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Chapter 80: 7/12: Student Counsel President (New)
Sixth birthday in a row spent Let’s Playing Persona 5! And here’s to six more! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH
Anon: Can I make a request here?
Early Morning
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
(Vegetable-Loving Male Student) A summer festival, huh… How can anyone eat so much fatty food when it’s so hot out…
Man, you just don’t get it. It’s BECAUSE it’s hot out that we eat all that meat. Come on, let’s go check it out. I’ll treat you to a skewer.
A summer festival, huh… You think they’ll have any A5 beef there? Well, you should worry about finals first. Once those are over, it’ll be summer vacation, so stay focused!
(Lighthearted Guy) Yeah, they’ve really taken off since the whole Kamoshida thing. The legend of the Phantom Thieves started at OUR school! We’re practically one of them!
And who can’t relate to what they’re doing? Punishing corrupt adults up to no good—the police should take notes.
Early Morning → Morning
Music: So Boring
Behind Kamoshida’s arrest are the “Phantom Thieves,” the mysterious group that changes people’s hearts. If I recall, there were similar rumors back during that business with Kamoshida-kun. Help the weak and crush the strong… Truly a modern legend of the gentleman thief. In the long history of humans, the gentleman thief has been seen briefly during times of turmoil. Now then, please look at this picture. Hamiru-kun.
He did something during the Sengoku period that had him and his family boiled to death.
Oden wouldn’t be oden if it wasn’t boiled!
Do you know what he did?
That’s correct. Ishikawa Goemen is Japan’s most famous thief… He’s very popular, and some called him a gentleman thief. By the way, the Goemon bath comes from his name.
Goemon’s exploits have been documented in many forms of media, like kabuki and novels.
Maaku gains Knowledge +1.
However, it’s not actually clear whether or not Goemon was indeed a gentleman thief. Rebellion against Hideyoshi, whose campaign had failed; propaganda by the government to sully his name… The gentleman thief Goemon may be no more than an illusion made by varying motivations. In actuality, most heroes and gentleman thieves throughout history are something like that.
Let’s make sure people don’t think we’re just an illusion. But before that, you need to study for the exams that are starting tomorrow.
Morning → After School
Music: Ideal and the Real
I know the phrase “counseling session” can make some people nervous, but don’t be. Considering you’re the student council president, I’d rather they didn’t force you to come here at all, actually.
Well, I was advised to come, but I still chose to do it on my own.
Oh, good! Glad to hear it.
But please, there’s no need to be concerned about my being here. Feel free to discuss anything with me.
Heh, you’re sounding more like the counselor in here than I am.
Oh, not at all—in fact, quite the opposite. I’m actually a bit of a mess, and I always have to turn to others for help.
Well you sure had me fooled. Even still, getting help isn’t a bad thing at all. In fact, it’s wonderful that you have a support system.
Indeed… Especially lately. I feel like I can’t do anything right by myself nowadays.
I’ve come to understand all too well that it’s a bad idea taking on more of a burden than one should.
You really do seem like someone with a mature sense of responsibility. However, that may by why people around you—especially the adults who should be protecting you—rely on you so much.
Adults… who should be protecting me?
Ah… You live alone with your older sister. I see.
Honestly, it only felt like the norm to me.
…Do you still remember them? Your parents.
Yes. Not as much about my mother admittedly, but my father, without a doubt.
“A bit”?
Is that so… And are you doing okay now? Is your support system adequate?
It’s not as if I have a team of employees or anything, but I do have people that I’m able to rely upon well. Of course, I’d never think of them as replacements for my father or my sister. No one could replace either of them.
No one can ever be replaced… yet we need to keep pushing towards our future. Should anything come up that you want help with, I’ll be there to support you… Though my skills are pretty limited.
Aww, how nice for Makoto.
Music: Tokyo Daylight
I’d be pretty sad if the leader of the Phantom Thieves got bad grades.
It looks like they saved me again. I guess I’ll become a fan of the Phantom Thieves, after all.
(Energetic Student) I hope Akechi-kun isn’t too shocked from all the backlash he’s been getting online… I’ll still believe in Akechi-kun, though! I mean, he’s so handsome! Like, ridiculously handsome!
I mean… fair.
Now it’s safer to go to Shibuya.
(Foodie Girl) Speaking of which, the Melon Pan sold at Yon-Germain Bakery is on fire too! It’s so delicious, the flavor’ll bring you back to life! Or at least from the brink of death.
Whoa, that good? It’s just bread, but I guess I shouldn’t underestimate it…
That’s the spirit!
I’ve seen it in Shibuya before too! It’s like, totally cool.
I hope they keep it up. I’ve been rooting for them this whole time!
Aren’t they incredible? I hear they’re really gaining momentum.
By the way, this is a damn good drawing. Is Hamiru a Phanboy?
I think our popularity’s rising! We’re really starting to get famous!
I suppose I’ll ask you this too, just in case. Who do you think will be their next target?
Oh… Okay. Sorry, I probably shouldn’t have asked you out of the blue like that.
Maaku, don’t be so rude! You came up to her, not the other way around!
Well, if they want a bigger target, maybe the government? That’d be really interesting. I have no idea what they’ll do next. I’m a bit excited, but it’s also kind of scary.
Maybe laying it on a little thick there, Maaku…
I see… So rather than acting right away, they’re carefully observing society for now? It might also be that the criminals have been scared into hiding by the Phantom Thieves.
She says she knit her boyfriend a scarf, which made him super happy. Maybe that’s you, Ikesugi-kun?
(Handsome Student) Ah, stop it… That scarf freaked me out, so I threw it away. That’s only a coincidence.
Maybe you should ask that genius detective Akechi-kun to get to the bottom of this? Juuust kidding.
Oh, wait… When I marry him, I’ll be Yumeko Ikesugi… *giggle* I’ll post online about anyone who gets in my way. And they’ll bleed! It’ll be a blood storm!
Storm of blood, born from blood of our fallen brothers…
(Energetic First-Year) People are all about them right now. I totally voted “YES” in that online poll!
Yeah, I think Akechi-kun might’ve jumped the gun a little by saying they’re dangerous.
They should team up and take out Tokyo’s trash together!
You’ll get your wish eventually! Sort of!
Heh… Who would have known that Kaneshiro had that up his sleeve…? I can hear the people’s cries for a hero to fight evil… But for now, let me rest a bit… Heh.
Smashing the mafia in one night was a difficult feat, even for someone like me. I can hear the people’s cries for a hero to fight evil… But for now, let me rest a bit… Heh.
Heroes like them must get all the girls. Maybe I’ll quit basketball to join the Phantom Thieves.
(Intense Soccer Player) The Phantom Thieves are just a fad! You’re not seriously thinking of quitting the team, are you!?
I just don’t think it’s gonna work out. There aren’t that many talented people I can get to join our team.
Thank you, but the Phantom Thieves are not accepting applicants at this time.
(Kind Faculty Member) Be careful not to spread weird rumors. Students should concentrate on studying, anyway.
Oh, crap! It’s almost finals! I don’t want to fail and have to take remedial classes.
Sounds like you’re screwed if you’re only thinking about it the day before.
I wonder if the Phantom Thieves can steal test questions. Hahaha! Nah, that’d be impossible!
I’ve just been focusing on our team lately, but it’s about time I get some studying done.
(Female Volleyball Player) I decide to go to a cram school. We can’t afford to waste any time playing around…
(Refined Male Student) I’ll pass. Finals are soon, and summer’s a good time to overtake my competition and reach the top.
Gentle Male Student) Taking entrance exams sucks. It doesn’t help that the teachers say they know who’ll pass and fail.
One cannot rest on his laurels if he wishes to stay at the top. We must always strive and work hard.
“Final exam schedule: July 13th-16th. Results will be posted on July 19th.” “Aim for the Olympics!” “High hopes for Yoshizawa’s performance!”
(Bothered Student) Hey! It’s almost summer break! I’m going to spend it by going out and having as much fun as I can!
He’s been talking about Egypt and stuff… But is he really working on deals with people overseas?
(Young-Looking Woman) Is it because of Medjed? That thing on the internet, right?
Yeah, that! He was getting frustrated about being stuck at work since he can’t take his computer home anymore.
It’s a little hackneyed (pun intended) that people instantly start bringing up Medjed now that the Kaneshiro “arc” is done. Seed this stuff in the writing little better, folks!
(Veteran Station Attendant) Yes, that’s good. Though I’m afraid something awful’s happened.
Oh… A jumper?
Yes. I overheard the police. Seems he was fired from his job and didn’t know what to do… Something about his client list getting leaked, so he was let go. The world can be rough sometimes.
I see! So you’re relieved… for the moment. However, he still seems to be expressing some discontent about how long the arrest took! And that concludes our on-the-spot coverage.
I see. So you think it isn’t over yet, hm? It appears that today’s youth are growing impatient with the lax police investigation procedures! And that concludes our on-the-spot coverage.
I see. No comment then, hm? He is so pessimistic about the country’s future that he sees no point in sharing his opinion! And that concludes our on-the-spot coverage.
*grunt* This too is thanks to the power of the Sun God and his blessing of the Phantom Thieves.
Um, I don’t mean to dispute you, Sun God, but I thought your power was weak during the rainy season?
Th-The power of the Sun God cuts through the darkness! Heal your battle wounds, my apostles…
(Veteran Pick-Up Artist) I’m the romantic phantom thief, here to steak your heart… The Love Thief of Pounding Hearts!
Love Thief… of Pounding Hearts…? Isn’t that a bit corny?
Idiot, that’s the point! Just give it a try!
I completely support the Phantom Thieves now. Hopefully they bring more bad apples to justice!
(Modest Housewife) I can only imagine what the police are doing. They haven’t seemed very reliable.
I agree. Although, I’m sure they’re reevaluating how they handle crime prevention.
The police? Prevent crime? That’d be a first.
We get our Psi card. I choose not to ask for him to make another card because I don’t have any good ones for him to duplicate at the moment, unfortunately.
Everyone runs away as soon as they see my face, but I’m not really sure why… Hey, can I ask you something? Do you think it’s possible that someone’s personality could change overnight…? No, sorry. Never mind…
Haha… I don’t think I’ve done anything that would make people run away like that. Hey, can I ask you something? Do you think it’s possible that someone’s personality could change overnight…? No, sorry. Never mind…
(Stylish Male Student) Don’t trust the cops. The real calling card was posted online!
I guess it doesn’t really matter who did it, as long as they’re getting rid of the bad guys.
You’re so nonchalant, as usual…
(Sad Old Man) What are the police doing, letting those fishy Phantom Thieves steal their thunder!?
He was still arrested in the very end. It all worked out, didn’t it?
Come on… Can you really trust someone who hides their face like that!?
The description is right, you really are a sad old man!
(Radio Announcer) Mr. Kaneshiro has been taken into custody for questioning. The investigation is ongoing.
Looks like the police are finally doing their job. Well, another crook like him will come along sooner or later. That’s just the way it is.
(Gentle-Looking Mother) Hmm… I’m not sure. It seems like they only fight the bad guys.
(Lazy Dog) Woof! Woof!
Kotaro says he likes them!
Oh, really? They must be the good guys then.
Yeah, I’m not doing too shabby. People really fall for these “too-good-to-be-true” stories. Just butter ‘em up a little, and it’s a cinch. There are so many gullible people everywhere!
The thugs in Shibuya are mostly gone, so maybe I’ll wait around there to pick up some fares.
(Taxi Driver) Those “Phantom Thieves” got rid of the bad guys, right? What are they supposed to be, superheroes?
One of my fares, he was pretty young, said they’re more dependable than the police.
“Kept ranting about catching some fellow named ‘Dobu,’ as well.”
Hahaha, maybe. It’s embarrassing for the police, having someone do their job for them.
It’s up to you to protect what’s really important. You can’t take risks in these dangerous times. But what can you do to protect yourself? Don’t worry—our security systems are the answer! Please contact our company for installation services!
(Serious-Looking Lawyer) And thanks to the internet, now everyone knows the police were just full of talk.
Now that the police have lost face, the mass media will swing over to the Phantom Thieves. Phantom Thieves, huh? Looks like things’ll get pretty busy for us soon.
(Kichijoji-Native Girl) Just ace the next one! Wanna go study somewhere?
Oh, let’s go to the pancake shop near the station! There should be plenty of seats on a weekday.
I can already tell there’s gonna be no studying… Not that I care. Kichijoji gets featured on TV a lot, but it’s really a lot of chain stores that get crowded on the weekends.
(Doting Father) Hahaha, isn’t it great? Nothing else like it in the summer!
Can we go somewhere together this summer? …Oh, never mind. Thanks, Dad!
I want to take some cute pictures of you!
(Bobbed-Hair Girl) But, Mommy, you already took lots of pictures. I wanna go hooome…
(Mild-Mannered Dad) I have to agree with Mami. I’m beat after walking all over Kichijoji… I’m sure all your mom friends will still be green with envy once they see the pictures you took.
Shush! Just do as I say! We’re almost done! My reputation is at stake here. I have to be the coolest mom on social media!
Oh, I hate this!
It might just be a whim of youth, but there are times when naïve justice is called for.
(Stocky Man) At first I thought it was a bunch of kids pulling pranks, but now I’m impressed. I wonder what they’re going to do next. In fact… I wish they’d bring a change of heart to someone I know.
Even you think of stuff like that? Mind if I ask whose heart?
Huh? Oh… It’s my wife. She’s scary! The woman’s a fiend, I tell ya! Haha!
Take my wife’s heart… Please!
Music: Butterfly Kiss
I don’t want you collapsing when you take my medicine. So, what are you here for today?
Now that Takemi has some Takemedic-All-Zs, we’re going to buy a few, just in case we’re ever caught without Mediarama. Also, three Relax Gels, because we were running low on those.
But we’re really here for a clinical trial, so let’s get to it. I’m not afraid of the sick juice!
I’ve been really busy lately with all my new patients, but… What the heck? Oh, everything’s set up already.
Oh, that old lady from earlier forgot something… I wonder if she’s still outside…
Death Rank 6: Part 37
Music: Alright (Elp Version)
…It was right in front of me, so…
Oh my! You’re a shy one, aren’t you?
I-I’m not shy.
My neighbor speaks highly of you. She says your medicines are better than those at the big hospitals.
I don’t trust Big Doctor! I want some shady lowlife to sell me homeopathic remedies! And also brain pills! But thanks anyway, dearie. It’s nice having a good town doctor around here. See you soon.
What’s the matter, resenting your sudden popularity? Well, too bad. This is my revenge for the abominable cough syrup.
Ever since that girl and her dad showed up, they’ve been talking to anyone who’ll listen about how amazing I am. I’ve started getting a ton more patients… and with that, a lot of crazy requests. I had to give an endoscopy to a cat… and I even had a police unit rush in and ask me to defuse a bomb…
Those don’t sound like your field of expertise…
Yeah, that’s what I said!
But, come on. You must be enjoying the adulation on some level, right?
…All I want is to complete my drug. I’m the Plague. That’s all I’m suited to be.
Really? Because honestly, it suits you.
Huh?
…Well, you’re entitled to your opinion.
I think it’s a little late for me to try to be a “town doctor,” though…
Oh yeah, about those clinical trials… With so many new patients, it’s taking longer to analyze the data, so I’ll need to catch up.
What are you getting at?
…Just that the medicine’s going to be a bit… stronger this time.
Ah, shit!
Oh, by the way… that girl who came in seems to be making a full recovery. Hopefully she can return to school soon… It’d be a load off my mind.
*barely contained grinning*
For that look on your face, you’re getting a double dose today.
I feel like cooperating in that shady clinical trial has increased my Guts…
Maaku gains Guts +1.
Okay, thanks for your hard work.
I know it was probably a lot to handle. Considering I doubled the dosage and halved the activation time… But we’re so close. We’re right at the end of all this—I can feel it. I’ll need you to stick around just a little bit longer. I hope you can handle it.
If you’re that excited about it, maybe I’ll just give you a dose of everything and see how you hold up. Well, I’ve got some catching up to do. I have to process today’s data as quickly as possible.
After School → Evening
Music: Beneath the Mask
Guess I should head home…
Oh boy, more crosswords!
Music: Everyday Days
That was probably the easiest one so far.
Oh, wow… Even I couldn’t figure that one out.
Oh, shut up. I can’t tell if you’re patronizing me or if you’re really just that dumb.
Maaku gains Knowledge +1.
Music: Beneath the Mask
Kaneshiro has admitted that he gave orders to his subordinates to carry out crimes.
That fiend!
However, countless people fell victim to his scams. Investigating every single scam will take time.
Oh, he really scammed a lot of people. I guess we’ll just leave the rest to the police.
We need a Fortune Persona for hanging out with Chihaya tonight, but we don’t have one on hand (nor have we ever obtained one through negotiation or Fusion). To the Velvet Room!
Music: Aria of the Soul
We make Clotho from Anzu and Setanta.
Spin and spin, the thread of fate… I am the mask which can see your past…
Clotho is the youngest of the three Fates, also known as the Moirae Sisters, who control the metaphorical “threads” of life of every mortal. Clotho is the one who spins the thread, while her older sisters Lachesis and Atropos measure and cut it, respectively. You might remember them as those old ladies from Hercules. Even the gods are technically mortal, so even they fear the powers of the sisters. Clotho, as the one who spun each thread, is able to make major decisions about each person’s life, such as when they are born.
While I’m here, I’m also going to use the Electric Chair to make some goodies, such as this Prayer Ring to get a Kouha-granting accessory from Nigi Mitama.
Also, this new weapon for Morgana from Pisaca.
Rude, but fair.
Hm…? There was a woman last time too… Wait… is that…? A-Anyway, please be careful… Well then, what would you like to do today…?
I’ve been waiting for you! Let’s do the verification test already! I will surely figure out your trick!
Oh, I was just about to do a reading for a client, so please stay and watch…
Fortune Rank 2: Part 69
Music: What’s Going On?
Hello there, Mifune-sensei. I can’t wait for today’s session. Your last prediction was practically perfect. By the way, um… who is this boy?
I’m her parole officer, here to make sure she doesn’t scam anyone else.
Ignore him. This is just my… apprentice. Yeah, something like that.
Apprentice? I hope you know some magic tricks you can teach me, because I want nothing to do with learning this brand of chicanery.
Silence!
Whatever, lady. At least when I steal from people I don’t leave them thinking I did them a favor. Wait, *do* I do that? I need to think about this…
Again, just ignore him.
I’m not sure what he’s muttering about, but it’s nice to see he’s okay with working for a woman. In my line of work, that’s unheard of. One of my male coworkers just stole all the credit for a project I poured my soul into… And my boss said it was just the natural order of things for a woman like me.
How terrible!
That’s why I’m thinking about leaving and starting my own business. I’ve been planning this for some time, but I’ve been worried about finding a foothold in the market…
In that case, let’s ask the tarot! Show us the truth, O divine power…
I’ve seen it all. The cards are in reverse… Your business is doomed to failure.
Is there anything I can do!?
I’m sorry, but no. It is inescapable.
*ahem*
Apprentice! What are your thoughts? Surely changing such a meager fate as this is child’s play for you!
I am technically a child, but okay.
This woman’s male-dominated work environment is crushing her, and her business is doomed to fail! What say you!?
I guess it’s hopeless…
Nah, that’s stupid.
Huh?
Just do it. But, uh, try succeeding instead of failing.
But… this fate is inescapable! She cannot possibly—
I believe in you, total stranger.
You’re right! I can do it! I’ll tear the industry down and build a new one on top!
I mean, if we’re tearing something down maybe it should be, like, capitalism, instead of just trying to make yourself the best hashtag girlboss—
I will be the oppressor! I will be the boot! Bow down before me, peasants!
Oh, nope, she’s not listening.
See you later! I have Pinkertons to hire!
The cards will surely back me up on this. I don’t even need to read them to know that. But I’ll check just in ca--
How!? You did it again! You changed her fate!
Is that bad? Sorry, I didn’t mean to.
Have you been deceiving me? Are you actually psychic? Did you use your powers to change the order of the cards?
Lady, I can’t even get you to give me a refund.
Yes… That has to be it. That’s the only way this could happen… Fate cannot be changed. Fate is absolute… That is how it must be.
Fate can be changed. Fortune-telling is bullshit, and also determinism can eat my ass.
But if you’re right… then how can I keep selling Holy Stones…?
Please stop selling those things.
…A-Anyway! You’ve changed the flow of destiny twice now, both times coming before my very eyes…
This verification has been most helpful!
I can sense Chihaya’s intense motivation…
You’ll come back again soon, right? Promise me!
I’ll think about coming over the next time I want to feel morally superior.
Well, that’s enough for today. Good night!
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
So I’m going to get right to my question! You’re currently standing right in front of your house, correct!?
If everyone could reverse their fate as easily as flipping a table, life would be easy!
Okay, talk to you later.