Click Here for Update 72
: It’s time. Today, we finally reach Rank 9 with Yusuke.
: We have four new books we have to buy in order to get Knowing the Heart, so let’s get on that.
: We can also get a new decoration for Joker’s room. I think there’s five of these in total. We’ll put them up a bit later.
: I’m going to unfortunately have to stick to tradition and do the friendship route first.
: “Where does this passage even go? It feels as though I’m being sucked inside merely by gazing upon it. So this is the heart of man… it is ugly… yet beautiful as well.”
: “That duality is what makes humanity such an interesting subject… as you know, I have been confused recently about the reason for my art.”
: “Did I want to be recognized, or did I want to capture pure beauty? Was it due to my talent, or just my upbringing? …Each answer would seem correct at first, yet only prove itself false upon a more in-depth examination.”
: “Akira… when my mother was painting the ‘Sayuri’… what do you think she was thinking about?”
: “Such love is almost embarrassing to have pointed out to me… but you are probably right. However, I believe that was not the only thing she thought about.”
: “It seems the ‘Sayuri’ was meant to impart something to me… and to all others who view it, for that matter. Love, regret, loneliness, anxiety, calm… and hope. All of the emotions my mother felt, conveyed plainly to the viewer.”
: “That is why it has such a profoundly unique impact on those who see it. My paintings pale in comparison to such depth of meaning…”
: “And yet… that painting has kept me going this whole time. During particularly difficult nights, it was there to soothe my sadness. It acted almost as a ray of light cutting through the somber darkness…”
: “I had wanted to create a similar beacon of hope for others… but it seems I lost sight of that goal. Look. This world is a dark, unrelenting place, Akira.”
: “But that is why I am going to wield my brush again… to give hope to all those who see my paintings.”
: “Yes, thanks to you. You chose to help me work through my problems instead of leaving me to my sadness. Now, I will use my art to paint over the blackness of this world. It shall become a vivid realm, full of hope… I expect it will be a most beautiful sight to behold.”
: “Perhaps you will see it someday, Akira.”
: The route switch happens right here. The choices are something like “Let’s make a new world together.” and “I hope I do.”
: “Hm, this radiant light growing within me… it must be the light of hope. …I shall paint it.”
: “…Kawanabe-san.”
: “Indeed I do.”
: “That no longer matters to me though. I am going to enter my painting merely so others can be exposed to it. Well, I will talk to you later, Akira. Farewell.”
: Yusuke’s Rank 9 is extremely short compared to almost all of the other Rank 9 scenes. We’ll do his Rank 10 tomorrow morning, but unfortunately we have a very long Mishima event tonight.
: For the More Like Yusu-Gay route, there’s no event on the night of 10/07, because Yusuke’s Rank 9 can only be done on a Thursday and picking the romance route locks you out of the next day.
: “He probably just couldn’t live with himself after what he did to her… his reputation did a total 180 after he announced the marriage though. People used to hate him, but now all everyone wants to talk about is how sweet and manly he is.”
: “At any rate, we can’t oppose the will of the public. Good thing we decided not to change his heart. Support for the Phantom Thieves would’ve really dropped if we had.”
: “…I need to make sure our next target is one we can win against.”
: “Proof. Proof that we’re the ones doing the right thing. Oh, by the way… I came up with a new plan of attack. If we really wanna make you guys famous, we need to do more than just answer promising requests.”
: “Right now there are tons of idiots out there doubting you, and trying to influence others to do the same. So… we’re gonna purge them.”
: I wonder if Chris Metzen played this game, because if he did, I guarantee he and his corruption fetish were salivating. Chris Metzen is the lead writer for Blizzard.
: “Sorry about that. Purge is a pretty disturbing word, huh? There’s not really any better way to phrase it though. The truth is, I looked up some of these idiots who were criticizing you and sent them warning messages.”
: I feel like Joker should follow Golgo 13’s rule regarding imitators and kill Mishima right here.
: “I’ll have you know, it’s been working wonders. They totally stopped dissing the P-Thieves! There are still some people who say they don’t believe, but deep down they’re just afraid of you guys.”
: The… P-Thieves? Is Mishima into watersports?
: Mishima’s VA does this disturbing laugh right here and it just works.
: “Plus now that all those haters are gone, people are putting a bunch more info on the forum. Post after post after post, it’s all ‘please’ and ‘help me’… this is so much fun.”
: Mishima has become an early-2000s forum mod.
: “All I did is find my own way to change people’s hearts. I’m above the simple stuff like producing and advertising now. I can change the world. I have the strength to do that now…”
: “Akiyama-kun…”
: “Hahaha… we actually saw each other here not that long ago…”
: “…Akiyama-kun?”
: “Are you okay?”
: “I dunno, you just seem… quiet.”
: “Zero… he acts like I’m total nothing, but he still takes time to try and mess with me… I’ve changed though. I’m way better than a loser like him. I even heard he’s been hanging out with some shady people…”
: “They’re all scum. I wish we could change their hearts, for the good of society…”
: “All right, it’s decided! Your next target is gonna be Akiyama-kun! Let’s see, where’s his info… um, speaking of targets… are you guys gonna come after me someday too…?”
: “You’re really considering it…? H-Hahaha… good joke, Kurusu… anyway, I’m heading home. I’ll send you Akiyama-kun’s info later…”
: “Didn’t he give us some other weird request too? Something about that handsome actor? Is Mishima-kun trying to take advantage of us?”
: “Apparently, he has also threatened anyone who dares speak ill of the Phantom Thieves on his forum. Perhaps we should enact a change of heart on Mishima, not this Akiyama fellow.”
: “Whoa, wait up. He ain’t that bad.”
: “Hm… I guess we could find out what’s happening if we managed to find his Shadow. I mean, he’s already worried that we’re gonna change his heart, right? We’ll probably be able to track down his Shadow in Mementos.”
: “All things considered, I think our best course of action would be to defeat it and change his heart.”
: Does Haru even know who Mishima is?
: “We can’t have him keep causing problems for us though.”
: “Either way, we can decide whether or not we change his heart later. For now, we must meet his Shadow.”
: “Yeah. Let’s head into Mementos and track down Mishima’s Shadow!”
: “Could you be… the Phantom Thieves!?”
: It’s very strange that Mishima’s shadow doesn’t recognize them, especially since he knows who they are in reality and knows that they’re John Persona.
: “ME, of all people…? If you just shut up and listened to what I told you, the Phantom Thieves would get even more famous… and if you did that, I’d get some of the spotlight too. I wouldn’t be just some stupid zero anymore…”
: “There’s finally some hope back in my life… so why? Why are you so insistent on stopping me…? Yo, losers, get out of here. I wanna talk to your leader… alone.”
: “Before you came along, I knew my role in life. I was supposed to be the guy everyone messed with. I had accepted that I was a zero, embraced it even… but once I figured out you were one of the Phantom Thieves, everything changed…”
: “You just HAD to get close to me…! I mean, seeing a real-life hero do all this amazing stuff made me wish I could be something more… I want to change society too… I want the world to notice me!”
: He says this like he didn’t try to get close to Joker at all costs.
: “If I can just make the Phantom Thieves famous, maybe I’ll end up famous too…!”
: “I’m not sure… but I don’t have any other choice. I don’t have any special powers like you guys… heck, nobody even pays attention to me…! In the end, that’s why I need you guys… you’re the only way I’ll be able to make a name for myself!”
: “I know it’s wrong… but if I can’t push my way into the spotlight now, when will I…!? A-Anyway, just bring it on already! You’re here to fight, aren’t you!?”
: “C’mon, let’s go. I’m sure he learned something if he’s been spendin’ all this time with us amazin’ heroes, yeah?”
: I was hoping we’d at least get to punch him.
: “It had a picture of a huge lantern. I didn’t know stuff like that happens in the city…”
: The Sanja Festival is a Shinto festival that happens each year on the third weekend in May in Asakusa.
: “Wow, so you know about it, too? I really wanna check it out… okay, then let’s end training early today and head over there!”
: “It’s like a festival! Do you think it’s like this every day? What’re we gonna do here, Kurusu-san? I’m not interested in temples…”
: “Huh? Really!? I thought we were going to the temple. Ooh! I smell something good! Haha… you figured it out, right? I haven’t been able to eat lunch at school lately, which sucks…”
: “You’re really nice, Kurusu-san. Thanks for bringing me here. Hey, what should we eat first? Ningyo-yaki? Dango? …Let’s see who can eat the most!”
: Unfortunately, we can’t do much tonight. The only people available are ones we’ve maxed out, so we read Call Me Chief instead to get ahead on that.
: The good news is that as a result of this, we’ll have Knowing the Heart done before the next Mementos visit, roughly two weeks before the guide would have us do it.
: “I love the sound of the word ‘chief’. I’d like to be called that too, someday.”
: We’ll accept this soon enough, but first… Yusuke’s Rank 10. Ignore the date on it, I accidentally recorded the canon run of the 9th and forgot to reload, so I did it on the 10th instead.
: I also found out during this run that Yoshida IS available on the 10th, so we will be finishing his confidant this update, ahead of schedule.
: “Moreover, it was accepted. The resulting exhibition is actually going on as we speak. Come, let us go. It is being held at the same museum as last time.”
: “I still have much to learn, but I finally painted something that I can be satisfied with. Yes. This is the true heart of humanity. The title is ‘Desire and Hope’. What do you think?”
: “I added aspects that were previously lacking. This light… is all of you. The title lists hope, but in my mind, it’s a much more concrete thing. I can’t believe I didn’t realize that until now…”
: Yusuke’s existing route is about a step removed from being a gay romance route.
: “You…”
: Could it be that it’s good because Yusuke has finally admitted who he really is? We’ll find out in the next update.
: “Huh?”
: “…It is.”
: “What are you playing at?”
: “But… why would you do that? What’s your objective?”
: “Huh?”
: “So that’s why…”
: “…”
: “Sensei…”
: Okay so wait… this was a guy who killed someone through inaction, had screwed over everyone he ever knew… and suddenly he gives a shit about Yusuke?
: “…Yeah.”
: “It’s a truly kind offer. Thank you for your generosity. However, I must respectfully decline.”
: “I am not Madarame. I won’t be stained by desire. After all, I can see hope. If I am lost, they will extend their hands. If I am wrong, they will chastise me. As long as I have my rays of hope to guide me, I will be fine.”
: “…What a strange man.”
: “Sacrificing one’s own money for the sake of others - that’s not something anyone can do. Perhaps it’s a tad wasteful of me to decline. Still, I believe it’s for the best.”
: “I feel contradictory, but that’s the human heart, correct? …Interesting. That’s exactly what I should be painting. It must have been troublesome dealing with me.”
: “But for some reason, I knew that you wouldn’t abandon me until everything was said and done. Thank you… my friend.”
: Odin is the next Persona up the Emperor arcana from Baal. Because we already have Baal, we will be fusing him up into Odin as soon as we hit the next Mementos run.
: In hindsight, I really should’ve gotten a picture like that one I got for Tatsuya and Jun in the Innocent Sin LP.
Returning Persona: Kamu Susano-O
Origin: Japan
First Appearance: Digital Devil Story Novels
Shinto god of the sea and storms. Brother of Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi, spawned when Izanagi washed his face after exiting the underworld. Yusuke’s version of Susano-O comes from an 8th-century book called Izumo No Kuni Fudoki that contain fragments of myth that go against the official version that was kept by the government in ancient Japan.
: My favorite part of the article about Izumo No Kuni Fudoki is that they have a myth where their province isn’t big enough, so one of the gods pulls land from Korea to make it bigger.
: It’s funny because you don’t really need gods for that - all you need is a Belgian farmer who has a tractor and access to the stones that mark the national border between France and Belgium.
: Now I kind of want a game where a god attempts to annex Belgium and you play as an irritated Belgian farmer who isn’t going to let divine intervention stop him from growing his crops. It’d be like Harvest Moon only by the end you’re going to beat the shit out of a deity with a battle tractor.
: “…I reiterate my promise to you. I’ll extend my assistance to you, should you ever stumble. Now then, shall we go?”
: And that’s that. Let’s go on to what we’re actually doing on the 9th.
: “They’re so high quality. Way better than cheapos. The subtle facial expressions - even the little wrinkles on the clothes… urgh, I want it so bad… but you could get sushi ten times with that kinda money…”
: “Oh, that’s it! But what part-time jobs could I even do? Not customer service, that’s for dang sure! Fine… I guess I’ll just have to settle for staring at it.”
: “Let’s just wait for him to leave. Don’t make eye contact. Okay?”
: “Mm? Well, look who it is…”
: “Hey. Didn’t think I’d bump into you here.”
: “He’s talking to us…! We’re dead…”
: “…Who’s the little lady?”
: " ‘Basically,’ huh. Sounds complicated. Still, not like I’m in a place to judge."
: “…You know this guy?”
: “What, like for a job…? I guess you could say that.”
: “Wait, like… that military store?”
: “Oh, you know it?”
: “Y-Yeah… uh, I mean, yes sir…”
: “…Relax, kid. I don’t bite.”
: “Oh, me and these guys go way back. They distribute some of my wares here.”
: “Wares…? What about that model gun in the second floor display case?”
: “Oh, huh… yeah, that’s probably one of ours.”
: You mean one of yours, right? It’s not like you work with anyone, given that in Strikers the shop closes because you leave it.
: “That kind of authenticity is hard to find.”
: That was a quick turnaround.
: “Whoa. You know your stuff, little lady. You oughta drop by the shop sometime. I got plenty more models for someone who can appreciate 'em.”
: I’m imagining Futaba going to Iwai’s and ordering five M1911s, each one styled after a Featherman. He asks her how the hell she’s going to carry five guns and she goes “I have ways.”
: “R-Really!?”
: “Yeah, really. See ya around.”
: “A speech about the Phantom Thieves… there are some things I want you to hear, so please come and listen to it.”
: “Thank you. I appreciate it, but…”
: “I haven’t spoken to him since we last met.”
: “Okay, I’m going to get started.”
: Is “break a leg” even a thing in Japanese?
: “I will. Especially with you looking on.”
: “Setting aside whether their actions are right or wrong… there is one thing I can safely say about the Phantom Thieves. A belief with conviction… has the ability to move a person’s heart.”
: “I’m sure you are all aware that I am ‘No-Good Tora’, the one accused of embezzlement. I was a fool 20 years ago. It’s no wonder that I was considered a failure as a politician.”
: “However, because I was accused like that, I was able to understand the suffering of the weak. Why am I in politics? In the past, it was merely for political gain. But why do the Phantom Thieves continue to change hearts?”
: I kind of wish they would’ve focused less on Yoshida’s speeches, which are all pretty much the same. I recorded his Rank 10 last night and couldn’t remember which set of screenshots was which because they’re so similar.
: “I believe they do it for the world and its people. And in choosing to do justice for others, they had no choice but to disguise themselves. No matter what the world says, I fully support them.”
: “I’m just an average citizen. However, I will continue to voice my beliefs. I may not be able to become a Diet member this election… and I may not be able to effect change during my lifetime…”
: “Thank you for listening.”
: Isn’t it also kind of weird that Yoshida is a politician who only ever talks about John Persona?
: “That’s right.”
: “Matsushita…”
: “My candidacy… huh? What an unexpected turn of events. The Phantom Thieves… perhaps, it’s the effect of you moving my heart.”
: I like that he’s the only confidant who kind of asks “Did you do anything to me?” when they realize that the person they’ve been talking to is a high schooler with brainfuck powers.
: “You have a bright future ahead of yourself as a Diet member. I’m sure you’ll be able to stay composed when the opposition taunts you. The Phantom Thieves… the power to change a person’s heart…”
: “I don’t possess a special power like they do, but I won’t lose to them when it comes to conviction. Speech is my only weapon. Just my voice and my words. That’s how I win people over.”
: “Thank you for sticking by my side, Kurusu-kun.”
: “Contrary to what I thought, getting your heart stolen isn’t such a bad thing. If he’s a member of the Phantom Thieves, then…”
: We’ll do this event just to see it, but even if I was following the guide to the letter, we’d do it and then reset to do an actual confidant event today.
: “I guess Futaba’s coming here to show us a magazine tomorrow. It sounds like fun, but… I’m going to bed.”
: “Oh, I have enough for you, by the way. There’s some seriously ingenious stuff in these things.”
: “And this keyboard is too curvy! How do you even type on this thing?”
: I bet she saw one of those Maltron keyboards. Seriously, those things are like $600, which is kind of absurd.
: “Man, nice! This ‘PC Build Competition’ is right up my alley… have you ever built your own PC before, Akira?”
: Yes I have, and I’m damn well going to build another soon, provided this crypto crash sticks.
: “Really!? Huh, you’re more of a techie than I thought. You might even be a PC master! What were the specs? What CPU did you use? How much RAM did you put in?”
: “Ooh, did you overclock it? How’d you handle cooling?” Hehehe… we should go to Akiba together sometime, Akira!"
: Let’s reset and do what we’re actually doing today.
: “I mean, I couldn’t do anything to him… there’s just no way.”
: “Right!? He must have done something to win… I’ve heard rumors about Takekuma! People say he uses cheat armor! You know what that is, right? He totally broke the rules by equipping it…”
: We call that “pay to win”. By the way, this choice is one of a few where you get full points for more than one answer - in this case, either the first or the third.
: “I bet that’s why my usual shots didn’t work against him! That has to be the reason! But next time we play, I’m definitely…”
: “Yep. Even the Phantom Thieves had a comeback victory against Medjed. I’m gonna win next time! Just watch! The thing is… I told my mom about what happened with Takekuma…”
: “But… she didn’t… really care. All she said was, ‘Okay.’ It’s probably because I lost… she doesn’t like kids who lose.”
: “My mom once told me that… we need to be strong, because it’s just the two of us. She said no one helps the weak. They just get preyed on…”
: “That’s why I wanna get stronger. Strong enough that we won’t get preyed on. Strong enough that WE’D be the predators…”
: I’m just picturing Gotou, who at this point is probably a hobo after losing his military command in If, walking by and going “Hey kid, wanna rule the weak?”
: “That’s exactly who the Phantom Thieves are… the strongest… who can prey on anyone. Once I become the strongest, my mom will be able to count on me.”
: “The only way I can win is through games… that’s why I can’t lose. …What should I do about Takekuma’s armor…? The strategy I used last time didn’t work…”
: “Of course! I’m definitely gonna win next time! …Thanks. You’re like a big brother to me. I can talk to you about anything… I heard that that’s what it’s like to have a sibling…”
: This ability was added for Royal. It makes the gun customizations that do status ailments better, but that’s not what we’re going to use it for.
: Because we just unlocked Odin, we have access to Ann’s ultimate SMG. It not only does a shitload of damage but also inflicts Despair, and with this ability the chances of it doing so are pretty good. Despair locks an enemy down, so you can potentially win entire encounters with just Ann.
: “Takekuma better watch out… crap, look at the time! I gotta go! See you later!”
: “That Takekuma… even thinking about him pisses me off! I’ll beat him next time for sure. But since he might be cheating, normal training isn’t gonna cut it. I gotta think of a new strategy by the next time I challenge him!”
: “I don’t know yet… I just need some time to think. I feel like I’m right on the edge of a good idea. Once I figure everything out, you should come train with me!”
: “I gotta be the best. Or else my mom won’t… well, I’ll definitely win next time. See ya.”
: Tonight, we’re going to finish off Yoshida’s confidant ahead of schedule. Once we do this, we’ll have avoided one of the two major permafucks in this game. His confidant cuts off on 11/13.
: “A weekly magazine reported that Kuramoto was the real culprit in the funds misappropriation case. Old Man Kuramoto will likely be forced to retire from the political world.”
: “The police can’t do anything, because it was 20 years ago, but he has a moral obligation. I hear his grandson Benzo resigned from the party as well. It could be due to Matsushita’s influence, or perhaps it’s just the party’s way of atoning…”
: It’s funny how all of our other confidants need us to do something, but Yoshida probably would’ve turned out the same even without us.
: “Now it’s all up to me… and my abilities.”
: “To think that people would be excited to hear me speak… the article mentioned I didn’t want the real culprit to be named even though I knew who it was.”
: “Apparently, people admire me for having quietly accepted a false charge for 20 years. I didn’t intend for any of this to happen though.”
: “I appreciate that someone like you, who’s been watching me so closely, would say such a thing. I’ve struggled for the past 20 years… but I can put all that behind me after the election.”
: “…Oh, look at the time. I should get started. Today will be the last day I request help…”
: “I don’t intend to meddle. Everything I’ve told you has been based on assumptions, but if you’re still willing to listen… then I think you should focus on your ‘work,’ because the time is now. I can’t think of anything else to teach you.”
: “You are now an expert on giving speeches. I taught you all I know about the art of public speaking, in return for you supporting a guy like me. And over time, you became someone who shared my beliefs.”
: “Thanks to you, I was able to overcome my crisis these last few months…”
: “But if you ever find yourself in harm’s way on your journey, I will be there to help you. We’ll be comrades who reform the world… together.”
: Given what Caroline and Justine’s ability does, this is kind of pointless unless you’re on a low-level run. I don’t think the speedrun even bothers to get this.
: “Thank you for everything. All right, it’s time to begin!”
: “Does anyone out there have something they aspire to do? I met a certain young man… through a method that differs from mine, he was trying to reform the world.”
: Certainly not, you know, the guy standing right next to him.
: “As you know, that is a very large mountain to cross. Unfortunately, I am unable to travel the same path as him… however, I will not say goodbye. Because we will surely meet at the peak.”
: “He is desperately doing what he aspires to do. So I encourage you all. Please find what it is that YOU aspire to do. And I will support you. Because that is what I aspire to do.”
: Next time, we’ll go through three days of nothing but cutscene as we finish the Okumura arc. Don’t forget to check the “Alternate Scenes” header for the new Yusu-Gays!