Part 104: 9/7-9/9: Aloha, Phantom Thieves
Part 100: 9/7-9/9: Aloha, Phantom Thieves100 updates everyone! Time to celebrate with a Hawaiian vacation! Im sure this will be vital to the plot and not a huge waste of everyones time, especially mine!
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
*nods*
Ill look after Futaba and the cat while youre gone. You owe me one.
Oh, thank you so much for taking care of your own daughter in my absence, Sojiro. What would we ever do without you?
Well someones excited for their vacation
Music: Alright
Itll take over six hours to get there, so why not sleep on the plane?
Ill do that...
Its almost time to check in.
Phew, looks like its gonna take off on time. I feel like a lot of flights headed to America tend to run late or get canceled Is it just me or is Ryuji not here yet?
Coming late even on a day like this?
Thats all youre bringing?
Its only four nights, right? Aint it enough?
See?
I think that was sarcasm...
Ooh, sounds good!
Lemme join in too! You too, Makoto.
All right.
*rubbing eyes* Holy shit, shes right...
How could you tell, Futaba?
You surprised? I snuck an app on Maakus phone. I can see all I want through his camera! Youre looking now, right Maaku? Mwehehe. You cant underestimate the original Medjed.
Talk about a nasty trick
I am so glad shes not an enemy of ours.
In that critical scene, we find out that Futaba is watching us during our every waking moment! Hi-larious!
Hawaii (Watch this)
Music: New Beginning
Coming right up.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have begun our initial descent into Hawaii. We ask that you return to your seats and ensure that your seatbelts are safely fastened.
GAH
How long will you be staying?
So, in the original Japanese, Ryuji was speaking terrible, random English to this dude. I believe he says, OKAY OKAY! I AM JAPANESE! As can be seen here, the localization team didnt even try to translate that joke.
Also worth noting: in the Japanese version, the Customs officer somehow has an even worse, less intelligible accent than Ryuji, because finding a native English speaker for his two lines would probably be a waste of time and money.
Music: Hawaii
Mmm, I love it! The tropical air
You can find your buses that way.
*sigh*
Ryuji is freaking the fuck out.
Music: New Beginning
Wait a minute, in the lecture a few days ago the teacher said wed land the morning of the 7th due to the time difference. What the fuck happened to that day? Did King Crimson attack?
(My guess is the game engine doesnt let the devs go backwards, and since we already had a scene that took place on the evening of the 7th, we cant have a scene following that taking place in the morning. That, or they just fucking forgot. One of those two)
Yes! Were here! Hawaiiiiiiii!
Is this the smell of Hawaii? Actually, Ive been wonderin since the airport, but what is this smell?
Supposedly the lingering scent of carpet cleaner. Its coconut-scented. Plus, Id say the scent of plumeria for the leis are amplifying the tropical atmosphere here.
Why is Mishima even hanging out with us
What are you, the king of random facts!?
Im the type that likes to look up stuff beforehand.
Then tell me a cheap but good place to eat.
Do that after weve figured out room assignments. We cant go out until we get our keys!
I wanna room with this guy.
Mishima? Why? Oh, you mean me.
I cant?
It complicates roll call.
Everyone butts you out, after all. I bet there arent many people whod be OK rooming with you.
Harsh.
Shuddup, we both stick out like a sore thumb, you know.
Oh hey, the second person out of two in the entire game who pronounces Anns last name the way a normal human being might.
No, not yet.
In that case, how about rooming with me?
And if its OK with you, do you want to walk around together once were free to go about? Weve never gone overseas before, so we thought itd be reassuring if we had someone who knows English.
Theyre taking advantage of you, you idiot!
Well, see you guys later.
Then, is it OK if I room with you?
Oh god someone save me
Too many people here to be mean fuck.
Its decided then.
Anyway, dont do anything stupid, OK? This isnt Japan, you know.
Oh, I guess Ann just ditched those two girls she said shed help, because were never going to hear from them again.
There sure are a ton of people here. And a lot of tall buildings, like hotels.
Its a little too clean here. It feels like an artificial resort.
Still, look how clear the ocean is. The palm trees definitely give off a tropical vibe too.
Makoto is the worst chaperone ever. Shes spending the entire trip hanging out with her friends.
I thought Ann was pretty impressive, but compared to the foreign ladies eh.
Then stop looking!
You think so too, dont you? Like, these ladies are massive, unlike the girls in Japan!
Im struggling to find a way to interpret this other than Ryuji likes them hefty, unless hes talking about cup sizes or something. Either way, TMI.
You like em slim, huh?
Moving on, take a look over there. Isnt that Diamond Head?
But whys it called that? Are diamonds a local product?
Wouldnt it say online?
Wait, people long ago mistook volcanic rock for it? The eff?
Might as well look up recommended places in Waikiki too. Oh right, I wanted to eat pancakes.
I wonder if there are any online recommendations of scenic spots.
We should check for cheap and popular restaurants then.
...Hey, were on our phones and chatting. This is no different from when were in Japan.
Even if were overseas, we can see all the news in Japan if we got our phones Its like this aint what I was expectin...
We should do something thats more Hawaii-like.
Whats Hawaii-like?
Hula dancing ?
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
Oh, by the way, you know how the polls for the Phan-Site rankings started, right?
Its been really lively, huh. Im the one who made the website, but even Im surprised. I cant believe Im part of such a huge thing! Im so glad Ive been rooting for the Phantom Thieves! On the contrary, did you hear about Akechi, that detective against the Thieves? The good-looking one. His popularity plummeted after Medjed was dealt with. Supposedly his official blogs up in flames. He posed as some hero of justice, but thats what he gets for not seeing eye to eye with them.
All dissent must be crushed.
To be blunt, I cant focus on this trip. I keep thinking about the Phantom Thieves. Dont you think about them too?
I dont wanna talk about work shit here, Mishima.
...You sure are calm. Something this amazing rarely happens, you know? But, then again, I think Im feeling a bit tired too Lets go to bed. Good night.
Music: Alright
I thought we were gonna be gettin alohas comin from all directions and stuff!
It costs money to enjoy that atmosphere, you know. Theres not much we can do as students.
Whats with the low energy, Makoto?
I just had to listen to the taxi driver complain for thirty minutes straight. Im used to dealing with students troubles, but I never expected to have to do it overseas as well
That must have sucked...
We should be doin some more excitin stuff! I mean, were in freakin Hawaii for gods sake! Isnt the school supposed to plan stuff? I wanna go divin!
It seems there wasnt enough time to come up with any kind of coordinated travel plan.
Okay, then what the fuck is the point of this trip, both in-universe and in terms of the games story? Hello? Why are we fucking around here?
That lack of coordination is what led them to using students as chaperones as well.
By the way, Maaku youre roomin with Mishima, right? How is it? Anythin interestin?
Really? Mishima-kun is the one who made the Phan-Site, correct?
Phan-Site Yknow, I do hear people talkin about the Phantom Thieves every so often
Are they really mentioning us ?
I think so! Weve already made our international debut! Man, just talkin about that makes me wanna go back to Japan so bad!
You really have no chill.
Come on, lets try and forget about those things for now.
OH JESUS CHRIST
GHOST
Music: My Homie
What are you doing here!?
Wasnt your school supposed to be going to Los Angeles?
Apparently they couldnt land the plane due to a terrible storm brewing on the west coast. There were no signs of it letting up, so our destination was changed on the spot to Hawaii.
So, let me get this straight: That typhoon we saw on the news a few days ago hit the west coast of the US. That much I understand. But from there, Yusukes school trip, which was coincidentally on the exact same days and for the exact same duration as ours, instead of heading for a different airport on the west coast (or the plane just not leaving at all), decided to go to Hawaii? And they landed at the same airport on the same island, where they headed for the same hotel, where they inexplicably managed to find enough open rooms for another high school class in addition to the one that was already being served there. Is that about right?
I did some research just now and while it makes sense that pretty much any flight from Japan would land at Honolulu International Airport in Oahu (now Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, having changed its name in 2017, after this game likely takes place), which is fairly close to Waikiki, where we seem to be staying, that doesnt explain the hotel issue at all. A cursory Google Maps search for hotels in the Waikiki neighborhood gives us this image:
Which, as you can see, means that there are several dozen options besides just wherever Shujin picked. I find it kind of unbelievable that Kosei could find enough rooms at any of these hotels for all of its second-years with no prior notice, even still. It is still summer, after all, even if only the tail end, and even if school is starting back up for most tourists. Hell, I have no idea how they even managed to afford all these rooms.
But Yusuke showing up out of nowheres pretty funny, I guess.
Could it be that what happened at the fireworks festival was his fault as well ?
Dont go bringing any storms here, you got that?
Ill do my best.
By the way, theres nothing planned after this. What are you all going to do?
Uh Oh yeah, I still gotta buy souvenirs. My mom asked me to grab some stuff for her.
I totally forgot about that! We need to pick things up for Futaba and Morgana too.
I was hoping to do some shopping myself.
Then its settled. I wonder what Morgana would want
Man, our groups totally the same even outta Japan
Music: Break it Down
Youd think Yusukes school would be pretty cagey about him mingling with the students from another school considering theres no travel itinerary for them at all.
Yeah, its been gettin real popular in Japan lately. I guess they wanted to branch out.
Now that you mention it, I read a news article recently about the success of Okumura Foods.
Ah yes, the company that owns Big Bang Burger.
Okumura ? Aint that the guy whos at the top of the Phan-Site rankings?
Is that true?
I guarantee it. I dont make mistakes about that kinda stuff.
Do I hear sarcasm?
Oh, now you understand sarcasm.
(to Makoto) Hm? Whats the matter?
Oh, its probably nothing. Just a rumor I heard about Okumura Foods Supposedly all of their overseas competition has mysteriously pulled out. Never mind. Im surely just overthinking things. Sis habits seem to be rubbing off on me.
Hey, why dont we take a pic together!? Yknow so we can remember the trip and all!
Another one?
Ooh, good idea!
Are you sure you dont want to be in it? Thanks.
Can you not worry about that stuff for one second?
We still have some time to spare, right? Where to next?
Theres a convenience store down by the beach. How bout there?
That sounds lovely. I would quite like a short rest.
All right, lets head over there.
Music: New Beginning
You might be right Oh, shoot! I forgot my sunscreen Im going to go buy another bottle at the convenience store.
Ill go with you.
Im so bored By the way, you think were the thieves everyone heres been goin on about? Itd be pretty freakin crazy if that was true, huh?
Hm I had not heard of such rumors. It sounds wonderful. We are already here, so why dont we confirm if that is the case?
Oh! Good idea! Lets try askin around while we wait for Ann and Makoto!
You kids are from Japan, right? Are these Phantom Thieves special people like samurai or geisha?
Hm, I suppose that understanding isnt necessarily incorrect for someone from a foreign country
Oooooh!
I read about them in a news article recently. What of it?
Thats actually all I wanted to know. Thanks.
Its so awesome how they kick the bad guys asses! I wonder how they steal hearts
...He actually seems to be quite knowledgeable.
Damn, its crazy how many people know about us! This is freakin awesome!
Hey, aint she kinda cute? Maybe we should ask her some questions too.
Fun detail: the loading screen images for this part of the game have leis on.
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
Oh, hey. Its Girl with Watering Can. Didnt expect to see you again.
Free time is almost up. Shouldnt you be heading back soon?
Oh, yes By the way, your blond friend seemed very excited on the airplane coming here.
Hey, youre that girl we saw watering the plants!
Sorry to surprise you. Im another third-year who was asked to come chaperone this trip. I accepted the task to take my mind off of things, but I wasnt sure how to spend my free time
See you.
Welp, guess well never see her or her unique character model ever again.
Hm, that girl you were talking to just now Do you know her?
No, that was my first interaction with her. She said she was a third-year. Same as you, Makoto.
Uh, I dont think you were the one she was asking, Yusuke.
Mm-hm. Ive never really spoken to her though. Ah, it looks like our free time is over. Lets head back to the hotel.
Music: Wicked Plan
Found it! One after another too
What did you find?
Still working. Cant tell you.
She can handle this without me
(to self) Oooh, so much.
All Im good for is driving them around in Mementos Im basically useless...
Kitty! Your mumblings distracting me! If you got something to say, just spit it out.
Its nothing.
Lemme go!
You feel so nice.
I do not!
So smooth and silky. Its kinda hard to believe fur this soft belongs to a human.
Dont make me say it again! Im a human
Couldnt you just be assuming that? I had the wrong assumptions about my mom for the longest time.
Thats not the same! I understand myself better than anyone!
Thats true.
...
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
Oh, wow! The president of a company called Okumura Foods is rising very quickly up the rankings!
Come on, you cant let this chance pass you by! Its rumored that Okumura Foods exploits their employees. Stuff like underpaying staff to reduce labor costs. Thats how they have so many stores...
Why are you here?
Music: My Homie
Just hear me out! The guy Im roomin with went and brought his girlfriend back to the room! I felt totally awkward stayin in there with them. Im just gonna sleep here tonight.
Its not going to be less awkward with Mishima around, dude.
Even though there are only two beds?
I know that feelin!
Oh, jeez. This place is filling up. Im half-expecting Yusuke to arrive because he got expelled or something.
Also appreciate the implication that Anns roommate is the girlfriend of Ryujis roommate. I ship it.
And she took the key! I stepped outside for just a second and the autolock kicked in! I cant get back in my room!
How did you think hotel rooms worked, Ann?
Ever since the Medjed case, many people from overseas have been accessing the website Isnt it crazy? The Phantom Thieves are finally making their worldwide debut ! What should I do about overseas requests?
I dont think were the ones you should ask about that
They took down Medjed. I wonder who theyll bring justice to next. Its not just Japan anymore. The whole worlds waiting to see the Phantom Thieves next move.
That reminds me, what time is it?
*yawn* So sleepy Im feelin pretty pooped. You think this could be that jet lag thing?
Itll be too much hassle for me to go anywhere else. Ill just sleep in here tonight.
Wait, what? I dunno if thats a good idea.
Dont worry, I trust you guys.
I saw that one comin...
There are only two beds Even if someone sleeps on the sofa
One of us is gonna have to sleep on the floor
Uh, you cant see it from this angle but Mishima was just sitting in an armchair a few minutes ago. Its just below the cameras perspective. Ive never been able to sleep sitting up but that doesnt mean it isnt more comfortable than the fucking floor.
But are we really so insecure we cant even share the beds? Its a
So whos that gonna be?
Oh hey, playin cards. Why dont we use these to decide?
Goddammit, Mishimwait, why the fuck didnt Ann have to play!?
Hey, whered Mishima go?
Hes in the bathroom.
Aint he been in there a while?
If hes not back in five minutes Im stealing the other bed.
The school trip Shiho was really looking forward to this
I believe this is the last time Shiho is ever mentioned outside of Anns Confidant and the only time its happened since Makoto joined. What a critical character that the game totally doesnt just completely discard once shes served her purpose.
Ann
Music: Alright (Elp Version)
...Sorry. I didnt mean to bring the mood down. But its already been almost six months since then, hasnt it? This all feels so strange.
Right? Hard to believe the rowdy kids at school are now famous all over the world.
Dont you think we still have a lot to learn about each other though? Yknow, things like what kind of people we like So, time to come clean, Ryuji.
Uhhh, well Shes gotta have a good personality. Im OK with anyone whos modest and nice
What about if two girls with equally good personalities confessed to you at the same time?
If theyre equally nice? Then itd hafta be the one with the hotter bod.
So looks are whats most important to you.
Your first answer was just superficial. The second answer was your true beliefs. Huh, so you really are that kind of guy
That aint fair!
Its kind of a bullshit gotcha question, but to be fair, you walked straight into it, dude.
What about you, Maaku? Cmon, spill the beans. What kind of girl is your type?
Wait, are you talkin about her ?
So, I picked the mystery option, thinking it was a joke, but no, Ryuji actually thinks Im talking about a specific person here. Im pretty sure I know who hes referring to, but its weird that theyre even an option at this point. Picking one of the top two options results in the same answer, likely in reference to girls you can probably guess based on the answers themselves. If you pick the bottom answer Ryuji just gets mad at you for dodging the question. While I didnt mean to voice preference for the character I picked here, I kept it in because its a really silly answer even if the game doesnt seem to agree.
Well, we answered honestly. Its your turn next. So, what kinda guy do you--
Uh-oh. Looks like Mishimas having trouble in the bathroom.
So, what kinda guy do you--
M-My stomach Hrgh !
Yknow, wasnt he drinkin the tap water earlier ? Thats like, the one thing youre not supposed to do when youre outta the country.
First, Im goddamn shocked that Ryuji knows anything about what you are and are not supposed to do when traveling. Second, I never realized it before but I guess this makes Mishima our very own Johnny Sasaki. Huh. Its really rather fitting.
Music: Desire
Though it was some third-rate tabloids article, unnecessary information was leaked, after all. Besides, his investigation of the Phantom Thieves showed no progress since then . Yes, theres a possibility that hell betray us out of spite since he was let go. Well then, well make it so that it was a heart attack. As usual, hell be left to deal with the-- . Oh? I wouldnt have thought of that. Well played, sir. It no longer matters if we deal with one or two of those connected to us.
Ominous. But what could it mean?