2025-09-17: The Great SEES Glow-Up of 2012

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<Pose Tracker> Mitsuru Kirijo has posed.

Guess what time it is?

MEETING TIME!

More specifically: it's that interstitial time where evening molds into night and the sun begins the last fateful feet of its crawl past the horizon to let the moon take its place in the night skies above.

It's -also- only a precious handful of minutes before a meeting for all members of SEES at Iwatodai Dorm, called by Mitsuru Kirijo; she left the specifics vague save that it was: important, and also: something to celebrate their recent victories and the ever-expanding roster of their groupclubtask force.

If anyone is expecting an actual celebration or at least a modest party with cake, well: the fact that Mitsuru set this meeting in the fourth floor's Control Room - and the fact that it was Mitsuru setting this meeting - should helpfully and immediately disabuse anyone of that silly assumption.

If not, well: anyone who isn't will get to be surprised by the fact there is no cake. Or confetti or streamers or even a customary CONGRATULATIONS banner.

No; it's just Mitsuru Kirijo, still dressed in her school uniform, standing beside the chair where Shuji Ikutsuki sits with his typically cheery smile, and a Suspiciously Large Case set on the table before them, several more containers lining the command room's back wall, and nothing else.

Oh. There's a couple snack bowls. That was Ikutsuki's idea. The fact that most of them are healthy snacks was probably Mitsuru's compromise.

"Thank you for coming," Mitsuru begins by way of introductions as people start to filter in. "I promise we will not take too much of your time. After all, final exams are just around the corner."

No celebrations, no banners, no cake. Exam reminders. Now it's officially a Mitsuru Meeting.

"And looking forward to summer fun!" Ikutsuki helpfully supplies to this bleak tableau. 

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.

Minako is here -- but even as one of SEES's co-leaders, she doesn't know what this meeting is about. She sits down at one of the chairs in the control room. She looks a little sad there isn't cake, banners, or other such party favors. But not too sad.

"Hi, Kirijo-senpai," she says, and she lifts her hand into a wave. The other hand reaches out for the snack bowl, before she blinks -- and looks sideways at Ikutsuki. Her head tilts for a moment.

Then her eyes blink.

"Summer fun?" she asks. She smiles, before she looks back at Mitsuru. "I'm excited to hear what you have for us, senpai."

<Pose Tracker> Reiya Aomori has posed.

Final exams approach. Reiya knows this; it is not a horrible shock that will dismay him, like it might Junpei. ...Poor Junpei.

Reiya is here early. Indeed, he was already here when everyone else bit Mitsuru and Ikutsuki arrived. And so, as other people filter in, he nods to them, first to Minako.

A celebration is a nice idea, but cake... Reiya wants cake. Cake he will not have today.

Insted, though, he considers. Summer fun...

"Yes," Reiya says. "We will engage finals efficiently."

Pause. "As well as... 'fun'." 

<Pose Tracker> Shinjiro Aragaki has posed.

Shinjiro Aragaki returned to the SEES dorm two days ago, spending his first full day there yesterday. His arrival had little fanfare, little time to gather and tell people about his return, though he could be spotted hanging around the common areas and breaking in the newly setup kitchen. But this isn't that.

This is a MEETING. A Mitsuru meeting. Which means he absolutely does not expect anything in the way of cake or food.

As he filters in, he drops into a chair, still coatless in his black and grey shirt and wearing a beanie. The snacks get a wide eye. Compromise, huh?

"Good luck," he says to anyone who's despairing about exams, inadvertently painting bullseye on himself.

And then, to Mitsuru and Ikutsuki... "Celebration, huh? Does that mean it's study time, Kirijo?" He's joking, but he thinks he's got her number at least partially after all these years. He's gotta put on a strong mask if he's back, which means none of that gloomy angsty shit around these rookies. Well, a little bit.

As a treat.

Reiya and Minako both get nods, as well. Looks like they're all here... 

<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.

Yukari knows there will not be cake, or confetti, or streamers. Not because Shuji Ikutsuki wouldn't absolutely do that to them as a prank, but because Mitsuru Kirijo called the meeting.
 
And so, Yukari is here. Sitting in one of the chairs. She has not tried out the snacks.
 
WILLPOWER! She's dieting.
 
"Right."
 
She crosses her arms, ignoring Ikutsuki's 'helpful' addendum. "So what's this about anyway?"
 
'Not too much of their time.'
 
With that qualifier it could still be literally anything.
 
"Prettyyyy sure we can rule out this being about that." Yukari says to Reiya and Minako as an aside regarding the aforementioned 'helpful' addendum.
 
She doesn't think Mitsuru Kirijo has fun... unless it's in battle. So she's definitely not announcing fun.
 
Her eyes do fall upon Shinjiro briefly, she's not shocked that he's back, just a little... uneasy perhaps.

<Pose Tracker> Suzume Fukura has posed.

Suzume Fukura is also here!

She was not expecting cake, so the lack of it does not dissuade her. She is absolutely going to steal a handful of nuts though. Mmm, nuts.

"Yeah, final exams..." Suzume's grades are not where they should be. She has not been grinding her Academics... until the last week or two, anyway, when she suddenly remembered she probably ought to study. (She has had at least one study session with Junpei that turned into watching baseball instead when both of them gave up.)

She perches on a chair, bouncing her foot absently against the floor in the way that some people do, presumably to annoy anyone who has to share a couch with them. (Fortunately, she has a chair.) Shinjiro gets a longer look, because she's still kind of surprised to see him here, even though she saw him perfectly well in Tartarus.

"Hey, he brought it up," Suzume points out to Yukari. "You never know. I figured I'd at least take some time off over the summer." She does not have a holiday planned. Go with her parents somewhere? No. She'd rather take remedial classes.

(She is not going to have to take remedial classes. Hopefully.) 

<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.

 
MEETING TIME
IT'S A MEETING TIME
DON'T BRING NO FIGHT TO A MEETING TIME

Hitomi had already changed out of her school uniform, but she did put on the pair of casual slacks she had brought in her bags when she came to Gekkoukan for completely normal reasons that are in no way suspicious or dubious.

She had also been brushing her hair, which she has dealt with by gathering it up into a single dense and enormous ponytail that gets down to the small of her back instead of the somewhat tighter up-do she typically rocks.

"Oh, hi," she says, before her eyes turn to Ikutsuki.

She looks dubious.

She sidles over to help herself to a few of the snacks in the sweeter bowl, which turn out to be dried fruit in the case of what she had grabbed; she walks over to a seat, unfolding her hand and reaching in to pick out the slivers of dried tropical fruit. Munch. Munch.

Hitomi's eyes turn towards Yukari. Chew.

Back ahead. "... If you guys need to cram or anything, I took pretty good notes on history and math," Hitomi offers, before picking out a piece of apricot and putting it in her mouth. Munch. Her attention slides further. Towards Mitsuru.

Towards destiny. 

<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.

Mitsuru has called a meeting. An important meeting - and a celebration. ...What kind of celebration does she have in mind? Fuuka can't imagine her to be the party time so she's expecting something a little more sedate. But maybe she has a secret side...?

She arrives at the appointed time, and sure enough, there aren't any decorations in sight. What there are, is a bunch of suspicious cases.

Fuuka takes her seat - and the looming presence of Final Exams is brought up.

"I hope I'm ready..." Fuuka sighs. She's done her best to catch up, but her grades lagging behind where they usually would be is just another lasting sign of her time spent absent from this world.

They're probably still higher than most people in her class. She's just feeling a lot of pressure that they aren't higher.

She does reach from one of the healthy snacks, but as she does, she looks toward Hitomi.

"Oh, you did? That would be great, Mandai-san. Natsuki-chan lent me her notes, but they were, um..." ...More of an art project than actually useful notes. She appreciated the thought, at least.

Still, one other idea has been raised...

"Summer fun..." She repeats. 'Summer fun', for her, usually means hiding away indoors from the sun. 

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.

Ririka was, secretly, kind of hoping there'd be some celebratory cake. (Or, let's be real, at least some celebratory music.) But there isn't, and though she blinks a little when she steps into the control room she just... looks around and goes '... oh'. Then shuffles to a seat. Oh well.

"Hi, Kirijo-senpai," she says. "And hello, Ikutsuki-san." There's a nod to Mitsuru about finals, and at summer fun...

"Oh yeah, summer! I've been working on getting some gigs lined up, it's gonna be awesome!"

Uh oh, she already made some plans. That's fine, right?

"... b-but I'm not ignoring my studies!" she adds on hastily.

She does brave some of the snacks, though. And then looks up to Hitomi. "Oh, that sounds really useful, Mandai-san. Maybe we should arrange for a study session, I've got my own notes I can share..." She looks to Fuuka. "... you want in?" She's not trying to call out her ten+ missing days of school, but... it's hard to ignore.

Still, she does give a nod to the rest of her fellow SEES members as she settles in. 

<Pose Tracker> Mitsuru Kirijo has posed.

Good luck.

The Eye of Kirijo falls upon Shinjiro Aragaki, burning with the cold fury of its doomful gaze.

Is doomful a word? It is now; because it's the only way to describe the UNEARTHLY DREAD that is having Mitsuru Kirijo's sudden and full attention.

"Thank you, Aragaki," she says, in a way entirely too genteel. "Good luck to you, as well." Ah. Isn't that a nice sentiment? --Wait, why though--

"I've drafted up another set of re-enrollment papers for you, and I'm sure we'll all be looking forward to seeing you back at school after summer."

Bullseye -- targeted.

"As for the rest of you -- I'm sure as long as you are attentive with your studies, you have nothing to worry about. If you feel uncertain, however, you can always come see me. I'm sure I can find a study program to maximize your learning."

wh-why does that sound so threatening her tone is still as neutral as ever--

She might begin picking out specific examples (JUNPEI (SUZUME)) except the slightest clearing of Ikutsuki's throat besides her helps remind her that this is -not- a meeting to discuss studying tactics, as much as it -should- be. She draws in a breath. Exhales.

And offers them all a little smile. What is all this about?

It's Shuji who chooses to answer first: "Well... we'd just been thinking, this organization has come such a long way since its... threadbare starts. And now look at you! We've put together quite the ensemble, you might say! So we put together a little something we've been working on to honor that fact."

Ikutsuki chuckles to himself with a little aside of "don't worry you'll understand in a moment--" But Mitsuru, -completely unmoved-, presses on:

"... We've come a long way," she begins -- slowly. "But the Shadows are getting stronger and stronger. I believe the latest fight in Tartarus has proved that fact. And with our recent additions, and my moving back to the frontlines... it seemed an appropriate time to give you all something the Kirijo Group has been working on for some time now."

Mitsuru steps forward, ignoring Ikutsuki's crestfallen expression at her just utterly pushing past her puns before anyone could even savor them, and leans in to take hold of that case. With a soft hydraulic hiss, she unlocks and opens it. Within?

A SEES armband, modified towards a more stylishly oblong fit. And...

... a uniform?

"Combat gear," she explains, "complete with matching armbands. These are designed and customized for each individual member of SEES, and have been designed by the Kirijo Group to be sturdy enough to keep you safe within cognitive zones such as the Dark Hour. Something much better suited to our goals then school uniforms."

"Do you get it? Threadbare? Ensemble??" Ikutsuki leans in, looking -delighted-.

But. There's something else there, isn't there? Something like... cartridges? 

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.

"We're going to engage fun efficiently," Minako says to Reiya, giving him a flat look -- but a smile, too. Then, she looks sideways at Yukari -- and she gives her a grin, in turn. "We could be surprised, Takeba-chan."

She looks at Suzume, then she smiles. "It's possible, but... maybe don't count on it."

She looks at Shinjiro and shoots him a smile. She heard he was back -- and it's good to see. Even if she also isn't sure, exactly, what brought him back. She looks to Hitomi, considers for a moment, and then she nods.

"We should do a few study sessions, before exams," she says. She glances at Fuuka. "We can help cover for each other, right?"

She knows Fuuka might need the help. She does look at Ririka, then she smiles a little brighter. "Let us know when they are, Kawase-san!"

She looks at Mitsuru, then, and she blinks. Her tone does sound slightly alarming, like maybe they did something wrong. She hesitates for a moment. But then Mitsuru smiles... and Minako relaxes a little by degrees.

She listens to the Chairman, and then she looks back at Mitsuru. She nods, slowly, with understanding. Her eyes look at the case -- and sheblinks -- and then her head tilts to the side for a second, before she looks at Ikutsuki. "...ha?" she offers him.

She looks back at the uniform and the modified armband. Her eyes light up. "This is amazing, Kirijo-senpai!" she says. "Oh, oh, I can't wait to see what mine is like. And the armband! Super cool!"

She didn't notice the cartridges.

<Pose Tracker> Reiya Aomori has posed.

Reiya nods firmly to Minako. "Efficient fun," he agrees.

Reiya will join in study business maybe. But he doesn't mention it for now. Instead, he listens to the others, including Yukari who seeks to dash his dreams once again. He considers Hitomi and her history and math notes. "...I have good notes on Japanese literature."

When Mitsuru mentions the re-enrollment papers, Reiya turns casually to regards Shinjiro. Just for a moment.

Then he listens to Mitsuru and Ikutsuki, through studies and... not studies. Except...

"Ah," Reiya says. But he frowns at Ikutsuki. "Surely the Kirijo Group never let our senpai go on missions in poor armor..." Threadbare. Ensemble. Reiya may not get it.

He is quiet about it, but he's looking at the gear and the cartridges both with obvious interest.

He doesn't mention that, though. 

<Pose Tracker> Shinjiro Aragaki has posed.

"...tch, I-" Shinjiro responds. He considers protesting, but he knows this isn't the time and place to do it, clamping his mouth shut and grimacing hard. He just doesn't have to sign them... right?

But as Ikutsuki speaks, the puns immediately fire up. He sighs, head going into his hand as he listens, diverting attention to Mitsuru when she speaks. As the case opens...

"Huh." is his unexpected reply. He *just* put in an expensive cognitive clothing order. Ah well, he can have *two* outfits. instead...

He ignores Ikutsuki's pun with a trained hand himself, listening to Mitsuru. "Nice work." A pause, his observational skills keen as usual. "There's something else in there. Cartridges? You did say you wouldn't waste our time."

It's unclear if he's joking or wants to brood after the re-enrollment comment now, though he does nod back to Minako lightly and glance around to the others for a moment. 

<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.

Yukari is definitely studying for finals too. It's just, while finals are a 'big' concern, they're not her biggest concern.
 
Her eyes look upon Fuuka as she says Natsuki-chan lent her her notes, and Yukari says, "That... kinda figures." She murmurs, given Natsuki's... personality.
 
Minako offers a study session though, and Yukari... decides to follow up. "Well if there are a lot of gaps, I don't mind joining in to help you sort through them."
 
Her notes aren't the most incredible but she bets they're way better than Natsuki's.
 
As for Shinjiro? Well... back five minutes, and already he's folding before the force that is Mitsuru Kirijo. She definitely had the wrong impression of him when they first met...
 
"... Doubt it." She says to Minako. Suzume though? "Exactly." She responds, without explaining, before it becomes an exasperated sigh at Ririka's comment about summer and how it's going to be awesome and how she's not ignoring her studies.
 
Like part of her mind just decided who's in the same boat as Junpei for 'competing for the bottom' in their studies in that pair for the girls side.
 
Yukari definitely doesn't thank Mitsuru for her generous offer of a study program because 'no'. She would not ask Mitsuru for help studying if the two were on a deserted island together.
 
Not unless she wanted to feel vastly inferior at all times to the Valedictorian of the Third Years.
 
And then Shuji answers her question - or at least tries with enough puns that Yukari almost groans, before Mitsuru continues the explanation enough to intercept that groan before it falls out of her mouth.
 
The hydraulic hiss makes her wonder if something is being contained and that the objects within are dangerous but it's just...
 
"Huh? Uniforms?"
 
Ikutsuki's addendum though causes that belated groan to now fall, "If you have to explain the joke..." She says, without finishing the 'words of wisdom' about comedy.
 
But then her eyes fall upon the cartridges... and remembering the attack upon Ebisu beach, and the woman inserting cartridges into her Evoker... her eyes just narrow subtly.
 
And she doesn't say another word.
 
Mitsuru said she'd look into it... but...

<Pose Tracker> Suzume Fukura has posed.

"I *need* to borrow your math notes," Suzume asides to Hitomi. It's not quite begging, but... "Please! I'll trade you..."

...

"...I'll figure out something! Just, I need some better notes to work with." Suzume struggles in math, despite her technical skills. She's more for practical skills than theory, apparently. At least she's doing OK in several other classes to bring up her average. "Or, like Kawase-san says, some sort of study session."

See, Mitsuru doesn't need to step in! And even if she was going to, Ikutsuki has overridden her. (Score, Suzume thinks to herself. It even makes up for the puns.)

And Suzume isn't sure what to make of...

"Clothes?"

Lately, Suzume has gone to the Dark Hour in a slightly modified gym uniform. It's done well enough, especially with the headband, which she is sincerely hoping against home that the other members of SEES have forgotten about. But - "Huh," she says, thoughtfully. "Wait, is this like the uniform? The school uniform? Because I don't want to wear skirts if I'm going to be running."

This is why Suzume's doesn't *have* skirts, but she hasn't exactly checked it yet.

She stands up slightly to get a better look. "B - Aragaki-san's right," Suzume says, before dropping back onto the chair with a flooph (technical sound). "There's something else in there too. Is that part of the uniform?" 

<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.

 
"Sure," Hitomi answers Fuuka. Suzume gets a smile too, if a slightly watery one. "Maybe we ought to do a study group on it. I can be tutor but you guys have to get me ramen."

Hitomi's notes are going to be pretty good, but she seems to relate a lot of things back to fractions and odds, for some reason, and so Fuuka may need to use the power of FRACTIONS.

But she's still focusing. She finishes eating the piece of apricot and leans back in her seat of choice for a few moments, attending to Ikutsuki's words. She does not anticipate the pun; when it comes, her expression slackens, as if Ikutsuki had just laid a powerful fart and is showing pride in it. Perhaps this is an accurate summary of the situation. Who can say?

"Oh!" she then says, when the truth is revealed. "Does the new armband mean something?" Another pause. Her head turns, her eyes focusing on the cartridges but not seeming to 'get' them. "Are those like battle capsules?" Hitomi says, with a tone of wild guessing. 

<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.

Ririka joins in on the offer of notes, and Fuuka nods gratefully.

"I'd appreciate that." She replies... and Minako suggests study sessions. "Yes, you're right. That's an excellent idea."

She has people to back her up, after all. She doesn't have to be strong alone...

Yukari's comment gets a sheepish laugh, and Fuuka nods toward Hitomi.

Mitsuru's offer of a study program, though... She likes studying, and even she's intimidated by the prospect of what that might entail.

Ikutsuki begins to speak, then. ...A small frown crosses her face. ...She gets what he's saying, but she doesn't know why, until - Mitsuru opens one of the cases. Specialized combat gear, designed and customized for each of them.

Ah. So that's what he was getting at.

"It can't have been easy to tailor them to each of us specifically..." Fuuka remarks. "Um... Thank you."

She's curious about the cartridges, too - but the question has already been asked, so she waits for the answer. 

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.

Ririka smiles at Minako. "Sure! Oh, and I should make a post, I've got some extra tickets to the Tokyo Philharmonic, too..."

She catches that exasperated sigh of Yukari's, though, and glances over to her, blinking. But she doesn't follow that up with a comment.

She nods to Suzume. "Yeah, I'm game for that."

Ririka catches those unusual word choices that Ikutsuki uses, but has... no context for why they're puns. But she's pretty sure they'll all find out shortly.

"Something the Kirijo Group has been working on...?" she murmurs to herself.

She leans in, looking with interest at the case. (Hydraulic hiss, that makes it extra fancy.) Combat gear.

Wait weren't they just talking the other day how they had to buy their own weapons though?

Still, though. "Whoa, cool... That'll really come in handy if we run into something like that knight again. And the arm band is a nice touch." She looks to Fuuka and nods to her question. "Yeah, I was just wondering that, too." 

<Pose Tracker> Mitsuru Kirijo has posed.

Questions on the new combat gear, Mitsuru can deal with; Ikutsuki is too chuckling good-naturedly at the varying states of dismay he has invoked with his GENIUS WORDPLAY.

First of all: Does the new armband mean something?

"Hm?" Mitsuru asks with a blink. She looks down to the armband. Back to Hitomi. To the armband.

"... No. There's no special significance. It simply is made of a sturdier material reinforced for cognitive encounters," she concludes, off-handedly. A second passes.

"... And the new shape helps to better complement the silhouette of the uniforms. It is... très élégante."

Even Mitsuru Kirijo knows: Glamour is the true endgame.

As for the follow up -- Suzume asks about whether they're modeled after their uniforms. To that, Mitsuru shakes her head, brushing errant strands of royal red hair over her shoulder as she supplies, "The school uniforms were used as a basis, yes. However, each has been tailored to fit each of you and your preferences, as far as we could ascertain from combat data available."

Did -- no there's no point asking Mitsuru probably did that all herself didn't she.

"I believe we've managed a good match between comfort and presentability; however, if you'd like additional modifications made, that can be arranged. Just speak to myself or the Chairman."

Ikutsuki leans back into frame, waving with good-natured excitement -- here.

Still -- Mitsuru looks fairly happy with the reaction, at least, especially Minako's infectious enthusiasm; despite herself, she manages a small, pleased smile, dark red eyes shutting. "I think you've all more than earned this. Besides -- we want to make sure you're all as safe as you can possibly be, after shouldering such a huge responsibility with us. It's... the least we can do."

But her self-contentment doesn't last -too- long. After all--

There's something else in there. Cartridges? You did say you wouldn't waste our time.

A soft scoff escapes Mitsuru's lips. "I wasn't planning on it. But one thing at a time. And these..."

Are they part of the new uniform? Are they -battle capsules-?

Mitsuru begins to answer; she only hesitates mildly as she feels that very pointed stare from exactly the person she expected it from. She knows what that look from Yukari means; the cartridges. Just like the woman with that strange revolver-Evoker. She knows. But...

Outwardly, there's no visible reaction from the Kirijo heiress as she instead turns to address Hitomi and the others directly, leaving Yukari's unvoiced question unanswered.

"Mandai has the right of it. The closest, at least. You could say these are... an offensive modification to our Evokers to go along with the defensive benefits the uniform will provide."

"We're calling them Theurgy Cartridges," Ikutsuki explains further in Mitsuru's place; he leans forward to reach in and pick one up. It does, indeed, look like a cartridge; like it might just fit perfectly with those Evokers, even. "Theurgy, as in, 'spiritual magic that could reach the gods' in Greek. To put it simply, these cartridges synchronize with the user's emotions, and when the right conditions are met, allows them to unleash an attack of immense power."

He holds it up, beaming in that oh-so-lackadaisical way of his. "Pretty neat, huh?" 

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.

"Awesome. Looking forward to it!" Minako tells Ririka.

But then her smile fades into a more perplexed look, as she turns to a certain taciturn agent of the Kirijo Group.

"I... have questions," Minako says to Reiya, with a smile and shake of her head.

She does glance between Mitsuru and Shinjiro. For a moment, she wonders about that: about whether Shinjiro will go back to school. About whether he should if he doesn't want to. She has to consider that, for a moment longer.

She looks at Fuuka -- then she smiles, and does a pump of her fist. "We'll set them up, then! And we can ask Kirijo-senpai for help, too, maybe, if she has time."

Minako doesn't quite wonder about how they managed to tailor their clothes to them. It's not until Fuuka brings it up; then she blinks, but she nods her head, and looks up at Mitsuru and Ikutsuki with some curiosity. Then, she laughs. "Y'know," she says, a bit of an Osakan accent slipping in.

"I thought a girl's measurements are a secret~"

She laughs, though. Then, she looks at Mitsuru -- and blinks. Then, she laughs again. The aesthetics really are important.

"Thanks, Kirijo-senpai. We'll keep working hard," she promises.

She doesn't notice the cartridges until Shinjiro and Suzume point them out, though. Her eyes fall upon them, then, and she considers that for just a second. Then, she looks at Hitomi -- and then back to Ikutsuki.

"Theurgy, huh..." She trails off. "That sounds really powerful. And after the last fight... I'm not going to complain about more power."

<Pose Tracker> Reiya Aomori has posed.

It can't have been easy. That is true. Reiya suspects Mitsuru did the data compliation.... but is just socially adept enough to know she won't want to be called out on it. Just enough.

His own gear will assuredly be suitable. Reiya is excited to see it, but can be patient. Still... "I am glad that the Group is doing what they can," he says.

Minako has questions, and Reiya tilts his head. "I will answer them later," he says.

But for now...

A girl's measurements are secret... "That is true," Reiya reflects. "But only a secret from boys, yes?"

Still...

"So, they are able to use our 'emotional state'?" Reiya questions. "That is..."

Interesting. 

<Pose Tracker> Suzume Fukura has posed.

"I can do ramen," Suzume agrees. It probably won't even be the instant kind she makes sometimes!

She hasn't done that since Shinjiro has arrived. She doesn't know what kind of wrath she has avoided.

"And if anyone needs my notes for history, or English, I can lend those out." Suzume's notes are quite a bit better for those courses - not great, but she likes the courses more so she pays more attention. See? She's contributing! She's not down at the bottom of the girls' exam scores! (Well, that's yet to be seen...)

"Right?" she agrees. "I figured - I mean, I know some of us are staying at the dorms over the break, but I could go into Tokyo a few days at least. Get some other things done." She's not expecting a SEES holiday of any sort. She's not sure she wants one, though she does hope she can catch a few people over the break. Actually, most of the people here! Possibly not Mitsuru though.

Suzume has no interest in the Philharmonic tickets either, really. She was trying to see if she could score baseball tickets at a reasonable price. No luck yet. She'd like to see the Tigers in person one day, though. (She isn't wearing the Tigers shirt today, but that's mostly because it's in the wash.) Maybe she should give that another go...

But right now she just kind of *looks* at Mitsuru. 'Each has been tailored to suit you and your preferences'... "It's pretty neat," she says, "but I dunno what to think about someone being able to tailor for me without me ever having gotten anything tailored before. Or providing any sizes." Well okay, the jackets are probably pretty easy to guess, but some of the rest of it...

Suzume slumps down in her seat, unsure whether to be unsettled or embarrassed. *Especially* when Minako puts it her way, and then Reiya *chimes in* which actually gets Suzume to redden slightly. No, from everyone, she wants to yell, but bites it back. It takes an act of will and a few moments to straighten back up.

Still red-faced, she seizes on the changed topic. "Theurgy," she says, actually managing the completely unfamiliar pronunciation without embarrassing herself. (She would have probably messed it up had she had to read it out, but he said it first so she's fine.) "And they go in the Evoker?" she asks.

"Awesome! Okay, I'm pretty impressed. A big super move!" She has to admit that. "I'm sure they'll be put to good use. And - yeah, if there's more stuff like those big Shadows..." Well, she won't complain about more power either.

"Well, why not?" she asks Reiya, still trying to keep the topic changed. "Personas do, don't they? I do better when I'm amped up." That may just be adrenaline though. 

<Pose Tracker> Shinjiro Aragaki has posed.

"As long as it's warm," Shinjiro tells Mitsuru, looking at her pointedly for a moment, unable to avoid it. Even so... "Thank you. It'll be good for everyone to not have to worry about Shadows demolishing them. Not everyone can go to Peacock Silk and buy something. They're pricy." How do you know that, Shinjiro?

As Mitsuru scoffs, a faint smile appears on Shinjiro's lips. Revenge!!! (mitsuru always wins the revenge war though), before he looks to Hitomi. "Battle capsules..."

Minako gets another glance as she looks between them. For some reason, his frowns sharpens.

But the Theurgy cartridges are revealed... an offensive modification to their Evokers, huh? He'd turned in his Strega evoker to Mitsuru so that she could look into it; he was carrying his old one now.

"...is this safe...?" Shinjiro glances to Kirijo and Ikutsuki. "If... it runs off emotions." No one else will know exactly what he's worried about, but they will, almost assuredly. 

<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.

Yukari would ordinarily be excited about the fashionable aspect of this. Ordinarily. After all, to her fashion is about expressing who you are to the world.
 
And the gear is in fact 'tres elegante' (That's about as much French as she can figure out on the spot).
 
Suzume mentions how she doesn't like skirts when running, and Yukari doesn't say anything, despite it being a point of contention between them before.
 
Minako jokes, and Yukari asides, "Well they run the school... they take our measurements every year in the nurse's office."
 
Oh right, she suspects casual invasion of privacy! Which, she's not even going to complain about, it's the Kirijo way but...
 
... Yukari stares at the cartridges, then at Mitsuru, like she's merely waiting for an explanation.
 
But they both know why she's staring. They both know. And she doesn't expect Mitsuru to be forthcoming on why this technology was seen first in the hands of Persona users in Sumaru trying to kill some cops.
 
The explanation comes 'offensive' modification, well... that was fully expected. But 'Theurgy' causes her expression to look puzzled for a moment, before smoothing back out.
 
"... Yeah." She agrees with Shuji so off-handedly that one might mistake her for not even listening, because her gaze is still watching Mitsuru Kirijo.
 
"... neat."
 

<Pose Tracker> Suzume Fukura has posed.

Suzume glances over at Yukari. "I mean, weight and height and stuff, but they don't take, like..."

Suzume searches about for a clothes size word she knows that isn't 'small, medium, large' or 'something she is not going to bring up in front of anyone else'.

"Inseam... length," she says, and hopes like hell inseam is a length and not around. How does anyone keep track of all that? 

<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.

 
Hitomi looks obscurely pleased with herself for Guessing Right, even if the armbands were a red herring. She settles back in her seat, slightly smiling, until the cartridge is held up by Ikutsuki. Seeing that object in the hand of an adult, and perhaps more to the point, oriented UP...

Hitomi's brow knits for a moment. She squints behind her glasses. The glasses get nudged up her nose, as if she's not quite seeing something. One can envision a six-colored ball, spinning endlessly in space. But it isn't as though she's frozen. She looks down for a moment, then up again, and then she sits upright.

Hitomi says it not - but her face does - That's a BULLET!

"How do we... use them?" she hazards, before looking away - if with some hesitation, as if Ikutsuki might tell a pun so rank that the Theurgy Cartridge explodes, wounding dozens - to answer Suzume, more tonally towards a mutter than a normal chat, "They're probably using your uniform sizes and stuff. If we get skirts, then I guess inseam wouldn't matter...??" 

<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.

"I'm looking forward to it." Fuuka replies to Minako. With everyone's support, maybe she'll be able to get a score she'll be proud of.

They've been tailored to their preferences from combat data - and like Yukari says, their information is already on file. She's willing to accept that - she's just relieved at the prospect of having something a bit more sturdy than her school uniform to protect her in battle.

And then there's the battle capsules - the Theurgy Cartridges, a modification to their Evokers. She considers Ikutsuki's explanation, her expression turning thoughtful.

"That sounds incredible... How do they work?" Fuuka asks. "Will we know when these conditions have been met, and what they are... and, is this something we can strategize around?"

There's a lot of factors that could be in play, and it's important to get as much information as they can before the time comes to actually use them. 

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.

Combat data... Ririka flashes back to the fights she's been in since Awakening--and she suddenly remembers that fight with Yumi, too. And that 'Zio cartridge' she had. "Mmm..."

An explanation of the cartridge is given, and Ririka frowns. "Synchronize with our emotions? Is it really possible to make something like that...?" Not that she wants to look a gift horse in the mouth, but the way all this supernatural and cognitive stuff works is new to her.

"So what kind of conditions do they need?" She adds that question in with several others.

Minako expresses that a girl's measurements should be private. Ririka agrees, though since she has to get her uniform tailed for her tall height... it's not that surprising to her that the Kirijo Group has hers.

"Oh, Fukura-san, if you want to go into Tokyo, I've got something for you after." She will explain that the concerts include video game music. Maybe that'll help sweeten the deal. But that's for later. 

<Pose Tracker> Mitsuru Kirijo has posed.

As long as it's warm, Shinjiro says. Mitsuru does not answer verbally; but the wordless nod gives him all the answers he needs.

... She took his special needs into consideration, too.

Though -- talk of 'Peacock Silk' does get the curious cant of her head. Not the first time she's heard the name, but, well. ... She's delegated the specifics of all of that to Reiya, now. That Shinjiro visited them is...

"Going shopping for a new look?" ... She supposes it makes a certain amount of sense, really.

However --

A girl's measurements are secret~

But only a secret from boys, yes?

Mitsuru Kirijo discretely clears her throat.

"Rest assured that no private information will be made publicly known," she says, firmly. After all -- some things are meant to be private.

... not that it really excuses or explains who or what or how they got those measurements to begin with (mitsuru it was mitsuru) but -still-.

Suzume, at least, is eager to pivot to the latest topic -- and Ikutsuki is just as eager to join her.

"Yes! Exactly! A big super move!" he enthuses, waving that cartridge in the air evocatively. His glasses even -glint- with excitement. "I have to tell you, I'm quite proud of this one! You could say I'm -super charged- with excitement to see you all maximize your potential--"

But the punmanship, fortunately, is cut off with -pertinent questions. To wit:

How do we... use them?

"Ah," Mitsuru begins, helpfully taking over before Ikutsuki can layer in any more wordplay and bury the lede. "It is a synchronization between the Theurgy cartridge and your mental state -- your Persona. The more powerfully your will is focused, the more the cartridge will respond, until such a time that you can release the stored energies at once in an act of unified power between yourself and your Persona. So... how to activate them is much more a question of each individual." She does smile fractionally at Fuuka's question, however.

"Yes. I believe so. Perhaps we could talk more about it, later. I'm eager to see what we might come up with. But..."

She'd probably have more to say. But, knowing that it'd -probably- end up with them being buried in hours of technical minutiae, Ikutsuki clears his throat.

"It's a bit difficult to explain in depth. My suggestion is to simply try them out for yourselves! They're quite intuitive once you get to use them. And if you have further question -- we've included a manual in each of your gift packages that should answer any confusion you have! Ah, how I envy you. I would like a big super move of my own. Perhaps something about how the pen is mightier than the sword? Hmmm."

Ikutsuki seems lost in his own little world of imagination; Mitsuru, meanwhile, still feels those eyes on her. 'Neat,' says Yukari.

Dark red eyes glance the way of the Second Year who carried that terribly complicated family name for Mitsuru. And then her eyes shut as her attention focuses elsewhere.

And we can ask Kirijo-senpai for help, too, maybe, if she has time.

"Ah?" Despite having suggested it, Mitsuru seems to hesitate for a moment before finally answering Minako.

"... If you have need of me, then certainly."

It sounds dismissive, somehow. Like... only ask if you actually need me. It'd be easy to assume; the heiress of the Kirijo Group, after all, must have quite a bit on her plate.

The truth is simpler, of course: Mitsuru sees a group of people getting together to socialize, and simply does not know how to engage it.

In the end... she'd rather not spoil their fun.

Mitsuru percolates in quiet contemplation after this; it's only Shinjiro's question that stirs her out of it. If this runs off emotions...

...is this safe...?

The Student Council President furrows her brows. She looks, for a quiet, meaningful moment Shinjiro's way, even as Ikutsuki reassures Shinjiro with blithe good cheer:

"Ah, don't worry you about that! It's been well-tested and determined completely safe. There shouldn't be any problems. And you should know exactly 

<Pose Tracker> Mitsuru Kirijo has posed.

"Ah, don't worry you about that! It's been well-tested and determined completely safe. There shouldn't be any problems. And you should know exactly when to make use of them, too. But again!" Ikutsuki dives back into the case, rifles around -- and then pulls out a dauntingly thick manual to wave about, demonstrably. "All you need!"

Mitsuru, meanwhile, just exhales. "We've taken due precautions," she says, as generally as she can. "No one has any cause to worry." 

<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.

"I." Minako looks at Reiya, then she stammers. "D-Don't phrase it like that, jeez!"

She sighs and slumps a little bit into her chair. Then, she looks sideways at Suzume -- and she blinks at her when she turns red. Minako flashes her a smile. But... it's a little apologetic. She seems embarrassed.

And given her love of baggy clothing... Minako can guess it hits closer to home.

When Mitsuru says that no private information will be shared, Minako looks at her and nods. "Good to hear it, senpai."

She looks at Fuuka, then. She smiles and nods her head. "Me too. I could use the help, honestly."

She glances at Mitsuru, at her response -- and blinks. Maybe... maybe, Minako thinks, she is a little too busy to help them with studying. But, so it goes, she supposes.

She glances at Shinjiro, and tilts her head to the side at his question. But she listens, because she is curious. It is safe, isn't it? Her fingers come up to her chin, thoughtfully.

Minako glances sideways, once, at Yukari, though. Her reaction seems understated. And what she said before--she blinks, once, and then she looks back at the Theurgy Cartridges, with a questioning look. She sighs with relief, though, when Ikutsuki and Mitsuru confirm the cartridges' safety.

"A super move, like a video game," Minako muses. "I bet Minato-kun will like that. I can't wait to try it!"

<Pose Tracker> Reiya Aomori has posed.

Why would girls care about other girls' measurements except as regards clothes??? Reiya is pretty confident in this one.

"What did I say?" Reiya wonders of Minako, apparently clueless. He does not notice Suzume going red. But Shinjiro's question about safety--that he notices. And Hitomi's question, too. And Fuuka's need for strategic information...

Reiya will handle the amtter of Peacock Silk, and Shinjiro's attendance there!! It's fine.

'Well-tested and determined completely safe'. That's good enough for Reiya!

"I will review the enclosed materials carefully," Reiya assures Ikutsuki.

"..."

A super move...

"I am looking forward to trying it." 

<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.

'Rest assured that no private information will be made publicly known,'
 
Yukari listens, still remembering how she was made to go along with surveiling Minato when he came to sleep with them... she didn't object... because she has her own reasons for needing to be here.
 
If she causes too much trouble, then... it might be all over. Her chance of doing what she came here to do, gone forever.
 
"... Right."
 
The enthusiasm over the 'big super move' causes her to place a couple fingers to her face. "Great, Junpei-kun's gonna be acting like a little kid over this..."
 
Despite the tension in the air, she does listen to the explanation... not even glimpsing sideways at Ikutsuki saying 'simply just try them.'
 
Is this safe? May echo her own thoughts, that have been building up over time, but she still doesn't say anything.
 
If she causes too much trouble, she won't be able to stay. Suspicion has to be backed by more than just suspicion if she's going to do anything.
 
'No one has any cause to worry.'
 
Yukari's eyes close, then she looks away. If only reassurances could cause it to be so. But it coming from the lips of the heiress to the organization that she believes took her father from her, and caused his reputation to be dragged through the dirt...
 
... only make her worry more.
 
Minako's enthusiasm causes her to snap out of her thoughts to murmur, "... Well. If we're supposed to 'just try it out' then, there's only one way to test it."
 
She doesn't seem psyched at all! What a buzzkill.

<Pose Tracker> Shinjiro Aragaki has posed.

The nod is appreciated. So it is warm... but the Peacock Silk question gets a shrug from Shinjiro. "A magic ninja tore apart my coat, so I needed a new one." It sounds like bullshit.

It is not, which Mitsuru would know, as he was in the hospital.

The Theurgy comments get idle listening, but two things stick out. One is that it is indeed safe. "I trust you, then." He knows she wouldn't endanger someone again with his Persona.

But... it's also Mitsuru's mood he notices. He's always been observant, and indeed, he doesn't quite know what to say. But he thinks he saw something with Minako's question there, even if he can't read her mind, and doesn't know her as well as Akihiko to guess. Even so...

He should try to make her not leave what should be a 'celebration' feeling bad.

"By the way, since we're already here and I don't want to herd cats later, kitchen's broken in. Pans are properly seasoned, grabbed some stuff we didn't have seasonings wise from my old safehouse. Not letting you all stick to packaged foods 24/7, not when we have alternatives." A glance to Mitsuru, as he thinks to what Myunghon said the other day about cooking for them, even if that has its own pain attached. Therefore...

"If you're willing to chip in, I'll help you cook. But you gotta do your own cleanup. I ain't your mom." 

<Pose Tracker> Suzume Fukura has posed.

"Eh? Sure," Suzume replies to Ririka, surprised by the offer. "I go into Tokyo sometimes on Sunday anyway, or Sumaru. Sometimes even after class if I'm willing to spend a night out. Probably not this week though." What if she crammed a little more instead? That would probably be a good idea, right?

And hey, not all of Suzume's outfits are baggy. Though the T-shirt she has today is a little loose, it at least looks deliberately loose-fit instead of just like she bought a size too big. Boxy style is 'in', right?

"Yeah, but like I said, I don't like to run in skirts," Suzume lowers her voice as she replies to Hitomi. "It always feels like long ones are going to tangle, and short ones... I guess they're just not my style. I'd rather have pants for running. Or shorts, I guess." She avoids looking at Yukari because, yes, it's been a point of contention before.

It's not like Suzume *never* wears skirts, or is particularly philosophically opposed to the sheer existence of said skirts. She wears them every day at school, though she frequently has leggings or tights on underneath. But if she's going to run, jump, parkour and kick a Shadow in the face at the end of it, she's going to wear something else, thanks.

"Actually I do have one question about it," Suzume says, though the instruction manual is offered.

Suzume looks at the instruction manual.

Nobody, she thinks, is going to read that thing.

"...never mind. I'll figure it out." She is having slight second thoughts about putting a cartridge in a gun-shaped object that is, in fact, being aimed at *her*, and not *someone else*. It sounded like a great idea until she thought about it some! "I guess we'll all figure it out. Then you can plan around it," she adds to Fuuka and by extension Ririka.

She does look at Yukari. She seems actually thoughtful for a moment until she shakes her head, not bothering to follow up on it. "Well, maybe we will. I guess we'll see," she finishes.

She stands up. "I'm gonna take a better look at the outfits. Unless there's a reason I shouldn't?" There's coats in there. They look pretty neat from here. And the jacket, at least, is not going to be dangerous in ANY way.

Halfway to the clothes cases: "Wait, you cook?" A beat. "Cool. I'm in." She's still going to keep the instant ramen though, *just in case*.

(She may think it's less cool when she's scrubbing a pot, but that is a problem for Future Suzume, who can take care of herself.) 

<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.

 
put it down, old man. it's a BOOLIT.

Hitomi has not commented much about this issue. Perhaps she is airily certain it won't apply to her. Maybe she got here early and they did complex laser scans for her body already. Ikutsuki seems hype about the Super Move.

She purses her lips for a moment, at the explanation. It seems to keep Hitomi from speaking up for further inquiries, at least, which means it has succeeded in furthering at least one of the Kirijo group's goals. She uncrosses her legs, then crosses them over. "Oh... sure," Hitomi says, reaching up to toy with a wavy strand or six of hair that fell out of her fast and dirty ponytail.

"I never thought about having a super move," she editorializes. "I guess I was all about secret techniques and hidden moves and stuff, though. So that's basically the same idea, right?" Her eyes turn towards Yukari...

... and then...

towards...

Shinjiro.

"Um... wait, you mean that stove isn't just there to boil water?"

APPROXIMATELY SIXTY-FIVE TIMES IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS

Hitomi Mandai in various states of comfy sleepwear pours hot water into an instant noodle cup and picks up a book. If you do the math, this means that she has performed over three hours of studying, of which only like one hour was reading trashy manga in magazines.

NOW

Hitomi frowns obscurely at the prospect of having to eat food that doesn't come in an instant cup. "... you had a safehouse?" she then ask/comments more quietly.

(to Suzume, in smaller letters in the corner of another panel: "just do the leggings, they can probably get you extra. i'm gonna be all about it when it cools off, ngl") 

<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.

Minako could use the help, too... Fuuka looks just a bit relieved to hear that it isn't just her. She felt a little self-conscious about it, but it's a little easier knowing that it'd be helpful to everyone.

Ikutsuki... is able to make a pun out of even this situation. Thankfully, Mitsuru takes over. Fuuka nods thoughtfully as she explains. It's a question of the individual... She nods.

"Yes, of course. I'd be glad to discuss it." She replies, as Mitsuru comments on the possibility of strategizing around it.

But, it sounds like it's something they'll have to experiment with. She prefers things that are set in stone, that she can easily track and account for...

...But, she supposes that's the nature of people.

"I'll be sure to go over the manual, too." Fuuka says, then nods toward Suzume. "Yes... I think experimentation will be necessary." 

<Pose Tracker> Ririka Kawase has posed.

Ririka listens to how it works, since she expressed curiosity about that. A synchronization between Theurgy and your mental state... and then the stored energy is released all at once. She knows the comparison she wants to make, but she holds back.

'Load Zio Cartridge' is still in the back of Ririka's mind. "So that makes it sound like it'd be way stronger than, like, a simple Zio spell," Ririka ponders out loud. (There is something that this is making her of, but thankfully Minako says it for her. Ririka is already picturing a little meter popping up on an imaginary UI to track it, though.)

Ikutsuki wants an attack that's about the pen being mightier than the sword, and Ririka... has to stiffle a small giggle. She won't say it. She won't give him the satisfaction.

She balks at the manual. "... will we have time to read that and study for finals...?"

Ririka looks to Shinjiro and blinks. "A magic ninja...? Wait so ninjas are real, too?" She's adding that to her mental list along with 'Battle Brides' and 'Superheroes'.

But she does brighten up a little at the news about the kitchen. "Oh, really? Then I'll make sure to use it more. I've been trying to learn how to cook..."

"Cool," Ririka says to Suzume, about her going into Tokyo and even Sumaru. She'll get her the details later. 

<Pose Tracker> Mitsuru Kirijo has posed.

... Well. If we're supposed to 'just try it out' then, there's only one way to test it, Yukari says, glumly.

"Aha! Exactly! I knew you'd pick it up quickly, Takeba-kun!" enthuses Ikutsuki with the snap of his fingers and a delightful smile, completely oblivious to her dour mood.

Shinjiro, at least, is mollified by Mitsuru's assurances. She's grateful for that much; even if she's still lost in her little world of thought as the others talk about various matters involving the cartridges, the clothes, and even the school. She only pauses when Shinjiro provides an explanation for the loss of his coat. Attacked by ninja. Her brows furrow.

Is she thinking about how absurd a premise that is?

"Ah. Yes," she says. "... If you would, Aragaki, give me what information you can. I'd like to look into that myself."

--No. No, she seems completely fine with the concept of ninja being real and is actively taking a personal interest in it. Because. Of course. It must just be because she knew beforehand! R-right?

(Ikutsuki, meanwhile, is - with preternatural timing - singling out Reiya with a, "Aha! I knew I could count on you to be so thorough, Aomori-kun!" with regards to reading the manual, of course)

Regardless -- Mitsuru does manage another small smile as Fuuka agrees to discussion on the matter of strategy. "Magnifique," she offers simply, before her focus gradually draws inward once more.

How long can she keep things away from Takeba, really? ... How long can she keep -all- of this to herself? It's not a question of how long, really.

It's simple necessity. They don't need to be burdened. Yukari especially. If it means that the Second Year despises her, well. ... Maybe she deserves that.

Lost in her thoughts, it's not until Shinjiro speaks that she's drawn out of her introspective shell. Red eyes blink and look her fellow Third Year's way as he glances towards her. She looks questioning, if only for a moment -- before a smile once more graces scarlet lips.

"Hm. That'd be excellent," she says, eyes shutting. "It's been too long since I've had some of your cooking, Aragaki."

In some small way, it helps. ... It makes it feel a little bit like the way it used to. 

<Pose Tracker> Mitsuru Kirijo has posed.

"Ah! Excellent! I'm glad to see you all getting comfortable with the living arrangements here!"

A clap of hands draws Mitsuru's attention back towards Ikutsuki, beaming with affable delight over how well everyone seems to be gelling. Shutting that case with a soft 'click!', he rises back onto his feet, and dusts off his suit as he continues.

"Please do, Fukura-kun," he says brightly, thumbing over his shoulder as he looks Suzume's way. "I have a few small matters to take care of now, but by all means --I invite you all to take a closer look at your new equipment. You'll find each has been labeled appropriately for the people they have been tailored for. Check them out! Try them on! See if they have that certain 'je ne sais quoi,' as Kirijo-kun might say!"

Mitsuru's brows furrow. Ikutsuki laughs, waving a hand through the air as he makes his way towards the door.

"If you all have any further questions, I'm sure Kirijo-kun can handle them all masterfully! In the meantime -- good luck on your exams! Who knows? If you all do well enough, maybe we'll have a certain surprise in store for you!"

The way Mitsuru is tilting her head makes it clear she has -no- idea what he's talking about, to which, of course, Ikutsuki laughs again, offering his parting hint as he ducks out the door.

"Let's just say 'it's where you want to go to get away from it all,' and leave it at that, eh?"

The door shuts.

... it's no fair referencing lyrics from a western song as a hint that's not a pun at all Ikutsuki--

Mitsuru just sighs. And yet, she seems... a little less tense, at least?

At least until this part:

Um... wait, you mean that stove isn't just there to boil water?

Whereupon Mitsuru Kirijo just stares at Hitomi Mandai as if she just forcibly upturned the Third Year's entire world and then stomped on it a couple times.

"--What?" 

<Pose Tracker> Hitomi Mandai has posed.

 
"Well... it's a manual, it's not like you have to study it," Hitomi tells Ririka, in passing. It's really more of a cartridge. Her lips purse, though, as she hears mention of Magic Ninjas, which makes her look towards Shinjiro now. Perhaps there is skepticism, but it's curiously weary.

Hitomi's slightly sleepy face becomes slightly more sleepy at the prospect of upcoming exams and the prospect, in turn, of surprises (she's figuring it's a sushi dinner, which would be great, but) -- and then she is suddenly in the spotlight.

Not the spotlight of performance, but the spotlight of the Food Police who have located you and have you both surrounded and dead to rights. Hitomi turns her head slightly, lips half-opening in a look of shock and astonishment.

'Well, shit,' thinks Hitomi to herself. 'I sure put my foot in it. I wonder if she means it's shocking I'm not, uh, en femminique enough. (That's French. I think that's how french works.)'

'She's also in the front of the room and has approximately 10,000,000,000 times more money than I will ever see in my life. I might be a centimeter higher but otherwise I am definitely the low peasant in this feudal equation. To quote a wise woman in a situation like this long ago: 'Well, shit. I sure put my foot in it.

Hitomi blinks several times. "Uh," she says, leaning back.

'QUICK! PLAUSIBLE LIE! They told me in history class that the strongest lies are built out of the bricks of the truth, carefully arranged to show the face the -- was that history class?'

Hitomi's eyes turn towards Reiya. Why? 'Why am I looking at him? I don't know. Maybe he is the Buddha?'

Then they turn towards Yukari. 'Takeba won't do any good in this situation.'

Then Shinjiro. 'Beanie-kun. Food guy. Cooking. Kitchen. Coat. WARM!'

"I mean everything I really KNOW how to cook is like winter stuff," Hitomi says, "like, uh, tofu hot pot and cheese curry noodles!" ('Cheese curry noodles is definitely food that exists.') "But when I got here we were already kind of nearly in March so I just never had the chance! And I didn't want to mess up the kitchen, but I guess if Aragaki's taking responsibility for it, haha, it's not a big deal!"

'Nailed it.'

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