Chapter 12: Restless

1:16 A.M Day Two

First Floor

Hallway

"You're really not upset?" Shuichi asked. His voice was slightly strained, as he stared at the Ultimate Pianist.

Kaede offered Shuichi a sleepy smile, as she leaned against her dormitory door. "Upset? Why would I bet upset? You were fantastic back there. Also I had no idea how much more handsome you were without that cap." she smiled softly, as her face was ever so slightly flushed.

"But Kaede, I went against your wishes. I lied about seeing Kirumi, all on a whim. All because of a gut feeling. It might have worked out, but I put everyone in danger in the process." Saihara bowed his head slightly. His cap was clutched tightly in his left hand.

"Against my wishes? Shuichi what I wanted more than anything is for you to believe in yourself. You're so much stronger than you even realize. " she smiled as she reached out and tenderly took his right hand between her hands. "Shuichi please look at me?" she asked gently.

The Ultimate Detective slowly gazed up at her. His eyes meeting her vivid purple gaze.

The Pianist lightly squeezed his hand. "Sometimes there are things more important than the truth, sometimes it's more important in what you believe. I believe you are really special, I just need you believe in that yourself. None of us can do this alone."

"Kaede I don't know what you see in me, but I'll do everything I can. " he promised as he shifted his feet slightly. "Uh you never did tell me what song you thought would be perfect for me. I could really use something to help me relax right now." he admitted with a slight flush.

The blonde offered him a tender smile, as she squeezed his hand once more. "It's not the same as my piano, but Maizono helped me move the keyboard we found to my room. "If you want to come inside for a few minutes, I'll show you."

Shuichi felt his throat go dry, as his mouth fumbled a moment for a response.

Kaede huffed playfully "I'll take that as a no then?"

"N-No! Well what I mean is yes, I love to Kaede." he said as he bowed his head slightly.

A soft smile played upon her lips. "Come on then. I'm starting to fade fast."

1:34 A.M Day Two

First Floor

Nurse's Office

Hajime sat next to Mikan's bedside, fighting to keep his eyelids from betraying him. He had been planted in the same spot since the trial ended.

There hadn't been much conversation amongst most of the students, after Rantaro's execution. Everyone for the most part had numbly walked to their rooms.

He'd considered that someone might attempt murder after Monokuma's revelations, but he'd never expected it to happen so soon. To add insult to injury Mahiru was gone and now Mikan was in this state. 'A real man should be better huh Mahiru? I'll do my best for you.' he smiled sadly as he shut his eyes for just a moment, before he felt a sharp pain against his cheek.

Suddenly his eyes snapped open as he saw Miu only inches away from his face, as she pinched his cheek roughly. "Fucking dumbass. What the shit are doing here? You fall asleep and that fucking build-a-bear reject will kill you."

Hajime scowled slightly at her as he snorted. "So you do care Iruma. That's nice to know." he grumbled.

"Yeah go get fucking bent. Fujisaki has cried enough for one goddamn evening. So drink this shit, it'll wake you up." She snarked as she shoved a can against his chest, before stepping back.

As she moved backwards he realized she wasn't alone. He saw Kyoko standing there with a distraught looking Fujisaki and Chiaki. The later of which seem quite distracted by her gaming device, as per usual. His shoulders slumped as he let out a let out a tired sigh.

"You guys really didn't have to come. I know you all must be as exhausted as I am." He shook his head. He regarded the can a moment, before popping the lid and taking a small sip of the contents. His eyes popped open as the energy drink hit the back of his throat.

"Hajime we're here because it's where we need to be. If the situation was reversed, I know that Mikan would be standing here beside us." Nanami's soft voice filled the room. She peered up from her handheld a moment, as she offered him a tired smile. "So we're not leaving you alone."

"Indeed as Miu so colorfully pointed out, we dare not leave you by yourself at the moment. " Kyoko offered a thin smile.

Fujisaki wiped at her eyes, as her lip trembled slightly. "H-Hajime I'm sorry I-I didn't come sooner. I just, I keep seeing Mahiru and Mikan lying there motionless. I don't want to remember them that way." she sniffed.

Hajime slowly rose to his feet, as he offered the shy programmer an warm expression. He reached out and lightly ruffled her hair. "Hey there's nothing to apologize for. Don't punish yourself for something like that Chihiro. I'm sure Mahiru would want us to stay as vibrant as the pictures she took." he mused with a light smile.

The petite girl nodded meekly, as a tiny smile crossed her lips.

"Tch enough with all the fucking sweet shit. You're making my teeth hurt. " Miu rolled her eyes as she glanced away, as she curled a single strand of hair around her finger.

Hajime actually chuckled slightly as he regarded the inventor. 'You care too don't you Miu? In your own way you're no different than the rest of us. We're all in this together, for better or worse.'

2:13 A.M Day Two

First Floor

Dormitories

Naegi found himself starring blankly at the ceiling. He'd long since lost track of time since he'd returned to his room. It was bad enough that he'd been unconscious for so long earlier in the day. It however had been compounded along with the first Class Trial, Mahiru's murder, Mikan's brush with death and Rantaro's execution. Despite all of it, he couldn't help but feel guilty. It was because of him that Rantaro was now dead. Even though all of their lives hung in the balance didn't that make him a murderer as well? At what point was it justice or murder to bring the truth to light?

The Ultimate Luck stared at his own hands. He could only imagine blood coating them, much like Rantaro's blood had covered the snow during his execution.

The boy suddenly tensed, as he heard the doorbell to his room chime to life.

He bolted up out of bed, as he stared at the clock in the room, it read 2:14. No one should been in the halls at this hour. Especially after what had already happened this evening. What if this was someone else who'd snapped and he was their target?

Makoto tensed as he found himself hesitantly crossing the floor, before his hand tensed around the doorknob. The bell again chimed in desperation, beckoning his attention.

'No I refuse to think like that. I can't become the kind of person that expects the worst out of my friends.' he thought to himself. He sucked in a sharp breath, before he slowly unlocked the door and cracked it open to reveal a familiar face.

"Hina?" He whispered softly as he opened the door wider. He saw the tanned swimmer standing there dressed in nothing more than a long T-shirt. It cut off around her mid thighs. Her normal pony tail was gone, as her long hair now cascaded far down her back. Her normally bright blue eyes were red, no doubt from crying. She had her full lower lip curled inward as she sniffed quietly, before lifting her gaze to meet his own. "N-Naegi can I come in P-please?" she asked in a pained voice.

Makoto without hesitation took a step back as he let the door swing open entirely. "Y-yeah of course you can. Are you alright? Sorry that's a stupid question." he sighed as he rubbed his head slightly.

The tanned swimmer regarded him a moment, before allowing a tired smile. "Yeah definitely a stupid question, but that's okay ya know? I say and do dumb things all the time." she offered weakly as she stepped into the room.

Naegi forced a small smile as he closed and locked the door behind her. "I think you're petty great Hina. I mean all throughout all that mess tonight, you gave me hope. I didn't know if I could actually stand up to Rantaro. You,Sayaka, and Junko all of you gave me the strength to do that."

Asahina blinked a few tears out of her eyes as she turned back to look at him. "M-me what did I do? I'm not like Kyoko, Shuichi, Togami or you. I just felt like a cheerleader trying to root everyone on. I couldn't do anything."

Naegi regarded the brunette with a sad expression. 'She's really out of it. I haven't known her very long, but she's usually so bubbly and warm. I hate seeing her like this.' he pushed himself forward as he shook his head.

"That's not true! We all did it as a team. You remember what Maki said right? Monokuma doesn't want us to work together. He wants to divide us. I for one refuse to let him do that to us." He said as he gave her the most encouraging smile he could muster.

The brunette stared at him a moment feeling uncharacteristically shy, as she folded her arms across the swell of her chest. "N-Naegi I-I don't want to lose any of my new friends. I keep imagining what happened to Mahiru. Mikan is only alive because of Kirumi. I just wonder what I would do if I lost someone close to me. If something had happened to you. I know we haven't known each other long, but I don't want to lose you or any of my new precious friends. I-I was so excited about making new friends here. That was before we found out what this place really was, but now...I'm scared. Because I know it'll only hurt more, if I lose someone who's become precious to me." she let out a soft sob. She hugged herself lightly with her arms as she lowered her head.

Naegi felt paralyzed for a moment, before he slowly forced himself forward. He gently pulled the brunette into a light embrace, as his arms wrapped around her waist.

"Hina I-I don't know what's going to happen here. I don't even know what's going to happen tomorrow, but I swear I'll never stop trying to protect my friends, so please don't change who you are. We need the girl who can light up an entire room with a smile, who always tries to see the best in people. So please don't let this place change you. We're gonna get out of here someday. I swear it." he murmured as he felt the swimmer melt into his arms. She sniffed against his chest a few times, before she slowly curled her slender arms around him in return.

"Y-you really mean all of that?" she asked between tears.

"Of course I do. That's what friends are for right? Well you're my first friend I've made here too, so you have my word Hina." He assured her as he lightly patted her back.

The girl chuckled softly as her tears finally began to dissipate. "Captain would you mind if I stayed here tonight? I don't want to be alone." she asked quietly. She pulled away slowly, as she offered Naegi a tender look.

Makoto's eyes widened as he flushed. "Y-yeah of course. M-make yourself at home. I'll just sleep in the chair." he stammered quickly. He began to turn away, only to have a hand grasp his lightly stopping him in place.

He slowly turned to stare at the swimmer with a surprised expression. He saw a rare blush on the voluptuous beauty's face. "You don't have to do that Naegi. It's a pretty big bed after all. " she said quietly as she adverted her gaze slightly.

Naegi's mouth fumbled for a response for a moment as he stared at her. "Are you sure you're alright with that? I-I don't want you to be uncomfortable." he said in a nervous manner.

Asahina smiled lightly as she shook her head. "I trust you. You're not one of those kind of guys. Please just stay with me tonight?" she asked softly as she eyed the flushed boy.

'Asahina how can I possibly tell you no when you're looking at me like that?' Naegi thought to himself as he nodded his head numbly.

"I-I guess we should settle down then? It's already late and we're still suppose to be up early." he said.

"Oh you're right! " The brunette exclaimed as she stared at the clock, before she slipped towards the bed, before promptly falling back onto it with a soft sigh. Asahina would tilt her head slightly to look up at him, as a shy smile teased her lips.

"You know this is the first time I've ever been a boy's room before. I-I was going to go to Sakura's room, but I think she's already asleep so...Um thanks again Naegi. I really mean it." she offered as she gave him a tired smile.

Naegi rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. 'She has no idea how much she makes me squirm some times..' he mused to himself as he hesitantly climbed into his side of the bed, before swallowing deeply as he felt a pair of bright blue eyes starring at him.

"S-something wrong Hina?" he asked nervously.

"Well it's just are you really going to leave the light on, and wear your hoodie to bed?" she asked softly. She rested her cheek against a pillow as she eyed him closely.

Naegi chuckled awkwardly. "Oh right! Yeah I just forgot." he stammered slightly. He slipped out of bed, before promptly yanking his hoodie off. He discarded it on the nearby desk.

He was completely oblivious to the flushed girl who lay slightly ogling him. 'He's a lot more filled out than I thought. He's actually got some muscle, and his arms look really nice. I wonder what.. N-No bad Hina. You shouldn't look at Naegi like that.' she mentally berated herself. She turned and pressed her face against her pillow as a form of mental punishment for herself, as Makoto flipped off the light switch a moment later.

Naegi slowly crawled back into bed, taking care to give Asahina plenty of space, as he hugged the edge of the bed. "Goodnight Hina.." he offered with as much confidence as he could possibly muster.

The brunette smiled softly, as she turned slightly to she stare at Naegi's back. "Goodnight Koto."

2:35 A.M Day Two

First Floor

Dormitories

"Junko I-I can't thank you enough..." Sayaka sighed as she felt a brush run through her long silky hair.

The Fashionista offered the pop idol a faint smile. "Hey it's no biggie. Let's just call it a girl's night kay? It's not like I was going to be able to sleep soundly anyways." she lied through her teeth.

Maizono's lips trembled a bit. "I just can't believe all of this is really happening. Monokuma telling us was one thing, but Mahiru's death and what happened to Rantaro it's unreal. I usually have such a good instinct when it comes to reading people. What if this place slowly turns us all into monsters?"

The blonde paused for a second, before ever so slowly continuing to brush the idol's hair. "Everyone handles situations like this differently. It's hard to really know some people." she said her usual sass was gone as her voice was subdued.

Sayaka seemed to notice the change in demeanor, as she bit her lip slightly. "Y-you know Junko you don't have to pretend in front of me. I know the truth."

Junko felt her entire body tense up. 'No how could she have possibly pieced it together? There shouldn't be enough clues in this floor...unless maybe her memories are still somehow intact. In which case...I could easily break her neck. Carry her elsewhere into the school and make it look like a suicide or something. Junko might not be pleased, but she would undoubtedly prefer that over her spilling the truth so early on. But can I really do that to Saya? To any of us?'

"So you know huh?" She asked softly as she lowered the brush from Sayaka's hair.

Maizono flushed feeling a bit embarrassed, as she tilted her head to look back at the Fashionista. "Well yeah, but it doesn't bother me in the slightest. You're still beautiful Junko, so you shouldn't feel like you have to pretend around me."

Mukuro found herself for a moment honestly taken off guard as all she could do is stare blankly. "W-what?"

Sayaka playfully stuck at her tongue. "I mean I know about your wig silly. But that's alright, plenty of models use them. You must work really hard, but unlike what those horrible managers probably tell you, I bet you're perfect without it."

Ikusuba found herself genuinely stunned and without even realizing it, felt a warmth creep up to her cheeks. "U-Uh yeah well ya got me. N-no one's ever said anything like that before though." she stammered still trying to project her Junko persona as best as she could manage. Though it wasn't entirely the truth, she had heard that before, but that was in a different life now.

The blue haired beauty giggled. "I'm sorry if I embarrassed you...I didn't mean to gossip, but I sort of opened my big mouth and told Sakura, Naegi, Keebo, but I swear I won't tell another soul!" She exclaimed.

The Ultimate Soldier found herself unnaturally tense. She'd been only a few moments away from killing Maizono all to protect the secret of Hope's Peak. And here the girl was telling her, she didn't need to look like her sister to be beautiful. What in the world was the sensation she was feeling? It wasn't despair...she'd tasted that thoroughly...no she could hardly place what this feeling was. Disgust?...Anger?...no it was Shame. She felt ashamed that she'd been this close to ending her former classmate's life. No if only that was what Maizono had been to her. There was so much she had sacrificed for her sister. So many people she'd let go all in the sake of embracing despair.

Wasn't that all part of the plan though? For them to butcher each other until all that remained was death and despair?

It had been so long since she'd felt something beyond Despair. Surely this nothing more than a moment of weakness. A pathetic side of herself she needed to bury or otherwise, Junko would do so in an entirely different way.

"No it's alright, I just I'm usually better about keeping secrets." Junko admitted with a weak smile.

"Sorry Junko, but it doesn't change anything. I was going to say, you don't have to wear that when we're alone like this. But I guess you should do whatever makes you feel the most comfortable." she smiled sweetly at her 'new friend'.

'What does it matter? I should probably do whatever I can to avoid making anyone suspicious. Besides she already knows it's a wig, so what's the harm?' she mused as she slowly stood up and walked towards where a single full length mirror rested. She reached up and deftly pulled the blonde wig free from her scalp. Mukuro let out a soft sigh as she slowly ran a hand through her short black locks. She slowly turned to face Maizono as she expected the worse from the pop idol, but what she received instead was quite different.

"Oh my god! Junko..you're so cute like that! Especially with those freckles." Maizono squealed as she crossed over towards the other girl. She seemed to be scrutinizing her intently, much to the disguised Mukuro's discomfort.

"Oh please girl. N-now I know you're just trying to be nice.." Junko offered trying to get back into her persona, as she forced a grin.

Maizono shook her head. "No way. You know I think you look much better like this. I know your publicists are probably like my own, but from one girl to another...you're beautiful without the wig and all the make up." she smiled as she folded her arms behind her back.

Mukuro felt that sensation from before hit her again. It was a painful reminder of what she'd sacrificed in order to follow Junko's plans.

The Ultimate Soldier allowed for a weak smile. "Thanks Saya."

'Maybe...Junko wouldn't mind so much if she and some of the others survived? I mean maybe they'd be willing to join us as an Ultimate Despair.' she mused, before being brought out of her reverie by Sayaka who was standing in front of her smiling.

"Earth to Junko it's your turn now.."

"M-my turn?" She asked as her brow furrowed ever so slightly.

"Well yeah you brushed my hair and listened to me ramble. So it's only fair I do the same for you. It's what friends are for right?" she smiled as a small yawn escaped her lips.

"Yeah I guess you're right. Just don't fall asleep on me alright?" Ikusuba said as she slowly took a seat on the edge of the bed.

"Not a chance. After tonight I'm not sure I'll be able to sleep for a while." Sayaka murmured. She shivered slightly as she took a seat on the bed beside Junko, before she began to run a brush through the girl's short locks.

"Yeah I get that girl, but you need your strength. You should like try to rest sometime tonight."

"Fine I'll try, after I finish brushing your hair. Deal?" Maizono asked with a soft smile.

Mukuro chuckled lowly. "Deal."

3:27 A.M Day Two

First Floor

Dormitories

Sweat dripped profusely off of Leon's forehead as he collapsed back against his pillow, as he stared up with a glazed over expression.

This was certainly not how he'd expected this wretched night to end, by being straddled by the Ultimate Musician after an hour of wild and passionate sex.

"Ibuki has to say, you're pretty good at hitting the right notes even with one arm." the Musician breathed, a bit unevenly as she grinned down at him. There was a mischievous look in her eyes. She lightly grinded her core against Leon who shuddered once more from her undulations.

"Ibuki what are we going tell everyone? I mean...I don't want people saying shit about us and...though we just met I really like y-" he was cut off as the beautiful rock star pressed a single digit against his lips. She leaned forward still feeling his swell inside of her. Slowly she'd meld her lips against his forehead, before leaning back with a mischievous grin.

"Fuck em Rooster. Let's face it with what happened tonight, we're not guaranteed tomorrow. So Ibuki says we rock on and enjoy every damn moment we can. Who cares what anyone else thinks." she grinned as she lightly dragged her nails against his chest, causing the former baseball player to shiver.

"So is this just you blowing off steam or are we something else? " Leon asked his light blue eyes starring up at her curiously.

The fiery girl's expression softened as she slowly curled one of his crimson locks between her digits. "Something else can mean a lot of things Leon. Didn't take a guy like you to be so sentimental though. What do you want us to be? Ibuki can be your mentor, your friend, someone who helps you blow off steam, or Ibuki can be-"

"My girlfriend." Leon stated simply his eyes growing fierce as his right arm slowly furled around her waist, as his hand settled upon the curve of her hip.

Ibuki chuckled mirthlessly. "Not sure that's wise Red. Ibuki is all sorts of wild, not sure you can keep up with her kind of crazy. Besides if we go and do something like that, what if that fucking bear ruins it." she spat with a bitter taste in her mouth, as she adverted her gaze.

Leon frowned. "Well you know that perverted asshole has probably been watching us anyways, so fuck him. It's like you said right, if the others hadn't exposed Rantaro we'd all be goners now. What's the point in not trying to live ya know?"

Ibuki stared down at him with those pale pink eyes of hers. "That was so fucking hardcore of you to say." she smirked as she leaned forward. She nipped at his lower lip a moment, before pulling away as she offered him a slightly vulnerable look.

"Look I don't know how normal boyfriends and girlfriends act. So don't get pissed if Ibuki screws it up. And Ibuki swears if you do something stupid like get yourself killed, Ibuki kill you herself!" she growled as she lightly jabbed him with one of her nails, earning a raucous laugh from the boy.

"How the hell do you intend to do that?"

"Don't die and you won't have to find out.." she huffed as she pressed her forehead against his.

Leon's expression softened slightly. "Yeah I know what you mean and Ibuki?"

"Yeah what's up?" she asked as she offered another playful nudge of her hips causing the boy to shudder.

"Remind me to go see Mikan when she's up and moving again. Because if something wasn't broken before, pretty sure it is now." he chuckled weakly as he still felt a sharp pain in his shoulder.

"Aww and here I thought you'd let me play doctor again?" she grinned impishly as her mouth found his neck.

Leon gasped. 'Pretty sure that's half the reason I'm in this situation to begin with'

3:53 A.M Day Two

1st Floor

Dormitories

"OH HO HO and here I thought you were prepared to be my mole. Why the sudden change of heart Chika? It's really hurting my feelings!"Monokuma offered a mock pout, as he placed his paw over his chest.

Sakura's brow furrowed as she folded her arms. Her room was dark save the faint desk lamp that now illuminated Monokuma. The bear sat on the edge of her bed, as she stood several feet away starring at him.

"After tonight I realized what I would have to become. As much as it pains me to lose something I consider so precious, I will not have any part in your sick game."

"Well listen to you. I guess someone has given up on their dojo. Oh well I'm sure it'll make for wonderful kindling. It's been a while since I've had smores."The bear guffawed.

Oogami's massive arms shook, as she tried to keep herself from lashing out and striking the bear.

"I will not be a tool to be used by one such as you. I had to watch my friends as they witnessed death for the first time. I will not betray them. Do what you will."

"Oh we're really serious are we? Whelp I don't think I need to remind you of what happens if you go flapping your gums about our conversations. So enjoy yourself on that high horse. I'm sure I'll find someone else who's willing to play ball. I mean heck I got a murder out of one of ya in less than a day, I've got breaking and entering, and a couple screwing already. I'm sure I can find someone who's not so noble." he chuckled as he hopped off the bed, before trudging towards the wall.

"Oh and good luck Oogami and sleep tight, but I'd watch yourself around these friends of yours. They're so gosh darn violent." he laughed loudly, before pressing a panel and disappearing into the wall itself.

4:18 A.M Day Two

First Floor

Bathhouse

"You just couldn't help yourself could you Kokichi?" Nagito offered a thin smile, as he eyed the much shorter boy.

The Ultimate Supreme Leader shrugged,before offering a sheepish grin as he leaned back gainst the bench.. "When you have lemons you make lemonade Komaeda. Besides how boring would it have been to spoil the surprise so soon? " He chortled as he laced his hands behind his head.

"Would you have really allowed everyone to elect the wrong blackened?" Nagito asked as he quirked a single brow.

"Who can say? I'm not even sure. I didn't see you piping up either though. " Kokichi offered a wide grin at the white haired teen.

"I understand my place in all of this. Solving each of these crimes for them, will keep them from growing on their own. I want to see their hope shine, I want for them all to flourish." A slightly manic look crossed the Ultimate Luck's eyes. "The only way forward is through though."

"Heh you mean that the only way anyone reaches the end is for the game to continue." Kokichi mused. "You planning to get your hands dirty already?"

"I will only take measures if the game doesn't move forward on it's own. Staying still is a dead end. It's not an option for any of us." Nagito said as he slowly rose up out of the chair he was seated in. "Each of them may come to resent me, perhaps even hate me. However in the end, everything I do is in the name of their hope." The white haired teen stated as shoved his hands into his pockets.

A dark smirk teased Ouma's lips. "You make less sense then I do, and that's saying something." He paused as he eyed the other boy. "What I said earlier about picking the locks on those sealed doors? That was a lie. The security is teensy bit above lockpicks." he chuckled.

Komaeda nodded his head slightly. "According to Monokuma our reward is a new room. I'm sure we'll see it for ourselves soon enough. In the meantime we continue to study everyone else. If leverage is required, I'd like to know where to apply the pressure. " he offered a fake smile.

The Supreme Leader smirked. "We have to be careful you know? No one is suspicious of you, but everyone distrusts me."

"Which is why it works to our advantage. They'd never suspect you and I of working together. " he mused as he rose to his feet. "By the way I can't applaud you enough for finding this room. We'll meet again soon." Nagito offered as he wordlessly stalked towards the doorway.

A devious smile flitted to Kokichi's face as he watched the Ultimate Luck disappear from sight. The game was about to become far more interesting.

5:35 A.M Day Two

First Floor

Aquarium

"So this was our reward?" Maki murmured to herself as peered around the expansive room.

The large Aquarium was nearly the size of the gymnasium. There were multiple tanks each filled with a plethora of exotic wildlife.

Each tank seemed suited for a different biome, some of the tanks were clearly salt water while others were fresh water tanks. There were Dolphins, Sharks, Squids, Piranhas to name only a handful out of likely hundreds of species.

In addition to the tanks there were also a number of harpoons and spears, that were mounted along the walls. In most cases such things would be merely decorative, but they were clearly far from plastic display pieces.

"It would seem our captor wishes to introduce more temptations for each of us." An emotionless voice offered, causing the girl to spin on heel as her eyes narrowed dangerously.

There only a few feet behind her stood Pekoyama.

"It isn't wise to sneak up on me." Maki said in a cold voice.

"I suspected as much. However I wished to verify something. Your reflexes are superb. Now I'll ask you politely, what is your true talent?" The Swordswoman asked as her brow furrowed slightly. "I've seen eyes like yours before. There the eyes of someone who has killed so many times, that they've lost count of just how many."

Maki maintained her dangerous stare. "And how would you ascertain such a thing? It's dangerous to make such assumptions."

"It's far from an assumption." Peko mused as she swiftly brought her wooden sword down. Stopping not even an inch away from the other girl's face. Maki hadn't even flinched or moved a muscle. "You knew I wouldn't actually strike you, but you possess such a mastery of your own body that you didn't even react. Tell me that I'm mistaken."

Maki allowed a thin smile. "You're certainly perceptive. What is it you want?"

"Let's just call it risk assessment. It's my job to analyze all threats." Peko offered.

"To protect Kuzuryu right?" Maki chuckled darkly, as the other girl's eyes widened marginally. "As I said you're perceptive, but so am I. But so long as no one attacks me, I have no intention in participating in this game."

Pekoyama lowered her training sword, before returning it to her back. "Do you have someone you've sworn to protect as well?

Harukawa shook her head. "An Assassin has no one. I have killed without purpose long enough as it is. I will not kill for Monokuma's amusement. Do with that information as you will. Though I would prefer you keep it to yourself. My deception was more for everyone else's wellbeing than my own."

"I see. Discovering such a truth would lead to paranoia, which in return could lead to a preemptive attack. You know my secret and I yours. So long as you bring no harm to my master, I will not betray your secret."

Maki actually allowed for an amused smile. "Then I'll show you the same curtesy. Hm I have to admit, I am impressed. I can't remember the last time anyone has caught me offguard. Perhaps I should continue to hone my skills. You'd make an ideal training partner."

Peko's eyes widened slightly. "You wish to train with me? "

"Don't read so much into it. You're the only person here who can probably keep up with my movements. If you're not interested, I'll do so on my own." Maki said as settled a hand upon her hip.

"I do see the potential for mutual benefit. I'd rather not allow my skills to degrade while we're incarcerated."

"Then it's settled then. Five Thirty every morning." Maki said simply as she turned and without another word, began to walk towards the exit.

Pekoyama regarded the girl as she slinked out of view. 'The Ultimate Assassin. I'd much rather keep her close to keep an eye on her, than the alternative. I'm not certain if it came to a fight, if I would prevail'