you were planning on doing that, I dont have any money I could give you If youre really interested in that job, try heading over to Central Street. Thats where they told me about it I-I told you everything you want to know, right? Can I go? Well then...
Did Anns acting help at all? Im thinking prolly not.
So they ask you to deliver drugs...
Thats serious. I just searched for Shibuya drugs and got tons of hits too.
So theyre making people traffic drugs, then threatening them
That must be what I heard people talking about in Shibuya. They seem to be going about this quite openly during the daytime. What bold methodology.
I see. Yes, more students will be out during the day, while the police will be more cautious at night.
Ryuji, youre over in Shibuya now, right? Do you see anyone like that there?
Yeah, Im at Central Street. Its tough to tell though.
Yeah, that seems like our only choice now. We can split up and search separately then.
In any case, we have some new intel. Let us call that progress for today.
Whoever asks us to take on that job should know who their boss is too.
All right, Ill get in touch with you guys later tonight and we can come up with a plan.
Music: Beneath the Mask -Rain-
(joking expression of equal disappointment to see Sojiro)
I never get many customers when it rains. The cash register is gonna run dry at this rate...
Yes. It is highly likely that this part-time solicitor is somehow related to the mafia.
(confusion at the continued use of the word mafia rather than yakuza)
If we tail him, he may lead us straight back to his boss.
Thats not a bad idea. Cats have nine lives, right? Morgana can spare one for this.
Wouldnt the mafia get caught off guard if they had a cat coming to deliver drugs for em?
In other words, Maaku will be going. I have no objections.
(sustained profanity)
Tricking people and using that as blackmail These bastards are true cowards.
Its kinda scary to think people like that are all around us in this city...
Well guys, we gotta brace ourselves. Were up against a serious criminal here.
Relaxing at the park is nice, and the view from the Ferris wheel is really something!
Yes, the Ferris wheel is really popular among couples. Id love to ride it with a cute girl someday.
I barely get any customers on rainy days Umm Master, are you hungry at all? Now were offering special services like Maids Cooking and Together with a Maid! ♥
(extreme displeasure)
With the request fee included Itll only cost you 5,000 yen! Its practically a steal!
>Call her over
What!? ...Seriously? I-I mean, thank you for requesting me. Then, please wait for me, Master! I hope you have a big appetiiiite!
Music: My Homie
The high-end cup noodles really do make a difference, dont they?
(request refund)
They are pretty complicated though It says to drain the hot water once and leave the sauce packet on the lid so it gets warm Dont request me if youre going to complain.
(confusion at the change in tone caused by the conversation branch, though maybe she thought that was sarcasm)
...Besides, I thought I warned you already. Why would you request me again ?
Hmmm . Are you sure thats really the reason? ...Well, I guess Im in no position to complain, since Im making money from it. *yawn* Im so tired We had a faculty meeting just the other day. Why do they have to last so long ? Thanks to the Phantom Thieves The students have been really restless lately. The teachers cant agree on what to do about them or the Phantom Thieves. I wished they talked more about our bonus instead. I heard they might even cut the teachers salaries Im so sick of it...
Ill continue to serve you with all my might, Master! *sigh* ...Im going to be in trouble if I dont pick up more shifts.
Music: Suspicion
What ? How much!? I cant ...Yes, but ! That Thats true ...Sure. Yes Yes, I understand Yes, its my responsibility, after all
Uh, apparently its some crazy incurable disease, so theres a lot of fees and extra charges! Thats why it would really help if you requested me more Oh, never mind. Youre my student. I cant keep relying on you Ughhh What am I going to do ? Anyway, its time for me to go. Hey, feel free to call me to do housework. It doesnt have to be through the maid service. I live close by, so I can stop over whenever you need me. Besides, Im worried that you cant cook or do laundry because you dont have your parents Oh, and if your friends suddenly come over, I can always leave out the back way.
(expressed internal confusion over how massive a nightmare of a situation this is)
I feel Kawakamis kindness...
(confident summation of critical gameplay feature that turns out to be totally incorrect after like six corrections from the audience)
In any case, I need to talk to my boss about giving me more shifts I need to get requested more Good night.
(setup for the next update, followed by relief I dont have to do this gimmick any more)