July 10
You wake up to sirens and get a phone call from Chie informing you that they found a dead body in the shopping district.
Yosuke arrives, and confirms that the victim was King Moron. Naturally, this goes against all the team's theories, since not only did virtually everyone hate him, but he'd never shown up on television, and thus wasn't a target. They begin to despair, but Kanji convinces everyone to keep going, saying that if they give up, the killer will go free. With their spirits lifted a bit, they decide to talk to Teddie.
In the electronics department, Yosuke encounters two employees (who, judging by the fact that they're wearing suits, seem to be middle management), who ask him about a strange "mascot" who's in the store, even if the woman is a bit confused about his name.
Sure enough, the "mascot" is Teddie, who decided to leave the TV world, having been inspired to do so after hearing about it from you. He confirms that no one went in the TV world, which means that King Moron most likely wasn't killed there. He gives you a pair of glasses for Rise, and offers to fight alongside you, meaning that you have a new navigator and active party member, a bit like how, in Persona 3, Mitsuru became usable in combat after Fuuka joined. You then get the fifth rank in the Fool Social Link, and the team, concerned at all the people who are gathering around, decide to take this outside.
In the food court, the team discusses why King Moron wasn't killed the same way, and conclude that it might be because they thwarted all the other murders with the TV. Teddie soon gets hot, and undoes his zipper, revealing a handsome- and naked- young man inside, the latter of which forces the girls to buy clothes for him.
The girls catch up with the boys, who are eating Topsicles, and show off Teddie's new outfit. After Yosuke teases Kanji about being attracted to Teddie, earning him a calm suggestion that he's asking for a beatdown, Yosuke's horrified to learn that Chie bought the clothes with his credit card, since she couldn't afford them herself. As Yosuke and Chie argue, and Kanji and Teddie go for Topsicles, Yukiko decides to go with you to Marukyu Tofu.
As you get there, Naoto comes out, and coldly asks if you're trying to "ingratiate yourselves with Rise Kujikawa." Naoto asks a few questions about King Moron, revealing that he's on the same page as you when it comes to that murder.
Rise then comes out and invites you to Tatsuhime Shrine. She doesn't know anything that the other victims don't, but gives you heartfelt thanks for saving her. In the process, she showcases a more cheerful side of herself, and Yukiko, having learned from her own experience, notes that everyone has multiple facets to their personality. Rise then joins the team and the Fool Social Link goes up another level. She announces that she's going to your school, which will be holding exams in spite of the murder.
Evening
With a news story on about the murder, Nanako becomes worried, but you can comfort her, and you show her a magic trick.
In the Velvet Room, Igor asks how you're doing, and informs you that you have a new type of fusion that enables you to fuse four or more Personas. Unlike the normal and Triangle fusions, which have results based on the combinations of Persona arcanas (plus a few secret ones for specific combinations), there are only a handful of specific Personas that can be made this way, all of which are listed once they're unlocked- a good portion are the Ultimate Personas of each arcana.
July 11
In the morning, you and Yosuke discuss who will replace King Moron. That someone turns out to be Noriko Kashiwagi. After going through the motions of announcing King Moron's death, asking for a moment of silence and reminding the class about exams, she bitterly complains about Rise, calling her "inexperienced jailbait" and wasting any potential for goodwill from the students- a surprising accomplishment considering how low King Moron set the bar. Opinion varies on who's worse- a lot of the students seem to hate Kashiwagi more, but I actually find that she isn't quite as bad as King Moron, since she's nice to you if she isn't irrationally jealous of you.
After school, you meet at the food court, and while Yosuke's dismissive of Chie's performance in school, Yukiko points out that Chie does better than average on all the tests she doesn't fail. Rise can't help but laugh- not at Chie, but because she's glad to make friends so quickly.
The subject changes to King Moron, and the team is still stuck on the two unsolved mysteries- 1)Why King Moron, a man with many enemies, was targeted, and 2)why the killer didn't use the TV. Rise, who likely has more than a few people who hate her among her legions of fans, note that some people are slaves to Irrational Hatrred. Kanji notices that now, there's been two victims from the school, and that will likely draw the police's attention. Yosuke points out that it isn't the case, and admits that while he hated King Moron, and even suspected him of being the murderer due to his belief that the victims deserved to die, believes that even King Moron didn't deserve this, and vows to find the killer for his sake, just like Mayumi and Saki's.
Of course, Naoto shows up and coldly says that it isn't necessary- it's always fairly depressing when someone cynically dismisses a display of resolve. Naoto says that the police have a suspect in King Moron's death- a high schooler like them- and when he's asked why he let slip a piece of confidential information, Naoto dismissively says that the Investigation Team's "game" will be at an end soon. This angers Rise and Yosuke, as the former points out that Naoto's probably the one treating it as a game, while Yosuke says that he's motivated to find the truth behind Saki's death, and mockingly asks if the police let Naoto go now that they have a suspect. Naoto seems to indicate that Yosuke's right, and laments that detectives are only needed so long as their services are required. Naoto leaves, causing the group to wonder why he came and whether the police having a suspect will solve anything.
At this point, Naoto comes off as somewhat unlikable, and while he gets better later on, apparently, some people haven't forgiven him for it- it's slightly mindboggling how vindictive people can be toward certain characters.
Evening
I did some translation. I might have been able to go up a rank, but I'm not sure.
July 12
With exams coming up, I decided to study with Yukiko so that I could kill two birds with one stone- getting points in knowledge and points with Yukiko.
Evening
I spent time with Nanako again, since I passed the Expression requirement needed.
Justice Rank 6
Nanako's hesitant to talk with you this time, because she has a problem. Her school wants its students to ask their parents when they can come in for a parent-teacher interview, but she knows that her father can't reliably make it. She's afraid of her teacher, but trusts you, and wonders if things were difficult for you.
July 13
Having gained enough points from spending time with Yukiko, I decided to go out with her.
Priestess Rank 7'
Yukiko takes you to Tatsuhime Shrine, and reminisces a little about how she often visited it to pray for good luck, apparently having second thoughts about leaving in the process. A woman in a kimono greets her and teases her a little about dating you. The woman turns out to be Kasai, a waitress for the inn who teaches Yukiko how to cook and taste-tests Yukiko's food. Yukiko notes that she has a kind group at the inn, and wants to do her best for their sakes.
July 14
Emperor Rank 5
Kanji hands the boy the completed stuffed animals, and the boy is impressed. Once again, Kanji's not sure how to take the praise, but knows that it's good to be thanked.
Evening
I spent some more time with Nanako, hoping to progress toward the next rank.
July 15
You can study with Rise today but be warned- it only gives a knowledge increase, since you have yet to establish the Social Link with her. For that reason, I decided to talk with Chie.
Chariot Rank 6
At the start of the link, Chie makes suggestions about whether Souzai Daigaku's meat is made out of beef (since as one NPC points out, there aren't any cows in Inaba). A cop arrives, but isn't there to investigate the meat- rather, he's investigating a gang of youths who are threatening kids. Chie's infuriated, and approves if you share her outrage (although her taking your "Eat or be eaten" literally is almost worth sacrificing the points with her to say it). She then sets out to deal with them, after eating.
Evening
I spent some more time with Dojima, gaining points with him
July 16
I turned in the Rank 7 Hermit Quest (talk with a girl three times and pass Understanding, Expression and Courage checks). Since this quest requires school to be in session in order to progress on it, I tend to want to finish it before summer vacation.
Evening
In preparation for the next Hermit quest, I went fishing, getting the red goldfish I need to give the man, and another fish to give the cat to complete a related sidequest.
July 17
Kou and Daisuke call to hang out today. If you say yes, they will form a study group, and Yukiko and Chie will come along, giving you points with Strength, Chariot and Priestess. If you tell Daisuke you're allergic to math, he'll give you a book.
Of course, since I didn't need the points or the book, I chose to advance Marie's link instead.
Aeon 3
You take Marie to Okina City, and she's almost immediately bored. Chie and Yukiko happen along, prompting Marie to dub them Green and Red (or in my case, black, since it was summer and Yukiko was wearing her black top). Chie invites Marie to go shopping for clothes with them at Croco Fur, and while Yukiko admonishes Chie to not make assumptions about whether she's available (although it's nice to at least make the offer), but Marie's interested.
You go clothes shopping with the girls. They ask for your opinion on articles of clothing that happen to match their favorite colors, but it doesn't seem that your choice really matters.
Outside, Chie's disappointed that they didn't have anything in her size, but Yukiko offers to come back later, since the four of them are friends. Marie's a bit surprised and doesn't fully understand what that means, but is willing to go with them to buy a kung-fu movie before it sells out. Marie also lets slip that she knows that Chie and Yukiko are Persona users, and wonders if they needed friends to face their true selves- the answer seems to be yes, since Yosuke helped Chie and Chie helped Yukiko do so.
Evening
I studied.
July 18
Since I was a bit behind on Marie's link and didn't have many other options, I chose her again.
Aeon 4
This time, you and Marie go to the school, an event that happens regardless of whether it's in session. Marie seems to like it most if you say that it's fun, because if you say it's boring, she says it's better than the Velvet Room, and if confess to skipping it, she'll wish you spent more time with her.
This time, there aren't any new party members. Yosuke offers to show Marie around, and mentions that he's heard about your shopping trip with Chie and Yukiko. As they tour the school, Yosuke describes it as "retro"- in Persona Q, the students from Gekkoukan compare it unfavorably to theirs, which has the backing of the Kirijo Group. As for Yasogami, Yosuke notes that there's a lot of empty land, so the school naturally feels open, perhaps more than what Marie's used to. Marie complains about how cramped the Velvet Room is and how "The Nose" never says anything, which confuses Yosuke, wondering if a teacher who doesn't talk is really doing his job. When Marie doesn't clarify, Yosuke notes that she's strange, but admits it applies to the rest of his friends.
Yosuke then shows you to the rooftop, where the team hangs out. If you do it much later in the game, he'll comment about how the fog is obstructing the view, a rare overt reference to something that's only mentioned in passing. Marie then asks Yosuke about friendship, and he, perhaps due to not having many real friends, struggles to explain it., eventually getting Marie sidetracked onto "spending your youth." As Yosuke drops the subject and goes to see the library, Marie starts to wonder about the true self.
July 19-23 Exams happened again. Since I missed a question (on which card doesn't have the mustache), and had an insufficient Knowledge score, I only had a mediocre result.
After they end, Yosuke's glad they're over, but he's apparently the only one, as Chie, Rise and Kanji are pessimistic about their results. After insisting that she can hire a translator if she goes abroad, which means she doesn't need to know English, Rise asks how you did. If you want Courage, you can boast that you did well or admit that you did badly, showing that you're confident enough to make a boast or honest enough to say something that might embarrass you. Alternatively, you could improve your Expression by saying that they'll have to see.
At the special headquarters, Chie is bummed out about the police finding a suspect, at which point Adachi "accidentally" reveals that the suspect seems to be at large. Yosuke's concerned about how things will go with someone like Adachi on the case, but decides it might be best if they stay out of it.
Rise asks you about HCHO- "Formaldehyde" is the right answer, but there's no reward for guessing. She then asks Kanji how he did, and Kanji complains about Rise calling him by his first name, even though he does so himself in the English version. Japan tends to reserve first names for close friends (e.g. Chie and Yukiko), but in the localization, characters use first names more often. Rise then teases Kanji about getting a Nose Bleed around the older girls, much to his embarrassment. Chie then changes the subject and asks if Rise wants Yukiko to tutor her- Rise's receptive to the idea, but clearly prefers you, since you're of the opposite sex (and is attracted to you).
In other news, Teddie is serving as Junes' mascot, "hiding in plain sight," and the others go over to see him. As the others leave, Rise talks to you, asking you to show her around, and you start the Lovers Social Link. It's a bit interesting that for all her overt interest in the protagonist, Rise waits until now to make herself available.
Evening
During a news report about the suspect being at large, you can gain points with Nanako by comforting her.
July 24
I spent some time with Marie, as I often do on Sundays, when none of my school social links are available.
Aeon Rank 5 Marie returns to Junes, and meets Teddie, Kanji and Rise- which means that you can only do this event once you have them in the group. She dubs them a moving bear thing, an "old timer," and "someone even (Margaret) can't handle," drawing the latter's ire for misinterpreting her commercial, as well as inciting her jealousy.
I checked the Social Link script, and it seems that there's another part of the scene in which Naoto participates, and describes Marie as Yosuke's "tsure", a term for friend she can only describe in terms that, in and of themselves, require additional explanation.
The rest of your friends gather together, and some jokes are made about Kani being "Sub-buttle," which gets a laugh from people besides Yukiko. Marie actually enjoys being around them, even if they're "loud and stupid," and knowing that they faced their true selves inspires her to search for her lost memories.
Justice Rank 7
Dojima gets home and says he doesn't have time for Nanako. Sensing his hesitation, Nanako loses her temper, says that if he's more worried about catching bad guys than her, he's not her "real" father and runs off. While Dojima's made his share of mistakes, it might have been better for Nanako to wait a moment to see how he'd react.
In any case, you and Dojima split up- you check the shopping district, while he checks Junes. As you're looking, Yosuke runs over with Chie and Yukiko (even if you have other party members, only those three come). Yosuke reveals that he ran into Dojima at Junes and then called the other two after learning the situation. After a moment of thought, you realize that Nanako likely went to Samegawa, the place where she went with her mother when Chisato was alive, and head there while the others head elsewhere.
After you make it to Samegawa, Dojima heads there, too, and after both of you spot Nanako, he asks you to talk to her, since she'll listen to you, not him. Sure enough, if you say that Dojima was worried about Nanako, she calls you a liar, but calms down when she hears that Dojima found her. She fears that he'll forget her, but decides to go home with you, which is probably the most you could hope for at the moment.
July 25
I spent time with Yukiko today.
Priestess Rank 8
After briefly mentioning that the rumors about how you're her boyfriend have spread and grown stronger, Yukiko meets with the deputy mayor about something, and realizes that she forgot about the travel show. Thankfully, she won't be on it, preventing Yukiko from making another Midnight Channel appearance, but she does have to clean up, so she excuses herself.
Yukiko doesn't even get out of the shrine before Kasai reaches her (in spite of not being able to run in her kimono) and warns her that it's a trick by the "news of the weird" company, so she should stay away from the inn. Unfortunately, the crew followed Kasai in there, and makes a pitch to Yukiko- a horror-themed, Fanservice-laden expose on the inn and her as a manager. Yukiko politely refuses, prompting the man to give a condescending lecture about what Yukiko should do if she wants to inherit it (which Yukiko says isn't the case). He then has a job offer of sorts, and while Kasai gets angry, Yukiko coldly says that the man can say his piece, since he'll be leaving. The man then launches into a "The Reason You Suck" Speech toward the Amagi Inn for being behind the times, and suggests that by having the waitresses be young women, they could attract customers.
Finally, Yukiko loses her temper and tells him to "(shut) the hell up," (oddly enough, the first part isn't included). She refuses any further coverage and threatens to complain to his sponsors if he persists. One of his subordinates talks him into leaving, and he reluctantly storms off. Yukiko's a bit shocked, but reassured if you say that she was "cool," and decides that whatever she feels about inheriting the inn, she won't let it close.
Evening
I did some studying. You might call it locking the barn door after the horse is out, but Knowledge ranks don't come easily, and I wanted to gain them before the next test.
