Jugemu-jugemu Gokōnosurikire Kaijarisuigyo-no Suigyōmatsu Unraimatsu Fūraimatsu Kūnerutokoroni-sumutokoro Yaburakōjino-burakōji Paipopaipo-paiponoshūringan Shūringanno-gūrindai Gūrindaino-ponpokopīno-

Shin was again on his way to Saki's classroom, now avoiding any and all open doors.

'I wonder what did Ryuji and the rest think about Makoto dragging me off like that.' he thought idly.

Without even realizing, he had already arrived in front of Saki's classroom door. He snapped out of his thoughts and went to open the door.

Peeking his head into the room, he could only see a few groups of students scattered about, but no Saki in sight.

"Anyone know where Saki went?" he asked.

His voice attracted the attention of the students in class, though none of them said anything.

"No? Damn..."

Closing the door behind him, the boy thought he should at least grab his lunch from the rooftop. Little did he know that some rumours concerning him and the girl with braids had started to spread.

-INTERMISSION-

Shin and the others were about to head out of school, when suddenly, a wild Yusuke appeared!

"Hello. I have come here to ask if you're still willing to model for me. Of course, your friends are welcome to come, if they want." he said.

"Before that, I have a question for you. I've heard that Madarame is plagiarizing stuff from his students. Not to say abusing them. Is it true?" said Shin.

"And I thought I was blunt..." muttered Ryuji.

"Are you serious?" asked Yusuke, frowning.

"We read about it online." said the blond, showing the post to the blue-haired teen.

Yusuke read the post and broke out in laughter.

"Preposterous! Not only is the plagiarism impossible, but abuse? He welcomes pupils into his own home! This is no act of violence, but charity! And I'm the one residing here and studying under him. I'm saying it's not true, so it's beyond doubt."

"Is that so? Tell me, do you mind showing us that bruise under your bangs?" asked Shin.

Yusuke put a hand on his forehead out of reflex.

"This was from my own carelessness. It's in no way related to teacher." he said, softly caressing a spot on his forehead.

"I somehow doubt that." commented Morgana.

At that moment, the old man who was the subject of their debate had also appeared.

"Yusuke? What's the matter?" he said.

"These people are..." started Yusuke, only to be interrupted by Madarame.

"Oh, wasn't one of you that "Shin" that Yusuke told me about?" he asked, looking at the thieves.

"That would be me." said the black-haired boy.

"I see." Madarame placed a hand on his chin. "You may look unassuming, but there's this air of mystery around you. No wonder you piqued Yusuke's interest." commented the elderly man.

The man briefly looked at a wristwatch and said.

"Oh, would you look at the time. I'll be waiting in the car, Yusuke. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Having said that, the man took his leave.

"I... You might believe in teacher if you saw 'that' painting. It's his maiden work as well as his most representative piece." said Yusuke, taking out his phone.

The teen showed the others a picture of a painting of a woman. The woman had black hair tied into a side braid, going down on her left shoulder. On the yellow background, a single empty branch of a tree was seen. The woman seemed to be looking downwards, though whatever she was looking at was covered by blue paint.

'Ah, of course she'd have that hairstyle.' thought Shin.

"This is... Sayuri. The painting that inspired me to become an artist. When I first saw you, I felt the same powerful emotion I felt when I saw this painting. My one wish in this life is to pursue beauty like this." said Yusuke, looking at Shin intensely.

The teen bowed towards Shin.

"I believe drawing you will be part of that pursuit. I implore you to seriously consider my offer."

Shin was quiet for a few moments, which brought a sliver of fear into Yusuke's heart, but eventually he said.

"Alright."

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This chapter's additional info is on... Jack-o'-Lantern!

Thought I might as well say a little about it, since I mentioned it quite a bit.

According to the earliest accounts of the tale, "Stingy Jack" was an Irish farmer who persuaded the devil not to take him to hell. When he was refused entry into heaven, he wandered the earth as a turnip-headed (or pumpkin-headed) soul who would come to be called "Jack of the Lantern," or so says the legend. Jack-o'-lanterns are carved by children and enthusiasts alike on Halloween. The tradition can also be thought to help guide the lost soul himself.

The legend, however, goes back further than the term itself. Jack-o'-lantern or some variation thereof was at the height of usage in 17th century Europe. Simply put, it meant "the guy with the lantern." Later the term would almost exclusively be used as slang in reference to the will-o'-the-wisp phenomenon, or ignis fatuus; due to the appearance of a far off person carrying a lantern.

I don't know about you, but there's something amusing in having that one guy who managed to trick the devil be used as a Persona by the guy who'll eventually have Satan as his bitch.

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Sojiro's Japanese VA Jouji Nakata is a legend. Having voiced characters like Kirei Kotomine, Albert Wesker and ALUCARD, his chad is unmatched by ordinary men.

Sojiro's English VA Jamieson Price also voiced Tobirama Senju and Kirei Kotomine.

Coincidence? I think not!

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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

V. Sojiro Sakura (The Hierophant) - Rank 3

VI. Ann Takamaki (The Lovers) - Rank 7

VII. Ryuji Sakamoto (The Chariot) - Rank 6

XIII. Tae Takemi (The Death) - Rank 4

XVIII. Saki Yoshiko (The Moon) - Rank 2

XX. Sae Niijima (The Judgement) - Rank 1

Shiho Suzui (The Hope) - Rank 7