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Chapter 20: 4/25-4/28: Sojiro Dreams Of Coffee

This update covers Parts 17, 18, and 19 of the original LP.



Early Morning

Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)







That doesn’t sound like a real thing for anyone except Ken Jennings.

They were showing this movie called Tanktop Millionaire at the theater on Central Street…
(Skeptical Girl) You mean the one where a boy rises from rags to riches by winning on a quiz show? Sheesh, you get way too into those stories… How about studying for exams before you think about quiz shows?
Oof… You got me there…
Sounds like that movie can change your worldview… Watching movies in the theater sounds like a special experience. What kind of movies do you like?



I get you. They’re just so cathartic to watch! When I turn back into a human, it might not be so bad to make our debut on the silver screen… Either way, we should check out the theater every now and then, since they’re always showing new films.

Early Morning → Morning

Music: So Boring



Ah shit, getting cussed out by the teacher for bad booklearnin’.

“I could care less indicates that you still have some cares left to give! It’s, “I COULDN’T care less!”

Someone on the localization team really hates that phrase, huh?

I’ve seen this a lot these days, where people are using a phrase differently from its real meaning. It reminds me of something I’ve been hearing politicians saying: “My country, right or wrong.” They wouldn’t be saying it so stubbornly if they knew how it was originally used…




Huh!? Oh, uh, yeah! I mean—
Hey, Lady Ann is obviously panicking! Be a good guy and help her out!



Crap—Hey, Maaku, can you give me a hint here? What’s that phrase originally meant to convey? “My country, right or wrong”?

I can hear you punks whispering.



Oh, right! Like, it doesn’t matter what they do—you’ll always support it. But the original meaning is different? So I guess it’d be something like…




The phrase was originally meant to inspire you to take responsibility for keeping your country on the right path. The full quote is, “My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong to be set right.” So you can see the original was more about taking personal responsibility for your country’s future. Unfortunately, these days it’s used more to justify blind support instead of actually fixing social issues…



We earn this useless point with Ann. It’s useless because we don’t need a point to rank up between ranks 1 and 2. This is also the only event of its type in the game to my recollection. Weird.

Nice! Lady Ann seems really relieved!

Maaku gains Charm +1.

Yep, Charm. Because we helped Ann, I guess.

Morning → After School

Music: Tokyo Emergency




That place also has a limited item sold only on rainy days. It’s called Dipped Katsu Sando.
(Foodie Girl) The sandwich I had there… It was sooo delicious. Isn’t it so convenient that Yon-Germain is located in Shibuya Station.
Wowww, I didn’t know they had a limited-time bread sold only on rainy days. I’ll go when it rains!

I’d love to get my hands on one of those sandwiches. Might even bring my girlfriend.



Let’s head into the Velvet Room real quick.

Music: Aria of the Soul



We’re just here to fuse this Mokoi to have a Death Persona. We fuse it from Berith and Genbu.




Once we’ve done that, we resummon Berith and leave.

Music: Tokyo Daylight



(Dog-Loving Girl) That’s ‘cause we’re friends. We’ll play together forever, right, Kotaro?
(Lazy Dog) Woof!
Come on, let’s go. That anime you like is going to start soon. Oh, they may cancel it because of the news. There’s going to be a feature on the accidents…

Music: Butterfly Kiss



Or at least some good old-fashioned caffeine in my system…



I should suggest a clinical trial…
You came because you saw my messages, right?



I developed a new medicine. Could you come to the back?



In that case, I’m going to start setting up, so go wait in the examination room.



I adjusted it based on the previous results. Go on, drink it all.



It smells like cough syrup and tastes like death… It’s an overwhelming sensation. It’s getting hard to breathe…




What a splendid reaction. You’re feeling dazed? That would be the… special components I added. Now, I need to run some tests. I’ll be drawing blood as well.
I dunno if I can stand up, lady…
That’s all right. You don’t need to be conscious for this. We’re in the final stages, so I should stabilize the formula…



Music: Suspicion



I’m in the middle of this examination, officer. I’ve told you before that you need a warrant.
(Arrogant Officer) Hmph! We received a report of some malfeasance on your part. I’ll need to see a full statement of your medical expenses and patient records. Not enough time to hide those, I bet?
…The Medical Chief of Staff is harassing me again, eh? Whatever. Here’s what you asked for.

Huh…?
This kid here is my only patient today.

Please… help me…
Ignore him.

If you’re asking for his medical expenses, I’m guessing I’m under suspicion of improper billing? But without a receipt, I’d say you’ve been sent on a wild goose chase.
Wh-What’s going on here?

You’ve been manipulated into harassing me. Whoever sent that “report” lied.

What!?



You don’t seem to be sick… Are you up to something illegal!?

I’m not a Phantom Thief! I mean, uh, I have… narcolepsy?
That’s not true, he’s just stressed about taking his entrance exams. I have some drugs that are helping him relax.
Wait, why did he lie?
I get nervous around cops, cop.

So, is there anything else? As you can see, I’m pretty busy here.
…Fine. You’re infuriating, you know that? Hmph… but I’d expect nothing less from the “Plague.”



*sigh* I’m so over this…

Should I be nervous about you getting regular visits from the police? And what’s this “Plague” business…?

It’s nothing to worry about. I’m sure it was my former superior who made that false report. You eavesdropped on our conversation the other day, remember? He’s just trying to put pressure on me… by having the police investigate me and my practice.



…It’s part of our “deal,” remember?



I guess I have no choice…
I like kids who listen to their superiors. Enjoy your medicine.
It feels like my bond with Takemi is growing even deeper…





…Only kidding. Okay, please lie down. You can go home once I’m done.
I feel like cooperating in that shady clinical trial has increased my Guts

Maaku gains Guts +1.

All right, take care…

For that event, we picked options 1 (+2), 1 (+2).

Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)




I feel a chill run down my spine at the sound of those words…

You still seemed kind of dizzy when you left, so I figured I’d check in. You know how it is. Some patients get sick on their way back home.



Really regretting not picking option 3 here.



*nods*

She can’t fucking see you nod over the phone, dude.

…I think you’ll be okay, but call me if you start feeling sick. Okay, I’m looking forward to our next clinical trial.

After School → Evening

Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)



There’s a laundromat next to the bathhouse, right? If we’ve got spare time, maybe we could wash them.

No, that’s a waste of time.







Must be what you ordered off the TV.



If you’re up for it, why don’t you learn how to work here…



So you do get it. All right, put your stuff down and come back here. It’s about time one of the regulars arrives. She’s a talkative one…

Music: What’s Going On?



You do know what I’m talking about right?

I was not informed there would be a quiz. Hm… Is it making coffee? You know, one of the two things you seem to serve here?

Yup. Glad to see you at least understand that much.

Ah, coffee. The delicious brown energy nectar. Soon I will master you, and society shall tremble.
Is this how kids are these days?

This store’s not the busiest around, but I’m real particular about how we do things here. And I’ll kick you out no questions asked if you serve a bad cup, you got that?



It goes so well with his special curry, I can’t help but order the set every time.

I see… The hot spiciness of the curry really accentuates the hot bitterness of the coffee… How odd.

What can I say, each of my regulars gets an experience personally tailored to them.

What? No they don’t! You just gave her the same thing you give everyone else!
Shut the fuck up dude, I got a good thing going here.

Can you tell me the key to that wonderful flavor, So-chan? I’d love to make it at home sometime.
Sorry, that’s a trade secret. You’re free to try and guess based on the taste though.

The secret ingredient is love. No, actually it’s the dust from the bottom of Futaba’s bags of Doritos. Real “you got your chocolate in my peanut butter” situation there.

Cheapskate. Keeping secrets from me even though you know your food’s already stolen my heart…
How about a nice dessert then? It’s only three hundred yen.

How are you making any money at all here, Sojiro? Gotta mark that shit up!

*leaves*



When you run a shop, you get all sorts of customers. Knowing their personalities is absolutely vital. That’s what being in food service is all about.



Welco—



You…
(Cheerful Elderly Man) Hello there! It’s been quite a while, Sakura-san! I heard you opened up a shop, so here I am! It wouldn’t have hurt to mention it to me though. Huh, you’ve got a real nice location here. Right by the station and everything.

Music: Suspicion

Your order?
No small talk? That’s cold. Oh, but this smell… Sure brings back memories! You’re still making that curry, huh? I guess you haven’t gotten over her yet…
Your order, sir?
Haha, so pushy. I just stopped in to say hi today… but I’ll be back again soon! Bye.



Ugh… I don’t know where he caught wind of this place.

A suspicious stranger comes calling suddenly… Another piece of Sojiro’s elusive past falls into place…
Suspicious is right… guess you have a good eye after all.

Music: What’s Going On?

Anyway, if you have time for questions, you have time to be learning about bean types. You’re not gonna be any use to me if you can’t pick up on the ABCs sometime soon.

ABC: A, Always, B, Bean, C, Closing! What does it mean? Nothing at all! I lost the plot on that one immediately.
*furiously taking notes*

Besides, ladies love a guy who knows his coffee. This isn’t such a bad deal for you.

I want the love! Give me the love! I’m so lonely!!!

Heh, if only you were this obedient all the time. Either way, I’m gonna teach you right. That way I’ll be able to sit back and relax while you work.
I feel like my bond with Sojiro is growing deeper…





We’ve re-unlocked coffee brewing!



Let’s start closing up. And no slacking off, you got it?
After learning about customer service from Sojiro, I feel like my Kindness has improved…

Maaku gains Kindness +2.

We chose options 1 (+2), 2 (+2), 1 (+2).

Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)




I forgot to ask for your cell number, so I had to dig it out of your papers. A real hassle, let me tell you.

It took you this long to think, “Hey, I might need my tenant’s phone number”?

Anyway, you done closing up yet? I’m gonna have you handle that from now on, so you better learn how. Seems like you’re a quick study, so I hope you’ve got the hang of it.




…But man. Not sure how I feel about calling up a guy’s phone.

Sojiro rules, he sucks so much, I love him

Anyhow, we’ll get the routine ground into you. That way, I might be able to take it easy. All right, don’t stay up too late.



Early Morning

Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)



How do you like being packed in like sardines, city-style? I bet you’ve had enough.



I get anxious unless I’m doing something, yet here I am suddenly with nothing to do. It’s so awful just waiting for the results, isn’t it? It’s so worrying…



You too, huh, Maaku? Of course you are. Sorry for asking such a weird question. I guess all we can do is wait… I wonder how Shiho’s condition is too.

I’m already sick of “I guess all we can do is wait.” This bodes poorly for the rest of this LP.

Man, all this heavy talk first thing in the morning! Both of us need to switch gears, Maaku.

Early Morning → After School

Music: Tokyo Emergency



No.




There’s other people around, but… your Guts might improve because of it.



We’re staying inside and studying today.







Maaku gains Guts +1.



Maaku gains Knowledge +1. Due to the rampant distractions, studying in the library only yields 1 point of Knowledge for us, though it’s supplemented with the point of Guts. This is, in fact, another new rebalance to the earlygame in addition to the diner being unavailable. We have much less available in terms of easy sources of Knowledge with those two changes.

After School → Evening

Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)




All right, time to do some work for the chief. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.




This is actually minor mistake I’m making right here by choosing to clean up, but it shouldn’t really matter. I’ll go into why it was a mistake in a bit.



We get a point with Sojiro for cleaning up here. We now have enough points to get us to the next rank!

I’m going home now. Don’t break anything in the store, got it?

Music: Everyday Days



Hmm. That posture… Looking good! You’re cleaning like a pro!



Thinking about the customers and cleaning the store probably helped to increase your Kindness, no?

Maaku gains Kindness +1.

That took longer than I expected. We should go to bed once we clean up the rest.



Early Morning

Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)




We had an amazing conversation after I brought up some of the stuff I read about! We’re gonna go out somewhere together soon!
(Calm Student) Well, don’t get ahead of yourself because it happened to go well. Look, Knowledge isn’t enough. You need Proficiency to adapt on the fly. You also need Kindness to be accepted and Guts to be honest and direct. Plus Charm, to draw people to you. The quality of your character says a lot about you, so it’s important to better yourself every day.
Really? But it takes so much work… But I’ll do it, if it means I’ll get a girlfriend!

POPULARITY LEADS TO INTIMACY, VINNY!

I guess I’ll start by showering every day. I hear girls prefer a dude who’s hygenic.

…Dude.

Hey, this applies to you too.



Working hard helps build confidence. It’s all about getting experience. Think you can get by on luck alone? Think again!



C’mon, let’s go! We’re gonna be late!



Early Morning → Morning

Music: So Boring



People are theorizing that it’s these sudden psychotic breakdowns, but the cause is still unknown… Well, unexplained occurrences like these are commonplace in the world of math. For instance… Hamiru-san. Please look at this.



Do you know the name of the theorem named after this number?



This is baby shit for babies. I’m insulted you’d even ask.

That’s correct. I suppose the four color theorem is common sense.



Many people have realized this principle based on experience since ancient times. However, it’s difficult to prove, and was an unsolved problem for a long time.

Maaku gains Knowledge +1.



My heart hurts just thinking about the economic losses this string of incidents has caused.

Usami’s got her priorities in order, I see.

The world’s full of dangers, huh? I guess even the world outside the school is no good, either.

Morning → After School

Music: Tokyo Emergency





No rank up today.



Mkay, go get changed. We’re gonna do some joggin’ today.

Music: What’s Going On?





Welp, seeya.

After School → Evening

Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)




(Reporter) Are you seeing these cherry blossoms? This place is currently very popular among families and couples alike!
(Pundit) You’ll also find people going on runs or sketching. It’s a great place to relax.




There’s a crossword available, so let’s do it. We can also look over the trivia from old crosswords we’ve completed.

Music: Everyday Days











Maaku gains Knowledge +1.




You brewing coffee? Let me check the taste. Try brewing one now. We’ll talk after that.



Yep, we need to get Sojiro’s opinion of our coffee at least once before we can get him to Rank 3. This is why it was a waste of time cleaning up yesterday; we should have spent that time making coffee, which also would have increased our Sojiro Points™.

He’s testing you on your café training. Are you confident in your skills?

Hell yeah, cat!

Looks like you got everything you need to make some coffee… Let’s see what we can brew.





Are you going to try making some coffee?



You know how to brew coffee? Help yourself to the beans on the shelves. I’ll show you how each kind of bean is different later. All right, I’m headin’ out to buy some cigarettes…

Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)





The way you’re drinking it makes it look delicious.



Maybe if you drink it in the Metaverse, it’ll heal your wounds too.



Heh heh… Looks like the chief’s gentlemanly charm is rubbing off on you.

Maaku gains Charm +1. The point of Charm is new!



Looks like you’re doing well. Here, let me have a sip.




You used Blue Mountain, huh…







It seems like you’re following all the rules and instructions I gave you.



……




People would treat you with respect if they knew you could serve great coffee. We should rest now, we have a big day tomorrow.

No we don’t.



Early Morning

Music: Beneath the Mask -Rain (Instrumental Version)



*sad whaddup* is Big Me Energy and I love it

He had a change of heart for real, didn’t he? It’s kinda hard to believe right now… I’m gonna cry if we still get expelled after all this.




I would’ve been super disappointed if you told me to calm down and wait or something.

Trap dodged.

Oh yeah! You free today? If you got nothing to do, come see me after school. It’s not like I got something to say, but I find talkin’ helps the nerves.

Early Morning → After School

Music: Tokyo Emergency




You wanna grab some ramen? I’ll show you my go-to place.




Anyways, it’s in Ogikubo, so let’s take the train over there.



I tried my best but I could not manage to make a Space Patrol Luluco joke here. I apologize for any inconvenience.






You guys remember hangout spots, right? We invite our Confidants to places they enjoy and get a fun little knick-knack out of it to decorate our room! Unfortunately… I do not think I got a single tchotchke in my original run of Royal. I just never needed to take anyone anywhere, in part because I’m fuckin’ good at this game and know how to optimize my time really well by now, but also because I think the game is less structured around requiring it? Unfortunately, that means no Rise poster. At least, not for a long, long fucking time. Trust me, no one is more disappointed about this than I am.

Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)



Ahhh! I love the feelin’ of noodles slidin’ down my throat! Sweat drippin’ over my face! This shit’s the best, man! Ramen is life! Light soup like this really gets your body goin’ again after a good run, y’know. We used to come all the way out here after practice and…

You’re talking like we just went for a sprint, Ryuji, but from your earlier dialogue it seems like we headed straight here.

Uh, I guess that’s all in the past… By the way, I’ve seen Nakaoka around a few times… But for some reason it don’t look like he’s gettin’ along with the
others.

Oh? You worried?
Yeah… I’ve been thinkin’ about what they said the other day… The whole team was putting up with Kamoshida, and I effed it all up… Maybe he was right. They have to store their stuff behind the gym because they don’t eve have a club room, and they can’t use school gear so they just run laps around the block…
…Ryuji, that’s total bullshit. You were being harassed and abused. Dude broke your fucking leg! He would have found a reason to shut you down anyway! And having to put up with that shit “for the good of the team” is stupid! The team was not worth more than you were, dumbass, and fuck those dudes for not seeing that!

…There ain’t really a place for outcasts like that. I should know that better than anyone…

Make a whole big speech and he doesn’t even hear it…

It’s good they’re keepin’ their heads low now though. I don’t want ‘em endin’ up like me.

Like you? Ryuji, you beat up mind monsters with a length of pipe. You’re hardcore as shit.

…Y’know what? You’re right. I guess now that I’m thinkin’ about it, tryin’ to fit in is a real pain in the ass. I mean, I’d never’ve met you guys if I wasn’t an outcast, right? So, uh… it’s all good.



For real though, it’s been a shit ton of fun! Hangin’ out with you guys is so freakin’ cool!



I feel like my bond with Ryuji is growing deeper…



Ooh, this is new. Shadows won’t be as easily alerted by us fucking sprinting through Palaces without a care in the world.



Though it’d prolly mess ‘em up if I tried to butt in… Oh yeah, we still gotta find a new spot for our trainin’. Hm… I’ll think about it. No slackin’ off ‘til then, mkay? Later, dude.

For that event, we chose options: 2 (+2), 1 (+3).

After School → Evening

Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)




Then you clean up. I’m going to finish preparing the curry.

Music: What’s Going On?



Hey, how’s it going? You getting any better at remembering how to handle different bean types?
*nod*
Now then… there are three factors that determine the flavor for a cup of coffee: grind, heat, and time. First up is the grind. For the siphons we use here, we’re aiming for medium-fine.




Right. Keep up the good work.

It is bafflingly easy to impress you.

It doesn’t net much profit given the effort it takes, but hey, money is money. I’m not gonna forgive you if you serve our customers crap coffee though. Just remember that.





Music: Suspicion



…How’d you get this number? …… Now? Where? …… …Fine.



What, you got a hot date? You always imply you’re getting tail left and right, but I’ve never seen any evidence of this.
She lives in Hokkaido. You wouldn’t know her.

Hokkaido is Japanese Canada, right? That makes sense outside of my diseased brain? Whatever.

…It’s nothing you need to concern yourself over. Just do the dishes while I’m gone. Oh, and remember to shut off the gas before you close up shop.

Okay, you’re being too trusting, now I’m actually worried.

It’s nice having someone around to help at times like this. Turns out you’re actually a harder worker than I thought. Keep it up.
I feel like my bond with Sojiro is growing deeper…




For that event, we chose options: 1 (+2), 2 (+2).

Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)




Sorry about earlier. Had to take care of some business. But don’t worry, I’ll put you to work. We’ve got lots of time on our hands.




Well, as long as you help out and do your part, I’ll treat you fairly.

*nod*

I just told you to stop doing that!

Well, just make sure you turn off the stove before you head to bed.

Oh, fu—I mean, already done.