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Chapter 7: 4/11-4/12: Rapid Fire (New)
This update covers Parts 5 and 6 of the original LP.
We’re averaging two updates a month at our current pace. Let’s kick this machine into high gear.
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
Is he still called a criminal if he’s underage? I guess all that matters is that he’s dangerous. He was convicted of assault, right? A guy like that has to be really scary-looking.
The school should kick him out already. It sounds like a time bomb just waiting to go off.
Shujin just as welcoming as ever.
Enough listening to gossip, let’s actually head to Kawakami and go to class.
Why are you so late? Why are you *doing* this to me?
Not really, no. But I can try!
You know your phone has a map, right? I’m not buying that excuse at all. Also, good job on immediately imprinting like a particularly stupid baby onto the least popular kid in school. Well, except Starry-eyed Student. We’re not really sure what his deal is.
…What?
Never mind. We’re ending early today because we’d prefer fewer people die when the subway tracks explode again or whatever that story was, I’m too busy to follow current events. I’ll have you introduce yourself but you’ll only be present for the last period of the day.
Please don’t make your history of violent behavior my problem and go bringing it up. Just stick to the script.
Wait a minute, I stopped a ra—
Yes, exactly like that. None of that! Please, I need this job even if it pays less than my other job
Huh? The one in the rumors?
Yeah! I heard he did the Rock Bottom to a puppy!
I heard he invented a new kind of knife crime, known as “Knifecrime!”
Lunchtime → Afternoon
I would write my name on the chalkboard, but I shamefully do not know how.
Nobody look him in the eye, he’ll cut you! With Knifecrime!
This is Maaku Hamiru. No relation. He was sick today, so he only attended for this last period. You buy that, right?
Nice try, but we all know he was busy commiting petty larceny.
God, can’t someone cut me a break? Just sit over there.
No! He’ll steal my precious knowledge! Stop him! Someone help!
Oh, hello transfer student I have absolutely no knowledge of. Please ignore my grievous injuries. I fell down the stairs while thinking about how terrible I am at volleyball. Thankfully, every single other member of the team broke my fall, but tragically they were all hurt even worse than myself.
Gesundheit.
Are they fucking?!? Is she leading him on while dating Mr. Kamoshida?!?!?!?
Please don’t gawk at the outcasts, students. Volleyball rally on Wednesday, because we have nothing better to do this early in the school year apparently than to watch you hurt yourselves. No really, we don’t. It energizes the teachers.
Afternoon → After School
Music: Disquiet
Hm? What’s wrong?
*sigh* Are you sure you’re okay?
Because if you’re not, please go find someone. Not me though. This is my only chance to nap and I need it or I’ll start blacking out during third shift at the m—uhhhh, never mind. Anyway, somehow the students found out about your record… sucks for me, doesn’t it?
Not really, no.
You should probably just fucking book it home, Sojiro called and he’s *pissed*. Also, you should stay away from Sakamo—
Well, that was well-timed. Him. Stay away from this dude. He thinks that dye job looks cool, what other reason do you need? Also he got you in trouble with the police like an hour and a half ago, whatever.
Please, for the love of god, be good.
You know, I can’t really figure out why I did it either? I didn’t articulate it very well, did I? I think it was something to do with our reputation?
But wouldn’t Hamiru necessarily *worsen* Shujin’s reputation?
Yeah, I’m not sure how it’s supposed to work either. Just keep doing volleyball stuff, I guess, that’ll counteract it… probably.
Roger that. Wait, shit, I think he’s looking at us.
Just ignore him.
Time to go to the roof.
I-Is there something you want from me?
I know what you did.
What!?!
Just a joke. For real though, how go up?
But nobody’s allowed up there… I mean, uh… just go up those stairs and you’ll get there.
Hey, it’s Newspaper Club Member! We don’t have time for her thing right now, but it’s nice just to say an unappreciated hello!
Oh, I’m going to cram school to study. I’m a third-year already—I can’t waste time playing around.
I get you. I mean, Shujin Academy? More like Shu-jail… Academy. Ugh, sorry, that was lame…
No, you’ve got a point. We’re just prisoners in Shu-jail Academy until we can make it to college.
I mentioned it in the old LP but “Shujin” is a homophone for the Japanese word for “prisoner.” Stay subtle, Hashino. Anyway, I assume that’s what that joke was originally about.
Sure must be nice being on the volleyball team. You guys get to use the gym whenever you want.
We owe it all to Mr. Kamoshida. The alumni and our parents have high hopes for us too.
(Proper First-Year) What’s the point of waking up early if my train’s just going to get to the station late?
Gossiping First-Year) You mean accidents like that train engineer going crazy, right? I saw a photo of him online… His face was totally messed up. Plus I heard some kid’s parents were on that train and are in critical condition now…
D-Don’t be so gullible.
PRECIOUS CINAMMON ROLL SIGHTED
Oh, it’s no trouble. I’m not sure I’m up to the task though…
Don’t worry. You’re being a huge help. Oh, and I’ll make sure the roof is unlocked for you… I imagine it’s going to be a lot of work, but I’m sure you can handle it.
Alright, I’ll do my best! I’ll go take a look at them later.
Aww 
Ryuji time.
Music: Suspicion
Sorry for callin’ you up here like this. I bet Kawakami already told you stuff like “don’t get involved with him,” huh?
*sigh* Figured as much. Then again, we’re in the same boat.
I hear you’re some kinda badass or somethin’? Criminal record? A violent punk who stabs cigarettes with a loaded gun… I might be confusing some rumors here. But hey, you saved my life, so maybe it’s a good thing. Speaking of which… that happened, right? Not some weird dream I had?
It could have been some shared psychosis. I’m hearing those are all the rage these days.
Yeah… There are dreams that you die in, after all…
Not really what I’m sayi—
Thanks for saving me, by the way. But also, that Kamoshida in there was messed up in a way that seems like a direct exaggeration of his attitude here! Weird! I wonder if we could ever get back there…
Why would you want to do tha—
Screw it! It was a dream! Let’s just forget it ever happened! That’s all I wanted to talk about though. I think we’re gonna get along just fine.
I’m Ryuji Sakamoto. I’ll come talk if I see you around. Don’t ignore me, all right? Seeya.
Seriously, please don’t ignore me, I’m so lonely.
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
I guess I’ll just head home for today…
Hopefully Sojiro doesn’t immediately disown me…
Moment of truth… even if we already know the outcome.
Well, look at the brass balls on this motherfucker! I’m honestly a little impressed that you, in your situation, had the temerity to skip four periods and waltz back in here like nothing happened.
Yeah, yeah… That’s what everyone says when they’re caught.
If you don’t get yourself in order you’re fucked, dude. You know what probation is, right?
You informed me just two days ago, after all.
Please, just be good.
Not actually the first time I’ve been told that today.
Hmm, I wonder why?
I’ll be over in a bit, just closed up. Needed to discuss something with my new part-timer.
Did you get that game I wanted?
Oh, don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of *games* in the future.
Why are you talking like that? Oh, are you trying to make it sound like you’re getting mad sex in front of the part-timer?
…No!
Must have been. Anything else would be some truly anime nonsense.
(Newscaster) Police are inspecting the scene of the accident and will launch a full-scale investigation. The trains schedule, which had been disrupted since the accident, is finally back to normal and…
It’s back to normal already!? That was absurdly fast!
It’s a news update about the derailment. It looks like things are settling down.
Music: Aria of the Soul
Wake up, Inmate! You shouldn’t sleep so much! It’s bad for your health!
Be grateful to our master for taking pity on a louse such as yourself.
I see you’ve awakened to your powers. As such, it is time for your rehabilitation to commence.
Still don’t know what that means!
Good, because you don’t need to!
You have a Persona, make it stronger, use the weird app on your phone to enter Palaces, so on and so forth, I gave them to you to train you as a thief.
Thief, what? I haven’t actually decided to do anything like that, why are you telling me this? Besides, my legal guardian will kick my ass if I get in trouble again, I’m on thin fucking ice righ—
I will answer all your questions at a later date probably. Make friends and I will give them the Metaverse Navigator as well, I guess, I’m still kind of working this Igor thing out. I’m somewhat busy subjugating the populace at the moment so just go out and make me proud!
Early Morning
Music: Beneath the Mask -Rain (Instrumental Version)
Fate… and awakening…?
I’d really prefer not to think about train derailments *here*, dude.
You mean that one with the red ribbon? Uh, I guess so?
She’s so thin… It’s not fair, I’ve got my hair in a ponytail too…
Okay, and what’s that got to do with being thin?
Beats me, buddy.
My station’s coming up.
Why, who *ever* could this be? A new character? Perish the thought! I’m sure she won’t be terribly important in the slightest!
Are ya sure? Then…
OH, YOU SON OF A BITCH
(under her breath) Oh wow, what speed!
Ha, I like her already.
I mean—Excuse me, that seat was for this lady…
I WILL *KILL* YOU, DON’T THINK I WON’T YOU SUBHUMAN MONSTER!!! YOU LOOKED HER IN THE *EYE* YOU CRAVEN FUCK! DO YOU WANT TO FUCKING *DIE*?
…Ahem, sorry.
It’s all right. I can understand his position as well.
Update: I no longer like her. She seems like kind of a doormat.
(to Old Woman) I’m sorry I couldn’t be any help.
It’s all right, dearie. Don’t you worry.
Please allow me to carry your luggage, at least.
Thank you! Ain’t it heavy, though?
Not at all! I train plenty.
Music: Alright (Elp Version)
For what you did on the train—speaking up for that older woman.
It wasn’t “speaking up” so much as it was “an implied threat of violence,” though?
You’re a second-year at Shujin Academy, correct? I’m a first-year there myself.
Nah, I wear this school uniform because it breathes so well.
Thanking you totally slipped my mind back on the train, and I didn’t want to be rude to my senpai.
Well, that was an auspicious encounter. I give it two days max before she hears the rumors and starts avoiding us like everyone else.
Music: Beneath the Mask -Rain (Instrumental Version)
Early Morning → Morning
Music: So Boring
Hmph… You all look like you’ve been spoiled growing up. Can’t wait to see who disappoints me the most this year.
Man, I don’t think the original game really let it sink in this early how much Ushimaru straight sucks.
A certain dictionary defines a year as “a period of 365 disappointments.” The book’s title is about as cynically satirical as the rest of it. It’s “The Devil’s Dictionary,” by Ambrose Bierce. Hey, new kid.
Tell me what the Devil’s Dictionary defined as the chief factor in the progress of the human race.
Hmmm… which of these is the most relevant to the game’s plot and/or themes in the present moment?
Correct. “Malefactors,” to be specific. You actually knew that, huh?
While I did end up knowing the answer, it’s a bit absurd that you expect this Japanese social studies class to know about semi-obscure early 20th century American satir—
Sure, villains can affect the course of history. But remember that this definition is a sardonic witticism, nothing more. Here in the real world, villains don’t push humanity forward. All they do is spread chaos and strife.
Oh boy, the return of social stats. The values have all been re-adjusted for Royal, so we can’t expect them to level up at the same points, unfortunately.
We don’t have any room for criminals here. Not in school, and not in society. Am I clear?
*stares intently at Maaku with the piercing gaze of hawk*
Morning → After School
The delinquent and the honor student, arriving at the same time? Uh-oh…
Great, now we’re involving Ribbon Girl in our bullshit. Goddammit.
Assault, blackmail, drugs… He’s done it all.
Music: Disquiet
You’re working too hard. Why don’t we go back to… my place?
Sorry, I can’t talk to you right now because… I need to model and also I have appendicitis or something, whatever gets me out of this conversation faster.
Still weird how Ann being a model is just dropped in here unceremoniously.
Well, no matter. It must be lonely not being able to spend time with your best friend Suzui because I’m keeping her at practice. If only I had some reason not to do that… Oh, and stay away from the transfer student, I heard he did the Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique to a kindly old grandma.
Uhhh… thanks for the warning.
Why won’t any of the attractive students let me have sex with them?!
Music: Suspicion
Man… I wasn’t expectin’ such a brutal response. Anyways…
Yeah, so I decided that castle bullshit wasn’t actually a dream and I’m gonna go find it. You up for it?
Sounds stupid. I’m in.
Let’s try again!
Well, that didn’t work. I looked on my phone but couldn’t find anything like it. Didn’t you have some weird navigation app open though? Saying mysterious phrases out loud?
Yoink! Gonna just press this weird eyeball on your home screen because I have no sense of boundaries… Oh hey! Found the app! Let’s go into your history and find the castle…
Uh, please don’t actually go into my history. I got very lost on the way home my first day in town and ended up at five different maid cafés. Genius, Maaku, he’ll never suspect a thing.
Sending idiots into the Phantom Zone…
Music: Desire
Oh shit, we’re back!
Yep, this is the classic case of the dog catching the car.
Okay, let’s get our bearings. You’re in the fancy clothes again, there’s a cat—
Sup? Wait, I mean I’m not a—
—and everything is nonsense. Yep, this is the castle.
We’re inside Kamoshida’s heart. The school took the form of a castle, and he is its king.
...Nope, don’t get it.
That must be a captive slave Kamoshida is torturing.
Shit…! We need to find whoever he’s doing that to!
Fine. But only if your friend comes.
Ugh. I just wanna get home in time for my soaps… Fine, but let’s make it quick.
And now it’s time to infiltrate.
Music: King, Queen, and Slaves
Who said anything about phantom thievery?
Let’s just skip ahead a bit…
Music: King, Queen, and Slaves (Another Version)
You! Rip off that guard’s mask!
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh! What the *fuck*?! How did I do that!?
Music: Take Over (Listen to this)
We won’t be covering most of these minor battles, but in Royal, Take Over plays during fights where you successfully ambush. It’s a good track, but it’s no Last Surprise. Also, uh, maybe the track with the line “you’ll never see it comIIIIIIIIIING” should be the one that plays on ambush, no?
Music: King, Queen, and Slaves (Another Version)
They were probably transferred. Come back idiot, there’s guards! Quickly, into this side room!
Music: Wicked Plan
The enemies won’t come into this safe room.
None of this makes any sense at all!
Well, Kamoshida thinks of the school as a castle, so—
Stop explaining it! At this point I’m happier not understanding! Kamoshida can bite me though, this place sucks even more than normal school.
Hey, why do I look like this?
Because you think it looks rad. That’s the *actual* reason.
Dope. Thanks, cat.
Not a cat! I’m a human! I lost my true form, maybe probably.
Did you bring that to *school?*
If I say yes will you yell at me?
…
…
I overheard the guards mention something about the training hall… let’s go further in.
Notice that it no longer mentions us being forced to leave at 100%. I guess it was so pointless and barely a threat in the first place they just got rid of it. Also worth noting: the security level starts at 40%, not 15% like in the base game. If you want that omnidirectional ambush at 0% you’re gonna have to work for it.
Music: Last Surprise
So, yeah, gun tutorial, same spiel. But…
This is one of the single best gameplay changes made to Royal. Did you catch it? All ammunition is restored after battle. This is huge. There’s actually a reason to use guns now. They compensate for it a little by removing your backup clips, but that’s trivial in comparison to the utility gained.
Actually, no need, let’s just move on.
Music: King, Queen, and Slaves (Another Version)
Your mind makes it real!
But your enemies are expecting you to come at them with guns loaded, so your ammo’s replenished in every new fight.
Music: Last Surprise
Time to DUMP
Music: King, Queen, and Slaves (Another Version)
Just like I thought, all our ammo had returned for that fight.
I wasn’t sure whether or not to bring it at first, but I’m sure glad I did.
We’re definitely lucky to have the additional firearm in our arsenal. I must say, well done—even if it was just dumb luck that it worked here.
Did you really have to put it like that?
Quit griping, Blondie. You’re still getting praised.
Settle down, you two.
Music: Last Surprise
I’m nauseous.
Music: King, Queen, and Slaves (Another Version)
Gross.
Music: Desire
*clubbing slaves*
This sucks!
You can’t save us. Go away.
*This* sucks!
They’re not real, moron! They’re just Kamoshida’s perceptions of people!
Then I’ll get evidence and confront them in the real world! My phone camera’s not working here, so I’ll memorize their faces! Foolproof plan!
I know this is serious business and all but these are downright comical.
Well, this just seems impractical.
Let’s get out of here!
Done! Let’s mosey!
Music: Blood of Villain
We’re taking you down, shitbird!
Remember when I baited you into attacking me and then broke your leg and destroyed the track team for good measure? Good times.
Ngh…
Music: Keeper of Lust
Ow.
Ow.
Music: Blood of Villain
Remember *again* when I baited you into attacking me and then broke your leg and destroyed the track team for good measure? Just love telling that story!
Asshole!
Is it just me or is it legitimately insane that a coach could break a student’s *leg* in a physical altercation and there wouldn’t even be an investigatio—Ow, my back!
Shut up, you! Anyway, Sakamoto, how’s your old coach doing? Your team sucked by the way. Volleyball is the one true sport, and I am its master.
Hey, Ryuji, fuck this dude up.
Yeah, okay.
One of the best line reads in the game. No foolin’.
Video: Ryuji's Awakening
Music: Awakening
Music: Will Power
Still have no idea if this line is good or bad, but I am obligated to include it either way.
And Ryuji (re)joins the party.
Now, due to the format of this update, I couldn’t include any of those tasty line changes. But do not fret, because I have catalogued them (“them” being “all the ones I noticed”) here!
Line Changes!!!
First up, when we go back to Leblanc on 4/11, Sojiro’s “It’s only your first day and you’re already showing up hours late?” has become “I hear you ditched half a day on your first day of school.” The Soj’ (I will henceforth be referring to Sojiro exclusively as “The Soj’,” no further questions) sounds way more pissed here. I kinda like it.
Later in that conversation, Sojiro’s “…No, I just hired a part-timer” when talking on the phone has become “…No, it’s a guy. I just hired a part-timer.” Fairly minor change, there.
When Kamoshida is talking with Ann, the line “You looking for a ride home? Things have been pretty dangerous lately with all those accidents” has become just “Things have been pretty dangerous lately with all those accidents.” Weird change in my view, it makes Kamoshida just kind of weird bringing up the accidents randomly, especially smiling doing it. It just comes across as a hilariously weird attempt at smalltalk rather than, you know, predatory behavior.
When Morgana gives the tutorial on ambushing, his line “It looks like we won’t be able to avoid conflict from this point onward” becomes “It looks like we’re going to have to start fighting our way forward.” Then, “Oh well. I’ll just teach you the basics of battle right now. You had better remember all of this” becomes “Oh boy. I’ll just teach you the basics of battle for now. You’d better not forget all of this. Then, “As a rule of thumb, try to ambush as many enemies as you can. Attack them from behind whenever possible” becomes “Always try to ambush enemies instead of rushing everywhere headlong. Attack from behind whenever you can.” Then, Ryuji’s line “So we wanna ambush ‘em and get the first strike… All right, I got it!” becomes “So we wanna get the jump on ‘em and make the first strike… Okay, got it!” None of these are important in any way.
This is the quality of this segment, folks… Debating whether to even bother continuing it…