The Empress's Dilemma

Wandering through the rainy streets, Ren enjoyed the time he had to simply think. He had a feeling that once Okumura was taken down, the real war with the Antisocial Force would begin. So far, they had been aiming at their lower-level money makers, but now they would be going for the one who commanded the Black Mask himself.

They would have the Kirijo group to back them up, but deep down, he couldn't help but wonder if this was their point of no return. Who would come after Okumura? Shiryuu Daiko, the SIU Director? Would they reach the one pulling the strings through him?

Looking down at the shadow under his feet, he could feel his connection to Tartuffe silently watching him.

"Makes you wonder, doesn't it?" Ren asked, not really expecting an answer.

But one came nonetheless.

'Ah, my noble understudy, fret not! The curtain yet rises, and thou dost tread thy path with a grace that beguiles fate itself. Fear not the shadows, for they merely serve to make thy light more splendid.'

"You speak weird sometimes. But I get it." Ren joked, chuckling as he walked through the rain until he arrived at the train station. 

He drew a few eyes in his direction from the wet clothes, but most simply ignored him after sending a nasty look in his direction for dripping on the floor.

He had most of the day free, and he wanted to do a few final preparations for the Palace to come. Yet, if he was being honest, he also just wanted to buy some more flowers. He had run out of seeds, and though he had enough flowers for a lifetime, he simply liked growing them.

There was something calming about sleeping in a room that smelled like flowers. In general, he just enjoyed looking at them.

Moving through the underground mall after buying an umbrella, he arrived at Rafflesia. To his surprise, he saw a familiar face buying flowers.

"Haru?" Ren called out.

She jumped slightly at the sound of her name, spinning around to face him. Her expression softened when she saw him, though her eyes darted nervously before settling on his.

"Ah, Ren…" She said, her voice quiet, almost hesitant. "Are you here to buy more flowers?"

Ren narrowed his eyes slightly, noting her tired expression and the way her fingers fidgeted restlessly. There was something off about her demeanor, something strained.

"Yes…" He said slowly. "Are you okay?"

Haru stilled at the question, her hands dropping to her sides. For a moment, her carefully polite mask faltered, and she sighed softly. 

"I… I am. I just…" She hesitated, looking down at the floor. "Well, I got bad grades. I couldn't focus during exams, so I've been busy studying."

Ren studied her carefully as she raised her eyes to meet his, only to let out another sigh. 

"No." She admitted, her voice barely audible. "I'm not."

"Would you want a distraction?" Ren asked after a few moments.

Haru blinked in surprise, her eyes meeting his. There was a pause before she returned his smile, small but sincere. 

"I would."

Turning back to the florist, Haru offered an apologetic smile. 

"Could you hold these for me? I'll be back soon." After a nod from the shopkeeper, she followed Ren out into the mall.

"Where are we going?" Haru asked curiously.

Ren shrugged lightly, his steps unhurried.

"I don't know. I just felt like wandering. You'd be surprised how nice a simple walk can be for clearing your thoughts. But if you'd prefer something more… structured." He added with a smile, "I wouldn't mind heading to Leblanc and making us some tea. I still have some of the blends you gave me, the ones for clearing the mind."

"A walk?" Haru repeated, her tone thoughtful before her lips curved into a gentle smile. "I would like that."

To her surprise, Ren didn't speak much during their walk. Instead, he simply guided them through the streets, his attention focused forward. The sound of their footsteps mingled with the distant hum of the city, filling the quiet space between them. Haru opened her mouth to speak several times, but each time, she hesitated, letting the silence linger.

It took a while, but eventually, she allowed herself to relax, the tension in her shoulders easing as she grew accustomed to the quiet. Ren, for his part, kept a discreet eye on her, his steady presence a silent reassurance. He watched as her gaze wandered, taking in the countless signs and vibrant displays of the city. For a brief moment, he saw her eyes light up with wonder, lost in the moment.

"Ren…" Haru finally broke the silence, her voice hesitant. "I wanted to get your opinion on something."

"What is it?" Ren asked, his tone light and encouraging. "If it's about how many seeds to plant, I'll have to go with all of them."

Haru chuckled softly, the memory of the photo he'd shown her of his room, overflowing with pots and flowers, flashing in her mind. Her laughter faded as her gaze shifted upward, catching sight of a massive advertisement for Big Bang Burger.

"What would you do…" Haru began carefully, her voice almost a whisper. "...if someone you knew, someone close to you, was doing something terrible… something that hurt others… what would you do? Would you try to stop them? You aren't sure they are doing it, but… you are pretty sure."

Ren followed her gaze to the brightly lit sign. His expression softened, and he took a moment before responding.

"It would depend." Ren answered softly. "I've done some bad things myself. And I've seen others do wrong. As much as I'd like to say I'd always do the right thing…" He paused, letting out a quiet breath. "That would be a lie."

Haru's eyes widened slightly at his candid answer. She turned to face him, studying his expression. He remained focused on the same advertisement she'd been staring at moments ago, his profile calm but pensive. Then, as if sensing her gaze, he looked at her directly, offering a smile tinged with bitterness.

"It's hard." He said softly.

"It is…" Haru admitted, a faint sense of disappointment creeping into her voice. She had hoped for something more decisive, something clearer.

"But…" Ren continued, his tone growing more earnest. "...for the people I care about, I'd do what's best for them, even if it hurts." He hesitated, his eyes distant as though recalling a memory. "I have a friend… they had something they really cared about. But even when I knew they were bound to lose it, I let them experience that pain. It was the only way I could think of to help them 'open their eyes.'"

Haru tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. 

"Did it work?"

"I'm still not sure if it was the right choice. But… they're free now. That has to count for something." Ren answered with a bitter smile.

"So there is no easy answer…" Haru muttered, glancing up to the sign once again, where a burger mascot was dancing happily. "Ren… if I wanted to make a report to the Phantom Thieves, I just have to use the website… right?"

"That's how it works." Ren answered, noticing Haru's conflicted expression. "But if you want, I can make the report for you."

"I think my dad has been hurting people…" She began, her voice trembling slightly. "He was happy for a while. For a month or so, he seemed different—excited. He spent more time with me. He even started teaching me about running the business. It was like… like he was finally my dad again."

Her words faltered, and her eyes welled up with a sadness that felt overwhelming. 

"But it didn't last. Now he's back to how he was before. He's working more, meeting with more politicians and businessmen, going to endless meetings. He's… he's changed again. I think he needs help, Ren. Before he does something he can't take back."

Ren let out a quiet sigh, her words hitting harder than he expected. He knew the truth, the truth Haru was still piecing together.

It was too late.

Okimura had killed Sugimura. And hearing her, he had a pretty clear idea as to what had happened.

Okimura wanted to become more influential and powerful. By killing Sugimura, he achieved that goal. He had become the one people had to call to reach the Black Mask. 

But power was addictive, and the high it brought was fleeting. Once it wore off, Okumura had started craving more, falling back into the same ruthless cycle that had consumed him before.

"Haru…" Ren whispered, his voice steady but soft as he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Her frame trembled slightly under his touch, but she didn't pull away.

"I just… I don't know what to do." She said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I love my father. But if he's hurting people, if he's doing something terrible… I don't want him to destroy himself. Or anyone else."

"Whatever happens… know that you won't have to go through it alone." Ren reassured her before sighing. "I wish I could say more."

Haru nodded her head as she looked at him.

"If there is anything I can do… I want you to tell me." She answered with some determination. "Even if it hurts… I want to do what's best for them."

"I'll try…" Ren reassured her once again. "Haru…" Ren began, pausing for a moment before sighing. "I'll try. It might take some time… but I'll try."

Haru noticed his tiredness, stepped forward, and put her umbrella down before hugging Ren.

"Thank you." She said softly, squeezing him tightly. "For giving me the confidence… for Sugimura… for saving my dad."

Patting her head softly, Ren ignored the strange looks a few random passersby gave them. Then, after a few seconds, Haru pulled away.

"Let's save that tea for next time. I shouldn't keep Miss Shizue waiting with my flowers." Haru said, a soft smile appearing on her face. "I'm glad we stumbled onto each other."

Watching as Haru left, Ren couldn't help but sigh once again.

Okimura was fucked one way or the other. It was something he always knew. He knew too much. He could try his best to keep him safe in the Metaverse, but there was nothing he could do to keep him safe in the real world.

By "saving" Okumura, he would be indirectly killing him. 

The antisocial force had people like Kaneshiro under their command. They could send a hitman to kill Okimura and make it look like an accident. He was too powerless in the real… world…

"Huh…" Ren let out as realization struck.

Pulling out his phone, he prepared to make a call and started walking to Untouchable Airsoft. 

As cautious as he wanted to be, he had to be more proactive with making advancements here in the real world, too. One good start was getting some upgrades to the Thieve's guns from Iwai. And, though he could ask the Kirijo group for it too, by going through Iwai, he could also strengthen his bond with his Hanged Man. 

Two birds with one stone.

However, that didn't mean he couldn't get help from his resident Devil and Star, at least when it came to dealing with the heavy hitters.

He activated his third eye skill to find a hidden alley without anyone to listen to him as he finally dialed the number.

[This is Kirijo speaking.] Mitsuru's voice was calm but sharp, and the professionalism in her tone was unmistakable.

"Miss Kirijo… I need help." He said truthfully.

[Are you in danger?] She asked, her tone shifting to one of genuine concern.

"No, no." Ren answered with a slight chuckle. "Nothing like that. But there's something important I'd like to discuss with you."

[Understood.] Mitsuru's voice carried a hint of curiosity. [Do you want me to send a vehicle to your location to pick you up?]

"Tomorrow." Ren answered after a few moments. They might be locked out of the Metaverse, but when it came to the real world, they had as much, if not more, influence than Okimura.

[Very well. I'll make the arrangements. I look forward to hearing what's on your mind.] Mitsuru said, hanging up shortly thereafter.

Moving through the rainy streets of Shibuya, Ren made his way toward Untouchable Airsoft. The chill of the rain seeped through his clothes, but the brief walk gave him time to clear his head after his heavy conversation with Haru. By the time he arrived, his focus had sharpened, ready to shift gears.

Opening the door, Ren immediately caught the sound of Iwai's voice in conversation with another man.

"Your store is impressive as always. Great stuff, Iwai!" The man said with a chuckle, though the way he spoke instantly caught the attention of Ren.

"It's nice to hear that comin' from you, Tsuda-san" Iwai replied, though his tone sounded strained, uncharacteristically cautious.

"I bet you could start a war with realistic models like these." The man said with a chuckle, the words surprising Ren as he instinctively activated his third eye skill. Then, as he heard the footsteps approaching, Ren quickly moved to some of the shelves, grabbing one of the full-face airsoft helmets before putting it on.

"Seriously, these are incredible. I should get going, though." The man said as he stepped out with Iwai behind him. He was wearing a full striped suit and a pair of glasses. And with a simple glance at him with his third eye, Ren realized what he was.

A Yakuza.

Pretending to be clueless, Ren picked up an airsoft gun, pointing the barrel right at his face as if he were looking to see how it worked.

The man, Tsuda, looked at the trail of water Ren had left before glancing at him and giving him a nasty look before turning back to Iwai.

"All right, Iwai, I'll take one of everything you showed me today. I'll need an entire arsenal. How long would that take?" The man asked.

Iwai frowned, glancing past Tsuda to look at Ren before turning back.

"Depends on how quickly the parts come in. Some stuff's probably gonna have to go through customs…" Iwai answered, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at Tsuda.

"Tell me, Mune… What's your son's name? Kaoru—" Tsuda's tone shifted, his voice growing colder. Yet, he was interrupted as Ren bumped into one of the shelves, making some noise.

"Sorry." Ren said, his voice deliberately awkward as he adjusted the helmet. "It's hard to see with this on. I, uh, think it's stuck. A bit embarrassing to ask, but… it's too small, and I can't get it off."

Iwai's eyes widened slightly, recognizing Ren's voice before his expression quickly turned neutral.

"Sorry, Tsuda-san." Iwai said, walking past him. "I have to deal with this customer. Kid's messing with the merchandise again."

Reaching Ren, Iwai pressed down on the helmet with enough force to emphasize his frustration. 

"Damn it, kid, read the sign! Ask for help before handling the merchandise. And your soggy clothes are dripping everywhere. You're gonna get me in trouble if someone slips on the trail of water you left behind!"

Tsuda gave the pair a look with narrowed eyes before shaking his head.

"Whatever, Mune. Just get me those guns fast. I'll come back later." He muttered before stepping out. 

After a few moments to make sure he was gone, Iwai yanked the helmet off.

"The hell are you doing, kid?" Iwai asked with some annoyance.

"Helping, ideally." Ren answered as he picked up one of the airsoft pistols from the shelves before spinning it on his finger. "I can tell a threat from a mile away, and I thought a little customer awkwardness would get him out. I came to see if you had a job for me." 

"Kid… put my damn guns down before you break something," Iwai said, shaking his head as he walked back to the counter. "You're lookin' for work, huh?" His tone shifted, more thoughtful now. "Guess you came at the right time."

"What do you need?" Ren asked, following Iwai to the counter.

"You overheard, didn't you?" Iwai said, glancing at the door again to make sure Tsuda was gone. "That guy, Tsuda, wants me to get him a big shipment. Problem is, dealing with the Yakuza, especially with something that big… it's just problems waiting to happen. If they use those guns for anything illegal, it's my neck on the line."

"Sounds like you need some blackmail." Ren said with a smile, cutting straight to the point. "Or, as my old man liked to call it, 'encouragement paperwork.' a little 'creative bargaining.'"

Iwai raised an eyebrow at the phrase but couldn't help the faint smile tugging at his lips. 

"You catch on quick, kid." He tapped the glass counter absently before meeting Ren's gaze. "But I can't just send you out there without knowing what you can handle. What's your skill set? I need someone who can dig up dirt without gettin' themselves killed. Think you're up for that?"

"You'd be surprised." Ren answered with a smile. "All I need is a name."

There was something oddly familiar about dealing with Iwai, a strange sense of nostalgia that tugged at the edges of Ren's mind. Though maybe he should have seen it coming, he hadn't expected the feeling to hit him so strongly. It was like slipping back into a role he hadn't played in years, one he'd never expected to take up again.

Iwai stared at him for a long moment, sizing him up. Ren could feel the weight of the man's judgment, but there was a flicker of recognition in Iwai's expression. Finally, Iwai let out a faint chuckle.

"Alright, since you seem so confident, I'll give you an easy one." Iwai said, his tone lighter but still serious. "Masa Yuuki. He's one of Tsuda's goons. Likes to think he's smarter than he is, but he's got loose lips when he's comfortable. If there's anything going on with this deal, Masa's the guy to squeeze."

"Masa Yuuki, huh?" Ren repeated as he memorized the name.

"Actually, scratch that." Iwai muttered, shaking his head. "That's too dangerous, kid. Masa's a goon, yeah, but he still works directly under Tsuda. If he smells somethin' off, it'll come back to me. I don't want to get you in trouble, even if you think you can handle it."

Ren tilted his head, watching as Iwai rubbed the back of his neck, clearly considering an alternative.

"There's someone else," Iwai said after a moment. "A homeless guy who hangs around Shibuya. Name's Satoru . He's been on the streets a long time and hears things most people don't pay attention to. Might not be as direct as Masa, but he's safer to approach, and he could have useful info about the Yakuza in the area. Ask him if there is any big news about the Hashiba clan."

"Got it." Ren replied with a nod.

"Don't get cocky." Iwai warned, his tone firm again. "Even talkin' to the right people can make you a target if you're not careful. Keep it low-key, and don't draw attention to yourself."

"Aye. Leave it to me." Ren answered

Iwai shook his head with a gruff laugh, though there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. 

"We'll see about that, kid. Now get outta here before Tsuda decides to come back early."

"Sounds good. Just remember, you owe me a few guns after this." Ren added as he turned to the door, raising a hand in a mock salute.

"A few?" Iwai shot back, crossing his arms with a skeptical glare. "It's a one-for-one deal. One gun, one job."

"Can't blame a guy for trying." Ren joked as he opened his umbrella and left.

~ Confidants ~

Haru Okumura. (The Empress) Rank 4

Munehisa Iwai (The Hanged Man) Rank 2

~A/N~

The thieves, or to be more specific, Ren, have always been doing stuff in the real world. Whether it was with the beatdown from Kamoshida, joining Kaneshiro's gang, or taking art lessons.

However, I wanted to add a real-world threat element. As cool as the Metaverse and all of its possibilities are, I still wanted to showcase its real-world investigation aspect. It's a balance with the Kirijo group to keep it tense and difficult, but I have a few things in mind I want Ren to experience. And well, if you want a hint, he's about to see a hell-of-a-lot of masks by hanging out with the Devil. I'm curious to see your theories.

Wild day, too, lol. Three confidant rank-ups in one day. Gonna have to start skipping days/weeks in story soon to keep with schedule, but you know, it be like that.

Lastly, two tensura references in this chap. One's easy. The other one is harder.

https://discord.gg/WTgN9J3YgK