April 16 (Friday)
Chapter 58: Early Morning
Nanako briefly meets Yusuke again as she reflects on last night's dream, accidentally inspiring him as she wonders aloud how much of last night was a dream and how much was a memory. On the platform, she meets Ren, noting he smells like good coffee, and he promises to bring her a cup next time. She notes he's not wearing his glasses and encourages him to leave them off until they get to school. On the train, Nanako finally asks Ren if he thinks she's a stalker. Ren remarks that he was surprised and taken aback that she followed him, and Nanako says that part of it was that life in Inaba was too quiet and boring. Ren says she should value that compared to the label he's been stuck with, especially after what she's been through. He refuses to elaborate as they arrive at Aoyama-Itchome, putting on his glasses faster than she can see.
Chapter 59: Afternoon
Nanako goes to the courtyard after class for another caffeinated drink, and sees Shiho on the roof about to jump. Nanako runs as fast as she can but fails to reach Shiho before she hits the ground. Nanako kneels beside her and makes to call for an ambulance, and Shiho apologizes, confirming Nanako's suspicions that the cruelty was an act to try to protect her. Ann pushes through the gathered crowd, and Shiho whispers something in her ear that makes Ann tense up, and Nanako swears to make Kamoshida face justice. Both girls go with Shiho in the ambulance, and as Nanako gets a text from the boys, she shares her suspicion that Kamoshida was involved and warns them not to do anything stupid.
Chapter 60: After School
Nanako keeps Ann company while they wait for Shiho's parents, Nanako talking about how Shiho had been protecting her and Ann confiding that Kamoshida had asked her over yesterday and she'd refused. Nanako assures her that only Kamoshida is to blame for what's happened, and at Ann's belief that Kamoshida won't be punished, Nanako says that sometimes justice finds a way. They part ways as Shiho's parents arrive, Ann talking to them while Nanako is brought to talk to the police, finding surprise and relief at seeing Chie and Naoto.
In the hospital cafeteria, Nanako tells them everything, including how Shiho had looked serene as she prepared to jump and then panicked after she did; at the same time, Nanako silently wonders what Naoto is doing there. Chie leaves to call it in, and Naoto praises Nanako's investigation skills, referencing her time as Magical Detective Loveline (embarrassing Nanako) and talking about the skills of a good detective. At Naoto's prompting, Nanako realizes that she was investigating the mental shutdowns and wanted to see if Shiho's case was one. Naoto notices a red mark on Nanako's shoulder from the Compendium strap, and Nanako passes it off as her bag breaking the other day, then asks Naoto how justice can prevail if law enforcement looks away. Naoto says she focuses on revealing the truth, that while she doesn't condone vigilantism, there are many shades of gray.
Nanako thanks Naoto and invites her over for dinner, though some unknown discomfort with Yu makes her hesitate. Nanako makes to ask about Teddie, but Naoto silences her with a look, and Nanako understands that Naoto is close and doesn't want to talk about it casually. Chie returns and sends Nanako on her way with the news that Shiho is in a coma.
SOCIAL LINK ESTABLISHED
- VIII–Justice: Naoto Shirogane
Level 1
Chapter 61: Evening
On a group phone call, Ryuji and Ren tell Nanako that they will be expelled in 14 days and need to change Kamoshida's heart before then. Nanako and Ryuji are both adamant about going into the Palace, despite Morgana saying he has a training ground to show them, and Ren says they'll discuss it on the half-day tomorrow. Nanako shares Shiho and Ann's status before they hang up.
