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Chapter 28: 5/10-5/13: Speech Therapy (New)
This update contains content from Parts 25 and 26 of the original LP.
Anon: “of hearts”? what tryhards
Early Morning
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
And I noticed while stalking you that you’ve been coming to school with Takamaki-san. Are you dating, perchance? That would be moving quickly, given your transfer.
Nah, it’s not that. Sorry, did you say “stalking”?
Hmm… but you seemed so close yesterday morning.
I heard she was a victim of Mr. Kamoshida, but was that all there was to it…? Either way, closer inspection should clear everything up… Goodbye.
What????
Early Morning → Morning
Music: So Boring
Now then, picking up from last time… The end of the Heian period marks the rise of the samurai, which I’m sure you’ve all been waiting for. As described in “The Tale of the Heike,” it was a time when all that was great would fall from grace. It wasn’t unusual for the heroes of yesterday to be struck down as rebels of the present day. By the way, sympathizing with the loser or the weak is called “magistrate’s patronage.” That term came from Minamoto no Yoshitsune’s position… And it also became a way of referring to him as well. All right, Hamiru-kun.
That’s right. He supported his brother, Yoritomo, during the Heian period. But despite his contributions in defeating the Taira, he was driven out by his brother and ultimately executed… However, in the centuries that followed, Yoshitsune became more popular as a tragic hero.
Maaku gains Knowledge +1.
Rather than siding with the one who has overwhelming power, people prefer the underdog opposing them. It’s sort of like rooting for a minor-league baseball team instead of an all-star, major-league one.
I can understand that. It’s like, if I don’t root for them, then who will?
Morning → After School
Music: Tokyo Daylight
No.
Hey, uh… Do you remember that guy Yamauchi I was talkin’ about before?
The hell’re you talkin’ about!? That’s a dog, man!
…Anyways, Yamauchi’s the teacher who’s gonna end up bein’ the new track team advisor. He don’t give a rat’s ass about the sport though… or even the students. So y’see, I heard this rumor… apparently he’s got in trouble at school before with his drinkin’… but that hasn’t kept him from goin’ out. I was thinkin’, maybe he’d let some shit slip when he’s drunk. We should totally try and tail him sometime. I’ll look into where he goes to drink. What’s the plan for today though? You gonna train with me?
Let’s get changed then. We can meet at, uh… Hmmm, somewhere’s gotta be open. Let’s try lookin’ around at school.
Music: What’s Going On?
I mean, we’d prolly run into Nakaoka and them if we stuck around here… You got any ideas?
What if… we just *didn’t* train?
I don’t follow.
Ryuji, every time we do this I feel like I’m going to die. My bones, they’re going to snap like twigs. I wasn’t designed for this!
…Eh, I guess it won’t hurt to peek ‘round the gym. If they ain’t there, maybe we can—
…Nakaoka?
Music: Suspicion
(Takeishi) We’re beating up Nakaoka because he was the one leaking our secrets to Kamoshida. Stay out of it.
C’mon, that can’t be true! Besides, three-on-one is pretty chickenshit.
You should trust him. Mainly because you’re all assholes in my view, and shitheads gotta stick together, but still.
Right! The track team’s comin’ back, and you’re teammates! There’s no reason to fight, just let it go!
Shut up, Sakamoto! Who do you think told Kamoshida about your dad? It has to have been him! Let me at him!
H-Hold up!
If you think that’s gonna make you feel better, go for it. …But you’re gonna wish you didn’t. Trust me, it feels real bad lookin’ back on shitty stuff you’ve done.
(Brown-Haired Track Member) Huh?
Look. Even if Nakaoka was workin’ with Kamoshida… ain’t it fine now? The bastard’s gone, so you guys can just put this crap behind you. There’s no reason to fight, yeah?
We can’t keep people around who’re gonna try and undermine our team.
(Nakaoka) But… I didn’t do anything. I wasn’t working with Kamoshida. No matter how much you hit me, my answer’s gonna stay the same.
Don’t lie. Yamauchi told us all about it.
…Yamauchi?
(Short-Haired Track Member) We should get out of here before anyone shows up, Takeishi.
…Nakaoka. Shit like you isn’t welcome on our new track team. You’d better remember that.
What the hell was all that?
Back off. It’s got nothing to do with you. When you hit Kamoshida, you betrayed everyone who had to endure his shit. All you did was make life harder for us. We lost the only place we had where we belonged.
Buuuuuullshit!
Don’t tell me it’s all fine now, because it’s been rough ever since then! Besides, you wouldn’t still think it’s “fine” if I told you I *did* tell Kamoshida about your parents, would you?
…I would. I’m over all that stuff. And even though I messed up with Kamoshida, being stuck in the past won’t change anything that happened. I just gotta keep bein’ myself… bein’ free.
What’re you talking about? Free, huh? Haha…
Nope. I think this whole track thing is complete bullshit, honestly. I just said as much, in fact.
Music: Alright (Elp Version)
I guess bein’ free is like… It’s like how I feel when I’m talkin’ to you, man.
What?
Uhhh, I don’t know what else I gotta say. I just feel… free.
No really, I have no idea what the fuck you’re talking about.
What, we stuck on repeat or something? Hahaha!
*laughter*
I feel like my bond with Ryuji is growing deeper…
…So much for trainin’ though, huh? C’mon, let’s get outta here. Oooh, we should grab ramen on the way home!
For that event we chose options 3 (+3), 1 (+3), 1 (+3), 1 (+0), 1 (+0).
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
All that mess with the track team… Guess I was right about my gut feeling. And Nakaoka can get weirdly stubborn sometimes. He’ll keep his mouth shit whether or not someone’s punchin’ him.
I thought you’re supposed to be the pacifist here!
Who told you *that*?
Look, I’m just sayin’ there’s gotta be another way to solve this instead of just goin’ dark!
Fiiiiiine.
And that bastard Yamauchi’s name came up again. I swear, somethin’ about that dude is so shady… ‘Kay, that’s it. I’m gonna do a full investigation. I’ll hit you up if I find anything! Later!
After School → Evening
Music: Beneath the Mask
This one’s actually really hard!
It took me ages to get the correct answer for this one.
It was “blight”, for the record.
And the main answer was “malaise.”
Maaku gains Knowledge +1.
From there, we’re going to talk to Yoshida to re-unlock his Confidant.
I mean, you seem okay at this public speaking thing even if most people aren’t into it. Seems useful.
I’d love to help you, though… how shall I teach you? …It’s time for my speech. Let’s talk about this later.
They lack jobs, security, savings… The next generation will lead us into the future and yet they have no plan for how to arrive there.
Music: Suspicion
This isn’t good…
You should use your speechifying mind judo and mediate their disagreement!
Of course! You two, please cease your quarrel! This matter is trivial, surely you both—
Shut the fuck up!
Ah, well, nevertheless, back to my speech…
Wha—!?
They’re not gonna vote for you, pal! Why don’t you go embezzle some more funds or criticize another constituent, huh?
One of those seems much worse than the other.
You criminal!
No…! T-That was… all in the past…
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
Are you really a criminal? Because hey, maybe we’ve got even more in common than I thou—
I’m sorry about that. I made some mistakes long ago and they still follow me, I’m afraid. Whenever someone calls me “No-Good Tora,” I just panic.
What’s the story there?
Well, about 20 years ago, I was a member of the National Diet. I was a member of the “Kuramoto Children,” a group of up-and-coming politicians backed by powerful members of the Diet. However, my inexperience as a politician and as a person caused me to be involved in some major scandals. My blunders are known as “No-Good Tora’s Three Strikes.” I got caught missing a legislative meeting to take a personal vacation. Then, I was accused of embezzling a large sum of money from the party.
Wow. Did you do it?
Finally, I called a voter an idiot at an open forum, which resulted in scandal… and strike three.
Okay, yeah, cool, but… did you steal the fucking money or not? I’m taking notes here, be specific.
I was out… and branded a washed-up politician. You said you wanted to become a member of the Diet. But do you see the man before you?
I’m pretty sure I didn’t say that.
However, he has conviction and wants to change the world. Public speaking skills could be useful to the Phantom Thieves, so I’ll make a deal with him.
Do you really want to receive my guidance?
I like the cut of your jib. You got passion.
I’m happy to hear that, however… Everyone says I have no chance to get elected, so why come to me?
You just gotta believe!
*chuckle* You’re doing a good job of cheering me up…
You might be right. Giving a good speech is all about believing in yourself. Maybe one day, I’ll be able to believe in myself once more. But enough about me. You’re a strange young man, Hamiru-kun. Alright. If that’s what you want, then I’d be happy to help in exchange for your continued assistance. Let’s get started.
I’ve made a deal with Yoshida…
Music: Interrogation Room
You! How talk good!? Tell I now!
Music: The Spirit
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
…Oh my, we’ve been talking for far too long. Let’s call it quits for today.
It’s about my speech schedules form this point on. Would you be willing to stick around to hear it?
I’ll be here giving my speeches every Sunday. You’re welcome to drop by and help whenever you’ve got the time. That’s all I wanted to say. Now, be careful on your way home.
Anon: sauce plz
Early Morning
(Serious-Looking Student) It’s the day after tomorrow, right? I wonder if it’s gonna be about Mr. Kamoshida again…
Ugh, I can’t believe the school is messing with our schedules like this…
I don’t care what it’s about—it’s gonna have nothing to do with us students. I wish they’d stop dragging us into their mess.
Oh hey, an assembly during exams? That’s new.
Early Morning → Morning
Music: Life Goes On
That sounds about right.
This looks tough, but let’s calm down and think it through.
Yoshitsune had a brother, right? Oh, I think his name was…
Yeah, that’s the one. Yoshitsune worked under Yoritomo. He did a lot for his brother. But they ended up[ coming into conflict. And in the end, when they had to oppose each other…
Yeah. Yoshitsune committed suicide after being exiled by his brother. But even though he lost, Yoshitsune the one who went down in history as a hero. That’s probably because people tend to sympathize less with figures in power, and sympathize more with…
Yeah. Not just any weak person, though. People love rooting for an underdog who stands up to powerful oppressors. And Yoshitsune did that to his brother. So the reason Yoshitsune is treated as a hero is because he stood up against the powerful Yoritomo!
Anon: Who made this site? Ridic
Morning
That sounds about right.
They asked this question wrong! You need to limit the number of colors!
That sounds about right.
Anon: gtfo with that shit LOL
Morning
That sounds about right.
That sounds about right.
Morning → Afternoon
Anon: laaame roflmao
Anon: Admin has to be trolling
Anon: not even worth a laugh
Anon: I searched… makes no sense
Anon: Who’s spreading this?
Think we can bring our flash cards in?
Kamoshida is just one of the many things wrong with this school…
I’ve got to hurry home and study!
That Kamoshida is still causing us trouble, even when he’s gone…
We believe the mental health of our student body is absolutely vital, so we’ve acquired the services of a therapist.
Translation: “Please don’t sue us.”
The floor is yours, Doctor…
Music: Ideal and the Real (Listen to this)
(Calm School Girl) Whoa, his voice is sexy!
Thank you for welcoming me to your school.
*assorted giggles and murmurs from the crowd*
Oh man, Big Himbo Energy radiating off this dude.
You can even call me Doc, if that would help you feel more comfortable.
It wouldn’t, but thanks anyway!
Any assistance you need, I’ll be—Oh… I guess I’m not really any good for helping with money problems…
*more snickering from the crowd*
God, when this principal actually has to take the reins… woof.
Well, our school’s made national news. Maybe they figured they’d look even worse if they didn’t do anything for us.
And Doctor, uh… Doctor Whatshisname.
Maruki.
Yeah—wasn’t that guy just basically clownin’ it up onstage? You really think he’ll do us any good?
Sakamoto-kun and Takamaki-san, right? And that must make you… Hamiru-kun.
How d’you know our names?
Those that had, ah… previous interactions with Mr. Kamoshida.
Hehehe.
Ahahaha, oh! Looks like this guy didn’t get much sleep last night!
So… whaddya want with us?
Ah yes, I’d forgotten… I know I already offered my services to the student body earlier, but would you three be interested in counseling?
Nope, not at all.
Huh!?
How’s that surprising?
You were just a touch more emphatic about it than I’d expected… Ah! But, if you come to my office, you can have free snacks! All you can eat… would be nice, but there’s still plenty to be had. So, how about it?
To be frank, I’ve been explicitly ordered to provide counseling to the students directly involved with Mr. Kamoshida. It’s in the school’s interest… for its students.
I know that asking you to be open with a complete stranger like myself is a lot. Making this mandatory wouldn’t do you any good, either. Might as well turn it into a worthwhile experience…
If you attend my counseling sessions, I’ll teach you different ways to improve your mental acuity. Like, ways to hone your concentration before exams, or not getting nervous on dates. How’s that sound?
I didn’t know therapists had secret mind powers, but hey, seems useful.
Uh…
There’s also snacks…
Yeah, one’s standing right in front of me heyooooooooo
Alright, alright, enough with the snacks!
*sigh* I guess it’d just be more trouble for us if we didn’t go.
Hmm, yeah.
Really? Then, I guess it’s a deal. I’ll be in the nurse’s office—feel free to come by whenever it’s convenient for you.
Welp, we should get goin’.
Okay, I’ll see you later.
Now that we have a deal, I promise I’ll do my best to help you.
Music: Interrogation Room
One would need a heart of steel, unaffected by outside influences and prepared to act without hesitating. There has to be someone who helped strengthen your mental state. Sound like somebody you know?
I’m just a naturally stoic guy.
Music: The Spirit
One thing I’ll bring up that’s funny only to me: because they (obviously) had to record the dialogue for this Confidant initiation bit three years removed from the original game, Carrie Keranen’s (Caroline/Justine and Lavenza, the latter of whom I presume is supposed to be the one reading this) delivery on it is just… slightly off. It wouldn’t be as much of a problem if we hadn’t just heard an original read for Tora’s Confidant initiation, but it’s still noticeable. Which I think is totally fine and not actually a problem, it just cracks me up for no reason.
Also, that’s not the right “counselor”! Is it supposed to be a pun? What deck does “Councillor” come from anyway?
According to the Megaten wiki (which, again, you shouldn’t look up for spoiler reasons) it’s from the El Gran Tarot Esoterico, and is that deck’s equivalent to the Magician. It represents diplomacy, possibilites of choice, creativity, skills of persuasion, vitality, and power over mental illness. When reversed it represents indecisiveness, insecurity, lack of originality, sickness, or exploitation of the innocent.
Maruki is voiced by Billy Kametz, who recently broke out into voice acting and is pretty damn good at it, I’d say! He’s best known for playing Josuke in the Diamond is Unbreakable dub, as well as Ferdinand in Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Galo Thymos in Promare. He’s very good at Big, Dumb, and/or Angry, is what I’m saying. Maruki himself is a fun character and I like him a lot. We’ll be seeing a lot more of him in the game to come as one of this game’s new Confidants.
Music: Ideal and the Real
Sorry for keeping you like this. Well then…
*nod*
Music: So Boring
I have an addendum to the earlier assembly, regarding the counseling you’ve all been offered. The counselor will be available to you starting after school today, in the nurse’s office. Dr. Maruki will only be posted here through November, so be sure to speak with him soon if you feel the need. For the majority of you, it’s your choice whether or not you see him, but… there are a few students I’ll speak with later… The school’s decided: visits to Dr. Maruki will be mandatory for these individuals.
What, the counseling? It kinda sounds like we’re being forced to.
I don’t think we can afford to, since the school’s got their eye on us. I think I’m gonna try going today.
Lady Ann’s right. Make sure you visit him so you don’t draw any attention to yourself, okay?
Afternoon → After School
Music: Ideal and the Real
Yes?
Welcome. Are you here for a counseling session?
Yeah, is now a bad time?
Oh—but first, just relax, all right? I’m only here to listen to whatever you wish to talk about.
Sure.
Yes, I’d say that makes perfect sense. But don’t force yourself into talking with me. You could even just grab some snacks and be on your way, if you wanted! Haha…
No, it’s… it’s all right. I know I need to talk to someone about this, anyway. That is, if you’re willing to listen to the super-long story…
I absolutely am. Take all the time you need.
Yes. That’s why I wanted to get even with him… For Shiho.
Mmhm… And?
At first, I thought Kamoshida ought to face the same fate Shiho was going to put herself through… But…
…Later, I realized that wasn’t right. If he did take his own life, it wouldn’t undo Shiho’s suffering—in fact, it’d just give him the easy way out.
Is that so? You know, you are quite the wise, level-headed young woman, Takamaki-san.
Huh? Uh, I think you’ve got the wrong…
Nope—in fact, I think you’re wiser than I was at your age. I wasn’t anywhere near as mature as you are now.
…It’s not like I did anything special, though. If I hadn’t gone through my own share of hell, I don’t think I’d be so mature either. I see… So, what’s on your mind now?
Right now? Hmm…I’m just hoping Shiho will get better quickly. We both suffered a lot, but… I just wanna get back to laughing and having fun together like we used to.
You can’t change the past, but you still want to keep your chin up and press onward—is that the gist of it?
Yeah, that sounds about right. I mean, it’d definitely be better if none of this had happened at all, but…
*chuckle* I definitely agree with you there. But, it’s impossible to wipe every tragedy from history.
Everyone would be so much happier if we could actually do that.
We should wrap things up here for today—thank you so much for coming to see me.
Oh no, thank you! I feel a ton better now that that’s all off my chest.
Hah, good to hear it—you deserve it. Feel free to stop by again anytime.
Music: Tokyo Daylight
Maaku actually does want to go, he’s just trying to fit in.
It’s gonna suck more if we start attracting attention for skipping it. I think you should just go and give it a shot. Dr. Maruki’s easier to talk to than you’d think. Okay, see you tomorrow.
That’s in the nurse’s office in the Practice Building, right? I’ll just pass time in the area until you’re done.
Music: Ideal and the Real
Are you here for a session as well?
Yes, that’s right.
I’ve actually been seeing him for a while, before he ever came to Shujin.
Don’t go overselling me too hard though, Yoshizawa-san—I’m really nothing special.
Well, I need to get going. Please excuse me.
Well, full disclosure… The school gave me a brief rundown of the circumstances surrounding your transfer here.
Did you have to force yourself to accept everything that happened…? No, that doesn’t seem to be it… Now that you’ve told me more about yourself, I think I’ve realized something. It seems like you’ve largely been able to reconcile your internal world with your external one. I should note—that’s really, truly impressive. Even most adults can’t reliably manage that.
How to put it—You know how everyone has an internal reality? Some conception of themselves they’re striving for? Like, wanting to be a model student, or wanting to be loved and relied on… That kind of thing. But that idealized reality and the one in actuality are often far apart. That gap is responsible for a lot of people’s pain. Not everyone can ace their exams. And not everyone can be the heroes they wish they could be. You’ve already been through so much. That kind of suffering is usually enough to twist people up into dark places. But you—you’re standing up to it, and confronting a tough, painful reality. To me, that’s incredibly admirable. …Then again, maybe that’s a little weird for you to hear from a guy you just met, huh?
*looks at clock*
Somehow, the conversation just took on a life of its own, I guess… ……
I’m actually doing certain research along with my duties as a counselor. It’s not quite like counseling—more like a type of psychological treatment… Basically, it’s a project to learn more about people’s metaphorical hearts. What they think, how they feel.
Uh, I guess my point is… I’d like to ask you to help with that research!
Please! Any time’s good for me—I can work around your schedule. And, uh… I’ve got a lot of snacks, too! You can have them! They’re yours!
Maaku’s really into these snacks.
Let’s see… I know! Maybe I could teach you some tips for mental training? I happen to know a lot on the subject. I’m sure I can cook up a special regimen for you.
Detox X is really neat. Chance for instant recovery for an ailment, though only for Joker.
I’ll contact you when I’ve got time, or when I need some input from you.
This all seems above-board!
Now! I’d better do my part to repay you. Let’s talk about mental training and presence. Let’s see, first off…
Going to Maruki also rewards us with SP gain! Nice!
Also some “snacks.” Gum isn’t a snack, bro.
Thank you for your help today. I’ll see you around at school.
After School → Evening
Well, if you think the sessions are worthwhile, you should try going again sometime.
We can’t actually do anything in Leblanc tonight, despite Royal freeing up a lot of that time in general. Boo.