The Priestess

"Fists of justice!"-·-Indie Makoto Niijima(Sideblog. Follows from thetruejustice.)

[thetruepriestess]

Is it hard to find balance between school and martial arts?

“For someone without organization it can be pretty stressing...but I would say my schedules organize my time to study well enough, so I don’t have much of a problem to also attend aikido.”

“And even if I didn’t have enough time, I would sacrifice aikido so I could study...”

[izukudmidoriyaarchive-deactivat]

them them them them!!!!!!!

[renxamamiya]

Persona 5 [79/??]

[thetruepriestess]

“Sometimes it feels as if I disconnected away from the world for over a year.”

[dante-heller]

Makoto really embraced that rebel biker look, didn't she.

[thetruepriestess]

brainpuncher:

Natalie had a deep thinking face on. “I have thought about it. I mean pretty much every bit of my time has bit to be the best boxer I can be. It will be hard to stop.” She paused, then looked to Makoto. “Have you ever wanted something… just so badly that you put every bit of your body into it? Even when you felt like you had nothing left to give, you kept going? That is boxing for me. Even after I do retire from being a pro, I’ll want to keep it in my life. I know it.”

She shrugged and took another bite. “In any case, there are unlikely options to keep boxing in my life. Joining a gym to help train others, maybe starting my own if I can get the right cash. But of course, I can’t slack now.” She punched her palm with a grin. “No one will take a woman seriously if she hasn’t proven herself as one of the best. That means my goal of being the World Champion is that much more important if I want to do that. Maybe I’ll teach your future subordinates a thing or two about defending themselves, ey?”

“That’s the best attitude to have...I’m honestly glad someone like you...so decided to make your dreams true, no matter what.” With being recently out of your life as a pushover...it could be said this kind of attitude was still something you really wanted to have yourself.

Of course, with the awakening of your Persona, you’ve already stepping in the right direction.

“Maybe you could teach me a thing or two, before you get to teach my subordinates in the future.” You said that with a smile, before taking another bite of your own food, and still staring at her with that proud gaze. “I’ve done aikido before, but I want to learn how to throw a proper punch, at least...something that can hurt a little more, rather than just knowing how to defend myself.”

[thetruepriestess]

brainpuncher:

Natalie took a bite before thinking about what Makoto was talking about. “I do… think I remember hearing something. Some gym teacher and a scandal. Drove a poor student to do a jump.” She shook her head. “I would have broke him in half if I had that happen to a fellow classmate. Damn the consequences.” She gave a light hook in the air. “That sort of guy is scum.”

“In any case, I make sure to have decent grades. Sadly, boxing isn’t a life long job. Thirty is considered old for a boxer. I want to be a world champion before then. I’ll get that goal and only retire when someone defeats me. That is the plan. Then I’ll get a normal job which is why I need decent grades. Can’t rely on muscles forever, right?”

“Yes...that was it...it makes me angry that there are many situations around the world exactly like that one...but sometimes people can do nothing against it...” It was sad...but now that you were a Phantom Thief, you were going to do your best to go against as much crime as you could.

Once the food got to you as well, you started to center yourself in this one, even falling silent for a moment before you finally swallowed to answer her; her motivation making you to smile slightly.

“It’s a realistic outcome...but I honestly hope you can get what you want before retiring to a more peaceful kind of life. Seeing you so motivated makes me wonder if you would be fine with retiring, though...what I mean is, won’t an active person as you get bored of not doing what they loved once retiring?...I guess there’s always the chance of doing other activities, though.”

[thetruepriestess]

glassesandmasks:

  Ren noted the sense of disappointment that radiated from Makoto, though, he couldn’t blame her.  Morgana was part of the team after all, even if he was a cat in the end, he still was their friend in spite of everything.  For him to have to stay behind, away from the rest of the phantom thieves, it must have been lonely; however, it couldn’t be helped, at least he was home safe.  

  Turning his attention back to Makoto, he merely quirked a brow at what she asked him.  For such a trip, certainly it would be too expensive for the average high schooler, though Ann might be able to manage it… Yusuke was unfortunately out of the question.   Ryuji might, if he wasn’t buried in his studies, trying to take on the mantra of responsibility that Ren had left behind.  It was lonely, but, the boy was just happy to be able to visit.  Perhaps, he and Sojiro could work something out, allowing him to visit more often. 

“No, but, that’s alright,” he smiled, looking towards the sky.  “Its the thought that counts, after all, I do live over four hours away.”

  The news of Makoto’s studies, and her sister’s well being, it was more than enough to bring that same smile back to Ren’s face.  They had both changed so much in such a short amount of time, and honestly it was encouraging to know that the world was slowly changing for the better.  Their world, at least, centered in the heart of Japan.  Leaving the station, Ren couldn’t help but shield his eyes, being inside all day leaving him quite vulnerable to the sunlight. 

“The future, huh?” he inquired, a small frown forming on his lips, his hand touching his chin.  When he had been labeled a delinquent, he hadn’t really given much thought on his plans, after all, a criminal can only go so far in society.  It seemed that habit hadn’t quite left him yet, a year later after being acquitted of his assault charge.  “I… Haven’t thought that far ahead, honestly.  I suppose I’m free to do what I want now, aren’t I?”

Not used to having longer hair yet, you couldn’t help but have your hand travel to this one so you could fix it a little, before you idly played with it as you walked and listened to Ren. Knowing that no one had the chance to visit made your smile to drop slightly and feel a little guilty for making the assumption that someone visited even if it wasn’t you.

On the other hand, that didn’t matter to you at the moment, mainly because you were trying to think positively about what you two were doing now; your current meeting was more than enough to pay for the time you were separated from your friend.

“I’m sorry to hear that...I promise that one day, I’ll gather everyone so we all visit at the same time.” After adding that, you smiled again as well. “It would be great to be all together again. I’m sure it would be really fun, like in the old times.”

Stepping out of the station alongside him, you blinked twice at the change of light, before looking back at him and letting your arms and shoulders to relax for a moment now that you were outside.

“Indeed...you can do whatever you want, because that’s what we fought for.”

“How’s everyone treating you back at home, though?...it would honestly be stupid if people didn’t know the truth behind your case...it would be really unfair if you were still being treated as a criminal after all.”

[thetruepriestess]

vexingvixens:

“You’re lucky I was going to offer to pay anyway,” Ann gave her a small smile. “So put that wallet away and let Mama Ann ease your woes, if only for a small meal.”

With that, Ann and Makoto would soon find themselves at the front of the line, where Ann would place here order and wait for Makoto to place hers before paying…

Laughing softly, you shook your head and let your wallet back in your bag. Next time you were going to pay instead, she wanted it or not. “Thanks, Ann...I owe you one for this, though.”

Once you got to the counter, you made the contrary order to what Ann asked for, in hopes of having you two try out different kinds of crepes. Counting with that they weren’t too slow, it didn’t give you the chance to say something else, so you simply took the orders of the two and waited for Ann to pay so she could have her hands free to hold hers.

“These look so delicious already...no wonder why you love this place! Even if you should tone down with eating so many of these.”

[thetruepriestess]

brainpuncher:

Natalie made her order, getting steak and mashed potatoes in her order. She thought on what Makoto told her before replying. “I dunno. I’m not mouch for philosophy. Good and bad are subjective. But some people may argue that people with such methods are too dangerous to have around. I mean if they are doing good, that is fine. But you never know. In any case, you can’t really determine if they are right til you know the end goal. Me? I’m simple. I earn what I earn. I don’t wanna lose it. So anyone taking what is mine is wrong to me.”

Natalie of course didn’t know she was talking to a Phantom Thief. But her opinion was pretty neutral. She just didn’t really have a stake in their judgement. So she wasn’t hard pressed to judge. Her focus was elsewhere. “In any case, tomorrow is my first day at school. Hopefully I get along easy. I’ll do my best of course. I’m just over average looking at past grades.”

“I can’t really argue with that answer...it’s fair enough...although I still have the hunch that they’re not as bad as some people make them to be.” Looking down at the table, you awaited patiently for your orders to come over.

This time, you asked for a steak as well- with how delicious they were here, it was difficult to ignore it to ask for something else.

“I’m sure you will be fine...I don’t know if you heard the news about the incident at our school and whatnot...but I promise everything is fine now, so everyone should be fine.”

[luckycricket33]

@makotoniijimaweek day 2 - family/Sae

Don’t have a sister of my own but I hear they’re always stealing each other’s clothes

[envyshattered-deactivated201901]

@queenxfjustice @thetruepriestess @gambledenvy @doesthatsexy

@fragilefortitude

[thetruepriestess]

brainpuncher:

Natalie shrugged as the two finally got to the diner. “I started small and worked myself up. You have to work on strength, speed, reflexes, precision, and toughness. Only way to move higher is to train harder. I’m more a power boxer. My fists hit hard. Overly fancy techniques aren’t my thing.So my routine reflects that.”

Once they sat, Natalie went across from Makoto. “In any case, I am curious about something. That Phantom Thief craze. I even see merch on them. They say that they steal hearts or something. What are they? They actually exist or is it a publicity stunt?”

It was only obvious that someone that seemed to be centered in strength, needed a routine to reach those kind of expectations.

To be quite fair, what you’ve seen from yourself in the Metaverse is that you’re good with a little of everything; hitting physically, using your Persona, and healing here and there, aside of analyzing the enemies.

That aside, though, once you sat down and Natalie started talking about the Phantom Thieves, you were snapped out of your thoughts rather fast.

“A-Ah! Right...the Phantom Thieves...my sister is a prosecutor and is...actually working around with the case of the Phantom Thieves...I actually want to believe they exist...it seems their justice is fair, and they’re not really hurting anyone...” After making a pause, you rested both of your arms on the table and waited for the waitress to take your order, before talking again. “I mean...dangerous criminals are confessing their crimes...I don’t know what kind of methods they may be using, but they’re working, at least.”

[rhinedottirau]

☆ Queen ☆

[thetruepriestess]

brainpuncher:

Natalie grinned and playfully tapped Makoto with her fist. “You think being a teen staying in shape is stressful?” Natalie started listing things off her fingers. “Wake early for roadwork. Running up and down routes while stopping to take a few swings for one minute intervals. Shadow boxing for three rounds, three minutes each. Punching bag for six rounds, three minutes. Sparring with fellow boxers at the gyms. Then Push ups, pull ups, and sit ups to wind down. You also got to make sure you change your diet to build toughness and strength as well as gain stamina. Every day except after a match where you need rest. I actually do my runs before school and the rest after.”

She grinned at the mention of trying her food. “I’ll make you some food I used to eat all the time back in America. I think you’ll like it a lot. Some are considered a little unhealthy, but sometimes food should just be enjoyed. A good balance between responsibility and fun.”

“You really have to do that much?...I honestly wonder how you guys can keep up with it without getting sick or hurt...” It has been some time since Sae had the time to center herself in kickboxing, and you were too young to be explained of the things you have to do sometimes in order to keep a good training.

As you remember it, though, Sae’s thing was more of a casual thing she did as a hobby than wanting to become a professional, though, so there may be differences.

“That aside, though...I would love to try out the food even if it can be considered unhealthy...but just this once.” You teased a little before half smiling and getting to the metro station, always expecting for the other to keep following you. “I know how to balance my own diet depending of what I eat, so we’re good.”

[thetruepriestess]

brainpuncher:

It had been that way for a while. The reason Natalie preferred to get her own boiled down to two things. The satisfaction that the end result gave in boxing and the fact that her parents were the type to make up with their absences with gifts. Just… it meant more to earn things. If she wanted to just get things, she could easily live off her parents.

Natalie blushed lightly and rubbed the back of her head. “They are barely home. My parents that is. They always take extra hours to finish projects. I barely see them home between the long hours and work trips. On the bright side, I’m a pretty good cook. When I’m not training, I actually looked up and tried new recipes. I actually prefer to make my own food rather than buy out most days. Well the days after a great workout. Helps with keeping my proper weight and nutrition.”

Natalie patted her stomach. “The weight control is harsh. Food and drink is cut back to nothing. I only allow myself a tomato at most during all that time. Even showers absorb water and give you weight. You have to maintain your weight class range or you can’t fight. Once you weigh in though, you can fill up. The mental strain can be hard, but it is just part of the process.”

“I see...a friend of mine has parents close to yours...she says they’re barely around so, she’s pretty much on her own...I think sometimes these situations make people stronger, though, so it’s not all disadvantages.” Well, it was true that with your parents gone, all the responsibilities fell onto Sae’s shoulders...and you felt guilty for it even nothing could be done about the death of your father. It made Sae stronger in a sad way, but you were going to do your best as well.

“I can see how strict it is, though...I’m actually a little obsessed with following healthy diets and I’m a nerd of nutrition, but I don’t have to hold myself to something like that.” Not at all...in fact, listening to how strict the weight topic was for boxing made you shiver a little. Could that even be good for the body?... “Regardless of that, I wouldn’t mind trying out what you can prepare one of these days...I cook at home as well from time to time because my sister is usually really busy, so I try to make the job easier for her.”

[thetruepriestess]

Hey makoto, I noticed you were reading citrus? What’s that all about?~

“Reading what, now?…I think I’ve read that title around, but I don’t know about it.”

[thetruepriestess]

glassesandmasks:

  It seemed as though life really had changed for the best, after everything the team had been through, it was comforting to know they had made an impact.  Even Makoto seemed better by it, her life significantly changing in just the past year or so he had known her.  When they had first met, she resembled her sister significantly, though she seemed so unhappy and discontent.  To know she managed to get where she wanted, to be in the right direction due to her own actions, it was enough to bring a smile to his lips. 

  Nodding quietly at the suggestion to venture to LeBlanc, he paused, a look of concern and curiosity washing over his visage.  Looking down to his bag, a somber smile formed on his lips, a mere shake of his head was all he could offer.  Ren had wanted to bring him, he really had, but much to both his and Morgana’s displeasure it appeared his mother had decided to grow quite attached to the cat.  Even the mere mention of bringing Morgana with him resulted in a small scolding. 

“Morgana really has a way with women,” he laughed softly.  “I’m afraid even if I had managed to bring him with me, my mother would not have been pleased.  I’m sorry, Makoto-san.”

  Though, he had made a compromise, offering to bring Morgana sushi as an apology for his mother’s attachment.  At least she had bonded with the cat, instead of insisting he get rid of the poor thing, though that would have been easy enough to circumvent.  They were phantom thieves after all. 

“How is Sae-san?”

The explanation behind the cat not being here today made you not only to smile but also to laugh softly before your grip tightened around your own bag. It was a pity, really, it has been a good while since you saw Morgana as well, so it’s impossible to avoid the feeling of missing the little gentle thief.

“Guess I will have to make you a visit instead sometime if I want to visit him...didn’t the rest go for a visit as well at some point?...” Or at least, that’s what some of them said before Ren left one year ago.

“I’m actually sorry for being so busy...college is just stealing my time more with the increased academic knowledge so I can’t really go out of Tokyo at the moment.” As you said that, you moved one of your hands to rub the back of your neck, gently, and while looking down. “My sister is doing well, though, surprisingly. Since she became a lawyer she has been...less grumpy than before. It’s like if a burden was released from her shoulders and she’s still proud of finding her own way to protect people.”

“I think she’s happier now, even if she keeps working hard and whatnot...but that’s just how she is...I should be thanking you for it, though...if it wasn’t because I got involved with the Phantom Thieves, I wouldn’t be here, nor my sister...” But enough about yourself or your sister! You were also curious to know what Ren was doing now that he went back to his hometown. “What have you been doing, though? Do you have in mind what you want to work for in the future?...”