Inactive Let's reach out to the truth in Persona 4! - Archive links on page 28

[Hirato]

Wow, some wild twists on the stories that I didn't get! And also on Hirato! What's with the new journal stuff, is this a test or permanent? I liked it a lot, it tells the story but without showing everything, so is less...spoiler-ish. And I like to LARP.

Definitely a test, if feedback is positive, I'll use it again in the future where it's appropriate.
It was a bit of a ham-fisted attempt at making the update a bit more "emotionally engaging", plus it was the only idea I had to allow the codex a choice and tie it in with the story.
I do intend to post the rest of the day though, but that'll have to wait until there are a few more votes.

Also also, for some reason I HATE this guy's face. A lot.

I don't mind his art at all, though his hair and posture makes me think of the yakuza for some reason.
But with that said, his Social Link is easily one of the weakest (if not the weakest) , plus he didn't make a particularly good first impression (then again, neither did Ai).

 

[Hirato]

Welp!

I was hoping there'd be more votes so I could play a bit this weekend.
I'll be continuing next weekend if I have any spare time ( I have a lot of things due) and if felipepepe's vote is all I have to work with, so be it.

 

[Azira]

I really don't have any solid idea what the vote will actually mean, so I'll just pick whatever sounds the most fun.
Option number 3

 

[Radisshu]

2 sounds p. cool

 

[spekkio]

Go for 1, it's the only 100% hetero choice (I hope - you never know with the japs).

 

[Hirato]

So what has your heart decided upon? *chuckle*

> Igor waves his hand over the cards and one of them flips over to reveal the Moon...

The moon can represent doubt, fear and uncertainty... Most interesting...

> Igor does another motion and a second card reveals its face...

Interesting indeed...
It would seem that another trial has been placed before you.
I see hesitance in your step and your reflection in your shadow.

> Igor makes another motion and the cards vanish

I've kept you long enough I think, farewell until next time.

Igor made another motion with his hand and moments later I was back on the rooftop of Yasogami High.

Igor's words struck a chord and I was lost in thought. I only caught fragments of what Ai-san said next...

Hey------You and I just go---?

Okay.

I'm going home now...
......
Thank you.

Ai walked down the stairs with heavy footsteps... and I headed home...

El. Psy. Congroo.

Thanks for the votes guys, based on them we will be going the Temporary Lovers route with Ai.

Spoiler

Temperance + Chariot (1 vote)
> I'll be your boyfriend

Moon + Hermit (2 votes)
> ......
> Sounds good

Death + Priestess (1 vote)
> ......
> Are you sure about that?

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming without the larpy, fanfic inducing Persona Journal...
First up, what we were doing before we talked to Ai...

...I don't want to talk to you.

> His words are harsh...
> Fortunately, your impressive "Understanding" allowed you to thaw his icy demeanor a bit...

...You're an odd person, actually wanting to talk to me.

Oh yeah... It appears that I'm chopped liver to the health committee.
Do you know what "chopped liver" is? It's something that no one cares about?
Whether or not I'm there, the result is the same.
I'm "exempt" from everything because of my family troubles.
...Why don't they just come out and say that I'm pitiable?
> Saki Konishi's brother is smiling glumly...

Everyone circles around me, saying I'm 'pitiable"... It's kind of a nice feeling, though.
But they all have these obvious looks of curiosity written all over their faces.
"How was she killed?"
"Why was she killed?"
"Do you hate the killer?"

They don't have the courage to ask me, but they follow me with their eyes...
Every move, every step. I'm sick of it.
......

...Haha. You're a funny guy.
Unfortunately, I have nothing to say. All I know is what they've said on TV.
But the answer to the "Do I hate the killer?" question is "No."

Oh gee, I wonder who Koro could be!

> The dog ran away...
> It seems wary of you...
> You're doubtful it'll return here any time soon. You should look for it another day...

> You ate one package...
> The chilled chocolate was ridiculously sweet!

No rank up for the Heirophant tonight...



So we're going to temporary lovers route with Ai...
Are you excited bros?

 

[Azira]

 

[Hirato]

For the next several updates, I will be using wine 1.5.0 and PCSX2 r5131.
There seems to have been a few regressions in one of them since I last played with PCSX2 r5097 - it's been deadlocking on me a lot.
Without further ado~.

It's going to rain this afternoon, what a pain, it's going to cut off Social Links...

Who do you think'll show up on the Midnight Channel next?
I heard it's going to rain this evening, but it's not going to last all night.
Hey, have you been trying to solve the case on your own in your spare time?

I know, I should be thinking about it, too. But that kind of stuff just isn't my specialty.

I'm jealous.
Well, everyone has strengths and weaknesses. I'll stick to kicking things.

So let's prepare ourselves! Times like this are perfect for working out!

You know, the rainy season's just about here.

Isn't it a little early?

Once it starts, it'll be raining every night. We'll have to keep a constant eye on the midnight Channel.

Crap, I didn't even think of that... Well, so it goes.

Hehe, I thought you were worried about the rain 'cause of the school campout.

Why are you so excited about that?

That's right, it's the first time for you two...

You realise the only purpose of the school campout is to "develop a love for one's hometown in young people," right?

Yeah, they tell us that up front. So?

Well you see, the way we supposedly develop that love is by picking up trash off the mountain.

P-Picking up trash? "Develop a love" my ass! That's slave labour!

Well, the night's kinda fun. We cook our own meals with mess kits and sleep in tents.

The four of us are in the same group.

You wish! Guys and girls sleep in different tents!
I'm warning ya... If you leave your tent at night, you'll be expelled on the spot.

It's only for one night and we disband before noon the next day. It doesn't last very long.

Oh... We did have some fun at the river before going home last year.

Do they let you go swimming?

I think so? There's always someone who takes a dip, although we didn't.

I see... So you can swim in the river...

moar qwests and stuff!

I've got nothing better to do. For those of you who are interested, my gold reserves are currently at 700 000.

Hey, Sensei!
It's been peaceful over here!
Oh, by the way...!
I sense a powerful Shadow at the steamy area where you found Kanji.
I think this world is getting more and more unstable...

I just want to live here in peace...
Sensei, could you defeat the Shadow at the steamy place?

I won't be using Kanji for now, he's still wearing his initial weapon and armour... Might make him a bit weak.

Sensei, go and defeat it!

And so we roflstomp our way to the 11th floor, like the tolling of some great beneathing of fists...
Pitifully few enemies are putting up any resistance at all. Nearly all of them attack us for feeble amounts such as 1 pr 3 HP a strike!

Interesting, an enemy we haven't encountered before...
I kind of wonder how they accomplished it from a game mechanics perspective...
Do they add more enemies because you've cleared a a few story goals?
Do they add them after a certain time and date?
Do the enemies and available personas post in shuffle time vary based on your Social Links?
Or did we simply miss them in our initial trek?
:itisamystery:

They were resistant to physical, wind and fire, but finally succumbed to the wiles of ice

We also find two of these, one for Chie and another for Yukiko, alright!

Another enemy we've yet to encounter.
They're vulnerable to electricity and fall quickly. They also offered no resistance to the only other affinity I tested on them, Physical.

You may also remember this previously locked door from our previous delve. The key we got from the level (7?) boss last time unlocked it.

Another enemy we've yet to encounter, this can't be coincidence. We pretty much just wailed on them. Be careful, as they have an instant K.O move that targets all party members. He took out Yukiko and with that my last Revival Bead.
I forgot to restock

We find 2 pairs of these shoes... I don't equip them as I feel the accuracy rating is far too low at that point.

Another enemy we've yet to meet... I'd say it's a safe bet they're weak to ice.

We find Kanji and the Fox at floor 9. One you've cleared a dungeon, you can find your other party members in it.

Talk, huh...? Hmm... Ain't nothing in particular to tell you about...
......
> Kanji is staring passionately at the fox...

Oh, s-sorry!

We also get a chest key form both of them and the fox heals us for 23400 yen, leaving us with about 730 000

We'll beat the donuts out of it!

He's pretty easy, just keep attacking him, he'll fall soon enough. He only uses single target moves, but he hits hard to the tune of 90-140 damage a hit
As long as he doesn't get a critical, this'll be a cake walk.

If Yukiko goes down, so does our only hope of resurrecting anyone for this battle...

I at least came prepared for poison this time!

Just like the last two bosses, he's a complete pushover compared to the Contrarian King

Kanji's unique weapon, A definite improvement.

We also redo Yukiko's dungeon (for qwests and stuff) and find this on the first floor. I give this to Kanji.

And that's all for today's dungeon crawling...
Later that evening...

> You feel like your relationship is going to become closer soon.


Stay tuned, we're going to be handling the remainder of the spring period in one fell swoop! And that means the update after will feature...
Summer uniforms and new portraits for nearly everyone!


Also, don't forget that the school campout starts a week hence, it's going to be epic!

 

[Tigranes]

I've been reading the LP the whole time and I think it's an interesting game, but man, it must get pretty wearisome to play it after a while. Especially with the combat parts that look like they should just have been cut out altogether.

But CONTINUE!

 

[felipepepe]

I won't be using Kanji for now

Do people actually use him? Everyone I know that played P4 sticks to the same party you have now.

 

[Hirato]

Tigranes I've made it no secret that I find the dungeon crawling sections incredibly boring and that I nearly quit playing several times when a new one showed up.
If you're so inclined you can just run past all the enemies straight to the bosses.
But you'll miss out on a lot of loot (not to mention equipment upgrades) and be at a huge disadvantage when you come face to face with said bosses.
Luckily the Turbo button is there to speed it all up, but even then, I can only take the first 20 seconds of the generic battle theme for so long...
Why do game developers make these combat themes, they're kind of neat at first, but they really, really get on my nerves after some time, especially if the trash encounters take 10-15 seconds to resolve. I'd really much rather listen to the area themes, especially as those in Persona 4 are all quite unique and had a lot of effort put into them.

felipepepe Yeah, the hiimdaisy comics were wrong about that one (In Mrowak's case too, he had a rather clever approach to it all, IMO)
For every dungeon I'd pick 3 party members (Chie was usually always among this lot) and clear it.
When I came back to clear the dungeon the next time I'd switch to the other 3 characters, mostly to make sure their levels and equipment were up to par with the rest of the party.
Besides, Kanji's a better person to have around (as opposed to Yukiko), when you want to go through the dungeons without worrying about covering your weaknesses.

 

[Hirato]

Music: Affection

First order of business today, completing the quests I picked up before last time

First, the girl in the back of the classroom...

<Timid female student> Wow... This is amazing... So perfect...!
<Timid female student> Oh, uh... I can only give you this to thank you for your work...
> Received Ointment x 3 in thanks.
<Timid female student> I really am grateful. *chuckle* Pairing this up with the angel is sure to boost its power...

Then the crazy kid across the second floor hall...

<Shady student> Ah! Incredible!
<Shady student> Haha, BWAHAHA, how spectacular! I can feel the palpitation of my heart!
<Shady student> I'm so excited, I could trace the mystic hex around you and enter you into a contract with the great unknown!
<Shady student> ...Erm, excuse me. Here is the reward, just as promised.
> Obtained Dokudami Tea x 3.

<Ms. Sofue> Oh... I can feel a strong aura from this material.
<Ms. Sofue> Yes, this will be the making of an exceptional dowsing rod.
<Ms. Sofue> As history treads ever forward, I thank you, both for your effort and kindness.
<Ms. Sofue> Well, here is the reward I promised you.
<Ms. Sofue> Ahaha... I found these by dowsing. Please, take them. Do not be shy.

We traded a suspicious pole for 2 Pulsating Stones...
I feel like something sinister is afoot!

Happened in my previous playthrough though...
Built it like a boss, too

<Homely student> ...!
<Homely student> Arghhh! Daaad!

> You handed her the Fitting Board

<Homely student> Wow! How'd you find one this big!?
<Homely student> Really, thank you so much! Now I can finally study at my desk again!
<Homely student> Um... Here, this is for you! It's not much, but...
> Obtained Royal Jelly x 5

<Female student> ...He just gave me some candy, and then we had a long talk about my plans for the future.
<Female student> ...I know it sounds crazy, but it's the truth!


Disturbing...
Is Morooka-sensei a lolicon?
It would actually explain a lot...

<Male student> Thank you. Now that I have this, I can finally finish my new radio!
<Male student> Please, take this. I don't know if it's enough to really thank you, but...
> Received Olympic Tape
<Male student> You're amazing! If anything else comes up, I'll be sure to ask for your help.

You hear that Crispy?

Oh yes, there is even more!
A Peach Seed is a really abundant restorative item you should already have many of...
Yes, this is actually a quest...


And this the pointless meandering continues still!

But I'm helping with the family business now. The life here is nice too...

He's got a portait so he's obviously important.

And I now have 791 012 yen.
The following items are now available for purchase as well
Weapons: Reign Skinner, Hard Boots,
Armour: Doumaru. Hard Bolero
Accessories: Disinfectant, Land Badge.

The Reign Skinner is the only one that interests me, this seems like an awesome ability to have... though the +40SP is pretty handy too, especially in the early parts of the game.
I also sell all of our spare equipment and up with somewhere above 800 000 yen.

> It looks like the dog you saw on the riverbed...
> It must be the runaway dog referred to on the ema the fox showed you.

<Missing dog> *whimper*
> It seems the dog became less wary of you.
> The dog ran away...
> You're doubtful it'll return here any time soon. You should look for it another day...

Of the ema requests, this one has to have the dumbest execution of them all!
Oh it gets worse, you'll see just how much in the coming updates.

Fyi, the dog is unhealthy...

<Tired housewife> My mother-in-law said my cooking isn't edible.
<Tired housewife> That's what she says to me, even though I've been trying my hardest day after day after day...
<Tired housewife> Here, this is something I brought to my mother-in-law's house...
<Tired housewife> Would you try it for me?

> You consider eating it, but it doesn't look very edible!
> You decided to take it home with you.

I just hope Chie and Yukiko are better cooks...

Enough lollygagging, let's go bond with Kanji-kyun~!

We find Kanji outside the sewing room.
Machines can be heard working within, Kanji was probably watching...

I-I wasn't peeping inside! It's not like that!

...I see. Let's go somewhere else, then.

> You brought Kanji here to learn the truth behind the rumours...

I kind of forgot the source and I'm not sure if that tidbit was included in one of the pasts updates.
But there are a few loose rumours claiming that Kanji's been picking on people...
I was pretty sure they were made up the first time too in case you think the responses are a bit derp.

Whaddaya want, dragging me out here?

How come you're soundin' like a cop?

So, what is it?

> You asked Kanji about his ties to the gang of bullies...

Are you high or something Mr. Protagonist?

Eh? Bullies? M-Me!?

This is stupid...

Senpai... I didn't do it.
I mean... Maybe it ain't that easy to trust me, since they say I was in a gang...
But you gotta believe me...

Mmm, well, I know him through work.
His name's Kanji Tatsumi... He's quite a handful. He's been crushing biker gangs in the area since middle school.
But I thought he got into a high school and started attending class...

Huh.

Man, that blur sure is pointless. It's completely obvious who it is.

The guy's family runs a historic textile shop.
I think what happened was, he crushed the local bikers all by himself because the noise kept his mother up at night.

I repeat, the whole premise behind this 'confrontation' is forced and stupid...

...'s my own fault rumours like that go around, huh...?

Senpai...
......
Uhh...
Whenever you got time... Could you maybe hear what I have to say?
I feel all cramped inside... and I'm too dumb to know what it's about...

> Clumsy as he is, it seems Kanji is looking for an opportunity to change...
> You feel a faint bond forming between you and Kanji...

> You have established the Kanji Tatsumi Social Link of the Emperor Arcana!

To make sure I don't cause you any trouble...
Huh...
......
Well, I guess I should smack that gang of bullies around?

> You talked with Kanji for a while and went home.

Oh, welcome back!

Later, Nanako...

B-But, this paper...

A survey, huh...?


Music: D-D-D-Drama!

......
Fine.
It's fine...

It's fine already!
You don't have to write anything!
You don't have to come!
It's just another case to you, right?
It's more work, isn't it?
Bad people and everyone else are more important to you than me, huh!?

You're not "real"...

You're not my "Real" Dad!
> Nanako storms out of the house...

Yeah... Yeah, you're right. Now's not the time to stand around asking questions.
> Dojima nods strongly.

'Kay, I'll go check the Samegawa flood plain!

I'll go check Junes. Hirato, you look around the shopping district!
I'm counting on you!
> You need to find Nanako...

Mom...
Why'd she leave me?
...When Mom was still here, we all went out together...
We picked flowers at Samegawa...

Would Nanako really be in either Junes or the shopping district when she wants some solitude?
I don't think so...

> You don't see Nanako...

<Man's voice> Hey, Hirato!

You coulda just asked!

We got a call from Yosuke-kun.
I'm sure if we all look, we'll find her.

When did you give Yosuke your number, Yuki-chan?

Hey, do you know what kinda places she might've gone?

> A place where Nanako would go...
> You recall that Nanako said her family used to go to Samegawa River when her mother was still alive...
> You told your friends about that...

The river, huh...?
Alright. Hirato, you head straight there. that's out best bet.
The rest of us'll split up and look around. If anyone finds anything, give the others a ring, okay?

Could you... talk to her?

I'm not her "real father," huh...?
Hirato... You should go pick her up.

No, it is...
You're her "family"... much more than I am.
As long as Nanako is okay... I'm fine.
...Please.

Music: Smile!

...I used to come here with Mom.
> Nanako looks lonely...
> You told Nanako that her father was the one who found her...

......
He was looking for me...?
Did Dad say anything about the river?
Did he forget about Mom...?
He never talks about her...
I wanna see Mom...
> Nanako is struggling not to cry...
> Through Nanako's fierce resolve, you feel that your relationship with her has grown deeper...

Dad must've forgotten Mom.
There aren't any pictures of her at home. He probably threw them all away...
......

...I'm going home.
Let's go home together.

> You called your friends and told them that Nanako was safe...
> You returned home with Nanako.

Okay. I'll see you in a bit.


Music: A new day dawns

> It seems Yukiko has bought a book about job certifications...

...Thank goodness. That was the last one.

Uh-huh... That's right.
> Yukiko seems a bit embarrassed...

Inside the TV... The "other me" said she didn't want to inherit the inn...
I think... those were my true feelings.
So I've decided to be a little more true to myself...

I... I refuse to inherit the Amagi Inn!
When I graduate... I'm leaving this town!
> Yukiko's face flushes with relief...

...I said it.
......

I said it!
Haha...
> Yukiko has a refreshing smile on her face...

So in order to live on my own, I'm thinking of getting a job license.

It's cool, isn't it...?
> Yukiko looks happy...

But it's hard. It costs money to get a license...
And of course I can't tell mother...
If only there was a part-time job I could do discreetly...

> You can make envelopes in your room...


Something this menial for Yuki-chan? Are you mad!?

Really...!? I'll go check the board, then!
> It seems you were able to help Yukiko...
> Touched by Yukiko's spirit, you feel your relationship has grown deeper...

Thank you for keeping me company today.
I was a bit nervous when I told you how I felt, but...
...Now that I did, I feel much better.
> You parted with Yukiko as she headed toward the bulletin board.

Hm? Oh, it's this late already? 'Night.

......

What?

You said you would read me a book before bed.

Oh... Ohh, that's right...

I got it, I got it. Just a few pages.

Yatta!!

> Dojima's phone rings...

Hold on.
......
Dojima here.
...Ichihara-san!
Yes... Yes... Then that means...
Well, if it's okay with you, I can be there in just a few...

......

,..I understand. Goodbye...

Dad...? Are you leaving?

It's... my job.

But you said you'd read me a book...

......
Of course not...
> Dojima sighed quietly...

Are you two fighting...?
Y-You can go, Dad.

No, that's not it... I'm sorry, Nanako.
What book do you want?

...It's okay?

I promised.
C'mon, let's go, Nanako.

Yeah!
> Nanako went to her room with Dojima...

Music: Chisato

......
Let's talk.

I'm having him run tests for Chisato's hit-and-run investigation.
He was calling to tell me that the test results are in...

...Judging by his tone, he didn't find anything the police haven't already come up with.
I know going over there won't change the test results, but...
> Dojima looks severely disheartened...

It was a white sedan. Most likely large and American. As expected, no such car is registered in Inaba.
No records of one being repaired or scrapped, either... Worst case scenario, the car's out of the country by now.

It scares me...
That I couldn't catch the perp...
That I'll never have an outlet for this sick feeling...
That I'll just have to swallow it...!
Every time I look at Nanako...
Every time I notice ways she looks like her mother...
I feel like... my face is being pushed down into reality...
And it scares me...

Hah...
I never thought I'd be talking to you about this...

> Dojima confided in you...
> You feel that you understand Dojima more...

I know I can't stay this way forever...
While you're still here... I need to face myself.

 

[Clockwork Knight]

Yeah, it's nice that they tried to make the battle themes (in P3 too) to stand out more then the usual generic jrpg synth-rock, but for a piece you're gonna be listening all the time it's just plain better to have something more...neutral, that you eventually learn to ignore if you don't like it.

 

[Hirato]

We now have over 200 portraits.
To commemorate this, I thought I'd paste some of the new ones we'll be seeing in the next few updates
There's plenty more, including a few new characters too.

(That one's kind of creepy... damn lolicon...)

I might do another update sometime tonight.
If not, expect it on the weekend.

 

[Azira]

We really ought to bump this thread to the next page, prior to the coming update..

 

[Hirato]

Agreed.
Doing my part

Though we could probably fit one more update without it being completely overkill...

 

[Azira]

Nonsense! Onwards to the next page!

 

[Hirato]

(4 more for this page)

 

[Azira]

 

[Azira]

 

[Azira]

 

[Hirato]

Update #50 is ready for posting

 

[Hirato]

Music: You overhear students talking

> You overhear students talking.

<Dark-haired girl> Ah, it's finally time to break out the summer wardrobe!
<Athletic girl> So refreshing!
<Athletic girl> I hope it's not going to get cold again with all this rain...
<Dark-haired girl> I don't think we'll have to worry about that this year.
<Dark-haired girl> I heard there's going to be less rain then there was last year.

If you're not busy after class, would you walk me home?
I'd be happy if you could consider it. See you later...

<Mr. Kondo> June in Japan can be pretty tiring, thanks to all the humidity and heat!

And I doubt these tracksuits are helping...

<Mr. Kondo> But don't waste your days away with laziness! Summer is very near, my friends!
<Mr. Kondo> You wouldn't want that special someonr to see you being lazy, would you?
<Mr. Kondo> So today, let's do 30 reps of the 100 meter dash! Running keeps the body and midn from rotting away!

I think the writers may be onto something...

<Mr. Kondo> ...What's with that sourpuss face, Hirato? Do you want it to freeze like that?
<Mr. Kondo> Okay, okay, how 'bout this? If you get this question right, I'll cut it down to five!

<Mr. Kondo> Ugh...! So you knew! I didn't think you were that informed about athletics, Hirato!
<Mr. Kondo> Well, a promise is a promise! I'll make it five instead of 30!
<Mr. Kondo> But I only promised Hirato! Hahaha! Everyone else, you have two reps, got it!? Get ready!

Again...? You really are a strange person.

No thanks, I'll go by myself.
> You were bluntly refused...

<Male student> Mr. Morooka said you're filling in for an absent health committee member, so you have to go, too.
<Male student> I told you, okay? You better go, or else I'll get suspended!

Haha... You got dragged in again.
I have to turn in some notes, so I'll join you later. Just go on ahead.
> Apparently you are in the Student Health Association for another day...
> You hurried to the infirmary...

> You told them about how you were drafted into the Student Health Association...

<Female student> Really? Well, we're still low on members, so I'm grateful.
<Male student> I really wish they didn't call us in today. Heck, half the people here are saying they have dates or something.
<Male student> Plus, we have to take inventory? That's such BS... Man, Konishi has it easy?
<Female student> I heard he's exempt from homework, is that true?
<Male student> What the hell!? That's so unfair!

You too can have this privilege by losing an imouto!

<Konishi's voice> It's okay. I don't mind...

Uh... Sorry. I didn't mean to kill the mood...

> Konishi leaves...

<Female student> O-Okay, back to work!
> You dealt with an awkward day's work on the Student Health Association...

> Saki Konishi's brother is still here...

Oh...
...H-Hi.

> He looks away from you...

...I didn't want to just leave when everyone else was still working.
I just felt like I...
......

> He looks at you...

Oh... Your sleeve's dirty.
...It was because of inventory, huh?
Haha... I'm sorry, I was supposed to help with that...
......
Use this...

Um, you know what, that...
...Never mind.
I'll stay here a little longer, so... Goodbye.

D'awww... Nanako looks so cute in that dress!

<Lazy student> Ah, right...
<Lazy student> It's gonna be all work. I'm not gonna have any fun at all.
<Lazy student> Ah, there has to be some way I can ditch this stupid camp!
<Guy with a backpack> Alright, let's get together and brainstorm ideas on how to get out of this.

> The bang members have been assembled before practice...

<Band captain> Everyone here?
<Band captain> Bad news, guys. I just got word that Takeru's been in an accident.

> The band members are stirring...

<Band captain> Hey, hey! I'm still talking here!
<Band captain> It's nothing serious. From what I've heard, he just fell off his scooter. But...
<Band captain> He hurt his arm.

<Male player> Ouch... Is it broken?

<Band captain> No, but I guess it's sprained. He's gonna need some time to recuperate.
<Band captain> Anyway, we don't know when he'll be able to come back... Which leads us to our next problem: the performance.
<Band captain> Ayane! Looks like you'll be his replacement.

O-Okay!

<Female player> Wait a second, doesn't the song we're doing have a trombone solo?
<Band captain> Yeah, what of it? Maybe you'd like to switch to trombone and do it yourself? She can handle this.

Uh, umm...

<Band captain> Alright, let's work in our sections today.
<Band captain> Ayane, practice by yourself. Try to get caught up to the rest of us, okay?

Al-Alright! I-I-I'll do my best...

> Everyone practiced their parts...


Music: Trombone solo

Dah-dah-dah-dahhhh-dah

Yes!?

Oh, Senpai...! Sorry, you startled me.
Practice is over, huh?

Oh my, rather prestigious musicians over there in the background...

What should I do...? I...
I can't do it. I'll screw it all up...
I-I... I can't do anything right!
All I ever wanted to play was the flute, but my parents said it was too expensive to buy one...
We had a trombone in the closet, so they told me to play that instead.

No matter how much I practice, I don't get any better.
I'm already afraid of sticking out during practice... And now... a solo...

> You tried encouraging her...
> Your expression has significantly increased.

Hm...
> Ayane nods silently...

*sigh* I'm sorry...
I feel a little better now. This is all so much...

Um...
Th-Thank you very much, Senpai.
As long as you're here... I think I'll be able to keep on trying.
> You feel that Ayane is relying on you...

I'm going to stay here a and practice a little longer. But don't worry, I won't get discouraged again!
> You said goodbye to an enthusiastic Ayane and went home.


Music: Bonding with Nanako

...If you want, you can change the channel.
> Nanako looks bored...
> You might as well try a magic trick...

> ...You decide to show her a magic trick.
> You put a rubber band on your index finger and middle finger...
> You also hook it on the ring finger and pinky without Nanako noticing...

What're you doing?

> The rubber band springs off the index and middle finger, instantly moving over to the ring finger and pinky!

> ...Nanako saw part of the trick.

I saw it! It went like, zoom!
Do it again! One more time!
> She seems delighted anyway.

Okay, my turn now!
> Nanako is laughing cheerfully.
> ...The night continues.

 

[Hirato]

I'm sure glad all this April Fool's madness is over.
Now I won't feel compelled to 'shoop part of this image into one of the later scenes and do an SMT:Nocturne cameo!

You can almost hear a sigh of relief from Codexers everywhere!


Music: Relax, I'm a specialist.

Looks like the weekend will be sunny at least.

It's going to be a place of education to wind up the lazy ass minds you get from screwing around all the time.

You know, you all depend on other people too much! That's why you jerk-offs have all this spare time!
"Oh, he'll do it someday," or "She's doing it for me," I bet that's all you think about!

Let's take a closer look at it, shall we? What's the root of the word "pend"?
Hanamura! Stop smiling and answer!

That smile is just too darn creepy...

First of all, how could I be smiling in this class...? And second, this has nothing to do with logic...

"Pend," eh? Words with "pend" in them... Uh...

Ahh, pretty good, Hanamura... Or should I be praising Kirata?
You're right. The root word "pend" means "to hang."

Like Hanamura was too tongue-tied to explain, words like "pendant" and "pendulum" are good examples!
Those girls who got murdered were fooling around and depending on others, and that's what got them killed!
Unless you want to end up the same, make sure you don't depend too much on others!

...That was evil. How could he say that...?

...Thanks, Hirato. He'd probably have stabbed me to death with his words if I hadn't "depended" on you...

If you're not doing anything on the way home today, you wanna go grab some food?
Think about it.

With school over, let's go do some side-quests!

<Missing dog> *whimper*
> It seems the dog became less wary of you.
> The dog ran away...
> You should look for it on another day...


How exactly is this leading to us returning the dog to its owners?
Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion in update 54!

<Avid reader> It looked like a stray. I wonder if it would eat cat food. I want to give it a good meal.
<Avid reader> All the books say that you shouldn't feed feral animals, but...
<Avid reader> Oh, I know!
<Avid reader> Why don't you do it for me?

> Was this the cat you'd been told about...?

> You gave the cat food.
<Cat> *Murfle*
> The cat seems happy...

> You've seen that face before...
> She looks almost exactly like the older sister who was looking for her younger twin.

<Younger twin> Hm, my older sister is looking for me?
<Younger twin> ...Tell her that I'm here on the riverbank.
<Younger twin> ...I won't go anywhere.

<Avid reader> ...I know it's probably a bad idea to feed stray animals, but I'm glad you did it anyway.
<Avid reader> Well, please take this as my thanks for being so compassionate.
> Received The Punk's Way.

<Avid reader> That book was a little too... extreme for my taste.
<Avid reader> But maybe you'll like it.
<Avid reader> ...I'm kind of hoping that you won't follow its advice, though.

<Older twin> So that's where she is! Sheesh. What's she doing at a place like that?
<Older twin> She should have come back here together with you.
<Older twin> Well that's okay. I'll go over and see her! I am the big sister, after all.
<Older twin> Thanks for telling me where she is!
> Received Goho-M x 5



Music: Like a dream come true

> You came here at Kanji's request...

Man, I'm starving for some Chinese!
But if I eat and then go home, I can't finish Mom's food... She serves so much, you'd think I have five brothers.
She's tryin' to make my stomach burst.

Can't you tell?
Hey, you're a cop. What do you mean, what am I doing?

<Police officer> Just what I said. There's been quite a commotion around here lately.

Well maybe if you did your job, things'd get quieter, huh?

<Police officer> Y-You need to fix that attitude...
<Police officer> ...Oh well. Just don't pull anything, got it?

I didn't...

<Police officer> *sigh* I'm gonna eat somewhere else.
> The Police officer leaves...

Asshole...
The cops're always like that. Soon as they spot me it's "Whaddaya doin'?" "You look suspicious," and alla that bullshit...
Meh, I'm used to it...
......

Sorry for gettin' you mixed up in this, Senpai...
I really am just a troublemaker.
For you... and for Mom.

Y-Yeah, huh?
> Kanji is nodding earnestly...

Filial piety, right? I don't really know what to do...
...Or so I thought.

I'm gonna use this power I got to make this town peaceful!
I've been causing nothing but trouble, but now I can finally return the favour!
So let's get to it, Senpai!
> You can feel Kanji's enthusiasm...

...Hey Chief, the food ready yet?

<Aiya owner> Huh? You ordered something, Kan-chan?

I told you not to call me Kan-chan!
And I did order: liver-leek stir fry and pot stickers!
Tch! I'm gonna tear your store apart so fast you won't have time to file for insurance!

Oh, uh, well...

<Aiya owner> ...Sounds good to me.
> You went home after eating at Aiya.


Music: Demons are afoot.

> ......!?
> You thought you heard something down the hall...

> Is she... real...?
> She turn towards you...

My...
......
Oh...
Forgive me...

> It seems the old lady is looking in your direction...

> The old lady left...
> Who was she...?

> Sayoko found you and brought you here...

Well done.
You could just slack off and do a half-assed job, but you really do work your cute little butt of, don't you?

Second option obviously... but let's play along

Hmmmm. You're a starving student?
Then should you really be caught up here with a "naughty" lady like me?

> Sayoko smiles mischievously...

But still, a young child shouldn't be wasting time wiping windows at the hospital...
I'm sure there are girls who would cry if they saw you doing menial chores like this.

Of course! Guys can be "moe" too, right?

Oho... Then you can't let your girlfriend see you like this, hmm?
> Sayoko smiles mischievously...

...High schoolers are so young.
They're only ten years younger, but they seem so far away...
It's like they're glittering. I feel this... What do you call it? Envy?
Maybe that's why...
......

...I just want to see them get screwed over by life.

> ...!?

Oho, that was a joke, of course.
Half of it was, anyway...
> Sayoko walks towards you...

Some of the other options result in a fade-to-black...
Make of that what you will...

Oho... I keep telling you, silly, that that's the kind of reaction I just find... irresistible...!
> Sayoko smirks at you...

I have to go now. I have a lot of work piling up.
But I just can't help myself...
It's because you're just so cute...
> Sayoko smiles in satisfaction...

Sorry to bother you while you're on the job. Keep up the good work, okay?

> You finished your shift at the Hospital.

 

[Clockwork Knight]

Says the kid with white hair to the kid with grey hair.