Quick Author Note: Need to know if and how I should modify this for when we learn more about "Persona 5: The Royal". What I want to know is if you guys think that's a good idea, so I made a poll. Be sure to vote.

"WHAT?!" Everyone shouted.

"I don't believe this! We didn't tell him about it, and he STILL manages to find some stupid way to mess it up when he's given an important mission?!" Sakura snapped.

"Shut up!" Hinata shrieked at the most useless kunoichi in Konoha.

"Why are you defending that traitor?!" The Haruno demanded, then she noticed the odd looks the others all gave her at her words."What?" She asked with a blink and Kakashi looked away first.

"Oh nothing, Sakura… nothing at all…" He said with a whistle and everyone else refused to meet her eyes. All of them thinking the same word in regards to Sakura: Hypocrite!

"Because he didn't abandon the mission, he just vanished." Shizune snapped.

"Say what?!" Shikamaru demanded.

"According to the insider reports we got from Kumo's agent in the prison, Naruto just vanished from solitary. Cell was locked from the outside, he couldn't use jutsu...he was just gone."

"So...what? Somebody else sprung him from lockup?" Kiba asked.

"...Or abducted him from it..." Neji said darkly, eyes narrowing as he crossed his arms. "We need to head to Hōzuki Castle."

At that, everyone nodded. They needed to know what happened.

"Whoa..." Ryuji gawked as Naruto finished telling them everything about his origins.

"So...you're from...?" Mokoto said. "How is that even possible?!"

"Well...Mementos is linked to the collective unconsciousness, after all. So if there were other worlds out there, it would be possible to use the Metaverse as a central hub to allow one to touch the minds of other in different realities, and go to them from there...at least in theory..." Morgana said.

At that, everyone turned to Futaba; seeing as how since her mother had been a cognitive researcher, she was regarded as the most knowledgeable on the cognitive world among the Phantom Thieves.

"Don't look at me! Mom's research never covered this!" Futaba yelped.

"Blows my mind..." Ann said.

"Joker, you are fortunate we are use to dealing with the Cognitive World, otherwise we would find your sanity in question." Yusuke pointed out.

"I know." Naruto sighed, "Trust me."

"Though I must inquire, and forgive me should this comes off as crass, but...if everything about you is so drastically different, than it begs the inquiry as to if your personality was as greatly altered as your physical features from the previous time you were here if you truly are whom you say, Joker." the artist continued.

Naruto sighed, "No, that aspect was genuine. For a long time, I had to mask my heart. Pretend to be someone I wasn't...was a lot like Goro, actually...put on this act of this happy-go-lucky dunce, hated it...I was always smiling and playing jokes and pulling pranks. I got labeled as the idiot and a troublemaker. Then I started making myself act subservient to others, made it so they had reasons to see me as useful...all of it was for the sake of getting by, feeling I had a place, and reason to live...It got to the point where I didn't even recognize the person behind the mask and was actually afraid of being that person again...must've been why it hurt so much taking it off the first time at Kamoshida's Palace, but damn it felt liberating."

The others winced, nodding. Made sense to them.

"So even if the face was different at the time, we still got to know the person behind the mask, the real Joker..." Mokoto said.

Naruto nodded, a grin tugging at the very corners of his lips. "Yeah. And the great thing was, I didn't have to worry about it. With you guys, all my old fears about needing to mask my heart to find a place to belong didn't matter...I found my place to belong with you guys."

Again, that was something the other Phantoms winced at. Needing to mask one's own heart to have somewhere to belong...still, they were glad their friend felt that way towards them.

"That's why the person we knew before, the way you were in both the physical and cognitive worlds, both when and after you first awakened your persona, was the genuine side of yourself...the part of yourself you almost forgot because you needed to mask your heart..." Haru said softly.

The Wild Card nodded.

"So...what's this place like, where you really come from," Ann asked, "I mean, what did they do to you? You don't just up and decide to abandon an entire world without reason."

Naruto's face hardened, "Don't want anything to do with that place."

Ann backed up, alarmed at the sheer hardness in his tone.

Naruto flinched, "Sorry, Ann...but if things there were that bad to where I feel I have to abandon an entire world, you think I want to talk about why?"

Wincing, the whip-user nodded. That was a valid point.

"I think I can help with that..." Igor said, spooking the others as he made himself known to Naruto, Lavenza and the Phantom Thieves. Then he snapped his fingers, causing an old fashioned movie projector that had a helmet attached to it by thick cables to appear, "I couldn't help but over hear all of you wanting to know more about our Trickster here; so, I figured this device can help you with that. All he has to do is let this device attach itself onto his head and think back to when all this had begun and it will then show us everything, like a movie."

Igor shrugged, "This is the Cognitive World, noting's as it seems. He needed to prove himself to you all about his identity first, otherwise, you would have thought it was merely a fabricated about who he said he was."

Naruto's friends and teammates looked to one another and nodded. Ok, that was true...anything could happen in the Cognitive World, so it was better to be sure about him being Joker before everything else.

Naruto took the device and looked at it, then looked towards Lavenza and then to the Phantom Thieves. He took a deep breath and sighed before putting to device upon his head.

Then Igor had Naruto sit on a vacant chair behind the others while facing a vacant wall and dimmed down the lights as the Phantom Thieves all sat down in front of Naruto to watch. Naruto then closed his eyes and began to think back to his earlier years, as Igor then flicked the switch on the device, then it projected a movie screen that counted down from three...two...one...

From the start they saw everything...the neglect and loathing...though they felt thankful to Iruka and the Ichraku for being kind...as the phantom thieves continued watching the memories, the males of the group felt anger, shock, horror and outrage as they watched; and the girls were openly crying from seeing how their friend had suffered so much when he didn't do anything wrong.

It had all started with how Minato Namikaze had wanted Naruto to be treated like a hero, but never said anything about keeping the fox a secret for the safety of the child.

Sarutobi (or someone the overly-trusting moron had as part of his inner circle) had spilled the secret, with the relic of a leader hoping that the ninja and civilians would see his point of view...they didn't. They called for his death immediately; however, Sarutobi turned it around and said it was a double S-ranked secret and whoever proclaimed it would be killed on the spot. Too bad, Sarutobi lacked the balls to actually go through with his threat because Naruto's life was shot to hell right after that.

Naruto suffered continuously, he was nearly killed, chased out of stores, given rotten food tripled the price, having to live on the streets and eat out of garbage until they refused to let him eat even that. He had to sneak around in the dead of night to eat, however, the Hokage gave him an apartment.

The place was constantly vandalized; covered in all sorts of graffiti, trash and bodily fluids and no matter how many times he cleaned it, some pissed off villagers would redo the damage thrice-fold and the civilians used it as a place to beat the shit out of him regularly.

So he stopped trying.

With that, he noticed the villagers stopped desecrating his building, bored with an easy target that apparently didn't even care about its own home. In their own twisted logic, the villagers figured it just made Naruto more of a demon, not caring about his home.

From there, a mask was created.

He ran around the village, pulling pranks galore, stupid smile, obliviousness, and suddenly they left him alone. Sure there were the few stragglers who felt they had to prove something, but that was easily taken care of with a henge that showed false injuries.

When he went to the Hokage about it, the old man had only said he had taken care of it. And indeed, Naruto had twice as many ANBU guards... who did nothing when he was hurt, when he was chased or beaten.

He stopped talking to the old man. He filled their conversations with mundane talks of pranks and ramen, neatly side-stepping intrusive questions about his personal life.

He had no friends, but that was okay. Friends only betrayed you in the end.

He had no family because according to the Matron in the orphanage, "Demons like you only have demons as parents. Thank God they're dead."

The young boy actually wanted to die at one point, but the Hokage saved him, thinking that it would lead to a bond, however, Naruto hated the old man, which Sarutobi thought of the nickname as childhood endearment, instead of malice. Every time Naruto talked to the old man about why the people hated him, he went off to give a speech about how he needed to forgive and forget.

But, the young Uzumaki never forgot, he never forgot the faces of the people who nearly killed him, tortured him, chased him out, he never forgot. He would keep remembering until he had the chance to grow stronger. He wasn't going to do it for them. He was going to do it for himself and to never be placed under their control.

For all Naruto knew about his own family, he might as well have been a test tube child, a botched attempt to genetically recreate the Yondaime Hokage after his death...guy was certainly beloved enough for people to go as far as grave-robbing and making imitations like that..."Project Ever-Light" Naruto called it, after all, the Yondaime's nickname was the "Kiiroi Senkō"...the "Yellow Flash", because his use of the Hiraishin no Jutsu causing him to appear and disappear in flashes of yellow light when he used it...and with a line of successive clones to make the man look seemingly immortal, a light that would never fade, it seemed to fit.

Depressing thing was, thinking of himself in that way had to qualify as Naruto's definition as a "happy thought" when he was growing up. If he was just a failed experiment and faulty clone produced by an experiment that was scrapped after the ones who pulled the strings saw how disappointing the results of the prototype were, that meant he hadn't been abandoned at birth for being a "hellspawn" as the people around him had always told him as an explanation as to why he was an orphan.

Not having any parents, other family, or otherwise guardian around when growing up had forced him to raise himself and gotten an over-developed sense of self-reliance in everything since day one because of that. And with that, he had to grow up pretty fast. Because of that, Naruto was a very strong man young with equally strong passions. He loved and hated with equal fervor and commitment. If you were precious to him, there was nothing he would not do for you. Likewise, if you were his enemy, he would never stop until he destroyed you.

What hardly anyone cared to learn, however, was that Naruto's personality was anything but the happy, carefree guy he always made people think he was on the inside.

Inside, Naruto was dark, depressed, and longing for anyone, anyone at all, to show him any small amount of human kindness. The part of his personality that contained hate was surprising small, and a large part of what made him who he was as a person was the urge to prove himself. His capacity for kindness and love was gigantic, and his patience was surprisingly large.

However, Uzumaki Naruto didn't consider himself to be a human.

After having been referred to as a "demon" or a "monster" by the villagers of Konohagakure since he was cognizant enough to understand. It should be no surprise to anyone that he would eventually believe himself to be something other than human. No matter how much the very notion of him being anything other than being human has been denied by the Sandaime Hokage. The damage had already been done, however, and Naruto himself had come to realize that they may be right. One man's opinion, even the Hokage's, couldn't outweigh the thoughts of the many.

Well, there was one thing the blond would agree with in the old man's protests of his personal views of his humanity.

He didn't believe he was a "demon", as the civilians had come to claim.

No true demon would ever take the amount of animosity or disrespect lying down, and not retaliate. Why the villagers didn't seem to realize that was beyond him, but it forced him to believe that humans (besides a certain few) were really stupid.

That or they didn't possess any sense of self-preservation whatsoever.

The villagers of Konohagakure in particular, were perfect examples of the lack of preservation. Otherwise they would watch their tones around the so-called "demon", which could have killed them outright at the amount of disrespect they showed him on a daily basis.

Seriously, was common sense and logic that scarce? The village had been standing for what? Twelve, thirteen years or so after the fox attack? If he really were the demon everyone in this place that had less than half a brain thought Naruto was...why hadn't he reduced this place to a crater full of blood-drenched rubble after over ten years?

But not only did the people older than Naruto despise him, but that they caused their kids' entire generation to hate Naruto just because their parents did-and for what? Saving the village and the lives of everyone in it just by being born in the first place?! Naruto never asked to carry the demon, yet he was shunned and hated for what he was by the villagers for stopping the Kyuubi. If it weren't for the kid, none of them would be here. This village seemed to forget that the only reason they were alive was because of Naruto. And people claimed that he was a demon in human form...HAH! If he was the Kyuubi, he would have killed them all by now!

The fact that they were still alive and the village was still standing were proof of Naruto's humanity, yet the people around him were too stupid to figure that out!

Still...they saw their friend and leader DID have good moments and memories there starting after Iruka had saved Naruto/Joker's life from Mizuki, Wave, and all the memories after were ups and downs (though Ryuji swore and everyone was utterly outraged with Sasuke)...But those good feelings came crashing down as they saw what happened before Lavenza rescued him in the memories of Hōzuki Castle.

As the memories stopped and Naruto removed the camera-like creature form his head, the Phantom Thieves gawked.

"...DUDE! WHAT THE HELL?! BULLSHIT! EFFIN' BULLSHIT!" Ryuji shouted at the top of his lungs.

"No...no way...that...how in god's name can they justify that...?!" Makoto demanded.

"See why I mean about my memories? And why I said the quiet guy you all knew was the real me...?" He asked, then went back into his cell and laid down on the prison cot, refusing to look at anyone; ashamed.

"Joker...?" Morganna asked.

Lavenza glared, "Leave him be. Having others see those parts of himself wasn't easy on him." she lightly chided.

"Look, I get what your saying, but like hell we're leaving him alone!" Ryuji declared, sitting cross-legged on the floor.

"Our friend needs support with this. We cannot allow him to endure it in solitude." Yusuke snapped, following Ryuji's example

"For as long as he needs us, our place is here!" Futaba said, lowering herself as well.

"Our hearts are all resolved to this: we'll be here until doomsday if we have to, but we'll never abandon him." Makoto said, getting into the lotus sitting position.

"He was there whenever we needed help, now it's our turn to be there for him!" Haru defended her and the others' actions as she sat down herself.

"Not acting when I knew a friend was hurting was my sin once, and it nearly cost me more than I could ever get back; I'm not making that mistake again, especially with someone that's become as important to me as he has!" Ann said, joining her friends on the ground in their protest to leave.

Blinking, Lavenza looked into the resolved eyes of Naruto's fellows, then she smiled. "I see...true bonds that strengthen one's heart...no wonder you're all so important to him. Thank you all."

"So how was it this world he came from was able to connect with ours? Even with being a Trickster, he didn't have any way from there." Morganna asked, even as the humanoid cat sat on the floor with the rest of the thieves.

"Don't forget who chose him for that "game" of Wild Cards." Lavenza scowled. "Influencing those who were conditioned to remove all emotions and obey all orders unquestioningly was a simple task for that entity...there were those whom felt and thought such indolence was the ideal state for people there, and had turned people that way...perfect pawns once the collective unconsciousness had been used to reach into their minds and influence them to alter and send him here."

At that, the Phantoms all nodded. Easily recalling their last job: talking down a malevolent will that called itself a god and forced others into everlasting servitude; stopping it's plan to attain eternal peace by filling reality with those who stopped thinking for themselves.

"I see..." Morganna frowned.

Meanwhile, as Lavenza looked the ones her Trickster was close to, her own mind was at work. So...there was a point in her Trickster's life where he doubted he was human, huh? Lavenza felt part of her could relate to that. While she, her siblings and their master all looked human, as residents of the Velvet Room, they were actually beings born of the collective unconscious. Still...what he'd had to endure made her angry. Heartless bastards...that Konoha place didn't deserve him! Never did!

Least of all, that abusive bitch, Sakura Haruno! All she ever did was abuse and belittle him for little to no reason! And another thing that had Laverza angry was how Naruto had asked out Sakura so much!

But then, it made the actions of the other Phantom Thieves all the more endearing. No wonder he obtained the World Arcana after his time with them. While there are many positive connotations to the card itself, the common theme of the World Arcana was one of satisfaction, because of having achieved goals which are important. The primary meaning the card reflects is completion or fulfillment of an important task. It symbolizes the culmination of efforts where there is an ending and perhaps the start of a new beginning. The World card also tells to hang in there and not to waver, for a positive end is near.

It was no mystery as to why her Trickster had found a place to belong among such people. As one whom cared for him, Lavenza found it was good in heart and soul that the likes of the Phantom Thieves members were there for him. When she thanked them, she meant it.

Thinking on everything she'd seen of her his memories of Konoha, Lavenza's mind went back to what represented her Trickster among the Arcana in occult tarot, and what her sister had said about Lavenza's Trickster: The Fool/Wild Card.

The Fool depicted a youth walking joyfully into the world. He is taking his first steps, and he is exuberant, joyful, excited. He carries nothing with him except a small sack, caring nothing for the possible dangers that lie in his path. Upright, the Fool represented Beginnings, innocence, spontaneity, and a free spirit; while the Reversed Fool stood for holding back, recklessness, and risk-taking.

Truly, it stood for him perfectly.

"If you follow me, I can send you back to the physical world...after m-I mean, Joker...finds his feet again." Lavenza said. She hoped no one noticed she had nearly called Naruto/Joker...whichever identity he so chose to go by, hers.

The other Phantom Thieves nodded. That was reasonable to them.

"Thank you for helping Joker...from all of us." Makoto said.

Igor smiled at the fellowship between them all. Truly, humans were amazing beings... "No need. After what you all accomplished, it was the least we could do. The doors of the Velvet Room are open to you all whenever you need it."

"Thank you." Haru told him.

One thing was for certain: their leader would certainly be going back with them. Being able to start a new life in a place where he was treated like a normal person was far too good an opportunity to pass up. And the rest of the Phantom Thieves were going to make sure he took it. First thing was first, however: getting him back on his feet. No question having to remember all that so the projector could show them had been rough on his heart.

Lavenza went into his cell and rubbed him on the back. Her poor Trickster...sharing a glance with the other Phantom Thieves, they came to a wordless agreement. Had to help him recover his spark.

"Is it wrong part of me wants to level that Leaf place?" Ryuji open asked, scowling. "The assholes messed with my best friend. Doesn't feel right not getting payback."

"Leave it." Lavenza said, "That would mean going back there."

Everyone winced, realizing that would mean sending him back to that hellhole. They didn't want that. At all.

"...Fine." Ryuji said, "But if I ever see that Sasuke prick...!"

Everyone nodded grimly, it was something they felt the same on, after all.

"Well..." Ann asked, "anything we can do to help you, then, Joker?"

Naruto jerked a small bit, surprised. Both at them calling him that, and being addressed directly. He smirked, despite himself and sat up.

"Just having you guys here for me helps...thanks, guys." he admitted.

"It is strange seeing you so down, especially since it seems you have little reason to be. Even a deity-level opposition wasn't enough to shake your resolve, after all." Yusuke pointed out. "You have been in these positions before, after all."

"Falsely accused and arrested...world as an enemy..." Makoto listed off.

"Ok, ok...I get it, guys..." Naruto laughed. It was hard to stay down with these guys watching his back. Which was just what he needed. Standing, he made his way out of the cell. The Uzumaki took a deep breath through his nose, releasing it the same way.

Looking at his friends, Naruto couldn't help shaking his head, grinning. They really were something else, something special, the Phantom Thieves...

"You ready to go?" He asked.

Everyone brightened. "Now there's the Joker we know and love!" Ann cheered as they stood.

"Well yeah...past sucked, but with you guys having my back and supporting me, no need to let what's done and over get me down." Naruto admitted.

Lavenza smiled, "This way then, please."

Naruto walked over to her and presented his arm, which the young-looking attendant was pleased to slip her arm through and then she lead them to the way out. Exiting the Velvet Room, Naruto beamed, recognizing he and the others were in front of a small place with an awning over the door, the banner was red and white with the words, "Coffee & Curry Leblanc Cafe" on it.

Releasing his arm from his attendant's, he went inside Leblanc; it looked like a bar, as there were three tables with two big seats big enough for two people to sit together on the opposite sides of the three tables. Across from the tables, there was a bar keeper's table with a row of chairs in front of it, a television set on showing the news, all and all it looked like a nice place to go relax at.

Looking around, Naruto took a deep breath, inhaling the familiar sent of fresh coffee beans and the spices used in curry, and sighed with a smile.

It felt good to be back home.