It's the third chapter! I hope you guys enjoy!

Chapter 3- From Two to Five?

"Now then, unleash your talents and have a happy, homicidal, horrific, hilarious killing game!" Monokuma announced.

"W-Wait just a minute!" Kaede interrupted. "No matter what you say, we won't do it! We'll never participate in a killing game! Whatever you have planned, I'm not gonna let you get away with it!"

Kokichi could only sigh. It was possible that this scene painted her as a larger threat to the Mastermind.

Monokuma only laughed. "I welcome your resistance! That kinda defiant spirit is important to the killing game. It's fun to watch the defiant ones eventually snap, and get their hands dirty"

The supreme leader shook his head. In fact, it was true. Kaede had snapped to the point, where she tried to kill the mastermind in his timeline. She had fallen for the mastermind's trap and as a result, they lacked a lot of potential information from Rentaro. The mastermind had managed to kill two birds with one stone.

"Wh-What do you mean by that?"

Monokuma smiled at Kaede. "As the headmaster, it's my job to force you to do it. Ahahaha!"

Then, Monokuma and the Monkubs left the gym, leaving the students shocked from the whole situation.

With the Monopads, the other students looked at the regulations. There were quite a few conversations about these rules, until one stood out from the rest.

"Hey, hey! What does this sixth regulation mean?" Angie cheerfully asked. "The killing game and class trials will continue until only two surviving students remain. Only two surviving students? What would be the reason for that?"

"It's because we couldn't do a class trial with just two people," Kokichi answered, although he felt an intense gaze looking his way by Miu. Perhaps she was angry about the fact that he had pinned it on her a few moments ago or she was starting to become aware that his alliance of three wouldn't work. Either way, Kokichi had a possible counter to that rule, which might just work.

"Damn brat!" Miu yelled, hitting the wall next to Kokichi's head. Bam! "Why'd you throw me under the bus!?"

The boy in question rolled his eyes. Of course, she didn't understand what she had just done. She had nearly blown his cover. There was no need to reveal anything this early in the game.

"You going to answer me!? Or do I have to punch your brains out!"

'Man, this continuous yelling is gonna get me a headache,' Kokichi mentally groaned. Luckily, he had chosen a private spot that should be away from the other Ultimates, but being overheard could be dangerous. Maybe he was starting to think Miu was more trouble than she was worth.

"Well, Miu," Kokichi said, hands in his pockets. "Why don't you tell me what you did wrong?"

"H-h-huh? I d-did nothing wrong!" Miu exclaimed.

Narrowing his eyes, Kokichi smiled and took a step forward while tilting his head innocently. "Oh~really?"

At that point, Miu took a step back and looked away.

"When you mentioned 'alliance', you were going to mention my name. Isn't that correct?"

Miu still refused to look in Kokichi's direction. "W-well, yeah. But didn't you say we were allies!?"

"I did, but it was supposed to be a secret."

Realizing what she had just done, she looked down at the floor with a blush evident on her expressions. "O-o-oh. Um-my bad."

Once again, the teen boy stared hard at Miu. She probably misunderstood his statement once again. "Anyways, don't do anything that draws attention to yourself or me. And everything we do or say is going to be a secret, capeesh?

Finally looking at his direction, Miu bowed his head to the boy. "Got it master!"

Pretending to ignore the last part, he decided now was a good time to leave the area.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Opening the door to his room, Kokichi spotted Kaede outside. "Yo Kaede, what's up?"

Kaede was twiddling her thumbs. "Um, I was hoping we could talk to each other about today and everything."

The door was all the way out. "Feel free to come in, I don't mind listening."

The pianist strode to his bed and sat down. "I was just wondering how you feel about this killing game? And...my actions today?"

Hand on his chin, Kokichi smirked. "You were quite noble out there. People are looking up to you, although your defiance against Monokuma might make you a target. As for my feelings about the killing game, it sounds fun!"

A gasp could be heard. Maybe Kaede hadn't expected Kokichi to act this way. Before she could pull away in disgust or leave, Kokichi leaned in and quietly whispered to her ear, "I'm going to play this smart. I promise you that I will not kill anyone with my own two hands, but in order to beat this game, I need to corner the mastermind"

Before he knew it, he saw Kaede's shaking hand. "P-Please tell me this is another one of your lies!"

"Nope"

Kaede gritted her teeth. "We could get out of here with everyone!"

With a quick shake of his head, the supreme leader sighed. "You know why I didn't follow you guys? It's because whatever path you guys took wasn't going to lead us out of here, especially with a mastermind lurking nearby. If this person spent so much time on a killing game, why would they allow us to even leave? Don't you think one of us here is the mastermind behind this all?"

The pianist seemed lost for words. After a few seconds, she sighed. "Is that why you didn't come with us? You don't trust everyone here?"

"Exactly," Kokichi nodded. "And it turns out, I wasn't the only one. Miu didn't join you guys in the underground path either. So, how did that go?"

There was no reply, until a soft mutter could be heard.

A hand was placed on Kaede's shoulder. "Oh dear Kaede, you can be a bit naive. Not everyone will have the same idealistic thoughts as you. I know we haven't been together for long, but I trust you Kaede. Hopefully you trust me as well."

Then, Kaede was enveloped in a hug. To Kaede, it was comforting and before she knew it, Kokichi had whispered something to her while he hugged her. The message was clear and concise.

"We're being watched."

The next morning, everyone gathered in the dining hall. Before anyone knew about it, Monokuma appeared from the ceiling.

"Everyone, I have an announcement!"

"Sorry Monokuma, but I also have to ask you a request"

Everyone turned to the source of the voice. Kokichi Oma.

"Hmm, you again?" Monokuma appeared puzzled. "What's your request?"

"Don't you think two survivors are way too little? Perhaps we should increase that number to three, four or possibly five?"

Monokuma stared hard at Kokichi. "Now, why would I do something like that?"

Kokichi gave Monokuma an innocent smile. "If someone were to die today, would you consider the offer?"

Several gasps could be heard. Miu and Kaede looked away from Kokichi. Angie, Tenko and Himiko were shaking their heads. Kaito glared at Kokichi, "You bastard!"

"Upupupu," Monokuma laughed. "Well, I was going to offer you guys an interesting motive. The first blood perk. But we can take your suggestion. Like Kokichi said, if someone dies today, I'll increase the number of survivors from two to five!"

With that said, Monokuma left the dining hall.

Before anyone could say anything, Kokichi gave a devious laugh. "Hear that everyone? From two survivors to five! Our chances of survival increase if someone here just murders someone!"

"Stop fucking around!"

Bam!

The impact of the punch could be felt by everyone. Kokichi laid on the ground, a red bruise on his cheek.

"Why the fuck would you encourage killing!?" Kaito roared.

Weirdly enough, Kaito's actions were approved by some of his classmates. Maki clapped to show her appreciation of his actions. Kiibo congratulated Kaito for taking the correct action against Kokichi. Shuichi nodded in agreement. Angie declared it was Atua's will, which made Kokichi be a punching bag. Tenko cheered, "Show that degenerate male!"

While there were some fervour for Kaito's action, Kaede and Miu felt sick. Almost as if they were punched in the face. Himiko closed her eyes, as if she couldn't stand the sight of blood. Gonta couldn't believe what he was seeing.

However, the remaining students such as Ryoma, Kirumi, Korekiyo, Rantaro and Tsumugi had chosen to remain silent and neutral.

"Hahaha! You really think I'm to blame for everything!? Monokuma just admitted he was offering us the first blood perk to convince some idiot to commit murder. The only thing I did was change his offer!" Kokichi hysterically laughed. This was too funny, he was going to be shunned and hated by everyone again. Why? Because he was thinking realistic, not idealistic. "All I hear about is how everyone would work together. Open your damn eyes! How many here actually want someone to die today!?"

There was silence for a while, until somebody spoke up.

"Isn't it suspicious Monokuma changed his offer the moment Kokichi proposed it? Also, why would Kokichi even propose an offer to Monokuma?" Shuichi spoke up, deep in thought. "I think Kokichi is the most suspicious person here"

"Yeah, that's right!" Kaito nodded his head, bumping his own fists.

"Affirmative," Kiibo added in.

"That's right, because he's a degenerate male!"

"My magic tells me he is the most suspicious"

"Atua believes Kokichi is the most suspicious here."

Well, this was nothing new to Kokichi. He was used to being hated, but this early in the game...Dang. It was also an opportunity for him to introduce himself as the mastermind, but there was no need to repeat a mistake twice. The real mastermind would start to get threatened by his presence. In some way, he should had went under the radar this early in the game, but attention had now been drawn to him.

"I don't think he's suspicious," Kaede interrupted. "Uh...He's looking out for us...in his own way."

Most of the people were shocked that Kaede was protecting Kokichi. To many of them, she talked back against Monokuma, encouraged everyone and led everyone to try to complete the underground tunnel. The group of boys, which included Kiibo, Shuichi and Kaito were especially shocked by her statement.

"Y-yeah! The bitch is right!" Miu added in.

The pianist flashed her a look of annoyance, which the inventor sent her a glare in return.

Maybe it was weird and different to Kokichi, but the feeling of being supported amidst the chaos made him feel truly happy. Like those times with his nine other D.I.C.E members, which were like family to him. Before he knew it, a trace of a genuine smile slipped past his mask for a few seconds.

As the three of them walked back to their rooms, Kokichi was certain that the two girls behind him were eying, glaring or whatever at each other. Maybe it was directed to him.

"Why are we going back to our dorms?" Kaede asked. "It's still daytime, you know?"

"Yeah!" Miu added in. "Why's that!?"

Kokichi was pretty certain they knew, or they didn't want to face the reality of this predicament. Before he knew it, Kaede had grabbed his left arm. An instant later, Miu had grabbed his right arm. If any of his other classmates were here to witness this scene, they would probably have thought he was a player.

A minute later, they had reached their destination. "So let's go to Kaede's room," Kokichi decided.

With a nod from Kaede, they went into her room. A tense silence followed for a few seconds, until Kaede broke the silence.

"So, what are here for?" Kaede asked.

"Oh~nothing much. We're just here for your safety, since someone might kill today. We never know," Kokichi replied, hands in his pockets. "Stay here for the whole day and don't open that door for anyone and that includes me"

"Wait! You're not going to be with us!?" Miu exclaimed, face full of anguish.

"Yeah, I got some business outside," the boy nonchalently replied. "Well, don't kill each other. Literally. I know the other person here is guilty if one of you end up dead."

"W-we'll starve to death," Miu wailed. "What will we even do?"

"Don't worry, I brought snacks," Kokichi smiled, pointing at the backpack. "I managed to sneak some snacks into Kaede's backpack."

Kaede quickly grabbed her backpack and indeed there were full of snacks inside her backpack.

"Whoa!"

"How?"

Tongue out, the supreme leader then smirked. "This is child's play for me. Well, I better head out."

Before he could go, Kaede had grabbed his arm. "Wait, you're not going to murder anyone, are you?"

With a quick wink and smirk, he replied, "Of course not. I'm just going to talk to some people. Still, you girls shouldn't leave this room for the whole day."

"Yeah, yeah. We know," Miu huffed. "Go ahead and do your thing, but make sure you don't die brat!"

Ignoring the latter part of Miu's speech, the supreme leader left the room. A few seconds later, he wondered how well the two girls would coexist with each other.

"Hmm, you wanted to talk to me?" Rantaro asked. After a closer look at the boy, he placed his hand on his chin. "Hmm, are you here to propose something?"

"Hahaha," was the short boy's response. "You know me quite well Rantaro. I'm just here to tell you to lock yourself until the day's over."

"Hmm..it does make sense, considering the circumstance, but this motive only helps people who don't kill. In other words, this isn't really a motive for anyone to commit murder."

Rantaro made a solid point. It was true that this motive doesn't truly inspire anyone here to kill someone, but he didn't know if the mastermind wanted Rentaro gone. "I got a bad feeling. I feel like someone here wants you gone. I'm on your side. Really!"

Rantaro stared at the shorter boy's eyes. Kokichi stared back.

Weirdly enough, it was almost as if there was a conversation taking place between the two boys. There was no need to use words to communicate with each other, as both boys stared intently at each other. Ten minutes later, both boys left the area. Rantaro turning left, while Kokichi went the other way. From an outsider's view, it seemed like the two had a fight, but it was the other way around. Both boys were sure of the other's intention and they were both bound by one simple opinion. They were going to find the mastermind and end this killing game!

The next person Kokichi met was Ryoma.

"So, what do you want?" the tennis pro asked in his deep voice. "I might have an idea of what you're after."

"Oh~really? Wow, you beat me to the punch!" the violet haired boy grinned. "So, Ryoma, I think you should like kill yourself. Since you don't have a reason to survive, your death would provide an additional three more lives."

Ryoma took a huff from his cigarette and looked up at the taller boy. "Alright, kill me."

Kokichi shook his head. "Nah, I don't really want to kill you. Monokuma stated there had to be a death today, and that death can be caused by yourself. I mean, I don't really want to get my hands dirty, so you're on your own." As if to prove his point, the teen boy carefully observed his hands.

The tennis pro stared hard at Kokichi. "If only there was a tool to provide me a quick death, then I will go for it."

"Ok! Good luck! I'm off somewhere else!"

"Hmm, if it isn't Kokichi. Kekeke, anything I should know?" the masked Korekiyo asked.

"Nope, I just wanted to tell you about all the wonderful girls here," the boy replied. "Himiko, she's so cute and playful, especially how much she cares about magic. Tenko, she's so dedicated to Himiko. Ah, she's such a loyal friend. Angie is very wise with all the knowledge she has. Kirumi is such a wonderful maid, anybody would love to have her as a friend and maid. Tsumugi is a very nice and considerate person. Oh and Maki...she's strong"

Korekiyo gave a nod, "Why are you telling me all this?"

"Oh~I'm just playing around. You know, wondering which girl you prefer? And like to date?" Kokichi wondered. "And don't worry, I've asked the other boys about this as well"

The masked boy paused to consider his speech. "What about Kaede and Miu? Kaede would be a wonderful choice for a girlfriend."

Quickly, there was a scoff. "Miu is basically a slut. You wouldn't want to be near her. All the moaning is annoying. As for Kaede, I think she's off-limits if you know what I mean?"

"Kekeke, how interesting," Korekiyo laughed. "Well I'll better be on my way."

"Bye!"

"What are you doing here, you degenerate male!" Tenko exclaimed. "Get out of my sight!"

Panting heavily, Kokichi turned to Tenko. "Oh my god, I can't believe it. Thank god I'm safe."

Curiously, she turned to Kokichi. "What are you talking about, degenerate male? Spit it out!"

"Um...you see, I was walking to the dining hall when I heard a guy talk to himself. He was talking about how he was going to kill Himiko today, because she would be an easy target," Kokichi sighed. "Tenko, you have to do something about it!"

"Of course, I won't let any degenerate male come close to her proximity!"

Immediately, Tenko rushed off to search for Himiko.

"What are you doing here!?" Maki demanded. "Leave!"

Kokichi decided to fake cry. "Wahhh! Maki-roll is so mean! I want the real Ultimate Child Caregiver!"

The moment he mentioned the latter part, Maki dashed towards the boy, ready to strangle the boy. It was useless though. Kokichi had already expected that reaction from her, so he swiftly took several steps away.

"What do you want!? And don't call me Maki-roll!"

"Well~" Kokichi smiled. "Since you're so intimidating and probably good with weapons, I think you should kill someone here."

"You right?"

The violet haired boy laughed. "Haha, nice joke. Well, since you're probably used to killing, finding another target here won't be that hard."

Maki narrowed her eyes at the boy. "You're right."

"I mean, you probably don't even have a reason to live, right? So you might as well stick with your talent until the end. Kill, since that's all you have."

With that said, Kokichi skipped away and waved goodbye to an irritated Maki.

"Yo Kiibo," Kokichi stepped forward to reveal himself to the robot.

"What are you doing here? Have you done something to my friends, Shuichi and Kaito?"

An accusatory finger was already directed at Kokichi. It seemed like the robot already had ill-feelings for him. Kaito, Shuichi and Kiibo as the three musketeers...Kokichi couldn't help himself, but snicker. Shuichi was going to need all the luck in the world to have his sanity intact after being with those two. "I haven't. I just came here. Speaking of your friends, where are they?"

"Don't lie, you're plotting something, you liar!"

Another accusation, but he might be right. He was indeed plotting himself and he was a liar. Was it just him or was this Kiibo a lot smarter than the one in his universe? "If they're true friends, they wouldn't leave you behind~right?"

Kiibo took a moment for his words to process. "No, because I believe in my friends!"

Kokichi rolled his eyes. Was Kaito inside that robot? "Anyways, you don't really know them all that well. You are a robot, not a human. You're different from them. To be honest, they probably don't even consider you as a friend. Well, I'm off. Have fun searching for your friends"

As he left, Kiibo was glaring daggers at Kokichi. If looks could kill, Kokichi would've been dead by now.

Kokichi rushed to his room, locked the door and crashed into his bed. Today was so tiring, he had to find the other students and strike up a conversation with them. Since he had spent some time searching, goofed off along the way and ate too many junk food, he was dead tired.

It only took a few seconds on the bed before sleep took over.

The violet haired boy woke up immediately. That was quite the nightmare. For some reason, his nightmare contained a dead Kaede and Miu haunting him for all of eternity. Now that the boy thought about it, those two girls didn't open the door for anyone right?

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The supreme leader groaned and looked at his clock. Who in their darn mind would attempt to disturb his slumber at two in the morning? He was going to ignore the knocks and go back to sleep.

Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.

Nope, the boy was going to ignore it. He ain't opening no door at two in the morning.

"Kokichi" "Kokichi" "Kokichi"

Now, he was hearing whispers. The voices sounded very similar, like Kaede's and Miu's. Wait, did his nightmare come true? Kaede and Miu were going to haunt him for all of eternity!? With a shake of his head, it couldn't be.

Knock! Knock!

Now, those knocks startled Kokichi. Something told him Kaede was trying to wake him up as softly as possible and Miu was now pissed at the idea of waiting for him and was now about to wake him up with any means.

Rushing to the door, he grabbed the door's handle. Hopefully the two girls didn't end up bringing any trouble. When he opened the door, he immediately got tackled to the floor.

"You're safe."

"I-I-It's not l-like I was w-worried about you, you i-idiot!"

Quickly, Kokichi tried to get up, close the door and lock it. For some reason, he had been envisioning the worst during those past few minutes. "Well, I'm happy you missed me~ Of course you'll miss cute ol' me."

The two blondes enthusiastically talked to Kokichi about what they discussed, their similarities and differences and how they thought he died. In his opinion, Kokichi thought of himself as a patient and considerate fellow, but it was now three in the morning!

Before long, all three had fallen asleep. Kokichi was in the middle of the bed alongside Miu and Kaede.

BING-BONG! BING-BONG!

"A body has been discovered! Everyone, please gather to the location of the corpse, the dining hall."

The loud announcement woke up three students in alarm.

As they woke up, Kaede was clutching Kokichi's left arm and Miu's face was next to Kokichi.

Chaos and confusion ensued from their current position.

It had taken them an whole hour to reach the crime scene. For some reason, they had decided to go to the crime scene together. Based on the looks of everyone, it was clear that everyone was irritated that they were the last to show up and it seemed like they had waited for the three for quite a while.

"Finally! You guys showed up! Where were you guys!?" Kaito roared.

As the three reached the dining hall, they looked around. Where was the dead body?

"Where is it?" Kokichi asked. It didn't seem like a murder had taken place, since there was no blood anywhere to be seen.

Kirumi pointed at a large trash bag. As Kokichi peered in the trash bag, he saw a bloody body that only belonged to Ryoma Hoshi.

Well, that's chapter three. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Review, as any feedback would be encouraging! Any thoughts or opinions on this chapter? Any predictions on who committed the murder? I would love to hear your input!