Phantom Thieves of Hope - A Danganronpa X Persona 5 Story.

Chapter 82: Ultimate Justice

Have A Short Rest - Persona 5

The air was thick with tension and anticipation in the dock warehouse area. Kyoko, alongside detectives Tachibana and Kujo, crouched behind a stack of crates, scanning the dimly lit structure for any signs of movement. The detectives and their team were given armored vests and firearms to be ready.

"Do not shoot first," Kyoko reminded her agents, "We're not taking any lives tonight, and we can't risk harming Makoto or anyone else."

"Roger," one of the field ops affirmed, his voice firm, "we'll get into position."

Kyoko noticed, as the officers split up, that Tachibana and Kujo stuck by her. She had to admit she was grateful. They were both skilled, and she couldn't ask for better backup.

"You're going into the field, I presume?" Tachibana asked.

"Don't worry," Kyoko smirked, "I've committed enough violence for a lifetime."

"Let the record show that I have no intention of reporting you," Tachibana chuckled, "though it was a bit shocking to see a side of you that's usually reserved for interrogations."

"I was in the heat of the moment," she explained, "I've always been good at restraining my emotions, but...letting them out for once felt...refreshing."

"I can imagine," Tachibana smiled, his gaze softening, "I'm sure Naegi-kun would be happy for you if he saw you like this. He's always trying to get you to express yourself more."

"Yeah, I'll bet. If he hears about this, I'll never hear the end of it," Kyoko smirked, "But enough about me. How are you feeling? I can't help but notice you've been on edge, even after the fact."

Tachibana kicked at the ground, looking a bit embarrassed.

"I'm just...so ashamed of myself...I can't believe we let him manipulate us like that," he muttered, his brow furrowed with regret, "I'm...sorry, Kyoko...I should have seen through Okiri's...through Akuma's lies. I should have protected you."

Kyoko turned to him, her expression softening.

"It's not your fault, Tachibana. None of us knew," she said, "I'm just as guilty for shutting everyone out. I'm sorry for being so reclusive, especially when you've done so much for the Kirigiri Detective Agency."

Tachibana smiled faintly, a spark of understanding passing between them.

"You really are the Ultimate Detective, Kyoko," he said, "You see things others can't, even when you don't realize it yourself."

"And you've been more of a role model to me these past few years than my father OR grandfather have," Kyoko smiled back, "That's something I DIDN'T see. And you deserve credit for it, no doubt."

"Thank you..." Tachibana nodded quietly.

Kujo stepped forward, breaking the moment with a determined expression as she pulled out a small case filled with guns.

"We'll need these," he said, distributing the weapons to both detectives, "We don't know what we're walking into, but we need to be prepared for anything. Though hopefully, we won't have to shoot anyone."

Kyoko accepted her gun, checking it methodically before tucking it into her waistband.

"Let's do this," she said, "We're here to get Makoto back, no matter what it takes."

"Right. We won't let anything happen to him," Tachibana nodded, his resolve solidifying as he gripped his weapon tightly, "not after all this..."

The trio exchanged determined glances, a silent agreement passing between them. With their hearts pounding and adrenaline coursing through their veins, they moved stealthily towards the warehouse entrance, ready to confront whatever awaited them inside.