Part 92: 8/22: This Update Has Been Hacked
Part 90: 8/22: This Update Has Been HackedMusic: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
Boss! Hello!
Music: Alright
Yo, you look tired.
Weve made ourselves at home.
The sites main page now displays what is thought to be the mark belonging to the Phantom Thieves Moreso, the personal information of a Japanese man, a possible Medjed member, was illegally publicized.
Arent these the guys people have been up in arms about?
Medjed has yet to issue an official reply. Furthermore, their previously announced cleanse of Japan has remained unimplemented for now. Some speculate that they have taken this series of events seriously and ultimately canceled their plan.
Futaba didnt really do much, did she? Doxxed one person and hacked a website.
The group starts giggling and cheering quietly.
Whatre you all smirking about ?
Well stop it. Youre gonna drive away all my customers.
After the commercial break, we will be asking guests from various fields about this turn of events.
But there aint any customers ?
Can it My customers are on summer vacation too.
Ha. Poor Sojiro.
Oh crap, I just realized our breaks almost over!
There are still ten days left.
I wanna go somewhere, but we cant just leave Futaba-chan alone.
Some things still concern me too, like that research
Oh! Did you just get up?
*nods*
Good morning.
It seems shes cautious of us
Hey, why dont we go upstairs? If any customers come, shell be even more afraid.
Why dont you go with them, Futaba? Have fun. Its about time my regulars show up anyway, so I dont want you guys loitering around my store.
Oh hey, this asshole again!
The issue I want to make clear is the attitude of the police, and more importantly, the government.
What do you mean?
Are they doing their best to find an effective countermeasure against these Phantom Thieves? Is it not the governments duty to create a society where its citizens can live without worry?
Hey! Under the Phantom Thieves, you only have to worry if youre an undesirable!
Unfortunately, the current cabinet is powerless. As such, they should be disbanded. I believe now is the time for me to risk my political career in hope of making a new reality. A new political system that goes beyond parties or factions An ideal country of peace and order
This politician seems quite promising.
I have to agree. I hope he can work to ease the anxieties of the elderly.
What do you think, Boss?
Hm? Oh sorry, I wasnt listening.
Rude!
Music: Interrogation Room
And Medjed was in turn defeated by her real-world hacking abilities? This does correlate to the facts as we know them If hes telling the truth, then Wakaba Isshiki didnt commit suicide Did a third party target her life with the goal of destroying her research ? Wakabas death was two years ago That also coincides with when the incidents started occurring Does this other Metaverse user that Madarame and Kaneshiro mentioned really exist ? Earlier, I briefly mentioned about those psychotic breakdown incidents that have alarmed the public. All of a sudden, people will lose consciousness or become violent A situation as incomprehensible as that cant be explained away as troubled social conditions. ...I suspect that these cases are all connected to a larger, man-made plot. The method involved always muddled the explication, but your story has virtually confirmed its viability.
Oh man, this is some fresh word salad. Who the fuck uses the word explication?
Although, I wouldnt have expected a new criminal to come to light from your testimony What did your group think of this other Metaverse user?
How self-centered of you. The Phantom Thieves tamper with peoples hearts without consent. How is that different? Well no matter how you thought of them, there can be no doubting your resolve. Are those incidents because of you or someone else ? Either way, I will get to the bottom of this.
I feel like my bond with Sae is growing deeper...
Kunikazu Okumura You should know who he is. ...Considering what happened. Your testimony regarding this incident will be serious. Im sure you understand why. Answer my next question carefully. What did you do to this Okumura?
Music: Wicked Plan
To think the cognitive version of a person would transform into a such a horrible monster and attack us That means our enemies arent limited to Shadows.
I thought the other people were just victims, like the slaves at the castle or the walking ATMs.
Even though they seem to be alive, theyre only part of the backdrop the environment. In other words, the Palace ruler determines the form and strength of their cognitions. I would have loved to ask Futabas mother how far along she was with her research
Research, huh She was lookin into that cognitive psience stuff, yeah?
If we put together all the information weve gathered up to this point Abuse of cognitive psience can lead to death, and it may even relate to the psychotic breakdown incidents. Considering the cognitive aspect, I sense a strong connection between it and the Metaverse.
On top of that, the research might have been stolen and used by someone else.
You mean those guys that showed Futaba-chan the fake suicide note.
If that is the case, those people are unforgivable.
Hey, Futaba. Is there anything else you can remember?
Futaba comes back, with more food.
Cmon, no fair
Hey, can I snag a bite?
Futaba stares Ryuji down.
...Meanie.
Why dont we take a short break?
Music: Suspicion
Even if Futaba is a genius, could she really crush an international hacker organization that easily?
What are you talking about, Makoto? This is anime. Of course she could.
The one who taunted the Phantom Thieves was a guy in Japan. I knew the Medjed members in Japan werent anything special, so I wasnt worried.
How do you know that?
Cause Im the founder.
Theeeeere we go.
Um what do you mean? Should we take that literally?
Yep. It was only me at first, back when I was referred to as the hacker of justice. But since I stayed anonymous, a buncha guys from all over the world started using the name.
And those were the ones committing cybercrimes.
It was a hassle to expose all of them, so I just left them be.
Uhhh so Futaba was the true Medjed, and we were freakin out over some weak-ass dipshits?
Yep. Seems like the threat has been completely undermined!
You shouldve told us from the start, Futaba.
I discarded the Medjed name a while ago. Im Alibaba now.
Futaba, what do you want to do now? Since you know our secret, wed like you to join our team.
Simple enough!
Just like that ?
This may even ensure our investigation of Mementos goes along smoothly.
Well I guess.
Well, Futabas real amazin! Shes gonna be a big help for us, huh?
Say, Futaba. How did you find out about us?
Secret.
Where did you learn to hack?
Private.
When did you obtain the Nav?
I refuse to answer.
Futaba-chan sure is unique Still, itll be a problem if she doesnt open up to us some more.
At the very least, we need to be able to communicate normally with her.
What should we do?
Music: Alright
How?
First, well need to help her open up to us. If we each spend an entire day with her, maybe shell get more used to being around us.
I see. We do have the time, thanks to summer vacation.
We can begin tomorrow.
Lets go to the beach! Therell be tonsa people there, plus we got totally dried out in that desert.
Thats a great idea! I forgot I hadnt gone to the beach yet!
Uh, excuse me ?
Ill come by tomorrow. See you then.
Let me help as well. I dont have anything planned.
Thanks. We can set a schedule with everyone else depending on when theyre free.
OK!
Futaba grabs Morganas face and begins pulling on it.
Music: Disquiet
What a weirdly patronizing and sexist thing to say, Akechi! Wow!
How can I stay calm about this!?
I understand how you feel.
Thanks to the incident with those hackers, people are calling us incompetent. And on top of all that, the Phantom Thieves are claiming justice is on their side. Dont make me laugh.
Medjed was dealt with by either the Phantom Thieves themselves, or some avid supporter. There are no tracks whatsoever, so they must be quite skilled Either way, the general public recognizes the Phantom Thieves as the subjugating party.
Theyre gaining support and influence much faster than we could have anticipated
It is indeed an abnormal situation. Im beginning to suspect mass manipulation of some kind Its even possible that a powerful person is behind them, plotting the psychotic breakdowns
Its rare to hear you speak in that tone.
Music: Beneath the Mask
They were saying how awesome they think the Phantom Thieves are!
Ive heard things too. Its becoming a huge topic of conversation.
Yeah, its really all thanks to Alibaba. You were a great help.
It was nothing.
Oh, that reminds me Remember that stuff about ATMs and banks just stopping? That wasnt Medjed, was it?
Nope, that was totally separate.
So people were overreacting to mere coincidence?
Either that or those rumors were never true to begin with.
Hm, you seem to be quite talkative in these conversations.
Is that so? Ill shut up then.
Great job, Yusuke.
:|
?
>:C
I dont think I get it, but Im pretty sure shes angry
You gotta apologize, Yusuke.
Me? Why?
:U
Hey, is this really going to be OK? Im worried about how things will be from now on
Theres no doubt about it! I mean, they took Medjed down. Even the guys who had been criticizing the Phantom Thieves basically have to accept them now! The news has been spreading like wildfire too. Ill give it an extra boost on my site as well. I bet the approval rating will be through the roof tomorrow. Look forward to it!
...Why is he of all people getting excited about this? Well, the news really did draw a lot of attention. I cant wait to see what happens.
So, our current sub-objective next to Prove your justice to society is Rid Futaba of her unease. Simple.
Anyway, this is one of the rare instances where we have our day consumed but not our night. For the next several days well start in the attic, yes, but well actually have the freedom to leave, holy shit! However, well be spending our days helping Futaba because
Even so, we should keep at it.
Temperatures are rising across the country, marking the hottest days weve had this summer. Todays temperature is at a record high, and many are escaping the heat by playing in the water. Throngs of people could be seen at the beach near the city, enjoying the summer weather.
You have to go to the beach in the summer! We should go!
Its not worth going to any beaches in Japan. Theyre cramped and dirty; theres jellyfish
What about a beach outside of Japan? Lets go on a vacation on a tropical island!
We dont have to go now, right? Its absurd to go somewhere hot in the middle of summer.
I dont even like the beach or being outside in general, but holy shit, SEVER.
Mine say the same thing! My mom said not to get all proud and arrogant and stuff
Yeah, right. Dont listen to her. Grown-ups lie all the time.
I know! My parents were supposed to take me to the zoo the other day, but they broke their promise!
I wonder how they pulled it off They really are amazing, huh.
Hey-ey, whatever happened to that Akechi dude? The Phantom Thieves buried that guytotal annihilation!
We should be relieved that nothing happened. Whats more ominous is the Phantom Thieves.
How so? I thought they did well this time
Gaining power moves one closer to becoming an authoritarian. Thats just the way of the world.
FULL ANARCHY NOW
Yes, I think so. Nothing bad actually happened, so it looks like well all be safe.
They admitted their wrongdoing on their own. If our superiors could do that too, itd be real nice.
Hahaha, thatd be great. Itd be even better if that happened in every company.
The Phantom Thieves are awesome! Theyre like a manga come to life! But, I meanwe cant rely on them for everything, right?
Huh? Why not? Stop lecturing us!
You were listening, huh? Scram if you dont wanna get hurt. The more you struggle and resist in vain, the worse your pain and suffering, you know? Though, its always more fun for me when the other guy struggles *chuckle*
Theyre really somethin else. I wanna apprentice with em.
Im glad youre finally getting it.
Yup. Lemme get ya somethin nice from the gift store back hometo show Im sorry.
I take it back. You clearly dont get it yet!
This is your chance to meet those mysterious superheroes, the Phantom Thieves! You interested?
Relax, thisll only take a second. Just a few seconds, OK? Were celebrating Medjeds fall with a party event: An Evening Chat with the Phantom Thieves. Of course, the Phantom Thieves will show up as well! Itll be a fancy dinner at not a bad price!
What? You scared of the Phantom Thieves showing up? What are you, chicken? Well, in that case, go home already, kid! Geez, Im wastin my breath here!
He must be hurting so much inside. I wish I could cheer up my dearest Akechi-kun
My Akechi-kun, my ass. Your sparkly eyes are hilarious next to your five oclock shadow.
Youve got nose hair sticking out too, you bushy-haired beast!
Ugh.
Its a heavy burden, making my dreamOUR dreamcome true. I was unable to shoulder that.
Yeah I gotta work hard to make our dreams come true. Youre right, Mr. Asakura. But I know I can do it!
Music: Crossroads
Lets talk to the same guy as last time.
Id like to ask for a young persons opinion on the recent fluctuation in stock prices
...Well, you might as well humor him.
Maaku gains Knowledge +2.
I talked to a drunk guy and learned so much that I am literally incapable of getting any smarter.
G-Good evening
Oh, my You look quite exhausted. Here, have a seat.
As soon as I talk back, he makes sure I know Im lower than him. He insinuates hell demote me After that, Ill overhear him talking about me, calling me useless while Im at work And everything Ive done, all the results Im getting Somehow, hes taking all the credit.
That is the worst kind of workplace abuse. I cannot believe that man
So many people have quit because of stress. And yet, the higher-ups all ignore it. Of all the terrible bosses I could get in the world, why did mine have to be Shinsuke Kishi? *sigh* Hey, Lala. I wish the Phantom Thieves could do something and help me with this
Like how? Are you going to ask them to steal all your stress away?
Hahaha No. I guess its impossible. But its nice to think about
Maaku gets 5400 yen.
Music: Aria of the Soul
It seems you freed the heart of a frenzied girl and saved her from her haunted past. *chuckle* Another step has been taken to rehabilitation You are progressing quite nicely.
Our master bestows words of praise upon you! Youd better feel honored!
By the by, more curious information has found its way to your ears.
At times it can feel like the translators really wanted to use a weird word or choice of phrase that ends up sticking out badly. By the by is not a thing an actual human would ever say, and dont be a smartass and reply to that with Igor isnt human. Its creepy and weird in a completely separate manner from his own creepy, weird self.
A scientists research It seems that world may secretly be known after all. Furthermore, that very research has been stolen and is now used by those with malicious intent I wonder how this will change the approach you take toward your rehabilitation
I believe I told you we would spare no expense in cooperating with you. Allow me to grant you a new power worthy of your current self.
Note: the game developers may have forgotten to add new power.
Though you have my aid, be sure not to let your guard down. Otherwise you may get swept off your feet
I feel like my bond with Igor is growing deeper
...We shall meet again in the near future.
Time to go, Inmate!