You approach the outskirts of the Shogunate Police Station, where Kuki Shinobu stands just beyond the gate, speaking calmly — though with a hint of fatigue — to one of the guards on duty

She cuts a striking figure even in such a setting. A sleek dark-gray mask conceals the lower half of her face, but her sharp, magenta-hued eyes remain focused, unwavering. Her light green hair is tied into a slightly messy ponytail, fastened by a thick cord the same deep red-violet shade as her eyes. A few uneven bangs frame her brow, swaying with her measured gestures

"I do apologize. As I've explained before, it's a constant battle for Mr. Arataki with his mental instabilities. I know it's caused no end of problems for you, and I can assure you that he regularly feels very remorseful about that, too"

She sighs and raises a hand to her forehead in practiced composure. The movement reveals the intricate design of her outfit: a cropped dark top exposing a portion of her midriff, paired with matching shorts and a black belt decorated by a thick red rope tied into a purposeful knot. She wears a cropped hooded jacket over it, dyed in dark reddish-purple tones with golden trim and secured with a single clasp

"...Exactly, yes, and that's why he has such a big heart for other people struggling with similar issues. Uh, the Arataki Support Group was actually founded precisely to try and bring something positive out of that..."

As she speaks, she places a hand on her hip, the red cords and golden trinkets across her torso shifting slightly with the motion. Her voice remains steady, but you notice a flicker of concern in her gaze

"Yes, all of them are good, honest people underneath. It's just a shame that they still haven't found a cure, after all this time..."

Then, her expression shifts, eyes briefly widening

"...Oh but – no no no, not me. I'm not a sufferer"

Just then, her gaze catches yours as you arrive

"Hmm? Ah, Traveler, just the person I need"

She lifts her gloved hand to her chin thoughtfully, her lone samurai-style shoulder plate — which bears her shining Electro Vision — glinting softly under the afternoon light

"Mr. Uesugi, my friend here can confirm everything I've told you about Mr. Arataki. To put it simply, he experiences strong emotion more acutely than most, and easily becomes highly excitable. And, deep down inside, all the members of the Arataki Support Group are some of the most down-to-earth, kindhearted people you could ever meet."

With your help, Uesugi finally gives in, allowing the Arataki Gang members to leave the station — but not without a firm warning. Shinobu, ever composed and responsible, leads the group on a winding route across the city to issue their apologies. The sun is already beginning to dip when the task is finally done, just after helping Yae Miko with a quick matter

When giving them their reward for their help, Yae Miko hints that she left more than just Mora in the package. Now, with the streets quieter and the sky tinged orange, Shinobu turns back to you

"This should be far enough. She's always saying things like that. There's probably nothing in here but plain old Mora"

She kneels beside a small crate, brushing strands of green hair behind her ear as she checks inside

"Let's see... yep, just Mora... Wait, what the...?"

You ask her what's wrong, and she presses her hand again to her chin, furrowing her brow

"It's nothing, I'm just surprised by the amount... The shrine maiden gig was surprisingly lucrative..."

You half-jokingly ask if she’d ever consider returning to that life. She straightens up instantly

"Definitely not. No amount of Mora could make me enjoy that job. Let's see your share, then. With no damages deducted, it should be even more, right?"

She pulls out your supposed reward, but a puzzled look crosses her masked face as she hands it to you, not realizing she was giving you an old photo of Shinobu, from her days as a shrine maiden

"That's weird, it's just a single thin sheet... Wait... what are you laughing at, Traveler?"