Chapter 38: Save the Advent of Despair
Makoto anxiously tapped his fingers against his pants as Kyoko drove them to a place of fond and not so fond memories—the once grand but now notorious Hope's Peak Academy. Neither the Ultimate Hope nor the detective wanted to traverse the halls where their mutual killing game played out, but a special occasion changed their mind.
Not long ago, Makoto received a special message from more supposed survivors of Hope's Peak Academy. They claimed the Future Foundation frightened them, a sentiment both Makoto and Kyoko understood, and that the only person they want to see is Makoto because of his famed victory over Junko. Makoto hesitated, aware of the potential trap this could be; however, if genuine in their plea for help—the guilt of leaving them to rot made him pursue it.
That led to asking Kyoko for permission to pursue his task while keeping it from the higher authority of the Future Foundation. Instead, Kyoko offered to accompany him since the sanctions put on her for disobeying Juzo finally expired. He felt bad for putting her reputation in harm's way again, but the detective shrugged it off. Byakuya caught wind of their plans and offered to remain on standby in case something went awry.
Finally, once they arrived outside the campus, they stepped out the car, eyes peeled for any shady business. Their somber walk to the main building filled Makoto with memories of when he'd share this walk with his classmates—mostly the deceased pop idol Sayaka.
"I know I've said it a hundred times," said Makoto, "but thanks for this Kirigiri. You could get in more trouble if anyone found out what we're doing."
"If you felt compelled enough, you'd come here all by yourself. Better I'm with you in that case. I owe you that much at least."
Kyoko likely referred to when, literally, Makoto took the fall for her in the mutual killing game. Although she never expressed it—Kyoko's stoic enough to never overtly express much of anything—that event stuck with her. "Hehe, it's funny; we were classmates, yet we never did walk to class together, and I'm pretty sure I walked with everyone. Even, her…" He didn't need to speak the name; who else would he refer to like that but the blond mastermind?
"… Yes, I went to class alone most of the time. The only times I didn't is when my father would force his company on me." The detective developed a far-off look.
"Things were simpler back then. Get good grades, graduate, then look for a promising career. All that changed on the whims of one person. Because of her, all that's left of our class is me, you Togami, Hina, Fukawa, and Hagakure."
"And Mu—"
Huh? thought Makoto, raising an eyebrow when Kyoko stopped speaking, looking as if she wanted to kick herself. "Something wrong?"
"No, sorry, I got lost in thought…"
Makoto let it go, knowing when Kyoko didn't want to say something, it's best not to press her. Instead, he focused on the task ahead. Once they reach the front doors of the main building, Makoto stopped in his tracks. According to the message, the survivors will be in the lobby. In other words, they'd see them on the others side of these doors.
"I know the answer probably won't change," said Kyoko, "but are you sure this is what's best?"
Makoto nodded. "Yes, I can't ignore people who may be in trouble. If there's any sign of danger, we'll run and give up on them. Promise."
After a look of approval from Kyoko, Makoto opened the doors. A quick sense of nostalgia fell over him, overlooking the lobby he ventured through every day to get to class. But those feelings quickly turned to panic. There were fourteen individuals, all with their eyes closed. They sat side-by-side on their knees as if they were surrendering.
Where to even start explaining this scene? They each wore different garbs, everyone distinct from the other. Makoto rubbed his eyes when he saw one dressed like Byakuya, only much huskier. At this point, he considered this a prank by teens to get a laugh over gullible Future Foundation agents.
But the very atmosphere among them felt ghastly, almost suffocating so. There might as well have been a pack of ravenous dogs in front of him, waiting to tear anything in front of it to shreds. Not since Junko Enoshima herself did Makoto have this underlying sense of dread. He knew right then: these guys were Despairs, major ones.
Makoto almost forgot Kyoko who remained silent as he did. She had an expression of shock, a hand placed over her mouth and pale eyes wide. Does she know who they are?
Before Makoto could question her, one of the kneeling figures rose, approaching them until he stood a few meters away, his snow-white draped over his pale face. "Greetings, Makoto Naegi, or perhaps Ultimate Hope would be more fitting. I'd love to chat because how big of a fan I am of your work, but that's not why we've all gathered here. We asked you to come here to save us."
The man across from him seemed polite on the outside, but it reminded him of Celestia—masking his true self. "… And who exactly are all of you?"
On cue, all the kneeling figures open their eyes, their haunting stares striking Makoto like a round of bullets. Smiling, he said, "We are Junko Enoshima's will, the Remnants of Despair."
The Ultimate Hope gulped, his fears confirmed. "If you're Despairs, why do you want my help?'
The white-haired boy developed a sad look. "Because our despair isn't our fault… Junko Enoshima brainwashed us, forcing us to become her part of her twisted following. But after all this time, we've begun to understand something clearly. We cannot atone fully, but we still wish to become our former selves." He got on his knees and hands. "So please… take us to the Neo World Program so that we may reclaim our past selves!"
Makoto's mind spun like mad. "Neo World Program…?"
He jumped when he felt something forcibly grab his arm. It turned out to be Kyoko. "We'd like to discuss this briefly. If you try anything, back-up will arrive at the press of a button."
The white-haired boy's polite smiled returned. "Please, discuss as you like. As I said, all we want is to reclaim our true identities. And that's why we called the Ultimate Hope himself. The Future Foundation doesn't get it, but you do. You know forgiveness because you are hope. So please, Makoto Negi, help those who've had their hope forcibly taken from us."
"T-that's…" The detective pulled him away, leading them back outside away from the morbid presence of the Remnants of Despair.
Kyoko crossed her arms, her eyes scanning the ground. Makoto knew that look. Her brain moved at lightning speed right now, working out scenario after scenario. Finally, she said, "I know what you're thinking, Naegi. This isn't a matter you should pursue."
He predicted that response. Honestly, common sense told him to escape now and leave those Despairs. But still… "I know, Kirigiri…but if they truly need help, I can't just leave them. They're surrendering themselves and isn't brainwashing something the Future Foundation is looking into? Only thing is, I have no clue what the Neo Word Program is, though…"
"It's a program meant to rehabilitate Despairs. The project isn't complete, however. The fact they know is even more suspicious considering only select people are aware of it. And there's still another revelation I've made that's made me rethink everything I've assumed until now…"
"What do you mean?"
"The boy you just talked to goes by the name Nagito Komaeda. Not only that, everyone you saw used to be a student here. And the most notable part is they were class 77-B—the class Chisa Yukizome taught and Nanami attended…"
Makoto gasped. Thinking back, he remembered Chiaki expressing concern over her missing class. "That settles it, Kirigiri! There's no way we can walk away from this! We have a chance to unite Nanami with her classmates. This is amazing!'
"You're right, it's too amazing. They claimed Enoshima used brainwashing, turning them into Despairs. And then there's Chiaki's strange case and the fact Yukizome supposedly knew nothing of it. Now here they are with knowledge of a classified project. Something isn't right here… There's more to this than just Despairs wishing to repent."
"Then what? You think Nanami and Yukizome set this up for some nefarious scheme? I thought you and Nanami were close after that mission to arrest Kitta Takara?"
"We are; it's Yukizome I'm suspicious of, but now I'm not sure of Nanami's role in this either…" Kyoko rubbed her temples, clearly aggravated by his situation. "Look, I know where your heart is on this, Naegi, but if we pursue this…nothing good will come of it. We need to call Togami to send reinforcements and have them apprehended."
Makoto stared at the ground, absorbing Kyoko concerns. Typically, in Makoto's experience, most of what Kyoko said happened some way. If her powerful detective intuition told her this situation is a no-go, the lucky student couldn't counter. But once again, his judgment pulled him in a different way. Back there, he saw Ultimate's forced to do bad things because of Junko. He failed to help his friends when the insane blond made them dance on her strings, but this time…
"I hear what you're saying, Kirigiri." Makoto smiled apologetically. "But I can't leave them. Back then, we did as Enoshima pleased, and by the time we all embraced hope, only a third of us remained. It's different now; all of them are alive and asking for help. I know it could be a trap, but if the small possibility of restoring them to normal and reuniting them with Nanami exists, I want to do it. I'm not going to ask you to be with me on this. Just give me some transportation, point me in the right direction, and tell the Future Foundation I went rogue."
Kyoko grimaced. She knew him well enough so figure, despite it all, he wanted to help them. "But…this isn't your fight. Even if their pleas are genuine, the Future Foundation will come down on you hard. There's no good ending for you here…"
Makoto smiled, clenching his fist. "I remember you all said that in the final trial when Enoshima made her last attempt to engulf us in despair. Back then, we made a hopeful conclusion. And now, I believe we can do the same!"
Kyoko widened her eyes, an extended silence ensuing. Then, the detective closed her eyes, a smile overtaking her face. "Yes, at that time, you did show me the way. You took a completely hopeless situation and turned it on its head—as expected of the Ultimate Hope." Makoto flushed red with embarrassment before she said, "I'm with you. I know where the island is, but I don't have any means of transportation."
"But I know someone who will." Makoto dug his phone out, calling the one man who knew could help. Once the voice of Byakuya asked if something went wrong, Makoto explained the whole situation. He didn't minx words. He simply examined the situation and asked for his help. During the explanation, Byakuya didn't speak up once. When Makoto concluded, he waited for a response.
A few seconds passed before Byakuya said, "… Honestly, you are the biggest bleeding-heart there is." Makoto heard a sigh and then what sounded like a chuckle. "I guess I'll be the one driving the boat."
Makoto grinned, giving the thumbs up to Kyoko to signal the Ultimate Affluent Progeny agreed to assist. "Thanks, Togami."
"We're in some luck since alert is low because of the division leaders gathering for that party. Still, we have a limited window to do this until someone catches on."
"Got it. Also, we'll need you to come in a truck since there's fifteen of them. And don't worry, I'm taking all the eat for this."
"Guess we'll just fabricate the story we're apprehending them and go our own way from there. Hope you're prepared for the massive shitstorm coming your way, Naegi. If you thought the Future Foundation didn't treat you friendly before, it'll seem like a kindergarten bullying compared to the vitriol you'll get when they find out."
"Worry about that later. Let's focus on getting this done." After ending the call, Makoto and Kyoko exchanged looks before walking back into the lobby. The Remnants of Despair were like statues; they hadn't moved a single inch after they left. If they did, they did a great job of hiding it. "I agree to help you all, but only on the condition you cooperate fully. If you try anything, the deal is off."
Nagito grinned. "How wonderful! Just what I expect from the Ultimate Hope." He bowed. "Please take care of us."
Is this really what they're like? thought Makoto. He knew how eccentric Ultimates could be. So, when he imagined Ultimates corrupted by despair, he imagined a rowdy group overrun with degeneracy and raucousness. But this group in front of him looked composed, a stable unit of individuals. "… Well, you need to come with us."
"If I may," said a blonde woman. Makoto marveled at her beauty for a moment, her pale skin giving her a majestic glow, "there is another individual upstairs in the classroom 77-B."
Another one? "Alright, I'll go get him. Listen to everything Kirigiri tells you." Makoto walked to the classroom, recalling the layout of the school. He continued to keep his eyes out for any traps or tricks waiting in the shadows. Things were quiet when he reached the designated floor. He walked down the hallways until the classroom doors laid in front of him.
"This is it…" He opened the doors, and a huge change in scenery hit his eyes. The evening sun shined through the massive opening on the entire east side of the classroom, illuminating the class in radiant orange. The damage probably occurred during the chaos around the academy at that time. An odd feature about the classroom laid on a desk in the back: a vase with a flower planted in it. It looked out of place; something like that usually was at shrines or graves.
However, he didn't wonder about it because his attention gravitated towards the figure standing at the edge of the big opening, his long hair swinging in the breeze. Who is this…? he thought. He didn't have a clue what to make of this induvial. It didn't seem right to call him a Despair…but, and Makoto couldn't say why, this man wasn't normal. The sight memorized, yet intimidated him at the same time.
Makoto gulped when the figure turned his head, their eyes meeting. His eyes seemed cold and empty, even more so than the Despairs he just met. Just how did this person come to be? Better yet, what's he doing here? After finding the words he wanted, Makoto said, "… W-were you a student in this class too?"
His drifted towards the flower on the desk, causing Makoto to raise an eyebrow. "I have no connection to this class."
"Then…who are you?"
"I am a being beloved by talent, seeking only what furthers my interest in the unpredictable."
"What does that mean?" He gave one more look to the flower before walking towards Makoto. The luckster had ice in his veins as the unique individual of talent approached him. He knew this guy could end him quickly.
Instead, he walked past him, headed towards the way Makoto came. "You are here to take us to the Neo World Program for rehabilitation. Let us be done with it; I've grown bored of this."
How did he know I agreed to it…? The man in the suit disappeared, his movement robotic. Makoto encountered bizarre people during his tenure with the Future Foundation, but he doubted his meeting with that guy would ever fade from memory.
However, he shook his head, refocusing on the massive task ahead, his mind made up. This would kick up a frenzy unlike what the Future Foundation's seen since the mutual killing game. He expected them to jail him for this stunt. But he accepted that and held his chin up high. No turning back now.
VVV
Kyosuke smiled, his hands in his pockets as the cherry blossoms fell from the trees like crystal rain, many of Hope's Peak's students socializing and celebrating their graduation. Today he graduated with his dear friends, Chisa and Juzo, and big things were ahead. It felt like the few times he had the chance to stop an admire the hard work he put in. Years of his parents demanding excellence in every facet imaginable shaped him into the Ultimate Student Council president, leading to him graduating the revered Hope's Peak Academy.
While he pondered his plans to expand the school overseas, he felt Chisa hook his arm with hers, her bright smile triggering a sensation of joy like it always did. "Someone's deep in thought," said Chisa. "You don't always have to be thinking ahead, you know? Just enjoy this moment, Kyosuke."
Kyosuke chuckled. "It's never a bad time to think of the future, Yukizome. We can't get complacent with success. Always staying one step ahead assures an increased level of prosperity."
Chisa pouted. "You know I can't counter when you talk in that fancy corporate lingo. Talk some sense into him, Sakakura."
"I'm not in this." Juzo started throwing air punches. "All I know is I can't wait to get back in the ring. I belong in big venues, not some school. Can't wait to teach those young bastards a lesson who said I've gotten soft since enrolling here. I'll show them who the real fuckin' champ is!"
The housekeeper put her hands on her hips, rolling her eyes. "Geez, it's our last day together for who knows how long and all you guys can think about is work." Chisa turned to the academy, her expression dimming. "… I'm going to miss it, all the times we walked from our dorms together to class, all our fun adventures. Heck, even our bad times were nice since they offered great learning experiences. I'm…going to miss you two so much…"
Kyosuke exchanged a troubled glance with Juzo. Both already thought about their plans after today, and the entire time, Chisa's been feeling bad about separating. The housekeeper often concealed her emotions behind her bright smile since she hated making him and Juzo worry. Clearly, she'd been hiding her sorrow the whole day.
Rubbing his head, Juzo said, "It's not like we'll never see each other again, Yukizome. We have each other's e-mail addresses, plus you and Munakata can hit me up anytime. When I'm not training, we can get together somewhere."
Kyosuke nodded. "You'll be pursuing a teaching certificate to teach at Hope's Peak while I'll help with expanding the school. The elementary school program we started was successful enough for other countries to invest in a branch of Hope's Peak Academy for themselves. We already have tons of backers from all over Europe and America. Perhaps I could call you one day to work overseas as a teacher and ambassador for the school."
Chisa smiled from ear from ear, a face that could light up a room. "It's just a lot to take in. Both of you will be in and out of Japan, and I might be too if being a teacher works out for me. We've worked so hard for years, and now I just want to relax with my two best friends."
"Yeah, you're right," said Juzo. "Let's go chill over some food then. I could go for some barbeque. Been a while since we've had that."
"Sounds good." Chisa eyed Kyosuke. "That good with you, Mr. Workaholic?"
Truthfully, Kyosuke wanted to work right away. He never liked his fingers and mind going unused for too long, lest his skills grow dull. But when Chisa gave him that pleading look, turning her down was near impossible even for him. "Sure, it'll be on me."
He agreed, even offering to pay for the food, but Chisa still narrowed her eyes. "You're always concerned about being number one," Chisa said. "Even now, you still can't turn off that drive you have to excel at everything."
What does she mean by that? thought Kyosuke. Kyosuke didn't see the problem with wanting to strive towards success. "I've always been this way since day one. The victors write history. I want to be the one that writes it, as well as the one who spearheads us to the future."
Chisa sighed. "Guess there's really no helping it." Chisa pumped her fist. "Okay, from now on, I'll make sure to help you be number one! I'll just settle for number two."
"Hey!" yelled Juzo, annoyed. "You forgetting about me?"
Chisa put up a finger. "I won't lose to you, Sakakura!"
"What the hell are you even talking about!"
Kyosuke grinned as Juzo and Chisa butted heads for the hundredth time, always over some mundane reason he didn't understand. His high society peers often asked the same questions about his relationship with them. Why do you spend your time around lower civilians? Why converse with them when their talents are many leagues below yours in acumen?
And he always answered the same: because he enjoys spending time with them. Ever since the day they first met, Kyosuke enjoyed their company after a hard day. He didn't know why he spent time with them since he never kept company like the duo before. He only knew they were friends.
"Oh look!" yelled Chisa, breaking away from her argument with Juzo, pointing at a photographer. "Let's take another picture!"
Neither Kyosuke nor Juzo had time to object before Chisa grabbed both of their arms and pulled the three together. Chisa put up two peace signs and screamed, "Friend forever!" Juzo cracked his face into a grin while Kyosuke made a modest smile as the camera flashed.
VVV
Kyosuke snapped out of his daydream, unintendedly allowing his mind to wander more than he meant. Finally, he walked upright again, his legs healthy enough to walk after recovering from Chiaki hitting his spine with VEIL. Once the doctors said he could leave the hospital, Chisa pulled him out of bed, laid out his favorite white suit, and the duo left by helicopter to the main base of the Future Foundation to attend Chiaki's party.
To his knowledge, Chiaki failed in her quest to bring them together and only a few people awaited him in the conference room. He expected the result. Getting the division leaders to come together for something as little as a party for their vice chairman? No way even the "savior" could pull that miracle.
The long-time friends walked through the halls of the main base after the helicopter arrived. Kyosuke missed the hectic sounds of his subordinates working, the sounds of telephones and computer monitors, and the refined atmosphere of professionalism he worked so hard for the Future Foundation to attain. It might've taken Chiaki zapping his spine, but for the first time in a while—he grinned at the beautiful organization he built.
Never one to miss a beat, Chisa giggled, her arms playfully behind her back. "I'm glad you're happy to be back, Kyosuke. You not working is like a flower forced to live underground."
"Heh, it seems hospitalization made me a bit homesick. Since I'm always looking ahead, I realized…I never stopped to admire the results the organization has achieved."
"I just figured that's how people with your mentality think. Kind of like how billionaires who'll never need to work anymore because of their massive success, but the high of constantly attaining that success is more fulfilling than indulging in their endless wealth."
Kyosuke grinned, impressed how perceive the housekeeper proved to be. "But truly…what a marvelous thing we've managed to build for the world and the future."
"You mean what you built. Your drive to correct the wrong we allowed to happen is the reason this all exists—you the true leader of the Future Foundation. Make no mistake, Kyosuke, the Future Foundation is your legacy."
He always considered the Future Foundation a tool to achieve his goals—stopping the mastermind of the Tragedy, and becoming the hope people wanted to follow like a divine king. But after Makoto took his place, doing what he couldn't do, that plan failed. Then why did he still hold the organization so dear if it didn't complete its purpose? If the tool failed to do what he wanted, then why hadn't he cast it aside as a failure like he'd done so many other projects?
The answer came to him. He realized the same reasoning applied to when people questioned his friendship with Chisa and Juzo—it wasn't just a tool to him. This organization became much more than that—a pact with his friend to help those in need, and while they didn't always agree, his subordinates depended on him.
And just like they depended on them, he depends on them as well.
"My," said Chisa, "you seem even happier now."
"I just realize those annoying platitudes Naegi spouting off about may not be complete nonsense."
Chisa seemed amused before stepping in front of him; they reached the conference room doors. The housekeeper's back faced him as she said, "Yes, we must preserve the Future Foundation at all costs. If this organization failed, well…what intense despair that would cause for you…" Chisa turned her head and smiled at him. "And we don't want that. Now, be nice and act like your surprised."
"Is there a point? Nanami only managed to get a few of them to come, right?"
"Hmm, depends on our definition of 'a few'."
Chisa shoved the doors open, revealing a scene that made Kyosuke's jaw opening in surprise, a rare occurrence. The brightly lit room contained all the Future Foundation division leaders save for Kyoko, and the smiling face of Chiaki Nanami stood at the forefront, a cake in hand with the banner that said, "Welcome Back!" hung overhead.
Chisa winked. "Told you not to underestimate the savior, hehe."
Before Kyosuke got a word in, all the division leaders in unison—some with more enthusiasm than others—shouted, "Welcome back, Vice Chairman!"
Kyosuke shook his head, trying his best to conceal a grin. It still escaped anyway. "What a bunch you all are."
VVV
Chiaki soaked in the fruits of her very tiring efforts to get everyone together. It took asking, begging, and some favors—most of them coming courtesy of a certain confectioner—but her quest came to a successful end…or it would have if Kyoko would've come. The detective put a black mark on her quest, but Chiaki ruled that her friend had other tasks, especially since her sanctions lifted not long ago.
Besides the division leaders, she decorated the room with the usual party arrangements, but the special treat laid on the huge screen on the wall. Miaya, the awesome person she was, agreed to Chiaki's request to have retro game sprites made of the division leaders. Kyosuke seemed indifferent, but Chiaki loved it. The gamer wanted everyone to play games together, but Miaya said not to "push her luck," and that the sprites were enough.
Instead of playing games, they did what boring adults do and mingled with each other. Everyone stood in their own area conversing about whatever they had on their mind. Chiaki listened to Daisuke go on about life on the farm, his many siblings, and his hardworking parents. The gamer knew nothing about agriculture, but the pure emotion Daisuke emoted while talking kept her attention.
Ruruka and Seiko awkwardly discussed a new treat the confectioner developed. Apparently, she made for people who couldn't eat sugar like Seiko. The two had a rare moment of comradery before Ruruka demanded the pharmacists try it, and Seiko turned her down. At least she's trying, thought Chiaki, willing to give Ruruka that much credit. The rest of the party didn't have much excitement, only meager conversations and Chisa cutting the cake so perfectly symmetrical, an android couldn't have done it better.
Chiaki sat by herself at the end of the table until a welcomed face she hadn't talked to yet walked, or rather rolled, to her. "Miaya," said Chiaki, a grin escaping like it always did around the therapist.
Miaya took a deep breath before Usami said, "Okay, I'm ready." The therapist moved aside her monitor and held out her arms, a common position for a hug.
The action confused Chiaki considering Miaya's shyness about contact, but her eyes seemed determined so Chiaki went in for the hug. A gasp escaped her mouth when Miaya put a single arm around her. Then Chiaki backed away because of how red the therapist got. "Wow," said Chiaki, "you've gotten better."
"I've been practicing really hard!" said Usami, after Miaya put her monitor back into place. "Though, I still have much progress to make. Anyway, I'm so proud of you! Putting all this together for the vice chairman was kind."
"It's the least I could do after almost crippling him. I'm lucky I wasn't fired or thrown in jail."
"Nonetheless, this was a good thing not only for the vice chairman but everyone else as well." Miaya gestured to the others, all of them smiling and friendly. "When Chisa boasted about your ability to bring people together, I thought she exaggerated. Now I'm beginning to think her praise wasn't high enough. This is something I doubt even I could've done in a year, let alone a week."
Chiaki waved her hands. "Really, I don't have any hidden ability like that, I think. Things just happened to work out."
"Well, somehow, ever since waking up from that coma, you've done nothing but make things work out. Perhaps the savior is hiding her true form."
"Oh, not you too, Miaya."
"Hey, Gekkogahara!" greeted Chisa. "Mind if I get some quality time with my sweetie here for a little bit?"
"No problem! Talk to you later, Chiaki!"
Miaya rolled off in her high-tech wheelchair, while Chiaki stared into the eerily gentle eyes of her former teacher. The gamer hadn't gotten the chance to talk about her encounter with Izuru with her yet. Chisa probably wouldn't give her a straight answer, but Chiaki asked, "Why did you want me to see Izuru again?"
"I didn't, or it's better to say I didn't care. He's the one who wanted to test you; I just helped set it up. The results weren't too favorable for us I heard."
"Yeah… He said if I faced Junko, I'd lose." Chiaki couldn't piece it together, the myriad of things Izuru mentioned: Hajime returning, all her friends gathering, a confrontation against Junko—it befuddled her. But, in what's become the norm for her, the circus of insanity would likely come to her. "I don't know what it all means…"
"You'll find out, probably." Chisa gazed at their conversing subordinates. "The more things change, the more they stay the same. Once again, you've managed to make different-minded people gather together."
"They're here to celebrate the vice chairman, not me."
"Wrong, they're here because you asked them to be here, they're here because you've proven you're more than just a gamer… they're here because—like our class—you're the link that's brought them together today."
Chiaki gasped. "Ms. Yukizome…you…" A tear fell down the housekeeper's eyes as she continued to smile. Unlike the fake tears she became accustomed to, this seemed genuine. "Why are you crying?"
"Hmm?" Confusion draped her face before she wiped her cheek and gazed at her tears. "Huh, I didn't realize…"
"Did something make you sad?"
"… I know what it is. Though I didn't think I'd cry when the time came." Chisa put her hands on Chiaki's shoulders and stared into her eyes. Like the tears, it didn't seem like a facade—her eyes reminded her of the old Chisa. "It's because…our time is coming to an end, Chiaki."
The gamer stared back at her, not knowing what that meant. "W-what…?"
Then the alarms blared causing Chiaki to jump. Judging by the sound, that alarmed signaled the highest level of urgency
Not long after, a male voice came out from the intercoms overhead. "Chairman, Vice Chairman, there's been a shocking new development!"
"Report it now!" yelled Kyosuke.
"Not long ago, we received an anonymous broadcast and transcription from an undisclosed location! That location turned out to be Jabberwock island. We don't know how they did it, but the broadcast is being forcibly streamed to Future Foundation terminals all over the world!"
Everyone in the room gasped. Chiaki's heart began beating like a thousand drums. That same feeling a year ago when an agent alerted her the mutual killing game broadcast seeped throw her.
"Oh dear!" yelled Usami as Miaya furiously taped on her laptop. "I left operations in the hands of my second in command so I don't have a clue what's happening!"
"Gekkogahara," yelled Kazuo, "reroute the broadcast the monitor in this room."
"Already on it!" Seconds later, the sprites of the division leaders moving around a pixelated screen vanished, replaced with a new image.
Chiaki would never forget the feeling that ran through her those seconds.
On the screen laid an image so stunning, everyone in the room turned to her. Never had she received such glances of pure shock. Chiaki understood though since reality left her for a few moments. This is a dream, she repeated in her mind over and over, hoping she'd awake in bed at any moment. But it wasn't a dream, and the image on the monitor was real.
Yes, the image of herself on the screen with her friends on a beach played out on the screen.
And then the voice she dreaded played.
"Welcome to the show, Future Foundation!" yelled the voice of Monokuma. "You all thought this couldn't happen again, didn't you? You all thought despair had finally lost, didn't you? Well, too bad! It's time for an encore, and I'm sure this sequel will be much better than the last one! For these contestants are none other than the former seventy-seventh class, or the Remnants of Despair! And who can forget their dear class representative, someone I'm sure the Future Foundation knows well… Chiaki Nanami! Ahahahahaha, how exciting!"
That voice of Monokuma was real, the stares her fellow division leaders were real…and yet, Chiaki stood still, looking at a clone of herself and her classmates, frozen in time. Izuru and Chisa's words echoed in her head.
She knew…the game just started.