Velvet Room MUSH Wiki - User contributions [en]

Kasumi Yoshizawa

2026-11-05T03:48:22Z

LeiaSkynoober: /* Social Links */

{| class="toccolours" style="width: 25em; float: right; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0em; margin-bottom:2em; text-align: left; font-size: %110" cellspacing="2"
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#BF0F0F; border: 2px #000000 solid; font size: 110%;" align="center" |'''kasumi_yoshizawa'''
|-
! colspan="2" align="center" |[[File:Kasumi_photo.jpg|300px]]
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#BF0F0F; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''IC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Full Name:
| Kasumi Yoshizawa
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Arcana:
| XVII. The Star
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Gender:
| Female (She/Her)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Age (Birthdate):
| {{ICAge|1997|03|25}} (March 25, 1997)
|-
! style="text-align: left;" |Height:
|162 cm (5'4")
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Hair Colour:
| Red
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Eye Colour:
| Red
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Residency:
| Kichijoji, Tokyo
|-
! style="text-align:left" | School:
|Shuujin Academy
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Grade:
| First Year Student
|-
! style="text-align: left;" |Persona:
|Cendrillon
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Role:
| Focus
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#BF0F0F; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''OOC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Source:
|Persona 5 (FC)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Group:
|The Phantoms
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Player:
|[[User:LeiaSkynoober|LeiaSkynoober]]
|}
<blockquote>"What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger!"</blockquote>Kasumi Yoshizawa is a first year student attending Shuujin Academy. From afar, she is the picturesque good girl who would never get into trouble. She is a star athlete who is hoping to become an Olympic level Gymnast. The teachers of Shuujin often cater for her, much to her chagrin. Her sister died in a car accident a month prior to the start of the new school year. To her classmates, she's relatively unapproachable, leading to many admirers and detractors from afar.

== Background ==
''Once upon a time...'' There were two sisters. They fell in love with the art of gymnastics, and promised each other to reach the top together. They were happy as can be.

Until the tragic parting, when one of the sisters died in an accident. The living must still fulfill that dream. She must.

== Season 1, Episode 1 ==
Forthcoming

== Persona ==
'''Cendrillon'''- The French name for Cinderella, the iconic Disney Princess. Bullied by her step-mother and step-sisters, she is cruelly nicknamed for the ash she was covered in during her chores. With the wish of a Fairy Godmother, Cendrillon gained the chance to be a princess for a night. However, when the clock struck midnight, the magic dissipated and she was a normal girl once more.
Cendrillon is a feminine Persona with ashen skin and blonde hair tied up with a blue ribbon. She wears a beautiful blue dress, akin to a figure skater and glass thigh highs.

== Special Skills ==
Being a gymnast, Kasumi is extremely deft and agile. Her father works as the director for many Japanese talk shows.

# Beauty is Devotion! - Proficiency
# I Can Help! - Academics
# Let's Patch You Up! - Understanding

= Social Links =
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Names
!Rank
!Arcana
!Address
!Description
|-
|[[Ren Amamiya]]
|★★★★☆
|0. The Fool
|Amamiya-senpai, Joker
|"My beloved Senpai... Just being around them makes me feel calm. Let's give it our all!"
|-
|Morgana
|★★★☆☆
|I. Magician
|Morgana, Mona
|"I hope you enjoyed your stay with me... And I'm so thankful that you and everyone patched things up!"
|-
|[[Haru Okumura]]
|★☆☆☆☆
|III. Empress
|Okumura-senpai, Noir
|"A very kind Senpai, who's allowing me to borrow the rooftop when I need a chance to cool down."
|-
|[[Fuuka Yamagishi]]
|★☆☆☆☆
|II. High Priestess
|Yamagishi-san
|"A very kind girl from Tatsumi. She helped me with some headphones, and helped Motojima-senpai."
|-
|[[Goro Akechi]]
|★★☆☆☆
|VIII. Justice
|Akechi-san
|"It's a relief to see that Akechi-san and the Phantom Thieves may be able to make peace. Especially, now that he knows that I'm a Phantom Thief!"
|-
|[[Kazusa Motojima]]
|★★★☆☆
|XI. Strength
|Motojima-senpai
|"I actually called Motojima-senpai a friend, and she didn't turn it down?? That's... really surprising. Let's become better friends, Motojima-senpai!"
|-
|[[Ryuji Sakamoto]]
|★☆☆☆☆
|VII. Chariot
|Sakamoto-senpai, Skull
|"Another guy who's supposed to be a delinquent... He certainly looks the part, but he can be pretty amusing. I hope we work well together."
|-
|[[Futaba Sakura]]
|★☆☆☆☆
|IX. Hermit
|Sakura-san, Oracle
|"Finally!! Someone who's around my age... Oh, I hope we can be friends!"
|-
|[[Yusuke Kitagawa]]
|★☆☆☆☆
|IV. Emperor
|Kitagawa-san, Fox
|"He's a pretty impressive artist, honestly. Maybe, if I can tap into his artistic ability for my routines...?"
|-
|[[Shinichi Nagisa]]
|★☆☆☆☆
|I. Magician
|Nagisa-senpai
|"Actually... Nagisa-senpai's a really nice guy when he's not being puppeted by a a serial killer monster. I'm... A little thankful for it."
|-
|[[Ichika Kawase]]
|★☆☆☆☆
|XIV. Temperance
|Kawase-san
|"My new comrade... Very nice beyond her scary, Mrs. Frankenstien like hair, haha. We both have dead siblings, though..."
|-
|Flower Girl
|☆☆☆☆☆
|NPC
|
|A first year and shares Yoshizawa's class. Deeply admires Yoshizawa and wishes to offer some support in the form of flowers. Unfortunately, things keep getting in her way.
((OOC Notes: Just a running bit I want to do, inspired by Flower Girl from Macross 7. Only interact with her if you're interfering with her.
|}

= Logs and Cutscenes =

==Season 1==
===Episode 1===
<div style="column-count: 3;">
{{#dpl:
|category=logs
|category=Season 1, Episode 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 3
|rowcolformat=width=50%
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| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}
</div>
===Episode 2===
<div style="column-count: 3;">
{{#dpl:
|category=logs
|category=Season 1, Episode 2
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 3
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| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}
</div>

==Season 1 Cutscenes==

{{#dpl:
|category = cutscenes&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 3
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
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</div>

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Shujin Academy]]
[[Category:The Phantoms]]
[[Category:Focus]]

Kasumi Yoshizawa

2026-10-18T03:55:05Z

LeiaSkynoober:

{| class="toccolours" style="width: 25em; float: right; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0em; margin-bottom:2em; text-align: left; font-size: %110" cellspacing="2"
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#BF0F0F; border: 2px #000000 solid; font size: 110%;" align="center" |'''kasumi_yoshizawa'''
|-
! colspan="2" align="center" |[[File:Kasumi_photo.jpg|300px]]
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#BF0F0F; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''IC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Full Name:
| Kasumi Yoshizawa
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Arcana:
| XVII. The Star
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Gender:
| Female (She/Her)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Age (Birthdate):
| {{ICAge|1997|03|25}} (March 25, 1997)
|-
! style="text-align: left;" |Height:
|162 cm (5'4")
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Hair Colour:
| Red
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Eye Colour:
| Red
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Residency:
| Kichijoji, Tokyo
|-
! style="text-align:left" | School:
|Shuujin Academy
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Grade:
| First Year Student
|-
! style="text-align: left;" |Persona:
|Cendrillon
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Role:
| Focus
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#BF0F0F; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''OOC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Source:
|Persona 5 (FC)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Group:
|The Phantoms
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Player:
|[[User:LeiaSkynoober|LeiaSkynoober]]
|}
<blockquote>"What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger!"</blockquote>Kasumi Yoshizawa is a first year student attending Shuujin Academy. From afar, she is the picturesque good girl who would never get into trouble. She is a star athlete who is hoping to become an Olympic level Gymnast. The teachers of Shuujin often cater for her, much to her chagrin. Her sister died in a car accident a month prior to the start of the new school year. To her classmates, she's relatively unapproachable, leading to many admirers and detractors from afar.

== Background ==
''Once upon a time...'' There were two sisters. They fell in love with the art of gymnastics, and promised each other to reach the top together. They were happy as can be.

Until the tragic parting, when one of the sisters died in an accident. The living must still fulfill that dream. She must.

== Season 1, Episode 1 ==
Forthcoming

== Persona ==
'''Cendrillon'''- The French name for Cinderella, the iconic Disney Princess. Bullied by her step-mother and step-sisters, she is cruelly nicknamed for the ash she was covered in during her chores. With the wish of a Fairy Godmother, Cendrillon gained the chance to be a princess for a night. However, when the clock struck midnight, the magic dissipated and she was a normal girl once more.
Cendrillon is a feminine Persona with ashen skin and blonde hair tied up with a blue ribbon. She wears a beautiful blue dress, akin to a figure skater and glass thigh highs.

== Special Skills ==
Being a gymnast, Kasumi is extremely deft and agile. Her father works as the director for many Japanese talk shows.

# Beauty is Devotion! - Proficiency
# I Can Help! - Academics
# Let's Patch You Up! - Understanding

= Social Links =
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Names
!Rank
!Arcana
!Description
|-
|[[Ren Amamiya]]
|★★★☆☆
|I. The Fool
|"I hear so many rumours about them being a delinquint... But I just can't see them doing all of that!"
|-
|[[Haru Okumura]]
|★☆☆☆☆
|III. Empress
|"A very kind Senpai, who's allowing me to borrow the rooftop when I need a chance to cool down."
|-
|[[Fuuka Yamagishi]]
|★☆☆☆☆
|II. High Priestess
|A very kind girl from Tatsumi. She helped me with some headphones, and helped Motojima-senpai."
|-
|[[Goro Akechi]]
|★☆☆☆☆
|VIII. Justice
|"It's strange to see someone so dedicated to his masks. Though, that /may/ be my naivety speaking... I'm at least a little fond of him at least!"
|-
|[[Kazusa Motojima]]
|★★☆☆☆
|XI. Strength
|"It's such a relief to see Motojima-senpai back to her old self! Although... I'm not sure how I feel about her right now. This distance, isn't it a little lonely?"
|-
|Flower Girl
|☆☆☆☆☆
|NPC
|A first year and shares Yoshizawa's class. Deeply admires Yoshizawa and wishes to offer some support in the form of flowers. Unfortunately, things keep getting in her way.
((OOC Notes: Just a running bit I want to do, inspired by Flower Girl from Macross 7. Only interact with her if you're interfering with her.
|}

= Logs and Cutscenes =

==Season 1==
===Episode 1===
<div style="column-count: 3;">
{{#dpl:
|category=logs
|category=Season 1, Episode 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 3
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}
</div>
===Episode 2===
<div style="column-count: 3;">
{{#dpl:
|category=logs
|category=Season 1, Episode 2
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 3
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}
</div>

==Season 1 Cutscenes==

{{#dpl:
|category = cutscenes&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 3
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no cutscenes on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}
</div>

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Shujin Academy]]
[[Category:The Phantoms]]
[[Category:Focus]]

2026-10-16: Sibling Bickering

2026-10-17T04:14:06Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "* '''Log: 2026-10-16: Sibling Bickering''' * '''Cast:''' Kasumi Yoshizawa, Ren Amamiya, Ichika Kawase, Ann Takamaki, Tsubasa Seki, Yusuke Kitagawa * '''Where:''' Odaiba, Mystery Palace * '''OOC Date:''' October 16, 2026 * '''IC Date:''' January 25, 2013 * '''Summary''': ''The chase is on! The Kasumi and Morgana duo enter the mystery palace, aiming to blaze a trail straight to the treasure! However, they're stopped by a strange, cognitive shadow......"

* '''Log: 2026-10-16: Sibling Bickering'''
* '''Cast:''' [[Kasumi Yoshizawa]], [[Ren Amamiya]], [[Ichika Kawase]], [[Ann Takamaki]], [[Tsubasa Seki]], [[Yusuke Kitagawa]]
* '''Where:''' Odaiba, Mystery Palace
* '''OOC Date:''' October 16, 2026
* '''IC Date:''' January 25, 2013
* '''Summary''': ''The chase is on! The Kasumi and Morgana duo enter the mystery palace, aiming to blaze a trail straight to the treasure! However, they're stopped by a strange, cognitive shadow... of Kasumi's sister? A fiendishly powerful shadow fights off the duo, as the Phantoms arrive to save the pairing!''
* '''Content Warnings''': Attempted re-traumitation, sibling death, sibling verbal abuse

----
AS: Ann Takamaki has readied for combat as Carmen! She is now fully healed!
AS: Ren Amamiya has readied for combat as Arsène! He is now fully healed!
AS: Ichika Kawase has readied for combat as Momiji! She is now fully healed!

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
??? Palace

Kasumi and Morgana land safely on the section part of the lobby, past the barred elevator. The freshly made grappling hook zips back onto Kasumi's wrist. "Now, I see why Joker-senpai likes using this thing so much!" Belle says to her fellow Thief with a laugh. "That's so much fun!"

They, Mona and Kasumi have been challenged by the Phantom Thieves. If they can't reach the treasure first, then the pairing must join with the Phantoms! It's a pretty exciting wager, but Kasumi has no intention of losing. Never have, never will.

While Mona goes off to look for an elevator key card to make future infiltrations easier, Belle takes a look around in the other direction. As she walks through the pure white, clinical Palace a headache starts to set in. Or is it a heartache? She spots an entrance and... feels something compelling her.

In a move that is very well not advised... Belle splits the party and goes running off. The way seems to open up for her, until...

"Sumire!"
"Kasumi!"

She runs straight into her sister. The younger Yoshizawa is pretty much identical to the elder, except the duplicate has brown hair, and a beauty mark underneath her left eye.

"Sis." The brunette places her hand over her heart as she leans forward. "You have to leave."

"You... aren't her..." Belle mumbles. Then, like white blood cells rushing to the invaders, the redhead experiences a heavy headache. Voices invade her mind.

"brutal thank you routine lunch tall as apples my right as nutrition same grade dreams things...better... apologize watch...red... dreams stop... not a bad thing"
"..su.."
"..mi.."
"Sumire!"

"YOU AREN'T SUMIRE!" Belle yells in a rare moment of genuine anger. She grabs her rapier and tears the blade from the scabbard and points it at the fake. Her hand shudders uncontrollably. "I won't let you wear her face anymore!"

The fake gives a look full of pity. "If words will not eject you, then force must." The cognitive person collapses into blackness, turning into a Palace Shadow. A Maria. "My poor, pitiful sister. You've never beaten me before. You won't start now."

Mona arrives just in time to see the fake transform. "That's a Shadow masquerading as my sister." Belle says to fill Mona in. "I can't let this stand. Please, help me defeat it."

----

The resulting battle is rough. The Maria, 'Javotte' as she's called, eviscerates the duo. The room is pouring rain, hard. Javotte prepares a blast of water towards Belle, who gets ready to brace. Staring down the spiraling water. But then she's hit from the side. No, she's pushed?

'Belle!'

"Mo...na?" Everything goes slow. She watches as her friend, the adorable Mona pushes her out of the way. His big, round eyes... What... What does this... remind her of? Then, the water meets cat, sending him flying. It's a pretty nasty hit, with the steam coming off the attack. "Mona? Mona!" Belle says. "No...!"

Javotte looms. "This is your fault, sister." It says. "You should never have come here. This is for spurning my Lord's grace." The Maria charges another attack, to finish Mona off. Another Hydro Cannon gets sent his way...

</poem>
AS: Kasumi Yoshizawa has readied for combat as Javotte! She is now fully healed! Ready for 4 opponents!
| Crt_Up added to your status!

<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
By pure coincidence, The Phantoms have come to the mystery Palace in Odaiba today too. It's a chance for Ren to show everyone (well, everyone who could make it today) where it is--because god knows the Meta-Nav still won't display the name--so they can enter with them and get it in their Meta-Navs too for future access. Not everyone is here, of course, but as long as some of the team is here, they may as well do an initial foray, right?

They too swoop in thanks to Joker's grappling wire. Just ahead, there's a vicious fight going on between a Shadow and Belle and Mona. The Phantoms land just in time to see Mona knock Belle out of the way and take a brutal hit for her.

"!!" Joker utters, eyes widening behind their mask as Belle calls out to him.

''This is your fault, sister. You should never have come here. This is for spurning my Lord's grace.''

A part of Joker wonders what the Shadow means by literally all of that. The rest is already in motion as it charges up another attack aimed at Mona. But will one of the others beat them there first?
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.
<poem>
The Phantoms! Ichika is glad for the wager--it gives her hope about Mona... and even if they fail, it might mean that they part on better terms. Not that they plan to fail--Ichika sure doesn't. She didn't work as hard as she has to let Mona slip away now. He's their ally... and their friend.

But dressed as Ogre, Ichika wanders in with Joker and some of the others, swooping in. "Whew!" Ogre says. "That's always--"

Mona takes the hit. Ogre's eyes widen underneath her mask. She doesn't know what's going on, but--

"MONA!"

Ogre hits the ground and ''sprints'', skidding to a stop right in front of Mona with her golden shield held straight out for the attack.

"Fuck off!"

...The expletive might ruin what was otherwise an elegant rescue, but Ogre has planted her feet and gathered herself up behind her shield, intent on saving her friend.
</poem>
AS: Yusuke Kitagawa has readied for combat as Goemon! He is now fully healed!

<Pose Tracker> Ann Takamaki has posed.
<poem>
"This place is... really, ''really'' creepy..."

This is the main throughline of the Phantom Thief Panther's thoughts as they navigate through this new, unknown Palace. And it's the pervading sense that she's gotten since they stepped foot in here. It's not necessarily the aesthetics; the place is beautiful, eerily so. But it's just...

Sterile?

Like something scrubbed of imperfection and fault.

She can't give words to the feelings, of course. And so she just expresses it another way: by hugging herself, shivering, and announcing, "Ughh. _Seriously_ making my skin crawl...!" to underscore the fact that she thinks this is all ''really skeevy.'' There is, at least, ''one'' thing she can give voice to:

"... This is weird, right? I don't remember a Palace we've been to where we don't know the ruler already..."

Kamoshida, maybe, for Ren and Ryuji. But that, too, was strange circumstances, wasn't it? The anomaly that started all this.

"D'you think--"

Whatever she might have to say is stalled by the sound of violence. Behind her panther mask, Ann's eyes snap wide. Someone's fighting -- and there's only two other people who could possibly be here (besides the Black Mask (oh god did she just jinx it--))

"Belle! MONA!!"

~ <3 ~

A golden shield springs to life in front of Mona as Ogre interposes herself between him and certain death. And almost immediately after--

"NOBODY hurts Mona on our watch!!"

FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH

A sudden deluge of roaring flame rushes in from around the two of them, crashing into the polished grounds and flooding towards Javotte furiously as Panther lands beside Ogre not a second later, Carmen indolently lounging on her servitors and puffing her freshly-lit cigar not far behind.

"Belle! Mona! Are you okay?!"

Wait.

--Sister--?

</poem>
AS: Persona! Ann Takamaki has used the Fire skill Fire Breath on Kasumi Yoshizawa! 3 Hits!
| Pressure: Ann Takamaki gains 1 Limit!

AS: Kasumi Yoshizawa has readied for combat with Javotte! She is adjusted! Ready for 5 opponents!

<Pose Tracker> Tsubasa Seki has posed.
<poem>
Something comes for Mona...

... and Phoenix comes for Javotte.

"EAT SHIT, FUCKWAD!"

That's the bellowing warcry which cleaves through Ann's flames, the massive form of a chicken-legged hut appearing briefly as her fire seems to wrap ''around'' Phoenix's greatsword -- though indeed, it's really Izbushka's flames -- to slam it into that shadowy foe with the force of a thousand incredibly pissed off birds.

</poem>
AS: Tandem! Tsubasa Seki has used the Fire skill Firebrand on Kasumi Yoshizawa! 2 Hits!
AS: Ann Takamaki has readied for combat as Carmen! She is now fully healed!
AS: Tsubasa Seki cancels 2 attacks on Kasumi Yoshizawa.
AS: Tsubasa Seki has readied for combat as Izbushka na Kur'ih Nozhkah! They are now fully healed!
AS: Persona! Ann Takamaki has used the Fire skill Fire Breath on Kasumi Yoshizawa! 3 Hits!
| Pressure: Ann Takamaki gains 1 Limit!

AS: Tandem! Tsubasa Seki has used the Fire skill Firebrand on Kasumi Yoshizawa! 2 Hits!

<Pose Tracker> Yusuke Kitagawa has posed.
<poem>At the sight of Belle and Mona in peril, the Phantoms move as one - silently, unanimously, and inexorably.

As Ogre raises her shield against Javotte's high-pressure blast, Panther and Phoenix unleash a combined assault of flame and sword upon her.

Finally, a black-stained katana reflects the fire, flicker-flashing through to cut into the peculiar imitator-Shadow. Fox flourishes, flicking his blade out to one side and then raising it into a hanging guard. "Don't think you'll get to have your way, fiend!"

He glances to Belle, then Mona. "Are you two alright?"

</poem>
AS: Weapon! Yusuke Kitagawa has used the Slash skill Katana Combo on Kasumi Yoshizawa! 2 Hits!
| Pressure: Yusuke Kitagawa gains 1 Limit!

AS: Avoid: Great Success! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 64 Fire damage from Ann Takamaki's Fire Breath. Critical Hit! Weak!
AS: Avoid: Failure! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 68 Fire damage from Ann Takamaki's Fire Breath. Weak!
AS: Avoid: Critical Success! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 0 Fire damage from Ann Takamaki's Fire Breath. Weak!
AS: Avoid: Critical Success! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 0 Fire damage from Ann Takamaki's Fire Breath. Critical Hit! Weak!
AS: Avoid: Critical Success! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 0 Fire damage from Ann Takamaki's Fire Breath. Critical Hit! Weak!
AS: Avoid: Failure! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 72 Fire damage from Ann Takamaki's Fire Breath. Weak!
AS: Avoid: Critical Success! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 0 Fire damage from Tsubasa Seki's Firebrand. Critical Hit! Weak!
AS: Avoid: Critical Failure! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 159 Fire damage from Tsubasa Seki's Firebrand. Critical Hit! Weak!
AS: Avoid: Success! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 51 Slash damage from Yusuke Kitagawa's Katana Combo. Critical Hit!
AS: Avoid: Success! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 51 Slash damage from Yusuke Kitagawa's Katana Combo. Critical Hit!

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
The hydro cannon slams against Orge's shield. The force gradually peppers off, as Javotte turns her attention to the newcomers and coos. "Oh, you brought more friends, sis?" The Palace Shadow lets out a laugh. "/She/'s never friends before. She always clung so close to me, you know..." From the ground, Belle casts a spell to try and silence the shadow. The three light arrows are sent flying, pinging off harmlessly. "Touchy.~ It's no matter. Please, take care of my ridiculous sister, she's awful at showing her /true feelings."

"Now... I ''must'' ask you take her and the cat and leave my Master's realm."

"Ogre?!" Mona says, looking up at Ogre's impressive, protective figure! And all of the Phantom Thieves too! He's thrilled that everyone came, but... "Everyone, you followed us?! It's too dangerous-" This shadow is way too strong! They might have to retreat!

"Please!" Belle cuts in instead, as she struggles to her feet again. "This shadow is pretending to my sister. I can't let it use her face!" She cries out.

Mona shakes his head. Well, maybe with everyone together, now... "I'll focus on support then! It's resistant to Light, and neutral to wind. Give me a second for a proper scan!" He calls as he falls back.

With Belle's protestations, and the Phantom Thieves answering with attacks of their own, Javotte tuts, tuts, tuts... "You've grown so stubborn, sis. You should know when you're outmatched." The Shadow lets out a wave of attacks! First, she brings the rain in closer to defend her. Then, utilizes the heavy rains to attack her foes!

</poem>
AS: Persona! Kasumi Yoshizawa has used the Recovery skill Rain Dance on Kasumi Yoshizawa!
AS: Take: ! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 0 Recovery healing from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Rain Dance.
| Fire_Wall (Fire Affinity Up!) added!

AS: Persona! Kasumi Yoshizawa has used the Water skill Heavy Rain on Ann Takamaki, Tsubasa Seki, and Ichika Kawase!
| Aggression: Kasumi Yoshizawa gains 1 Limit!

AS: Persona! Kasumi Yoshizawa has used the Water skill Torrenting Rain on Ren Amamiya and Yusuke Kitagawa!
AS: Avoid: Success! Ren Amamiya takes 89 Water damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Torrenting Rain.
AS: Avoid: Critical Success! Yusuke Kitagawa takes 0 Water damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Torrenting Rain. Critical Hit!
Resist!
AS: Block: Critical Failure! Ichika Kawase takes 99 Water damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Heavy Rain. Weak!
AS: Avoid: Failure! Ann Takamaki takes 228 Water damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Heavy Rain. Critical Hit! Weak!
AS: Counter: Critical Failure! Tsubasa Seki takes 155 Water damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Heavy Rain. Critical Hit!
| COUNTER! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 38 Slash damage in return for her attack

AS: Yusuke Kitagawa spends Limit on Shift! Tsubasa Seki can use another Weak skill this round!
AS: Ann Takamaki spends Limit on Shift! Ichika Kawase can use another Weak skill this round! Hyper (Next Attack
Boosted/Incoming Damage Down!) applied to Ichika Kawase! They both receive 8 SP and 30 HP!
AS: Tsubasa Seki spends Limit on Shift! Yusuke Kitagawa can use another Weak skill this round!

<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
Even without being directed, The Phantoms are on the same page. The Palace is eerie and sterile; none of them will tolerate Mona getting hurt. Ogre takes her shield and takes up a stance between him and the Shadow just in time to block the attack, and Panther and Phoenix display their outrage the best way they individually and jointly can: with copious amounts of fire. Fox follows up with copious amounts of ''sword'', likewise jointly with Phoenix.

Joker, seeing that Ogre has Mona covered, changes trajectory over towards Belle, to whom he offers a hand up as she's struggling to her feet. His eyes narrow as she explains what's going on. A Shadow pretending to be her sister...? "We won't let it," they promise. Once she's steady, they whirl around, coattails flapping in their wake.

While Mona works on support, they observe that Javotte took extra damage from Panther and Phoenix's attacks--but it's also raised a barrier of rain to defend itself from fire--and then blasts out more water at everyone assembled. Joker leaps up to narrowly avoid an attack, helping Belle too if needed, but this Shadow really is a powerful one. Just getting away, especially with Belle too, took all their effort.

"Dangerous or not, we won't let this Shadow mess with our friends," they declare, glancing at Mona and nodding to Belle. They splay a hand over their mask, which goes up in blue fire. "Arsène! Ravage their speed!!"

The Great Thief arises above Joker, black wings spread wide, and beckons towards Javotte with a clawed finger. Green light pulls ''something'' from her--and her reactionary speed should decrease as a result.

It really is leaning hard on pretending to be Belle's sister, though, huh...
</poem>
AS: Persona! Ren Amamiya has used the Almighty skill Sukunda on Kasumi Yoshizawa!
| Ruin: Ren Amamiya gains 1 Limit!

AS: Take: ! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 0 Almighty damage from Ren Amamiya's Sukunda.
| Spd_Dn (Avoid Penalized!) added!

<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.
<poem>
There's a ''lot'' of weird at this place. Ogre isn't thinking about it too much in the moment, but in the time after the water stops crashinga gainst her shield she has time to notice a lot more. There's the unusual, pure white; tehre's the fact that they don't know whot he Ruler is. And...

Belle, shouting about her sister.

"It's cool, Mona," Ogre says. "I've got you."

They might have to retreat, huh?

"Sounds like she doesn't want to! Do we know who this 'master' is?"

The second blast, from above, is harder to block. Ichika can't get her shield up in time and hisses as the supernaturally-empwoered water crashes down at her. "Ugh--"

"Momiji! Keep us up!" Ogre rips off her mask again, and in the blue flames Momiji rises, the sleeve of her kimono catching the spectral light as she extends a clawed hand. Healing light sprkles down around Panther and Phoenix, while Ogre herself rises back to her feet.

"Not done yet!"
</poem>
AS: Persona! Ichika Kawase has used the Recovery skill Diarama on Ann Takamaki!
| Support: Ichika Kawase gains 1 Limit!

AS: Ichika Kawase spends Limit on Shift! Ann Takamaki can use another Weak skill this round! Hyper (Next Attack
Boosted/Incoming Damage Down!) applied to Ann Takamaki! They both receive 8 SP and 30 HP!
AS: Persona! Ichika Kawase has used the Recovery skill Dia on Tsubasa Seki!
AS: Take: ! Ann Takamaki takes 200 Recovery healing from Ichika Kawase's Diarama.
AS: Take: ! Tsubasa Seki takes 147 Recovery healing from Ichika Kawase's Dia.

<Pose Tracker> Tsubasa Seki has posed.
<poem>
"... it's jus' a Cognition or some shit, right?" If it were a Shadow, it would be the Ruler, wouldn't it? Can Kasumi's sister really have a Palace like ''this...?'' Phoenix froms, and assures Belle, gruffly: "Be cool."

A beat,

"Shit's weird, yeah."

(They've met themself, in a place like this... similar sorta deal.)

Ogre's healing drapes over them, though, and with those healing sparkles Phoenix straightens from where they'd slouched over their sword. "Too right!" They snap back at her, and their enthusiasm could easily be ''read'' as aggression.

Being fair, they're ''rather'' aggressive... towards that Shadow, anyway. "Let's go!" They call, to Yusuke, and charge forward, their sword sending sparks up from the sterile ground as they carve a path which ends with a foot thrust forward to ''wrench'' their momentum in a sideways swing.

They spin around entirely as they do so.

</poem>
AS: Weapon! Tsubasa Seki has used the Slash skill Greatsword Destruction on Kasumi Yoshizawa! 2 Hits!
| Aggression: Tsubasa Seki gains 1 Limit!

AS: Persona! Tsubasa Seki has used the Recovery skill Matarukaja on Tsubasa Seki, Ann Takamaki, Yusuke Kitagawa, and Ren
Amamiya!

<Pose Tracker> Tsubasa Seki has posed.
<poem>
Izbushka is also here! There is a red light! The red light is bad news for fakers.
</poem>
AS: Take: ! Tsubasa Seki takes 0 Recovery healing from Tsubasa Seki's Matarukaja.
| Atk_Up (Damage Up!) added!

AS: Take: ! Ann Takamaki takes 0 Recovery healing from Tsubasa Seki's Matarukaja.
| Atk_Up (Damage Up!) added!

<Pose Tracker> Ann Takamaki has posed.
<poem>
Behind her mask, Ann Takamaki's brows scrunch inward until the bridge of her nose wrinkles. Sister? The Shadow talks to her in such a familiar way, too. Is this Palace connected to Kasumi somehow--?

Panther is briefly lost in thought over this. It isn't long enough.

"Wait -- what the heck's it doi-- oh crap!!"

But it's enough.

The magic pitter patter of rain draws inward like a veil around Javotte, before flooding outward like a monsoon. Panther tries her best to spring out of the way -- but it's, unfortunately, much too late.

"AH!" The scarlet-clad Phantom Thief's cry of pain is a sharp, short thing, cut off with decisively violence as those rains sweep her and Carmen up in their storm, dousing their passionate flames with the one thing both fire AND cats hate most: excessive water. Torn away from Mona, Ann goes crashing back-first into a nearby wall, landing on hands and knees with a sharp, coughing gasp.

"Ughh... she hits way too hard..." A gloved hand grips at her upraised knee, trembling slightly...

... but as she rises, she feels that warm rush of healing light spark that fire within her once more, and that willful stare ignites with renewed passion behind that red mask. As Phoenix's bolstering power rushes through her, fierce grin blooms at pink lips.

"Thanks, Ogre! Thanks, Phoenix!" she calls out, before focusing the whole of her attention on the strange Shadow.

''Let's go!''

"Heck yeah!"

For now, she tables thoughts on who exactly this 'Master' is supposed to be, and how she keeps calling Kasumi sister.

What matters in the moment--

"Hey. Didn't you hear me?! There's no way in hell I'm letting you hurt ANY of our fellow Thieves!!"

-- is protecting their own.

Carmen ignites to life. Her doused cigar re-lighting with Ann's pure passion, she draws deep of it--

"So you--"

And then inhales in a massive veil of noxious, acrid cigar smoke, blowing past Javotte like a fog. That smoke clings at the rainy barrier it erected, eating away at those defenses--

Just as Ann punctures through the smoke, flaming whip in hand and swinging.

"-- can BACK OFF FROM BELLE TOO!!"

Crack! Crack!

Swinging ''hard''.

</poem>
AS: Persona! Ann Takamaki has used the Almighty skill Fire Break on Kasumi Yoshizawa!
| Pressure: Ann Takamaki gains 1 Limit!

AS: Tandem! Ann Takamaki has used the Fire skill Firebrand on Kasumi Yoshizawa! 2 Hits!
AS: Take: ! Yusuke Kitagawa takes 0 Recovery healing from Tsubasa Seki's Matarukaja.
| Atk_Up (Damage Up!) added!

AS: Take: ! Ren Amamiya takes 0 Recovery healing from Tsubasa Seki's Matarukaja.
| Atk_Up (Damage Up!) added!

<Pose Tracker> Yusuke Kitagawa has posed.
<poem>As Joker calls Arsene forth to slow their foe, Fox lifts a hand to his mask in tandem. "Goemon, come forth! Grant us peerless speed!"

Icy mist ripples across the room, coalescing around himself, Joker, Panther, Phoenix and Fox with a brisk ''frisson'' that lends them haste. Perhaps that will tip the odds in their favour, enough to drive back this powerful Shadow and regroup.

"Got it!" he replies to Phoenix as power surges through him, and with Goemon still looming over him, he lunges, blade and kiseru pipe dancing in tandem as he takes the fight to Javotte!
</poem>
AS: Persona! Yusuke Kitagawa has used the Slash skill Arm Chopper on Kasumi Yoshizawa!
| Pressure: Yusuke Kitagawa gains 1 Limit!

AS: Persona! Yusuke Kitagawa has used the Almighty skill Masukukaja on Ren Amamiya, Tsubasa Seki, Ann Takamaki, and
Yusuke Kitagawa!
AS: Take: ! Yusuke Kitagawa takes 0 Almighty damage from Yusuke Kitagawa's Masukukaja.
| Spd_Up (Avoid Improved!) added!

AS: Take: ! Ann Takamaki takes 0 Almighty damage from Yusuke Kitagawa's Masukukaja.
| Spd_Up (Avoid Improved!) added!

AS: Avoid: Critical Failure! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 131 Slash damage from Tsubasa Seki's Greatsword Destruction.
AS: Avoid: Success! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 84 Slash damage from Tsubasa Seki's Greatsword Destruction.
AS: Avoid: Critical Success! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes -0 Almighty damage from Ann Takamaki's Fire Break.
| Fire_Wall removed!

AS: Avoid: Great Success! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 72 Fire damage from Ann Takamaki's Firebrand. Weak!
AS: Avoid: Critical Failure! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 121 Fire damage from Ann Takamaki's Firebrand. Weak!
AS: Avoid: Critical Failure! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 255 Slash damage from Yusuke Kitagawa's Arm Chopper. Critical Hit!

AS: Take: ! Tsubasa Seki takes 0 Almighty damage from Yusuke Kitagawa's Masukukaja.
| Spd_Up (Avoid Improved!) added!

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Belle gladly takes Joker's hand, and is able to stand on her own strength. "Thank you, Joker-senpai." She murmurs. "You saved me yet again." She can't quite meet Joker's gaze, instead looking down. They promise to defeat the shadow for her, and she nods. "I'll do my best to support everyone." She promises, as she too, has to back off for a moment, using Diarama on herself.

Ichika asks about Javotte's master. "I don't! The Metanav isn't telling me either."

"You still don't know, sis?" Javotte asks with a laugh. "You always did take longer to learn a routine, sis."

Still- Arsene tears up Javotte's speed. If this is Belle's sister, slowing her down is needed. This gives time for Ogre to start healing.

Tsubasa wonders whether it's just a cognition... "It has to be someone's cognition! This is ''not'' Sumire!" Belle is firm on that. "But... whose?"

"'This isn't Sumire', she says!" Javotte repeats in a mocking tone. Then, more seriously, "If words will not cause you all to leave, then force must."

Phoenix smashes hard with their great sword with a stylish spin move, and a red light blasting the faker! Ann shreds the fire wall, and smashes it's weak point with flames, turning the water into steam! Yusuke gets in on the fun, speeding up his allies and lunging with a powerful Arm Chopper! Cracks are showing in the Javotte's marble skin.

"''This'' is how it's done, sis!" Not one to take an opportunity to degrade Belle laying down, Javotte goes back to mocking her 'sister'. She prepares to shield herself again, while powering up her attacks. "I am the perfect Yoshizawa! Leave, or be destroyed!" She calls as another wave of attacks come flying out!

"Scan completed!" Mona calls out! "'Javotte' is sometimes weak to Fire, and weak to Strike! It's also strong against Water. When the water barrier's down, burn her!"

</poem>
AS: Kasumi Yoshizawa spends Limit on Favor!

AS: Persona! Kasumi Yoshizawa has used the Water skill Hydro Cannon on Ann Takamaki!
| Aggression: Kasumi Yoshizawa gains 1 Limit!

AS: Persona! Kasumi Yoshizawa has used the Almighty skill Life Drain on Ichika Kawase!
AS: Weapon! Kasumi Yoshizawa has used the Strike skill Violet Destruction on Tsubasa Seki!
AS: Persona! Kasumi Yoshizawa has used the Almighty skill Obeisance on Yusuke Kitagawa!
AS: Avoid: Success! Ann Takamaki takes 234 Water damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Hydro Cannon. Critical Hit! Weak!
AS: Persona! Kasumi Yoshizawa has used the Water skill Hydro Cannon on Ren Amamiya!
AS: Block: Failure! Ichika Kawase takes 53 Almighty damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Life Drain. Drain!

<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
''You saved me again,'' Belle says without meeting Joker's eye.

"That's what friends do," Joker replies, their gaze steady on her.

Ogre wonders: do they know who the Shadow's Master is? The Phantoms certainly don't know, but that must be the Palace Ruler. Joker glances at Belle and Mona, but Belle confirms they don't know either. She falls back to heal herself, and they nod.

Water crashes hard into Panther, and Joker, knowing she's weak to it, shoots her an alarmed look. "Panther!" they call. Fortunately, Ogre's on top of the healing as they commanded, and she's soon back on her feet, stripping away that protective rain from Javotte before whipping her with flame.

Panther's inner inquiry is probably right, too. Whoever the Palace Ruler is, they're most likely familiar with the Yoshizawas in some way to be able to command one of the Shadows within to act like this. Maybe ''that's'' why Kasumi and Morgana got pulled in that day. Good thing Ren had been there too to follow them.

For now, Ibushka's red light and Goemon's green shimmer down on Joker, bolstering their
strength and speed. Joker shoots Phoenix and Fox an appreciative nod. Javotte calls forth another torrent of water, and this time, they shoot their grappling wire upwards and yank themselves out of the way of the attack swiftly. They disengage and twirl in midair before nailing a three-point landing, then raise a toothy smirk at the Shadow. She's powerful, no doubt--but if she's going to torment Belle like this, they'll show her no quarter.

"We Phantoms leave a Palace when ''we'' choose to," they retort. Belle and Mona might not be Phantoms right now, but they don't care about that. Mona announces Javotte's weaknesses--Fire and Strike. There's one Persona that's perfect for that.

"SETANTA!" they call as they change the Persona at the forefront of their heart. Their mask goes up in blue flame, and an armored man with a spear and a bowl cut arises. On Joker's will, he whirls his weapon, drawing up nuclear fire around it until he ''thrusts'' it towards Javotte.
</poem>
AS: Avoid: Critical Success! Yusuke Kitagawa takes -0 Almighty damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Obeisance.
| Crt_Dn (Critical down!) added!

AS: Take: ! Ren Amamiya takes 0 Almighty damage from Yusuke Kitagawa's Masukukaja.
| Spd_Up (Avoid Improved!) added!

AS: Avoid: Critical Success! Ren Amamiya takes 0 Water damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Hydro Cannon. Critical Hit!
AS: Tandem! Ren Amamiya has used the Fire skill Nuclear Wrath on Kasumi Yoshizawa! 2 Hits!
| Pressure: Ren Amamiya gains 1 Limit!

AS: Ren Amamiya spends Limit on Shift! Ichika Kawase can use another Weak skill this round!

<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.
<poem>
It's not a real Shadow--Ichika's ''pretty'' sure that's true, anyway. But she can't be sure. She doesn't know these things.

It's really weird, though. "Yeah!" Ogre calls back to Phoenix, getting pumped up. She doesn't complain on missing out on the buffs; her job right now is to ensure the rest of them can do their best, by keeping them up and fighting.

And Ogre thinks she's pretty good at it.

'heck yeah!' "You got it!" Ogre calls to Panther, though a few moments later, she feels the strange, spectral sensation of life being drained from her. "Guuuh..."

"..." It's ''not'' Sumire. "It can't be, right?" Ogre says, but more gently. And besides--

"I have a lot of experience being the 'other' sister," Ogre says, straightening her shouldes. "The one who isn't talented, and special."

"So to that I can tell you..."

Momiji reappears, casting green light on Ann again, "I'm not gonna let you play with her heart like that."

"So STRIKE I can do!"

Ogre ''charges'' after her heal is delivered, swinging her shield down like a hammer straight for the stony Shadow.
</poem>
AS: Persona! Ichika Kawase has used the Recovery skill Dia on Ann Takamaki!
| Support: Ichika Kawase gains 1 Limit!

AS: Weapon! Ichika Kawase has used the Strike skill Beatdown on Kasumi Yoshizawa!
AS: Take: ! Ann Takamaki takes 134 Recovery healing from Ichika Kawase's Dia.
AS: Ren Amamiya spends Limit on Shift! Ann Takamaki can use another Weak skill this round!
AS: Avoid: Critical Failure! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 214 Fire damage from Ren Amamiya's Nuclear Wrath. Critical Hit!
Weak!
AS: Avoid: Critical Failure! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 175 Fire damage from Ren Amamiya's Nuclear Wrath. Weak!
AS: Avoid: Critical Failure! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 185 Strike damage from Ichika Kawase's Beatdown. Weak!

<Pose Tracker> Yusuke Kitagawa has posed.
<poem>Fox grimaces as he feels his legs buckle at Javotte's command, allowing himself to drop to one knee. Panting, he sheathes his blade, and closes his eyes, focusing.

After a long moment, the trembling of his hands ceases, and he feels his focus align, but he stays kneeling, hand resting on the hilt of his sheathed sword.

Waiting.
</poem>
AS: Persona! Yusuke Kitagawa has used the Almighty skill Iaijutsu Stance on Yusuke Kitagawa!
| Pressure: Yusuke Kitagawa gains 1 Limit!

AS: Take: ! Yusuke Kitagawa takes 0 Almighty damage from Yusuke Kitagawa's Iaijutsu Stance.
| Atk_Up (Damage Up!) and Reflect_Phys (Phys Counter Improved!) added!

AS: Ann Takamaki spends Limit on Shift! Tsubasa Seki can use another Weak skill this round! Hyper (Next Attack
Boosted/Incoming Damage Down!) applied to Tsubasa Seki! They both receive 8 SP and 30 HP!
AS: Counter: Critical Success! Tsubasa Seki takes 43 Strike damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Violet Destruction. Resist!
| COUNTER! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 100 Slash damage in return for her attack

<Pose Tracker> Tsubasa Seki has posed.
<poem>
Goemon's speed rushes through Phoenix -- and they immediately take advantage of it to leap ''into'' a great, crushing blow from the part of what they can only presume is Cognitive Sumire.

"Got that, got that!" They call, when Mona finishes his analysis. In the manner of Panther's own rage, they scream: "Let's fuck it right off!" Yusuke has a calculated approach, and Phoenix --

phoenix has a fucking rocket launcher. who gave that to them. who let this happen.

With a flourish, they toss their sword into their feather cape -- and bowing, they draw their rocket launcher ''and'' its massive shell from it instead. With a flourish, one enters the other, and as Phoenix sets it on their shoulder they tear their mask from their face. "Let's go! IZBUSHKA NA KUR'IH NOZHKAH!"

As that massive hut on leg appears, a skirt of skulls and spines around it, the eyes of those skulls glow with crimson power. As they do, Phoenix lines up that shell... and fires in a terrible conflagration!

</poem>
AS: Tandem! Theurgy! Tsubasa Seki has used the Fire skill Rocket Sublation on Kasumi Yoshizawa!
| Tsubasa Seki takes 60 damage from Stress!
| Aggression: Tsubasa Seki gains 1 Limit!

AS: Block: Success! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 266 Fire damage from Tsubasa Seki's Rocket Sublation. Weak!

<Pose Tracker> Ann Takamaki has posed.
<poem>
Oof. This thing hits ''hard''.

Ann Takamaki, currently not relishing the idea of being a wet cat, takes a ragged, steadying breath as she keeps that fiery whip at the ready. Those healing magics help quite a bit -- but she ''still'' feels that initial volley deep down in her (soggy) bones.

"Ughhhh the water got under the leatherrrrrr," she still prioritizes complaining about, because getting knocked around is one thing, ''but anyone who has had to wear leather knows how much worse moisture is''.

She's still focused on the battle itself, of course. She's just good at multitasking.

Of course... some things are very difficult to deal with no matter ''how'' focused you are. Like -- a huge cannonade of water!! Ann's eyes fly wide. "Not again--blrbrlbll!!"

She lunges. But just not in time: that column of frothing water CRASHES into her, engulfing her and snuffing out the fire of her whip as she and Carmen go cannoning backwards with a dismayed, burbling cry. She's only saved from more painful collisions when by a last-minute lunge within the waters that sees her right hand BURST out of all that fluid, gripping on to the side of a nearby, camera-like fixture.

"Fflbt... ugh... my body... the leatherrr..." huffs Ann in uncomfortable agony as she dangles off the edge of that strange golden ribbon hanging just overhead of the battle. Water dripping from her sad soggy twintails, ribs aching with every inhale and exhale she takes, she feels Ichika's healing power rejuvenate her once more. The aches, sadly, still linger. But she can fight through it.

"I-I'm okay! Focus kicking that thing's ass!"

Especially as she hears that Shadow talk.

Sky blue eyes narrow. Panther's grip on her hanging spot tightens, until she is ''hoisting'' herself up, flipping over onto the surface of that overhanging gilded ribbon with a wet, splotchy impact. One gloved hand lifts to her mask.

"Perfect? ... Who wants to be perfect?" Her body tenses. Sapphire flame burgeons around her.

"No one's perfect! And if 'perfect' is like you, or -- or -- just like this place -- all creepy and sterile and -- and --- ''weird'' -- then you can keep it!"

Panther rips that mask off. And Carmen manifests over her, leaning down to tap her cigar against that whip, reigniting it.

"I LIKE BELLE JUST THE WAY SHE IS!"

Carmen blows Javotte a kiss. A gout of flame screams towards her -- just as the Servitors fly after, both clutching their bombs like precious cargo. They sputter around, pink rocket trails creating dual arches that curve high above Javotte -- before converging INWARD toward her, creating a cute little heart of rocket exhaust in their wake. Adorable!

"AND I WOULDN'T TRADE HER FOR A DOZEN 'PERFECT' YOUS!"

Especially the way it FILLS WITH EXPLOSIONS THE EXACT SECOND THOSE BOMBADIERS CRASH INTO HER.

<3 B O O M <3

</poem>
AS: Persona! Theurgy! Ann Takamaki has used the Fire skill My Love For You is Like a <3 B O M B <3 on Kasumi Yoshizawa!
| Pressure: Ann Takamaki gains 1 Limit!

AS: Block: Success! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 194 Fire damage from Ann Takamaki's My Love For You is Like a <3 B O M B <3.
Weak!

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"Friends?" ''That'' gets Belle to look up, blinking at Joker from beneath her mask. She thought it was too much to assume, but... "Yes! We fight together, Senpai!" What a relief..

"Such a boorish audience..." Javotte lets out a laugh. "The Phantom Thieves?" That does get the Shadow's attention, as she looks towards Joker. "Well, my Master will be very interested to hear about this... Such a shame, you will not be meeting them." Despite the big words, Javotte takes a nasty hit from Setanta's nuclear fire, searing it.

Ichika sympathizes with Belle, and resolves to silence the hate-spewing, special sister. Strike is exactly perfect for Ichika to nail down. The marble somehow bends down, before bouncing back like rubber?? Causing chunks to fall off. "Her heart? You don't truly believe that, right? After all, only one of us is dead!"

While Javotte is distracted, Belle uses her grappling hook to launch into the rafters, to try and find her chance.

Meanwhile, Panther declares that she likes Belle as she is. (Which would cause Belle's cheeks as red as her hair, if you know. She wasn't red from fighting already.) A wave of explosions smash against Javotte, causing water everywhere to evaporate. The indoor rainstorm lets up, turning into a vague drizzle. And sections of the statue of Maria crumbles, marble hitting the sterile vinyl flooring. And yet, it's still standing.

Javotte lets out a scoff. "Charming, but nothing less than perfect will achieve our dream. To stand together, at the top of the Gymnastics World! To win the Olympics together!" A cruel smile crosses her face. "The wrong Yoshizawa died that day! You all will get to meet the ''real'' her!"

Wait... The cognitive shadow knows she's supposed to be dead? How's that work? The Phantoms don't get a lot of time to ponder that, before the rains start up again!

"Brace yourselves, everyone!" Mona cries out. "It's not going down quietly!"

</poem>
AS: Kasumi Yoshizawa spends Limit on Break!
AS: Kasumi Yoshizawa spends Limit on Blood!
AS: Kasumi Yoshizawa spends Limit on Broad!
AS: Persona! Kasumi Yoshizawa has used the Water skill Hydro Cannon on Ren Amamiya, Ichika Kawase, Ann Takamaki, and
Tsubasa Seki!
| Aggression: Kasumi Yoshizawa gains 1 Limit!

AS: Weapon! Kasumi Yoshizawa has used the Strike skill Violet Destruction on Yusuke Kitagawa!
AS: Kasumi Yoshizawa's turn has ended. It's time for an All-Out Attack!
| Kasumi Yoshizawa: Break, Broad, and Favor removed!

AS: Avoid: Great Success! Ann Takamaki takes 168 Water damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Hydro Cannon. Weak!
AS: Nemesis! Ann Takamaki can take another Weak action this round!
AS: Counter: Failure! Yusuke Kitagawa takes 156 Strike damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Violet Destruction.
| REFLECT! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 195 Strike damage in return for her attack Weak!

AS: Nemesis! Yusuke Kitagawa can take another Weak action this round!
| Kasumi Yoshizawa is unable to continue fighting!

AS: Block: Great Success! Ichika Kawase takes 172 Water damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Hydro Cannon. Critical Hit! Weak!
AS: Nemesis! Ichika Kawase can take another Weak action this round!
| Kasumi Yoshizawa is unable to continue fighting!

AS: Avoid: Critical Failure! Ren Amamiya takes 407 Water damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Hydro Cannon. Critical Hit!
Weak!
AS: Nemesis! Ren Amamiya can take another Weak action this round!
| Ren Amamiya is unable to continue fighting!
| Kasumi Yoshizawa is unable to continue fighting!

AS: Counter: Success! Tsubasa Seki takes 128 Water damage from Kasumi Yoshizawa's Hydro Cannon.
| COUNTER! Kasumi Yoshizawa takes 156 Slash damage in return for her attack

AS: Nemesis! Tsubasa Seki can take another Weak action this round!
| Kasumi Yoshizawa is unable to continue fighting!

AS: Persona! Ichika Kawase has used the Recovery skill Recarm on Ren Amamiya!
| Support: Ichika Kawase gains 1 Limit!

AS: Persona! Ichika Kawase has used the Recovery skill Mediarama on Ren Amamiya, Ann Takamaki, Tsubasa Seki, and Yusuke
Kitagawa!

<Pose Tracker> Yusuke Kitagawa has posed.
<poem>Javotte unleashes raw fury, pelting the Thieves with barrages of high-pressure water.

As she does so, Fox rises slowly to his feet, grip tightening on his hilt.

The Shadow lunges for him with a vicious ballerina kick, and he meets her, clashing with a draw cut!

He lands gracelessly, staggering from the strike and rolling several times until he hits the wall. Javotte looms, menacingly, as he struggles once more to his feet. Apparently heedless of her threat, he exhales and sheathes his blade.

''click.''

Several lacerations open on Javotte's body, spraying black ichor.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Yusuke counter hits Javotte's red wave, taking the shadow down. His slashes cut deep through the Shadow, striking through the marble armour.

As Javotte begins to crumble fully, a grappling hook is shot out from the darkness to latch around the body. "Ah, there you went, sis. Returning to play after a sulk? That's ''so'' like you..."

"You don't know ''anything''!" Belle responds, as she leaps off the rafters. She starts gaining a lot of speed as her rope is pulled taut. "You aren't Sumire!"

"Are you still going about on that?" Javotte is starting to grow frustrated. "You're as tiresome as you are d-"

"I don't want to hear it!" Belle yells, even louder. "She would never have said those things! We struggled to understand each other! But I will make our dream come true! I will not let you masquerade as her!"

Left with no more words, Javotte tenses as Belle is underrated. "Then, there will be two dead Yoshizawas." She sends a red wave flying up. It skates by Belle, cutting her cheek and smashing into the grappling wire on her wrist. The miss at least grants Belle enough time to close the distance.

"Cendrillon!" Belle calls. The glass dancer kisses her rapier, empowering the blade with blue energy. Belle comes down on Javotte with her rapier, piercing through the Shadow's face.

The rains finally, ''finally'' cease. The lights start turn back on. "Go... No further..." Javotte struggles out. "You must... stay away... sister..." The shadow finally disintegrates with it's final cries. Kasumi falls through the deteriorating Shadow, just barely catching herself as she falls.

</poem>
AS: Take: ! Yusuke Kitagawa takes 147 Recovery healing from Ichika Kawase's Mediarama.
<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.
<poem>
Dead. Ogre had that impression, but now it's confirmed. Marble ''bends'', and--

At least btween their firestarters they've got it--until Yusuke finishes matters off. "Nice one, Fox!" Ogre calls, and then... spots joker. she grimaces.

But she ''scowls'' at those words. "Even for a Cognition," Ogre says, "That's too cruel. ...It's not her fault she didn't die instead. That's not how it ''works''."

It indeed doesn't go down quietly... but Ogre is still standing (well, she's down to one knee) when the rains stop falling, and she looks to her friends. "...Come on," she says. "Up we go."

Momiji waves her hand towards Joker, and Joker will feel Ogre's determination to see them up and standing and ''leading'' again in those sparkles.

"...This is... different from what we're used to, right?' she asks. "it seems different."

"...Belle," she says. "I'm sure your sister didn't feel like that for real. It's ahrd, understanding your sibling..."

"But you loved each other, right? That means something."
</poem>
AS: Take: ! Ann Takamaki takes 28.4 Recovery healing from Ichika Kawase's Mediarama.
AS: Take: ! Ren Amamiya takes 151 Recovery healing from Ichika Kawase's Recarm.
AS: Take: ! Ren Amamiya takes 147 Recovery healing from Ichika Kawase's Mediarama.

<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
That raises Belle's spirits. Joker smiles at her and gives her a firm nod.

That smile fades as they look back at the Shadow, who speaks of telling her Master. Of course it's not Sumire. Joker has no doubt of that. After all... she's dead. However, that's something Kasumi told him in confidence, so while they glance at Ogre, they don't answer her question. That's for Belle to do--or Javotte, as it turns out. However...

Whatever's going on with Javotte, it's strange and unsettling--just like the rest of this Palace.

"Well said, Panther," they declare, taking a step towards Javotte. Like Skull, she's a genius at speaking, and acting, from the heart. (They hold back a grimace at the wet leather. All the more reason to wrap this fight up quickly.)

But... 'the wrong Yoshizawa died that day'? Their eyes narrow.

Fox rests a hand on his sword's hilt. Joker recognizes that stance. For all that he'd taken a knee, they're not worried about him. He'll make his comeback, and Javotte will suffer for every pound of flesh she's taken from him. Phoenix meanwhile unloads one of their rockets on the Shadow to great noise and conflagration, never relenting in their offense. Ogre keeps up the healing--but she's also taking advantage of the Shadow's other weakness.

That doesn't mean Javotte's taking this lying down either, though. She unleashes a torrential downpour on them all, and Joker suffers for it this time; Setanta might command matchless physical might as well as nuclear flame, but he's also weak to water. A gamble after how well they've been dodging so far, but Setanta gives as good as he gets. Indeed, as a group, while they're taking a beating, they're all giving back as good as--no, ''better'' than they get.

Mona's warning is exactly right, though. Though Setanta raises his spear against that deluge, it's too much, and he shatters, sending back a ferocious psychic backlash on Joker. They scream and drop to one knee, clutching their face. Fortunately, before they can pass out entirely, Ogre hits them with a Recarm, and then sends around a Mediarama for good measure. Joker pants for a moment, then nods their gratitude towards her.

By the time that's over, Fox has already made swift work of the Shadow, and Belle finishes it off with one final blow. Joker wobbles to their feet as it disintegrates, all but begging Belle to go no further. They frown at that too. Then they slip their hands into their coat pockets and look at the others.

"Very different," they agree to Ogre. "But we took it out. That's what matters right now." They look around at their friends. "Everyone hanging in there still? Now that the Shadow's taken out, let's fall back to the entrance."

The Phantoms only came here to do a preliminary investigation, and Belle and Mona were already struggling by the time they all came in. At least that helped soften the Shadow up, but it would be wise to fall back and catch their breath before another threat shows up.

Their gaze falls last on Belle. Being an only child, they can't know how she must feel, but... they're worried all the same.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Yusuke Kitagawa has posed.
<poem>Fox raises his gaze to meet Belle's as she and Cendrillon finish off Javotte. He offers her a nod and a gesture with his saya as a salute, before turning his attention to the architecture of the Palace.

"How peculiar," he murmurs, framing the walls and scenery with his hands.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ann Takamaki has posed.
<poem>
"Heh heh! Guess I'm too hot to handle--"

Panther begins to taunt, having spent a solid month perfecting her own femme fatale one-liner she is sure would do all her (cartoon) idols proud--

"--wait what it's still standing?! That's seriously unfair--!!"

--and she doesn't even get to the all-important tilde before her Sexy Cool Moment is just -- just--

"Don't you DARE spray more water at meeeeeaaaaaaaa crap crap craaaap--!!"

-- it's in shambles. So much shambles.

And so this is Ann Takamaki, pumping her arms like she's a T-1000 as she desperately tries to hoof it out of the all-consuming radius of Javotte's typhoon in miniature. She doesn't ''quite'' make it. The water and winds of the downpour catch her, sweeping her violently off her feet as a choked sound escapes her lips --

--but this time, ''this'' time, she goes ''with'' the momentum of the waters, letting herself go limp within it, gripping onto her whip, and at the right moment --

-- SNAPPING it out to snare at an overhang and YANK her out of the torrent, shoulder protesting as she hits ground in a water-spraying roll until she stops in a harried, huffing crouch.

"Urrgg..." Gripping at her shoulder, Panther snaps her gaze up, silently grateful for Ichika's continued healing support that her battered (and chafing sob) body desperately needs. She focuses in on their target, resolving herself that if it's not finished with, then she'll just have to keep ''fighting''--

-- just in time to see Yusuke do that amazing cinematic samurai strike--

"Oh wow -- awesome, Fox! I'll--"

--giving Kasumi time to deliver that coup de gras.

Big, sky blue eyes shutter out a blink.

"-- u-um, sit here and take a breather!"

And sit she does, flopping backwards on with a leathery squeak as she lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. A smile touches the corners of pink lips.

"... Hee. Nice going, Yoshizawa-chan," she praises with quiet warmth.

A second passes, in which Panther catches her breath. And then, her gaze sweeps about with mild concern, searching first and foremost for their leader -- who she saw getting swept up in the monsoon, just like her. Her gaze sweeps this way and that -- and relief finally settles over her when she finds Joker, dragging themself back up onto their feet.

"Oh thank goodness you're okay, Joker!" Panther exclaims in open relief, pushing off her knees to get to a wobbly stand. "Ugh. What was ''with'' that thing? And the things it was saying..."

Her gaze drifts towards Belle for a quiet moment. Her expression gentles.

"..."

She has so many questions, but for right now... Kasumi probably needs to recover even more than they do.

So, for now, Panther just exhales a sigh, looking as weary as can be as Fox takes in the strange scenery.

"Right? It's ''seriously'' making my skin crawl," she bemoans, looking around. "... Joker's right. We should get out of here for now. Who knows what weird thing is gonna pop up next, and we are ''really'' not in any shape for that."

She frowns. She frowns big. And then she sags in sopping defeat.

"... And I ''so'' need to get out of this stupid costume...!!"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Tsubasa Seki has posed.
<poem>
So she died, huh...

... Phoenix wonders, in the wake of Fox's blade and Belle's anger, though they leave the talking to Ogre. Can dead people... really rule a Palace?

"... fuck off that faker," they offer, gruff as ever, as they turn to Belle to finally muster words which aren't quite as ''blatantly'' loud. "We weren't gon' let her have her way. C'mon." Joker gives the order, and so, they fall back -- taking a moment to help pick Panther up, in the process.

(They landed in a puddle from the blowback of that rocket launcher. It was totally uncool. No, they don't wanna talk about it.)

"Too right," they add, sternly, in the wake of Panther's frustrations.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
As things come to an end, Belle struggles to find her rapier's scabbard and shoves the blade inside. It's very unlike her usual elegant way. "Thank you, Fox. That was a really impressive move, you had." She says. She's trying to put on a smile, but she's a little exhausted.

Actually... As Belle turns back to the Phantoms, she feels something wet dribble down her cheek. She figures it's just sweat, but... Well, the others will start to see blood coming down her right cheek.

Ogre reassures Belle, who's crosses an arm underneath her chest to hug herself. "Thank you, Ogre. I really want to believe that, but... Well, things were rough towards the end. I just wanted to talk with her one more time properly, like old times, but..." That didn't happen.

What she can say though, "That wasn't her. How matter how bad things got, she was never like ''that''." She says with the upmost certainty.

Joker suggests to leave, and Belle is a little thankful for it. "Agreed. I think... This place is a little high level for Mona and I on our own..."

Panther praises her and red creeps back into her cheeks. "A-ah, thank you, Panther-senpai!" She pauses, for a slightly shyer comment. "Thank you, too, for a little earlier." For saying that Belle's fine the way she is. She's not sure if she ''believes'' it... But it's nice to hear, anyways.

Now... Belle's not sure if she gets Pheonix just yet, but... "Thank you, Pheonix." She says. "I really do appreciate the help. You were great out there."

Before they can go... Mona grabs Belle's attention. "Uh, Belle, you have, a..." Mona makes a little motion for having something on her Belle's cheek. She dabs it with her red glove to take a look... Only to see a wet, gloved fingertip. There's a sigh, as they miss it, and Mona just comes out with it. "You have a cut on your cheek, Belle."

"What? No! Ugh!" Belle groans as she tries to take off her glove. Then, decides to just wipe it off her cheek. "Yeah, let's go... Oh, I really hope it doesn't scar...!"

</poem>

2026-09-23: Rooftop Rendezvous

2026-10-11T18:30:04Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "* '''Log: 2026-09-23: Rooftop Rendezvous''' * '''Cast:''' Hitomi Mandai, Akihiko Sanada * '''Where:''' Iwatodai Dormitory, Rooftop * '''OOC Date:''' September 23, 2026 * '''IC Date:''' January 14, 2013 * '''Summary''': ''Hitomi calls Akihiko for an evening meet-up atop the roof of the Iwatodai Dormitory. They discuss ways to defend against a gunman, and begin to workshop possibilities together.'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed. <poem> MONDAY, 14 J..."

* '''Log: 2026-09-23: Rooftop Rendezvous'''
* '''Cast:''' [[Hitomi Mandai]], [[Akihiko Sanada]]
* '''Where:''' Iwatodai Dormitory, Rooftop
* '''OOC Date:''' September 23, 2026
* '''IC Date:''' January 14, 2013
* '''Summary''': ''Hitomi calls Akihiko for an evening meet-up atop the roof of the Iwatodai Dormitory. They discuss ways to defend against a gunman, and begin to workshop possibilities together.''

----
<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.
<poem>
MONDAY, 14 JAN 2013
6:20 PM

"Maybe this was a mistake," says Hitomi Mandai in her buttoned-up coat as she shoves her hands in her armpits. She has a tray with her, with two cups and a thermos - so that's covered, at least - and she is awaiting the arrival of someone very important. But important in a different way than is typically the case.

When the man of muscle mystery arrives, Hitomi looks up and brightens. "Oi! Sempai! What's up? You want a cup of tea? I thought it'd taste even better out here in the cold, you know?" As if on cue, a seaward breeze kicks up, running through her hair.

Hitomi is wearing her hair down, which is new. It flutters, artfully.

Having said this, she crouches down and opens the thermos to pour herself a cup, looking up to Akihiko for confirmation. It steams immensely, given the conditions.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
A evening rendezvous atop the Iwatodai Dormitory? My, how scandalous! If Junpei Iori heard about this... Well, both Hitomi and Akihiko's reputations would be at stake. Fortunately, Akihiko isn't one to assume anything by it.

Akihiko arrives at the dormitory rooftop with his white winter jacket slung over his shoulder, while dressed in a beige sweater with a red stripe around the torso. "Yo, Mandai-san." He says, raising his free hand in greeting. "Tea? That sounds good to me." He nods gratefully, as he joins Hitomi on the other end of the tray.

Akihiko will gratefully accept the tea, taking the tea as it is. He's not one to be fussy. Once the tea is poured, he brings the cup to his lips and gently sips from it. "Not bad." He comments. "So, what's the occasion?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.
<poem>
Both Akihiko (self-explanatory) and Hitomi (5'9") are Bigger than Junpei, and could, if necessary, do him up Kozue-style.

There's a lot of stairs, Junpei. We're just saying. Things happen.

While still crouched, Hitomi pours another cup and rises with smooth movement. She hands the cup to Akihiko: it's the same green tea he probably has had in the dorms dozens of times before.

"Mm," she says then, looking outwards, towards the sea.

"... It's a little weird. So... hear me out, and I mean, like, ask me anything. I haven't ruled out that I'm just being crazy."

Hitomi sips her tea.

"I've been thinking about that time I got shot," Hitomi says.

(That totally happened --editorial)
(it was that 'Kandori' person at the Full Moon Shadow/evil Buddha statue incident in Sumaru, and Hitomi's weird luck meant it was mostly scraping flesh and fat on her arm. --also editorial)
(she also got stabbed by a hobo in the kitchen during Strega's unannounced visit but that was a while ago --ditto)

"... You haven't ever gotten shot, right?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Okay, well, Akihiko doesn't know about ''that''... Hitomi might be on her own for that one!

He does like that green tea. Akihiko goes to sit across from Hitomi, as they admire the view. Then, Hitomi asks her question.

"Shot?!" Akihiko's eyes widen in shock, and his brain searches for when ''that'' happened. As he comes up short... He wonders about similar things that happened, and arrives at the most reasonable conclusion. "Ah. You mean from Kandori, right? Have you not healed, yet?"

Akihiko shakes his head. "I can't say that I have. Well, gotten shot by anything similar to a gun, anyways. Plenty of shadows have gotten a shot on me." He takes another sip as he considers whether Hitomi is still freaked out by it. He decides that it'd be better her to express it herself. "Why do you ask?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.
<poem>
"No, it's fine now," Hitomi says. "The nurse who sewed me up, it was the same one who had done it for the knife, right? She actually kind of razzed me for it. Not much," Hitomi adds, pinching finger and thumb together, "but just a little bit."

She takes a deep breath.

"Well... I was thinking about it..."

Hitomi sips her tea, looking out towards sea. "If it's like the military, with automatic rifles and military guns... we're basically boned from the start. So, that's not worth worrying about. It's like worrying about if another Great Kanto Earthquake's going to happen, right? That'd like, destroy the world economy and it'd probably kill millions of people," Hitomi says, before, stopping.

More tea gets sipped. This is what it's for.

"But what is a real problem is... knives. And small guns. He had a pistol, right? I only - hah, it's kind of funny, I kind of was... staring and when I saw him flinch I kind of fell to the side. Did you ever watch that old show with the guy who's like a bounty hunter in Tokyo? My dad had most of it on tapes, and even a laser disc of the OVAs."

"So when I saw him do that I fell to the side," Hitomi continues, turning now to Akihiko, "but I was able to do that because I was watching him."

"But."

Hitomi purses her lips together.

"I also read pistols aren't very accurate past about ten meters. So he might have just gotten unlucky."

"... I forgot where I was going with this... Oh, duh. So," Hitomi says, "what's the fastest way to make a gun someone has, not a problem?"

That's where she stops talking.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko chuckles lightly as Hitomi talks about the nurse who helped her. It sounds like a nice relationship to have. "I'm glad she took care of you."

Akihiko takes his turn to sip while Hitomi talks. Then, once she takes a pause, "Yes. We can prepare for the worst, but worrying about it might be too much," he replies. "I doubt we'll face down the military, though."

Knives and small guns are much easier to conceal and to slip out. They really are the bigger problem. Not to mention that Strega man who flaunts a revolver in his jeans... "That's not a bad call." Akihiko replies. "You reacted well."

The question though. How to make a gun not a problem? He crosses his arms as he thinks about the question. Akihiko lets out a high, his breath turning into steam as it leaves his mouth. "There's not really a lot of good options. Hiding behind cover helps, and then you can attack at range. Or, if you're prone to martial arts, if you get in, you can make it harder for your opponent to fire, but that's difficult - and dangerous. You can try moving, and staying unpredictable. Or smack the gun out of his hand, or break his arm." He explains, but shakes his head at the end of it. "Putting something between you and the gun is the easiest solution."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.
<poem>
Hitomi sips her tea.

"But there's often not a something," she says.

"So I want to learn how to take those things away from them," Hitomi continues. Her head turns downwards.

"Because if I have *one* advantage other than dumb luck, it's that I'm pretty good with my hands, and they're absolutely not going to expect it, right? Like if someone's got a gun, or a knife, and you go - *towards* them - that's totally insane. Especially if you're not like bull charging, just... I don't know."

Hitomi looks over. "Do you know how to do that? I - guess that's what I was hoping to ask."

("I mean breaking the arm is cool too but I'm not nearly as strong as you.")

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Good with your hands, huh...?" Akihiko wondres, stroking his chin a little. "Why don't we practice then? I don't know if I can give you the answer, but we can figure it out together." He says with a smile. "I'm sure Iori-san has some toy guns somewhere, and we can workshop what works."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.
<poem>
"Oh," Hitomi says, shifting and reaching into her coat, "I thought of that actually. Though," and then Hitomi PULLS OUT A GUN

it's a plastic toy in blue and white. it's probably from k*men r*der

to pass over to Akihiko, holding it by the barrel. "I could've saved money if we just took his."

Hitomi also finishes her tea. "You want a refill, sempai?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Ha!" Akihiko lets out a laugh. "I shoulda figured you had something up your sleeve." He shakes his head, flashing a toothy grin. "No, why don't we get started right now? Exercise will help warm us up just as much as the tea does."

Akihiko takes the toy gun in hand, and walks to a clearer part of the rooftop. "Now, come at me!"

</poem>

2026-10-01: Masks and Flowers

2026-10-02T02:59:21Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "* '''Log: 2026-10-01: Masks and Flowers''' * '''Cast:''' Kasumi Yoshizawa, Hana Fukami * '''Where:''' Akasaka Mitsuke, Japan TV Station * '''OOC Date:''' October 01, 2026 * '''IC Date:''' January 18, 2013 * '''Summary''': ''Kasumi heads over to the TV Station to check on Hana Fukami after being trapped in a Kingdom. They dance around what happened, Hana's future plans for Flower Talk, and trans people in the Japanese public eye.'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yos..."

* '''Log: 2026-10-01: Masks and Flowers'''
* '''Cast:''' [[Kasumi Yoshizawa]], [[Hana Fukami]]
* '''Where:''' Akasaka Mitsuke, Japan TV Station
* '''OOC Date:''' October 01, 2026
* '''IC Date:''' January 18, 2013
* '''Summary''': ''Kasumi heads over to the TV Station to check on Hana Fukami after being trapped in a Kingdom. They dance around what happened, Hana's future plans for Flower Talk, and trans people in the Japanese public eye.''

----
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Akasaka Mitsuke, a little after school.

Kasumi Yoshizawa enters the TV Station pretty casually, saying hello to the workers she's familiar with. The peppy, helpful daughter of a famed director is pretty beloved by the crew, so hardly anyone asks why she's here then ''Good Morning Japan!'' is filming remotely for a spell.

"Yoshizawa-chan?" A goofy looking camera operator in the hallways spots Kasumi. "What are you doing here? Isn't your father away right now?"

"Watanabe-san!" Kasumi recognizes the camera operator instantly. He was caught up in the chaos at Studio 4. "I heard about what happened at Shinjuku, and you work over there sometimes, don't you? Are you okay...?"

Once Watanabe-san's condition is confirmed, Kasumi lets out a sigh of relief. "I heard that Flower Talk started airing again. So I wanted to check up on Fukami-san."

"I'm headed that way too." Watanabe-san replies. "It's sweet of you to care. Do you know Fukami well?"

They start walking as Kasumi shakes her head. "Not too well. We've met at the yearly Christmas parties. But she was always nice, so I thought I'd say something. If nothing else, then on behalf of my dad."

They talk idly together, and then split as they reach the studio. Then, Kasumi quietly enters the studio and finds a quiet place behind the cameras to watch. She's seen the show a couple times, mostly on Saturdays after school, so she ''should'' notice any differences...

Once the show wraps, (or goes on break), Kasumi stands to just off set. There, she tries to grab Hana's attention with a smile and wave. Once gotten... "Hello, Fukami-san! It's good to see ''Flower Talk'' back on." She pauses for a response. "Um, I was hoping if I could have a moment to talk? I don't expect it'll be long."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
<poem>
Hana Fukami has been out for some time; missing from January 4, she returned late on the 15th. Almost two weeks out--and while for the first couple of days they were able to claim she was out from illness, Kiki didn't try to carry the show on her own for the entire time. Flower Talk took a temporary hiatus...

Thankfully, since 'everybody' knew Hana was abducted, there were no contractual issues.

When she came back, there were a couple of days where they insisted the doctors check her out... but today, Friday, Flower Talk is back! And in the same studio, too--while Hana ''lives'' in Shinjuku, Akasaka Mitsuke is where Tokyo TV films in this area. The Shinjuku office is just that--largely offices.... while 'Studio 4', as far as most people know, never existed. Only the Persona-users who were there remember it, it would seem.

As it happens, Hana started working for Tokyo TV in 2011; she was there for the Christmas party, the date of one of the meteorologists and a new employee herself. In 2012, of course, she was in god standing... and now?

Flower Talk is back, with redoubled efforts! Hana apologizes for her absence, but doesn't really want to talk about it in any detail; she gets sympathy from a guest for her Ordeal, but for the msot part, the show is just what it was--except...

There's a new, vibrant energy to Hana. She seems both more intense and more relaxed at the same time. It's palpable, in the air. And now...

"It's great to have you back," Kiki--Akino Yamamoto--says to Hana warmly, as she starts off the other side. But Hana spots--

"Oh, Yoshizawa-chan," she says when Kasumi greets her. "Thank you," she says. "It's good to be back. Certainly; come along with me, I need to get a drink." Coffee, probably. They can talk!

"What's on your mind?"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi too can feel the increased energy, allowing her to smile a bit. What a relief... Honestly, watching the show makes Kasumi feel a little lighter too! And like her dad has some proper competition now.

Coffee's a great idea! They can head to the refreshments table, and Kasumi'll grab herself an extra sweet cup of coffee. "It's good to see you back. I only came in part way through, but I think this has been your best show yet, Fukami-san." She says. Almost like she was worried for nothing...

Kasumi takes a sip as considers what to say, without letting Hana know about her secret identity... "I heard that you were caught up in the mess in Shinjuku... So, I thought it would be nice to check up on you." She decides on. "Ah, naturally, when my dad heard, he was worried... So while he's away, he asked me to send well wishes on his behalf too." She says. Then, she lowers her voice. "Are you...feeling okay, Fukami-san?" In a tone of voice that implies she knows what it's like more than most.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
<poem>
Time will tell if the slight change in the show--or any future changes--will be successful or not. But for today, it was a good show!

Hana ''also'' sweetens her coffee, as it happens--but perhaps not as much as Kasumi does. "Thank you," Hana says first. "That's sweet of you to say. I hope it's true, too! I really want to work harder than even before to make our show good."

Hana inhales the aroma of the coffee before she tries to sip it--it's very hot!--and then, "I was," she says. "It was... difficult. I don't remember most of it," she lies, but it's a well-meaning lie; she has a secret identity to conceal now, too. "But that's very kind of both of you. Please, tell him that I appreciate it, but I really am doing fine."

That lowered voice... Kasumi might well get it. "...Well," she says, "I seem to be uninjured, and the results of whatever they used to knock me out haven't affected me too much now..."

"But actually, I feel better. I'm sorry that I worried everyone, but an experience like that... it really helps you think about what's most important to you. Don't you think?"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi certainly hopes the energy keeps up! She's not one to root against her father, but it'd be nice to see more success in the sphere. ''Especially'' when not beholden to oppressive bosses who feel entitled to the fruits of their protégé's labours...

"I'll be cheering you on." Kasumi says with a smile. "I think you have a lot of potential to go further. Only time will tell, but... I'd like to see you succeed." After seeing a bit of what Hana's gone through, Kasumi's wishes are sincere.

Kasumi nods, not wanting to press when she understands the truth of the matter. Trying to fabricate a whole abduction plot will just cause more issues than it's worth. "Don't burn yourself!" She says with a little laugh. "It's...probably better to forget, I think." She says, lying too. "I will. My dad will be happy to hear that you're alright..."

Kasumi nods, understanding what Hana's getting at. "If any side effects haven't happened yet, it might never happen. That's good." She says. "Whatever happened, it seems to have given you some inner strength."

"I think so too. It's... a little nice as well, to realize how many people are looking out for you too." Kasumi says in agreement. Seems like Hana's come out for the better. "I'm glad to know that it's..." She hesitates, wondering what the right word here is. "Centered you, I suppose. It's a relief to see, truly."

Kasumi is of course, talking about her own experiences in the metaverse. But Hana would be forgiven to assume that she's talking about the accident last spring.

"So!" Kasumi pulls back a little, her voice returning to her usual brightness. "Do you know yet what's next for ''Flower Talk''?~"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
<poem>
Oh, yeah. Hana's old boss is terrible. It's possible that his experiences with Hana pushing back will cause him to change...

But it's not likely.

"Thank you," hana says. "I'd like to see me succeed, too! ...Though truthfully, I also want to act; it's wonderful to interact with Kiki and the guests and everyone, but I studied drama at university, too."

"I won't!" Burn. Better to forget... Hmm. "Well, i'm happy to be able to report that."

And Hana smiles about the lack of side-effects. "I think it has," she says. "I was more willing to hide behind Teruo before..." Her meteorologist boyfriend. "But I want to stand for myself, too."

"...True. A ''lot'' of people showed that they really cared," Hana reflects. She doesn't know Kasumi was one of them, of course. Secret identities are seret! "Mm, yes. Centered... that's a good word. It made me realize... that if I don't push for what I think is right, then maybe no one else will."

Hana indeed does assume that, giving Kasumi a sympathetic look.

But, "Hmm!" What's next? "I'm hoping for some new guests. I want to try to broaden our audience's horizons just a little--not overwhelm them, but show some things they may not have seen before."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Old habits die hard, huh? Sounds like a job for the Phantom Thieves. Not that Kasumi would know anything about that.

"Acting!" Kasumi's eyes widen a litle. "That's a wonderful idea. I'm sure you'll be a wonderful actress..." She unconciously stresses the feminine part of 'act''ress''' there. "I think these sorts of shows are good for that sort of thing... Build up name recongition, and use it to further your career." She wonders aloud, tapping her chin with a finger. "Then, maybe ''you'll'' get to be the guest on talk shows..." She giggles.

Teruo... Shinada-san, the meteorgolist? "Wait-" Something suddenly clicks into place for Kasumi and it shows as she clamps a hand over her mouth and spills a little bit of coffee. "Ah! Ohh...." She lets out a lightheated groan as she places her cup on the table and grabs a napkin to wipe it up. "S-sorry, I... I just remembered that you and Shinada-san..." Are together. Despite herself, Kasumi can't help but beam. It's incredibly sweet that a guy can fall in love with a trans woman... "Oh, I hope this doesn't stain my skirt..." Kasumi mutters as she pats down a bit of her uniform.

Secret identities are secret! It's just a little awkward knowing something the other person doesn't... Kasumi rises to her feet with a little sigh on being a bit of a klutz. But she does listen to Hana's reply. She nods in agreement. "You've always got comrades, too. People who are glad to help and support you."

"That's a great idea." Kasumi says with a nod. She doesn't seem to notice, or mind the sympathic look. "Maybe, make your audiance feel like... 'It's exciting to be a fan of ''Flower Talk''? I'm sure you'll be able to do it." She says with a smile.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
<poem>
Of course not! No Phantom Thieves or Phantomm Thief-adjacent people here!

Kasumi does stress that, and Hana doesn't mind that at all. "One of my roles is what drew attention to me for Flower Talk," she explains. "Though I haven't been in many things yet," of course. she laughs softly at the prediction, and nods along at the matter of how good the show might be for it. "Maybe so! If that happens, I'll get to see what it's like on the other side of the desk!"

Teruo Shinoda, yes! "Haha, yes! It was a surprise to learn we were working at the same network, after we first met," she says. She doesn't tell that story for now. Instead, "Oh!" Coffee on the skirt... unfortunate. "Cold water and white vinegar are ideal for a coffee stain," she says. "I learned that from my audience." She frowns about that, but, she can't stay bothered when discussing him. "A surprise that he'd want to be with someone like me?" she wonders, though it's good-natured. "A lot of men wouldn't. But he's never given me a word of trouble about it." Considering the other women he's dated, one can never necessarily predict that.

She smiles back though. "Yes," she says. "And my audience has been sweet, too."

A great idea! "Hmmm, yes... Excitement is good. I know it's a risk; anything that people perceive as more 'political' might alienate some people... But I think it's worth it."

"Thanks. And tell your father I appreciate his concern, too!"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi nods. One feeding into the other... And then feeding back into the original career. "Yeah! Maybe with some new energy, the offers will start rolling in.~"

Hana relays ways to get out the coffee stain, which elicits a relieved sigh. "That's a good idea. I'll do that when I get back home." Kasumi flushes as she realizes she said that aloud. "So-sorry! I didn't mean..." Thank goodness Hana seems to take it on stride...

"I just mean, um..." Kasumi fidgets as she rubs her hands together. "A Senpai of mine is, uh... Sort of similar?" How is she supposed to describe this? "I mean, not totally, but..." She lets out a stressed sigh. "It's just nice to hear..."

That there's other public trans people in Japan. That Amemiya-senpai and Seki-san can be understood. Kasumi really doesn't know how to say it, so she's saying it awkwardly. Honestly, she's still struggling to wrap her head around transgenders.

"That's a relief to hear, too." Kasumi says with a relieved smile.

"Political, huh...?" Kasumi wonders. "I'm curious to see what you have in mind, then!" Kasumi can't say she's particularly interested in politics, but she's not against it either.

"Of course! I will.~"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hana Fukami has posed.
<poem>
"I hope so!"

"Haha, it's fine," Hana says. "I know, you didn't say anything like that. I did; I'm aware that I'm pretty lucky to have a guy like him." But a senpai is... similar? "Oh, is that so? Well, i wish them well. Maybe if we're lucky, your generation can be a little more open with these things."

Nice to hear. "That's what I try to do, being out; it would be easier in some ways if I weren't... but this way, I can support people who might otherwise feel alone."

She smiles back. "Well, people tend to think of 'gay' issues as political inherently, when we just want to live our lives."

"Take care, Yoshizawa-chan. I appreciate that you came to check on me."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi lets out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness Hana is being understanding... "Ah, thank you..." She says. "I'm really glad for you." She clasps her hands together. "It really is so sweet~!" A beloved Senpai of hers... "I really hope so too." She says, but she bites her lower lip just a bit. Kasumi isn't totally sure if this generation will make it, but... Progress is slow, isn't it? That's also the Will of Rebellion.

"That's...really sweet of you." Although, something just rubs Kasumi the wrong way. That picture from pre-transition flashes in her mind. "My Senpai is so self-assured, but... Even for other people like Senpai... I'm sure it means a lot."

Gay issues? Huh... For some reason, Kasumi's never thought of it like that. Not that she's gay, certainly not, but... She's never really thought about it like that either. That'll be really nice to see. I hope you can." She almost wants to offer her father's support, but, well... She'll talk about it with him later.

"Yes. Thank you for talking with me, Fukami-san." Kasumi says with a smile. She finishes her coffee, and offers a deep bow. "Take care!"

</poem>

2026-09-13: Unyielding Wish

2026-09-14T21:39:48Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "* '''Log: 2026-09-13: Unyielding Wish''' * '''Cast:''' Kasumi Yoshizawa, Ren Amamiya, Kazusa Motojima, Fuuka Yamagishi * '''Where:''' Shibuya, Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium * '''OOC Date:''' September 13, 2026 * '''IC Date:''' January 09, 2013 * '''Summary''': ''The day has finally arrived. Kasumi takes part in one of the last gymnastics meets in the year. If she fails to get gold, she'll lose her scholarship and honour student status. The question remains..."

* '''Log: 2026-09-13: Unyielding Wish'''
* '''Cast:''' [[Kasumi Yoshizawa]], [[Ren Amamiya]], [[Kazusa Motojima]], [[Fuuka Yamagishi]]
* '''Where:''' Shibuya, Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium
* '''OOC Date:''' September 13, 2026
* '''IC Date:''' January 09, 2013
* '''Summary''': ''The day has finally arrived. Kasumi takes part in one of the last gymnastics meets in the year. If she fails to get gold, she'll lose her scholarship and honour student status. The question remains: Is she worthy?''

----
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
It's been an exciting day at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium! The Winter Interschool Rhythmic Gymnastics Meet has been off to an thrilling start, with many talented gymnasts competing, from various schools from Tokyo, Sumeru, Port Island, and beyond! Even for those in the audience without experience in Gymnastics, the various performances are all visually impressive. It's clearly going to be a tough competition...

"Our next contestant," the male commentator Abe-san says, "hails from Shuujin Academy, Yoshizawa-san. She'll be using a ribbon as her instrument today."

Out steps onto the mat is Kasumi Yoshizawa, dressed in a sparkly pink leotard with flowers embroidered on the front side, and her vibrant red hair done up in a bun. She carries in a blue ribbon, her right hand gripping the stick and left carrying the ribbon. She's looking pretty anxious today, and her eyes search the stands for her cheering crowd.

First, towards the adult side, where she spots her father, a kindly looking older man wearing grey glasses and dark brown sideswept hair. He offers a wave. Next, she spots her coach, a strict and lean woman with black, short hair, who merely gives her student a nod. Then, she spots...Maruki? Another kindly, albeit a little goofy, bespectacled young man, still wearing his white lab coat even the gymnasion. Perhaps, not sensing the mood properly, Maruki gives a big wave which causes Kasumi to giggle lightly.

During this time, the female commentator Fujimura-san, chimes in, "We've seen her compete alongside her sister since elementary school. However, Yoshizawa-san has not been able to secure the victory solo just yet for her first year in high school."

Next, Kasumi's gaze turns towards the Shuujin side. The people she's looking for is a little harder this time, but she does spot a strange first year carrying a bouquet of flowers. Must be for someone else. She spots Motojima-senpai easier. Then, she'll spot Amamiya-senpai. Seeing her beloved Senpai and mentor there is a huge relief, and Kasumi visibly relaxes.

"Yes," Abe-san agrees, "With a third earlier last year, and a second in a Port Island meet, Yoshizawa-san has not been able to achieve the gold just yet. For someone who wants to compete internationally, another podium will just not do."

"With a fierce competition, Yoshizawa will need near perfect scores to hope to secure a top placement." Fujimura-san replies. "It seems she's anxious to start... Ah, and she's found her confidence."

Kasumi puts on a confidant smile, and steps forward to take her starting pose. She draws her ribbon from her hand, extending it with her other hand in a half circle until she's satisfied. All is silent. Then, her music plays.

''Hold on... to that dream~''

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xct5T0wUDKg

Small, twinkling music starts playing. Those in the know, would recognize it as the opening to Hit 1994 Magical Girl/Mecha Anime, Magic Samurai Lazerterra. Instantly, Kasumi launches into her routine, twinkling and elegantly letting the ribbon trail behind her as she circles the mat.

''Tomorrow knows, where and when~''
''It's true~ What you believe~''

She starts kicking it up a notch, as she starts dancing, bringing the ribbon up and down in impressive twirls.

''Don't let go, the road will never end...!''

As the music builds up, with guitars and drums being added into the mix, Kasumi tosses her ribbon in the air! The show has begun, and Kasumi is in her element.

''"Are you watching, Sister?"'' She thinks. ''"I'll do my best... to achieve our dream!"''

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
When Kasumi told them that her big winter gymnastics meet is today, Ren of course made sure they could come. They've got a lot troubling them right now, but they're here to support their friend and underclassman. Morgana isn't with them today for reasons, but they're seated with Maruki so the two of them can cheer Kasumi on together. If Kazusa wants to sit near the two of them, Ren won't mind, either. She and they supported Kasumi after her fall during the Christmas dance, too.

They frown a little at the color commentary from the announcers. Geez, even they're down on her for "only" getting third and second place. However, when Kasumi spots them, and they see her spot them, they smile for her and give her a thumbs-up of encouragement. They can see her relax, and so it seems can everyone else. Good. Maybe they'll shut up and let her show them all what she can do.

"Nice song," they murmur to Dr. Maruki as Kasumi begins to perform. They don't take their eyes off the performance, though, and they don't expect a conversation either. It's nice to just sit with someone you're friendly with sometimes.
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</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
<poem>
Kazusa is easy to spot. She's down on the floor, with the rest of the team. (She would, however, have accepted the invitation to sit with Ren otherwise.) Right now she's wearing her school's tracksuit over her gymnastics leotard, her black hair slicked up into a tight bun to keep it in place. She has a serious expression, arms crossed as she gets ready to study the performance of the next contender...

... which just so happens to be her kouhai. This doesn't soften her look: she's still going to be observing so she can offer feedback later, but at the very least, she's tried to be a bit more grounded and constructive with it. (It's a work in progress, though; trying to become a better person doesn't mean that Shujin's exacting standards have vanished, sadly.)

But when she sees Kasumi's searching gaze, she gives the other girl a small nod, and silently mouths, 'You've got this.'

There's an annoyed, silent huff at the commentary. Like Kasumi needs the pressure. But she watches closely, ticking off the elements of the routine in her head. Everything looks good so far...
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>Fuuka doesn't really know anyone on the Gekkoukan gymnastics team. It feels a ''little'' like a betrayal, then, to come here and cheer for people from another school... but the gymnasts she knows are ''Shujin'' students.

She's seated in the audience today, watching everyone perform... and now it's Kasumi's turn. She frowns, just a little, at Kasumi's introduction. ...That's a lot of pressure, isn't it?

"You can do it, Yoshizawa-san..." Fuuka urges quietly, hands clasped in her lap.
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</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi naturally, is thrilled to see Ren there. She matches Ren's smile with one of her own. She returns Kazusa's nod with one of her own. Quietly, she's really glad they're getting along better. And then.. Kasumi also grabs side of a teal haired Gekkoukan student. Yamagishi-san? That's so sweet of her to come out! Or, she's cheering Gekkoukan on! Regardless, Kasumi'll give a smileup there.

"It is very 'Yoshizawa-san', isn't it?" Maruki agrees with Ren. "I'm glad the commentators don't seem to affect her too much.

The ribbon goes into the air in an arc! Kasumi stays on the ground, showcasing her impressive flexibility, doing these big, full body spinning kicks with one leg, and pushing forward with her grounded one. Her legs are just not going in a perfect circle. She then jumps to catch the ribbon from the air, performing a midair splits as the vocalist kicks back in.

''The sunset melts into the deep blue sea, it turns into a crimson shade''
''A wonderful freefall!''

The redheaded gymnast is bounding across the stage now, spinning the ribbon behind her. She stops and punches the air, three rounds form the bottom up. She's just slightly off beat.

''I just want to have the wind''
''Take me far away!''

She then turns on towards the center of the mat, the ribbon following her, creating patterns like contrails in the sky.

''I've cleared impossible hurtles before''
''But I know that there's more''
''And I know I can make it...!''

Kasumi launches into spinning on one foot, much like the cultural festival, but the ribbon encapsulates her this time, and she's just a little unsteady.

''Who's to blame when it's not the best''
''That I can achieve?''

Here, she drops onto her knees, but it's on purpose this time. She creates a big circle around herself around with her arms outstretched. Towards the end of the verse, she makes herself small on the mat, before tossing herself up to toss her ribbon back up into the air for the chorus!

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
It ''is'' very Yoshizawa, though if there's anything more to what Maruki said, Ren doesn't realize. They nod in agreement back.

They don't spot Fuuka in the crowd at first; that'll happen once they have time to take their eyes off Kasumi. They ''did'' notice Kazusa down with the rest of the gymnastics team just before the performance. They might go check in on her later, considering school's back in session, and all that implies. They need to check in with Kasumi on if she knows anything new about the Homunculus from her too.

That of course is later. This is now. As she continues her performance, Ren can see tiny flaws in it. Her flexibility is on point as always, but it feels like she's trying more for power than grace. Her timing is a tiny bit off, and as she kicks and spins her ribbons, it falls just short of the mark. It really is just small flaws, but is that going to cost her the gold again?

''Who's to blame when it's not the best that I can achieve,'' huh... Even without the color commentary earlier from the announcers, Ren remembers how badly Kasumi wants to fulfill her and her sister's dream for the both of them. The ribbon toss is excellent, and her drop was well-timed. She can still come back from her little errors.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
<poem>
Kazusa won't take any issue with Fuuka's 'betrayal', at least.

How Kazusa is handling the Homunculus is... well, she's struggling to handle a horrific new twist, but she's trying to put that out of her mind for the meet. (Kasumi did, however, get most of the story from her, so she can fill Ren in later.)

Kazusa is also glad they seem to be getting along better... even if getting to know Kasumi better has unlocked new concerns for her kouhai that she isn't quite sure how to address. That dream she has... isn't that a lot of pressure? But if it's what she wants...

Wait. She catches those leg motions--not a perfect circle. And the timing is slightly off-beat. "Don't rush," she murmurs to herself. "Watch your balance..." But there's a small nod to herself as she sees Kasumi head into the chorus. "Good throw. Get back on pace."

Of ''course'' she'd be watching this closely for any of her teammates. Don't be absurd. "Come on," she urges silently. "Hold it together, you can do this."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>Even with a performance to give, Kasumi has the time to send a smile her way. Fuuka smiles back with a small wave.

She sees other familiar faces in the crowd - and if spotted she'll offer a small wave, but her focus remains on the performance.

This song... She wonders - did Kasumi choose it for herself? She does well at drawing the emotions out of it with her movements...

...But she does notice things are a little off. It makes her a ''bit'' nervous - but for right now, the only thing she can do is silently project encouragement.
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</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
''Hold on! To that dream!''
''Tomorrow knows, where and when~''

Kasumi follows the ribbon backwards, with several back rolls into starting to raise herself up by her toes. She catches the ribbon, and rises back to her feet.

''It's true, what you believe''
''Don't let go, the road will never end''

Once back on her feet, she launches into another spin, lifting her leg up high and twirling the ribbon across the ground. Small circles make for bigger roads. It's subtle, but it's very effective, mesmerizing even.

''Keep trying~ To believe''
''The biggest part of you!''
''And now you're ready to go!''

As she ends her spin, Kasumi twirls her ribbon at her side. She grabs the far end of the ribbon, drops the wand. She steps onto the ribbon, as she moves into a cartwheel, sending the wand into the air! She steps forward with several twirls to her step as she catches the wand, twirling it to the side, as she does a forward somersault all in one move. It's all visually impressive, but it's lacking a certain emotion to it.

As the music goes instrumental for a few moments, Kasumi stays on the ground to twirl ahead of her as she falls backwards, into another reverse somersault, landing in the splits. She then rises back onto her feet through some spins, but her body is lagging behind ever so slightly.

With these minor mistakes and foibles, will she really be able to claim the gold? The sharp looking coach in the front row, shaking her head, doesn't seem to think so.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
Yes, Kazusa, you would definitely do this for ''any'' of your teammates. We believe you.

Fuuka is right, in Ren's opinion, that Kasumi's strength is in drawing the emotion out of her performance--normally. It was great for her that she was able to relax at the start too; as a former performative athlete themself, if in a different sport, Ren knows that helps a ton. However...

However, the moment she starts nailing the technical aspects of her performance again, she loses some of the emotion she was conveying. A small motion in a row further up, someone shaking their head, makes Ren's lips thin. Cupping their hands over their mouth, while the instrumental plays, they yell, "Yoshizawaaaa! You got thiiiis!"

It's embarrassing to yell, but they don't mind if it means encouraging a friend.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
<poem>
And Kasumi nails the catch. Cartwheel, throw, catch, sumersault. Check, check, and check. It's a rigorous sport, one that requires a lot of discipline. That's why Kazusa remains so hypervigilant as she watches. Emotion can help you get into a piece, but it's technical excellence that keeps you from losing points... and Kazusa is very keenly aware of how every fraction of a point can matter in a tight competition.

One mistake can be the difference between first and second place. She learned ''that'' harsh lesson many years ago.

But someone shouts, and Kazusa blinks as her eyes flick to the stands for just a moment. It ''is'' embarrassing, but... as she locks back on Kasumi again, she offers her own, much quieter encouragement. "You can do it."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>The performance continues. Fuuka clenches her hands together tighter than before as she watches, following her movements - her eyes drawn to the way the ribbon flows as Kasumi twirls it. Her steps are skilled, even if Fuuka herself misses out some of the finer points due to not being proficient herself...

And then there's a yell of encouragement from the audience. Fuuka gasps in surprise, looking toward the source. Is that... Ren?

...She's a bit jealous - she'd like to echo their encouragement, but shouting in a crowded gym is a bit much for her... Being able to do that is pretty impressive.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Ren's cheer catches Kasumi off guard, her ribbon hand shuddering as she tries to spot the person in the crowd. Indeed, many audience members grumble and murmur as they look behind or to the side, or ahead of them to see who the disrupter of performance etiquette is and give them a dirty look.

On the other hand... Dr. Maruki, amused, decides to joins in. "Let's go, Yoshizawaaaa!" So does Shinichi Yoshizawa, who cups his mouth too. "You got this!"

The sharp looking coach doesn't join in, but she examines Amamiya. After a few moments, she gives an approving nod and returns to her students performance. The first year with the flower bouquet all around seems pretty startled, but if Yoshizawa is smiling...

Desperate to restore order now, one of the announcers has to cut in. "We ask that audience members remain quiet during the performances." Fujimura-san says. The judges shake their heads and write something down.

tThe interruptions however, seem to have had the intended effect, as Kasumi breaks into a grin. She didn't stop dancing, nor did the music stop playing.

''When I'm searching love...!''
''Hold on! To that dream!''
''Tomorrow knows, where and when''

Back to the chorus, Kasumi tosses her ribbon up with several hops, spinning in midair. Then, she grabs it, launches into another spin.

''My lips, tightly sealed''
/But you can still see it in my eyes,

She spins, like a figure skater, raising her leg up high by her head, as her ribbon envelopes her into a spiral.

/I've traveled down that road and found the greater love
''This time I know it is real!''

Kasumi leans out of her spin by bringing her leg back down, as she still uses the ribbon to circle her. Then, she brings her ribbon in front of her, to create a heart in front of her with a circle serving as the dip in between.

The song ends on a triumphant note, with clapping across the audience. Kasumi bundles her ribbon up, and bows, first towards the judges, then to each side of the audiences.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
Part of being a Fool is being able to do daring, embarrassing things when it counts. When else would it count than when a friend's got everything on the line? There's nothing wrong with quiet support either, but it also makes Ren feel better that Maruki and Kasumi's dad join in too... even if the announcers chide them for it. And is one of the judges writing something down? If Kasumi gets docked points for something outside her control, Ren's going to be pissed.

Still, at least it restores her spirits after that second of distraction. Thanks to that, she knocks the finale out of the park, particularly with that ribbon-heart. Ren joins in on the applause, shooting a slight smile at Maruki--back to their usual reserved demeanor, despite their earlier interruption. They glance back down towards that severe-looking woman who'd been shaking her head earlier, and she looks more pleased now. Hm.

Looking in that direction, and also no longer being focused on Kasumi's performance, means they also get to spot another familiar face in the crowd, i.e. Fuuka. Huh, is she here for one of the Gekkoukan students? It's nice to see her around, though. If she happens to look their way again, they given her a nod of greeting, then glance towards Kazusa. How's she going to react to Kasumi's finale? For her sake, they hope it's well.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
<poem>
And there's a ''second'' yell. Kazusa doesn't look this time, but she lts out a little scowl. ''Stop distracting her, you idiots! She needs to concentrate!'' And ''now'' the announcer has to say something...

And that judge writing something down... Kazusa's eyes narrow at that.

Kazusa is leaned forward from her bench, elbows resting on her knees now, her body tense and tight as she fervently hopes Kasumi will get back into the flow of things. A smile could be good, if it means she's relaxed some.

Revolution, good work with the ribbon.. annnnd the finisher. Despite her intense focus there's a barest hint of a smile at seeing that. When the music properly ends ''then'' she claps. "Way to bring it home, Yoshizawa-san!"

Not a ''flawless'' performance--though few performances are ''completely'' flawless. Kazusa looks concerned, still, even as she leans back. She's adding things up in her head, and praying that Kasumi didn't lose ''too'' many points due to execution penalties.

This does give her a chance to look at the crowd again, and she spots Ren, Maruki, and Fuuka. Well, it makes sense Ren is here, at least. Fuuka must be here for a Gekkoukan student. If she can catch their eyes she'll give a small nod as she waits for the results.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>She might lack the technical knowledge - but Fuuka doesn't need that to see the way the cheers invigorate Kasumi. Her performance picks up - and the heart-shaped flourish of her ribbon gets an impressed 'oh!' of surprise out of her.

When the applause picks up, Fuuka joins in enthusiastically.

And she catches a couple of glances her way from the crowd, from Ren and Kazusa... she nods back to each of them, offering them both a small smile.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
As the clapping dies down, the first year with the flower bouquet looks like she's about to toss the bouquet down. However, she seems to get shy about it, and sits back down.

"While the judges confer about the performance," Abe on commentary begins, "I really must say, what an impressive display, Fujimura-san."

"Indeed," replies Fujimura. "It seemed to me that Yoshizawa-san really hit her stride part way through. There were many minor mistakes dotting the first half of her performance, that will be hitting her hard during the judging process. But, if I was Yoshizawa, I'd be very proud of my performance..."

While the commentators review her performance, Kasumi steps off the mat, feeling confidant. She beelines towards the first row of bleachers. On the way to meet her, is one Coach Hiraguchi, the strict looking woman. From afar, it's difficult to tell what the two are discussing, but Kasumi's disappointment is clear. Her coach places a hand on Kasumi's shoulder, says something, and heads towards the door.

Upon seeing this, audience members who are prone to gossip cause a wave of murmurs that ripple throughout the crowds.

''"Wasn't that Yoshizawa's coach?" "You know Hiraguchi competed internationally before!" "She must really hate this..." "What?! What a snub!" "Her coaching is supposed to be draconian..." "Man, Yoshizawa is ''not'' making it!" "Goes to show, 'talent' can get you only so far." "You know, at the culture festival..."''

Next up is Shinichi Yoshizawa, who had been stepping off the bleachers too. They meet closer to the end of the seats. Kasumi is clearly trying to put more of a brave smile on with her father. They talk, and Kasumi gets drawn into a hug. She clearly blushes, and is maybe even a little mortified, but draws back with a happy smile. She nods, and they split. Her father returning to his seat, and Kasumi returns to the locker rooms to change.

"..."It appears that the judges have finished scoring." Abe says. "With that, let's welcome our next performance..."

A little ways into the next performance, Kasumi quietly shuffles back into the gymnasium, now dressed in a white t-shirt, with a red track outfit with white trimming. She passes gently by Kazusa, and leans down. "I'm gonna sit by Amamiya-senpai and Dr. Maruki. Want to join us, Motojima-senpai?" She whispers.

After waiting for a reply, Kasumi starts scaling the stairs, hoping to catch Fuuka's gaze so she can gesture to join her. Then, she settles down next to Dr. Maruki, who gives the redhead a welcoming nod. "Nice work, Yoshizawa-san."

Kasumi giggles under her breath, as she beams. Thankfully, it seems like she's still high on the performance adrenaline. "Thank you, Dr. Maruki. And you too, Amamiya-senpai. I was so surprised by your cheer..."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
There definitely was a risk of distracting Kasumi; Ren will admit that did in fact happen for a second. If the judges blame her for what happened in the audience, they'll regret it. Otherwise, they think the payoff was worth the gamble. Hopefully the judges will agree. If not, they'll have to apologize to her.

They do hear Kazusa join in the cheers once the performance is properly over, and this lets them catch eyes with her and Fuuka both. Ren smiles back to them, then turns their attention back to the stage, just in time to miss seeing that first year with the bouquet. Poor gal. At least the commentators have come around on Kasumi.

Speaking of whom--Ren sees her go straight to that severe-looking woman. So they ''do'' know each other. They had a gut feeling. Probably her coach, seeing the way she's dressed. They don't know her personally, but several audience members do, and the name, Hiraguchi...

Their eyes narrow at the gossip. Some of the gossipers are right in front of them. They glance at Maruki, affect a large and ostentatious stretch, and 'accidentally' bump into one of them, interrupting them.

"Oh, sorry," they say blandly.

Soon enough, Kasumi returns from changing and heads up the bleachers, possibly with Kazusa and Fuuka in tow. Ren offers Kasumi a smile first and foremost, though they let Dr. Maruki talk to her first.

"In a good way, looked like," they reply amiably. "You did great."

Great enough for first place? That might well depend on how spiteful the judges are. They're hoping not, for her sake.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
<poem>
Kazusa really wishes the commentators would be quiet. (Kazusa, that's their entire job.) But they're not wrong--and at least disecting her performance ''after'' a match can't retroactively hurt it.

It's not even that she particularly disagrees with them, either.

She watches the interaction with the coach, frowning. Heading for the door, without even waiting for the results? Rude. At the same time, she'd ''also'' like the audience to shut up.

An older man Kazusa will presume is Kasumi's father exchanges some words with her... and then a hug. Kazusa quickly looks away, and definitely doesn't feel a sharp pang in her heart about the exchange.

She looks up when Kasumi stops by, and nods. "... sure." Kazusa gets up, stretching for a moment. "... you put on a strong performance, Yoshizawa-san. I don't know if it'll get you first, but... you did good, Okay?"

She'll follow Kasumi up, and gives Dr. Maruki a polite nod, and then a slightly less formal "Hey" to Ren. "... so that was you shouting?" she asks with an arched eyebrow and a cross of her arms. "... I hope you know that was utterly reckless." She sits down, and after a moment looks sideways at Ren. "... it did get Yoshizawa-san to get out of her own head, though," she allows.
Tsubasa Seki has arrived from Meiji Shrine.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>Fuuka hears the commentary. It's matter-of-fact, she supposes... Though she hopes Kasumi ''is'' proud.

She does spot, from her position, Kasumi going to talk to someone. She wonders who - but the gossiping crowd sees fit to carry it to her ears... A slight frown crosses her face.

They... like to talk a lot, don't they? And they don't mind who hears it...

The next performance starts - but Fuuka isn't ''as'' focused on that. It puts her in a good position to spot Kasumi, returning from changing, scaling the stairs with Kazusa - and Kasumi spots ''her'' in turn, gesturing her way. Fuuka nods back, standing from her seat.

"Excuse me..." Fuuka carefully picks her way through the crowd of Gekkoukan students, cautiously navigating the bleachers over to where the Shujin students are sitting.

"Hello, Amamiya-san, Motojima-san." Fuuka offers politely to them both. She doesn't know Dr. Maruki, but she offers him a polite nod of greeting, as well. Is he a teacher, or...? No, some other faculty member...

"You were wonderful, Yoshizawa-san. I was very moved by your performance." Fuuka encourages, looking back toward Kasumi. Kazusa comments on Ren's cheering. "I was so surprised. But I think it was nice of you!"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Maruki shares a look with Ren. As an educator, he can't really endorse it, but... Well, as the guy in front looks back to grumble about 'these damnned kids need to have respect for other's space', with zero self-awareness. "Sorry," Maruki adds in, "it's been a long day." Once the guy in front turns back to gripe to his friend, Maruki looks at Ren and gently puts a finger to his mouth. He won't snitch at least.

"That's what my coach said too." Kasumi replies to Kazusa as they climb the stairs. She looks back, giving Kazusa a complicated look that...can only really be described as 'why can't I match up?' The complicated look disappears for an uncomplicated smile. "I'm proud too. It's my best performance all school year."

It's not enough. She knows it's not enough.

Kasumi settles in next to Maruki, with Kazusa and Fuuka in tow. "I think it really did work. Although, I don't know about the distraction..." She giggles, then ah! "Oh, Yamagishi-san, this is Dr. Maruki. He's apart of Shuujin's faculty for the moment, as a therapist." She says, and Dr. Maruki on queue raises a hand with a friendly "Hello!"

'... it did get Yoshizawa-san to get out of her own head, though.'

"Didn't it?" Dr. Maruki chuckles as he agrees with Kazusa. He loosely balls his hands into his lap with a lighthearted chuckle. "It really was incredible for Amamiya-san to do that. You know..." He's about to launch into a mini-lecture on the therapeutic benefits of shock, before catching himself. "Ah, excuse me. Truly, excellent performance again, Yoshizawa-san." He says, before standing to find a different place to sit and leave the students to it.

Kasumi shifts in to make up for Dr. Maruki's space. "Thank you, Dr. Maruki!"

As Dr. Maruki leaves, Kasumi beams towards Fuuka too. "Thank you, Yamagishi-san! I'm so glad to hear that!" She says happily. "I wasn't expecting you to be here... Are you cheering someone on from the Gekkoukan club?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
It's nice to see a father who supports his child, and Ren's glad for Kasumi that she has that. More than that, well--everyone's situation is different.

For their part, Maruki backs them up against the gossiper and puts a knowing finger over his lips. Passive-faced, Ren winks at him. As they just thought: everyone's situation is different. You don't always need a father to be supported.

Kazusa calls Ren out on their shouted encouragement. They shrug, though it lacks closed-off indifference. It's merely an acknowledgement that their words confirm: "I know." A slight smile creeps onto their lips when both Fuuka and Maruki support them here too.

"Thanks. But the important one here is Yoshizawa," they say, looking back at her. She also handles introducing Maruki to Fuuka, which makes them add, "Though, I didn't know you knew Yamagishi-san. Small world."

The two of them do have a certain something in common--but based on what Kasumi says, it seems like she wasn't expecting her encouragement either.

It's good for her to have it, though. That look Kasumi gave Kazusa... Even when she accepts the praise on her performance, there's still a little something lingering in her heart, isn't there?

Ren keeps it to themself. For now.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
<poem>
Kazusa blinks in surprise as they're climbing the stairs. "She said that, huh..." She frowns a little. "... then why did she leave?" But she catches that complicated look, and isn't sure what to say. "It was." She lowers her voice for a moment. "... the finisher lookd good," she admits, in a quiet tone with an air of 'if you tell anyone I said so I will deny it.'

There's a nod to Fuuka as she arrives. "Hello, Yamagishi-san." Her tone is a bit more relaxed. They may not be close friends, but they're amicable enough acquaintances, at least. Kasumi beats her to asking if Fuuka is here cheering on Gekkoukan. So instead she says, "What have you thought of the performances so far?"

Kazusa will be respectful to Dr. Maruki, but she's not about to be warm and open with him--he's part of Shujin's staff, she doesn't really trust anyone on staff. There's a respectful nod as he leaves.

Ren knows, they say. "Hmph. Well, as long as you know." But she's a little concerned, and the next look she gives Ren almost has her asking something, but she holds off. Not with Kasumi right there. Instead, she says, "How about you? Have you seen any of the other performances?"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>Kasumi introduces Dr. Maruki - a therapist, currently part of Shujin's faculty. So she was right.

"Hello... It's nice to meet you." She offers politely. Dr. Maruki excuses himself, leaving just the students. She nods to Ren, as they express surprise that she and Kasumi know each other. "Mm-hm!"

Kasumi wasn't expecting her, but Fuuka shakes her head when she asks if she was cheering someone on from Gekkoukan.

"Actually, I heard you were performing today and wanted to cheer you on... I'm glad I got the chance." Fuuka explains, and looks toward Kazusa. "Everyone's really been giving it their best. I was amazed..."

She laughs a little sheepishly.

"I could never move like that. It's impressive." She comments. She ''is'' curious, too, to hear what Kasumi has to say about Kazusa's question.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
With Kazusa, Kasumi pauses for a moment. "She said that I still hadn't figured out what she meant before." Kazusa should remember from the conversation in the alleyway. 'Think about who you really are, Yoshizawa.' Kasumi doesn't have an answer yet. And it showed in her performance today, technically impressive, but just missing something.

"She also said that she would have walked out earlier, if it wasn't for the outburst..." Kasumi laughs a little about it, as she looks towards Amamiya-senpai. (She sort of has to laugh about it.) She pauses for a moment, as she stares at Ren, before shaking her head. "That's just the way Coach Hiragushi is. She's strict, but... You can feel her kindness." She says that earnestly.

'...the finisher looked good,' causes Kasumi to giggle lightly as she picks up on the hidden meaning. "Thank you, Senpai." She replies, with a tone that implies 'it's just for me.'

Back to being with Ren and Fuuka, Ren mentions that they didn't know Kasumi and Fuuka knew each other. Kasumi nods with a little giggle. "We're acquainted." She says. "We met briefly after," her first place loser in a Port Island meet, "after a meet in Port Island." There's naturally the truer version, of them briefly meeting during Kazusa's homunculus investigation. But for the sake of Ren's privacy, and Kazusa's honour, she declines to bring it up.

Fuuka comments that she came for Kasumi and causes Kasumi to blush! "Wha! That's so kind of you, Yamagishi-san...! I'm really surprised to hear that!" She says, flustered. "I'm really glad you enjoyed the performances... It takes a lot of practice. But I bet with a little bit of practice, you could do a splits too." Kasumi giggles.

She misses Kazusa's look to Ren, like she wanted to ask something.

It's probably for the best.

-----

"And that brings us to the end of the Winter Interschool Rhythmic Gymnastics Meet." Abe-san says.

"And what an incredible show we had." Fujimura replies. "We truly saw the best across the Kanto prefecture has to offer."

"It seems we are ready for the awards ceremony. The full list of points will be listed outside on the bulletin board." They begin listing the top five.

"Our third place winner... Is Yoshizawa-san of Shuujin Academy."

The crowd once again erupts into clapping and Kasumi... has a very complicated process of emotions cross over her face. It wasn't what she wanted, deep down.

Still. She puts on a smile as she stands up and walks down the stairs, and past the audience. There's still some stray gossip on her way down, but only the most fierce contrarians would suggest that Kasumi didn't earn it.

She does her best to not let the comments show as she meets with the judges, shaking their hands and talking to them briefly. With her bronze medal, she takes her spot at the third podium.

Kasumi remains there for the rest of the awards ceremony, and is genuinely happy for the second and first place winners. She claps and cheers and woos for her fellow podium placers. Second goes to a student from Gekkoukan, and first to a student from Seven Sisters who did a near perfect, inspired routine.

And then... The event is over. The first place winner is gleeful, second place goes to her friends to cry, the rest of the crowds start to disperse to look at their own rankings, or find quiet places, or find comfort in friends. Spectators talk more about the performances, excitement for builds for nationals. The girl with the flower bouquet tries to thread the crowds to find her idol, but ends up carried out by the crowds.

And Kasumi returns to her friends. With a sad, happy smile, and another third place medal. "I'm not going to cry." She says, as if trying to will herself into stability. "...Thank you all, for coming out to support me." She hesitates, as she's trying ''really'' hard to not be hard on herself. "I'm...sorry. That I couldn't bring home a win."

Kasumi pauses, to bite her lower lip. "They didn't mark the interruption against me. But told me that it shouldn't happen again." She says with a laugh. "And apologized that it kept them from marking that portion of the performance." A beat. "That was...really kind of them." She tries desperately to think of anything else to say. The disappointment is showing now. She shakes her head, really trying to focus.

Kasumi Yoshizawa is just really not used to losing.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
<poem>
When Kasumi tells Ren that her coach was about to walk out if not for their outburst, they smile again, pleased to have helped there. Even if the judges might end up being jerks, it's your coach that you work with every day. Though... she was about to walk out...? Even if she's strict, that's pretty harsh. Kasumi hadn't seemed nearly that bad. What's she seeing that they're not?

"She did seem a lot more pleased with you after that," they reply.

Ren can guess what Kazusa might want to ask them, but... they're not going to prompt her in mixed company. Dr. Maruki might have given them all space, but they doubt she wants to talk about what happened with Shinichi's Homunculus in so public a space--assuming there isn't something else on her mind.

They meet her eyes, but just reply, "Yeah, some. I've been here a while." They look back towards the performance stage below. "Like Yamagishi-san said, a lot of people really gave it their all. Yoshizawa's definitely one of the best in my opinion, but it'll be close."

So Fuuka ''is'' here for Kasumi after all. Kasumi explains how they know each other, too. The two of them might well know each other through supernatural business also, but Ren nods and accepts the answer for what it is.

They sweatdrop at Kasumi's encouragement towards her, though. It'd take a lot more than just a 'little bit' of practice to be able to do a split, especially for a technologically-inclined girl like Fuuka.

Later, though, after the winners are announced...

Ren knows that what Kasumi wanted--what she's been pressured non-stop about--was first place. They know the frustration of not coming in first after working so hard too; they've had competitions like that too. While third place is still good, they know that it's not going to be good enough.

So when she returns and reports what the judges said, Ren marks that, but pays closer attention to her body language. As they suspected, she's upset and trying not to show it. It might not come with resentment towards the silver and gold medalists, but that only means she's turning that anger towards herself.

"...Let's get something to eat, Yoshizawa. If not tonight, then sometime soon," they offer quietly. "My treat."

However she handles this, she'll need to keep her strength up, and to do that, she'll need to eat.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
<poem>
Kazusa frowns, as Kasumi relays what her coach said. 'Think about who you really are...' "Hrm. So that's what she said... I can't answer that for you, Yoshizawa-san. But if you want we can review your performance later."

"She actually said that? Sheesh. Guess that outburst was good for two things, then."

Kazusa's a little surprised they know each other too, but... Kazusa ''did'' ask her that question about Fuuka once, so... maybe it's not a total surprise. "They have." But Fuuka expresses that she could never move like that. "... you could work up to it. Maybe not at that level, but... the basics are really good for flexibility and movement. Yoga, too." She considers for a moment and drops her voice. "... yoga's a little easier on the body."

They really do know each other then. Huh. She remains oblivious to her honor being protected.

- - - -

Kazusa crosses her arms as she hears the commentator speak up to start the announcements of the final placements.

Third place. Under any other circumstance, that would be a respectable standing. But she knows Kasumi had her heart set on first. "Congratulations, Yoshizawa-san," she says, as her teammate gets up to leave.

But once Kasumi is out of earshot, she sighs, with a frown. "... she's going to be upset. If she could have had the same consistency from the end throughout her whole performance..." She shakes her head. This time she does look to Ren, and quietly admits, "... I'm... not sure what else I can do to support her."

She's ''trying'', but Kasumi has been placed in a pretty undesireable situation.

"Third place is still a strong showing. You hve nothing to apologize for," insists Kazusa. She means it, even if she knows it's not good enough for Kasumi, or for the staff at Shujin. But it seems the judges didn't penalize her, at least. "That's good. Thank goodness for that."

The offer of something to eat comes, and Kazusa stands up. "Go eat something. You should at least enjoy your placement a little bit."

She doesn't know what else she can say to help. She's not sure if there's anything she can do, with her scholarships at stake, except keep trying to support Kasumi.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi gives Kazusa a smile, as she offers to review the performance together later. "Thank you, Senpai." She says, maybe a bit flaccidly. For some reason, she doesn't feel like it's an answer that will come to her from review.

Maybe, Kasumi just isn't ready yet.

'She actually said that?' "Right?" Kasumi lets out a laugh. "Still... She's known me since I was a child. If there's something she's seeing that I can't... I need to look harder for it." The love, and respect Kasumi has for Hiraguchi is clear. And if Hiraguchi is worthy of that love and respect...

Ren gives their vouch and... Kasumi flushes, going beet red as she looks away. She can't bear to meet Ren's gaze like that...!

Kasumi does giggle too. "I really do believe that it just takes some practice." She says. "I'm speaking from experience. I bet most of these top competitors have been competing since they were children." Relatively speaking. Starting from age six does a world of difference from age 16.

She does, at least agree with Kazusa! "Yes! Yoga's great for remaining active, without too much strain."

----

... "It was stiff competition." Kasumi can allow.

However... The topic of food comes up. "Sure." Kasumi accepts the offer with a smile. "I'll let my dad know I'll be going with you, okay?" She has an imagine of a younger her, going out for ice cream after practice. Maybe the small things can help.

</poem>

2026-09-10: Kingdom Scouting Mission

2026-09-14T21:35:28Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "* '''Log: 2026-09-10: Kingdom Scouting Mission''' * '''Cast:''' Kasumi Yoshizawa, Shinobu Shimizu * '''Where:''' Red Light District - Main, Studio 4 Kingdom * '''OOC Date:''' September 10, 2026 * '''IC Date:''' January 07, 2013 * '''Summary''': ''Kasumi and Shinobu meet at Studio 4's cafe. They decide to go on a scouting mission, as Kasumi gets the lowdown on what a kingdom even is.'' ---- (|======================== Red Light District - Main ===================..."

* '''Log: 2026-09-10: Kingdom Scouting Mission'''
* '''Cast:''' [[Kasumi Yoshizawa]], [[Shinobu Shimizu]]
* '''Where:''' Red Light District - Main, Studio 4 Kingdom
* '''OOC Date:''' September 10, 2026
* '''IC Date:''' January 07, 2013
* '''Summary''': ''Kasumi and Shinobu meet at Studio 4's cafe. They decide to go on a scouting mission, as Kasumi gets the lowdown on what a kingdom even is.''

----
(|======================== Red Light District - Main =========================|)
-===================================================== Tokyo/Shinjuku Ward ====-
It's said if you go out the wrong side of Shinjuku Station, you lose a whole
day. Go out the correct side though, and you still might find yourself on the
wrong side of town. Even walking into Shinjuku's Red Light District subjects you
to endless barkers and touts, looking for opportunities to pull tourists and
young women alike into places where they might get scammed and exploited by the
predators of this place.

Neon signs glare offering disorienting guidance to businesses stacked upon one
another. All the vices of the city are available in smoky bars where one might
forget their dreams at the bottom of a glass, or take offers of companionship in
shady host or hostesses clubs.

Be careful. As smart as you are, wiser people than you have lost everything
here.

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
A Kingdom is a strange thing. Kasumi really hasn't experienced anything like it before. If she's going to take part in scaling the castle, it might be a good idea to get a lay of the land, right?

It's for that reason Kasumi can be found in the cafe of Studio 4's kingdom right now. She's enjoying a coffee with some of the rebels, while hoping for another Persona User to arrive for a scouting mission.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>This isn't Shinobu's first time in a Kingdom... but it ''is'' only her second, and this one is markedly strange compared to the last. As such, she's found it prudent to do some scouting ahead before she brings her group in. She's been speaking with the rebels to figure out what they know that might be able to help - and she's currently walking and talking with a small group of them now as she walks into the cafe.

They detach from her and to go on their own way - and Shinobu is about to do the same, before she spots someone else from the outside. She doesn't think she knows the masked girl, but she remembers her from the scramble to rescue the abducted station employees, both in and out of the Kingdom.

"Oh, hey. You were here the other day, right? Good work back there." Shinobu greets with a nod.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi's attention grabbed by the older woman, her red eyes widening with recognition from beneath her mask. "Ah, yes! Same to you too!" She says with a smile, as she leans back in her seat. As if sensing the power disparity, the rebels Kasumi was speaking with decide to detach as well. "You can call me Belle. It's nice to meet you."

Kasumi pauses for a second, considering how to phrase what she has in mind. "Miss, are you a Persona Users too?" She asks, politely. "I was planning on going on a scouting mission today. This is my first Kingdom, so I thought it'd be good to get an impression of the layout. Would you like to come with...?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>"Thanks." Shinobu offers with a slight smile, as Kasumi returns the compliment. The rebels detach, and now it's just the two of them. She nods again, this time in acknowledgment, as Kasumi introduces herself. "Shinobu Shimizu. Nice to meet you, too."

She catches that pause - and then, she asks.

"Yeah, I am." Shinobu confirms. She already assumed as much from her outfit, but that means they both are. She explains that she was planning on going on a scouting mission - that this is her first Kingdom.

"Oh yeah? I've been in another before this one... but there are some things about this one that are pretty weird compared to that one, so I think we've both got a lot of surprises ahead of us." Shinobu replies. She nods, though. "But, sure, I can tag along. Always better to have back-up in a place like this - no tellin' what might happen."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"Shimizu-san. It's good to meet you." Kasumi beams. "Shinobu is such a cute name.~"

It's pretty easy to figure, thankfully. The Will of Rebellion gives Kasumi a black leotard, a gold buttoned jacket that has shreds down her back, along with black thigh high, heeled boots. "Woah! I'm a little surprised, that adults can have Personas too..." Now, she wonders just how many people she walks by everyday, that might have a Persona too. So strange! "Have you had it for long?"

Shinobu accepts the offer, and Kasumi lets out a relieved smile. Thank goodness... She lets out relieved sigh, and starts working on draining her coffee. "That'll be a relief... And I feel similarly. Especially with how plentiful the little, adorable, legionnaires get. I doubt a solo Persona User would be able to get far."

Although... A worried look crosses over Belle's masked face. "Some strange things? Like what?" She tries to think of something that doesn't make sense. Well, ''other'' than the invasion into the real world. The only thing she can come up with... "Is it the Shadows that were fighting too?" She tilts her head, with her mug covering her chin. "Is that bit not normal?"

There's no time like the present! With her cup drained, Kasumi hops off her stool and places the mug back onto the table. Then, she wonders if she should pay... Mmm, she places some coins on the counter. Then, she taps the rapier on her side to make sure it's still with her. "Alright. Let's head off.~"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>A cute name... Shinobu is surprised by the compliment, and it gets a good-natured laugh out of her.

"Don't think I've heard that one before... Thanks." She replies. "'Belle's a good one, too. I like it."

She assumes 'Belle' is a code name, and that she picked it for herself - but that's just as good. It's good to have a name that you like.

Kasumi expresses surprise that adults can have Personas, too.

"Yeah, I bet you've mostly run into other kids... But we have 'em, too." She replies with a nod. The question of if she's had it for longer, though, gets a 'hm' out of her. A thoughtful expression crosses her face as she thinks back. "Let's see... It's been a couple of years by now, maybe three? ...And I know some who've had theirs for longer."

She sees the relief crossing her face, at least what she can see around the mask - and she can't blame her for that. A solo mission is always daunting. She chuckles slightly at the way she refers to the legionnaires.

"Yeah. It's rough. You can do some work if you keep to the outskirts... But you're not gonna get in very far without oepning yourself up to some big risks." She replies with a nod. Which leads to the question - what strange things?

"Yeah, those little goopy guys, like the ones in Tartarus? They weren't in the last one." Shinobu confirms with a nod. "The demons weren't there, either. If this were Sumaru I could assume they just wandered in, but... you don't usually see 'em here in Tokyo. Makes me think there's something else going on here besides the trouble with Fukami-san."

She shrugs.

"...Not that I know what it ''means'' yet - but it's somethin' to keep an eye on." She concludes.

Kasumi pays for her drink and confirms her weapon's still there, and Shinobu nods.

"Right behind you." She replies.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"Eheh.~" Kasumi replies, letting out a cheerful laugh. "If you have a name, you might as well like it, right?"

Belle is indeed a codename.~ It's cute, like that movie!

"Ehehe." Kasumi lets out a little, awkward laugh, this time. "When I get to meet any, yeah." She confesses. Having the Will of Rebellion is a sort of awkward, in between of Persona Users. It's worse for Kasumi, without a group she's in. "A couple years, huh? That's interesting... I thought it'd be longer." How long has this existed fo- "Longer?!" The shock is clear on her face. "Jeez! How long have people had this power...?"

A solo mission is always daunting, and Kasumi is very inexperienced. "I'll be in your care then, Shimizu-san." She offers a bow.

Kasumi nods, mentally taking notes. "That's pretty reasonable... That's about what I was thinking of doing too." She smiles.

"Tartar...sauce?" Kasumi tilts her head. Clearly, she's never been to Tatami Port Island during the Dark Hour. "I see... So, they have different classifications? I didn't know..." She nods. "I'm used to Shadows, from Palaces. I'm guessing they're pretty similar to Sumaru's demons?"

More trouble than just Fukami-san... "Is this Kingdom related to Fukami-san, in some way?" Kasumi asks. "I'm sorry, you must think I'm so ignorant..." She follows up, bashfully. She's really not used to this sort of thing...

Off they go!

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>"That's definitely true." Shinobu agrees with a nod and a smile.

From that awkward laugh... She guesses it doesn't happen often.

"...Must be rough." She offers sympathetically. She nods, when Kasumi remarks that she thought it'd be longer. "Yeah. So there's still things I'm learning, too."

Her surprise, though, gets a small laugh out of her.

"Wild, right? Good question. No one really knows." She replies with a shrug. Kasumi bows, and Shinobu massages the back of her neck awkwardly. She's not used to that...

"Glad to have you along." She offers. It looks like they're on the same wavelength on how to approach it, too.

"'Tartarus'." Shinobu clarifies, without judgment. Seems like this is her first time hearing about it. "It's this tower that shows up on Port Island in the Dark Hour, in place the high school. Shadows like those ones show up there, and there's all sorts of different kinds."

She seems to get it, though.

"Yeah. Like, the goopy guys, and other Shadows with those numbered masks... you can't talk with 'em like Palace or Mementos Shadows." She explains. As for Palace shadows and demons... She nods. "Similar, but different. It's like... They act the same in a lot of ways, and can even look the same, but they're different enough that it's worth figuring out which you're dealing with. ...Not very helpful, I know - but it's hard to tell with 'em sometimes."

She considers her question about Hana, then - and smiles, shaking her head with a casual dismissive wave.

"Nah, it's cool." She assures. "Everyone's gotta start somewhere, right? I know what it's like to leap into this stuff blind."

She starts off, figuring they can walk and talk.

"Anyway, as for Fukami-san... These Kingdoms seem to fixate on someone in particular. Since she seems to have lost her memory... we're guessin' that's her." Shinobu explains. "While we're helping the rebels, we've gotta figure out a way to help her, too..."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi lets out another awkward little chuckle. "It's a bit awkward with the Will of Rebellion." At least learning something is something she understands! Kasumi nods. "All this stuff really is confusing. I really wonder if there's any science to all this..."

"I guess it really is difficult to know." Kasumi replies. She sees Shinobu feel awkward for being bowed to, and... Well, she wonders briefly if she isn't used to someone's respect.

As Shinobu speaks actually, Kasumi is picking up more and more on a certain... speech pattern? (For her part, Kasumi is exceedingly polite.) "Tar-tar-us. Tartarus!" She repeats, beaming as she seems to get it. "In Port Island? That's...really strange!" Kasumi nods though, understanding. What a fascinating place! "Thank you, Shimizu-san, I learened something today.~" Maybe she should go for a visit sometime?

"Ooh..." Kasumi nods similarly, remembering about the cowardly Maya's scattered around. It's a relief actually that she doesn't have to try to explain Palace Shadows either. "I see... There's so many different types! It's seriously impressive."

Kasumi certainly lets out a little awkward, relieved sigh. "Thank you, Shimizu-san." The most she can do at least too, is being a quick learner!

Off they go! Walking and talking through the sets of Studio 4. "So it is sort of like a palace..." Kasumi makes a connection. "Poor Fukami-san... Do you know her at all? In the real world, I mean." She asks, very carefully. "I know her show. I've watched a couple recordings here and there."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>"Yeah, I bet..." Shinobu replies with a sympathetic nod. That's the price of security, she supposes - it keeps you safe from those who might want to do you harm, but it makes it riskier to get to know others. Confusing, though... "You said it. All this stuff goes over my head sometimes."

She nods. It's difficult, indeed.

She listens as Kasumi sounds out Tartarus - and when she gets it right, Shinobu smile.

"Yeah, you got it. But yeah, 'Strange' is right. Place is creepy as hell, too." She says, and nods. "Hey, no problem."

She sees that understanding, in regards to the various foes they face...

"Right? There's a lot to keep track of." She agrees, and smiles as she thanks her again. "No problem."

Shinobu keeps half of her attention on Kasumi and the other half on their surroundings. Now that they've left the safety of the cafe, they open themselves up to risk. As long as they don't stray too close to the Producer's place of power they should be fine, but it pays to be careful.

"Yeah, kind of. Just with the positions all shuffled around." She says about Palaces and Kingdoms. Kasumi asks a question, and Shinobu considers it for a moment.

"We haven't known each other very long, but... I'd like to think we're friends, at least." She replies with a nod. As for her show... "I've seen it. I don't think it's my kinda show, but I can tell she's got a lot of passion for showbiz."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
It is the price of security... Sometimes, Kasumi is a little jealous of the people who's able to share their true selves properly with others. "Ehehe, honestly.. I'm fine in school, but they don't really cover this sort of thing."

"Creepy, huh? Sounds like a good place to tell ghost stories..." However, a shiver goes through her body. "Maybe not, actually... That sounds like I'll be looking over my shoulder constantly."

Just as Shinobu keeps her head on a swivel, Kasumni does the same too, keeping a hand on her rapier. Just in case!

Kasumi nods in agreement. "That makes sense." Though, now she wonders what the difference between palace shadows and demons are now. Maybe, she'll be able to visit Sumeru sometime!

Kasumi does chuckle a little bit with Shinobu's analysis of the show. "It is mostly for housewives, isn't it?" For some reason, she's not sure if she can see Shinobu as a 'housewife'. "My dad directs a similar show too." The highly successful ''Good Morning Japan'', naturally. "So, it makes for good competition." She says with a laugh.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
<poem>"I bet not." Shinobu replies with a sympathetic laugh. "Just as long as you're makin' time for others outside of all this stuff."

She grins as Belle makes a comment on ghost stories - and then immediately takes it back.

"Oh yeah. That kinda storytelling might be a little ''too'' immersive, huh?" She comments. "It feels a little different when the bump in the night's got real teeth."

Shinobu definitely isn't the housewife type.

"For sure. But hey, I'm not knockin' it." She replies with a nod, and looks on with interest when she mentions that her dad directs a similar show. ...She doesn't ask her which one, though - she doesn't want to put her on the spot. "Competition's good. If you don't have somethin' to test yourself against you end up gettin' complacent. I bet it's good for both shows."

She pauses in her tracks for a moment, looking up. They're nearby one of the studio buildings now.

"...Oh, here we go." She says, drawing her staff from her duffel bag. She swings it overhead, knocking a fire escape ladder down to their level. "We can get some good spying done from up there, I bet."

The roof of the building has a pretty good vantage point of the area - and when it's finally time to head back, they'll have gathered some useful information on enemy movements!
</poem>

2026-08-27: New Years Ruminations

2026-09-14T21:33:51Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "* '''Log: 2026-08-27: New Years Ruminations''' * '''Cast:''' Akihiko Sanada, Hyousuke Suzuki * '''Where:''' Sumeru City, Kameya Alley * '''OOC Date:''' August 30, 2026 * '''IC Date:''' January 02, 2013 * '''Summary''': ''Akihiko and Hyousuke meet up during New Years. Together, they talk about what the next years of their life will bring them.'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed. <poem> It's New Years Eve. Another year will be over soon, and the n..."

* '''Log: 2026-08-27: New Years Ruminations'''
* '''Cast:''' [[Akihiko Sanada]], [[Hyousuke Suzuki]]
* '''Where:''' Sumeru City, Kameya Alley
* '''OOC Date:''' August 30, 2026
* '''IC Date:''' January 02, 2013
* '''Summary''': ''Akihiko and Hyousuke meet up during New Years. Together, they talk about what the next years of their life will bring them.''

----
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
It's New Years Eve. Another year will be over soon, and the next one just beginning.

For Akihiko Sanada, the future nears closer and closer. He'll be off to university soon, but he's a little lost right now. He doesn't know what he wants to study just yet. He's lucky, he'll get a scholarship off of his boxing skills. But what's the point he's still unsure?

Akihiko decides to take a look around Sumeru, near where the Tokyo University campus is. During his ruminations, he runs into Hyousuke Suzuki.

"Yo, Suzuki-san!" The silver haired boy says, raising his hand in greeting. He pauses for a moment. "Want to grab some food together?"

And here they are! At Izakaya Shiraishi, a place in Kameya Alley. "This makes me think of one of those alleyways Shinji used to waste himself in..." Akihiko mutters to himself as he takes a set of chopsticks in hand. Then, louder, "so, why are you wandering the streets, Suzuki-san?" He asks the other boy with a light smile. "You bothered by something too?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hyousuke Suzuki has posed.
<poem>It was New Year's Eve, and Hyousuke was alone. Pudding was fast asleep, his friends were busy with their own family or closer friends, there were no outstanding jobs that needed taking care of, and he'd already finished his training regimen for the day. Thus, bereft of anything meaningful to do - and with the NHK broadcast that year not happening for a while yet - Hyousuke found himself killing time by pottering around Hirasaka, hoping that someone or something would pop out and help him figure out what to do to help pass those last few daytime hours.

Strangely enough, the solution did indeed fall into his lap. Akihiko was unexpected, certainly - Hyousuke's cocked brow and look of mild surprise was enough to convey that - but he was certainly not unwelcome.
"Sanada-san? Sure, I've got time to kill. You good with ramen?" Izakaya Shiraishi served more than just ramen, but as far as Hyousuke was aware, it was by far the most popular foodstuff on the menu. And what better way to round off the year than with a piping hot bowl of the stuff, to warm him up on a frigid winter afternoon?

The remark about Shinjiro didn't go unnoticed, and Hyousuke took on a wistful look for all of a moment or two. Part of him considered asking after their mutual friend, but hearing and seeing Akihiko, he thought better of it. Instead, he decided to address the far more pertinent question. The one that was actually addressed to him.
"Just getting some air." Hyousuke said, unsure about how best to phrase it. As far as he was aware, there wasn't really a 'good' way of telling Akihiko that he didn't have anyone to spend the end of the year with.

"Trying to... I dunno, to clear my head." Hyousuke said, eventually settling on that. He slurped up a mouthful of noodles, hoping to use it as a way to stall for time while he let his thoughts coalesce. Eventually, he spoke again, no more sure of himself than before. "Figure out what I want to do next year. How about you? What're you doing all the way out in Sumaru?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Ramen's great with me." Akihiko says with a smile. "Let's see how Sumeru ramen matches up to Hagakure."

"Mm." Akihiko grunts with a nod, as he digs into his ramen. He savours it, as Hyousuke clarifies what he means. "We might be in a similar boat." He replies with a side smile. "I'm thinking about University too. I don't know what I want to study yet, so I thought I'd visit the area around Tokyo U's campus." He slurps up some noodles too, before leaning back against the stool. "Got any ideas, yet?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hyousuke Suzuki has posed.
<poem>Hyousuke's ramen smelled a little sweet. It tasted a little sweet too. That was because he had ordered the banana ramen - a fact Akihiko would have overheard, had he been paying attention. However odd it sounded, Hyousuke seemed to have no trouble with it, eating it up with as much gusto as one might a more savoury affair.
"Me? Nah, I didn't bother applying to any of 'em. I'm not smart enough for something like that. Damn well not smart enough for Tokyo U." Hyousuke said. He tried to seem a little less sheepish than he felt, but there was no stopping the quick glance to one side he made. He paused a moment, collecting himself, before turning the conversation back to Akihiko. "I'm kinda the same as you though. Wouldn't even know what to study if I *did* get in. You sure you got no ideas? Figure you gotta be pretty smart with *something* to get in somewhere fancy like that."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Banana ramen... Akihiko definitely bulged his eyes out at that one. But he then orders his own bowel, assuming that it's a regional specialty. The sweetness and banana flavouring are...definitely a little much, but it's not ''awful'' at least?

Akihiko furrows his brow a bit at that. "Are you sure? ...You know, university is supposed to be pretty important." He says, but... Well, he can't really keep up the chiding senior up for long. "Do you know what you're gonna do for work?" He asks with a light smile.

Akihiko laughs a little. "Sure, I'm good in school. Have to be, if I wanted to keep up with Mitsuru." He realizes that Hyousuke might not know who Mitsuru is. "My long time friend." He clarifies. "Even if I didn't have boxing for my scholarship, my adoptive family would be able to help. But career ideas?" He shrugs his shoulders. "I just want to grow stronger. I don't know yet what will get me there."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hyousuke Suzuki has posed.
<poem>Akihiko didn't need to keep up the act for long. Hyousuke, judging by the contorting of his face that lingered for a good few seconds, knew exactly how much weight people placed on it - and what kind of a situation he'd be in if he ended up not going.
"I'll figure it out. Find some work, maybe take night classes. 'Course, I'd have to figure out what I'd even do when I got there. If I get there." He almost sounded dismissive of the idea, like it was just some idle fantasy not worth thinking about.

He nodded at the mention of a 'Mitsuru.' The name didn't quite ring a bell, but he got the sense that it was something - or, rather, someone - very important. He scrunched his face up and tried to remember it, but nothing came to him, so he went right back to conversing with Akihiko.
"Guessing that means you're not studying ancient history or whatever?" Hyousuke laughed a little, until a thought crossed his mind. "...Unless that helps with knowing more about our, uh, you know..." Hyousuke gestured vaguely behind him, waving at where a Persona might be summoned.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Something best to be avoided. They're still within the Lost Decades, after all.

"So long as you have a plan." Akihiko nods. He doesn't...love the tone of voice he's sensing from Hyousuke. He just knows the feeling well. And knows the type of people who sound like that. "I'm sure you'll figure something out." He says gently, but firmly.

"I doubt it." Akihiko says with a wry smile. "We have a pretty significant backing as well. If they found something about that, I'm sure they'd tell us." He's being vague, but the backing is the Kirijo Group. If those scientists found something about knowing ancient history in improving wielding one's persona, that'd be vital for SEES to know. "I've been doing so much with 19th century Vienna, Greece might be a good change of pace. That's the strain of a classical education." He says with a laugh. (His project, of course, has been on the Congress of Vienna after the Napoleonic Wars.)

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hyousuke Suzuki has posed.
<poem>Even with how closely Hyousuke worked with members of SEES, much of the group's inner workings remained shrouded in mystery to him. Their purpose, their methods, their gear... He could guess at none of it. So when Akihiko mentioned significant backing, he still couldn't quite piece it all together. It was just another group he was not a part of, and another team he simply had to stop pondering lest their many mysteries bother him more than was reasonable.
"Sounds complicated." Hyousuke said, a little terse, but otherwise friendly. It took his brain a moment to spin up and figure out what else to say - his mind wasn't quite as fast with academics as it was on the battlefield, clearly.

Would've thought you'd keep going with what you know already though. Y'know, build off the knowledge you already got." It appeared those few seconds of thinking on a reply longer than two words bore some fruit, for whatever it was worth. He bought a little more time with a sip of green tea, though in comparison, it was barely a blink. "But I get that. Keep doing something long enough and it starts to wear you out. Gotta switch things up sometimes if you want to stay sane." Hyousuke chuckled a little, hoping the note of bitterness in his voice was faint enough that the izakaya's clamour could cover it up.

"Dunno if it'd help any with getting stronger. But being smart and stuff's good too."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
It's a mystery to everyone! Sometimes, even Akihiko isn't sure what happens outside of what he sees.

Akihiko at least, picks up on Hyousuke's terseness. He flashes a smile. "Sorry. We're backed by the Kirijo group, is all." He offers, figuring that should be fine. "It's hard to know what we can share outside of our little group."

"It's not a bad idea." Akihiko replies after a beat. He gives the other boy a side look, as if trying to size him up. He's not quite sure on what to make Hyousuke yet though. "I'm not opposed. Honestly, if I could just keep going on like this, forever. Trying to solve supernatural incidents..." He lets that linger for a moment, before chuckling into his glass of water. "It's an idle fantasy. I can't neglect my real life either."

Akihiko nods in agreement. "Fight smart, not hard, and all that."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hyousuke Suzuki has posed.
<poem>"Oh, the Kirijo Group." Hyousuke said, as casually as finding out what someone had ordered for lunch that day. He took another mouthful of noodles, paused mid-slurp, contorted his face as the morsel went down, and fixed Akihiko with a puzzled look. "Oh. THE Kirijo Group. So that means your 'Mitusuru' is..." He'd only heard of the woman in passing, but it was easy enough to link her with a megacorp whose name could not be escaped. He wasn't quite sure how he was supposed to react to all that, so decided to leave the matter with a short remark. "...Well, at least you're in good hands."

"Still... No reason you can't fight hard *and* smart." Hyousuke continued, idly playing with the mug of green tea in his hand. He tipped it this way and that a little, more fidgeting with it than gesticulating, while elaborating on what his thoughts on the matter. "Someone's gotta take care of all this supernatural stuff. Doesn't look like it's going away any time soon, so you gotta be prepared to deal with it, whether it's on your own or in a team." Hyousuke paused a little, seeming almost pensive as he thought about what to say next.

"But if this all does go away, and we don't have to worry about everything... You ever think about what you'd do afterwards?"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko lets out a laugh. "Yup! That Mitsuru Kirijo. I was surprised when I first heard too." He's very amused as he watches Hyousuke take that in. "The best." He replies.

"Someone has to." Akihiko agrees. "And it seems like there's plenty of different occurrences all over." He lets out a little laugh. "That's exactly what I'm trying to figure out. I'm not sure yet."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hyousuke Suzuki has posed.
<poem>"Yeah, me too. At least it sounds like you've got the smarts to do whatever you want." Hyousuke said, commiserating with a smile when Akihiko confessed to not being sure about the future. Hyousuke - perhaps quite conspicuously - left out anything regarding himself, choosing instead to sip down another mouthful of tea. Slowly, surely, and somewhat serenely, though it was again just a way to keep from having to follow up with an answer on the spot. "Maybe you can do, I dunno, biology or something. Research how to make yourself stronger or something."

Were he aware of Pscience as a field of research, he might have suggested that.
But he wasn't.
So he didn't.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Aki lets out a laugh. "What, like a potion type thing?" He asks, amused. Though, he does stroke his chin about it a bit.... "It's not the ''worst'' idea... But I gotta admit, I'm not one for steroids." He says. "I'd rather get through with my own strength."

He hesitates for a monument, before giving an apologetic smile to Hyousuke. "Sorry. It really just comes down to where my passions might be. And deciding what I want from it."

Cognitive pscience isn't a bad idea either. If only he knew about it properly. It can't be helped.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Hyousuke Suzuki has posed.
<poem>"Yeah. I mean, not really? I don't know. Science isn't really my thing." Neither were maths, English, literature, or any number of other academic subjects. But such was life, and Hyousuke was just as willing to drop the subject as Akihiko was as the conversation moved on. "Well, whatever you want to do, here's hoping you do it well." It was perhaps an odd way to phrase it, but there were a million and one things on his mind. Hyousuke's attention seemed split between his meal, the conversation, and something going on in his own mind

"...You want to go for one more bowl?" He asked, looking down at his nearly-emptied serving of noodles. "I'm still hungry, and I've got nowhere else to be today."
</poem>

2026-08-13: Christmas Eve's Future

2026-09-14T21:32:00Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "* '''Log: 2026-08-13: Christmas Eve's Future''' * '''Cast:''' Fuuka Yamagishi, Moriko Kumamoto, Akihiko Sanada, Hitomi Mandai * '''Where:''' Iwatodai Dormatory * '''OOC Date:''' August 13, 2026 * '''IC Date:''' December 24, 2012 * '''Summary''': ''It's Christmas Eve! For several of the un-romantic inclined members of SEES, they meet up in the dorm hall and discuss the future, for the winter break and beyond.'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has pos..."

* '''Log: 2026-08-13: Christmas Eve's Future'''
* '''Cast:''' [[Fuuka Yamagishi]], [[Moriko Kumamoto]], [[Akihiko Sanada]], [[Hitomi Mandai]]
* '''Where:''' Iwatodai Dormatory
* '''OOC Date:''' August 13, 2026
* '''IC Date:''' December 24, 2012
* '''Summary''': ''It's Christmas Eve! For several of the un-romantic inclined members of SEES, they meet up in the dorm hall and discuss the future, for the winter break and beyond.''

----
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>It's Christmas Eve. To some this is the most romantic time of year, with couples often making plans to get together around this time...

...Which is why Fuuka has elected to remain squarely at home. The last thing she wants is to get caught up in a tide of young couples. Besides, it's nice and warm back at the dorm and she's the kind of person who prefers to remain cozy. She's bundled up on the common room couch, now, with her laptop in front of her and the TV on to the news for some white noise, currently covering the holiday season.

...She ''intended'' to settle in with a hot beverage, too, but the hot chocolate did ''not'' go well. Less said about that, the better.

It's a relaxing atmosphere, at least, for anyone who has some time to kill.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Moriko Kumamoto has posed.
<poem>Moriko has one love in her life and it's her bike. This probably will change in the near future, but she's also a bit aloof by the best accounts so it is probably unsurprising that she is also back at the dorms. Looking like she's near about to pass out, wearing an overly long t-shirt in dark green with a literal splash of color along the back. It might even look stylish, if you asked her. It's paired with, well a pair of shorts. It's also just an oil stain.

Tucked under her arm is her own laptop and a little tablet. Though when she spots Fuuka, she hesitates. That might be distracting. To Fuuka, and you know, her. Instead, Moriko shuffles over, plants her stuff down in a nearby chair and settles in. Then offers a wave, "Anything interesting?" Nodding to both the laptop, then the TV. Though the look on her face suggests little hope for the latter.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko returns to the dorms from a jog, alongside Koromaru. The two, appropriately, shake themselves off before entering the dorms proper. "Yo, Yamagishi-san, Kmamoto-san!" He raises his hand in greeting, as he removes his shoes and places them off to the side to dry. "We got all the way to the shrine, before the snow started to come down. Looks like it'll be a white Christmas." He jerks his head to the window, where the snow is twinkling.

Akihiko grabs a towel he had prepared earlier, and starts wiping down his hair. It's cut short, so it'll dry quickly. He starts walking over to the kitchen to prepare his own mug of tea. "Kumamoto-san, want some tea? Yamagishi-san, a refill?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>Fuuka looks up, offering Moriko a polite nod of greeting when she spots her. When Moriko hesitates, though, Fuuka pauses - then looks over and offers her a smile when she sets down in a nearby chair.

As for anything interesting...

"Mm... Not really." Fuuka admits. "Some of the decorations have been nice, though."

At this, the door opens. Fuuka looks that way as Akihiko and Koromaru arrive.

"Welcome back Sanada-senpai, Koro-chan." Fuuka offers with a nod. "How was your run?"

They got all the way to the shrine before it started snowing...

"I see... Come in and warm up." She says - though the idea of a white Christmas gets a smile out of her. "That would be nice... I do like the snow."

...Seeing it more than being out in it, but still. She perks up a bit at the offer of tea.

"Oh, that would be great, thank you." She replies.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Moriko Kumamoto has posed.
<poem>Moriko bobs her head, "Didn't want to bug ya, but-" She shrugs, "Wanted to say hi anyway." Which at least is her attempt to smooth over that brief awkwardness.

"They usually are. Saw pictures online from someone's childhood of uh-" she taps her fingers against the tablet, "The mad hatter stuff." She can't remember the name.

Moriko's hand goes up in greeting to Akihiko, "Isn't it a bit cold for that?" Though she glances down and mutters, "Maybe I need to get back in the habit. Not riding or walking everywhere is catching up." She even pokes her belly with the tablet pen. Then catches herself and promptly pretends she wasn't.

"The snow's going to be pretty at the shrine. Might wake up early to go see it." She adds in a tone genuinely maybe a little excited!

"What tea's on order?" She asks curiously, before adding, "Please? Thank you."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Koromaru hops over happily to the girls, putting his little paws over on the couch to say hello. He turns around a couple times, before hopping up to settle in next to Fuuka.

"It was well. Nothing like a chill wind to prompt a run." Akihiko says with a laugh. Thankfully, the dormitory is always warm during the winter months. "I like the snow too. It was gorgeous on the way back."

A trip to the shrine, huh? "Not a bad idea, Kumomoto-san. Maybe we could make a day of it in a couple days?" That'll be a fine idea!

Akihiko gets the kettle set up, and pokes his head out of the kitchen. "Well, you know the Kirijo Group, Kumamoto. We have a little bit of everything. I'm going to have some green tea myself." It's good for muscle recovery, after all!

As Akihiko gets the orders, he pours the water to steep the tea. He comes back out to watch the news a little bit. "Oh, right. How did you both do on your exams?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>"You wouldn't be bugging me." Fuuka assures with a shake of her head, offering Moriko a smile. She appreciates the greeting, really. She listens with interest as Moriko comments on decorations. "Oh, that sounds fun..."

Koromaru comes over to say hello, and Fuuka offers him a smile and a scratch behind the ears as he settles in next to her.

She looks back toward Akihiko as Moriko points out that it's cold. It sounds like that was perfect for him...

"I'm glad you enjoyed it, at least." She comments. "Yes, I imagine it was. There's just something about falling snow..."

Moriko mentions the snow at the shrine in the morning and Fuuka thinks about that. That probably ''would'' be nice... She considers that for a moment.

"Let me know if you'd like someone to go with you." She offers.

As for tea... Akihiko mentions green tea.

"I'm fine with the green tea, too." She comments, then considers his question. Exams... She regularly does well, but that doesn't make exam week any less nervewracking.

"I did pretty well, thankfully... it was a relief." Fuuka replies. "How about you, Sanada-senpai?"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Moriko Kumamoto has posed.
<poem>Moriko glances to Koromaru and offers a hand out for at least some pats, though he's wandered over towards Fuuka which gets her to settle back in. She likes floof though.

"It can be, yeah. Just, you know. Sometimes dangerous." She wobbles her hand, "Probably some health benefits if you listen to the right guru on the right late night TV show right?" Said with a smile. Even if it's her smile.

"Sure, before the break? Going to head back home probably with my brother. Was going to offer everyone else a chance out, but I uh. Got distracted." She at least looks sheepish. Mostly.

"Is it?" She calls back, "Green's nice. Please." As for the exam question, "I uh. Passed?" She did well enough. Even if she had been distracted through too many of them.

A nod goes to Fuuka too, "Ah. Just a habit." She raises a hand in apology, "Habit."

"I like the quiet, especially with the right kinda lighting out over the water or the gardens you know?" Replying to Fuuka's snowfall.

"Let's make a day of it?" She suggests, agreeing with Akihiko, "I'll do some lunch for us to bring along and we can enjoy the sights or something?"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
The cold isn't ''that'' bad, that's for sure. "Ha!" Aki laughs with Moriko's joke. "I don't doubt it. I'll have to be careful to not get sick, but running does a fine job at warming you up."

"With your brother?" Akihiko asks, gently prompting Moriko to share some more. "Where are you from, Kumamoto?" The break, though... Aki has to think about what he'll be doing for it. "I'll probably stick with SEES. Someone has to hold down the fort. My adoptive family will understand." He'll see them again after school ends. He'll need the peace and quiet to study more for college.

"Lunch would be great. Honestly, it might be nice especially if others have plans for the break. A shrine visit might be a good idea for team building." Akihiko agrees. "...Are you good at cooking, Kumamoto?"

Akihiko leaves for a moment, and returns with a platter of green tea for the impromptu group, fit with some cream and sugar fixings. He takes his with just a bit of cream. "I did fine too." Akihiko says to Fuuka as well, on his exams. He's being modest, he was in the top 10 once more. But bragging's a bad look. "I'm more nervous for college. I'm still not sure what I want to study, you know?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>Dangerous... Fuuka supposes it would be. It's good to be careful.

She listens as Moriko says she's going to head back home.

"Oh, enjoy your trip!" Fuuka offers. It's nice when people get along with their family... even if she doesn't. Akihiko says he'll stick with SEES, and that doesn't surprise Fuuka. He seems the type. "I have some plans already... but for the most part, I'll be staying here, too."

Her house isn't far from the dorm... but she'd still prefer staying here.

Moriko says she passed in regards to grades, and Fuuka offers her a sympathetic smile.

"That's good, at least." Fuuka offers. Moriko likes the quiet, with the right kind of lightning... Fuuka takes a moment to picture that in her head.

"Yes... That's really nice." Fuuka agrees with a nod. The idea of making a day of a shrine visit catches her attention, and she looks between the two of them. "That's a good idea."

Akihiko says he did fine on the exams, and Fuuka nods.

"I'm glad to hear that, Sanada-senpai." She replies. She isn't ''too'' surprised - but it's still good to know. Nervous for college, though... Fuuka 'hm's thoughtfully.

"I see... Yes, that would make it difficult. It's hard to make plans when you haven't decided what you want..." She still has a year to decide, herself - it's going to take some courage to work up to that. ...Though in her case, the problem is less deciding what she wants to study, it's ''choosing'' what she wants to study. "Do you know what you want to do in the future, yet?"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Moriko Kumamoto has posed.
<poem>Moriko holds her hands up, "If you guys want, I was trying to get some interest in heading out to Osaka over the break. We have the space." She laughs, "And it helps home out a bit." Which, at least she's honest about it. "I had intended to put a notice out even." She again, manages to look sheepish. "Oops." Too late probably, nothing to be said for it though. "Anyway, yeah, heading back home."

With the question from Akihiko she asks playfully, playing up her drawl, "Haven't heard the accent?" She can joke about it. She just gets touchy when others do!

"I had to be. We run an inn." She gestures vaguely in what she hopes is the right direction, "I had to help mom out. It's uh, simpler food though?" That is, 'rustic'.

"I've got ideas on what I want to do, but I don't know how viable they're going to be." She holds her hands up, "Starving mangaka is a bad way to go." Said with a hint of humor.

She nods, "I like it. Let's get a headcount? Or is it just the three of us? Either way I can probably do.. a few things." She settles in, lost in thought briefly. "Onigiri are the gimmes aren't they." She makes a hm sound, then adds, "Maybe some jelly donuts."

There's a vague smile from the fox faced student, "I was thinking art, but if I can't, I do have some skill with mechanical things." Holding her hands up, working her fingers for emphasis, "Maybe something there to be more responsible. You know?"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Oh? A trip to Osaka?" Now, that's an interesting thought. Osaka's pretty interesting, it's a historic city with a rich culture, but mainly Akihiko's interested in the new venue for boxing matches. "That'd be a fun trip!"

Akihiko lets out a laugh as Moriko jokes with him. "My mistake!" He tries to think whether he's noticed it before. Honestly, with his relationship with women... "Osaka, though! Gorgeous place, I'd love to see it in person."

"An, inn, huh?" Akihiko nods. "That's not bad at all. I'm a little useless when it comes to cooking." He chuckles. "Shinji's the experienced one of the two of us. Is the inn not that busy during the winter?" Though, he assumes the Kirijo group could pay for it at worst.

Akihiko, similarly nods with Fuuka. "Yeah, I'll probably go back home for a day trip. They live in Tatsumi too." It'll be nice for a quiet holidays.

"Mangaka? Well, art school might not be a bad way to get practice in..." He hums a bit on that. "Yamagishi-san, what was that art thing you were telling me about...?" He says, trying to set the girls up, so to speak...

Akihiko thinks to wrap himself up in a blanket as he talks. "A headcount would be good. Maybe we could set up a poll." The more, the merrier and all that.

On the topic of his desires... Akihiko hums. "I'm not sure. There's not one thing I particularly excel at. And I'm not so sure being a professional athlete..." He crosses his arms with a harrumph. "I'd be perfectly happy doing what SEES is doing forever, but we're looking to ''end'' the Dark Hour... I'd take a gap year, but I don't think Mitsuru would have it." He says, like she's his mother or something.

"Hey, mechanics would be a good fall back, Kumamoto. There's always a need for the trades." Akihiko says with a light smile., before turning to Fuuka. "What about you, Yamagishi-san? Any ideas yet?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>Moriko wants to go to Osaka as a group. Fuuka considers that thoughtfully.

"I'll let you know!" She says. She wants to make sure it wouldn't interfere with her other plans, but it ''does'' sound fun.

She listens thoughtfully to Moriko and Akihiko's back and forth, and when Moriko mentions what it is she wants to do... Fuuka thinks about it.

That's the difficulty, isn't it? What you ''want'' to do may not be the most viable path... The thought resonates with her, too. If it were easy, she wouldn't feel so at odds with herself all the time...

"Oh, you mean the convention?" Fuuka asks, looking toward Akihiko. "Yes... Kumamoto-san was the one who invited me before, actually. She's really talented."

A headcount...

"That'd be a good idea. Just so we know who to expect..." She looks down toward Koromaru. "...And of course we have to account for Koro-chan, too."

Moriko was thinking art, but has skill with mechanical things, too...

Fuuka is a little jealous of her ability to say it without hesitation.

"That could be a good idea." Fuuka considers, and nods her agreement with Akihiko. "It's an important field."

She looks toward Akihiko, then. He isn't sure about being a professional athlete...

"I see... So you do it for yourself, then?" She asks, curious. She nods, though. They ''are'' looking to end the Dark Hour. What they have... it's temporary - and it's better to think about it that way. She laughs, though, when he mentions Mitsuru. "No, I don't think she would..."

The question is turned around on her. What does she plan to do?

"...My parents want me to be a doctor, but..." Fuuka starts. "I don't know yet."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Moriko Kumamoto has posed.
<poem>"Yeah, we're not too far from the gardens, some nice kinda traditional-y stuff." She raises one hand up as she says it, "Thought it might be nice. And-" she admits somewhat jokingly, "Maybe pitch it as a group building exercise." She laughs, "Not.. that it's needed." She IS trying to help her mom after all.

"Well, we run it, you don't have to cook! And there's still some room. We might have to pile up a bit though." She's probably joking. The rest was offered helpfully, tone closer to laughter at that. He may not have caught her accent as much, she does actually try to hide it most of the time.

"What.. were you two planning by the way?" She asks, her brain catching up to what she should have asked prior.

"Quiet's nice too. Not trying to put pressure on any shape form or way, you know?"

"It is what I was thinking, but it's so cut throat and miserable to start." She rubs the back of her head, "And I know where I could work earlier on." She bobs her head, "Poll'd be good. I'll work on that."

Athletics. Moriko tilts her head and asks, "Why not that way? Even if you're sticking with the spooky company thing, it gives some decent cover to travel right? And the trades are good, I was thinking less mechanic and more actual engineer, but I do have places to work tehre too." She sounds less thrilled about that.

"Oh. Yeah the convention." This time it's Moriko's chance to look a bit skittish. She bites it down for now though, "I did! It was for a doujin circle I'm in." She pauses, "Scifi and fantasy sorts." Before scratching her cheek, "So. Yeah. Her costume was really good." She adds with some actual warmth in her voice when relaying it to Akihiko.

Moriko's hangups are somewhat contradictory. No shame in the tomboy, more in the geekdom.

"I'd prefer it to be temporary at least." She adds, maybe a bit lamely. Most wouldn't want it to keep going. "That won't stop the other weirdness though, will it?"

"What kind?" She asks genuinely curious, "What do you yourself want to do though? Uh. If oyu don't mind."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Ha! Might be good, if you're ever talking with Mitsuru about it, to pitch it like that." Akihiko says with a smile. Though, it ''is'' true. It would be nice if SEES was closer...

Piling up won't be too awful. "We could pass permission slips around." He says with a wry smile. "See who's interested."

"I imagine Amada-san will be able to handle Koromaru. And whoever elects to stick around here." Otherwise... Well, the Kirijo Group has it's resources.

"That, yes." Akihiko nods with Fuuka, as she says it was a convention. "So, you two are friends already. I'm glad." Maybe that's not for him to say, but it's nice to see.

"Ah, Kumamoto, we're just talking about our careers for after high school."

"There's no time like the present, Kumamoto." Akihiko says with a nod. "Aren't there plenty of Manga contests? You can try them to get started, and build up your name recognition."

"A costume?" Sorry, Fuuka. Your secret's out...! "That's pretty impressive..."

"Yeah." Akihiko says to Fuuka. "I just wanted to grow stronger... So I could protect the things important to me." He lets out a little sigh. "Going pro doesn't exactly fit in that for me. It'd be more for fame and glory." He pauses for a beat. "I could just become a vigilante." He says with a snort.

"You're not into the idea, Yamagishi?" He asks. "It is a big commitment."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>Fuuka considers Moriko's talk of how cutthroat the business is to start. That's an issue, too.

The convention... Moriko explains what it ''actually'' was. Fuuka had been evasive about it before... and Moriko mentions the ''costume'', too. Fuuka laughs sheepishly. The secret is, indeed, out.

"Ah... Thank you." She replies, as they both compliment her.

She looks toward Akihiko, then, as he explains that he just wanted to grow stronger to protect the things important to him.

That certainly sounds like him - and it's something she appreciates. She feels the same way, even if she goes about it more differently.

"That makes sense..." She replies as he explains that going pro would just be about fame and glory. She laughs a bit awkwardly when he says he could become a vigilante. It's hard to tell if that's a joke or not.

Moriko asks what kind of doctor, and Akihiko comments that she isn't into the idea.

"Mm, well... Our family has a lot of doctors, so... They want want me be to be one, too. I don't think they care what kind, just as long as I make them look good..." Fuuka comments with a frown. But what does she want to do? She hesitates for a moment, looking into her cup. "I think... I'd like to do something with computers, instead."

She takes a sip of her tea. She's feeling a little tense now, thinking about the future, but there's one thing she can do that she knows will help.

"I could go for something sweet to go with this... I'm going to check out the kitchen." Fuuka decides, standing up.

Snacks make everything better.
</poem>

2026-04-26: Halloween Cooking

2026-09-14T21:29:20Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "* '''Log: 2026-04-26: Halloween Cooking''' * '''Cast:''' Akihiko Sanada, Fuuka Yamagishi * '''Where:''' Iwatodai Dormatory * '''OOC Date:''' April 26, 2026 * '''IC Date:''' October 31, 2012 * '''Summary''': ''Akihiko and Fuuka meet up by coincidence during Halloween and talk together about cooking.'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed. <poem> It's Halloween, and Iwatodai Dormitory is decorated accordingly. It's really strange to Akihiko actually...."

* '''Log: 2026-04-26: Halloween Cooking'''
* '''Cast:''' [[Akihiko Sanada]], [[Fuuka Yamagishi]]
* '''Where:''' Iwatodai Dormatory
* '''OOC Date:''' April 26, 2026
* '''IC Date:''' October 31, 2012
* '''Summary''': ''Akihiko and Fuuka meet up by coincidence during Halloween and talk together about cooking.''

----
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
It's Halloween, and Iwatodai Dormitory is decorated accordingly. It's really strange to Akihiko actually. With all of the new blood, the vibe in SEES has been dramatic. Hell, even last year was spent largely waiting for the Dark Hour to arrive, (or was that just Akihiko's own memory of it?)

It's definitely a welcome change. He's been watching the younger comrades set up costumes, talk about plans, the excitement is palpable. It's a rare treat.

In a change from his regular, reckless self, Akihiko had volunteered to hold down the fort. Handle trick or treaters and he should be able to provide a headcount by the Dark Hour. It's a responsibility he's admittedly pretty excited for.

At the moment however, he is in the tiny little kitchen, working on meal prep for tomorrow. His poor, bland chicken breasts with protein powder... Enjoying listening to life in the dormitory from a distance.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>Fuuka likes the ''idea'' of Halloween. Putting on a costume and becoming someone else for a bit is fun, it turns out. ...However, her social battery is still running a little dry following the convention(nevermind that it wasn't even a week ago), so her plans today ''mostly'' involve sticking around the dorm.

That isn't to say she's not still festive. Her outfit today is a black witch's robe with green accents. It's pretty cozy, actually, especially as the days grow colder. She has a pointy hat to go with it, too... but that she leaves on the table as she steps into the kitchen to see if she can scare up some food.

When she arrives, though, someone is already here and hard at work.

"Oh, hello, Sanada-senpai." Fuuka greets. "I hope I'm not interrupting..."

...She ''is'' a little curious, though, because it's hard for her to identify.

"...What are you working on?" She asks.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko looks up as Fuuka comes into the kitchen. "Yo, Yamagishi-san!" He raises a hand in welcome. He's leaning up against the back counter, and isn't in costume ''just'' yet... Or, he's going as Gekkoukan's Undefeated Boxing Champ for the fourth time in a row? It's unclear.

Still! He gives Fuuka a once over and offers an encouraging nod. "Lookin' good, Yamagishi-san." Akihiko shakes his head. "Not at all! I was just doing some meal prep for tomorrow."

One burner is being used on his chicken breasts for tomorrow. The pale pink rawness of the breasts poking out beneath white protein power. It's almost like what Shinji does for Koromaru when he's feeling especially kind. "Don't mind me, do what you need to do." A beat. Might as well make some conversations, right? "Are you heading out tonight too, Yamagishi-san?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>"Oh, thank you." Fuuka replies politely as he comments on her costume. She turns her attention to the stovetop as he explains that he's doing some meal prep. She looks impressed. He sounds confident enough - he must know what he's doing... "Oh, I see... I didn't know you cooked."

Then again, didn't she hear something about that...? ...It's probably fine.

She nods as he says not to mind him and approaches the fridge, taking stock of what's available. Right now, it's probably best to find something low effort... She looks up, though, as he asks her.

"Oh, no... I don't think I'm quite ready for another event." Fuuka admits a bit sheepishly with a shake of her head. "I was thinking I'd stay home tonight."
r
She considers him for a moment.

"You were staying tonight too, right, Sanada-senpai? Do you need a hand?" She asks. She figures she might as well offer.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
'I didn't know you cooked.'

"I don't, really." Akihiko scratches the back of his head. "I just know how to cook what I need for body building." Describing him as 'someone who can cook'... Well, it sort of sounds like stolen valour, doesn't it?

"Honestly, I was considering making a cake for everyone, but the day arrived in a blink of an eye." He admits. "It's probably a bit too late now..."

"Another?" He prompts, interested. "What was the first event? ...Did something happen then?"

"Sure am." Akihiko says on staying home tonight. "Oh, I doubt it'll be anything too serious. Though, a navigator would help making sure everyone came home in time..." He nods, but has to shakes his head out of 'tactical thinking' mode. "I was planning on staying outside with Koromaru, for trick or treaters. You're more than welcome to join me."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>"That makes sense..." Fuuka replies with a thoughtful nod. If he needs something specific, he'd have to learn how to make it himself. He admits, then, that he was considering making a cake for everyone.

"...I can understand the feeling. I've been thinking about things I can do for everyone, too." She comments. "I think they'd appreciate the gesture, even if it's late..."

Akihiko asks about the event, though, and Fuuka pauses. ...How is she going to explain a doujinshi convention to him? ...Maybe she's underestimating him and he already knows what that is, but she has to wonder.

"Oh, um... I went to an art convention the other day. Nothing ''specific'' happened, it's just... there were a lot of people there, so I'm a little low on energy." Fuuka explains. ...That's a good compromise, she thinks.

"That's true..." She considers, as he comments that a navigator would be helpful. ...It's easy for her to slip into 'tactics-mode', too. She gets it. She considers the invitation, though. Staying outside for trick or treaters...

"...I think I can manage that. Sure, I'd be glad to." She replies with a smile. It ''does'' sound fun... and hanging out with Koromaru is always a good bonus.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Heh. Maybe we could work on something while everyone's out then." Akihiko says, not totally intending Fuuka to take the offer. Though, she's a girl, right? She should be a decent baker at least!

Hehe talks about wanting to do more for everyone, and Akihiko nods in agreement. "Same here. I've been trying to figure out what I can offer to everyone. More than just my fists." He lets out a little sigh, and flips his cooking chicken breasts. "Training, treats, protection... I don't really know."

Fuuka's initial assumption is absolutely correct. Low on energy, from an activity the other day is almost entirely unknown to him. It's more of a matter of will, isn't it? What he does latch onto, though... "Oh! I didn't know you were in the art club, Yamagishi-san?" He must've missed seeing the poster, probably. "Was it like, a museum type deal?" As expected, it's completely outside of his range of understanding.

"It'll be fun then." He smiles as Fuuka accepts his offer. "I did this last year, too. It's nice to see the kid's costumes, and their joy. It reminds me a bit of the orphanage, actually."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>Fuuka pauses. She feels like she's been caught... She hesitates for a moment, before nodding.

"Um... Sure. Though, um... I've never made a cake before." Fuuka admits.

Still... she can sympathise with ''that'', too. She doesn't want to be ''just'' everyone's navigator. She nods.

"It's difficult, isn't it? Thinking of what would be most helpful to everyone..." She comments. She wishes there were an easy answer. But if there were, surely she would've figured it out by now.

He asks about art club, though - it takes Fuuka a second, but that is the logical conclusion, isn't it? It isn't a ''wrong'' one, either.

"Oh, yes, I am." Fuuka confirms with a nod. She has long since shut the fridge, nothing within catching her eye at the moment. "A few of us here in the dorm attend, actually..."

As for the convention, though, she shakes her head. How to explain it without giving away that it's totally a nerd thing...

"Not quite. It's, um... artists get together to show off what they're currently working on and sell copies of their old work, and fans come to see all of it." Fuuka explains.

She smiles, too, as he comments on how he did this last year. And as he continues, bringing up the orphanage...

"It does?" Fuuka asks, curious. "Still, it does sound nice... I've never done this before, myself. So... I'm sure it'll be fun."

It's nice to see this side of him, she thinks. They haven't had much opportunity to talk, so it's nice to be able to learn more.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"It couldn't be ''that'' tough, right?" Akihiko says, cluelessly. "I mean, it's just following a recipe. Easy!

"My thoughts exactly." It's difficult to get out of your niche, huh? Even Fuuka feels similarly, when she's so capable in the field... "Honestly, I'm surprised to hear that from you, Yamagishi-san. You do a great job out there. Everyone comes back home safe, in part because of you."

The incorrect assumption was correct! Still, he nods. Hiding that it's a nerd thing happens to be correct choice though, because Akihiko just won't understand. "Oh, I see!"

The way Fuuka describes it makes Akihiko think of it like... "It's reminding me of my classes, actually." he explains. "My books have been describing 18th century Europe as a wonderland of art and culture... Is it sort of like that?" Huh, not just boxing is in that brain of his! "Or, is it more of the patronage system I've heard about?"

"Mm." He nods, confirming. "We didn't have much to go around then. But we'd try our best to put together a costume and do organized trick or treats around the neighborhood. I remember my sister would get so excited..." His voice softens considerably, from his usual 'cool senpai' voice. There's a lot of fondness there.

It's the same for Akihiko! They come from such different worlds, he thinks... It's strange, and really nice to connect with the softer, nerdier girl like this.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>"Maybe not..." Fuuka considers, with an awkward laugh. Ah, following a recipe... Her greatest weakness.

He agrees, though - it is difficult.

"Oh, thank you, but..." She shakes her head. "It's a group effort. Lucia's specialty is support, so I couldn't do much without all of you, too."

She listens, then, as Akihiko considers what she said. The comparison is a surprise, at first... at least until she remembers his test scores. She 'hm's to herself for a moment, tilting her head to the side.

"More the former, I think..." She replies after a moment. 'Wonderland' is definitely a good word for it. "There's a focus on celebrating art, too."

He explains, then, what it was like during Halloweens at the orphanage. She can tell the memory means a lot to him. Fuuka laughs softly.

"It sounds like it was a wonderful time for everyone. I'm glad all of you had that for yourselves." She replies.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
It's basically just science! Basically!

Akihiko nods. "It is, but knowing that you have our back allows us to go all out." A beat. "At least it's that way for me..." He says with a laugh. Though, really he might go all out regardless...

In any case. It really is easy to forget that the lughead really is one of the top students at Gekkoukan! Also just that he's clever and logical, probably a detriment to his social skills.

"I see! That's quite interesting, huh?" Aki strokes his chin. "I'm surprised I haven't heard of an event like this. It might be nice to visit sometime." He would never understand it. Don't bother.

"I really hope so." He replies, a bit quieter this time. The image of a certain, sullen brown haired boy flashes in his mind. Goro Akechi...

Akihiko lets out a deep sigh, as he checks the fan fried chicken breasts. "Well, if you couldn't find anything for yourself, I'd be happy to share one of my breasts." Don't do it, Fuuka. Run!

</poem>

2026-07-27: Present Wrapping and Loneliness

2026-07-28T04:01:42Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "* '''Log: 2026-07-27: Present Wrapping and Loneliness''' * '''Cast:''' Kasumi Yoshizawa, Kanae Fuyuki * '''Where:''' Shibuya Underground Mall * '''OOC Date:''' July 27, 2026 * '''IC Date:''' December 15, 2012 * '''Summary''': ''Taking place during the Christmas Village, Kasumi and Kanae get a chance to talk. They talk about some recent drama as Kanae wraps some presents for Kasumi. '' ---- <Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed. <poem> Having momentarily..."

* '''Log: 2026-07-27: Present Wrapping and Loneliness'''
* '''Cast:''' [[Kasumi Yoshizawa]], [[Kanae Fuyuki]]
* '''Where:''' Shibuya Underground Mall
* '''OOC Date:''' July 27, 2026
* '''IC Date:''' December 15, 2012
* '''Summary''': ''Taking place during the Christmas Village, Kasumi and Kanae get a chance to talk. They talk about some recent drama as Kanae wraps some presents for Kasumi. ''

----
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Having momentarily escaped from her senpai and Yamagishi-san, Kasumi took her time shopping around the ornaments, hoping to gather enough time to cool down. While she's there, she picks out some choice ornaments. One for herself, and one for each of her family.

Next up, is the second year's gift wrapping station. She strains her next to see either one of her liked Senpais, Amamiya or Wakana... Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like either are present. Wakana's probably just busy, but Amamiya... Kasumi bites her lower lip slightly. ''Poor guy... Wait, crud, uh... What's the gender neutral version of guy???? Whatever!''

There is ''one'' face that Kasumi reconizes at least, who she drifts towards. It's only when she reaches the table, she remembers that this girl is affiliated with that mean French lady from before... It's a little too late to change tack now.

"Um, excuse me, Senpai?" Kasumi starts, sitting across from Kanae Fuyuki. Though, Kasumi only knows her from around Shuujin's practice building, or Motojima-senpai's homunculus events. "Are you open?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kanae Fuyuki has posed.
<poem>
Kanae Fuyuki will have a turn to walk around in time, too. For now though, she's back wrapping stuff. It's probably just as well that Ren isn't here for her; though she's no longer avoiding them in the same way... they still don't exactly get along, these days.

In uniform, Kanae is seated at her station, looking at nothing in particular. She doesn't seem in a very festive mood, in this moment. But that shakes off and she puts on a smile when Kasumi speaks up.

"Hm?" she asks. "Oh, yeah," she says. "Totally. What would you like wrapped..." Pause. "Yoshizawa-san, right?" Of course she can recognize her. Kasumi's well-known at school.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"Yes." Kasumi confirms. It's still always a little surprising when an upperclassman knows her name! It isn't like she asked to be famous, after all. "I'm sorry Senpai, but what is your name...?" She asks.

What she has to be wrapped... Kasumi places two Kokeshi dolls, one clearly feminine and one masculine with glasses, along with a red and white ornament ball with a vibrant red ribbon. After a moment, she takes the ribboned one back, keeping with her own kitsune charm. "Sorry. Just the two Kokeshi dolls, please." She says.

Still. Even if Kasumi is wrapped up in her own things, she can recognize another soul hurting. She shifts slightly in her hseat, before finally asking. "Are you okay, Senpai? You're looking a little...under the weather." She offers a gentle, supportive smile, hoping that it's disarming enough.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kanae Fuyuki has posed.
<poem>
Deal with it, Kasumi! You're famous! ...No, Kanae won't make a big deal of it.

"Kanae Fuyuki," Kanae answers when Kasumi asks. "It's fine. Though we'll make the Tennis Club famous yet!" She puts on a little cheer that she doesn't really feel; it might even be convincing!

But the dolls... and the ornament. Ah, no, just the doll. "Cute," Kanae pronounces her judgement. "Just a sec." They get a nice box, and...

Kanae can wrap and talk at the same time, so she does! But her face flushes a little darker when Kasumi is able to spot her feelings.

"Ah, that's..."

"...It's probably nothing you want to hear about," Kanae demurs. "Boyfriend problems. But I'm fine. Just a little tired."

Lovely paper, and ribbon to close it, and...

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"Tennis! That's it..." That makes sense why Kasumi 's seen her around the practice building. She offers a smile. "I'll have to visit your next game." A beat. "I guess you probably already know, but I'm in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Club. I dunno if we're famous yet, but..." What ''should'' they be famous for? Because of the failure of a star, or having the Demon Queen of Shuujin inside? Neither are particularly happy.

At least, they're not the volleyball club, or track?

"Thank you." Kasumi smiles a little, as her fingers play with the ball. The lack of a followup question somehow gets to Kasumi though. Like... something is being judged. "I'm just...not quite used to buying presents for two just yet." There! That should explain it!

"On Christmas?" Kasumi, it's December 15th. "I'm sorry, Senpai. It seems like it's going around." She says, like she has personal experience and not just watching Amamiya-senpai. And like Amamiya's struggles count in the 'Christmas timeframe'.

She allows a few beats go by. It ''is'' a girl's nature to love gossip... "I don't mind." She says gently. Like she isn't pressing. "If you want to share with someone who's outside and won't judge..." She does smile a little, watching the ribbon be twisted and tied.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kanae Fuyuki has posed.
<poem>
Tennis! "That'd be nice," Kanae says of visiting the next game. "We work really hard--and there's always some excitement going on the girls' and the boys' sides." Pause. "It's OK; it's more... well, I know Motojima-san, too," she settles on. "Maybe you'll get there. We all have a chance now, right?"

Now that Kamoshida is gone, anyway.

But Kasumi smiles, and Kanae listens. "For two, huh? I wasn't going to ask because I figured it was your business... But now you have me curious. If you're willing to share."

But... she doesn't mind. "Well..."

She sighs. "Touma-kun's still mad I'm not correcting people about being Nagisa-san's girl--and like, I'm not. But I don't want him to make a thing of it, because... he'll just get hurt. Nagisa-san's this athletic guy, and..."

Also a horrible abomination, but Kanae doesn't know Kasumi's a Persona-user.

"...But," she says, "That's 'not believing in him'," she sighs.

"And now people think I'm..."

"It just sucks," she says. "You can judge if you want. Everybody else is."

She doesn't smile back until she finishes the first box--and then slides it over. "How's that?" she asks.

Kanae is very technically proficient in wrapping!! It's lovely.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"I can imagine." Kasumi says with a giggle. "Whenever I walk by, I hear you all hard at work..." She replies with a laugh. Yes. Taking part in more school events would be good to do... Especially now that the clubs have to work harder to uphold Shuujin's reputation. Being famous though... is sort of secondary. "I guess it comes with the territory, but... I'm just hoping to be at the top of the world."

"Motojima-senpai..." Kasumi hesitates on her complicated relationship there. "She's getting better, at least." There's an uneasy smile. After all, she just got snapped at. She pauses again, before deciding to go for it. "Since, you know... Uh. Thank you for helping her, I mean, Senpai. On behalf of the Gymnastics Club."

Kanae prompts, and Kasumi goes silent for a bit, wondering if she should say anything. Well, with someone she hardly knows... "My sister, uh... passed. There's not really a point in wrapping something for the ''butsudan'', so..."

Kasumi does her best to follow along, even if she's not really well versed in any of these names. Touma... is Kanae's boyfriend? And Nagisa is the second guy... Which means it's a love triangle! Messy!!!

Although, she shakes her head. "It's none of my business, but... I know that the Shuujin rumour mill can be cruel. But, it'll pass in the month." She's speaking from personal experience here. "Once the next fad starts, they'll forget all about it..." Sure, she can say that easily now, but she also realizes being in the moment can be way more stressful.

Ksumi does her best to follow along with the story. "So... This Nagisa-senpai just started saying that you and him are together...?And you're worried if you say something, he could hurt you or your actual boyfriend... Do I have that right?" If yes, that's a toughie... Especially, if 'Nagisa-san' is that homunculus she's felt the presence of. Maybe Kanae doesn't know, but Kasumi knows that Kanae has a Persona. "Are you sure it would break into a fight, Senpai?"

Kanae finishes up the first present and Kasumi beams pretty hard "Woah... You're really good at it, Senpai!" She says happily. She'll have to watch more closely the next time around! If the box includes a card, then Kasumi will take it and write down a name.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kanae Fuyuki has posed.
<poem>
"Good luck!" Kanae says sincerely to Kasumi. It's not as if they're in competition with each other, either; tennis and rhythmic gymnastics are very different. But even if they were... "I hope you get everywhere you want to go."

She's 'getting better'. "She's kind of prickly," Kanae agrees, "But she means well, I guess." Then she tilts her head. "Helping her with what?" Kanae wonders.

But then--ah. Not to wrap...

"Oh," Kanae says. "...I'm sorry," she says. That explains why she doesn't want it wrapped...

Love triangle!!! Yes. Kanae isn't as good at telling the story as she should be; she's still wrapped up in it. But--

"...Thanks," Kanae says. "But it's not like I'm a 'normal' student in the first place..." Kanae wears some of her differences very obviously; she's half-Japanese and to look at her, emphasis on the half. But personal experience... "...Thanks," she says instead anyway, shaking her head. "I appreciate it. I know you're right. But it might be too late for my relationship, by then."

But nagisa... yes. "I don't know if you heard what he did to Isabeau--Isabeau Fontaine--but... Yeah, I'm worried."

Kanae doesn't know, though she may soon find out.

"I mean... Not ''completely'' sure, but..."

Then she smiles. "Thanks," she says to Kasumi about the wrapping. The box will totally include a card! "I like stuff like this."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"Ah... Thank you, Fuyuki-senpai. You too!" Kasumi replies cheerfully.

Kasumi tilts her head slightly. Does Kanae not remember about Motojima's Homunculus? If not... Best not to push it. "Sorry, Senpai. I must be mistaken." She says, dismissing it. Personas will remain secret... But jeez, to be so busy to forget something like that... It almost makes Kasumi a little jealous.

Kanae apologies and Kasumi...doesn't really know what to do with it. "Thank you." She says softly. A little awkward. "I'm moving forward."

You're speaking with another abnormal student, Kanae. You're in good company. "It's been an abnormal school yearh." Kasumi jokes. "...You're not alone in being out of the norm, Senpai." More to the point though... "The rumours really are just one part of the issue, huh...?" If only Amamiya-senpai was here... They'd have a better idea on how to help. They're so reliable after all...

"Fontaine-senpai?" Kasumi asks. Oh, that must be the French girl. Still, Kasumi shakes her head. "I try not to pay attention to any rumours. After your name's the one on everyone's lips, it's..." Kasumi shakes her head. Best not to make it about her. "I guess it didn't go well... That's really difficult, Senpai... I'm sorry."

"You're really good at it!" Kasumi says happily, admiring the wrapping job. "I can't do anything like this. I'm good on my feet sure, but anything outside of gymnastics..." Even including gymnastics... She's still struggling with it.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kanae Fuyuki has posed.
<poem>
Kanae remembers, she's just ''lying''. Lying, like a liar! Because she doesn't wnat to get this girl involved in Persona nonsense. "It's OK," Kanae says. "No problem."

Moving forward... That's a nice thought.

But, "So it has." A very abnormal school year indeed. "That's... really true." But not alone from being outside the norm... There is that. "Mm. Aren't we all?" she asks. "It's not like we're being different 'together'." She looks distant at that one. But then she shakes her head. "Sorry, that's doom and gloom talk."

But Fontaine! The French girl. "Ah. ...I don't like the rumors, but I don't want to turn my back on them, either. If you stop paying attention, you don't know when you're the next one on the chopping block."

But Kasumi is happy. That's good at least. "Thanks," she says. "And nah, it's not that special--it's just practice. I like doing things with my hands, so I do it a lot."

Beat, "Though I guess you don't have time for practicing anything outside gymnastics, though." Pause. "...Wait," she says. "You were at..."

Kanae suddenly drops what she was doing and goes serious. "'Homunculus'," she says. "You remember, right?"

"That's what he is. Stay away until we can do something about it." She keeps her voice low. "If you want to help, get with me later. ...For now i'm gonna wrap your other doll and it's gonna be like everything's normal, OK?"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Not being different together, huh... Yeah, it isn't like Kasumi can comment on anything. She's not involved. "I guess not." She says softly. "I just mean... There's people who understand..."

That's an interesting point of view. Much like a detective prince, but for self-protection... "Do you often have to be careful, Senpai..." She wonders what that must be like. Kasumi doesn't want to have to do that. She just wants to do her own thing. People can talk all they want. All she needs is her gymnastics.

Kanae has a dawning realization, and Kasumi listens. Thankfully, she has a lot of experience with smiling without letting anything slip. "Yes. Thank you."

A beat. "Gymnastics is very demanding. I barely have time for studying." Whenever she tries something new nowadays, she just gets frustated.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kanae Fuyuki has posed.
<poem>
"Yeah. I'm not saying nobody does. Just... that reaching out can be harder than it sounds. Take Isabeau, for example. ...Nobody really tries to understand her." Kanae shakes her head. "Well, that doesn't matter right now."

"Always," Kanae answers of being careful. She doesn't elaborate from there. Instead--

"Cool," Kanae says when Kasumi understands and agrees. They can't discuss it more here and now, but... Another ally is all the better. "We're going to need all the help we can get on this one."

But gymnastics! "I bet!" Kanae says. "It's because you're so serious about it. ...I know I could go farther in tennis if I worked harder, but it's a hobby for me--it's great, but it's not my whole life."

She presents: another box! "...But it was nice to talk some. Here you go, Yoshizawa-san."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi nods gently. It's much tougher than said. "...Is Fontaine-senpai lonely too...?" She asks. Too...

Kasumi nods. "A hobby is a great thing to have. I respect that too." She says with a smile.

She gets her box, to which she makes sure to write inside the car. Then, they're going into her school bag. "Thank you so much, Fuyuki-senpai. It was really nice to speak with you too."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kanae Fuyuki has posed.
<poem>
"Probably," Kanae says. "But don't try to tell her that. She'll bite your head off. ...It's fine. She'd do that anyway."

But a hobby! Kanae smiles this time, and then the boxes are done with. "You're welcome," Kanae says. "Take care! And have fun! I'll get my time off soon to wander around too!"
</poem>

2026-04-22: Dizzying Issues

2026-05-05T01:53:42Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "* '''Log: 2026-04-22: Dizzying Issues''' * '''Cast:''' Kasumi Yoshizawa, Wakana Oosaka (NPC by Kazusa Motojima) * '''Where:''' Tokyo Skytree, Sumida City, Tokyo * '''OOC Date:''' April 22, 2026 * '''IC Date:''' October 29, 2012 * '''Summary''': ''Kasumi takes Wakana out to the Tokyo Skytree to talk about their issues. It ends up being a bit overwhelming for the both of them.'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed. <poem> YESTERDAY Gymnastics..."

* '''Log: 2026-04-22: Dizzying Issues'''
* '''Cast:''' [[Kasumi Yoshizawa]], [[Wakana Oosaka]] (NPC by [[Kazusa Motojima]])
* '''Where:''' Tokyo Skytree, Sumida City, Tokyo
* '''OOC Date:''' April 22, 2026
* '''IC Date:''' October 29, 2012
* '''Summary''': ''Kasumi takes Wakana out to the Tokyo Skytree to talk about their issues. It ends up being a bit overwhelming for the both of them.''

----
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
YESTERDAY

Gymnastics Club is going at pace for most students. For Kazusa and Wakana however, things have been...peaceful, if not tense.

To help maintain the peace, Kasumi Yoshizawa has been helping both of them, swapping each day. It's been a little exhausting... At the end of one such session, Kasumi decides to do something about it.

"Oosaka-senpai?" She asks, as they begin to pack up the gymnastics room. "Would you want to go out somewhere with me tomorrow, after school?" A beat, for Wakana to respond. "How do you feel on heights?"

TODAY

After School
Tokyo Skytree
Sumida City

Opened earlier this year, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest building in not only Japan, but the world. Since it's completion, it's become the main radio and television tower for the Kanto region.

Just outside, a blonde girl in a Shujin winter uniform, clutching a bouquet of flowers to her chest waits. She had overheard her idol, Yoshizawa-san make plans to meet up out here. Finally, she catches a glimpse of a red ponytail in the crowd. Ah! It's her chance...! The flower girl attempts to push through and wave Yoshizawa down, but it's no use. By the time she's poking her head inside the lobby, the fellow first-year is gone.

Stepping off the elevator on the other hand, is Kasumi and Wakana. "Um... I hope this is okay, Oosaka-senpai." She says as they near the observation windows. She looks back to gauge Wakana's expression. "I've found myself coming up here fairly often since it opened, just to clear my head and all. I was hoping it'd help... And maybe we could talk over what happened with Motojima-senpai...?"

</poem>
[OOC] Kasumi Yoshizawa says, "Bluray "Kazusa is trying to give Wakana some space. Kasumi has been trying her part in
helping out. Expand on this later"

<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
<poem>
To say things have been awkward between Kazusa and Wakana is... an understatement. Kazusa has still been a bit prickly towards others, but has been trying to be considerably less so towards Wakana. Wanana, for her part, has been cordial enough towards Kazusa for the matters regarding their practice... but only to those. She hasn't been following Kazusa around, taking any of her ire or criticism, and the two have barely spoken in class.

But after that practice, Wakana looks up as Kasumi approaches. "Yes, Yoshizawa-san?"She looks surprised at the offer. "Oh, did... you have something in mind...?" She considers. "I guess they're okay?"

TODAY

She does not see the flower girl, but that's probably okay.

She's still in her winter uniform, and she gasps sotly as she sees the view upon stepping off of the elevator. "Yoshizawa-san, this is..." She seems at a loss for words as she takes in the view, her eyes tracing out distant buildings or details she recognizes.

She glances to her kouhai. "So you come here often...?" She seems to consider that for a moment. Kasumi's been struggling... is this part of how she's coped with those struggles? "It's a lovely view..."

But then Kazusa is mentioned, and Wakana sighs a little. Some of the wonder and energy seems to drain from her, but she gives a small nod. "I'm glad she's back to herself, but..." She looks out the window once more. "... I'm not ready for things to go back to how they used to be."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
They can clearly see Tokyo Tower, not even that far off. The Skytree towers above everything else, blocks and blocks of the Tokyo skyline lie beneath them. She nods brightly, as she places a hand on the railing to lean up against. "My dad works over in Akasaka Mitsuke, he's a director for ''Good Morning Japan''." She points towards Minato City. "We've been getting tickets since the completion in May." A beat, before smiling sheepishly. "Honestly, it was only recently I started to like heights. When I was little, I used to get terrified on the ferris wheel..."

Today, Kasumi isn't as interested in the heights. She examines Wakana, and nods with sympathy. "Oh? ...I think that's normal, sometimes. Are you missing when Motojima-senpai was nicer?" She asks, gently. Trying to give off a tone like she won't judge, one way or the other.

"Do you want to talk about it, Oosaka-senpai? I might not be as good as Maruki-san or Ama..." She bites her tongue. Kasumi doesn't know how anyone else feels about the Amamiya-senpai she admires. "Bleh! One of my Senpai's, I mean... But I'm happy to listen, at least."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
<poem>
Wakana seems a bit distracted now that the topic of Kazusa has come up. She looks where Kasumi points, nodding a little bit. "Oh, that's really impressive, Yoshizawa-san." She considers. "... I guess heights are okay for me, but... I definitely feel better being inside right now, than out..."

She goes incredibly still, when Kasumi asks her if she misses the 'nicer' Kazusa.

Her voice is barely above a whisper, and she suddenly looks pale. "... she wasnt nicer. She... she knew about the games, she asked me but I think she knew, she..." She grips the rail tightly, knuckles turning white, and a half-choked sob dies in her throat.

She shakes her head, "I don't know. I..." Her breathing is coming in a little fast. Whatever happened seems to ahve left an impact on her.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"Hehe." Kasumi nods in agreement. "Inside is ''much'' safer, yes."

"Woah!" Wakana suddenly looks pale and grips the rail hard, and Kasumi feels like she stepped on a landmine. She definitely doesn't want Wakana to panic, and she goes to put a hand on her shoulder, but something stops her.

One second... Two seconds... Trust yourself, Kasumi!! She gently puts a hand on Wakana's shoulder, and a hand on her hands. "Hey, it's okay, Senpai. take a deep breath." She lowers her voice. "That homunculus can't hurt you anymore."

Oh gosh, oh gosh. Would it help to explain? Oh, she doesn't know! "That wasn't Motojima-senpai. It's gone now. You're okay, you're safe." She pauses for a moment, and rubs Wakana's shoulder gently. "You did the right thing. The others and I were able to help her because of you."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
<poem>
Wakana is shaking a little, but she calms down when Kasumi puts that hand on her shoulder, and she takes a deep breath. "I know, I know-- But that look she gave me-- the way she acted--" Her grip tightens for a moment before she forces her breathing to slow. But she's still shaking a little.

It takes her a while to compose herself. "I know it's gone," she says quietly. "Kazusa-chan apologized to me. A real one this time. She took responsibility, but... after... that other her..." She brings a hand to her chest and tries to take a deep breath. "She's apologized a lot in the past, but... even though I believe she wants to change... I'm... I'm not ready to go back to being her friend."

She looks down at the ground--well, at her feet, the ''ground'' is awfully far away. "... and I still feel... like I should be helping her, or doing more for her..."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Maybe heights wasn't such a great idea? It was helping Kasumi make hers feel so little in comparison...

"That...wasn't really Motojima-senpai." Kasumi says gently. It's easy to say at least. But she really does get it. She still thinks about that cognitive version of Motojima-senpai sometime. "I understand. I'm so sorry..."

Kasumi bites her lower lip a little. She really stepped into it. And here she was, thinking she was going to talk a bit about her sister... "Ummm. Sometimes... We just need to take care of ourselves, for a bit. I don't think that's a bad thing." She tries to offer an uneasy smile. "I'd be happy to help, while you can't?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
<poem>
"I know it wasn't her, not really, but..." Wakana closes her eyes for a moment. "... the real Kazusa-chan does that, too... she'd do something mean, or snap, and then apologize, but she'd do it again..."

So she wasn't Kazusa, but... there were still some uncomfortable similarities. Even if Kazusa never got quite so... intensely malicious about it.

Wakana shifts to carefully sit on the ground, bakc against the railing. She stares at the ceiling for a moment. "Maybe so... I... I feel so stupid, I kept believing in her all this time, because I keep thinking of the girl I knew in elementary school..."

She shakes her head a little. "That's kind of you to offer, Yoshizawa-san, but... I think... she needs to learn how to stand on her own two feet. And I don't want you getting stuck cleaning up after her, the way I did."

She looks to Kasumi, then. "And as your senpai, I should be looking out for you a little more, right? So... is there anything ''you'd'' like to talk about?" Part of her genuinely wants to help... and part of her wants to stop talking about Kazusa for a bit.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
So... Even Wakana experienced Kazusa's temper, huh? It's sobering to hear that. "I'm so sorry, Oosaka-senpai..." Kasumi's quickly learning that the situation wasn't nearly as simple as she thought from an outsiders perceptive. It really was naive of her to think that she could solve it in a conversation.

Kasumi goes quiet for a while, in thought. She follows Wakana down, taking a seat next to her. She can't help but think constantly about her own sister. The rift that tore them apart. But how can she share that now? That story's moral is ''Don't waste time''... And she doesn't quite think that it applies here.

Kasumi grapples with this for a while, and... "I don't...really know. If I can stand by." She says. She lets out a little awkward laugh, that transitions into a sigh. She tucks an arm underneath her legs. "I see the two of you struggling with this, and I..." Kasumi's the one to grasp her chest this time, wincing. "I'm sorry. I don't think I can share it right now. It's just personal to me. I'd feel awful things ended badly if I didn't help even a little bit."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
<poem>
It's not that much of a secret--Kazusa's never really spared Wakana from her criticisms... at least, that was the cae ''before''... Kazusa's still prickly but she's actually trying to be better at giving feedback.

(It's still slow progress, though.)

Wakana waits patiently, for what Kasumi does, or doesn't have to share about her own struggles at the moment. And it turns out, not, which is fine. "It's nice of you to want to help, but..." Wakana hugs her knees to her chest, resting her chin on top. "... I don't know. I guess I'd say help if it's what you want to do, but not because you feel like you owe her something."

But 'owing' might be more of a Wakana motivation.

"I want us to be friends again, but... even though she apologized, I... I need to see if it's real." She lets out a long sigh. "... or if she's going to slip up again."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
It's still a surprise for Kasumi. Though, she may have focused more on herself, and how Kazusa has effected her.

"I don't really...think it's owing?" Kasumi struggles to think of anything she could ever owe Motojima-senpai. "...I think it might... Save me, too... A do-over for me." That's it. It's a do-over. It's so selfish.

..."Last year, my sister and I were arguing constantly. And I...really wish. I could've helped her somehow." Kasumi shuts her eyes. "It was my duty as the older sister. And I...feel that responsibility here, too."

"I understand, Oosaka-senpai." Kasumi replies quietly. "I really hope this time, things stick. For her, and your sake."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
<poem>
"It's probably not like that for you, since you haven't known her that long, I just... I don't want you to feel stuck helping her, that's all," Wakana says gently. "If you want to do it to help yourself... I think that might be okay. Just make sure it's worth it for you, is all I'm saying."

But she listens, as Kasumi partially describes... She feels some tension, at the mention of a sister. "I see... I don't know what happened, but... I'm sorry it turn out how you wanted. I hope you get your do-over, then..."

Wakana sighs. "I hope so too. But... thank you for taking the time to talk to me. I really apprecaite it."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"Like you were?" Kasumi asks, half-joking. She's trying to lighten the mood a bit with a smile. "It's okay, Senpai. I know my limits." She's lying, but she believes in her own words. It's not a good thing.

"Thank you, Senpai." She nods, shifting in her seat. "I hope so too." A beat. Kasumi waves her hand gently in front of her face. "Ah, please forget about me mentioning that, Senpai... And please don't talk about it to anyone else? It's a little...private."

Kasumi gently rubs Wakana's shoulder in return. "I'm sorry I couldn't help anymore, Oosaka-senpai. We should probably start heading back though. It's getting late." As if on queue, Kasumi's phone starts ringing. "That'll be my dad wondering where I am. Thank you for coming out with me too, Senpai."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
<poem>
Wakana, sadly, doesn't really feel like having her mood lifted, at least not with jokes. She studies Kasumi for a moment as she insists she knows her limits. "If you say so... but... if I see Kazusa-chan taking advantage of you I'm going to speak up." Her voice sounds a little firmer at that.

But she nods. "It'll stay between us. If you ever feel like discussing it more... let me know, okay?"

She moves to stand up when Kasumi does, dusting off her skirt a little after she rises. "Thank you for listening, Yoshizawa-san. And... I hope your efforts to help Kazusa-chan are successful, I really do."
</poem>

2026-05-04: Favours for the Future

2026-05-05T00:48:26Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "* '''Log: 2026-05-04: Favours for the Future''' * '''Cast:''' Kasumi Yoshizawa, Katsuko Yoshinaga * '''Where:''' Shujin Academy, Library * '''OOC Date:''' May 04, 2026 * '''IC Date:''' November 04, 2012 * '''Summary''': ''Kasumi is struggling with her school work. Katsuko offers a helping hand, in return for future favours.'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed. <poem> Kasumi can be found in Shujin's school library today. She's been struggling to..."

* '''Log: 2026-05-04: Favours for the Future'''
* '''Cast:''' [[Kasumi Yoshizawa]], [[Katsuko Yoshinaga]]
* '''Where:''' Shujin Academy, Library
* '''OOC Date:''' May 04, 2026
* '''IC Date:''' November 04, 2012
* '''Summary''': ''Kasumi is struggling with her school work. Katsuko offers a helping hand, in return for future favours.''

----
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi can be found in Shujin's school library today. She's been struggling to find time enough to finish her homework. The solutions to some of these problems have just been illuding her... So, she's arrived to school to get some extra studying done.

She takes a seat in an open cubicle and starts working through the questions. It's not a smooth time, if her occasional groans indicate anything.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Katsuko Yoshinaga has posed.
<poem>Katsuko knew she was playing a risky game. Attempting to ply her craft with one member of the gymnastics team had turned out less than favourably. Attempting to do so with another ran a not-insignificant chance of word getting out, and everything coming tumbling down around her. But, she reasoned, she could play it slow with Kasumi. She could play it friendly. She could have patience, and wait until the girl was ensnared in her trap before prying for information. Then maybe - just maybe - she could have some connections that would prove useful in the future. If not for her plans, then for her career.

Katsuko appeared as she always did - an unassailable ice queen. Every step she took was measured and precise, her gait a steady rhythm. Her eyes were forward, her arms still, her entire body moving as though she was an automaton with such actions programmed into her. It was only when she spotted Kasumi that this stopped, and she instead focussed her gaze upon her target. Katsuko took a moment, reminding herself to be patient this time, and strode sharply towards Kasumi.
"Yoshizawa-san, was it?" She said, her voice flat and inexpressive. That much, as anyone that knew her might say, was normal. "You seem troubled. Do you need help?"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi looks up as someone calls her name. Her gaze meets Katsuko, and slowly the face clicks into place. "Oh! Yoshinaga-senpai...?" She asks, brightly. Maybe, she's seen the third year, hanging out Motojima-senpai...? It's a little unclear.

A third year, approaching the first out of nowhere... It's a little strange. Still, maybe the sharp looking girl is trying to be friendly? "Oh, this work is just throwing me a fair bit, Senpai... Sorry, am I being loud?" The redhead gives a sheepish look. "I'll try to be a little quieter..."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Katsuko Yoshinaga has posed.
<poem>Katsuko shook her head lightly. Only a few times, and an even amount to each side - almos tliek the gesture had been calculated in her head before she'd made it, rather than an instinctive reaction to indicate a sentiment.
"No, it's fine. Just try not to be louder than this." It was difficult to tell if it was an attempt to reassure Kasumi, or an attempt at humour that was supposed to reassure her. With the air - hopefully - cleared, Katsuko turned her eyes to the work Kasumi seemed to be struggling with.

"I can assist, if you like." Katsuko said, her voice continuing to maintain a calm and even tone. "I'm finished with my work for the day. It would be no trouble."
She neglected to mention how it was more an attempt to get into Kasumi's good graces than anything else.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi blinks a little, surprised to hear this. She stares, as if gauging Katsuko's honesty. She decides that it's satisfactory. "Thank you, Senpai! I appreciate it." She shifts and offers an open space for Katsuko to fill next to her. "So, you see, Senpai..." She points out some math problems that she was struggling with.

They can work on it for a bit, and thankfully Kasumi is fairly sharp. She's able to catch on relatively quickly, and an active part of the learning. Though, something is still bothering her... Katsuko could easily spot Kasumi chewing her cheeks frequently. As they progress, the possible reason finally pops up. "Ahem... Not to sound ungrateful Senpai, but... Can I ask why you want to help me...?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Katsuko Yoshinaga has posed.
<poem>Katsuko was like a glacier given human form. Cold and impassive, her expression almost never changed, and those few times where it did were slight and gradual at best. Yet, for the sake of appearances, she feigned honesty and generosity - though whether the slight twitch of her lips or shift of her brow could be detected at all, much less interpreted as something positive, was another matter entirely. However, it seemed like Kasumi was satisfied with what she saw, and so Katsuko took the opened space and offered her guidance.

It became clear how she'd earnt that spot in the top ten. Though her social skills lacked a little, she proved to be sharp as a tack at every turn, able to recognise the issues Kasumi faced without much issue. What she did have some issue with was explaining herself once Kasumi asked for her motives. Katsuko blinked a little, feigning surprise and confusion at the question, acting as though the answer was obvious (though, again, her expression barely changed in spite of her efforts). She hoped that would buy her a moment or two while she concocted an answer, but rushed regardless.

"You seemed troubled, and I had time to spare. It felt wrong to stand idle under those circumstances." The words indicating that she would be be in any way charitable without the expectation of a favour in return felt like acid on Katsuko's tongue, but she spoke them anyway. As long as it got Kasumi on side, she would endure.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"You're sounding like one of my Senpai's." Kasumi blurts out with a giggle, thinking of Amamiya-senpai. Though, something still feels a little wrong. It's difficult to say... "Sorry, Senpai." She chuckles a little awkwardly. "I guess I was judging a book by it's cover." Sure, that might be it-

"Well, I definitely owe you one.~" She says, unknowingly promising something she maybe shouldn't have. "And- sorry for taking up so much of your time... My gymnastics struggling has been so demanding lately. I fear my school work has been falling behind..." Her performances continue to be struggling. The least she can do ''should be'' keeping up on her work. It just doesn't work like that though...

Kasumi should be stronger than this. She's taking it harshly.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Katsuko Yoshinaga has posed.
<poem>"There's no need to apologise." Katsuko said plainly. Again, her tone betrayed little, and the look she gave might as well have been carved into stone for all the emotions it betrayed. "I chose to be here. It is my pleasure." Firm, unwavering, reassurance. Surely such a thing would help get her into Kasumi's good graces, if nothing else. If it wasn't enough then there was the rest of the conversation to follow up on too. "We all require assistance at some point or another. You shouldn't be afraid to ask if you need it. I only regret that I cannot help with your gymnastics, but I wish you luck with them."

An invitation - in a roundabout way - to talk to Katsuko more. To form a bond, and lower her defences. Things seemed to be going well, but Katsuko was still human, and still susceptible to trappings such as curiosity. So it was that, when she uttered a question, it was against her better judgement.
"What did you mean by judging a book by its cover, though?"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"I'll try not to burden you, Senpai. Please take care of me." Kasumi says with a smile, on the offer of support. She offers a little bow. Though, in secret, she really, ''really'' doesn't want to need any more help... Amamiya-senpai is one thing, but bothering a third year so much...

"Oh? Well..." Kasumi can't meet Katsuko's gaze there. How does she even describe it? "I don't mean to be rude Senpai, but, well..." A beat. "You do seem a little unapproachable?" She says, cringing as the words leave her mouth. That's so rude of her...

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Katsuko Yoshinaga has posed.
<poem>A silence hung in the air between them, and a moment stretched forever as Katsuko began to digest Kasumi's response. She did not seem to react, but her expression alone was a poor indicator of mood, given her track record. Her eyes remained fixed on her kouhai, her lips remained tight and neutral, her body remained as still as an idle machine's... It was like speaking to a robot, and waiting for it to calculate an answer. Fortunately for Kasumi, that answer was far from a hostile one.
"So I've heard. I hope my work here has served to disprove such notions, even a little." They'd make the rest of her 'work' a lot more difficult, after all. "On the topic of work, there is still time before I have to head home. If there's anything else you need from me before I leave, I may be able to help."
</poem>

2026-04-20: Run With Your Feelings

2026-04-21T02:04:16Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "* '''Log: 2026-04-20: Run With Your Feelings''' * '''Cast:''' Akihiko Sanada, Minako Arisato * '''Where:''' Tatsumi Port Island, Iwatodai Dormatory to Naganaki Shrine * '''OOC Date:''' April 20, 2026 * '''IC Date:''' October 28, 2012 * '''Summary''': ''Minako arrives back at the dorms, and Akihiko snags her for a dorm. They talk about her breakup with Ren, and Akihiko's anxieties in regards to taking revenge on the Joker Killer. If nothing else, sharing helps.''..."

* '''Log: 2026-04-20: Run With Your Feelings'''
* '''Cast:''' [[Akihiko Sanada]], [[Minako Arisato]]
* '''Where:''' Tatsumi Port Island, Iwatodai Dormatory to Naganaki Shrine
* '''OOC Date:''' April 20, 2026
* '''IC Date:''' October 28, 2012
* '''Summary''': ''Minako arrives back at the dorms, and Akihiko snags her for a dorm. They talk about her breakup with Ren, and Akihiko's anxieties in regards to taking revenge on the Joker Killer. If nothing else, sharing helps.''

----
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Welcome back, Arisato-san!"

Akihiko looks back over the couch towards the dorm's front door, as Minako arrives. He pauses for a moment, looking back towards his book for support. He's aware that the rumour about Minako's partner cheating on her is supposedly fake, but, well... It hasn't ceased. And it's even reached Gekkoukan.

Akihiko is aware the cheerful second year might be putting on a brave face, and he's certainly not great with emotional support. But, still... He should do something!

"Arisato-san, if you don't have any other plans actually, would you want to go on a jog with me? Just to the shrine and back." Akihiko offers a smile. "Just let me know, so I can change."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
"Hey, Sanada-senpai," Minako says, as she walks through the front door.

She heard about the rumors -- and she had been reassured. But... then other things happened. She smiles at him, and blinks -- her head tilted to the side. She looks surprised at the invitation, but not at all in a bad way. Instead, there is a quick nod of her head.

"Sure," she says, with an easy smile. "Let me go get changed too!"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Perfect." Akihiko snaps his book shut. "Back down in five?"

In soon time, they've changed and are out the door to enjoy the crisp autumn air. It'll be winter soon, maybe in another month or two. It's best to enjoy it while it's here.

Akihiko on his part dressed for the season in his Gekkou High tracksuit, gray and red. In a small bag, he carries some supplies and his Envoker. He naturally reported their planned absence to Mitsuru too. Even if Strega may have taken a step back recently, it's best to be on guard.

Akihiko keeps pace alongside Minako, not about to go up ahead like he otherwise do. Tatsumi is quiet in the evenings at least, and they can see the local people closing out their days. Aki's focus meanwhile is on Minako, of whom he steals a couple glances. Jeez, he's really bad at this kind of stuff...

"...How are you holding up, Arisato?" He asks, cautiously. "I know it can't be easy, having your relationship be the subject of ridiculous gossip. If you'd like to talk about it..."

Then, there's his own issues. Shinji. Sudou. Goro Akechi. Well, it's easier to listen, than talk. Maybe when there's a good point to bring it up, he can?

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
"Sounds like a plan!" Minako says.

And, in due time, she is changed -- a red-and-white Gekkoukan T-shirt and black shorts. A small bag, with an over-the-shoulder strap, holds her Evoker and her student ID if she needs it. She waves at him, and then she starts jogging -- and she is a little surprised when he is quiet, at first.

She looks at him, an eyebrow raised. Then, there's a blink. "Ah..." She trails off. "...Yeah. Um, it's... it wasn't easy. We... uh."

She winces. "...we broke up. It wasn't over the rumors, though."

She looks forward as she jogs -- not smiling, but her expression more neutral.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko blinks, as he hears Minako drop the bombshell. "Oh. I'm sorry." He looks away. Damn it. He wishes he could say something more. Working it out might help at least a little bit at least! "Would you want to talk about it?" A beat. "If he's wrong you at all... I'm sure Takeba-san and I could help." He jokes. He likes Amamiya well enough...

Just a little less now.

"If sharing alone is too much as well..." Akihiko starts, a little awkwardly. "I have something I wanted to ask you about too." And then he just stops talking until they reach a crossing light. "Arisato-san, how do you feel on vengeance?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
"It was..." Does she want to talk about it? Minako isn't sure. She settles for talking about it and not lying, even if she hesitates. "...It was hard to keep life in SEES separate. I had to... to hide so much, and it felt like I was always lying. So... I ended it."

She glances sideways at Akihiko -- and she cracks a smile. "No, it's okay. I wasn't wronged. I, uh--" A beat.

Vengeance.

"How... um." She hesitates. "This isn't about Amamiya, riiiight?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Mm. No one talks about the work-life balance before joining, huh? Maybe that should be apart of the SEES orientation." Akihiko lets out a laugh. Although... "I don't think we have vow of secrecy. Couldn't you have told him about SEES?" Well. Understanding the Dark Hour and Persona users at all aside...

"No, no..." Akihiko replies quickly. Snort. "About something else." A beat. "You know Shinji and I met in an orphanage together, right? There's more of a story there... When I was about to be adopted out... That orphanage suffered a fire. My younger sister died in it."

A beat. Akihiko doesn't talk about this very often. "I, uh... Found out recently, that fire was arson. Done by the Joker Killer. He's dead now, I've heard, so it's a done question. But Shinji wanted my help in revenge and..." Akihiko lets out a sigh. It's A Lot. "I don't know. I don't think I could."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
"True enough," Minako says, with a shake of her head. "And... no, I--I couldn't. He--" She feels awkward, as ever, not using Ren's preferred gender. But they aren't out, and that means being cautious. "He doesn't know about Personas, Dark Hour, any of it. I couldn't tell him, without... you know. Without risking his life."

She glances sideways at Akihiko. Her eyes widen as she hears that. The orphanage -- she knew about that. She heard a little about the fire. "I--I'm... I'm so sorry, senpai. If I lost Minato-kun, I... I can't even imagine." She looks back down. "I... don't know. Revenge might sound nice--and... the Joker Killer is... is someone the world is better off without."

She hesitates. "But, revenge... I don't know. Would it make you feel better? Would it give you any peace, senpai?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Sadly, Akihiko doesn't know either. He's a bit stupid about gender anyhow- "Mm..." Akihiko thinks for a moment on his perspective of Ren Amamiya. "I think he might've understood. He seems like a smart guy, at any rate." Risking his life on the other hand, that's reasonable. He doesn't think the Dark Hour is a Schrodinger's Cat type deal, but who can say?

"But it's okay for you to risk yours?" He asks, unintentionally direct. Akihiko blinks in surprise at himself. "Ahem. Sorry, I didn't mean to put it like that." He coughs into his hand awkwardly. "What I mean... Is if you could have trusted him a little more?"

"It was years ago." Akihiko says reflectively. He's not great at receiving condolences. Never have. "I'm lucky to have had a good life with a supportive family. I've found my peace." He's lying without meaning to. That feeling of weakness back then is still haunting him. He just doesn't cry anymore.

Would it have been strong? Would it have been kind? "No." That's not the end of it. "I just feel... I don't know. Empty about it. Maybe a bit guilty. Like I maybe should've helped. He was a bad guy... But I just. Didn't do anything." It happened without him. It was something Shinji cared a lot about.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
"Maybe," Minako says. "But even if he understood... he doesn't have a Persona. He might understand -- but once he's aware of Dark Hour, if he's awakened during it, then... he's in dangerous. And... we can't just tell people everything happening with SEES." She shakes her head. "So something would happen, and I couldn't tell him -- about what we're doing or why. Or why I was hurt, or where I was going."

She looks sideways at Sanada -- and then she realizes. He didn't ''decide'' to not go after the Joker Killer. He was frozen. She hesitates, then she looks over at him and smiles.

"It's okay," she says. "I mean... it's okay to not know, and to need to figure it out. And... maybe, you think about it -- about what you'd want to do, next time -- and it'll help make the decision next time something like this comes up."

She hesitates, for a moment. "I... don't think that I'd want revenge, in your situation. I don't think it would sit right with me."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Yeah... But that could've happened at any point regardless, before or after you." Akihiko says. "It's difficult to tell what exactly causes someone who gets afflicted with Apathy Syndrome." Thinking about it... "If he knew, he might know to protect himself better too."

A beat. "Ugh, I'm sorry. I don't mean to be arguing with you on this, actually." Men. "It would've been tough regardless."

Incredibly nice callout, Minako. ~~Got the player too~~

They reach the Naganaki Shrine and Akihiko...feeling very seen, leans against the wall, next to the stairs up. He thought he killed this weak side of himself. He meant to, at least. Aki does smile a little. "One can hope." He takes a sharp breath in. "It wouldn't have brought Miki back. And I wouldn't have felt good about it." He pauses. "Is that really enough, Arisato?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
"Yeah, but... it also could have put him at risk. There's no way to know. It's..." She sighs. Then, Akihiko apologizes -- and she blinks at him, before she gets a small smile. "Thanks, Sanada-senpai. It still..." A sigh. "...still sucks."

She leans against the opposite wall, as they reach the shrine. She blinks -- and then she smiles a little more. "It's... I mean. I can't say for sure if it's enough," she admits. "But... if you wouldn't have felt good about it... then I think that means something."

She nods. "And sometimes, you gotta trust your gut!"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"That it does..." Akihiko scratches the back of his head. "For what it's worth, I hope feeling better soon. You can always rely on us to offer a hand." He says, seriously.

Akihiko offers a small little smile in return. "Thank you, Arisato. I...really hope this was the best decision." He admits. Goro had...really gotten in his head about it. "Let's take a small break before heading back." A beat. "Care for a prayer while we're here?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem>
"Thanks, Sanada-senpai. I really appreciate that," Minako says, with a sincere smile. Then, she frowns for a moment -- Goro. Akechi. He was at the orphanage too.

And he had gotten at Shinjiro about everything.

"Sounds like a plan," she says. "Never hurts to do a prayer at the shrine!"

</poem>

Kasumi Yoshizawa

2026-04-19T20:42:48Z

LeiaSkynoober:

{| class="toccolours" style="width: 25em; float: right; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0em; margin-bottom:2em; text-align: left; font-size: %110" cellspacing="2"
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#BF0F0F; border: 2px #000000 solid; font size: 110%;" align="center" |'''kasumi_yoshizawa'''
|-
! colspan="2" align="center" |[[File:Kasumi_photo.jpg|300px]]
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#BF0F0F; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''IC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Full Name:
| Kasumi Yoshizawa
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Arcana:
| XVII. The Star
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Gender:
| Female (She/Her)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Age (Birthdate):
| 15 (March 25, 1997)
|-
! style="text-align: left;" |Height:
|162 cm (5'4")
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Hair Colour:
| Red
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Eye Colour:
| Red
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Residency:
| Kichijoji, Tokyo
|-
! style="text-align:left" | School:
|Shuujin Academy
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Grade:
| First Year Student
|-
! style="text-align: left;" |Persona:
|Cendrillon
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Role:
| Focus
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#BF0F0F; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''OOC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Source:
|Persona 5 (FC)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Group:
|
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Player:
|[[User:LeiaSkynoober|LeiaSkynoober]]
|}
<blockquote>"What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger!"</blockquote>Kasumi Yoshizawa is a first year student attending Shuujin Academy. From afar, she is the picturesque good girl who would never get into trouble. She is a star athlete who is hoping to become an Olympic level Gymnast. The teachers of Shuujin often cater for her, much to her chagrin. Her sister died in a car accident a month prior to the start of the new school year. To her classmates, she's relatively unapproachable, leading to many admirers and detractors from afar.

== Background ==
''Once upon a time...'' There were two sisters. They fell in love with the art of gymnastics, and promised each other to reach the top together. They were happy as can be.

Until the tragic parting, when one of the sisters died in an accident. The living must still fulfill that dream. She must.

== Season 1, Episode 1 ==
Forthcoming

== Persona ==
'''Cendrillon'''- The French name for Cinderella, the iconic Disney Princess. Bullied by her step-mother and step-sisters, she is cruelly nicknamed for the ash she was covered in during her chores. With the wish of a Fairy Godmother, Cendrillon gained the chance to be a princess for a night. However, when the clock struck midnight, the magic dissipated and she was a normal girl once more.
Cendrillon is a feminine Persona with ashen skin and blonde hair tied up with a blue ribbon. She wears a beautiful blue dress, akin to a figure skater and glass thigh highs.

== Special Skills ==
Being a gymnast, Kasumi is extremely deft and agile. Her father works as the director for many Japanese talk shows.

# Beauty is Devotion! - Proficiency
# I Can Help! - Academics
# Let's Patch You Up! - Understanding

= Social Links =
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Names
!Rank
!Arcana
!Description
|-
|[[Ren Amamiya]]
|★★☆☆☆
|I. The Fool
|"I hear so many rumours about them being a delinquint... But I just can't see them doing all of that!"
|-
|[[Haru Okumura]]
|★☆☆☆☆
|III. Empress
|"A very kind Senpai, who's allowing me to borrow the rooftop when I need a chance to cool down."
|-
|[[Fuuka Yamagishi]]
|★☆☆☆☆
|II. High Priestess
|A very kind girl from Tatsumi. She helped me with some headphones, and helped Motojima-senpai."
|-
|[[Goro Akechi]]
|★☆☆☆☆
|VIII. Justice
|"It's strange to see someone so dedicated to his masks. Though, that /may/ be my naivety speaking... I'm at least a little fond of him at least!"
|-
|[[Kazusa Motojima]]
|★☆☆☆☆
|XI. Strength
|"It's such a relief to see Motojima-senpai back to her old self! Although... I'm not sure how I feel about her right now. This distance, isn't it a little lonely?"
|-
|Flower Girl
|☆☆☆☆☆
|NPC
|A first year and shares Yoshizawa's class. Deeply admires Yoshizawa and wishes to offer some support in the form of flowers. Unfortunately, things keep getting in her way.
((OOC Notes: Just a running bit I want to do, inspired by Flower Girl from Macross 7. Only interact with her if you're interfering with her.
|}

= Logs and Cutscenes =

==Season 1==

===Logs===
{{#dpl:
|category = logs&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 1
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}

===Cutscenes===
{{#dpl:
|category = cutscenes&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 1
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no cutscenes on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Shujin Academy]]
[[Category:Focus]]

2026-04-13: Headphone Wires and Tangled Feelings

2026-04-15T01:17:55Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "* '''Log: 2026-04-13: Headphone Wires and Tangled Feelings''' * '''Cast:''' Kasumi Yoshizawa, Fuuka Yamagishi * '''Where:''' Iwatodai Strip Mall, Tatsumi Port Island * '''OOC Date:''' April 13, 2026 * '''IC Date:''' October 24, 2012 * '''Summary''': ''Kasumi meets Fuuka Yamagishi in a electronics store. They bond lightly over technology, getting into trouble with shadows, and their work in helping Kazusa Motojima.'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has pose..."

* '''Log: 2026-04-13: Headphone Wires and Tangled Feelings'''
* '''Cast:''' [[Kasumi Yoshizawa]], [[Fuuka Yamagishi]]
* '''Where:''' Iwatodai Strip Mall, Tatsumi Port Island
* '''OOC Date:''' April 13, 2026
* '''IC Date:''' October 24, 2012
* '''Summary''': ''Kasumi meets Fuuka Yamagishi in a electronics store. They bond lightly over technology, getting into trouble with shadows, and their work in helping Kazusa Motojima.''

----
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
It happens to be fairly rare to see a certain redheaded Shujin first year anywhere outside of Tokyo. It's rarer still, to see the same first year outwardly frustrated.

Today featured a gymnastics meet in Tatsumi Port Island. It was supposed to be a lower pressure event, one that Kasumi could win and gain back some much needed confidence. Unfortunately, Ms. Yoshizawa placed second. For someone who still holds dreams of Olympics gold, it just isn't good enough. Better luck next time, right?

Except... It also doesn't help that the Gymnastics club at Shujin has been tense. Kazusa Motojima is back to normal, which should be a relief... If everyone welcomed Motojima-senpai back so readily. Oosaka-senpai has not felt so great about the flip flopping, and it has landed on Kasumi to try and keep the peace.

If only that were the end of it. Tatsumi Port Island is a beautiful city, and the train ride in was truly breathtaking. Kasumi was really hoping to take in the sights for an afternoon. It could've proven to be truly rejuvenating.

Then, her earbuds, already on their last legs, snapped. So did Kasumi's patience with the day.

Finally, the lone Shujin first year finds herself in a strip mall's net cafe, staring blankly at a display of headphones in an electronics store, in an unfamiliar city, struggling to even read the print on the packages.

Please, Kami-sama! Send someone to save her!

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>Electronics stores are a frequent haunt of Fuuka's. Whether she's looking to make a purchase or is just browing to get ideas for later, this is where she feels in her element. ...It's a bit of a point of embarrassment sometimes, honestly, that she knows technology so well...

This one in particular is a common stop. They always have the latest in software releases, and they even sell computer accessories and audio equipment, too. The fact that it isn't far from the dorm, either, is also a plus.

And so as Kasumi finds herself browsing the shelves Fuuka, too, has found herself there as well. Her eyes track across a rack of CDs discerningly. ...She has a lot of these programs already, though, or the latest editions, she's heard, aren't as good as the previous.

She leaves them behind - and stops in her tracks, as she notices someone looking over the headphones display. The first thing she notices is her uniform. Shujin... It's not ''uncommon'' to see a Shujin student here, but it's not an everyday occurrence, either.

It takes her a second to put two and two together. That's right... there ''was'' a meet today, wasn't there? She isn't in any of the sports clubs, so it's just a matter of hearsay for her.

But still... wherever she's from, Fuuka recognizes that expression. The look of someone who's being overwhelmed by text. She wrestles with her instincts for a moment and, after a moment of hesitation, approaches.

"Um, excuse me..." Fuuka starts. "I'm sorry for intruding, but... Are you having trouble deciding? I'm somewhat experienced when it comes to picking out headphones..."

She's being modest. Audio equipment is where she got her start, she has a good eye for them by now.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
As Fuuka answers Kasumi's prayers, she pokes her head up to see the teal haired girl. Wait... Teal hair, Gekkoukan student, a worried look? A look of recognition quickly crosses over Kasumi's face. "Oh, you're...?" She's about to put a name to the girl, but comes up utterly empty. "O-oh, I'm sorry, I don't think I know your name... But I saw you in Akihabara..." She says, eluding to seeing Motojima's studio.

Kasumi rises from her kneeling position, brushing her hands over the back of her plaid skirt. Though, now that they're next to each other, Kasumi's surprised to be taller by a couple inches. "Ye-yeah, I am... My earbuds broke today and... Well, I just don't know what's good." She brushes a hand through her long red ponytail to self-soothe. She lets out an awkward little laugh. "I'm utterly useless with technology, I'm afraid. Even my phone messes up on me. I don't know how Motojima-senpai does it..."

Oh!! That's right!! "Oh, I should've said this earlier..." Kasumi steps back for some clearance and offers a deep bow. "Thank you, by the way! For helping my Senpai, I mean. I really appreciate it."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>Kasumi recognizes her - and when she mentions Akihabara, a flash of recognition crosses over Fuuka's face, too.

"Oh, yes. I remember you... I'm Fuuka Yamagishi. It's nice seeing you again." Fuuka greets with a small smile and a polite bow. She listens as Kasumi explains her predicament, and winces sympathetically.

"I'm sorry... It's awful when that happens when you're far away from home, isn't it?" Fuuka offers. Useless with technology... The sympathetic look remains. "It can be difficult sometimes..."

A sheepish look crosses her face as Kasumi takes a step back and offers a deep bow.

"Oh, um... You're welcome, but, you don't have to thank me." Fuuka assures. "I went through something similar, so... I wanted to help Motojima-san through it, too. Do you know how she's doing?"

They might not have gotten along very well at first, but that didn't change how she felt any.

She looks back to the headphones display, assessing them thoughtfully.

"The headphones second from the top on the right - I think those have the best audio quality for the price. But for affordability, the set two to the left of those aren't bad, either." Fuuka explains, pointing each of them out in turn. She pauses for a moment, thinks back, and then points out one final set."...But the ones with the best durability are right... here."
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"It's good to meet you properly, Yamagishi-san." Kasumi says with a strained smile. The stress of the day still weighs heavy on her. "I'm Kasumi Yoshizawa. Motojima-senpai and I are in the gymnastics club together."

"It sure is..." To have such support offered by a stranger, it makes Kasumi smile a little easier. Though, that silver medal still weighs heavily inside her bag. If only it was the last of her troubles. "I was hoping to get to enjoy the sights, but this really put a downer on things."

Even if Fuuka says that... Well. Kasumi knows what Motojima-senpai is like. "Oh? You too... With that sort of personality change?" Kasumi guesses, making the wrong connection. She pauses. And guesses it'd be okay if it's another Persona user... "I did too. And it made me happy to see so many people pledge themselves to helping Motojima-senpai. Even if..." She trails off, and makes a sort of gesture that's meant to convey 'she is a little mean'.

Fuuka asks about how Motojima is doing. "Well... Waking back up a week before midterms wasn't very pleasant for her. Club has been tough for her it seems too. Her and Oosaka, Wakana-senpai... I don't really get what's going on, but I've had to fill in as Motojima-senpai partner lately..." It's honestly a little stressful, especially with Kasumi's own struggles with gymnastics.

Kasumi pauses, and debates whether it'd be okay to ask. "Um. Can I ask something? How do you and the...other Gekkoukan girl know Motojima-senpai?"

Fuuka explains, and Kasumi lets out a sigh of relief. She picks out the one with the best durability. Makes sense for her active lifestyle. "You're a lifesaver, Yamagishi-san! Thank you so much!" She does pause thoughtfully for a second. "Though, would you know of any headphones that won't get tangled up too? I sometimes like to listen to music while jogging."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>Oh, gymnastics club... That makes sense. That would explain how she knew her.

"It's good to meet you too, Yoshizawa-san." Fuuka replies with a smile of her own. She can see how strained Kasumi's smile is. She can only imagine how much this has been weighing on her... and even then, she doesn't know the full story. "I'm sorry... I hope you'll still have a little time to look around."

Kasumi makes a connection - the wrong one, as it happens, but Fuuka can't blame her for making it.

"Oh, no... Not quite like that. I was... Trapped somewhere I couldn't escape on my own. If people hadn't come to help me, I don't know if I would... be here." Fuuka explains. "So... I was sympathetic. Even if Motojima-san was...you know, she still needed help."

She doesn't have to elaborate. They both know what she was like.

"Still... you too? I'm sorry..." She adds.

Kasumi explains how Kazusa has been doing, and... it's not ''entirely'' unexpected, but it's still unfortunate.

"It sounds like things have been difficult for her." She observes. Kazusa and Wakana... Fuuka thinks back.

"I think... I understand a little how Oosaka-san must be feeling. It's difficult to know how to feel, in a situation like this. There will be... a lot to work through for them both, I think." Fuuka considers. She couldn't help but compare the two of them to herself and Natsuki. If the pairs were reversed...

Kasumi asks how she knows her, though, and that's easy enough to answer.

"I can't speak for Kumamoto-san, but I ran into Motojima-san and Oosaka-san at the music store in Port Island's Paulownia Mall during an event." Fuuka explains. She doesn't elaborate on what kind, to spare Kazusa's reputation... even if that cat is a bit out of the bag by now. "And then, a little while after, I went to a convention the two of them happened to be going to, and we spoke again."

Her expression, which has been polite to this point, sours just a little.

"...I also met her father." Fuuka concludes with a frown. It can be assumed that went poorly.

Getting back to a topic she's good at discussing, though, picks her cheer up a little.

"You're welcome, Yoshizawa-san. I'm glad I could help." Fuuka replies with a smile - with turns thoughtful, as Kasumi poses another question. Headphones that won't get tangled... "For that... They make wireless headphones, but those tend to be more expensive. Let's see... Right here."

She points a set of them out.

"...But there are also cords made out of a material that's less prone to tangling that might be what you're looking for, too." She adds, pointing out another. "I think the sound quality of wired headphones tend to be better, but for your purposes, going wireless might be more convenient. It really comes down to your preferences..."

She pauses. ...She feels like she's rambling a little.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"Me too." Kasumi agrees, clutching the chosen headphones to her chest. "Is there anyplace in particular worth checking out, Yamagishi-san?" At the very least, it might serve as decent inspiration.

Kasumi nods gently, with sympathy. "It was very similar for me." She says. And it makes her feel awful all of a sudden. Like... She has this power that can help others, but she isn't using it often. Is that right? It's selfish...isn't it?

Kasumi shakes her head, putting aside the question of her joining the Phantom Thieves for another day, yet again.

"Yeah, it's...really the start of her troubles, it seems." Kasumi lets out a little sigh. It's a shame, truly. She desperately hopes that Kazusa and Wakana can make up...

Kasumi knows enough at this point to hazard a guess, though she lets it go unsaid for now. (The thought of Kazusa still being crabby with someone who knows her love of anime does make Kasumi giggle a little internally!) She follows along, nodding at the appropriate points. And the conversation turns to the girl's father... "So I've heard about him." Kasumi says. What is it like having a strained relationship with your family? Your blood? Kasumi's own father is a little overprotective, but... Well. It's tiny, comparatively. "I'm sorry that meeting went poorly."

The conversation turns back to the topic of headphones and. "Woah! There's actually wireless headphones? You really know so much, Yamagishi-san..." Kasumi marvels at the wonders of modern technology. She has to blink a little, and really focus to read the eyewatering price of the wireless headphones. "Maybe... Another time." She has to stifle an awkward laugh. "It's really good to know that these options exist though... Thank you so much, Yamagishi-san!" She says brightly.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>Any place worth checking out... Another thoughtful look crosses Fuuka's face. She's lived here her whole life, so it's hard to think about what kind of places someone from outside might want to see.

"I don't think we have much... But the view of the sea from the Moonlight Bridge is incredible, and Paulownia Mall has a lot to offer. Naganaki Shrine is worth visiting too, I think." Fuuka considers. "...Oh, and for food... I'd recommend Wakatsu or Hagakure."

Fuuka nods as Kasumi confirms that her situation was similar.

"So many of us have been drawn into this, one way or another..." She replies. As for Kazusa... Fuuka nods. "...Yes."

She's heard about Kazusa's father, too, it seems.

"Thank you. I'm... not the one who had it worst, though." She replies. Kazusa was the one who suffered the most.

Kasumi compliments how much she knows and Fuuka laughs just a bit sheepishly.

"Technology is... something of a hobby of mine. Audio equipment, especially. So, um... I've picked up a few things." She admits. ...She can't blame her for now wanting to immediate pick up the wireless headphones at that price tag, though. "Mm-hm. There's a lot of good options for any kind of features you might want... even if it can make it hard to pick through all of them. You're welcome!"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi giggles lightly, recongizing the look. of someone pressed to think of interesting places to check out. "Thank you. I'll be sure to take a look." She says, making mental notes of the places mentioned. It's nice to get a local's perspective for sure.

Food...best hope they make triple servings.

"So many..." Kasumi repeats. "Honestly, I was...really surprised. Just how big the Persona world is. An entire reality outside of what's normal... Divided up into different kinds of..." Kasumi trails off with a laugh. "Honestly, it's a little overwhelming. It makes me feel small."

"Still! You use your new power to help others... That's really impressive." Don't talk about your nerves, don't talk about your nerves. ""...I should be doing more, too." Damnit.

"It's not a bad hobby to have! Though, I'm surprised a girl is into it." Wait, was that rude? That was rude! "Ah! I don't mean it's a bad thing! Uh... My head is just filled with gymnastics, so I might be a big jealous... It's really cool, trust me!" Kasumi panics, waves her hands in front of her, and ends off with a big sigh. She really messed that up, didn't she...

Suddenly, a ringtone starts playing. Kasumi recongizes it as her own, and grabs her phone from her bag to check who's calling. (Fuuka should note that her phone is busted up.) "Oh, it's my dad. Probably wondering how I placed..." She bites her lower lip a bit and claps her hands together in apology. It's a miracle the cracked screen survives it. "I'm sorry! I really should take this. Thank you so much for talking with me, Yamagishi-san. It really cheered me up. I hope we see each other again!" She smiles brightly, before stepping away.

"Hey dad! Sorry, I'm still in Tatsumi. Mm, I placed second..." She lets out a sigh as she disappears around the corner. "I'm okay. I'll be back home soon, okay?"

</poem>

Akihiko Sanada

2026-04-14T00:23:03Z

LeiaSkynoober:

{| class="toccolours" style="width: 25em; float: right; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0em; margin-bottom:2em; text-align: left; font-size: %110" cellspacing="2"
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font size: 110%;" align="center" |'''akihiko_sanada'''
|-
! colspan="2" align="center" |[[File:P3R_Akihiko_Sanada_Battle_Artwork_edit.png|300px]]
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''IC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Full Name:
| Akihiko Sanada
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Arcana:
| IV. Emperor
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Gender:
| Male (He/him)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Age (Birthdate):
| 17 (September 22, 1994)
|-
! style="text-align: left;" |Height:
|175 cm (5'9")
|-
! style="text-align: left;" |Weight:
|64 kg
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Hair Colour:
| Silver
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Eye Colour:
| Blue
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Residency:
| Tatami Port Island,
Iwatodai Dormatory
|-
! style="text-align:left" | School:
| Gekkoukan High School
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Grade:
| Third Year Student
|-
! style="text-align: left;" |Persona:
|Polydeuces
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Role:
| Focus
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''OOC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Source:
| Persona 3 (FC)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Group:
| SEES
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Player:
|[[User:LeiaSkynoober|LeiaSkynoober]]
|}
"I've been waiting for this!"

The undefeated boxing champion of Gekkoukan High, Akihiko is a popular senpai who’s calm, cool, and smart. He has a significant female fanbase within the school, that he ranges from clueless to annoyed about. Still, his reputation is significant and overall positive. He’s additionally a well known close associate with Mitsuru Kirijo.

= Background =
Akihiko Sanada grew up very briefly with his parents and younger sister, Miki Sanada. Unfortunately, his parents died and he and his younger sister would live in an orphanage instead. It was there he met Shinjiro Aragaki, where they would quickly become close. (Additionally, this would also be where he meets Goro Akechi, a sullen boy Akihiko never got along with.) Akihiko was a bit of a crybaby during this time, but his sense of justice was strong. There was a time where he and Shinji fought as he sobbed, because Shinji had stolen a doll for Miki.

Eventually, Akihiko was chosen to be adopted out of the orphanage without his younger sister, Miki. She was working on a medal to give him, but never got to properly gift it. In the weeks between, there were sightings of a strange, white haired man skulking about the orphanage that ultimately would be dismissed. The dismissal would end up causing a tragedy. Seemingly suddenly, the orphange would erupt into a blaze and burn down. Miki, Akihiko’s sister, died in the blaze, and Goro, that sullen boy, mocked her brother for being weak. Akihiko and Shinjiro promised each other to become strong together.

Akihiko’s feeling of being utterly useless here would spiral hard, becoming an obsession with becoming stronger. Now with his adopted family, he ended up getting into boxing with Gekkoukan during his middle school years. He quickly improved, becoming strong and known as the undefeated champion, all of his struggles up to that point paid off. Still, it is not enough.

For some undetermined amount of time prior, Akihiko has been experiencing a strange hour every night where everyone turns into coffins and strange, shadowed creatures roam. After one of his boxing matches, after other schools scouts attempt to pouch him and fangirls harrass him, he is approached by Mitsuru Kirijo. He was handed an envoker, and two promises. Challenges where he didn’t have to hold back, and answers about the 25th hour they experienced. Akihiko initially thought she lost it, but after confirming it that night, he grew to like Mitsuru.

Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Shinjiro together would form the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad, or SEES for short, as a clandestine school club. They worked together on several missions, including attempting to scale Tartarus together, but never got very far. The trio wouldn’t last very long either. In their first year of high school together, on October 10th, an incident where Shinji’s Persona went berserk occurred and accidently killed a civilian, Ken Amada’s mother.

Shinji couldn’t live with his mistake and left SEES. Their friendship would become strained, as Akihiko insists that people need Shinji’s protection. Quietly, Akihiko felt a bit betrayed. He saw Shinji leaving SEES as abandoning their promise to become strong together. However, Shinji felt far too guilty to keep working alongside SEES and would begin taking Persona Suppressents - drugs, to keep his Persona in check. Akihiko would continually pester Shinji to rejoin SEES, especially after Minato and Minako join SEES and the group begin to see real progress.

The incident had its own effect on Akihiko, who took it as another sign that he isn’t strong enough yet. He doubles down, training and pushing himself harder than before, obsessed with becoming strong enough where he can carry the world all on his own. A streak that continues throughout modern SEES. He becomes injured on the full moon on April 9th at the hands of the Magician Shadow and consequently struggles to feel useful in the time afterwards. His excitement on getting back into the field draws both Mitsuru’s and Yukari’s annoyance. However, he still feels strongly that he must be useful somehow, that he has to be strong for everyone’s sake. Otherwise, people die.

= Social Links =
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Names
!Rank
!Arcana
!Description
|-
|[[Shinjiro Aragaki]]
|★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
|V. The Hierophant
|"You can't beat yourself up over a mistake forever, Shinji. I'll drag you back somehow."
|-
|[[Mitsuru Kirijo]]
|★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
|III. The Empress
|"I'm with you until the end, Mitsuru."
|-
|[[Yukari Takeba]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|VI. The Lovers
|"A good and reliable junior. Sorry about embarrassing you so much."
|-
|[[Minako Arisato]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|I. The Fool
|"The ever reliable leader. Let's end the Dark Hour together."
|-
|[[Ren Amamiya]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|I. The Fool
|"A strange one. Treat Arisato well, yeah?"
|}

= Logs and Cutscenes =

==Season 1==

===Logs===
{{#dpl:
|category = logs&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 1
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}

===Cutscenes===
{{#dpl:
|category = cutscenes&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 1
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no cutscenes on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Focus]]
[[Category:Gekkoukan High School]]

Kasumi Yoshizawa

2026-04-14T00:21:22Z

LeiaSkynoober:

Kasumi Yoshizawa

2026-03-23T00:03:26Z

LeiaSkynoober:

Kasumi Yoshizawa

2026-03-14T21:53:39Z

LeiaSkynoober:

2026-03-04: Bonezor the Unyielding

2026-03-14T20:24:10Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "* '''Log: 2026-03-04: Bonezor the Unyielding''' * '''Cast:''' Kasumi Yoshizawa, Ryuji Sakamoto, Haru Okumura * '''Where:''' Kazusa's Atelier: The Neo-Lunar Palace * '''OOC Date:''' March 04, 2026 * '''IC Date:''' October 04, 2012 * '''Summary''': ''The Thieves begin progressing through Kazusa's Atelier. Not for a change of heart, but to save the princess at the highest point of the palace.'' ---- MONAD: A party led by Kasumi Yoshizawa has begun the event Ka..."

* '''Log: 2026-03-04: Bonezor the Unyielding'''
* '''Cast:''' [[Kasumi Yoshizawa]], [[Ryuji Sakamoto]], [[Haru Okumura]]
* '''Where:''' Kazusa's Atelier: The Neo-Lunar Palace
* '''OOC Date:''' March 04, 2026
* '''IC Date:''' October 04, 2012
* '''Summary''': ''The Thieves begin progressing through Kazusa's Atelier. Not for a change of heart, but to save the princess at the highest point of the palace.''

----
MONAD: A party led by Kasumi Yoshizawa has begun the event Kazusa's Atelier: The Neo-Lunar Palace.

(|============= Monad - Kazusa's Atelier: The Neo-Lunar Palace =============|)
-==== Round 1: First Strokes - Challenge Level 1 ============================-
| Approach Options: Academics or Proficiency |
| Conditions: Skillful - Proficiency Up L1 and Stupor - Academics Down L1 |
-==== Challenge =============================================================-

You emerge in the courtyard of a grand palace. The palace towers, as if it
were reaching out to touch the night sky itself. It is made of gleaming
white stone and metal with silver ornamentation, and pulses of multi-colored
light race all over its surface.

In the sky behind the tallest tower, a pitch black void sits, ringed with
crimson fire, casting everything in a red light. From that ring an inky
blackness spreads, slowly consuming the night stars in the sky. And in the
center of the crimson ring, in the highest tower, something glints like a
red gem.

As you take all that in, a bitter, frigid wind urges you towards the open
gates of the palace for shelter.

The inside of the palace is lit by floating orbs of light encased in silver
and glass fixtures, and multi-colored pulses of light that trace intricate
patterns on the ceilings and walls. The halls appear deserted, but in the
distance comes a low, predatory growl. It steadily gets louder until a door
opens and someone urgently beckons your group inside, the door slamming shut
just before the growling was about to catch up.

You find yourself in a brightly lit workshop. The walls are lined with
shelves of different kinds of miniature but life-like statues, from humanoid
to beast to robot to mythical creature and beyond, all in various states of
completion. Your savior is a Sanguin Humor, an owlgirl with startlingly
bright yellow eyes and brown and gray feathers woven through her hair,
garbed in a red and black robe.

She explains that the palace isn't safe, and that strange things have been
happening ever since the imposter Princess took over: their Sister Star is
trapped in a never-ending eclipse, the sky turns dark, and monsters roam the
halls. The real Princess must be trapped at the top of the palace, but the
way up is blocked by a barrier. If you were to bring an offering of a
vessel, however... that might help you get to the highest parts of the
tower. After all, it is what the Princess loves doing most, so the owlgirl
Sanguin Humor urges you to follow her example.

The Sanguin Humor demonstrates by sitting down at a round workstation inlaid
with purple runes and a flat, obsidian-black disc on it. A wireframe springs
into life above it, and at her touch it is molded and shaped. A touch of a
rune on the workbench places a holographic paint brush in her hand, and she
starts to paint in skin, hair, and other details. When she finishes, she
picks up the disc and a new miniature statue is posed on top.

The Sanguin Humor hands your group a fresh disc, and there are a number of
other workstations. Your Academics could help with working out the controls,
while Proficiency will surely help with the creative process itself.

OOC: As a group, you'll be collaboratively creating a character! For this
round, don't worry about clothing or other embellishments; those will come
in later rounds. If you need some inspiration to get started, you can roll
on a table at
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tir5tjha7KiTvF26HQYarS7s1imdmbdbXVTuf8_u
VbY/edit?tab=t.0.

(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
It's time to go delving into Kazusa's Atelier! Kasumi took the lead on setting up a date and time. On a chilly October afternoon in Akihabara, Kasumi, Haru Okumura, and Ryuji Sakamoto enter the atelier. (Kind of a strange group, isn't it?)

Anyways! The thieves meet a friendly Humour and are led along into workrooms. Honestly, the whole conceit makes Kasumi giggle a little.

"Aw... So, we have to create a little figurine...?" Bit by bit, Kasumi feels like she understands Kazusa-senpai a little bit more. "Well... My fingers are surely deft enough to make the thing. ...Should we roll on where we start?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
<poem>Between the Net cafe entry and the current MMO RPG vibes, Ryuji is certainly out of his depths here. There is a part of this that fills him with dread. Like a Lovecraft protagonist.

For weeks, Ryuji has sat in class with that DEMON behind him. He missed the days when she was a mean girl because it didn't feel like whatever this was was going to eat his soul.

Did Kazusa necessarily have soul devouring potential? Ryuji wasn't sure. He has admittedly not been entirely knowledgeable about this...change.

But the unknown is terrifying right? RIGHT?!

So when Ryuji sees the creepy owl woman and all the high fantasy trappings of an adventure. Skull stares at everything, taking it in. He taps a pipe on his shoulder and attempts to figure out of one of the work stations, frowning at the runes.

"So...anyone a secret nerd about fantasy cuz I'm more of sci-fi guy." He frowns as he considers just hitting it with his pipe but this all seems delicate.

Without thinking Ryuji takes a sip from his sports drink. He grins, tilting the bottle as he attempts to figure this out. The bottle tips further and further. UNTIL.

Ryuji empties sports drink on the workstation controls...which does SOMETHING. "Oh...my bad" Ryuji winces.
</poem>
MONAD: Ryuji Sakamoto has acted with Sports Drink toward First Strokes! Amrita!

MONAD: Kasumi Yoshizawa has acted with Beauty is Devotion! toward First Strokes! Diligence and Focus!

<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
<poem>
The time has finally come to infiltrate Kazusa's Atelier. Honestly, Haru wasn't certain what to expect, being her first time interacting with the Metaverse in this way. Kasumi took charge, which was a little surprising considering how new she is to the team, but she is the bold and headstrong type, after all, isn't she? The net cafe scene isn't one that's familiar to her, but that seems to go for most of their little party.

The atmosphere as they enter the Atelier is... strange. It's cold, Haru immediately realizes, as the frigid winds beckon them into the glassy interior. "It's not a Palace... but it's like a palace." Haru comments, twirling her axe around. But rather than being led on a high fantasy adventure, they're beckoned towards some... workstations, where they're instructed to create a doll of some sort.

"...Unfortunately, my true love is for horror." Haru replies to Ryuji. Knowing her preferences, maybe it's more fortunate than anything that they won't be relevant here. "It's a shame we don't have Fox or Phoenix with us... I'm afraid they are far more artistically talented than I am." They'll have to work with what they have, here.

Haru glances over at the various figures lining the walls and shelves. "It seems like most of the vessels here are rather inhuman and frightening-looking. I believe our character should be intimidating enough to match them.~" Haru chimes in, as the group scrambles together to make a character. "Perhaps a dragon of some sort?"
</poem>
MONAD: Haru Okumura has acted with Proficiency toward First Strokes! Base!

(|============================ Monad - Results =============================|)
-==== First Strokes - Round 1 ===============================================-
Ryuji Sakamoto Proficiency Success
Sports Drink Amrita Fatigue: 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Haru Okumura Proficiency Success
Proficiency Base Fatigue: 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kasumi Yoshizawa Proficiency Success
Beauty is Devotion! Diligence and Focus Fatigue: 0
-============================ Party Conditions: =============================-
Starting Conditions: Skillful-2 and Stupor-2
Final Conditions: Skillful-1 and Stupor-1
-====================================== Party Result: Success: Reach Up! ====-
-==== Reach: 1/6 |= | ===================================================-
(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi hums to herself about Ryuji's question. "Hm... Not really? I mean, I'll play the new Dragon Quest but..." It doesn't really count as an affinity, right? She gets started on working on like, the base outline of the guy.

"A dragon! That's a good point, Oku...Noir-senpai!" Ahem.~ Maybe Kasumi isn't very good at this yet. "Yeah... I'll get chisel some scales in.~" She chuckles happily as she does just that with a toothpick. "I'm surprised... That Motojima-senpai did this sort of thing." She pauses. "No wonder she stuffed this hobby down... I almost wonder if she even enjoyed Gymnastics."

Best to focus on the trials in front of them. The trio produces a workable base of a dragonfolk. "If we have the time, I might like to make him some fire too..."

</poem>
MONAD: Ryuji Sakamoto has drawn a new Challenge!

(|============= Monad - Kazusa's Atelier: The Neo-Lunar Palace =============|)
-==== Round 2: Street Fashion Strut - Challenge Level 1 =====================-
| Approach Options: Charm or Proficiency |
| Conditions: Clumsy - Proficiency Down L1, Skillful - Proficiency Up L1, |
| Smooth - Charm Up L1, and Stupor - Academics Down L1 |
-==== Challenge =============================================================-

As you leave the workshop with your brand new vessel, the Sanguin Humor
tells you to seek inspiration as you make your way up the Palace to the
Manifest Gallery--you can use more of those workstations to add more to your
vessel as you go.

Thankfully the palace has teleporter pads that will help you ascend rapidly,
instead of having to climb endless stairs.

You enter a room that, bizarrely, looks like an urban street. There's a
number of Flegmat Humors, catboys and catgirls, hanging around, all dressed
in various types of stylish street fashion. And in the middle of the street
are various crates and planks that make a makeshift runway.

The exit at the other end of the street has a workstation next to it. If you
can impress the crowd, you'll unlock some outfits to add to your vessel. You
can hit the runway with all the Charm you can muster, or perhaps use your
Proficiency to dazzle the crowd.

OOC: Add some cool street fashion to your character! If you need
inspiration, you can roll against the table at
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tir5tjha7KiTvF26HQYarS7s1imdmbdbXVTuf8_u
VbY/edit?tab=t.481uu1sqd4c5.

(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)

<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
<poem>"Dragon Quest totally counts!" Skull says to Kasumi.

Ryuji's credit, pouring the drink on the workstation results in something. The vessel is some sort of demonic dragonic form that seems to be made of black flames with golden horns. Ryuji stares at the results.

He also notes the many dragon type characters in the group. "Oh wow....So Uhhhh...To the teleporter!"

The party arrives to a sprawling street and there is a workstation at the end of it!

Ryuji also sees all the varied characters he could've spawned instead of his sick demon dragon thing. Still he isn't sure if those will be a problem. "We need to sneak by....Time to wing it!"

Without warning, Ryuji takes a drink from his last sport drink. He erupts into a makeshift hip hop dance to distract the many Humors.
</poem>
MONAD: Ryuji Sakamoto has acted with Sports Drink toward Street Fashion Strut! Amrita!

<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
<poem>Haru marvels at the dragonfly they managed to put together. "Wow! I know I said I wanted to make something intimidating, but they're actually pretty adorable, don't you think?" Haru giggles.

They teleport into the next area, and it seems their goal in this stage of the game is to impress enough of the ever-fashionable city-goers to unlock their fashion secrets. This seems far more up ''Panther'''s alley than anyone, but it's not like Haru is completely deprived of charm in her own right.

Considering character creation is all about exploring self-expression, Haru actually decides to lean into the more masculine aesthetic of her Phantom Thief attire, approaching one of the catgirls as she walks confidently down the runway. "Hello there, miss." Haru places on hand on her hat, while the other mysteriously conjures a cup of fresh hot coffee. "If you have no other commitments, would you care to join me for a drink?"

"Hehe." Haru smiles, glancing back at her two companions. "Charmed, don't you think?"
</poem>
MONAD: Haru Okumura has acted with Coffee Break toward Street Fashion Strut! Amrita!

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Proud of their work, they continue on.~ And they have to work a runway... "Oh, uhhh...! Oh gosh!"

A faint blush comes over Kasumi's cheeks, who's definitely a little shyer than her seniors. Well, if she can't manage it with words... Maybe some of her gymnastics skill will come in handy! She produces a ribbon and performs a small routine, reminiscent of her all out attack.~

</poem>
MONAD: Kasumi Yoshizawa has acted with Beauty is Devotion! toward Street Fashion Strut! Diligence and Focus!

(|============================ Monad - Results =============================|)
-==== Street Fashion Strut - Round 2 ========================================-
Ryuji Sakamoto Proficiency Success
Sports Drink Amrita Fatigue: 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Haru Okumura Proficiency Success
Coffee Break Amrita Fatigue: 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kasumi Yoshizawa Proficiency Success
Beauty is Devotion! Diligence and Focus Fatigue: 0
-============================ Party Conditions: =============================-
Starting Conditions: Clumsy-2, Skillful-1, Smooth-2, and Stupor-1
Final Conditions: Clumsy-1 and Smooth-1
-====================================== Party Result: Success: Reach Up! ====-
-==== Reach: 2/6 |== | ===================================================-
(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)

<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
<poem>The catgirl that Haru approaches is mystified by the gallantry of this Phantom Thief. The catgirl fiddles and looks off to the side. "Uh...S,sure. That would be lovely."

Meanwhile, Kasumi and Ryuji are doing their moves to distract the rest of the Humors.

Once everything is in order, Ryuji quickly moves to the workstation and completes the task to give his Demonic Dragon some Archer attire styled after Harajuku street wear. "Sweet! Lets keep going guys!"
</poem>
MONAD: Haru Okumura has drawn a new Challenge!

(|============= Monad - Kazusa's Atelier: The Neo-Lunar Palace =============|)
-==== Round 3: Fueling the Forge - Challenge Level 2 ========================-
| Approach Options: Charm or Guts |
| Conditions: Annoying - Charm Down L2, Bolstering - Guts Up L2, Box - Add 1 |
| Item/Money/Gear., Clumsy - Proficiency Down L1, and Smooth - Charm Up L1 |
-==== Challenge =============================================================-

The climb through the palace seems endless--if you were to glance out a
window now, you would see the palace grounds as a distant circle, surrounded
by a sea of encroaching darkness on all sides.

The next room you walk into is a sweltering forge, tended to by an owlgirl
Sanguin Humor, dressed in a black tunic and white leggings. She greets you
and takes note of your vessel, and how you must be undergoing the Princess'
trial. She offers to forge a weapon that you can then add to your vessel,
gesturing to a workstation by the other exit.

But in order to do that, she's going to need some fire crystals for her
forge... crystals currently being guarded by a rather large Coleric Humor in
the shape of a dragon in the back of the room. Only its massive forebody
emerges from a cave entrance, with shimmering red crystals piled beneath it.

You can either use your Charm to convince it not to attack, or if you're
Guts-y enough you can just dart in and steal some. Either way, the Sanguin
Humor will forge a weapon of your choosing to be scanned into the
workstation.

OOC: Add a fantasy or medieval weapon to your character! If you need
inspiration, you can roll against the table at
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tir5tjha7KiTvF26HQYarS7s1imdmbdbXVTuf8_u
VbY/edit?tab=t.9y0qg01lx15n.

(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)

<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
<poem>
The team continues down into the next area and the atmosphere shifts noticeably hotter as they make it into the forge. It seems the crystals they need to give their adorable little demonic dragon a weapon of its own are guarded by a much fiercer draconic Coleric Humour.

"So.. all we really need to do is take them? I suppose we couldn't make it through without some heist or another~" Haru giggles, as she sights the glimmer of the crystals. "Let's go, Thieves!" For her part, Haru equips her massive grenade launcher and fires a blank, loud enough to distract the dragon for long enough to grab a handful of crystals.
</poem>
MONAD: Haru Okumura has acted with Intimidation toward Fueling the Forge! Bravery and Focus!

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"Huh..." Murmurs Kasumi as she sees the dragon protecting it's hoard of Fire Crystals, and their dragonkin vessel. "This feels...thematically poignant, somehow." She feels a bit bad about going to steal from the poor sleeping dragon, but then Noir forces the issue-

"A-ah, yes!!" She rushes in to snag some crystals!

</poem>
MONAD: Kasumi Yoshizawa has acted with Guts toward Fueling the Forge! Base!

<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
<poem>"Woah." Ryuji is taken aback by the giant dragon guarding the crystals. He is going to need a weapon like everyone else.

He is considering what to do when Noir busts out the Gernade launcher.

Skull stares for a moment, reminding himself not to mess with Noir ever. "Uhhhh...Right. I'm gonna..."

Ryuji rushes for some crystals while the dragon is dealing with Noir's distraction.
</poem>
MONAD: Ryuji Sakamoto has acted with Punk Talk toward Fueling the Forge! Bravery and Patra!

(|============================ Monad - Results =============================|)
-==== Fueling the Forge - Round 3 ===========================================-
Ryuji Sakamoto Guts Success
Punk Talk Bravery and Patra Fatigue: 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Haru Okumura Guts Success
Intimidation Bravery and Focus Fatigue: 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kasumi Yoshizawa Guts Success
Guts Base Fatigue: 0
-============================ Party Conditions: =============================-
Starting Conditions: Annoying-2, Bolstering-2, Box-0, Clumsy-1, and Smooth-1
Final Conditions: Bolstering-1
-====================================== Party Result: Success: Reach Up! ====-
-==== Reach: 3/6 |=== | ===================================================-
-==== Loot So Far: ==========================================================-
Items: 0, Money: 1, Gear: 1
(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)

<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
<poem>
A successful heist! The Dragon momentarily jerks forward in surprise, giving Ryuji and Kasumi plenty of opportunity to grab as many crystals as they can fit in their hands. The Dragon growls in frustration, but ultimately seems to decide the matter isn't worth his time and curls back to sleep, disgruntled.

"It's a good thing we didn't have to harm him. That would be rather traumatizing for our little vessel, wouldn't it?" Haru smiles, when Kasumi notes the poignancy. Despite immediately turning to a grenade launcher to solve the problem, Haru's actually quite pleased they managed to resolve this without any violence towards their vessel's kin.

In any case, using the fire crystals, they manage to forge a mighty flame-tipped spear for their vessel. Fitting!
</poem>
MONAD: Kasumi Yoshizawa has drawn a new Challenge!

(|============= Monad - Kazusa's Atelier: The Neo-Lunar Palace =============|)
-==== Round 4: Not a Safe Room, but Close - Challenge Level 1 ===============-
| Approach Options: Academics or Understanding |
| Conditions: Bolstering - Guts Up L2, Checkpoint - Cleanse all negative |
| conditions., Educational - Academics Up L1, and Hard - Understanding Down |
| L1 |
-==== Challenge =============================================================-

As you keep climbing ever higher, through stairs, teleporters, and endless
hallways, it's clear you're reaching ever-dizzying heights: A quick glance
out a window now reveals that palace grounds are a speck of light in the far
distance below you, leaving you almost suspended in a void of darkness.

Unlike the tense atmosphere of the empty hallways, though, the next room you
enter oom feels more... peaceful. Safe. Even like it was waiting for your
presence.

The room is comfortably sized, with a tiled marble floor outlined with
silver. Several large pillars are spaced evenly around the room, and the
very center of the room has a differently-colored title emitting a soft blue
glow. There is also some comfy furniture scattered about, as well as plenty
of food and drink.

It's a good chance to take a break. Perhaps you can use your Academics to
formulate a plan for your ever-heightening climb up the palace, or maybe you
can use your Understanding to reflect on what you might have learned of
Kazusa so far through her Atelier.

(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Whew! Thank goodness it didn't turn into a fight... Kasumi would've felt awful. (And without a navigator, dangerous!) "Right?~" Kasumi chuckles with Haru. "I don't know how I would apologize..."

The trio gradually keeps moving through the atelier. "We're making such good progress!" It's a relief, thankfully. Though, now they have a chance to think about how to continue the climb...

"Motojima-senpai truly has... many layers to her, huh? It's been nice to learn more about her..." She thinks about things. "I wonder if there's a hidden staircase, or some sort of mechanism? Motojima-senpai needs someway to let Oosaka-senpai in."

</poem>
MONAD: Kasumi Yoshizawa has acted with Let's Patch You Up! toward Not a Safe Room, but Close! Amrita!

<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
<poem>"Yeah she does." Ryuji agrees as he keeps up with the party. He rolls his arm as he continues through the weird fantasy world that makes up Motojima's mind.

When they find the "safe room", Ryuji makes a sigh of relief, finding a place to squat on the floor. He rolls his head as he starts to think of where to go from here. What to do about this mean girl he keeps getting into trouble with...The sooner he got rid of her crazy monster self, the sooner stuff would be more or less normal again.

"You know, Motojima...like I don't get why she hides who she is. I get wanting to be popular but this stuff...like it's part of who she is and she just about threatened me to deny it..I dunno. I hope she figures it out so I don't have to worry about getting into more trouble." Ryuji sighs and stands up, looking around. "So what now?"
</poem>
MONAD: Ryuji Sakamoto has acted with Bro Down toward Not a Safe Room, but Close! Empathy and Focus!

<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
<poem>
The next area gives the group something of a breather, with a familiar comfort similar to one of the Palaces' safe rooms. Having time to discuss a strategy to move forward is one thing, but Haru feels it's also important to think about ''what'' they just saw.

"She really does..." Haru agrees with Kasumi, that there's a lot go layers to the girl named Kazusa. "She truly is nothing like I thought she would be." She takes a sip from some tea pre-brewed for them in the safe room, as she considers what Ryuji says.

"I suppose it must be some kind of pressure..." She suggests, gazing down into her cup. "Pressure to suppress who she really is, to be a certain way." She can understand it in a sense, due to her similar upbringing - especially considering she has many interests herself that aren't 'appropriate' for who she is. "I hope so, too. For her own sake as well." She nods.

Kasumi's idea of a hidden passageway is intriguing. They'll have to keep their eyes open as they continue forward.
</poem>
MONAD: Haru Okumura has acted with Let's Talk It Out toward Not a Safe Room, but Close! Efficient and Empathy!

(|============================ Monad - Results =============================|)
-==== Not a Safe Room, but Close - Round 4 ==================================-
Ryuji Sakamoto Understanding Success
Bro Down Empathy and Focus Fatigue: 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Haru Okumura Understanding Success
Let's Talk It Out Efficient and Empathy Fatigue: 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kasumi Yoshizawa Understanding Success
Let's Patch You Up! Amrita Fatigue: 0
-============================ Party Conditions: =============================-
Starting Conditions: Bolstering-1, Checkpoint-0, Educational-2, and Hard-2
Final Conditions: Educational-1 and Hard-1
-====================================== Party Result: Success: Reach Up! ====-
-==== Reach: 4/6 |==== | ===================================================-
-==== Loot So Far: ==========================================================-
Items: 0, Money: 1, Gear: 1
(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"It's difficult," Kasumi speaks up. "when you're expected to be a certain way and you can't...live up to that." She understands how it's like, in a way. After all, she has to deal with others expectations on her so often. It's frustrating. "Her father wasn't very approving of her hobbies, apparently too. It doesn't excuse her being mean, but... Well, we all have things we struggle with."

Kasumi purses her lips a little. She's looking forward to seeing the real Kazusa pretty soon. Hopefully, her hope for a hidden contraption is on the mark.

</poem>
MONAD: Ryuji Sakamoto has drawn a new Challenge!

(|============= Monad - Kazusa's Atelier: The Neo-Lunar Palace =============|)
-==== Round 5: The Manifest Gallery - Challenge Level 3 =====================-
| Approach Options: Guts or Understanding |
| Conditions: Bless - +1 to Group Roll (Per Character), Bolstering - Guts Up |
| L2, Educational - Academics Up L1, Hard - Understanding Down L1, and Hard |
| - Understanding Down L1 |
-==== Challenge =============================================================-

You've ascended high into the palace, and the halls are in rough shape. The
pulses of light that ran along the walls are all dark now, many of the
magical lights are flickering rapidly, and there are deep, goinging claw
marks embedded into the floors with alarming frequency.

But finally you reach your destination: the Manifest Gallery. Though high,
arching doors you step into a large gallery space: Flegmat Humors, catboys
and catgirls in all manner of fantastical costumes and garb mill about,
observing miniature animated statues placed on display in various poses or
looping animations. For the moment, this room still appears to be brightly
lit and in good shape.

An owlgirl in orange robes trimmed with yellow--a Sanguin Humor--ushers you
forth to a small altar with a receptacle for the disk you've been carrying.
She explains that all you need to do is to place the disc in the altar and
name your vessel. When you do, the image hovering over it vanishes and is
placed on display.

The Sanguin Humor thanks you for your offering, and hopes that with enough
offerings they'll be able to convince the Princess to let down the wards
guarding her chambers. She presents everyone in your party with two gifts:

* You have gained the Key Item PRINCESS' FAVOR!

A sign that you have completed the offering of a vessel and
gained recognition by the Princess. It features a crescent moon
encircling a lily, both carved out of moonstone and set against
a small, round black pin. It glows faintly in the dark.

* You have gained the Unique Item FIGURINE OF <Name>!

Hey, it's <name>! This figurine is finely detailed and posed in
the middle of a fierce attack. This is to commemorate the
journey you took to offer a vessel to the Princess. Please treat
them well!

The Sanguin Humor is about to invite you to explore the Gallery when a
hulking, snarling wolf batters its way past the doors. It might have been a
palace guard once, as evidenced by the bits and pieces of armor still
clinging to its body, but as it stands it is fully under the Homunculus'
sway: a Melanc Humor. It roars, causing the Flegmat attendees to scream and
scatter. As they do, it begins to criticize the wasted effort spent on the
fancy costumes and on creating the offerings.

And it will criticize everyone in the party, too, especially anybody acting
in ways that don't confirm to rigid gender norms.

You'll need to use your Guts to battle the beast and subdue it, or you can
try to be Understanding and rally the Flegmats to help with the process.

(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)

<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
<poem>Past the Save Room, the party comes to the path to the Manifest Gallery. The Owl Woman explains what comes next and Skull just stares with wide eyes. This was all very intricate.

It made Ryuji wonder why Kazusa has all of this inside her and yet she hides it again.

Ryuji places the Vessel and considers. "A name huh? How about..."

Ryuji has chosen "Bonezor The Unyielding". He has the Princess' Favor and everything is looking good until the Wolf shows up. The wolf is fearsome and critizing everyone for their gender presentation. For real?

Ryuji looks to the others before looking over at the Wolf. "Beat it." Ryuji states very calmly with a demonic fierceness in his eyes.
</poem>
MONAD: Ryuji Sakamoto has acted with Punk Talk toward The Manifest Gallery! Bravery and Patra!

<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
<poem>
"Yes, indeed." Haru nods sadly, when Kasumi points out that Kazusa's hobbies were criticized by her own family. They may have dealt with it in different ways, but Haru can truly empathize with Kazusa'a situation. For now, though...

They've made it to the end. They have offered their vessel, Bonezor, to the Princess and thus, completed their journey. Unfortunately, no journey can end without some trouble. As that unsightly wolf approaches, Haru finds herself gripping her axe tighter, prepared for a fight. Of course, Haru's own attire is more androgynous than she usually carries herself - so she finds herself facing some of that criticism, but she can shake it off, mostly.

Haru finds herself almost awestruck by the way Ryuji carries himself - calm but fierce. "Didn't anyone teach you to mind your own business?" Haru stretches a finger out to the beast. "Perhaps it falls upon me to teach you a painful lesson.~" She smiles, as she always does before it's time to bring the axe down upon a cognition.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"This is such an impressive display..." Kasumi is in aw that Kazusa has all of this in her. It's truly impressive. But having to hide such a large part of yourself...

Well, it makes sense why it's become such an issue suddenly.

Kasumi giggles lightly at the name Ryuji punches in. "That's a pretty intimidating name.~" She says, approving of it.

Then, there's the snarling wolf. This must be what it was like for them at the convention... How awful. Skull and Noir seem to have the wolf well in hand, so Kasumi focuses on the Flegmats.

"I-it's okay, everyone! Don't fear!" She calls. "Everyone's done such a good job. Besides, we outnumber the bully!"

</poem>
MONAD: Kasumi Yoshizawa has acted with Let's Patch You Up! toward The Manifest Gallery! Amrita!
MONAD: Haru Okumura has acted with Intimidation toward The Manifest Gallery! Bravery and Focus!

(|============================ Monad - Results =============================|)
-==== The Manifest Gallery - Round 5 ========================================-
Ryuji Sakamoto Guts Success
Punk Talk Bravery and Patra Fatigue: 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Haru Okumura Guts Success
Intimidation Bravery and Focus Fatigue: 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kasumi Yoshizawa Understanding Success
Let's Patch You Up! Amrita Fatigue: 0
-============================ Party Conditions: =============================-
Starting Conditions: Bless-0, Bolstering-2, Educational-1, Hard-1, and
Hard-2
Final Conditions: Bolstering-1
-====================================== Party Result: Success: Reach Up! ====-
-==== Reach: 6/6 |=====| ===================================================-
-==== Loot So Far: ==========================================================-
Items: 0, Money: 1, Gear: 1
(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)

(|============= Monad - Kazusa's Atelier: The Neo-Lunar Palace =============|)
-==== Round 6: Pitfall - Challenge Level 1 ==================================-
| Approach Options: None |
| Conditions: Chest - Add 2 Item/Money/Gear. and Revelation - The best |
| result. |
-==== Challenge =============================================================-

After a fierce battle with the Melanc wolf, you manage to subdue it enough
for the Flegmat denizens present to move in to take care of it. This means
you have enough time to have a proper look around--you can't ascend up the
tower yet, but there's still plenty of other things in the Atelier left to
explore.

You find a small movie theater, attended by a Sanguin owlgirl dressed in
purple robes and a white mantle. She lets you know that the next showing is
about to start, and that admission is free with the Princess' Favor.

Once you settle in, an old, grainy video springs to life on the screen. It's
summer break, and an excited, middle school-aged Kazusa and Kazuhiro
excitedly greet their grandparents as they arrive for a week's stay on
summer break. (The grandparents are Shigeki and Kae Motohima, a husband and
wife team who are a legendary game designer and artist duo who made some of
Motojima Corporation's earliest video games.)

During the week, Kazusa and Kazuhiro get to take a trip to Motojima
Corporation's game development studios, getting to see their grandparents'
offices, how games are made, and even play in an arcade of old Motojima
arcade cabinets. Kazuhiro has a fun time, but Kazusa is enthralled,
particularly by her grandmother's art.

So much so that when her father Kazuki, a tall, stern-looking man with short
black hair, comes to pick them up, Kazusa excitedly tells him she wants to
make games like baachan and jiichan.

This incenses the father, who immediately begins to berate her choice to
chase a meaningless creative profession. Kae immediately moves to usher
Kazusa and Kazuhiro out of the room, but not before Kazua's expression
crumbles. The memory fades out with Kazuki and Shigeki openly arguing.

As the lights come back on, you find a golden treasure chest waiting at the
front of the theater. Opening it, you find a new weapon: it's made of
polished black metal, leather, or wood, and elegantly designed with silver
accents. It glows with black light when used.

In non-supernatural spaces it doesn't glow, of course, but it still appears
to be a high-quality cosplay accessory.

Final Loot: 1 Item, 1 boxes of Money, and 2 Pieces of Gear!
(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)

<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
<poem>Between Ryuji's glare and Haru's intimidation, the fearsome Humor isn't going to mess with these two. After a long drawn out staredown, the boss just leaves and lets the group by.

Skull leads the group and this leads to a movie theater. The blonde settles in and watches whats playing, jaw dropping as he takes in the movie.

This was her deal...Man, Ryuji suddenly felt quite sorry for Kazusa.

"I guess this is whats going on...huh?"
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
<poem>
It's another rather anti-climatic standoff as the wolf finally buckles and lets them through. All that's left is the movie theatre, which seems to show footage of Kazusa's own past. A warm memory with her grandparents, followed by an argument with her father. They watch as Kazusa's creative passions are shut down and extinguished.

"Kazusa-chan..." Haru frowns, finding herself using a more informal form of address for the poor girl. It feels a little too much like they've invaded far too much of her privacy than they should have, but Haru just hopes that what they've learned here in this Atelier will give them what they need to truly help her.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
The wolf is defeated, and Kasumi can't help but feel a bit... She doesn't know. Deflated? Like it doesn't make her happy, perhaps. In any case. They complete their task, and have the path open to the princess open now. They go and see a movie and... Well, Kasumi's feelings only intisfy anyways.

"I wonder why Motojima-senpai's father... is like that? If those are his parents." It feels impossible to tell from a screen. Maybe it's another case of distorted desires? It's unclear.

Whatever it is, they'll be able to bring Kazusa back.

</poem>

Akihiko Sanada

2026-03-14T20:13:23Z

LeiaSkynoober:

{| class="toccolours" style="width: 25em; float: right; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0em; margin-bottom:2em; text-align: left; font-size: %110" cellspacing="2"
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font size: 110%;" align="center" |'''akihiko_sanada'''
|-
! colspan="2" align="center" |[[File:P3R_Akihiko_Sanada_Battle_Artwork_edit.png|300px]]
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''IC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Full Name:
| Akihiko Sanada
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Arcana:
| IV. Emperor
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Gender:
| Male (He/him)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Age (Birthdate):
| 17 (September 22, 1994)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Hair Colour:
| Silver
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Eye Colour:
| Blue
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Residency:
| Tatami Port Island
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Workplace:
| Gekkoukan High School
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Job:
| Third Year Student
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Role:
| Focus
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''OOC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Source:
| Persona 3 (FC)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Group:
| SEES
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Player:
|[[User:LeiaSkynoober|LeiaSkynoober]]
|-
|}
"I've been waiting for this!"

The undefeated boxing champion of Gekkoukan High, Akihiko is a popular senpai who’s calm, cool, and smart. He has a significant female fanbase within the school, that he ranges from clueless to annoyed about. Still, his reputation is significant and overall positive. He’s additionally a well known close associate with Mitsuru Kirijo.

= Background =
Akihiko Sanada grew up very briefly with his parents and younger sister, Miki Sanada. Unfortunately, his parents died and he and his younger sister would live in an orphanage instead. It was there he met Shinjiro Aragaki, where they would quickly become close. (Additionally, this would also be where he meets Goro Akechi, a sullen boy Akihiko never got along with.) Akihiko was a bit of a crybaby during this time, but his sense of justice was strong. There was a time where he and Shinji fought as he sobbed, because Shinji had stolen a doll for Miki.

Eventually, Akihiko was chosen to be adopted out of the orphanage without his younger sister, Miki. She was working on a medal to give him, but never got to properly gift it. In the weeks between, there were sightings of a strange, white haired man skulking about the orphanage that ultimately would be dismissed. The dismissal would end up causing a tragedy. Seemingly suddenly, the orphange would erupt into a blaze and burn down. Miki, Akihiko’s sister, died in the blaze, and Goro, that sullen boy, mocked her brother for being weak. Akihiko and Shinjiro promised each other to become strong together.

Akihiko’s feeling of being utterly useless here would spiral hard, becoming an obsession with becoming stronger. Now with his adopted family, he ended up getting into boxing with Gekkoukan during his middle school years. He quickly improved, becoming strong and known as the undefeated champion, all of his struggles up to that point paid off. Still, it is not enough.

For some undetermined amount of time prior, Akihiko has been experiencing a strange hour every night where everyone turns into coffins and strange, shadowed creatures roam. After one of his boxing matches, after other schools scouts attempt to pouch him and fangirls harrass him, he is approached by Mitsuru Kirijo. He was handed an envoker, and two promises. Challenges where he didn’t have to hold back, and answers about the 25th hour they experienced. Akihiko initially thought she lost it, but after confirming it that night, he grew to like Mitsuru.

Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Shinjiro together would form the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad, or SEES for short, as a clandestine school club. They worked together on several missions, including attempting to scale Tartarus together, but never got very far. The trio wouldn’t last very long either. In their first year of high school together, on October 10th, an incident where Shinji’s Persona went berserk occurred and accidently killed a civilian, Ken Amada’s mother.

Shinji couldn’t live with his mistake and left SEES. Their friendship would become strained, as Akihiko insists that people need Shinji’s protection. Quietly, Akihiko felt a bit betrayed. He saw Shinji leaving SEES as abandoning their promise to become strong together. However, Shinji felt far too guilty to keep working alongside SEES and would begin taking Persona Suppressents - drugs, to keep his Persona in check. Akihiko would continually pester Shinji to rejoin SEES, especially after Minato and Minako join SEES and the group begin to see real progress.

The incident had its own effect on Akihiko, who took it as another sign that he isn’t strong enough yet. He doubles down, training and pushing himself harder than before, obsessed with becoming strong enough where he can carry the world all on his own. A streak that continues throughout modern SEES. He becomes injured on the full moon on April 9th at the hands of the Magician Shadow and consequently struggles to feel useful in the time afterwards. His excitement on getting back into the field draws both Mitsuru’s and Yukari’s annoyance. However, he still feels strongly that he must be useful somehow, that he has to be strong for everyone’s sake. Otherwise, people die.

= Social Links =
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Names
!Rank
!Arcana
!Description
|-
|[[Shinjiro Aragaki]]
|★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
|V. The Hierophant
|"You can't beat yourself up over a mistake forever, Shinji. I'll drag you back somehow."
|-
|[[Mitsuru Kirijo]]
|★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
|III. The Empress
|"I'm with you until the end, Mitsuru."
|-
|[[Yukari Takeba]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|VI. The Lovers
|"A good and reliable junior. Sorry about embarrassing you so much."
|-
|[[Minako Arisato]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|I. The Fool
|"The ever reliable leader. Let's end the Dark Hour together."
|-
|[[Ren Amamiya]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|I. The Fool
|"A strange one. Treat Arisato well, yeah?"
|}

= Logs and Cutscenes =

==Season 1==

===Logs===
{{#dpl:
|category = logs&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 1
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}

===Cutscenes===
{{#dpl:
|category = cutscenes&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 1
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no cutscenes on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Focus]]
[[Category:Gekkoukan High School]]

2026-02-08: Cleaning Up the Ruins

2026-02-11T21:48:25Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "*'''Log: 2026-02-08: Cleaning Up the Ruins''' *'''Cast:''' Akihiko Sanada, Mitsuru Kirijo *'''Where:''' Iwatodai Dormitory *'''OOC Date:''' February 08, 2026 *'''IC Date:''' September 22, 2012 *'''Summary''': ''Akihiko and Mitsuru clean up a bit after the mess Strega made, and talk about their own respective guilt on not being there for their charges. Together, they resolve to become stronger. And perhaps, find a way to strike back against Strega.'' ---- <Pos..."

*'''Log: 2026-02-08: Cleaning Up the Ruins'''
*'''Cast:''' [[Akihiko Sanada]], [[Mitsuru Kirijo]]
*'''Where:''' Iwatodai Dormitory
*'''OOC Date:''' February 08, 2026
*'''IC Date:''' September 22, 2012
*'''Summary''': ''Akihiko and Mitsuru clean up a bit after the mess Strega made, and talk about their own respective guilt on not being there for their charges. Together, they resolve to become stronger. And perhaps, find a way to strike back against Strega.''

----

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
It's been maybe two weeks since the attack on the SEES dorms, and Akihiko is helping pick up after the mess. Sure, Mitsuru is going to have repairs done herself, but... It feels like a tiny bit of repentance Akihiko can make for completely missing the entire affair. He should have been there. And his best friend has been involved with Strega... It's a bit frustrating, honestly.

Anyways. At least Akihiko can easily help picking up and clearing debris. It's this process in the main dorm room that he can easily be found.
</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Mitsuru Kirijo has posed.
<poem>
She should have been there.

Just like Akihiko Sanada, this is the refrain that has been plaguing Mitsuru Kirijo's thoughts for the last week and a half. It's not the only one -- her concerns, and anger, over Shinjiro have been her constant companion as well, not to mention the simple fact that their enemies could simply blitz what was meant to be a safe space so easily.

One was at least slightly tempered in the wake of her conversation with Shinjiro. The other...

... that one will require a fiercer touch.

"You don't need to do that, Akihiko."

Her voice is as collected and poised as ever as it speaks up just behind Akihiko. There she stands at the liminal space between the lobby grounds and the stairway in that simple sleeveless cream turtleneck and black pants affair she's so fond of, arms folded under her chest and dark red brows furrowed.

"The cleaners will be here tomorrow," she continues, knowing it isn't really ''why'' Akihiko is here, trying to do ''something''. "You needn't worry; they work for the Kirijo Group to handle matters like this. They will be discreet."

The furrow of her brows deepens. A frown crosses her lips. "... By tomorrow it will look as if this never happened."

But it did. And repairs don't wipe away memories.

They linger like a scar.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko's gaze turns towards the stairs. "Yo, Mitsuru." He greets her, with a two finger wave. He tosses a piece of wood to the side. "Honestly, I'm surprised it's taken this long for the repair team to arrive." He jokes lightly. Pushing his feelings down as they're both used to doing.

For his part, Akihiko has not yet changed out of his summer school uniform. A red vest rests comfortably over his short sleeved dress shirt. "It's only polite to clean up a bit before the cleaners arrive." He says, remaining chipper all the while. "Besides, it's good training." Back on his same old.

Usually, he'd leave it at that. But... "You know it's not as easy as that, Mitsuru. We should have been there." He isn't blaming Mitsuru. 'we' means him. "This is the least I can do with these feelings of inadequacy."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Mitsuru Kirijo has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko jokes about the cleaners, as is his wont.

Mitsuru sighs an indefatigable sigh, as is hers.

She does, at least, manage a rueful kind of smile.

"I was given to understand such wait times were normal," she jokes (??) back.

But her gaze is still focused on Akihiko's work. Her brows are still furrowed. And her smile swiftly dissolves towards a more neutral line of thought as he makes his excuses. She's silent for a while, after he talks about the benefits of cleaning for his regimen, as if unwilling to even humor ''that'' much.

Because the real problem is...

''We should have been there.''

"..."

Silence reigns just a bit longer. Outside of Akihiko's field of vision, it might be an open question if Mitsuru is still there--

Until she's suddenly moving to crouch down next to him, picking up pieces of shattered tile to pile on her delicately manicured palm.

"We should have," she finally says as she works, with a certain emphasis in that 'we' as if to deny any attempt to exempt her from the blame. "... Sometimes it feels like I have done nothing but fail them all from the outset."

Scarlet lips part out an exhale. And Mitsuru shakes her head, continuing her work alongside him.

"We can't change the past, Akihiko. ... But we can endeavor to make up for it in the present, at the least."

What is all this for, if that isn't possible, after all?

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Normal for regular people, maybe." Akihiko jokes back. Even if it's just a moment, it's nice to go back and forth with his old friend.

There's a poignant pause, as Akihiko isn't quite sure if Mitsuru is just thinking hard on what she'd like to say. When she pops back into his vision, he smiles softly. He crouches down too, working on taking the bigger items out of the way, with the smaller debris into a trashcan.

"You know that's not true, Mitsuru." Akihiko says of Mitsuru failing them. "No one's dead yet, thank god. And this should work as a wake up call, for us to work a little harder." That's always what it comes back down to it, huh? Working harder. Growing stronger. Is that all they can do?

"Have you spoken to Shinji yet?" Akihiko asks. "All I've heard is some rumblings, but... I'll be able to talk with him soon."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Mitsuru Kirijo has posed.
<poem>
She knows that's not true.

No one's dead yet. Thank god.

Shards of tile fall into the trashcan with the discordant clink of ceramic.

"..."

Mitsuru elects to focus on Akihiko's second observation: "A wake up call," she echoes as she turns back towards gathering debris, "yes. But it's more than that." They could have lost so much-- "Strega has shown they are far more of a problem than we anticipated."

And possess far more secrets and enigmatic support, too. Just what is Strega? Is it really the New World Order supporting them? It doesn't _feel_ right.

"If we leave them be, things will simply get worse. I refuse to let this go unanswered."

And she refuses to accept that uncertainty.

As if inflamed by her own frustration, Mitsuru works ''that'' much harder; she is in the middle of picking up a chunk of collapsed bookshelf when Akihiko asks his question. Has she spoken to Shinjiro? ...

Mitsuru pauses for a moment in the middle of their cleaning, a frown creasing at her lips.

"... Oui. I have," she says, after that momentary delay. Her tone is drawn towards that painstakingly composed professionalism as she answers, like the professionalism made an immaculate shield to her own raw emotions. "And I intend to make sure he talks to you, too."

Wood tilts in fair hands in a slow rotation. She loved this book shelf. How many nights had she sat down with a book from that shelf during the Dark Hour? ... How much more could they have lost?

"The information he gave them are things they might have discovered in time, but..." She should have known. She should have been told. She should have been able to figure it out her own damn self. She should have-- "Akihiko, we need to make sure the others are protected. Both in the Dark Hour, and outside of it; we don't know what lengths these people will go to, and now they have the names and faces of all our people." Her brows furrow. "No more solo patrols during the Dark Hour. That includes you as well. I need you to help me make sure the others don't go out on their own."

But she's avoiding the real issue, isn't she? Silence settles again, but only for a shorter while before:

"I knew Aragaki got his Evoker from them," she admits, dark red eyes narrowing. "I knew, when I recruited him back in to SEES. I should have pressed him for more information then, but I..."

couldn't think of anything but refusing to accept he was dying

"... was so focused on getting him back that I let it slip through the cracks. And now..."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
It feels awful. Being on the backfoot with Strega. Not to mention the focus and pressure each Full Moon Shadow puts on them. Without proper preparation, something will give. It's not something SEES can afford.

"Unanswered, huh?" Akihiko echos Mitsuru this time. The thought starts getting him amped up, just a little bit. "Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting...?" Striking at Strega themselves this time. "Do we even know where their hideout is?" Shinji ought to know. At worst, Akihiko can go and find out himself.

Akihiko on his part, picks up some remains of couch and tosses it into the garbage. It's gonna be real nice to see everything set back up soon.

Something scratches a bit weird though. Make sure Shinji talks to him? Is Shinji avoiding him? Akihiko lets it float by for now. There's no point in putting needless pressure on Mitsuru. More than she's already putting on herself.

The thought of his solo patrols behing put on hold... Akihiko goes to object, but ends up holding his tongue. Shinj...was leaking information. The thought is tough to deal with. He should have known. There's kids here who could've died.

Still. "...I can't blame you, Mitsuru. I would have ignored the warning signs too. For him to join us again." Akihiko did. Actively. He probably wouldn't even change his blind faith in Shinji either.

"Yeah. I'll stick closer to the dorms." He says finally, on the top of patrols. "I've been trying to get some of the younger members training more too. We have to be prepared." A pause. "And whatever else Strega is planning, we'll be strong enough to win flat out. Or keep such a thing from happening in the first place."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Mitsuru Kirijo has posed.
<poem>
There's so many questions left lingering about Strega for Mitsuru. In the abstract, just who is really empowering them and funneling resources to them. Kirijo drugs, Kirijo technology. Is it defectors? People in the Nanjo Konzern?

And in the immediate, more pertinent sense... Akihiko is right. They don't even know where these people are hiding -- if they even ''have'' a base of operations and aren't just operating in cells. But these?

Akihiko will be able to tell by the way those sharp eyes of Mitsuru's seem lost in intense thought as he makes his point: the wheels are already turning. Mitsuru's already coming up with a strategy to deal with just that. Perhaps she ''has'' been.

If there's one thing similar about the both of them, it's that basic inability to stay content with stillness and inaction.

... And also, to brush off their own problems. Maybe it's something Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Shinjiro all share.

It hurts, as Akihiko talks about Shinjiro. How he assures that he, too, would have overlooked the warning signs. She shuts her eyes for a moment. It doesn't feel right. She promised Shinjiro... she wouldn't speak about his condition to Akihiko. But that clock is running out, faster and faster. And when it does...

"I worry about how the others in the group will see him now," she confesses instead in response -- a truth, just a different one. "Trust is... difficult to build back. I know that better than most. If I had known sooner, I could have..."

Protected him? Insulated him? She stops herself. It's the wrong way of thinking, and she knows it.

Her, and her family, covering for their tragic mistakes is no small part of how they got here, isn't it?

"... Thank you, Akihiko," she says instead, around a soft exhale, as he relents on the patrols. "You're right. We need to remain sharp, in both body ''and'' mind." She side-eyes Akihiko slightly, here. "That includes you as well."

The All-Seeing Eye of Kirijo is on you now, Akihiko. You won't be able to escape studying via excessive training, this time--!

"As to your other question... yes. I am suggesting exactly that." Standing up so that she may move that chunk of bookshelf towards the larger debris pile, she straightens, wipes her hands, and turns back towards Akihiko to regard him directly. "We do not know where they're hiding. But we ''do'' know what they want." To stop SEES from ending the Dark Hour. They, apparently, made that ''abundantly'' clear. Her brows furrow faintly, one hand settling on her hip as a pensive frown creases her lips.

"... Aragaki provided me with notes detailing everything he knew about Strega's current membership. Names, abilities, what personal details he was aware of. There is one of them, Chidori Yoshino, who did not take active part in the battle... but has the power to block our Navigators' scanning abilities. I believe that is how they were able to so effectively surprise us, and how they remain so hard to spot. If we remove her from the board, we may be able to cripple their ability to maneuver against us."

A dark brow lifts, fractionally. And despite the circumstances, a smile crosses her lips. "We may not know where they're hiding, but when you're hunting elusive prey, sometimes the best way to deal with them is not to try to chase them down. Sometimes it's better to let them come to you."

Sometimes you need bait.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko has always felt comfortable going all out when Mitsuru is at his back. There is very little they couldn't solve together.

(It also makes the attack on the dorms all the more frustrating, doing so when both of them were away.)

It's also just a kind of loyalty forged from going through hell together, those first few years of SEES.

"...Well, we can't force everyone to be friends." Akihiko replies, on the topic of Shinji. "We ought to make sure that they can trust their backs to each other, at least." That kind of trust is hard to come by. And can't just come down to third year decree.

...Obviously, Akihiko doesn't know what's waiting for him around the corner. "Let's wrap Shinji into this too. If he's helping us more than he's helped Strega... That could really help his perception at least."

Hey, he's actually good at exams...! The insinuation misses Akihiko though. "I'll be careful not to strain myself." He says with a smirk. "I'm not about to get injured like that again soon, when I have so many people I need to protect."

Akihiko follows Mitsuru's train of thought. If she creates the strategies, Akihiko is more than happy to forge the way forward with tactics.

"If we choose our field of engagement well, a small team should be able to wrap around and find this Yoshino." Akihiko is happy to complete the thought. "At worst, we could easily force a surrender. At best..." He's sure he doesn't need to finish that thought.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Mitsuru Kirijo has posed.
<poem>
"Yes. I suppose you're right."

Mitsuru Kirijo is slowly coming to accept that she cannot put the ''entire'' weight of the world on her shoulders.

... but that doesn't mean there isn't a part of her constantly screaming that people should just let her micromanage them into perfect harmony.

Listen. Being Type A is difficult.

"I was thinking the same," the Kirijo heiress continues as Akihiko suggests roping in Shinjiro, a satisfied smile finally finding its way back to her lips as they fall once more onto the same wavelength. "It would go a long way to show his dedication. He also knows Strega and their members better than any of us; he would have a significant advantage in anticipating their movements. And more to the point... I think more than anything, Aragaki wants to make amends."

Her brows furrow faintly. "... After everything he has been through, he deserves the chance to prove himself."

Of ''course'' Akihiko would completely fail to notice her not-so-subtle hint not to tunnel vision on training; she can't help but smile a bit ruefully at that. It's fine; of everyone in SEES, he's certainly far from being a subject of concern as far as studies go.

She may or may not have a priority list of which Junpei Iori may or may not aggressively occupy the top of.

Still. What matters right ''now'' is they have a plan. A plan that Akihiko begins to rapidly flesh out.

"Précisément," she declares with the crisp snap of her fingers. "I'll let you handle who to bring onboard. Though if I may, I'd suggest Reiya Aomori. I think you'll find his skillset a perfect fit for this." It always feels good, talking to him about missions. Over these years, developing this rhythm, this rapport... there's a certain satisfaction in knowing there's someone you can trust implicitly.

"... Hopefully, if all goes according to plan, we'll be able to make up for all of this."

... It's not something she wishes to compromise. For anything.

</poem>

[[Category:Logs]]
[[Category:Season 1]]
[[Category:Season 1, Episode 1]]

2026-02-05: The Strength They Sought

2026-02-06T06:35:50Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "*'''Log: 2026-02-05: The Strength They Sought''' *'''Cast:''' Akihiko Sanada, Yukari Takeba *'''Where:''' Iwaitodai Station, Hagekure Ramen *'''OOC Date:''' February 05, 2026 *'''IC Date:''' September 21, 2012 *'''Summary''': ''Akihiko finally finds a chance to take his junior, Yukari Takebe out for a ramen date... To apologize for being cringe!!! They talk about strength, friends, and touch gently on what it means to be kind.'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sa..."

*'''Log: 2026-02-05: The Strength They Sought'''
*'''Cast:''' [[Akihiko Sanada]], [[Yukari Takeba]]
*'''Where:''' Iwaitodai Station, Hagekure Ramen
*'''OOC Date:''' February 05, 2026
*'''IC Date:''' September 21, 2012
*'''Summary''': ''Akihiko finally finds a chance to take his junior, Yukari Takebe out for a ramen date... To apologize for being cringe!!! They talk about strength, friends, and touch gently on what it means to be kind.''

----

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko stuffs his hand in his pocket, as he waits for his kouhai outside of Hagakure Raman. He finally has a decent evening he can devote to rest mainly, and he's decided to spend it taking Yukari Takebe out for apology ramen. (Do girls like ramen? He really hopes so.)

Anyways, it's been a long time coming. Akihiko's had a decent stretch (read: 2) of events that led to himself embarrassing myself. He can make it up even a little bit, at least!

As soon as he spots that tuft of pink cardigan, Akihiko will raise his hand. "Yo, Takeba-san! Over here!"

</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
<poem>
An invitation out to Ramen!

Ramen is a lot of calories, so she eats a real real light- can you call it a lunch if it's just Edamame? Well, she'll endure, because she's dieting! Even if she dreams of Azuki Arai's Strawberry Daifuku.

Anyhow, Yukari strolls up to him as he waves her over, deciding for the twentieth time 'This is not a date' 'who would take a date out for Ramen anyway' 'besides Junpei'.

"Hey, Senpai. Thanks for inviting me, I'm really looking forward to this."

Truth, because her stomach was emptier after she ate the Edamame than before she ate it. And it's only gotten emptier still.

"... What's the occasion?" She asks casually.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Ah, the complexities of intergender relations... Akihiko isn't as ignorant about the troubles thankfully, so he gives a bashful smile. "Oh, just apology ramen." He coughs into his fist. "Nothing serious. I'm sure I've been embarrassing lately, especially when you asked to check Amamiya-san out. So. Dinner, on me."

Akihiko scratches the back of his head lightly, trying to make himself as non-threatening as possible. He's way more used to spending time with Mitsuru, who doesn't mean to mind as much but... Takeba-san is a bit more... (Don't say feminine, don't say feminine), appearance focused. "I'm glad you're looking forward to it, Takeba-san. I was worried about my pick. Let's go in? Shinji and I's usual seats should be free."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
<poem>
"Apology ramen?" She looks confused at first, before- "Ohhhh... well-" Pause. "-a little. I won't lie to you." She gives it to him straight on that.

(Yukari of course would have no idea that Mitsuru is less 'appearance focused.' Just look at that girl's fashion!)

"But you don't need to apologize, really. I kinda dragged you into it... you know?" Now she looks sheepish but, "But I sure won't turn it down either... I'm pretty hungry right now."

As they step inside, she notes, "Wow, I didn't actually expect you to be a regular here. The meals you make for yourself back at the dorm were always so..."

She remembers the horror of seeing unseasoned Chicken+Egg+Broccoli frozen together in the refrigerator.

"... health conscious? It's kinda nice to know you indulge yourself every now and then."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko chuckles. "You really don't mince words, huh Takeba-san?" He doesn't mind the jab, it's at least lighter than what Yukari sends at Junpei on a regular basis. "Yeah. Me too..." Trying to awkwardly 'bro out' with Amamiya-san is definitely keeping him up at night.

(Comparatively, anyways! Plus, they've been friends for years now. Familiarity makes it so much easier too.)

Akihiko shakes his head through. "I've already invited you out. It'd be bad manners to turn you away now! ...Just don't mention this to Junpei-san, yeah? He'll be begging trying to embarrass me for free dinner." He laughs and leads the way inside. "Besides, I can embarrass myself without any help."

They snag the corner of the bar seats, as promised. "Oh? Well... We all need a cheat day, occasionally." Akihiko says, that cool senior aura just overflowing. He raises a hand to catch the chief's attention "Usual please."

His meals aren't ''that'' terrible...are they? "Well, the meals I make for myself does tend to be the most effective ways... But Shinji's the real cook. It's been nice having him back. He's been great at cooking, hasn't he?"

</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
<poem>
"Not really." She says, agreeing with his statement, "If I did then - I'd probably be in a lot of uncomfortable situations."

It's true, after all, if she were more vague, there were some boys who's asked her out who just wouldn't give up.

Sometimes you gotta give a firm answer.

"Haha..." She chuckles as he says not to tell Junpei, "... your secret's safe with me. He'd probably follow you around like a little puppy until you gave in, if he found out."

Akihiko... well, huh...

He really can be cool in ''some'' situations, definitely? Yukari's eyes follow him, before she sits down beside him and puts her bag on the counter.

"You're not wrong. Just - it's tempting to make occasionally 'frequently' enough to defeat the point." She then checks briefly, "Hmm, I'll take the Special. Oh-with an extra egg?" She adds quickly, before turning to Akihiko.

"Yeah absolutely. He's a good enough cook that even I feel self-conscious about my skills." Yukari ''can'' cook, but she's out of practice. She hasn't done it in a few years since her last dorm had a dorm mother cooking for them.

There's a pause and-

"Well. Since you felt the need to apologize... why do you think it's hard for you to- you know?"

She says, without saying it, because she doesn't want to put it out there to everyone here.

"I really never noticed before then. You always seemed to have it pretty together, no matter who you were speaking to."

Cool even, most of the time, she didn't say. "It's okay if you don't want to say. Just... well, since we went through that together, I thought it'd be nice to get it out in the open."

And maybe she'll tell him one of ''her'' flaws. It feels only fair he know one after she saw his.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko nods. "It's something I really respect about you, Takeba-san. You can tell Mitsuru and I what for." Despite his admiration, Akihiko wouldn't think that he needs to pick up the skill. It's truly scary being oblivious, all of the poor fangirls he leaves in his wake...

Akihiko goes to mention that Junpei already has been, but... Talking about anything near Operation Babe Hunt is gonna be a bad idea. "Thanks.~"

"Ha! Yeah, cheating too much isn't good. That's why you need a firm resolve." Is that the reason behind Akihiko's flavourless food? Resolve? Anyways, Yukari's order gets a nod of approval, and soon they'll have their pipping hot bowels of ramen.

"Really?" Akihiko definitely doesn't want to share the thoughts that just went through his head. "...He's been good at it since the orphanage."

Yukari asks ''why'' and that's... such a tough question to answer. "Well... It's hard to be cool when you're thinking about it, isn't it?" He scratches the back of his head, struggling to find the words. "It's a skill I've never needed to develop. It isn't like I'm shaking people down during boxing club." He lets out a laugh. "I prefer to let my fists do the talking."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
<poem>
"Aha... well, that's not always a good thing." Yukari says, carding fingers through the side of her hair and looking away in embarrassment. "I kinda know now that I was being a ''little'' unfair..."

Yakushima taught her that lesson painfully. But, she only said a ''little'' unfair. She thinks skepticism of the Kirijo Group is ''very'' fair.

'Resolve would be easier if we didn't have mini-fridges' she almost says, but instead, "Resolve's easier for boxers I guess. After all you have ''weigh-ins''." She points out, "For Kyudo Archery it doesn't make a difference in competition."

She kinda wishes Kyudo Archery ''did'' have that, maybe she'd need to diet less - and control her eating habits more.

"Huh. That young? Unusual for a guy, though- not as strange at an orphanage." She notes, as she thinks about the atmosphere. The thoughts of not having enough to eat...

Yeah, she can see why a little boy without a Mom cooking for him would think 'I should learn how to cook'.

It is a tough question, but - she doesn't mince words after all, "... Yeah, I can see that." She says, considering what he says then, before laughing, "Well, I couldn't imagine the boxing club going around doing ''shakedowns''. So I see your point but-"

She trails off into silence before...

"... that's kind of a lonely way to live. Not that I'm looking down on it or anything."

And she isn't, she had her ''own'' lonely way of living. "Amamiya-san... asked if you had any friends and, well, there's Aragaki-senpai, but before he came back..."

Another pause, as she asked, "...are there any other guys you just... you know, hang out with?"

It is a bit probing in a personal sense, but after the conversation turned to him when she spoke to Ren, she can't get her mind off of it.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"I can't really speak for Mitsuru, but I know I don't mind it." Akihiko pauses for a moment, as he takes a drink. "I hope you can find what you're looking for."

"Oh? How is it different for archery then?" Akihiko asks, interested. "Weigh-ins are mainly so you don't hurt the other guy too badly. Do archers need to stay slim...? I would have thought draw strength would mean arm strength is king?"

That's right on the money. "Yup. It's nicer to a homecooked meal for the kids." Though, thinking about it, Akihiko gets a little sentimental. "I always liked pancake day the best.~"

Yukari really gets to the heart of the matter, huh? Akihiko chuckles. "I'm closed with Shinji and Mitsuru. Junpei-san likes to hang out. And I'd like to say that I'm friendly with all of you in SEES, and some guys in the Boxing Club. Oh, and Iwaisaki-san, roughly." He laughs. Maybe it ''is'' a little sad. "Outside of that, I'm too busy with my training, or work for SEES." He pauses. "Are you...concerned for me, Takeba-san?" He asks. He's definitely not offended by his tone, maybe a bit appreciative. But he doesn't see anything wrong with his way of life either.

"Believe it or not, I spoke with Amamiya-san about this too. I haven't had a rival in a long while."

"....What about you, Takeba-san?" Akihiko asks, his voice growing a bit more gentle. "Do you have friends you're particularly close with?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
<poem>
'I hope you can find what you're looking for.'

She did - but it wasn't what she thought it would be. Still, she manages to nod to that. "Yeah me too." She doesn't even know what she's looking for now, but- she doesn't want to chew his head off.

Not when he's just being nice to her.

"Mostly just that we're not overly concerned with weight control. I mean ''we'' are - just - as girls, not as archers. But if we go a few pounds over, it's not gonna affect much."

She chuckles at that, "It's kinda embarrassing for me to put it like that though. But mostly yeah. Arm strength. But there's also good balance. If you don't have a strong stance, then it's easy for your shot to veer off in ways you didn't want."

Yukari wouldn't call herself muscular. Most Japanese girls would hate to be thought of that way, but she ''is'' athletic at least.

"I can imagine." She did - until she didn't get homecooked meals. Then she learned to do it on her own. Her mother didn't teach her anything, after the funeral.

"Pancakes huh? I wouldn't have thought that was your favorite! But it's pretty endearing that it is."

Akihiko lists it off who he hangs with, and when he finishes, she nods, looking at him out of the corner of her eye, "I see." It's not a judgmental phrase necessarily. She's trying to stay neutral.

'Are you concerned for me, Takeba-san?'

Her eyelashes flutter gently, at the question, as her gaze falls. She thinks recently of what Shinjiro told her on that rooftop.

She thinks of how he hasn't even ''told'' Akihiko. But it's not her place to tell him either. Life is hard like that.

"Well yeah, I guess I am a little." She raises her gaze, trying to keep that worry out off her face.

"A rival, huh?" She side-eyes him, "Well, he doesn't seem like the kind of guy who boxes. Sooo does that mean you have feelings for Arisato-chan?"

Yep, no mincing words there. Flat out.

But, Akihiko then asks her, and it's a dose of her own medicine in a way, "I have friends but..."

There's a small shake of her head, "... No one I'm particularly close to, no. I guess it's always been hard for me listening to people talk about family drama like they're taking them for granted, after my Dad died. It just made me so jealous, listening to it all. And you begin to think 'there's no way they'd understand how I feel' so you just - don't let them get any closer."

It may be surprising to hear her talk about this, but she thinks it's only fair, if she stumbled upon this side of him, that she say something about herself.

"Kinda dumb huh?"

That she's such a petty, jealous girl. Even if she doesn't say it all like that.

</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
It doesn't have to come right now. But it will come in time. Akihiko believes this at least a little bit.

"Right, I get that." He was once an older brother. He wonders if Miki would be worrying about the same things. "Boxers can prefer to stay in a certain weight tier too." He offers. "I prefer to stay agile as well."

"It requires a fair bit more of dexerity." Akihiko adds. Sports tend to have a good amount of overlap. "I imagine aiming requires a lot of breath control too."

"Heh. Pancakes are something I still enjoy occasionally. What kid wouldn't like such a sweet breakfast?"

Yukari asks about Minako and- Oh god, Akihiko chokes on his water, sputtering. "N-no! No, nope, no!" Ahem! He cleans himself up with a napkin. "No, uh. I mean in boxing. I don't have any rivals, and haven't had any for a while."

God, how does he even try to explain anything? "Um. Amamiya-san has a rival, in... In Akechi-san. That detective. And was talking to me about that." That makes sense, doesn't it? "We were also talking about Arisato-san and Iwasaki-san." He coughs once more. "About sports!!!"

As Yukari talks more about herself, Akihiko gets a solid chance to recompose himself. Digging into his ramen for a bit, nodding at the apporioate points.

"...Yeah. I understand." Akihiko says. "There was some time where I'd hear kids complain about their siblings and felt similarly. When all I could feel was pain. Missing my younger sister, and wanting to become stronger so desperately."

There's a gulf still. Akihiko can't quite bring himself to absolve Yukari's dismissal of her own feelings. He still hasn't moved past his own feelings yet. But he can share in the pain at least, in his own quiet way.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
<poem>
"Huh. Now that I think about it... that makes sense? You do have the build for it."

An agile boxer of course.

"I guess most boxers they make a big deal about on TV are heavyweight champions, but there's all kinds?"

Certainly, she doesn't see Akihiko as the type that has huge muscles, but she can't predict the future.

"Yeah exactly. There's eight whole stages for firing a single arrow actually. Breathing is a part of the second stage, Dozukuri. You just wouldn't know it because, the muscle memory becomes so natural?"

What kid doesn't enjoy a sweet breakfast? "Yeah... I like strawberries with mine, but that feels too indulgent, you know?" Strawberries are pretty expensive in Japan, after all.

Akihiko chokes on water, sputtering, "Uh-huh." She says in a monotone which conveys 'Not sure if I believe that' perhaps, but without calling him out.

She furrows her brow when he mentions Akechi-san, that detective. "Wait that Detective on TV? The celebrity?" She sounds startled, "How's he know a guy like that?"

Why's a TV Detective hanging out with someone with a criminal record? That's an uncomfortable thought...

But then she sideeyes him again, "About sports... righttttt." She inhales, then looks forward.

Despite being hungry, it's only now that she cracks her chopsticks apart, and begins to eat, as Akihiko talks about himself, grabbing some noodles to start, and slurping them up in a restrained manner.

It's really good, but she's focused more on Akihiko right now. "Yeah I can imagine."

She says quietly, after she swallows the bite, "... I was always told that girls don't need to be strong, but after he died- I felt like I needed to grow stronger myself. Even if it wasn't in the same way."

...

"I guess we're kinda alike in that sense." She says, softly, before moving back to her Ramen again.

How will Akihiko take it when he finds out? A guy who solves problems with his fists? What can he hit, when death itself is looming over a friend?

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Heh, thanks. It does take a lot of work to build that amount of heavy muscle for heavyweight. Me? I like being able to out-maneuver."

Who knows about where he'll fall on in the future? He certainly would like to get built, but not bulky. He'll keep on his path.

"Really?" Akihiko knows about other sports in very loose terms. He's a good senpai across the athletics department sure, but there's some things that still surprise him. "It sounds...tedius. Must be good to remain calm during fights, huh?"

Yukari likes strawberries. Akihiko files this in his head. "It's not bad as a treat here and there. A reward for good work. Plus, they're rich in vitamin C."

Akihiko ''really'' tries to figure out a way to defuse the 'crush' situation but fails. Any way he tries is just going to be 'Sure, Senpai. You totally don't have a crush on the pretty redhead junior.' He lets out a sigh... "You can think whatever you like..." He relents. "Just don't tell Arisato-san? It shouldn't be her issue." He really doesn't want his relationship with their Leader any more awkward than it already is.

Anyways. Akechi. "I don't really know. They play billiards together." Akihiko pauses. "Amamiya-san asked about whether Akechi-san was bullied about being an orphan. Like Amamiya-san was following up on whether he was being lied to." It's a strange thought, isn't it? To hang out with someone you're not sure you can trust. Akihiko doesn't know what to think about that.

Huh. That's a new one for Akihiko, actually. Mostly, because he thinks about Mitsuru, and how she's one of the strongest people he knows.

"There is more to strength than just brute strength." Akihiko agrees, at least. "Kindness, as an example."

....Akihiko's maxed out guts stat is doing work at least. "For what it's worth as well, Takeba-san, I really respect your strength."

"We are." It's nice, actually. To feel seen with someone so similar.

If only he knew what was waiting for him over the next hill.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
<poem>
"It's definitely my preference too. To just - not get hit, if I can manage it." It's not like she does boxing footwork but as a Persona User... she's not someone who likes to stand there and get hit.

"It is when you're learning the fundamentals, but it just becomes second nature. I imagine if you break down proper technique for boxers- it's probably got almost as many steps."

There's a shrug, she isn't certain on that, but she bets it's the case. Even if it's not for one punch, it might be for all of them combined.

Whereas there's only the same eight stages for every arrow.

Akihiko tries and fails, yes, but thankfully Yukari is ''not'' the type of person to give away secrets. Indeed, that's kinda what prompted some of this conversation.

She can't tell him about Shinjiro, it's not her place.

"Don't worry. Believe it or not, I can keep a secret pretty well- plus there's just some things you don't spill to other people?"

She knows some girls love gossiping about this kind of thing, but she isn't one of them.

She'd hate it if someone else found out who ''she'' had a crush on before she had a chance to tell them herself.

"Lied to?" She looks, weirded out by that whole idea, "That's odd. Maybe he's undercover or something? But if he knows he's a Detective already... huh."

Why would he ask Akihiko though? Oh - the orphanage thing. Huh. She decides not to pry further.

Akihiko however mentions kindness, and there's a thin-lipped, self-deprecating smile, "I don't think I'm kind at all, but- it's nice to hear that from you."

That does take guts to tell her, a lot of it, but it is something she can talk about. "Maybe it means I'm closer than I think to where I want to be." She can at least acknowledge that.

"Yeah... I should dig in more before the noodles get soggy. ... This is delicious by the way. Can see why you and Aragaki-senpai are regulars."

And she does. Dig in that is.

''She'' doesn't have the guts to tell him his friend is about to die. Even if it's being respectful of secrets...

... it's why she doesn't think of herself as kind today. She knows what death does to a person, more time to prepare could only benefit.

But she holds her tongue.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"And you do a fine job of it, Takeba-san." Akihiko agrees. "We have plenty of bodies to get in front of you too, if need be." He says that, and then immediately realizes he put his foot in his mouth. "...I mean me. I'm putting myself in front of you and the enemy." Bro NEEDS to stop being cringe.

"...Yeah. That's true, actually." It stops being about the movements for him to a point. He just has to follow through on his training.

"I believe you." Akihiko says, readily. She's done a wonderful job in keeping the more cringe aspects of Akihiko to herself too. Even if the power of girls gossiping terrifies him to his core.

Akihiko shrugs. "My information on Akechi-san is sorely outdated." He says, simply.

Akihiko pauses for a moment. Is he strong? Is he kind? That medal, hanging in his dorm room, still lives in the back of his mind. "I don't know if I am either."

It's strange actually. After a while, speaking with Yukari is just like speaking friend. Which means he really has to hold back from clapping her on the shoulder in a very bro-y way.

He saves himself from one fail at least. "Mm. We've been going here since middle school at least. Shinji and the chief get along very well. Something of a mentor for him."

It's going to hurt. When Akihiko finally finds out. But tonight, he can talk with a friend and finish up dinner, before heading back to the dorms.
</poem>

[[Category:Logs]]
[[Category:Season 1]]
[[Category:Season 1, Episode 1]]

2026-01-24: Rooftop Talk

2026-02-06T06:28:28Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "*'''Log: 2026-01-24 Rooftop Talk''' *'''Cast:''' Kasumi Yoshizawa, Haru Okumura *'''Where:''' Shuujin Academy Rooftop *'''OOC Date:''' January 24, 2026 *'''IC Date:''' September 15, 2012 *'''Summary''': ''Kasumi runs up to the roof to avoid Motojima-senpai. There, she finds, and commiserates, along with Haru Okumura.'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed. <poem> Yoshizawa has a secret admirer. A fellow first year who saw the Yoshizawa sisters a..."

*'''Log: 2026-01-24 Rooftop Talk'''
*'''Cast:''' [[Kasumi Yoshizawa]], [[Haru Okumura]]
*'''Where:''' Shuujin Academy Rooftop
*'''OOC Date:''' January 24, 2026
*'''IC Date:''' September 15, 2012
*'''Summary''': ''Kasumi runs up to the roof to avoid Motojima-senpai. There, she finds, and commiserates, along with Haru Okumura.''

----

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Yoshizawa has a secret admirer. A fellow first year who saw the Yoshizawa sisters at a gymnastics meet last year, and was entranced by ever since. And today... Today, she's decided to offer some flowers, and some words of encouragement!

She sees Kasumi leave the library, and walk past her to the stairs. Haaa... The flower girl visibly brightens and begins to move to intercept. Except...

Except Kasumi reaches the stairs and suddenly stiffens in her posture. She then runs up the stairs. A few moments later, the flower girl can see Motojima-senpai and Oosaka-senpai chatting happily, walking up the stairs. Mm... Poor Yoshizawa...

Kasumi bursts onto Shuujin's roof, closing the door behind her with a visible sigh. Why is she running from Motojima-senpai like this? She should be happy that Kazusa is happier and kinder now, but... There's just something so wrong with her. And Kasumi didn't want to have to play placating with a kid who's supposed to be her senior today.

Then, Kasumi realizes there's a brunette tuff and pink cardigan hanging out on the roof too. She blinks, taking a moment to recognize the third year.

"Oh! Okumura-senpai!" Kasumi takes a moment to recompose herself. She then bows. "I'm sorry for dropping in like this! I just...needed a moment to myself, I guess." For some reason, she gets a feeling like Okumura would understand.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
<poem>
Another Saturday means another half-day before the weekend, which also makes it easy for Haru to retreat to her usual haunt after school - the rooftop garden. She's been spending a little less time up here for the past week, having harvested the vegetables and cooked them up with Ren days prior - but by now, it's a good time to plant more, so she's here now.

Truthfully, Kazusa was another reason she was dragged away from the comfort of her garden... but Haru's not sure how much her intervention really helped the poor girl. She feels it's something that's going to need the combined effort of not just the Phantom Thieves, but other groups of Persona users as well.

As she does some planting, Haru stops humming when she hears footsteps up to the rooftop. It's still rare for her to get much of any company up here, so at first she wonders if it's Ren, dropping by to help... or even Akechi, following up on his 'investigation' again. It couldn't be, she thinks, those footsteps sound far too hurried to be either of them.

She looks back in surprise to see it's the model gymnastics student, Kasumi Yoshizawa. Surely she'd be far too busy most of the time to find her way up here, right? Still, she isn't a total stranger. She may not have decided to join the Phantom Thieves, but the honour code of a Phantom Thief still ties them together. She can afford her that trust. "Oh! Hello, Yoshizawa-san." Haru waves her over. "There's no need to apologize. It's not as if it's my space alone." She smiles. "Um... is there anything I can help you with?" She offers. "You seemed like you were in a bit of a rush." She does understand needing time to yourself, so she doesn't impose too much.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"Still. It's your club time, right...?" Kasumi asks as she approaches. She sets her bag someplace safe for the moment, on one of the shelves of the big...heater? "I feel a little bad about it." She says as she bows again. But... if she's being invited...

Kasumi looks over the planters. "It's a little silly, honestly. And I'd be being rude about a senior..." She laughs a little awkwardly. It might take a little more for Kasumi to open in then... Though, who else would understand better then another Persona user? She'll consider this a little bit further.

For now... "What are you growing up here? Can I ask?"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
<poem>
"Hehe." Haru laughs a little, when Kasumi calls it 'club time'. "I could only make a complaint if this was an ''official'' club." There's not nearly enough members for that, unfortunately - and technically the rooftop isn't meant as a club room. Still! Haru seems fairly unbothered by Kasumi's intrusion. "Please. I don't mind the company at all.~" She waves it off, and makes room for Kasumi to sit down by the plants. Haru's always had a reputation for being shy to the point of almost being standoffish, but perhaps Kasumi's familiarity does her some good.

"Oh?" Haru tilts her head, when Kasumi mentions something about a senior. "Oh no... I hope none of my classmates have been giving you a hard time." Haru frowns. Some - no, many - of the students here aren't the kindest, especially towards anyone who even slightly doesn't fit in, so Haru can't help but view it in the worst possible light. "I can hardly judge for that." She smiles, again.

Then, her eyes light up more when Kasumi asks her about what she's growing. "Oh, I'm just growing some vegetables. Last time, Ren," Kasumi might note Haru doesn't add an honorific, "and I planted some potatoes and carrots. They turned out quite well! So, I decided to plant some more and see what kind of meal we can make out of it next." She explains. "When we do, you're welcome to try some."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"Oh?" Kasumi walks over to crouch down, hands deftly keeping her skirt in check. "I'm surprised there isn't more members for a gardening club..." She says, biting her lip a little. "I'm sorry..."

Haru assumes it's one of her classmates and Kasumi realizes her mistake. She slams a hand on her mouth. "Oh! No, I'm sorry... It's a second-year, actually." She pauses. "...And it's actually the ''lack'' of a hard time that's strange to me." Okay, with that there's only one person it can really be... "Have you...gotten the sense of something *weird* with Motojima Kazusa-senpai? She's a second year in my Gymnastics Club, but... She's suddenly nice??" What is she saying? Like she wants Kazusa to be mean...

No honourific... They must be ''really'' close. Makes sense for Phantom Thieves, but... It does make Kasumi blush a little bit. She shakes her head. "Oooh... That sounds so good.~ What did you make with them last time?" Oh, then she gets an idea! "Maybe this time, we could make stew!" Way to invite yourself along, jeez!
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
<poem>
"I don't entirely mind it this way. It makes it feel more... personal, if that makes any sense?" Haru admits, as Kasumi apologizes once again. "Though if you're ever interested in helping out... I won't say no.~" She giggles a bit, even. She's surprisingly laid back for a Senpai!!

"Oh?" Haru tilts her head when Kasumi says the problem is the lack of a hard time. When she hears the name Kazusa Motojima, it all starts to make sense. "...Ah. Motojima-san." Haru nods, slowly. The rumours surrounding her sudden change have spread all around the school. Perhaps it isn't surprising that Kasumi is so unsettled about it, considering they're both in gymnastics.

"I have to admit, you're not the only one." She agrees. "We were never terribly close... but our families have done business with each other, and we came to meet that way." Haru explains. "...When I spoke with her the other day, she was nothing like I remembered." There's a bit of a chill as she recalls. "Honestly... it was more like ''she wasn't there at all''." Haru frowns. "I'm sure it must be especially strange for you as her teammate." She glances back over to Kasumi. It must have entirely thrown off the group dynamic. "...I think there must be more to it than it seems on the surface." She adds, more quietly.

As for the lack of honorifics, well... they're ''accomplices'' - and Ren seems like the type to drop them as soon as possible. "We made curry.~" Haru chimes. Curry is really good! "It's Cafe Leblanc's specialty, after all. I'm still quite the amateur myself... but it felt nice seeing something closer to a professional quality dish come out of the vegetables I harvested." Kasumi has an idea of her own, though! "Stew... yes, that would be wonderful. I'm sure Ren would be happy to have you, too." Haru agrees. Part of her liked the idea of this being something they do ''together'', but... Haru isn't the jealous type, either.

Haru pauses, then, as she considers Kasumi - actively inviting herself to spend time with two Phantom Thieves. That could be dangerous, mostly because of a certain someone profiling the Shujin student body. Haru's tone drops to more of a whisper. "...Sorry to ask so suddenly, but I have a question. Has Akechi-san approached you at all recently?"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"Oh? Thank you, Okumura-senpai!" Kasumi beams. "I'll see about coming up when I'm not busy with Gymnastics. So, I'm sorry if I'm not around as often as I'd like!" The offer really does make her so happy. But jeez, she's barely out of accepting it before making excuses for herself...

Kasumi nods, intriguied. So Haru knows Kazusa too... "It's strange, isn't it?" She hestiates for a moment. It's okay... Haru's a Persona User too. "Have you felt something strange about her too? Like... A nagging feeling in the back of your head, that this isn't entirely human?" Then, she thinks about what Wakana had said to her. "Or, is it good? That she's happy? That she's kinder...?" Then she panics. "Ah! Not that I'm saying it's better if something kept happening to her! Ohhh..." She gets out a groan. She's messing up, isn't she...?

She can at least handle the next conversation piece a bit better. "Curry, huh? Oooh, I haven't had it in a while... Cafe LaBlanc, huh...?" Is that Senpai's part-time job? Visiting might be a good idea sometime.~ "Hehe. I can only imagine, the feeling of savouring something that you made entirely yourself... It must be a feeling of pride.~" Like perfecting a move you've been trying your hardest on! Kasumi however, does spot a glimmer of...something across Haru's face. "Oh... And let me know if I'm overstepping, Senpai... Please?"

"Oh...!" Kasumi drops her voice accordingly too. Like spies... Or, well. Phantom Thieves. "Akechi-san? Well... A little bit?" She tilts her head a little. Then, she panics- again. "N-not that I'd ever sell Senpai out! But..." She hestiates. And decides to just be straight up. "Yes. Akechi-san's been talking with me too."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
<poem>
"That's okay! Please, don't treat it as an obligation, either." Haru shakes her head. "But if you ever need a place to retreat to sometimes, like I do..." She glances over at the garden and then back to Kasumi. "You'll always have somewhere." That is, unless Akechi decides to waltz up here again. You never know.

Haru notes Kasumi's hesitation, and then brings up something similar to what she felt when she sat with Kazusa. "Not human... maybe something like that." Haru frowns again. "Something felt horribly wrong... and I left with quite the headache." Kasumi asks if it's better that way, and Haru gives her another unsure look. "Whatever she is, I don't think she had any malicious intent. Maybe she is happier..." She hesitates, too. "But it's hard to say if that happiness and kindness belongs to Motojima-san at all, right?" It almost reminds her of Akechi's ethical dilemma with the Phantom Thieves. "There's just far too much we don't know... but I hope she ''is'' okay." She nods empathetically to Kasumi.

The conversation about curry flows a lot easier. "It's over in Yongen-Jaya." Haru explains. "It's a cute little curry cafe." Kasumi says that she must be feeling proud to savour something she made with her own hands, and Haru can't help but blush about that a little, modest as she is. "Hehe... I probably couldn't have done it on my own. Still... it did feel like a step towards feeling independent, at least. Perhaps that ''is'' something to be proud of." She smiles. Kasumi really is just as good as lifting the spirits of others as she is downplaying her own. "No, not at all, Yoshizawa-san! We may have only worked together once... but it's the least I can do for a teammate."

As for Akechi... "Aww, don't worry. I know you wouldn't." Haru smiles, REALLY trying not to come off the way she does when she's interrogating a Shadow in the Metaverse. "I see.. he's approached me, as well. He's quite the charming and charismatic personality, isn't he? And sharp at that..." She giggles a little. "Ren and I agreed that he knows a lot more than he wants us to. Of course, we won't make it easy for him." Her smile turns a little more devilish for just a moment. "Just... please be careful, okay? I don't... want to give him the wrong idea and get you into trouble."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
"...Thank you, Okumura-senpai. I really appreciate it." Kasumi gives a bright smile. Honestly, a place to hide out is deeply appreciated. Even after her Awakening, the pressure and gossip can get a little much...

Kasumi nods a bit. "I feel the same way, Okumura-senpai. If it isn't her happiness... Then I don't think I can stand idly by." There's Kasumi's Will of Rebellion gleaming through. She looks into the plants, the sprouts of carrots and potatoes. "I really hope she's okay too. Oosaka-senpai... Her friend, and another one of my Senpais... I couldn't get ''what'' but...something may have happened during the break." She shrugs. "I really don't know."

Kasumi giggles a little. "If it was done with help, then everyone gets the feelings of pride." But... that might not be what Haru is concerned about. "Are you wanting to be independent, Okumura-san?" Haru is truly kind to her though... She blushes once more, and runs a hand through her ponytail. She resists the urge to mention 'that might be changing soon...' "You're very kind, Okumura-senpai!"

The attempt does come through at least. Even if Kasumi does feel a tiny bit threatened... It's easier to push away at least. Though, she doesn't know just how charming Akechi really is, when so much is wrapped in lies he tells about himself. "Of course. I turned Senpai down because I wasn't sure if I could lie to him at the time. Say earnestly, that I'm not working with you." She's still thinking about that, constantly. "But, hm... Don't you get the feeling that Akechi-san and Amamiya-senpai...?" She presses her fingers together, thinking how to say it. "Aren't those two so interesting when they get into it?~"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Haru Okumura has posed.
<poem>
"For the longest time, I thought I could stand idly by." Haru nods, as Kasumi's Will of Rebellion comes through. "I wanted to keep my distance from Motojima-san, because I didn't think I could be the one to help her." She admits, with a sad smile. "I think I understand how much I regret that, now." She pauses for a moment, considering how much information she can give away to Kasumi. Something about an 'Atelier' they can access to help her. For now, though... "Something supernatural, I'm certain." Haru nods, when Kasumi says something happened. "I'm almost glad, if that's the case." Haru says, as strange as it sounds. "It means there ''is'' something we can do to help."

"Are you saying pride is something to be shared?" Haru tilts her head. "I suppose that's a nice way of looking at it." She smiles. But selfishly... there is that need for independence. "Maybe so. I'm about to be an adult soon, but I've always lived under the thumb of my father, and now my fiance." She answers, honestly. "If I went according to their wishes, I might never get a taste of that independence. That's why... even if it's something small, growing food with my own hands meant so much to me." There's a sigh, but it's not an unhappy one. "Hehe." She smiles, seeing Kasumi's faint blush. "It's the least a Senpai can do for her junior, right?"

"I think that's an admirable quality to have," Haru nods, when Kasumi admits she didn't join up because she didn't think she could lie to Akechi. "It was... uncomfortable to have to lie to him. Though perhaps a ''little'' thrilling to dance around the truth like that.~" Gosh, now ''she's'' starting to sound like Ren.

Haru pauses, then, and stares blankly at Kasumi when she asks about when Ren and Akechi ''get into it''. Then, she starts giggling. "Hehe~ I know exactly what you mean." She answers, finding her fully immersed into ''gossip'' for the first time ever. "I think it's like a game for them. How did he put it...? Like a catfight!" Always chasing each other, always taking a swipe when they can, but never enough to end the game. "It's almost adorable when you think about it that way.~" She clasps her hands together.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
<poem>
Kasumi nods, understand the feeling completely. "Motojima-senpai has been...pretty rude to me, in our club." She admits, too. "I don't think I'm the one who ''can'' help her, but... If it isn't Motojima-senpai's happiness... Then I'll take it back for her." She smiles. "If there is anything, I'd love to do anything for her."

"Why not, right?~ It's nice to share something we made together. Like team sports." All boats rise with the tide and whatnot. And... Haru continues. "A fiance?!" Kasumi says, maybe a little ''too'' loudly. She coughs, back to a normal register that ''isn't'' going to alert the school leaving through the front gates. "Ahem... That's... really quite intense, Okumura-senpai! No wonder you need some independence..." She murmurs a little. "Well, starting small is as good a place as any! And soon, you'll be growing plenty by yourself.~" ...Haru might've meant it innocently, but Kasumi defintely runs another hand through her ponytail. "That's very kind of you, Senpai...!"

"Th-thrilling?! You make it sound so..." Kasumi trails off... It's a little embarrassing to think about. Plus, no wonder there was the threatening aura from earlier... "You're pretty scary, Okumura-senpai.~ You must make Shadows quake in their boots.~"

Kasumi giggles alongside Haru. "Yeah, exactly! Though, I thought it was more like cat and mouse- and they just keep swapping who's who..." Kasumi laughs, deviously. She's not usually one for gossip, but this is one department she's willing to skirt by it. "Even if I'm rooting for Senpai, you kind of want to see them go back and forth forever... I remember visiting a cafe in Kitchoji with them and..." She starts gushing a little bit, on how interesting their debates can be. The two surely gossip for a little bit longer, before deciding they ought to head home.
</poem>

[[Category:Logs]]
[[Category:Season 1]]
[[Category:Season 1, Episode 1]]

2026-01-14: A Nice Brisk Jog

2026-01-18T00:37:43Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "*'''Log: 2026-01-14: A Nice Brisk Jog''' *'''Cast:''' Hitomi Mandai, Akihiko Sanada *'''Where:''' Tatami Port Island, Moonlight Bridge *'''OOC Date:''' January 14, 2026 *'''IC Date:''' September 10, 2012 *'''Summary''': ''Akihiko invites Hitomi out for a jog, with ulterior motives. It ends up being turned around on him.'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed. <poem> EARLIER Hitomi Mandai, still in the summer uniform, walks leisurely from Gekkoukan pr..."

*'''Log: 2026-01-14: A Nice Brisk Jog'''
*'''Cast:''' [[Hitomi Mandai]], [[Akihiko Sanada]]
*'''Where:''' Tatami Port Island, Moonlight Bridge
*'''OOC Date:''' January 14, 2026
*'''IC Date:''' September 10, 2012
*'''Summary''': ''Akihiko invites Hitomi out for a jog, with ulterior motives. It ends up being turned around on him.''

----

<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.
<poem>
EARLIER

Hitomi Mandai, still in the summer uniform, walks leisurely from Gekkoukan proper back towards the dorm. She even has a snow cone! It's still pretty hot, after all, even if it's those heartbreaking waning days as the nights begin to lengthen and the heat begins to cool. Even if you might be hard pressed to tell in the southern parts of Japan, it is a true statement.

A call is heard. Hitomi turns her head, mouth still very slightly open as she swirls up more sauce-blessed ice shavings and pop them into her mouth.

"A jog?" she asks.

*munch* *crunch*

"But why?"

NOW

"*huff* *huff*"

That's what you SOUND LIKE, HITOMI

Hitomi's snow cone is gone, having been hurriedly eaten despite the resulting frost-based injury to her brain - Jack Frost's revenge for all those KILLINGS! There had at least been the grace of a quick dip into the dormitory where Hitomi threw on the remaining clean T-shirt suitable for something athletics along with a pair of shorts that she had, frankly, expected to store up against the long winter ahead (normally you don't wear shorts in winter, after all). Instead...

Well, this is happening.

JOG TIME

"*wheeze*"

Hitomi's running is energetic. She made pretty good time, though a lot of that is just having long legs and a certain amount of momentum once she got started. Coming to a stop at a crossing, she had leaned against the pole. After that, though, the torment continued!!

"I have *wheeze* I have to - take - a moment - a-are we seriously gonna cross - ugh," Hitomi says, staggering against the side of the pedestrian walkway, panting vigorously. She is soaked with sweat, which happens to her a lot as it *is*. Now, though, she's slumping against the walkway barrier, sinking to her knees, and afterwards to a full seat, flopping backwards as if she would like to melt into the walk's flooring and, perhaps, reach the sea... and freedom.

From training.

She doesn't, of course.

"I'm - not gonna die - right, sempai?" Hitomi finally says, as we elide a certain amount of further *gasp*, *huff*, *pant pant pant*, *wheeze*, and assorted other minor exclamations of fatigue.

"haha - ugh - I think I died like - a hundred meters back actually -"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
EARLIER

"Yo, Mandai-san!" Akihiko calls to Hitomi, one of his juniors in SEES he spotted walking home from school. He remembers Hitomi not using her evoker after the trip... And that's pretty damn interesting. "Care for a jog with me?"

A beat.

"Come on, it'll be fun." He smiles. "It's good to stay in shape. You know, for our extra-curriculars?"

NOW

Akihiko, the conscientious young man he is, has stayed maybe a 4 yards in front of Hitomi. He keeps having to look back, just to make sure he isn't leaving the girl in the dust

They reach a crossing, and Hitomi collapses against the electrical pole. He watches in wonder as she struggles towards the barrier, apparently completely out of energy. He feels a little bad by now!

"No, I don't think you're going to die, Mandai-san." Akihiko says kindly. He takes a seat near Hitomi. "Focus on your breathing. You may have pushed yourself too hard."

"And here." Akihiko takes his waist water bottle, cracks it open, and offers it. "Especially in this heat, it's important to stay hydrated!"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.
<poem>
EARLIER

"Oh... right... I guess I do need to get a little faster, huh."

NOW

"I can see it," Hitomi pants. "The between lives realm. Ah~ I'm surrounded by clear light~"

She's still panting for breath though she's, you know, forming complete sentences. She hears what Akihiko says - the panting turns into gripping, gulping breaths - and after like four or five of them, it... relaxes. *She* relaxes. Her eyes turn abruptly to the proffered water bottle, and

YOINK

"Sorry," she says, before tilting her head back and pouring enough into her mouth to fill it! She actually has to swallow twice - handing it back afterwards, the bottle *notably* having never touched her actual mouth. Was this a secret training?

"It's. I think I just. Need to stop. Fwah. Can we like. Walk back? Or do we need to. Run. Whooh," Hitomi says, bringing up a hand to sweep back some of her long messy hair that had escaped the binding of a thick ponytail. "It's - not so bad now - haha. Oh geez I must look gross... uh... um! So you do this a - lot?"

Hitomi takes off her glasses and looks down at herself in order to find a patch of shirt without sweat on it. This turns out to be her right sleeve, which requires some focused wiggling.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko chuckles lightly too. "At least you can still joke, Mandai-san. You aren't doing too badly."

He doesn't mind the yoink either. That was the offer, after all. He finds it amusing, at least. And honestly, Akihiko's impressed with how Hitomi drinks without even touching her lips to it. "Don't worry about it. I'd worry that running will wipe you out entirely..." Hmmm. What to do then...

He taps his knee a bit, thinking about what would be the smoothest trip back. "Once you're got your breath back, we can get to the tram and walk back to the dorm?" Maybe they went out too far for a first time run...

Honestly, Akihiko doesn't mind the appearances at all. It's none of his business at least. "I do, a lot. It makes for great cardio. And having stamina helps fighting in Tartarus a lot." He smiles lightly. Honestly, he wasn't sure if anyone in SEES wasn't aware of his training habits.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.
<poem>
Hitomi's breathing is still heaving but she does seem less spent. Must be short-term lactic acid buildup or something. She purses her lips then, and tilts her head down. "... I haven't run except, like, to class since..."

"I was a lot smaller," Hitomi concludes, with a wan smile. "Except that one time, I guess. -- Oh, sure," Hitomi says, visibly brightening at the prospect of a shorter route home.

But she still isn't getting up yet.

Hitomi does lean forwards, bringing up her other leg and resting her arms top them, back against the post or wall or barricade or whatever the word is for the dingus, adjusting her glasses with the back of her thumb.

"... It was kinda fun, though," she huffs, much nearer already to normal-voice-Hitomi.

"Hey, though... can I ask you something?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko starts to wonder if there's a story behind that pause, but he decides not to press. Not right now, anyways. "Not even in gym class? No sports?" Akihiko asks. Or maybe gym class is on the lighter side of things, he supposes.

He smiles too, upon seeing Hitomi brighten up. And there's no rush to climb back up, yet. Plenty of time in the day. He still remembers when a 'short jog' like this one would send him out. "At least we get to take the train to Gekkoukan every day. Not a bad deal, if you ask me."

Akihiko smiles way more, with the admission that it was fun. "Yeah? You're more than free to join me again in the future, you know." He says. "An active lifestyle really does lead to a lot of benefits. Helps in school even too."

Ah, a question... "Shoot, Mandai-san. Anything you like."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.
<poem>
"Well... I think I think it's fun because..." Hitomi begins to answer, before she's given a challenge.

Her eyes brighten. "Anything...~?" That pause there was because despite that sudden surreptiously sly lilt in her voice, Hitomi is still recovering. Her cheeks puff out for a moment as she looks away from Akihiko, towards her shoulder. Over it, towards the sea.

".... so..."

"When we were on Yakushima, and we had that meeting and everything with Mitsuru's father," Hitomi says, and it might be a minor note that she does just go ahead and drop the first name on that one, "it came out about... Yukari, and everything with her dad, right? And how he was involved in..."

The Dark Hour, she doesn't say.

"... but," Hitomi says, "what I didn't understand is... Okay, like, if you want to just say 'don't want to get into it,' I'm not offended or anything, I'll drop it..."

"How did you get involved with all this?"

BBS: New BB message (2/126) posted to 'Announcements' by Junes: Upgrade to +cards
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
The sly lilt briefly causes a strike of fear through Akihiko. Women are scary... He coughs into his hand and shakes his head. "Anything ''reasonable'', please."

Hitomi talks, and Akihiko listens intently. Watching as Hitomi is illuminated by the sea.

There's the finish, the question. Akihiko smirks. "Easy. Mitsuru recruited me to it." Mitsuru and Shinjiro are the two people he refers purely by their first name. "Imagine this. Some rich girl approaches you at evening, hands you a gun, and tells you it will answer everything about the hour after midnight, what would you think? I thought she was nutty." Akihiko chuckles, as he looks over the sea. "But she did give me an answer. We've been friends ever since."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.
<poem>
Hitomi glances over for a moment when the secret is revealed.

Which isn't much of a secret at all!!!! What did she expect, a ninja bloodline? Esper powers? A rubber biscuit?? Maybe she was hoping.

She looks back over the ocean again. "... So it was just like that, huh. They just sorta found you and you were in it to win it."

Hitomi takes a deep breath and lets it out. "That's so funny," she says then, still gazing outwards; and she's nearly at normal-breathing rates. "I was thinking... I mean, when I saw... her, Aigis, I was like, shit, everything's on the table. Spaceships to the Moon, giant robots, vampires, werewolves, demons..."

"I guess demons are real, at least," Hitomi muses.

Her head turns slightly. "So... you were already seeing the Dark Hour before then?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Yup. Me and my brother, Shinji." Akihiko laughs a little. It really does sound ridiculous, saying it back again. "At that point, I was already the undefeated boxing champion. SEES has given me so many chances to grow stronger, and to test myself. And help others."

Akihiko nods. It really does feel like everything's on the table now. Manifestations of human creativity, bravery, heroics, brought to life, to fight off creatures of the dark. Compared to that, a Gundam or moon rabbits might even seem pedestrian. "Something like that, anyways. And the strength to fight the demons."

Akihiko nods. "I was. The Envoker gave me the chance to fight the shadows."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.
<poem>
"... Wait," Hitomi says, squinting a little and looking away from the ocean and upwards to Akihiko. "You're brothers? You mean Aragaki or nah?" There might be a lot of other names out there. Other brothers. Brothers, Hitomi has learned, *are dangerous topics*

"I nearly got eaten," Hitomi says, shifting herself to rest her chin on her knee. "So I guess I can relate. I was just wondering, since like, you were *awake* but didn't have an Evoker yet. And I didn't see the Dark Hour at all before, everything."

probably related to the eating.

"I just wonder," Hitomi says, "what all the rules are, I guess."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Aragaki, yeah. Well, not by blood or anything. But essentially, yes." Akihiko laughs."We grew up in the same orphange, and have known each other since forever." It's not a sensitive topic, at least. Even if their relationship is deeply complicated.

Akihiko nods, and shrugs a little bit. "I don't know what the rules are, either. It's tough to say anything for certain, especially when everything is so touch and go." Akihiko says. "Even our theory on full moon shadows can change at any minute. We just have to stay on our toes, and roll with the punches."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.
<poem>
'the same orphanage'

Hitomi's head tilts upwards slightly. Her eyes thin for a moment.

"Ah," she says.

She takes a deep breath and pushes it out through her lips.

"I mean, you're right, but, you sound like my dad when you put it like that..."

Hitomi reaches over to the post and starts to push herself up.

"I just don't like playing a game I don't know all the rules for, you know? Maybe that's just me being arrogant, though."

Her hands rest on her hips then, still looking out at the water.

"How long were you seeing it, before they came to you?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko takes it on the chin. He chuckles lightly, and scratches the back of his head. "We can't always affect the things we want to, I mean. We do what we're able to."

Akihiko remains sitting for now. He watches the waves float by. "Don't get me wrong. We're doing this to understand the Dark Hour better. And to help everyone we can, as we figure out a way to end it."

Akihiko shrugs a little. He almost enjoys all of the fighting. The challenges and the struggles. Piecing the answers together with his friends. It'd earn him a bad look from Mitsuru and Yukari, but...

"A month, or two maybe. I don't really remember. I just survived somehow. Helped that I was strong at that point. It was Polydeuces that let me kill them."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.
<poem>
There's a long quiet pause from Hitomi as she watches the sea and listens to Akihiko. Standing here aloft in the air, held by tensed steel. She purses her lips for a moment. Her arm comes over her waist.

"So you were really strong, even before you used your Persona?" Hitomi asks, turning her head a little.

"... I wasn't strong at all," Hitomi continues, turning back, "but I was pretty lucky, in the end. I guess luck just can't carry you all the way, can it?"

She takes a deep breath... and then sighs at something in particular. "I think I'm ready to keep going... though uh... is it alright if we just walk the rest of the way to the tram? I already feel gross and sweaty enough."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
The breeze is really nice. Akihiko usually enjoys it as he jobs by, but maybe... sitting still for a moment isn't too bad, really.

"I was obsessed with getting stronger, back then. I hit the top of my peers at the time. And was itching for something that could challenge me." Akihiko smiles lightly. "Yeah. Luck can be a strength all on it's own, but strength will never betray you." He has to believe that. He has to.

With that, Akihiko rises to his feet. "Of course. Next time, we'll do some runs around the dorm." He laughs a little at that. "C'mon, we can make a stop for some ice cream too." Jeez, he's gonna reverse all of the progress they made!
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.
<poem>
"If I get stronger, am I going to sweat less?" Hitomi asks, a little flatly.

She then makes a little fist-pump at the mention of ice cream. *two desserts*

(muscle takes protein! ice cream has like, milk in it. right? right??)

</poem>

[[Category:Logs]]
[[Category:Season 1]]
[[Category:Season 1, Episode 1]]

Akihiko Sanada

2026-01-15T01:16:43Z

LeiaSkynoober: /* Background */

{| class="toccolours" style="width: 25em; float: right; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0em; margin-bottom:2em; text-align: left; font-size: %110" cellspacing="2"
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font size: 110%;" align="center" |'''akihiko_sanada'''
|-
! colspan="2" align="center" |[[File:P3R_Akihiko_Sanada_Battle_Artwork_edit.png|300px]]
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''IC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Full Name:
| Akihiko Sanada
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Arcana:
| IV. Emperor
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Gender:
| Male (He/him)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Age (Birthdate):
| 17 (September 22, 1994)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Hair Colour:
| Silver
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Eye Colour:
| Blue
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Residency:
| Tatami Port Island
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Workplace:
| Gekkoukan High School
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Job:
| Third Year Student
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Role:
| Focus
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''OOC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Source:
| Persona 3 (FC)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Group:
| SEES
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Player:
|[[User:LeiaSkynoober|LeiaSkynoober]]
|-
|}
"I've been waiting for this!"
The undefeated boxing champion of Gekkoukan High, Akihiko is a popular senpai who’s calm, cool, and smart. He has a significant female fanbase within the school, that he ranges from clueless to annoyed about. Still, his reputation is significant and overall positive. He’s additionally a well known close associate with Mitsuru Kirijo.

= Background =
Akihiko Sanada grew up very briefly with his parents and younger sister, Miki Sanada. Unfortunately, his parents died and he and his younger sister would live in an orphanage instead. It was there he met Shinjiro Aragaki, where they would quickly become close. (Additionally, this would also be where he meets Goro Akechi, a sullen boy Akihiko never got along with.) Akihiko was a bit of a crybaby during this time, but his sense of justice was strong. There was a time where he and Shinji fought as he sobbed, because Shinji had stolen a doll for Miki.

Eventually, Akihiko was chosen to be adopted out of the orphanage without his younger sister, Miki. She was working on a medal to give him, but never got to properly gift it. In the weeks between, there were sightings of a strange, white haired man skulking about the orphanage that ultimately would be dismissed. The dismissal would end up causing a tragedy. Seemingly suddenly, the orphange would erupt into a blaze and burn down. Miki, Akihiko’s sister, died in the blaze, and Goro, that sullen boy, mocked her brother for being weak. Akihiko and Shinjiro promised each other to become strong together.

Akihiko’s feeling of being utterly useless here would spiral hard, becoming an obsession with becoming stronger. Now with his adopted family, he ended up getting into boxing with Gekkoukan during his middle school years. He quickly improved, becoming strong and known as the undefeated champion, all of his struggles up to that point paid off. Still, it is not enough.

For some undetermined amount of time prior, Akihiko has been experiencing a strange hour every night where everyone turns into coffins and strange, shadowed creatures roam. After one of his boxing matches, after other schools scouts attempt to pouch him and fangirls harrass him, he is approached by Mitsuru Kirijo. He was handed an envoker, and two promises. Challenges where he didn’t have to hold back, and answers about the 25th hour they experienced. Akihiko initially thought she lost it, but after confirming it that night, he grew to like Mitsuru.

Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Shinjiro together would form the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad, or SEES for short, as a clandestine school club. They worked together on several missions, including attempting to scale Tartarus together, but never got very far. The trio wouldn’t last very long either. In their first year of high school together, on October 10th, an incident where Shinji’s Persona went berserk occurred and accidently killed a civilian, Ken Amada’s mother.

Shinji couldn’t live with his mistake and left SEES. Their friendship would become strained, as Akihiko insists that people need Shinji’s protection. Quietly, Akihiko felt a bit betrayed. He saw Shinji leaving SEES as abandoning their promise to become strong together. However, Shinji felt far too guilty to keep working alongside SEES and would begin taking Persona Suppressents - drugs, to keep his Persona in check. Akihiko would continually pester Shinji to rejoin SEES, especially after Minato and Minako join SEES and the group begin to see real progress.

The incident had its own effect on Akihiko, who took it as another sign that he isn’t strong enough yet. He doubles down, training and pushing himself harder than before, obsessed with becoming strong enough where he can carry the world all on his own. A streak that continues throughout modern SEES. He becomes injured on the full moon on April 9th at the hands of the Magician Shadow and consequently struggles to feel useful in the time afterwards. His excitement on getting back into the field draws both Mitsuru’s and Yukari’s annoyance. However, he still feels strongly that he must be useful somehow, that he has to be strong for everyone’s sake. Otherwise, people die.

= Social Links =
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Names
!Rank
!Arcana
!Description
|-
|[[Shinjiro Aragaki]]
|★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
|V. The Hierophant
|"You can't beat yourself up over a mistake forever, Shinji. I'll drag you back somehow."
|-
|[[Mitsuru Kirijo]]
|★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
|III. The Empress
|"I'm with you until the end, Mitsuru."
|-
|[[Yukari Takeba]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|VI. The Lovers
|"A good and reliable junior. Sorry about embarrassing you so much."
|-
|[[Minako Arisato]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|I. The Fool
|"The ever reliable leader. Let's end the Dark Hour together."
|-
|[[Ren Amamiya]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|I. The Fool
|"A strange one. Treat Arisato well, yeah?"
|}

= Logs and Cutscenes =

==Season 1==

===Logs===
{{#dpl:
|category = logs&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 1
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}

===Cutscenes===
{{#dpl:
|category = cutscenes&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 1
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no cutscenes on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Focus]]
[[Category:Gekkoukan High School]]

Akihiko Sanada

2026-01-15T01:15:31Z

LeiaSkynoober:

{| class="toccolours" style="width: 25em; float: right; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0em; margin-bottom:2em; text-align: left; font-size: %110" cellspacing="2"
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font size: 110%;" align="center" |'''akihiko_sanada'''
|-
! colspan="2" align="center" |[[File:P3R_Akihiko_Sanada_Battle_Artwork_edit.png|300px]]
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''IC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Full Name:
| Akihiko Sanada
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Arcana:
| IV. Emperor
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Gender:
| Male (He/him)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Age (Birthdate):
| 17 (September 22, 1994)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Hair Colour:
| Silver
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Eye Colour:
| Blue
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Residency:
| Tatami Port Island
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Workplace:
| Gekkoukan High School
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Job:
| Third Year Student
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Role:
| Focus
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''OOC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Source:
| Persona 3 (FC)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Group:
| SEES
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Player:
|[[User:LeiaSkynoober|LeiaSkynoober]]
|-
|}
"I've been waiting for this!"
The undefeated boxing champion of Gekkoukan High, Akihiko is a popular senpai who’s calm, cool, and smart. He has a significant female fanbase within the school, that he ranges from clueless to annoyed about. Still, his reputation is significant and overall positive. He’s additionally a well known close associate with Mitsuru Kirijo.

= Background =
Akihiko Sanada grew up very briefly with his parents and younger sister, Miki Sanada. Unfortunately, his parents died and he and his younger sister would live in an orphanage instead. It was there he met Shinjiro Aragaki, where they would quickly become close. (Additionally, this would also be where he meets Goro Akechi, a sullen boy Akihiko never got along with.) Akihiko was a bit of a crybaby during this time, but his sense of justice was strong. There was a time where he and Shinji fought as he sobbed, because Shinji had stolen a doll for Miki.
Eventually, Akihiko was chosen to be adopted out of the orphanage without his younger sister, Miki. She was working on a medal to give him, but never got to properly gift it. In the weeks between, there were sightings of a strange, white haired man skulking about the orphanage that ultimately would be dismissed. The dismissal would end up causing a tragedy. Seemingly suddenly, the orphange would erupt into a blaze and burn down. Miki, Akihiko’s sister, died in the blaze, and Goro, that sullen boy, mocked her brother for being weak. Akihiko and Shinjiro promised each other to become strong together.
Akihiko’s feeling of being utterly useless here would spiral hard, becoming an obsession with becoming stronger. Now with his adopted family, he ended up getting into boxing with Gekkoukan during his middle school years. He quickly improved, becoming strong and known as the undefeated champion, all of his struggles up to that point paid off. Still, it is not enough.
For some undetermined amount of time prior, Akihiko has been experiencing a strange hour every night where everyone turns into coffins and strange, shadowed creatures roam. After one of his boxing matches, after other schools scouts attempt to pouch him and fangirls harrass him, he is approached by Mitsuru Kirijo. He was handed an envoker, and two promises. Challenges where he didn’t have to hold back, and answers about the 25th hour they experienced. Akihiko initially thought she lost it, but after confirming it that night, he grew to like Mitsuru.
Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Shinjiro together would form the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad, or SEES for short, as a clandestine school club. They worked together on several missions, including attempting to scale Tartarus together, but never got very far. The trio wouldn’t last very long either. In their first year of high school together, on October 10th, an incident where Shinji’s Persona went berserk occurred and accidently killed a civilian, Ken Amada’s mother.
Shinji couldn’t live with his mistake and left SEES. Their friendship would become strained, as Akihiko insists that people need Shinji’s protection. Quietly, Akihiko felt a bit betrayed. He saw Shinji leaving SEES as abandoning their promise to become strong together. However, Shinji felt far too guilty to keep working alongside SEES and would begin taking Persona Suppressents - drugs, to keep his Persona in check. Akihiko would continually pester Shinji to rejoin SEES, especially after Minato and Minako join SEES and the group begin to see real progress.
The incident had its own effect on Akihiko, who took it as another sign that he isn’t strong enough yet. He doubles down, training and pushing himself harder than before, obsessed with becoming strong enough where he can carry the world all on his own. A streak that continues throughout modern SEES. He becomes injured on the full moon on April 9th at the hands of the Magician Shadow and consequently struggles to feel useful in the time afterwards. His excitement on getting back into the field draws both Mitsuru’s and Yukari’s annoyance. However, he still feels strongly that he must be useful somehow, that he has to be strong for everyone’s sake. Otherwise, people die.

= Social Links =
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Names
!Rank
!Arcana
!Description
|-
|[[Shinjiro Aragaki]]
|★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
|V. The Hierophant
|"You can't beat yourself up over a mistake forever, Shinji. I'll drag you back somehow."
|-
|[[Mitsuru Kirijo]]
|★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
|III. The Empress
|"I'm with you until the end, Mitsuru."
|-
|[[Yukari Takeba]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|VI. The Lovers
|"A good and reliable junior. Sorry about embarrassing you so much."
|-
|[[Minako Arisato]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|I. The Fool
|"The ever reliable leader. Let's end the Dark Hour together."
|-
|[[Ren Amamiya]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|I. The Fool
|"A strange one. Treat Arisato well, yeah?"
|}

= Logs and Cutscenes =

==Season 1==

===Logs===
{{#dpl:
|category = logs&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 1
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}

===Cutscenes===
{{#dpl:
|category = cutscenes&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 1
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no cutscenes on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Focus]]
[[Category:Gekkoukan High School]]

Kasumi Yoshizawa

2026-01-14T23:49:27Z

LeiaSkynoober:

Kasumi Yoshizawa

2026-01-14T23:31:10Z

LeiaSkynoober:

User:LeiaSkynoober

2026-01-14T23:30:54Z

LeiaSkynoober:

Sometimes, cute and stupid is enough!

'''Discord''': misseliza

'''Alts:'''

[[Akihiko Sanada]] (Persona 3)

[[Kasumi Yoshizawa]] (Persona 5 Royal)

Akihiko Sanada

2026-01-14T23:30:05Z

LeiaSkynoober: /* Social Links */

{| class="toccolours" style="width: 25em; float: right; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0em; margin-bottom:2em; text-align: left; font-size: %110" cellspacing="2"
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font size: 110%;" align="center" |'''akihiko_sanada'''
|-
! colspan="2" align="center" |[[File:P3R_Akihiko_Sanada_Battle_Artwork_edit.png|300px]]
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''IC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Full Name:
| Akihiko Sanada
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Arcana:
| IV. Emperor
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Gender:
| Male (He/him)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Age (Birthdate):
| 17 (September 22, 1994)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Hair Colour:
| Silver
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Eye Colour:
| Blue
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Residency:
| Tatami Port Island
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Workplace:
| Gekkoukan High School
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Job:
| Third Year Student
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Role:
| Focus
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''OOC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Source:
| Persona 3 (FC)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Group:
| SEES
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Player:
|[[User:LeiaSkynoober|LeiaSkynoober]]
|-
|}
"I've been waiting for this!"
The undefeated boxing champion of Gekkoukan High, Akihiko is a popular senpai who’s calm, cool, and smart. He has a significant female fanbase within the school, that he ranges from clueless to annoyed about. Still, his reputation is significant and overall positive. He’s additionally a well known close associate with Mitsuru Kirijo.

= Background =
Akihiko Sanada grew up very briefly with his parents and younger sister, Miki Sanada. Unfortunately, his parents died and he and his younger sister would live in an orphanage instead. It was there he met Shinjiro Aragaki, where they would quickly become close. (Additionally, this would also be where he meets Goro Akechi, a sullen boy Akihiko never got along with.) Akihiko was a bit of a crybaby during this time, but his sense of justice was strong. There was a time where he and Shinji fought as he sobbed, because Shinji had stolen a doll for Miki.
Eventually, Akihiko was chosen to be adopted out of the orphanage without his younger sister, Miki. She was working on a medal to give him, but never got to properly gift it. In the weeks between, there were sightings of a strange, white haired man skulking about the orphanage that ultimately would be dismissed. The dismissal would end up causing a tragedy. Seemingly suddenly, the orphange would erupt into a blaze and burn down. Miki, Akihiko’s sister, died in the blaze, and Goro, that sullen boy, mocked her brother for being weak. Akihiko and Shinjiro promised each other to become strong together.
Akihiko’s feeling of being utterly useless here would spiral hard, becoming an obsession with becoming stronger. Now with his adopted family, he ended up getting into boxing with Gekkoukan during his middle school years. He quickly improved, becoming strong and known as the undefeated champion, all of his struggles up to that point paid off. Still, it is not enough.
For some undetermined amount of time prior, Akihiko has been experiencing a strange hour every night where everyone turns into coffins and strange, shadowed creatures roam. After one of his boxing matches, after other schools scouts attempt to pouch him and fangirls harrass him, he is approached by Mitsuru Kirijo. He was handed an envoker, and two promises. Challenges where he didn’t have to hold back, and answers about the 25th hour they experienced. Akihiko initially thought she lost it, but after confirming it that night, he grew to like Mitsuru.
Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Shinjiro together would form the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad, or SEES for short, as a clandestine school club. They worked together on several missions, including attempting to scale Tartarus together, but never got very far. The trio wouldn’t last very long either. In their first year of high school together, on October 10th, an incident where Shinji’s Persona went berserk occurred and accidently killed a civilian, Ken Amada’s mother.
Shinji couldn’t live with his mistake and left SEES. Their friendship would become strained, as Akihiko insists that people need Shinji’s protection. Quietly, Akihiko felt a bit betrayed. He saw Shinji leaving SEES as abandoning their promise to become strong together. However, Shinji felt far too guilty to keep working alongside SEES and would begin taking Persona Suppressents - drugs, to keep his Persona in check. Akihiko would continually pester Shinji to rejoin SEES, especially after Minato and Minako join SEES and the group begin to see real progress.
The incident had its own effect on Akihiko, who took it as another sign that he isn’t strong enough yet. He doubles down, training and pushing himself harder than before, obsessed with becoming strong enough where he can carry the world all on his own. A streak that continues throughout modern SEES. He becomes injured on the full moon on April 9th at the hands of the Magician Shadow and consequently struggles to feel useful in the time afterwards. His excitement on getting back into the field draws both Mitsuru’s and Yukari’s annoyance. However, he still feels strongly that he must be useful somehow, that he has to be strong for everyone’s sake. Otherwise, people die.

= Social Links =
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Names
!Rank
!Arcana
!Description
|-
|[[Shinjiro Aragaki]]
|★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
|V. The Hierophant
|"You can't beat yourself up over a mistake forever, Shinji. I'll drag you back somehow."
|-
|[[Mitsuru Kirijo]]
|★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
|III. The Empress
|"I'm with you until the end, Mitsuru."
|-
|[[Yukari Takeba]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|VI. The Lovers
|"A good and reliable junior. Sorry about embarrassing you so much."
|-
|[[Minako Arisato]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|I. The Fool
|"The ever reliable leader. Let's end the Dark Hour together."
|-
|[[Ren Amamiya]]
|★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|I. The Fool
|"A strange one. Treat Arisato well, yeah?"
|}

= Logs and Cutscenes =

==Season 1==

===Logs===
{{#dpl:
|category = logs&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 1
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}

===Cutscenes===
{{#dpl:
|category = cutscenes&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 1
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no cutscenes on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Focus]]
[[Category:Gekkoukan High]]

Akihiko Sanada

2026-01-14T23:22:16Z

LeiaSkynoober:

{| class="toccolours" style="width: 25em; float: right; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0em; margin-bottom:2em; text-align: left; font-size: %110" cellspacing="2"
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font size: 110%;" align="center" |'''akihiko_sanada'''
|-
! colspan="2" align="center" |[[File:P3R_Akihiko_Sanada_Battle_Artwork_edit.png|300px]]
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''IC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Full Name:
| Akihiko Sanada
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Arcana:
| IV. Emperor
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Gender:
| Male (He/him)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Age (Birthdate):
| 17 (September 22, 1994)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Hair Colour:
| Silver
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Eye Colour:
| Blue
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Residency:
| Tatami Port Island
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Workplace:
| Gekkoukan High School
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Job:
| Third Year Student
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Role:
| Focus
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#4876ff; border: 2px #000000 solid; font-size: 110%;" align="center" |'''OOC Information'''
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Source:
| Persona 3 (FC)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Group:
| SEES
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Player:
|[[User:LeiaSkynoober|LeiaSkynoober]]
|-
|}
"I've been waiting for this!"
The undefeated boxing champion of Gekkoukan High, Akihiko is a popular senpai who’s calm, cool, and smart. He has a significant female fanbase within the school, that he ranges from clueless to annoyed about. Still, his reputation is significant and overall positive. He’s additionally a well known close associate with Mitsuru Kirijo.

= Background =
Akihiko Sanada grew up very briefly with his parents and younger sister, Miki Sanada. Unfortunately, his parents died and he and his younger sister would live in an orphanage instead. It was there he met Shinjiro Aragaki, where they would quickly become close. (Additionally, this would also be where he meets Goro Akechi, a sullen boy Akihiko never got along with.) Akihiko was a bit of a crybaby during this time, but his sense of justice was strong. There was a time where he and Shinji fought as he sobbed, because Shinji had stolen a doll for Miki.
Eventually, Akihiko was chosen to be adopted out of the orphanage without his younger sister, Miki. She was working on a medal to give him, but never got to properly gift it. In the weeks between, there were sightings of a strange, white haired man skulking about the orphanage that ultimately would be dismissed. The dismissal would end up causing a tragedy. Seemingly suddenly, the orphange would erupt into a blaze and burn down. Miki, Akihiko’s sister, died in the blaze, and Goro, that sullen boy, mocked her brother for being weak. Akihiko and Shinjiro promised each other to become strong together.
Akihiko’s feeling of being utterly useless here would spiral hard, becoming an obsession with becoming stronger. Now with his adopted family, he ended up getting into boxing with Gekkoukan during his middle school years. He quickly improved, becoming strong and known as the undefeated champion, all of his struggles up to that point paid off. Still, it is not enough.
For some undetermined amount of time prior, Akihiko has been experiencing a strange hour every night where everyone turns into coffins and strange, shadowed creatures roam. After one of his boxing matches, after other schools scouts attempt to pouch him and fangirls harrass him, he is approached by Mitsuru Kirijo. He was handed an envoker, and two promises. Challenges where he didn’t have to hold back, and answers about the 25th hour they experienced. Akihiko initially thought she lost it, but after confirming it that night, he grew to like Mitsuru.
Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Shinjiro together would form the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad, or SEES for short, as a clandestine school club. They worked together on several missions, including attempting to scale Tartarus together, but never got very far. The trio wouldn’t last very long either. In their first year of high school together, on October 10th, an incident where Shinji’s Persona went berserk occurred and accidently killed a civilian, Ken Amada’s mother.
Shinji couldn’t live with his mistake and left SEES. Their friendship would become strained, as Akihiko insists that people need Shinji’s protection. Quietly, Akihiko felt a bit betrayed. He saw Shinji leaving SEES as abandoning their promise to become strong together. However, Shinji felt far too guilty to keep working alongside SEES and would begin taking Persona Suppressents - drugs, to keep his Persona in check. Akihiko would continually pester Shinji to rejoin SEES, especially after Minato and Minako join SEES and the group begin to see real progress.
The incident had its own effect on Akihiko, who took it as another sign that he isn’t strong enough yet. He doubles down, training and pushing himself harder than before, obsessed with becoming strong enough where he can carry the world all on his own. A streak that continues throughout modern SEES. He becomes injured on the full moon on April 9th at the hands of the Magician Shadow and consequently struggles to feel useful in the time afterwards. His excitement on getting back into the field draws both Mitsuru’s and Yukari’s annoyance. However, he still feels strongly that he must be useful somehow, that he has to be strong for everyone’s sake. Otherwise, people die.

= Social Links =

= Logs and Cutscenes =

==Season 1==

===Logs===
{{#dpl:
|category = logs&season 1
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|ordermethod = title
|columns = 1
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
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| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no logs on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}

===Cutscenes===
{{#dpl:
|category = cutscenes&season 1
|linksto = {{PAGENAME}}
|ordermethod = title
|columns = 1
|rowcolformat=width=50%
|suppresserrors = yes
| addcategories = true
| mode = userformat
| format = ,,\n* [[%PAGE%]],
|noresultsheader=There are no cutscenes on this wiki that {{PAGENAME}} participated in.
}}

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Focus]]
[[Category:Gekkoukan High]]

File:Kasumi photo.jpg

2026-01-14T22:43:24Z

LeiaSkynoober: Official Kasumi render from Persona 5 Royal.

== Summary ==
Official Kasumi render from Persona 5 Royal.

2026-01-11: Kendo Training

2026-01-12T22:14:05Z

LeiaSkynoober:

*'''Log: 2026-01-11: Kendo Training'''
*'''Cast:''' [[Ririka Kawase]], [[Akihiko Sanada]]
*'''Where:''' Gekkoukan High School, Boxing Club
*'''OOC Date:''' January 11, 2026
*'''IC Date:''' September 08, 2012
*'''Summary''': ''Akihiko arranges for some impromptu training for SEES. He and Ririka end up sharing some wounds, new and old.''

----

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
Ririka... wasn't sure what to expect when Akihiko asked her to stop by the boxing club room after school. Was she going to be asked to box? No, surely Akihiko wouldn't ask ''that'' of her, right?

Just because she was tall for a girl (and about average height for a boy), and ran on the athletic side didn't mean she was fit to be a boxer. After all, most of her skateboarding was lower body stuff, not upper body. (Not none of it, of course--she still needed to grab things for plants, but still.)

She knocked on the boxing club door first before opening it. "Uh... Sanada-senpai? I'm... here."

Ririka stands about 5'7", and overall leans to a more athletic build. She has long brown-black hair that goes to midback, currently in a ponytail, red eyes, and the Gekkoukan tracksuit on currently.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
The door to the boxing club area is opened shortly after the knock, revealing Akihiko, in Gekkoukan's gym uniform. A gray tracksuit hangs off him, and open to show off his plain white t shirt. "Ah, Kawase-san! Welcome in!" He looks past Ririka into the halls a bit, before shrugging his shoulders. He steps to the side to allow Ririka enter.

"Sorry, I thought I invited more of my SEES juniors." Akihiko laughs a little. The boxing club room is temporarily set back up to facility strength training. "Anyways. I was thinking about hosting these... small training sessions, whenever this room isn't in use. I expect we'll only face stronger fights in the future. We can't be too careful, yeah?" He smiles.

"Remind me, Kawase-san, what weapon do you use during SEES activities?"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
Ririka's tracksuit is zipped up for the moment, though under it she has a dark gray tank top. She blinks as Akihiko looks past her to into the hall, looking back. Thought he invited more. "Oh, I guess they must've been busy?" she offers. She doesn't know if they got the mesage or not.

She walks in, though, looking around. She wasn't sure what to expect; she normally doens't hang out in club sports rooms. (Well, she did with her older brother, but... she hasn't been able to do that for a couple yars now.)

Stronger fights. "Oh, yeah, that makes sense... It'll be good to have everyone in their best shape."

"Oh, I use a katana. My older brother used to do kendo, so... it seemed like the best choice. Though... most of the time I don't use my weapon much, since I'm usually busy Navigating."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Probably." Akihiko nods. Though honestly, he doesn't totally mind it, he's sure Junpei at least is skipping... It was probably too short notice for people with other plans. "Don't worry about it. I won't."

He finds a spot to take a seat, on one of the prepped weight benches. "Right! Well, it's not a bad idea to have some strength in your back pocket. Especially if we get surprised, like when Yamagishi-san joined the team. The battlefield can change in an instant after all." Akihiko crosses his arm, as if he said something revolutionary there.

Akihiko then gets back up and goes looking for something. Two spare kendo sticks. "Well, I can't say that I'm better with a sword over my fists..." He tosses a kendo stick over to Ririka. "But I've done a few fill ins for the Kendo Club over my time."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
"Well, if you're not worried about it then I won't," says Ririka cheerfully. (She is actually still worrying a ''little'' bit.

The night Fuuka joined... or rather, when they rescued her. Not one of Ririka's best moments--she'd joined intending to use the Evoker, but the sudden apperance of ''two'' Full Moon Arcana had overwhelmed her as-yet-Unawakened Navigator senses, and she'd been... well, useless. She glances to the side. "... yeah. I'm doing my best to learn how to keep tabs on a busy battlefield."

"I don't really throw a lot of punches," Ririka admits as she catches the shinai. "... though I ''have'' throw my fair share of elbow," she admits. Fill-ins. "Oh, cool."

She works her way through a few of the practice kata she remembers her brother using. She's never taken a class herself, but... well, she spent a ''lot'' of time watching Toshiaki practice.

"So... are we going to spar, then?"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko nods, and prepares his own stance. He holds the shinai in both hands, pointing it forward, on the mat. "Heh, the battlefield is chaotic indeed. It can be best to seperate it into different engagements. One on one combat might be able to help you visualize it a bit better."

"Hey, that's not a bad strategy either. Elbows are tough! And pointy." Akihiko takes a moment to demonstrate, bending his arm and tapping his elbow. "Absolutely a great way to keep someone off you!"

Akihiko spins his shinai in a move that would certainly get Yuko Nishiwaki yelling at him. "I'm ready when you are." He says with a smile.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
"Separate it into different engagements..." Ririka repeats softly. "Hmmm..." She looks thoughtful at that, closing her eyes for a moment as she flashes back to some of the last few battles she was in. "So like... separating out the melody and the accompaniment in an orchestral piece...?"

It's more to herself than to Akihiko, though... it shouldn't be a urprise to anyone at this point that Ririka chooses to frame things through music terms. Music infuses her Persona and its fighting style, after all.

But elbows are ahrd and pointy. "Oh, no, that's-- that's not..." Ririka laughs a little, self-consciously. "I didn't exactly mean for fights... eh heh..."

Mosh pits aren't exactly fights, after all.

But Ririka nods and takes up her stance, without the flourish, holding her shinai at the ready. "I think I'm ready."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Music certainly isn't Akihiko's speciality, but if it helps! "Yeah, like that. It takes practice, granted. But that's a fine way to look at it! Each fight is a different part of the battle. And understanding the battle, begins at identifying the individual components." Akihiko's pretty smart when he gets going!

"Ah." Akihiko says, not understanding the actual meaning. "Well, Knowledge here is it's own reward." He laughs, a bit awkwardly too. Mosh pits however, are indeed a type of fight on it's own. What else would an All-Out Attack be?

"Then I won't wait." Akihiko says. He shifts around Ririka, hoping for an opening. It's one part that's applicable to both boxing and kendo. He finds his opening, and swings at her shoulder! If it isn't blocked, he'll stop millimetre's from actually hitting her.
BBS: New BB message (1/18) posted to 'Public' by Naganaki Shrine: Reminder on Closing Policy

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko might not know music, but giveing Ririka a framework to work with is still a major help for Ririka. "... I think I'd rather get practice doing this than, uh... 'live application'... not that that's gonna stop those fights from happening..." she admits. "But thanks. I'm gonna think about that one some more."

Ririka's not certain she would agree with that... they're not usually all beating up the same person in a mosh pit...

It might be common knowledge that she skatebaords, but there's some stuff she isnt as ready to share.

Ririka watches Akihiko circle, trying to match his footing. She does leave that opening, inexperienced as she is, and she quickly--but clumsily--turns to block the strike with her own shinai.

... but it's a pretty close call. "Ahh-- whew." She takes a step back. "That felt... kind of awkward," she admits.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"It always helps to be prepared." Akihiko says gently. "And hope it never has to come to that."

Akihiko laughs a little, as he watches Ririka back up. "It'll come with time, Kawase-san. Could you play Beethoven the first time you played the piano?" He asks, as a rhetorical device. "...I didn't think so."

The boxer's guard is still up, but he purposefully leaves gaps this time, hoping that Ririka will take the initiative this time. After a pause, he speaks up again. "How old is your brother, by the way?" Would he know of the elder Kawase?
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
Ririka takes a deep breath and nods. "Prepared. Right." Except... they know it will come to that, don't they? Tartarus isn't exactly safe, after all...

Akihito asks what should be a rhetorical question. And yet, Ririka has an answer that is almost automatic. "Which piece?" She only catches on a moment later that it was rhetorical, and there's a light flush to her cheeks. "O-oh, right."

She hadn't been ''intending'' to brag, but...

Ririka does hesitate to take a few of those openings... but she does finally move forward to try and strike at one-- she doesn't quite have the control to stop millimeters away, but she's not swinging with full force, either.

But then that question makes her pause, and her expression grows clouded for a moment as she withdraws. It takes her a moment to work up the very simple answer. "... he would have been 19," she says, quietly. "... but he passed away two years ago."

He was only a year ahead of Akihiko--so he would've been a second year while Akihiko was a first year, and he was known for his incredibly strong academics. Even as far back as Gekkoukan Middle School, as well.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Heh. Or maybe you're just a prodigy." Akihiko teases lightly. When you're used to being humbled like he is, it's easy to brush it off.

He blocks the hit effortlessly. The resulting *thwump* of bamboo against bamboo is less than satisfying. As Ririka responds, Akihiko lowers his shinai slightly.

"...I'm sorry." A year older than Akihiko is, then. He vaguely remembers the name on public test results.

"...My younger sister is gone, too." Akihiko offers. An eye for an eye, as it were. "She'd be around your age."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
Ririak rubs the back of her neck a little, laughing a bit self consciously at being named a prodigy. It's ''true'', she just doesn't like calling herself one. "W-welll... I have been playing piano since I was 7," she admits, quietly.

"... Thanks," Ririka says softly. And then she sucks in a smlal breath. "I'm so sorry, senpai..." There are so many things she could ask, but she's not sure what to say first. But thinking of her own brother... one thing comes to mind. "Were you close?"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"That's still really impressive, you know!" Akihiko says. He's not quite sure why Ririka is blushing now, but... Talent, huh? That'd be nice. "It's good to know what you're good at."

Akihiko nods. He puts his sword at his side now. "Very. We were in the orphanage together. She died when she was 6." A year before Ririka picked up piano. Would Miki have enjoyed piano? Those sorts of questions will haunt you. Best keep it out of mind. "It's an old wound by now. It's apart of me, but it doesn't rule me anymore." Never mind that it's opening back up again.

"What about you...?" He asks, gently. "Were you and your brother close? Would you like to talk about it at all?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
Ririka loves music--and she happens to be very good at it. But she also has... a lot of complicated feelings about all the pressure that talent seems to bring.

And of course, she really doesn't want to be seen as bragging.

"Yeah, well... I'm just happy as long as people enjoy my music, you know?"

Ririka lowers her shinai as well. "Oh... I'm so sorry." An orphanage, huh...? That's not really an experience she can relate to. An old wound. "Oh, I see..."

It doesn't rule him anymore... Ririka can't really relate to that feeling, either. Her grief still has its hold on her, and untangling herself from it, well...

She just nods, lowering her gaze. "... Yeah, we were close. He, well... Toshi-nii and I had a lot in common. He didn't play music, but..." Is it bragging on his behalf to say he was academically gifted?

But talkinga bout it more. Ririka pauses to consider that and shakes her head, then lifts her shinai again. "We're... here to train, right?" Her head clearly isn't in it, though.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko shakes his head. "Don't worry about it. It's fine. I'm lucky to have had a good life." He says

"It's still fresh?" Akihiko asks, gently. He doesn't want to push...But he knows what it's like. "I remember he was at the top of his class. I remember asking him for studying tips, once."

The grief still weighs heavily on Ririka. Akihiko can tell. And he knows a good way to push through grief. He puts the shinai back up.

"C'mon. Try and hit me as hard as you can!" He demands, hoping to shock Ririka into complying. They can go back and forth for a while more, until it's time to head back to the dorms.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
A good life. Ririka nods to that. But it's a longer pause before she slowly nods to the question of it being fresh. ".. yeah." It was already Fresh, but after what she learned, how her brother's death was a murder, not an accident...

It's torn open that wound in a way she still can't fully come to terms with.

But Akihiko asked for tips, once, and that actually gets a small smile out of Ririka. "He alwqays liked helping people." Both of them did... though they always put a lot ot stock in living up to their reputations.

Ririka blinks and jerks herself back as Akihiko makes that demand. "Wait--what!? Senpai--" she starts to protest, then catches herself. She takes a deep breath, and for the moment, she's back in the task again. "I'll just... take my best shot."

She raises her shinai again, and for now, she'll rejoin the sparring session in earnest.
</poem>

[[Category:Logs]]
[[Category:Season 1]]
[[Category:Season 1, Episode 1]]

2026-01-11: Kendo Training

2026-01-12T22:12:28Z

LeiaSkynoober: Created page with "*'''Log: 2026-01-11: Kendo Training''' *'''Cast:''' Ririka Kawase, Akihiko Sanada *'''Where:''' *'''OOC Date:''' January 11, 2026 *'''IC Date:''' September 08, 2012 *'''Summary''': ''<Summarize!>'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed. <poem> Ririka... wasn't sure what to expect when Akihiko asked her to stop by the boxing club room after school. Was she going to be asked to box? No, surely Akihiko wouldn't ask ''that'' of her, right? Just because sh..."

*'''Log: 2026-01-11: Kendo Training'''
*'''Cast:''' [[Ririka Kawase]], [[Akihiko Sanada]]
*'''Where:'''
*'''OOC Date:''' January 11, 2026
*'''IC Date:''' September 08, 2012
*'''Summary''': ''<Summarize!>''

----

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
Ririka... wasn't sure what to expect when Akihiko asked her to stop by the boxing club room after school. Was she going to be asked to box? No, surely Akihiko wouldn't ask ''that'' of her, right?

Just because she was tall for a girl (and about average height for a boy), and ran on the athletic side didn't mean she was fit to be a boxer. After all, most of her skateboarding was lower body stuff, not upper body. (Not none of it, of course--she still needed to grab things for plants, but still.)

She knocked on the boxing club door first before opening it. "Uh... Sanada-senpai? I'm... here."

Ririka stands about 5'7", and overall leans to a more athletic build. She has long brown-black hair that goes to midback, currently in a ponytail, red eyes, and the Gekkoukan tracksuit on currently.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
The door to the boxing club area is opened shortly after the knock, revealing Akihiko, in Gekkoukan's gym uniform. A gray tracksuit hangs off him, and open to show off his plain white t shirt. "Ah, Kawase-san! Welcome in!" He looks past Ririka into the halls a bit, before shrugging his shoulders. He steps to the side to allow Ririka enter.

"Sorry, I thought I invited more of my SEES juniors." Akihiko laughs a little. The boxing club room is temporarily set back up to facility strength training. "Anyways. I was thinking about hosting these... small training sessions, whenever this room isn't in use. I expect we'll only face stronger fights in the future. We can't be too careful, yeah?" He smiles.

"Remind me, Kawase-san, what weapon do you use during SEES activities?"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
Ririka's tracksuit is zipped up for the moment, though under it she has a dark gray tank top. She blinks as Akihiko looks past her to into the hall, looking back. Thought he invited more. "Oh, I guess they must've been busy?" she offers. She doesn't know if they got the mesage or not.

She walks in, though, looking around. She wasn't sure what to expect; she normally doens't hang out in club sports rooms. (Well, she did with her older brother, but... she hasn't been able to do that for a couple yars now.)

Stronger fights. "Oh, yeah, that makes sense... It'll be good to have everyone in their best shape."

"Oh, I use a katana. My older brother used to do kendo, so... it seemed like the best choice. Though... most of the time I don't use my weapon much, since I'm usually busy Navigating."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Probably." Akihiko nods. Though honestly, he doesn't totally mind it, he's sure Junpei at least is skipping... It was probably too short notice for people with other plans. "Don't worry about it. I won't."

He finds a spot to take a seat, on one of the prepped weight benches. "Right! Well, it's not a bad idea to have some strength in your back pocket. Especially if we get surprised, like when Yamagishi-san joined the team. The battlefield can change in an instant after all." Akihiko crosses his arm, as if he said something revolutionary there.

Akihiko then gets back up and goes looking for something. Two spare kendo sticks. "Well, I can't say that I'm better with a sword over my fists..." He tosses a kendo stick over to Ririka. "But I've done a few fill ins for the Kendo Club over my time."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
"Well, if you're not worried about it then I won't," says Ririka cheerfully. (She is actually still worrying a ''little'' bit.

The night Fuuka joined... or rather, when they rescued her. Not one of Ririka's best moments--she'd joined intending to use the Evoker, but the sudden apperance of ''two'' Full Moon Arcana had overwhelmed her as-yet-Unawakened Navigator senses, and she'd been... well, useless. She glances to the side. "... yeah. I'm doing my best to learn how to keep tabs on a busy battlefield."

"I don't really throw a lot of punches," Ririka admits as she catches the shinai. "... though I ''have'' throw my fair share of elbow," she admits. Fill-ins. "Oh, cool."

She works her way through a few of the practice kata she remembers her brother using. She's never taken a class herself, but... well, she spent a ''lot'' of time watching Toshiaki practice.

"So... are we going to spar, then?"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko nods, and prepares his own stance. He holds the shinai in both hands, pointing it forward, on the mat. "Heh, the battlefield is chaotic indeed. It can be best to seperate it into different engagements. One on one combat might be able to help you visualize it a bit better."

"Hey, that's not a bad strategy either. Elbows are tough! And pointy." Akihiko takes a moment to demonstrate, bending his arm and tapping his elbow. "Absolutely a great way to keep someone off you!"

Akihiko spins his shinai in a move that would certainly get Yuko Nishiwaki yelling at him. "I'm ready when you are." He says with a smile.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
"Separate it into different engagements..." Ririka repeats softly. "Hmmm..." She looks thoughtful at that, closing her eyes for a moment as she flashes back to some of the last few battles she was in. "So like... separating out the melody and the accompaniment in an orchestral piece...?"

It's more to herself than to Akihiko, though... it shouldn't be a urprise to anyone at this point that Ririka chooses to frame things through music terms. Music infuses her Persona and its fighting style, after all.

But elbows are ahrd and pointy. "Oh, no, that's-- that's not..." Ririka laughs a little, self-consciously. "I didn't exactly mean for fights... eh heh..."

Mosh pits aren't exactly fights, after all.

But Ririka nods and takes up her stance, without the flourish, holding her shinai at the ready. "I think I'm ready."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Music certainly isn't Akihiko's speciality, but if it helps! "Yeah, like that. It takes practice, granted. But that's a fine way to look at it! Each fight is a different part of the battle. And understanding the battle, begins at identifying the individual components." Akihiko's pretty smart when he gets going!

"Ah." Akihiko says, not understanding the actual meaning. "Well, Knowledge here is it's own reward." He laughs, a bit awkwardly too. Mosh pits however, are indeed a type of fight on it's own. What else would an All-Out Attack be?

"Then I won't wait." Akihiko says. He shifts around Ririka, hoping for an opening. It's one part that's applicable to both boxing and kendo. He finds his opening, and swings at her shoulder! If it isn't blocked, he'll stop millimetre's from actually hitting her.
BBS: New BB message (1/18) posted to 'Public' by Naganaki Shrine: Reminder on Closing Policy

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko might not know music, but giveing Ririka a framework to work with is still a major help for Ririka. "... I think I'd rather get practice doing this than, uh... 'live application'... not that that's gonna stop those fights from happening..." she admits. "But thanks. I'm gonna think about that one some more."

Ririka's not certain she would agree with that... they're not usually all beating up the same person in a mosh pit...

It might be common knowledge that she skatebaords, but there's some stuff she isnt as ready to share.

Ririka watches Akihiko circle, trying to match his footing. She does leave that opening, inexperienced as she is, and she quickly--but clumsily--turns to block the strike with her own shinai.

... but it's a pretty close call. "Ahh-- whew." She takes a step back. "That felt... kind of awkward," she admits.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"It always helps to be prepared." Akihiko says gently. "And hope it never has to come to that."

Akihiko laughs a little, as he watches Ririka back up. "It'll come with time, Kawase-san. Could you play Beethoven the first time you played the piano?" He asks, as a rhetorical device. "...I didn't think so."

The boxer's guard is still up, but he purposefully leaves gaps this time, hoping that Ririka will take the initiative this time. After a pause, he speaks up again. "How old is your brother, by the way?" Would he know of the elder Kawase?
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
Ririka takes a deep breath and nods. "Prepared. Right." Except... they know it will come to that, don't they? Tartarus isn't exactly safe, after all...

Akihito asks what should be a rhetorical question. And yet, Ririka has an answer that is almost automatic. "Which piece?" She only catches on a moment later that it was rhetorical, and there's a light flush to her cheeks. "O-oh, right."

She hadn't been ''intending'' to brag, but...

Ririka does hesitate to take a few of those openings... but she does finally move forward to try and strike at one-- she doesn't quite have the control to stop millimeters away, but she's not swinging with full force, either.

But then that question makes her pause, and her expression grows clouded for a moment as she withdraws. It takes her a moment to work up the very simple answer. "... he would have been 19," she says, quietly. "... but he passed away two years ago."

He was only a year ahead of Akihiko--so he would've been a second year while Akihiko was a first year, and he was known for his incredibly strong academics. Even as far back as Gekkoukan Middle School, as well.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"Heh. Or maybe you're just a prodigy." Akihiko teases lightly. When you're used to being humbled like he is, it's easy to brush it off.

He blocks the hit effortlessly. The resulting *thwump* of bamboo against bamboo is less than satisfying. As Ririka responds, Akihiko lowers his shinai slightly.

"...I'm sorry." A year older than Akihiko is, then. He vaguely remembers the name on public test results.

"...My younger sister is gone, too." Akihiko offers. An eye for an eye, as it were. "She'd be around your age."
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
Ririak rubs the back of her neck a little, laughing a bit self consciously at being named a prodigy. It's ''true'', she just doesn't like calling herself one. "W-welll... I have been playing piano since I was 7," she admits, quietly.

"... Thanks," Ririka says softly. And then she sucks in a smlal breath. "I'm so sorry, senpai..." There are so many things she could ask, but she's not sure what to say first. But thinking of her own brother... one thing comes to mind. "Were you close?"
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
"That's still really impressive, you know!" Akihiko says. He's not quite sure why Ririka is blushing now, but... Talent, huh? That'd be nice. "It's good to know what you're good at."

Akihiko nods. He puts his sword at his side now. "Very. We were in the orphanage together. She died when she was 6." A year before Ririka picked up piano. Would Miki have enjoyed piano? Those sorts of questions will haunt you. Best keep it out of mind. "It's an old wound by now. It's apart of me, but it doesn't rule me anymore." Never mind that it's opening back up again.

"What about you...?" He asks, gently. "Were you and your brother close? Would you like to talk about it at all?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
Ririka loves music--and she happens to be very good at it. But she also has... a lot of complicated feelings about all the pressure that talent seems to bring.

And of course, she really doesn't want to be seen as bragging.

"Yeah, well... I'm just happy as long as people enjoy my music, you know?"

Ririka lowers her shinai as well. "Oh... I'm so sorry." An orphanage, huh...? That's not really an experience she can relate to. An old wound. "Oh, I see..."

It doesn't rule him anymore... Ririka can't really relate to that feeling, either. Her grief still has its hold on her, and untangling herself from it, well...

She just nods, lowering her gaze. "... Yeah, we were close. He, well... Toshi-nii and I had a lot in common. He didn't play music, but..." Is it bragging on his behalf to say he was academically gifted?

But talkinga bout it more. Ririka pauses to consider that and shakes her head, then lifts her shinai again. "We're... here to train, right?" Her head clearly isn't in it, though.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Akihiko Sanada has posed.
<poem>
Akihiko shakes his head. "Don't worry about it. It's fine. I'm lucky to have had a good life." He says

"It's still fresh?" Akihiko asks, gently. He doesn't want to push...But he knows what it's like. "I remember he was at the top of his class. I remember asking him for studying tips, once."

The grief still weighs heavily on Ririka. Akihiko can tell. And he knows a good way to push through grief. He puts the shinai back up.

"C'mon. Try and hit me as hard as you can!" He demands, hoping to shock Ririka into complying. They can go back and forth for a while more, until it's time to head back to the dorms.
</poem>

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.
<poem>
A good life. Ririka nods to that. But it's a longer pause before she slowly nods to the question of it being fresh. ".. yeah." It was already Fresh, but after what she learned, how her brother's death was a murder, not an accident...

It's torn open that wound in a way she still can't fully come to terms with.

But Akihiko asked for tips, once, and that actually gets a small smile out of Ririka. "He alwqays liked helping people." Both of them did... though they always put a lot ot stock in living up to their reputations.

Ririka blinks and jerks herself back as Akihiko makes that demand. "Wait--what!? Senpai--" she starts to protest, then catches herself. She takes a deep breath, and for the moment, she's back in the task again. "I'll just... take my best shot."

She raises her shinai again, and for now, she'll rejoin the sparring session in earnest.
</poem>

[[Category:Logs]]
[[Category:Season 1]]
[[Category:Season 1, Episode 1]]

Akihiko Sanada

2025-08-27T04:28:33Z

LeiaSkynoober:

File:P3R Akihiko Sanada Battle Artwork edit.png

2025-08-27T04:27:43Z

LeiaSkynoober: LeiaSkynoober uploaded a new version of File:P3R Akihiko Sanada Battle Artwork edit.png

== Summary ==
Official Akihiko art from Persona 3 Reload

User:LeiaSkynoober

2025-08-27T04:23:33Z

LeiaSkynoober:

Sometimes, cute and stupid is enough!

Discord: misseliza

Player of [[Akihiko Sanada]] (Persona 3)

Akihiko Sanada

2025-08-16T05:29:37Z

LeiaSkynoober:

Akihiko Sanada

2025-08-16T05:29:20Z

LeiaSkynoober:

Akihiko Sanada

2025-08-16T05:28:53Z

LeiaSkynoober:

Akihiko Sanada

2025-08-16T05:27:58Z

LeiaSkynoober:

{{Character1

|MUSHName=akihiko_sanada

|BGColor=#4876ff
|BorderColor=#000000
|TextColor=#000000

|Img=
[[File:P3R_Akihiko_Sanada_Battle_Artwork_edit.png]]
|Name=Akihiko Sanada
|Arcana=IV. Emperor
|Gender=Male
|Age=17
|Birthdate=September 22
|Residence=Tatami Port Island
|HairColor=Silver
|EyeColor=Blue
|Height=175 cm
|Workplace=Gekkoukan High
|Job=Third
|Role=Focus

|Source=Persona 3 (FC)

|Group=SEES

|Player=[[User:LeiaSkynoober]]

|Quote="I've been waiting for this!"

|Profile=The undefeated boxing champion of Gekkoukan High, Akihiko is a popular senpai who’s calm, cool, and smart. He has a significant female fanbase within the school, that he ranges from clueless to annoyed about. Still, his reputation is significant and overall positive. He’s additionally a well known close associate with Mitsuru Kirijo.

|Background=
Akihiko Sanada grew up very briefly with his parents and younger sister, Miki Sanada. Unfortunately, his parents died and he and his younger sister would live in an orphanage instead. It was there he met Shinjiro Aragaki, where they would quickly become close. (Additionally, this would also be where he meets Goro Akechi, a sullen boy Akihiko never got along with.) Akihiko was a bit of a crybaby during this time, but his sense of justice was strong. There was a time where he and Shinji fought as he sobbed, because Shinji had stolen a doll for Miki.

Eventually, Akihiko was chosen to be adopted out of the orphanage without his younger sister, Miki. She was working on a medal to give him, but never got to properly gift it. In the weeks between, there were sightings of a strange, white haired man skulking about the orphanage that ultimately would be dismissed. The dismissal would end up causing a tragedy. Seemingly suddenly, the orphange would erupt into a blaze and burn down. Miki, Akihiko’s sister, died in the blaze, and Goro, that sullen boy, mocked her brother for being weak. Akihiko and Shinjiro promised each other to become strong together.

Akihiko’s feeling of being utterly useless here would spiral hard, becoming an obsession with becoming stronger. Now with his adopted family, he ended up getting into boxing with Gekkoukan during his middle school years. He quickly improved, becoming strong and known as the undefeated champion, all of his struggles up to that point paid off. Still, it is not enough.

For some undetermined amount of time prior, Akihiko has been experiencing a strange hour every night where everyone turns into coffins and strange, shadowed creatures roam. After one of his boxing matches, after other schools scouts attempt to pouch him and fangirls harrass him, he is approached by Mitsuru Kirijo. He was handed an envoker, and two promises. Challenges where he didn’t have to hold back, and answers about the 25th hour they experienced. Akihiko initially thought she lost it, but after confirming it that night, he grew to like Mitsuru.

Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Shinjiro together would form the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad, or SEES for short, as a clandestine school club. They worked together on several missions, including attempting to scale Tartarus together, but never got very far. The trio wouldn’t last very long either. In their first year of high school together, on October 10th, an incident where Shinji’s Persona went berserk occurred and accidently killed a civilian, Ken Amada’s mother.

Shinji couldn’t live with his mistake and left SEES. Their friendship would become strained, as Akihiko insists that people need Shinji’s protection. Quietly, Akihiko felt a bit betrayed. He saw Shinji leaving SEES as abandoning their promise to become strong together. However, Shinji felt far too guilty to keep working alongside SEES and would begin taking Persona Suppressents - drugs, to keep his Persona in check. Akihiko would continually pester Shinji to rejoin SEES, especially after Minato and Minako join SEES and the group begin to see real progress.

The incident had its own effect on Akihiko, who took it as another sign that he isn’t strong enough yet. He doubles down, training and pushing himself harder than before, obsessed with becoming strong enough where he can carry the world all on his own. A streak that continues throughout modern SEES. He becomes injured on the full moon on April 9th at the hands of the Magician Shadow and consequently struggles to feel useful in the time afterwards. His excitement on getting back into the field draws both Mitsuru’s and Yukari’s annoyance. However, he still feels strongly that he must be useful somehow, that he has to be strong for everyone’s sake. Otherwise, people die.

|S1E1=

|Social Links=
|PersonaInfo=The half brother of Castor and a Greek Hero. Polydeuces inherited his divine father’s immortality and would become the Gemini constellation with his brother.

|PersonaDesc=A large, blonde, muscular figure wearing a bulletproof vest. His right hand is a large gauntlet with a needle at the end.

}}
=Background=

Akihiko Sanada grew up very briefly with his parents and younger sister, Miki Sanada. Unfortunately, his parents died and he and his younger sister would live in an orphanage instead. It was there he met Shinjiro Aragaki, where they would quickly become close. (Additionally, this would also be where he meets Goro Akechi, a sullen boy Akihiko never got along with.) Akihiko was a bit of a crybaby during this time, but his sense of justice was strong. There was a time where he and Shinji fought as he sobbed, because Shinji had stolen a doll for Miki.



Eventually, Akihiko was chosen to be adopted out of the orphanage without his younger sister, Miki. She was working on a medal to give him, but never got to properly gift it. In the weeks between, there were sightings of a strange, white haired man skulking about the orphanage that ultimately would be dismissed. The dismissal would end up causing a tragedy. Seemingly suddenly, the orphange would erupt into a blaze and burn down. Miki, Akihiko’s sister, died in the blaze, and Goro, that sullen boy, mocked her brother for being weak. Akihiko and Shinjiro promised each other to become strong together.



Akihiko’s feeling of being utterly useless here would spiral hard, becoming an obsession with becoming stronger. Now with his adopted family, he ended up getting into boxing with Gekkoukan during his middle school years. He quickly improved, becoming strong and known as the undefeated champion, all of his struggles up to that point paid off. Still, it is not enough.



For some undetermined amount of time prior, Akihiko has been experiencing a strange hour every night where everyone turns into coffins and strange, shadowed creatures roam. After one of his boxing matches, after other schools scouts attempt to pouch him and fangirls harrass him, he is approached by Mitsuru Kirijo. He was handed an envoker, and two promises. Challenges where he didn’t have to hold back, and answers about the 25th hour they experienced. Akihiko initially thought she lost it, but after confirming it that night, he grew to like Mitsuru.



Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Shinjiro together would form the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad, or SEES for short, as a clandestine school club. They worked together on several missions, including attempting to scale Tartarus together, but never got very far. The trio wouldn’t last very long either. In their first year of high school together, on October 10th, an incident where Shinji’s Persona went berserk occurred and accidently killed a civilian, Ken Amada’s mother.



Shinji couldn’t live with his mistake and left SEES. Their friendship would become strained, as Akihiko insists that people need Shinji’s protection. Quietly, Akihiko felt a bit betrayed. He saw Shinji leaving SEES as abandoning their promise to become strong together. However, Shinji felt far too guilty to keep working alongside SEES and would begin taking Persona Suppressents - drugs, to keep his Persona in check. Akihiko would continually pester Shinji to rejoin SEES, especially after Minato and Minako join SEES and the group begin to see real progress.



The incident had its own effect on Akihiko, who took it as another sign that he isn’t strong enough yet. He doubles down, training and pushing himself harder than before, obsessed with becoming strong enough where he can carry the world all on his own. A streak that continues throughout modern SEES. He becomes injured on the full moon on April 9th at the hands of the Magician Shadow and consequently struggles to feel useful in the time afterwards. His excitement on getting back into the field draws both Mitsuru’s and Yukari’s annoyance. However, he still feels strongly that he must be useful somehow, that he has to be strong for everyone’s sake. Otherwise, people die.


==Season 1, Episode 1==



=Persona=
 

The half brother of Castor and a Greek Hero. Polydeuces inherited his divine father’s immortality and would become the Gemini constellation with his brother.



A large, blonde, muscular figure wearing a bulletproof vest. His right hand is a large gauntlet with a needle at the end.


=Logs and Cutscenes=

==Season 1==



*[[2025-07-26: Battle Royale]]
*[[2025-07-27: Aftermath]]


There are no cutscenes on this wiki that Akihiko Sanada participated in.

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Focus]]
[[Category:Gekkoukan High]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Focus]]
[[Category:Gekkoukan High]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Focus]]
[[Category:Gekkoukan High]]


= Social Links =
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Names
!Rank
!Arcana
!Description
|-
|[[Shinjiro Aragaki]]
|★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
| V. The Hierophant
|"You can't beat yourself up over a mistake forever, Shinji. I'll drag you back somehow."
|-
|[[Mitsuru Kirijo]]
|★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
|III. Empress
|"I'm with you until the end, Mitsuru."
|-
|
|
|
|
|}

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Focus]]
[[Category:Gekkoukan High]]

Akihiko Sanada

2025-08-16T05:24:11Z

LeiaSkynoober: /* Social Links */

Akihiko Sanada

2025-08-16T05:23:33Z

LeiaSkynoober:

Akihiko Sanada

2025-08-16T05:22:10Z

LeiaSkynoober:

File:P3R Akihiko Sanada Battle Artwork edit.png

2025-08-16T05:18:16Z

LeiaSkynoober: LeiaSkynoober uploaded a new version of File:P3R Akihiko Sanada Battle Artwork edit.png

== Summary ==
Official Akihiko art from Persona 3 Reload

Akihiko Sanada

2025-08-16T05:08:52Z

LeiaSkynoober:

Akihiko Sanada

2025-08-16T05:08:00Z

LeiaSkynoober:

{{Character1

|MUSHName=akihiko_sanada

|BGColor=#4876ff
|BorderColor=#000000
|TextColor=#000000

|Img=
P3R_Akihiko_Sanada_Battle_Artwork_edit.png
|Name=Akihiko Sanada
|Arcana=Emperor
|Gender=Male
|Age=17
|Birthdate=September 22
|Residence=Tatami Port Island
|HairColor=Silver
|EyeColor=Blue
|Height=175 cm
|Workplace=Gekkoukan High
|Job=Third
|Role=Focus

|Source=Persona 3 (FC)

|Group=SEES

|Player=[[LeiaSkynoober]]

|Quote="I've been waiting for this!"

|Profile=The undefeated boxing champion of Gekkoukan High, Akihiko is a popular senpai who’s calm, cool, and smart. He has a significant female fanbase within the school, that he ranges from clueless to annoyed about. Still, his reputation is significant and overall positive. He’s additionally a well known close associate with Mitsuru Kirijo.

|Background=
Akihiko Sanada grew up very briefly with his parents and younger sister, Miki Sanada. Unfortunately, his parents died and he and his younger sister would live in an orphanage instead. It was there he met Shinjiro Aragaki, where they would quickly become close. (Additionally, this would also be where he meets Goro Akechi, a sullen boy Akihiko never got along with.) Akihiko was a bit of a crybaby during this time, but his sense of justice was strong. There was a time where he and Shinji fought as he sobbed, because Shinji had stolen a doll for Miki.

Eventually, Akihiko was chosen to be adopted out of the orphanage without his younger sister, Miki. She was working on a medal to give him, but never got to properly gift it. In the weeks between, there were sightings of a strange, white haired man skulking about the orphanage that ultimately would be dismissed. The dismissal would end up causing a tragedy. Seemingly suddenly, the orphange would erupt into a blaze and burn down. Miki, Akihiko’s sister, died in the blaze, and Goro, that sullen boy, mocked her brother for being weak. Akihiko and Shinjiro promised each other to become strong together.

Akihiko’s feeling of being utterly useless here would spiral hard, becoming an obsession with becoming stronger. Now with his adopted family, he ended up getting into boxing with Gekkoukan during his middle school years. He quickly improved, becoming strong and known as the undefeated champion, all of his struggles up to that point paid off. Still, it is not enough.

For some undetermined amount of time prior, Akihiko has been experiencing a strange hour every night where everyone turns into coffins and strange, shadowed creatures roam. After one of his boxing matches, after other schools scouts attempt to pouch him and fangirls harrass him, he is approached by Mitsuru Kirijo. He was handed an envoker, and two promises. Challenges where he didn’t have to hold back, and answers about the 25th hour they experienced. Akihiko initially thought she lost it, but after confirming it that night, he grew to like Mitsuru.

Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Shinjiro together would form the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad, or SEES for short, as a clandestine school club. They worked together on several missions, including attempting to scale Tartarus together, but never got very far. The trio wouldn’t last very long either. In their first year of high school together, on October 10th, an incident where Shinji’s Persona went berserk occurred and accidently killed a civilian, Ken Amada’s mother.

Shinji couldn’t live with his mistake and left SEES. Their friendship would become strained, as Akihiko insists that people need Shinji’s protection. Quietly, Akihiko felt a bit betrayed. He saw Shinji leaving SEES as abandoning their promise to become strong together. However, Shinji felt far too guilty to keep working alongside SEES and would begin taking Persona Suppressents - drugs, to keep his Persona in check. Akihiko would continually pester Shinji to rejoin SEES, especially after Minato and Minako join SEES and the group begin to see real progress.

The incident had its own effect on Akihiko, who took it as another sign that he isn’t strong enough yet. He doubles down, training and pushing himself harder than before, obsessed with becoming strong enough where he can carry the world all on his own. A streak that continues throughout modern SEES. He becomes injured on the full moon on April 9th at the hands of the Magician Shadow and consequently struggles to feel useful in the time afterwards. His excitement on getting back into the field draws both Mitsuru’s and Yukari’s annoyance. However, he still feels strongly that he must be useful somehow, that he has to be strong for everyone’s sake. Otherwise, people die.

|S1E1=

|Social Links=
|PersonaInfo=The half brother of Castor and a Greek Hero. Polydeuces inherited his divine father’s immortality and would become the Gemini constellation with his brother.

|PersonaDesc=A large, blonde, muscular figure wearing a bulletproof vest. His right hand is a large gauntlet with a needle at the end.

}}
=Background=

Akihiko Sanada grew up very briefly with his parents and younger sister, Miki Sanada. Unfortunately, his parents died and he and his younger sister would live in an orphanage instead. It was there he met Shinjiro Aragaki, where they would quickly become close. (Additionally, this would also be where he meets Goro Akechi, a sullen boy Akihiko never got along with.) Akihiko was a bit of a crybaby during this time, but his sense of justice was strong. There was a time where he and Shinji fought as he sobbed, because Shinji had stolen a doll for Miki.



Eventually, Akihiko was chosen to be adopted out of the orphanage without his younger sister, Miki. She was working on a medal to give him, but never got to properly gift it. In the weeks between, there were sightings of a strange, white haired man skulking about the orphanage that ultimately would be dismissed. The dismissal would end up causing a tragedy. Seemingly suddenly, the orphange would erupt into a blaze and burn down. Miki, Akihiko’s sister, died in the blaze, and Goro, that sullen boy, mocked her brother for being weak. Akihiko and Shinjiro promised each other to become strong together.



Akihiko’s feeling of being utterly useless here would spiral hard, becoming an obsession with becoming stronger. Now with his adopted family, he ended up getting into boxing with Gekkoukan during his middle school years. He quickly improved, becoming strong and known as the undefeated champion, all of his struggles up to that point paid off. Still, it is not enough.



For some undetermined amount of time prior, Akihiko has been experiencing a strange hour every night where everyone turns into coffins and strange, shadowed creatures roam. After one of his boxing matches, after other schools scouts attempt to pouch him and fangirls harrass him, he is approached by Mitsuru Kirijo. He was handed an envoker, and two promises. Challenges where he didn’t have to hold back, and answers about the 25th hour they experienced. Akihiko initially thought she lost it, but after confirming it that night, he grew to like Mitsuru.



Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Shinjiro together would form the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad, or SEES for short, as a clandestine school club. They worked together on several missions, including attempting to scale Tartarus together, but never got very far. The trio wouldn’t last very long either. In their first year of high school together, on October 10th, an incident where Shinji’s Persona went berserk occurred and accidently killed a civilian, Ken Amada’s mother.



Shinji couldn’t live with his mistake and left SEES. Their friendship would become strained, as Akihiko insists that people need Shinji’s protection. Quietly, Akihiko felt a bit betrayed. He saw Shinji leaving SEES as abandoning their promise to become strong together. However, Shinji felt far too guilty to keep working alongside SEES and would begin taking Persona Suppressents - drugs, to keep his Persona in check. Akihiko would continually pester Shinji to rejoin SEES, especially after Minato and Minako join SEES and the group begin to see real progress.



The incident had its own effect on Akihiko, who took it as another sign that he isn’t strong enough yet. He doubles down, training and pushing himself harder than before, obsessed with becoming strong enough where he can carry the world all on his own. A streak that continues throughout modern SEES. He becomes injured on the full moon on April 9th at the hands of the Magician Shadow and consequently struggles to feel useful in the time afterwards. His excitement on getting back into the field draws both Mitsuru’s and Yukari’s annoyance. However, he still feels strongly that he must be useful somehow, that he has to be strong for everyone’s sake. Otherwise, people die.


==Season 1, Episode 1==



=Persona=
 

The half brother of Castor and a Greek Hero. Polydeuces inherited his divine father’s immortality and would become the Gemini constellation with his brother.



A large, blonde, muscular figure wearing a bulletproof vest. His right hand is a large gauntlet with a needle at the end.


=Logs and Cutscenes=

==Season 1==



*[[2025-07-26: Battle Royale]]
*[[2025-07-27: Aftermath]]


There are no cutscenes on this wiki that Akihiko Sanada participated in.

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Focus]]
[[Category:Gekkoukan High]]


==Season 1, Episode 1==



= Social Links =
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Names
!Rank
!Arcana
!Description
|-
|[[Shinjiro Aragaki]]
|★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
| V. The Hierophant
|"You can't beat yourself up over a mistake forever, Shinji. I'll drag you back somehow."
|-
|[[Mitsuru Kirijo]]
|★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
|III. Empress
|"I'm with you until the end, Mitsuru.
|-
|
|
|
|
|}

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Focus]]
[[Category:Gekkoukan High]]

Akihiko Sanada

2025-08-16T05:07:27Z

LeiaSkynoober: