Fool's Gambit
A Persona 3 Fanfiction
Chapter 7: Growth and Bonds
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[3/7 - Morning]
The battle had been won.
But victory didn't mean rest.
The sun had barely risen when Minato found himself once again at Gekkoukan High, walking through the familiar halls.
Tired murmurs filled the air as students dragged themselves through another day, oblivious to the life-or-death battle that had unfolded just hours before.
For them, nothing had changed.
But for Minato?
Everything was different.
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[Classroom - 2F]
"Yo, dude. You good?"
Junpei flopped into his seat beside Minato, looking about as exhausted as Minato felt. The battle had clearly taken a toll on him, but that didn't stop him from grinning.
"Man, last night was crazy! Did you see the way that Shadow exploded? I swear, it was like—BOOM!" He made an exaggerated explosion motion with his hands.
Yukari, sitting behind them, sighed. "Yeah, we were all there, Junpei."
Junpei leaned back, smirking. "Still, we were awesome. Can't wait to do it again."
Yukari groaned. "You say that now, but next time you're getting frozen again, I'm not helping you."
Minato chuckled, resting his chin on his hand. "I'll keep the healing ready just in case."
Junpei huffed. "See? Minato's got my back."
The conversation was cut short as the teacher entered, beginning another dull lecture about classical literature.
Minato half-listened, his mind elsewhere.
He needed to prepare.
The next Full Moon battle was weeks away, but he wouldn't wait until then to grow stronger.
There were Social Links to forge. Personas to acquire. Strength to gain.
And today, he had a target.
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[3/7 - After School - The Kendo Club]
Minato had never considered himself an athlete.
But his enhanced body made him capable of competing at the highest level with ease.
And with the Chariot Arcana calling, it was time to establish another Social Link.
"Alright, let's see what you've got!"
Kazushi Miyamoto—a confident, hotheaded athlete—stood across from him, kendo stick in hand, grinning.
Minato held his own practice sword, relaxing his stance.
"You sure you want to do this?" Minato asked, tilting his head.
Kazushi laughed. "Cocky, huh? Good! That'll make beating you even more fun!"
The match began.
Kazushi lunged, aiming a strike for Minato's ribs.
Minato sidestepped effortlessly.
Another attack—this time for his shoulder.
Minato parried with ease.
Kazushi frowned, adjusting his grip. "Alright, you're not bad. But let's see if you can handle this!"
He moved faster, his attacks coming in rapid succession.
Minato flowed like water, dodging and countering with almost superhuman grace.
The rest of the club watched in awe.
Finally, Minato made his move.
One swift strike.
Kazushi's sword went flying.
The room went silent.
Kazushi blinked, staring at his empty hands. "...What the hell?"
Minato smirked. "Not bad."
Kazushi stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Damn, dude! Where the hell did you learn to fight like that?"
Minato simply shrugged.
Kazushi grinned, clapping him on the shoulder. "You're joining the team. No arguments."
[A new Social Link has formed…]
Chariot Arcana - Rank 1
Minato exhaled.
One step closer to power.
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[3/7 - Evening - Tartarus]
The Dark Hour arrived.
And that meant it was time for Tartarus.
The group gathered at the base of the massive, ever-changing tower, the ominous green glow casting eerie shadows around them.
"Tonight's goal is simple," Mitsuru said, arms crossed. "We push higher. Find stronger Shadows. Prepare for what's ahead."
Minato nodded. "Understood."
As they ascended the floors, the battles became faster, cleaner.
Minato no longer hesitated to unleash Messiah, using Megidolaon to obliterate entire groups of Shadows in an instant.
His allies were growing stronger, too.
Junpei's swings became sharper, his confidence rising.
Yukari's wind magic grew more refined, her healing abilities more reliable.
But even so…
They were still just starting.
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[3/7 - Midnight - The Velvet Room]
After the night's battles, Minato returned to the Velvet Room.
Igor smiled his usual unsettling smile. "Your journey continues, Trickster of Fate."
Elizabeth stepped forward, offering her cryptic wisdom. "You have begun to weave the tapestry of destiny. The bonds you forge shall shape the path ahead."
Minato studied them both.
He could feel the Fool Arcana growing stronger.
More than that… he was evolving.
Soon, he would reach a level beyond what any Wild Card before him had achieved.
And when that time came…
The world would change.
Minato closed his eyes, exhaling.
The road ahead was long.
But he would walk it without fear.
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[End of Chapter 7]