Chapter 1 - The Sky’s the Limit

Miles high above the ground, somewhere over the Pacific Ocean…

Ding!

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We've reached our cruising altitude of 35,000 feet, and we'll be on our way to New York in no time."

The captain's voice crackled over the intercom.

"Thank you for flying with Narukami Airways, non-stop from Tokyo to New York City. We're expecting a smooth flight ahead, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the service."

The intercom clicked off, and a few murmurs rippled through the cabin as the passengers settled into their mid-flight routines.

Gentle hum of engines filled the cabin, a soft, comforting white noise that drowned out the world outside.

Around the cabin, life went on as usual for an international flight.

Passengers shuffled in their seats, some unbuckling to make a beeline for the bathroom. A child tugged at their parent's sleeve, begging for a trip to the bathroom.

Some munched on snacks, savoring the complimentary in-flight meals. Further down, a couple was sharing a snack pack, discussing whether they should try the in-flight noodles.

A toddler toddled down the aisle, dragging a plushie that seemed twice his size, much to the amusement of his parents and the bemusement of the flight attendants.

Zzzz~

A few rows back, a man was snoring loudly, oblivious to the side-eye glares he was getting from the woman beside him. Others were simply chatting, immersed in their own little worlds as the plane soared through the skies.

One passenger, however, was in a world of his own. Seated by the window, he gazed out at the vast, endless blue, the fluffy clouds below looking like cotton candy strewn across the sky.

Hero, a name his father had chosen with a great sense of creativity. Hero's appearance was striking, a perfect blend of his mixed American-Japanese heritage.

He wore a perfectly tailored blazer with a snug black turtleneck that clung just right to his athletic frame, a pair of dark jeans, and a casual yet stylish shirt that suggested both sophistication and an eye for fashion.

He looked like he'd stepped right out of a fashion magazine: his sharp, stylish clothes, a mix of Tokyo chic and New York edge, somehow made even more striking by his casual demeanor.

The glasses perched on his nose gave him the air of a wise gentleman, someone who had seen much and yet still had much to see.

His hair, black as a moonless night, framed a face that was both innocently cute and dangerously hot, a contradiction that made people stop and stare without realizing it.

He had the demeanor of someone who had lived many lives—wise, thoughtful, with an air of mystery that made people wonder if they had seen him before... or perhaps dreamed of him.

Hero wasn't alone. Nestled comfortably in his lap was Morgana, a small, black-and-white cat. The cat, just like its owner, had an air of mystery about it, eyes glinting with an intelligence far beyond that of an ordinary feline.

Morgana purred contentedly as Hero absentmindedly stroked his fur, his attention caught by the low murmur of a conversation nearby.

A few seats ahead, a television screen flickered with a news report.

"The Phantom Thieves of Hearts strike again!" Blared the anchor, his voice filled with a mix of awe and curiosity.

The familiar red-and-black logo of the Phantom Thieves flashed on the screen, followed by a montage of their recent exploits, showing various scandals and wrongdoings exposed by the notorious group. A middle-aged woman, her face stern and serious, leaned forward in her seat to watch the report.

The anchor continued. "In Japan, they've become the stuff of legends—taking down corrupt politicians, exposing scandals, and rallying the people behind their mysterious cause. Could their influence be spreading worldwide?"

An elderly man beside her, clearly intrigued, joined the conversation. "What a bunch, those Phantom Thieves." He chuckled. "You think they're real, or just some internet hoax?"

A nearby passenger, an elderly woman with sharp glasses, leaned closer to her neighbor. "I heard they've been active all over Japan! Corrupt politicians, shady executives, even celebrities—no one is safe from their justice!"

A man near her, sporting a baseball cap and a thick New York accent, scoffed. "Yeah, but they're just stories, right? Urban legends. You think a bunch of kids could really pull that off?"

"Oh, but they're real!" Insisted a teenage girl from across the aisle, eyes wide with admiration. "I've been following their work since the beginning! They've taken down some seriously powerful people!"

Hero's lips curled into a faint, amused smile. Morgana's ears twitched at the mention of the Phantom Thieves, his tail flicking back and forth as if listening to the conversation. It was always entertaining to hear strangers talk about you as if you were a myth.

"...and then they made that crooked CEO confess everything on live TV. Can you believe it?" A passenger, perhaps in his thirties, leaned over the armrest, talking to his seatmate with wide eyes.

"Yeah, but do you think they're real?" His companion replied, frowning. "I mean, all this talk about stealing hearts… it sounds like something out of a comic book."

"Does it matter?" Another passenger chimed in. "They're doing something! For once, someone is standing up to the people in power!"

Hero can't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. To be able to bring hope to people, to inspire them to stand against the wrongs in their world—that's what it's all about.

"Exactly!" Another woman agreed, her eyes bright with admiration. "And who knows? Maybe they'll come to America next. Imagine the impact they could have here—Wall Street, Washington… all those powerful people who think they're untouchable!"

"You hear all these crazy stories—how they enter people's hearts and make them repent. Sounds like a bunch of sci-fi nonsense if you ask me, but man, it'd be nice if they showed up here in America." The seatmate replied, shaking his head in disbelief.

Across the cabin, others joined in, voices bubbling with a mix of skepticism and hope. The debate grew louder, the talk of the Phantom Thieves spreading like wildfire through the airplane's cramped quarters.

Hero couldn't help but smile as he listened in, his hand pausing for a moment on Morgana's back. The conversation about the Phantom Thieves was a familiar one, and he found it amusing how people spoke of them with a mix of awe and skepticism.

They had exposed CEOs, politicians, and corrupt officials, each time leaving behind their signature calling card: a declaration that their target's distorted desires would be stolen.

Oh, if only they knew. Here they were, talking about the Phantom Thieves with such excitement, never realizing that the leader of the very group they admired was sitting just a few rows behind them, on the same flight to New York, casually petting his cat.

As the report wrapped up, more conversations broke out among the passengers.

A group of college students in the row ahead of him was animatedly discussing the latest news. "Man, can you believe it? The Phantom Thieves! They're like modern-day Robin Hoods or something!" One of them said.

"Yeah, but they're even cooler because they don't just steal money. They steal twisted desires or whatever." Another replied, making dramatic gestures.

More passengers joined in the conversation, some speculating about the Phantom Thieves' methods, others debating whether they could even be real.

A young woman across the aisle was particularly hopeful. "I just wish they'd come to America. We've got enough corrupt politicians and CEOs to keep them busy for years."

"Maybe they're on their way." Someone joked. "I mean, it's not like Japan has a monopoly on bad guys."

The young woman grinned. "You think they'd ever come to New York? I mean, it's the city of dreams, but also the city of scams."

Hero chuckled softly, amused by their enthusiasm. It was always fulfilling to know that their work gave people hope, even if the full truth of their methods remained hidden.

"Hero." Morgana—the cat, if it could be called that—muttered, sounding faintly amused. "Do you think they'd ever guess that the mastermind behind their beloved Phantom Thieves of Hearts is flying economy class on a flight to New York?"

Hero grinned, his amusement evident. "Not a chance, Mona. But they do have high hopes."

Meanwhile, in the galley at the front of the plane, a group of flight attendants huddled together, whispering amongst themselves and stealing glances in the Hero's direction.

"Did you see that guy in 22A?" One of them whispered, barely able to contain her excitement. "He's got that whole mysterious, handsome thing going on. I bet he's a model or something."

"No way, he's gotta be some kind of genius. Look at those glasses, and the way he's just sitting there, so composed. Definitely someone important." Another said, her voice tinged with awe.

"I dare you to go talk to him." One of them teased, nudging her colleague.

"What? No way, he looks… intense." The dared flight attendant replied, trying to look serious but failing miserably.

"Oh Maya, come on!" The other flight attendant teased. "What's the worst that could happen? Besides, he's cute in that, 'I might save the world or destroy it, you decide' kind of way."

"Yeah, right." Maya, the targeted flight attendant scoffed, her cheeks already reddening at the mere thought. "What am I supposed to say? 'Hi, I'm here to... um... offer you more peanuts?'"

Another attendant nudged her playfully. "Come on, it's a long flight. If you don't do it, we'll make you drink one of those mystery juices in the fridge."

"Fine, I'm going in."

Maya, the poor flight attendant was left with no choice. Summoning her courage, she made her way down the aisle, her heart pounding in her chest.

She approached the protagonist with a practiced smile, the kind that flight attendants have perfected to put passengers at ease.

"Excuse me, sir." Maya began, but the moment their eyes met, she felt her words slip away. It was like being caught in a spell.

Hero turned to look at her, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her knees weak. The flight attendant feels a strange sensation wash over her—a mixture of calm and electricity.

He had those impossibly deep, almost hypnotic, his black eyes that seemed to pull you in, reflecting a wisdom and charm that seemed otherworldly. His gaze was both warm and intense, a mix of "I know everything about you" and "But let's keep that a secret".

And that smile–oh that smile–was disarming, a blend of boyish charm and devilish confidence.

Cute? Oh, he was far more than cute. There was something dangerously charming about him—sharp cheekbones, a strong jawline, lips that curled into an amused smile, as if he knew every secret she'd ever had. He was a mix of boy-next-door innocence and a hint of roguish charm, like someone who'd save you from danger but make you laugh along the way.

The way his hair fell effortlessly into place, the slight curve of his lips—it was as if he had stepped out of a dream, too perfect to be real. Good lord, those lips looked like they could charm the devil himself.

"Is there anything I can assist you with?"He smiled warmly, the kind of smile that could melt the iciest of hearts.

Maya felt herself getting lost in those eyes, forgetting entirely why she had approached him in the first place. She quickly composed herself, though her cheeks flushed a light shade of pink.

"Uh, yes! I mean, no—I mean, I just wanted to check if you needed anything." She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Oh, I'm quite alright." He said in a voice that was both smooth and rich, like honey with a hint of spice. "But… you seem a little flustered. Is everything alright, miss?"

Maya blinked rapidly, her cheeks flushing a deep red. "Oh, I—uh, yes, everything's fine!" She stammered, mentally cursing herself for her sudden clumsiness.

"I'm glad to hear it." Hero chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down her spine.

"Well, now that you mention it." He said, leaning in slightly, his tone playful. "I could use some company. Flying can get a little dull, don't you think?"

"Company?" Maya's brain seemed to short-circuit. She blinked again, trying to form coherent thoughts. "I—I mean, I'd love to— I mean, if you need—"

Hero leaned back in his seat, still smiling. "No need to rush. I'm just enjoying the view." He said, his eyes never leaving hers.

The flight attendant felt her heart race, her mind scrambling for a response. "I-I suppose so." She managed to say, though she could barely keep her thoughts straight.

This was not how these encounters were supposed to go. She was supposed to be the one in control, the one putting the passengers at ease, not the other way around.

"You know." He continued, his gaze never leaving hers.

"There's something about the atmosphere up here. It's like the world below doesn't exist, and all that matters is this moment." His words were smooth, his voice like silk, and she found herself hanging on to every word.

"I… I never thought of it that way." She replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "It sounds… kind of nice."

He smiled again, this time with a hint of mischief. "Maybe you and I could discuss it more later. Over coffee, perhaps?" He gave her a wink, and she felt her face flush red.

The flight attendant stood there, her mind reeling as she tried to think of something clever to say in return.

She nodded furiously, her professionalism slipping into something more like fan-girl territory. "Y-yes, absolutely!" She squeaked, realizing she sounded like a teenager meeting her idol.

Before she could embarrass herself further, Hero turned it up another notch.

"By the way." He added, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "If anyone asks, I didn't distract you from your duties." He winked, and Maya felt her knees weaken.

As she retreated down the aisle, trying to maintain a shred of dignity, Hero chuckled softly to himself. Morgana, still curled on his lap, glanced up. "You never miss a chance to flirt, do you?"

Hero's hand resumed its petting, his voice barely a whisper. "Just being friendly, Mona."

She practically floats back to her colleagues, who erupt in hushed giggles. The other attendants immediately surrounded her, eager for details bombarded her with questions, giggling and teasing her mercilessly.

"Oh my gosh, he's… he's amazing." She mutters, clutching her chest.

"So, how'd it go?" One of them teased.

Maya just shook her head, still flustered. "I think I'm in love."

Back in his seat, Hero chuckled to himself, enjoying the exchange. He reached into his bag and pulled out his laptop, deciding it was time to get some work done.

Opening his browser, he began to research his new home, a busy building in New York where he planned to open Leblanc 2.0, his very own café. The thought of recreating the cozy atmosphere of the original Leblanc in the heart of New York City excited him.

There were maps, listings of popular spots, and articles on the local culture. But most importantly, there was a blueprint of a building in a bustling neighborhood, the place where he would be opening his café.

He browsed through construction plans, and interior design ideas, his mind already crafting the perfect ambiance. He envisioned a place where people could gather, share stories, and perhaps even... plan a few heists of their own.

He'd spent months planning this move, carefully considering every detail. The café would be his base of operations, a place where he could blend in while still keeping an eye on the city's underbelly. New York was a far cry from Tokyo, but it was just as rife with corruption, if not more so. And where there was corruption, there was a need for the Phantom Thieves.

He scrolled through a few more tabs, his eyes scanning the information quickly. The building was in a prime location, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and office buildings. It was perfect. Not too flashy, but not so obscure that it would raise suspicions. Just an ordinary café in an extraordinary city.

Pi! Pi! Pi! Pi!

As he contemplated the next steps for his plan, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, smirking as he saw the group chat notification from the Phantom Thieves.

Ryuji: "Yo, Hero, I still can't believe you're ditching us for the New York!"

Ann: "Yeah! I'm so jealous. You better send us lots of pictures!"

Makoto: "Just make sure you're prepared. New York is a whole different beast compared to Tokyo."

Futaba: "Hero's a walking conspiracy theory, he's gonna be fine. Just don't get arrested, okay?"

Yusuke: "Perhaps you'll find new inspiration there. The city is a canvas waiting to be painted."

Makoto: "Have you even considered the logistics of running a café in such a competitive market? New York is one of the toughest places for a business to survive."

Ryuji: "Seriously, Mako-chan? Nerd talk again? C'mon, let the man have some fun!"

Ann: "Says the guy who doesn't know what a cappuccino is."

Ryuji: "OI! I know!"

...

The chat went silent for a bit.

Ryuji: "It's the one with the foam, right..?"

Hero: "Thanks for the vote of confidence, guys. And yes, cappuccino is the one with the foam."

Yusuke: "Let us know if you need anything. I have some contacts in New York."

Haru: "I'm sure you'll make Leblanc 2.0 just as special as the original."

Hero smiled at the messages, feeling a wave of warmth. The camaraderie they shared was irreplaceable. Even though he was leaving Japan, his friends would always be close to his heart.

Then a private message popped up:

Haru: "Good luck with everything, Hero! I know you'll do great. I'll miss you the most… I'll be visiting as soon as I can."

Hero felt a warm flutter in his chest at Haru's message, his smile lingering for a few seconds longer. He always had a soft spot for her. Before he could reply, another message popped up.

Futaba: "Enough mushy stuff! I've found the perfect target for you in New York! More details later. Stay tuned, leader!"

Hero chuckled, shaking his head. Trust Futaba to always be on the lookout for the next big score.

"Well." He murmured to Morgana. "Looks like our adventure in the New York is about to get interesting."

Morgana purred in agreement. "Always does when you're around."

Hero leans back, a sly grin spreading across his face. It's not just a new café he's after; it's a whole new playground for the Phantom Thieves.

As the chat continued, Hero felt his eyelids grow heavy. He set his laptop aside, the chat still buzzing with excitement, when suddenly, a small blue butterfly appeared, fluttering just in front of his face.

He blinked in surprise, but his eyes were growing heavy, his vision fading as the butterfly hovered and danced in the dim cabin light.

"Is this…?" He mumbled, as he felt himself drifting off, the world around him dissolving into a blur of blue and white...

=====

Our 1st world, the main hub, Marvel x Persona!

Side note: The protagonist is currently blissfully ignorant that Marvel is a part of their world.

Just to clarify, the events of Persona 5 and Persona 5 Strikers have already unfolded. While it's great if you've played or are a fan of the series, I'll provide relevant information as we go.

If you're curious about Persona, consider playing or watching a playthrough (probably the majority of Persona fans do this). I personally recommend Johneawesome.

I still don't know, how this reached over 3000 words...