Legend:
Narration/Description
Italicized - Umeko's thoughts
[CG] Description [CG]
[CG] End [CG]
[[flashback]]
Bold - Argue Points
Underlined - Agree Points
[Truth Bullet]
[[TRIAL: RESUME!]]
Umeko: And that person...is you! Nagatomo Yamaoka, the SHSL Thief!
There were gasps and shocked murmurs erupting all around the room as people looked from me to Nagatomo, and from Nagatomo back to me.
Nagatomo simply lowered his bowler hat over his eyes, casting his face into shadow, and remained as stubbornly stoic as he always was.
Nagatomo: [annoyed] …
Eizo: [shocked] What? It's...the killer is Nagatomo? How do you know for sure?
Taro: [nervous] N-N-Nagatomo's the k-k-killer?
Wakako: [accusatory] So he WAS the thief! And you all thought I was dumb for thinking it!
Yoshihiki: [annoyed] Hey, I suggested it first!
Miyumi: [accusatory] I should've known! Anyone who'd lay a hand on Dr. Cr-Creeper the way he did is nothing but a baddie!
Ichiro: [angry] Well? Is it true, asshole? Did you do all this?
Fukumi: [accusatory] Yeah, talk!
Shizuko: [accusatory] You've done your best at staying quiet this whole time, now's your time to speak up!
Samira: [angry] Answer us, or I'll knock your teeth out!
Monokuma: Remember, no violence in the Trial Room!
Despite everyone's voices crying out at him, Nagatomo stayed silent, entirely unfazed.
Nagatomo: …
It's almost like...he saw this coming...
Nagatomo finally looked up at me, and I was both surprised and unsurprised to see that he now had his familiarly mysterious, cocksure smile plastered back on his face. It was that look of his...that knowing look of his, the way he was always so calm, and always seemed to know more than he was letting on...
Nagatomo: [snide] Of course, I am not the killer. It's silly to even suggest it.
Fukumi: [confused] Huh? It is?
Nagatomo: [snide] Don't be foolish. Umeko, I'm surprised at you, accusing me like this, with no real proof.
Umeko: [shocked] No real proof? Everything I've just said is proof! [accusatory] You were present both when Yoshihiki planted that note on Taro's shirt, and when Taro broke the bottle in the Rec Room! Committing this murder was perfectly within your capabilities. And of all of us here...you are the most suspicious!
Nagatomo: [snide] Oh? Go on, then. Tell the group why you're so sure that I'm the one who killed Kenji Enomoto.
He's not bothered by my accusations at all...it's almost like he's taunting me...but I can't back down now! I know in my heart that he's got to be the guilty one! And for Kenji's sake...I can't let him down! I have to go all the way to prove this!
[Track: watch?v=b0RKidkav6o&t]
[Non-Stop Debate: Start]
Truth Bullets:
1. Night Shift Schedule
2. Switching Rooms
3. Ichiro's Note
4. Missing Fireplace
5. Body Discovery Announcement
Nagatomo: [snide] You want to accuse me? You're going to have to present evidence…
Eizo: [thoughtful] Is it possible for Nagatomo to have committed this crime?
Fukumi: [thoughtful] He certainly seems sketchy enough for it…
Wakako: [confused] Like I said...he's the most likely person to accuse of theft…
Nagatomo: [annoyed] That is just a generalization. It is not concrete proof of my guilt.
Azuma: [annoyed] Then...can you tell us what you were doing last night?
Nagatomo: [snide] Simple enough. I was in my room, sleeping.
Samira: [accusatory] That's not good enough! No one can prove that!
Nagatomo: [snide] No one can prove otherwise either…
Yoshihiki: [thoughtful] He's got a point there...
Nagatomo: [accusatory] Not only was I not awake last night...I am also not the thief responsible for stealing the trophy.
Nagatomo: [thoughtful] I did not write Ichiro that note…
Nagatomo: [annoyed] And I had no access to a fireplace…
Nagatomo: [snide] Therefore...I cannot be the culprit. You cannot prove the existence of contradictions within any of those statements.
Nagatomo: [snide] Umeko is wrong...and that is final.
Azuma: [distressed] Umeko...say something!
[Non-Stop Debate: End]
If I'm going to convince everyone that Nagatomo is the culprit, I need to give a solid reason why.
I know exactly why he's a suspect, so I just need to present it to everyone!
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Answer: [Switching Rooms] - [had no access to a fireplace]
Umeko: [annoyed] That's wrong, Nagatomo.
Nagatomo: [annoyed] Oh? ...Do tell.
Umeko: [accusatory] You want to know how the killer had access to a fireplace on the night of the murder? It's simple. The killer simply switched rooms with someone that had a fireplace in their room!
Fukumi: [shocked] What? All the killer did was...switch rooms with one of the eight of us?
Umeko: [accusatory] And earlier today, Wakako told me this…
[[flashback]]
Wakako: [excited] I did it, Umeko! I finally found a foolproof way to get away from Yoshihiki! I switched rooms a second time, and now Yoshihiki can't get to me anymore because the only way he can get the room next to mine is to switch with Miyumi…
[[end: flashback :end]]
Umeko: Wakako specifically said the only way she could get away from Yoshihiki was to switch rooms with the person next to Miyumi, because Miyumi would never have switched rooms with the guy who stole her doll.
Yoshihiki: [playful] Wow, you really went to great lengths to avoid me, huh, Wakako?
Miyumi: [annoyed] And for good reason! Don't worry, Wakako! He'll never get me to switch rooms with him!
Umeko: And looking at the map, the only person next to Miyumi is you. Which means...Wakako and Nagatomo switched rooms!
Wakako: [shocked] That's...that's right! I never actually told you this morning fully because we were in a rush but...me and Nagatomo switched rooms yesterday.
Umeko: [accusatory] Which means Nagatomo went from a room without a fireplace, to a room with one! Meaning...on top of having witnessed both Yoshihiki's prank and Taro breaking that bottle of whiskey...he knew everything he needed to know to be able to commit this crime.
Nagatomo's eyes flashed dangerously in my direction.
Miyumi: [nervous] But...d-didn't Wakako switch rooms before that too?
Umeko: Say what now?
Taro: [worried] Um...I th-thought Wakako switched rooms with someone else before she switched with Nagatomo...
Nagatomo spread his hands out, smiling.
Nagatomo: [snide] Precisely. If your argument for me being the killer is that I made use of Wakako's fireplace to enter the Rec Room...that is, unfortunately, not the case.
Umeko: No. You're still guilty.
Eizo: [shocked] Umeko...
Hanako: Can you prove that? If Nagatomo didn't end up in Wakako's old room, then...
Umeko: [accusatory] He ended up in...
1. My room
2. Azuma's room
3. Miyumi's room
4. Yoshihiki's room
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Answer: 1. My room
Umeko: ...my room.
Fukumi: [shocked] What?
Umeko: [sad] That's...that's right. I'd switched rooms with Wakako prior to her switching rooms with Nagatomo. Which means…
Nagatomo: I ended up in your room. Is that it?
Umeko: [uncomfortable] Which means...you...climbed up my original fireplace...to get into the Rec Room…
Shizuko: [bored] Well, that's dramatic irony if I've ever seen it.
My room...?
My fireplace...?
Nagatomo...ended up in my room...and climbed up my fireplace...to kill Kenji.
Umeko: [angry] ...I've laid it all out on the table. Now...what do you have to say for yourself?
There was a moment of tense silence as we all stared at Nagatomo, who kept his bowler hat down over his eyes, still perfectly calm.
Samira: [accusatory] Well? Talk!
Nagatomo: Very...interesting.
Umeko: [shocked] Eh?
Nagatomo: [snide] My apologies. It appears there was a simple misunderstanding.
His cocky smile and shrewd gaze made my heart sink.
He's not giving up, is he? What is he thinking? What else does he have up his sleeve...?
Azuma: [annoyed] Misunderstanding?
Nagatomo: [snide] I did not mean to deny that I had a fireplace in my room. As the change in lodgings between me and Wakako only took place recently...I simply overlooked that detail. It is a mere coincidence.
Ichiro: [annoyed] It's not coincidence if it does, in fact, make it possible for you to have travelled to the Rec Room and back without ever alerting anyone with the sound of the door...
Nagatomo: [snide] I will admit, Umeko, that you bring up many good points that could suggest I am the killer. But there are still so many holes in your theory, so much so that it's like a sponge. It just...won't hold water.
Samira: [accusatory] Stop with the cryptic bullshit, you creepy motherfucker! Umeko has been able to prove everything thus far! You're the culprit, I'm sure of it now!
Nagatomo: [snide] Oh? Is that so, Samira? But there's still so much left unanswered. This case is far from over.
Ichiro: [annoyed] Questions like what?
Fukumi: [accusatory] Umeko's been able to puzzle it all out!
Nagatomo: [annoyed] For instance, the murder weapon. You insist on it being the silver trophy missing from the Lounge. Can you prove I'm the one who took it?
Wakako: [accusatory] You're the SHSL Thief! If anyone could've stolen that thing, it's you!
Nagatomo: [disappointed] Oh, Wakako...such a shame. You're stereotyping others yet again...what a pity.
Umeko: [angry] Okay, Nagatomo...you want me to make it clear how you're behind all this? Let's play ball.
You killed my friend...I won't let you get away with this!
[Track: watch?v=CyWFVReeqR0]
PSYCHE TAXI:
Q1) When was the trophy stolen?
The day before Fukumi's party
The day of Fukumi's party
The day after Fukumi's party
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Answer: 1. The day before Fukumi's party
Q2) When did Nagatomo get the opportunity to steal the trophy?
When the flies were unleashed
When everyone was preparing for the party
When everyone had gone to sleep
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Answer: 2. When everyone was preparing for the party
Q3) Who were the two people who could have caught Nagatomo stealing the trophy, but failed to do so?
Umeko and Kenji
Eizo and Hanako
Ichiro and Fukumi
Umeko and Azuma
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Answer: 3. Ichiro and Fukumi
Umeko: [accusatory] The day before Fukumi's party, you were assigned to Cleaning duty in the Lounge with Ichiro and Fukumi. Kaori said that the trophy disappeared the day before Fukumi's party...which means that was the most opportune time for you to have taken it!
Wakako: [shocked] Really? That's when he took it? When there were two other people on duty with him?
Hanako: That is...if both Ichiro and Fukumi can attest to having been with Nagatomo the whole time.
Ichiro: [uncomfortable] ...
Fukumi: [embarrassed] …
Wakako: [shocked] Huh? Why are you two silent?
Ichiro: [annoyed] …
Eizo: [annoyed] You never did your duty, did you?
Ichiro: [annoyed] ...I didn't see the point, alright?
Yoshihiki: [angry] You FOOL! You could have died all because you didn't show up to your duty responsibly!
Ichiro: [annoyed] Oh, would you shut the hell up already.
Yoshihiki: [playful] Hehe. How can I when it's such fun to tease you? You might be even more fun to take advantage of than Wakako...
Hanako: And Fukumi?
Fukumi: [shocked] For the most part I was! I swear! [nervous] I just...hehe...er...I may have taken a teensy little break in between…
Eizo: [annoyed] How teensy of a break are we talking about here?
Azuma: She came into the kitchen and tried to force Miyumi and Taro to let her bake the cake.
Fukumi: [shocked] Hey now, to say I 'forced' them into it is a little bit too much, don't you think?
Azuma: [distressed] You made Miyumi cry and Taro scream!
Miyumi: [shocked] Wha…! I did NOT cry! [as Dr. Creeper] Hehe. Yes, you did!
Taro: [uncomfortable] I w-w-wasn't screaming!
Azuma: [uncomfortable] She nearly caused an explosion in the microwave! And it took us ages to help clean up all the baking powder you spilled on the floor - and scrape the eggs off the walls - and the-
Fukumi: [annoyed] Alright, fine, we get it. So I made a little mess, big deal. But at least I helped to clean it up!
Umeko: [accusatory] Which would've given Nagatomo plenty of time unattended to snag the trophy. Unless, of course, you claim to have seen someone else do it?
Nagatomo: Who's to say I didn't?
Umeko: [angry] You can't. And you know why?
Nagatomo raised an eyebrow at me and, knowing I had him cornered, I pushed on.
Umeko: [accusatory] Just now, when we were talking, you specifically mentioned the trophy was 'silver'.
Nagatomo: [snide] So?
Umeko: [accusatory] I never once said which of the three trophies was taken. None of us did. How did you know it wasn't the bronze one, or the gold?
Yoshihiki: [excited] Oh snap! She's got you good!
Nagatomo: [snide] That's easy. I already noticed the silver trophy was missing long before Kenji was murdered. It's a little thing called, 'being observant'.
Yoshihiki: [confused] Oh wait, that's a good answer too. Never mind.
Nagatomo smirked, but I refused to back down and stood my ground.
Fukumi: [shocked] Actually...as a matter of fact, now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure it was Nagatomo who told me he could handle the Lounge on his own and encouraged me to go see if I couldn't convince the guys in the Kitchen to let me help out!
Nagatomo: [disappointed] So...my moment of compassion shall now be misinterpreted as deviousness...it is such a cruel world we live in…
Fukumi: [shocked] Oh, no! I didn't mean it like that!
Samira: [angry] Quit playing the victim, you dick! I hate people who do that!
Nagatomo: So you claim that I stole the trophy while Fukumi left my side and went to the kitchen, correct?
Umeko: [angry] Yes.
Nagatomo: [thoughtful] Okay. I suppose that's a fair assumption. But...there are still questions to be asked.
Shizuko: [annoyed] Oh, for the love of...Who cares? He's obviously guilty, let's just vote!
Umeko: [accusatory] This crime could easily have been committed by a man whose talent is all about thievery and breaking and entering. Who else could have looked at the Rec Room and so easily discovered such an unorthodox way of breaking in?
Nagatomo: [playful] Is that so…? Do continue.
Shizuko: [bored] Jeez...how long does this go on?
Samira: [annoyed] Would you shut your mouth and let Umeko speak! She's saving our lives here!
Shizuko: [angry] Did you just…! No one talks to Shizuko Ikehara in such a disrespectful manner!
Umeko: [accusatory] Long before this crime was committed, I remember someone telling me about the knights being nailed down to the floor.
Nagatomo: [snide] And who, pray tell, would this person be?
Umeko: It was…
1. Nagatomo
2. Azuma
3. Yoshihiki
4. Kenji
5. Eizo
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Answer: Yoshihiki
Yoshihiki: Hm?
Umeko: [accusatory] Don't you remember? That first day, after me and Wakako had switched rooms…
[[flashback]]
Yoshihiki: I was initially going to take one of the knights from the Rec Room and use that to scare the living daylights out of Wakako in the morning, but those damn knights are all nailed down to the floor, so I had my homie Nagatomo steal me the next best thing.
[[end: flashback :end]]
Yoshihiki: Oh yeah, you're not wrong. I did say that. [worried] ...Why does it matter? [accusatory] You're not gonna turn this around and start accusing me again, are you?
Umeko: No. I'm positive it's Nagatomo. [accusatory] And this further proves it! When you asked Nagatomo to steal Miyumi's Dr. Creeper doll for you, you mentioned to him about the knights being stuck to the floor, correct?
Yoshihiki: [bored] Uh, yeah, I think so. It probably just slipped out in the conversation.
Umeko: [accusatory] So Nagatomo knew the knights were nailed down to the floor too. He could've gone up to the Rec Room to check, and would've discovered that the armor could be removed and worn except for the feet! All of this has to point to him being the killer!
Eizo: [accusatory] Nagatomo Yamaoka! Umeko has pointed out how you are the person most capable of committing this crime! What say you in your defense?
It took me a second to register the noise I heard next. All of a sudden, I realized...
Nagatomo was clapping.
Nagatomo: Very good...very good indeed. You've done pretty well denouncing all of my arguments…
What...is he up to…?
Nagatomo: [angry] But I'm afraid I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
Shizuko: [annoyed] He's...he's still going?
Nagatomo: In all your theories and arguments thus far, Umeko...you have conveniently neglected to take into account one...crucial...detail.
What?
Nagatomo looked up at me, and his eyes - partially obscured still by his hat - blazed with vindictive fury.
Nagatomo: [accusatory] Yourself.
Umeko: [shocked] Huh?
Fukumi: [shocked] Whoa! The way he said it...that sounds so badass! But… [confused] what does he mean?
Nagatomo: [snide] In all your arguments thus far, you have named me the most liable suspect for this murder because I was a witness to several key events. I learned from Yoshihiki that the knights were stuck to the floor. I was there when he plastered that note on Taro's back. I was at the Rec Room when the bottle of whiskey was broken. And I was in a room with a fireplace in it on the night of the murder. But…it seems no one else here has realized one significant flaw in Umeko's argument.
One...signifcant...flaw?
Nagatomo: [snide] You get it now, yes? It is elementary. The crux of it is: I was not the only one to whom all this criteria applied…
Wakako: [worried] ...What are you getting at?
Nagatomo: [snide] There is one more person among us, who was a witness to all these events, and had equal opportunity to commit the crime.
I realized what Nagatomo was insinuating, and I felt my stomach drop. No...he's not gonna turn this around on-
Nagatomo: [accusatory] And that person...is you. Umeko Hirayama!
[Track: watch?v=zlCho8m4Zyc ]
Wakako: [distressed] Wh-Wh-Wh... [shocked] What?!
Fukumi: [shocked] No way!
Eizo: [distressed] W-What do you…?
Nagatomo: [accusatory] Every single argument you've just made could be applied to you too! You learned about the knights from Yoshihiki just like I did. You were present when he put that note on Taro's back. You were at the Rec Room the day he broke the bottle of whiskey. And you've been in a room with a fireplace both times! So, you are just as liable a suspect as I am!
I fought back the momentary surge of panic that hit me. Clenching my fists, I tried to steady my voice before answering.
Umeko: [accusatory] Are you kidding me? Kenji was one of my friends! I would never murder him!
Nagatomo ignored me and turned to the rest of the group.
Nagatomo: [snide] You've heard all of this out of Umeko's mouth. Isn't it awfully convenient that she just happened to realize so many details about Kenji's murder? How the killer was able to distract their target, how the killer used the environment to their advantage, the truth about the murder weapon...they are all deductions made by Umeko! And yet she neglects to mention that she is just as likely to be a guilty party as I am! She has been working to pin this crime on me from the start! It's obvious.
Umeko: [angry] No! That's a lie!
But already, I could see the doubt in people's eyes.
Taro: [nervous] U-U-Umeko…? Th-That's...that's not t-t-true, is it?
Shizuko: [accusatory] I knew it! She's been playing us like fiddles!
Mordecai: [shocked] How diabolical! The person we believed to be our savior...is our enemy?
Umeko: [angry] What? No! Of course not! C-Come on, guys...you can't be serious!
Azuma: [annoyed] I believe Umeko. She wouldn't have done this.
Is...is that it? After all I've done...
Is no one else willing to believe me...?
Hanako: [thoughtful] We haven't actually seen any evidence proving that you couldn't have committed the crime yourself. Based off everything Nagatomo just said, the logic that led you to accuse him could just as easily be used against you.
Umeko: [scared] Wha…? Hanako…?
Hanako: Relax. I don't think you did it.
Wakako: [confused] What? But...you just said-
Hanako: [annoyed] I know what I said. The only person who can prove she's innocent is Umeko herself.
I turned around to look for people to support me and I met Azuma's eyes.
Azuma: [worried] …
He nodded at me, shooting me a significant look, and I pursed my lips and nodded back.
This is more than just about avenging Kenji and saving myself...this is for all our lives! I have to prove to the others that I can't be this case's killer! I have to beat Nagatomo at his own game!
[Track: watch?v=Ckx2nvp8L3g&t]
[Non-Stop Debate: Start]
Truth Bullets:
1. Rec Room Fireplace
2. Rec Room Door
3. Body Discovery Announcement
4. Night Shift Schedule
5. Monokuma File #1
6. Map of Inn
Nagatomo: [snide] Umeko claims that the killer knew about how Yoshihiki pranked Taro…
Nagatomo: [snide] ...And would thus have been able to forge his note!
Nagatomo: [accusatory] There are plenty of witnesses who can attest to the fact that Umeko was present at the Dining Hall that day, just like I was!
Yoshihiki: [playful] It's true. I remember that day well, because Umeko had been slandering me as a pervert…
Wakako: [accusatory] That's not slander, that's the truth! You are a pervert!
Nagatomo: [snide] Umeko claims the killer witnessed the bottle of whiskey get shattered…
Nagatomo: [accusatory] And she was in the Rec Room the day it happened too!
Mordecai: I can confirm that. Taro, Umeko and I had been playing darts when the incident took place…
Nagatomo: [snide] Umeko heard from Yoshihiki about the knights being nailed to the floor…
Nagatomo: [accusatory] So she is just as likely to have been the one to check if they could have been moved!
Nagatomo: [thoughtful] And last but not least…
Nagatomo: [accusatory] Both Umeko's and Wakako's rooms have fireplaces in them, which means…
Nagatomo: [accusatory] Umeko had a fireplace in her room regardless of the fact that she had switched!
Nagatomo: [accusatory] So she could have climbed up to the Rec Room as well!
Nagatomo: [accusatory] At the end of the day, you cannot prove she didn't kill Kenji.
Nagatomo: [accusatory] She had equal opportunity to commit the murder! You cannot absolve her of guilt!
[Non-Stop Debate: End]
This is my last chance to prove Nagatomo's guilt. I didn't come this far in the Trial just to let him frame me for his crime!
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Answer: [Body Discovery Announcement] - [cannot prove she didn't kill Kenji]
Umeko: [angry] No! That's clearly wrong!
Fukumi: [shocked] Eh?
Nagatomo: [angry] And how so? Do you have any evidence that proves your innocence? If so, present them.
[Track: watch?v=pfDXQjoQXk0 ]
Umeko: [accusatory] The evidence that proves I couldn't have committed this murder is the Body Discovery Announcement!
Nagatomo: [distressed] Ngh…?
Wakako: [shocked] Huh? You mean...when Monokuma announced to the whole group that a body had been found?
Umeko: [angry] That's right! Monokuma told us that he only makes that announcement when three or more people have discovered a body. And among those three people, none of them can be the killer! That announcement was made this morning after me, Wakako and Ichiro found Kenji. Which means…
Azuma: [happy] ...Umeko cannot be the killer. That is the one criteria that separates her from you, Nagatomo. [accusatory] That leaves you as the prime suspect, still.
Nagatomo: [distressed] …
Fukumi: [accusatory] Well? What do you have to say for yourself?
Nagatomo: [distressed] That's...it...? Is it...over?
We watched as he drew his bowler hat back down over his eyes, obscuring his face, as though in an attempt to hide his expression from the rest of us.
Ichiro: [annoyed] So...it's decided, then?
Eizo: [distressed] I'm convinced. I see nothing else that could suggest a third party being behind this.
Around the room, people were murmuring, agreeing with me.
Fukumi: Umeko brings up a good point…
Samira: [thoughtful] Everything points to Nagatomo doing this…
Kaori: [bored] I'm sold. Let's convict him and go.
Hanako: Good job, Umeko.
Azuma: [happy] Yeah. You solved it. Kenji...would be grateful.
...I hope so.
I turned back to look at Nagatomo, searching for signs of defeat, or perhaps an expression of anger or fear. Instead...I saw...
Nagatomo: [happy] Hmm… You're good. Very good, Umeko. You're absolutely right - about everything.
Samira: [angry] That's it? You're just giving up?
Nagatomo: [disappointed] I am not one to delay the inevitable. [snide] It is clear that I have lost this battle and I see no point in arguing any further. I cannot change your minds.
Eizo: It's decided then. Nagatomo Yamaoka is guilty.
Hanako: Before we vote...we should go over this case one last time, just to be safe.
Wakako: [annoyed] Again? Come on...we've gone over it so many times already...we all know what happened!
Azuma: It is still advisable that we run through it again to be sure we have not missed anything out.
Wakako: [excited] Oh yeah, I totes agree! We can't risk leaving anything out, after all!
Hanako: Go on, Umeko. Let's finish this.
They're all waiting for me to round this up...I have taken the lead this trial in my efforts to avenge Kenji...I suppose I might as well be the one to bring this whole trial to a close…
Umeko: Alright. It's time to wrap this up.
[Track: watch?v=H8UX7yRuaiM ]
[CLIMAX REASONING]
Sequence #1: (Arrange the events in the correct order) _, _, _, _
A) Nagatomo climbs up Wakako's fireplace
B) An anonymous note is slipped under Ichiro's door
C) Nagatomo switches rooms with Wakako
D) Nagatomo climbs up Umeko's fireplace
E) Nagatomo writes an anonymous note
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Answer: C, E, B, D
Sequence #2: (Arrange the events in the correct order) _, _, _
A) Nagatomo puts raw meat around Charlie the Cactus
B) Nagatomo puts on the suit of armor
C) Nagatomo enters the Rec Room through the door
D) Nagatomo turns out the lights
E) Nagatomo grabs the shield from the knight furthest from the door
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…
…
…
…
Answer: A, E, B
Sequence #3: (Arrange the events in the correct order) _, _, _
A) Eizo realizes Ichiro is not at his post
B) Nagatomo enters the Rec Room through the fireplace
C) Ichiro runs into the room to get Charlie back
D) Nagatomo turns out the lights
E) Eizo and Kenji arrive at the Rec Room
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…
…
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…
Answer: A, C, E
Sequence #4: (Arrange the events in the correct order) _, _, _
A) Nagatomo attacks Kenji with the shield
B) Ichiro returns to his room
C) Eizo tells Kenji to clean up
D) Nagatomo attacks Ichiro with the trophy
E) Nagatomo attacks Kenji with the trophy
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…
…
…
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Answer: C, B, E
Sequence #5: (Arrange the events in the correct order) _, _, _, _, _
A) Nagatomo cleans the blood off the shield
B) Eizo vandalizes Samira's mural
C) Nagatomo exits through the fireplace
D) Nagatomo leaves glass shards by Kenji's body
E) Nagatomo puts the shield back where it came from
…
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…
…
…
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…
Answer: B, D, A, E, C
Umeko: [accusatory] Here's how everything in this case took place!
[Track: watch?v=CYdImXwmee8]
[Act #1]
Let's start by recapping everything that took place from last night.
The killer had made a plan to commit the first murder, and attain freedom via Monokuma's Graduation Clause. To do that, they plotted to kill someone, and their target was Ichiro Umemoto, the SHSL Botanist.
Knowing Ichiro was on guard duty last night, the killer wrote him an anonymous note to meet in the Rec Room at midnight.
Then, the killer got to work preparing for the crime. First, they went back to their room, and gathered all the supplies they needed.
The killer had collected raw meat that they had taken from the kitchen in one of the empty boxes from the attic. They also brought along a heavy silver trophy - that they had stolen from the Lounge on the day before Fukumi's party, when they were assigned to clean the Lounge and were left unattended.
Next, when Ichiro was outside on the third floor for his shift, the killer climbed up the fireplace in their room - originally my room. They used the chimney system to navigate their way to Ichiro's room, and stole his pet cactus Charlie.
The killer put Charlie the cactus with the rest of their supplies, and made their way back through the fireplace and up the chimney, exiting via the Rec Room Fireplace.
[Act #2]
Now alone with a couple hours to prepare for their murder, the killer went to work.
They planted Ichiro's cactus on the table, pasting a note on it to make it seem like the whole set-up was a prank, in order to frame Yoshihiki. The killer then surrounded it with bits of raw meat to draw the flies to it. The killer began to dismantle the suit of armor close to the door, leaving behind only the feet, nailed down to the floor.
They also took the shield off of the knight at the other side of the room, to use to conceal the murder weapon. The killer put on the armor, and stepped into position. They held the trophy in one hand, and propped the shield up over it, concealing it from view.
[Act #3]
At midnight, Ichiro arrived at the Rec Room.
Seeing his plant in the thick of a swarm of flies, he charged in to get it back, believing that he had just been made the victim of a prank.
Downstairs, Eizo left his room to conduct a random spot check. Noticing Ichiro had abandoned his post, he heard the sound of the Rec Room door opening, and he and Kenji ran upstairs to check.
The killer had been about to attack Ichiro, when Eizo and Kenji arrived. Eizo made Kenji stay behind to clean up the mess, and escorted Ichiro back downstairs. As soon as the door closed, and Kenji got to work cleaning up the room, he had been unwittingly left alone with a killer.
The killer was forced to switch targets from their originally intended victim in Ichiro, to a new target in Kenji. They proceeded with the rest of their plan, turning out the lights and plunging the room into darkness. Kenji stumbled his way towards the light switch, and as soon as he turned the lights on, the killer had the trophy ready and was poised to attack. Kenji was right in front of the killer - standing in the suit of armor - and was disoriented, completely unprepared to be attacked.
Before he could react, the killer swung the blunt end of the trophy down on Kenji's head to knock him down, then once more to kill him, and left him to bleed out.
[Act #4]
With their crime committed, the killer got to work setting up the scene. They stepped out of the armor, and moved to put the shield back where it had come from. Noticing a bloodstain on it, they used rags from the trash can to wipe it off. They also used glass shards in the trash can to fake a bottle as the murder weapon, scattering the shards near Kenji's body to make it appear that he had been attacked from the bar.
At last, the killer left the room through the fireplace, taking the trophy with them, never once using the door to enter or exit the room. Eizo, vandalizing Samira's mural on the third floor, heard nothing.
The effort put into setting up this elaborate crime, swiping the trophy, cactus and raw meat, and thinking of using the fireplace as a means of escape...it's a feat that only you could have accomplished as the SHSL Thief, Nagatomo Yamaoka!
[BREAK!]
[[TRIAL: END]]
Voting...NAGATOMO YAMAOKA...Guilty!
…
[Track: watch?v=ZEMXI_9isFo&list=PLU4ktq2pWONvsyBd_LrTVX8Et-gp0th4a&index=27 ]
There was a brief silence after I'd finished. And then...
Monokuma: [laughing] Ding ding ding! That's right! The scheming snake behind the death of Kenji Enomoto was none other than SHSL Thief, Nagatomo Yamaoka!
Nagatomo: [disappointed] …Hmph.
Eizo: [distressed] So...we were right…it really was you.
Nagatomo: Of course.
Shizuko: [accusatory] Murderous bastard!
Wakako: [angry] Yeah, like, what the hell? You killed someone! We're not gonna let you get away with that!
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...don't you worry...you just leave it all to me…
Eizo: [distressed] I don't understand...why, Nagatomo…? Why did you do it?
Ichiro: [annoyed] Isn't it obvious? The bastard was only looking out for himself! He figured that he'd be able to get out of here if he killed someone.
Eizo: [distressed] Nagatomo…?
Nagatomo: [annoyed] I'm not the kind of person to sit around and wait for death.
Eizo: [shocked] What?
Nagatomo: Look around you. These same walls, this inn...did you really plan on spending the rest of your lives here?
He snorted, crossing his arms, and eyeing us all with a haughty, unapologetic look.
Nagatomo: [annoyed] I wasn't about to spend the rest of my life here. I had things to do in the real world...things I needed to return to...things worth risking my life for.
Hanako: So, you always planned to escape, from the very beginning. Didn't you?
Nagatomo: [disappointed] That became clear to me as the obvious course of action, when I realized the circumstances behind our predicament.
Azuma: [worried] Circumstances? What do you mean by that?
He let out a long, drawn-out sigh, and pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation.
Nagatomo: [annoyed] I...am familiar...with the organization behind our kidnapping.
Azuma: [distressed] You...you are?
Nagatomo: [snide] Yes. I've known from the start who these people are. [disappointed] I...used to work for them.
Taro: [shocked] W-Work for them…?
Eizo: [distressed] Who are they then? Tell us!
Nagatomo: [disappointed] ...There's no point. The name would mean nothing to you. [accusatory] What I do know is how resourceful they are...how ruthless. There was no way anyone would come to rescue us. So I took matters into my own hands.
Ichiro: [accusatory] Y-You bastard! You tried to kill me!
Nagatomo: [snide] And so what if I did? You were clearly one of the weakest people among the group, and one of the easiest to kill, and I don't think anyone here would've missed you.
Ichiro: [angry] You...!
Yoshihiki: [disappointed] Aww...then that means you also tried to frame me! Man, and there I was, thinking we'd actually built up quite the connection...
Eizo: [distressed] That...that doesn't matter! Killing...to get out...it's just what our kidnappers want! And we can never give in to them!
Nagatomo: [disappointed] Maybe you people could stand staying here for the rest of your lives, away from your family and friends, for the sake of sticking to your morals and your ethics …[annoyed]...but not me. I'm a thief. Remember? Stuff like that...they don't matter to me.
Taro: [thoughtful] But I th-thought you always r-r-returned everything you st-st-stole! Isn't th-that your own moral code t-t-too?
Nagatomo looked away, and for the first time since he had been convicted, he looked...genuinely upset.
Nagatomo: [sad] No… Not all the time.
Azuma: And so you decided you would kill to escape.
Wakako: [scared] The fl-flies didn't have anything to do with it? I would've thought someone had cracked because they couldn't stand them anymore!
Nagatomo: [snide] Please. I stood still like a statue in that suit of armor for a little less than an hour, waiting patiently for Ichiro to show up. The flies didn't bother me. I am more endurant than that. My experiment with the raw meat was simply a test.
Hanako: Your every move was calculated...you were thinking several steps ahead and have been for a while now, haven't you? Were you always planning to kill someone since the start?
Nagatomo shrugged, looking smug.
Nagatomo: You can't pull off a successful heist unless you've thought through every possible option. That's how I became the thief I am today. It is in my nature to be a step ahead of everyone. It was just a matter of waiting for the right time and the right opportunity. I'd pinned Ichiro early on as one of my prime targets for a victim, and I simply bided my time until I knew he'd be on the night shift.
Samira: [angry] Well, clearly you failed, because Umeko was able to foil your plan!
Fukumi: [accusatory] Yeah! Umeko was on fire like a board!
Nagatomo: Yes...she most certainly was.
I shivered at the cold look he gave me. He must certainly blame me for solving this case. Because of me...he's about to be...punished.
Umeko: Nagatomo...I…
Nagatomo: [bored] Save it. I don't blame you.
Umeko: Huh?
Nagatomo: I'm a firm believer in causality and effect. I am only here right now as a result of my own actions. I made the choice to plot to kill. That is my fault, and mine alone.
Samira: [angry] What, you think accepting the inevitable makes you look cool? You're still just a pathetic person who gave in to temptation in my eyes!
Instead of getting angry, Nagatomo simply smirked again, and bowed gracefully.
Nagatomo: [snide] I would expect to be thought of as nothing less from a girl who has abandoned her family's status as you have, Samria St. Clair.
Samira: [shocked] Huh? How did you-
Nagatomo: I suppose...this is goodbye.
[Track: watch?v=yofsOSx6Y94]
Eizo: [distressed] G-Goodbye…?
Taro: [scared] N-No! Wait...wh-what's gonna happen to you?
Nagatomo: What do you think? I'm about to die.
Miyumi: [scared] N-No!
Ichiro: [angry] Let him! He deserves it.
Samira: [angry] Yeah. He does. He killed Kenji!
Taro: [scared] D-D-Don't s-say that!
Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] No, we can't have any more bloodshed! Please, stop with the senseless death!
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...ah yes, the execution! The most fun part of closing up an exciting Class Trial! I can't wait to show you guys what I have in store! Let me just go get ready…
Miyumi: [shocked] No, y-you can't! Y-Y-You're going to kill him right here? Right now? In fr-front of us?
Nagatomo: [disappointed] I can't say I cared much for most of you...but. It is not fair for you all to have been dragged into this.
Eizo: [distressed] Ngh...Nagatomo's...right. This...this is ultimately Monokuma's fault! All this...Kenji's death...Nagatomo...it's the organization who put us up to all this! They're the ones who should be punished!
Samira: [angry] Grr! When I get out, I won't rest until this organization has been razed to the ground!
Shizuko: [annoyed] Yeah! They're gonna pay for messing with Shizuko Ikehara! My army of adoring fans will see them burn!
Nagatomo: [snide] Good luck with that.
Eizo: [distressed] Tch...I...I guess...this...really is goodbye. Does...anyone have any last things...to say?
Most people were silent, casting each other furtive looks and looking hesitant.
Miyumi: [scared] Are we...just gonna let this happen? [as Ms. Shortcake] I can't watch!
Taro: [scared] Is th-there really no way to pr-prevent this…?
Monokuma: Nope! You can't interfere in another person's punishment, or you'll get punished for it too! I'll make sure of it!
Mordecai: Nagatomo made the decision to take another person's life. [disappointed] For that, it is only fair that he receives punishment...is it not?
Wakako: [sad] I can't say I knew you all that well, but...thanks for switching rooms.
Nagatomo: Do not thank me for that. It's because of that that Kenji is dead, and I will be soon after.
Kaori: [bored] I don't really care but...at least you're taking your punishment like a man.
Yoshihiki: You were a real lad, Nagatomo, my boy. I'm gonna miss your thieving skills when you're gone.
Samira: [angry] …
Ichiro: [annoyed] ...
Nagatomo: ...Very well.
Monokuma: [sad] Aw, y'know, I'm almost a little disappointed! Nagatomo was an interesting character, and he's gonna be executed first? What a total bummer...He had a deep and mysterious backstory and everything that I would've liked to see you guys unravel over the course of this game! But it looks like you'll never learn the truth about him...at least...not anytime soon...oh well.
Samira: [angry] There he goes, talking about this being a game again…
Monokuma: [angry] Why couldn't it have been the annoying actress girl who died first?
Shizuko: [angry] Annoying actress girl?!
Monokuma: [angry] Or the walking cliche shy boy over there. Seriously, if I have to listen to him s-s-s-stutter again, I'm gonna stuff my ears with cotton wool!
Taro: [in tears] I'm s-s-s-sorry...I c-c-c-can't help it...I was b-b-b-born with it…
Monokuma: [angry] And who cares about the lame hot-girl archetype, or the rebellious punk chick either? They're all so BORING and predictable!
Samira: [angry] Punk chick…?
Wakako: [angry] Wha…! How dare you- [thoughtful] Actually...that isn't wrong. I am pretty hot.
Nagatomo: Before I go...there's something you all should know.
Umeko: Huh?
Nagatomo: [angry] There are liars among you, and I know exactly who they are. They've been lying about their identities from the start, and I know the truth.
Monokuma: [cheerful] Yes! You go, Nagatomo! Make the most of your last moments left in this game before I have to kill you! [sad] Damn, I'm still upset about you going first…
Eizo: [distressed] What are you talking about? Please, Nagatomo, you have to talk sense!
Nagatomo: [sad] ...That means nothing to me anymore. My time is up. [angry] I leave you with that final warning. Do with it, what you will.
Samira: [disappointed] Jeez. You really enjoy speaking in riddles, don't you? Do you really have to be cryptic even all the way to the end? You're about to die and you can't even give us one last straight answer.
Monokuma: [laughing] That's Nagatomo to a fault for you! Welp, alrighty then! Moving along...I've got a very special punishment for the SHSL Thief, Nagatomo Yamaoka!
Nagatomo: But best of luck to you all. Maybe...you'll beat the odds, and this Killing Game...will end without another drop of blood spilt. [disappointed] But...I doubt it.
Nagatomo suddenly began moving, and I was startled as he walked right up to me, and sidled over to whisper in my ear.
[CG] Nagatomo Whispers to Umeko [CG]
Nagatomo: [whispering] I know what you are.
Umeko: What?
Nagatomo: [whispering] I know exactly what you are.
You mean...my talent?
Umeko: What are...you talking about? What do you mean?
I felt Nagatomo grab my shoulder, and heard him whisper three final words to me, chilling me to the bone.
Nagatomo: [whispering] Don't. Trust. Azuma.
I was stunned. My mouth opened and closed as I struggled to find the right response.
Umeko: Wh-What...what are-
Monokuma: [laughing] Let's give it everything we've got!
Nagatomo stepped back from me, and he met my eyes. Once again, that mysterious smile returned, only this time...it seemed genuine.
[CG] End [CG]
Nagatomo: [happy] You've changed so much since the first time I saw you...Umeko.
Umeko: Wh...What?
Nagatomo: [happy] This is my punishment. Everything in my life has led me up to this one moment: to pay for my crime...for not returning...what I stole.
Monokuma: [excited] It's PUNISHMENT TIME!
Nagatomo: ...Goodbye.
Umeko: Wait...wait, stop! What are you talking about? What did you mean? Damn you, answer me!
…
[GAME OVER]
[NAGATOMO HAS BEEN FOUND GUILTY]
[TIME FOR THE PUNISHMENT!]
Without warning, a metal claw shot out of the wall and latched itself around Nagatomo's neck. He grimaced, clutching at it, but offered no resistance as it suddenly wrenched him backwards, dragging him across the floor and out of the room.
Crying out, I lunged forward to try and grab his hand but in a flash, he'd gone.
On a giant monitor, we saw him return. Nagatomo was dragged by his neck across the floor, until he was finally shoved into a police car. The door slammed shut, trapping him inside, and his hands were cuffed together.
[SHSL THIEF NAGATOMO YAMAOKA'S EXECUTION: EXECUTED]
[ONE LAST HEIST: THE MONOCOIN MASSACRE]
Monokuma appeared, smartly dressed in a blue cop's uniform. He hopped happily into the driver's seat and started up the engine.
The police car peeled forward, racing down an absurdly long track. Nagatomo was busy inside, working to unlock his handcuffs and remove the chain from his neck. Just as he pried them both free, the car smashed into a low wall, and he was sent flying out of the windshield, landing right inside a large, square safe.
Nagatomo rolled across the floor, coughed, and, grabbing his sides in pain, he slowly got to his feet. From all around him, tubes appeared in the walls of the safe.
There was a soft clinking sound, as one lone coin rolled out of one of the tubes, and came to a stop at Nagatomo's feet. He bent down, and picked it up. It was a bronze coin, and had Monokuma's face engraved into it.
The ground of the safe began to rumble as, out of the blue, the tubes began to shoot out dozens and dozens more coins. The coins quickly began to envelope the floor, and engulfed Nagatomo's legs. He began wading through the mass of Monocoins, trying to get to the open door, and at that moment, the door to the safe slowly began to swing closed.
Nagatomo began wading faster, desperately trying to get past the growing mound of coins in his way, but the door to the safe remained tantalizingly out of reach until finally, it shut with a loud clang, and locked itself.
The safe began to shake and shudder violently, vibrating recklessly until finally, the door exploded off its hinges. Millions of coins began to leak out like water, and as they flowed out of the safe, the only visible part of Nagatomo left was his bloodstained hand, poking out from amidst the coins. His bowler hat lay atop the pile, its edges tinged with blood too.
Whatever was left of Nagatomo had been completely crushed under the weight of millions and millions of Monocoins. The camera slowly drew back from the scene, until the monitor shut itself off abruptly, leaving the rest of us in the Trial Room standing around, in shocked silence.
…
[Track: watch?v=9VMw_1-gyE4&index=15&list=PLU4ktq2pWONvsyBd_LrTVX8Et-gp0th4a ]
Miyumi: [scared] Ahhhhhhhh!
Miyumi had been covering Ms. Shortcake's eyes throughout the whole execution and now slumped to the floor, completely shaken up.
Taro: [in tears] N-No! How could you?
Eizo: [distressed] You bastard...what the hell was that?
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...that was a million and one Monocoins! It's a very valuable currency!
Eizo: [angry] That's not what I meant!
Ichiro: [annoyed] Hmph. Serves him right.
Taro: [shocked] H-How can you s-s-say that…? [angry] He was part of the gr-group, and we just w-w-watched him die in fr-front of us!
Ichiro: [annoyed] Are you all forgetting the part where he admitted to trying to kill me? He deserved what he got. He was weak to have played right into Monokuma's dirty paws.
Miyumi: [in tears] Ngghhhh...that was...so horrible…
Ichiro: [angry] Oh...I see. That's it. You all wanted me dead, isn't that right? You all wished it was me that got killed and you'd rather have the resourceful thief on your side over the plant-loving loser! I can see it in your eyes, all of you!
Hanako: [annoyed] Don't be stupid. It's evident now more than ever that Nagatomo was only ever looking out for Nagatomo.
I didn't know how I was keeping it together. Nagatomo's last words to me were ringing in my ears.
[[flashback]]
Nagatomo: Don't. Trust. Azuma.
[[end: flashback :end]]
Why…? Why would he say that?
I didn't want to think it, but already, suspicion was creeping into my mind.
Azuma...? Why would he use his last breath...to warn me against...
No...no, why should I listen to the words of a thief? Especially the one who killed one of my friends? The one who I helped condemn to death?
It didn't mean anything...he couldn't have...
Azuma: [sad] Umeko…
Umeko: Gah!
Azuma: [sad] Are you...alright?
He offered me a hand, and I realized that I'd slumped to the ground without realizing it. Ignoring his offer, I got up on my own.
Umeko: I'm...fine…
Azuma: [worried] You look...troubled. Understandably so, of course. What...what did he say to you, before...he…?
I wouldn't meet his eyes.
Umeko: ...
Miyumi was trembling on the floor, eyes wide and blank, and Taro was holding her hand and trying to coax her into getting back up. Around the room, people were in similar states of shock.
Fukumi: [scared] So...many...coins…
Samira: [shocked] What the fuck did I just watch…?
Kaori: [sad] It's too cruel…
Mordecai: [disappointed] Justice...but at what cost?
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...well? Wasn't that a fun little taste?
Eizo: [angry] You shut up...you shut your mouth! You're the bastard putting us through all this!
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...now now. That's not a nice thing to say to your headmaster!
Samira: [angry] You'll pay for that! You'll pay, I swear it!
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...I look forward to seeing you try! Anyway...that's all for today's Trial, folks! You can use the elevator to go back upstairs! I'll have more announcements for you tomorrow, but for now? Dismissed!
Wakako: [scared] Dis...missed?
Monokuma: Oh! But first...before I go, I thought I should give you guys...a little...reward.
Umeko: R-Reward…?
Monokuma: [giggling] Think of it as a prize for surviving your first Class Trial! That way, I'll tease you up for more gifts in the future!
Miyumi: [distressed] W-We don't want your lousy gifts! [as Ms. Shortcake] Just leave us alone!
Eizo: [annoyed] You hear that? No one wants to-
Monokuma: [confused] Oh? But I think you'll like this one in particular, Eizo...it's very important to you.
Eizo: [distressed] What?
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...and here it is!
The monitor suddenly crackled to life again, only this time instead of a live video feed, it showed a still image.
It was a photo. But...it wasn't just a photo.
[Track: watch?v=uoh-Z_TS_xE ]
[CG] The First Picture [CG]
It was Eizo, and Hanako. The picture had been taken at night, but there was no mistaking them. Eizo was holding the camera, and he and Hanako were standing on the edge of a pier. He had his arm around her...and the two of them were...smiling.
They looked close...almost intimate.
Monokuma: Aww...would ya look at that? Doesn't that lovely display of affection just warm your heart?
Eizo: Wh...wha…?
[CG] End [CG]
Eizo: [distressed] Wh...what was that?
Hanako: [shocked] …
Monokuma: [giggling] Why, that was you, of course! Silly, don't you recognize your own face? You don't have prosopagnosia, do you? Upupupupu!
The others turned on Eizo and Hanako as Monokuma dissolved into a fit of giggles.
Ichiro: [angry] Hey, what the fuck was that picture?
Wakako: [worried] Eizo? Hanako? Do...do the two of you know each other?
Eizo: [distressed] What…? No! No, we met for the first time in this inn, just like the rest of you! I…
Samira: [angry] I knew it! That's why he made her his assistant! They've known each other this whole time!
Shizuko: [annoyed] 'Known each other'? I think from that picture, they're a lot closer than that!
Mordecai: [shocked] You two are...lovers?
Eizo: [distressed] H-Hey now, you don't have to put it like that!
Kaori: [confused] What's the meaning of this?
Yoshihiki: [accusatory] Aha, that's it! The two of you have been colluding this whole time! You've been in cahoots, haven't you?
Taro: [worried] E-E-Eizo...th-that's not true, now...is it?
Eizo: [nervous] N-No! I swear...I don't know anything about that picture!
Samira: [accusatory] That picture is concrete evidence that the two of you knew each other before all this! How else do you explain that?
Eizo: [nervous] It...it must be doctored! That's right! The image...it has to be a fake!
Yoshihiki: [accusatory] Looks pretty real to me, man.
Ichiro: [accusatory] Were you gonna lie to us forever?
Eizo: [distressed] No...we...we haven't lied! I swear, I…
Hanako: [thoughtful] Our memories.
Eizo: [shocked] What?
Shizuko: [annoyed] What'd she say?
Hanako: [thoughtful] ...Our memories.
Hanako turned to look at Monokuma, and she stared him down.
Hanako: [angry] How much...of our memories...have you taken…?
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...you really want to know?
Eizo: [shocked] Huh?
Samira: [distressed] What...do you mean?
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...didja guys really think only your memories of arriving at Hope's Peak were taken from you? How would you react if I told you…[laughing] I've taken away more than two years' worth of memories from you!
Eizo: [shocked] Tw...two…!
Wakako: [shocked] Whattttt?!
Ichiro: [distressed] Two...two years?
Samira: [distressed] No...it's a lie...it has to be…!
Mordecai: [angry] I order you to cease your fibbing, bear! You will not befuddle us any longer!
Monokuma: [sad] Once again...I have been accused of lying. I don't understand with you people...all I ever do is tell you guys the truth and you all hate me for it…
Azuma: [distressed] This...can't be true. You...took away two years' worth of memories?
Monokuma: Maybe it's two years and three months, give or take.
Miyumi: [scared] B-B-But...why?!
Ichiro: [distressed] What the fuck! No! How?
Shizuko: [shocked] I missed out on two years' worth of fame? [angry] Are you kidding me?!
Hanako: This picture...it's proof that what he's saying is true. I swear...I don't remember Eizo from before all this, but clearly, if what Monokuma says is the truth...we've all been a class together for two whole years. And during that time…[embarrassed] Eizo and I...we must've…
Yoshihiki: [excited] Aw, that's so adorable! My ships! They're becoming real!
Samira: [angry] Goddamn you, can you never act serious for once in your fucking life?
Eizo: [embarrassed] I...Hanako, we...I don't...how can this be…?
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...say, how's about I make you a deal? Don't you want to know the friends you've made in these two years? The relationships? I can show you more photos if you want! For every successful trial you pass, I can show you more! Isn't that swell? Wouldn't ya like that?
Samira: [angry] I'd like to see your big dumb head on a pike, you stupid-ass bear!
Monokuma: [scared] Heh...Samira...ever the feisty one, aren't you? [excited] Welp, that concludes today's Trial! You've all been a wonderful audience! I'll see ya tomorrow!
Monokuma disappeared, and we were left alone in the Trial Room, all still shocked and reeling from the information he'd just given us.
Two...years? Two years' worth of memories?
Well...at least they can still remember things about themselves. I've...forgotten everything there is to know about me…
Taro: [shocked] I can't b-b-believe it...how did he manage to t-t-take away a wh-whole two years?
Miyumi: [nervous] What did we do during those two years? How are we to know?
Eizo: [worried] Everyone, please, stay calm! There's always a chance that...he could be lying!
Shizuko: [accusatory] That picture doesn't look like a fucking lie to me!
Yoshihiki: [playful] You know, when I said I thought you and Hanako were lovebirds, I never meant it literally…
Samira: [angry] Why are you still joking around at a time like this? You've lost two years' worth of memories too, you know! Does something like that not bother you?
Yoshihiki: [bored] Mmm...nah. Not really. Why bother about something that you can't change? I just take life as it comes...that's my motto. [playful] It makes everything a lot easier, actually. You should try it, Samira. Stop being so angry all the time.
Samira: [angry] Don't make me want to hurt you any more than I already do!
Eizo: [nervous] Even if it's true...it doesn't change our situation.
Fukumi: [worried] What do you mean? Of course it does! We've been classmates for two years and none of us can even remember it!
Eizo: [thoughtful] Our priority should still be to get out of here. Once we do...then we can focus on getting our memories back…
Kaori: [worried] Without my memories...I feel so...vulnerable.
Miyumi: [sad] It's like a part of me's been r-ripped away…
Umeko: How did you think I felt?
Kaori: [shocked] Huh?
Wakako: [worried] That's right...Umeko's...had to deal with this a lot worse than we have…
Eizo: Exactly. And...she's held up strong. We can all do the same.
Fukumi: [nervous] Yeah...Y-Yeah, that's absolutely right! [excited] You're an inspiration, Umeko! We shouldn't complain when you haven't!
Umeko: Oh, no, but I…
Azuma: Just let them.
Umeko: Huh?
Azuma: [worried] Everyone's feeling scared and disoriented. If they can take some hope from you...let them.
Hope...
Hanako: We should all get out of here. I don't think any of us should stay in the Trial Room any longer than we have to.
Fukumi: [excited] That's the best idea I've heard all day!
Shizuko: [uncomfortable] The faster we get the hell outta here, the better.
And so we all left the Trial Room, one by one…
Everyone was shaken up. Not only did we watch one of our friends die...we were told that we'd all been classmates for at least two years...and not one of us remembered any of it.
The friends we made...the relationships we formed...all of it had been wiped out entirely.
I retreated to my room in silence that night. No one spoke much, and I didn't feel like talking either. I just wanted to collapse on my bed and let sleep swallow me up.
I wanted to forget the events of the day had ever happened.
But of course...that was the one thing I couldn't forget.
Kenji...I've apprehended your killer. I hope that wherever you are...you can rest in peace. And that...you're cheering us on from above.
We can't let another murder like this happen. Nagatomo killed for selfish reasons, but he claimed to know more about our situation, and the organization behind it. This whole time, I've always felt like he was hiding secrets and that he knew more about things than he was letting on, and as it turns out...that was true. I just didn't know to what extent.
[[flashback]]
Nagatomo: Don't. Trust. Azuma.
[[end: flashback :end]]
Azuma...the kindest person to me since Kenji's death. How could I not trust him? He was the person I felt the most connection to. He'd helped me solve Kenji's murder. He'd been supportive...sincere and kind…
Was I really to believe the words of a thief and murderer over him?
I shut my eyes, and willed myself to stop worrying, and to let the thoughts stop. For now, I just wanted to go to sleep.
...who knew what tomorrow would bring?
[Track: watch?v=ukP10MtQlGs&index=84&list=PLU4ktq2pWONvsyBd_LrTVX8Et-gp0th4a ]
Surviving Students: 14
Eizo - SHSL Commander
Mordecai - SHSL Marksman
Ichiro - SHSL Botanist
Azuma - SHSL Spy
Taro - SHSL Bookworm
[DEAD] Nagatomo - SHSL Thief [DEAD]
[DEAD] Kenji - SHSL Skateboarder [DEAD]
Yoshihiki - SHSL Prankster
Umeko - SHSL "Amnesiac"
Hanako - SHSL Band Leader
Miyumi - SHSL Ventriloquist
Shizuko - SHSL Actress
Kaori - SHSL Dog Whisperer
Samira - SHSL Street Artist
Fukumi - SHSL Daredevil
Wakako - SHSL Reality TV Star
Chapter One has come to a close, and Chapter Two will be released next January! Hope you're excited for what's to come and what awaits the remaining fourteen students! Just as a tease for the next chapter, here's a sneak peek below. See you all in 2018!
Swallowing my fear, I called out again.
Umeko: Hello? Is anyone there?
Silence.
Umeko: Show yourself! I'm not scared of you!
Yeah, that was real convincing.
Umeko: ...Yoshihiki? Is that you?
And that's when I heard it.
Guttural Voice: ...U...m...e...k...o…
My breath caught in my throat, as my heart began to beat ten times faster. It felt like at any moment, it was going to explode out of my chest.
Umeko: No...it can't be…
There it was, a dim silhouette in a sea of shadows. I could see an animalistic form approaching me...
I could hear the creature's soft growls...
Umeko: It's a lie!
It got closer and closer...
Umeko: It's not real!
A scream was torn from my lips as the creature charged out of the darkness, its razor-sharp claws cutting through the air, swiping ferociously at me.