HOME | DD

Description
body div#devskin0 hr { }

    April 13th, 1:19 pm
    Cafe Leblanc Attic

    I'm woken from my brief daze as I catch my phone's notification light blinking in the corner of my eyes. I reach over to pick it up to see what's up.

Mishima: Text me when you get a moment k?

    "What is it?" Makoto asks.
    "Looks like Mishima sent me a text at some point," I answer.
Better ask what this is about.

---Music: Suspicion (Persona 5) ---

Akira: What's up?
Mishima: Hey Akira!
Mishima: Heard you're off the hook, so congratz.
Mishima: Sounds like they never mentioned your past during the trial, either.
Mishima: I was keeping a close watch on the Phan-site the whole time, just in case word of your identity got out and things got out of control.
Akira: I forgot to ask for more details last we talked. You said the Phan-site is still going strong?
Mishima: The PTs aren't active anymore, but their ideals have stuck with the Phandom.
Mishima: Nowadays it's more of a current events forum of sorts where we all keep each other informed.
Mishima: Which reminds me, wanted to warn you to be careful.
Mishima: Violent crime is on the rise in Tokyo, you might be aware.
Mishima: Organized crime, too.
Mishima: Crime in general, really!
Mishima: It's causing a lot of civil unrest, I think the term would be.
Akira: You think this may be related to the stuff we've been looking into?
Mishima: I can't say yet. Not sure how much more digging you've done in the meantime, but some of the more conspiracy-theorist-type anons have posted some info.
Mishima: Real deep-web type stuff.
Mishima: Allegedly, if you know where to look, there are job listings circulating by someone calling themselves "the director."
Akira: That sounds familiar...
Akira: What kind of listings?
Mishima: Really vague ones. They're all contract work, have absolutely "no questions asked" policies, and pay obscene amounts of money.
Akira: Sounds suspicious alright.
Mishima: And get this! I brought up the Vi Aipi case, to see if anyone had known anything about either him or Mizusawa.
Mishima: And one lurker on the Phan-site found that one of the mysterious job listings from this director person was a stand-in bodyguard..... for Vi Aipi.
Akira: No way...
Akira: How many job listings are there, has anyone tried counting?
Mishima: No one is sure, but we've found dozens so far, and no telling how many more are coming by the day.
Mishima: I think if the Phandom keeps digging like this, we may be able to even predict more murders before they happen.
Mishima: It's a long shot, but I know you are all looking for potential leads.
Akira: Everyone is meeting at Leblanc by now if you want to swing by.
Akira: I think we'd all appreciate all of this new info.
Akira: Great work dude!
Mishima: Thanks! I'm happy to be helpful, I really am.
Mishima: I'll see you there then.
Akira: Same.

    ---(Music End)---

    "Oh, right. The investigation..." Makoto realizes, "Though, I suppose if Mishima-kun is going to be coming over, that gives us some time to kill until then. How are you feeling, Akira?" she asks me with a comforting tone.
    My eyes have dried by this point, and I'm feeling extremely cozy in my old room. "Much better," I tell her, and the two of us smile.

    April 13th, 1:51 pm
    Cafe Leblanc

    "Hey, another one of your friends made it," I hear Sojiro call from below, earlier than we expected. After rushing to get presentable, we scramble down the stairs to meet up with everyone else.
    Mishima has indeed made it. "Hey, Akira--" he starts to greet, but he pauses awkwardly. He's staring, and he snickers a bit. Do I have something on my face or something? And Ann is giggling to herself...?

    ---Music Sweet ---

    Even Sojiro looks amused, though he's trying to hide behind his fist as he coughs. "Sorry to, er, interrupt," he apologizes.
    Ryuji's nostrils are flaring... "Dude. Nice."
    "I don't get it," Morgana speaks with a perplexed look, "Why are you two wearing each other's shirts?"
    Oh. Oh.
    ...
    Oops.
    "We'll explain once you're older, Mona," Haru states with a chuckle.

    ---(Music End)---

    "Sorry for taking so long..." I speak, trying to play it all off.
    "No need to be sorry, Pals," Gumshoe speaks to us, "We've been passing the time telling each other stories."
    "We learned about those 'Psyche-Locks' that Mr. Wright had mentioned the other day," Futaba explains, "Apparently he's got this device called a Magatama that allows him to see when people are lying. That's dope!"
    "Not necessarily lying," Mr. Wright correct, "It's more that I can see when someone is trying to hide something or keep a secret."
    "It's quite a peculiar experience," Mr. Edgeworth explains, "I was privileged to the device once myself, and it certainly comes in handy."
    "And we've been looking over all of the research Niijima-san has done!" Kay adds.
    Edgeworth nods, "I believe my companions and myself up to speed on the events in question."
    Makoto is bemused, yet as amused as the rest. "Well, now that we're all here and on the same page, it's time for business."
    "First of all, come check this out, you two," Futaba beckons, "While you were upstairs, I managed to find an internet news outlet which had some more footage from current events. I think you'll want to listen to this recording."
Makoto and I gather around her laptop screen and watch as she clicks the play button on an embedded video.

    ---Music: Investigation ~ Middlegame 2009 ---

"Since the tragedy a few days ago," an anchor continues on from previous statements, "Japan's military involvement has somewhat stabilized the country of Koridai. Japan Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Momus Melpomene had this to say as an official statement, earlier this morning:"
Footage of the same military man we had recently seen before begins rolling. In full uniform he stands at a podium--and as cameras flash and an energetic audience fidgets, he begins speaking. "Since our emergency military intervention in Koridai a few short days ago, we've been able to determine that the rebel movement is smaller and more containable than initially thought. In fact, our intelligence estimates the rebel movement has been more than 90% subdued. It is with great pride that I'm able to announce that, as of the moment we deployed troops to Koridai, not a single bullet has been fired by either side. The rebels have been surrendering peacefully."
The first of many eager reporters fires a question that's loud enough to be heard. "Melpomene-san, how is that possible?"
The military man adjusts his tie and rotates his neck a bit. "I couldn't offer you any better than personal speculation, but I have a theory. The rebellion started in the first place due to the controversial elections last season. Now that both the former president and former vice president have unfortunately been killed, there may be less reason to actively rebel. Either that, or they simply recognized how foolish it would have been to have engaged our forces."
A different reporter takes the baton. "Do you think this is due to your own efforts to bolster the military of our own nation?"
"I've done nothing more or less than any other who has ever been in my position," Melpomene answers, "The safety of our country, as well as that of our allies, has always been my utmost concern. I consider the conclusion to this bloodless conflict to be a very strong sign that we as a nation are moving in the right direction. And I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you, fellow citizens of Japan, for allowing me the privilege to be in a position to make such a positive impact on the world."
"What about the Koridaian government?" a reporter presses, "How will they get back on their feet after such a horrendous incident."
"That's a difficult question to answer in full," Melpomene begins, "But restoration efforts will soon be in motion. Through talks with their remaining government officials, we've discussed having an interim leader put in place until the next election season. We ultimately decided on a Koridaian ambassador who has been living in Japan. He took the initiative to return to Koridai until these matters are settled. I've personally met with Mr. Brian Washington on many occasions, and both of our governments have agreed upon having him oversee restoration attempts for the coming years. Mr. Washington will be working hard from now on to decide upon what shape the new government shall take in response to the unrest, and will have his hand in appointing the next set of leaders."
The show returns to the anchor within the news studio. "These are shocking times we live in, ladies and gentlemen. There is a good amount of unrest in our own country at the moment as well, and harsh criticisms have been made against the Defense Force's actions. As per Article 9 of our own constitution, war as a means of settling disputes is strictly outlawed. Many are claiming that using our treaty with Koridai as justification despite our constitution is a loophole at best, with some calling this an abuse of power. Even still, supporters of our temporary occupation in Koridai are citing the undeniably effective and pacifistic way the matter is being handled."
    A replay icon pops up on the screen as the video hits the end mark.
"That all seems way too suspicious," Makoto comments, "Foreign intervention will have the government turned upside-down. Any rebel who actually had a cause wouldn't exactly find any more comfort in the current state of affairs than in the previous status quo. Yet, supposedly the rebellion has almost universally been quelled, without a drop of blood. It just feels like... somewhere along the lines, something doesn't add up."
"It's too smooth of a transition for such a tumultuous political climate," Mr. Wright adds his thoughts, "A complete overhaul of an entire government doesn't just happen overnight, nor does a rebellion just call it quits on a whim. It almost makes me think that some sort of strings are being pulled either on one side or the other."
    "This may be what you all are talking about," Kay reasons, "When you are saying that someone might be out there changing personalities, do you think they could be brainwashing people?"
    "That could be an explanation as to why a complex military and political situation is resolving seamlessly," Haru suggests.
    "Such a large scale is almost unbelievable," Yusuke argues, "Just how many people would a theoretical mastermind need to have under their control to usurp a nation?"
    "Enough to plot a successful assassination..." Ann mentions grimly.
    Edgeworth continues tapping his arm with his finger. "If we are to assume that there's no limit to the scope and capabilities of our mysterious adversary, then it would not be out of the realm of possibility to think that the rebellion itself could have been manufactured and orchestrated from the start."
    "This is starting to sound pretty scary!" Maya remarks, "The more we go down this rabbit hole, the more I'm starting to think we may need more help than just detective Ritsu and Mr. Edgeworth. Especially if that hunch you guys mentioned is right, and that Melpomene guy is in on this."
    "He seems to be in the center of everything right now, so it's a reasonable assumption," I suggest.
    "Isn't he like, the general of the entire army of Japan, or something?" Maya asks.
"He's in the highest position, yes," Sae confirms, "Which really makes me wonder what options we would even have to fight back against someone like that."
    "Erm," Gumshoe speaks up, "Maybe we can get the rest of Interpol involved? Mr. Edgeworth could maybe pull some strings and get a full investigation going on the guy!"
    Morgana seems pensive, and hops onto the top of the booth seat to reply. "If it comes to that, that may not be such a bad idea. But, we'd need to pass the baton off entirely and hope for the best. There's no way we could act as Phantom Thieves and investigate ourselves if the whole of Interpol is already investigating. Not without getting caught, at least."
    "We're getting ahead of ourselves," Ann backtracks, "We aren't even certain if he's the one behind all this, yet. We should really start investigating some of our current leads, first, right?"
    "So what was the deal with that Austin Translation guy?" Sojiro asks, "Was he after the same Orb that you guys were after? What was his involvement in all this?"
    "Huh. I guess we never really stopped to think about that guy much," Ryuji realizes.
    Sae shuffles some more papers. "I tried to do research into his identity, though it didn't get me far. He's an ambassador from the United States, and he's been living in Japan for the last five years. His career wasn't particularly remarkable, from what I could gather. However, in more recent times he had been courting various politicians whom he had never even met before. It seems to me like he was trying to build connections."
    "If he's involved in this conspiracy," Makoto theorizes, "Then it makes sense he would have been trying to earn good faith and favors from political figures. We already know that there's been both bribery and assassination in the name of passing that tariff law. So it's safe to assume that even before taking extreme measures, these conspirators were probably trying to sway decisions makers to their goals before they resorted to more vile tactics."
    "That helps contextualize things," Mr. Wright analyzes, "But I don't know how much headway we can get into investigating him now that he's no longer with us. I don't think we'd be able to go around asking politicians about their dealings behind closed doors without causing a scene."
    "You're probably right on that," I agree, "And I think just understanding a bit more about what our enemies are trying to accomplish is probably the best we can glean from Translation-san. We already know that our enemies are making plays to assert domestic and foreign dominance."
    "So that route's out," Ann laments, "What else do we have to work with?"

    ---Music: Tricks and Gimmicks ---

    "Oh! I know one!" Ryuji asserts pridefully, "Akira stole that check from that politician dude!"
    "Hoo boy," Sojiro speaks with exasperation, "Let's try to keep the shouting about committing felonies to a minimum when there are multiple police officers in the room, kids."
    "Er, right, sorry..." Ryuji sighs while scratching the back of his head, "I'm still getting used to the idea of workin' with the law."
    "I'm not going to get into the guy's bank account or anything," I deny staunchly, "I had good reason to try and confirm his identity, and get some more information on him. His name's Kigeki Yokubō, so we know he's related to Yashin Yokubō, for whatever that's worth."
    "I remember seeing him on the news recently," Mr. Wright declares, "He was in favor of the tariff too. He's most likely in on whatever is happening."
    "He was mentioning very shady things, too," I add, "It gave me the impression he's trying to go behind someone's back for a personal agenda. Assuming this is truly a large conspiracy, this guy may be our first step up the food chain towards finding the mastermind."
    "And a check of his would make the name and address certain," Makoto interprets, "So we know for fact who it is we'll be looking into, on that front."
    "So that's both Momus Melpomene and Kigeki Yokubō on our radar of suspicious persons," Futaba summarizes, no doubt compiling more notes on her laptop. "Which one of the two would we look into first, though?"
    "Perhaps we should prioritize Yokubō," Yusuke rationalizes, "A regular politician may be easier to investigate than the head of the military."
    "That's not our only lead, either," I announce, "I was actually talking with Mishima about these matters, and he brought something important to my attention. Care to explain?"
    "Oh, right!" he snaps to attention, "The short version is, some anons from the Phandom were able to find job postings on the deep web, some of which were from a 'director' that paid lots of money for no-questions-asked jobs. They all mention agreeing to a 'contract,' too."
    "Contract?" Sae blinks in surprise, "Didn't Kaz Mizusawa directly state that he was under contract when we visited him at the detention center?"
    "Funny you mention him!" Mishima continues, "Because one of those job postings was for a bodyguard for Vi Aipi! The same job that Mizusawa was working!"
    *!*
    "And just like that, we have a third lead," Haru assesses, "But didn't you mention that Mizusawa-san swore an oath of silence for that contract?"
    "He did," I nod, "We'd have to figure out a way to make him talk... but, if the Orb of Mind is involved, then it might not be as simple as an interrogation. It's possible that he may not be ABLE to talk about his contract, assuming he's under some sort of personality alteration--or possibly even mind control."
    Thinking back to personality changing, I realize I've forgotten something important. I take out my phone, and sure enough, the MetaNav app is there on my screen again. "Guys, take out your phones," I instruct, "Tell me if you see anything strange."

    ---(Music End)---

    *!*
    *!*
    *!*
    *!*
    *!*
    Ryuji is nearly speechless. "No. Effin'. Way."
    "The MetaNav! It's back on my phone!" Futaba exclaims, "Is on yours' too, guys?!"
    Everyone's eyes have bulged at this point. "MetaNav?" Mishima repeats for clarity, "Isn't that the thing that you used to change personalities when you were Phantom Thieves!?"
    "It is!" Haru answers to confirm, "We used this app to enter the MetaVerse! But it was removed from our phones back when we destroyed the Metaverse!"
    "Wait, 'MetaNav?' Is that what this is...?" Kay questions, pulling out a... device? It's too large to be a phone. She holds it out in front of us to show us the screen, and... the app is on her device, too!

    ---Music: Tricks and Baroque ---

    *!*
    *!*
    *!*
    Morgana grabs our attention with a shout. "Well, what are you waiting for?! Someone try and use it, already!"
    In quick sequence, we all try to tap the icons. I suppose I'm the quickest on the draw, because mine responds first. "Metaverse cannot be located," a synthetic, feminine-sounding voice speaks. In rapid succession, the same voice repeats several times in the order of each of my teammates tapping their own respective icons.
    One voice is different, however... and it sounds all too familiar. "Conditions not met," is what the voice says, and it's coming from Kay's device.
    "Why is your phone different, Kay...?" Sae asks.
    "Oh, this is actually not a phone," she explains, "It's called 'Little Thief!' It's a machine my dad created. It's a hologram projector machine that can be programmed to recreate crime scenes. We use it all the time in our investigations!"
    Mr. Edgeworth is pondering fairly hard. "Tell me. How does the MetaNav application usually function? Or how did it, rather?"
    "It was pretty specific," Morgana starts to explain, "You had to meet a few conditions. You had to pick a target, and that target had to be a person who was warped enough to have developed a twisted view of their own reality."
    "A palace, right?" Mr. Wright clarifies.
    Morgana nods with confidence. "Exactly. If someone was so distorted and evil that they had a palace in the Metaverse, then knowing that target's name was the first condition to reaching that palace."
    "I'd assume testing this application to see if it still behaves properly would be in order," Edgeworth affirms.
    I try tapping my own app again. "Metaverse cannot be located," the voice repeats, before even allowing me to say anything.
    Our apps are definitely no longer working. But there's one of us who has a different device... I walk over to Kay. "I would like to try something. Can anyone think of the name of an evil person so we can test this out?"
    "From what I understand, that guy Shido was a real piece of work... why not say his name?" Gumshoe pitches.
    Kay nods. "What was his name again? 'Masayoshi Shido?'" she speaks.
    The screen of her device blinks red. "Invalid target."
    "Him having a palace still wouldn't make sense," Maya speaks up, "Since he's reformed, and not evil anymore."
    "True," Sae agrees, "Let's try someone a little more recent. Try saying, 'Kaz Mizusawa,'" she suggests.
    "Alright," Kay agrees, "'Kaz Mizusawa,'" she repeats.
    "Target match," the voice states.
    *!*
    Ryuji's practically jumping out of his chair. "I think her app might actually be working!!" he exclaims, "Quick, somebody think of what his palace might be!"
    "The second condition," Haru elaborates, "Is finding out what real-world location the target has a distorted view of."
    Sae reminisces a bit. "I recall when I had a palace, you told me that it was the courthouse which had been distorted."
    Makoto nods. "You saw the courthouse as a casino. I think it was a reflection of how you believed that the legal institution was unfairly rigged against you and your hard work."
    "Which is the third condition," Morgana jumps back on topic, "We have to use that real world location and deduce what exactly it is the target sees that location as."
    "What kind of location would a person like Mizusawa think about...?" Mishima ponders, "We don't really know much about him."
    Mr. Wright seems to have a suggestion. "How about this, guys. Now that we have the Orb of Heart with us, I wanted to go speak with Shido-san to see if he may have any more information for us. And if we're heading to the detention center anyway, we can pay Mizusawa a visit and try to interview him a bit. Sound like a plan?"
    "I'm still stumped why Kay's app works but the rest of yours' don't!" detective Gumshoe points out.
    "I believe I have a theory for that," Mr. Edgeworth announces, "But I'd prefer we do a bit more research into this Mizusawa character first. If my theory is correct, I'll certainly share the details."
    "Alright, it sounds like we have a plan," I summarize. "Let's go out and do some interviewing."
    Quite a lot has changed just within these last few minutes. The entire state of the investigation may be completely different, in fact. Is it possible that we could once again gain the ability to use the Metaverse that shouldn't exist anymore? I can hardly contain my curiosity, and I know the rest of the team must be just as anxious and just as excited. The very thought of putting on our masks again for Phantom Thievery gives me a bit of a rush. Let's get going with haste, and get to the bottom of the mysterious return of the MetaNav.
    ---(Music End)---

    April 13th, 2:35 pm
    Suramā Prison Facility, Visiting Area

    “Erm... “ a guard voices with hesitation, “I’ve never seen so many people all wanting to visit an inmate at once. I mean, you’ve got detective Ritsu with you, and I’ve got no problem letting in associates of his, but… I don’t even think all of you will fit in the room.”
    “How about just a few of us go to speak with Mizusawa?” Mishima suggests, “Detective Ritsu and Niijima-san definitely need to be there, and maybe Mr. Wright too?”
    Mr. Wright nods, and turns to look at Mr. Edgeworth. “You want to go with us too, right, Edgeworth?”
    “Indeed,” the prosecutor in red confirms, “At this point I find it necessary that we see first hand what to expect out of this whole process, lest we find ourselves missing crucial details.”
    “If that’s the case,” Ann speaks up, “Then Akira and Morgana should go see him as well.”
    “Just be sure and fill us in when you get back, ‘kay?” Futaba reminds us.
    I nod in response. “Will do.”
    “And we’ll need you as well, Mishima-kun,” Sae speaks.
    “Alright,” Ritsu speaks, “That should be enough then.”
    “Understood,” the guard salutes, leaving the room to bring Mizusawa to us.

    ---Music: Investigation ~ Core 2002---

    In a matter of moments, the man is brought into the room on the opposite side of the glass from us. He’s still detained in a straight jacket, mask, and goggles. The only part of his physical self we can see is his helmet-hair.
    “Kaz Mizusawa, reporting for briefing, sirs!” he states to us, keeping a very straight, disciplined sitting position.. I can tell he’d be saluting if his arms weren’t restricted. This guy really does stick with the whole soldier behavior as if he were truly in the military. “Permission to request an explanation, sirs! Of why you are all coming to visit me again!”
    We’ll need to come up with a way to navigate the conversation to get the information we want. We anticipated as much, so on the way here to the detention center we brainstormed on how to go about this. Mr. Wright is going to take it from here. “Mizusawa-san,” he begins the conversation, “I’ll get straight to the point. My client, Mishima-san, who you shot… has been collaborating with prosecutors about filing a lawsuit against you, perhaps even a criminal one.”
    Judging by his slight change in posture, the man seems surprised. “Sir… why, sir? My trial has already happened, and I’ve been convicted, sir!”
    “Given the situation of a guard who shot his own client, we have reason to doubt the authenticity of your profession. We believe you to have fraudulently represented yourself as a bodyguard in order to get close enough to Vi Aipi-san to murder him. We’ve come to question the legality of your possession of a firearm, as well.”

    ---(Music End)---

    *!*
    “With all due respect, sirs,” he barks in his usual soldier-y tone, “I have a well-established and storied career in this field! I have all of the proper licensing to act as a bodyguard!”
    “We had a feeling you’d say as much,” Sae adds, “But we wanted to confront you on the subject in advance. The gentlemen at my sides are investigators from Interpol with a keen interest in this case, and they could very well be the difference between your current punishment or serving a much worse one.”
    Edgeworth looks sternly. “We are, by all means, ready to move forward with such a lawsuit, but we are willing to reconsider should you cooperate with us in clearing up any misconceptions.”
    “You can either answer in here, or in an interrogation room,” Ritsu cautions, “We just wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt.”
    “It’ll be in everybody’s best interest if you come clean on the details of who you are and what you do, pal,” detective Gumshoe asserts sternly.

    ---Music: Cross-Examination ~ Moderato 2002---

    Despite almost full obscurity of his person, it’s somehow easy to read what Mizusawa is feeling just based on his physical mannerisms. He seems to be quite uneasy. “Er, very well, sirs! What exactly do you need from me, sirs?”
    This will be the intricate part. We Phantom Thieves know from experience that palaces are intrinsically tied to the real world, or at least how the palace owner perceives it. The very existence of a palace hinges on the “treasure” which that person holds, and it’s always something life changing or otherwise direly important in the palace owner’s life. Anticipating this, we also tried to brainstorm what that could be on the way here. Finding out what’s important to this guy could clue us in to what his true palace may be.
    Ritsu looks ready to speak for us on the matter. “Mizusawa-san,” he begins both politely and firmly, “I’ll ask the most basic of basic questions here. Are you actually licensed to be a bodyguard, and do you have a license to carry a firearm?”
    Though his arms are restrained and he can’t salute, he still stomps his boot and straightens his posture as if being called to attention. “Sir, yes, sir! It took years of training, to boot!”
    Mr. Edgeworth seems to cross his arms while tapping his finger against his bicep a lot, most often when he appears to be in deep analysis. “And you would naturally be able to present such documentation as proof?”
    “Sir, correct, sir!” Mizusawa nods, “Those licenses are my whole livelihood!”
    We all subtly exchange glances out of the corners of our eyes. Now we’re getting somewhere.
    “That’s understandable that they would be so important to you,” Mr. Wright sumises, “But, as you may expect, we’ll have to see these documents ourselves, as will the authorities. Where do you keep them?”
    “I keep them all on display in my office, sirs!” he answers.
    “Aw, shucks,” detective Gumshoe laments while scratching his head and looking away, “This guy has an office? I wish that I had an office…”
    “That’s quite surprising, officer, sir!” Mizusawa comments, “Every man in uniform needs an office! A soldier requires headquartering at a home base, sirs!”

    ---(Music End)---

    *!*
    That has to be it. Mishima has caught on, as well. “So your office is your base, is that it?” he asks the convict behind the glass.
    Mizusawa looks at Mishima as if he had stated something completely obvious. “Of course we need a base! Where else would we deploy from, sirs?”
    “Where exactly is your office?” I ask him.
    “I can give you the address if you need it, sirs!” Mizusawa complies.
    “You may as well save us all some time and give us permission to investigate the premise, as well,” Sae coerces. “The faster we can see those licenses, the faster we can drop this case against you, should these licenses actually exist.”
    “Sir, absolutely, sir!” he nods, “The key is in my belongings which were confiscated!”
    Sounds like we’re done here. “Thank you for your time,” Mr. Wright bows casually. We all exit out of the room and back to the lobby.

    ---Music: To Another World (Persona 5)---

    “How did things go?” Makoto asks us. The others seem equally excited.
    “We have our lead,” I smile confidently, “Mizusawa gave us an address, so I say we gear up and head there right now.”
    “HELL yeah!” Ryuji shouts, pumped as ever, “I am SO ready for this!”
    I can’t deny that he is saying what we’re all feeling right now. I can hardly believe we may actually be going back to the Metaverse…
    We should get ready. There’s no telling what may happen next.

    To be continued...

    ---(Music End)---

    ---Music: Victory---

    Would you like to save your game?

      Yes No

Description
body div#devskin0 hr { }

    April 13th, 1:19 pm
    Cafe Leblanc Attic

    I'm woken from my brief daze as I catch my phone's notification light blinking in the corner of my eyes. I reach over to pick it up to see what's up.

Mishima: Text me when you get a moment k?

    "What is it?" Makoto asks.
    "Looks like Mishima sent me a text at some point," I answer.
Better ask what this is about.

---Music: Suspicion (Persona 5) ---

Akira: What's up?
Mishima: Hey Akira!
Mishima: Heard you're off the hook, so congratz.
Mishima: Sounds like they never mentioned your past during the trial, either.
Mishima: I was keeping a close watch on the Phan-site the whole time, just in case word of your identity got out and things got out of control.
Akira: I forgot to ask for more details last we talked. You said the Phan-site is still going strong?
Mishima: The PTs aren't active anymore, but their ideals have stuck with the Phandom.
Mishima: Nowadays it's more of a current events forum of sorts where we all keep each other informed.
Mishima: Which reminds me, wanted to warn you to be careful.
Mishima: Violent crime is on the rise in Tokyo, you might be aware.
Mishima: Organized crime, too.
Mishima: Crime in general, really!
Mishima: It's causing a lot of civil unrest, I think the term would be.
Akira: You think this may be related to the stuff we've been looking into?
Mishima: I can't say yet. Not sure how much more digging you've done in the meantime, but some of the more conspiracy-theorist-type anons have posted some info.
Mishima: Real deep-web type stuff.
Mishima: Allegedly, if you know where to look, there are job listings circulating by someone calling themselves "the director."
Akira: That sounds familiar...
Akira: What kind of listings?
Mishima: Really vague ones. They're all contract work, have absolutely "no questions asked" policies, and pay obscene amounts of money.
Akira: Sounds suspicious alright.
Mishima: And get this! I brought up the Vi Aipi case, to see if anyone had known anything about either him or Mizusawa.
Mishima: And one lurker on the Phan-site found that one of the mysterious job listings from this director person was a stand-in bodyguard..... for Vi Aipi.
Akira: No way...
Akira: How many job listings are there, has anyone tried counting?
Mishima: No one is sure, but we've found dozens so far, and no telling how many more are coming by the day.
Mishima: I think if the Phandom keeps digging like this, we may be able to even predict more murders before they happen.
Mishima: It's a long shot, but I know you are all looking for potential leads.
Akira: Everyone is meeting at Leblanc by now if you want to swing by.
Akira: I think we'd all appreciate all of this new info.
Akira: Great work dude!
Mishima: Thanks! I'm happy to be helpful, I really am.
Mishima: I'll see you there then.
Akira: Same.

    ---(Music End)---

    "Oh, right. The investigation..." Makoto realizes, "Though, I suppose if Mishima-kun is going to be coming over, that gives us some time to kill until then. How are you feeling, Akira?" she asks me with a comforting tone.
    My eyes have dried by this point, and I'm feeling extremely cozy in my old room. "Much better," I tell her, and the two of us smile.

    April 13th, 1:51 pm
    Cafe Leblanc

    "Hey, another one of your friends made it," I hear Sojiro call from below, earlier than we expected. After rushing to get presentable, we scramble down the stairs to meet up with everyone else.
    Mishima has indeed made it. "Hey, Akira--" he starts to greet, but he pauses awkwardly. He's staring, and he snickers a bit. Do I have something on my face or something? And Ann is giggling to herself...?

    ---Music Sweet ---

    Even Sojiro looks amused, though he's trying to hide behind his fist as he coughs. "Sorry to, er, interrupt," he apologizes.
    Ryuji's nostrils are flaring... "Dude. Nice."
    "I don't get it," Morgana speaks with a perplexed look, "Why are you two wearing each other's shirts?"
    Oh. Oh.
    ...
    Oops.
    "We'll explain once you're older, Mona," Haru states with a chuckle.

    ---(Music End)---

    "Sorry for taking so long..." I speak, trying to play it all off.
    "No need to be sorry, Pals," Gumshoe speaks to us, "We've been passing the time telling each other stories."
    "We learned about those 'Psyche-Locks' that Mr. Wright had mentioned the other day," Futaba explains, "Apparently he's got this device called a Magatama that allows him to see when people are lying. That's dope!"
    "Not necessarily lying," Mr. Wright correct, "It's more that I can see when someone is trying to hide something or keep a secret."
    "It's quite a peculiar experience," Mr. Edgeworth explains, "I was privileged to the device once myself, and it certainly comes in handy."
    "And we've been looking over all of the research Niijima-san has done!" Kay adds.
    Edgeworth nods, "I believe my companions and myself up to speed on the events in question."
    Makoto is bemused, yet as amused as the rest. "Well, now that we're all here and on the same page, it's time for business."
    "First of all, come check this out, you two," Futaba beckons, "While you were upstairs, I managed to find an internet news outlet which had some more footage from current events. I think you'll want to listen to this recording."
Makoto and I gather around her laptop screen and watch as she clicks the play button on an embedded video.

    ---Music: Investigation ~ Middlegame 2009 ---

"Since the tragedy a few days ago," an anchor continues on from previous statements, "Japan's military involvement has somewhat stabilized the country of Koridai. Japan Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Momus Melpomene had this to say as an official statement, earlier this morning:"
Footage of the same military man we had recently seen before begins rolling. In full uniform he stands at a podium--and as cameras flash and an energetic audience fidgets, he begins speaking. "Since our emergency military intervention in Koridai a few short days ago, we've been able to determine that the rebel movement is smaller and more containable than initially thought. In fact, our intelligence estimates the rebel movement has been more than 90% subdued. It is with great pride that I'm able to announce that, as of the moment we deployed troops to Koridai, not a single bullet has been fired by either side. The rebels have been surrendering peacefully."
The first of many eager reporters fires a question that's loud enough to be heard. "Melpomene-san, how is that possible?"
The military man adjusts his tie and rotates his neck a bit. "I couldn't offer you any better than personal speculation, but I have a theory. The rebellion started in the first place due to the controversial elections last season. Now that both the former president and former vice president have unfortunately been killed, there may be less reason to actively rebel. Either that, or they simply recognized how foolish it would have been to have engaged our forces."
A different reporter takes the baton. "Do you think this is due to your own efforts to bolster the military of our own nation?"
"I've done nothing more or less than any other who has ever been in my position," Melpomene answers, "The safety of our country, as well as that of our allies, has always been my utmost concern. I consider the conclusion to this bloodless conflict to be a very strong sign that we as a nation are moving in the right direction. And I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you, fellow citizens of Japan, for allowing me the privilege to be in a position to make such a positive impact on the world."
"What about the Koridaian government?" a reporter presses, "How will they get back on their feet after such a horrendous incident."
"That's a difficult question to answer in full," Melpomene begins, "But restoration efforts will soon be in motion. Through talks with their remaining government officials, we've discussed having an interim leader put in place until the next election season. We ultimately decided on a Koridaian ambassador who has been living in Japan. He took the initiative to return to Koridai until these matters are settled. I've personally met with Mr. Brian Washington on many occasions, and both of our governments have agreed upon having him oversee restoration attempts for the coming years. Mr. Washington will be working hard from now on to decide upon what shape the new government shall take in response to the unrest, and will have his hand in appointing the next set of leaders."
The show returns to the anchor within the news studio. "These are shocking times we live in, ladies and gentlemen. There is a good amount of unrest in our own country at the moment as well, and harsh criticisms have been made against the Defense Force's actions. As per Article 9 of our own constitution, war as a means of settling disputes is strictly outlawed. Many are claiming that using our treaty with Koridai as justification despite our constitution is a loophole at best, with some calling this an abuse of power. Even still, supporters of our temporary occupation in Koridai are citing the undeniably effective and pacifistic way the matter is being handled."
    A replay icon pops up on the screen as the video hits the end mark.
"That all seems way too suspicious," Makoto comments, "Foreign intervention will have the government turned upside-down. Any rebel who actually had a cause wouldn't exactly find any more comfort in the current state of affairs than in the previous status quo. Yet, supposedly the rebellion has almost universally been quelled, without a drop of blood. It just feels like... somewhere along the lines, something doesn't add up."
"It's too smooth of a transition for such a tumultuous political climate," Mr. Wright adds his thoughts, "A complete overhaul of an entire government doesn't just happen overnight, nor does a rebellion just call it quits on a whim. It almost makes me think that some sort of strings are being pulled either on one side or the other."
    "This may be what you all are talking about," Kay reasons, "When you are saying that someone might be out there changing personalities, do you think they could be brainwashing people?"
    "That could be an explanation as to why a complex military and political situation is resolving seamlessly," Haru suggests.
    "Such a large scale is almost unbelievable," Yusuke argues, "Just how many people would a theoretical mastermind need to have under their control to usurp a nation?"
    "Enough to plot a successful assassination..." Ann mentions grimly.
    Edgeworth continues tapping his arm with his finger. "If we are to assume that there's no limit to the scope and capabilities of our mysterious adversary, then it would not be out of the realm of possibility to think that the rebellion itself could have been manufactured and orchestrated from the start."
    "This is starting to sound pretty scary!" Maya remarks, "The more we go down this rabbit hole, the more I'm starting to think we may need more help than just detective Ritsu and Mr. Edgeworth. Especially if that hunch you guys mentioned is right, and that Melpomene guy is in on this."
    "He seems to be in the center of everything right now, so it's a reasonable assumption," I suggest.
    "Isn't he like, the general of the entire army of Japan, or something?" Maya asks.
"He's in the highest position, yes," Sae confirms, "Which really makes me wonder what options we would even have to fight back against someone like that."
    "Erm," Gumshoe speaks up, "Maybe we can get the rest of Interpol involved? Mr. Edgeworth could maybe pull some strings and get a full investigation going on the guy!"
    Morgana seems pensive, and hops onto the top of the booth seat to reply. "If it comes to that, that may not be such a bad idea. But, we'd need to pass the baton off entirely and hope for the best. There's no way we could act as Phantom Thieves and investigate ourselves if the whole of Interpol is already investigating. Not without getting caught, at least."
    "We're getting ahead of ourselves," Ann backtracks, "We aren't even certain if he's the one behind all this, yet. We should really start investigating some of our current leads, first, right?"
    "So what was the deal with that Austin Translation guy?" Sojiro asks, "Was he after the same Orb that you guys were after? What was his involvement in all this?"
    "Huh. I guess we never really stopped to think about that guy much," Ryuji realizes.
    Sae shuffles some more papers. "I tried to do research into his identity, though it didn't get me far. He's an ambassador from the United States, and he's been living in Japan for the last five years. His career wasn't particularly remarkable, from what I could gather. However, in more recent times he had been courting various politicians whom he had never even met before. It seems to me like he was trying to build connections."
    "If he's involved in this conspiracy," Makoto theorizes, "Then it makes sense he would have been trying to earn good faith and favors from political figures. We already know that there's been both bribery and assassination in the name of passing that tariff law. So it's safe to assume that even before taking extreme measures, these conspirators were probably trying to sway decisions makers to their goals before they resorted to more vile tactics."
    "That helps contextualize things," Mr. Wright analyzes, "But I don't know how much headway we can get into investigating him now that he's no longer with us. I don't think we'd be able to go around asking politicians about their dealings behind closed doors without causing a scene."
    "You're probably right on that," I agree, "And I think just understanding a bit more about what our enemies are trying to accomplish is probably the best we can glean from Translation-san. We already know that our enemies are making plays to assert domestic and foreign dominance."
    "So that route's out," Ann laments, "What else do we have to work with?"

    ---Music: Tricks and Gimmicks ---

    "Oh! I know one!" Ryuji asserts pridefully, "Akira stole that check from that politician dude!"
    "Hoo boy," Sojiro speaks with exasperation, "Let's try to keep the shouting about committing felonies to a minimum when there are multiple police officers in the room, kids."
    "Er, right, sorry..." Ryuji sighs while scratching the back of his head, "I'm still getting used to the idea of workin' with the law."
    "I'm not going to get into the guy's bank account or anything," I deny staunchly, "I had good reason to try and confirm his identity, and get some more information on him. His name's Kigeki Yokubō, so we know he's related to Yashin Yokubō, for whatever that's worth."
    "I remember seeing him on the news recently," Mr. Wright declares, "He was in favor of the tariff too. He's most likely in on whatever is happening."
    "He was mentioning very shady things, too," I add, "It gave me the impression he's trying to go behind someone's back for a personal agenda. Assuming this is truly a large conspiracy, this guy may be our first step up the food chain towards finding the mastermind."
    "And a check of his would make the name and address certain," Makoto interprets, "So we know for fact who it is we'll be looking into, on that front."
    "So that's both Momus Melpomene and Kigeki Yokubō on our radar of suspicious persons," Futaba summarizes, no doubt compiling more notes on her laptop. "Which one of the two would we look into first, though?"
    "Perhaps we should prioritize Yokubō," Yusuke rationalizes, "A regular politician may be easier to investigate than the head of the military."
    "That's not our only lead, either," I announce, "I was actually talking with Mishima about these matters, and he brought something important to my attention. Care to explain?"
    "Oh, right!" he snaps to attention, "The short version is, some anons from the Phandom were able to find job postings on the deep web, some of which were from a 'director' that paid lots of money for no-questions-asked jobs. They all mention agreeing to a 'contract,' too."
    "Contract?" Sae blinks in surprise, "Didn't Kaz Mizusawa directly state that he was under contract when we visited him at the detention center?"
    "Funny you mention him!" Mishima continues, "Because one of those job postings was for a bodyguard for Vi Aipi! The same job that Mizusawa was working!"
    *!*
    "And just like that, we have a third lead," Haru assesses, "But didn't you mention that Mizusawa-san swore an oath of silence for that contract?"
    "He did," I nod, "We'd have to figure out a way to make him talk... but, if the Orb of Mind is involved, then it might not be as simple as an interrogation. It's possible that he may not be ABLE to talk about his contract, assuming he's under some sort of personality alteration--or possibly even mind control."
    Thinking back to personality changing, I realize I've forgotten something important. I take out my phone, and sure enough, the MetaNav app is there on my screen again. "Guys, take out your phones," I instruct, "Tell me if you see anything strange."

    ---(Music End)---

    *!*
    *!*
    *!*
    *!*
    *!*
    Ryuji is nearly speechless. "No. Effin'. Way."
    "The MetaNav! It's back on my phone!" Futaba exclaims, "Is on yours' too, guys?!"
    Everyone's eyes have bulged at this point. "MetaNav?" Mishima repeats for clarity, "Isn't that the thing that you used to change personalities when you were Phantom Thieves!?"
    "It is!" Haru answers to confirm, "We used this app to enter the MetaVerse! But it was removed from our phones back when we destroyed the Metaverse!"
    "Wait, 'MetaNav?' Is that what this is...?" Kay questions, pulling out a... device? It's too large to be a phone. She holds it out in front of us to show us the screen, and... the app is on her device, too!

    ---Music: Tricks and Baroque ---

    *!*
    *!*
    *!*
    Morgana grabs our attention with a shout. "Well, what are you waiting for?! Someone try and use it, already!"
    In quick sequence, we all try to tap the icons. I suppose I'm the quickest on the draw, because mine responds first. "Metaverse cannot be located," a synthetic, feminine-sounding voice speaks. In rapid succession, the same voice repeats several times in the order of each of my teammates tapping their own respective icons.
    One voice is different, however... and it sounds all too familiar. "Conditions not met," is what the voice says, and it's coming from Kay's device.
    "Why is your phone different, Kay...?" Sae asks.
    "Oh, this is actually not a phone," she explains, "It's called 'Little Thief!' It's a machine my dad created. It's a hologram projector machine that can be programmed to recreate crime scenes. We use it all the time in our investigations!"
    Mr. Edgeworth is pondering fairly hard. "Tell me. How does the MetaNav application usually function? Or how did it, rather?"
    "It was pretty specific," Morgana starts to explain, "You had to meet a few conditions. You had to pick a target, and that target had to be a person who was warped enough to have developed a twisted view of their own reality."
    "A palace, right?" Mr. Wright clarifies.
    Morgana nods with confidence. "Exactly. If someone was so distorted and evil that they had a palace in the Metaverse, then knowing that target's name was the first condition to reaching that palace."
    "I'd assume testing this application to see if it still behaves properly would be in order," Edgeworth affirms.
    I try tapping my own app again. "Metaverse cannot be located," the voice repeats, before even allowing me to say anything.
    Our apps are definitely no longer working. But there's one of us who has a different device... I walk over to Kay. "I would like to try something. Can anyone think of the name of an evil person so we can test this out?"
    "From what I understand, that guy Shido was a real piece of work... why not say his name?" Gumshoe pitches.
    Kay nods. "What was his name again? 'Masayoshi Shido?'" she speaks.
    The screen of her device blinks red. "Invalid target."
    "Him having a palace still wouldn't make sense," Maya speaks up, "Since he's reformed, and not evil anymore."
    "True," Sae agrees, "Let's try someone a little more recent. Try saying, 'Kaz Mizusawa,'" she suggests.
    "Alright," Kay agrees, "'Kaz Mizusawa,'" she repeats.
    "Target match," the voice states.
    *!*
    Ryuji's practically jumping out of his chair. "I think her app might actually be working!!" he exclaims, "Quick, somebody think of what his palace might be!"
    "The second condition," Haru elaborates, "Is finding out what real-world location the target has a distorted view of."
    Sae reminisces a bit. "I recall when I had a palace, you told me that it was the courthouse which had been distorted."
    Makoto nods. "You saw the courthouse as a casino. I think it was a reflection of how you believed that the legal institution was unfairly rigged against you and your hard work."
    "Which is the third condition," Morgana jumps back on topic, "We have to use that real world location and deduce what exactly it is the target sees that location as."
    "What kind of location would a person like Mizusawa think about...?" Mishima ponders, "We don't really know much about him."
    Mr. Wright seems to have a suggestion. "How about this, guys. Now that we have the Orb of Heart with us, I wanted to go speak with Shido-san to see if he may have any more information for us. And if we're heading to the detention center anyway, we can pay Mizusawa a visit and try to interview him a bit. Sound like a plan?"
    "I'm still stumped why Kay's app works but the rest of yours' don't!" detective Gumshoe points out.
    "I believe I have a theory for that," Mr. Edgeworth announces, "But I'd prefer we do a bit more research into this Mizusawa character first. If my theory is correct, I'll certainly share the details."
    "Alright, it sounds like we have a plan," I summarize. "Let's go out and do some interviewing."
    Quite a lot has changed just within these last few minutes. The entire state of the investigation may be completely different, in fact. Is it possible that we could once again gain the ability to use the Metaverse that shouldn't exist anymore? I can hardly contain my curiosity, and I know the rest of the team must be just as anxious and just as excited. The very thought of putting on our masks again for Phantom Thievery gives me a bit of a rush. Let's get going with haste, and get to the bottom of the mysterious return of the MetaNav.
    ---(Music End)---

    April 13th, 2:35 pm
    Suramā Prison Facility, Visiting Area

    “Erm... “ a guard voices with hesitation, “I’ve never seen so many people all wanting to visit an inmate at once. I mean, you’ve got detective Ritsu with you, and I’ve got no problem letting in associates of his, but… I don’t even think all of you will fit in the room.”
    “How about just a few of us go to speak with Mizusawa?” Mishima suggests, “Detective Ritsu and Niijima-san definitely need to be there, and maybe Mr. Wright too?”
    Mr. Wright nods, and turns to look at Mr. Edgeworth. “You want to go with us too, right, Edgeworth?”
    “Indeed,” the prosecutor in red confirms, “At this point I find it necessary that we see first hand what to expect out of this whole process, lest we find ourselves missing crucial details.”
    “If that’s the case,” Ann speaks up, “Then Akira and Morgana should go see him as well.”
    “Just be sure and fill us in when you get back, ‘kay?” Futaba reminds us.
    I nod in response. “Will do.”
    “And we’ll need you as well, Mishima-kun,” Sae speaks.
    “Alright,” Ritsu speaks, “That should be enough then.”
    “Understood,” the guard salutes, leaving the room to bring Mizusawa to us.

    ---Music: Investigation ~ Core 2002---

    In a matter of moments, the man is brought into the room on the opposite side of the glass from us. He’s still detained in a straight jacket, mask, and goggles. The only part of his physical self we can see is his helmet-hair.
    “Kaz Mizusawa, reporting for briefing, sirs!” he states to us, keeping a very straight, disciplined sitting position.. I can tell he’d be saluting if his arms weren’t restricted. This guy really does stick with the whole soldier behavior as if he were truly in the military. “Permission to request an explanation, sirs! Of why you are all coming to visit me again!”
    We’ll need to come up with a way to navigate the conversation to get the information we want. We anticipated as much, so on the way here to the detention center we brainstormed on how to go about this. Mr. Wright is going to take it from here. “Mizusawa-san,” he begins the conversation, “I’ll get straight to the point. My client, Mishima-san, who you shot… has been collaborating with prosecutors about filing a lawsuit against you, perhaps even a criminal one.”
    Judging by his slight change in posture, the man seems surprised. “Sir… why, sir? My trial has already happened, and I’ve been convicted, sir!”
    “Given the situation of a guard who shot his own client, we have reason to doubt the authenticity of your profession. We believe you to have fraudulently represented yourself as a bodyguard in order to get close enough to Vi Aipi-san to murder him. We’ve come to question the legality of your possession of a firearm, as well.”

    ---(Music End)---

    *!*
    “With all due respect, sirs,” he barks in his usual soldier-y tone, “I have a well-established and storied career in this field! I have all of the proper licensing to act as a bodyguard!”
    “We had a feeling you’d say as much,” Sae adds, “But we wanted to confront you on the subject in advance. The gentlemen at my sides are investigators from Interpol with a keen interest in this case, and they could very well be the difference between your current punishment or serving a much worse one.”
    Edgeworth looks sternly. “We are, by all means, ready to move forward with such a lawsuit, but we are willing to reconsider should you cooperate with us in clearing up any misconceptions.”
    “You can either answer in here, or in an interrogation room,” Ritsu cautions, “We just wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt.”
    “It’ll be in everybody’s best interest if you come clean on the details of who you are and what you do, pal,” detective Gumshoe asserts sternly.

    ---Music: Cross-Examination ~ Moderato 2002---

    Despite almost full obscurity of his person, it’s somehow easy to read what Mizusawa is feeling just based on his physical mannerisms. He seems to be quite uneasy. “Er, very well, sirs! What exactly do you need from me, sirs?”
    This will be the intricate part. We Phantom Thieves know from experience that palaces are intrinsically tied to the real world, or at least how the palace owner perceives it. The very existence of a palace hinges on the “treasure” which that person holds, and it’s always something life changing or otherwise direly important in the palace owner’s life. Anticipating this, we also tried to brainstorm what that could be on the way here. Finding out what’s important to this guy could clue us in to what his true palace may be.
    Ritsu looks ready to speak for us on the matter. “Mizusawa-san,” he begins both politely and firmly, “I’ll ask the most basic of basic questions here. Are you actually licensed to be a bodyguard, and do you have a license to carry a firearm?”
    Though his arms are restrained and he can’t salute, he still stomps his boot and straightens his posture as if being called to attention. “Sir, yes, sir! It took years of training, to boot!”
    Mr. Edgeworth seems to cross his arms while tapping his finger against his bicep a lot, most often when he appears to be in deep analysis. “And you would naturally be able to present such documentation as proof?”
    “Sir, correct, sir!” Mizusawa nods, “Those licenses are my whole livelihood!”
    We all subtly exchange glances out of the corners of our eyes. Now we’re getting somewhere.
    “That’s understandable that they would be so important to you,” Mr. Wright sumises, “But, as you may expect, we’ll have to see these documents ourselves, as will the authorities. Where do you keep them?”
    “I keep them all on display in my office, sirs!” he answers.
    “Aw, shucks,” detective Gumshoe laments while scratching his head and looking away, “This guy has an office? I wish that I had an office…”
    “That’s quite surprising, officer, sir!” Mizusawa comments, “Every man in uniform needs an office! A soldier requires headquartering at a home base, sirs!”

    ---(Music End)---

    *!*
    That has to be it. Mishima has caught on, as well. “So your office is your base, is that it?” he asks the convict behind the glass.
    Mizusawa looks at Mishima as if he had stated something completely obvious. “Of course we need a base! Where else would we deploy from, sirs?”
    “Where exactly is your office?” I ask him.
    “I can give you the address if you need it, sirs!” Mizusawa complies.
    “You may as well save us all some time and give us permission to investigate the premise, as well,” Sae coerces. “The faster we can see those licenses, the faster we can drop this case against you, should these licenses actually exist.”
    “Sir, absolutely, sir!” he nods, “The key is in my belongings which were confiscated!”
    Sounds like we’re done here. “Thank you for your time,” Mr. Wright bows casually. We all exit out of the room and back to the lobby.

    ---Music: To Another World (Persona 5)---

    “How did things go?” Makoto asks us. The others seem equally excited.
    “We have our lead,” I smile confidently, “Mizusawa gave us an address, so I say we gear up and head there right now.”
    “HELL yeah!” Ryuji shouts, pumped as ever, “I am SO ready for this!”
    I can’t deny that he is saying what we’re all feeling right now. I can hardly believe we may actually be going back to the Metaverse…
    We should get ready. There’s no telling what may happen next.

    To be continued...

    ---(Music End)---

    ---Music: Victory---

    Would you like to save your game?

      Yes No