Part 56: 6/21-6/25: The Face Of The Devil
Part 55: 6/21-6/25: The Face Of The DevilMusic: Beneath the Mask -Rain-
He prolly thinks his moneys just gonna come rolling in.
He does have the upper hand on us, after all...
If that picture got out, who knows what would end up happening to Maaku
Guess worst-case scenariod be he gets expelled.
No, there is a more serious alternative Hes currently under probation, meaning ...Im so sorry. This whole situation is my fault.
Cmon, stop that. I mean, youre the one whos in the most trouble right now.
For sure. Even the police are having trouble with that bastard. Well be heroes if we catch him!!
High risk, high reward...
Youre all so positive...
Hm In a way, your recklessness is the only reason we are now able to pursue this change of heart.
Totally. Were in deep shit, so were gonna do whatever we can to get out of it.
I never thought of things in that way before.
It is quite strange hearing something so positive from Ryuji.
Shuddup!
All right, leader! You can decide when we meet up!
When your position changes, your view of the world changes too. Its a shift in cognition. In any case, were in big trouble if we cant change Kaneshiros heart. Lets do this.1
We get those 20 Mental Flosses we ordered, which cure Forget. We probably wont use more than five of them, but whatever.
At an event in the city, several people started feeling nausea and were taken to the hospital. The health department suspects food poisoning and is carrying out an investigation.
You should be careful too. Even phantom thieves would get dragged down by a stomachache.
Whats with all the weird food shit thats been happening on the news?
If we head back to Shinjuku, we can buy some Mega Fertilizer for our plant. Its pricey, but worth it.
We then head over to the diner. Maaku gains Guts +1 and Knowledge +3.
We even make it to Rank 3 Knowledge. Once we finish the Palace, were set to hang out with Makoto.
Anon: i hate Akechi, so YES???
Havent there been a lot of pictures leaked lately?
Want me to get you a job? Its real easy.
So many weirdos lately Is it that psychotic breakdown thing?
Been hard to meet my quota I gotta find some suckers.
Anon: of course not. done
Anon: theyre allies of justice
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
Yeah, I read something about that online. The beautiful fortune teller, or something I hear shes pretty good. A lot of people say her predictions came true.
Some say she can divine your very destiny. Maybe she can tell me who my soulmate will be ...I think Ill pay her a visit.
A fortune teller in Shinjuku, huh Didnt we see her when we met with that journalist? She seems pretty popular. She said shes there at night. Should we pay her a visit, too?
Music: So Boring
Hes been demanding money, but I choose to ignore those messages.
Is that OK? Have any scary men shown up at your house?
No.
Kaneshiro still has the photographs in his possession, remember?
As you should be. Just like Yusuke said, those pictures are bad news for us.
We will need to change Kaneshiros heart as soon as possible.
Agreed. I will do everything I can to help.
Say, you ever think about working at a host club? A host like you could make a lotta money!
No thanks, Ive seen this anime, and Im not in the mood for wacky shoujo hijinks.
What? Underage? I thought you were so much older. Youre so mature for your age! Hehe!
Further down, we see this mascot. It reminds me of death.
Music: Tokyo Emergency
I dont think my bond with Ann will deepen just yet...
Inokashira Park? OK. I like it there too. Lets go!
Music: Whats Going On?
I honestly enjoy just relaxing like this. It makes me think of a picnic And now Im craving sandwiches.
See, I think this would be a horrible thing to say to a female friend, but...
The game disagrees.
Then, is it OK if theyre the sweet kind? With whipped cream and custard inside ?
Anyway, it really is quiet here I know! Lets take a walk! I want to see what else is around Want to come with?
I dont think my bond with Ann will deepen just yet...
Thanks for today. See you!
Music: Beneath the Mask
She must have some kind of trick. Maybe we should check it out...
Wow, were really high up! The view from the observation deck feels like youre walking on air!
Im afraid of heights, so the street stalls in Asakusa might be a better fit for me Hahaha.
Youre gonna use that one!? You must really care about this plant!
The Mega Nutrients we got from Shinjuku are even better than the ones we can buy at the flower shop Rafflesia, and Maaku gains Kindness +3.
And he ranks up for it.
Hey! You cn tell, rrrright?
Aww, doncha be like that *burp* Here, Ill do anozher of my impressh impressions. Thish ones Akechi-kun, booooy detectivvve. Hi, my names Goro! Goro-ro-ro! Roro! Roro. Roll roll!
Another straight boy? Oh, you shameless homewrecker!
No, its not like that. Im talking about a boy I saw on TV! Akechi-kun!
No way, youve got the hots for him too!? Stop it alreadyyy!
Man, everyone wants Akechi.
Huh? Im fine. Yes, I know theres been some weird incidents lately. Of course, Ill be careful. Dont worry about your big sis, shes not going to let herself get tricked again. I promise. Once I become a singer Ill make that money back and then some. No, I wont be home for a while.
Sure, why not? I could use a laugh.
Music: My Homie
Anyway, my name is Chihaya Mifune. I will be reading your fortune today. You can begin by telling me your name.
I suppose I could attempt to divine it if youd like. Lets begin with your last name. Is it Yamamoto ? Or maybe Mishima? Or perhaps Hamiru? Hmmm, this may take longer than I expected.
Uhhhh
*tells her*
Ah, Maaku Hamiru-san I see. Your name is quite lucky.
Being a Jedi is certainly lucky, I agree.
That aside, what type of consultation can I interest you in today?
Well, um I use tarot cards to foretell the future. Now then, lets start with an initial reading to test the waters of your fate. O divine power Bring forth this boys fortune! Your first card is Hm, I see. As for the second Oh! Next is...
I see. There seems to be new wealth in your future. Your financial fortune is looking good today. This wealth of which I speak will come from your house. Head home without detour, and precisely five thousand yen will await you there!
Thats awful specific. Thats not generally how this cold reading shit works, is it?
As you should. Fate is absolute!
How strange, Hamiru-san, the general flow of your future seems to indicate Ruin ? And an inmate, locked away in a lonely cell
Oh shit.
You seem to be a good person, Hamiru-san but are you perhaps mixed up with the wrong crowd?
If Ryujis the wrong crowd, I dont wanna be right.
Beyond that My It seems continuing on your current path will lead to your death.
Wait, what?
I cannot offer advice to that end Hm. If the divination is coming to me this clearly, the truth of it is simply undeniable.
Although Now that I think about it, there may be a way you can attempt to counteract your destiny.
With its power in your control, you can avoid even the most unfortunate of futures probably!
I typically only recommend this to my more experienced customers, but your situation is too dire to ignore. You see, the stone itself is imbued with an aura of joy that will sap away all the horrible energy surrounding you.
This sounds almost too good to be true! Please, tell me more!
All you need to do is keep it wrapped in cloth and be sure to recharge its power in moonlight every three days.
Ha! All right, lady. Nice try, but Im hip to your scam.
I-Its legitimate, I promise! So you really dont want it? What a shame it will be to see the flames of youth snuffed out so soon Well, come see me again if you change your mind. I really can help you, if youd like.
Music: Break it Down
Hey Maaku, hows your pocket money situation been looking?
Ive got 163,000 yen on ha--I mean, Im fuckin broke, duder.
Hahaha, youre hopeless!
Here!
What? Is this five thousand yen!?
what
I won some money from the lotto, so I dont mind sharing my winnings.
See, I can be nice sometimes. Anyway, make sure you close up the shop like always.
Hey, so does this mean that fortune teller was right ?
No. I refuse to acknowledge this. Lets just forget this ever happened.
She even got the amount spot on! Maybe that Chihaya lady can seriously read into the future! Wait This is bad! Didnt she say youre gonna die!?
This actually works out perfectly, because Ive always said Id sooner die than believe in fortune-telling.
Come on, we need to go talk to her again and figure out what to do! And maybe I can have her read my compatibility fortune with--
U-Um, never mind!
It seems like Chihaya Mifune can actually see into the future Maybe I should go back and have her read my fortune again And theres the Holy Stone too She said it costs one hundred thousand yen...
This is insane. In the bad way.
Music: Beneath the Mask -Rain (Instrumental Version)
Music: Everyday Days
Arsene always thwarted his pursuers, leading them around by the nose. Hes so cool! It seems this novel taught you about the kind of wits and tricks youll need as a phantom thief!
Maaku gains Knowledge +3.
Music: So Boring
Speaking of rain, did you know that the teru teru bozu was originally female?
What on earth???
Oh, that weird rain charm thing.
According to one theory, it came from a Chinese paper doll of a girlthe Sao Ching Niang. When it came to Japan, it looked like a monk praying for sunlight, and became male. In the history of the world, its not uncommon to twist peoples genders for politics or religion. Now then, Hamiru-kun, please look at this picture.
Correct. You must be quite a history buff to know about Pope Joan.
Nope! Its a complete coincidence!
As such, she was a legendary figure, sometimes thought of as an anti-church symbol.
Maaku gains Knowledge +1.
According to the legends, Joan was a cross-dressing girl brought from Athens to Rome. Praised throughout the city for her wisdom, she was eventually chosen by the people as pope. However, when it was discovered that she was a woman, she was stoned to death. This incident was regarded a taboo by the church. As a result, Joan was stricken from history books.
As long as they can do the job, it doesnt matter if theyre man or woman. Sheesh, some people...
Music: Beneath the Mask -Rain (Instrumental Version)
First things first, lets trade in our old book for a new one.
What do you plan on doing today?
So you wish to take advantage of our deal. I understand.
What kind of card do you want Yusuke to duplicate for you?
We choose Rakukaja. Where did I get all these skill cards? I got them from another of the free DLC packs like the filthy cheater I am! Dont worry, I probably wont end up using most of these and Ill likely forget I ever gave him this one in the first place.
Now, we want Yusuke to have Baton Pass before the next Palace, so lets hang out with him.
Are you sure we have time for that !? What is your goal here?
Hm You are correct. A nice break is necessary at times. I would like to speak with you about the painting I developed in Mementos. Do you have time?
Its good to take a break every so often. Do you want to hang out with Yusuke?
*chuckle* I hope you do not find it too disturbing. Wait for me at Leblanc. I will bring the painting over there.
Music: Whats Going On?
How on earth did you get this giant thing here on the train, for one? Second, its raining!
I would like your honest opinion if you would.
But is that truly all you have to say about it? I would like something more concrete. A four hundred word review should serve that purpose nicely. Regardless, this is how I choose to interpret the idea of desire. It is the foul charm held deep within the abyss of the heart To be honest, I believe my ability to capture desire so elegantly is all due to our Mementos foray. I have grown to understand the intricacies of the heart in a way I had once thought impossible Maaku I intend on submitting this piece to an upcoming public art exhibition.
More importantly, it shall be the spark that revitalizes my slumbering art career!
Hm, Im sure this will be a most sensational experience for those who opt to undergo it. A raw, unbridled look into the depths of the human psyche And I was the one who was able to bring it to life, all thanks to your assistance.
Nope, cant see any flaw with this plan.
You have my sincerest gratitude.
I feel like my bond with Yusuke is growing deeper...
All right, we got what we came for.
Hm I deeply anticipate the public reaction at the exhibition. But for now, I should be going. My apologies for disturbing you. Farewell.
I walked Yusuke back to the station...
Music: Beneath the Mask
Its an interview with some kid from school. Boy M tells all: Rampant abuse in the Kamoshida case!
...Guess it might be him after all. I mean that Phan-Site things been a huge help too Its prolly fine to leave him be. He aint doing us any harm. Seeya later.
That article Do you think the reporter we met at Crossroads could have written it?
Just as I thought. The author is listed as Ichiko Ohya. ...I see. This article might end up being useful for us.
If the Palace ruler sees it and his cognition of the Phantom Thieves changes Hey, Maaku. Wed be missing out if we didnt use this to our advantage. If we have her paint us in a positive light, public opinion of us will change for the better! You should go try and get her to write some more articles about the Phantom Thieves!
Consider the following A: Paying a machine fake money/B: Ordering food without money/ Which one of these counts as fraud!? You be the judge!
The correct answer is B! Ordering food when you dont have any money!
Fraud involves deceiving a person. Thats why ordering food when you dont have money counts as fraud. If you use fake coins on a vending machine or at the coin laundry, its considered larceny.
Do Japanese quiz shows just have lawyers on hand to explain things?
So doing a dine and dash is actually a fraud? Whoa, I should watch out for that
Since when have you paid for anything?
It feels like Ive improved my Knowledge.
Maaku gain Knowledge +1.
Yeah, yeahthe mafia. Relax, the citys perfectly safe.
So is the country, thanks to Taro from next door!
You mean that idiot dog who plays with anyone who comes near him? Real good guard dog.
I know a job thatll make you rich. I can hook you up, but youll hafta legally erase yourself.
When can I start?
Nahhh, Im just messin with ya *chuckle* I love it at night I get to cut loose n be free.
Over in Shinjuku, we head back to the shady bookstore.
This is, unfortunately, the only thing for sale.
Back to Crossroads!
Music: Crossroads
Dont blame me if you get eaten alive, OK?
How much did I drink today? What time is it? Ah, who cares. ...Wait, I care.
Shes so drunk that she hasnt even noticed youre here. If we have her write articles, itll have an effect on the Metaverse. We might be able to use her if we do it right. Should we try forming a deal with Ohya?
Keep in mind that shes drunk. Now, do a good job negotiating, OK?
Oh! Its you!
I love this line read. She sounds so goddamn happy.
...Please, have a seat.
Or maybe youre just falling in love with me, hm?
Youre thinking of Alex Navarro.
No? Well, then you at least have some news on the Phantom Thieves, yeah? Thank god My publisher just assigned me to be the beat reporter for the Phantom Thieves. Man this will reaaally help me out.
Are you seriously going to use this child as a source of information?
Oh, dont be such a killjoy. These kids nowadays know about things we adults dont have access to. Besides, whats most important is that I now have a reliable third-party source for my stories.
Whatever...
So, what do you want from me this time? Information about someone? Cold hard cash?
Huh ? *chuckle* Lucky me! My very own golden goose just appeared. Now I can take it easy Maybe Ill take a little vacation, with all my free time...
What do you want? Just tell me. Last time it was info on Kaneshiro, right? The office has been abuzz lately I think its Kaneshiro related. Somethings fishy...
...Support the Phantom Thieves? ...But I see whats going on here. A hardcore Phantom Thieves fanboy, huh ?
Hey, Im not gonna let you use this kid so you can take a vacation...
Can we form a Confidant with Lala instead?
A vacation? Oh, I was just kidding. Im conducting a private investigation during my off hours. No one at work knows about it.
Dont tell me youre...
Hey, how bout we do this You supply me with info on the Phantom Thieves And Ill write articles based on what you tell me about them. You know, the Phantom Thieves who you love oh-so-much Deal?
I will, I will. But the quality of the articles will depend on the info you provide me. ...All right then. Its a deal. I can create a lot of positive PR for the Phantom Thieves, so be sure to give me some good scoops.
Ive made a deal with Ohya...
Music: Interrogation Room
Did you have an inside man in the media? Someone who could manipulate information for you? ...What do you have to say to that?
Music: The Spirit
The Devil arcana represents being bound or chained down by malevolent forces in life like materialism or addiction, as well as sexuality. When reversed, it represents detachment, reclaiming lost power, and breaking free from those very same burdens.
Ohyas abilities arent terribly useful unless youre getting caught a hell of a lot, but theyre not totally worthless either, I suppose. Some people really dont like them though because they make it more annoying to grind for Treasure Demons due to the lower increase in security level.
Music: Crossroads
OK, Lala-chaaan! Time to celebrate our agreement! Bring out my bottle! And two glasses please ! ...Cmon! Please ? ...Whoa, her silence is golden. Fine, fine, FINE! I wont make the high schooler drink!
Ugh, I gotta use the bathroom...
I was able to pique Ohyas interest I feel like my Charm has increased...
Maaku gains Charm +3.
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
Whaddya wanna do today? We still got time, but shouldnt we check out the area around the Treasure at least? So, wanna hit the Palace today?
Well, Ill leave the timing to you. But dont decide too late, man.
Music: Tokyo Daylight
Nah.
Music: Butterfly Kiss
But Im not an optometrist Oh, is it because I have an eye test chart on the wall ? So, what are you here for today?
Oh, the clinical trial Sorry, Im going to pass on it today.
Takemi is depressed In order for her to depend on me, I may have to polish up my Charm as a person Takemi would probably depend on me if my Charm were Charismatic...
We need Rank 4 Charm to do any more clinical trials. Rats.
I dont think my bond with Ann will deepen just yet...
Why dont we hang out at the diner then? I could go for a nice chat!
I feel like my bond with Ann will grow stronger soon...
Seeya!
Music: Beneath the Mask -Rain-
You already said that. Get some new canned lines, old man!
The mafia is suspected of being behind a rash of scams, and weve interviewed one of the victims. What we found was a young person suffering in the depths of despair.
One of the victims is on TV. I guess Kaneshiro got him, too.
Oh jesus fuck no
*sigh* Lets get this travesty over with.
OK, Ill come over there right awayyy!
Music: My Homie
Nonononononono
I-Im definitely not scheming anything! Meow! I just want to get requested more. ♥
OH GOD KILL IT
Well? How was that?
...Sorry, I blacked out. What were we talking about?
The thing is, I talked to my boss about picking up more shifts But he said that he prioritizes younger women!
I mean, age has nothing to do with cleaning a room! And I look damn good for my age, if I do say so myself.
Please dont involve me in this conversation.
The girls in my neighborhood always tell me Im pretty. And the latchkey kid who lives next door always asks me to tie up her hair. Thanks to that, Im an expert with these pigtails now. See? So Im damn good for-- ...Wait, dont tell me Im the only one who thinks this way?
About your face? Because sorry, but right now it makes me want to die.
I look pretty good as a maid, dont I?
I dont really feel like Im worth being loved.
Thats awful frank of you to admit.
But youre right.
Music: Alright (Elp Version)
What the heck am I saying ? Youre my student My double life as both a teacher and a maid is so exhausting.
...This game is dumb.
Maybe I let my guard down because you know both sides of me. The more I come here, the more I feel like I can relax. As a maid, Im supposed to help my master relax but instead, Im the one whos being helped. Haha Sorry Im such a terrible maid.
I feel Kawakamis kindness...
I have to confess something I lied about the reason why I need to make more money I dont have a sick sister. All that stuff about the fees and charges was all a lie too.
I cant get requested unless I make up those types of stories. See, you understand now, right? Nothing good will come from involving yourself with a terrible person like me. Its a good lesson learned. *sigh* Lets just put an end to this. Thank you for using our service...
Music: So Boring
We cannot afford to dally for much longer at this point.
Is Kaneshiro still demanding we pay up?
Yes, every single day.
Man, its gotta be tough dealing with that daily...
Im used to it by now.
You are ? Youre amazing...
So far its only been emails, so it hasnt been too difficult to put the matter out of my mind.
Yeah. If he sends out that photo, were totally done for. It would probably be a good idea to handle this sooner rather than later.
If they spread that picture, you guys are done for. Tell everyone to meet at the hideout. Lets discuss what our next move should be.
Heres an interesting foible in my plans: The game itself gets antsy if you refuse to meet up for four days after talking to Kaneshiro, and on the fifth day forces the meeting at the accessway. I was putting off the meeting for the purposes of pacing, but were gonna see it anyway.
Music: Suspicion
Things would get interesting if my sister ever found out...
Theres no time to be getting sentimental here.
Yes, I understand. I do have one request about all of this though. Can you teach me how to be a phantom thief? Like about the Metaverse, for example.
Simply put, that world is formed of a persons cognition. There, you can change peoples hearts.
Yeah, Ive gathered that much just from going there once. But the method of transportation still eludes me I mean, its a smartphone navigation app...
You only need a name, a location, and a distortion. After the first entry, the Palace is bookmarked.
You really just make it sound like an ordinary app Arent there any dangers associated with it?
Dont worry bout that! Weve already been a bunch of times and--
Thats not what I mean. Its a navigation app, right? Couldnt someone easily access our history on the server?
Its basically magic, Makoto. I dont think theres a server.
Wait, why are you looking at me like that ? Has nobody thought of this before!?
Were idiots, Makoto. Try to keep up.
I
Now shes catchin me off guard too...
And we dont know where it came from, right? It showed up on my phone without any input from me Do you know anything about it, Maaku-kun?
What ?
I want to tell her the truth, but its tough to explain that Igor has been sending out the app...
...I dont fully understand, but I dont think we have to worry about people accessing our data. From what I can tell, this app is incredibly special. It wasnt made by any ordinary means.
True An app that allows you to enter another world isnt exactly commonplace Well, Sis doesnt know who the Phantom Thieves are, so I suppose our information is safe for now.
Were still learning things ourselves. I hope your sharp wit can help us with that.
Thank you. Ill do my best.
So, whats our time limit this time? I doubt we have much time to spare at this point.
Kaneshiros henchman said the deadline is July 9th.
Theres no way high schoolers could really bring in three million yen...
And thats why hes threatening us. If we cant pay hell do much worse than just blackmail.
Cmon, we just gotta take care of him before the time limit. Well bounce back from this.
Yeah, this is the perfect opportunity. We have to succeed, no matter what!
Well, I wasnt planning on heading into the Palace so early, but we might as well. Next update, anyway.