Chapter Text
EXT. TOKYO POLICE STATION. MORNING.
Makoto walks up to the entrance of the police station, looking nervous.
MAKOTO
(to herself)
Focus up, Niijima. You’ve got this. It’s no big deal. Just step one towards your-
Makoto’s phone goes off. (Ideally, her ringtone is the theme to Buchimaru's tv show, but that's not a thing, as far as we know). It’s Ann. Makoto jumps, as it scares her. She picks it up.
MAKOTO
Ann?
INT. NIPPON BUDOKAN. SAME TIME.
Ann is pushing and shoving in a tight line.
ANN
They dropped surprise Risette tickets for tonight’s sold out show! I need you down here!
MAKOTO
Wh-what?
ANN
Risette. Her concert tonight is sold out, but they’re releasing standing room tickets for the show! Are you able to get here?
MAKOTO
I… I’m sorry. I have my police officer shadow thing today that Sae set up.
ANN
Oh right! I’m sorry. I’ll snag you tickets if I can! Haru and Futaba are in too, it’ll be a girl’s night!
MAKOTO
That sounds wonderful Ann, I hope it works out.
ANN
Have fun!
Ann hangs up. Makoto hangs up, disappointed that she no longer has an excuse to stall. She walks up the stairs.
INT. POLICE STATION ENTRANCE. MOMENTS LATER.
Makoto walks in to see a bustling police station. She looks around a little, to see a young woman, about 20 years old, sitting on the bench looking intense. NAOTO SHIROGANE has blue hair and is dressed in a navy peacoat, giving her a slight androgenous look, though she is still feminine. Makoto recognizes her instantly, and bows out of nerves.
MAKOTO
Detective Shirogane!
Naoto looks up and sees Makoto, and takes her a second to register it.
NAOTO
Oh, you’re Niijima-sama’s sister, aren’t you?
MAKOTO
Yes… yes. I’m Makoto Niijima.
NAOTO
It is a pleasure to meet you, Niijima-san.
MAKOTO
The pleasure is all mine! I get to meet the original Detective Prince!
Makoto instantly looks ashamed for saying that. Naoto smiles a little, it breaks the tension.
NAOTO
It’s really not a big deal, don’t worry. People here used to tease me about my history, as a consulting detective back in high school. But I’m over it now. A… a friend. A group of friends, really, helped me realize that it doesn't define me.
Naoto starts leading Makoto back to her desk.
MAKOTO
Oh, okay. So can I ask about that time? When you were The Detective Prince?
Naoto looks hesitant
NAOTO
Yes…
MAKOTO
What happened in the Inaba case? I’ve studied it for a long time, I know you were involved, but I just don’t understand the time-
Makoto sees Naoto’s serious look has returned, and drops the question.
MAKOTO
I’m sorry.
NAOTO
It’s… it’s okay. The Inaba case… is a lot. Maybe some other time, okay Niijima-san?
MAKOTO
Okay.
INT. NIPPON BUDOKAN . MOMENTS LATER.
Ann gets to the front of the line, only to see them pull out a “SOLD OUT” sign out front. Ann screams a guttural, primal scream of anger.
ANN
What do you mean, “Sold out”?
The attendant just shrugs. Ann calls Futaba
ANN
Futaba? I’m on my way. I wasn’t able to get tickets, and we need a plan. Call Haru, we’ll meet at LeBlanc.
Futaba laughs.
FUTABA (O.C.)
On it.
INT. LEBLANC. LATER.
Sojiro is hard at work while Futaba is slamming away at her keyboard as fast as her fingers will move. Haru is there, drinking coffee extremely delicately. It's the afternoon, business is slow. Ann walks in, in a hurry.
ANN
Futaba! What's the sitch?
(Looks behind the counter)
Oh, hi Boss!
SOJIRO
Hi Ann. I take it something important is happening?
Sojiro gives a wink
ANN
Oh! No, nothing like that.
HARU
We're trying to get Risette tickets for tonight.
FUTABA
It'll be my first concert ever! I wouldn't want it to be anyone but her.
SOJIRO
That sounds great!
ANN
Where's-
SOJIRO
He's out with Ryuji and Yusuke. Apparently Yusuke needed them for a project. Won't be back until late.
ANN
Oh, okay. Well, at least that's three less tickets to worry about.
HARU
Sadly I worry even our four will be difficult.
ANN
That’s why we’ve got Futaba! She can get us anything.
Ann looks over at Futaba, who looks frustrated.
ANN
Fu...taba?
Futaba snaps out of it.
FUTABA
Sorry. Risette keeps her tickets entirely off-line, which makes this extremely difficult. Zero online footprint. No resellers, nothing. This isn't going to be easy.
HARU
Oh no…
ANN
No! We’re not giving up yet! I’m sure one of my modelling connections knows Risette.
INT. POLICE STATION. AROUND THE SAME TIME.
Naoto reaches her desk. She pulls up a seat for Makoto, and motions for her to sit down. Naoto takes off her peacoat, she’s wearing a men’s button up.
NAOTO
I do apologize, today is a terrible day for you to visit.
MAKOTO
Oh? Why is that?
NAOTO
We are running out of time on a large case, and I am sorry, but I am going to be called away frequently. Do you understand?
MAKOTO
Yes, I do. I am my sister’s… well, sister, after all.
Naoto smiles a little at her lame joke.
NAOTO
Yes, I suppose so. Are you ready for a tour?
MAKOTO
Of course!
Makoto stands up, excitedly.
NAOTO
Follow me.
Naoto leads her around the precinct.
NAOTO
Your father worked here, correct?
MAKOTO
Yes.
NAOTO
I never met him, but whenever Niijima-sama is around, they speak very highly of him.
MAKOTO
Thank you.
NAOTO
Have you been to the station often?
MAKOTO
Not since I was a very little girl. He didn't like us coming around very often.
NAOTO
I can understand that. Even though my parents intended on me carrying on the Shirogane legacy as detectives, they did not let me near their cases that often.
Makoto is not quite sure how to reply, when a uniformed officer comes up to Naoto.
OFFICER
Shirogane! He’s agreed to speak with you!
Naoto looks at her watch
NAOTO
With only hours to spare, why now?
(to Makoto)
I apologize, Niijima-san. This is what I was referring to earlier. If you want to go, I would completely understand. If you do not mind waiting, I’ll meet you back at my desk.
MAKOTO
Oh… okay.
Naoto leaves with the uniformed officer. Makoto starts to walk back to the desk. Persona 4 song “Who’s There?” begins playing, as Makoto contemplates what to do. She decides to follow Naoto.
EXT. WATERFRONT. SAME TIME.
A photoshoot is going on, as a model, MIKA, in a gorgeous dress is posing on the pier. Ann, sweaty from running here and from the morning, runs just up to the photoshoot. Haru and Futaba are just behind her. Mika notices Ann and is equal parts confused and enjoying it.
MIKA
Ann-senpai? What are you doing here? Looking like that?
Ann looks down at herself, and though slightly disgusted, just shrugs. Mika waves at the photographers to “take 5”, and walks up to Ann.
ANN
You worked with Risette, right? In that athletic shoot last year?
MIKA
Yeah? So? You wanna be an idol now?
ANN
What? No! I can’t sing, you know that.
MIKA
Yeah, or dance.
HARU
(Cheering from afar)
I’m sure you can dance Ann!
ANN
Thanks Haru! Not the point though!
MIKA
Then what is it?
ANN
You owe me, right? For stepping aside when you clearly cheated?
Mika winces slightly.
MIKA
So what?
ANN
Can you get me four tickets to Risette’s show tonight?
Mika looks befuddled by the request.
MIKA
Risette doesn’t give out passes to anybody. I’ve heard she has a permanent guest list, with only six names on it. They get passes to any show they want, but no one else gets freebies. And even if I could, there’s no way I would give that up to you, no matter what I owe you.
Mika walks back to the photoshoot. Ann walks back towards Futaba and Haru.
HARU
Another option gone.
ANN
I wonder who those six people are?
FUTABA
I’m sure I can find out!
INT. POLICE STATION ENTRANCE. LATER.
“New Days” is playing. Makoto returns to where she came in, the waiting area, and sees a magazine. She grabs it.
INT. POLICE STATION - INTERROGATION. MOMENTS LATER.
Makoto, pretending to read the magazine, walks down the pathway to the Interrogation rooms. She eventually finds Naoto’s room. Naoto is sitting across from MIKIO HANDA, mid 30s, ragged. Naoto looks stressed.
NAOTO
...agree to meet with me if you were not planning on answering my questions?
MIKIO
Because I wanted to see what you had. And as usual, it’s nothing.
NAOTO
We’ve brought you in on five separate accounts related to this robbery spree-
MIKIO
And you can’t connect me to any of them, can you?
NAOTO
I-
Mikio just laughs, he’s enjoying this.
MIKIO
In a few hours, you’ll have to let me off this carousel and I’ll be on my merry way. Just as always.
NAOTO
If we can look back on the night of September 3rd-
Miko isn’t paying attention. Naoto storms out in anger. Makoto doesn’t have time to hide, and they bump into each other.
NAOTO
(exasperated)
Niijima-san!
INT. LEBLANC. SAME TIME.
Sojiro is still behind the counter, still with no guests.
SOJIRO
No luck?
ANN
Mika was a bust, but we may be onto something!
SOJIRO
And what’s that?
HARU
Risette has six friends she holds in high regard, enough to give them permanent passes!
SOJIRO
Sounds like you guys… minus the cat, I guess.
FUTABA
And I think I found the list!
ANN
For real?
HARU
How?
FUTABA
Message boards have been obsessed with this for a while. Apparently every one of her concerts has a box that, most of the time, is completely empty. But every once in a while, it has people in it. All of the guests have been photographed by curious fans and identified.
ANN
Who are they?
Futaba looks confused.
HARU
What is it?
FUTABA
Most of them live in Inaba?
SOJIRO
That boonies town up north?
FUTABA
Yeah… one runs an inn, one owns a textile shop, another co-manages the local Junes there, and one is in the local police academy. All in Inaba.
ANN
So those four aren’t happening.
HARU
But there are still two more, correct?
FUTABA
Yes! One I can’t get an ID on, but… oh my gosh!
SOJIRO
What is it?
Sojiro is a little too excited, he’s invested.
FUTABA
The last one… it’s the Detective Prince!
ANN, HARU
Goro Akechi?!?
ANN
How does he know Risette?
HARU
I must admit, I cannot picture them together.
FUTABA
No! No, the first one. Naoto Shirogane.
ANN, HARU
Ooohhh…
ANN
Wait, how does that help us?
HARU
You said Makoto was at the police station, did you not? Doesn’t the Detective Prince work in Tokyo?
FUTABA
Exactly! All we gotta do is say we’re meeting Makoto, then find Shirogane and see if she’ll help us.
ANN
I don’t know how this’ll work…
FUTABA
Do you have a better plan?
ANN
No…
FUTABA
Alright! Let’s do this.
The three leave Leblanc in a hurry. Sojiro looks concerned but he can’t say anything.
INT. POLICE STATION - NAOTO’S DESK. SAME TIME.
Makoto is sitting down in her earlier seat. Naoto is looking at her, angry.
NAOTO
-disobeyed a direct order, and went into a restricted area!
MAKOTO
I’m… sorry. I just… wanted to see what a real police job was like.
NAOTO
Well, I guess I very much was like this at your age.
MAKOTO
(to herself)
Well you won’t tell me about Inaba, so how would I know?
NAOTO
Did you say something, Niijima-san?
MAKOTO
It’s nothing.
Naoto takes a seat at her desk.
NAOTO
Do you truly need to know about my current case?
MAKOTO
Yes.
NAOTO
Okay… that’s Mikio Handa. He seemed like a normal common criminal but we have been unable to pin him down for any of his many thefts. Usually banks, but he’s also often broken into homes. He doesn’t care if anyone is home… he will harm them regardless. The worst part is the joy he takes in getting out of police custody. Like it’s all a game to him.
MAKOTO
Would you say… he has a distorted view of the precinct?
NAOTO
How so?
MAKOTO
Like… how does he treat this place?
NAOTO
Like it’s… Destinyland or something. An amusement park. Like it's all a game.
The wheels are turning in Makoto's head.
MAKOTO
Interesting.
NAOTO
It… it is?
MAKOTO
Uh… yes.
NAOTO
Well, whatever you mean by that, I can’t keep you around with the Handa investigation ongoing. Unfortunately I think-
There's a loud bang as the precinct doors swing open. Haru, Futaba, and Ann hurry in.
ANN
Makoto? Makoto Niijima?
Naoto looks even more annoyed with Makoto, who goes beet red with all this.
MAKOTO
I'm so sorry…
Makoto runs over to those three, and grabs them to the side.
ANN
Are you shadowing the Detective Prince?
Ann screams with excitement
ANN
This couldn't be more perfect!
MAKOTO
Quiet down Ann! I think there's a Palace user in here.
Ann gets quiet at this news.
HARU
Who is it?
MAKOTO
One of the men in custody. He has to be released in a few hours, but he is a reckless thief that they cannot pin down. He tortures innocent people for his own humor. And Shirogane-sensei said that he treats this place "like an amusement park".
ANN
Do you want to steal his heart?
MAKOTO
I really, really do. This man sounds horrible, and Shirogane-sensei really needs this.
HARU
Let's do this!
FUTABA
But… we'll need to wait for the guys.
MAKOTO
But he's released soon… we don't have the time.
ANN
Just the girls then! All right.
HARU
How will we send a calling card, with so little time?
They all pause.
ANN
We… send it before we go in.
MAKOTO
That's suicide! He'll be on high alert the entire time!
ANN
Do you have a better option?
FUTABA
No…
MAKOTO
All right... We have to all be in agreement. So, are we stealing his heart?
ANN
Of course! I don't carry around calling cards for nothing!
HARU
Bad men deserve to be punished, do they not?
FUTABA
This'll be like speed running on critical mode: I'm up for the challenge.
MAKOTO
Let's do this.
They turn to go towards the detention block, when Naoto is standing over them.
NAOTO
What do you think you're doing?
INT. POLICE STATION - NAOTO’S DESK. MOMENTS LATER.
Makoto is seated, being scolded, by Naoto. Futaba, Haru, and Ann are behind her. “Borderline of Madness” is playing.
NAOTO
You can’t keep running away from me like this! You’re supposed to be shadowing me, yet all that’s happened is you walked away and disobeyed my orders. I am very disappointed in you, Niijima-san. What have you been up to?
MAKOTO
I think… I can help with Handa…
NAOTO
(sighing)
Niijima-san… The last thing I need is you sticking your nose further into where you don’t belong.
Ann starts to scoot away from Naoto, noticing that she’s focusing on Makoto. Futaba and Haru take note, and try to block Ann as she moves.
MAKOTO
Sae said-
NAOTO
Niijima-sama... says a lot of things. She isn’t very popular around here, there’s a reason for that. I respect her deeply, but I’m starting to think this whole thing was a mistake.
Naoto looks up.
NAOTO
Wasn’t there four of you?
Silence, Naoto exhales
NAOTO
High schoolers.
INT. INTERROGATION BLOCK. MOMENTS LATER.
Ann is sprinting, looking for the right room. She finds one very temporarily labeled “M. Handa” and makes sure no one is looking. She grabs a calling card from her purse. She quickly scribbles a message onto it, and slides the calling card under the door.
INT. HANDA’S CELL. SAME TIME.
Mikio is able to get up and look at the calling card. He reads it aloud.
MIKIO
“Mikio Handa: We know who you are.Your lust for bloodshed and money has poisoned the world. You treat the police station like your personal amusement park, seeing the world as a playground for you to torture and steal from others. We will steal for ourselves what matters most to you. The Phantom Thieves of Heart”. Huh. This should be fun. Always wondered if they were real.
INT. INTERROGATION HALLWAY. SAME TIME.
Naoto catches up to Ann, with Makoto, Futaba, and Haru just behind her.
NAOTO
Friends of Niijima-san, please, this is off-limits to civilians, just come with me-
ANN
Activate it, one of you guys, now.
FUTABA
But the Detective Prince!-
ANN
One thing at a time. Say the words.
Makoto takes a deep breath.
MAKOTO
Mikio Handa. Police Station. Amusement Park.
NAOTO
What is-
NAV VOICE
Match found.
Just then, swirling red circles engulf them, bringing them into Mikio’s heart.
END OF ACT 1