Previously, on The Reversed Fool of Justice...

Goro Akechi, world-renowned detective, reunites with his childhood friend, Akira Kurusu, only to learn that the boy has been forced into probation after an encounter with his estranged father, Masayoshi Shido. However, he soon discovers that Akira has obtained the power of Persona - the manifestation of one's rebellious will in the cognitive world known as the Metaverse. Akira, alongside three others, have chosen to become the illustrious Phantom Thieves of Hearts in order to reform the abusive teacher of Shujin Academy, Suguru Kamoshida. Akira also learns of Goro's own awakening to his powers, yet remains unaware of his friend's true story. Under the promise of no longer entering the Metaverse ever again, Goro works with his friend to take Kamoshida's Treasure and reform his twisted heart.

And so the days pass...before the fateful conclusion.

"The Reversed Fool of Justice"

II - the Magician (part 1)

"What's with the sudden morning assembly?"

"I bet its about that girl who jumped the other day..."

"They don't have to tell us not to commit suicide."

"There was a weird calling card too, so I guess the teacher's are freaking out?"

"Ooh, do you think that's why Akechi-kun's here?!"

"Now that I think about it...didn't Akechi-kun say the transfer student was trying to help someone from being harassed and got punished for it?"

As the assembly was getting ready to begin, Goro leaned up against the wall with his arms crossed, looking among the crowd. To his pleasant surprise, he found Akira and his friends among them. "Seems they called all the classes." he mused. Whatever Kobayakawa had planned to inform them, it must be quite the droll. He noticed that one of the teachers, Kawakami he believed her name was, looking more sluggish than usual. Some of the teachers even looked perhaps a bit annoyed with the announcement as well. However, he also noticed the lack of presence from one of the teachers he had been observing. "Absent again...he's been gone for five days now."

It's been five days since they stole the treasure from Kamoshida's Palace, and he has been absent since then.

They claimed he called in sick, so it could mean that they were successful...but the same thing happened when he killed his previous teacher's Shadow. Goro hoped that Morgana was right about this and Kamoshida had begun to repent for his crimes. He didn't want his friend or his companions to feel the pain that he did when he first killed someone by causing a mental shutdown.

Eventually, Kobayakawa stepped unto the podium, clearing his throat and testing the speaker. Soon after, he began the assembly.

"As you all know, a tragic event took place the other day. Thankfully, we have been informed that she will pull through, but it will take some time until she recovers. Everyone here has a bright future ahead. I implore that you to rethink the importance of life and-"

Sadly, his speech was cut short when the doors to the gymnasium opened up, creaking loudly and shutting equally as loud. Everyone present turned and found Kamoshida entering. To Goro's surprise, there was not a shred of the confident, charming or charismatic presence he had. In fact, his face looked haggard and old and worn, as if he had gone through an emotional storm. The teacher took a sigh before he turned and found Goro, his eyes widening in surprise. "Detective-san..." he muttered before he closed his eyes, shaking head. "This...is actually for the best, then."

"What?" Goro whispered, eyes widening further. His tone...it couldn't be!

"Pardon, Principal," Kamoshida spoke somberly as he walked toward the stage. "But if you don't mind...I'd like to make an announcement of my own."

Kobayakawa seemed startled a bit, but eventually smiled and stepped back. Kamoshida bowed his head gratefully, and stepped forward. At first, he didn't speak. It looked as if he was having trouble wondering what to say. The teachers, to their confusion, saw his hands shaking as they gripped the edges of the podium, knuckles white. For Akira's part, he was growing nervous. "Crap," Anne winced. "Did we screw up?"

"Wait." Morgana called, poking his head out from the bag. "Something's different!"

After a minute of silence, Kamoshida took a deep, shaky breath. "There is...something I must confess to you all." he spoke slowly, practically forcing himself to stare back at each and every one of his students in the eye. "I have, repeatedly done things that are...unbecoming of a teacher. Verbally abusing students...physically abusing my team..." The shaking grew worse. It seemed as if he was relying on the podium just to keep him up on his feet. "And...sexually harassing female students." Another deep, shaky breath and he spoke with force. "I...am the reason why Shiho Suzui tried to kill herself."

Loud gasps emerged from members of the crowd, both staff and student body alike. For the the ones who initiated the change of heart, they were surprised that he really did confess his crimes.

Saying the confession was enough to bring Kamoshida down to his knees, tears falling from his face. "I thought of this school as my own castle," he continued on, his body shaking like a leaf as he went on with his confession. "There were students I even sentenced to expulsion, simply because I didn't like them. I will, of course, rescind those..." He gritted his teeth, finding the strength to get back up on his feet. "I am...t-truly sorry for putting innocent youths through such horrible acts." His voice was cracking as he began to break down further, bowing his head in shame. "I am an arrogant, shallow...shameful person. N-no, I am even worse than that!"

"I...can't believe it." Goro muttered, watching the confession unfold in utter shock. This...was the result of someone having their heart stolen? For the tiniest moment, in his mind, Kamoshida's pitiful form was replaced by a man in a suit, head without a shred of hair, and eyes hidden behind orange glasses. The very thought caused his inner self to laugh in glee, just imagining such a thing. His hands clenched. "This..."

"I..." Kamoshida choked. "I have done...h-horrible Takamaki-san, Sakamoto-san and Kurusu-san as well..." The aformentioned three teen's eyes widened, hearing their names being called on as some students turned and looked at them in shock. "In exchange for giving Suzui-san a position on the team...I tried to force her into having relations." Everyone naturally reacted in disgust, appalled by such a thought as many of the students who believed that Takamaki was willingly sleeping with Kamoshida shameful and regretful looks. "I...willingly spread Sakamoto-san's familial situation to force him into striking me, in order to have an excuse to end his career. I..." Kamoshida shook his head. "I couldn't bear the thought of him becoming a star athlete as I had been once...and having a reputation that outclassed my own."

The student body, more specifically, the former track team of the school, were enraged by his statement, as well as feel guilt. Rage at Kamoshida for ruining them out of petty pride, and some guilt for blaming Ryuji for their fall.

"I had...also spread Kurusu-san's record as a way of keeping him in line. I couldn't stand the idea of someone as rebellious as that to stand against me." Kamoshida took yet another haggard breath as he mustered what little strength he had left in him. "As of today...I will resign from my position as an instructor."

Finally, the teacher fell to his knees as the students were left in an uproar. The teachers were left to try and calm them down while Kobayakawa's face was pale, unable to believe what had just happened. His face paled even further when he saw Goro walk up the podium, looking down at Kamoshida with an unreadable expression. In his hand were handcuffs. "Kamoshida-san," he said with an even tone. "If you would please come with me to the station."

Kamoshida looked up, wiping away the tears from his eyes and giving the teen a shaky smile. "I...would much appreciate that...Akechi-san."

The former PE teacher held out his arms as Goro cuffed his wrists. He then followed the Detective out the door to receive his punishment. Soon after, the teachers began to try and re-establish order among the students. However, even they could not stop the hushed whispers that came as a result.

"Wait, is this what that calling card meant?" "Does-does that mean the Phantom Thieves of Hearts are real?!" "Was something done to Kamoshida?!" "C'mon, there's no way you could steal someone's heart." "But why else would he confess all of that?! He even let Akechi-san arrest him!" "Maybe because it almost got leaked? Don't they give you a lightened sentence for confessing it?" "I wonder what happened." "Who knows? But man, Kamoshida turned out to be a sick bastard."

The hushed whispers continue on before the teachers finally had them be escorted out and back to their classrooms. However, only the Phantom Thieves remained, hanging around the entrance, staring at the stage. Even now, they were stunned by what happened. "He really did have a change of heart." Anne said, still in shock by the whole thing. Her hand gripped the fabric of her blazer as she looked down, closing her eyes. "Shiho..."

"Seems like it." Ryuji said as he kicked at the ground. "Still...hearing him mention that stuff pissed me off. He made our lives hell just because he was scared out of his mind."

"Well, it is understandable somewhat." Nanashi said, slipping his bandaged hand in his pocket. "After all, Japan has begun having more renowned athletes in its circle. It isn't a surprise that he did what he did." A frown formed on his moments later. "Even still...it's disgusting how far he went to remain in power."

"Maybe..." the blonde delinquent muttered as he leaned against the wall. "But...I dunno...I wonder if things are just going way too fast here." He then looked up, and to his surprise, he found several students approaching them. "Huh? What the...?"

"Takamaki-San?" Mishima asked as he and two girls approached the blonde girl. The girl turned, surprise to see them, but was even more so when they bowed their heads deeply. "I-I'm sorry!"

"Huh...?"

"We all knew," Mishima confessed, unable to meet her gaze. "But...we pretended we didn't."

"Takamaki-san!" one of the girls said, her face showing sincerity. "I had you all wrong! I'm sorry I spread those rumors about you!"

The black-haired girl next to her shook her head in shame. "I didn't know at all... Kamoshida was forcing himself on you... It must have been hard."

"I'm sure there's a ton more people who want to apologize for what we did as well!"

Once more, the three of them bowed. "We're so sorry!"

The boys looked on as Anne shifted uncomfortably by their apologies. They didn't blame her. That said, Akira found himself a bit miffed that only now did they decide to apologize after Kamoshida's arrest. Then again...perhaps the man just scared them all that much. After all, he had great influence thanks to being Kobayakawa's golden boy. However, the surprises weren't over yet, as some of the other students, all of which who wore the gym attire, stepped toward Ryuji.

The blonde recognized them immediately. "Y-you guys..."

"Sakamoto," one of the members of the dissolved track team said somberly. "We..." Together, they all bowed. "We're sorry we put you through so much shit!"

"H-huh?" Ryuji gaped, processing what he was just witnessing now.

"We all blamed you for getting the track team dissolved. That if you hadn't gone against Kamoshida, we'd still have a track team. We had no idea that he planned to use you as a scapegoat to ruin the team."

"It's all our fault you ended up getting your leg busted too!" another member shouted. "If we had just called him out like you did...!"

Ryuji stared at them for the longest time before he gave a tired sigh, scratching the back of his head. "...nah. That was my fault." he said, much to their surprise. "Don't get me wrong. When he brought up my dad, I was pissed all to hell! But...if I had just held myself back, then I still would have a leg to use." He then grinned sheepishly. "And we'd still be running."

"Even still...!"

"Seriously guys, its fine."

Morgana chuckled as he poked his head out a little, staring at the sight. "Who would have thought Ryuji of all people would be so humble?" he said before looking at Akira. "By the way. Looks like you're up for some apologies too~"

"Eh?" Akira blinked before he noticed a few students walking up to him as well. "Oh..."

"Kurusu-san?" Asked one of the students from his class. He and other students he's seen around the halls whispering rumors about him congregated before him. "W-we're...sorry for what we did."

The head of the group bowed. "We...we spread the rumors after finding out about your record."

"Oh, that?" Akira shrugged. "Don't worry about it. I'm pretty much used to that stuff."

"But still...!"

"Seriously, its fine." He assured them. Truth be told, he was hardly bothered at all by the rumors circulating around. Annoying, but nothing he couldn't handle.

Morgana chuckled. "As expected, Joker~" he said with pride, though he paused. "Ah...though I suppose I should be calling you Akira instead, given our careers as Phantom Thieves are done."

Akira nodded. It was part of their promise, after all. That being said...he had to admit, he felt some sort of excitement and jubilation from seeing Kamoshida being broken down like that, regretting and taking atonement for his actions in front of everyone. It made him wonder what else there was to consider. Now, it seemed all that was left for him was to go about his life without any trouble whatsoever.

At least...that was what he would like to think, if not for the fact that he still remembered Igor's foreboding words when they first met the day he arrived at LeBlanc.

'I wonder...is our days as Phantom Thieves really over?'

It was now sometime in the afternoon for Goro after he had escorted Kamoshida to the Police, where he was quickly charged and arrested for his crimes. Come tomorrow, the police would be issuing a full investigation into the matter, which of course meant trouble for Kobayakawa. The brunette was not in any way ashamed to proudly say that he was glad the bastard was now behind bars. Plus, the ordeal gave him an impressive amount of information. It was possible to cause a target to undergo a change of heart and have them confess their crimes...the implications of such a feat.

While he wouldn't want to reveal this information, there was no doubt that Kobayakawa would report this to Shido. Meaning he would have to give the man an explanation and possible theory while trying to keep suspicion off of Akira and his friends. 'Hopefully, he keeps his promise.' Goro thought as he waited in the lobby for news. As he did so, he noticed a figure walking by and his eyes widened in surprise, heart delighted. "Sae-san?" he asked, causing the woman to stop. "What in the world are you doing here?"

"I could ask the same of you." Sae Niijima responded, equally as surprised to see the detective here. "What are you doing here? Wait...were you the one who arrested Suguru Kamoshida?"

"My word. Word travels fast." he gave a small remark before he smiled. "I assume you're here about that?"

Sae nodded. "Yes, actually. The Director received a call. From what I understand, he confessed all of his wrongdoings during an entire assembly in front of everyone, right?" He nodded, and the woman pursed her lips. "Quite odd. Even more so when you just happened to be there."

"I was there to visit a friend of mine from childhood." he answered. It wasn't the truth, but it wasn't a lie either. "We haven't seen each other in so long, and I heard he was attending Shujin, so I decided to drop by. Imagine my surprise when I find the former star volleyball athlete Suguru Kamoshida admit to abusing his position of power and sexually assaulting his students."

"I agree. He was an alumnus of Shujin, and abused his authority as an instructor and targeted the lives of specific individuals for his own benefit."

Sae sighed in disappointment, pinching the bridge of her nose. "To think Kobayakawa allowed someone like that to become a teacher."

'You would be surprised if you knew how low the pig is, Sae-san.' Goro wished he could say, but for the sake of keeping his act together, gave a simple shrug. "I suppose you can't judge a book by its cover." he said before he gave a smile. "By the way, would you happen to be free sometime today? There was this marvelous restaurant I found the other day and-"

"Can't." came the swift and curt response. "Busy."

'CRITICAL HIT!'

"I see..." Goro maintained his pleasant demeanor while hiding the pain and disappointment of being shot down again. "Perhaps next time."

Sae shrugged. "Perhaps. Now, if you'll excuse me." With a bow, she took her leave. Goro watched as she left, admiring her slender form before he shook his head. Really, ogling her rear? What was he degrading himself into? A pervert?

Unfortunately, his mood turned sour when he received a phone call. One look at the ID was enough to form a scowl on his face. Reluctantly, he picked it up. "Yes, sensei?"

"I've already received the report." Shido spoke without even a greeting. "So...it seems this Kamoshida has undergone a complete change of heart. Hah, Kobayakawa sounded so pitiful when he told me. Still, this brings about a number of interesting possibilities. To think...stealing the core of their desires would cause them to confess everything."

"Indeed. It was a surprising phenomenon to me as well. I was unaware such a thing was possible." Goro lied smoothly.

"Clearly we still have yet to uncover the full possibilities of Wakaba Isshiki's research," Shido grunted. "At any rate, there's something that intrigued me. The Phantom Thieves of Hearts... Are they the same people you encountered in the Metaverse, Akechi?"

"I believe so." The Detective responded. "The theatrical name aside, they are the most likely suspects. I have yet to discover who they actually are. Regardless, I'll keep an eye on them. After all, we're already at the finishing line. Last thing we want is for someone to pop up and cause us to stumble."

"Agreed. Well then, I'll leave the matter to you."

The phone call shortly ended, and Goro let out a sigh, leaning against the wall. He really...REALLY...hated it when Shido called him.

He was starting to wonder if he should do what they did to Kamoshida to Shido. No...no. He deserved worse. He deserved to watch at his moment of glory as his world falls apart into tiny pieces. The man deserved to be dragged down to the depths of hell. The dark thoughts caused Goro to grasp his phone tightly as he waited for the police to give him a report.

They couldn't get here fast enough.

PhantomOfTheOpera HAS ENTERED THE CHATROOM
SuperDetective HAS ENTERED THE CHATROOM

POTO: Hey. You up?

SD: Yes, actually. It seems the police will launch an official investigation on Kamoshida tomorrow, so you had best be prepared.

POTO: I'll pass it along to the others.

POTO: So...did you manage to score a date~?

SD: :/ Are you a mind reader or something? And sadly, no. Shot down again. Then again, I couldn't blame her. By the way, how is Suzui-san?"

POTO: Ann told us she regained consciousness today.

SD: That's great news! :) Takamaki-san must have been relieved to hear that.

POTO: She was. She told us the news in person when we discussed selling the gold medal.

SD: Oh?

POTO: Its like a celebration for putting Kamoshida behind bars. We're thinking of doing it sometime during Golden Week. Did you want to come?

SD: I'd love to, but unfortunately, I'll be busy during then. As much as I love Sae-san, she's a slave driver. -_- Remind me again, why did I choose to become a detective exactly?

POTO: Oh come on, man up. Besides, who knows? Maybe she'll humor you if she sees you working so hard!

SD: Maybe.

RoadSprinter HAS JOINED THE CHATROOM
Fr1llTh3ill HAS JOINED THE CHATROOM

RS: Yo!

FT: Hey boys. What'cha talking about?

POTO: Nothing much. Just teasing Goro about his crush.

SD: AAAAAKIRAAAAA! *0o0* The hell?!

FT: Oooh, the famous detective has a crush?!

RS: Well spill man! Who?!

POTO: An older woman.

SD: ...is this payback for something? Be honest with me.

POTO: Hm, could be.

RS: Whoa, for real? The detective likes older women?

SD: Sae-san isn't THAT old.

FT: What does she do?

SD: She's a prosecutor. The youngest to ever join, actually.

POTO: And apparently the older sister to the student council president.

RS: FOR REAL?!

FT: So she's Nijima-senpai's sister? Huh. You really do learn new things every day.

SD: Yes. I was honestly surprised to learn that Sae-san's sister goes to the same school as you all.

RS: I'm more surprised that your gunning for the iron maiden's big sis! Damn dude...you got balls O.O

SD: Iron...Maiden?

FT: A stupid nickname some of the students gave her, namely because of her uptight and studious nature. That, and she's REALLY serious.

SD: Well, if she's related to Sae-san, and if what I've been told is any indication, I am not surprised.

SD: While on the subject of love lives, though...

POTO: No, Akechi, I have not found a girlfriend, nor am I interested in finding one.

RS: Seriously man? Why not?!

POTO: Ryuji, what am I on right now?

RS: Uh, probation?

POTO: And who am I friends with?

RS: Akechi. W

POTO: If a girl approaches me, knowing full well I have a criminal record, and I am friends with the 'Charismatic Detective,' what do you think she will ask?

FT: That she simply ask for an autograph from him or ask you to have him hang out with her?

POTO: Exactly.

RS: Damn man...that must be rough.

POTO: Meh, I'm used to it. Girls never really approached me back before all this crap started anyway.

SD: Not once?

POTO: Nope.

FT: Wow.

RS: Damn...

RS: Hey, wait. Where's senpai?

"Onee-san?"

"Yes, Nanashi-kun?"

"...I thought we agreed that you would never, under any circumstance, be allowed to make fried tofu." The male teen deadpanned as he observed what his elder sister was cooking on the stove of their apartment.

Or rather, the disgusting abomination of what could not, in any way, be considered food. It was bloated and bulbous, charred black and oozing with oil and grease. It looked less like food and more like some disaster of a chemical and biological experiment.

Nanashi groaned, face-palming. "Onee-san, move away from the stove." he said sternly.

"Moouu, but why?" Asahi pouted. "Besides, I thought it was my turn to cook dinner tonight?"

"You lost tonight's right when you made whatever the hell THAT is." he pointed at the disastrous mesh she was cooking before he set his bag and blazer down, grabbing an apron from the hangar and entering the kitchen. "Now, move."

"But-"

"MOVE." He emphasized. He would not ask again. His tone left no room for argument.

Asahi seemed surprised by his tone, but did as she was told and stepped away from the stove. As she backed up and Nanashi took her place, she couldn't help but stare at her younger brother. He's never behaved like this before. While in the process of tossing the abomination that could not be called food in the trash bin, she leaned against the counter as he already went to work. "...Nanashi," she called. "Did...something good happen?"

"Hm?" he briefly looked over his shoulder. "How do you mean?"

"You're...much more assertive now."

"Really?" The teen questioned. "...I don't really feel any different..."

Asahi shook her head, smiling softly. "...I guess not." she said before her smile turned into a wide grin. "Anyway, anything I can do to help?"

"Yeah." Nanashi rolled his eyes. "Stay out of my kitchen."

When Akira returned home, he half-expected to find Goro at the counter. Much to his disappointment, only Sojiro was present. "Welcome back," he greeted with a nod of the head. "How was school."

"Same old, same old." Akira shrugged. "Do you need any help, Sakura-san?"

"I could use a hand in washing dishes." The barista replied.

The frizzy-haired teen nodded. He set down his bag at one of the stools, where Morgana leaped out without Sojiro noticing him, and took a seat at one of the nearby tables. Akira set his blazer down with his bag and then flipped on an apron. He then helped the man out with the dishes, flipping on the water from the faucet and began washing coffee mugs and dinner plates.

"So how was school today? Not getting into any trouble I hope."

Akira shook his head, though he hid a smile. Oh, he had gotten into trouble...just not the kind he'd expect. "Not really. It was the same boring lecture as always. Although...I guess some good did happen today."

"Oh?" Sojiro quirked an eyebrow, curious. "What happened?"

"Several students apologized to me about the rumors they spread when they heard about my record." Akira told him, earning a look of surprise from the man. "Took me by surprise. Then again, pretty sure it wouldn't have happened if Goro hadn't told them what actually happened, or that the teacher responsible for leaking my record was arrested today."

Sojiro's eyes widened further. "Arrested?" he balked. "What in the-"

[-in other related news, the famous high-school detective, Goro Akechi, arrested a gym teacher at Shujin Academy after he confessed to abusing and sexually assaulting his students.] the TV blared, earning the old man's attention. Akira and Morgana looked at the TV screen, surprised to learn that the news was reporting this already. Then again, if it was the celebrity known as Goro Akechi, they supposed that it was bound to happen sooner. [The teacher in question was Suguru Kamoshida, a former gold-medal Olympic sportsman. There are reports that he had confessed to both the student body and the faculty during an early-morning assembly. Akechi-kun, who was there at the time, promptly arrested Kamoshida-san and took him to the police station. The police have stated that they will begin investigations as early as tomorrow.]

The barista stared at the news bulletin before turning to the frizzy haired teen. "That actually happened?"

"Yep."

Sojiro gaped for a moment before he groaned, dragging a hand down his worn face. "Good grief..." he muttered. "Seems like Tokyo's getting worse by the day." The old man then looked back at the news, which had a picture of Kamoshida, as well as a photo of the man in handcuffs, Goro escorting him inside the police station. "Still, hell of a thing for your detective friend to be there. Wonder how surprised he was to hear a man confess all of that. And to his own students no less!" Once again, Sojiro sighed. "What's the world coming to...?"

"No clue. the very least though, is that all of Kamoshida's victims can now have peace of mind." Akira said. What he didn't say, though, was that he was partially happy about being one of the people responsible for this.

Even still...the incident reminded him too much of when he met that bald bastard in the sunglasses that got him into this situation in the first place. That hopeless feeling that there's nothing you can do against people with a position of power...the feeling he, many students of Shujin, including Shiho, felt...he wondered if anyone else in this world felt like that. The mere thought was enough to make him wonder if there was anything he could do to help people like them. He had the power to do so...yet the promise he made to his friend, and the dangers that came with such a method, would prevent him from doing so.

Akira let out a sigh of his own. "I'll head to bed early tonight." he decided before he continued washing the dishes.

"Yusuke? Yusuke!"

The shout brought the young man in front of the canvas out of his thoughts, blinking as he turned and found his sensei standing in the middle of the doorway. "Sensei?" he said before he bowed his head. "Apologies. I was absorbed in the painting. Is something the matter?"

Sensei gave a small smile as he entered. "Oh, nothing really." he told the boy. "I just came to see how you were doing." He then took a look at the canvas. It was wide, enough so that it could fill up the entire wall of the room, showing off a brilliant landscape, held captive in a portrait of red bushes and trees with red tops, leaves scattering about through the open plains that went as far as the eye could see. The young man felt rather proud of his work, yet he couldn't help but feel bitter, as he knew that while he forged this painting with his own blood, sweat and tears...he would be shown no recognition for it. "Incredible...I dare say this is one of your finer works, my boy."

"Perhaps," the young man shrugged his shoulders in nonchalance. "Yet even still, I cannot capture the feeling that the Sayuri has." A frown marred his otherwise beautiful features as he folded his arms. "What am I doing wrong?"

Sensei shook his head, patting the boy on the shoulder. "Now now," he said. "I'm sure it will come in time. Still, splendid timing. Just in time for the exhibit." The old man paused for a bit, folding his arms. "Still...I wonder if there's the possibility of adding in another piece."

The young man tilted his head. It had been many years since Sensei had forged a piece of his own, yet even still, the man was unable to come up with anything. It was what forced him into this...situation. While others refused to see reason and left, the young man felt an obligation after everything this man has done for him. "Is there anything I can do to help, sensei?"

"...Yusuke, how good are you with nude paintings?"

"Hmhmhm...welcome to my Velvet Room, Trickster."

Akira groaned as he lifted himself up from the bed, rubbing his neck. "This bed never gets any softer, does it?" he muttered before he stood up and walked over to the bars. As usual, the twin wardens stood guard in front of it, and Igor at his desk in the center of the room. "Igor. To what do I owe the pleasure this time?"

"Show proper respect, Inmate!" Caroline snapped as she slammed her baton onto the bars of his cell.

In response, he gave her a mild glare. "...you do realize how old that is getting, right Caroline-chan?"

"Shut it!" The petite guard snapped at him again.

"And once again, you are falling within his pace once more, Caroline." Justine sighed.

Igor chuckled. Truth be told, he never got tired of seeing these two bicker. "First off... I'd like to begin by congratulating you." he begang, earning the three's attention. "You have encountered allies who share your aesthetics, and you have found your place in reality. The time has come... Your rehabilitation will soon begin." The old man drummed his fingers against the desk, his smile growing. "One who wields a power unobtainable and wild, and the other, one of the most intriguing sorts...it seems that watching you will not prove to be boring whatsoever."

'He must be referring to Goro.' Akira thought when Igor mentioned the second individual. Even still, he couldn't ignore what the old man was telling him as his eyes narrowed, listening intently.

"I shall explain it to you now... You have a special potential. However, that must be refined into a useful power. It is weak now, but refining it shall grant you the strength to stand against the coming ruin... That is the rehabilitation cast upon you."

"Again with this 'coming ruin'." Akira stated. "Just what exactly is it?"

"You will come to know, in time."

Akira scowled. 'Damn cryptic bullshit.'

"Thanks to the contracts you've formed, your heart is steadily gaining the power of opposition. It seems the rehabilitation is going well. This is a truly joyous occasion... I shall grant you an ability befitting of your newfound growth. Consider it a gift. May the devotion to your rehabilitation grow even deeper." Igor's eyes bore into him as his grin grew. "I have high expectations for you."

Just then, Akira felt a 'pulse' echo in his heart, and Arsene's laughter echoing in the back of his mind as a surge of power flowed through him. So this was the ability Igor granted him? Interesting...

"On another note...you have felled the keeper of lust, it seems." Igor remarked, bringing attention back to him. "A Palace is a world of desire made manifest within the Metaverse...surely, there will be more to come."

"I doubt it." Akira remarked. "I made a promise to Goro. This is the last time."

"Are you so sure of that, Trickster?" Akira blinked, confused by Igor's statement. "Surely, you have felt it when you watched that man repent for his sins with his confession before the targets of his abuse. He is not the first individual to create a twisted keep of his own sin...and he will surely not be the last. And just like before, there may be others who suffer." Igor leaned forward a bit, his eyes boring straight into his own. The boy felt his body run cold, feeling that he was staring back at a being who was judging him completely, and was left utterly unable to look away. "Just as...you have." After a minute, the old man laughed and pulled back. "Regardless...the choice is yours. All we can offer is our assistance in the matter. Know, this, however."

The old man's eyes lit up with something foreign as he held up a hand, his grin turning sinister.

"The game...has only just begun, Akira Kurusu."

The frizzy-haired teen's grip on the iron bars became tighter as the strange man's words sunk in.

"Hmhmhm..." As the darkness known as unconsciousness began to take hold of him once again, Igor's amused chuckle echoed in his ears. "Until we meet again, Trickster."

Then, sleep claimed him once again.

School life had changed quite a bit for Shujin Academy. As Goro predicted, the police had come by and began questing students and staff members about Kamoshida. Unlike before, where his victims were too terrified to say anything, the students were more than willing to tell them everything. From the abusive training regimens at practice, to the constant beatings they received from him, to the blackmail, to the sexual assaults and harassments, everything. Every word of it came from the members of the volleyball team, both male and female alike. Even the students expelled at Kamoshida's behest were heard.

With so many testamonies, and Kamoshida's own confession, a solid case was built and the man was to be tried and judged in court before being sent away behind bars.

To Akira Kurusu, it was justice at its finest.

Speaking of school life, his situation at school became much better, thanks to Kamoshida's confession and Goro's actions by revealing the truth of the matter. The constant rumors about him had stopped circulating, and some of the teachers that openly scorned him before had relented somewhat. They were still strict, but now he wasn't singled out due to his record. He wasn't sure if it was due to guilt or an attempt to save face.

Regardless, it was a good time. Before he knew it, Golden Week was already upon him. At first, he had trouble setting up a good date for the celebration due to Sojiro having him stay behind, and it would have happened again were it not for that silver-haired woman coming in and ordering a cup of coffee. She was the excuse he needed to get out and sell Kamoshida's gold medal. He knew that Iwai's place would be a good place to sell it, though he had some problems trying to get the man to get a good price on it, since it was obviously a fake. It wasn't a real gold medal, but it was the closest thing one could get to it since it was the core of Kamoshida's twisted desires. Thankfully, Iwai had settled on 30,000 Yen. Not much, but he was willing to take it. Strangely, though, police had come in shortly after, and once the mess was settled, he discovered that Iwai had been holding out on him. He would make a note to talk to the man later about it, though.

For now...there was a celebration to be held.

Even better...said celebration was going to be held at a restaurant that Ann recommended. She told them it was a restaurant that she and Shiho had been wanting to visit for some time.

When they arrived there, they understood why.

It was the buffet of a fancy hotel, complete with all sorts of gourmet food and drink, usually served to the wealthy.

"...holy shit!" Ryuji exclaimed with the widest grin on his face. "Look at this place! It's practically saying, all-you-can-eat!"

Morgana peeked his head out from the bag, mouth salivating. "S-so much...fish...!"

"I must admit, I'm impressed with your selection, Takamaki-san." Nanashi said. "Onee-san and I visited this place before. The food choice they have is exquisite, so I can vouch for a mouthful of heaven moment."

The foreign girl giggled. "Thanks, senpai." she said before facing him. "Still, you don't have to be so formal. Just call me by my first name."

"I apologize. I'm just...not really used to being familiar with others..." Nanashi admitted.

"Hey, dude. No need to be all stiff. We're all friend's here, ain't we?" Ryuji lightly elbowed him in the side.

"Anyway, come on! There's a feast waiting for us!"

"I demand sushi!" Morgana cried. "SUSHI!"

Akira glared at Morgana, bopping him on the head. "Hey!" he hissed. "Piped down! You want us to get thrown out?!"

"They can't even hear what I'm saying!"

"Doesn't matter! Pets aren't allowed in here save for service animals. And you are not one."

Ryuji snickered. "Got that right." he said, ignoring Morgana's enraged glare directed at him. "Anyway, come on! Let's go!"

(several minutes later)

"Mm...So good..." Ryuji hummed as he dug into the plate of food before him. The meat dishes they had were awesome. They were so savory and tender...so this was what high-class food was like.

"No wonder Lady Ann chose this place." Morgana said.

Anne smirked as she took about out of the cake she ordered, her face showing naught but delight. "Of course its good!" she boasted. "This is a famous hotel, after all!"

"I'm more amazed by the fact that we're capable of affording this with just 30,000 yen." Nanashi said as he dug into the steak before him, idly noting the wondrous taste of the cooked meat.

"Usually, this restaurant costs 8,000 yen per person. We were lucky to actually eat here on a sale special."

"I'll say..." Akira nodded as he put a scoop full of fried rice in his mouth, noting how tasty the rice was cooked.

He gave a quick look around before he grabbed a small giblet of sushi and placed it close to the bag. Immediately, Morgana poked his head out and snatched up the bit, chewing down on it before an explosion of flavor erupted inside his mouth, saliva glands going to overdrive and stars dancing in his eyes. "S-so...gooooood..."

Akira petted the feline on the head through the bag. After his help back at the Palace, Morgana deserved a reward of some sort. It was a shame Goro couldn't be here with them. he contributed greatly. In fact, Akira dared say that, without him, they never would have stolen Kamoshida's treasure!

They never expected Kamoshida's Shadow turn into...well, that monster. And yet Goro was still able to deal massive damage to it.

It only came to show just how powerful his friend was...as someone who had his power for much longer than they. On the subject of Goro...Igor's words from earlier left him distracted. Was everything really over? Going by the man's words...it certainly didn't feel like it. If anything, it felt more like things had only just begun.

But even so, he made a promise to his friend, that they would no longer be traversing the Metaverse. It would not be right to betray Goro's trust.

"I'm still having a hard time believing that the police actually came to our school." Anne said, bringing the teen out of his thoughts. "Especially so quickly."

Ryuji shrugged his shoulders. "Well, the famous school detective was the guy who arrested him, so I guess it kinda makes sense?" he said before a grin formed on his face, looking at Akira. "Still, its thanks to that guy that Akira ain't being looked at like he murdered somebody's cat!"

"Indeed." Nanashi nodded. "Akechi is quite persuasive. His word swayed the populace that scorned you into backing down."

"Got that right. Not to mention, thanks to him, no one mentioned those stupid rumors about us and Kamoshida to the cops." Ryuji then let out a grin. "Gotta admit...it was damn fun though. I mean, did you see how they reacted to the calling card?! The whole Phantom Thieves of Hearts thing really got them excited!"

"Down, Ryuji." Akira chuckled. "As fun as it was to see Kamoshida get his panties in a twist, that was a one-time thing."

The blonde chuckled. "I know, I know." he said before he took out his smartphone. "Speaking of the whole Phantom Thieves thing...check this out!"

The three teens leaned in to get a closer look. It was a web page with a black background and picaresque motif. "Huh? 'The Phantom Thieves Aficianado Website'?" Ann questioned.

Nanashi gently took the phone from Ryuji, scrolling through it. "Hm...it seems that there's a number of people who believe in us." he noted, finding the comments section. "Most tend to dismiss the calling card and think Kamoshida confessed his crimes for a lighter sentence."

"What do they say?" Akira asked out of curiosity.

"Hm...let's see. 'Thank you, Phantom Thieves.' 'Now I can keep going too.' 'Thanks for giving us all hope.'"

"It's awesome, right? We are given' hope to people!" Ryuji grinned.

Anne nodded, smiling widely. "I was just desperate to deal with my own problems, but seeing people say all this feels...strange."

"I agree. I never would've thought people would praise us and thank us like this." Akira said.

Ryuji nodded in agreement. "Yeah..." He then gave a look of disappointment as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I kinda feel bad that we're leaving these guys hanging now, but we made a promise to Akechi. No more Metaverse adventures."

"Well, it was a pretty intense adventure while it lasted." Nanashi replied. "At the very least, we helped out several of our peers through changing Kamoshida's heart."

"Yeah...but I still need to find my memories in the Metaverse..." Morgana lamented. "That said, Akechi wasn't wrong. That place is dangerous." He gave the group a serious look, blue eyes narrowing. "And I'm not about to risk everyone's lives for that."

Akira smiled, petting the feline atop the head. "For what it's worth, Morgana, I hope you find your memories."

"Me too, man." Ryuji said. He then turned back to his food, and his eyes widened in panic. "Shit! Food's getting cold!"

"Phantom Thieves..." Sae muttered under her breath as she looked at the card in her hand. "What utter nonsense." She turned to Goro, raising a skeptical eyebrow. "And they claimed responsibility for making Kamoshida confess?"

Goro nodded, going through a vanilla folder with documents pertaining to their current assignment. "Yes, though while I doubt their existence, it is odd that Kamoshida would suddenly undergo a drastic personality change." He gave a small frown, looking at one of the pages. Much to his displeasure, it involved one of his targets - an obstacle to Shido's political rise to power. Poor bastard had to suffer a mental shutdown. Would have been easier simply to expose his crimes instead. Oh well...at least now he had the means to do so, thanks to Akira. "I met the man before. How he acted then, and how he acts now, is quite bizarre. Then again, who can say?"

Indeed. The moment Kamoshida's heart changed, no longer was he the cocky, charismatic, abusive PE teacher. All that was left was a groveling mess of a man, begging for forgiveness and repentance.

Sae still looked unconvinced, but did give a shrug as she looked further on the incident. That said, however, she felt a bit perturbed. The way Kamoshida changed...it seemed suspiciously like the psychotic breakdowns she had been hearing about. Matter of fact, one such case was in front of her. A politician running for Prime Minister, the favored candidate behind Masayoshi Shido at that, had suddenly gone feral and attacked a group of people who had been criticizing him at one of his speeches. As a result, his campaign was forced to be shut down. It was idiotic to think that someone would be behind them, but...it certainly brought an interesting perspective.

"By the way, Akechi-kun." Sae turned to her partner, wanting a change of subject. "This friend of yours...is he an aspiring detective as well?"

Goro laughed. "Oh no, far from it." he said with pride. "Akira is more like the gentleman thief kind of guy. He's willing to walk around the rules people place on others, but he won't hesitate to do what's right." His expression turned sad, however, as he continued on. "Unfortunately, its why he's on probation."

"Probation?" the prosecutor inquired in mild surprise. "Now that I think about it...Makoto mentioned that the transfer student had a criminal record."

"Yes." Goro's eyes narrowed dangerously, coming across another victim of his. This one was far less tragic and more justified. While on the surface, running a legitimate business, he was also involved in Kaneshiro's schemes. The fat pig did need someone to keep his more 'discreet' operations quiet. "And for the record, his probation is nothing but absolute bullshit. He ended up in probation because he tried to help a woman from being harassed by a drunk, and the police arrested Akira instead."

Sae's eyes widened. Never before had she heard the Second Coming of the Detective Prince curse so openly. But then she realized why. He had every right to be angry, as it was his friend that was punished instead of the true culprit.

But it begged the question...why did the police arrest the boy in the first place? The woman was a victim of the incident, and would've vouched for the youth's innocence, so why wasn't the drunk arrested instead?

She asked him this, and Goro growled. "Apparently, the drunk was a politician. He asked the police not to reveal his name in the incident as well. It happened so long ago, so I doubt anyone even remembers anything." He gave a heavy sigh, shaking his head. He couldn't afford to keep thinking about it, lest he feel more...angry, than usual. "Then again...what's happened has happened. I want to help Akira however I can, but..."

"But what...?" Sae asked him.

The detective sighed. "I wish I could do more...even though I became a detective, there's only so much I can do. Especially at my age. Even though I accomplished quite a bit, many adults still control the world."

It was the truth. Despite his accomplishments, adults hold more authority and have the final say in his endeavors. In their eyes, he was just a kid whose talents and abilities they use from time to time. Nothing truly noteworthy.

And knew that most of all...than his own father.

His father, Masayoshi Shido, was a metropolitan assemblyman and a representative of the National Diet in Japan. Right now though, he is a cabinet member who split off from the ruling party to form the United Future Party.

And that was merely the image he crafted for himself. No one, sans those outside his inner circle, which included Goro Akechi, knew his true self. Though that bald bastard claimed he worried for Japan's future, Goro knew better. He simply felt infuriated that things weren't going the way he envisioned. That was why he wished for the seat of Prime Minister: to command and control the country however he believed best. It was best reflected by his own palace: a cruise ship sailing amongst the ruins of a desolated city.

"...perhaps." Sae said before she gave a small, rare smile. "Though that isn't to say there's other ways of helping your friend." Goro looked up, surprised by this, and gave her a curious look. "After all, you've already gone great lengths to help your friend, I'm assuming."

The boy blinked for a moment, stunned, and then chuckled. "Maybe you're right."

"Hmph...by the way, what's the name of that restaurant you were talking about earlier?"

"Oh! It's called Traje de Luchas. An old client of mine recommended it to me. According to him, their Mangolian Beef is-" He stopped midway when his brain registered what Sae had just asked him, and felt his heart skip a bit. "W-wait, why are you asking?"

The silver-haired woman rolled her shoulders. "Well, a colleague of mine offered to cover half of my workload, and Makoto is going to be at a friend's house tonight." she said, raising the boy's hopes further. "I don't know about you, Akechi-kun, but...eating alone can be rather tiresome. Don't you think?"

She had never seen Goro's face lit up. If she were to describe the look on her face, it would be as if Christmas came early.

"Whew!" Ryuji groaned in relief as he and Akira left the bathroom, heading towards the elevator. "Almost shit my pants! But dammit, do they have to put the bathroom on an entirely different floor?!"

Akira gave his friend a cocky smirk. "Maybe that's what you get for eating so much." he said teasingly, causing the blonde to glare at him. "Then again, Morgana wasn't much better."

"I still call bullshit man. How the eff can you eat so much?!"

"What can I say? I'm just starved~"

"You're an ass."

Morgana poked his head out a bit, staring at the athlete with a deadpan expression. "I know you looked like you were gonna puke, but you really did puke..." he said, surprised by the fact that he was willing to eat so much. Even he knew he had a limit when it came to sushi, but obviously Ryuji didn't have such limits when it came to meat. "Are you some kind of moron?"

"Oh, like you're any better!" Ryuji glared at Morgana. When they arrived, a good few people had arrived, awaiting the elevator's arrival. "So, what floor was the restaurant on?"

"We came up here to use the bathroom," Morgana quipped. "So it would have to be on a lower floor."

Ryuji gave a nod and pushed the call button. As they waited, the people behind them noticed harsh footsteps approaching from behind. They turned and paled, immediately giving the oncoming group a wide berth. Ryuji and Akira were unconcerned for them...at least until they were rudely pushed out of the way. A man wearing a suit and medical mask over his face rudely shoved the two away, allowing the obvious leader of the group to step in front of the elevator doors. The leader of the group was a middle-aged, no doubt around the same age as Sojiro, only he bore a rather intimidating presence. His head was bald, save for the dark, sharp goatee he sported on his chin, and cold eyes hidden behind a pair of orange glasses.

"There's still no update on the case?" the man asked, turning to one of the other dressed men in the group.

"N-not yet." the subordinate answered hesitantly. "Excuse me, sir, but why are you so involved? It isn't something you should be concerned with..."

The man whirled on the subordinate, face livid with constrained rage. "Do I look like I care for your opinion, imbecile?" he growled, causing the man to take a step back in fear. "When I tell you to pick up the pace, you do it!"

"Hey!" Ryuji snarled. "You're cutting in line!"

He was about to march up to the group, only for am arm to bar him from them. "If you know what's good for you, Track Traitor...I wouldn't try something stupid."

"What?!" Ryuji turned to the one who stopped him, the insult infuriating him. Yet his rage was momentarily forgotten in favor of surprise. "Y-You..."

The one who stopped him was a student like them, probably a third-year like Nanashi. He had shaggy black hair, coming down to his shirt collar. He wore a white dress shirt with a black jacket over it left open, a red piece of cloth inside the left breast pocket. He wore dark jeans and boots while a cold glare, impassive yet chilling, stared back at the two teens. Chilling, icy blue eyes.

Akira felt a shudder run down his spine, finding his legs shaking beneath the stare. 'What the hell...?'

The man, unconcerned with Ryuji's anger, turned to the student. "Friends of yours?"

"Not really." the boy responded. "Just a fool who didn't know what he was getting into."

"I see." The man replied as he turned toward the elevator once more. "Such a thing seems to be quite the trend here. But what else could I expect from ignorant masses?" He then let out a scoff. "It seems that the customer base has changed since I was here last. Did they start running a daycare?"

"What was that?!" Ryuji growled. He was ready to rush in and punch the bastard in the face, were it not for the unnamed student giving him another chilling glare. "Khe...!"

"Sir," the subordinate stated. "We don't have time for this."

"I know."

As soon as the elevator door opened, the group of thugs entered. The student entered last, giving the two an even stare. "Word of advice." he said coolly. "Don't try and be something you aren't. Otherwise, you'll crash and burn." The elevator doors then closed, leaving the two teens behind.

"Ryuji." Akira said, turning to his friend with a concerned frown. "Was that...someone from our school?"

Ryuji nodded, his face somewhat pale. "Yeah," he nodded. "Heard a lot of bad rumors about him...and this was before Kamoshida jumped on the rumormill. Started when I was still in middle school, if what I heard was true." He gave his friend a concerned look. "According to the rumors, his dad's involved in the yakuza or something. All I know is, he's downright scary." Ryuji then scowled, shaking his head in anger. "Still, the eff was with that bossy bald asshole?!"

"He reminds me of Kamoshida," Akira noted. "Only worse." That said, however, he was troubled. The man's voice...it sounded oddly familiar. "Anyway, let's head back up."

"Back up? I thought we were heading down to meet Lady Ann and Nanashi." Morgana reminded.

"Oh, r-right...Sorry, must've spaced out. Down then." Akira shook his head as the following elevator arrived. The doors opened and Akira walked in, Ryuji following him a second later, staring at him in confusion for a brief moment.

"You okay, dude?"

"Yeah, I'm fine..."

(A few minutes later)

The group of three made their way back to their table in the buffet, only to learn that their time to eat had run out. Not that they were complaining. With how much they consumed, food was the last thing on their minds. Unfortunately, when they returned, Anne seemed to be in a bad mood as she glared at the group. "What took you so long?!"

"Sorry, we got held up in the elevator." Akira apologized.

"Did something happen?" Nanashi inquired.

Ryuji snorted. "Yeah, a run in with a shitty asshole and a guy I don't want to run into alone in an alley." he said before turning towards Anne. "Anyway, what's got you so pissy?"

"Sorry..." Anne apologized, realizing how harsh she was earlier. "I had a run-in with some woman a little while ago."

"A rude one, at that." Nanashi added. "She bumped into Anne, which caused her to drop her plate of food, and said it was her fault."

The blonde athlete scowled. "Sounds like a real bitch."

"Quite. Unfortunately, we keep getting uncomfortable looks from the other adults here, as well as the staff." A look of disapproval formed on his face. "It is quite annoying."

Anne nodded in agreement as the boys sat down, and looked at the ground in sadness. "I wonder if we're out of place here...?"

"Given our ages and current attire, we most likely are." Nanashi reasoned. The buffet they were in was catered more toward the adult population and the wealthy. Teenagers like them were an unusual sight here.

"If you ask me..." Akira sighed. "It always feels like this."

"...you have a point."

Ryuji was silent, clearly troubled. He was also irritated by what was going on around him. This was supposed to be a celebration about taking down Kamoshida after everything he's done to them...yet somehow, even that was ruined by the crappy adults. It really made him wish he could just beat the crap out of them and make 'em repent like what they did to Kamoshida.

...? Wait...

"...hey, Morgana." Ryuji said, looking at the cat as it poked its head out from the bag again. "Anyone can have a Palace, yeah?"

"Yes. If a person's desires become too distorted, it manifests into a Palace." The feline replied.

"So there's gotta be more of them than just Kamoshida, right?"

Morgana quirked an eyebrow, but nodded. "Well, yeah..."

"And they'll get the same atonement shtick if we take their treasure, just like with Kamoshida?"

"That would be the case."

Anne and Nanashi looked at one another, confused by Ryuji's questions. What was he asking about the Metaverse and Palaces for? "Hey," the girl asked. "What's going through your head, Ryuji? Why are you bringing this up all of a sudden?"

"...I know we promised Akechi that we wouldn't go playing Phantom Thieves anymore, but..." he got out, releasing a sigh as he scratched his head. "We had trouble earlier too. Over at the elevator. A bunch of selfish shitheads who just looked down on everyone else. I'm just wondering if..." He swallowed the lump in his throat, and looked up at his friends, his face dead serious. "If we'd be able to change those kinds of people, too."

The other four looked at him with wide eyes. "Ryuji," Akira began slowly. "Do you mean...you want to continue being a Phantom Thief?"

"Well, yeah." The blonde male admitted. "I mean, we have these awesome powers, and we can help other people getting abused by shitty adults like Kamoshida. So why not? We can actually make a difference and do something!"

"I mean, think about it. Nobody believes in the Phantom Thieves...but the guys who had to go through all that shit with Kamoshida are thanking us. US of all people!"

Akira immediately understood what he meant, remembering the comments from the Phantom Aficionado Website. He also understood why Ryuji believed in this ideal. His mind raced back to his conversation with Igor, and his comment about others like Kamoshida. People who abused their positions of power for the sake of personal interests. People who suffered under them...like the victims of Kamoshida.

'Could that be...what he meant?'

"...I agree." Anne said, causing the boys to look at her. "I want to honor Goro-kun's promise, too, but...I feel like if I just ignore those people...I'll just be going back how I was before."

Nanashi nodded. "I agree as well." he said, leaning forward. "Up until I got involved with you guys, I didn't used to think much of anything. I was just...a zombie, going through everyday life without a care in the world. Now, though...I'm not sure why, but..." He looked down at his bandaged hand, grasping it tightly. "Now, I...I don't want to see anyone suffer like Suzui-chan."

"Nanashi-senpai..." Anne whispered, eyes wide.

Morgana looked at the group, staring at them. They all had faces of resolve. They were serious...in spite of their promise, they wished to continue. To fight back against the corrupt adults who oppressed them like Kamoshida had done. Curiously, he turned to Akira. "And what about you, Akira?" he asked. "What are your thoughts?"

That was a good question...what did he want to do? On one hand, he made a promise with his best friend not to enter the Metaverse anymore, and doing so would betray his trust. On the other hand...his friends bring up a solid argument. They had the power to save innocent lives and make corrupt individuals pay for their crimes.

"Damn brat...I'll sue!"

The words of the man responsible for his probation came back to him, including that look in his eyes. The fury that someone DARED to disobey him, to stand against him like some rebel. His hands balled into tight fists as the memory resurfaced in his mind. If they really did have the power to change hearts...then maybe...

'...Goro is going to be pissed.' he thought in sadness, exhaling through his nose before looking at Morgana, giving a strong nod. At this, everyone smiled.

It was official. They all shared the same goals and ideals.

"Then I guess everything is settled." Morgana said. If he could in his feline form, he would be smiling. "Even still, I still stand by the point Akechi made. Don't go risking your lives needlessly." A beat, then a grin. "Then again, you're all under my tutelage. There isn't anything we can't accomplish as phantom thieves!"

Anne and Ryuji grinned while Nanashi nodded with a smile. Akira pushed up his glasses. That said, however...there was a fact that needed to be addressed. "If we intend to continue traversing the Metaverse and Palaces," the senior student reminded. "We will have to face the Shadows. That will be inevitable."

"We'll manage." Ryuji responded, flicking his nose with confidence. "After all, we got Akira's sick multi-persona powers and Morgana here to teach us. Like he said, we're under his teachings or whatever."

Morgana snickered. "It's pretty weird to hear you of all people say that, Ryuji." he said, causing the blonde to stare at him, offended. "That said...even though you guys are fledglings, this means we're an actual organization now!"

"Fledglings..." Anne repeated with a giggle. "That seems oddly fitting for us."

"Then it's settled!" Ryuji declared, showing off his shark-like teeth. "We're gonna catch all these shitty adults by surprise, and make our names known to the world!"

"Then what will our group name be?" Nanashi inquired. "If we're going to be known as Phantom Thieves, shouldn't we have a group alias?"

"I just picked Phantom Thieves of Hearts because it sounded cool, so we gotta pick an official one!" Ryuji said as he looked at Akira. "So, Leader...what will the world know us as?"

The frizzy-haired boy reeled back. "Wait, what?" he asked. "Leader? M-me?"

"Well, you are the one who got your Persona first. Not to mention you can use multiple of them." Morgana added. "Besides...compared to the others, you learn faster than the others. I'd say you're more than qualified."

Akira was still left stunned by this. They...wanted him to be the leader? That decision certainly wasn't anything to joke about. Being the leader meant that he would be responsible for their lives...something they were fine with. Was it because they trusted him? Or something else? Regardless, looking at everyone's faces showed that they had no problems with this decision. It was still hard for him to believe...but for better or worse, he had no choice but to accept. Akira didn't think he was worth the leader role, but if this was the hand he was dealt, then so be it.

"...I say we stick with what we have." he said with finality. "We're not a bunch of burglars who rob material wealth. We're thieves who rob people of what makes them who they are. Even if the title sounds corny..." A smirk formed on his face. "It fits us, don't you think?"

"Well, it does have a ring to it..." Ann smiled.

"Yeah. Like I said, it sounds pretty cool." Ryuji grinned.

"I agree as well." Nanashi nodded.

"So it's decided then..." Akira announced.

From that point on, the Phantom Thieves of Hearts have officially formed.

"I think it also goes without saying that Goro is going to be fucking pissed if he finds out about this."

"Well, what the great detective doesn't know," Ryuji snickered. "Won't hurt him."

In the Velvet Room, a certain old man was smiling like the Devil himself. His "assistants" were nowhere to be found, as he had tasked them with another matter and thus leaving him to himself. At his desk, two cards danced and spinned around to his pleasure, bearing the depictions of "The Fool" and "The Justice" respectively...only the latter card was upside down, thus being placed in the reversed position.

"Now, at last...it can start." the old man chuckled as he held the spinning cards in his palms. They were encompassed in blue and red lights respectively as he crushed them in his hands, reducing them to mere motes of light. As he opened them again, the white avian mask of Akira Kurusu, and the black demented mask of Goro Akechi, were now in his hands.

He had been waiting for this since the day those boys' fates had been determined. First, Goro Akechi obtaining the power of Persona and awakening to Loki. Second, Akira Kurusu finding himself under probation through his unfortunate encounter with Masayoshi Shido. Finally, the boys' fates coming together with this one singular decision. The latter had opted to end his rehabilitation...but the old man couldn't allow that. It wouldn't be fair for the game to have one winner already, especially when the game had yet to begun. Thus, he gave the boy a little push.

Now, finally, at long last...everything was ready.

"Now..." the old man grinned wickedly, his wide eyes overwhelmed by a cold yellow glow. "...let us start the game."

To Be Continued