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Chapter 75: 7/7-7/8: Mental Break
Early Morning
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
Kaneshiro’s deadline is drawing near. We did all we could. I hope we can avoid problems now…
ARSÈNE: [Medium: Success] Something breaks in you upon hearing the words “we did all we could.” How many times have you already had this exact conversation? How many more times will you be forced to relive it? No more! No more reassuring these nattering imbeciles! You can feel your personality splitting from the strain, each of your Personas forcing their way to the surface…
SUDAMA: Woo! Let’s have some fun!
NUE: Me tired. No yelling…
LEANAN SIDHE: Hello, everybody. I’m the uncomfortably horny one. Nice to meet you all.
SETANTA: Hey, you. Human. Why haven’t you read the new One Piece chapter yet? I need to use your eyes to read it and I don’t want to get spoiled first.
PISACA: I’m hungry…
TAKE-MINAKATA: I wanna fight something, but I don’t have any arms. Please let me use yours, human.
NIGI MITAMA: Let’s all settle down, now…
KIN-KI: Please don’t make fun of my name. I’m very sensitive about it.
KODAMA: Hey, man. Sorry about all the noise. I’m pretty chill, though, we’ll get along great.
IZANAGI PICARO: Curious. The disparate mental archetypes of this vessel appear to have balkanized. My *old* master would never have let this happen, hmph.
*nose bleeding*
…Are you all right?
Early Morning → Morning
Music: So Boring
SUDAMA: School!? Booooooooring!
Shhh.
Not like that means I’ll put up bamboo decorations and write my wish on a piece of paper though. I’m not feeling it this year.
LEANAN SIDHE: Curious. This is the teacher who visits you in the fetish costume, correct? She seems so… dowdy at the moment.
Oh, but there’s a traditional food associated with Tanabata, just like chocolate for Valentine’s Day. All right, Takamaki-san. Tell me, what is traditional Tanabata food? I’ll give you a hint—it’s based on a certain motif in Tanabata’s myth…
Huh!? Oh, uh, yeah! I mean—
Hey, Lady Ann is obviously panicking! Be a good guy and help her out!
Sorry, Maaku. Help me out…!
SETANTA: The girl is in need of rescue. Assist her!
PISACA: Have you tried solving the problem through cannibalism?
KIN-KI: No eat corpse.
PISACA: Then I’m all out of ideas.
NIGI MITAMA: Just answer the question.
LEANAN SIDHE: Ooh, star-crossed lovers!
NIGI MITAMA: Are these really the only three things that popped into your mind? Well, of these, it seems most likely to be the Milky Way.
NUE: Maybe answer—
KODAMA: Sorry, buddy, but I don’t think that the traditional food of Tanabata is a candy bar.
Oh yeah! They gotta cross the Milky Way to get to each other! So if the traditional food is something inspired by the Milky Way…
IZANAGI PICARO: What the fuck are these options!? Are you an idiot!?
SETANTA: I know a few of these words.
PISACA: I prefer rotting flesh, myself.
ARSÈNE: You’re pretty sure the answer is “soumen noodles,” but only because it’s the only thing that’s both Japanese and not literal candy.
KIN-KI: Anyone else think it’s weird that the devil magician guy is talking here? He’s not one of the Trickster’s masks right now.
SUDAMA: Yeah, butt out! This is our show!
ARSÈNE: I am always with him. Just say “soumen noodles.”
Yeah, I could see that! The Milky Way’s like a long white bundle of them, right? The traditional food of Tanabata’s gotta be soumen noodles!
The traditional food for Tanabata is soumen noodles. Originally, in China they ate a baked good that we call sakubei in Japanese to appease demons. Over time, that pronunciation went from sakubei, to sakumen, to soumen—a wholly different food.
IZANAGI PICARO: So it had nothing to do with Takamaki’s idiotic rationalization, then.
Going with the theme of calming demons, soumen on Tanabata is sometimes called “demon guts.” Go restore your strength with some seasonal food and get ready for your exams.
Nice! Lady Ann seems really relieved!
Maaku gains Charm +1.
LEANAN SIDHE: Well, aren’t you a little casanova?
KODAMA: Please don’t make this weird.
You’re really good at studying… I’m impressed.
NIGI MITAMA: You should probably keep the process through which you actually came to that answer to yourself.
Morning → After School
Music: Tokyo Daylight
Chihaya contacts us about her fortune-telling hours.
(Doting Father) Okay, I can buy that for you. Where do they sell it?
Huh? You don’t know? …I guess you’re too busy at work.
O-Of course I know!
Music: Tokyo Emergency
Meanwhile, I am here to observe the public in an attempt to refresh my mind. Do you need something?
We’re going to check out Yusuke’s skill card deal, since we haven’t made use of it yet.
So you wish to take advantage of our deal. I understand.
What are you gonna ask Yusuke to do today?
What type of card do you want Yusuke to duplicate for you?
We don’t actually have that many skill cards yet, but I’ll pick Psi to duplicaste. We don’t have a lot of Psychokinesis skills at the moment.
So you want him to duplicate a Psi card for you?
Very well. Hand me the card. I will spend the rest of today working on it. Come back tomorrow or later to retrieve it.
Well, you can’t spend the *entire* rest of today on it, because I actually wanted to hang out with you.
I am still unsatisfied by what happened at the exhibition. I have thought a great deal about it… And, well… there is something I would like to try painting. Do you think you would be free to help?
IZANAGI PICARO: Say no. This boy seems strange.
KIN-KI: You’re strange.
IZANAGI PICARO: Yeah, well… That’s… accurate.
I am in your debt. It would be rather difficult to go by myself. Now then, our destination is Inokashira Park. Let us go.
Which event was this again?
Emperor Rank 4: Part 68
Music: My Homie
Oh, right, it’s the one with the Incest Boat™.
Oh, okay, whew. It’s an art thing. Really thought I was gonna be murdered for a while there.
Why would you believe that?
I dunno. You’re still kind of an enigma to me, man.
This body of water is far too small and well-trafficked to conceivably dispose of a corpse, anyway.
PISACA: Maybe he was planning on eating it. That’s what I would have done.
KIN-KI: Yes, we know.
(Young Man) Hahaha, don’t get so excited. You’ll fall off, you know.
Ah, exactly what I was looking for! Mere desire is not enough to paint a complete picture of the heart, but the burning passion of love will surely reignite my artistic spirit!
KIN-KI: I’m kind of afraid of this guy.
KODAMA: …Yeah, same.
LEANAN SIDHE: Oh, you guys are no fun. I’m fond of this one, myself. But artists have always liked me. I give them inspiration, they give me their remaining lifespan… It’s win-win, really. And I’m interested in his subject. What’s not to love about young passion?
You will have an important role to play here today as well. While I draw, ensure the boat remains as steady as possible amid these devilish ripples.
Yeah, that’s probably the reason people don’t often paint on rowboats.
Ah, yes! This is the perfect angle! I can see the overflowing passion in their eyes! They’re akin to Adam and Eve… And even if one day, they are forced to separate, love will endure! That is the truth of the human heart! Yes… yes! This painting will be marvelous! They’ll see! They’ll all see!
Hm? Who’s that strange boy yelling over there? Wait… is he drawing us?
Please, just remain still… I’m capturing your blazing love for artistic purposes!
Uhhhh…
We’re siblings, dude.
Ah, jesus!
This did not go as I foresaw…
Wait, isn’t this rowboat thing for couples? Why are you doing it if you’re not dating?
Why are *you* in a rowboat? Are you dating that guy? No? Well then fuck off!
I mean, I could be. You don’t know.
LEANAN SIDHE: Hm. Well, that’s unfortunate. This seemed interesting at first, but you should probably just leave now and forget this ever happened.
NIGI MITAMA: Yes. I agree. Especially the part where you wipe this from your memory.
I see. Love comes in all forms. I was biased and mistook one form for another. Though, perhaps depending on one’s point of view, romantic and familial love may be indistinguishable…
No, I think they’re pretty different, dude.
Anyway, I feel like I’ve learned something today.
I can sense a quiet resolve from Yusuke…
We should probably go home before they call the cops on us.
A wise decision, Maaku. Please row us back to shore, then.
For that event we chose options 2 (+2), 1 (+3).
Music: Alright (Elp Version)
It would seem I understand nothing of love after all. Though I’ve progressed by one step, there is no doubt I will face many difficulties moving forward. When will I fully understand the heart? Even if I ever do understand it, will I truly be able to draw it…?
Anyhow, today was a significant use of time. Impressive oarsmanship from your end, as well. I hope I can count on your help next time as well. For now, farewell.
After School → Evening
Music: Beneath the Mask
IZANAGI PICARO: Dare you challenge your feeble brain?
IZANAGI PICARO: You’ll earn no praise from me, boy. That was a pathetic trial.
It really was!
Maaku gains Knowledge +1.
Another Thieves’ Den award for solving a bunch of crosswords.
(Reporter) On these irregularly broadcast specials, we share limited-edition items that are all the rage! Today we’ll talk about Melon Pan, which is made by using lots of fresh, seasonal melons! Apparently they’re the pride of Yon-Germain, the bakery over in Shibuya Station.
I tried buying one of those sandwiches once but some gross freak had already poked their finger through the wrapping. So unsanitary.
(Pundit) Oh, that looks like quite a luxurious snack. I’d love to try one next time I’m in Shibuya.
That sentence doesn’t make any sense, Sojiro. What helps?
Whatever, let’s just hang out with Fake Dad.
But wait! We don’t have a Hierophant Persona! We’ll have to remove a Persona from our stock to summon one from the Inmate Registry. Goodbye, Sudama!
SUDAMA: Bogus!
And hello, Anzu!
ANZU: Hey kid, wanna set some stuff on fire? I’m totally not a cop.
Back to Sojiro, then.
I’ll teach you how to make good coffee. Its taste all depends on you though.
Hierophant Rank 4: Part 50
Music: What’s Going On?
These beans are Colombian, a medium-fine city roast. Oh, and don’t let the water boil too much.
Oh god oh shit I’m gonna fuck this whole thing up and then he’ll disown me…
…You’re gonna be fine. I’ll be here the whole time.
You won’t be able to make an actual blend with just dumb luck, though. You can’t mix beans at random, you need to take the flavor profile and acidity into consideration. It’s all about the bean ratio!
Hmm… Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.
Oh, somebody’s enthusiastic. If you’re really that interested, feel free to try out whatever combinations you want to.
Don’t touch the expensive stuff, though, or I’ll cut you.
I don’t even know which ones are expensive!
Next up is the curry. There’s something special about its flavor. The truth is, a scientific genius actually came up with the perfect spice combo to complement my coffee. Something about the quantification of taste… There’s no formula for flavor, but it IS pretty damn good.
NUE: Food sound good.
IZANAGI PICARO: Wait, did he just say a “genius scientist” created his curry recipe? What!?
KODAMA: I don’t think that’s how taste buds work…
NIGI MITAMA: It’s completely absurd. He’s clearly playing a practical joke on you.
SETANTA: Yeah, call him out!
That’s… really weird and I don’t think I believe you.
Believe what you want, kid, it’s the truth.
Just saying, this sounds extremely made up.
Anyway, we don’t make compromises when it comes to food service. Our stuff’s gotta wow the customers.
I mean, it better, considering that you serve precisely two things here.
This is a tiny shop, after all. Self-satisfaction is the only thing that keeps me going.
Music: Suspicion
Haven’t I already told you I don’t have the money? Look at this place. You see many customers in here?
(Cheerful Elderly Man) Oh, I’m sure that’s not true, Sakura-san! You spent a long time working in government, you must have *something* squirreled away… Especially if you’re taking care of that employee there out of the goodness of your heart.
I wish you’d show me the same kindness you show others.
Wait, what? Kindness? Is that what you think this is? Dude feeds me one thing and keeps leaving me alone to get some tail.
Just stay quiet, kid…
If you’re not planning on buying anything, can you please leave? I’m expecting a phone call, so I don’t have time to chat with you.
Go ahead, take the call. I don’t mind. It’ll give me some time to take with your friend here. Does he know about her? I just have so much to share, where to begin…?
Well…
TAKE-MINAKATA: Fight him!
KIN-KI: What!?
TAKE-MINAKATA: Challenge him to a sumo match!
NIGI MITAMA: No. Do not do that. Just call Sojiro’s phone or something. Give him an excuse.
Oh, there’s that social services call I was waiting for. They come ‘round pretty often to make sure this guy’s not getting in any trouble. Want me to introduce you?
…Oh, that’s right! I have some business I need to take care of myself! I’ll come back later!
So, uh… What’s up with that guy?
*sigh* I guess I should explain what’s going on. He might try and drop by when I’m not around.
He’s an old acquaintance who needs money. That’s all you need to know. Just don’t fall for his nice-guy act.
Oh, trust me, I didn’t. It was a pretty thin act.
I have to say though… I’m surprised you were quick-witted enough to pull that stuff off. You really saved me back there. Thanks.
I feel like my bond with Sojiro is growing deeper…
I wanted to unlock Leblanc Curry before the next Palace, but unfortunately I forgot that getting Chihaya’s Money Reading is absolutely a much higher immediate priority for that Palace, so I feel like I wasted a night here. Oops!
I’m pretty dumb.
I guess that’s just the kinda person you are though, huh…
*sigh* I’d report him to the cops if he wasn’t related to her…
I get it, you’re getting laid. God, stop rubbing it in.
Oh, uh… never mind that. Anyway, that’s it for today. Go… study or something after you close up.
You’re gonna help me clean up, right? Because we’re *both* here?
Good night, kid.
I can see the compassion hidden beneath Sojiro’s actions… I feel my Kindness growing…
Maaku gains Kindness +2.
For that event, we chose options 1 (+3), 2 (+3).
Sorry about today. Didn’t mean to get you wrapped up in my problems. I probably don’t have to say it, but if that guy shows up while I’m out, just try to ignore him, okay? Just let him do his thing, and get on with the job. Got it?
You’re still under probation, so don’t cause a scene, yeah? All right, I’m trusting you on this. Later.
TAKE-MINAKATA: I still think you should fight him.
Anon: Don’t be fooled, everyone!
Early Morning
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
We’re going to read this book on ~cinema~ so we can stop being utter fucking philistines.
Music: Everyday Days
Mize…wha? I-Is this a French term or something…?
Mise-en-scène… I thought film was all about story, but I guess every visual detail on the screen means something. This triggered a whole new perspective for me! I’m ready to watch all kinds of movies and DVDs now!
Thankfully, the stat point boost from this book also applies to rented DVDs.
Early Morning → After School
Music: Tokyo Daylight
There’s one that hints of death. …M… E… D… J…?
Keep going, maybe we’ll get the whole word soon.
I can’t make out anything else… but you will need to be careful.
We’re going to get a fortune reading from Chihaya.
IZANAGI PICARO: Boy. You understand that she’s preying on you, correct? Fortune telling is a ruse. If my old master was here, he’d assemble a disparate group of teenage stereotypes and get to the bottom of this instead of blithely acceding to it.
Well then, shall I read your fortune in detail…?
Okay. Please take a seat.
This is the only option we have at the moment, so we’ll just go with this.
Reading your luck improvement fortune will cost you 5000 yen.
All right, please think of some area in which you’d like to increase your luck.
We’re going for Charm today, because there’s a movie at the Shibuya theater that boosts Charm and we don’t have much better to do today. I should probably have boosted Guts and gone to the movie at the Shinjuku theater, though, because I really need to start Iwai’s Confidant ASAP.
That’s all for today’s improvement reading. I hope you’re happy with your fortune. I look forward to your next visit.
Well, that’s done. Let’s head to the theater.
Music: Tokyo Emergency
It’s a story about a man who struggles to tell the woman he loves how he truly feels.
LEANAN SIDHE: Sounds *racy*.
KODAMA: It really doesn’t.
Since you’ve finished reading The Craft of Cinema, I bet you’ll appreciate this movie even more.
Music: Swelling, heart-wrenching film score
KIN-KI: Are you seriously taking up two seats with your bag-slash-cat? That’s not cool, man.
Lovesick man: Help her! Please, help her! I don’t care about the money or my social status! Please! I just need to… tell her how I feel!
LEANAN SIDHE: Booooooooring. Where’s the fuckin’?
Yeah, nice try. You still owe me that 7500 yen you borrowed. How did you even *spend* it?
I feel like I was able to learn about love… Thanks to The Craft of Cinemap, I was able to enjoy the film on a deeper level…
Maaku gains a boosted Charm +3.
Our Charm didn’t go up. I just wanted to show what it looks like when you have a social stat bonus.
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
All right, let’s go home.
After School → Evening
Music: Beneath the Mask
NIGI MITAMA: Oh, jesus christ.
KODAMA: *This* shit again?
IZANAGI PICARO: Tell him to fuck off.
NUE: Yes, tell shut up.
KIN-KI: Normally, I’d be against this, but… it’s extremely annoying, so I concur.
TAKE-MINAKATA: Or just fight him, either/or.
>Ryuji, my brain is mad at you.
Huh?????
…Anyway, it’s possible that Kaneshiro might be released from custody, but I think that’s unlikely. My sister actually told me she wouldn’t be home tonight.
So it might have worked!? Oh man! I’m gonna stay up all night watching the news to find out!
>No you’re fucking not, who are you kidding here?
Many claim the government’s response is inadequate—this will likely affect approval ratings.
I guess that means we’re the only ones who can fight back against someone like Kaneshiro.
We’re going to call Kawakami tonight, but first we need a Temperance Persona.
Music: Aria of the Soul
We’ll fuse this Jikokuten from Leanan Sidhe and Nue.
NUE: Me say bye.
LEANAN SIDHE: Oh, such a shame… I would have liked to see whatever you were going to get up to with that maid in your room…
ARSÈNE: She spends most of her time there sleeping. Trust me, you would have been bored out of your mind.
Peace and security are my duties… I shall be your mask and grant you my power!
Jikokuten is a guardian deity who protects the east of Buddha’s realm. He is regarded as harmonious and compassionate in China.
JIKOKUTEN: Hello, everyone. Pleasure to meet you all. I hope we get along well.
ANZU: Hey, this guy’s definitely a cop. You should get rid of him. I just, uh… have a feeling.
While I’m in the Velvet Room, I also summon Shiki-Ouji for some reason. I wish I could say why, but I recorded this five months ago and do not remember my state of mind!
SHIKI-OUJI: Oh, you want me? Uh… okay. Wasn’t really prepared for that, but I’m down. Just gimme a sec to get cleaned up, all right?
Music: Beneath the Mask
You know, I’ve been hearing Shibuya’s getting more dangerous lately. I’ m sure you pass by that area on your commute to school, but don’t make too many detours, okay?
Would you like that for 5,000 yen?
Well then, please wait for me till I get thereee!
Temperance Rank 6: Part 64
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
ANZU: Um…
JIKOKUTEN: My word!
SHIKI-OUJI: Not really a fan of the way this is going down, gotta be honest.
KODAMA: You get used to it.
NIGI MITAMA: No. No you do not.
You listened to… my secret. I’ve never been able to tell anyone about it, so… I figured I should actually do some housekeeping today, to say thanks…
Huh? You’ve never done that before, why start now? Besides, turning this into some reciprocal relationship instead of just me doing you a solid feels way skeevier for some reason.
*yawn* Sorry… I need to take a break…
Like, this is exactly what I mean. If you’re tired, you should absolutely take a break. But don’t pretend you’re gonna do housework and then immediately give up on it. Just don’t try at all, I seriously do not care about your “services.”
Why, thank you Master!
Please stop calling me that.
Ughhh… I’m at my limit. Sooo exhausted… *cough* *cough* I’m beat… I can’t stop coughing…
Seriously, you okay? Take it easy.
Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks… *cough*
JIKOKUTEN: This woman is a terrible liar.
ARSÈNE: Yes, we have previously established this.
Haha, just kidding! I just wanted to slack off a bit. I mean, there’s nothing left to hide from you, so the truth comes out, you know? Now that I think about it… I’m glad you’re the one who found out about me being a maid.
Wait, what? You’re *happy* I found out? This entire ordeal seems like it’s completely mortifying for you!
Hm… Uh… Yeah, uh, you’re right, that’s… a weird thing to say, isn’t it? But anyway, are *you* going to be all right in this dusty attic? I worry about you up here sometimes… You need to eat better, too. Fresh vegetables, nothing instant. Eat your vitamins! They’re shaped like Fred Flintstone!
I was not aware that this could get weirder, but you acting like my mom is definitely doing it!
I guess I should get more sleep. I feel all achy…
Something going on?
Takase-kun’s guardians have been asking for more money… I’ve had to beg my boss for more shifts to cover what I need. He was pretty reluctant because I’m not very popular…
Just… take care. Really, I feel like *I’m* the one who should be worrying about *you*.
Oh, it’s fine! Nothing you should worry about. I feel more at ease, now that I have someone who knows about what I’m going through. …I’m talking about you.
One or both of us is absolutely going to prison.
I feel Kawakami’s trust in me strengthening…
ANZU: Wait, time’s up!? She just got here! All you did was talk!
KIN-KI: Talking is better than the alternative…
ANZU: Not what I meant!
KODAMA: Suuuuuuure.
*cough* *cough* I have to get to my next job, so I’m going to head out. Thank you for using our service…
For that event, we chose options 2 (+2), 1 (+3), 2.
I guess it’s a good t hing I splurged at the doctor’s. I finally got some cough medicine that works. Hey, you gotta do some cleaning and ventilating on your own even when I’m gone, okay?
IZANAGI PICARO: Psh. She just wants her job to be easier.
NIGI MITAMA: You’re kind of an asshole, you know that?
IZANAGI PICARO: I did know that.
If you neglect stuff like that, it makes you more likely to get sick.
Wait a minute, we’re supposed to be talking about you! Don’t change the subject.
Times like these are why we invented energy drinks… I just gotta chug one and push through! Okay, see you later…
Well, that’s all pretty worrying. Time for bed, though…
ARSÈNE: As you put your head to the pillow, you can feel your fractured mind healing… at least a bit. For now, the voices are being suppressed…
SHIKI-OUJI: Lame, I wanted to hang more. Well, keep me in mind for your next psychotic break!
Anon: Justice? Sounds sketchy
Anon: i dont buy into that stuff.
Anon: Don’t be fooled, everyone!
Anon: it’s fun, so whatever.
Looks like they’re searching the premises…
Another psychotic breakdown? I can’t handle this…
Does it have something to do with those posters we saw?
Did they arrest the Phantom Thieves?