Part 90: 8/17-8/19: I Swear Were Almost Done With Summer
Part 88: 8/17-8/19: I Swear Were Almost Done With SummerThe Phantom Thieves will do something about it!
Can they really? We dont even know who they are.
Its probably impossible. Wed need some sort of miracle
If they could do something about it, theyd be gods!
Music: Tokyo Emergency
I got home late last night, and my wife yelled at me since I didnt tell her where I was
Ahaha! You do something naughty behind her back? Careful, or the Phantom Thieves might target you!
No, you moron. I was just drinking with co-workers. Must you always bring up the Phantom Thieves?
First thing were gonna do before we leave is save the game, so we can reload. Why? Because, of course, I want to see all the incidental dialogue, and I got paranoid about running out of time before it updates. Were going to be spending our time today indoors, and we cant reenter Leblanc once we leave for the day without spending time (unless its just to go to the hideout) (unless its night).
Be careful so you dont get heat stroke! Todays topic is Ways to Beat the Heat.
I swear this heats taken years off my life. And it doesnt help that the seasons are all screwy.
Im sure itll be fine. The Phantom Thieves will do something about it.
You really think we can rely on them? They have no obligation to save Japan.
That may be true But would they really abandon someone in need?
Its hot outside, so dont push him too hard. Hes an old dog, after all.
...Woof! Woof!
Kotaro says hes fine! Were gonna help the Phantom Thieves!
This dog is gonna die by the end of the game and itll be super depressing.
Music: Tokyo Daylight
Were pretty hosed.
So you think Medjed have a valid point? That the major corporations are making too much and therefore should suffer from this?
...Are you sure you want to say that? The sponsors will complain if they hear those comments
Dont worry. Thisll just make things more exciting. Be sure to edit them so they flow together!
However, I, the Sun God, will surely save them along with my apostles, the Phantom Thieves!
Sun God! Please order the Phantom Thieves to punish Medjed immediately!
N-No need to be hasty! I am waiting for the right opportunity, you fledgling!
That isnt like you. Is it because of that thing going on between the Phantom Thieves and Medjed?
Yes! And I want something to happen! And then, Akechi-kun will be on TV to comment on it! He looks so good when hes just talking!
Yeah? Well, if Im here, that means you couldnt handle it.
But I was made project lead
This is one of the requests we have currently. Unfortunately, we need to put in a bit of legwork to get the targets name. Well get there soon.
Ive already gotten 100 numbers this summer.
Are you serious!? How many people is that per day? Thats insane!
Perhaps you could say Im a Phantom Thief of Hearts
Theres certainly nothing we can do. Itd be awful if Medjed set their sights on our company.
Exactly. Higher-ups like my hubby are who need to step in if things go south.
Sometimes, Im relieved my husband hasnt climbed so high in the ranks.
No, Im OK. I still seem to be myself. The Phantom Thieves steal hearts, huh? To be honest, I wish theyd take the heart of you know. I guess Ill try to persuade him by writing another letter. Its better than doing nothing
Aw, thats so nice! Actually, Ive always wanted to be an actress
Yeah! I can tell acting is in your soul. I know youll become famous if you take our acting courses!
Hm, it seems a little expensive. I dont have much money, so Ill have to ask my parents
No problem at all! I can get you a job where you can make lots of money in just a little time!
Tell me more, Fishy Hawker!
Have you reevaluated your home security lately? If not, now is the perfect time! Were having a special promo sale of our total security systems. Join now for bonus benefits! Dont let this opportunity pass you by! When danger strikes, will you have the protection you need?
Yeah, its all over if they can destroy the infrastructure. Those hackers in Medjed know this.
If the economy takes a hit too, the current government wont last either.
The Phantom Thieves might be our last hope. Maybe we really did take peace for granted, you know?
Now, we reload and craft more Lockpicks! Woo! The double craft procs without my having to savescum this time, leaving us with 6 more, for a total of twenty. We will not be using all of these by the end of the game.
Maaku gains Proficiency +3, including a bonus +1 from the double craft.
And we rank up in Proficiency! Hooray, now we can open that goddamn door for Yusuke!
Music: Beneath the Mask
People are getting even more restless online too.
Are we done for if we lose here ?
Remember how we were going to try to formulate a backup plan? That sure went nowhere, ha.
Maakus right. Sorry for messaging you all about such weird stuff.
Its OK. We all feel the same way.
Ill try and make sure I dont blow my cover.
As should we all.
It sounds like everyones starting to get anxious. But considering how fast the days are closing in, the best thing we can do for now is stay calm.
Its only days until August 21st, the day Medjed will attack, and corporations are scrambling. With no sign of a response from the Phantom Thieves, some suspect theyve surrendered or ran away.
Huh? We did not run away! And well never surrender! Just watch and see what happens!
Music: Time to Repent
I dont think my bond with Hifumi will deepen just yet...
Now, time for the lesson.
I feel like my bond with Hifumi will grow stronger soon
Thank you for today.
And we head to the diner for what may be near the last time, because by my completely unscientific estimation were getting close to capping our Knowledge. So long, Weird Bike.
Maaku gains Kindness +1 and Knowledge +3.
And another rank up! Hot dog!
Music: Beneath the Mask
Oh Youre talking about What were they called? Medjed.
You should be ready for any new crisis. Thats why I installed all this new security software.
Well, I dont have any info thatd be valuable to them. Theyll only go after the big companies.
With Medjeds day of attack almost here, the anticipation over their showdown is at a fever pitch. People overseas are also showing great interest. Some are even betting on who will win. One bookie says that the odds are on Medjeds side.
People are really betting on this? And they think were gonna lose?
Music: Crossroads
Speaking of which, the publics starting to warm up to the Phantom Thieves. Your favorites! *sigh* I cant gather any news because of the chief. He doubts that Im dating a younger guy Hey, should we try going on an actual date? Any beaches around here or something?
NO.
...Just kidding. You have some Phantom Thieves info for me again today, right?
I dont think my bond with Ohya will deepen just yet
Oh, I look forward to it!
I feel like my bond with Ohya will grow stronger soon
OK, bye.
Music: Tokyo Emergency
Heres the pitch Strike three! Thats his tenth strikeout today! Its a heated pitchers battle with neither team scoring runs in the tournaments final round
Ah, that date on that calling card? What kind of crazy thing do you think will happen?
Just All I know is that itll be crazy! Theyre up against a world-famous group, you know.
Alibaba wont lose or something. What kind of dream was that ?
Music: Tokyo Daylight
First thing we do is head on down to ol Book Town and buy the first book.
Companies seem to be on high alert. A lot of my customers have complained about how much more work they have.
Listening to peoples complaints is part of the job. And lemme tell you, everyones real stressed out. Still, I dunno if anyone should blindly trust a group that calls themselves the Phantom Thieves.
They dont. Theyre #Millennials.
I should be able to open the door with my current Proficiency.
You are a tremendous help. Let us return to Madarames house.
Music: Alright (Elp Version)
However, the door appears to be jammed. What shall we do, Maaku?
I think Ill be able to open the door with my current Proficiency
Maaku, you are capable of fixing it? ...You never cease to amaze me.
You know, I lived here not long ago, yet it feels almost like the distant past at this point Being here has brought back memories though. Whenever I acted out of line, I was made to sit calmly in this corner. Ah, and over here was a bookshelf, filled to the brim with various tomes. It contained art compilation books for the most part, but there were a few manga tucked away as well At times I would take a break from my art to hide and read them This is also where we would gather to eat when the atelier still had a large pupil count. Sensei is particularly fond of salty food, so
Music: Alleycat
Why do I still treat him as my mentor? How long will I allow him to control my life ?
Y-Yes My apologies. The truth of the matter is, I used to paint in this room and I did it simply for the joy of painting. No matter what I took as my subject, my hands would move of their own accord to capture its essence But back then, I only saw the superficial beauty of the world. I could not see the grime beneath. After learning the truth behind Madarames actions though, everything changed. I strove to fight back against the newfound ugliness I saw To display my talent to those who mocked me I needed to do whatever it took to validate my artistic ability In that search for meaning, darkness took hold of me. ...Ultimately, I began to emulate that which I had so deeply despised in Madarame. You know, Boss told me something very interesting when I was staying with you that one night at Leblanc He said he didnt believe Madarame took me in for my skill alone. I suppose now that I think about it, there would be no way to know whether or not I would have been talented. ...Maaku, why do you think Madarame decided to take me in?
Maybe he was impressed by your inability to stop talking, wow.
This is about the moment I realize that for the first time in the entire game Ive forgotten to bring a matching Persona. Oh well! Its not worth reloading, theres ways around it.
It truly is a mysterious beast Even after learning the ugliness of his true nature, a part of me still believes in my former mentor. I simiply cannot come to terms with the stark dualities presented to me The humble house and that loathsome Palace The kind teachers and the fiendishly deceptive artist It seems even the workings of my own heart are inexplicable What, then of my search for pure beauty ?
Is someone there? Im coming in.
Hm? Could that be the police!?
Ah shit man, I cant get caught with the goods on me
Who the hell are you?
Oh, that dude? Why is he trespassing on our trespassing?
Indeed. Thank you for our conversation back there. More importantly though, why are you here? I couldnt help but notice the door was open on my way home from work.
So you went inside? What?
Are you perhaps still caught in your slump ?
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
I know a great deal about you, Yusuke-kun. Youve made a name for yourself by patterning your work after the beautifully detailed Sayuri But that painting at the exhibition was quite different from that. Have you begun trying out new styles?
If youd like, I can advise you. Materials, themes, et cetera. You seem as though you could use a helping hand right now.
I
Most of your painting was done while living in this residence, correct? Your current lack of patron must be what is holding you back.
Ive made a living investing in promising young artists like yourself, Yusuke-kun.
But why have you chosen me? You criticized me so harshly back at the exhibition.
Because I feel you have talent. Now, my foundations can provide you an environment that will allow you to focus on developing your skills. If such a lifestyle interests you, we can talk further at a later date. As for today, I have business I must attend to but I hope to hear from you soon.
My opportunity may have finally arrived And it was all because you opened that door for me Hm, it seems good luck is simply a characteristic of yours. You have my thanks, leader.
I feel like my bond with Yusuke is growing deeper
...I must be going now. Id like to think on this some more. Farewell.
Music: Beneath the Mask -Rain-
Medjed is extremely dangerous. Judging from their past actions, theyll make good on their threat. Of course, Medjed has only resurfaced because the Phantom Thieves recklessly provoked them. If the Phantom Thieves have any shred of decency, they should step forward and take responsibility.
He says its our fault? Can you believe how we got dragged into this?
I discover Shinjuku has a fucking acupuncture clinic, what?
This is an acupuncture clinic? Hm, so people get treatments with needles here for their health I bet the drained and exhausted people in Shinjuku come here, seeking immediate relief
Sadly, we cannot go inside.
Music: Crossroads
I dont really mind it, but keep yourself in check, OK?
Lets look into working here to fulfill that request.
Or is it that youre interested in working here at night? A lot of different people visit this bar, so maybe working here could broaden your perspective.
You may not realize it, but youve got potential, young man. I can teach you the basics of how things are run here. Dont worry, you wont do anything illegal.
Working at the bar is a returning feature from Persona 4 Golden, and functions almost identically.
So, did you want to do some work for me today?
All right, go on and change.
Well, arent you a hard worker? Well, I guess its about time for me to be heading out.
Its your first time, so things might be a little scary, but just try to relax. Its easy work. Ill need you to help with some chores around the bar. Washing dishes, cleaning tables, the like. I have to entertain the customers, so I cant do those things myself. Thats why youre here now! And there you have it. Explanation finito. Do you have any questions?
Youre underage, right? So please dont touch any of the alcohol. No drinking it, of course, but that also means no serving it either. Ill do that, dont worry.
Lets see Theres just one of me, so sometimes I cant pay attention to all my customers. Would you be on the lookout for those times? Im sure theyll want to talk to you, too. Theyre all great people, so dont worry. Im sure itll be a good experience for you.
*sigh* Fine, Ill ask it.
Ah Are you interested? I can be your producer if thats the case. ...Haha, just kidding. I dont want to break any adult entertainment laws, you know? What youre wearing now is fine. Well, I guess Ill have you start immediately, then. Its almost time for the customers to arrive, so good luck.
I would have loved to see you all dolled up. Hey, theres a customer whos all alone. You should go check up on them.
Which customer should I talk to ?
Based on what customers are present, we can gain a corresponding social stat by spending the evening talking to them.
This might bore you, but I wanted to ask. What do you think of our nations economy? They used tax money as an emergency measure to restore the economy But it only increased our nations debt, which in turn burdens us, the citizens Is this really a good strategy for revitalizing the economy ?
Ugh, this is going to take some time
Im surprised anyone could be so long-winded. But you did talk about a pretty difficult topic. Im sure you gained some Knowledge out of it.
Maaku gains Knowledge +2.
Oh, right, you were speaking with Nagai-san, right? Hes an elite banker. He talks a lot, but hes got a wealth of knowledge. I bet you learned a lot by talking to him. Well, heres your pay. Keep up the good work!
Pays good, but we can get guaranteed social stats from other repeatable opportunities, and in higher quantities.
All right, you should be going home. Youre still underage, and Shinjuku is dangerous at night.
We should go home. Im getting sleepy...