Part 43: 6/1-6/3: An Inappropriate Student-Teacher Relationship
Part 42: 6/1-6/3: An Inappropriate Student-Teacher Relationship
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
Sorry, I couldn’t hold it in. You’ll have to make some kind of excuse for me.
“Employee Posts Nude Chef Selfie!” Wild-Duck Burger claims to have fired the employee in question. Those close to the man voiced their surprise, vouching for his seriousness at work. “Is Shibuya Unsafe? Crime Rising!” The police are issuing warnings for people to be wary of scams. “Hotspots of Tokyo!” Tickets for the Madarame exhibit are available until June 5th! The Madarame exhibit goes on until June 5th… That’s the end of this week. We’ll show him what a change of heart means!Music: Tokyo Daylight
It sounded like she was in trouble. Why don’t you go ask her what’s going on? She should be at school anyways, right?I’d rather drink bleach than ever think about last night ever again, but sure.
In the hallway, we find Ms. Kawakami being beset by Ms. Chouno.
Kawakami’s been driven into a corner by Chouno! Let’s talk to her so we can help her out.
Get home safely, Hamiru-kun. Well then, I have another matter to attend to, so I have to excuse myself…
No! We’re not finished talking yet! But I... There’s been a series of scandals on this campus. We’re all being called into question. And yet you leave work earlier than anyone—and you barely make it to the faculty meetings! Explain yourself! Don’t tell me you’re out running around at night!? Kawakami’s being grilled by Chouno. She said she’d do anything if we helped her out, so let’s clear up Chouno’s suspicions. The school’s closing soon, Mr. Hamiru. Head on home before it gets late. Or did you need something from Ms. Kawakami?
...What?
...Another question? Th-That’s right! Hamiru-kun’s questions are complicated, so I take time at night to help him... So you’re giving individual lessons outside of school hours, hm? What passion! You are the ideal teacher! A passionate teacher is exactly what we need at this school. I’m sorry for suspecting you. Well then, keep up the hard work, you two.
But that did clear up her suspicion, so… thanks. Could you come with me for a bit?
This is the address and phone number of my night job.
I received a phone number from Kawakami.
What? What the fuck???
Just be careful that it doesn’t show up in your call history though, OK? Nice going, man. No call history means a public telephone. Let’s call from Leblanc’s yellow phone. Let’s call her over to your room the next time you’re free at night!I feel dirty.
OK, I have to go.Music: Tokyo Emergency
Do you think we could maybe spend some time together before I go? >Hang out with her Thanks! Hm, what should I get for Shiho…? It’s hard deciding by myself.Music: What’s Going On?
Oh, but I probably can’t take a crepe into the hospital, huh… I… really want one though… Do you think maybe Shiho would want one too?
It might be half off… but I should try to control myself… Shiho might have rehab today too. They probably wouldn’t even let her eat it. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention—Shiho started her physical rehab. She pushed it up ahead of schedule. I think it’s because I told her about how I want to get stronger. She said she was gonna start working hard too… I haven’t actually seen any of her rehab sessions yet though...
Oh, hold on.
Uhhh, that’s not good!
Sorry, something just came up! That was from my agency. One of the models didn’t show for a magazine shoot they’re doing. They’re looking to wrap soon, so I’m gonna head over now to fill in. ...It’s pretty close though. Wanna come with? Actually, let’s just go! I’ll race you there!Music: Break it Down
It looks like they’re having a pre-shoot briefing...
This is the only Confidant sub-character to get a portrait and I have no idea why. She’s easily the least important character in the game to get one.
After I saw you in last year’s show, I just… *sniff* Oh, I think I’m gonna cry... U-Um, it really wasn’t a big deal… That fashion show was tiny... By the way, I’m Mika. And please, no honorifics. I might be older, but you have loads more experience, Ann-senpai. All right, M-Mika… Haha, it feels a little weird saying it like that… Oh, and you don’t need to use “senpai” with me. A-Anyway, uh… it’s nice to meet you? Likewise, Ann-chan. *giggle* You’re so nice.
Hey, can you teach me how to be a better model? You know, your everyday routines, stretches...
O-Oh, is that all you do…? Then, what kinda stuff do you eat? I’ve been looking all over for a place to import some organic green almonds… Plus I’m getting suuuper tired of eating quinoa. Do I need to like, boil it in hard water or something? Um, almonds? I only ever eat those when they’re covered in chocolate… and hard water? Isn’t it kinda tough to boil ice…?
…… Do you weigh yourself? Oh, of course! Once a year for the health examinations at school.You are impressively bad at this.
…… So… you’re gonna keep it all a secret from me, huh? I get it. I guess it’s hard trusting someone you just met... Th-That’s not it! I just don’t really think about that stuff…! It has nothing to do with not trusting you. It’s more that modeling is like a hobby for me.
Music: Wicked Plan
What do you mean you don’t care about modeling for these guys!?
I love this magazine! Everyone tries so hard to make sure their product is the best…!
Mika-chan, just calm down. Don’t worry, we all know that you’re giving it your all here. But… you guys work so much harder than me… and I’m still the one getting comforted… *sniff* H-Hold on…
Ann-chan, the truth is, we had both you and Mika-chan come down as substitutes for our missing model. We wanted both of you on the cover, but if you’re not really interested... H-Hey. I didn’t… Don’t worry, I… I can do it alone! I read the concept docs on my way here… *sniff*
Oh, I like this chick.
You faker...!
Sorry about all this, Ann-chan. We won’t be needing you today. We’ll reimburse your transportation expenses though, and even throw in a little extra for your trouble. But… …... The magazine staff left for the photoshoot...
But maybe it’s because deep down, I’m not actually that invested in modeling… She sees straight through that. Anyway, I totally ruined the shoot… But still, wasn’t Mika’s fake crying pretty incredible?
I-I dunno though, I think I’m pretty good at fake crying myself. I know the perfect technique.
Listen carefully… The key is… you don’t actually cry!
Either way, I think I’ll be able to use that ability to our advantage in the Metaverse! I’ll turn my failure today into positive energy going forward! I sense a heightened motivation from Ann...
I didn’t use Ann much in my first playthrough, but still, this never procced once for me. Doesn’t seem terribly useful anyway. (e: apparently this only affects the rates demons ask for money during hostage situations... which is incredibly rare already, making this one of the most useless Confidant abilities in the game)
Speaking of the Metaverse… I’m gonna try super hard in my work with the Phantom Thieves too! But for now, I should go stop by and see Shiho at the hospital. Thanks for today! Bye!Music: Beneath the Mask
Madarame is still bedridden. He hasn’t spoken a single word. My apologies for not being able to provide anything more solid...
C’mon, it’s not your fault. Don’t worry about it. Although it is June already...
The exhibition will be ending soon... At least it doesn’t seem like Madarame’s had a mental shutdown. But there’s no point if he don’t have a change of heart and call off that legal action bullshit.
Yeah, Kamoshida was out of school for a while. Either way, there has been no palpable progress. It appears only the target themselves can tell whether or not their heart has changed. It’s a goddamn pain in the ass, but yeah. We just gotta hear from Madarame himself what the deal is. Yeah, there’s nothing we can really do… Let’s just try waiting a little longer.
You going to call her?Fuck no!
Stuff like that happening makes me not want to eat there, ever. There’s just no excuse for it.
Thank you. The curry was delicious.
The scandal occurred just before a stockholder meeting, having dire effects on the fast food chain. As for the man behind the scandal, he claims that he was “fully nude at work before he realized it.” Why would anyone do that? Did he think he was being hilarious or something?That story’s really dominating the news cycle, eh?
Since we’re definitely not calling up Kawakami, let’s see what other people chose to do with their ti-huh?
Trial by burger?
TRIAL BY BURGER
Hey, my bad. I’m trying, it’s just really hard to wrap my head around how formal Japanese culture is!
Why’d you even take this job if you can’t speak Japanese well? I said I’m sorry...I feel bad for Foreign Barker, but I must find this burger.
Music: Big Bang Burger March
We’re currently offering what we call the Big Bang Challenge! Why don’t you take the challenge? The universe awaits! Due to the popularity of the Big Bang Challenge, we are offering another campaign this month! At night, the Big Bang Challenge will cost our intrepid travelers a meager fee of only 500 yen! What can I get for you?
At this time, you can take the Big Bang Challenge for only 500 yen. Would you like to try it? 
Now then, go take a seat! And good luck!
This is your first time, yes? Your starting rank will be Third Mate. Thus, your aim will be… the Comet Burger!You see, there are actually three challenges, unlocked after beating each previous challenge, that give increased stat gains, but also have increased stat requirements.
This is a lot bigger than I was expecting... This burger is as voluminous as a soaring comet burning in the sky. It will not be overcome easily. But should you conquer this challenge, you will be rewarded with an extravagant prize. Ooh, a prize would be great! Good luck, Maaku! Well then, it’s time to get the thirty-minute Big Bang Challenge started! Ready… Go!Music: High Pressure
This is a tough battle...! I’m rooting for you… and remember, nobody will think any less of you if you give up partway through.
Y-You did it!Music: Everyday Days
Since you managed to extinguish the Comet Burger… I present to you the 2nd Mate Badge! It gives you +10 HP. It’s garbage.
New challenges will await you now that you’ve become a Second Mate! I look forward to your next attempt at our challenge! You took that Comet Burger down! You were so admirable, taking on such a daunting task with that intense level of courage!Maaku gains Guts +1.
Your pace, your strategy of using well-timed drinks, and just the spectacular way you devoured it… Everything was perfect!Maaku gains Knowledge +1, Charm +1, and Proficiency +1.
Come on, we should head home. I’m full just from watching you...
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
Why did Mr. Kamoshida change all of a sudden?
Is that your hypothesis? It’s still too sudden… I believe it’s only natural to think that something must have caused it. ...Well, that’s fine. Thanks for your valuable opinion. I’ll take it into account.Music: Tokyo Emergency
Later in the day, we head on over to Shi-oh goddammit, again?
Are you alone? Are you going to meet Sakamoto-kun and Takamaki-san? U-Um, I don’t mean to pry. I was simply wondering. A-Ah, yes… There are errands to do. I must be going. Hmmm… First to the pharmacy, then shopping at Rocinante...
Anyway, we head to the diner. Maaku gains Knowledge +2 and Kindness +1.
Music: Beneath the Mask
Now, when it comes to probation… A: Overseas travel is prohibited/B: Probation officers are unpaid/Which one of these statements is true? You be the judge!
The correct answer is… B! Probation officers don’t receive a salary!
Probation officers are civil volunteers. They are only paid the necessary amount when providing a report. Since probation is intended to encourage rehabilitation, overseas travel is not prohibited. You got it right! It’s pretty amazing that the chief is doing this for no pay, though… It feels like I’ve improved my Knowledge.Are probation officers like, a different thing in Japan, because this can’t be true. Maaku gains Knowledge +1.
Maaku gains Charm +3.
Anon: ok but are they hot
I dunno, you tell me.
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
We choose to read Vague today.
Music: Everyday Days
You could learn about cutting-edge fashions there, but I’d say what’s on the inside is more important… Still, this place looks fun, almost like a theme park. Taking someone there might be a pretty good idea. So, you’ve finished reading Vague. Harajuku seems to have a lot of cool shops. Takenoko Street also seems pretty interesting.
You should invite someone to go sometime. I can’t imagine you as the fashionable type, though...Well, fuck you too, cat.
Well, you can’t. Guess who can?
Music: Tokyo Emergency
I don’t think my bond with Ann will deepen just yet...
ME!
OK! Where should we go? Somewhere popular would be nice!
I know just the place.
Harajuku… how about Takenoko Street? It’d be great if you could come shopping with me. Even just going for the people watching is interesting. Anyway, let’s go!Music: What’s Going On?
But all the people are such a pain… What gives them the right to be here!?That’s weirdly selfish thinking of you.
Anyway, let’s get through quickly so we don’t get caught by the salespeople!
In any case, there are so many different types of people here. It’s fun just watching them. People might think I’m weird if they see me staring at them alone… But I’m sure it’s fine as long as I’m with you.
I mean, things are half as fun if you don’t have anyone to share that fun with, right? I wonder what all these people are thinking about right now… Some of them might even be sad beneath those happy exteriors, and we’d never even know… Hey, don’t you get fired up when you’re thinking about helping them out!? Oh, um… never mind. That’s not what we were talking about...
Are you interested in this stuff? You can have it if you want.
Oh shit. Is this what I think it is?
I feel like my bond with Ann will grow stronger soon... Well then, want to go home?Music: Beneath the Mask
Even those who only came out of curiosity find themselves entranced by his delicate imagery. The exhibition is scheduled to continue until June 5th. That exhibition is ending soon, eh? I wonder what’s going to happen.
Oh, man, please be it...
FUCK YES THIS SHIT’S NEVER COMING DOWN
...Ahem.
Well, time to bite the bullet and make this call.
I should try calling the maid delivery service… I feel like I can call whenever I want since I’m full of Guts!Using the public phone requires Rank 3 Guts, for the record. Thankfully, we just hit that recently.
Thinking of calling in a maid? Well, if you use this, you won’t leave proof in your call history! This is all for the good of the Phantom Thieves… right?Yeah… sure.
...Oh, wait, it’s you. Well, it’ll be 5,000 yen with the request fee included, you know. Is that OK with you?You have to pay this fee every single time you want to engage with this Confidant, rank up or no. It becomes exorbitantly expensive, especially at this point in the game.
...OK. I’ll head over right away then...Music: My Homie
...Never mind. So, what kind of kid are you? The way you opposed Mr. Kamoshida, I’d say that you’re earnest and have a strong sense of justice. That being said… you called a maid service and requested me?You asked me to!
I spent a good while debating which of these sounded more pathetic.
I’ll let you skip class a few times.
It’s tough not having any place where you belong, isn’t it? However, I reserve the right to change my mind if your grades drop. And in exchange, you won’t tell anyone that I’m moonlighting as a maid. Sound good?
Then it’s a deal! I’ve made a deal with Kawakami...Music: Interrogation Room
I can’t believe you managed that by yourself. There had to be someone at the school helping you. ...What do you have to say to that?Pff, come on Sae, you haven’t even scratched the surface of this one. I’d tell you to try a little harder but the reality is so fucking insane I can’t even blame you for not getting it.
Music: The Spirit
The Temperance arcana represents concepts like patience, balance, and moderation, or when reversed the very opposite, signaling excess and imbalance.
Oh, also it’s the lamest possible version of “skipping class” because you still have to be at class.
Music: My Homie
I would also like the answer to that question.
Well, I guess I should get going. Oh, please request me if you need any help with your housework, OK?
That’s clearly not true. C’mon, we know each other’s secret and it would put my mind at ease… Besides, I’m, uh… I’m considered over the hill for this type of job, so I don’t get requested that often… I’ll show my appreciation by making it easy for you to ditch class! Just think about it, OK? Thank you for using our service...What is this game.