"It's time for pancakes!" Hinata giddily sat down in the corner of the hotel restaurant, knife and fork in hand ready to devour his breakfast. Pancakes with golden maple syrup.
During his time looping in the Neo-world program, Hinata tried to find things that would always make 'happy' in a sense, food being one these because you can make almost anything, in other words it was different every time.
Before Hinata could indulge in his breakfast, a shadow cast over his plate. "I have some questions for you."
Glancing up, Hinata saw the SHSL Imposter standing just to his left-hand side, arms crossed. "How did you know about those… Monobeasts? You seem rather calm despite what is our current situation."
Hinata took a fork full of pancake and begin to chow down, giving the Imposter a face as which to say, 'there's your answer'.
"Ridiculous… if you won't answer that, tell me what your talent is." Hinata answered in the same manner, another piece of pancake entered his mouth, looking ahead with blatant irritation on his face.
"Mornin' Mornin'!" Ibuki yelled out as she entered the restaurant noticing the Imposter and Hinata. "You're Hajime – chan right? Ibuki Mioda's the name and I'm the SHSL Musician!" Hinata took another bite of his pancake.
"Going back, what did Hope's peak recognise you for?" Pushing up their glasses the Imposter asked again.
Hinata looked down at his shirt, oh yeah, he threw that card at Komaeda. A light chuckle left him remembering Komaeda stumbling, he fucking deserved it.
"I see you aren't taking this seriously… so be it." Walking over to the readymade food on one of the tables, the Imposter huffed and began to pile food on their plate.
Hinata was grateful, his pancake time was a one man show and he was running it. Cleaning his plate, Hinata looked up to see everyone except for Souda and Koizumi in the restaurant, scratch that, Koizumi had Souda's arm in a vice grip leading him up the stairs.
Hinata zoned out again, thinking of what's to come. First the motive, then the party and the Imposter dies. Should he change anything? Nah, no point sounds like a hassle.
…
"Rejoice… I accept the role of leader." Oh, it's the Imposters leader spiel.
Yet again Koizumi objects to the Imposters leader idea, only to be shot down by Sonia when she suggests her for leader as well.
"Moving on, I have something to show you all." The Imposter moves towards Hinata who is leaning back in his chair. "And I mean everyone, that includes you as well." Hinata clicked his tongue, it's the timer at Jabbawock park.
Hinata gave a disinterested face. "It's the countdown timer at the park, right? Don't bother, it does fuck all, no point."
"Countdown timer?" Sonia questioned.
"I am impressed you know about it already; I was up quite early searching." Leaning in closer to Hinata the Imposter spoke again. "Just how do you know it does… 'f-all'?"
Hinata turned away from the Imposter with a sly grin plastered on his face. "Call it a hunch, leader-sama~"
The Imposters brow creased; annoyance clear as day on his face.
"Could it perhaps be a detective's hunch?"
"Detective's hunch…? What are you talking about Komaeda -kun?" Mahiru stood close to Saionji and Mikan as she released her grip on Souda.
Komaeda put his hand inside one of his jacket pockets, revealing a piece of card. "This should explain what I meant."
Hinata wasn't surprised that Komaeda kept the card, but it still made him unhappy.
Retreating from Hinata, the Imposter took the card out of Komaeda's hand. "Hajime Hinata, SHSL… Detective? That's your talent?"
"You're a detective!? Ibuki thinks that's hella rad!"
Souda suddenly stood up from his seat. "What if he's lying!" Finger pointed at Hinata with aggression dripping from his voice. Before anyone could rebuke Souda's claim, a collective, 'PING', was heard throughout the restaurant. "D-Did everyone's E-E-Electro-ID's go o-off?"
Nanami pulled out her Electro-ID from inside her backpack. "Hmmm… it says it on his profile… I don't think he's lying."
"If it… says that on the… gizmo… I don't see… the problem." Akane responded between breathes, scoffing her face.
Hinata bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing, while poorly hiding a grin on his face. If only they knew.
"Is that why you were gone most of the time?" Komaeda walked toward Hinata. "Were you looking for a way off the Island? Amazing! As expected of a student of Hope's peak!"
Ignoring Komaeda, Hinata pulled out his Electro-ID and began to check his pet again, it was the only thing that hadn't betrayed through all this.
"Oh… you bastards are still here." A voice came from the staircase, and not a chipper one at that. "Kuzuryu - san, from what Pekoyama - san told us I thought you wouldn't be arriving." Sonia tilted her head at the short yakuza.
"Didn't think any of you would still be here. I'm getting my breakfast then I'm gone, I ain't here to chat." All eyes were Kuzuryu as he collected his breakfast, all eyes accept Hinata who was to engrossed in his pet antics.
Peeling his vision away from his Electro-ID Hinata saw Kuzuryu side eyeing him as he was piling some food onto a plate.
"What's your problem short stuff? Why're you eyeing me up like that?" Hinata spoke with a cheeky smile on his face. "HUH!? THE FUCK DID YOU SAY!?" Kuzuryu immediately dropped his plate and stormed over to Hinata. "Oi, you bastard! Say that ag-" Kuzuryu didn't get to finish his sentence as something flew past him embedding itself in the pillar to the right of him.
"…" The whole restaurant was dead silent with terror.
Hinata moved out of his seat to grab what was stuck in the pillar. It was his fork he used for those delicious pancakes, now tipped with a small amount of blood, the source? Kuzuryu's cheek.
Hinata placed a hand on Kuzuryu's shoulder and whispered into his ear. "Watch what you say, Young master~. You might piss off the wrong person with that short fuse of yours."
Kuzuryu flinched at Hinata's words. He knew about Peko, but how? Did he overhear what Kuzuryu said on the day they arrived? He didn't see anybody, nor did Peko, so how did he know. What he did know was that Hinata was dangerous, very dangerous.
Hinata let go of Kuzuryu with a shrug and began to leave the restaurant with an indifferent expression on his face, as if what he did was nothing out of the ordinary. Shutting the door behind him, Hinata stretched his arms and made for his cabin.
When the students in the restaurant heard the doors close, a collective sigh was made.
"K-k-kuzuryu – san, a-are you ok? If y-you want I can c-check your wound?" Tsumiki timidly spoke breaking the uncomfortable silence. Kuzuryu just sat down at felt his cheek, he didn't even see the fork, just the flash of light that the fork reflected.
"Soooo… what do we do know? Coz Hajime – chan is super scary." Ibuki asked no one aloud.
"Isn't it obvious! We tie him up, he's dangerous as hell!" Souda began to shout, arms flailing.
Akane stood up from her seat. "If ya need me to fight him I'm down, after that thing with the fork I'm getting pumped!"
"Enough!" All heads faced the Imposter. "I have promised you that no one will become a victim, I intend to keep that promise on the Togami name."
"Kyaaaaaaah! So cool!" Bellowed Ibuki bouncing up and down.
"That stunt you pulled in the restaurant was so cool Hinata – kun!" Hinata glared at the intruder, he was peacefully in a light slumber until they came along. "Thanks, now fuck off." Hinata turned away closing his eyes.
Monokuma grinned. "You know… I have something planned later that I think will rock your attitude and get me the despair I want!"
"You mean the missing memories and the traitor?" Hinata said in a matter-of-fact tone.
Monokuma glared at Hinata's back, he was going to be pain, but when he falls to despair it will be extra worth it, Monokuma reasoned to himself.
As much as Hinata didn't want to go, he wound up at Jabbawock park leaning against the tree stump that had been gunned down the night prior. He was the first one there after Monokuma's announcement, next was the Imposter shortly followed by everyone else. They all gave Hinata a wary look as they waited for Monokuma.
"Argh, this is so annoying…" Voiced Souda.
"Then go back." Responded Kuzuryu. "Maybe we'll find out what happens when someone doesn't arrive." He continued with a smirk.
"Tough talk for someone who is also here, it's obvious your scared." Koizumi interjected, hands on hips.
"The fuck did you say bitch!?" komaeda jumped inbetween both parties. "Stop, friends… shouldn't fight."
"Friends? We ain't friend's dumbass! And let me make one thing clear, I can do it you know." Kuzuryu confidently delclared.
"Wha-What did you s-"
"HAHAHAHA!" The tension that would have arisen from that statment swiftly shattered when Hinata began to laugh with gusto. He couldn't hold back, remembering kuzuryu's face during one of many trials when he let his feelings out for Pekoyama, it was hilarious.
Hinata continued to snicker, resuming his lean on the tree. Kuzuryu saw red at Hinata's laughter, but before he could approach him a hand placed itself on his shoulder. "There is no need to get aggravated at him." Pekoyama spoke towards kuzuryu, who shook off her grip.
"Ummm, did I interrupt something? You guys seem pretty heated right now." Monokuma put his paws together while standing on a makeshift stage.
"Finally! We've been standing here for ages."
"You can blame that on my little sister." On cue Monomi appeared wearing a pink lacey dress. "What I-is this?"
"Now that everyone is here." Monokuma took a glance at Hinata who was staring off into the distance, completely disinterested in the events happening in front of him. "It's time to present my two-man comedy show!"
…
"That's why Monomi went out of her way to erase your memories!" Hinata lazily lifted his head to Monokuma's announcement, not to his surprise. All his classmates were stunned silent, looking at both Monokuma and Monomi with shock.
Hinata began to walk towards the exit of the park, time to leave, he's made his announcement. "HEY! Where the hell do you think your going!?" His voice booming, Monokuma stuck his paw out at Hinata.
"You've made your announcement; I'm going to go to sleep." Hinata blurted out with apathy drenching his voice.
"What are you talking about!?" Monokuma reappeared in front of Hinata, his right black button eye trembling with anger. "I haven't even talked about the traitor yet!"
"Don't give a shit." Hinata carried on walking, not masking his bored tone. As he left the park, he could hear the shouts of his classmates discussing the traitor. Should he say it's Nanami? Nah, they wouldn't believe him, he'd be wasting his breath.
Hinata arrived at his cottage about to jump into his bed until his Electro-ID went off.
'A new rule has been added to the regulations. "From now on, no student can leave a meeting made by Monokuma until he has dismissed everyone, especially Hajime Hinata."'
"Fantastic…" Hinata sighed with sarcasm, tossing his Electro-ID on to the small table next to his bed. Covering himself in his sheets, he drifted off to sleep.
Hinata began to mull over what today will bring as he pours a glass of orange juice for himself. Today is the day the Imposter announces the party and Hanamura kills him.
"I see you have arrived early again." Glancing from his glass, Hinata locks eyes with the Imposter as they grab several plates of food. "I do not understand your actions." Sitting next to Hinata the Imposter continued, much to Hinata's annoyance. "You make enemies with Monokuma and aggravate Kuzuryu, frankly it's idiotic."
Letting out a little chortle, Hinata threw the Imposter a dull look, taking a sip from his glass. "Not as idiotic as throwing a party to stop a murder."
Hinata had to swiftly cover his mouth to stop orange juice from bursting out when he saw the Imposters expression, it was glorious, full faced bewilderment.
"Before you ask, I'll go to your party." He placed his glass down. "Just don't get touchy feely with me when I arrive."
Composing themselves, the Imposter stood up. "I see… very well, do not be late."
To everyone's surprise but Hinata's, the body of 'Byakuya Togami' was found under the furthest table in the dining hall.
"W-What is… this…?" "Tooogammiii – saaaaan!?" "Blub – blub – blub – blub…"
"Finally! I was getting tired of waiting!" Monokuma bounced in from nowhere, happiness oozing from his voice.
"A body has been discovered! Now then, after a certain amount of time has passed, the class trial will begin. Use that time wisely!"
"Wait, does that mean…!?" "Yeppers, one of you spoiled little brats wanted to leave the island!" Giddily Monokuma responded to Komaeda.
Tuning out everyone's anguish, Hinata looked back over at the Imposters corpse. Nothing had changed from the loops so he already knew what the class trial was going be like, however he couldn't' leave due to Monokuma's new bullshit rule.
"I present, the Monokuma file!" Hinata turned to see Koizumi holding the file after Monokuma threw it up in the air.
Before Monokuma attempts to leave the students in their despair stupor, he looks over at Hinata to see him staring at the ceiling, as if waiting for a doctor's appointment, emanating boredom. The Monochrome bear only grinned as we disappeared.
…
"What do we do now…?" Souda whimpered to no one in particular.
"We find the killer, duh! God you're useless!" Saionji jabbed.
"Why don't we ask our detective?" Komaeda spoke aloud. All heads quickly turned to Hinata who was continuing to drink from his glass of orange juice.
"Th-That's right! Hey man you gotta help us out, please…!" Souda practically begged, grabbing a hold of Hinata's leg.
"…Let go of my leg." Hinata hissed, glaring at Souda.
Heeding Hinata's words Souda scooted on his ass back towards the entrance of the dining room, earning a hearty laugh from Saionji.
"Two people guard the body, everyone else search the old building for clues." Hinata turned to Koizumi with zero grace, showing his irritation. "Koizumi – san, draw up a map of everyone's positions in the dining hall before the blackout."
"Okay, but why would th-" Hinata interrupted her with a scowl. "Did. I. Stutter? Koizumi – san?"
Koizumi shakes her head, obviously afraid to say anything else, remembering what happened in the hotel restaurant.
"I'm searching on my own, if anyone follows me, I'll break your fingers." With that menacing declaration, Hinata left to rest in his cabin. He knew everything already, why waste his time searching?
Class trial begin!
Monokuma had just finished explaining the rules of the class trial and everyone's hearts were heavy.
"H-How do we start this o-off…?" Tsumki spoke with caution.
"Well it ain't got shit to do with me. Togami died in the dining hall, everyone there is fuckin' suspect." Kuzuryu declared.
Koizumi scoffed. "Ok, but what your trying to say is that you're not the killer right?"
"No shit." Grinned Kuzuryu.
"A-Any way, why don't we discuss the position Togami – kun's body was found." Komaeda suggested.
"Why not ask the SHSL detective? Ibuki thinks that will help a lot!" All eyes were on Hinata at Mioda's words.
…
"Wait what!?" Souda screamed. "Why the hell is he asleep!? Our lives are on the line!"
Hinata fluttered his eyes open to all his classmates glaring at him. "What?" Responding with a yawn, he rubbed his eyes.
"What do you think Hinata – kun, as the SHSL detective?" Komaeda asked on behalf of the entire class, the majority of which looked stunned that he could sleep at a time like this.
Hinata paused. Should he name Hanamura now? No cases had been made against anyone and no evidence has been used yet, so his statement would be weak, however…
"Hanamura - kun killed Togami – kun." Hinata spoke picking at his ear, bored out his mind.
"WHHAAAAAAAAAAAATTT!?" A collective roar from everyone in the trial room rebounded across the walls.
"Hanamura did it!?" "A ponce like him? No way…" Confused, everyone began speaking back and forth discussing Hinata's claim.
"Hinata, where's the evidence that Hanamura killed Togami? I am sure everyone would like to know your reasoning since we may all die if you are wrong." Pekoyama spoke for everyone in the courtroom.
"Figure it out for yourselves. Get off my dick." The annoyance Hinata felt was unmistakable in his tone.
"HEY! What the hell man!? Don't you care about dying!?" Souda shrieked.
Hinata shrugged looking over at Monokuma. "Do you think Monokuma would let someone get rid of the 'fun' of solving the case?"
"HE'S RIGHT! Monokuma lifted his paw to sky. "If someone began to rattle off everything, I would have shut them up! It ruins the point of a class trial if everything is laid out in front of you!"
Hinata turned around, a look of apathy, complete lack of interest presented itself on his face. "Happy?"
As Nanami and Komaeda take the reins of the class trial, Komaeda's hope obsession came to light, and Hanamura's actions were starting to raise to the surface.
"I'm tellin' you guys I really ain't da killa! I was shoved when I was under da floorboards!"
"Oh, so you admit being under the floorboards then?" Koizumi challenged.
"N-No… but I… I mean…"
Komaeda shook his head. "Hanamura – kun, this really is disappointing you know. I think you may have to just give up now."
"But…! I'm tellin' da truth! I swear I was pushed!" Hanamura gripped his trial stand. "I get it! You' framing me! All a yah!"
…
During this entire debate, Hinata had been silent, observing his classmates. They had managed to unearth Komaeda's plan and Hanamura's intentions, and it all lead back to what Hinata said at the beginning.
"You guys happy now? Christ, it was obvious." Hinata verbalized his annoyance.
Kuzuryu gave Hinata a glare. "You go quiet for the entire trial and that's what you've got to say fucker!?"
"Argghh! I'm sick off waiting!" Monkuma stood up on his throne, paw outstretched. "It's voting time bucko's, and don't you dare think about not voting!"
"NoNoNONONONO!" Hanamura began foaming at the mouth as buttons prompts appeared on everyone's podiums. Hinata selected Hanamura's name and prepared himself.
…
"Upupupu…UPUPUPUPU!" Monokuma began to snicker, bobbing up and down in his seat. "AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Hinata looked across the rest of his classmates, puzzlement and discomfort was displayed on their faces, especially Hanamura's.
"Wh-What's so funny Monokuma!?" Nidai boomed.
"Well it's just that you guys got the vote for the blackened… WRONG!"
Pure terror forced its way across the entire courtroom, no one spoke, they couldn't if they wanted to because their throats became dry like a desert.
"The blackened of this case and the student with a one-way ticket out of here is…! HAJIME HINATA! AHAHAHAHA!"
In an instant, all eyes were on Hinata, some full of fear, others full of anger and one set accompanied with a small smile.
Monokuma waddled over to a lever positioned next to his throne. "Got any last words for Hajime Hinata – kun? The one who killed Togami -kun?"
No one spoke, only they could stare, stare at the person who had just sentenced them all to death.
"Okie Dokie! Then it looks like it's… punishment time!" Monokuma threw the switch and 14 claws dropped down from the ceiling, clasping themselves on every student's neck.
Hinata looked down as he reached the elevator. Time to see if this will get him out of this hell hole. As the elevator began to ascend to the surface, he heard the screams of the students who had just been sent to die.
Monokuma checked Hinata's expression. He thought he would have had a little bit of remorse, but all he saw was bored looking teen on his Electro-ID.
Reaching the central island, the world around Hinata began to fall apart. The timer began to countdown extremally quickly, while doing so, Monokuma stood next to Hinata.
"So, Hinata – kun, no… Kamukura – kun, how do you feel knowing you just killed all of your classmates?" Monokuma smirked. "I can't believe you managed to sneak under the floorboards while navigating in the dark! Let alone taking the kill from Hanamura – kun! That tackle was hilari-"
*SMASH*
Hinata's response was less than civil as his fist went through the top of Monokuma's head.
"HEY HEY! What's the big idea!?" Retracting his now bloodied fist, Hinata turned to see another Monokuma had popped up behind him. "You're lucky that this killing school trip is over!"
As if on cue, the timer finished making incomprehensible noises as it expanded and detracted, causing the ground beneath Hinata to rumble.
Was this it? Was it finally over? Could he finally get out of here? Hinata had never tried winning a class trial because he didn't want to give Monokuma that satisfaction. Alas here he was waiting for the program to 'graduate' him, it was bittersweet feeling, if it meant he could leave he was going to fucking take it.
All of a sudden, the world went dark and Hajime Hinata lost consciousness.
…
…
…
…
Hinata slowly opened his eyes to meet a pair of wooden oak classroom doors, Surrounding the doors was a green and black void that seemed to continue forever.
Hinata slowly walked towards the classroom's door, placing both hands and against it.
"FFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUCKING SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!"
*BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG*
Relentlessly, Hinata started slamming his forehead against the door with no concern for his health.
*BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG*
Soon enough, blood begins to drip down from where he was hitting his head, however it didn't stop him.
*BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG*
"I'm going… to FUCKING mess with that bear… for as long as I'm in here…! I'll ruin all his motives…!"
Hinata chocked the handle of the classroom and flung it open, promising himself he will never let Monokuma have his way.