Kael laughed when Hinako claimed she wasn't yet thirty. People often ignore their own flaws—didn't she know her own age? To say she wasn't thirty was absurd. She was like Hiratsuka Shizuka—twenty-nine years old plus many extra months.
Kael didn't bother with her further, leaving with Marin and Saki. He had already said what needed to be said and given his warnings. If Hinako truly faced danger and called him, he wouldn't mind saving her—her cooking was too good to waste. As he had said, it would be a pity if she died.
If she didn't call, then her fate was her own. Perhaps she'd be lucky and escape danger. Perhaps she'd never face danger at all. As a supporting character, she should have some luck. Surely she wouldn't vanish without a trace… probably.
After leaving Kiri no Ya, Kael escorted Marin and Saki home. But instead of returning to his own place, he went elsewhere—Yongen-Jaya.
In real Tokyo, there was only Sangen-Jaya, not Yongen-Jaya. But in this crossover world, Yongen-Jaya existed.
Kael came here to find someone. Was his name Amamiya Ren or Kurusu Akira? Kael wasn't sure. But he knew this person lived at Leblanc Café. Yes, Kael was searching for the protagonist of Persona 5.
Earlier that day, hearing Mouri Kogoro mention the "Detective Prince" Akechi Goro, Kael realized this world included P5. So that evening, he went to find the protagonist.
The protagonist was a peculiar figure. His charm could swing between ordinary and extraordinary, his skill between clumsy and miraculous. In the game, he could be named anything. In the anime, he was Amamiya Ren. In the manga, Kurusu Akira. So even Kael wasn't sure what he was called here.
Kael entered Yongen-Jaya and went to Leblanc Café, only to find it closed. Checking the time, it wasn't even 8:30 p.m. yet. Closing so early—were people this lazy in business now?
No matter. Kael wasn't deterred. After confirming no one was around, he placed a finger on the lock. Mana flowed, forming a key, and he casually opened the door.
He entered and went upstairs. But the second floor was empty—just a storage room. Seeing this, Kael realized the P5 protagonist hadn't arrived in Tokyo yet. Which meant the P5 story hadn't begun. No wonder he hadn't seen any news about the Phantom Thieves online.
Disappointed, Kael left Leblanc. Since the protagonist hadn't appeared, he'd have to find someone else—Akechi Goro, the Detective Prince. Like the protagonist, Akechi could wield multiple personas and enter people's Palaces. If Kael controlled him, he could enter the Metaverse.
Back home, Kael searched online for information about Akechi. He discovered Akechi would be interviewed on TV the next morning. As expected of a televised detective prince, his schedule was easy to track.
The next morning, Kael arrived early at the TV station, wandering outside while waiting for Akechi.
"Mr. Kael." A familiar voice called from behind.
Turning, Kael saw none other than Okino Yoko, whom he had met yesterday.
Seeing him near the TV station, Yoko was curious. "Renjou-san, why are you here?"
He hadn't expected to meet her here. Casually, he replied, "Just taking a walk."
Then asked: "Okino-san, are you here for a program?"
She nodded. "Yes, I have a show this morning."
"As expected of a celebrity. Well, I'll let you get to work."
Kael was about to leave when Yoko stopped him. "Renjou-san, if you're interested in the TV station, I can show you around. Oh, and Mai is here with me today for the program."
That detail was unnecessary, Kael thought, but he didn't refuse. He was here to find Akechi, and entering the station might help.
Yoko laughed and led Kael inside for a tour. For a star, the TV station was like a second home. She knew its layout and decor well, chatting easily and sharing filming anecdotes. The atmosphere was pleasant.
But along the way, many staff were shocked. They had never seen Yoko treat a man so warmly. Some even suspected she was dating him. If true, it would be big news.
Kael knew what they were thinking. But he also knew Yoko's warmth wasn't affection. They had only met yesterday—falling in love was absurd. Her kindness was simply to leave a good impression.
After yesterday, Yoko understood the world wasn't as simple as it seemed. Yokai and evil spirits were real, not just myths. Ordinary people would naturally panic upon learning this. Even as a star, Yoko was still human. Her fear was no less than anyone else's.