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Chapter 82: 7/17-7/18: Rain On My Parade
This update covers content from Part 69 of the original LP.
Evening
Music: Beneath the Mask
Huh?
If you were going to the summer festival, why didn’t you invite me!?
…Oh dear.
They’re showing it on TV.
Goddammit.
Mission? What are you talking about? Look, my point is, next time you guys are going out to have fun, can’t I come along too? I’m the Phantom Thieves’ producer, you know!
Because they were excluded, or because it’s mortifying?
New group text with Ryuji and Yusuke. Let’s check it out.
It’s… certainly evocative.
Well, don’t let it get to you. Shit happens.
It’s understandable, given the heat. Perhaps your hands grew sweaty and it slipped.
Next time we’ll make sure we go somewhere we can actually eat.
Agreed. I’d prefer an indoor establishment, myself. Preferably one with ample seating and free refills on water.
Uh… that’d just be the diner again.
And why not? It’s a place of calm where one may also partake of delicious food.
I mean, I guess? Man, all this talk about food’s got me hungry. A cup ramen would hit the spot.
I believe I shall do the same. Fortunately, I recently acquired some high-quality bread crusts.
(Lighthearted Host) Hot and juicy meat! Let’s check out how the summer festival went! Start the video!
(on TV) And if it’s this hot in July, can you imagine just how insane the weather’s gonna be in December? I’d say that we’re really lovers of fruit! Oh, and sweets! Sweets are just to DIE for!
Ryuji is answering the interviewer…
Aw, man. In the end, they still decided to use that footage…
On the bright side, it’s not like Ryuji has much of a reputation to ruin…
(Tired Housewife) Oooh, you’d better keep a close eye on that. You know how it is online. One wrong click, and he might get hacked!
What? No! Don’t scare me like that! I think we were safer when all we had was paper.
What the fuck!?
(Doting Father) Huh? Why would you want something like that?
I’m playing pretend war with my friends, and I wanna show them one!
Okay, then I’ll get you some, so you can brag to all your friends!
This is a comically good dad. Well, I just so happen to already know where to get some MRE Rations, so let’s just take care of that right now.
Music: Layer Cake
If we inspect this machine over in Untouchable…
It costs 800 yen per try, but… You wanna give this a go?
The capsule is a bit sticky…
…Not too bad.
Yeah. To get this item, we have to play fucking MRE gacha. Let’s keep trying until we get it.
Maybe I’m imagining things, but for a split second, I thought I smelled something terrible…
…Well, that stinks.
Already got this one.
Sweet! Got it already!
It seems pretty normal at first glance, but…
Ho… you got lucky there.
Upon checking my inventory later, I will realize that I actually have an additional two MRE Rations I bought off the shopping channel back in May and this whole excursion was pointless.
“This month’s featured product is the masterpiece of the century! It’s the Jagato!”
Wow! I have no idea what that is! Let’s just bounce for now. There’s something else I can talk about now that it’s a Sunday night.
Aojiru, baby! Maaku gains Knowledge +1.
That’s not actually what I wanted to talk about, though. Back to Kichijoji!
“Today’s original drink! Maybe you’ll be able to discover a new side of yourself, maybe one you never knew about!?” Sounds pretty good!
So, here’s where I finally go into the other thing the jazz club can offer us beyond simple stat boosts. We never talked about what happens at the jazz club on Sundays. As you can see, the current cocktail is something called “Marakukaja Soda.” That should sound familiar, as it’s the name of a skill. A good skill, I might add, though a fairly common one. Marakukaja is a party-wide defense boost that Makoto learns eventually. You’ve probably already figured out how this works, but I’ll spell it out: if we take a party member to the jazz club on Sundays, they’ll learn the skill associated with the cocktail. The skills are on a set rotation, with one associated with every free Sunday in the game (or at least, every Sunday after it’s possible to get Akechi to Rank 4 to unlock the jazz club). This changes everything. There is some bonkers stuff in here that will absolutely obliterate the original party meta. I won’t spoil the skills you can get through this, but it’s nuts. This is the reason I’ve been hyper-prioritizing Yoshida even more than I usually would; we want basically every Sunday we get after a certain point to be free. That point is, and I won’t bother hiding this, Futaba’s joining. You may wonder what Futaba has to do with this, as she can’t learn combat skills. The answer is that we don’t actually want to give every combat skill to one of our party members. No, there’s a different reward for taking Futaba to the jazz club on Sundays. But I’ll cut this explanation off there.
We won’t actually be giving anyone Marakukaja, for the record. Makoto already has the Ring of Gluttony, which gives her that skill, and we generally want to have at least one persona in our deck with it anyhow. Therefore, we’ll be skipping this one and heading over to…
Good ol’ Yoshida!
It is imperative that we resolve this situation, and social reform must be led by the government. However, who can the people currently depend on…? Yes, the Phantom Thieves! The fact that they’re being lionized is proof that the government is malfunctioning! The mismanagement by authority figures is what has led us to this terrible condition…
What kind of friends do you spend your time with? You can withstand difficult times if you have friends who support you through them.
I’d also like you to come with me somewhere after the speech. What’s your availability like today?
Actually, Dietman Matsushita asked me to meet after this. You remember how he asked me to become his right-hand man? Well, he likely wants my answer… I’ll need you to come with me after the speech.
Sun Rank 8: Part 86
Why are we here? Ooh, is he going to murder us?
Music: Suspicion
…I heard you met with Kuramoto’s grandson.
Who told you that? Hard to imagine that people care enough about me to keep tabs… But yes, it’s true. Hard to believe he’s the candidate the party is backing to ruin my chances…
I’ll be completely straight with you, since I already asked you to be my right-hand man. We’re currently fighting the Kuramoto group.
What!? You’re going against Mr. Kuramoto!?
I have no idea what that means.
You should probably pay more attention, Hamiru-san. These political schemes and schisms will affect everyone in the country, even you.
Can’t see how.
I have ambitions of my own, you know. I owe him for all he did for me, but I don’t want him to have influence over me forever. All the more, now that he’s secretly working with Diet members from other parties. I know he asked you to join his group, but I think you should decline his offer.
……
They want to keep you on a leash, so you won’t reveal any damaging information.
What do you mean? I don’t know anything.
Don’t you? You’re the one who got blamed for the expense misappropriated case… the case that old man Kuramoto was actually behind.
Tora, say it isn’t so! I believed in you!
Music: Confession/Secret
What did you say…!?
I searched through the party’s off-the-record accounts from twenty years ago. There’s no doubt.
When I put it like that, it was weirdly easy to put the pieces together. I’m starting to wonder how you could possibly have been left languishing for so long with no actual investigation.
Can you still forgive him? He led you into the political world and kicked you out in the worst way!
But why…?
Seems he bought his popularity, and as a result, he was having some serious financial trouble.
It sounds as if you’re saying that this is my opportunity to clear my name… ...And so you need an answer from me on whether or not I’ll be your right-hand man, yes?
His own grandson has already tried to persuade you. Therefore, I can’t wait any longer. If you join me, you can accuse Kuramoto of his crime. You can clear your name and put No-Good Tora behind you. This is your best and last chance!
Join with Matsushita and take my revenge against Mr. Kuramoto, but drop out of the election…
How convenient for you that the “best” course of action for him is to drop out. Don’t do it, Tora. It’d be a betrayal of the people who’ve stood by you. Besides, I wanna see how far this goes.
I see… So that’s how you truly feel about this… ...Matsushita. I appreciate the offer, but I must refuse.
You have no conceivable REASON to refuse!
My goal is to become a member of the Diet, not a right-hand man. I will not cast aside my beliefs. On that I stand firm.
This information would be the deciding factor in taking down Kuramoto…
I’m sorry.
Don’t worry about it. I had a feeling you’d be your usual stubborn self.
…Very well. Please forget it. I apologize for bringing it up so suddenly. I’ll talk to the party and provide support for your next speech about the Phantom Thieves.
I support this plan.
Huh? Why do that?
I don’t want a debate about the Phantom Thieves. I simply want to draw attention to them.
Huh? That’s weird. Oh well, I’m sure it’s nothing.
And you can assert your independence there, on a grand stage. To be frank, I’ll be happy as long as the Kuramoto group’s influence diminishes. Hamiru-kun… Don’t speak a word of this to anyone, for both our sakes. Very well, then.
Yeah, but like… a really confusing and low-stakes one? No offense intended, you’re just about the only compelling character in this whole mess of a “conspiracy.”
My friend is trying to take advantage of me, while my former mentor is trying to win me over. To achieve my dream, I have to set aside my beliefs. What should I do?
Just, uh… keep doing what you’re doing, man. I dunno.
Ha! Well put. Betraying myself means betraying my supporters, you included.
You’ll be fine. As long as you keep fighting for people until the end, even if you fail, people will notice.
For some reason, just talking with you always helps me make up my mind. It’s as if my heart is being manipulated. Perhaps… If the Phantom Thieves truly do exist… then I’m sure they’re very much like you.
*sweating* Uhhh… Why would you say that?
Music: Alright (Elp Version)
You stood by me even when I had no one else willing to believe in me. I’ve been thinking about this for a while. You… must’ve experienced the harsh realities of life, haven’t you? Cruelty and injustice have left their mark on you… I can tell just by looking into your eyes. I can sense your desire to help the weak.
……
You had the strength to stand up for me time and time again. To the hecklers, to Matsushita, to Benzo… You’re clearly no ordinary high school student.
Would you care to… talk about it?
……
Oh shit, I absolutely should not have said that…
…Just a joke. Haha, sorry. I crossed the line there I’ve always lacked restraint in these situations…
*nervous chuckling* Ha, whatever. I’m cool as a cucumber. Don’t worry about it, heh. Whew.
See what I did there? I relieved the tension by making fun of myself. Think of it as an advanced technique for winning people over.
Wow, genius! Nobody ever got sick of self-deprecation! Insulting yourself is the best!
I feel like my bond with Yoshida is growing deeper…
And we get Mind Control, letting us occasionally skip negotiation. I’m always down for that.
Even if I won’t accept Matsushita’s offer, I’ll at least accept his help with setting up that next speech of mine.
I feel like I’ll be able to fully express my beliefs if you’re there with me. We can discuss it again at the speech.
I was able to help move Yoshida’s heart… It feels like my Charm has increased…
Maaku gains Charm +3.
And we rank up.
I told you before… becoming a Diet member shouldn’t be your only goal in life. I still stand by those words, of course, but what are your thoughts on what happened today? Say you were in my shoes. Could you say with all confidence that you wouldn’t be swayed by such a lucrative deal? Humans are easily swayed. One glimpse of a temptation could be all it takes to make us forget our principles. That is why you must never forget what’s truly important to you… You understand?
…Well, the real battle begins now. I need to devote myself to this fully. After all, I can hardly afford to disappoint you. Alright, see you next time. I’ll be counting on you.
Music: Beneath the Mask
Nope! If I take a day off, it’ll dull my senses. Next meet, I’ll make it onto the winner’s podium. I swear! I won’t slip up again like I did before. I’ll have some great news next time I see you! I promise!
Heh. She sure had us worried.
Huh? Oh, right, you were there too I guess.
Anon: Justice is relative, so…
Early Morning
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
Hey, Makoto. Are you going to wear a yukata?
I’m planning on it.
Yukatas are a great part of the summer tradition… They truly heighten a woman’s beauty. I think I will wear mine as well.
You’ve got one…? How about you, Maaku?
I don’t even have a proper bedroom. Where do you think I’m storing a yukata in this sty?
Hey, I know! Why don’t you come without your glasses?
What’s the point in that?
I dunno, you don’t get to see fireworks every day, so it’d be sad just wearing normal clothes! I was just thinking he might want to go for a change of pace.
>We’re going to a fireworks show. Being able to see the fireworks is generally considered preferable.
That sounds great! You should totally come without glasses!
>I don’t know why you guys think these glasses are fake, I have a progressive astigmatism, these were prescribed by a doctor.
DO IT COWARD
>You’re not even using that right!
Welp, you guys better not be late tomorrow!
And so, Maaku was successfully bullied into coming without his glasses. I’m still convinced this cutscene was animated at a point in time when the protagonist was meant to ditch his glasses.
Fireworks and yukatas really add to the feeling of summer… Even Lady Ann will be wearing one…
Oh yeah, there’s a fireworks festival today… If you’re going, be careful. Those things get insanely crowded…
It’d be nice to watch the fireworks with the chief someday. We could watch them right here at Leblanc… Actually, no we couldn’t.
Early Morning → Daytime
It sounds like it’ll be really bad if it turns out to be true.
>Cut to the chase, man.
Oh, sorry. Well, it seems like an insane group is getting ready to declare war on the Phantom Thieves. I was afraid to just hold on to that information myself, so I wanted to tell you at least. That’s actually all I have to say though. Sorry to bother you on your day off.
>And what a nice day off it was, until you went and ruined it. JK, thanks for the update, Mishima.
What could he mean by an insane group…? Hm… Let’s think about this after we get back. We don’t have much time, so let’s get going.
The holiday means it’s as crowded on here as it is for morning rush hour…
(Train Monitor) Now for Today’s Train News. Today’s headlines are… “Fireworks Festival Tonight!” Expect roads and transportation to be congested for the entire day. “Sudden Weather Changes Imminent!” Be careful of sudden shifts in climate from afternoon to night.
Wait, so all these people are going to the fireworks festival!?
Where did you think they were going!?
Huh… This should be fun…
Daytime → Evening
Music: Alright
I feel like I’m being baked…
What a coincidence. I also feel baked. Though that might just be the concussion talking…
Concussion?
Yeah, I keep walking into things now that I’m not wearing my glasses.
Those girls are way too late…
It must be taking time for them to put on the yukata. Why aren’t you two wearing one?
Because two people wearing one yukata would be grounds for a quote-unquote “comedic” act on a variety show, not for actually walking around during a festival.
I meant—
I know what you meant. I already mentioned I didn’t have one in the text earlier. Did you somehow forget?
I don’t got one either.
But man, you look way too normal in that.
People often say that to me.
I’m putting my foot down, we’re not even going to try to unpack that right now.
By the way… ugh, the exams…
I bet you got a big fat F on them.
Shuddup! We—We don’t know that yet!
That’s right.
(Lady in a Black Yukata) You. You’re hot. Come watch the fireworks with us.
Are we… getting hit on?
I think it’s mainly just Yusuke who’s getting hit on.
C’mon, let’s go together.
Do you happen to be a model? You look great in that yukata.
It’s either that or an organ harvesting scheme.
We have good organs too…
Nah man, our organs are shit. Especially mine, with all those burgers I eat. He’s a prime specimen, look at him.
That’s enough. You’re disgracing your yukata. You should be more aware of your womanhood.
Shit, I think he’s onto us.
Let’s jet.
That was uncharacteristically misogynistic of you, Yusuke.
Uh, well… That’s...
…You know, Yusuke’s such a pretty boy, but he is really missing out because of what he says.
At least he stays true to his ideals about womanhood, as weird and shitty as they are. It’s more than Ryuji, at least.
I heard that Ryuji’s pretty much failed his exams.
Oh?
Peek behind the curtain here: I’ve always thought it was weird and honestly kind of boring that after the Kaneshiro situation is resolved Makoto’s latent aggression just fucking evaporates, like she worked it all off for the rest of her entire life or something. I’ve been trying to fit in a joke poking fun at that for several updates now, but have not found any clear, non-tortured way to make that joke, so… I guess this is me giving up.
Mona, you little—
Hey, it’s gonna get crowded if we don’t get moving.
Agreed.
Video: Fireworks
Music: Memories of Summer
This scene is really hard to capture via images. Thankfully, it’s also completely pointless in the broader narrative and I don’t care enough to do much more than summarize it right now! Just watch the original video if you care about this scene.
Yadda yadda let’s skip to the rain
Standing outside the convenience store…
Here’s the characters perving…
Here’s the only relevant part of this scene, Haru showing up, and it doesn’t even actually matter because it’s clearly a relic of an old draft of the story!
Did you guys see that girl in the black car?
Yeah. Why, you know her?
Nope.
Okay then… Let’s just go home. If I can’t see some extremely blurry fireworks tonight, then I can at least salvage tomorrow by getting a full 14 hours of sleep.
See you all later, I guess.
Music: Disquiet
I have nothing more to say to you about that.
I see. In that case, I have ways of making you talk.
Huh? What’s that supposed to—
Thanks for the drink.
H-Hey, we’re not done here yet!
No, you moron.
Suuure it’s not. I saw the googly eyes you two were making at each other. She’s pretty young for you, though. Didn’t know you still had it in you to swing that hard, big man.
Just stop it.
I can see it now! The two of you, locked in bitter enmity, but unable to keep away due to your intense mutual attraction! Why, it’s inspiring me to write a bestselling series of erotic thrillers!
What are you—
What was that about “ways of making you talk,” though? Sounds kinky.
What on earth is wrong with this kid?
It’s past closing time. Clean up the place.
(TV Reporter) (listening in through headphones) Onto other news… The international hacktivist group Medjed has released a statement to the Phantom Thieves.
“To the Phantom Thieves causing an uproar in Japan: Do not speak of your false justice. We do not need the spread of such falsehood. We are the true executors of justice.”
The Phantom Thieves again…?
“However, we are magnanimous. We will give you an opportunity to repent your ways. If you agree to a change of heart, we will accept you as our own. If you reject our offer, the hammer of justice will find you.”
Justice, huh?
“We are Medjed. We are unseen. We will eliminate evil.” Akechi-san, why do you think this announcement was made at this time?
(TV) Probably because the Phantom Thieves were being an eyesore to the ones in charge. Er, wait, I mean—
You’re saying the Phantom Thieves, with their lofty ideals, provoked Medjed in some fashion, yes?
Uh… yeah, exactly.
Both Medjed and the Phantom Thieves are nothing more than groups that uphold an egoistic justice.
What a stupid thing they’re getting riled up on…
Uhhh… Yeah, how stupid.
Phantom Thieves, huh? What in the world are they? You know about them?
Sojiro is clearly living under a rock.
>Who?
I’m the one asking you. Don’t return a question with another question.
Make sure you lock the place up. Also, about the stuff in the fridge— …Well, I guess it’s fine. Just don’t use too much of it.
(TV) It’s possible that more people like these will continue to appear due to their influence.
These Phantom Thieves are setting a terrible example. As opposed to me, who is unimpeachable.
In that respect, the Phantom Thieves face a very serious crime.
Anon: A new hero is born!
Anon: I knew it!!!
Anon: I admire them tbh
Anon: Reduce our cost of living!
Anon: are they tied to Kaneshiro?
Anon: Justice is relative, so…
Anon: i call bs
Anon: YES! fuck the mafia
Anon: fukkin hypocrites
Anon: keep your heads on straight
This is getting interesting!
But why? Did the Phantom Thieves do something to them?
Medjed is really scary…
I’m looking forward to seeing how the Phantom Thieves will deal with it!
Music: Beneath the Mask
You mean those guys people online are going nuts over?
Why do they think we speak of false justice?
What did you want to talk about, Ryuji?
Wellllll, why don’t we go after them as our next target?
An interesting idea. Why?
They’re like, mega-bad hackers or whatever.
Technically, they’re crackers.
>No one cares about that distinction, Makoto.
Well, anyway, they’re an organized group of crackers recognized internationally.
If they’re a global threat, that makes them way bigger than Kaneshiro!
Right!? Our next target’s gotta be Medjed! Let’s put their name in the Nav!
>Ryuji. Come on. You can’t be this dumb.
It’s not a real name. It doesn’t even refer to a single person.
Shouldn’t we still look into it? We might find SOMEONE’s info.
We would have no way of discovering their location, though. Medjed only operates online.
>Also, I know it’s basically our standard modus operandi, but this is literal doxxing. Doing that’s a pretty cop move, is what I’m saying. And it wouldn’t even work! These kinds of organizations are usually leaderless!
*pause*
Hellooo?
…It seems he had suggested this without putting much thought into it.
C’mon, we can’t back down now! People are all excited about it! Our reputation’s gonna plummet if we don’t face this shit.
That is true. If we remain silent, people would believe we simply chose to run away from the matter.
>We don’t even have any official channels to respond to this, though. Even the Phan-Site is a *fansite*. We should probably have started by, like… making a Twitter account. It’s a little late for that now.
Even still, they’ve taunted us publicly.
And we cannot let criminals abide.
>Uh, Yusuke. We’re technically criminals.
Right, yes. That is true. Oops.
Maaku, let’s talk to Mishima about this tomorrow.
>Right-o.
Also, Makoto. Try seeing if your sister has any info on ‘em.
It’s highly unlikely, but sure.
A world-class target, huh? If we can change Medjed’s heart, it’ll most definitely affect Mementos.
Hey, not bad!
Right!? I’m a natural with this candy photography stuff!
I’ll hope for your sake that was intended to be “candid” photography.
It’s a shame about the rain, but at least it means today was a little more memorable.
Yeah! But next time we really can’t miss the fireworks!
Agreed. Still, it was almost impressive how swiftly the weather turned terrible. Perhaps one of us is simply fated to bring rain wherever he goes…
“To the Phantom Thieves causing an uproar in Japan: Do not speak of your false justice. We do not need the spread of such falsehood. We are the true executors of justice. However, we are magnanimous. We will give you an opportunity to repent your ways. If you agree to a change of heart, we will accept you as our own. If you reject our offer, the hammer of justice will find you.”
“False justice,” eh? Who do they think they are?
My goal here is to get my Guts to Rank 4 so I can unlock Iwai’s Confidant. Unfortunately, our current DVD gives Kindness, so we’ll have to finish that one first. We’ll exchange this one on a later date. Now, I could just play the one video game we have instead, Star Forneus, as that does give Guts, but I’d prefer to get this DVD out of the way, especially with the movie buff.
Music: I dunno, some downbeat soft piano
Ghost voice: You can see me!? Please, tell him the truth!
Woman’s voice: Don’t worry. You’re safe. Can you tell me what happened?
Was that ghost telling the truth? I’m on the edge of my seat here…
Music: Everyday Days
Maybe you learned a thing or two about Kindness from watching this drama.
Thanks to The Craft of Cinema, I was able to enjoy the show on a deeper level…
Maaku gains Kindness +3.
Let’s go return the DVD soon.