Chapter Text
Golden Week couldn't come soon enough.
Nearly two weeks had passed since Yu's departure from Inaba, yet it felt like a millennium. As the morning sun peeked through the curtains in their once shared bedroom, Goro sluggishly rose from his slumber alone. Across the room, he left Yu's futon where it belonged: its pillows fluffed, its blankets and sheets properly spread across the mattress with nary a wrinkle. Perhaps it was foolish, and certainly sentimental, to keep it there when Yu's return was a month out, but packing it up was as good as admitting that he was gone.
No. Instead, Goro shambled over to his desk, opening his phone to send another message to his absentee brother.
[>Good morning, Yu. Are you starting to miss the quiet countryside? No doubt Tokyo's as bustling as ever.]
Thankfully, it only took a few moments for a response to appear.
[>It's so loud. B( I saw some crows the other day and thought about you. Maybe I'll buy them some snacks.]
Goro chuckled, his eyes drifting to the knitted crow plush that Kanji gave him last year. The association wasn't entirely unfounded. [>Just don't feed them anything with salt. Whole peanuts are fairly appreciated, but I've heard that cat kibble is a decent budget option as well.]
[>Cool. B) Do you think if I feed them enough, they'll bring me presents?]
[>It's possible. Crows are known to remember those who are kind and those who have wronged them. Befriend them, and you'll have lifelong allies. Scorn them, and you'll live to regret it…]
[>Sounds familiar. Btw, have you been taking care of the cats? (=^･ω･^=)]
[>Yes, Yu. Hiro makes sure I stay on top of things.]
Right on cue, a voice arose from the back of Goro's mind. Would it be all right if I said hello?
Goro resisted the urge to roll his eyes, swiveling his chair in exasperation. "You know you don't have to ask."
I know, but… Rather than carry on a weak protest, Hiro instead took control of Goro's body and, by extension, the phone.
Just in time, it seemed, as Yu replied: [>Nice job keeping him outta trouble, Hiro. (⌐■_■) You holding up okay?]
[>Well, Goro has been giving me more turns at the proverbial wheel. It's a work in progress, and we're still not sure how to handle our situation in school, but I'm at least trying to be more forward with my interests.]
Wresting control back momentarily, Goro couldn't help but add: [>I tried asking him if there were any clubs he'd like to enroll in, but he doesn't want to 'inconvenience' my own schedule.]
Taking control back, Hiro pouted and wrote: [>Goro's social life is important, Nii-san! I don't want it to be so bloated that he has no time to spend with the others. (°□°;)]
This was so absurdly silly. Goro knew it, Hiro undoubtedly knew it, and there was no doubt that Yu knew as well. The trouble was, he was Yu Narukami. Silliness was practically embedded into his soul.
[>Then, with the power vested in me as your handsome, charismatic, and wise older brother, I grant you permission to follow your dreams! Unless those dreams involve criminal activity. Then I'd shake my head disapprovingly and try to get you back on a righteous path. (>ᴗ•)]
Gulping, Hiro hastily texted his next message. [>Does video game emulation count as criminal activity? Futaba-chan keeps trying to convince us to try it…]
[>Nah. Pirates are cool.]
Goro could have been pedantic and pointed out how they lived with a police detective, or that he'd saved enough money from fighting Treasure Hands that he already had considered buying a more modern console, but Yu was right about one thing: Pirates were cool, and in the grand scheme of things, retro gaming piracy was hardly the greatest of all evils.
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), a light knock on the door interrupted such thoughts, though the angelic voice that followed certainly eased any frustrations. "Hey, Goro, are you up?"
How could he ever say no to Nanako? "Just a moment, Nanako-chan!" A quick text as a courtesy was only fair, however. [>We'll have to table this discussion, I'm afraid. Nanako-chan's awake now, and I promised we'd make breakfast this morning.]
[>It's cool. Tell her and Dojima-san I said hi, all right?]
[>That goes without saying.]
Flipping his phone shut, Goro rose from the chair and sauntered over to the door after smoothing down the wild mess his hair had become in the night. Nanako waited in the hall, clad in adorably pink Loveline pajamas, and Goro couldn't help but pat her head on the way out.
"Yu says hello, by the way."
"Yay! Tell him I said hi too, okay? And that I miss him a lot!"
"Naturally." Winking, Goro led the way down the stairs, and as they emerged in the living room, he stopped just long enough to mark another X on the calendar. It was a bit silly, but counting each day to Golden Week helped remind them both that their time apart from Yu was only temporary.
What Goro didn't expect was the guest seated across from Dojima at the kitchen table, their blue hat and blazer even more striking in the morning light.
"...Naoto-san? What are you doing here so early?" He paused. "Not that this is a problem, of course!"
To Naoto's credit, they took his reaction with a hushed snicker before sipping from a coffee mug. "Dojima-san and I have business at the station today, so I figured it would be simpler if we rode down to the station together."
"Some hotshots from the city wanna talk," Dojima said with a groan. "Can't say much more than that, but there's a chance I'll be out late tonight."
"All the more reason to eat a proper breakfast, then." Without a moment's hesitation, Goro made his way into the kitchen and removed a packet of salmon from the fridge, along with a carton of eggs.
"I'll make the toast!" Nanako beamed, hustling behind Goro and readying the toaster.
Naoto watched the two with their chin in hand. "You don't have to worry about me."
"But perhaps I want to," Goro said. "Besides, with Yu gone, someone has to pick up the slack." At the very least, their lessons together had helped Goro prepare for times such as these. An extra mouth to feed would require more prep time as a consequence, but it was the perfect opportunity to show his idol how far he'd come.
Before long, he and Nanako prepared a modest breakfast of fish, eggs, and toast, and the four of them sat down at the table while the news idly played in the background. The forecast promised sunny skies, a headline came up about Rise's future comeback, but on the whole, it was all so… ordinary. But then, was that not what the Investigation Team and the Shadow Operatives had fought for in the end?
The trouble was, peaceful times left Goro adrift, unsure of what to do next. School resumed on the 9th, and he had already promised to make an effort to connect with other students at his school. Ken had tossed the idea around of them both joining the soccer club, and Hiro had taken an interest in the drama club that Goro honestly shared…
But beyond getting good grades, what was his goal? For most of the past year, there had been something tangible to work towards. Now, Dojima and Naoto likely faced a new task, but they were professionals. Goro, decidedly, was not.
With a small sigh, he seized a bite of fish in his chopsticks. Dojima must have noticed, as their eyes soon met.
"What's wrong, kiddo?"
"...Yu said hello." Pausing again, Goro straightened his posture. "Though, that's hardly a problem. I simply neglected to mention it to you and Naoto-san." No, the problem… Hm. Goro could have brushed it off, lied through his teeth, but after all this time, he'd like to think he had grown beyond such tactics. Everyone in this room meant the world to him. They deserved to know the truth. "I suppose I'm simply a bit restless at the moment."
"Aw…" Setting her chopsticks down, Nanako leaned in for a hug, which Goro naturally accepted. "It's okay, Goro! Maybe you just need to get up and run around a whole bunch."
Heh. It wasn't a terrible idea, truthfully. In fact, Goro opened his phone to find a new message from Ken.
[>Hey, Goro. Kanji-san and I were thinking of going on a run with Koromaru. Do you want to come?]
A thin smile crossed Naoto's lips. "You aren't the only one feeling aimless of late. I'm sure they'd appreciate the company."
"And you're sure you'll be all right?" Goro asked his darling sister, but Nanako's cheeks puffed up in an adorable little pout.
"Of course I will! You have to take care of yourself, too!"
So, after sending a confirmation message to Ken and finishing his breakfast, Goro showered, dressed, and headed out into the fresh, spring air.
They agreed to meet up outside Tatsumi Textiles, so Goro passed through the shopping district along the way. The blue glow of the Velvet Room door still lingered next to the Yomenaido Bookstore, while an all-too-familiar gas station attendant swept around the perimeter of the Moel Gas Station.
"Heh. Got big plans today?"
"Well, I have a plan, at any rate." Goro shrugged, stopping momentarily. "Has the monotony of mortality taken its toll yet?" Perhaps it was a bit more barbed of a question than necessary, especially when he and Izanami had reached a peaceful resolution in the end, but after everything he and his teammates had endured as a result of Sagiri's little game, a little sass felt more than warranted.
And, indeed, Sagiri snorted at the question. "Adulthood's all about routines, kid. You get up, eat, work your six to eight hours, watch some prime time television, and sleep. Then you repeat it all 'til your next day off."
Goro arched his brow. "Are you trying to impart a life lesson?"
"All I'm saying is you should enjoy your youth while you can. Don't get so caught up on the future that you miss what's right in front of you."
He wasn't wrong, but Goro couldn't help but scowl a little. "...You know you didn't answer my question."
"Or maybe I did, and I just stepped outside the lines." Sagiri pressed the end of the broom against the ground, resting both hands atop the handle. "I'm millennia old. This is nothing, but I bet that question was for your own peace of mind. If a former goddess can struggle, then it justifies your own hurdles."
Crossing his arms, Goro looked the other way. "...It's nothing we can't handle. We survived the last three months well enough." But Yu was still there, an anchor he could rely on. Not the only anchor, however. All his other friends still remained. He was literally on the way to go see his best friend and half-brother.
"Just… keep an eye out, kid. Even you've got some loose ends dangling around, if you're that desperate for some momentum."
Another fair point. By all accounts, Goro still had a handful of Social Links that had yet to reach their culmination. The other Shadow Operatives, Futaba, Makoto…
And Sho Minazuki, entangled in tragedy and the long shadow cast by the Kirijo Group. The trouble was, Sho didn't simply make himself available, and Minazuki saw their bond as a weakness. Even in the event that Goro saw them again, who's to say he'd make progress?
But then, he wanted a goal. A challenge. A purpose… Perhaps it was worth pursuing. Just not now. His friends and promises came first.
So, rather than keep them waiting even longer, Goro hurried down the street. He didn't even make it halfway from Aya to the shrine gates before Koromaru's cheery barks blared like trumpets from afar. Before long, Koromaru, Kanji, and Ken all rushed his way, and it was a wonder they avoided a head on collision.
The broad, almost goofy grin that cut across Kanji's face utterly clashed with his rough exterior, but it was easily Kanji at his most sincere. "Yo, Goro! Ain't Koromaru's fur lookin' extra fluffy today?"
Ken snorted. "Probably 'cause he just had a bath last night."
As if to further accentuate this point, Koromaru tilted his chin up and puffed out his chest. The orange jacket may have covered his upper torso, but the sun hit his face at such a precise angle that he practically glowed.
Unable to resist, Goro bent down to scratch behind his ears. "You're looking very distinguished today, Koromaru-kun." The cheery yip, coupled with a wagging tail suggested an air of confidence–even without Aigis to translate for them– and Goro gave a few more scratches beneath the chin before focusing his attention back on the others. "A pity Naoto-san can't join us this morning, but it seems they've a new case to contend with."
"...Yeah, I heard somethin' about that." Frowning, Kanji rubbed the back of his neck. "I didn't wanna press 'em about it, in case it's classified."
"It probably is," Ken said. "But who knows? Maybe one of these days we'll get to help 'em on a 'real' case." The heavy air quotes around the word 'real' spoke for themselves, given the severity of last year's ordeal.
Still, Goro heaved a small sigh, unable to hide his envy. "Well, there's not much we can do for the time being, so we might as well focus our attention on the things we can control, like deciding our route." His lips pulled up into a halfhearted smile, and he peered down a their trusty pooch. "Unless you'd care to lead the charge?"
After another boisterous bark and an even wilder wag of his tail, Koromaru took off like a bullet, forcing the others to scramble behind him.
With Dojima at the lead, Naoto slipped into the elevator, watching as the lights counted up to the very top floor. They had anticipated the typical dull meeting room, but instead, Dojima led them into a finely furnished reception room with a long table topped with an ornate doily, a green, leafy plant basking in the sun's rays, and a large flatscreen television at the back of the room. A leather trimmed sofa rested off to the side, adding to the overall classiness within the room.
With slow, but deliberate footsteps, Dojima pulled back one of the rolling chairs and sank down like a sack of potatoes. "This could take a while…"
Sighing, Naoto seized the neighboring seat and folded their hands atop the polished, wood table. "I take it you don't typically use this space."
"Nah. Usually it's saved for meetings with the top brass, or when we need to assemble a larger team."
Yet, if a larger team was required, surely Dojima would have known in advance. How curious…
Several minutes passed before the door finally opened, and a man dressed in a sharp suit and tie strode into the room. He carried himself with a stoic expression, a short goatee and slicked back hair paired with intense blue eyes.
"I'm sorry about the wait," he said, before taking his place across from the two of them. After reaching into his pocket, he placed a card down, and Naoto's eyes immediately widened at the sight. "Allow me to introduce myself…"
The lengthy title was impossible to ignore: 'National Police Agency, Security Bureau: Security Planning Division.'
Though more subdued by comparison, even Dojima's eyes drew wider than before. "The hell's a guy from PubSec doing in a town like Inaba?"
Naoto had a few suspicions, of course. Given the involvement of the Shadow Operatives from September through October, there was no way the Public Safety Police weren't aware of the case, let alone the more supernatural aspects. Perhaps Dojima's ignorance was merely feigned, as a ploy to seem less informed and, thus, less threatening by extension.
"Now, there's no need to play dumb," the man said. "I'm well aware of your dealings with Mitsuru Kirijo during last year's murder case. According to the internal report, they played a vital role both in capturing the culprit as well as the supernatural threat that overtook this town."
"Yet you sound skeptical," Naoto couldn't help but observe. "I take it this matter concerns Mitsuru-san and her Shadow Operatives?"
"More specifically, the Kirijo Group. To get to the point, I'd like you two to perform a sub rosa investigation on them."
Dojima snorted, his expression rough like sandpaper. "And because we worked together before, you want us to dig up some dirt on them." He leaned over the table, his gaze sharpening further. "Was their performance not good enough for ya?"
"They fulfilled their duties as an Anti-Shadow defense unit, but we do have some objections with how they dealt with the circumstances. After all, it isn't lost on me that a group of teenagers remained heavily involved with the proceedings even after Kirijo and her team arrived."
"Those teenagers had awakened to their Personas well before we met Mitsuru-san," Naoto said. "The entire case dealt with Shadows, a parallel world, and Personas, making it impossible for the ordinary police to grasp. Even Dojima-san remained in a largely auxiliary role until he awakened his own Persona, at which point the others were far more experienced in the TV world and capable of fending for themselves."
"Kirijo gave them the tools and resources to stay alive," Dojima added. "We networked, and that networking saved a lot of lives."
"But it follows a troubling precedent," the man said with a scowl. "How much do you know about the Kirijo Group's history?"
"Quite a bit. Mitsuru-san was hardly one to mince words during our collaboration," said Naoto. "Thus, we know of the explosion on Tatsumi Port Island, the Dark Hour, her team's tenure as the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad, and the betrayal of Shuji Ikutsuki. A betrayal, I might add, that nearly ended the world, had it not been for their efforts to face Death itself."
Quiet for a moment, the man stroked his chin. A deep crease cut a cross his brow. It was as if the air conditioning in the room exceeded full blast, as an icy atmosphere hung over their heads.
"...Our records on Shuji Ikutsuki neglected to mention such information," the man admitted so stiffly, it was as if Naoto had squeezed the words out of him. "The official word is that he fell to his death from the top of Gekkoukan High School's observatory. The details of his work in the aftermath of the explosion are vague at best, as are whether his death was an accident or a suicide."
"And Kirijo isn't giving you the intel you need," Dojima said, with a subtle but unmistakable confidence despite his poker face. "So, what's your game? You trying to take her down? Rein her in?"
The man straightened his posture, his nonchalant front falling back into place. "We agreed to work with Kirijo in order to properly integrate her into the system. So, yes, on some level, we do require a leash around her neck, but that's not the only reason we contacted you."
"The lack of transparency must trouble you," Naoto said. "You have a surface-level alliance with Mitsuru Kirijo, and yet so much of the company's checkered past eludes you. The group itself has provided plenty of cover ups, from the explosion at Gekkoukan being the result of a gas leak or the claims that Takeharu Kirijo died of illness rather than a murder at Ikutsuki's hands."
It was subtle, but the man's eyebrows perked ever so slightly. He must not have known that particular detail either. "You really are informed, not that I'd expect anything less from a Shirogane."
"Furthermore, I suspect you need some leverage to keep your hold on them, thus, this secret investigation." They glanced at Dojima. "Although, given Dojima-san's police connections, are you sure it's wise to enlist him?"
"You misunderstand. We requested Dojima's presence due to his authority over the murder case and due to his past interactions with the Shadow Operatives. Should you choose to cooperate, you will be the one to conduct the investigation."
"And what would you have me do?" Details were key, particularly in circumstances such as this. Potentially, such an investigation could give Naoto leverage over the government. Moreover, nothing prevented them from telling Mitsuru of Public Security's intentions, short of their honor as a detective and the professionalism that they carried from case to case.
Still… a breach of confidentiality remained a possibility, if only for Mitsuru's safety. Though, there was the possibility that this man had already anticipated such a betrayal…
They would have to choose their words carefully.
"That will depend on your answer," the man said, though after a short pause, he continued. "If you think we're hiring you to further our organization, you're mistaken." Something shifted in the man's demeanor and tone, going from stiff and nonchalant to… oddly sincere. "Our sources say it's possible that they've been talking students from the Kirijo-owned school into doing their dirty work."
"And Mitsuru-san was one of the children enlisted by the adults in power, with Ikutsuki spearheading the entire ordeal. Are you saying that she is directly responsible for the sins of those who came before her?"
"...No, but the dead cannot pay for their crimes, and we cannot overlook those sins. We have a duty to uphold the law and to pursue the truth. You of all people ought to understand." His eyes looked so strong and bold, while that sincerity in his voice only solidified.
While it could have all been an elaborate facade, Naoto couldn't deny his words entirely.
As if sensing this, Dojima drew a quiet breath, locking eyes with them. "It's your call, kid."
Blind acceptance wouldn't cut it. Clearly, Public Security needed Naoto more than Naoto needed them, but refusal risked them taking more drastic answers to get the results they desired…
So, what to do…
They leaned back in their chair, crossing their arms. "If I accept, I have a few stipulations."
"Such as?" the man asked.
"First and foremost, I will not twist the truth in service of an agenda. I will report my findings based on my own judgments and observations, and I will not deliberately plot against Mitsuru-san." Even if the man claimed Public Security had noble intentions, one man's sincerity hardly erased all doubts. No, creating their own fine print was crucial, lest their intentions be twisted against both friend and ally. "Secondly, I don't plan on abandoning my school life. Any help I provide must be within these stipulations."
Naoto expected some quiet deliberation, some counter proposals, some show of resistance, but instead, the man immediately said, "That's fine with us." From there, he withdrew a folder and lay it open on the table. "At the end of the month, the Kirijo Group is airlifting some special cargo. Kirijo has asked for our help in making sure the cargo is transported safely. We'd like you to accompany them as a police observer."
"Let me guess. It's no ordinary cargo," Dojima said.
"Correct. While the information is limited, we do know it's related to Shadow research, likely from the old Ergonomics Research laboratory. They classified it as a Level 4 risk, making it comparable to the serial murder case last year, even with it sealed tight."
A small gasp escaped Naoto, despite their best efforts. If Ergo Research was involved, then was it a weapon like Aigis? Naoto had assumed that she and Metis were the last of their kind, and it seemed strange to keep a sapient being contained unless said being was volatile and irrational… Then again, it was possible that Ergo Research had dabbled in other treachery, given Strega and their more direct tampering with Shadows…
Something this severe absolutely warranted Naoto's involvement, even with the other Shadow Operatives' prior experience leaving them well equipped for the task.
How funny. If he had led with such a request, Naoto would have likely acted with less scrutiny. Perhaps he deserved some credit for being more transparent with his intentions… "So, in other words, I would add an air of legitimacy to the operation, all while serving as a trusted escort."
"Yes, though if anything does happen, we will hold them responsible."
Dojima shook his head. "Knowing Kirijo, she'd be the first to take responsibility."
Naoto added, "But seeing how I have an Evoker myself, I would also provide a valuable asset in combat, despite the risk of civilian witnesses."
"We would prefer not to make a scene," the man admitted, "but in the event of an emergency, you may use whatever tools you deem necessary."
Well, well. Was he conceding further? Perhaps Naoto had more leverage than they anticipated. Either way, this would give them a chance to reconnect with Mitsuru and the others and use their unique skills once more.
I was beginning to think I'd die of boredom, their Shadow unhelpfully added, though even Naoto couldn't deny the sentiment.
No, there was really only one answer. "Very well. I accept." When they offered their hand, the man seized it in a firm grip that suggested a wealth of experience on the front lines.
"We'll provide you with further information in the coming days, once we've confirmed the details with Kirijo. Thank you for your cooperation."
The thing about letting a dog lead, especially one as smart as Koromaru, was that his canine intuition followed its own logic. Roads were mere suggestions. They could have simply followed the path from the shopping district to the top of the hill or done a loop past Junes and back to the residential district. Koromaru, however, sought to meander up and over the grassy hills of the flood plain, down to the river bank, back through the town in order to visit the fox at the shrine, before taking a sharp U-turn back to the flood plain and all the way over to Yasogami High.
In short, they moved erratically, simply following wherever the wind carried Koromaru, while laughing at the spontaneity of it all. Perhaps it was even intentional on his part. Canine or not, Koromaru was an inquisitive pooch, and he'd undoubtedly picked up on Goro's restlessness. A precise, predictable route would let his mind wander. Ergo, by zigzagging every which way, Goro would have no time to stew in his jealousy over Dojima and Naoto, or his yearning to see Yu again, or even his apprehensions about starting his second year of middle school.
Still, all that running took its toll, and by the time they left their second trip to the high school, the three of them slowed to a more leisurely pace, allowing them all to hydrate and catch their breath.
"So, uh… Got any big plans for the next term?" Kanji asked, breaking their momentary silence.
"I'm still figuring things out," Ken said with a titter. "Shu-senpai's still on the baseball team, but I was thinking of trying out for the soccer club."
Shrugging his shoulders, Goro added, "My sports experience is limited either way, so I have no real preferences. Whatever Ken chooses, I'll follow along."
"Heh. Glad you're open to it." A soft smile unfurled across Kanji's face. "I still dunno what my plan is. Maybe I could try for home ec? Ain't like I got anything to hide, but I gotta make time to help at the shop, so I dunno how many clubs I can really squeeze into my schedule."
"That is the dilemma." Goro snorted out a laugh. "I'm willing to broaden my horizons, but I don't want to overdo it. Whatever Hiro and I choose, we have to ensure we still have time to share with all of you."
But most of the others had their own jobs, too, barring Chie and her perpetual unemployment. No wonder she prodded Yosuke so much, really… But that was beside the point.
Waving a hand, Kanji said, "Eh, don't sweat it. You're stuck with us, no matter how busy ya get."
"I know, but…" Before Goro could finish, Hiro slid into the driver's seat.
"It's a bit intimidating. Goro spent the past year estranged from his classmates. We all had the benefit of the case to bring us together, but it's hard to know how ordinary students will treat us. I told Goro he doesn't have to worry about me, but because he's so adamant, it means potentially exposing myself to people who may not understand."
"...But at least some of 'em know you exist, right?" said Ken. "Even if it was just on the Midnight Channel, it's a start."
"Mm. The trouble is, teachers may have more difficulty accepting my individuality."
"But your eyes don't lie," Kanji said. "Ain't like normal kids can make 'em change color on the fly."
Koromaru trotted closer, tapping Goro's leg with a paw, but he let Hiro retain control and embrace the joys of petting his fluffy fur.
"There's simply a lot to consider. It's why I suggested remaining 'invisible' for the time being, but Goro wouldn't have it."
"However," Goro added, "I also don't expect him to be a social butterfly. We can find a healthy balance that allows Hiro to express himself without overwhelming him in the process."
"Good call," said Kanji. "And if anyone gives either of ya a hard time, I'll scare the shit outta them."
Wincing, Ken slid a little closer. "...Err, let's just hope it doesn't come to that. I don't want you getting in trouble."
"Ha. Ain't like it'd be the first time…"
Truthfully, small talk like this did help ease some of the tension. With so much swirling around Goro's head of late, he needed an outlet, lest the pressure make his head burst.
Unfortunately, the relative calm of the early afternoon came to a screeching halt as they passed the flood plain gazebo, and a familiar head of red hair seized Goro's attention. Over on the large sign midway up the nearby hill, Sho Minazuki perched like a gargoyle, staring straight into Goro's eyes.
Immediately, Koromaru bristled and growled. Both Ken and Kanji closed in around Goro.
"The hell's he doin' here?" Kanji muttered under his breath.
"...Maybe we should go," Ken said, but Goro shook his head.
"It's not like Sho-san to show himself of late. I might as well see what he's up to."
Before Goro could move forward, though, Ken grabbed his wrist. "Without your Evoker? I don't think so."
"I'm with Ken on this one," said Kanji. "Last time we saw ya with that guy, he had you on the ropes. I ain't down to let you walk up to him unarmed."
"Technically, I had him on the ropes, thanks to that Megidolaon."
"But that was before the fog lifted," Ken said. "He's still got his swords, even if he can't summon without an Evoker." The emphasis on 'if' suggested this wasn't guaranteed.
But then, Fuuka set a precedent, to say nothing of the Persona users who came before. Would Hiro's more defensive traits even function outside the fog?
Though they kept their voices low, Sho's attention remained squarely in place. A devilish grin even crawled across his face. Then, as if in response, Koromaru parked himself directly in Goro's path.
The message was clear: go home, gear up, and then they'd revisit the subject.
With a growl of a sigh, Goro turned away from the hill. "...All right. I'll take the necessary precautions."
"Good," Kanji said. "I know you've got a bond, but so did Yu-senpai and Adachi…"
Indeed. A bond alone didn't guarantee Goro's safety, so the four of them returned to the Dojima house for the time being. There, Goro suited up into his armor and winter gakuran, sheathed Hinokagutsuchi at his belt alongside his Evoker. And, though it was just an ordinary toy gun outside the TV world, Goro tucked his Proof of Justice in his pocket all the same.
Once he'd suited up, he reconvened with the others outside his front door.
"I assume you want me to call you if anything goes awry?"
"Well, yeah," Kanji said. "But… you know that guy better than we do, so we ain't gonna get in the way."
"Yeah… Just try to be careful, Goro," said Ken. "I can't lose anyone else."
"And you won't, I promise."
But for now, time was of the essence. They had already taken a detour, and who was to say that Sho had waited? As he made his way down the road, Goro scanned the nearby rooftops. Just his luck, it seemed, as Sho peered down from a roof a few houses down, somehow evading detection. And, rather than wait for Goro to approach, he flung himself down another roof over.
A chase, then? It wasn't out of character for him, particularly if he sought to pull Goro away from his friends. Still, Goro humored him by dashing at his tail, through the neighborhood back to the flood plain and further down the road. At times, Sho would duck behind trees or tumble into bushes, forcing Goro to pay careful attention to the sights and sounds around him.
In time, though, Goro trailed him to the top of the hill overlooking town. By the time he caught up, Sho had planted himself on the bench directly above the shopping district, though he soon rose with slow applause.
Judging by his present demeanor, this was Sho, then, and not the colder Minazuki.
"Heh… You may've lost your leader, but you sure had no problem letting me lead you away from your pals."
Crossing his arms, Goro scoffed. "I didn't lose Yu. We just texted each other this morning, and he'll be back within the month."
"Sure, but he's got his own life in the big city. The case is closed, and you're not close right now. Plus, this whole town's a total snoozefest."
"It's called peace, Sho-san, and it's precisely what we were fighting for."
Sho rolled his eyes. "And for what? All the power ya got is useless without an outlet. Are you really gonna play house after all the shit you've been through? And not just you, but the other guy, too. Most people'd never understand his deal."
Taking control, Hiro said, "But you do, Sho-san, as does Minazuki-san." The mention of Minazuki wiped the grin off Sho's face. "He was desperate to protect you, even if it meant pushing Goro away. And, whether either of you care to admit it, that's a deeply powerful bond."
Sho tensed, averting his eyes. His hands rolled into tight fists, though soon his gaze snapped back to Goro with a stiffer smirk in place. "Yeah, well, it's obvious you're feelin' outta place. Why else would you wanna join Kirijo's squad of attack dogs?"
After tagging back in, Goro heaved a small sigh. "It's true. The Shadow Operatives are the one career path where Hiro and I could fully embrace our gifts and prevent further crises."
Sho barked out a laugh. "Man, Kirijo's got a lotta nerve trying to act like she can save lives after all the lives her family wiped out. Who's to say you wouldn't just be an other weapon? They had a whole branch dedicated to 'em, and I'm not just talkin' about the robots."
"I know. You, Strega… Many innocent children suffered, but Mitsuru-san wants to break that cycle."
"By enlisting middle schoolers? Please…"
It was… odd, really. In a roundabout way, Sho almost seemed concerned. Minazuki had said that he cared for Goro, but it still gave him pause. People like Sho, hurt and jaded, wouldn't be moved by sentimentality alone. Goro knew that from experience. He could argue in circles that Mitsuru meant well, but without tangible proof, it would mean nothing to Sho.
Perhaps another approach, then. Something more… personal.
"Well, enough about me. How are you, Sho-san?"
Sho balked at the question, leaning back. Yet again, his smirk snapped out of sight, but in the blink of an eye, a glare took its place. "Pfft! Bored, that's what."
"...And what have you done to rectify your boredom?"
Sho grunted. "If I had my way, I'd turn boredom into sword-om."
Goro raised an eyebrow, tilting his head ever so slightly. "You're a Persona user. Couldn't you use the TV world to blow off some steam?"
Yet again, Sho looked away, if only for a moment. Was he hiding something? The TV world seemed like such a simple solution, and yet, "Psh. Fighting Shadow's about as fun as watchin' informercials, and I ain't gonna pay their shipping fees."
Ha. Was that really all? The beginnings of a smirk pulled at Goro's lips. "Well then. You'll just have to find another way to pass the time. Books, hobbies… If you felt especially daring, you could even enroll at the high school."
Slapping his thigh, Sho belted out another laugh. "What, so I could sit at a desk all day, listening to bullshit lectures?"
"Or you could join a sports team, unless that's too great of a challenge for you…"
"Tch. Team sports? There's only two letters in that that interest me, and that's M-E."
Indeed, perhaps it was wishful thinking, but… hm. An idea burst to life, like a cartoonish light bulb. It was stupid. Borderline reckless, even, but… "Any interest in violent video games?"
Sho squinted. "Wait. Lemme get this straight. You want me to waltz on over to a cop's house, swords and all, just so we can pretend to fight each other?"
"It's surprisingly addicting, with a high skill ceiling." Oh, yes. That smirk refused to budge now.
"...You've got a little kid living with ya."
"Consider it a trust exercise."
"More like an exercise in insanity."
It wasn't an outright rejection, but Sho's reluctance remained clear as day. And, as comical as the mental image of Sho bent over a video game controller and mashing buttons was, it was hard to imagine him conceding so easily.
So, another angle. Goro's grin finally flattened. "Then, what do you truly want? Minazuki-san seemed desperate to fulfill your desires."
Turning his back, Sho brushed his fingers over his scar, or at least, that's what it looked like from behind. "This world's full of shit, but you saved it anyway. You're not even getting special treatment for it. You're just supposed to go back to being a 'normal' kid in a 'normal' town." Slowly, he peered over his shoulder, his gaze razor sharp. "But you'll never be normal. None of you will, and all you're doin' is playing pretend by pretending everything's fine."
Hiro stepped in once more, frowning deeply. "Do you and Minazuki-san feel out of place?"
"No shit. Comes with being a freak experiment."
After a moment's hesitation, Hiro sat down at the covered table. "Would you like to talk about it? In my experience, venting is a healthy way to process your feelings."
Sho turned back around, staring. "Man, what's your game? What do you even get outta being so 'nice' all the time?"
Hiro shrugged. "I like making people feel better."
"Yeah, well, what I want is another fight, but your bullshit power mean my attacks won't do shit."
Goro peered down at the Evoker at his belt. "...What about your Persona? You still have those draining skills."
Again, Sho faltered, then waved his hand. "Those skills just drain all the tension."
"You do realize I have multiple Personas. And, if you want a more proper 'arena,' we could always relocate to the TV world." Granted, the majority of the TV world had shifted. Lush green grass, blue skies, and tranquil waterfalls weren't exactly the height of drama…
Still, it'd avoid the risk of witnesses or collateral damage.
To Goro's surprise, Sho's eyes seemed to light up, however fleetingly. "You'd seriously handicap yourself?"
"A battle is no fun if it's entirely one-sided. Clearly, you need to blow off steam, and I hardly want to grow complacent. Ergo, it's a mutually beneficial arrangement… And besides, I have missed you."
It was strange to admit, given their last encounter, but if Goro hoped to deepen their bond, then sincerity was key.
But Sho, being Sho, snorted and brushed right past him. "Man, cut the sentimental crap before I cut you in half."
It wasn't a no, however, and so Goro followed along with yet another smirk.
By some miracle, Ken and Kanji remained completely hidden in the foliage to the side of the path. They were high enough on the hill to hear the entire conversation, but concealed in leaves and shadow, well out of sight. Still, Ken's jaw clenched when Sho strutted down those steps. Would he sense them? Would Goro? And if Goro knew, would he be mad that the two of them followed him?
More troubling were Sho's words… He really had a history with the Kirijo Group? At the very least, he knew about them, but with the way he described himself as a 'freak experiment,' was it possible that he was another one of Ikutsuki's test subjects? One who survived, completely undetected and without ties to Strega. One with… a second consciousness? Something didn't add up.
Perhaps sensing Ken's sense, Kanji silently clamped a hand on his shoulder. Only then did Ken realize he'd been holding his breath, silently exhaling as both Goro and Sho moved further away.
But for the most fleeting moment, Sho stopped, glancing toward the bushes. Ken and Kanji held perfectly still, and after a few seconds, he shook his head and kept going.
Eventually, the two moved out of earshot, and Kanji finally said, "You good?"
"I'm… concerned." Even that was an understatement, but one thing at a time. Brushing off his clothes, he slowly rose from his crouch. "Sho-san was already suspicious before, but if he really has ties to the Kirijo Group, this could be serious…"
Leaning against a nearby tree trunk, Kanji loosely folded his arms. "Ya think Mitsuru-san knows?"
"I just don't understand why Goro wouldn't have told us."
"He made some kinda promise. Said he wouldn't talk. Guessin' whatever beef they've got, it's real deep…"
"It'd have to be." Ken's posture deflated, but he took his place beside Kanji. "None of Ergo Research's human experiments were ethical. All of Strega's members had to use suppressants just to control their Personas, and those drugs were slowly killing them…"
"But Chidori-san seemed okay. Wasn't she one of 'em?"
"Yeah, but she lost her Persona, and her body completely healed. The others weren't so lucky…" Not that Ken had much sympathy for them, especially Takaya. Tension gripped him at the mere thought of that monster, facial muscles pinching and contorting until Kanji reached for his shoulder again.
"D'you know if that Sho guy's been takin' drugs?"
Ken shook his head. "No clue. He looks healthy. Aragaki-san had to bundle up in a bunch of layers after the drugs got to him…"
"Huh. So maybe he's got more control?"
"...Maybe, but we've only seen Minazuki-san use a Persona. It's hard to say with Sho-san."
Gazing down the path, Kanji hummed. "You wanna tell Mitsuru-san. …Think we should ask Goro about it?"
"I'd like to. I just don't want him to think we don't trust him…"
"'Course we trust him! But we ain't the ones who promised to keep a lid on Sho."
"Yeah, I know, but if Sho-san has a bad history with the Kirijo Group…"
"Then wouldn't gettin' intel help him? We can't do shit if we don't know what his deal is…"
"And he's unpredictable." Not that unpredictability was inherently bad, but Sho had already expressed a certain bloodlust. He might not've hurt anyone yet, but he kept to himself, craved violence…
Ha. Not that Ken could talk. He kept a lot of people at a distance before. All he cared about was his revenge. A mindset like that didn't come out of nowhere. Someone who hated bonds, who craved combat… Whatever Sho went through, it must have been horrible.
"...Maybe I should talk to Aigis-san, too," Ken finally decided, pushing away from the tree trunk. "Naoto-san should probably know, too."
"Just them?"
"Er… it's not that I don't trust the others, but it's hard to imagine Yosuke-san, Teddie-san, or Chie-san keeping quiet. Maybe Yukiko-san, but she's probably busy with the inn today." Although, come to think of it… "Dojima-san should probably know, too."
"Wouldn't hurt to tell Senpai either. I can give him a call if ya want."
"...Let's hold off for a bit. We don't want to worry everyone."
Despite the circumstances, Kanji snorted. "So Marie's probably off the table."
Even Ken couldn't help but laugh. "She's a goddess now. I'd be more worried about Sho-san…" Ken could already see it: the sky billowing with thunder, clouds darkening, as a commanding voice demanded to know what Sho was doing with 'Hell-boy.'
But, if nothing else, they had a nuclear option. That alone helped lift a weight from Ken's shoulders.
This was so stupid.
Here Sho was, walking with a middle schooler in broad daylight, right through the doors of the biggest shopping center in Inaba. Sure, it was the only shopping center, and about the only place to go that wasn't wide, open wilderness, some shabby shops, or that inn, but Sho knew he stood out in a crowd. The scar, the swords… Maybe he could pass off as that Metalworks guy's kid, but it wasn't like scars were hereditary.
No, his scar was…
The first thing Sho remembered was waking up on a couch in a wide, rounded room. Bookshelves lined the walls. A coffee table and laptop stretched before him, with envelopes stacked off to the side and a single, small knife. Bandages covered everything from his palms to his wrists. Sho was awake. Sho was alone. This place was new. It wasn't right…
"...Father? Where am I?"
A voice spoke to him from the back of his mind. "Rest. You've recovered physically, but you only just awakened from a long coma…" It was as if warm hands touched his shoulders, and a stranger whispered in his ear. "Not only that, you were mildly injured during our escape. It doesn't seem like the hospital or the police are after us, but better to lay low here for a ti—"
Sho tore himself free, snapping back at his own face. "Where's Father?!"
"Never mind that for now. A card was kept with us in our sickroom. They didn't know what it was, but it's a key to a safe. It was in the name of some charity, but it was clearly managed by Ikutsuki." The way the other him said 'Ikutsuki' was so cold. So uncaring.
How? How could he?!
He kept so calm, pointing down at the table stacked with all those documents. "Inside were documents recording his hidden assets, and that…" He pointed at the crescent-shaped key around Sho's neck. That demon just kept ignoring the question!
Why? Why wouldn't he tell him? Why, why, why?
Sho lunged at the other him, grabbed the front of his shirt, screamed in his face. "When we escaped that hospital… Weren't we going to find Father?! Tell me!"
"...Forget that man. He hurt and betrayed you."
Sho sprung to his feet, growling. "Liar! Father would never abandon me! Not when he praised me! He said he was proud of me!"
The other him grabbed his jaw and held it shut. "Open your eyes. When you were eight, he put you in a murder pit and called it 'combat training.' I was the one who saved your life when you were nearly killed in it. When I used my Persona, Tsukiyomi, to attack him, he was overjoyed!"
Sho bit his thumb so hard, it would've drawn blood if it was real, if they weren't just screaming inside Sho's head. "Yeah, I remember that. Father told me I'd gotten possessed by an evil spirit! That I was disobedient and bad! He said that I had to have surgery, so they could get rid of it!"
The other him licked the tip of his thumb, glaring. "Exactly. He wanted to excise me and leave only my Persona behind in you."
Everything moved so fast. Sho asked again where Father was. Why wasn't he here?! Why?! All he had to do was find Father. Talk to him. Prove that this… this demon was a liar! A big, fat, stupid liar!
But Shuji Ikutsuki died in 2009, falling off the roof of Gekkoukan High's rooftop.
Hearing those words, Sho grabbed the knife off the table, he lunged, ready to stab, carve, slice that stupid, no good, awful, horrid thing inside him!
But all he did was carve an X into his own forehead, blood dripping from the blade to the table below. Hot tears streaked down his cheeks, and all Sho could do was laugh…
They finally reached the electronics department and its wall of screens. Akechi moved ahead, stepping halfway into the TV. Right… They were going in. Sparring or whatever. Shaking himself out of his daze, Sho moved forward, but…
He didn't have a Persona. He couldn't go in on his own. If that kid knew, it'd give too much away. Growling, Sho grabbed his wrist.
"Enough with the commercial break! Let's get this show started already."
Akechi stared down at their hands, making it weird, before he had the balls to laugh. He was lucky Sho tolerated him enough not to bite back. "That's more physical contact than I expected, but very well."
Then they, urk… plunged into the TV screen and everything turned black and white and rippling, and freaking hell, Sho was gonna end up with a migraine and a half after this, and then—
"Oof!" They hit the ground. Soft… grassy ground, blossoms everywhere, with a blue sky and… were those waterfalls in the distance? And a flowery swing swaying on a tree?!
Sho stumbled back, back arched, and gawked at everything. "Hey, what gives?! I wanted a battlefield, not a flower field!"
Stepping back, Akechi set a hand on his hip and had the nerve to shrug it off. "Evidently, this is the true form of the collective unconsciousness, untainted by the fog."
"Ugh. You've gotta be pollen my leg…"
"Not at all, but perhaps you'd enjoy defiling such a tranquil place. It'll mend itself later, but that just gives you more opportunities to cut loose."
…
Okay, he had a point. Fighting in a pretty place like this would be kinda funny. And that pun… ugh. Sho could've complained about the kid stealing his schtick, but it was probably some stupid, sentimental way to 'bond' with him more. And that blue door off to the side…
Sho stared it down for several seconds, until Akechi seemed to catch on. Those baby doll eyes of his narrowed, which was all the sign Sho needed to look the other way… and unsheath one of his swords for good measure.
"Sure your little 'pals' won't freak out?"
"Frankly, they'd probably prefer we fight here than in one of their dungeons."
"...so those still exist."
"Out in the distance, beyond the rolling hills, though they've sprouted more foliage of late."
"Ugh. Lame." Still, that was useful intel. Maybe there'd even still be Shadows hanging around, if they didn't turn into fairies or something equally stupid.
…But that also means that this world's properties may still pose a risk, Minazuki said. Are you certain you want your innermost feelings laid bare for all to see?
…Damn it. Sho was so desperate for a fight, he hadn't even considered that, and now he was already here, itchin' to go…
Allow me to take the lead. There is little reason to believe that Tsukiyomi would revert into a Shadow.
No. That'd just be weird. Minazuki had his shit together, somehow, but… Okay, but you gotta at least let me watch.
Naturally.
Something changed in Sho's demeanor. First, his face wrinkled into a grimace. Then, that grimace faded into a cold, calm nonchalance that was all too familiar.
"...Minazuki-san? What are you doing?"
His other hand drifted to the hilt of his second sword. "That boy is not the only one who desires a rematch. I would like to test the skills of one who overthrew a goddess…"
"...But we didn't do it alone," Hiro said, materializing at Goro's side.
"Yet, somehow, your 'bond' cleared the way for your victory. Now, that very goddess lives among mortals, her power residing within her once discarded other half."
Goro's brow tightened, and he took his chin in hand. "...You're well informed."
"A certain gas station attendant has rather loose lips. The rest we gleaned from observing you and your companions."
Of course. It was par the course for the two of them at this point. Really, it was tempting to ask them for stealth techniques, but not now. Whether Sho or Minazuki, he intended to keep his word, and so he unsheathed Hinokagutsuchi in all its glimmering brilliance.
"Such a curious blade," Minazuki said, basking in its fiery glow.
"It's named after Hi-no-Kagutsuchi." Goro snickered. "The irony isn't lost on me, given this is the sword I carried into my battle with Izanami."
"Ironic indeed." To Goro's surprise, Minazuki laughed, though it was lower and more restrained than Sho's more hyena-like howls. "Well then, I suppose this is the part where you take your leave… Hiro, was it?"
Hiro nodded. "Yes. I finally have my own identity."
"Yet a Persona you remain. Are you truly content?"
"...Why wouldn't I be? Goro and the others have given me far more than I ever asked for."
Minazuki's cold gaze remained firmly in place. "The wider world may not accept you. Those who differ from what they deem normal and acceptable are often shunned. If either of you were to explain your circumstances to an ordinary human, do you truly believe they'd understand?"
It was a question both Goro and Hiro had contemplated many times. A loaded question, with no easy answer. Though the two shared a glance, neither spoke at first. Then, Hiro placed a gloved hand upon Goro's shoulder.
"I can't expect everyone in the world to understand me. No one can, but so long as even one person is willing to see me, that's more than enough." A whisper of a laugh dropped from his lips. "Don't worry about me, Goro. Let him see the true form of your bonds!"
Perhaps there was more left unsaid, but for now, Hiro was right. Minazuki wanted a fight, and here in the TV world, Goro could truly unleash his full power. And so, with a sharpened smirk, he crushed a card in his grasp.
"Come, Lucifer!"
The demonic cackling that followed, accompanied by bright, successive flashes of colorful and empowering light beckoned Minazuki forward. His own Persona crackled to life behind him, and the two boys charged.