Chapter 10: Taking it in pt. 3
"So"-dialogue
'Ummm...'-thoughts/flashback
*sighs*-onomatopoeia
Ultimate Pervert-title
"Huh, neat"-Katakuri's Future/Monokuma
AN: YOOOOOOO! WHAT IS UP, WHAT IS GOOD? THE D, YEEEEEA, GOKUUUUUU D. UZUMAKI here bringing you guys and gals the tenth...official...chapter of The Ultimate Big Brother! I just wanna say right off the bat thank you all so much for your patience for this story's update. Just had a moment in the family where there was some tension to say the least, family issues. But thankfully, I mustered enough strength for me to publish this story and get the ball rolling. Last chapter, things took a little bit slow because of the group building of the students before they venture off and scavenge the academy, with Katakuri already in the lead. I sincerely hope these story progression chapters of the story won't make this fanfiction turn into an usual, boring Danganronpa story with just an OP main character and some excitement to disguise the boring mess. I will do my best to make the story as engaging and exciting as I can be without rushing and adding elements and key figures in the story to make it stand out.
Recently, I've been watching YouTube videos and reading Reddit threads on how to make a good and coherent story without making it generic. I genuinely want this story to be unique on its own accord since the DR crossover section is shockingly low considering the number of vibrant and quirky characters the Danganronpa universe contains, and what better way to add in the craziness of the Hope vs Despair world without adding one of the most popular characters in all of One Piece to mix things up! You get the gist of it.
In this chapter, I decide to skip all the slow group building in the gym and go straight on the groups venturing off in the academy to gain a better grip of their surroundings and also have chances to know each other since they're prisoners altogether. How will each group's interactions with the members be played out? Read and find out!
And thank you all soooo much for the 16,000+ views and nearly 70 favorites, follows, and reviews! :D :D Thank you all so much for your support and I genuinely hope you all love the new story cover I just drew!
Please like, favorite, review, and follow the story. Any flames, rants, or destructive criticism will face the wrath of Katakuri's Mole.
Anyways, let's just dive right in. Taking stage this time, will be the tallest ahoge of the ahoge protag trio, Hajime Hinata!
Hajime: *walks on stage* Wow...huge audience.
GDU: Yeah, I didn't expect such a crowd.
Hajime: Yeah, no kidding. *ahem* The following is a non-profit, fan-based fanfiction. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, Goodbye Despair, and V3: Killing Harmony are all owned by Spike, Too Kyo Games, and Kazutaka Kodaka. Danganronpa: the Animation, Danganronpa 3: Despair, Future, and Hope Arc and Danganronpa Zero are all owned by Funimation, Toei Animation, Fuji TV, and Kazutaka Kodaka. One Piece is owned by Shueisha, Funimation, Toei Animation, Fuji TV, and Eiichiro Oda. Please support the official releases.
Makoto: Bit of a handful eh?
Katakuri: Hmm, yeah, that is a bit much.
Himiko: Hey Kat, why do we have to say all that again?
Katakuri: To avoid getting in trouble, to the say the least.
GDU: Yeah, avoiding copyright infringement.
Himiko: *lazy yawn* Nyeh, that's too much work to do...
GDU: You're telling...
Day One
First Floor
Hallway
12:55 p.m
"I must say Makoto, your friend Katakuri certainly caught every one of us in shock. Never have I seen anyone displayed such superhuman strength and speed like him before," Kibo said to the group leader as they ventured in the hallway to begin their scavenge throughout the academy/prison.
"Yeah Naegi-san, I still can't wrap my head around how your friend did that. I swear, it was like I blinked and in a split sec-no, less than a split second and he grabbed Owada's arm," Asahina added.
Makoto scratched his head. "To be quite honest, I was freaked out myself. Despite the fact that I was short from going to sleep, I didn't expect him to move that fast." He shrugged his shoulders as he glanced at the swimmer.
"It's a good thing he stopped Owada. I don't know what would've happened if Katakuri hadn't reacted in time to stop him from hurting you." Sayaka's face then turned into a frown from the thought of Naegi knocked out over a temper tantrum. "That biker and the gangster needs to check themselves of their anger issues."
"Yes, their actions were thoughtless and brash, but yet they were reacting quite understandably to Togami's arrogant comments about their reputations. Regardless of who's fault is it, that wasn't the time to start butting each other's heads over something so trivial," Sakura replied with her arms folded as she walked besides Asahina.
"No kidding, those brutes should've known better than to talk to that Togami," Junko scoffed while checking her nails for any blemishes. "Like your redhead friend said Eggy, we have like more important things to do than to yell like a bunch of dogs."
Junko Enoshima became the last member to join Makoto's group after they found her standing around checking her nails in the gym. Figured that no one approached her, the ahoge boy figured he would ask the fashionista to join them, despite her diva attitude. Unknown to Makoto, Junko was surprised that he would approach her without a second thought or hesitation. Quite honestly, she would've been fine if she scoured the academy on her own, but the fact that Naegi came to her and ask for her help, for some reason even she don't know it, she found him to be a very approachable person.
Eleven minutes ago in the gym
Mukuro stood idly by herself as she watched everyone starting to arrange their groups to begin their search throughout the academy. She watched as students greet each other, asking for each other's help, or reluctantly agree to be a part of their group, and preparing themselves for their ventures. Despite everything that had happened when Naegi's monstrous friend was here, Mukuro still hoped that everything will go smoothly regardless of the fact that Katakuri was here.
But even then, she had a few moments of doubt. Mukuro is no slowpoke, she saw how frightening Katakuri can be. She saw it herself that the giant was capable of displaying nightmarish levels of power and speed. The moment when Katakuri appeared for the first time out of his scarf, she felt like an ant facing a lion. The man outclassed her so much, it's not even funny.
The disguised girl still remembered the sickening feeling of fear and despair she felt when she stared and gawked at his titanic height and gnarly appearance. The way he drilled his eyes into her very soul, daring her to even think of defying him...it was hellish. That experience, dare she say, outclassed the experiences when Junko hit her to make her feel the embrace of despair. Though this time, Mukuro didn't felt the temporary thrill of ecstasy, she experienced a nightmare, and it was not pleasant.
Despite of, she still had to retain her position. To be frank, Mukuro want her role to be over with. Playing as her sister is tiring, she has to be overdramatic and flair all the time, which is not what she does. Hopefully, her role would be finished and she would be gone from the eyes of the students.
Before she continued her inner thoughts, her mind was snapped by a voice calling her name. "Hey Junko."
The disguised girl turned her head and saw the boy, Makoto Naegi and his group of four others standing in front of her. The ahoge boy still has his trademark smile on his face, so simple...yet so welcoming. Why does she feel that why? Why does his smile differ from his sister's, which she could see is nothing short of hollow and fake.
"Yes, what is it?" she asked in her 'Junko' tone.
"We saw that you're standing here all by yourself. And we was just wondering that would you like to join our group?" Makoto offered with a warm smile.
Junko tilted her head and raised an eyebrow in confusion from the boy's request to join him and his team. "Why ask me? I'm a fashionista, what could I bring to your team Egg boy?"
The boy chuckled a bit at the nickname he was given, but he pressed on. "We're not asking for a specific talent or anything. We just don't want you to be all by yourself. We'll accomplish a lot more together, we have to be there for each other right?"
Mukuro blinked owlishly at the boy's response to her question. The reason why he wanted her to join them is to help each other and achieve more as a team? As silly and cheesy as it sounds, she couldn't deny the genuinity in the gesture. She continued to stare at the boy and his team. As two of them stared at her blankly, the other two girls offered smiles of their own, beaming along with Makoto's.
At first, she was about to refuse his offer, but the girl couldn't help but feel a bit welcomed by the boy instead of the fake and transparent welcome her sister always give to her, which usually ends with a blank expression or a kick or two. Mukuro completely forgot about her train of thought on the situation at hand. She forgot about her thoughts about her role in the game. And she clearly forgot her fear from Katakuri's presence. All there is in her mind is the smiling Makoto's offer for her to join her team.
Then, with a small smile disguised as her sister's sly smile, she gave the boy her answer.
Back to the present
"Well, I'm just glad he's managed to stop him. Darn that Owada, I really want to slug him right now," Asahina huffed as she folded her arms.
Sayaka offered a smile. "Believe me, I know how it feels. But Katakuri did managed to stop him from throwing everyone else out of their wits concerning our problem. And I'm pretty sure Makoto would be upset if we retaliated."
Makoto turned to the swimmer with a sympathetic smile. "Exactly. I'm alright, Asahina. I'm just thankful that Katakuri-san ceased the situation from escalating any further. Who knows what would happen if Owada did land one on me. So it wouldn't help if we continue to dwell on it."
The swimmer smiled fondly as she realized the reasoning behind their explanations, there's no use dwelling on into it. "Yeah, I guess you're right. You're that kind of guy, Naegi."
"And besides, I'll consider that close call as an exercise," Makoto grinned.
'Junko' who's walking near Sakura smiled faintly. "I don't know about that, Eggy. Seems like that junk is going to be more hectic."
"Indeed, though I hope that in the future, these 'exercises' wouldn't be necessary," Kibo added with a slight frown.
"Even if that's the case, we all have to consider Katakuri's warning. As long as we stay vigilant and keep our heads clear, we'll be able to stop any more villainy from occurring," Sakura offered quietly.
Makoto nodded as he remembered of Katakuri's words after Monokuma laid down the doomsday before he disappeared. They can't let the situation get to them like how Mondo and Fuyuhiko lost control over Togami's arrogant words, which is exactly what the bear wanted out of them: discord and suspicion towards one another. They have to stick together if they have any better chance of getting out of this place in one piece.
"She's right. We have to stay together and keep our heads from getting controlled by hopelessness and panic. Since the two places we've spent the most time are the gym and hallway, we should start looking around more. We need to get a better grasp on where we are and the whereabouts of the other locations in the building," Makoto said with a determined look.
The fashionista smiled. "Well then, what are we waiting for? Lead the way, Eggy. No reason for us wandering around the halls like lost ducks."
Asahina nodded as she stared down at the end of the hallway they're venturing in. "Yeah, no sense in just spinning our wheels in the same spot. Who knows, we might just find a way out of this mess."
"I agree, a fine way of looking at it." Kibo smiled lightly.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Maizono giggled, as she too perked up as she followed the group.
Sakura wordlessly followed the group as only Junko stopped walking and stood still. Her gaze lingering on the group with the ahoge boy leading the way. A twinge of genuine happiness touched her face as she gazed at his determined face, smiling so optimistically despite the gruesome and dark predicament they are in. She continued to gaze at the group before she quietly followed them to wherever they find in the academy.
Day One
First Floor
Giftshop
1:05 p.m.
"Eh, I can't reach it."
Himiko found a small giftshop during her search in. The petite redhead found a staff that was mounted and her face beamed from ear to ear. If she could get her hands on that staff, she could increase her mana channeling. And hopefully, if she can find him, she'll ask Katakuri to help her how to increase her mana channeling without having to rely on objects such as staffs or cards or enchantments. She don't know, but if you look past his scary appearance and his serious behavior, Katakuri can be quite an agreeable and approachable guy, as long as you're on his good side.
Now, if only she was taller.
"Himiko?" Kaede called out, as she and Nagito saw the magician left the gym and gone to go after her. The duo reached the hallway and ventured in search for the redhead. The strawberry blonde began to grow a bit worried as they were supposed to stick together and not get lost in the vast school. "I hope she's not gone too far."
Nagito mused softly as the pair continued to search for her. "I did try to warn you about my luck."
Kaede rolled her eyes before she playfully elbowed the white haired teen. "Stop relying all good or bad things on luck, Nagito. You're not bad luck."
The boy chuckled. "Sorry Kaede, I didn't to make you be exasperated. I was just telling you the truth, coming anywhere near me would result into some unfortunate circumstances. To be honest, I'm still honored that you would come to me out of all people that are not cursed by lady luck."
"Still though, that doesn't mean you're the plague. Not everything happens because of coincidence. And besides, Himiko probably got excited for some reason and I'm just making sure that no one gets left out, including you."
Nagito blinked as he stared at the girl who looked at him with a serious yet playful expression. He still couldn't grasp on the reason why Kaede would want him to be in her growing group despite knowing of his history concerning his talent. He could still replay the meeting when she first talked to him in the gym on wanting him to join her.
Back in the gym
The gym was far less packed now before, but there were still a large majority of students in the room. Most were already in the process of forming groups, a few were still talking among themselves, and like one or two had already ventured off on their own. Kaede paused her train of thought momentarily as she spotted a white haired boy sitting all alone near the bleachers. He was sitting Indian style as he stared silently across the gym.
"Hey you, Nagito right?" the pianist asked softly.
The boy snapped from his gaze and turned his attention at her, a look of curiosity fitting his eyes. "Huh, no one has ever talked to me before. I thought it was perhaps my luck that had made me unapproachable...yet still, I advise you keep your distance from me. My luck is either incredibly fortunate or cruel. People who get close to me, they don't usually have a good end," he mused.
"Your talent did all that? What happened?" she asked as she slowly sat down next to him.
Nagito offered a thin smile as he chuckled dryly. "Forgive me if you're skeptic, even though luck is not my talent, it is very real."
"Oh? Try me, I'm listening." Kaede said with a serious expression.
"When I was little, my pet dog was killed by a speeding truck. I never took thought of that too much, I thought it was just a horrible accident, an extremely terrible time. But little did I know, that was only the first of many things in my life controlled by good and bad luck. A few years later, my family took us to San Cristobal Island at the Galapagos. After our vacation was over, we took an airplane to head back home." Nagito let out a short yet shuddering sigh as he pressed on.
"However, little did we know, a terrorist hijacked the airplane. Next moment later, the terrorist and my parents were killed by a small meteor. I was the only living person left to inherit my parents' fortune since there was no other living relatives to inherit it. In middle school, I was kidnapped by a ruthless serial killer. Usually he kill his victims, but he left me alive hoping for anyone to pay a ransom he held above my head. I thought I was gonna die when he kept holding that gun or knife at my head and neck. Thankfully, he let me go after he realized that no one was going to pay the ransom. Then, as a form of good luck, I found a lottery ticket in the garbage bag he kidnapped me with. The ticket was the winning ticket for three million."
Kaede stared at the boy with an aghast expression as she took in Nagito's terrible childhood. "T-That's...wow...I'm so so sorry Nagito. I can never imagine how it must feel."
"The duality between good and bad luck had followed me my entire life. It's simply better than to let it be and let all that approach me be kept at a distance. Besides, you don't want to sully your hope by my presence." he offered her with a sincere smile.
"No."
Nagito blinked as she extended her towards him. "What?"
"No, I'm not going to let you be all lone. You're joining us." she said as she gave him a warm smile.
The boy tilted his head slightly. "But my luck-"
"But that doesn't give you a reason to stop letting it dominate your life, good or bad. Part of having hope is to create your own luck, don't let terrible situations make you think otherwise. Least that's what I think." She stood up and straightened her skirt. "Gonna make a girl beg, huh? You're just like Shuichi." she mused softly at him.
Nagito shook his head slightly as he reached up and took her hand in his. "I still think it's a bad idea, but if you insist."
"Yeah, I do. Let's see what kind of luck you're having right now." she smirked. She turned around and spotted Himiko walking out of the gym. "And I think we spotted a new teammate."
Back to the present
"That's what friends do right? Be there for each other, despite their differences." Kaede called out, pulling Nagito out of his trip from memory lane. The boy turned back to the girl as they continued their search for Himiko.
Nagito tilted his head. "Friend? You consider me a friend, even though you know of my good and bad cycle?" he asked with a slightly surprised expression.
The pianist smiled in response. "Yep, you could bet on that Nagito. No one deserves to be all by themselves. Now, shall we continue our search for Himiko?" she asked.
The white haired boy let out a slight chuckle. "Be my guest, Kaede." The pair continued to venture off into the hallway in search for Himiko.
Meanwhile at the giftshop, the petite magician still struggled as she tried to grab the staff. The staff has a distinct shape with the top of it shaped like a heart, with a ruby resting in the center, with the entire staff pink in color.
The girl let out a small pout as she tried jumping to reach the staff but to no avail. She tried to reach above the counter to reach it but still, nothing. Himiko began to grow a little frustrated that she had to put in work to get the staff, but she must acquire the staff if she wants her mana and magick to get stronger.
"Eh, who put that staff in there? If only I could find the one responsible, I would turn him or her into a frog for making me do this much work. Oh, I wish I have some Monokuma coins and some height so I can get it." Himiko moaned as she leaned against one of the counters.
"Don't mind if I lend you a hand?"
Himiko turned around and let out a small gasp as she stared at the newcomer who startled her. She couldn't contain her surprise as she stared at the person who offered her help. "Y-You...what are you d-doing here?" she asked with a shocked tone.
"Well, I was busy doing my search myself and I just heard your squeals of happiness and I headed to where you were at. I didn't expect this place to have a little shop that has these items."
Himiko let out a small giggle as she's slightly embarrassed that the person heard her as she found a staff that'll help her. She never expected to run into him out of all people in the academy to meet her after a while.
The person looked at the staff and at the slot. "Hmm, I take it that the machine requires money to get it?"
The girl wilted slightly. "Yeah, sadly I don't have any Monokuma coins to get it. Even if I do, I still won't be able to reach it, I'm way too short." The person let out a raised eyebrow at the sound of the currency.
"Monokuma coins, you mean these things?" The newcomer reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of bizarre looking coins with the faces of the bear on it.
Himiko's eyes widened in surprise. "Y-Yeah, those are Monokuma coins! Where in the world did you find all of that?"
The person offered a dismissive shrug. "For some reason when I was first woke up, I felt a little heaviness in my pocket. I thought it would be my candy but they aren't that heavy. I took a good look at them, and at first I would get rid of them since I have no need for currency. But since this place has locations like these, I kept these things to be on the safe side in case I need to use these...odd currencies for any important."
"Wow, a-are you really gonna spend them to help me get my staff? I thought you would be more concerned about yourself?" Himiko said.
"Just because I'm not the kind of person to socialize, doesn't mean I would disregard all of you." The person replied as he inserted several coins into the machine, before the case containing the staff popped open. The person reached and grasped it before holding it down to Himiko. "And besides, you are one of the few exceptions of kids I could be around, along with Makoto and that Akane, sort of. I believe this belongs to you."
Himiko's eyes were bright, as she reached out and clasped her hands around it. She hopped like an energetic rabbit as she danced with the staff a bit in excitement. "Yayyy! Now, I can finally be able to harness my mana! Thank you so so much! And as a sign of my thanks, I will never think about turning you into anything." The girl then let out a huff. "However, I cannot say the same for Hiro."
The person let out a small chuckle. "You're most welcome, Himiko. I hope that staff will help you in your endeavors?" the person asked.
Himiko grinned from ear to ear. "You know it, now I can be able to summon familiars to aid and protect us all. Do you need a familiar for your search?"
The newcomer let out another chuckle. "Thank you, but I'll be fine on my own for now. Whenever the time comes when we're all familiar with the place, I would consider coming to you to help you with your mana."
If the magician could not get any more jubilant, the person's offer sent her to the moon. She couldn't let out a shout of excitement as stars appeared in her eyes. "Y-You really mean it? You're gonna help me channel my mana just like you?!" she asked excitedly.
A nod was her answer. "I give you my promise."
Himiko's eyes glowed with unbridled giddiness and enthusiasm. "Hehehe, thank you so much big bro."
The person's eyes widened a bit when he heard the nickname. He never expected her to call him big brother. It quite honestly nearly made him reel back a bit, he was quite expecting her to be a little bit wary of him, but like Makoto, she welcomed him with open arms. He continued to stare at the smiling girl in stunned silence from the nickname.
"You don't mind if I call you big bro?" Himiko asked innocently.
The person closed his eyes to shake off the surprise as he looked at her with a gentle expression. "You're more than welcome to call me that." He don't know, but something about the nickname rang a little bell in his head. The way she called him that reminded him of a certain someone, or people in that matter.
"Thank you, big bro." she thanked again with her face filled with happiness.
The person let out a hum as he turned his attention to the entrance of the giftshop. He let out a curious huh as he turned back to the girl who stared at him in confusion. "It would seems that you have a few people to help you in your school search, that Kaede girl and the strange Nagito are coming here. You wouldn't mind if they offered you a spot to join their team?"
Himiko's head gave a small tilt. "But, wouldn't it be better if you come along with me? I have all the time in the world for your assistance." she offered cutely.
The person chuckled. "True, but like I said. I'm not much of a socialite, people are still wary of me, they saw what I was capable of back in the gym. And besides, it's pretty dangerous for someone like you to run off on your own. You need people that are more approachable than me."
Himiko let out a small pout as she knew that the person was right. Right now is not the appropriate time to start talking or interacting with the students yet, they are still cautious of him. Right now, she and everyone else needs to focus on leaving this nightmare and out of that demented bear's clutches. But the girl encouraged herself as she realized she now possessed the staff she needed to increase her magic abilities and surpass her limits to protect her and everyone else if Monokuma tries anything funny.
The girl turned around and heard footsteps approaching the entrance and a girl's voice calling out her name with a boy along with. They must be Kaede and Nagito, like he said. Himiko then turn around back to the newcomer. "Hey, how would-"
Himiko's eyes widened when she saw that the next few seconds she turned around, the person had already left. She never heard his footsteps or anything, she couldn't even hear his signature rattling his feet make when he walk. No, he straight up disappeared. The magician frantically darted her eyes side to side, searching each and every inch of the shop but all she found was air. The person somehow vanished when she turned around and noticed the pair's approaching steps. Himiko was shocked that someone like him would be able to disappear while she had her back turned to him for a few seconds. Like, one second he was there, and then the next...poof!
Not even the great Houdini could disappear that fast and untraceable.
Kaede and Nagito walked by the entrance of the giftshop and spotted the confused magician. Kaede's concerned expression left and in turn was a relieved smile. "Hey, there you are Himiko!"
The magician didn't responded as she's still trying to grasp on as to how her brother disappeared like that. Himiko's eyes remained focus on the empty spot where he was.
"Hello, Earth to Himiko!" Kaede called out.
"Nyeh?" The petitie girl pivoted slightly as she looked at the pair. "Oh, sorry I was distracted. I saw a small shop in this place and found this staff that'll help increase my mana abilities." She gestured by showing the duo the pink staff.
Kaede blinked. "Mana? Magic isn't real though, isn't it? You're talent is the Ultimate Magician, don't you do is to show elaborate magic tricks?"
The magician puffed her cheeks out. "I'm known as a magician, but all of that is just a cover-up. I'm actually...a mage. A group trying to hide magic's existence by disguising them from the world as simple tricks. Because of this, I am known to be the greatest magician in the world by performing breathtaking magic tricks. But...I am not...a magician. I'm a mage. It's just that no one believes me."
The pianist was about to protest when Nagito walked up and pointed at the empty spot in the machine where the staff was. "Himiko? How did you acquire the staff? The machine requires Monokuma coins if I recall and that shelf was too high for you to grab it if you put money in it."
Himiko's annoyed countenance was replaced with a happy expression. She was about to tell the duo about the person who came in and helped and talked with her, but she managed to stay her tongue because she remembered the reason why the man didn't want to meet any of the students yet. Even though he should give it a chance, the girl still wants to respect his wishes to remain alone until the students feel comfortable around him and he be the same. So, even though it stings a bit, Himiko came up with a little fib.
"A true mage never reveals their secrets. I am capable of so much power. With this staff, I will finally unlock my true potential!" Himiko proclaimed dramatically. The duo looked at each other. Even if they have some skeptics as to how Himiko acquired the staff, they decide to let it go. They have more important things to do.
Kaede turned back to the girl. "Would you like to join our group, Himiko? It's better that we all stick together and not leave another one behind." Kaede grinned at the petite redhead.
Himiko tilted her head cutely as an impish smile formed her features. "Hmmm, sure you can count on me. Just don't expect me to do any rezzes kay? I'm not a white mage."
She walked to the pair and the newly formed trio walked out of the giftshop and ventured off into the depths of the academy. Meanwhile, beside the entrance of the giftshop, a figure watched as the trio walked nearly out of sight. The figure chuckled lightly as it saw the trio finally out of its line of sight. Then, the figure walked away and headed off to continue its business and entered back into the hallway.
The reason why the figure watched the trio? No one was to know it was him who helped Himiko to get the staff. No one wants to hear his spurs rattling in the echoing halls.
No one was to know that Charlotte Katakuri came across and interacted with Himiko Yumeno.
Day One
First Floor
Hallway
1:25 p.m
Kyoko's eyes narrowed slightly, as she came to a stop in front of a locked door. It was the third time she came across such a door she discovered so far in her search. The lavender scrutinized her E-book closely. The first floor is massive in scale.
The dormitory section was divided into east and west wings. The east contains the girls' dormitories while the west contains the boys'. During her search, she also discovered a large dining hall that was spacious enough to house over a hundred people, definitely another place for mass meetings if the gym grows repetitive. It also stores enough food that will last up for a year or two, it's enough storage for an entire army.
She also found a large laundry area, containing multiple washers, dryers, and numerous hampers. There was a large incinerator in an A.V room that was only accessible during curfew. Then of course, there are the three mysterious doors. The first one was labeled on the handbook as Trial Access. The other two were denoted with lock symbols and question marks. They may be leading to upper floors of the academy.
"I see you've made note of the sealed rooms as well." A voice said, causing Kyoko to tense as she turned to see Maki standing only a few feet away with her arms folded.
'How did she managed to get so close to me without me noticing? Was I really that distracted?' Kyoko frowned slightly at the short moment of weakness before she straightened out and flipped her handbook off. "Indeed. I can only safely assume that these areas aren't yet accessible."
"Exactly, key word: yet. Perhaps out captor made those areas unavailable unless something happens. No doubt it'll be some kind of twisted reward for our survival." The brunetter mused monotonously.
Kyoko frowned slightly. "It wouldn't surprise me, to say the least. Didn't that giant said that it'll be better if all of us cooperate with each other to make our searches more fruitful in this situation?"
"What good does his word does to you, if you're also ventured off on your own like you are now?" Maki offered with a raised eyebrow.
Kyoko let out a mirthless chuckle. "Ah, you got me there. I guess old habits die hard, perhaps I'm just banking on the hope that the situation won't resolve horrendously."
Maki unfolded her arms. "But still, even with a person of your smarts, you and I know that all the good won't stop the inevitable. It won't be long before someone cracks under the pressure and a person's life would be taken with the first blood spilt." She replied gravely.
Day One
First Floor
Hallway
1:47 p.m
"Dammit, that Maki always want to go on her own. When will she lighten up?" Kaito frowned as he grew annoyed from the caregiver's lone wolf attitude. The astronaut tried to offer her to join his group for their search but likewise, she refused, calling socializing 'distractions.' The purple hair boy let out a long sigh to relieve him of her frustrating attitude.
"Great, now what?" he asked to no one in particular.
"Ummm, Kaito right?" An unsure voice called out from behind, causing Kaito to turn around.
Momota stared at the boy a moment, before his annoyed expression instantly changed to one of recognition. "Yo Shuichi, what's shaking? Surprised to see you not glued to Kaede's side. Not that I blame you for that." he grinned as he folded his arms across his chest.
The detective in training offered a sheepish smile. "Well, Kaede is trying to keep everyone's spirits high. And between Monokuma's bombshell, Mondo nearly attacking Makoto...and Katakuri's presence...everyone is a little out of it."
Kaito smiled slightly as he rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, that would be it man. I didn't expect that freaky dude to stop Mondo. He came out of freaking nowhere, and we just saw him withstand a goddamn machine gun without so much of a graze and destroy the gun with a piece of candy! Whoever or whatever Makoto's new friend is, he's definitely out of this world." he exclaimed as he's still shook from Katakuri's actions.
Shuichi nodded slightly as his features grew nervous. "Exactly. It was like he moved faster than a blink of an eye. He's clearly out of our league, by leaps and bounds. And even more shocked that he stood up to Monokuma where all of us were too terrified to face him."
The astronaut sighed. "Yeah, no kidding. He have more balls than all of us combined. He certainly knows how to lead all of us without losing his cool. And what the hell, if he can stand up to that sicko's game, then so can we!" Kaito let out a smirk as he clasped his arm around the boy's shoulders. "If you're here to ask me to join your group, then consider me signed up! I am more than eager to be the group's leader. Hey, you can be my sidekick Saihara." The boy grinned as he offered Shuichi a thumbs up.
Shuichi sweat dropped. "Hey, come on, it was Kaede's idea. And besides, isn't Maki a more capable leader?"
Kaito shrugged. "She's always so damn stubborn. But don't worry, she'll come around eventually. But don't worry, your good ol' buddy Kaito is here to help you out."
"W-What are you talking about? H-Help me out, for what?" the young detective stammered slightly, as Kaito guided him to the dining hall.
"Don't be modest, Saihara. I can see it on your face."
Shuichi let out an exasperated sigh. 'Perhaps I should've stayed with Kaede, she's definitely a better talker than me.' he mused glumly.
Day One
First Floor
A.V Room
2:19 p.m
"Goddamn it, how's a gorgeous, drop-dead sexy girl such as myself suppose to work under these conditions?!" Miu growled as she glared at one of the computer screens in the A.V room. "I swear to God, these things are more ancient than a fucking dinosaur." she scowled as she bit her thumb.
"Ummm...excuse me." A soft voice caused the blonde to nearly jump out of her seat as she turned around and saw Chihiro standing next to Mahiru, Hajime besides Chiaki who's still focusing on her game, and Mikan who like Chihiro, stood there timidly with her poking her fingers.
"Goddammit, don't fucking do that." she hissed as she recomposed herself as she stood up from her chair.
Mahiru's eyes narrowed at the buxom blonde's vulgar attitude and brash response to the programmer. Already she doesn't like the blonde. Hajime shook his head slightly at the display as he began to regret finding this girl instead of Kyoko, who somehow left before he even had the chance to meet her.
'Oh Kyoko, you would've been a better addition to the group. Well, I suppose I can't complain,' the boy mused to himself glumly.
Fujisaki looked at the blonde sheepishly. "O-Oh, I'm sorry, we were just on our way to find another person to join our group. Sadly the one we need left before we had the chance. S-So, we're just wondering-"
"So you were just wondering that y'all can add me as a fucking spare? Me, the great and wonderful Miu Iruma?" the inventor scowled, causing Chihiro to flinch slightly at the accusation. Mahiru's frown deepen as she glared at the rude inventor. All they want is to find someone else to join their team to make a complete six. There's no reason for this girl to act like a total bitch.
Miu's scowl then formed into a teasing smirk. "Haha, I'm just fucking with you tater tots. Why else would y'all pansies come and ask Miu-sama for her favor to join your little gang?"
The photographer had enough and stood in front of the vulgar girl. "Hey now, you need to lay off and cut the damn attitude, Miu. Fuji just want to ask you that you can join us."
The blonde's brash and vulgar demeanor slipped, as she nervously bit her lip and twirl her hair as she stared shamefully at the angry photographer. "I-I'm sorry, p-please don't be mad at me."
Hajime stood there quietly for a moment before he decides to finally speak. "Hey now Mahiru, there's no need to be like that. Sure, she's...strange and rather rude, but we can't be mad just by a person's quirky personality."
Chihiro remained quietly before she mustered up the courage to speak for Miu. "H-He's right. We can't be mean to people who were just being their own person. And besides..." she turned to the still nervous Miu. "You're here because you're doing something with the computers, right? I was just thinking we shouldn't do this in the middle of the day right now. I-I mean, who ever is behind Monokuma has to sleep sometime right?"
Miu's bold attitude came back as she allowed a wicked grin to form her features. "You're goddamn right. Damn, no wonder you're the Ultimate Programmer. With my brilliant mind and your...decent one, we'll be running this shithole in no time! So, I guess I'm a part of your club now?"
"Well, we were about to let you join, but maybe we'll reconsider because of your foul attitude. We simply cannot let someone as rude and obscene as you be in our group," Mahiru scowled as she planted her hands on her hips, as she stared ruefully at the inventor who's sailor attitude instantly crumbled under her glare.
"O-Of course you wouldn't," she murmured as she darted her eyes to avoid the photographer's glare.
Hinata walked up and stood next to Mahiru. "Come on Mahiru. I know she's harsh and thinks fully of herself, but we can't judge her solely based on that attitude. And besides, we need all the help we can get."
Fujisaki bit her lower lip a moment. "Yeah, I-I mean...for all we know, her attitude may be just a mask. Like, I know how it feels to pretend something you're not, so can we just stop being so mean to her and give her a chance? It wouldn't hurt to try."
The blonde was taken back as the programmer. Sure, she was surprised at how Hajime stood up for her, but the real kicker was how the shy and meek programmer Fujisaki defend her against Mahiru's unfair judgment of her behavior. She's surely wasn't used to people standing up for her, it left her with a strange feeling.
Mahiru stared at Fujisaki in a moment of silence in surprise. "B-but what do you mean Fuji?" The photographer stared at the inventor before letting out an exasperated sigh. "Fine, you're right Fujisaki. I guess you can come with us if you want."
A bit of Miu's old spunk returned as she offered a smirk as she planted her hands on her hips. "Heh, I'll need some time to think about it. So long infidels." She offered nothing else as she walked past the group before she ruffled Fujisaki's hair and slapped the back of Hajime's neck, which annoyed the boy.
No sooner had the door of the A.V room shut, that Mahiru let out a low growl as she glared at the door where the inventor had walked out of. "I can't believe her. Even when I invited her, she still acted like she's got her head up her ass."
Hajime shook his head. "Well, I can't deny it. She's gonna be a tough one to get along. But it could be worse, we could be asking Togami or Fuyuhiko." The boy's joke ease the tension in the room a bit as Mahiru's expression lightened a tiny bit from it.
Chihiro offered a soft smile. "That's right. And besides, I bet she doesn't know how to talk to people. I bet she's a really nice person if you look past her rough exterior."
Mikan let out a little squeak after being quiet for so long. "S-S-She m-may be mean and a b-b-bit rude...but I a-agree that she's a good p-p-person to g-get along...I-I think." she squeaked as she rubbed the floor with her feet.
The photographer sighed softly. "Yeah, I guess.
Day One
First Floor
Hallway
2:49 p.m
Katakuri walked down the halls after founding the dining hall, more dormitories, and bathrooms. Wandering around in the monotonous purple halls is making the giant grew irritated. Despite the fact that he has none of those electronic handbooks that the students had, but he didn't had the chance to look at the locations of the place when he had Makoto's handbook. But he can't complain, he'll do his best to learn the place by experience.
As he continued his trek down the hall, his eyebrows raised as he came across something that finally piqued his interest. He found a flight of stairs. His hunch was correct, this building definitely has other areas above, in other words, upper floors. The only downside: the stairs that lead to the second floor is blocked by a horizontal security gate.
Katakuri marched up the security gate and peered through see the other floors. The sight of the blocked entrance to the other gates irked him. He needs to know his bearings around this building and the world he's in. This place definitely has a library that contains books, no doubt history books he can read to learn more of the world he's in.
The crimsonhead can tell that the gate is no doubt a symbol of earned access, a feature in the demented bear's twisted game serving as some kind of reward. The gate is locked and appears to be remote controlled. Katakuri can easily bypass the security gate and continue his roam in the building but he came across some binds.
The first problem is his powers. While he can still be able to morph his body and use his future sight, anything else above them will weaken him further and strain his body, furthering putting him at risk to slipping into unconsciousness. The sharp pang at his side serves as a reminder, so doing that is out of the picture.
The second is definitely the one he needs to watch out for: putting the lives of the kids at risk. Yes, kids. He's triple their age. Katakuri can easily handle the rejected stuffed bear, he faced people more crazy than him. The problem is that if he does any harm to him or his properties, the bear will more of his execution devices to slaughter the students.
The giant doesn't hate them nor does he like them, with a slight exceptions with Makoto and Himiko, but he's not too attached to them, he can handle them. He's neutral to all of them, but just because he's not attached to all of them doesn't mean that he disregard their lives. If he does anything towards Monokuma and his devices, then he'll be powerless to stop the bear from murdering the students in one go if he break the rules. So he has to stay his hand, for now at least.
Katakuri closed his eyes as he decided to do nothing concerning advancing to the upper floors. "No doubt this serves as a problem if I break in. Despite me not attached to them, I cannot throw their lives away, that's just not my cup of tea." The giant's relaxed expression turned sharp as his eyebrows arched, making the veins on his forehead more pronounced. "You might as well slither out of here, Monokuma, no use of playing ghost." he called out sternly.
"Oh poo, you're no fun at all Katakuri." A high-pitched voice called out teasingly. Lo and behold, the right side of the hallway walls shifted open and popped out is the mechanical, two-toned, psychopathic headmaster of the academy Monokuma. The bear waddled to the giant with his paws at his sides. "And you're right, I also agree on that. It seems there's more in you than the typical, silent type, I-don't-associate-with-anyone attitude. It's actually quite cute that you care just enough of these kiddos lives that you wouldn't toss to the wayside."
Katakuri turned around and looked down at the bear. "Cut the shtick, I don't have to time to waste my breath on you. Tell me the real reason you're here."
Monokuma sighed as he scratched his head. "Tch, talk about killjoy, you're an absolute stinker, just killed it dead. Like shooting an annoying dancing puppy." The bear twirled around further annoying the giant. "But anyhoo, let's get straight to business. You and I both know that you have the power to kill me and save these kiddos, but something is stopping you from taking me out. I may not know what it is yet, but I'll find out ways I can exploit it, a little leash I can have on you to keep you in line." Monokuma stated as his red eye glowed.
The giant folded his arms as he glared at the sneering bear. "Whatever dirt you're trying to have on me, I won't let it deter me from finding you. Like I said, I'm not one to be following orders from something that a two-year-old would throw in the trash."
Monokuma's smug demeanor shifted slightly from the insult. He still hates being labeled as a stuffed bear. "Tch, I'll let that slip-up slide...for now. But don't try to dodge the obvious, Katty. Don't mind if I call you Katty, what the heck, from here on in, I'm calling you Katty!" Katakuri held his frown from deepening under the scarf from the demeaning nickname the bear gave him. "Anyways Katty, whatever is going through your head right now, consider yourself correct! The upper floors of the academy will only be accessed after a class trial."
"Class trial?"
"Yepperooni! And to give you a little recall, a class trial will happen if someone were to spill someone else's blood on the floors of the academy and three people finds the body and the countdown of gathering evidence ends and the identification of the killer will ensue with tons of finger pointing and mistrustful gazes!" Monokuma's face then turned to one filled of pleasure. "Oooh, just thinking about watching these chums be at each other's throats, pointing the finger, figuring out who killed their buddies, and leading the killer to an early grave or risking themselves all dead except the guilty one tingles my spine in quivering excitement!~"
Katakuri's eyes narrowed as he watched the twisted bear rambling on his disgusting, perverse kick on watching the students tear each other apart with lies, murder, and suspicion. 'Just as expected, if Doflamingo and Caesar Clown has a kid and that kid gets thrown away, this bear and whoever's controlling it definitely fits the bill,' the giant scowled to himself.
"And remember what I said, I would not let you get your kicks by watching the madness. I will do everything I can to not let a single person in this building lose their life in your terrible game." Katakuri retorted with a warning edge in his tone.
Monokuma snapped himself out of his stupor and turned back to the giant with a wicked grin that plastered his features. "Oh? You really are going to save these brats from distrusting each other and slaughter each other to get their chance of freedom? Don't kid me Katty, we all know it's only a matter of time until the first blood will drop and the first class trial will commence. Only then you will gain whatever information you need on this place, because between you and me, even someone like you cannot deny the inevitable...no matter how hard you try."
Katakuri stood silently as he heard Monokuma's painful yet truthful words. As much it frustrated him, he cannot do anything about stopping anyone from killing someone. Right before he rebutted, the bear spoke up. "And besides, since you're already coming to terms with the situation, I decide to give you a little gift out of my warm beary heart. Here you go!" From the ceiling, a tile slid open and falling from the open space is an electric handbook. The giant held his hand and grabbed the device. He ignored looking into the device as he continued to glare at the two-tone bear.
"Tada! Your very own E-handbook! A bit tricky to lay down the basic info of you, your height, color, and whatnot. Still a bit bummed out that I couldn't find anything else on you, but what the heck? It's not like it matter anyways. Well, toodle-loo Katty!" Monokuma cheered as he turned around and walked to the same wall he appeared from. But right before he does, he turned back to the giant with an even more evil grin as his red eye glows and glares at Katakuri.
"You can't deny the truth, Katakuri. No matter how strong, fast, or weird you are...ain't nothing's gonna stop these kiddos from having their minds slip into the hopelessness of the situation and having to resolve into shedding some blood to spare themselves from spending the rest of their lives in this place. And I hope you keep your word from not laying your hands on me or my property. Because if you do...well, you know what happens." Monokuma said ominously.
"..."
"Well anyways, enjoy your new E-handbook! And have a nice journey, I hope we'll meet again soon Katty! Upupupupupu!" Monokuma laughed as he stood by the wall on his back and in the next second, the wall flipped and the demented bear is gone, leaving the smoldering giant as the only person in the hallway, leaving the place in silence. But nobody could deny the thick, choking tension that the conversation between Katakuri and Monokuma left.
The giant glared at the spot where the bear was. His eyes darkened and his forehead pulsed in cold fury as he could not find any flaw in Monokuma's words. No matter how much he loathed an despised his words, he cannot deny the logic behind the warning. He cannot run the risk of putting everyone's lives, especially Makoto's and Himiko's in danger over of destroying this bear and finding and ridding the mastermind. He cannot deny that someone will finally snap under the pressure of the situation and find their first victim and murder them in whatever gruesome way they can imagine. And most importantly, he cannot deny that he's not strong enough of protecting every single one of them with his weakened powers.
But those reasons are still not enough to deter the giant from finding his answers on ending this sick and twisted game. So Katakuri looked down at his device and put it up in his pocket and walked away from the security gate to head for another area of the first floor he can find.
He needs time to cool off before he can find Makoto.
End of chapter
Wow, talk about intense. I guess it seems that Monokuma is smarter than he looks. And before a whole lot of you come at me with pitchforks and torches, I have a few things to point out.
Yes, Katakuri can easily destroy Monokuma, kill the mastermind, and free the students and leave the place, but where would he go if he finds out the world he's in is not the One Piece world. How would he able to head back without gathering any knowledge on the Danganronpa world first? And plus, I'm still using the impalement wound he inflicted on himself as a handicap to halved his strength and powers. Right now, the best he can do is morph his body and use his Future Sight for a few times. If he use too much, it'll worsen the pain and he'll be in a state of severe pain and risk passing out.
Plus, even though he lost against Luffy, he's still has to hang on onto his old pragmatist personality as a way to be a pillar of strength. Like the old saying, old habits die hard. And Katakuri had been doing that ever since he was like 13 or 14, and doing it for nearly all his life? That personality might as well be second nature, and killing a second nature habit is extremely hard. Also, he's not perfect. Katakuri is a man that never underestimates his opponents yet he's unaware or aware that he is undermining them. As much it hurts him, he has to follow the rules if he doesn't want to endanger the lives of the students on his conscious.
And I know some of you will say, "But why do they concern him? This is Charlotte Katakuri, he's ruthless, he doesn't care of lives that doesn't concern him or his goal." You may be right on that, but remember, this is post Katakuri after his battle against Luffy, after he learned to let go of his insecurities and the perfectionist mindset to be a pillar for his family and crew while being himself. So of course while he hangs on to his old behavior, the new one is steadily showing itself. Plus, it adds a layer of tension, sort of like blackmail.
I hope those answer those questions. I decide to rush past the group selection in the gym and decide to move the story along with the groups searching through the academy. How long will the interactions and scavenging last until the first drop of blood will shed? How will Katakuri get around of his predicament? Find out in the next chapter on The Ultimate Big Brother!
I'll need a little time to further how the middle of the story will progress. I got the end, but likewise, the middle must be planned or otherwise the rest of the story will feel like it was made up, and I really hate for that to happen, and you will hate it for that to happen for it will lose the creative fire the story has. So I hope you'll guys and gals will wait a tiny bit longer for the next chapter to be popped out. But I will do my best to update this story as frequently as I can during summer.
Oh, and great news...THIS STORY HAS REACHED OVER 100,000 WORDS! 100,000 WORDS IN TEN CHAPTERS (NOT INCLUDING THE PROLOGUE)! What a feat I have achieved! I am so proud that I have reached the 100,000 milestone! I am so so happy that I reached past it and I hope I'll past many more with chapters as long as this and the previous ones contains. Thank you all so much for the love and support you have in this chapter.
And as always favorite, follow, and review! Any flames or destructive criticism will face the wrath of Katakuri's Mole.
Beta-readers
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Shadow of Life
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Anyone who likes to be a beta reader, please PM me. See ya!