With this, the story will be mostly through with its first phase. Afterward, things will really get wild!

I'd also like to give a shout-out to CodenLynx, who gave my story a recommendation in their story, A NicoB Adventure: Overlord Nico. I suggest giving it a read.

Chapter 11: Save the Dark Horse II

When Chiaki first imagined how the leaders of the Future Foundation would look when together, she thought of a group of impressive business people that welcomed everyone with a warm smile. That was her natural cognition in regards to what a bunch of individuals united against despair for the sake of the future was like.

The vibe she felt from the group sitting at the long table in front of her felt nothing like that.

"Chiaki Nanami," greeted Kazuo. "I'm the chairman of the Future Foundation, Kazuo Tengan. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"H-hello…" greeting Chiaki, bowing in respect. She tried not to sound sheepish and intimidated, but there was an unpleasant atmosphere in the room. It felt more like she was at a trial rather than a meeting. The focused gazes from everyone in the room made her feel vulnerable.

"I'm sure you already know, but everyone you see before you are division leaders. I think I speak for all of us when I say it's a relief to see you alive and well after what happened."

"Thank you." Chiaki was still timid, but she decided to speak on something she wanted to mention. "If I could, I'd like to thank Gozu for helping me. Without him, I don't think my physical therapy would've gone as well as it did."

"Ha, no problem!" huffed Gozu. "If you'd like, I could even teach you how to do a suplex."

"Uh…" The gamer was at a loss while she wondered if that was a skill she'd need.

"That won't be necessary," replied Chisa in a bubbly tone, approaching Chiaki and putting an arm around her. "We're all busy people, so if there are no questions that need answering, I say we start the vote."

The housekeeper looked at her in a funny way. It was like she was daring the gamer to say anything out of line. Chisa was, undeniably, having a fun time manipulating everyone. Chiaki wasn't going to mess around with her deranged former teacher, so she kept quiet.

"If no one here has anything to add, I don't see why—" began Kazuo before Usami's voice cut in.

"Actually, I have something to ask Yukizome."

"Oh?" replied Chisa, raising an eyebrow. "Let me guess—you'd like to know how I make my tea so well. I'd gladly share my technique with you, Gekkogahara."

"That's very considerate, but that isn't what's bothering me."

Chisa was acting in a carefree manner while Chiaki struggled to keep her rising fears from showing. If Miaya was about to do what she was thinking, things could get out of hand. Don't do it, Miaya…

"Ask away," replied Chisa. "I'd be glad to answer any question you have."

"I was looking over your report on the events that led to Chiaki being hospitalized, and I noticed something. If it's true Chiaki went missing on the day you said, then the gap between the disappearance and the finding of her body should be impossible considering the injuries she suffered."

Chisa kept up her friendly smile while all the attention was on Miaya. Judging by the expressions in the room, the therapist's question raised interest.

Kyosuke was the next to speak up. "What are you suggesting, Gekkogahara?"

"This problem has a common factor—the time frame Yukizome has given. I have a strong reason to believe she was dishonest about the day of Chiaki's disappearance. Considering attendance wasn't largely enforced at Hope's Peak Academy for the Ultimates, it's possible for a student's absence to go under the radar for a long period of time."

Chiaki, who was biting her tongue to maintain composure, glanced at Chisa. As always, it was impossible to guess what she was thinking.

"In regards to that," began Seiko, "things were so crazy with the Despairs that I didn't really question it at the time, but the report did seem odd. I don't want to antagonize anyone, but recovering like that in such a short span of time is impossible."

"How much time would it take for something like that to be possible?" asked Gozu.

"I'd say a few months, at the least."

"That does sound more believable," commented Koichi. "Actually, that coincides with when the protests started to get heated up…"

"Are you all entertaining the idea that Yukizome was working with the Despairs!" exclaimed Kyosuke.

"No one is saying that," replied Usami. "I don't know why Yukizome would keep that hidden. She's been incredibly helpful to the rise of the Future Foundation, so I think it's only right to give her the benefit of the doubt. I wanted to give her this chance to explain herself, so it doesn't become an issue later on."

"I think you're being too soft," added Ruruka. "If Yukizome was trying to cover something up…who's to say her close friends weren't involved?"

"What the hell are you saying!" yelled Juzo, erupting out of his chair. "While you were out getting expelled for cheating, we were the ones busting our asses to find the truth!"

"Now, now, everyone," interrupted Daisaku, trying to restore order. "Let's all just take a deep breath and—"

"Shut up, damn it!" yelled a frustrated Ruruka. "You guys sure did a good job! Except for, you know —the crapload of dead people and global catastrophe!"

"It wasn't our fault! If anything, the girl is the one working with the Despairs!"

"Huh?" said Chiaki, taken aback by the accusation.

"That's absurd, Sakakura," added Usami. "I can personally assure you Chiaki is not in despair."

"It's also indisputable she was tortured," added Seiko. "If she was with the Despairs, why would that have happened?"

"Maybe her and the Despairs planned it so she could infiltrate the Future Foundation."

"She was injured to a major degree and fell into a coma," added Gozu. "Why would anybody go so far?"

"For the record, I don't think Nanami is in despair," said Koichi, adjusting his fedora. "Even so, we've witnessed the Despairs do horrendous things to themselves for the sake of it. I don't think it's unreasonable they would go that far if it meant accomplishing their goals."

"There's no way Nanami is in despair!" commented Ryouta, which was rare. "I didn't attend class much, but I only ever heard great things about her from everyone. She even went out of her way to help me one time. There's no way she could do those things if she was a Despair."

"That could've been an act," replied Juzo. The boxer tightly clenched his fists because he remembered his secretly kept confrontation with Junko. That embarrassing defeat proved to him that anybody could be a Despair. Similar to Kyosuke, he believed any flare of doubt should be smothered with merciless aggression. "There wasn't another incident like Nanami's, right, Kimura?"

"Yes…but—"

"Ain't that weird? What makes her special enough not to be killed? I'm starting to think the whole gamer shtick is a fake, and she's really a double agent for the Despairs or maybe even the Steering Committee."

"You're wrong!" exclaimed Chiaki, which caught everyone by surprise considering how soft-spoken she's been so far. It was ill-advised, but she couldn't contain that outburst. Questioning her talent was one thing, but insinuating she was using her friends and working with somebody like Junko was the worst thing you could say to her. "I'd never betray them… I'd never do that to myself…"

"I can vouch for her talent," added Koichi. "Without question, her title of Ultimate Gamer was well-deserved."

"Tch, that still doesn't—"

"Enough, Sakakura," interrupted Kazuo, listening carefully to the back and forth discussion. "This is all going in a circle. Yukizome, this all started with Gekkogahara's suspicion of you. What do you say?"

Everyone had gotten so heated, they hadn't paid attention to Chisa—who was silent the entire time. With the focus now back on her, a silence ensued since the housekeeper didn't speak right away. Then, everyone was taken by surprise when tears began falling down her face.

Is she crying? thought a confused Chiaki.

"It's true…" Chisa quietly murmured. "I lied about Chiaki's disappearance."

Gasps of surprise echoed from several individuals in the room. Even Miaya, who proposed the question, looked surprised by the sudden confession.

"Yukizome…" murmured Kyosuke, who looked to be at a loss—similar to Juzo.

"Can I ask why you would be untruthful about that information?" asked Kazuo, still composed.

Is she really going to say the truth…? wondered Chiaki. She knew whatever her former teacher was about to say could have a drastic effect on things going forward.

"You see," began Chisa, slamming her palms on the table and speaking in a sorrowful voice, "Chiaki had actually gone missing several months prior to the closing of the school! I didn't pay much attention at first because I was so busy with my investigation, but I soon realized she had vanished! So…while I tried my very hardest to find her—I kept the disappearance a secret. I didn't want my students and peers knowing I had messed up as a teacher again. I didn't want my two closest friends to know I was failing at my job while they were trying so hard…"

Juzo and Kyosuke exchanged looks while absorbing what Chisa was saying.

"I assume the next time you saw her is when you discovered her body?" asked Daisaku.

Chisa nodded while her sobbing continued. She proceeded to turn around, face Chiaki, and say, "I know you probably hate me, but I love all my students. When you needed me the most, I wasn't there. Give me another chance; I promise I'll never fail you again!"

She's unreal…thought Chiaki, truly realizing how well-versed Chisa's abilities were. Even in despair, her crying face and sincere sounding words were almost enough to fool her, who already knew the actual truth. It felt like she was indirectly apologizing for what happened. Could the real Ms. Yukizome still be alive?

The gamer was about to reply until Chisa made a discreet facial expression. Since her back was facing everyone else, Chiaki was the only one that could've seen it. A cocky smile crossed her wet face before she winked once.

…Of course, she isn't.

It's so hard not to laugh at this, thought Chisa, pinching her arm. I knew about that contradiction Gekkogahara mentioned. One of the most effective ways to lie is concealing the main deception behind a smaller one. With this, the real truth will remain hidden, and I will be clear of any suspicion. I'm starting to understand why Junko gets so bored of everything going her way.

"Is that the secret you were keeping, Chiaki?" asked Usami while Miaya stared directly into the gamer's eyes.

Once again, Chisa proved how cunning she was—and Chiaki would have to lie to Miaya. As always, while she hated it, the gamer already knew what she was going to do.

"It's true; that's what happened."

"Please don't hold it against her, Gekkogahara," added Chisa, wiping her face. "I asked her to keep quiet about it. It will be better now, right, Chiaki?"

"Yes, Ms. Yukizome."

"That's my little cinnamon roll!" Yukizome hugged Chiaki close to her in a joyous manner.

That explanation does sound reasonable, but…Miaya thought, still feeling a strange dissonance she couldn't explain.

"I suppose that settles things," said Seiko, being thankful the situation didn't escalate further.

"It still sounds a little suspicious to me," commented Ruruka, shoving a treat in Sonosuke's mouth.

"It's been settled, Ando," stated Kyosuke, focusing his gaze on Chiaki. "Yukizome thinks very highly of you—even calling you our savior. Just why do you want to be a division leader?"

Chiaki tried to think of the best way to explain. "I don't think I'm anything like a savior…but I want to help end all this so nobody has to suffer anymore."

"So, you claim to be on the side of hope?"

"No." Her response visibly intrigued Kyosuke along with several others. Even Chisa gave her a questioning glance. "A world of nothing but despair is bad, but I don't think the opposite of that is good either. Neither one has done anything for me…so I don't choose either one."

The gamer was expecting looks of disdain after her proclamation, but a few individuals present seemed amused. Both Koichi and Miaya smiled, and Chisa looked like she found it funny.

"You choose neither…?" said Kyosuke, tightening his gaze. "So, in other words, you're directionless. You just accept whatever circumstances come your way."

"I've always been like this."

"You think masquerading with such a resolve will end well?"

"All I know how to be is myself, and—" She firmly looked at the former Ultimate Student Council President. "—it's gotten me this far."

Kyosuke looked like he had another response ready before Chisa cut in. "I know she hasn't had the smoothest road, but Chiaki has done everything you've asked of her so far. She's worked hard to get healthy enough, and she isn't in despair. Don't take it personally, Chiaki. I doubt you could impress him if you grew wings and began shooting lasers out of your eyes."

The gamer glanced at the ceiling while being conflicted. Does she mean he's hard to impress…or that I'm just that unimpressive?

"Can we just start the vote already?" moaned Ruruka. "I have a million things to do later on."

She'll just take a nap, thought Juzo.

Definitely a nap…Seiko thought, knowing her former friend too well.

"One more thing," said Kyosuke. "The vote will commence under the condition that both Yukizome and Mitarai are exempt. I feel their history with the candidate will compromise their ability to critique."

"That's not fair!" stated Ryouta.

I figured he'd try something like this, thought a slightly annoyed Chisa. "We accept the conditions."

"B-but…Ms. Yukizome…"

"Be confident, Mitarai."

The animator looked down before nodding in acceptance and said, "I accept."

"As the rules state, we'll start with the latter division number," stated Kazuo. "You may start, Gozu."

"I must admit when I first saw Nanami's files, I was unimpressed. Being a leader of the central organization against despair is taxing. Even so, upon meeting and working with her, I've seen the spirit she has. It reminded me that someone small like her can be just as courageous as myself. I vote yes."

"I haven't really gotten to know her," began Daisaku in his light voice, "but, like Gozu said, big things can come from unexpected packages."

"Heh, does his voice surprise you, Chiaki?" asked Chisa.

"I didn't notice anything."

Her statement clearly made Daisaku happy as his eyes gleamed with joy and he exclaimed, "My vote is a yes!"

"Ugh," grunted Kyosuke rubbing his forehead, feeling a headache forming.

It was supposed to be Sonosuke's turn, but Ruruka spoke up instead. "This is stupid. Some video game otaku won't last a day in the Future Foundation. It's a no for both of us, right, babe?"

"Hmm?" hummed Sonosuke, not caring about the current situation. "Sure."

"Obviously, I've spent a lot of time getting to know her," said Usami. "I can't say I'm entirely on board with her being made to take on such a responsibility shortly after a traumatic event. Still, I believe she wants to help, and it would be insulting if I didn't respect her choice. The Future Foundation could benefit from a perspective like hers. I vote yes."

"I'm still not sold," stated Juzo, crossing his arms. "Despair needs to be crushed entirely. This is all just a waste of time. My vote is a no."

"I haven't seen many young people suffer what she's suffered and still end up wanting to try their best," commented Seiko. "I don't think she's the savior, though."

Chisa whispered something in Chiaki's ear that she wanted her to repeat. The gamer was skeptical, but said, "Your medicines were incredibly helpful and great, Kimura."

Seiko instantly grinned from ear to ear behind her mask while a blush enveloped her cheeks. "It's nothing really. My vote is a yes, by the way."

She never changes, thought Ruruka, disapproving.

"I, for one, am interested," stated Koichi. "The aura she has reminds me of a certain friend of mine's daughter. If the little lady is up for it, I say why not? I vote yes."

"Despite what you say, Yukizome," began Kyosuke, "the Future Foundation isn't some kind of social club. We all are humanity's best defense against despair. Thinking someone like Chiaki Nanami can be the savior is laughable at best. I vote no."

Finally, it was the chairman's turn. The vote was in Chiaki's favor by a score of five to four. Normally, the worst that could happen now would be a tie. The rule of the chairman's vote, however, counting as two wasn't forgotten by anybody. Whether she was accepted or denied—it rested on Chairman Tengan's shoulders.

The gamer was practically holding her breath in anticipation. She peeked at Ms. Yukizome to see her same confident smile as if failure wasn't a possibility.

"The decision will come down to me after all," Kazuo announced, using his intertwined fingers as a rest for his head. He closed his eyes for what seemed like a minute before he resumed. "I seem to be at an impasse. On one hand, Munakata's statements make sense; however, there's still a part of me that understands Yukizome's argument. I don't doubt that if I were to follow my usual ideology, my vote would most likely be a no."

"I assume that's your answer?" questioned Kyosuke.

"…Not necessarily. Yukizome said something the day she nominated Nanami that I've thought about ever since. As time goes by, I'm starting to think my old methodology might not be the most efficient. It's for those reasons, I'm having trouble deciding." The old man went silent again for a moment. "May I ask you a question, Nanami?"

"Um…of course."

"You said earlier that a full elimination of despair or hope was incorrect—elaborate a bit more."

The gamer wondered how she should put it. "Maybe it's better for despair and hope to balance out. I think what the Despairs are doing needs to be stopped, but everyone carries despair just like everyone carries hope. You should just accept both—and walk towards the future. At least…that's what Miaya helped me realize."

"What would you do if you met the individuals responsible? Would you forgive them despite how you and the world have suffered, and help them see your viewpoint?"

"I…"

Just like that, the answer she thought so long about evaporated. While she did believe what she was saying, applying it to that situation was too hard. If she were ever to meet Junko again, the gamer wouldn't know how she'd react. She had no clue what her feelings would be in that moment.

"A predictable response," commented Kyosuke. "You claim that eliminating all despair is bad, but when faced with a situation where your beliefs are put to the test…you have no answer. It's glaring evidence of how indecisive you really are—almost like you have no side to stand on."

"What's wrong with that?" stated Kazuo, catching everyone by surprise. "As I've said, I'm not entirely sure what the best method is, and I'm an old man who has seen just about everything. How do we know she won't find her answer, given time? What kind of organization would this be if we ostracized someone that decided to face the future with nothing dictating her?"

"Really…?" asked Chiaki.

"I think that would be a grievous crime. I still have some doubts…but my vote is a yes."

"Hooray!" cheered Chisa, grabbing Chiaki's hands and jumping up and down. "You're in!"

Chiaki narrowed her eyes, wondering how becoming something against her will that would put her against a bunch of psychotic people was worth cheering over.

"Is there anything you'd like to add, Munakata?"

"…No," he muttered in a low tone.

"Then," began the chairman, sweeping his gaze over the room to see if anyone wanted to reply, "as the rules of a majority vote say: Chiaki Nanami is hereby instated as head of the Thirteenth Division. May this further lead us on our path to a brighter future."