When Ren woke up he saw Morgana sitting on the window sill.

"Good Morning." Ren greeted his feline friend.

"Oh, you're up... Morning, did you sleep well?" Morgana asked cautiously considering how he was acting yesterday.

"I feel better now, no need to worry. And I apologize about yesterday." Ren sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.

"You don't need to be sorry about it. I won't ask for any details but if you feel the need to talk to someone about whatever you and your father were talking about, don't hesitate to do so." Morgana advised.

"I will, thank you. What about you? Did you sleep well enough?" Ren asked in order to change the topic.

"Yup! You make an excellent mattress, Ren!" Morgana 'complimented'.

"Uh… Thank you?" Ren didn't know how to respond to that.

"So that's what was pressing down on me, huh?" Ren thought back.


Shujin Academy

Once Ren got out of the train station, Morgana popped its head out of Ren's bag.

"Sheesh, talk about crowded." Morgana complained.

"Agreed, not even the trains in Okinawa are this filled. I suppose that's what big city traffic is." Ren sighed.

"Still, we were fortunate enough to grab a seat. Next time we grab one, we better use that opportunity to do something productive, like reading a book."

"Sounds good." Ren swiftly answered before overhearing two students talking next to the vending machines near school.

"Calm down, okay? Let's get you to the clinic. The doctor will be able to prescribe you something." one of the students tried to calm the other down.

"Doctors do have the best medicine…" Morgana remarked, peaking Ren's interest.

"Speaking of which, that Lady in the cafe was a doctor, right?" Morgana added.

"Correct. According to Boss, her clinic was nearby LeBlanc. Wait… are you-"

"I am. Having good medicine in the Palace will give us an upper hand in battle." Morgana explained.

"Duly noted. Let's discuss this later with the others." Ren told the feline before heading to class.

During class Ren's phone started ringing.

Ryuji: Hey, we're meeting up at the hideout today, right?

Ren: Of course.

Ren: There is something Morgana and I need to discuss with you two.

Ann: Don't text now, you two! We're in class!

Ryuji: Wait, you're actually trying to listen to that crap?

Ann: Yeah, I pay attention.

Ann: Then again, it kinda doesn't stick today…

Ryuji: I know, right? Happens to me too often.

Ren: Should I be worried about you, Ryuji?

Ryuji: HEY!

Ryuji: Anyway, I'll see guys at the hideout.

Ann: Where exactly?

Ren: He's referring to the Rooftop.

Ann: Are we even allowed to still go there?

Ryuji: Yup. I'll let you in.

Ryuji: I'll see you guys there once school's over.

Ren: Got it. See you then.

"Tatsumi!" Mr. Ushimaru called Ren out.

"How about you pay attention when someone's talking to you!" the teacher scowled at Ren, making the boy gulp.

"Oh shit!" Ren thought as he felt murderous intent coming from his teacher.

In a matter of moments, a chalk that was thrown at Ren grazed his right cheek as somehow managed to narrowly dodge it.

"Dear Mom and Dad, thank you for giving me amazing reflexes." Ren thought as the class erupted into whispers.

"If you don't pay attention in class again, I'll make sure it hits you!" the teacher warned before continuing the lesson.


Once classes were over, Ren, Morgana and Ann made their way to the rooftop.

"Are you gonna be okay, Ren?" Ann asked with concern.

"I'm fine, no need to worry. If it becomes too uncomfortable for me, I will notify both of you." Ren replied and took a deep breath before entering.

"Yo! Uh, RenRen… I think you've got somethin' white there." Ryuji gestured towards his cheek. Ren immediately wiped it away with an embarrassed blush.

"Must've been from the chalk." Morgana commented.

"Yikes, did Ushimaru do that thing again?" Ryuji frowned.

"Yeah. Speaking of which, how did you dodge that in like... the last possible second?" Ann gave Ren a questioning look.

"He dodged it? For real?" Ryuji stared at Ren.

"Only narrowly, it still grazed my cheek. To answer Ann's question, I was apparently born with good reflexes, which have been well-honed over the years through various activities and workouts." Ren explained wistfully, thinking back to those days he'd spar with his aunt.

"So you're not just smart, you've got a lot of sense too, huh?" Morgana commented.

"Dude, I seriously need to know your workout routines, if you can dodge Ushimaru's chalk jus' like that." Ryuji gave him an impressed look.

"Anyways, that's not what we're to talk about. Morgana and I talked a bit about it earlier today. Simply put, we need proper supplies in order to prepare for the Palace." Ren explained.

"So in other words, we won't be going into the Palace today." Morgana added.

"Huh? Why? Ain't that Persona shit good enough?" Ryuji asked.

"Not exactly. We can't underestimate the Palace. After all if we screw up, we could potentially die." Morgana answered.

"Okay I get that, but how exactly are we supposed to prepare for the palace?" Ann questioned.

"I'm glad you asked, Lady Ann. First off, we should get better equipment." Morgana explained.

"Ryuji, you were the one who gave me that model gun. Could you tell me where you bought it?" Ren asked.

"Oh yeah, I did do that. Alright, I'll bring you there tomorrow." Ryuji rolled his shoulder.

"The other thing we need to prepare are medical supplies. Fatigue in the palace is unavoidable." Morgana continued.

"Makes sense, but where are we supposed to get that?" Ann inquired.

"Leave that to Morgana and me. We believe to have a lead about where we could get them." Ren answered.

"Yup, and since we'll have to finish some business in Yongen, I'd say we call it a day." Morgana added.

"We will infiltrate the Palace the day after tomorrow. Would that be alright with you guys?" Ren looked at the two blondes, who nodded.

"Alright, let's go then, Morgana." Ren opened his bag for Morgana to hop into and left.


Yongen-Jaya

After another cluttered train ride, the two thieves arrived at the clinic. Once they entered they saw the doctor sitting at the reception desk, looking down at the clipboard in her hands.

"Excuse me." Ren said when he approached her.

"Ah, welcome. Is this your first visit? I feel as if I met you before." the doctor scanned Ren with her eyes.

"We met the other day at LeBlanc." Ren swiftly answered.

"I see… Enough about that. What are you here for today?" she asked.

"I have been feeling rather lethargic lately." Ren lied.

"Alright, please head to the exam room." the doctor gestured towards the room in question.

Once they were inside, the two of them sat down.

"Could you tell me a bit more about your condition?" she asked as she prepared to write on her clipboard.

"Recently, I have been feeling more fatigue during the day." Ren expanded his lie.

"I see... " she took a moment to write down what her patient had said. "In cases like yours it's usually just due to stress. I'll prescribe you some pain relievers, that should be more than enough." she explained. She then looked at her medical stock and frowned.

"Actually… I still need to stock up on those. Oh well, I'll just give you the sleeping pill instead. Sleep is the best medicine after all." she told him and Ren suppressed a frown.

"Is she serious?" Ren internally asked.

"So which one do you want? The sweet-tasting pill or the bitter pill?" she inquired.

"Whichever works best." Ren replied, getting a slightly impressed look from the doctor.

"Stinking one it is then." she chuckles slightly before looking at him with a serious look. "Jokes aside, I believe it's time to stop beating around the bush. You're not really sick are you?"

"Crap!" Ren slightly panicked.

"No, I'm just fatigued." Ren tried to remain calm.

"Thinking you're being smart now, are you? I'm not dumb, you probably just heard the rumors about the rumors about me." the doctor deduced, making Ren sigh.

"Yes, I did. I came here hoping that I'd be able to get my hands on some useful medicine that could help me out. Since we are here, are the rumors just rumors or is there some truth to them." Ren spoke truthfully.

"Who knows? The only results I got from them are the amount of patients with ulterior motives I get nowadays." she sighed.

"Enough about the rumors. I guess high school kids do have it rough these days. I'll prescribe you some medication." she continued, taking Ren off-guard.

"It will only recover your health. It should be fine. You do seem pretty earnest, so I doubt that you'd cause any trouble. Since this is my private practice, all of the medicine I dispense is original." she added.

"I take it you have a proper license for that?" Ren asked.

"Correct. You might have seen my medicine being sold at various hospitals before. Since it is your responsibility to take care of yourself, don't hesitate to stop by anytime." she finished.

"Thank you, it's greatly appreciated." Ren gave her a polite bow.

"You're welcome. It's nice to know that you're so quick on the uptake. Seriously, you're saving me a lot of the hassle." she sighed again.

"Well anyways, here's what I have for now." the doctor showed him a list of her available medical supplies.

Once Ren stocked up on the things he deemed helpful for the Palace exploration, he got up and left the exam room after giving her another polite bow. When Ren was outside, there was a rather shady-looking man in a suit passing him as he entered the room, Ren just exited. Letting his curiosity take the better of him, he decided to eavesdrop.

"What's the reason for your visit today? A cold, stomachache, athlete's foot? Whatever it is you need to take a number-"

"Enough of this! You are the only one who could've developed medicine like this." the man called the doctor out.

"I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about." she sighed.

"Don't try and play dumb with me. Rumor has it, that you're creating a drug that provides unlimited power to a person. Developing experimental drugs like this, violates all health regulations. What are you planning with this? Some sort of super-stimulant? This will only create a social issue." Ren could feel the spite in the man's words.

"Unlimited power? Super-stimulant?" Ren repeated in his head.

"You're certainly persistent. I'm just a quack." the doctor simply answered.

"The police might not be taking any action, but I'm sure the media will be picking up on that soon. Are you trying to ruin my reputation again? You're a disgrace to the medical community!" the man insulted her and Ren could hear her click her tongue.

"What's with that look? It was your fault, was it not? I won't take responsibility for your criminal actions but you better dispose of that 'medicine' and resign already." the man said in a condescending manner, making Ren clench his fists as that tone reminded him of a certain someone.

"The name 'Tae Takemi'-" Ren felt confused at the sudden pause.

"Hold on, is someone there?!" the man called out.

"Shit! Gotta run!" Ren ran out of the clinic as fast as possible.

"Whew, close one. So, what do you think about that supposed super-stimulant he was talking about?" Morgana asked.

"For now it's just a rumor but if it does exist, it could give us an upper hand in the metaverse." Ren replied.

"Agreed. We gotta make sure we don't involve others in this so you better keep the Phantom Thieves a secret, got it?" Morgana said to which Ren nodded before his phone rang.

Ryuji: The place I got the gun from is in Shibuya by the way

Ryuji: Would afternoon be good for you guys?

Ren: That'd be good for me, yes.

Ryuji: Awesome!

Ryuji: You know how to get to Shibuya Station, right?

Ren: I do.

Ann: I can't make it tomorrow. Could you guys check the place out for me?

Ryuji: Huh? You can't?

Ann: Yeah, I was planning on visiting Shiho tomorrow at the hospital.

Ren slightly flinched when he read her name.

Ren: That's fine.

Ryuji: Yeah, we got this.

Ryuji: I'll be waiting for ya in Shibuya, Ren! In front of the station, don't forget it!

Ren: I won't, don't worry.

Ren: See you then.

"Guess we'll get our hands on some rather useful things, if that place really sells model guns." Morgana stated.

"I suppose it'd be best if we rest for now to prepare for tomorrow then." Ren said and headed back home.


Shibuya

"Yo!" Ryuji waved at Ren, who just came out of the station.

"Good afternoon." Ren greeted him.

"Looks like you guys made it. Alrighty then, let's get goin'. The shop's over that way." Ryuji explained and started walking.

Once they passed a corner, Ren could hear a man giving a speech.

"Please consider what I have to say! This country is twisted! Wake up, everyone!" the man spoke.

"He's not wrong..." Ren muttered bitterly.

"It's kind of a shame that nobody stops to listen to him." Morgana remarked.

"Politics are kinda boring but yeah, he's actually spittin' some facts." Ryuji added and sighed.

"We don't got much time though. C'mon, let's get goin'." Ryuji gestured towards the direction he was about to walk in.

When they arrived at the shop, Ren looked at the 'Untouchable' sign first and then at their surroundings before giving Ryuji a questioning look.

"How did you find this place and not have any red flags raised?" Ren inquired.

"H-hey, this place is pretty legit. I get it's in a back alley an' all, but you saw the model gun." Ryuji retorted.

"I suppose. Alright, let's go." Ren entered the shop.

Once they were inside, Ren looked around and saw plenty of models of military equipment displayed. At the cashier sat a middle-aged man with his legs on top of the counter. He was wearing a long gray coat over his black turtleneck sweater and yellow ear defenders on top of his gray hat.

"You two need somethin'?" the man looked up from the magazine he was reading.

"Yeah, can I get uh… Actually, can you give some recommendations?" Ryuji sheepishly asked.

"Recommendations? Uh, just buy whatever you want." the man dismissed.

"Ugh, some customer service…" Ryuji muttered.

"Fine, which one do ya want? Automatic? Revolver?" the man asked after a sigh.

"Automatic? Why're you talkin' about cars now?" Ryuji asked back and Ren put a hand to his forehead.

"Listen kid, this is an enthusiast shop. My customers'll get mad if I let a casual like you in here." the man explained.

"I ain't a casual! I bought shit from here like last week!" Ryuji protested.

"Heh, don't remember you." the man answered.

"You bastard…" Ryuji muttered angrily.

"What about you? You want something?" the man looked at Ren.

"A handgun would be nice. Preferably something like a Beretta M9." Ren replied, getting a small smirk from the shopkeeper.

"You know your stuff kid. What? You plannin' to rob a bank or somethin'?" the man asked.

"Whoah, it ain't like that!" Ryuji immediately retorted.

"We are beginner enthusiasts. Ryuji is completely new, while I at least know some names and models." Ren explained.

"You kids should've said you were enthusiasts from the beginning. I'm always willing to help out some fresh faces." the man put his legs down from the counter and put his magazine down. "Some precautions first though. Don't go around pointin' them at people. Keep 'em in a bag or somethin' when you're outside and make sure nobody catches wind of you owning them. I don't need any cops comin' around here." he warned.

"Understood. We'll be careful, that much I can promise." Ren pushed his glasses up.

"You damn better be." the man sighed. "If you look closer, you can tell they're just models, real guns feel… different." Ren nodded and knew what the shopkeeper was talking about.

After all, his mother had (reluctantly) taught him how to use a gun for self-defense and as part of his detective training.

"For now, I'll only show you the beginner section. Sit tight, I'll bring it here." the man got up and left.

"Yes! We did it!" Ryuji cheered.

"Indeed we did." Ren remarked.

"We gotta pick up some really fancy shit! Since you know more 'bout this stuff, I'll let you pick out somethin' for me, kay?" Ryuji reached into his pocket and gave Ren 5.000 Yen.

"Thank you, leave it to me." Ren put the money away.

"It wasn't exactly necessary. Oh well, I'll just pay for the next time we eat." Ren thought.

Ren bought the necessary equipment and left with Ryuji afterwards.

"Uh… No offense, but could you really afford all of that?" Ryuji sheepishly asked as he looked at his bag that was rather… stuffed.

"Let's just say I have some overly generous relatives." Ren fiddled with his bangs.

"Sure… Anyways, I gotta go now. I promised my mom I would help her out with somethin'. See ya tomorrow, dude." Ryuji held out his fist to him.

"See you then. Make sure you properly rest up." Ren bumped his friend's fist.


LeBlanc

"Hey Boss, did you hear?" a customer in a booth asked the elderly man.

"Apparently that subway driver was acting super weird during the interrogation." the customer reported.

"Another one of those psychotic things?" Sojiro asked.

"Yeah, he couldn't even properly speak, according to the police." the customer answered.

"There's no way a ridiculous story like that is real." Sojiro retorted.

"Pft, how rude. No wonder you get so little customers. The coffee's not even half bad. The beans must be lamenting the sorry state of this place." the guest ranted.

"Thanks for coming in. Please come again." Sojiro tried to be polite.

"I'm only saying this out of politeness, thanks for the coffee." the man got up and left.

"Sheesh, what a pain..." Sojiro sighed.

"Indeed…" Ren muttered.

"Anyway, you need something?" Sojiro looked at Ren.

"No, not exactly. Although I am curious as to how this place is still held up." Ren spoke honestly.

"None of your concern. It doesn't really matter as long as the shop doesn't fail. No need to keep up a fake smile." Sojiro said.

"That's a pretty good mindset." Ren replied earnestly.

"Yup, I don't have to deal with any annoyances or troublesome people. You could say it's a personal hideaway. I'd be kinda screwed if I lost it, then again so would you. So at least try to be useful around here." Sojiro explained.

"Understood." Ren nodded.

"Alright kid, I'm leaving now. Don't cause any trouble." Sojiro sighed and the two of them went their separate ways.

When Ren arrived upstairs, his phone rang.

Ann: So I went to see Shiho at the hospital…

Ren gulped for a second before responding.

Ren: How is she?

Ann: Her condition is stable.

Ann: They don't know when she'll regain consciousness though.

Ren let out a small sigh of relief.

Ren: I know she'll pull through.

Ann: Yeah, we just have to believe in her!

Ann: But I won't forgive Kamoshida, I'll make sure he'll pay.

Ren: Let's properly rest up for tomorrow then.

Ann: Roger. I'll be counting on you.

Ann: Good night.

Ren: Good night.

"Alright, we're just about ready to go to the Palace." Morgana stated.

"Now the only thing that's left are the infiltration tools, correct?" Ren asked.

"Good to know that you still remember. First off, clear that desk over there, it could be a good workplace for making the tools." Morgana demanded.

Ren immediately got to work and put the books stacked on top of the desk away. Once he was finished, Morgana jumped on top of it and put some materials on top of the desk.

"I'm providing the materials this time. So let's start making a lockpick. You won't have to think too hard about it. You'll get the hang of it in no time." Morgana sat down and let Ren get to work.

Ren followed Morgana's instructions with absolute precision.

"Not bad! You followed my instructions pretty easily. This'll be more than useful in the Palace." Morgana shot him an approving look.

"Thank you…" Ren averted his gaze with a slight blush.

"We're ready for the Palace now. So let's get some rest for the infiltration." Morgana instructed.

Ren got up and got changed. After he laid down on his bed, he looked up at the ceiling one last time with determined eyes.

"We'll make you pay, Kamoshida. Just you wait…"


Author's Notes:

This took way longer to make than expected.
Reason for that is that I am way too obsessed with fighting games right now and I fell in love with Tales Of Berseria again, so I'm sorry for the huge interval in-between chapters.
Little Funfact: This chapter was originally planned to be around 2k words long.
Overall this chapter was pretty fun to make but I feel like I got a bit rusty on writing.
It's also pretty ironic that this chapter is all about preparing but I'm not prepared for the next chapter in the slightest.
Like I have 1 (ONE) scene in mind and it's just a short off-hand joke.
As always, I hope you guys enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I had reading it and I'll see guys next time :)
Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone!