Chapter 34
The next morning, Ren woke up to find himself the subject of much amusement among his teammates.
He questioned Mona, who apologized sheepishly, then argued that he and Yu had been acting strangely intimate!
Before Ren could retort, Futaba sent him a flurry of chat logs, encouraging him to pursue Yu, assuring him that Yu didn’t seem averse to it, that it was a sure sign of mutual interest!
He should seize the opportunity and snag the man who could create all-stats +15 accessories!
Ren: …
Where was the false god when he needed him to smite these nosy busybodies?!
Yu, however, seemed completely unaffected, sending Ren his usual morning greeting and heading to school as if nothing had happened. If Ren hadn’t seen their conversation from last night, he would have assumed Yu was oblivious to everything.
How could someone be so calm?
Arriving at school, Yu had just taken out his textbook when his phone chimed.
He retrieved it from his desk.
[Ren Amamiya: I’m at school too. Ann won’t look at me.]
[Ren Amamiya: This is the most focused she’s ever been on her textbook, even though class hasn’t started yet.]
Yu chuckled, imagining Ren staring at Ann, who, embarrassed, pretended to be engrossed in her textbook.
[Yu Narukami: They don’t mean any harm. They’re just curious.]
[Ren Amamiya: I know. To distract them from their intense curiosity, I’ve decided to take them to a new Palace tonight.]
[Yu Narukami: Are you sure that’s not revenge?]
[Ren Amamiya: Absolutely not.]
True to his word, Ren led them to a new Palace that evening. The Palace ruler was Kunikazu Okumura, the CEO of Okumura Foods.
Yu had heard of him. Okumura Foods’ scandals were all over the news, from exploiting employees to wage theft. However, he had been strangely fortunate, his competitors constantly plagued by mental shutdown incidents, allowing Okumura Foods to thrive.
It had become the leading food company in Japan.
Yu never participated in the Phantom Thieves’ change of heart activities. He hadn’t visited any Palaces and rarely went to Mementos. Ren, in a somewhat protective manner, kept him out of it.
With some free time, Yu browsed the Phan-Site, surprised to find numerous posts about Akechi.
Unlike before, they were now criticizing Akechi for his opposition to the Phantom Thieves. The backlash was intense, his name even appearing on the “change of heart” poll, with fans demanding the Phantom Thieves reform him, claiming he wasn’t the Detective Prince they admired.
Yu frowned slightly.
The Phantom Thieves’ fame had reached unimaginable heights, but such fervent adoration wasn’t entirely a good thing. And Akechi, being petty, might lash out now that he was the target of public criticism.
If Ren’s identity were exposed, Akechi would undoubtedly taunt him relentlessly, potentially leading to a falling out.
This rivalry was truly troublesome.
Thinking this, Yu messaged Akechi.
[Yu Narukami: How are you doing lately?]
Akechi didn’t reply.
Just as Yu was about to ask Ren about it, a notification chimed from the Phantom Thieves’ group chat.
[Ryuji Sakamoto: Who was that girl? Why was she in Okumura’s Palace?!]
[Ann Takamaki: I don’t know! It was our first time in Okumura’s Palace.]
[Yusuke Kitagawa: What a shame. I wish I could have sketched that Palace.]
[Futaba Sakura: As long as you can draw faster than the robots can kill you.]
[Yusuke Kitagawa: I suppose I need to improve my speed.]
[Makoto Niijima: …I have a theory about that girl. We’ll discuss it at school later.]
Ren, of course, knew who the girl was. He had been paying close attention to Morgana and the team’s dynamics, so even though Morgana hadn’t fully confided in him, there hadn’t been any arguments, and Morgana wouldn’t have run off on his own.
Haru Okumura, who had entered the Metaverse out of concern for her father, would inevitably encounter them in Okumura’s Palace, even if Morgana hadn’t met her before.
If Makoto recognized her, then there was no problem.
Thinking this, Ren patted Morgana’s head. Morgana, annoyed by his ruffled fur, jumped up and bit Ren’s hand.
Just then, a new message appeared in the group chat.
[Yu Narukami: Is she a new teammate?]
[Makoto Niijima: I’m not sure. We need to confirm it first.]
[Ryuji Sakamoto: She’s a super cute girl! Too bad you weren’t there, Narukami-senpai! You missed out!]
[Ann Takamaki: Idiot! Narukami-senpai wouldn’t be interested in that!]
Yu sighed, ignoring the group chat and hanging up his laundry. The weather had been nice lately, and the clothes would dry overnight.
Although autumn hadn’t arrived yet, the night air was cool. Yu leaned against the balcony railing, exhaling softly.
“The breeze feels nice,” he murmured. “Time flies. Autumn is almost here.”
Returning to the living room, Yu picked up his phone, seeing a private message. Akechi had finally replied.
[Goro Akechi: I’m fine.]
[Goro Akechi: Since I oppose the Phantom Thieves, it’s normal for me to face backlash now that they’re popular. It’s nothing to worry about. Public opinion can change in an instant.]
Yu sat on the sofa, reading the message before replying.
[Yu Narukami: Really? You seem a bit off lately.]
[Goro Akechi: Detectives aren’t that fragile. You, on the other hand…]
[Yu Narukami: ?]
[Goro Akechi: I remember you support the Phantom Thieves. What would you do if their true identities were your friends?]
[Yu Narukami: Really? Did you uncover their identities? But my only friends are you and Ren. Are you a Phantom Thief, or is Ren a Phantom Thief?]
[Goro Akechi: …]
[Goro Akechi: No, I was just asking. Don’t take it seriously.]
Akechi didn’t reply further, ending the conversation.
He stood behind the Okumura Foods building, looking at the video he had just recorded. It showed Ren and the others appearing and disappearing in Mementos. While suspecting Ren, he had also been observing his friends, even considering Yu as a possibility.
But now, he had definitive proof. Yu wasn’t one of them.
He suddenly felt sorry for Yu.
He had only made two friends after returning to Tokyo: one was a Phantom Thief, the other, the mastermind.
…How pathetic.
The next day was a rare holiday. Ren had completed all his available Confidant activities, and with no need to improve his stats, he had some free time. Haru hadn’t joined them yet, so he couldn’t progress through Okumura’s Palace. After a moment of hesitation, he messaged Yu.
[Ren Amamiya: Are you free?]
Morgana, perched on his shoulder, watched him type, sighing dramatically.
“So you contact him the moment you’re free, yet you claim you have no ulterior motives…”
“I never said I had no ulterior motives,” Ren replied.
“That’s right…” Morgana suddenly realized something, jumping up, his claws accidentally snagging Ren’s shirt. “Huh?!”
“Ah,” Ren looked at the tear in his shirt. “I should probably buy some new clothes.”
Morgana watched as Ren typed a new message to Yu.
[Ren Amamiya: Come with me to buy some clothes. Morgana’s claws are getting a bit sharp.]
Morgana: …?
Oh no, Joker! How could he use him as an excuse?!
Unfortunately, it worked on Yu.
[Yu Narukami: Oh? Sure, I have something I wanted to talk to you about anyway, Ren. I’m free today. We can chat.]
So Ren met up with Yu, bringing Mona along. The location: Shinjuku.
Mona, not wanting to watch two guys shop and chat, wandered off.
Yu held up different outfits against Ren, comparing them. “Anyway, I’m a bit worried about Akechi.”
“There’s nothing to worry about. He’s a famous detective,” Ren spread his arms to allow Yu a better view. “We don’t really talk much.”
“You two are strange,” Yu said, handing Ren a few outfits to try on.
“You’re friends, but you also seem to dislike each other. Isn’t it uncomfortable to spend time with someone you dislike?”
Ren: …
He pushed his glasses up, realizing Yu had accurately described the nature of his relationship with Akechi.
They disliked each other, yet they forced themselves to interact, creating a strange and twisted dynamic.
At least Ren wouldn’t forgive Akechi for trying to kill him.
Yu had good taste. The clothes he chose for Ren suited him perfectly, the dark colors with hints of red accentuating his sharp features, enhancing his image. Ren bought them all.
He had plenty of money from Mementos. A few new clothes were no problem.
After leaving the store, they found Mona, who had been wandering around. Just as they were about to head home, a fortune teller called out to them.
“Oh? It’s you!” Chihaya Mifune stood up.
Yu looked at her, then at Ren. “Your friend?”
“I just get my fortune told sometimes,” Ren replied. “You know how it is.”
“Oh.”
Yu understood. It was a Confidant activity.
“It’s a rare opportunity. Want to get your fortune told?” Yu pulled Ren towards her. “I haven’t had my fortune told since Margaret did it last year.”
Ren looked at him. “The one where she said you’re not proactive in relationships?”
“…Yes,” Yu sighed. “There’s no need to keep bringing that up.”
Chihaya, of course, was delighted to have more customers. More income!
“What would you like to know?” she asked, her eyes sparkling. “Love, career, luck, warding off bad luck… I can do it all!”
“Impressive,” Yu, always providing positive reinforcement, immediately praised her.
Ren, remembering how she had scammed him out of 100,000 yen, didn’t react.
“I’ll have my friendship fortune told,” Yu said.
Ren thought for a moment, then said, “Love.”
Hearing Ren’s choice, Yu’s gaze shifted slightly. He looked at Ren, their eyes meeting. Ren stared back at him openly, the Phantom Thief leader showing no hesitation.
Sensing Ren’s boldness, Yu smiled faintly.
He was truly a captivating person.
Chihaya, watching them, felt like she was intruding on a private moment.
Being a professional, she quickly drew the tarot cards, hesitating as she saw them.
“Be careful. There might be some trouble in your friendships soon,” Chihaya placed a card before Yu. It was the reversed Justice Arcana.
Ren raised an eyebrow, looking at the card.
“As for love…” Chihaya placed another card before Ren. “Your love life looks very promising, but there might be some minor obstacles. Don’t worry, though. After overcoming these challenges, you two will be together.”
Yu looked at the two cards, resting his chin on his hand, his gray eyes reflecting the images.
“Mine is reversed, but yours is upright?”
“You really should address the Akechi situation, Ren.”
Ren looked puzzled. “What does that have to do with me?”
“I don’t think it matters whether these cards are mine or yours,” Yu met Ren’s gaze, a knowing look in his eyes. “So you should be careful too.”
Ren looked at him for a few seconds. “But my love fortune is upright.”
“Of course it doesn’t matter. It means mine is upright too,” Yu said, smiling warmly and sincerely.
Mona/Chihaya, watching them: …
Ah, the cloying scent of love.
