Yu had suspected Naruko to have some degree of experience in fighting the Shadows, given her background as a part of the Shadow Operatives and a former wielder of the Wild Card ability.
But even then, he would never expect her to easily surpass his expectation.
Despite not being able to use a Persona, Naruko is able to fight efficiently by combining her outstanding swordsmanship with her remarkable footwork. Her combat style is based on a more refined form of Iaijutsu, which allows her to cut down her enemies with swift movement and deadly precision. Her ability is indeed amazing, but Yu suspect it was also because of the blade she wielded.
A traditional Japanese Katana is widely known for its unusual sharpness, even among other bladed weapons. This is because the blade is made as thin as possible in order to increase its cutting ability. However, because of such design, it also has lower durability compared to other arms. A small force would be enough to nick the blade or completely shatter it.
On the contrary, Naruko's Katana is not only sharp but also extremely durable. Even when Naruko used it to block many incoming attacks, the blade showed no sign of being chipped.
"That's the tenth group we fought today…" said Chie after finishing off the remaining Shadows. "You're amazing, Uzumaki-san. Even after all that, you barely broke a sweat."
"You can say that again. I guess it's to be expected from a pro Shadow hunter." Yosuke commented.
"You're overestimating me," Naruko smiled at them. "Narukami-san is better than I am."
"No, what they said is true," Yu suddenly spoke. "You should take the lead, Uzumaki-san, considering your experiences and abilities."
"Unfortunately, I have to decline…" said Naruko. "Your ability to cooperate with Hanamura-san and Satonaka-san is far better than I could ever hope to achieve. Have faith in your own powers, Narukami-san, you're a more capable leader than I am."
Yu only sighed in response.
"I understand… I'll be counting you guys then."
"Heh, just leave it to us, partner!" said Yosuke.
"Yeah, you got us this far after all. I believe in you too." said Chie.
Yu can't help but smile after hearing his friends' words. It may not be long since he came to Inaba, but he really enjoyed his time together with them.
"Sensei, I can smell Yuki-chan's location from here. She might be on the next floor." said Teddie.
"Good job, Teddie. Can you show us the way?" asked Yu.
"The stair is on that direction, but—"
"What is it?"
"There's something else beside her. I think Yuki-chan is not alone here," said Teddie.
"It must be her Shadows…" said Yu. "Let's go, but stay on your guard."
When the group arrived on the 8th floor, they could see Yukiko resting against one of the pillars in the hall while clutching her chest. Her Shadow is sitting on the throne, looking as seductive and malevolent as ever.
"Oh? What's this? I only asked for a prince, and yet there are three of them" Shadow Yukiko said in an eerily sweet voice.
"Three princes? The only guys here are Yosuke and me," said Yu.
"Duh, the third one's gotta be me!" Teddie commented on his words.
"Yeah, no…" Yosuke rolled his eyes.
Shadow Yukiko merely chuckles after hearing their response.
"Unfortunately there is only one true prince in this room. One that can free me from my cage. Isn't that right, my dear Prince Chie?"
"H-Huh? Me?"
"I didn't know Amagi-san swings that way…" Naruko commented.
"So that's why she always rejected us boys…" said Yosuke.
"Y-You got it all wrong!" Chie shouted at her friends, before turning to look at Shadow Yukiko. "Anyway, I'm going to rescue Yukiko! Don't try to stop me!"
"Rescue? Hah! We both know that I waited long enough for you to do that!" Shadow Yukiko suddenly yelled, shocking the group.
"No… Stop it…"
Yukiko, who had forced herself to stand up, suddenly spoke.
"I'm tired of being forced to inherit the inn! Family business?! Historical treasure?! All those things can go to hell for all I care!"
"Please… That's enough…"
Despite her best effort, Shadow Yukiko continued to rant its true feelings to everyone.
"Here I was, waiting for my best friend Chie to save me from this hell-hole, and what was it you said to me? 'I guess it can't be helped'?!"
"Yukiko…" Chie stammered in response to Shadow Yukiko's words.
"How dare you… I—"
But before Yukiko could finish her words, her Shadow interrupted her.
"Never think something like that? That is where you are wrong… I am you and you are me. That is why I know everything about you. You do know this, don't you? 'Real Me'?"
Yukiko, who can no longer endure her Shadow ranting, finally snaps.
"No! You and I are nothing alike!"
After Yukiko said that, the black aura emanating from her Shadow immediately engulfed its entire body.
"Yes…! Now I'm free… And you are no longer me...!"
Shadow Yukiko then re-emerges from the black aura with its new form. It has now taken the form of a large red bird inside an opened bird cage, which hangs from the chandelier. It also summons another Shadow in the form of Charming Prince to aid it in battle.
"Tch! Here they come!" Yosuke shouted.
"Be careful, Sensei! Her Shadow is immune to fire and that one is strong against wind!"
"Yosuke, you're with me. Uzumaki-san and Chie, please take care of that small Shadow. Teddie, get Yukiko to safety as soon as you get the chance" said Yu before charging at Shadow Yukiko with Yosuke.
"Satonaka-san, please stay close to me," said Naruko.
"Uzumaki-san?"
"I don't know about that small one, but if Amagi-san's Shadow is immune to fire, there is a high chance it's adept with fire attack as well. If I recall correctly, your Persona is weak to it."
"Then what should we do?" asked Chie.
"I have a plan. But for now, we'll focus on taking out that Shadow," answered Naruko.