It was about two days after the incident with Kamoshida that the popularity of the Phantom Thieves started to gradually increase. Very slowly, according to Mishima's fansite, but increasing nonetheless. So, Ryuji being Ryuji, obviously wanted to do something to celebrate that.
It was nothing big, they mainly went to an arcade to play some games. Ann had dragged them to a café afterwards to sate her craving of sweets. It was a pretty uneventful day really, until they were approached by two men in the alleyway.
Apparently it was some thugs who thought highschool kids would be an easy target. Akira wasn't one for battles in reality..for all his strength was in the metaverse.
"H-hey man, we don't want any trouble, yknow'?" Ryuji had held up his hands as one of thugs had pulled out a pocket knife from his jacket. It was small, but deadly.
Akira felt his bag shift has Morgana popped his head out to whisper, "Akira, what do we do?"
They could always run of course, that would be the safest option. They were close enough to where they came from to do so. He was about to suggest that option, but movement on the rooftop near them caught his attention.