Part 62: 6/27-6/28: Makoto's Crippling Time Crisis Addiction

Part 61: 6/27-6/28: Makoto’s Crippling Time Crisis Addiction

Music: Regret





You stole it all from innocent people!
Fine. I’ll call off the debt...
Fine? You’re still soundin’ pretty condescendin’.
You’re right… I’m a poor, ugly… idiot… How am I supposed to live a normal life like this…? It’s all because of our society! Weak people can’t lead a happy life, no matter what they do! I’m a victim too, you know!? Yeah, none of this is my fault!
The more you talk, the more pathetic you sound.
I just wanted a place where I could belong! You get that, don’t you!?
Bullshit! All you did was surround yourself with people you could use, solely for some easy money!
And you think you’re the only one who’s gotta deal with bein’ labeled…? Me… and all these other guys… We’re all fightin’ against that!
But don’t worry. You’ll finally have a place you belong. Somewhere you can make amends, for the rest of your life.
We’re gonna do something about that distorted heart of yours… Free of charge.

Five bucks says Ryuji rehearsed that.



Now hurry up and return to the real Kaneshiro.



These Palaces could net you loads of cash! You could do whatever you wanted to people’s hearts!

Uh, I’ve got 200k on me right now.

We’re not like you!
Where do you find meaning in that naive sense of justice…? You know, there’s already someone out there taking full advantage of what Palaces have to offer...



Music: Disquiet

What…?
I’ll let you in on a little something… There’s a criminal using other people’s Palaces to accomplish whatever they damn well please. They don’t care about consequences. Psychotic breakdowns, mental shutdowns… Anything goes.
Is that… the same person Madarame’s Shadow spoke of…?
Spill it! Who’re you talkin’ about!?
*snicker* Don’t even bother. You are nothing compared to them… Better be careful… A chance encounter with them could prove fatal...




Music: Run, Run, Run!

We can think about that later! Grab the Treasure; there’s no time!
In that case, we should take that large one… ...Wait, what!?



T-Treasure…
What’s gotten into him…!?
This is sooooo coooooool! Wowwweee, being a human is greatttttt! It’s… It’s… It’s… shiny shiny golddd!



Morgana leaps onto Ann’s face for some goddamn reason.

Hrgh!? L-Leff ho off mee!




Ann then chucks Morgana like a football.



Enough, already! Let’s get it in, everyone! Hurry!




Grrr… Fine!



*screaming*



Music: Suspicion



Ouch!

You guys are so careless… *thud* Mew! Meowww….



I think I cracked my ass...
Ann, are you all right!? Is yours cracked as well…?
Of course not!
Isn’t it supposed to be though?
Urgh, that’s not what I mean! More importantly, it’s dangerous for us to just charge out like that! Ack! Everyone’s staring at us!



Thank goodness nobody was hurt.
Uhhh, I wouldn’t say nobody...

Music: My Homie



RIP catte, I wish I could say it’s been fun, but well...

It appears to have been the cause of Morgana’s demise…
That’s not what I meant! Isn’t that Kaneshiro’s…
You mean his Treasure…!?
Hey, the light’s red!



How about at karaoke?
We’d have security cameras to worry about there.
Oh, I got the perfect place.



That’s right!
I was just in the mood for some coffee too.



So… warm...

Music: Wicked Plan



Ann is tending to Morgana.

Have you learned anything new?
It’s sealed by a rotary lock. We’ll need the combination to open it.



Morgana interrupts with a scream of pain from Ann’s treatment.

A rotary lock, hm…?



Makoto fiddles with the dials.



The latches open.

…I knew it.
How did you get that?
I simply memorized the combination. I saw him open and close it so many times, after all.
W-Well that’s… scary. But amazin’ too!
Urghhh, that burns… Hey, hurry up and open it.



*gasps*

H-How much is this!?
I believe one stack is one million yen… ...Hm?
One, two, three… Uhh, there’s thirty of them in here!?
Thirty million yen… Even after splitting it, we still each get five million…!

Um, what? The cat can’t spend money. I should get double.

Holy shit… It’s gonna be deluxe pork soup combo for me from here on out!
You have to think bigger than that...
Not to bring down the excited mood… but does this money look real to you?





F-For real…!?

Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)

I guess this represents… how everything he did was an act to make himself seem tough…?
Nooooooooo…!
Well hey, at least it feels like we totes busted this case, right?
What do you mean? Is busting a case good or bad…?
Both!
Snrk… *chuckle* Ahahahaha! To think the reward for the Phantom Thieves is feeling they “totes busted” the case… Ahhh… How funny!
Hold on a second. Even though the contents were nothing more than trash, the case itself is quite nice.
All right then, let’s sell it! Glad we got that sorted!
By the way Morgana, have any of your memories returned?
No, not at all…
C’mon, did that hit to your head make you forget even more?
It’s easy for you to talk. You’re not the one who lost your memories.
You have amnesia…?
Something like that. He does remember searching for Treasures though.
Hm. I hope your memories return soon then. So… what happens next?
First, we wait for Kaneshiro to have his change of heart.
It’s gonna be big this time. People’re gonna make a huge deal out of it, for sure.
Hey, you know what Kaneshiro said at the end there…? About that “criminal using the Metaverse…
Yes, I was bothered by that as well.
No point mullin’ over it now. Let’s wait and see how Kaneshiro’s change of heart goes first. We should prolly just lay low for a while.
I never thought I’d hear those words coming from you.

Music: Disquiet



How long is it going to take? This incident happened at the school you’re supposed to be presiding over… *sigh*

School?




...Fine. I hope you remember who gave you that position to begin with. Our other operative gave us a list of candidates without delay. How different from a certain someone… ...Yes, of course. Please continue your investigation.

Is he talking with Kobayakawa? Seems like something nefarious is afoot.

Music: Beneath the Mask



All we need to do now is await the results.
I wonder what’s gonna happen when he has the change of heart. Do you think he’ll turn himself in?
That seems likely.



Right? We were going up against a real criminal, after all.
Yes. We managed to steal the heart of a notable lawbreaker.
I can’t wait to see Akechi’s face when he hears the news!
Honestly, I just hope that people who see it get some courage from the news.
There’s still one thing that worries me though...
Do you mean how someone is using the Metaverse for evil?
It would be seriously unforgivable if someone was really doing that…
Eh, we can think about that later. For now, let’s just wait for Kaneshiro’s change of heart.
Very well. Nicely done, everyone!
All we need to do now is let the results come rolling in. We did great today though! Public opinion of us should skyrocket after this!



There’s been markedly more damage than a typical year, and people fear public safety has worsened. People are calling for people to be careful, but have yet to enact any effective countermeasures.
That Kaneshiro… He’s really done it now.

We already changed his heart, Morgana, keep up.

Now all we have to do is wait for them to have a change of heart. Tonight, you can take it easy.

Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)



Same with Kamoshida, and Madarame too. They hurt and exploited others just to satisfy their desires… Still, there were people around them who noticed their terrible deeds, weren’t there? I wonder why they turned a blind eye… Why doesn’t anyone help?



But they don’t have the courage? Humans are so weak. Humans… Hey, do you think I’ll really be able to become a human? When I touched the Treasure… some memories came back. I tried to force myself to forget, but… I really may not be human...



Who do you think you’re talking to? Now that I think about it, I gotta be human. I am the core of the Phantom Thieves, after all!
I feel like my bond with Morgana is growing deeper...



Pickpocket is a neat little skill. You probably still won’t be using melee all that much, but it’s a nice surprise for when you do.

Come on, it’s not good for you to stay up this late. Let’s go to sleep.



Music: Aria of the Soul




You’ve defeated the repulsive fiend of gluttony this time. *chuckle* Well done. I am glad to see you have devoted yourself to your rehabilitation.
You are not worthy of such kind words, Inmate… I suggest you treasure them.
Do you recall the whispers about that strange man?



Even a chicken could remember something that important! Don’t sound so cocky about it!

Just can’t win with these two, can I?

...This is about the cases of those people who shut down, is it not?
Indeed… I speak of another with powers similar to yours. If you are to complete your rehabilitation, you may encounter him eventually… *chuckle* Yet another thing for me to look forward to. I shall grant you an ability befitting of your newfound growth. Consider it a gift. It would be greatly troubling if you were to not strengthen your abilities.
I feel like my bond with Igor is growing deeper...



More experience when we fuse, all right.

It’s time, Inmate!
Return to your world.



Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)





I assume it’s OK if you’re able to make such jokes. There’s something I feel I should let you know. Kaneshiro contacted me.
Kaneshiro!?

Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)



And, um… My sister and her team have taken him into custody.



What!?
It appears they did not want him to… disappear, if you know what I mean.
His group was called a mafia, after all… I wouldn’t put silencing him past them.
Does this mean we were successful in changing his heart?
It’s hard to say for sure yet.

What the fuck are you talking about? It’s plain as day! What possible reason could you have to doubt that it worked?

I see… What about those psychotic breakdowns that Kaneshiro mentioned…?
I’m not sure… but I assume he was talking about the incidents that have been all over the news lately. It really may be related to the other person who has been entering Palaces…
True. That said, all we can do now is wait until Kaneshiro’s change of heart becomes clear to us. Thank you.

Music: Tokyo Daylight



We seem to be fine for now, but we can’t let our guard down. I ask that you try not to stand out for a while. By the way, I usually spend my time in the student council room. If there’s ever an emergency, feel free to come find me there.

Sounds like Makoto’s available to hang.

Hey, shouldn’t you tell the others about what Mishima told you?

Nah.



Akechi-kun should deal with the mafia instead of the Phantom Thieves, but maybe he’s too busy.
What are the Phantom Thieves trying to achieve? They’re only targeting bad guys, so far.
Maybe they want to do it for fame. I guess they’d want to show up Akechi-kun after he said those things on TV.



Well, you’re not affected because of your bad rep. If you want to ask me about something, go for it.



She’s the ideal honor student. Excellent grades, exemplary conduct, trusted by teachers… She ran for class president and won on her own merit. Well, no one else wants to do her job though.



He’s still highly regarded for his passion for education, even though he’s criticized for scandals now. Ever since the incident involving Mr. Kamoshida, he’s been working to restore our school’s prestige.



I hear fraud is on the rise, and there’s even rumors of drugs and prostitution… The police can’t do much because they have too little info. Most of the time, the victims stay silent.




The calling card was sent to that criminal organization, but I haven’t thought of any furth-- ...Oh, no. I’ve said too much. For your own safety, I can’t risk exposing any more top secret info.



This big scary guy looked like he was panicking while tearing them down. It was hilarious!
Is something going to happen again…? Oh, and you guys, try not to go out too late, OK?
Whaaat? It’s fine. Plus, if that calling card is real, things will be safer around here.

So, wait a minute. Did Makoto and Ryuji have to get those things printed? How much would that cost? And how did nobody notice them either at the print shop or posting the calling cards?



I stayed up reading about it, and didn’t get much sleep. I sooo don’t wanna go to practice…
What are you doing!? It’s up to us to bring pride to Shujin Academy now that the volleyball team’s been disgraced!
You’re right. The third-years all retired, so I gotta take my role as captain seriously.

Music: Tokyo Emergency



Yes, I must save Shibuya from the surge of darkness. It is all the will of the Sun God.

Wait, this dude’s the Sun God? I’m kind of losing the plot here.

So you really do control them! I thought you’d just been idling the time away.
Y-You fledgling… It is merely my plan to throw them off guard! As we speak, my apostles go forth!




I keep hearing about the calling card that the Phantom Thieves sent out. The underworld is nothing but thugs now. It’s pathetic. What happened to their code of honor?



What!? Are the Phantom Thieves at it again? ...By the way, who’s Kaneshiro?
He’s the mafia boss running Shibuya. It’s all over the internet!

Music: Tokyo Daylight



Yeah, I saw. Their logo is pretty cool. But aren’t the Phantom Thieves like, bad guys? I can’t believe they’re in Shibuya!
That’s what Akechi-kun said—that they’re dangerous. I hope someone puts a stop to them.



Do you need something on the third floor? Have you come to study in the library, perhaps?



It seems your studies have paid off. Have you been working hard?
It seems I have enough Knowledge to invite Makoto out… This may be a good opportunity to deepen my bond with her...

The requirement was Rank 3, which we actually did meet the last time we tried to talk to her, but it gives you the rejection anyway if you do it pre-Palace.

There’s something I want to ask you. If it doesn’t get in the way of your studies, that is.



Thank you. Now then, let’s find somewhere better to talk. The courtyard should do.



*nods*

Music: Alright (Elp Version)

Up until now, I’ve been the quintessential honor student. I believe I’ve been handling my position as student council president with ease as well. A-And I don’t mean that in a boasting way, that’s simply how I’ve thought about it. ...But in the end, I was unable to make any kind of impact with either Suzui-san or Kaneshiro. Turns out there’s no use for a rule-abiding honor student when things get rough. Now that I’m a member of the team, I want to do everything I can to help you all. All my studying up to this point has kept me quite narrow-minded. I think… I-I will need to broaden my horizons somewhat.



My first step will be to learn more about the other students. But… I struggle with that. There seems to be a disparity between my tastes and those of my peers…

Maaku… teach me how to eat a hamburger.



Really? I hope you’re right… But I don’t even know where people like to go for fun… It would be nice to have a grasp of such concepts. Plus, the student council must be responsible for understanding the student body they serve, right? I-I don’t mean that in a surveillance way, I just want to know them as people. I may be a phantom thief, but that’s no excuse for me to start ignoring my presidential duties. Now, back to the topic at hand… Where do people usually go for fun?



I enjoy the movies myself, sometime. I think I’d prefer somewhere I’m unfamiliar with… Oh, I know! How about the arcade? I’ve never actually been to one. Do you think you could take me? I’m not sure if it will broaden my horizons per se, but simply studying won’t get me anywhere.



Thank goodness… I think I would have been totally lost in there had I gone by myself. Well, let’s get going.

Music: What’s Going On?



There are more girls here than I expected.



You play by aiming the gun at the screen, right? That actually seems somewhat realistic. …...




I-If it’s OK with you… Do you think you could teach me?
*nods*

Time to give Makoto a taste of blood.



Huh!? …… No way! …… Ahhh!
Makoto’s loud play is garnering quite a bit of attention… She seems to be too engrossed in the game to even notice though...




Of course that was just a game, but… I wonder if I could apply some of the techniques I learned here during battle.



Perhaps going somewhere I don’t normally frequent is what helped me come up with that idea. You know, it may only be a little bit… But I think I’m starting to understand how people pass time. Interesting. I would’ve never even thought about coming here before.



I… Hey, do you think you could help me out again later? I might be able to give the team more ideas if I can gain increased knowledge outside of my studies.



I need to live up to your expectations now that I’ve taken up your time. Perhaps it won’t be immediately… but I’m sure I can be of use.
I can sense a strong resolve from Makoto...

Music: Interrogation Room




You managed to overcome them because you had someone who specialized in analyzing enemies… ...Isn’t that right!?

Man, Sae’s an idiot.

Music: The Spirit




The (High) Priestess arcana represents intuition and the subconscious, as well as mystery and higher powers. It’s all about knowledge, some of it secret. When reversed it foretells hidden agendas and deception.

Makoto’s Shadow Calculus lets us see the skills and items enemies have, which is very useful.

Music: What’s Going On?



By the way, you went to the red-light district when you were chasing after Kaneshiro, right? I’d like to go there as well. No! N-Not for my own purposes…



To tell you the truth, I recently got a report that one of our students was spotted there… I’m skeptical, but… I’d like to confirm firsthand for myself. Well, it’s getting late. Let’s go home. See you...