Chapter 43
After Makoto delivered the calling card, the Phantom Thieves prepared to steal the treasure. Because the calling card was placed in Sae’s mailbox, the operation remained discreet.
Yu and Akechi didn’t participate. As graduating third-year students and among the top three in their grade, they were called in by their teachers to discuss university applications and future plans.
As he had told Akechi before, Yu chose Tokyo University, while everyone assumed Akechi would pursue a career as a detective, offering their full support. Akechi politely thanked them, his eyes devoid of warmth.
His future wasn’t a bright path of detective work, but a cold prison cell. The irony was almost unbearable, but Akechi’s pride wouldn’t allow him to break his promise. Even a villain had a shred of sincerity.
It was dark by the time they left school. Autumn was fleeting, winter approaching rapidly. Yu stood outside, exhaling softly.
“What are your plans?” Akechi asked.
“Going fishing,” Yu replied. “Ren invited me. I’ve got my rod and bait ready.”
Akechi: …
He closed his eyes for a moment, then said through gritted teeth, “I meant the Phantom Thieves!”
“I envy your ability to be perpetually oblivious.”
Yu looked at him, then asked, “Want to join us? For fishing?”
“That’s not an invitation I’m accepting!”
“I have no interest in being a third wheel!”
Yu chuckled, taking out two cards and handing them to Akechi. They were reservations for a popular, almost impossible-to-book dessert shop.
Akechi was surprised. “You got these?”
“I asked Futaba to snag them. One for her, two for you,” Yu explained. “You like sweets, right? Not just for your detective persona.”
“…Why?” Akechi looked at Yu, puzzled.
“To you, I’m a villain, right?”
“It can’t be helped. We were friends before I knew,” Yu sighed regretfully. “Since we were friends unknowingly, I can’t see you as entirely bad. And I understand.”
“Talking about the future when yours is predetermined must be uncomfortable.”
Yu thought: It was that discomfort that proved Akechi’s genuine intention to confess and atone, choosing the right path. Yu was always forgiving towards those who repented.
“You’re still disgustingly kind,” Akechi pocketed the cards. “Just so you know, I won’t be bribed.”
Yu sighed. “No one’s trying to bribe you.”
“I’m leaving,” Akechi walked away. “Don’t invite me along on your dates with Amamiya!”
Watching Akechi disappear into the subway, Yu sighed softly.
Despite his gruffness, his Confidant rank had increased.
He was happy, after all.
Yu entered the subway, finding a seat and opening the Phantom Thieves’ group chat, which had once again reached 99+ messages.
[Ryuji: You can actually talk a Shadow down?! That’s a first!]
[Ann: Of course you can! That’s what happened with Futaba. Neither she nor her Shadow were our enemies.]
[Yusuke: I’d rather not relive that heatstroke experience.]
[Makoto: I knew my sister could be reasoned with. She knew what she was doing, just pressured into being reckless.]
[Haru: And she hadn’t done anything irredeemable, making it easier to reflect and change.]
[Ren: Makoto will confirm the details, then we’ll plan our infiltration of Shido’s Palace.]
[Ren: Akechi will decide the timing. @Goro Akechi]
[Goro Akechi: …]
[Goro Akechi: Don’t trust me too much. I might set a trap.]
[Yu Narukami: The kind you label with your name?]
[Yusuke Kitagawa: Such unique trap design is only found in fiction, worthy of a reading comprehension analysis.]
[Makoto Niijima: It’s fine. Akechi has evidence against Shido, giving him more leverage.]
[Goro Akechi: …Fine. I’ll let you know.]
Yu exhaled deeply, a sense of relief washing over him.
Despite the past difficulties, with Ren’s false accusation and Akechi’s villainy, they were moving forward. The future seemed brighter, the path clearer.
The train arrived. Yu exited, heading home.
He would celebrate by making bento.
The next day, after school, Yu brought his fishing gear to Leblanc to meet Ren, who was chatting with Sojiro.
“Ren, Sojiro-san,” Yu greeted them.
“Knew it was you,” Sojiro waved at Ren. “Go get ready.”
Ren nodded, heading upstairs with Mona.
Sojiro looked at Yu. “What are you two doing today?”
“Fishing,” Yu showed Sojiro his gear. “I caught the Guardian with this! Quite an achievement!”
“Oh? Not bad, kid,” Sojiro chuckled. “Reminds me of my younger days. I was a renowned fisherman.”
Yu looked impressed. “Amazing!”
Ren returned quickly, Morgana on his shoulder, fishing gear in hand. Sojiro watched them leave, chatting and laughing.
He shook his head, sighing.
He was experienced, after all. He sensed the unusual atmosphere between them, a subtle romantic tension.
He smoked several cigarettes that night, subtly questioning Futaba, then decided to ignore it.
He, Sojiro Sakura, was unmarried and had managed just fine. They could simply claim they were pining for their true love. That would suffice.
This was Tokyo, a city of acceptance.
At the fishing spot, both Yu and Ren displayed impressive skills, their catches earning the admiration of fellow anglers.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t raining, so the Guardian remained elusive.
Morgana tried to scoop a fish from the bucket, getting slapped in the face by its tail.
“Meow!” He retaliated with his claws.
They sold their catch, keeping one for Sojiro, then headed back to Yongen-Jaya.
As they entered the alley, they saw a crowd.
“What’s going on?” Yu asked, holding the fish. “A performance?”
A voice boomed through a loudspeaker.
A middle-aged man, bald and in a black suit, stood on a car, giving a speech. He smiled, but his eyes held a hint of ruthlessness.
“A speech,” Ren frowned. “Looks like Shido.”
“Masayoshi Shido?” They approached, seeing Shido’s name on the car.
He spoke of his political ideals, promising a brighter future. A prosperous utopia, all crimes punished, all good deeds rewarded, everyone happy.
But after learning of Akechi’s connection to Shido, his promises seemed hollow.
Who would believe a man who had gained power through murder?
Ren turned to Yu.
“Yu, I remembered something.”
Yu looked at him. “What?”
“It was dark that night. I didn’t get a clear look. He wasn’t at the trial, so my memory was hazy,” Ren looked at Shido. “Seeing him now, I remember.”
“He’s the one who framed me.”
“He ruined my life.”
Yu frowned, then his expression softened.
“I understand,” Yu nodded. “We don’t have a choice. We have to change his heart, for you.”
“I’ll help you.”
Yu’s smile was warm and bright, his energy infectious.
Ren smiled back, nodding.
“I know I can count on you.”
[Ren Amamiya: That’s the situation.]
[Ryuji Sakamoto: That bastard! Framing a minor?!]
[Goro Akechi: A pathetic joke, but typical of him.]
[Haru Okumura: Unforgivable!]
[Ann Takamaki: So changing Shido’s heart will clear Ren’s name?]
[Makoto Niijima: My sister is safe now. We can proceed.]
[Futaba Sakura: Time to find Shido’s keyword!]
[Goro Akechi: No need. I know it.]
[Futaba Sakura: !!! I hate you!]
[Yusuke Kitagawa: Is this a “Protect the Leader” operation?]
[Yu Narukami: I like that! I approve!]
[Everyone: …]
What a terrible name! Yu, your taste is questionable!
