(A/N: I'm playing P5R rn, and OML I'm in love aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! IDK if after I finish the main story, I'll add the stuff in P5R, but we'll see :3)

MAY 6TH (FRIDAY 5/04) (LUNCHTIME)

Ann, Ryuji, Akira (and Morgana stuffed in his bag) and I got together during lunch outside our class, checking the Phantom Aficionado Website.

"It ain't much, but we've been getting' more postings on the Phantom Aficionado Website...", Ryuji grinned.

"They're not that important though... Just read them.", I sighed.

" "I want to make my friend apologize for not returning the stuff I lent him." Ugh, deal with that yourself!", Ryuji grumbled.

"Hey, those girls...", Ann whispered, pointing at the two girls who just left the classroom. They were the ones who apologized to Ann a while.

(Girl 1 – Girl 2)

"You know that phantom thieves rumor about stealing Kamoshida's heart? I wonder if it's true."

"It's got to be made up. Do you seriously believe they exist?"

"But look at what happened to Kamoshida. And that recording too!"

"He probably just couldn't keep hiding it after that girl tried to kill herself, and whoever made that tape must have found out and called him out."

"Yeah, you might be right. I guess there's no way they really exist."

"Most importantly, it seriously sucks that our school is gonna be known for stuff like this!"

"I wonder if it'll affect our college entrance...", After the girls little gossip session, they left.

"I see they didn't learn their lesson about gossiping, but it's not that bad this time.", I shrugged.

"That's prolly a normal reaction for now, but... they'll see soon enough! If we can take care of two or three famous guys, people'll have to believe we exist.", Ryuji nodded.

"So, about those big shots... We don't have any leads yet, right? Plus, there's that rumor about you three threatening Kamoshida too...", Ann mumbled.

"Look like you'll just have to live a normal, honest school life for the time being. Still, make sure you stay prepared just in case anything comes up, all right?", Morgana popped out of Akira's bag to advise us.

"I'll keep an eye out for info on any big shots that might be comin' around.", Ryuji pointed at his phone with a determined look.

"And I'll try to dig up some dirt online.", Ann got in on it as well.

"We went and formed the Phantom Thieves group, but we can't even find a target...", Ryuji grumbled. I silently patted Ryuji's back as some sort of comfort. He seemed grateful for it, at least.

"There, there...", Ann sighed.

"I guess sometimes things just don't go the way we want 'em to...", Ryuji sighed. My phone buzzed in my phone, so I pulled it out and saw the teleportation app had a notification.

"I just remembered I had something to do, see you all later.", I quickly waved goodbye to the crew and made a beeline for the bathroom. I locked myself in the stall and prepared to go wherever this thing took me. I took a deep breath and pressed the icon, the familiar flash blinding me and taking me to somewhere a little cramped; it was a small cupboard. I almost groaned and peeked out the crack of the cupboard. I almost panicked; it was the principal's office.

Just my luck...

Calm yourself. He's busy, he won't notice you...

Well, if I'm here, might as well record...

I turned on my portable recorder just as someone walked in; it was a girl, a third year. I recognized her as the student council president, I've seen her around. The girl had brown hair in a bob cut with blunt bangs and a French-braid styled headband that matches her hair color. Her eyes were a reddish-brown color. Her school uniform appeared normal but without the standard blazer. Instead, she wore a black halter vest over a long sleeve white shirt with a turtleneck (which was different from normal turtlenecks for female students). She wore the regulation black and red pleated plaid skirt, black pantyhose and black-brown ankle boots. She came in and greeted the principal.

(A/N: MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL, MAKOTO IS BEAUTIFUL--)

"Excuse me. Did you wish to see me, Principal Kobayakawa?", the girl asked.

"You saw the state Kamoshida-kun was in, didn't you? It's as if his personality has completely changed. Something is definitely wrong here.", the principal sighed.

"I'm not sure I follow...", the girl muttered, a perplexed look on her face.

"From what I've heard, it appears as though some students were meddling in his business. If they did something to him... Who could they be...?", the principal asked.

"Are you saying that these students may have caused Mr. Kamoshida to change...?", the girl questioned the principal's logic idly.

"That is what I wish to know... Even if it takes some probing into student matters... I would like you to look into this for me.", the principal stated, as serious as he can get.

"It is true that there are many rumors regarding Mr. Kamoshida, but... Do you mean all of this talk about those Phantom Thieves and the Spy?", the girl confirmed.

"It is undeniable that Mr. Kamoshida has "changed" in some way. I'd like to have a grasp of the cause. This shall also ensure that I handle the mass media and police in the correct fashion.", the principal explained.

"Oh...", the girl simply stated, not really sounding convinced.

"I will continue speaking to Mr. Kamoshida myself. Unless you find whomever did this, these irresponsible rumors will likely never die down. Don't you agree? You have been at the top of you class since day one. Your conduct is good, and teachers favor you. I could write you a recommendation for any college of your choosing, Makoto Niijima.", the principal offered.

So, her name is Makoto Niijima... who does that remind me of...? Niijima...!! Sae Niijima...! That prosecutor I looked up... Are they related?

"Th-Thank you...", Makoto mumbled, a little surprised.

"Your lineage must certainly play a part in this excellence. Your sister is still young, yet she holds an admirable position at the Public Prosecutors Office, no...?", the principal mentioned, causing Makoto to almost jump and stand straight. "If something disappointing were to happen here, that wouldn't reflect very well on your sister... Do you understand?", the principal ended that with a smile.

That piece of sh*t is almost threatening her with her reputation...!

"... Yes.", Makoto sighed, compliant.

"How wise. It's no wonder you're our student council president. I'd appreciate if you looked into this as soon as possible. I ask that you begin at once.", the principal smiled wider.

"Yes. If you'll excuse me then.", Makoto said with gritted teeth, bowing and leaving the office with balled fists. Just then, the principal pulled out his phone and called someone.

"It's me, sir. My apologies for troubling you at such a busy time... Yes, it's about the matter we discussed earlier... I have all bases covered. The investigation will begin immediately... Of course,... Yes, I will get results... I should be able to update you soon... Well then, I must be going. Thank you very much for your time...", the receiver of the call hung up abruptly, surprising the principal and making him sulk.

So, he's a pawn as well... That's just pathetic.

Agreed.

But he's investigating the Kamoshida incident? And by someone else's orders...? Why?

The flash from my phone sent me back to the bathroom stall, giving me no time to think because classes were about to start. I got out as quick as I could and made a beeline for my classroom.

MAY 6TH (FRIDAY 5/04) (AFTERNOON)

In class, I got a message from the group chat.

====================

Troublemaker Blondie💀: The police are really here... I saw 'em at the entrance.

You: Well that was quick...

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: I saw them too! They were talking to the teachers!

Troublemaker Blondie💀: That change of heart thing's seriously amazing, huh!?

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: I hope they don't find out we're responsible...

Troublemaker Blondie💀: I'm pretty sure we'll be fine. There's no proof it was us.

🤓The Ultimate Bro🤓: We don't need to worry.

You: Yeah, we should be fine. They can't go to that world anyways.

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: You sound so sure of yourselves...

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: But I mean, haven't rumors been going around about how you guys threatened Kamoshida?

Troublemaker Blondie💀: This world's Kamoshida shouldn't know anything about what actually happened to him though.

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: Still...

Troublemaker Blondie💀: We did what was right. Don't go freaking out over some label.

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: I guess that's true...

Troublemaker Blondie💀: Man, I really can't wait to keep living this double life!

Troublemaker Blondie💀: All right, guys! We'regonna do our best!

====================

MAY 6TH (FRIDAY 5/04) (AFTER SCHOOL)

After class, I was packing my bag with Akira when someone approached us; it was Mishima. He hasn't really talked to us much after Kamoshida left, so it was a surprise when he came up to us.

"...Hey.", Mishima greeted. Akira and I turned to each other, then Mishima with a nod.

"Have you seen that Phantom Aficionado Website?", Mishima suddenly asked.

Hm, odd... Why's he asking about that site?

"I've heard of it. What about it?", Akira asked. Mishima then seemed to smile slightly as he dropped a line, and I didn't think I would hear it someday.

"I'm the one who started it.", Mishima revealed. I almost chocked on the air around me, turning to him with a slightly surprised face. Just then, Mishima leaned close to me, turning his head left and right, then whispering.

"Um...! You guys are the Phantom Thieves, aren't you? Specifically, you're the Phantom Spy. Right, Koga-chan?", Mishima asked, startling me on the inside even more. It wasn't helping that he barely left any room between us.

Stay calm and avoid the question.

"Personal space...", I mumbled.

"...S-Sorry.", Mishima seemed to blush slightly, taking a step back and shaking his head. "Although... if things really are as I think, I should keep it a secret. Kamoshida used me, and I did some horrible things to you guys. This isn't much of a way for me to apologize for it... But if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know!", Mishima stated.

"That's great, but...", Akira started, but Mishima cut him off.

"I'm glad to hear that. There are many more evil adults outside of Kamoshida. But I'm sure the Phantom Thieves will do something... They can't let this end after just one target. That's why I wanted to make a forum where people could post their problems. There are probably a lot of people who have high hopes for the Phantom Thieves' next move. So I've also implemented anonymous polls on the site.", Mishima pulled out his phone and showed us the site, a poll set up on the front screen on full display. " "Do you believe in the Phantom Thieves, or not?" I also added one for the Phantom Spy!", Mishima scrolled and showed us the other one. " "Do you believe in the Phantom Spy, or not?" I... hope someday my forum is filled with supporting posts. I'd really like to help out in the Phantom Thieves' acts of justice! ... Can I, please?", Mishima asked.

"...It's up to you. Don't ask us questions that could waste our time...", I sighed.

"Just... do what you want, Mishima.", Akira smiled.

"*chuckle* In that case, I'll just do what I want.", Mishima smiled.

.'¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯'.

 | ~ CONFIDANT RANK UP! ~ | | 

 | | | | CONFIDENT: YUUKI MISHIMA | | 

| | MOON ARCANA: RANK UP (RANK 1) | | 

| | NEW ABILITY: MISHIMA'S SUPPORT | | | | Allows backup members to earn EXP. | | | '.__________________________________________________________________________.'

??? ???TH (??? ?/?) (???) (INTERROGATION ROOM)

Niijima-san stopped us in the middle of our explanation.

"Besides the public's reaction to your group, there were others who supported you... Someone who enthusiastically cheered the Phantom Thieves on. Perhaps they were quite close... What do you have to say to that!?", Niijima-san interrogated. Akira and I stayed quiet.

MAY 6TH (FRIDAY 5/04) (AFTER SCHOOL)

"... See you.", Mishima waved at us with a grin and ran off. I let out a sigh and massaged my temple.

Ugh, why...?

He's useful.

How...?

His actions will make others believe in you all.

Okay, good point. But why did he have to do that...?

After that fiasco, Ryuji and Ann walked up to the both of us.

"We heard all that. Geez... It was a little awkward tryin' to figure out when to walk over here.", Ryuji sighed.

"How do you think we feel?", I groaned.

"So that forum is Mishima-kun's...", Ann mused.

"Has he figured out our identities?", Morgana popped out of Akira's bag with a panicked face.

"Even so, I think it'll be fine. He seemed to be playing it cool.", Ann said, trying to calm our nerves.

"I guess we should have a little chat about this later.", Ryuji grumbled.

"I will say though... a forum where people can post problems may prove unexpectedly useful.", Morgana grinned. He seemed to have an idea about something, but we didn't really question it.

"I suppose... PR, I guess.", I shrugged.

"Anyways, we gotta get lookin' for a new target.", Ryuji stated.

"And we need to stay sharp until we manage to find one. Once we do, we'll have to head into another Palace, so we should prep our equipment and—", Ann was cut off by Ryuji's sudden outburst.

"Wait, oh CRAP!"

"What's with you!?", Ann yelled.

"D-D-Don't we have an exam comin' up!?", Ryuji asked.

"...Judging by that reaction, I'd assume you're going to struggle this time too?", Ann deadpanned.

"I-It's not like you're any better! All you're good at is English!", Ryuji snapped.

"I'd rather that than be bad at every subject!", Ann clapped back with a huff.

"Even your Japanese is questionable at best, Ryuji.", Morgana snickered.

"What's questionable is whether you're really even a human... Good comeback, huh?", Ryuji asked with a grin.

"That question makes your comeback weak.", I stated with a straight face.

"... Let's discuss this with our fists!", Morgana declared.

"Bring it!", Ryuji growled, about to legit fight a cat in class.

"Keep this up and you two won't be alive to fight...", I growled. The both of them stopped with panicked faces. We all split up after that, leaving me to my own devices. Ann was still in the classroom, sitting alone and looking a bit depressed. I sighed and walked up to her.

"You look conflicted. Wanna talk about it?", I mumbled.

"W-What..? Oh no, it's nothing! Don't mind me!", Ann laughed, but it seemed strained.

"Come on, I'll treat you to some food while we're at it.", I offered, grabbing her hand and taking her to the Diner in Central Street. When we got there and ordered our food, we began to talk.

"Thanks for inviting me, Rika. Are you sure you want to treat me just to hear what I have to say...?", Ann asked.

"I don't do things for no reason. We're... friends now.", I shrugged, looking away.

"Hmhm, thanks... There *is* something I want to talk to you about, Rika... It's Shiho.", Ann stated, which caught my attention completely. I gestured for Ann to continue. "Well... I went to visit her in the hospital. She... She said she was sorry. Sorry for not telling me about Kamoshida... about all the things he was doing to her... But it was my fault too. I didn't realize how much trouble she was in... I wasn't there for her... So, I apologized as well.", Ann nodded.

"And are you feeling better now?", I asked.

"Mm-hm! I finally got to tell her everything I couldn't bring myself to say before. And, um... remember how Kamoshida threatened to take Shiho off the team if I didn't sleep with him? I had only agreed to it so that I wouldn't ruin Shiho's dreams... But now that I think about it, he never would have put her on the bench and cost his team games... I seriously should have dared him to try and take her starting spot.", Ann grumbled.

"To be honest, you might be right. Kamoshida was so obsessed with winning, he wouldn't risk it.", I nodded.

"I knew it... I'm so stupid... All of this happened because of how weak I am... That's why I believed Kamoshida's authority outweighed Shiho's own ability to earn her starting spot. Rika, do you remember the last time I talked to you like this? When I got that phone call from Kamoshida... and cried. I felt so alone... scared, even... But because you were there for me, I decided not to go. I was a little surprised at how pushy you were about it... but I see now you just wanted to help... Thanks.", Ann smiled.

"O-Oh... I couldn't just ignore you...", I mumbled, a little shocked.

"You are so kind, Rika.", Ann giggled, leaning closer to me from the opposite side of the table.

"W-Well, that's new.", I coughed, a small blush coating my face.

"What is?", Ann asked.

"People calling me kind...", I muttered.

"Well, it's true... Back then, people used to call me all sorts of names... "Prissy b*tch," "Kamoshida's girl"... I got tired of it pretty quickly. But to tell you the truth, someday I want to be able to take labels like that in stride. Hey, um... Personas are the power of the heart, right? That means if my heart gets stronger, my Persona will too. So... I want to strengthen my heart. And I want to use that strength to help the people around me. I hope we can save from trouble, just like we did when we changed Kamoshida's heart. Though honestly... I don't even know what "strong" is. But I'm going to find the answer, I promise.", Ann stated with determination.

"Let's... find it together.", I nodded.

"Huh? Really...!? Thanks! I feel like I'm a little stronger already! *giggle* I guess that doesn't really count though, huh? Well... I'll relying on you. Let's train together and make our hearts super strong!", Ann nodded with a smile.

.'¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯'.

 | ~ CONFIDANT RANK UP! ~ | |

 ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

 | | | | CONFIDENT: ANN TAKAMAKI | | 

| | LOVERS ARCANA: RANK UP (RANK 2) | | 

| | NEW ABILITY: GIRL TALK | | | | Chance to step in after Shadow negotiation fails, allowing a retry. '.__________________________________________________________________________.'

"Well then, that's settled.", I sighed.

"A strong heart... Hmmm... How about this: I won't get any refills on fountain drinks! I mean, they're free, so not getting any would mean you have a strong heart!", Ann stated with a grin.

"I... don't think that's how it works, Ann.", I deadpanned.

She really needs all the guidance she can get...

And you're doing good by being her mentor.

"... Is that not right?", Ann asked.

Yep, all the help she can get...

MAY 6TH (FRIDAY 5/06) (EVENING)

When I walked in, Sojiro was waiting there, with a key in his hand. He threw it towards me, making me catch it and stare at the key.

"That's the key to this place. You get to lock up from now on. I can't keep waiting for you to come home. Don't start any fires, OK?", Sojiro warned.

"I'll try~", I shrugged and walked back upstairs. I changed into some new clothes and left Yongen for the first time at night.

(OUTFIT + MAKEUP)

I first went to the Underground Walkway and applied for part-time jobs at Rafflesia flower shop and the Ore no Beko beef bowl shop.

I need all the money I can get.

I then made my way to Ore no Beko, and worked for the rest of the night. I got 3,600 YEN from the job, which was a good bonus, all things considered.