On the Possibility of Raiding the Phantom Thieves’ Leader 11

Chapter 11

In the following days, Ren and the others successfully navigated the Palace, locating the treasure’s position. All that remained was to send the calling card to manifest the treasure.

Yusuke had also designed a compelling logo and refined Ryuji’s crude calling card.

After completing these tasks and having Yusuke deliver the calling card, confirming Madarame had received it, Ren breathed a sigh of relief.

Finishing his evening Confidant activities, Ren messaged Yu while walking home.

[Ren Amamiya: We’re planning to steal the treasure tomorrow after school. Want to join us?]

Yu replied quickly. Unlike Ren, who had to work part-time and raise his Confidant ranks, Yu had maxed out his social links and had saved up a considerable amount of money while living with his uncle. He didn’t need to work and had plenty of free time, spending his days studying and reading to broaden his knowledge.

[Yu Narukami: What do I need to prepare?]

[Ren Amamiya: Nothing. Just use your Persona as usual.]

That all-powerful Persona didn’t require any support. Besides, Ren couldn’t afford any decent weapons at this stage, so giving Yu any wouldn’t make much difference.

[Ren Amamiya: However, I’d prefer you to stay hidden nearby and observe for me. Is that okay?]

Yu looked at the message, puzzled.

Stay hidden? Not participate in the battle? Just observe?

[Yu Narukami: Why?]

[Ren Amamiya: I suspect we’re being watched.]

[Ren Amamiya: I think there’s another person who can enter the Metaverse, but they’re hiding very well. I can’t find them.]

Ren had given much thought to when Akechi had discovered their identities. In his past life, their first meeting had been at the television station, but their true acquaintance had been on the day they unlocked Kichijoji.

Back then, he had genuinely believed he had made a new friend, never questioning Akechi’s motives.

Now, having relived his life, he was more cautious.

For instance, Madarame’s Shadow, in the Palace’s final moments, had mentioned “the gentleman who visited.” It was highly likely that this referred to Akechi. After Madarame’s change of heart, Akechi must have investigated the Palace. Ren even had a conspiracy theory that Akechi had used Madarame and Yusuke to identify them.

He had approached Ren to confirm if he was indeed a Phantom Thief.

Now, with Kamoshida’s change of heart preceding Madarame’s, Ren wasn’t sure if Akechi would connect the dots and observe them from the shadows.

Being discovered by Akechi was inevitable, but Ren couldn’t let him have free rein.

Even if they were under-leveled, Ren had to prevent him from killing the principal and Okumura.

Yu was his hidden trump card, the best option for stopping Akechi.

Therefore, he couldn’t let Yu appear in the Palace, and he certainly couldn’t let Akechi discover him prematurely.

[Yu Narukami: You mean… the culprit behind the mental shutdowns?]

Despite his naivete, Yu was incredibly perceptive in certain matters, instantly grasping the unspoken implications of Ren’s message.

[Ren Amamiya: …]

[Ren Amamiya: Don’t reveal yourself. You’re different from us. We’re seen as thieves in the Metaverse. With our Phantom Thief outfits and masks, unless someone knows us well, they won’t recognize us. But you have no disguise. Using your true face will put you in danger.]
[Ren Amamiya: That danger extends to the real world as well.]
[Yu Narukami: Are you telling me this culprit is powerful in the real world, and if they can’t defeat me in the Metaverse, they’ll deal with me in reality?]
[Ren Amamiya: It’s a possibility.]

[Yu Narukami: Ren, I’m starting to think you’ve already identified the culprit, or at least have a suspect in mind.]
[Ren Amamiya: …Why did you suddenly call me by my first name?]

[Yu Narukami: I see Ryuji and the others call you that. Can’t I do the same?]
[Ren Amamiya: …]

[Ren Amamiya: You can.]

[Ren Amamiya: Don’t worry. It’s not time to expose him yet. He’s not thinking straight. We need to let him have his way for a while, then knock some sense into him.]
[Yu Narukami: If you say so, I’ll listen to you.]

Ren breathed a sigh of relief, typing a sincere “thank you.”

Morgana, witnessing the entire conversation from inside the bag, peeked out, puzzled.

“Ren? Do you really know who the culprit is? I’ve been with you all the time and haven’t noticed anyone suspicious.”

“Just a hunch,” Ren replied as they walked. “I just have a feeling someone’s been watching us.”

“A gut feeling?” Mona asked curiously.

“Yes, a gut feeling,” Ren continued walking.

Just then, the wind picked up, and a light rain began to fall.

Ren pushed Mona aside, retrieving his umbrella from his bag. Mona protested, complaining about Ren’s lack of gentleness.

There was no one gentler than him.

Ren thought to himself.

To reunite with all his friends, Ren had been following the events of his past life, the only exception being his acquaintance with Yu.

If it weren’t for that, he would have already stormed Shido’s Palace with Yu’s help.

With Yusuke joining them, the school rooftop was no longer a suitable hideout. So the Phantom Thieves established their secondary base in the underground passage of Shibuya Station.

Yu rushed onto the train, panting, and pulled out his phone.

He opened his messaging app, the 99+ unread messages in the group chat making his head spin.

He hadn’t expected his teacher to call him back after school, discussing his university application for half an hour.

[Ryuji Sakamoto: @Yu Narukami Senpai, why aren’t you here yet?]
[Ann Takamaki: Since he’s not at our school, we don’t know what he’s doing.]
[Ryuji Sakamoto: @Yu Narukami Hurry up and reply!]

[Yusuke Kitagawa: I’m from a different school too.]

[Ryuji Sakamoto: Not you! You’re right here! We’re talking about Narukami-senpai!]
[Ren Amamiya: Yes.]

Yu quickly replied.

[Yu Narukami: Sorry, sorry! I’m on my way. My teacher called me back after school to discuss my university application. That’s why I’m late.]
[Ann Takamaki: It’s okay. University applications are important. Glad you’re coming.]
[Ryuji Sakamoto: We’ll wait a bit longer.]

Relieved, Yu put his phone away, waiting for the train to arrive, thinking he needed to apologize for making them wait.

As his anxiety subsided, he faintly heard someone sobbing. He turned around, puzzled.

Since it was after the after-school rush, the train was unusually empty, with only a few passengers scattered about. Yu scanned the car, then hesitantly walked towards the back.

There were even fewer people in this car. At the very rear, a girl with red hair, wearing a Shujin uniform, sat sobbing quietly.

She tried to suppress her cries, but they were still audible.

Yu approached, stopping a meter away.

“Are you alright?” he asked gently.

His voice seemed to startle her. The girl looked up, revealing bright red eyes, glistening with tears, making them appear even more vulnerable.

“Should I call your parents?” Yu asked again.

The girl finally reacted, shaking her head and wiping her tears.

“Thank you, I’m fine!”

“Please don’t worry about me.”

Her words sounded forced, her tears threatening to spill again. She clearly wasn’t fine. Just as Yu considered asking again, the train arrived at the station. The girl thanked him again, then quickly exited the train.

Yu still had one more stop.

He stood there for a moment, watching the doors close and the train depart. A few new passengers boarded and found seats. Yu sighed softly.

He successfully met up with Ren and the others, then entered Madarame’s Palace through the Metaverse Navigator. Yu stared at the opulent museum, still processing.

“It’s true! Narukami-senpai didn’t change into a Phantom Thief outfit!”

“How is that possible?”

“But everyone who awakens a Persona changes, right? Even Yusuke!”

“Yes, and this outfit surprisingly suits my aesthetic.”

“That’s not the point!”

Yu listened to their unrestrained discussion, not minding their curiosity, occasionally interjecting with a comment or two.

Finally, Ren, as their leader, put a stop to their questions, issuing orders and stating that Yu wouldn’t be participating in this heist.

As the Phantom Thieves entered the museum one by one, Yu called out to Ren, who was about to leave last.

“Ren, can I ask you something?”

Ren, wearing his mask, glanced at Yu curiously and nodded.

“Do you know how to tell if someone needs help?”

Ren: …

What a peculiar question. It was impossible to answer.

Ren scratched his head, puzzled. “If even you, who’s so good with people, can’t figure it out, then I definitely can’t.”

“Do you think I’m good with people?”

Yu shook his head, a troubled look in his eyes. “I used to think so, until my good intentions hurt someone.”

“Sometimes people say I’m kind because I’m considerate of others. But being considerate doesn’t mean I’m good with people. And it’s difficult to learn how to interact with others. I don’t know what to do. What if I encounter another situation where I think someone needs help, but they actually don’t need my interference?”

Ren was silent for a long moment.

Every time he thought he understood Yu, he would reveal a different side, reminding Ren how little he actually knew.

How could someone be so concerned about “determining if someone needs help”?

It was endearingly kind.

Ren sighed.

“Regardless, the fact that you’re even considering this question means you’re already kind enough.”

“I think most people wouldn’t resent you for wanting to help them.”

As for the example Yu had mentioned, it only meant that person was unreasonable.

Yu paused, then smiled at Ren. “If you say so, then will you accept my help?”

Ren: …

Sometimes, Ren truly had no defense against Yu. A handsome, gentle boy, whose slight naiveté was not a flaw, his warm gaze as bright as the sun, his untainted sincerity like a flame attracting moths.

“Of course.”

Could anyone truly reject Yu Narukami? It would take an incredible amount of willpower!