Summary
: I mentioned a couple of updates ago (it’s since been edited out) that we were going to max a social stat last update. That’s actually going to happen this update. What happened was I thought I had recorded the entirety of the 11th and then realized I had only recorded the morning bit.
: This update will also be split into two parts because we will be doing Ann’s Rank 9 event (and thus doing a reload to see her Rank 10 immediately). This update will contain the friendship route, while the romance route will be filed under the alternate scenes header in the hub post.
: “This man devoted his life to his craft, but in doing so lived and died in absolute solitude… I wonder if I too would be able to create a slew of masterpieces, were I to spend my days alone…”
: Given that portrait of Joker that’s been hanging on his wall for a few months now, I’d give him maybe a week alone before he gives up.
: “Heh… this is true. Loneliness would only narrow my perspective. Conversely, I wish to expand my realm of possibilities…”
: Clearly, the once-over that Atlus supposedly gave the base game’s script didn’t apply to these scenes.
: Thanks to boyfriend power, we’re now at rank five for Charm. This saves us 10,000 yen over the next couple of days that we’d otherwise have to spend on luck readings. When I said we were ahead of schedule and under budget, I meant it.
: We now need to visit Chihaya for two things. The first is a luck reading for Kindness, because we need to water the plant. The second is an affinity reading for Sojiro.
: The reason we need this is because Sojiro’s confidant as a whole is kinda fucky. You can do ranks one through three very early on (as we did). Rank four requires a shitload of points, and then rank five isn’t available until 08/22.
: I find it kind of funny that you can get an affinity reading for Chihaya. We actually will do this at one point… but really, isn’t that just a bribe?
: Now I’m wondering if Chihaya is actually magic, or if she just takes our money and bribes the confidants on our behalf.
: Just three feedings until we’re done with Kindness forever.
: Two rank-ups on the same day? Sure, why not.
: “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 received a dinner invitation from Dietman Matsushita. He would like for you to come as well.”
: “Let me know if you would like to attend. I’d be delighted if you would consider this as helping with my campaign and join me…”
: It’s oddly prescient that this scene exists, given that Shinzo Abe resigned the same year Royal released.
: “I see…”
: “Unfortunately, this is all beyond me now.”
: “You have a very adaptable way of thinking. Most people who want to get into politics are jealous of them.”
: “However they manage to change hearts, I respect their belief in crushing evil and saving the weak.”
: “I can’t deny that. But that’s not why I support them… I bet they’re a group of young people. Young people who have experienced cruelty and injustice.”
: “They bravely face the societal ills that plague our world without thinking of the consequences. Brave, yet pitiful… I suppose.”
: “…Is this what you asked me here to speak to me about?”
: “And…?”
: “…So you’re saying I should give up my campaign to become a Diet member?”
: No, you’re doing it wrong, you’re supposed to link a song when you do that and… god dammit.
: You know, I just realized that that bribery theory definitely works. There’s no point bribing Yoshida because you always rank up every time you visit him - because it’d ruin his career even further if he was caught taking a bribe.
: “Matsushita…”
: “He likely has an ulterior motive. If he felt hopeful, he wouldn’t ask me to not run for the Diet. I expect he’s trying to take advantage of me… that happens a lot in this world.”
: “What would you do at a time like this, Kurusu-kun?”
: “So you’re telling me to take control of my destiny, hm? You’re very inspiring.”
: “Above all, I wish to continue speaking with you. You have such a fresh outlook on the world.”
: “Let’s finish up for today. Sorry I made you tag along. I’ll see you again soon.”
: How much do you want to bet the writers for Royal had no idea someone was going to line up the dialog so you can see that he repeats himself?
: “I’m sure you’ll end up having to face something similar someday, so let me share my thoughts. When people come to you with these negotiations, you need to see what’s really on the table.”
: “Do you see the offer as a risk or an opportunity…? You’ll have your own major decisions to make, in time. The most crucial thing is that you don’t lose sight of who you are.”
: “It comes from experience. I don’t want you to make the mistakes I did. Just remember - even when you’re surrounded by opposition and opinions, hold onto your own conviction.”
: “…Ah, I’m sorry. Maybe I’m getting a little too worked up about this. Well then, until next time. Good night.”
: Judging by the comment under the popularity bar, Andrew Allanson has made a cameo appearance in this game.
: “…The man who offered his support to me at Madarame’s house. I would like your assistance with him. Do you have time to spare?”
: “I find it quite suspicious that he would offer money to a mere high school student like myself… I am grateful for his offer… but I am unsure of what to do.”
: “…Yeah. I must cling onto any semblance of hope I can find in this world… very well. I will call him.”
: “I would appreciate it if you could join me, Akira. Your presence could help ease my societal discomfort, as well as diffuse the temptation of money. Furthermore, your composure will allow you to tell if he is truly attempting to scam me.”
: “Kawanabe-san is waiting for us at the sushi bar. I already told him that you will be coming, so let us go.”
: “Before that… there is something I would like to ask. Just who are you?”
: Yeah, that sounds like a real good way to get Yusuke on board.
: “Sensei…I-I mean, Madarame?”
: Gotta love how his argument for why Yusuke should join this thing is “Well, we’re big enough dumbasses that we got conned by Madarame.”
: “Madarame… to think I once relied on his teachings, called him my mentor! …This is all because of him. It is his fault that I can no longer view paintings with a pure heart…”
: “In the past, simply the desire to paint led me to seek beauty. But now, I find myself constantly weighed down by the search for awards or the praise of others…”
: “An ugly attachment has fastened itself upon my work… I can no longer paint how I used to. My art… is tainted.”
: “…A-As he said. I am wondering the same thing.”
: “A story…?”
: “Excuse me!?”
: “I have that resolve! However, I also believe such a life should only come via proper assessment!”
: “What did you say!?”
: “Why is it that all artists talk about is money, money, money!? Has the true meaning of art been lost!?”
: “Akira…! You are correct. My passion can change the world. However… I would starve to death without money. Passion alone may fill my heart, but it cannot fill my stomach. What a troubling predicament…”
: “Anyhow, I am quite glad that you chose to accompany me here. I may have bit my tongue off in anger had it been only me. In other words… you are a soothing force in my life.”
: This will be helpful for copying that Megido card we got earlier. I fully plan on reloading once we go to Mementos to get Megidolaon.
: “I… I will participate in Kawanabe’s exhibition. I am going to display my ability and prove him wrong. …Come, let us go home. …Actually, we should eat first. The sushi has done nothing wrong, after all.”
: He might in the friendship route, but this is the last time we’ll be seeing or hearing from Kawanabe in the More Like Yusu-Gay route.
: “It’s good that I’m sitting in front of the canvas while my emotions are hot… but the lingering taste of sushi has me utterly distracted! Not only that, I allowed Kawanabe to pay for it all…”
: “I’m tainted after all…! I’m a petty sellout, a slave to the power of money!”
: Why is this not just one option? “Calm down. It’s not a crime to enjoy sushi. Let’s go again sometime.”
: “I-I apologize. I know I’m only acting like this because… Kawanabe had me in the palm of his hand. …If I’m being honest, I still feel doubts about my work.”
: “I may end up embarrassing myself again… but even then, I must express myself. Your support in this would mean the world to me. Goodbye for now.”
: We need to get another affinity reading for Sojiro tonight. If we were strictly on the guide’s schedule, we would also be getting a luck reading for Charm, but… we won’t be needing that.
: “Although I’d be pretty happy to let those records stay unbroken. Still, this time of year is the best for a nice, refreshing cold one.”
: “Have you heard any good gossip? My deadline’s coming up, and I’m all out of material. Sit down, I’ll treat ya.”
: “For real? From the look of it, you must have good info, huh? Give me the details about the Kamoshida incident.”
: “So the calling card they used for Kamoshida was different… now that’s a scoop. That kind of information usually doesn’t see the light of day. …You have any photos or videos of it?”
: “Nice! You have some great connections. chuckle But seriously, the ‘Phantom Thieves of Hearts’? They sound like kids on a playground, not valiant fighters for society.”
: “I mean, they act all high and mighty, but I’m not sure they’re really worth very much in the end.”
: “Hah, that’s hilarious! You think they’re actually virtuous? In my line of work, there’s no clearer sign of deception than goodwill. You know, like the shady actions of a charitable organization, or the actual criteria of a peace prize.”
: “Same thing goes for the Phantom Thieves. You just have to learn to take some things with a grain of salt.”
: “Why? It’s the truth.”
: I like that this is the writers all but admitting that Ohya is a thinly veiled ripoff of Maya.
: “…Gimme some sushi.”
: “No can do. I’ve been permanently reassigned to the culture and entertainment department.”
: “Urgh, dammit! I’m already sobering up. Gimme a refill, Lala-chan!”
: I just thought of the best catchphrase for what Ohya is. She’s Maya except instead of “Let’s Positive Thinking!” she’s “Let’s Constantly Drinking!”.
: “Hey, you wanna drink? You can have some of mine if you want.”
: Joker’s like “God dammit, the Persona 4 party got to drink. Don’t even tell me that line about ‘Oh there’s no actual alcohol here’ wasn’t added as protection against CERO, they were absolutely drinking.”
: Of course, we all know that Yusuke is probably already a professional wine taster and this is going to annoy the hell out of Joker once they get married.
: “Whoa… that’s some scowl you’ve got. Anyway, why are you coming to a bar if you can’t even drink alcohol?”
: “Haha, that’s right! You’re a true believer in the Phantom Thieves. Well, at least now I know you’re gonna be pretty useful. I’m not all that interested in the Phantom Thieves myself, but keep the info coming, all right?”
: “What’s taking so long, Lala-chan!? Where’s my drink!? Do they call you Escargot 'cause you move slow as a snail?”
: “Can’t you just go buy more? I’ll wait for you… forever. 
Just kidding! Ahaha!”
: We have a non-rankup event with Ryuji tomorrow. The first time I did it, I forgot a matching Persona… though I’m not sure it’s totally necessary. I have a lot of doubts about this guide’s accuracy.
: Today, Joker is going to do nothing but play video games.
: “Sweet, let’s do some co-op! I’m gonna show you how a real man plays!”
: “What is this? Star Forneus? Huh, never heard of it. Guess we just gotta give it a try!”
: Star Forneus’s logo is a direct reference to Star Fox… which was an SNES game. I’d go grab a screen off my SNES but my desk is currently being eaten by a hacked PS3 and the 20 or so feet of HDMI cables I need to make it work.
: I also found out today that had I hacked my PS3 like eight months ago, I could’ve recorded Innocent Sin straight off it. I might try and see if I can transfer my copy of IS and see what it looks like.
: “A shootin’ game, huh? The whole retro space thing’s pretty cool. You ready for my rapid-fire skills? I’m gonna blast all the enemies outta here! Oh, crap… that thing’s freakin’ massive…”
: “It’s gotta be the boss. Mkay, time for double-rapid-fire!”
: Each of the console games has a minigame like this attached to it. In this case, you get like five seconds to mash X ten times. I’m pretty sure my cat could do that if he wasn’t busy spreading his hair on everything.
: “Awww yeahhh! We kicked that thing’s ass, no problem! Looks like we win! Your rapid-fire wasn’t half-bad!”
: That uh, feels like a little bit of a stretch, but whatever. We get the usual coffee/bathhouse dialog after this, but Joker has other plans.
: Those plans being to continue playing video games.
: “I was out here gathering intel, and I noticed some patrons playing this… I did a bit of research. Apparently it’s a pretty hardcore shooter game. Do you normally play games like these?”
: I mean, shooting demons with a “model” gun counts as a shooter game, right?
: “Oh, maybe you’ve played this one before? I can only ask that you go easy on me.”
: “Phew! My fingers are going to be sore tomorrow. What a realistic game.”
: Oh look, another obvious slip… only this one wasn’t in the base game from what I remember. There’s a long pause after this.
: “…Only a joke. I’m new to this, I’m afraid. Perhaps we’ll chalk it up to beginner’s luck. Still, this did feel a bit nostalgic for me.”
: This is a line they put in purely to explain something in the base game.
: “All this reminded me of running around the house with it, playing hero…”
: “I’m not totally certain, but thinking back, I suppose I must have. But there are different kinds of heroes, of course. Different stances they define themselves by.”
: Yeah, there’s the poorly-written kind and the even more poorly-written kind.
: “For example, one may stick to the vision of justice they believe in, even if others deny it… while another may simply do as others desire of them, seeking to be recognized and gratified as a hero.”
: “So? Which of those two fits more with your conception of a hero?”
: Joker: “I mean, if you think about it, Deadpool is a hero and he just does whatever.”
: “You believe there’s a third option? I suppose if you’re fighting for a justice nobody really wants, then it’s just blind self-righteousness in the end. Ah, sorry. I suppose that was a strange tangent… pardon me.”
: “Whenever I talk with you, I just can’t help delving into these abstract topics.”
: “I could use a shower. Why don’t we call it a day? Well, see you again.”
: “Thank you for hanging out with me. I had quite a lot of fun. I don’t play these games too often, so I honestly wasn’t sure how well I’d do. Hopefully I didn’t come off as too much of a novice. I wish I’d played better.”
: “Haha, really? I’m honored that you think so. I suppose I’ve always been quick to grasp the fundamentals of anything… but that’s also been a concern for me.”
: “There’s this… constant pressure. Everyone expects me to be capable of anything, which is stressful in and of itself.”
: “Still, games are rather fun. It was quite a novel experience… usually, I just read in my leisure time. It offered more realism than I expected, and I was impressed by how immersive it felt.”
: “Usually I really struggle with enjoying the same pastimes as my peers, but thanks to you, I had fun today. I hope you can join me again if you get the chance. Now, I’ll talk to you later.”
: Not pictured - going to Chihaya for a luck reading on Guts and then doing a grip and sip for same.
: “I know it’s a day off, but I called and said we need to get some books, so we should be able to get in. It’s still hard for Shiho to climb stairs though, so do you think you could help me carry her?”
: “Isn’t Akira super reliable?”
: giggle “Mm-hm, just like you were telling me.”
: “I think… to settle things. To tell you the truth… I wanted to reenact that moment. Wearing these clothes, standing here again… I wanted to know what it would feel like.”
: “…What about back then? What were you thinking?”
: “I… I didn’t want to die. I just needed to escape… it was like another person inside of me was screaming, telling me to come up here… it almost felt like that person was trying to kill me…”
: “But I know that person was part of me too… my weakness. So, I wanted to see if she would show up again now.”
: “Yeah… she doesn’t exist anymore.”
: “…You’re so strong, Shiho. The only reason you can stand here now is because of how hard you worked for your rehab.”
: “Maybe… but that was all thanks to you, Ann.”
: “Me?”
: “Because I saw how hard you were trying, too. Trying to be strong, to be cool… wanting to be an action star… striving to be a better model…”
: “You were so positive… your eyes sparkled with motivation. With you putting that much effort in, I couldn’t just let my life go to waste in a hospital bed.”
: No sir, nothing gay here.
: “Shiho… I’m not strong… I’m nothing without you. I’m just a lonely, scared girl…”
: “Ann… I’m sorry… for deciding to transfer schools.”
: “Shiho… I’m… I’m going to become a real model! That way you’ll be able to keep seeing me… and keep giving life your all… I’m gonna be in a bunch of magazines, and I’ll say tons of good stuff in interviews…”
: “So… stay healthy. Work hard, but not too much… and keep in touch. Just… take care of yourself…”
: Ann’s confidant really works if you assume she’s gay or bisexual.
: “I made a promise with Shiho, so there’s no turning back now. I’m gonna study how to properly exercise, and even relearn how to walk the runway.”
: “I want to pick up on some other languages and cultures too, so I can start doing overseas events. Because, well… the only way I can help Shiho is to show her how hard I’m working.”
: “…Mm-hm! If I can do that, Shiho… she’ll definitely…”
: The game will give you a warning if you’re already dating someone else… but Joker knows that making a move on Ann (even if they weren’t both gay) would be the wrong thing to do.
: We’ll see the other (non-canon) version of this scene under the “Alternate Scenes” header in the hub post.
: “Oh… you’re right… I have our team now. There are people suffering out there, just waiting for us to save them… that’s why I need to do my best… not just for our team, but for everyone who needs our help.”
: “Akira… let’s do this, together.”
: “A-Anyway… I should be heading home. I’ll be fine by myself. Oh, and thanks for going out with me today… u-um… I didn’t mean it like that. Of course not. …See you later!”
: We then go to Chihaya for a second time today to get an affinity reading for Ann. We only need the one, and I’m not convinced we even need that.
: There is an evening event with Yoshida, but I will be skipping that temporarily (it’ll be at the end of the update instead) in order to go directly to Ann’s Rank 10.
: There’s an optional event on the 15th with Makoto. I will be showing that off at the end of the update after the Yoshida event on the 14th. For canon purposes, Ann’s Rank 10 actually happens on 08/19.
: “Okay… I won’t…”
: “What’s going on here?”
: “Yeah…”
: “Oh yeah, I remember.”
: “What I did was really terrible. I caused so much trouble for everyone… but I’m gonna start working even harder from now on, I promise…”
: “Yup!”
: “…You really did something that lame?”
: “What are you calling lame? This industry’s overflowing with models. Without an in, your career will never even get off the ground. Chances don’t come to those who wait. You have to make your own luck if you want to succeed.”
: “You really are something…”
: “It’s your own fault for getting the boot. If you can’t crawl your way back up, you may as well go home. And either way, it’s not like I’m not talented. I just needed my shot, and now I’m selling like crazy.”
: “…You talk big, but they still found out about your fake emails.”
: “Sure, but all I had to do was offer a teensy apology. It would’ve been dumb to try and hide it from them. Anyway, they can’t sack me now. I’m gonna get even more popular, even if it means being detested for my actions.”
: giggle “You’re just like the villains I used to admire when I was a kid. Beautiful, strong… and wicked. Honestly, I just can’t bring myself to hate you.”
: “Well I don’t have any trouble hating you.”
: “Sorry Mika, but your hard work is only gonna get you to second place. I’m going to be the number one model. You might be more popular right now, but I’ll take that spot from you fair and square.”
: “Hm… all right then, I won’t pull any more tricks. I’ll beat you with beauty… fair and square.”
: Wait, wasn’t this the same exact pose she was using during that last event with Mika in it?
: “So… how was it?”
: “Well, yeah! I had to work extra hard with you watching, Akira! I know I said I want to be the number one model, but I’m okay with that not happening just yet.”
: “For now, I just want to keep improving, one step at a time. Then someday down the line, I’ll be able to look at myself with pride. Hopefully people will see that confidence, and draw strength from it.”
: “I’m gonna be a ray of light for the people of this planet… just like you and Shiho are for me…”
: “Yeah, you’re right. Thanks! Akira… you’re my light.”
: “Got it! Hey, let’s hang out a little more once the shoot ends, okay?”
: “Back when I met Shiho, when she saved me… I realized that personal relationships are something to be treasured. That’s why I’m not going to run away anymore.”
: “I’ll face myself head on. This time, it’s my turn to help someone. But… I’m still kinda worried. Do you think you could help me, Akira?”
: So what you’re saying is you’ll face out, you’ll hold out, you’ll reach out to the truth? Or that you’ll face yourself?
: “Mm-hm! You can lean on me too, if you need it…”
: Joker’s like “Ann, you’re the only person in the party who learns a fourth-tier spell, an amp, a boost, and concentrate.”
: giggle “…I feel like we finally see each other eye to eye, Akira. I’m so glad I met you…”
: Oh right, it’s time for the music!
: Every party member has the same ability at Rank 10. Unlike Persona 4, the Second Awakenings in P5 kinda suck. Instead of losing their weakness, each party member has their initial resistance upgraded to a null (so Ann now nulls fire) and gains a secondary resistance (Ann gets electric) as well as a Dodge skill for their weakness element that triples their evasion rate against that element.
: By the way, this screen is inaccurate. Royal adds an 11th rank to all of the party member confidants (this was a selling point) that only unlocks for the new content.
NEW PERSONA: Hecate
Origin: Greco-Roman Mythology
First Appearance: Megami Tensei
Three-faced Greek goddess associated with magic and lunar lore.
: “It means forever! Got it? Anyway, let’s eat before our food gets cold! Time to dig in!”
: “We don’t have much time left. I know it’s frustrating, but there’s not much we can do.”
: We’ll now proceed to what we’re actually doing on the night of 08/15, before circling back to cover the Yoshida event we missed on 08/14 and the optional Makoto event I really wish I hadn’t bothered to record.
: “I didn’t know it was so popular with high school kids. I haven’t been paying much attention to it. But if it’s newsworthy, I guess I should keep tabs on it.”
: “The Phantom Thieves must be really bored if they’re going after small-time criminals now. I have a theory that they’re all minors, and their leader is some simpleton dying from boredom…”
: “Haha, you’re right. My theory is definitely half-assed at best. Plus if it only takes a second to change a person’s heart, they totally wouldn’t be bored.”
: “Well, I’m not really interested in writing entertainment articles about whatever fad’s caught on.”
: “People at work call them paparazzi behind their backs… but me? I’m a real journalist!”
: “Hey, I wasn’t looking for some kid to butt in! Entertainment articles are all about selling copies… the truth doesn’t even matter. Nobody wants to read real news… sigh”
: “…Never.”
: “If I quit now, it’d be the same as declaring my partner guilty.”
: Oh, I know! I bet her partner’s name is Oyukin and she hates photography, and is also the worst girl in the three games she’s been in, because Persona 5 is rapidly turning into the Ni no Kuni 2 isekai realm counterpart to Persona 2.
: “Of course she was! …I mean, never mind! Hahaha! But… thanks to you, I’ve had more time to focus on my own investigation.”
: So here’s what I wonder, right? If Persona 5 is just the isekai realm counterpart to Persona 2, does that mean there’s an Isekai Makoto who isn’t THE SMART GIRL and lets her friends have more screentime and also their own opinions?
: "I’m going to write an article that you’ll really enjoy! Think of it as a sign of my appreciation! I can see it now! ‘Exclusive: Behind the Incredible Phantom Thieves! Dial 911 for Justice!’ "
: “…How’s that sound? Haha, don’t worry! I’ll take it seriously. After all… that’s what I promised you.”
: I think this ability is poorly translated. We already lose security level when ambushing enemies - that’s an ability you have from the start of the game even in the base game.
: What I’m pretty sure this actually does is increases how much the security level lowers when you ambush an enemy. Again, this is shit they could’ve fixed in Royal… but I guess it can’t be helped, right?
: “You sure are weird though, coming all the way to Shinjuku at night…”
: “I can talk with him? Really? Okay, I’ll be right there. Work? Nah, I’m already off the clock.”
: “Sorry, I have some urgent business to attend to. Just put this one on my tab, Lala-chan. See ya!”
: Okay, done with that. Now we need to go back to Yoshida’s event on the 14th.
: “Considering that the grandson of my former teacher is showing me such kindness.”
: “I see… congratulations.”
: “Well, I was planning on running myself… and I don’t believe that I’m qualified to teach you.”
: “Well, I did have a lot of free time after I lost the election. Study is all an amateur can do.”
: “I’d be happy to bury the hatchet with Mr. Kuramoto… but I’m not worthy to join his group again.”
: “Sorry, could you give us a moment, Kurusu-kun?”
: “Wait a moment… is your plan to involve him so that I can’t decline?”
: “Are you saying that you’re going to secede from the Liberal Co-Prosperity Party?”
: “And so you’ve come to me, a former member of the Kuramoto Children… but my views differ from those of the Kuramoto group. And I don’t intend on changing them.”
: “You think so too, hm…? Haha, you’re not intimidated, even by the grandson of a big-time Diet member. …I appreciate your offer, but I must respectfully decline.”
: “Kurusu-kun…”
: “Try to understand that he has his own beliefs.”
: “What’s the point in getting elected if it means sacrificing your beliefs? I bet when push came to shove, Kuramoto-kun intended to lure you in. He probably didn’t expect me to remain so calm after he showed his trump card.”
: “I feel surprisingly at ease when you’re with me, like that time with Matsushita. I’m truly indebted to you for all you’ve done for me, but I must ask that you continue to help me.”
: “You know, from the way he was acting, I’d swear Kuramoto-kun was hiding something… ah, my apologies. We’re done eating, so let’s go home. Good work today.”
: Finally, here’s the Makoto event on the 15th.
: “Thank you. I do hope we find something… I want to learn more about cognitive psience while we wait for Futaba to regain her strength.”
: “If only we could understand it more in depth. Maybe we could solve the mystery of the Metaverse. It would make traversing it easier for us, too.”
: Hifumi, being the closest thing this game has to a best girl, immediately nopes out the second she realizes she’s in a Makoto cutscene.
: “Excuse me, please wait! Was there something you wanted to say to him?”
: “Oh no, nothing in particular… I was just surprised to see him here. I didn’t mean to intrude between you two…”
: “No need to be so considerate. He’s just carrying my books for me. …Is she a friend of yours?”
: The books that don’t exist because there was exactly one person researching cognitive psience and she’s dead?
: “W-Warrior!? We just play shogi together…”
: “Is she the professional shogi player you had mentioned before? The master strategist? I admit I only know the rules, but I’m intrigued to know how a professional shogi player thinks.”
: “Is that… a book on shogi tactics?”
: “Oh, yes. I come here to purchase old shogi strategy books from time to time.”
: “Pardon me for asking… could you teach me some strategies? I believe this knowledge would benefit me greatly in the future.”
: “Oh? Sure, if you’d like. Well, if it is about shogi, then… to attack, you will need to be creative with your approach, and sacrifice pieces with no remorse.”
: If only we could sacrifice Makoto.
: “So, plan on enticing your opponent to focus on your sacrificial pieces so you can advance a counter attack?”
: “Yes… you seem to have a talent for this. Another strategy I enjoy is to use bait pieces to draw your opponent to your side of the board.”
: “Hmm, I see. That way you can surround them and…”
: And that’s it. I’ll post Ann’s alternate scenes after this at some point. Next time, we’ll gain insight from eating a burger, max out Ryuji’s confidant and get forced into two consecutive days of Makoto.
u. Im so haP to B friends with U, Mako-chan 
”
: “I suppose all you really need to change fate is a strong will, like what you have. I wish I could do more though…”
: “This guy has ‘I forgot my anniversary until the last minute’ written all over his face.”
: “This book here is all about the latest security techniques, and this is, um… a model gun. It cost me a lot of money…”
: “Listen closely: the place we wish to evaluate for your rehabilitation is… a present-day Tower of Babel.”
: “It looms high in the heavens - so high that the humans below on earth are no longer even visible to the naked eye.”
: “I’m s’posd to be runnin’ an honorable business here, y’know. …Though honestly, the customers’ve been runnin’ a little thin lately.”
: “…Hey.”
: “Uh… I walked.”
: “And Medjed was in turn defeated by her real-world hacking abilities? This does correlate to the facts as we know them… if he’s telling the truth, then Wakaba Isshiki didn’t commit suicide…”
: “It seems you freed the heart of a frenzied girl and saved her from her haunted past. chuckle Another step has been taken to rehabilitation… you are progressing quite nicely.”
