Part 43
Part 43: 6/4-6/5
Music: So Boring
It takes an hour to do my hair due to the humidity, and it’s a bother deciding what to wear when it rains. But for you, June is a month with no holidays and no events. Now that I think about it, you’ll be switching to summer uniforms next week. I don’t want everyone forgetting, OK? Don’t charge out the door in your blazers. On that note, Mr. Hamiru. The original blazers were named that thanks to a certain quality they had. Any idea what it was?
Excellent! Our blazers are black, of course, but the original ones were a bright, vivid red. It was mostly used to refer to the jackets worn by a British boating club in the 1800s.
Maaku gains Knowledge +1.
Somewhere along the line, I suppose the style got lost with the name’s original meaning. After all, just look at us. Nowadays, blazers don’t have to have any color at all…
Not that that’s a bad thing. I think black is pretty stylish…
Music: Beneath the Mask -Rain (Instrumental Version)
I’ve been thinking a lot since then though… Do you have time to talk?
>Hang out with her
Thanks. Does the diner work for you?
Music: Alright (Elp Version)
And you know what she did? Laughed! She couldn’t stop talking about how tough she thought Mika sounded.
I feel like the Shiho Ann talks about and the one we saw are very different people.
Honestly though… it was kinda refreshing. I’m not even mad anymore. I guess you really just need someone to laugh at you if you want to feel better.
I’ve seen the truth of that saying firsthand… But anyway, even though I’m trying to strengthen my heart… Shiho’s the real strong one here.
I went to one of her rehab sessions the other day… She said she wanted me to be there… So I agreed without thinking much of it, but it ended up being… pretty overwhelming.
Music: Alleycat
It was a lot tougher than I’d ever imagined… It was horrible. She was dripping with sweat, teeth clenched… She was clearly in a lot of pain… Apparently… she can’t even move her feet. She said it feels like her legs are filled with sand… But she dragged them along, legs swollen with blood… I wanted to just make her stop… By the time it was all over, she was in tears. It was really tough on her… She said she wanted to give up… And that’s why she asked me to come… To keep her motivated. The whole time she was complaining about things in ways she normally never would… But even with that… she finished her session…
I didn’t have to go through that… …Is it because I’m weak?
You’re wrong. You know, even through all that pain, I thought Shiho was so cool… beautiful, even. Despite all her complaining… she still tried incredibly hard. Strength is more than just not getting fazed… It’s the power to fight through adversity. So I was thinking, and um… what can I do to help Shiho?
How can you help Shiho? Well, have you tried making the problem about yourself?
…Yeah, I’ll do just that. I’m gonna give it my all…! You know Maaku, being with you really helps me see things clearly. What I should do, the true meaning of strength… Well… thank you for that.
I sense a heightened motivation from Ann…
Ugh, my nose is all runny…
Wh-What are you looking at me like that for? Pretty girls get runny noses too, you know! Well, see you around.
Music: Beneath the Mask
I’m sure it’ll be fine. So far nobody’s come charging us with anything, yeah?
But wouldn’t he wait to press charges until AFTER the exhibition? What should we do if someone contacts us about it tomorrow…?
Try asking Yusuke. He’s still staying with Madarame, right?
Oh, that’s right… Where is Yusuke? I wonder if he’ll be OK with Madarame…
I believe he is preparing for a media announcement. I didn’t hear anything about pressing charges.
Guess we just gotta wait then.
Let us meet in Shibuya tomorrow.
OK! See you then!
The exhibition is finally ending tomorrow… I’m sure things will work out fine this time too.
The earth-shattering appearance of a new leader! Revive and fight, Phoenix Rangers! Next episode… “His Name Is Feather Red.”
I was about that age when Power Rangers was a thing so these fake sentai shows make me nostalgic.
Sadly, yes.
Have you been studying? Don’t start slacking off just because you’re done with exams, OK? It’ll cost you 5,000 yen to request me, but this time I’ll be sure to do an extra good job!
Don’t make me change my mind.
I’ll be heading over right now then… It’d be helpful if you can clean up a bit before I get there so that it’s easier for meeee. 
Wait, what? Fuck, I’m already kind of doing you a favor just by paying 50 bucks to hang out with you.
Music: What’s Going On?
If it’s for you, Master, I’ll happily be covered in dust! But then, doesn’t it pain your heart to see such a cute maid all dirty?
I so wish I could pick the second option just to keep with the running theme of Maaku’s exasperation with this whole mess but alas.
I’ll go ahead and get this over with then!
And now, cleaning is complete!
Music: My Homie
…… I’m not allowed to work overtime during weekdays, so I rush to my part-time job after class ends. On my off days, I have to prepare pop quizzes and homework assignments… And today, I had to clean bathtubs and walk dogs before coming here. There’s no time to rest… Oh, speaking of pets, this room smells like a cat… I feed a lot of strays around my house… …I was surprised that you requested me. I didn’t think you actually would.
Why, I never!
I know I’m in a maid outfit, but I’m still your teacher, so don’t get any funny ideas. Besides… I try not to get too involved with my students, so… yawn …I need a nap… Sorry, just give me five minutes… Maybe ten…
This is embarrassing for all of us, Maaku.
…Oh, hey, do you know of any part-time jobs that pay well? I assume you make a lot, since you can afford a maid service… Well, let me know if you do.
Well… uh…
She’s sick so I need money to pay her medical expenses…
Yes, I made the transfer…
Music: Suspicion
N-No… Yes, I understand. OK, goodbye…
Oh! W-Wrong number!
I’d get annoyed that she clearly thinks Maaku is an idiot, but she saw his exam scores so I can’t blame her.
Hey, sorry to ask you this out of the blue, but… Do you happen to have one hundred thousand yen I could borrow…?
Uhhhh, what?
Wait, n-never mind! Owing one of my students money would be the worst… Hey, you may have some money, but be mindful of how you spend it. You shouldn’t be wasting it on services like this.
Again, I’m doing you a favor here.
…I need the money, so I do appreciate you requesting me. However, you’re my student, so if we were to get involved further, things would get complicated… I did warn you! The rest is your responsibility! You’re a high schooler after all.
I can sense Kawakami’s trust in me…
sigh Three more to go… …Well, I’ll see you later, Master!
Kawakami left…
Is he crying…?
Music: Regret
Plainly put… I, um… plagiarized work…
This is one of the best portraits in the game. It’s just so absurdly over-the-top.
…And that was from the urgent apology conference by Madarame that took place just a moment ago. After reporting to the association, Madarame has agreed to the police’s request to turn himself in.
Wasn’t he on TV the other day?
On top of charges of abuse to his pupils, Madarame is under suspicion of claiming their works as his own. Some doubt the validity that his maiden work “Sayuri” was stolen, believing it was used for fraud. This large-scale criminal act has caused a great shock to the art world, and…
That old man’s done for.
After the conference, Madarame was taken to a police hospital for interrogation due to his age. However, initial psych evaluations state that he is mentally sound and likely responsible for his actions.
They churn those psych evals out quick, eh?
There’s no need to be nice to an old geezer like that.
Why’d he spill the beans himself? Doesn’t that seem weird?
Also, a group calling themselves the Phantom Thieves posted a dubious note at Madarame’s exhibit. The police will investigate their relation to this case, but for now, did not identify them as suspects.
Phantom Thieves? Do these bandits have somethin’ to do with that old geezer’s apology?
Ohh, I’ve heard of them before. They supposedly steal evil hearts; it’s why the culprits apologize.
Wait, what? Steal hearts? That’s impossible though.
But I feel like I saw somethin’ about that online too. They sent out a calling card for real.
So it was like, “We’re going to take your heart?” That’s impressive if someone really did that.
Music: Break it Down
Man, this is startin’ to get interesting… If we do it right, we can change people’s hearts. With this power… we might be able to do more than just gettin’ back at society. It’ll be a big deal!
Let’s keep pushin’ on then! As for me, I hope we just keep gettin’ more and more famous!
Something like this happening twice is massive too. It’s too great a coincidence to occur normally.
If we continue doing this, we’ll definitely be able to give courage to everyone who needs it.
Two men walk up.
…We may want to quiet down a little.
Music: Disquiet
Do you know them?
You moron! Those’re attendance officers!
Ah, yes! How can we help you?
That monotonous acting of hers never fails to send a chill down my spine.
What are you all doing here? Are you friends?
What’re you gonna do about it, cop?
Hm…? What did you say?
A-Ahaha! Th-That was a joke! He didn’t get much sleep last night.
Well, all right. Just make sure you disperse before it gets too late, OK? There have been some odd happenings lately, and the news about that artist has caused quite the stir.
We’ll be careful!
Hey, don’t go making stuff up on the spot like that, OK…!? I totally panicked ‘cause of you!
…From now on, we’ll need to be even more cautious than before. Look at us! Right after the second Thieves incident, both prior victims are meeting up.
Wait, you mean people might be listening to us…?
Eh, it’ll be fine. Look around. We’re the only people worryin’ about it.
I guess you’re right…
By the way, Yusuke… You able to get anything out of Madarame? Remember how he was talkin’ about that suspicious person in the black mask?
Well… I pressed him for answers, but he doesn’t even understand what happened to him to begin with.
It’s not like he actually saw his desires get stolen, after all.
It’s rumored that he may be sent to prison. In that case, gaining information will be difficult…
So, what’re you gonna do now?
I’ll be leaving that hourse. I can’t draw in such a place anymore.
Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)
Do you have somewhere to go?
The school dorms. I can stay there free of charge thanks to my fine-arts scholarship.
A scholarship!? Wait, you’re that good…?
Although, Takamaki-san’s house would do as well.
Ugggggggghhhhhhh
…Wait, WHAT!?
You know, you could ask her to model for you whenever you wanted!
You moron!
Then again, now that Yusuke’ll be livin’ alone, it’ll be easier for us to meet up whenever we want.
For the time being, we should wait and see how this case plays out.
And it’ll prolly take some time findin’ a target as big as Madarame.
Anyway, we should just act like normal students while we look for our next target, OK?
We’ll be entrusting that to you again, Ryuji.
All right. Guess it’s just more prep ‘til then.
Makoto leaves. Maaku looks over his shoulder before leaving with the others.
Music: Interrogation Room
You were sent away twice, almost reported to the police… and yet you still wanted to save him? Moreover, you ended up in a museum instead of a castle this time… You’re still going to maintain this rubbish about changing someone’s heart by stealing their Treasure?
Very well. The truth behind this tale of yours will be clear once your conspirators are in custody. Now then, tell me about this new member who joined your group. There’s no point in being stubborn. It will only damage your position. The identity of Madarame’s pupil can be easily discovered with a little investigation.
Fuckin’ do it, I don’t care.
So you won’t sell out your accomplice? …Fine. There’s still much more that I want to hear. It was around this time that the Phantom Thieves began to truly gain popularity. Lies flooded the internet—things like “The Phantom Thieves saved me too” or “I got a calling card”… For heaven’s sake… those lies made the collection of intel take almost ten times longer. Now, your next target was this man…
He doesn’t compare to the previous two. Even the police had been struggling to apprehend him. So, exactly how did you take down such a well-guarded criminal? Tell me.
Music: Disquiet
A full psychiatric evaluation will be performed to further investigate the crime’s details and motives.
I’ve found a number of points of commonality between the two. Both, for example, were sent a “calling card” before their unforeseen changes of heart.
…I see. But isn’t tying their cases to the series of psychotic breakdowns jumping to conclusions? Furthermore, the police will frown upon you stepping into this…
Now isn’t the time to be worrying about things like jurisdiction and honor…! We need to dig deeper and find a correlation among the incidents these past two, three years.
Very well. I leave it to you… However, you must not let this interfere with your regular duties.
Thank you, sir.
Sae leaves.
Oh shit, this guy’s a politician!?
I shall continue to put forth great effort so that every citizen can live with peace of mind.
Not only are there these Phantom Thieves to worry about, but if that is exposed…
There’s more going on that we don’t know about…
I heard customers say it’s gotten pretty dangerous over there. Don’t let yourself be a target, got it?
I can’t take it anymore, man! Guess I gotta change the world myself, buuuddy!
Someone finally exposed Madarame for stealing art. What will happen to the pieces themselves?
Info has started pouring into the Phan-Site too. I’m gonna be a busy bee!
Yeah, it was right at the end of the exhibit. It’s obvious that there’s some ulterior motive.
They spent so much money on all those ads. The people backing Madarame must be panicking.
I even hear there’s a bunch a thieves on the loose! C’mon, lemme take ya home.
You’re overreacting. Besides, the Phantom Thieves are on our side.
Please know that you can direct your criticism and outrage at me! I, Toranosuke Yoshida, will someday find a way to address your concerns in Nagata-cho… Oh, Hamiru-kun. How’s your schoolwork? By the way, what’s your opinion about our current government? I feel that they’re wrong, so I plan on addressing that during my speech. I’d like you to listen to it, so you can give me your honest opinion.
So he’s just echoing another politician’s criticism of the government?
Apparently. Tch, whatever…
Stop talking all big, you ex-convict!
That’s a calling card from the Phantom Thieves, right?
The way it’s written seems pretty legit…
I can’t believe the Phantom Thieves actually exist…
The response to Madarame’s press conference was huge! Everyone’s talkin’ about the calling card. Girls are checkin’ me out today… Maybe they can’t help but sense my overflowin’ phantom thief charisma? Oh shit, am I finally startin’ to be popular with all the fly hon-- …Oh no!
Watching that famous artist cry his eyes out over all the artwork he’s stolen… The same thing happened to Kamoshida, right? Both got weird calling cards, too… If you ask me, the same person is behind all this.
The news this morning said a group called 
I have nothing to report yet…
Nothing at all? How many students are there who could provoke a teacher?
Think it was really those phantom thieves? You know, the whole stealing your heart thing.
I just started lookin’ yesterday. No way I’m gonna find one that quick.
Oh yeah. I guess that’s true. By the way, I decided on the TV station. What about you two?
That’s a secret.
You think maybe the Phantom Thieves go to our school? That’d be exciting, wouldn’t it?
That’s great and all, but I’m more excited by something else. Our field trip is coming up, and I want to go see the TV station!
Let me get your opinion on this. What do you think is the Phantom Thieves’ objective?
Oh, yeah, when I looked up the Phantom Thieves online, I found this weird blog by a crazy person. Her blog’s called “Phantom Thieves want to Steal My Boyfriend.” She mentions “blood storms”… a lot.
Whoa. She really sounds deranged. I feel bad for her boyfriend, whoever he is.
After that artist, though, those Phantom Thieves might come back to steal Ikesugi-kun’s heart! If they come, I’ll show them no mercy. I’ll make them bleed… It’ll be a blood storm! giggle
Wow! Maybe we know them!
With all the attention I’ve been getting, I’ve got no privacy. You can’t possibly understand. But there’s no time to relax. On the Phantom Thief fan sites, so many people need saving. The world is filled with villains. It’s up to the heroes to get rid of them! Yes, it’s my destiny…
You’re too nice, Sensei. Who cares about their feelings if they’re bad guys?
By the way, are the Phantom Thieves still big news? Our school doesn’t need more bad publicity…
I’m really grateful to them for saving me. If they really exist, I’d like to cheer them on…
Such a disgrace. A famous guy like him, exploiting his own pupil. But I want to know more about the Phantom Thieves. They did the same thing to Kamoshida.
Haha, I knew you’d say something like that. Maybe you should see if you can join the Phantom Thieves.
It’s better that it’s early, idiot. There’s a lot more high schoolers around this time of day. People are more careful at night, too.
I get you… Meaning there’s more idiots who’d fall for our scams.
Oh, my son! He shtole paintings, s-scammed innashent people. Saying sorry… S’not enough! What c-can I dooo…? What do I hafta do sho you fergive meee?
Yeah, I can only watch the news, too. I wonder what else they’re gonna do to make us study harder.
It’s so boring. Even if I turn on the TV, all they show is some old guy crying like a baby.
So we can go to her for anything? Why the student council president though? What does she have to do with Principal Kobayakawa?
He was someone who represented Japan. They probably trusted him based on his name alone. Indeed, we’re easily manipulated by the names we see. However, this world is filled with fake names. For instance, this creature, which you know well. It’s called the red king crab, but it has a form that a crab should not have. Hamiru-kun, look at this picture. What are red king crabs most biologically close to?
We’ve already received some anonymous information. “I heard some students are getting threatened. I’m so scared… Please do something.”
“They have dirt on me, and they’re demanding money. I can’t go to the police… What should I do…?” Isn’t this talking about the crimes that have been rumored to be occuring in Shibuya…?
By the way… do you have any business here?
Is that site safe to look at? I won’t get a bunch of ads trying to scam me?
\
Really? It seems the same to–
What’s this…?
It looks like the places we can go has expanded again. It’s because we made Madarame’s Palace disappear, right?
The hell!? You’re all ganging up on me, too! Are you Phantom Thieves some kind of gang!? Protectors of justice, my ass! Don’t act high and mighty with me when you don’t know anything!
That’s what he wants! He worships me more than any god, you know.
I can’t believe there are real-life superheroes. If it’s happened twice, it’s probably going to happen again. Can’t wait to see who’s next.
It’s a good chance to think about your future. Be sure you’re paying attention. …You’d better not make a ruckus. Am I clear? It will reflect poorly on our school. There’s a group going to a television studio this year, correct? Hamiru. Here’s a question for you. With the advent of the color TV, something else started appearing in color. Do you know what it is?
Steal their hearts… Kind of like those Phantom Thieves, eh? I think you’re onto something. I think this might really work for you. Try using something like that for one of your lines.
I-I see! I’ll go with “I’ll take your heart!”
I heard it was the Phantom Thieves who did it… I guess there’s still hope in this world. Maybe I’ll even start painting again…
Do you hear what he’s saying? This youth thinks that the world is pathetic for being so easily deceived. Modern Japan robs the young of their hope, and dirty politics casts a dark shadow over us all. And that concludes our on-the-spot coverage.
That’s right, young man! Those who believe will be saved!
Great Sun God, are you not going to have your apostles the Phantom Thieves punish the evildoers?
The direct approach just isn’t going to work, but now I’m sure they’re hiding something.
Oh, right. I heard about those hackers. I hear they’ve been causing damage around the world.
I’m sure you know about commercial breaks? Well, those are actually sponsor-related product placements. To sum things up, ratings are vitally important for a station’s production funding, and…
You’ve got a slammin’ bod, after all. Hehehe…
I happened to be passing by, so it seemed polite to greet you. We’ll be filming together, after all. Ah, where are my manners? My name is Goro Akechi.
After his last appearance was so well-received, we decided to bring back this fine gentleman today. It’s the high school detective, Goro Akechi!
Thank you for taking the time to join us today, Akechi-kun. Your popularity is stunning.
Why someone would steal something like a heart, which can’t be turned into money, is beyond be.
If you keep this up… Then I’ll report about the money! Is that fine with you!?
All I have to say is that you did it on your own, and it’s over.
U-Understood.
It’s a bit hot though…
You know, I’ve been wonderin’ for a while now… But what do you think about Ann? As a “girl,” I mean.
You’re in the presence of our master. Stand up straight!
The bonds that you have reeled in are quite intriguing… In other words, they all have been unfairly labeled by society and are standing up against such fates. Have you noticed? Your heart seems to inspire theirs. chuckle Outcasts of society… In other words, you’re picaresque. Deepen your bonds with them. Those will become the strength behind your rehabilitation. …I look forward to it. I shall grant you an ability befitting of your newfound growth. Consider it a gift. May you continue devoting yourself to further rehabilitation.
May I talk to you for a moment?
Thank you, but I’ll return to the dorms. I realized something after talking with everyone last night. Perhaps it’s due to my upbringing, but I don’t know anything of the world, let alone other people. If I’m to depict people in my art, I need to learn more about them; I must interact with them more. I’ll return to the dorms… and start over by talking with the people closest to me.
This just shows that many fail to truly understand what is art. Did you see past Madarame’s lies?
Hm, what should we do today?
That’s why I’ve poured my soul into this song—to help restore our hope. I give you… “Fake Glory”! Fake shake, fake/Shake, fake, shake/Fake one, if you want fame/You gotta deceive yourself/Fake two, if you want skills/You gotta steal ‘em from others/Fake three, if you want glory/You gotta trick your very soul/Truth, lie, fake with a shake/My future is an unknown fate/ Thanks, bay-bee! How’d you like the new tune?
Naturally! They’re dope! Things’ve been so down in Shibuya lately… I keep hearing about all these gangs. Guess Japan’s not so different from my own country…
She says there’s no report of a lost item, so she wants you to start filling out some paperwork.
It’s great she’s looking out for her fellow students, but I wish she’d let us help her sometimes.
Well…
…… You don’t need my help. A girl like you could probably get a job anywhere, right?
You’re looking for something, right? I want to help you out, so please ask me anything.
You’re THAT transfer student, right…? You need something?
I hear her older sister’s involved with the investigation. Maybe she’s just trying to play detective, too.
Stop complaining! If we don’t try getting information, people will say the police are useless! The media are already on our case, and the higher-ups aren’t doing a thing… This is bad for morale…
We’re having a special sale just over there. How ‘bout you go take a peek?
We ordered way too much, so I have a ton left over. My boss’ll kill me if I go back to him with all these extras. Look, I’ll sell ‘em to you for cheap. Whaddya say?
It depends on the price, wouldn’t you say?
A part-time job…? You’re not talking about some ordinary job, huh? Take my advice: Don’t do it. They’ll squeeze every last penny out of you with threats and extortion. Some of my friends have fallen victim to their schemes… That mafia is evil, I tell you.
Oh, Shibuya is so complicated. These bones don’t move like they used to either. How troubling.
Huh? You… want to be in one of our videos? I guess I can’t say there’s no demand… but our company only hires girls. Sorry.
You’re high schoolers, yeah? Don’t you want something more than just your allowances?
Oh, no need to hide it, Sakura-san! You must have saved plenty from your time working in the government. Aren’t you taking care of that employee right there too, for nothing more than charity? I wish you’d show me the same kindness you show others.
Wait… You underage?
Wait a second… I’ve seen the pattern on those pants before. Maybe it was on the news… Oh yeah, it was on that segment about the teacher who was harassing kids! Is that a school uniform…!?
In any case, horrible disaster is coming for you! Please let me examine your future further!
How old are ya, boy?
Gwahahaha! I’m the naughty troll of Shinjuku! I’m gonna eat you up!
The night is young, and so are you! Let’s party it up!
…Nothing! Just start it up, Yusuke.
No candidates found.
Ah! P-Please forgive me!
All right. I have a bit of advice for you. It’s about that Kaneshiro guy. He’s more dangerous than I thought! The police haven’t tracked him down, so I dug a little deeper… Turns out he has some real shady connections. I won’t say any more than that.
About those Phantom Thieves, I mean. If Dad were still alive… Sorry, I… I shouldn’t bring this up while we’re eating.
What?
I guess we can’t do anythin’ to her if she’s Kaneshiro-san’s customer.
You know what happens to anyone who snaps at me, don’t you?
About three million?
Excuse me, but do you have an appointment?
That comes to three million yen in total. You’re here regarding that, correct, Miss Beautiful President?
No—a loan. The interest rate is ten percent a day.
Please… Never lose sight of it again.
My “self”… Me…!
Don’t say such things. And for the record, I am most certainly not “wanted.”
Track? That’s so hilarious! We don’t even have a track team after they disbanded. It’s because of Sakamoto, right? He’s a problem kid, just like us! Hahaha!
We can’t trust these suspicious Phantom Thieves. I hope the police finally get their act together. It’s getting more dangerous to go outside. If this keeps up, we won’t even be able to take walks.
Let’s stop covering the mafia… It’s getting dangerous… The higher-ups don’t want us covering whatever we want. I bet the director’s going to scold us.
Yeah, Akechi-kun! The way his eyes look to the side is pretty sexy… I love the way he runs his hands through his hair too…
Did you hear what I just said? You really like younger guys…
Our master admires the progress of your rehabilitation, and hence has given you use of a special ritual.
Fortunately, his salary is so low we’ll never have to worry about something like that…
That’s so brave of you. We’re much too afraid to put ourselves at risk.
It’s like what happened with Kamoshida. I think the calling card is the key. Do you have any idea who put it there?
The theme for today’s shoot is “the elegance of woman.” So, I conditioned my body to be more elegant.
Man, cat fights are scary…
Wonderful, wonderful!
I see now… This is a test… Well, I’m not gonna lose…!
