#also the ryu in ryuji means dragon | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

44gamez · 3 months

Text

Every Yakuza & Like a Dragon Game, Ranked From Street Punk to Dojima Clan Chairman

The Yakuza and Like a Dragon franchise is one bursting with distinctive titles. From inventive off-shoots to climactic conclusions for long-running sagas, the collection has seen extra innovation and creativity than most any of its contemporaries. And but, with so many titles within the collection, there’s undeniably a hierarchy of high quality. So be part of us as we rank each Yakuza and Like a Dragon recreation from high quality to phenomenal.

13. Yakuza Useless Souls

Picture Credit score: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega Yakuza has seen a wealth of spin-offs through the years, and Yakuza: Dead Souls was the primary to make its means west. Useless Souls is a far cry out of your typical Yakuza recreation, because it brings the zombie apocalypse to the bustling streets of Kamurocho. As a substitute of melee fight, there’s now a give attention to utilizing weapons and different weapons to blast zombies away. It’s a neat premise, however the controls in Useless Souls are very finicky. Likewise, it’s clear that the developer was actually making an attempt to get a really feel for the best way to design a shooter, because the taking pictures mechanics lack the polish wanted to make the second to second fight totally partaking. Regardless of these flaws, there’s loads of quirky writing and storytelling to be present in Useless Souls together with numerous comical substories to finish. Plus, it’s the one time within the collection that Ryuji Goda serves as a playable character. Even when it’s removed from the most effective Yakuza title on the market, it’s nonetheless an fascinating “what if” situation and has some enjoyable moments for fan favourite characters. That also places it properly above many different video games on the market; simply not the remainder of the video games within the Yakuza and Like a Dragon collection.

12. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Title

Picture Credit score: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega To be clear, there’s no arguing that Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Title has its flaws. Shorter and fewer substantial in its narrative content material than different titles on this listing, the sport very a lot seems like a DLC growth stretched out right into a full recreation. The plot can meander at factors because it tries to make a contracted story work, and the gameplay can begin to really feel repetitive in case you don’t keep on with the primary story path. And but, for all of those lows, there are some excellent highs. The brand new Agent fashion affords some actually wild and wacky methods to terrorize your enemies in fight, permitting you to toss them round and zoom round fight arenas utilizing spy-esque devices. Alongside the fight is the story’s conclusion. Whereas the broader plot may not be perfect and even comes off as considerably unimportant, the finale incorporates a number of the most gut-wrenching and emotional scenes the collection has ever supplied; particularly in case you’ve stored up with each recreation’s story as much as that time. It will not be excellent, nevertheless it nonetheless upholds most of what makes the broader Yakuza and Like a Dragon collection nice. For that purpose, it nonetheless manages to keep away from hitting the underside of our rating.

11. Yakuza

Picture Credit score: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega The very first Yakuza recreation launched on the PlayStation 2 in 2005, and it established a lot of what the collection remains to be recognized for in the present day. Most all the collection’ core parts are current within the recreation together with its trademark brawling system, warmth actions, and dramatic storytelling that mixes in goofiness. The beginning of Kiryu’s saga can be entrance and middle, and it’s as accessible as potential because of the truth that there aren’t some other video games that gamers have to have performed via earlier than. Being the primary Yakuza title ever although, it positively exhibits its age. The way in which the sport segmented its fight and exploration definitely feels dated compared to the extra free-flowing expertise that later entries within the collection would current. It additionally doesn’t assist that the English model of the sport really localizes the story into English with no subtitled Japanese dub choice. Though the English dub wasn’t dangerous, they stick out like a sore thumb when in comparison with different Yakuza video games and put extra emphasis on the crime points of the story than was current within the Japanese model. All the identical, it’s nonetheless an amazing recreation and plainly exhibits why the collection has gone on so long as it has.

10. Yakuza 3

Picture Credit score: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega Yakuza 3 was the very first recreation designed for the PlayStation 3, and the workforce’s early expertise with the {hardware} positively exhibits. All the pieces feels a bit stiff control-wise in Yakuza 3. Fight doesn’t move in addition to in different titles, and animations are a bit unusual exterior of cutscenes. It’s additionally shorter than most different entries within the collection, making for an expertise that looks like there needs to be extra to it. Nonetheless, it performs simply high quality and options a number of the finest substories within the collection thus far. The third recreation additionally has among the best essential tales of the entire collection, as Kazuma Kiryu tries to depart the Yakuza life behind and give attention to working an orphanage in Hiroshima. The youngsters on the Sunshine Orphanage and the Ryudo Household in Hiroshima make for compelling characters, and actually give an emotional purpose for Kiryu to battle. Although Yakuza 3 may not be excellent, it brings some implausible character growth for Kiryu, Majima, Haruka, and different distinguished characters. And, because of the discharge of the remaster in 2019, it’s by no means been simpler to dive into the most effective model of it.

9. Yakuza 2

Picture Credit score: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega Yakuza 2, very like the primary recreation, feels a bit dated in comparison with the remainder of the collection when it comes to each graphics and gameplay, nevertheless it’s nonetheless simple to see why so many held it up as the most effective within the collection for years. The sport made some significant modifications over its predecessor by including extra aspect content material and making fight smoother and extra partaking, all whereas introducing a wealth of recent story parts. Gamers can spend hours exploring each side of the sport’s setting, and the fight makes each battle really feel impactful and adrenaline-pumping. It additionally takes loads of time to introduce the second greatest crime syndicate in Japan subsequent to the Tojo Clan, the Omi Alliance. The sport’s major antagonist, Ryuji Goda, is completely one of many collection’ finest, and amongst Kiryu’s best rivals. The place Kiryu is the “Dragon of Dojima,” Ryuji is named the “Dragon of Kansai,” and he’s a properly fleshed out and memorable character. Toss in the truth that it has among the best tales in your complete collection, and the sport nonetheless shines even so a few years later. Fortunately for western followers too, Sega determined to depart within the unique Japanese audio, which helped solidify the cultural implications of the sport; and, cement a core facet of the collection western followers nonetheless love in the present day.

8. Yakuza 4

Picture credit score: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega Yakuza 4 is a large change for the collection, because it’s the primary recreation that options playable characters that aren’t Kazuma Kiryu. The sport is cut up into 4 completely different components, every consisting of quite a lot of chapters. Every of the sport’s 4 protagonists are playable so as beginning with Akiyama, then transferring onto Majima’s sworn brother Taiga Saejima, the police officer Masayoshi Tanimura, and eventually culminating with Kazuma Kiryu. Not like Yakuza 3, virtually all the recreation takes place in Kamurocho. This time round, nevertheless, town has been considerably expanded, letting you discover the sewers and underground in addition to the rooftops. Main enhancements had been made to fight too, with every character having their very own distinct fashion and Warmth Actions. There’s additionally a wealth of recent minigames to undertake, and tons of aspect content material to dig into for every character. Most of mentioned aspect content material feels distinctive to them too, serving to to determine every protagonist’s misadventures as their very own. Seeing how every of the 4 character’s tales intersect within the recreation is its essential draw, and the finale with all 4 is extremely enjoyable. The sport totally proved that having different characters take the highlight in addition to Kiryu may actually repay, and supplied a framework for future titles to construct off of with the idea.

7. Yakuza Kiwami

Picture Credit score: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega Kiwami was a sort of high quality remake that we hadn’t seen a lot of upon its launch, utterly redefining the unique expertise with all the things the collection has realized since its begin on PS2. A full-blown remake of the very first title, the sport is constructed on the identical engine that Yakuza 0 runs on. Sega stored the unique story utterly intact too, with cutscenes even sporting the very same digicam angles inside the new engine. The unique voice forged additionally re-recorded their strains, and new scenes are featured to additional flesh out the story of Nishikiyama, Kiryu’s sworn brother and the villain of the sport. The sport even makes use of the combating types of Yakuza 0, however with much more changes and enhancements. You possibly can swap freely between the Brawler, Rush, and Beast combating types in fight, and the Dragon combating fashion will be unlocked by finishing particular aspect missions. There’s additionally a model new system often called “Majima In every single place” that has everybody’s favourite one-eyed villain stalking Kiryu all through town of Kamurocho. He may pop up as a police officer and cease you randomly; leap out of the sewer from underneath a manhole; and even costume up as a hostess to actually give Kiryu a shock. Yakuza Kiwami is a main instance of the best way to meaningfully remake a recreation, and it’s the right expertise to leap into proper after Yakuza 0. It builds upon the primary recreation, and makes it that a lot simpler to see how the collection began off so a few years in the past.

6. Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Picture Credit score: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega Although the unique Ishin title by no means bought an official launch within the west, the remake Like a Dragon: Ishin! greater than makes up for it. That includes a pseudo-historical fiction reimagining of the primary recreation’s premise set inside the Edo interval, this title locations everybody’s favourite Yakuza and Like a Dragon characters inside a samurai drama stuffed with blood, blades, and manly spirit. Read the full article

#Chairman #Clan #Dojima #Dragon #Game #Punk #Ranked #Street #Yakuza

0 notes

pinkgibbon · 2 years

Photo

nyah

#itching to post but dont have anything new to post. this is from a while back #sorry for ppl who followed me for yakuza art ill get back into it soon its just been a busy semester #and i dont have time to play video games meaning ive completely lost interest in it for the time being #i just straight up. neglect and abandon things i really liked once. larping as my father if you will.#ryuji goda #yakuza #yakuza 2 #umhhh #Ryu ga Gotoku #rgg #art #fanart #god i drew this motherfcker a lot. literally what was the reason #i like this dragon one but i also drew him as a lion furry once hghgjgdk maybe ill post that one sometime as well #does anyone read these tags even. i dont even know if im writing this for others to see or just to indulge myself

19 notes · View notes

cryingcow · 3 years

Text

Yellow Dragon Wandering Chronicles [RGGO] --- Ch. 1

[1-1] | [1-2] | [1-3] | [1-4] | [1-5] | [1-6] | [1-7]

Hello! I was planning to kick this off like a week ago but IRL stuff kicked me instead D: Anyway for tonight and for the next who-knows-how-many weeks, I’ll be posting about one of the main stories in RGG Online / RyuOnline, “Yellow Dragon Wandering Chronicles”, aka “Goda Ryuji’s Travel Log”, aka “The Yakuza 0.5 K-Drama you never knew you wanted: The Tale of the Two Most Conspicuous Koreans in Japan”! This story has a total of 6 chapters split into 39 parts (40 if you count the Side Story linked above), and seeks to answer the question, “What does it mean to live?” I’ll be posting the chapters in whole weekly / biweekly / if IRL permits on Saturday nights like this, to avoid cliffhangers. I’ve got ~75% per chapter finished, so hopefully I finish these before December lol

Spoilers: While you can read this after playing Y2/YK2, it is preferable that you have finished (or at least have knowledge of) the mainline Yakuza Kiryu games Y0 to Y6 to fully appreciate it. Since this is about Ryuji going on a roadtrip around Japan, this will also serve as a roadtrip down memory lane, especially since he visits familiar places and conflicts in Y5 and Y6 :D (some Y7 stuff is also mentioned but it’s minimal and probably not spoiler-y, tho I wouldn’t know since I haven’t played Y7). I’ll be putting notes at the end of the parts, in line with this :D

[Chapter 1: Yakuza Expulsion]

CHAPTER 1-1

|In this country, there are two yakuza organizations competing for supremacy in the underworld. One is the Tojo Clan, the largest organization in eastern Japan. The other is the Omi Alliance, the largest yakuza organization in western Japan. The Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance . . . with equilibrium between these two major organizations, order in the underworld is maintained.|

|And then, 1999. Omi Alliance direct family, the Go-Ryu Clan. Chairman Goda Jin is on the verge of being named the Fifth Chairman of the Omi Alliance. Together with that, it is rumored that Jin would nominate the next Chairman of the Go-Ryu Clan. Meanwhile, there is a man considered the most promising candidate for the next Go-Ryu Clan Chairman. The man’s name is—|

Yakuza: “Goda Ryuji!! Today will be the anniversary of your death!!”

Ryuji: “Then bring it on quickly. Heh . . . hurry up or my death anniversary will be over!”

[ 4th generation of the Omi Alliance, direct subsidiary family Go-Ryu Clan Acting Captain: Goda Ryuji ]

Yakuza: “Riding on your parent’s influence has made you conceited . . . ! Die!!”

{Ryuji kicks the guy’s butt.}

Yakuza: “Hi-Hiiiii . . . St-Stop! No more—”

Ryuji: “Oraaa!!”

Yakuza: “Puhaagh!!”

{The yakuza collapses from Ryuji’s final punch.}

Ryuji: “Hmph . . . boring.”

Ryuji’s Entourage A: “Incredible, Aniki! Strong as an oni, as always!”

Ryuji’s Entourage B: “Hehe, look at this idiot. His eyes have turned white.”

Ryuji’s Entourage A: “He’s a hundred years too early to be picking a fight with Aniki. This total idiot!”

Ryuji’s Entourage B: “That’s right. This person is the son of the next Omi Chairman!”

Ryuji: “Hold it.”

Ryuji’s Entourage B: “Eh . . . ?”

Ryuji: “You sayin' all I am is the next Chairman’s son?”

Ryuji’s Entourage B: “Eh? No . . . y-you’re amazing . . .”

Ryuji: “I benefit from my parent’s influence, you say?!?!”

Ryuji’s Entourage B: “Ugiyaaah!!”

{Ryuji’s entourage collapses from Ryuji’s punch.}

Ryuji’s Entourage A: “Hi-Hiiiii . . .”

Ryuji: “. . . . . . tch.”

{Footsteps are heard as someone approaches.}

Man in Black: “It’s good to see you, young master.”

Ryuji: “. . . What is it.”

Man in Black: “Oyaji is calling for you.”

Ryuji: “Aah . . . ? What for?”

Man in Black: “He wants to tell you in person. Oyaji is waiting at Headquarters. Heh. It must be good. Probably about being the next Chairman of the Go-Ryu Clan. As long as Oyaji is the Chairman of the head family, he cannot serve as the Go-Ryu Clan Chairman at the same time. Is it possible he’s taking the opportunity to remove the ‘acting’ from the young master’s title of Acting Captain? To be the Captain for a while, and eventually become Chairman . . . I’m sure that’s Oyaji’s idea.”

Ryuji: “. . . Hmph. Took him long enough.”

Man in Black: “A car is available. Right this way . . .”

----

Ryuji: “Calling me all the way to Headquarters is as expected of ya, Fifth Chairman.”

Jin: “. . . You came?”

[ 4th generation of the Omi Alliance, direct subsidiary family Go-Ryu Clan Chairman: Goda Jin ]

Ryuji: “You met with me, it seems like you’re finally willing to give it up?”

Jin: “. . .”

Ryuji: “Hmph. Yakuza have old-fashioned ideas. Saying I’m too young—until recently I’ve been content with the half-hearted position of Acting Captain. If it’s true, I’ll immediately take charge of the family even if I have to put up with being Captain for a while.”

Jin: “. . . Too young.”

Ryuji: “Ah . . . ?”

Jin: “That’s why you’re too young. Ryuji.”

Ryuji: “Did you call me here for a sermon?”

Jin: “. . . I have something to tell you.”

Ryuji: “. . . Haw. Then say it.”

Jin: “Ryuji. I have a directive. Today, in this place you—are excommunicated.”

-END-

Next >>>>>>>>>

[1-1] | [1-2] | [1-3] | [1-4] | [1-5] | [1-6] | [1-7]

Masterlist

#''4th generation'' means under the current Omi Alliance management since Jin hasnt stepped up to be 5th Omi Chairman yet #Also I kept ''Oyaji'' untranslated on purpose to show that Ryuji doesnt really address his father differently from regular yakuza #as opposed to Kiryu calling the orphan-maker ''Oyassan''#rgg online #rggo lore #rggo #rgg #Ryu ga Gotoku #yakuza #ryuji goda #goda ryuji #goda jin #jin goda

129 notes · View notes

draayder · 3 years

Text

okay I’m going to break this up into a few posts or else tumblr will kill me but here is a big ass list of all the family crests of the Omi and my various insights on them

I am being kind and putting it under a cut, minor spoilers for all games

OKAY we’re going to start off with the Omi because they actually have a thematic through line!

Omi Alliance

we know these guys. it’s a pretty clean pin design honestly, I like it. my only problem is that at a distance I keep mixing it up with Tojo

Takashima Clan

hey remember that guy from Y2? yeah his pin sucks. actually it’s fitting because Takashima is such a nothing guy.

Sengoku Family

a much more memorable guy from Y2 with a much better pin. unfortunately the patriarch sucks but what can you do, I do like the incorporation of his fan

Go-Ryu Clan

eyyyy it’s Ryuji’s family! it’s got sick flames, so it’s cool. It’s a solid design keeping with the omi look

Kijin Clan

A shockingly understated pin for a guy like Nishitani. I wonder if he was the original patriarch or not, actually, or if this pin just got Chairman Assigned to him because he kept trying to put dicks on them

Watase Family

So here we have a departure from the standard omi formula but the lines are still kind of there in a stylized form. I dig it! It’s kind of funny that a really traditional guy like Watase has a less traditional pin, but it kind of works with some of his later actions

Osaka Enterprises

Katsuya’s pin! He threw the whole omi thing out the window and just did his own thing. Actually makes sense given that he’s doing the “no we are a totally legit business and not a yakuza front don’t worry guys”

Kuroha Family

Now here’s an obscure one! This is the family Kurosawa was in way back when before his rise to power

Ishioda Family

Updated with new rip! this is a nice pin! it kind threw out the omi stuff but hey the omi is a whole new animal at this point. I dig it

Ryudo Family

not to be confused with the ryudo family from Y3, because they felt like doubling up on that! some fun name stuff here: this uses ryu from dragon and then do from 天童 (Tendo), making it the 龍童 (dragon child) clan (as opposed to Tendo which is heavenly child also used to mean cherub). Almost every family uses the first kanji in their patriarch’s name but this one uses the second. I do like the design a lot, it reminds me of the Kiryu Clan design, and that finishes up the Omi

Overall some of the most boring pins and also some real gems. Next up will be Tojo

#yakuza #yakuza crests #ryu ga gotoku #I have Brain Problems that makes me extremely interested in this bullshit #if I missed any of them yell at me #I am so so thankful we never see a Sagawa family pin I was spared from that

48 notes · View notes

pulaasul · 4 years

Text

Rairyu - SAO 3

[lit. Thunder Dragon] Ryuji and Futaba promised to meet in Sword Art Online with Ryuji going in first to scout for suitable grinding areas. However, before Futaba could get into the game, Sojiro stopped her and revealed to her the status of Sword Art Online as a Death Game. [Prologue is an entry for #kissryujiday]

C1 I C2 I C3 I C4 I C5

AO3 I FFN

----------

Ryuji has just arrived at Medai village after partying up with some of the players. He could admit that they were fun to be around.

He had just checked in to the inn when he heard a voice. “Sakamoto!”

Ryuji was immediately on alert when he heard his last name being called. As far as he knew, he didn’t tell anyone his real name and somehow someone was using that to call him.

“Sakamoto, Can you hear me?” The voice asked.

“Who’re you?!” Ryuji asked. “How’d you know my name?!”

“Ryuji relax.” Ryuji heard his best friend’s name.

“R-ren? You logged into the game too?” Ryuji immediately asked. “Where are you now?”

“Relax Ryuji.” Ren repeated. “I’m outside the game.” He answered the question. “We’re using someone’s Persona to communicate with you.”

“Someone can use their Persona in the real world?!” Ryuji uttered out in bewilderment. “That’s… No, I need to ask you one thing.”

“If it’s about me, I’m with Ren.” Futaba immediately replied.

“That’s a relief.” Ryuji slumped on a chair. “How about Mom? Is she okay? Should I…”

“Don’t you dare Ryuji Sakamoto!” Anne immediately cut off Ryuji’s question. “She’s listening to your words now.”

“C-crap!”

“Ryu-kun.” Ryuji heard his mother’s voice. “Would you really leave me?”

“N-no! Ma!” Ryuji sputtered. “I-it’s not wha-what you think.” He tried to reason out. “I-it’s just that I don’t want to be a burden to you anymore than I already am.”

“Ryu-kun, you’re all I have left.” Ryuji’s mother sobbed. “You’re not a burden to me, you never were.”

“I-I… I know that.” Ryuji sighed. “I know that but it doesn’t help that I’ve been giving you problems ever since Pa left us.”

“Ryu-kun, how many times do I have to tell you?” Ryuji’s mother chided gently. “What happened to us, you weren’t at fault at all.” She stated firmly. “Your deadbeat of a father decided to beat you, to beat us. Kamoshida was at fault for leaking personal information and provoking you that resulted in your broken your leg, and now Kayaba is the one at fault for trapping you and 10,000 others in that game.”

“I know but…”

“But nothing.” Ryuji’s mother sniffled.

“You’re already working for three or four jobs already.” Ryuji pointed out. “Hospital bills are crazy expensive.”

“If I may Sakamoto.” The voice from earlier intervened. “I promised your mother that she won’t be paying a single yen for your hospitalization.”

“What’s the catch?” Ryuji immediately questioned.

“It’s admirable that you immediately asked for the ‘catch’ if you will.” The unfamiliar female voice praised. “Being a phantom thief does wonders If I do say so myself.” The mirth in her voice could be heard. “To answer your question, I would like to have your mother work for the hospital you’ll be transferred to.”

“Umm guys, anything I’m missing here?”

“She’s Mitsuru Kirijo, the Kirijo Group’s CEO.” Haru answered. “We are using her Persona abilities to talk to you. Her ability also include scanning us and having Personas somehow revealed our status as Phantom Thieves.”

“Is everyone there?” Ryuji asked.

“Hello Ryuji.” Yusuke greeted. “Yes everyone’s here, including your mother.”

“To answer your question, Kirijo-san has asked your mother to transfer you to a different hospital.” Makoto shared. “On the grounds that you are a Persona-user.”

“The hell?!”

“She also revealed the risk of your unconsciousness being subjected to different experiments if they didn't intervene immediately.”

“Ma, you know I’d understand if…”

“Don’t you dare finish that thought Ryuji Sakamoto!”

Ryuji flinched at the use of his complete name. He was not ignorant of the fact that his mother loved him dearly. The sacrifices she took to raise him as a single mother, the dedication, the work…

He’s not blind.

“I know ma.” Ryuji sighed. “Just…” He gulped. “Think of yourself first before you think of me, alright?”

“We’ll take care of your mother Ryuji.” Ren promised. “You can count on that.”

“I’ll hold you to that man.” Ryuji smiled. “Convince her to…”

“We’re not going to do that.” Ren dismissed the thought. “Futaba was already distraught when you were trapped in the game alone.”

“Crap.”

“Crap’s a good word for it.” Morgana’s voice was heard.

“Even the cat’s there too?” Ryuji exclaimed. “How?”

“I have my ways.” Ren teased. “In any case Ryuji, we’ll wait how long it takes for you to escape that game.”

“I’m sorry but I have to cut this conversation short. It’s getting late, but let me leave a few words of advice, Sakamoto.” Mitsuru began. “Asking that of your friends and mother won’t bring relief to them. That only brings feelings of inadequacy and sadness to them.”

Ryuji noticed that the Kirijo’s voice held so much more than just the words of an adult telling a child off. He can feel that these words dug up something in her, experience perhaps.

“Ponder on those thoughts Sakamoto.”

Just like that, the link was cut off.

Ryuji sat on the bed for a while before lying on the bed.

He was thinking of the conversation that just happened. He was genuinely relieved that Futaba wasn’t able to log into the game. The one thing that bothered him was how his mother reacted to his thoughts.

Sure, he was the only thing left for her.

But…

But he can’t help but feel that he was burdening her with his situation.

Then there was Kirijo-san’s words.

He can’t help but feel that there was something more to the words she spoke.

“Hello! Anyone home” Someone knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Ryuji prompted. “It’s open.”

A man wearing a cloth headband by his forehead peeked his head through the door.

“Klein!” Ryuji stood as he greeted the man with red hair. “There any changes?”

“Rairyu so-“ The man identified as Klein opened the door and immediately cut himself as soon as he saw tears falling from Ryuji’s eyes. “Hey what’s wrong?”

“Wha- huh?” Ryuji questioned. “W-Why am I crying?” He tried to wipe the tears off of his face.

“H-hey, it’s okay.” Klein immediately got Ryuji in a one-arm hug. “Whatever it is man, it’s going to be okay.”

“N-no, you don’t understand.” Ryuji tried to defend himself, still trying to wipe the tears from his face. “I didn’t mean to cry.”

“You can’t really mask your emotions here Rairyu.” Klein informed. “Found that out when the party was reminiscing on some old memories.” He chuckled as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.”

“For real?!” Ryuji looked at Klein in disbelief. “How convenient.” He remarked sarcastically.

“I don’t think so.” Klein shrugged. “Way I see it, it lets all to be honest with ourselves.” He admitted.

Ryuji continued to wipe the tears from his face as Klein watched it happen.

“Can I ask?”

“I just miss Ma and my friends, is all.” Ryuji sighed as he gave up trying to stop the tears. “I can’t help but feel that this whole situation is going to be a burden to her.” He admitted. “It really makes me wonder why she hadn’t pulled the plug and let my useless ass get fried by the NerveGear.”

“Didn’t know you carried something deep.” Klein’s eyes narrowed in concern. “I know about your reputation about talking to the people who despaired.” He squeezed Ryuji’s shoulder. “Didn’t know you also carried the same baggage around.”

“I see now.” Klein nodded knowingly.

“What do you see?”

“You’re the type of character who’s so loyal to their friends and family and forget about yourself.” Klein answered knowingly. “You’re the type of guy who’d do anything for his friends.”

“Wha- Huh? Where’d you get that?” Ryuji inquired.

“Considering your reputation and your tendency to help children, I’d say my impression of you is on point.”

“There’s nothing special in what I do.” Ryuji denied the praise. “I’m still someone dumb that’s managed to become a burden to his mother once more.”

“That’s where you’re wrong kid.” Klein ruffled Ryuji’s hair. “You inspire people, your words give them hope.”

“Am not a kid.” Ryuji grumbled.

“Really?” Klein chuckled. “I’m sorry if this seems rude, but how old are you?”

“Eighteen.”

“Still younger than me.” Klein chuckled. “Despite what you may think about yourself, you’re far from useless kid.” He grinned at the young boy. “You’ve helped a lot of children by putting them under the care of a makeshift orphanage and helped a lot of people from taking that drastic action.”

“For real?”

“For real!” Klein affirmed. “That’s not useless kid, that’s heroic.”

“I guess, it’s pretty heroic to stop people from doing that one thing.” Ryuji sheepishly smiled as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Now don’t get your head big with that praise.” Klein teased.

“Thanks Klein.” Ryuji thanked the older man. “I guess I needed to hear that.”

“We all have our ups and downs kid.” Klein assured. “I have my days as well.”

“Did you need something else?” Ryuji asked.

“Right.” Klein nodded. “We’re bailing out on tomorrow’s side quest with you.” He admitted. “One of my party members suddenly got his weapon destroyed and we’re trying to find him a new one.” He added.

“No worries.” Ryuji assured. “You were the one who offered me a spot in your guild in the first place.” He smiled.” I can wait.”

“We’re still not a guild you know.” Klein corrected.

“I know that.” Ryuji nodded. “But I’ve seen people name their parties.” He pointed out. “I think that’s a sign as any that they’re going to form a guild once they reach the third floor.”

“Good point.” Klein nodded. “In any case, are you sure?”

“Yeah man.” Ryuji grinned. “There’s been a side quest that I’ve been meaning to get to for the children back at the Orphanage.”

“The one that gives cream as a reward?” Klein questioned.

“Nah, some of the older kids got that covered.” Ryuji shook his head. “I’m referring to the one with the Mosquito-Pig Boss.” He shared. “The reward was a few pieces of Ragout Rabbit meat.”

“Ugh.” Klein cringed. “That side quest was such a….” He trailed off as he shivered at the memory. “The money we got from selling all of them was worth it tho.” He sighed.

“Really?” Ryuji inquired. “Any tips for me?”

“It starts as a simple escort mission.” Klein shared. “Be prepared for any jump scares.” He shivered at the memory. “That boss almost gave me a heart attack.”

“Huh, when do you think we’ll party again?”

“Depends.” Klein stated as he walked to the room’s door. “We need to make sure that the weapon we buy is sturdy enough to last.”

“You know where to reach me.” Ryuji grinned.

----------

Once Ryuji woke up, he immediately went south of Medai and talk to the quest giver at the edge of town. That was where the infamous Ragout Rabbit meat quest was found.

Ryuji looked around the town’s south gate, and there he found the fearful young man that was the quest giver.

He approached the young man.

“Hello young traveler, can you offer your assistance?” The young man started his spiel. “Father and Mother asked me to fetch some water by the river a few miles from here, however that place is crawling with monsters.”

As the man continued his spiel, Ryuji noticed that the young man was wearing a white long sleeved shirt under an open brown vest, brown pants and boots. The man was your typical poor man in those retro movies Morgana insisted they watched.

“With my mother and father both bedridden, it is up to me to fetch them and our land lord some water.”

A window popped up in front of Ryuji detailing about the quest he had intended to accept.

He was about to accept the quest when someone called out for him to stop.

“Stop!”

Ryuji looked in the direction of the voice, and there was a man with blue hair and wearing in what looks like a knight armor.

“You shouldn’t accept that quest.”

Ryuji raised an eyebrow at the statement.

“Not unless you have a party with you.” The man in armor finished as he made a gesture with his hand.

“Huh?” Ryuji tilted his head.

“It’s because when the rescue mission comes into play one of the party members gets kidnapped as well.” Another man, in the same armor albeit different in color, answered. “Frankly, some people almost died because they didn’t have a party with them.”

Ryuji nodded at the points, but he was still suspicious.

“Why stop me?” Ryuji asked. “I see you already have a party.”

“Why, because you’re Rairyu!” The man who called to him replied. “Frankly morale would go low if you’re killed in the game.”

“Do I really have that much of an impact on the whole game?” Ryuji questioned.

“You have no idea.” The man chuckled. “Some people have been emulating your example in trying to stop people from jumping off of the ledge.”

“They’re just trying to do right thing.” Ryuji denied the praise. “Like what I did.”

“In any case, why don’t you party with us?” The other man asked. “And we could do the quest together.”

“I guess.” Ryuji shrugged. “Just whoever gets whatever owns that alright?”

“Fine by me.”

A second window appeared before Ryuji then pressed the blue circle.

“Diavel, Darien, Shark, Katon?” Ryuji read the names that appeared.

“That’s us.” A man replied as he approached the group. “Shark.” He introduced himself.

“Diavel.” The man with blue hair spoke.

“Darien.” The other man who just arrived and slung his arm over Diavel’s shoulders.

“Katon.” A woman stated after jumping into Ryuji’s view.

“Rairyu.” Ryuji introduced himself. “I guess you already knew that.”

“The Vulgar Blonde Talker.” Katon grinned. “Got to say you’ve quite the name.”

“C’mon you have to agree that nickname sucked.” Ryuji pouted at the mention of his nickname.

Diavel’s party chuckled at Ryuji’s pout. They have an inkling towards the boy’s age and seeing his reaction just proved it.

“No worries.” Shark grinned. “It’s not like we’ll be using them.”

“Still, I would’ve loved something cooler.” Ryuji continued to pout.

“With you in our party, you can accept the side quest.” Diavel spoke.

Ryuji nodded as he pressed the blue circle on the remaining window.

---------

Ryuji’s party, alongside the quest giver, were walking towards the forest that housed a riverbank. The party chatted idly with each other in the party.

“We’re actually trying to find the floor dungeon leading to the floor boss room.” Diavel shared. “Some things changed in the first floor since the beta test.” He sighed. “I just hope our knowledge would be enough to escape the game.”

“You’re a beta tester?” Ryuji questioned. “That’s right, someone’s spreading some rumors back in the town of beginnings about how you guys abandoned newbies like us.” He shared.

“We beta-testers just ignore them.” Diavel shrugged. “We have compiled what we all found during the beta test up until the eleventh floor.” He stated as he retrieved a small book from his pants’ back pocket. “But as I stated earlier, things changed since the beta test.”

“For real?” Ryuji looked at the book with wide eyes. “This was legit?”

“You mean to say you didn’t buy one yourself Rairyu?” Diavel tilted his head in confusion.

“Figured it was some nobody who wanted to make a quick buck.” Ryuji admitted. “Even cautioned Sasha and the kids at the orphanage about it.”

Ryuji’s eyes widened in realization at what he just did.

“Crap!” Ryuji exclaimed. “We need to finish this quest quick I need to inform them about this.”

----------

“We’re nearing the forest.” The quest giver stated. “The open field to the forest doesn’t have any monsters in the area.” He informed the party. “Because nearby lords hire warriors and travelers such as yourselves to clean the open field leading to the forest every other day.”

“That’s why there were no monsters and warriors in the area.” Ryuji observed.

“However, the forest has lots of monsters.” The man shivered. “Most prominent are the Ramoos.” He shared.

“Ramoos?”

“They look like Frenzy Boars.” Katon supplied. “Only difference to the Frenzy Boars is that they’re brown and have larger tusks.” She added. “They’re also higher level than the Frenzy Boars.”

Before any of the other party members could interject the quest giver, the quest giver screamed in fear and ran towards the forest’s entrance.

“Look alive everyone!” Diavel announced. “Enemy encounter.”

Ryuji retrieved his Mace from his back and donned his usual fighting stance.

As soon as one of the Ramoos charged, Ryuji made his move as well. He intercepted the attack by swinging his mace before delivering a kick towards its face and bashed it once more with his weapon.

Ryuji jumped back and put his weapon over his shoulder as it glowed a yellow-ish glow before swinging it into flight, in a spinning manner, which hit a lot of the monsters in the area, including the one he was fighting.

Ryuji raised his hand and caught the flying weapon and proceeded to continue bashing his enemies with it.

Soon after, the party defeated the enemies they encountered.

“Nice throw Rairyu!” Shark complimented.

“How many times did you practice throwing your mace just to catch it by one hand?” Katon asked curiously. “Seriously, while the hammer, axe or mace does return to the owner, no one has been able to catch their weapon when it returns.”

“I never really practiced.” Ryuji admitted. “I’ve been grinding levels since the announcement.”

“On top of helping people and taking care of kids younger than you.” Darien commented.

“I didn’t care about the kids at first,” Ryuji admitted. “But some kids kinda bit off more than they could chew and I had to intervene.”

“Welp we’ve got Rairyu the heru with us!” Shark exclaimed.

“That doesn’t really work Shark.” Diavel shook his head. “Besides it’s He-ro, ro.” He corrected. “Not ru.”

“Awww.” Shark pouted. “You guys have shit taste in jokes.”

“Puns aren’t peak comedy material.” Diavel chuckled.

“Wouldn’t He-ryu have worked?” Ryuji tilted his head in confusion.

“Even Rairyu agrees.” Katon guffawed.

After a few moments of waiting, the party noticed that the quest giver didn’t come out of his hiding spot, merely observing what was happening on the now empty battlefield.

“Don’t worry.” Ryuji announced. “There are no more monsters around in the area.”

The young man hesitantly approached the group then suddenly ran towards Ryuji and hugged him.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! So much!” The quest giver gave Ryuji a smooch on the cheeks in between his expression of gratitude. “I didn’t know what I would’ve done without you travelers around.” He released the mace wielder from the hug. “I am so thankful that I hired you despite the landlord’s insistence not to.”

Ryuji stood stunned at the turn of events.

Sure he listened to the quest giver’s scripted spiel, but the sudden hug and kisses to his cheeks left him unable to process what just happened.

“Don’t overthink it.” Katon whispered. “Apparently this quest’s quest giver’s script is like that after witnessing its escorts defeat the first batch of Ramoos.”

“That was quite unexpected.” Ryuji admitted. “I’d imagine the female players would yell at his actions.”

“The quest giver usually gives out the hugs and kisses treatment to the person who accepted the quest.” Katon responded. “Coincidentally, only male players have been reported to accept the quest.” She added.

“Don’t tell me, none of the male players punched the guy?”

“They were like you, too stunned at what happened.” Darien chuckled. “Even if they did try, their party did stop them.”

“One of the many reasons why a party is needed for this quest.” Diavel shrugged.

----------

The party, alongside the quest giver, continued their trek in the forest towards the river. They encountered a lot more of the Ramoos along the way, and made quick work with them.

“I can see the river!” The quest giver announced as he dashed towards the place.

“H-hey wait!” Ryuji called out.

“Don’t sweat it.” Diavel assured. “The guy always dashes to the river once it’s within his sight.”

“You’ve done this quest before?” Ryuji asked his companions.”

“Around five or so times.” Shark shrugged. “It’s one of the best ways to earn money.” He added. “Once you sell most of the rewards you get for this quest.”

“Ramoos meat would sell for 10 cor.” Katon supplied. “Considering the amount of Ramoos meat we’re getting in this quest, you could basically earn more or less 1,000 cor just by selling it.”

“Granted if we kill all the Ramoos we encounter in this quest.” Diavel added.

“For real?!” Ryuji exclaimed. “I had thought the money came from selling the loot we get from defeating the boss.”

Before anyone could even reply, they heard the quest giver shout in fear.

Ryuji and the rest of the party charged right ahead and there they saw the quest giver surrounded by fifteen Ramoos.

“Part of the quest?” Ryuji questioned.

“Pretty much.” Darien shrugged.

Like before, Ryuji was the first one to attack. He threw his mace at the Ramoos.

All fifteen Ramoos were hit and immediately charged at Ryuji to retaliate. They were intercepted by Diavel’s and Darien’s shields, while Katon threw picks at a few of them.

Shark on the other hand brandished his Cutlass and hit three of the monsters, earning their attention.

Diavel’s and Darien’s shields glowed blue before they slightly moved backwards and gave a mighty push, blowing the other twelve monsters away from the party, effectively dividing the enemies.

“We’ll take three each.” Diavel announced.

“Roger that!” Ryuji voiced as he charged at the three Ramoos that caught his eye.

As the party dealt with their own Ramoos problems, Ryuji was on his own dealing with his own share of monsters.

The Ramoos on the right blew out smoke from its snout before it charged at Ryuji.

The mace wielder used his weapon to catch the monster before throwing it off of himself. He immediately followed up by bashing his mace unto the monster who laid on top of the other then swung it to his left to hit the monster that came charging at him from there.

As the monsters struggled to get back up, Ryuji didn’t relent his attacks. He swung and bashed on the monsters before he pulled his mace and glowed yellow then swung it upwards then downwards, destroying the monsters.

Ryuji’s was about to rush to his party members aid but each of them were delivering their final blows to the last of their enemies.

Diavel with his sword.

Shark with his cutlass.

Katon with her dagger.

Darien with his Hammer.

“Thank you so much!” The quest giver expressed his gratitude.

However, this time, he immediately worked on filling the buckets he had with him with water from the river.

“At least he has his priorities straight.” Ryuji commented.

“That he does.” The other party members chuckled.

---------

Ryuji couldn’t believe his eyes when he witnessed the quest giver carry four buckets with water all by himself.

Sure he was wobbling as he walked but the fact of the matter was that he was carrying them all by himself.

“H-hey, would you like some help?” Ryuji asked the quest giver.

“Oh thank you!” The quest giver thanked Ryuji and gave him two buckets of water to carry. “You’re such sweetheart.” He praised before leading the group outside of the forest.

“You really can’t help yourself, can you Rairyu?” Diavel chuckled. “Helping others is in your nature.” He observed.

“Shaddap!” Ryuji pouted. “It’s the right thing to do.” He reasoned as he blushed

“That it is.” Katon grinned. “Look at him blush.” He chuckled as the rest of the party gave out a hearty laugh at his reactions.

----------

As the party and the quest giver exited the forest they talked idly as they continued their journey back to the town of Medai.

Suddenly, something descended from the sky and targeted the people who were carrying two buckets of water – Ryuji and the quest giver.

As that something descended rapidly, Darien immediately pushed Ryuji out of the way, getting himself and the quest giver captured by that Unidentified Flying Monster.

“Get back here!” Ryuji yelled

The mace wielder grabbed hold of his weapon, activated its skill, and threw it towards the flying monster.

But it fell towards the ground, failing to reach the intended target.

“Come back!” Ryuji growled as he dashed towards his weapon.

“Rairyu!” Diavel called out. “Pull yourself together!”

“Dude! That monster just took Darien with it!” Ryuji exclaimed. “We need to get him back!”

“Calm down.” Katon reiterated Diavel’s order. “Just calm down.”

“It’s part of the quest.” Shark informed. “Remember?”

Katon, Diavel and Shark looked at each other, wondering the extremeness of Ryuji’s reactions.

“P-part of the quest.” Ryuji repeated Shark’s words. “Part of the quest.” He stared once again as he calmed himself down.” Right, part of the quest.”

Ryuji shook his head as he repeated Shark’s words over and over again as he calmed down from his outburst. Somehow, he forgot about everything and his mind went back to when everything was about the Phantom Thieves: Their capture in Kamoshida’s palace, Makoto recklessly turned herself into bait to infiltrate Kaneshiro’s palace, Ren’s capture under Shido’s orders, everything.

His mind even wandered on Zenkichi’s arrest a few months back.

“S-sorry.” Ryuji apologized.” The monster was gunning for me and Darrien took my place.” He bowed before the other three in remorse.

“It’s okay.” Diavel nodded. “It’s one of the reason why we stopped you earlier.” He explained. “This quest really needs a party.”

“It should’ve been me.” Ryuji muttered to himself.

“No, Rairyu.” Katon interjected. “The four of us had done this quest a few times.” She shared. “The four of us have already experienced what it’s like to be captured by the monster.” She admitted. “Like we said, this quest really needed party members to bail both the captured quest giver and party member.”

“If you had gone solo, like others before you, you’d have a hard time defeating the boss.” Diavel added in. “Others before you escaped with more or less 10 hp left, failing the quest, while some were not so fortunate.” He continued somberly.

Ryuji wanted to interject when a rich-looking woman came running towards them.

“Please save my son!” The woman knelt before them. “He was just fetching some water for the family.” She explained.

“Where was your son taken Ma’am?” Diavel inquired.

“I just saw my son on the talons of the Swinebell.” The mother answered. “He’s probably taken to its nest.”

“Swinebell?” Ryuji inquired.

“A high level boss monster found in the first floor.” Shark whispered. “Some have taken to calling it The Mosquito-Pig monster.” He explained. “The boss for this quest.”

“Wait really?” Ryuji managed to blurt out. “We need to get there now!” He exclaimed as he made a mad dash towards a random direction.

“Do you even know where the nest is?” Katon asked.

Ryuji stopped dead on his tracks as he realized that he doesn’t have an answer to the question.

“You’re the reckless type, aren’t you?” Shark shook his head.

“Where do you reckon its nest is located ma’am?” Diavel asked the quest giver’s mother.

“Up on that hill.” The woman pointed at a nearby hill. “Please you just have to save my son!”

As soon as the woman’s spiel was done, a window appeared before Ryuji notifying him that the quest has been updated.

With the update, Ryuji knew of the location of the Swinebell’s nest by way of the mark on his over world map.

“It’s the same location as the first time we did the quest.” Katon pointed out. “This should be a piece of cake.”

“Don’t be so sure.” Shark immediately cut off Katon’s train of thought. “The quest update, also updated our maps and marked out-of-bounds places.” He continued. “Not to mention there seems to be a landslide that occurred on our usual hillside route.” He added.

“Crud.”

“Looks like we’ll be going a new way then.” Diavel shrugged. “Should serve as an experience.” He chuckled.

#ryuji sakamoto #persona 5 #sword art online #klein #diavel #tsuboi ryoutarou #rairyu #story

4 notes · View notes

pulaasul · 4 years

Text

Rairyu - IRL - 1

note: This work is inspired by the crossover between Sword Art Online and Persona 5 in Integral Factor. This is also my entry for #kissryujiday

FFN I AO3

-----

Ren was in the middle of class when his phone rang. The ring disturbed the class that he had to excuse himself from the teacher and his classmates as soon as he saw the name of the caller.

“No matter.” The teacher spoke. “You can answer the call right here, we’re done for the day.” He dismissed.

“Stand!” The class representative stated as the class followed the instruction.

Ren tuned out the class dismissal ritual in favor of answering his phone.

“Makoto, what’s wro-“

“It’s Ryuji.” Makoto stated somberly. “He’s trapped.”

“What do you mean he’s trapped?” Ren questioned in worry.

As if on cue, the phones of the entire class, even the exiting teacher’s phone, rang. Ren noticed that everyone mirrored his expression of worry.

“Makoto, what going on?” Ren asked. “What happened to Ryuji?”

“He’s trapped inside a virtual world.” Makoto answered.

“Tell me everything later.” Ren decided. “Call everyone else we’ll meet at Leblanc.”

“We’re meeting there as we speak.” Makoto informed. “Futaba and Sojiro are presently in Ryuji’s apartment.”

------

After a quick change of clothes and a quick message to his parents of his whereabouts, Ren immediately boarded a train to Shibuya, with Morgana in his bag.

“What’s Ryuji done now?” The cat whined.

“I don’t know.” Ren answered honestly. “Considering Makoto’s words and the current news, it’s not something he’s done.” He explained. “It’s someone else’s deed.”

Morgana decided to take a peek at Ren’s phone and he read about the current Virtual Game news about 213 people being dead because of the virtual reality equipment. He remembered Ren and Ryuji’s conversation about the Virtual Reality a few months and how Ryuji got enough money to purchase one.

“Maybe it’s a prank.” Morgana offered. “You know how of a jokester he can be.”

“Maybe.” Ren shook his head. “I don’t think even Ryuji or Futaba would go that far for a joke.” He added. “In any case, we’ll know more once we arrive.”

------

As soon as Ren arrived at Leblanc, he half-expected things to just be a prank. He really hoped that everything was just a prank just for him to ditch his hometown and visit Tokyo.

But no.

He arrived to a scene where everyone was somber. An inconsolable Futaba as Makoto and Anne tried to comfort her with Yusuke and Haru looking at their youngest member, unsure what to do.

Ren and Morgana also noticed the absence of one Ryuji Sakamoto.

Usually it was Ryuji who would console anyone in a heartbeat, would console Futaba in this situation, but he wasn’t here.

“It’s all my fault!” Futaba sobbed. “I-I-I-”

“Ren.” Yusuke and Haru announced his arrival.

“Glad you could come on short notice.” Makoto offered a sad smile.

“I came as soon as I could.” Ren replied. “I’ve read the news.” He continued. “Is it true?”

“Yes.” Anne looked away from their leader. “Ryuji was even the first to exit the school as soon as it ended.” She explained. “He said he and Futaba were going to play for a few hours.”

Ren looked at the inconsolable Futaba.

“Boss managed to stop Futaba from playing the game.” Yusuke explained. “As soon as the news broke out, he immediately left and went to his residence.” He continued. “He left the café in Haru’s care that was when I arrived here.”

“Boss is at the hospital with Ryuji’s mother.” Haru informed. “He and Futaba managed to stop her from removing the Nervegear from Ryuji’s head.”

“Futaba-chan, it wasn’t your fault.” Anne comforted her. “You couldn’t have known that this would happen.”

“He told me that he’d go in first and scout for suitable leveling areas then we could party together.” Futaba sobbed. “If that stupid teacher didn’t hold us back for some stupid announcement then maybe Ryuji wouldn’t be alone in there.” She continued.

“No.” Ren declared. “Futaba no, just no.” He shook his head as he approached the youngest girl in the group. “If anything Ryuji would be happy that you didn’t make it.” He offered the young girl a smile and knelt before the girl. “If anything, Ryuji would beat himself up if you were caught up in there with him.” He added. “So don’t blame yourself.”

“I agree.” Morgana seconded. “As much as he annoys me, he’s very selfless.”

“It makes you think.” Anne voiced out. “We almost lost him a bunch of times because of his selfless nature.”

“I just hope he won’t commit suicide in a misguided attempt to help his mother.”

“What do you mean?” Ren’s eyes narrowed. “I know he tries to help his mother by working part time.” He added. “But he wouldn’t go that far. Would he?”

“I don’t know.” Anne admitted. “Ryuji fell out of public favor since he punched Kamoshida.” She explained. “Everyone who knew what happened despised him.” She added. “His reputation really never recovered.”

“He’s told me about that a few times.” Ren admitted. “He cooks for his mother, he puts his mother on top of his priorities and everything.” He added. “I don’t think he’d go that far, right?”

“Don’t underestimate Ryuji’s love for his mother.” Anne countered. “He borrowed money from me just to buy his mother a souvenir.” She shared. “Despite what others may think, Ryuji’s aware of his family’s finances.” She added. “He buys his games and consoles with his own money.”

“Considering the medical fees.” Makoto hummed. “I can see how you’d come to that conclusion.”

“If only we can change Akihiko Kayaba’s heart.” Yusuke voiced out. “Maybe we can save Ryuji and everyone else.”

“Let’s not dwell on that.” Ren stated with finality.” Let’s just visit Ryuji and offer his mother some support.”

Everyone nodded.

“It’s unanimous then?” Morgana questioned.

“Yes.”

------

Hearing about the number of people trapped inside Sword Art Online versus seeing the number of people admitted into one hospital for the same reason felt different. The former Phantom Thieves of Hearts can’t place what they were feeling.

Even moreso hearing about Ryuji’s situation. The only person who actually saw Ryuji was Futaba, the rest of the Phantom Thieves were distraught, but no one could ever be ready for the terror they felt upon seeing their friend unconscious on the bed hooked to an IV and with his VR headset.

Their desire to change Kayaba’s heart was even more apparent now that they’ve seen Ryuji in such state, however they can’t.

They successfully ended Mementos’ existence from all of Japan, even the Jails that propped up recently ceased to exist after their battle against EMMA.

“This is just wrong.” Morgana whispered to himself. “Ryuji’s supposed to be brash, and loud.” He added. “Not this quiet, this still.”

“I know.” Ren acknowledged.

“Anne-chan.”Someone greeted. “Are you here to see Ryu-kun?”

The woman in question had eyes that were red from crying.

“Yes Sakamoto-san.” Anne nodded. “Let me introduce everyone else.”

As soon as introductions were done, the elder Sakamoto allowed Ryuji’s friends inside the room and lead them towards her son’s bed.

“You kids are here.” Sojiro commented. “I’m going out for a bit, anyone want me to buy something?” He asked the group.

“We’re good Boss.” Ren replied. “We ate before we rushed here.” He informed.

“Hope you didn’t deplete my ingredients.” Sojiro offered. “I’ll be back.”

Sojiro gave the group one glance before leaving the room.

“So how’d you all meet Ryu-kun?” Ryuji’s mother asked the group. “It’s kind of surprising him making a few friends considering what happened with that teacher.” She added bitterly.

Everyone else took a turn and narrated how they met Ryuji from Ren’s fateful meeting on his first day at Shujin High.

Yusuke, when Ryuji stopped him from approaching Anne.

Makoto, when she was blackmailed by the yakuza

Futaba and Haru during their lowest point.

“That boy.” The elder Sakamoto shook her head. “He can’t really leave people alone when he knows they need help.” She offered a sad smile. “Then all these misfortunes happen to him.” She sniffled. “I wonder if I’m such a failure as a mother.”

“N-No!” Anne immediately debunked the notion. “You know how much Ryuji loves you Sakamoto-san.” She assured her friend’s mother.

“B-but I can’t even defend him against his father and his teacher.” The elder Sakamoto now had tears in her eyes. “Now I can’t even save him from this death game.” She sobbed.

“Your son’s a fighter Sakamoto-san.” Ren assured Ryuji’s mother. “I’m sure he’ll fight to survive.”

“I hope so.” Ryuji’s mother cried. “I really hope so.”

-------

“I’ll be back as soon I’m rested Ryu-kun.” Ryuji’s mother stated before kissing her son on his forehead. “Your friends offered to watch over you for a while.” She smiled.

Ryuji’s mother left with Sojiro, who offered her a ride back to home. The two of them left the Phantom Thieves to watch over their friend.

“Is there some way we can help Ryuji?” Anne voiced out. “I just can’t stand that for all the things he’s done for us we can’t do anything for him.”

“If only we can use our Personas and communicate with him directly.” Futaba sniffled.

“What do you mean?” Makoto asked.

“No Futaba’s right.” Ren agreed. “Every time Navi communicates with us, her voice, for lack of better term, are sent immediately to our brains.” He explained. “We don’t exactly hear her when she speaks.” He finished.

“You’re right.” Anne’s eyes widened in realization.

“Can we send Sophie?” Haru suggested. “She’s still an Artificial Intelligence right?”

“We don’t even know if Sophie can enter Sword Art Online.” Anne sighed. “The reason she can enter Jails was that she was the prototype for EMMA.”

“I don’t know.” Ren hummed. “Don’t dismiss that idea just yet.” He continued. “We need to talk to Ichinose first.”

“What do we do in the mean time?” Yusuke questioned.

“Offer him some words of encouragement.” Ren smiled. “Hear that Ryuji!” He exclaimed. “We’re all counting on you to wake up and exit that game.”

In their own way, the thieves gave Ryuji Sakamoto moral encouragement even when he’s unconscious. They continued to do so and continued to converse anything and everything they loved about him.

-------

As time went on, Sojiro returned to the hospital. He got the thieves to return home and offered to watch over Ryuji at the hospital, provided that they walk Futaba home before they did.

The thieves nodded and went to Ryuji one by one to say their farewells and promises to return the next day.

“Make sure you survive okay!” Futaba stated in tears before she gave Ryuji a peck on his cheeks.

“For all that you’ve done, it’s time to return the favor Ryuji-kun.” Makoto smiled as she kissed the boy’s other cheek.

“We are counting on you to return to your usual boisterous self.” Yusuke stated as he kissed the boy’s forehead.

“We’ll be waiting for you Ryuji-kun.” Haru smiled as she kissed Ryuji’s nose.

“Make sure you return okay!” Anne stated as she tried to hold back her tears. “I don’t think I can take losing you the second time.” She sniffled as she kissed Ryuji’s cheeks.

“I haven’t realized before, but you’re the glue that’s keeping us together.” Morgana meowed as he stood on Ryuji’s chest. “Make sure you return and I promise not to nag on you so much.” He finished before licking the boy’s nose.

“Hey man.” Ren began. “I know how much effort you guys went through when I was stuck in juvie.” He continued. “I knew you and Makoto lead the team and others so that I could walk away and clean my name.” He smiled. “It’s my, no our, turn to make sure you get to escape that death game.” He added. “We’re counting on you to escape that game and give us more laughs and just be yourself.” Ren finished as he kissed Ryuji’s forehead before ruffling the hair that was now showing its black colored roots.

“Let’s go.” Ren announced as he faced the other Phantom Thieves.

“We’re waiting for you Ryuji.”

#persona 5 #ryuji sakamoto #ren amamiya #sword art online #morgana #anne takamaki #yusuke kitagawa #rairyu #makoto nijima #haru okumura #futaba sakura #story

6 notes · View notes