Part 171: 11/28-11/30: Long Time No See
Part 161: 11/28-11/30: Long Time No SeeAnon: we do need new authority
Anon: Akechi got the last laugh!
Anon: Well finally have peace
Anon: A worthy end for a villain
All the news ever talks about is the election
Its weird for it to be given this much attention.
Well, we might be getting new administration, so
When are the polls again? Is it still a ways off?
Anon: So did he do it or not!?
Anon: Execute accomplices too!
Anon: Just like Akechi-kun said!
Anon: so he HAS to be guilty
Anon: Justice with Akechi!
Music: Disquiet
They were asked which politician they thought had the most promise ...The name we heard most often was Masayoshi Shido, the leader of the United Future party. Its just one more piece of evidence solidifying Mr. Shido as the front-runner in this race.
Just you wait! Well knock you off your high horse soon!
...Ah, Im sorry! I was spacing out for a moment there. Um, would you like to check on the planters with me? I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you
Thats good to hear. Thank you. The truth is
I thought it would be fun making coffee myself. Its certainly not easy, but its an immensely satisfying process
Music: Alleycat
Sorry about that I just got a little dizzy for a second there
Im fine, honestly Lets see, next up is dirt for the planters
Ah
I think I just need to rest a little
Takakura-san has really been pushing for us to start a new business venture soon In particular, hes adamant about a chain of low-cost, intimate cafes.
Takakuras gonna put Sojiro out of business, damn.
Some employees dont think its a good idea though, so they want me to step in and put a stop to it But Im just a high schooler Theres no way I could predict the success or failure of this idea In the end, Im just not sure what to do
The idea does sound nice The smell of a fresh cup of coffee always brings a smile to my face. And it certainly would be nice to be able to give that experience to as many people as possible But I dont think you can truly gain the same joy from the low-cost chain Takakura-san is suggesting.
Huh ? You really think hed listen to a high schooler with no prior work experience ?
*nod*
Ill make him see what Im really thinking and whats truly important to me.
By refusing to trust Takakura-san, I was also shutting myself off from any hope of having him trust me ! But thats going to be different now Ill do my best, Maaku-kun!
I can sense a strong resolve from Haru...
This skill is nuts. It only takes like three days to harvest veggies now, meaning were gonna grab a lot of Moonlight Carrots. Fuck Sun Tomatoes.
A magic item that will help me convey my true feelings to Takakura-san *giggle* Its going to take some time to prepare though, so it will have to be my secret for now. But Ill tell you next time, OK? Now then, shall we return home?
Music: Beneath the Mask
We get the two Hot Water Pouch(es) we ordered off the TV and the clothes we bought from Tanaka.
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
Buchiko The story about this dog makes me cry every time
But youre a cat! Dogs are your mortal enemy!
A dog who kept waiting for his master in Shibuya, huh? A noble and loyal friend to the end
If it wasnt totally obvious, Buchiko is a reference to the famous story of Hachiko, the dog that kept waiting for its deceased master in Shibuya for years. You know, like that one episode of Futurama. Theres even a statue of Hachiko in Shibuya, with a matching statue of Buchiko in this game.
I have to admit that this story moves me. Cant you feel its gentle warmth in your heart?
Maaku gains Kindness +3.
Anon: cmon, leak his name!
Anon: he went down easy
Anon: he got what was coming
Anon: So did he do it or not!?
Music: Disquiet
Were all fine.
Im jelly you get to ditch school and all Anyways, everything on TV and even online is irritating as shit.
Not a day goes by that we dont see Shido on the news.
Same with Akechi. All that genius detective stuff is a load of bullcrap.
It makes me sick how quick they both are to act like heroes.
Honestly, the people who believe that rubbish are just as bad.
Well, I mean, theyre not, like, murderers, Yusuke.
Totally. Everyones been going on about the end of year elections like its some kinda festival.
Yes, this political season is nothing more than a party for most of them. But depending on how we approach it, this might actually be a good opportunity for us.
We will take advatnage of this commotion to execute our mission. It will be a great distraction.
Considering all the attention theyre getting, the appearance of the Phantom Thieves will be huge.
Lets show em the Phantom Thieves are still going strong as ever!
Its your call when we meet. Just be careful, OK?
Wait Hm? If I take this and they take that, will I have enough pawns ? Wh-Whoa! Im in trouble
What?
Again, its crazy how fast these things grow. Were getting one carrot per day at this rate!
I generally try to avoid hanging out with the same person twice in the same update, let alone on consecutive days, but with the nature of our schedule, with Haru at Rank 7 and the rest of our unmaxed party at Rank 8 or 9, this is honestly the best option.
Ive thought a great deal both about Takakura-san and the company. Do you have some time to talk today ?
OK. Thank you You see
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
The thing that will help me show Takakura-san how I really feel is right here.
Its soft, its warm, it has good drainage and its full of nutrients. This This is the magic I need.
Im not very good at expressing myself with words Just thinking about it makes my heart race But Ive been pouring my heart and soul into this soil for months now. It knows exactly how I feel. Thats why Im going to use it to grow my coffee plants. Then once theyre ready, Im going to make coffee with the beans! It shouldnt be much longer now.
I never mentioned it, Haru, but your green thumb is terrifying. What black magic are you resorting to that allows you to grow carrots in three days?
Honestly just raising those plants has taken considerable effort. Ive checked on them every day, given them water, put them in the sun But all of that love and care has found its way into the beans themselves. Combining that with the nurturing warmth of this soil should give me the perfect way to convey how I feel. I wonder what Takakura-san will think when he tries it
Im not particularly confident in the flavor though After all, this is my first attempt. By the way, Ive thought about it some more, and I wouldnt necessarily be opposed to Takakura-sans idea. If thats what management decides to do, I wont get in their way.
What I mean is, people dont think of Okumura Foods very highly right now. So Im afraid management is trying to use this new chain to sneak under the radar rather than rebuild our image. Of course, I understand how hard it is to rid yourself of a negative label
...Just kidding.
Its because of you that I was able to cultivate this soil And because of you that I have the courage to tell Takakura-san how I feel.
As long as youre with me, I wont be afraid to say what Im thinking.
Maaku nods.
I can sense an earnest resolve from Haru...
Could you carry a bag for me?
*nod*
Well, see you later.
Music: Beneath the Mask
He was going to get the death penalty, anyway. Its not perfect, but its no big tragedy, either.
Thats true. I suppose its fine if this settles everything. I almost missed hearing about this. News of the suicides been eclipsed by elections coverage.
We opt to read tonight. We have six books left.
However, theres an interesting twist here.
Dont you already know about Maihama? You dont really need to read that anymore.
Thats right, any book thats about a place weve already been to can be read instantly! Lets just blow through all of the remaining books tonight, then.
Shitamachi Reborn covers Asakusa.
Fishpond Spotter is about Ichigaya.
Yoncha Wanderer is about Yongen-Jaya. Now, you may be wondering why theres a book about Yongen, a default location. Well, this book is actually pointless! It just unlocks fast travel to the batting cages and the bathhouse, both of which unlock normally if you just visit those places once. Its incredibly stupid.
Musty Pages is Jinbocho.
Finally, Weekend Parks covers Inokashira. And thats every book in the game! We got the stupid worthless trophy!
So, we need to find something else to do tonight. Well, Ive got the perfect idea.
Laundry!
Since we can wash any four items, we just wash the bottom four (Classified, two Corrupt, and a Smokestained), which are sorted as to be the best.
Go ahead and call her, then!
Laundry? Got it. Leave it to me!
You go ahead and enjoy your free time. Geez, Im actually kind of jealous
Now, for real, lets craft some tools.
Music: Everyday Days
As Morgana points out, if we get Kawakami to make tools for us, she can only make one thing per night.
Now, were just going for the craft one of everything trophy, so we start on the left page and work our way down. We get six crafts for being at Rank 5 Proficiency, so we craft a Vanish Ball (instant escape from battle, worthless and redundant due to Hifumis skill), a Spotlight (Raises an allys chance of being targeted, which I guess would be useful in extremely specific situations, maybe), a Limelight (a more effective version of Spotlight), a Megido Bomb (100 Almighty Damage to all foes), an Element Set (gives one each of Molotov Cocktail, Freeze Spray, Stun Gun, and Air Cannon, which each do 50 damage of Fire, Ice, Electricity and Wind damage respectively to one foe), and the Forces Set (gives one each of Psycho Bomb, Atom Match, Happy Bomb, and Curse Bomb, which deal 50 Psy, Nuke, Bless and Curse damage respectively to one foe).
Maaku gains Proficiency +2.
Music: Beneath the Mask
All right. Ill see you later.
Anon: Evil is destined to perish.
Anon: he shoulda confessed first
Anon: so he HAS to be guilty
Anon: hope things are safer now
Music: So Boring
A charismatic politician can make even apathetic young people excited, hm? Not only does Mr. Shido have good judgment and decisiveness, he has important qualities as a leader. Like communication skills. Dont you think his words are easy to understand and resonate with you?
...Everyones getting tricked by his facade. They dont know its all lies ! We have to make him show his true colors !
Music: Disquiet
Were here in front of Marukyu Tofu, which is the home of the famous idol Risette!
Rise Kujikawa went on hiatus for a bit, but maybe her unwavering appeal is from the power of tofu?
Gah, leave Rise alone, dammit.
Even youre talking politics? I dont get this Shido fever.
Ive just never seriously thoughts about it before. Maybe because Id never seen a politician like him. I think hes got real potential. If nothing else, hes better than the people weve got now.
So, whats the plan for today?
Ummm, are you sure thats gonna be OK? Shouldnt we figure out where the Treasure is first?
Really ? Eh, I guess theres not much point in worrying if youre so sure
Do you have time today?
Thanks. The truth is, Shihos moving away today and before she goes, she wants to see the school roof again.
SHIHO ALERT. THIS IS NOT A DRILL
Its still hard for her to climb stairs though, so do you think you could help me carry her?
Hey, Shiho. Its been a while, hasnt it? In fact, its been a while since you were even mentioned!
Ann, Maaku-kun Im pretty heavy, huh? Thanks for the help.
I know better than to answer that.
Isnt Maaku super reliable?
Anyway, something about Shihos portrait kinda strikes me as off? If you know what I mean? Its like its from an earlier style of portraits from the character designers drafts for this game. I think it might be her eyes, theyre just a little too big.
Music: Alleycat
Its occurring to me that this might have been a bad idea. Im not saying anything will happen, but this seems like a bad situation.
To tell you the truth I wanted to reenact that moment. Wearing these clothes, standing here again I wanted to know what it would feel like.
Oh, thats the reason youre dressed like this. Its not at all that they didnt want to draw a new portrait and make a new character model, how silly of me!
...What about back then? What were you thinking?
I I didnt want to die. I just needed to escape It was like another person inside of me was screaming, telling me to come up here It almost felt like that person was trying to kill me
So, I wanted to see if she would show up again now.
You know, just trying to reenact my suicide attempt to see if I still wanna. Its cool.
Yeah She doesnt exist anymore.
...Youre so strong, Shiho. The only reason you can stand here now is because of how hard you worked for your rehab.
Maybe but that was all thanks to you, Ann.
Me ?
Because I saw how hard you were trying too. Trying to be strong, to be cool Wanting to be an action star Striving to be a better model You were so positive Your eyes sparkled with motivation. With you putting that much effort in, I couldnt just let my life go to waste in a hospital bed. Thats why I wanted to stand again It was because of you.
Its really cool how the survivor of both physical and implied sexual abuse disappears from the game the instant their trauma can be used to push the plot forward, and then only pops back up to prop up another characters arc. I love it.
Being able to change others Thats what true strength is.
Shiho
Im nothing without you.
Ann Im sorry for deciding to transfer schools
Shiho
That way youll be able to keep seeing me and keep giving life your all Im gonna be in a bunch of magazines, and Ill say tons of good stuff in interviews So
WHOA
Once I can smile again from the bottom of my heart, Ill come visit
Shiho left with her family...
Well, bye forever Shiho. We'll never hear from you ever again.
Music: Sunset Bridge
I made a promise with Shiho, so theres no turning back now.
Maaku nods, but Ann isnt facing him at that moment so he just looks like a complete putz.
Im gonna study how to properly exercise, and even relearn how to walk the runway. I want to pick up on some other languages and cultures too so I can start doing overseas events. Because, well the only way I can help Shiho is to show her how hard Im working.
If I can do that, Shiho Shell definitely
But it just wont stop
I love this response. Not me, though! I dont give a fuuuuuuck!
Oh Youre right I have our team now. There are people suffering out there, just waiting for us to save them Thats why I need to do my best Not just for our team, but for everyone who needs our help.
Maaku nods, and she actually sees it this time.
Ann is showing an even greater resolve than ever before...
Oh, and thanks for going out with me today U-Um, I didnt mean it like that Of course not ...See you later!
Ann ran off I should go home
Music: Beneath the Mask
Lets get Kawakami to make some curry for us.
I see. If you ask her to do that for you, then youll have time to do something else.
Im about to head home, but Careful with the stove, all right?
I quit that maid job, but Ill still take requests from you, you know. ...Ill head over there. Just wait for me a bit.
Im Maaku The Tool Man Hamiru. ...Doesnt really work, does it?
Music: Everyday Days
First up, an Eternal Lockpick, which is a lockpick that will never break.
One thing we have to watch out for is that if were going for the all crafted tools trophy, we have to craft them all ourselves, no using Kawakami. This is an issue for two reasons: one: the parts for certain items like Reserve Ammo and the Eternal Lockpick here are scarce and youre not likely to obtain enough to make more than one in a playthrough. The other, worse issue is that you can only craft the Eternal Lockpick once per playthrough. If you have Kawakami make it, you cant get the trophy until New Game +.
Hilariously, though, the double craft procs here and we get TWO Eternal Lockpicks! I had just assumed that was impossible.
We also make Stealthanol (reduces security level), Covertizer (greatly reduces security level), Smokescreen (renders us undetectable temporarily), Hypno Mist (puts nearby enemies to sleep), and Reserve Ammo (lets us restock our ammunition while in a Palace, the only way in the game besides a DLC accessory to do so!). The double craft procs on Reserve Ammo for me too, which is very lucky. We still dont have the trophy, though, because while we have a few Goho-Ms that Morgana gave us at the beginning of the game, we havent crafted any ourselves yet. Oh well, well get to that next time.
Maaku gains Proficiency +3.
Music: Beneath the Mask
Its cool but weird that Kawakami can make Sojiros Master Curry and coffee without any training.
All right. Ill see you later.