I waited to use this to flex for 90 chapters! Finally!

Shin exited the library. He put the book he just borrowed into his back and headed to the stairs to get out of school. However, with the corner of his eye he could see Makoto sneaking into the student council room, most likely because the caught sight of him.

'Oh Makoto, you poor, helpless creature.' thought Shin, as he silently went after her, a small smile adorning his face.

At that time, Makoto finally entered the student council room. She must've considered that place a safe haven, as most students didn't enter without a good reason. She breathed a sigh of relief.

For the past few days, she was constantly in a tense state, as she had to be careful not to cross paths with any of the members of the Phantom Thieves. She always arrived very early at school and made sure to leave once they left. As for the times when she was in class, she had to hope they also attended their classes and didn't want to look for her.

Frankly speaking, she couldn't let her guard down even when she went to the bathroom.

Which was why she was currently slumped down on a chair, wiping her brow with a handkerchief.

'I have to do something about them. But how...?' thought Makoto.

However, Shin didn't know about whatever plan Makoto was thinking up right now, and even if he knew, he wouldn't care. The black-haired teen immediately opened the door, stepped inside and closed the door after him.

Makoto slowly looked up at him, but she quickly stood up when she saw Shin.

"Yo. How're you doing, Makoto? You look kinda pale. Do you need to go see the nurse?" said Shin, nonchalantly.

She opened her mouth to speak, but no sounds came out.

"Are you nervous? You don't have to be. I'm just here to talk with you. You see, there are some things that were said back then. Things that might be hard for you to comprehend." said Shin, keeping his hands in his pockets, slowly walking towards Makoto.

The girl immediately stepped back.

"Hey, hey. I'm not that intimidating, am I? If I really am, I apologize. Scaring you wasn't my intention here." said Shin, putting his hands up.

Despite his 'inoffensive' demeanor, the black-haired teen could see Makoto discreetly try to grab a ruler off the table, which made Shin chuckle a little.

"A wooden ruler? Seriously? If even Kamoshida's arm simply... gave way... with ease, then what's that going to do in this situation."

Makoto looked shocked.

"You were the one who broke his arm? Why?" she asked.

"Makoto," said Shin, and the girl could see he was actually serious now, which made her grip the ruler tighter. "that scum was about to force himself on a girl. And I happened to know who she was. So I had to intervene. And honestly, for all that fake bravado he put in for those idiots who believed in him" he could see her wince at that comment. "he folded quite easily. Especially his elbow."

"I didn't know about what he did..." muttered Makoto.

"Perhaps. But that doesn't change the fact that there were dozens of students getting abused or worse and nobody noticed. Unless they were helping Kamoshida behind the scenes. I, for one, don't see how nobody called the police on his ass. The principal doesn't have the kind of power to influence the police for one measly athlete well past his glory days. And the moron wasn't discrete about it either. But hey, what do I know about schools? The students' wellbeing is the least of their concerns, obviously."

Makoto bit her lip in frustration.

"Anyways, if you finished subjecting that ruler to more force than it can handle, come with me." said Shin, turning around and waving his hand.

"Where?" she asked.

"A place where all that talk about Palaces and Personas will make sense. Don't worry. It's only a little dangerous. For me, at least. You might die really fast in there as you are now. Think of me as your lifeline."

"Why should I go with you if it's that dangerous?" asked Makoto.

Shin sighed, and he turned around and picked up the other teen in the room.

"God, I really should've done this from the very beginning."

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Confidants:

0. Igor (The Fool) - Rank 2

I. Morgana (The Magician) - Rank 3

1. Takuto Maruki (The Councillor) - Rank 1

II. Makoto Niijima (The Priestess) - Rank 2

IV. Yusuke Kitagawa (The Emperor) - Rank 3

Odd man - Rank 1

V. Sojiro Sakura (The Hierophant) - Rank 3

VI. Ann Takamaki (The Lovers) - Rank 7

VII. Ryuji Sakamoto (The Chariot) - Rank 7

VIII. Goro Akechi (The Justice) - Rank 1

IX. Futaba Sakura (The Hermit) - Rank 3

XI. Caroline & Justine (The Strength) - Rank 10

XIII. Tae Takemi (The Death) - Rank 5

XIV. Sadayo Kawakami (The Temperance) - Rank 3

XVIII. Saki Yoshiko (The Moon) - Rank 2

XIX. Sho Minazuki (The Sun) - Rank 2

Toranosuke Yoshida - Rank 1

XX. Sae Niijima (The Judgement) - Rank 2

Shiho Suzui (The Hope) - Rank 8