Toggle Background Color
Chapter 19: 4/22-4/24: Clemency
This update covers Parts 17 and 18 of the original LP.
Music: Desire
What? You’re not gonna run anymore? I thought you were supposed to be an athlete.
Everyone’s always demanding results from me, pinning their damn hopes on me! They expect the world! This is all for them, can’t they see that? I’m entitled to a reward for my hard work!
All you’ve got is excuses. Well, we can fix that.
*gulp*
Are you scared? Good. Right now you’re seeing what Shiho saw that day… Do you think she was as scared as you? Will you make the same choice she did? I guess what I’m asking is… how would you prefer to die? Because I’m about to burn this mother down.
Do you want to finish him off? It’s your call.
Shut up. I bet everyone told you the same.
Eyyy, ya missed, pal!
Go ahead and finish me off… You do that… and my real self will go down too… You have that right since you’ve won…
Eyyy, ya missed, pal!
You’re kind, Lady Ann.
You’re through when you lose… What am I—What am I supposed to do now?
Suck less.
Hey, just so you know, we don’t have time to waste. This place is about to collapse!
Video: Castle Escape
Music: Collapse of Lust
Everything’s fucking shaking!
Instead of turning into a bus so we can GTFO, Mona decides to clean himself. Definitely a cat.
This beat, with Ryuji stumbling due to being unused to running after Kamoshida broke his leg, is probably to set up the moment in Shido’s Palace where he sprints to the lifeboat. Unfortunately, that moment ends up meaningless because it’s undercut by turning Ryuji’s survival into a bad joke where the girls beat him up, so this all ends up feeling very weird and vestigial.
*pant* *pant* That sucked…
Look at the nav!
...It’s true. We can’t go there anymore.
What about the Treasure!?
Uhh, that’s not what we picked up! Where’s the crown?
That must’ve been the original source of Kamoshida’s desires. It’s worth as much as the crown did to him in the Palace.
So it’s an Olympic medal… He must’ve been obsessed with his own past glory…
Does this mean his heart changed?
Uhhh… probably.
Our asses are on the line here! Can’t you ever be sure of anything!?
Hey, I’ve never done this before either. But it’s definitely had *some* effect… His Palace disappeared after all.
Ugh, I feel all antsy! Ain’t there a way to check now?
Let’s break into his house and ask him.
Not really in the mood for your jokes, man.
Oh. Haha. Yes. It was a “joke.”
You guys are worrying too much! The mission was an unqualified success! Well, except the part where he turned into a fifty-foot tongue monster, but we managed!
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
We just don’t know if everything’s okay yet…
It’ll work out. Kamoshida’s Shadow seemed to regain his conscience at the end, and that’s got to be worth something. You all definitely helped people today. Remember that.
Looks like we just gotta wait and see what happens to him.
Let’s go home for now.
Anyway, I got fifty thousand yen from killing monsters in there, you guys want any? I’m kind of worried about spending it because I’m pretty sure it’s technically counterfeit.
After School → Evening
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
I owe you guys so much, I’d never have been able to do this on my own.
>It’s nothing, you helped too.
That cognitive world is nuts though, right? We stole someone’s heart… And Morgana transformed while we escaped! What’s that about?
Probably just something they thought would be funny when they storyboarded that scene and didn’t realize it would create story problems later.
It’s because I’m awesome!
Or that.
I’m so relieved now that this is done… See you tomorrow.
Well, you see, this line has actually changed a bit from the origina—am I really doing this? Am I really comparing the fucking TV lines with themselves from the original game? Why do I have to make this hard on myself?
Anyway, we decide to finish off Pirate Legend today.
Maaku gains Guts +3.
Early Morning
It’s such a pain to put on makeup, and I hate shopping, so I usually end up just lazing about the house.
(Shopping Enthusiast) Same here. Good thing there’s home shopping. They always have the best stuff on Sundays.
I *just* told you I hated shopping.
I felt so wiped out after taking down Kamoshida I slept in and had to skip breakfast… You’re tired too, right?
Nah man, I’m fuckin’ aces! I read a whole book last night! Well, you know what I mean, the cat read it to me.
You’re weird, man.
No, I just subsist entirely on coffee and curry! Sojiro refuses to feed me anything else!
Early Morning → Morning
Music: So Boring
You kids are lucky to receive direct instruction from a world-famous athlete like him. Sports have been regarded as sacred things that invigorate people since ancient times. So much so that an emperor himself even participated once.
Huh!? U-Um…
It’s Nero. *sigh* It’s good to throw yourself into your club activities, but you shouldn’t sacrifice your studies.
…… Sorry…
Poor Mishima, getting shit from all directions…
That said, you don’t seem too into sports, Hamiru-kun. Between music, theater, and chariot racing, which sport did Nero win when he participated in the Olympics?
…Time to add one more by dunking him into oblivion!
Correct. Hm. It seems you’ve been studying after all. Nero won many awards in all kinds of competitions. All rigged in his favor, of course. Because of these kinds of selfish actions—not to mention a lecherous side—he became known as a despot.
Maaku gains Knowledge +1.
That said, recently people have begun reevaluating Nero’s reign. Regardless though, he was lacking in sportsmanship. He should have taken a page out of Kamoshida-kun’s book! Hahaha!
Please, no.
Don’t give us that crap. Kamoshida’s the real despot.
Morning → Lunchtime
Music: Disquiet
Nope.
You really think he changed?
Look man, we’re all new at this. He could explode for all any of us know. Literally.
Mr. Kamoshida has taken the day off.
He ain’t here?
Don’t tell anyone that you heard this from me…
What a very Adachi thing to say.
But we received word that Mr. Kamoshida is placing himself under suspension. It’s such an important time before the tournament too… Principal Kobayakawa went to talk to him about it, but he supposedly wasn’t making any sense…
Keep it down! I *just* told you not to tell people and you immediately yelled it out!
Please forgive my idiot. It won’t happen again.
Anyway, I don’t know too much, but it seems like the talks about your expulsions might be put on hold too… That’s all the information I have to share.
How uncharacteristically kind of you. Thanks.
…Shut it or I’ll give you a zero on your midterms. One less to actually grade.
At least it sounds different from a mental shutdown… I guess all we can do is wait…
The familiar refrain plays once more.
Lunchtime → After School
Music: Tokyo Emergency
No surprise, waiting is pretty boring… I wonder what Ryuji and the rest are up to?
We should go on a trip or something. Whaddya think?
Sorry, I can’t. I’m going to be visiting Shiho in the hospital for a while. But maybe we can go somewhere once things calm down.
>Understandable. Have a nice day.
It sounds like we won’t be able to see Lady Ann after school for a while. How unfortunate… You should work on your Kindness. That way, you can say something encouraging next time you see her!
They flipped out over that calling card too. I didn’t think they’d feel that strongly about it.
(Calm Student) The volleyball players seem anxious too. Are they still being held in their classrooms?
Could that calling card be true? You think Mr. Kamoshida will confess to doing something awful?
Kamoshida is a bad man, but even he’d never go that far.
Mr. Kamoshida hasn’t been coming to school lately… What does this mean for us…?
(Energetic First-Year) That’s not good. This school’s nothing without him. Everyone seems so down. Speaking of, did you hear about that weird message?
You mean the random letter to him? It’s totally out of jealousy for the teacher. He’s famous and popular…
It’s bad to stand out too much. Yoshizawa-san may be in danger as well. An honor student and really good at sports… There are definitely people who are jealous of her.
So she’s gonna start being harassed like Mr. Kamoshida…? Wow, I feel bad. People at this school suck…
(Intense Soccer Player) But I can’t focus during practice. Too much commotion over that suicide attempt and calling card.
What’s that “confess your crimes” thing all about? Did he really physically punish his students?
They may not be our teammates, but we all go to the same school. I hope they’ll be all right.
Hehe, I can’t blame you for not getting how cool it is. Heroes are just in a league of their own… “I’ll steal your distorted desires and make you confess your sins…” Guhh, so cool! I get so fired up whenever I say it!
Hehe, yeah. I guess you wouldn’t know. It must be lonely, being a hero and cooler than everyone. “I’ll steal your distorted desires and make you confess your sins…” Guhh, so cool! I get so fired up whenever I say it!
(Kind Faculty Member) H-Hey, now. I can’t do something like that. He just suddenly called in sick, and I’m really worried about him. What happened to Mr. Kamoshida?
It’s been one day. Is it really that worrying for him to take a sick day? Holy shit.
You’re a teacher and you don’t know? Do people even notice when you’re around? That’s hilarious!
Was he really involved in doing shady stuff? Did something happen with the volleyball team?
(Female Volleyball Player) N-Not really. I’m sure he’s just a bit fatigued… He was always so enthusiastic when it came to club activities or that honor student…
I don’t want to hear about Kamoshida being enthusiastic about the honor student, yikes.
(Gentle Male Student) “Phantom Thieves” aside, it’ll be huge if what that calling card says is all true.
(Refined Male Student) Someone actually declared war against a teacher. I’ll admit that really takes guts.
Haha, yeah, I agree. But it’s probably just a prank.
(Bothered Student) Come to think of it, Kamoshida’s absent today, huh? Luckily, we got a study period because of that.
Let’s return our book so we can get another.
We’re not actually going to study today, but I accidentally examined the study area and thus needed to show the tutorial! Oops!
And on top of that, we have midterms coming up after the break. I wonder how next semester is going to go…
She must be really focused… She didn’t notice me at all.
Bye, Makoto!
I guess we just gotta wait and see what happens… Oh, I’m gonna be doin’ some trainin’ today. You wanna come with? I’d prolly just slack off by myself… I mean, it’s better workin’ with a partner, yeah?
Awesome, man. Get changed and meet me behind the gym.
I was trainin’ for nationals back in the day… but now I totally suck balls.
And, uh… third guy!
Music: Suspicion
(Takeishi) We’re not gonna take you back after the shit you pulled, so don’t even bother.
This was your secret training spot, right? Get lost. It belongs to us now. The *former* track team.
We don’t even have a locker room anymore. Who’s fault was that again?
And isn’t this that transfer student? You’re hanging out with this loser? I’ll give you some advice, transfer: he’ll stab you in the back.
Yeah! He’ll hit you if you piss him off. Just like his dad did to him!
Shut up asshole, you don’t even have name privileges!
That’s got nothing to do with…
It’s fine, Ryuji. You’ve taken worse.
…Yeah.
……
Look, back then, I…
I don’t want your damn excuses. You betrayed every one of us when you hit Kamoshida. We were all taking the same shit, but we put up with it for the team. And you ruined it! You made it all worthless! You were never really my teammate.
This is honestly a really fucked attitude and I’m not sure the extent to which the game realizes this!
I haven’t changed at all…
Music: Alright (Elp Version)
But thanks for helpin’ me calm down there… I’m glad you were here for me.
Alright, got Ryuji’s follow-up attack.
What!? The hell’s your problem!?
Now they’re just arguing with each other… I should stay out of it. Anyways, nice trainin’ with you.
For that event, we chose the responses: 1 (+2), 2 (+2).
I get pissed off so damn easily. I really gotta work on that.
Besides, I can’t cause a scene. Don’t wanna get you pulled into even more bad shit.
Aww, Ryuji…
Huh… I gotta wonder what they were arguin’ about. …But hey, I’m an outside. Nothin’ to do with me. Thanks again for today!
After School → Evening
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
And I told her we settled things with Kamoshida. She still hasn’t regained consciousness… but I had to go make amends.
It wasn’t your fault in the first place.
But I failed her… I have to make up for not being there for her.
I’m impressed by your passion. Didn’t know you had it in you.
It’s because of all of you. Let’s keep helping each other from now on.
Something I wanna ask you. C’mere, let’s have a chat.
Something deeply terrifying about those words. They darkly resonate through my very soul.
On these irregularly broadcast specials, we share limited-edition items that are all the rage! Today, we’re going to talk about Recover Oil! It’s very popular among young women, and it’s on sale now at Body Chop!
(Pundit) Oh, I think there’s a Body Chop in the underground mall in Shibuya. I’ve always had a weakness for limited-time goods. I’m starting to want some Recover Oil myself.
I never actually showed this one in the original LP! Well, here it is.
Care to have a little chat with me? What, it’s just some small talk.
This is a trick! You’re going to lower my guard with conversation and then evict me when I least expect it!
C’mon, it’ll be fun.
You’re not denying it!!!
Good. There’s a lot of things I want to ask you. I’ll clean up, so just wait there.
Music: Alleycat
You’re not causing any trouble, are you?
Why did I *agree* to get grilled?
C’mon, just tell me.
Fine. Almost got expelled, but I worked it out. Things seem fine for now.
Never a straight answer with you.
I’ve got to report to your probation officer twice a month. It’s already a pain in the ass as is, so please don’t make me have to write even more crap.
Don’t go causing problems for other people. They have more important things to do than cleaning up messes idiots like you cause.
Sojirooooooo! Are you ever coming back!?
Yeah, I’m heading out now. Sorry about that.
Remember to pick up my Mountain Dew! I need the gamer fuel for my tantrums!
…I know. The usual, right?
Yes! Thank you!
Okay. I’ll see you later.
If you could lend a hand, it’d really be a great help…
I thought you didn’t want me to bother you… Oh, I see. This is why you took me in, for slave labor. I get it.
That’s not quite what I—
Say no more. What do you need?
Thanks for the enthusiasm, but you won’t be working for free, exactly…
Oh, then for exposure? I’m not really sure if that’s much of a commodity in the barista economy, but it’s not much of a commodity anywhere else either, so whatever.
Not that either. I’ll teach you to make the perfect cup of coffee. How’s that for a trade?
Unorthodox to the point of near-worthlessness, but… intriguing. I’m in.
All right. Looks like we’ve got ourselves a deal.
Who taught you to make a caramel macchiato? Where’d you get those delicious beans, degenerate? I ordered my cappucino ten minutes ago, where is it!?
Music: The Spirit
Music: Alleycat
I’ll be counting on your help.
Gotta say, I’m glad you catch on quick with this stuff. Makes my life a lot easier. Just keep doing what you can. And don’t cause any trouble, right?
Ha, he’s suspicious but we still get points.
Eh, I guess it doesn’t matter, long as you get what I’m saying. Anyhow, don’t forget to lock the place up. And don’t go too crazy with the stuff in the shop. You’re staying here rent-free, so you should know not to go overboard. All right, see you tomorrow.
Daytime
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
I forgot this TV doesn’t have a tuner, so we can’t check from here!
I often come here to work. I’m a film critic, you know. I turn my thoughts to the films crafted by legends, all the while enjoying a fine cup of coffee…
Maaku, we spent the entire previous LP establishing that no one understands your sarcasm. Probably because you don’t actually have a voice.
Hahaha. There’s no need for you to feel intimidated. Here, in this café, you and I are equals.
See!?
Please, feel free to come and talk whenever you see me here. You’re young, so I’m sure it must be incredibly valuable to converse with such a deep thinker.
Well, I’ll be going home then.
Here’s what we’ve got for you today!
Oh, so this is the shopping channel that everyone’s been talking about.
It comes with: 1 Caffeine Patch, 10 Wide Eye Drops, and… 10 Hot and Sour Tea! What an incredible deal! But that’s not all we’ve got! Here’s our next set, the Share of Spring Set! It’s great for those who are concerned about their health and stamina! 5 Sakura Mochi, 1 Spring Fruit Pack, and… 1 Party in a Can! All in one!
(Female Host) Wow! They’re both such great items, I can’t decide which one to get!
(Male Host) All right! This is a limited item! Today’s the one and only day it’ll be available! And of course, the price is just right! You won’t see this kind of deal ever again!
(Female Host) Oh, the phones are already ringing off the hook!
(Male Host) Only a few remaining! Now’s your final chance to buy, buy, buy!
Infernal capitalism, imposing your artificial scarcity…
The Sakura Mochi from the Share of Spring Set restore SP, so we go for that.
(Male Host) We’ll try to get your order to you as quickly as possible! Goodbye for now! We’ll see you again next time with another fabulous product!
(Female Host) Goodbye for now!
Now all we have to do is wait for it to arrive.
Music: Tokyo Daylight
One neat thing added in Royal is this cat sitting on top of Leblanc’s sign. You can just barely see it in this picture, but it’s there, right on top of the blue thing next to the entrance.
When you get close, it’ll scurry away.
That’s it. Well, I thought it was cool, anyway…
Now it is time for the return of the scourge. Yes, I’m talking about the dreaded aojiru, here to sap our will and also sap 5000 yen from our wallet once a week.
Maaku gains Charm +1.
Yet the investigation into the cause bears no progress! This is evidence of the power behind them!
Don’t bow down to the oppressive authority that deceives you all! Break free from its subjugation!
Yes! YES! I, the Sun God, will protect you all, blessing you with peace and security!
What are your thoughts on all the recent accidents that seem to have no explanation?
Do you hear what he’s saying? He’s interested to see what the response will be. He’s expressing doubt in the Japanese government. And that’s all for our on-the-spot coverage.
Someone remake Nightcrawler but with these two assholes.
That’s why I’ve poured my soul into this song—to help restore our hope. I give you… “Metropolitan Fire”!
As we fall deeper into darkness/
We gotta light a fire for the world/
Fire say hello to the modern city/
Fire say goodbye to the countryside/
Light a fire in your hearts now/
Let this music spark the flame (Ow!)
Thanks, bay-bee! Could you feel the passion of my soul?
Yeeeaaah, I was! The whole city is on fire from my rock!
(Laid-Back College Student) The membership fee was pretty expensive… But considering I can watch however much I want, it’s a bargain.
And now you don’t have to worry about late payments. I’m definitely one of those people who forget to pay on time.
Speaking of which, you haven’t paid me back the money you borrowed…
Oh, okay. You’re gonna go there, huh?
Hey, check out that ad. They have an annual membership campaign.
Let’s get that membership.
(Rental Shop Worker) Welcome! Would you like to paply for our annual membership? If you’re a student, it’s 4,800 yen during our campaign! Rent all the old DVDs you want with no extension fee! You can only rent one at a time, though.
We’re pretty busy, so not having to worry about extension fees is awesome! If you have the money, maybe you should sign up?
Again, late fees have been completely removed, because they were fake anyway. Now there’s just an upfront cost of 4800 yen (and you can only rent one DVD at a time). Still, it’s a neat change.
(Rental Shop Worker) Thank you very much! May I see your student ID? You live in… Yongen-Jaya… Now just sign here… All set!
Of course I was worried! This deal is so good, I thought this was some elaborate entrapment scheme!
(Rental Shop Worker) Since you’re a member now, you can borrow DVDs starting today! All right, then… Welcome! What can I do for you?
Let’s rent Bubbly Hills, 90210 and bounce.
The ladies have their guard up with all that weird stuff going on, but… I haven’t lost my touch.
(Novice Pick-Up Artist) Amazing. You’re at a completely different level…
If you want phone numbers, then strengthen your resolve. It’s all over once you give up!
We’re going to buy two more Bio Nutrients for our plant, just for the future.
Next, the theater.
It’s Slumdog Millionaire yadda yadda, I already made fun of the weird accent in the last LP.
Maaku gains Guts +3.
And we rank up!
It’s just been one bizarre incident after another this year…
Our country is going to hell!
Aren’t there any honest politicians out there…?
How can I have hope in a country like this?
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
>Negatory. What’s up?
I dunno, I’m just feeling kinda anxious. I keep thinking about how even with all you did… we might still end up getting expelled. My mom’s totally gonna suffer if that happens… Plus, if we couldn’t even help Ann or Suzui…
>It’s too early to panic.
Sorry, you’re right. I’m feeling better now that I’ve got this off my chest. Just… don’t tell Ann I was worrying, all right? See ya.
More or less.
…I see. You’re the only one here at night, so I’m not gonna bother setting a curfew or anything like that. So long as you’re taking school seriously, I don’t mind if you stroll the streets in the evenings.
Sweet! Coffee Dad is being lenient for once!
But only around these parts, got it? You go back on your word. I’ll kick you out.
A *bit* lenient, anyway.
Let’s immediately take advantage of this by heading to the bathhouse.
Sunday baths mean larger Charm boosts.
Maaku gains Charm +3.
And another rank up!
Line Changes!!!!
After leaving the Palace, “Suguru Kamoshida was a scum.” has become “We all know Suguru Kamoshida is scum.” That was one of the worst lines in the game before!