A.N: Hello again, everyone! This is the ninth chapter of this Afterlife fic. It is focused on Sakura, the Ultimate Martial Artist, and more generally, on Chapter 4 of Trigger Happy Havoc. It is longer than usual, but there are many lines from the actual game, so it quickly increases the word count. I hope you enjoy!


Chapter Nine: Honor Above All

The fluttering of her eyes forced Sakura out of her deep slumber. A blinding light hit her, reminding her of times past and happy memories. Sadness overtook her, but she didn't have any regrets. Being the one crushing the remainder of her classmates' hope was something she couldn't do anymore.

Perhaps it was the easy way out, maybe it wasn't dignified, but the Ultimate Martial Artist had preferred to take her own life rather than seeing it being eventually taken by someone she called a friend. Sakura Ogami had caused enough pain and despair to her friends to go on for any longer.

Now, her only hope was theirs. Her sacrifice would have meaning if it gave them hope. Sakura would be able to let go of her guilt if it gave her hope.

"S-Sakura… N-No…"

"Hm? Who is this?"

The martial artist turned around in surprise after hearing her name being spoken from behind. Sakura noticed a familiar yet so distant girl standing in front of her, tears in her eyes. Usually not the most expressive, the newly deceased Ultimate just couldn't not react.

"Y-You are…! I-Is that you…" There can be no doubt… Images of her kidnapping at the hands of Junko flashed through the white-haired girl's mind. "Mukuro…?"

The Ultimate Soldier weakly nodded as more of her tears dampened the ground. Sakura could see how much the other girl was trying to keep her composure, but she faced great difficulties. Suddenly, the black-haired Ultimate bowed apologetically in front of her, looking down to the ground in shame.

"Now, now… What might justify such behavior, Mukuro?" the martial artist asked, stepping up to the soldier and padding her shoulder with her strong hands. "It has been a long time, but I keep fond memories of our sparring sessions together. The Mukuro I used to know was not the type to shed tears of sadness."

"I… I am so sorry, S-Sakura…" Mukuro apologized, still bowing. "M-My actions are not forgivable, and I have caused you too much pain… I-I always admired your sense of honor, and I have only brought dishonor on the name of my classmates… I do n-not deserve forgiveness, e-especially not yours…"

"That is wrong of you to say, Mukuro. I believe I understand the reason for your culpability, but you needn't apologize to me." Sakura told her before adding, "Please look at me in the eyes, Mukuro. Shame shall never take away your honor if you do not let it. A true fighter always has their eyes turned towards the future, even in times of doubt. Besides, I have my own regrets, but I won't let them undermine my friends' hope. You should do the same."

With hesitation, the Ultimate Soldier did as she was told and raised her head so that her teary eyes met Sakura's. The Ultimate Martial Artist saw all the pain in her light grey eyes, all the guilt, but somewhere, there was also traces of hope and belief that made Sakura realize that her former sparring partner had grown.

"S-Sakura… Y-You did not deserve to die…" the soldier told her emotionally. "I… I could have prevented it! I could have forced Junko not to choose you as her mole! I could have changed things!"

"Yes, you probably could have, but so could I." This lack of self-confidence is new in Mukuro… She used to be a much more confident woman, at least in combat… "I could have resisted your sister since the very beginning, and things would not have turned out the way they have now. But I have hope for the others, even now. They will prevail over adversity, and if my death can be the turning point that unites them, then I am glad to be dead. My sacrifice was self-evident for me from the second my actions endangered everyone's hope. But I stand here humbly, knowing that I have made my fair share of mistakes and have atoned for it. Surely, you already have, too."

"W-Wait… y-your… sacrifice…?" Mukuro echoed, her eyes widening in surprise. "D-Don't tell me… S-Sakura, you didn't…?"

The former Strongest Human Alive sighed, confirming, "Yes… I have committed suicide with the poisons from the chem lab. I was lucky enough my death wasn't painful, even if what came before admittedly was."

Mukuro narrowed her eyes in curiosity after that last part, prompting Sakura to explain, "You see, soon after Monokuma revealed I was his spy, Hiro, Toko, and Byakuya began distrusting me, and rightfully so, I believe. I asked them to come and meet me so we could discuss it, but Byakuya never came. As for Hiro and Toko… they each hit me on the head with a bottle, thinking I wanted to hurt them. This was painful, both physically and psychologically."

"I… I can imagine…" the soldier said, processing the white-haired girl's words. "We… witnessed the moment Monokuma revealed you had been working for him as well as the following tensions, notably between Hina and Byakuya, but no one reported this scene. I… I am still shocked you died, Sakura, especially this way… And so sorry, too…"

"You do not need to be sorry, Mukuro. This Killing Game was cruel to everyone who died, you first of all." I do not want to imagine what she must have gone through… "But I am quite curious. You said you had witnessed what had happened in the Killing Game… but how?"

"Ah, well, we have something called the Afterlife Theater where we can watch live what is happening on Earth." the soldier explained, slowly but surely regaining her calm. "They all support the others, and we make sure to stay positive for one another, even when it's hard. Unfortunately… it seems our support didn't reach you yet…"

They have supported us from the Afterlife…? "The thought is appreciated, Mukuro. I cannot say I ever felt your presence, but the others might have, especially Makoto, who seems to be carrying the memories of his friends with him. I'll be glad to join you in supporting the others until they can make it out of Hope's Peak. Hopefully, my death will be the last needed until they can finally unite as one…"

"I dearly hope so. Well, I will bring you to the others." the shorter girl said before something in her pocket rang. *driiiing* *driiiing* "Oh, apologies, my phone." taking it out and looking at the screen, Mukuro frowned when she noticed the name. "It's Sayaka. I need to get it." she pressed the green icon and put it on speaker. "Yeah, Mukuro here."

"M-Mukuro, you gotta come back! S-Something has happened in Hope's Peak!" the Ultimate Pop Sensation exclaimed through the phone. "Q-Quick!"

The soldier and the martial artist exchanged a quick glance, realizing they were having similar thoughts.

"Okay, I'm on my way. I'll be there ASAP, alright?" the short-haired girl reassured her.

Sayaka's melodic voice was strained as she nearly choked her next words, "P-Please be quick *sob*! L-Love you…"

"I love you too, Sayaka. Don't panic, alright?"

"O-Okay…"

The Ultimate Soldier clicked the 'end call' button and sighed. "They must have witnessed the others finding your body. We should hurry to meet them. Leon's there to keep Sayaka calm, but I won't be reassured until I'm here for her, even if I know what she's seen…"

"Yes, this is a wise decision. I am following you. Is it far from here?" Sakura asked and noticed the soldier's nervousness all over her face.

"Maybe five minutes away if we run. Better not waste any time!" Mukuro replied and got a running start, sprinting as fast as the Ultimate Martial Artist could remember. "F-Fuck that Killing Game…"

Not wasting any time, Sakura followed after her as fast as the soldier was, choosing to congratulate the other girl later for finding a girlfriend in Sayaka. No, in the martial artist's mind, there were many worries too, but not for the same girl.

Please stay safe, Hina… I wouldn't forgive myself if something happened to you, and I could not do anything to stop it…


"I'm here, everyone!" Mukuro exclaimed as they entered the projection room. They both cast a quick glance at the screen and noticed Makoto and Kyoko next to the Ultimate Martial Artist's body, making Sakura wince quickly. "No need to tell me what's going on; I already know."

"Huh?" all equally surprised, they turned in the soldier's direction and noticed the mountain of muscle next to her. The first one to react was the Ultimate Baseball Star. "S-S-Sakura?! B-But…!"

"T-The hell?!" Mondo shouted as he took in the sight of the person whose dead body was also on the screen. "I'm fucking confused!"

"Good morning, everyone." Sakura solemnly greeted, her expression neutral. "I will tell you everything, but please, do not panic. You will understand there is no reason to very soon, I promise you." Even if that might be asking them for a lot… She caught a glance of the pop idol sobbing against Leon's shoulder with sadness. Especially for Sayaka…

"O-Okay…" Chihiro said weakly, trying not to sob. Taka placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled at her. "We'll keep a smile for the others! They need all the support they can get, even from here!"

"Indeed! Miss Fujisaki is right!" the Ultimate Fanfic Writer agreed with vigor. "E-Even if Miss Ogami's health bar has dropped to zero, our motivation stat shall not waver! Right, Miss Yasuhiro?"

"O-Oh, yes… Y-You're absolutely right, Hifumi…" Celeste replied awkwardly, visibly not expecting to be called out like this and a little creeped out by her former victim's geeky ways. "A-Absolutely correct…"

With a small smile on her face, Sakura followed Mukuro as they went to sit. She sat next to the soldier and noticed her press a soft kiss on Sayaka's cheek in comfort, taking her hand with hers and whispering words of reassurance in her ear.

At least they all seem to be peaceful here. The martial artist thought as she stared at her own corpse and the Ultimate Detective investigating it. I wish I could tell Kyoko every detail she might need to understand the case, but that is unfortunately not possible… But I can tell everybody here.

"So what's up with this crazy situation again?" Leon asked as everyone calmed down enough. "How come this room was locked?"

"The reason is simple enough: I am the blackened of my own murder," Sakura said very calmly, hoping the group would reach the same conclusion.

"Whaaaaaaat?! B-But then… that means you've killed yourself?!" the baseball played continued, wording the surprise of nearly all the students in the room. After seeing the martial artist, he asked, "But why?!"

"As you are well aware, Junko had taken my family's dojo hostage and forced me to become her spy among the group." she began explaining, the atmosphere in the room growing tense. "My role was to kill one of my classmates if no one did. However, Sayaka's death came before I could do anything, but I was asked the same thing later, only this time, Chihiro died before I could follow Monokuma's orders. And after Hifumi's and Taka's deaths, thanks to seeing everyone believe in Alter Ego, I realized that I couldn't do this anymore. So, I confronted Monokuma and told him I didn't want to work for him any longer.

"…But this didn't go as well as I would have liked it as he exposed me as his spy to the group, which led to Byakuya, Toko, and Hiro not trusting me anymore. I tried to talk to them, but Byakuya never came, and Hiro and Toko attacked me with glass bottles, thinking I wanted to hurt them. In the end, I decided that if I had to take a life, then I would take mine, believing it would bring hope to our friends." she stopped, giving out a long sigh of uncertainty. "With Monokuma's machinations, however, my chances of success are slim, but I keep hope. I sincerely apologize to all of you for being the spy, but I hope you understand that no one but me is responsible for my death."

"T-That… is a painfully sad story…" Taka said after the muscular girl was done talking. "I hope your sacrifice will not be in vain, Sakura! It will always be remembered as a courageous act among us, at least!"

"Yeah!" they all agreed, making the newest deceased student smile humbly.

"Thank you, everyone."

Suddenly, they all heard the sound of someone being out of breath on the other side of the screen. Looking at what was going on in Hope's Peak, they noticed a group of four entering the rec room with a panting and wide-eyed Hina leading the pack.

The sight of her best friend made Sakura's heart feel heavy.

Hina… I dearly hope you will be alright after this… But… The Ultimate Martial Artist turned her head slightly away, feeling a rare tear form under her eye, which she quickly rubbed off. You are the one who should understand the truth the quickest… Hopefully, you make the choice that leads you to unity and hope, and not the one that leads to disorder and despair…

"I got everyone…" the swimmer told Kyoko and Makoto, with the Ultimate Clairvoyant, the Ultimate Murderous Fiend, and the Ultimate Affluent Progeny following inside.

"Uwah! O-Ogre?!" Hiro yelled in fear at the sight of the body.

With a crazy smile, Genocide Jack added, "Oh. So she's dead, huh?"

"Sakura's been killed? I see…" the Togami heir finished with an arrogant and satisfied smirk.

"Fuck that guy!" Mondo insulted, red in anger. "I swear motherfucking Monokuma is almost better than he is, for God's sake!"

I wish Byakuya was not so arrogant, but I'm afraid I cannot change this now… Sakura thought, not even feeling offended by the blonde's remark. Hopefully, he might change if they can unite against Monokuma…

Kyoko looked at the whole group with her usual stoic mask on, not eying anyone in particular. When she spoke, her voice didn't betray any emotions. "You heard the announcement just now, right? So you know what this means."

"O-Oh, no, they believe it was a murder!" Chihiro said worriedly. "I-If they are starting on the wrong track, they might not be able to understand what really happened…!"

"That is what I am afraid of, too," Celeste added, looking genuinely concerned. "This would be a fatal mistake, unfortunately…"

"Sakura was murdered. And by someone in this very room… Is that what you were going to say?" Byakuya asked, replying to the amnesiac detective.

"…No. Whoever killed her… it's not just 'someone on this room.'" Hina told him, then clenched her fist, and, with tears under her eyelids, accused, "It was one of you… Hiro, Byakuya, Toko - one of you killed Sakura!"

Hina… It's unlike you to feel so much anger and hatred… You used to always be smiling, and now, all I see is frustration and hate…

"Wh-Wh-?!" the words died in Hiro's mouth with how surprised he was to be accused right off the bat.

"You're accusing us before we've even begun the investigation?" the Ultimate Affluent Progeny asked frustratingly, glaring at the swimmer.

"I don't need to investigate anything… Because you hated her. You hated the sight of her!" Hina yelled at the heir, struggling to control her emotions. "One of you did it; I know it!"

"Damn, she's angry…" Leon just said, looking at the Ultimate Swimming Pro about to explode.

"Thanks, Captain Obvious…" Mondo told him.

The baseball player rolled his eyes. "Nah, I meant that she looks about to fight someone. This can't be good."

"No, it can't…" Mukuro confirmed, frowning in concern. "No one seems to entertain the idea of suicide right now, and Hina's accusations only make it less likely they even consider it… That is really bad for them…"

"I don't know if Kyoko will address this at some point, but I made sure the room was a locked room," Sakura said after the soldier. "This way, since there are no other exits, they would understand it is a suicide. Unfortunately… Hina, who should be able to guess this is suicide as the last person who saw me alive, accuses Byakuya, Toko, and Hiro…" Is it possible that… she wants one of them to take the blame for something they didn't do…? But what would be the point, as getting it wrong would lead to their deaths…

The Ultimate Martial Artist kept her questions to herself, knowing that if she didn't know, then no one did. She did notice the Ultimate Soldier giving her a suspicious look, most likely realizing there was something she wasn't saying.

"Maybe Miss Asahina is confused?" Hifumi suggested, looking as serious as he had even been. "Losing her best friend must be difficult for her, so I wouldn't blame her if her mental stability stat was temporarily affected…"

"Hifumi makes a good point!" the Ultimate Moral Compass loudly said with a confident nod. "The environment they are in must make them confused!"

"Maybe it's just that, but…" Mukuro seemed conflicted, unsure. "I have a feeling there's more to this than meets the eye. I could be wrong, mind you, but I get this odd sensation that Hina's not entirely truthful, either." her eyes drifted off, discreetly looking at Sakura's expression. "Besides, the theory of Byakuya being Sakura's killer was unlikely, even before she told us it was suicide: it seems way too obvious. Byakuya has many flaws, but stupidity is not one of them: he wouldn't kill someone if it was so evident."

Mukuro seems to suspect something is amiss… That might be the truth, but it does not explain why Hina would lead them astray on purpose…

Most of the room didn't seem to like the idea, but they had to agree with the short-haired girl that the Ultimate Affluent Progeny had no reasonable motive for killing someone he had openly criticized and that the surviving students knew it, too.

"Well, I'm on the chick's side." the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader spoke up, glaring at the Ultimate Affluent Progeny through the screen. "With how much of a fucker he's been, I understand why she would think it's him. The bitch sucking his dick 24/7 ain't fucking better, and that goddamn idiot Hiro is a freaking coward! It makes sense she'd accuse them!"

"I… I think I agree with Mondo…" Sayaka said, trying to focus on the projection screen through her emotions. "Hina is a sweet girl who was shocked by seeing her best friend die… I think it makes sense she would accuse those who distrusted Sakura the most…"

Unable to reach an agreement, the deceased students turned back to the footage and noticed Makoto and Kyoko investigating the room in a bit more detail, observing the area around the door. The Ultimate Lucky Student seemed particularly intrigued by the plastic container on the floor.

"It looks like… a protein drink." the detective said pensively. "And it's empty."

"Sakura must have drunk it. Everyone knows how much she loved her protein…" the Luckster added, making a valid point. "And she mentioned more than once how protein was good for all sorts of ailments."

"I wouldn't take that to heart, if I were you…"

"I know…"

Kyoko seems to underrate the effects of protein drinks… That is a real shame… Sakura thought, seeing as how serious, almost scolding the detective had just been.

Makoto got into a squatting position, allowing him to inspect the can in a little more detail. He seemed to notice the label that indicated it was coming from the chem lab, but before he could investigate it further, the girl's voice got his attention.

"But that's strange…" Kyoko thought out loud, bringing her hand to her chin pensively.

"Huh? What is?"

"You see what's scattered around the can?"

"Shards of light blue glass… They must be parts of the window I broke to get inside." Makoto deduced.

"But they aren't just scattered around the can." the violet-eyed girl pointed out. "They're also underneath it."

As confused as most of the students in the Afterlife Theater, Makoto wondered, "Why does that matter…?"

"I can't say for sure yet, but you're probably going to want to take a note of it. I feel like it'll become an important clue later on…"

The shards were underneath the can…? But… that does not make sense at all… The can was there before Makoto broke the window, so they should be only next to the can, not underneath it. That means someone moved it, and it is unlikely to be Kyoko or Makoto, who have apparently entered together…

Sakura's eyes widened suddenly, the realization hitting her like a flash as she suddenly froze in place, unable to move a muscle.

D-Don't tell me… Hina was the one who moved it? But… if she did that, then that means she's trying to hide my suicide! If the can was moved after my death, they might believe someone touched it after I died, eliminating the possibility of suicide! Hina… why would you do such a thing…?

The girl decided not to seek the answer to that question, feeling a bad premonition. Instead, she refocused on the screen as Makoto left Kyoko on her investigation and turned towards Hina, visibly pumped-up.

"We already know who did it…! Byakuya, Toko, or Hiro - it had to be one of them!" she exclaimed at the sight of the boy, then trying to gain his sympathy and really assertively, added, "They couldn't stand the sight of her! You agree with me, don't you, Makoto?!"

"U-Um, well… I don't want to say anything for sure without finding out more." Makoto replied.

"Seems like Makoto doesn't have it in him to tell her he doesn't buy it yet." Celeste noticed and got a few nods of agreement. "And considering what Sakura has told us, that is a good thing."

"…Then let me help you find out more. You see, Sakura asked all three of them to meet with her." the swimmer explained to the boy. "You know where? Right here in the rec room."

"Her account matches what you have told us, Sakura." the Ultimate Moral Compass said. "And you said Hiro and Toko attacked you when they met you there?"

"Indeed. Hina should have figured it out, considering the blood that was on the back of my head…" the martial artist mused, focusing on her best friend's words.

"What?!"

"After I went to the nurse's office this morning, Sakura and I both left together, right? Well, eventually, she went off on her own. But when I saw her again after that, she told me… She said she'd left a note for each of them. She asked them to meet her in the rec room by noon." Hina told a pensive Ultimate Lucky Student. "I'm telling you the truth. I heard it right from Sakura herself. And… I tried to stop her."

Yes, she did… Only, she didn't know my mind was set… I'm so sorry, Hina…

"But she wouldn't listen. She said not to worry, that she just wanted to talk to them. And this is what happened…" tears appeared on the swimmer's blue eyes. "If I'd stopped her, by force even, this never would have happened…"

"H-Hina…" Makoto muttered, not having words to console her.

"So you told her this was just a chat, Sakura?" Sayaka asked, with something visibly bugging her. "But this couldn't have been, no?"

The Ultimate Martial Artist sighed, admitting, "No, my mind was already set, so I was forced to lie to Hina. I know this was unacceptable behavior on my part, but I knew Hina would interfere if I told her anything. This is something that makes me feel a lot of guilt, even if I know Hina's strong enough to stand back up again after this."

The Ultimate Pop Sensation nodded in understanding as the Luckster went to have a talk with Byakuya.

"What do you want? You're bothering me." the heir told him, though he wasn't doing anything interesting. A couple of grunts were heard in the Afterlife Theater.

"Um, there's something I'd like to talk to you about."

"Make it quick."

Not backing down, Makoto questioned, "Is it true that Sakura asked you to meet her in the rec room?"

Byakuya smirked at him, visibly pleased. "So you found out. Interesting."

"Then it's true?"

"I did receive a note to that effect, yes." the affluent progeny admitted, his countenance turning back to normal. "But what fool would do what it said and risk being killed by that monster?"

Every student in the Afterlife Theater winced at the insult, even if it had become common coming from the Ultimate Affluent Progeny. Sakura, on her end, kept a straight face. She had been used to be called all kinds of names during her life and knew it wouldn't stop now that she was dead. Byakuya, in particular, was not someone the martial artist had earned the respect of, and thus, would probably not stop anytime soon.

"So you didn't go see her?" the Luckster asked, trying to glean any useful information he could from his classmates and potential suspects.

"Of course not." the blonde boy told him, his voice firm as if it was evident. "I ripped the note to shred and threw it away. I haven't seen Sakura today at all."

"That is the truth," Sakura confirmed herself, noticing quite a few doubtful looks on her deceased classmates' faces. "I do not know if he really was afraid of me, but he did not show up in the rec room, that is for sure. Well, this does not really matter, anyway. Toko and Hiro are not responsible for my death either."

"Lucky bastard…" Mondo muttered. "No offense, but I almost would have wanted him to be the one to kill you just so he'd get executed…"

"None taken." the white-haired girl told him. Such distrust… Mondo appears to hold a grudge over what Byakuya did to Chihiro's body…

"If you're all finished, please remove yourself from my sight," Byakuya ordered suddenly, seeing the hazel-eyed boy standing next to him, deep in thought.

Taken slightly aback, Makoto stuttered, "O-Okay. Thanks…" before moving away.

With the first part of the Ultimate Lucky Student's investigation wrapping up when the boy went stopped taking testimonies, the group in the projection room began summing up what they knew, and more importantly, what their friends knew.

"So far, Mister Naegi and the others have gathered a few pieces of evidence leading to Mister Togami and Hagakure being suspects, as well as Miss Fukawa," Hifumi said, looking a little depressed. "And Miss Asahina has been quite insistent, playing the role of the emotional friend… Our sadness stat has been increased as if we had witnessed a bad ending…"

"All this sucks… At this rate, Makoto and Kyoko will be led to believe Hiro, Toko, or Byakuya did it, and they'll all die!" Leon complained, tapping his foot on the floor subconsciously. "And Hina might be the one to convince them, too!"

"I have a question for Mukuro, actually," Celeste spoke, turning to the solder. Seeing she had her attention, the Ultimate Gambler asked, "In the case of suicide, I suppose the trial rules remain unchanged, correct?"

"Normally, yes. The only exception is there can obviously be no execution if the group votes for the correct blackened, aka the victim." Mukuro explained. "But I realize Junko has hidden many things from me, so I'd be careful because there might be a trap hidden in all of this."

A trap…? Could this possibly explain… Hina's behavior? There seems to be something wrong with her, and my death isn't the only reason… It almost seems like… she was tricked into being so suspicious of the three I called to talk… Seeing my best friend in such a state… IS UNACCEPTABLE!

Managing to remain completely calm even if her thoughts were filled with uncertainty, doubts, and frustration, Sakura stared at the screen some more, catching in the corner of her eye another one of Mukuro's suspicious glances towards her.

What no one knew, however, was that the outcome of the Class Trial that was getting nearer and nearer by the second was one they couldn't even imagine…


"My good friend Hina. There's something I have to tell you. I hate to do it like this, but you need to know. This is… my final wish.

"As you know, I've been giving information to the one who's imprisoned you here. It was our first night in this strange school that the Mastermind came to see me… You see, the Mastermind took control of my family's dojo and demanded I become their tool. You might not see the importance of a dojo, but my family has watched over it for over 300 years. I couldn't let it be destroyed under my watch. So even if it meant my own life, I had to protect it. That's how I saw things…

"However, that was my greatest weakness. And because of that, I made the mistake of giving in to the Mastermind. And what the Mastermind wanted from me was nothing less… than murder. They were probably worried that until the first murder had happened, nothing would move forward. But what neither the Mastermind nor I expected… was the incident involving Sayaka. At that point, the plan changed. The Mastermind told me to hold off - to wait until we reached another stalemate.

"However, as I lived here with all of you… As I lived here with Hina… my resolve began to weaken. Watching everyone fight with such despair, trying so desperately to stay alive… I saw the weakness in my own heart, the mistake of succumbing to the Mastermind. And more than anything… I cannot betray those who would call me their friend. That's how I came to feel.

"Of course, I understand if you all hate me. All of this is because of my own weakness… I'm perfectly willing to accept whatever attack you may want to make on me. So this is my atonement for betraying you. That's what I had in mind… But unfortunately, that's not enough. This won't end with just me accepting your hatred.

"My own situation has started having an effect on more people than just me… which is exactly what the Mastermind wanted when they revealed my betrayal.

"My betrayal brought suspicion, disharmony… The Mastermind knew that it would eventually escalate into someone murdering someone else.

"Of course, I'm still responsible for that, as well. I have an obligation to get this situation under control. And to fulfill that obligation, I've decided to do as the Mastermind has commanded. I will do as I was told, and commit murder. But I've decided… The one I'm going to kill is… myself.

"If the Mastermind demands that I kill someone, then that someone will be me. Then my dojo will be safe, and above all else, none of you will have to kill anyone. When I die, the source of conflict among you all will die with me. For that, I'm willing to give up my life.

"If it can save you, then sacrificing my own life could have no greater meaning. Whatever you think of me, please know that you all are my most treasured friends… I've never had people like you in my life…

"Finally… Hina, I want to apologize to you especially. The reason I didn't tell you any of this is because I knew you would try to stop me. I'm really, truly sorry. But please don't be sad. If I can thwart the Mastermind's plans, if I can keep you from killing each other… that's enough for me.

"This is the path that I have chosen. This is the only way I have left to distinguish myself. And you can use this note to bring the Class Trial to a quick end. I'm sorry to ask you to do something so unpleasant, but I have to leave the rest to you. Please talk to Byakuya, Toko, and Hiro on my behalf. I can't tell anyone about my plan while I'm alive, but I wanted you to understand why I'm doing this. In the end, though, I hope to show myself through actions and not words. Hopefully, then they'll see…

"I never saw you as my enemy. You were only ever my friend, who I wanted to help as much as possible… Hina… whatever it takes, survive. Survive along with everyone else. No matter what… just survive."

The entire group was left in tears as Monokuma read the last of Sakura's poignant suicide note. Sayaka and Chihiro seemed destroyed. Leon and Mondo were clenching their fists in anger. Hifumi and Taka looked down to the floor, trying to hide their teary eyes. Celeste looked away, but the way her body shook betrayed her sadness. Mukuro's eyes darkened as she held on to her girlfriend's hand tightly.

And lastly, Sakura stared at her best friend, the girl she had spent so many life-changing moments with, one of the few lights in her now past life. Hina's cries continuously broke her heart, the sound of despair in them threatening to make even her break down.

And then there was that laugh. That one crazy laugh. It reminded everyone in the Afterlife Theater that the real threat was still the same. It had always been the same.

"Puhuhu… Now then, the next victim has been decided!"

The Ultimate Martial Artist's blood ran cold at the sound of the bear's words. But then, a voice of reason echoed inside the projection room, and it filled everyone with hope.

His voice.

"What do you mean, next victim?! Nobody here blames anyone!" Makoto exclaimed at the bear, who seemed surprised. "First of all, you're in the wrong for tricking Hina with that fake suicide note! And plus… Sakura's death wasn't a waste! Because she made us remember… We're not enemies that hate each other… we're friends, who need to work together!"

"I don't blame her! I CAN'T blame her!" the Ultimate Clairvoyant said, pointing accusingly at Monokuma. "And nobody can blame Hina, either!"

"Buhwah?!

"Whether or not there was a spy never really mattered. Because the one we need to destroy…" the Luckster took a deep breath before passionately shouting, "is you! Nobody else!"

Their friend's hopeful voice brought a smile back on everyone's faces as they could finally look at the screen again and smirk at Monokuma's frustrated expression.

"What the heck?! That's not how this is supposed to go! But anyway, are you sure about that? This Killing Game is a competition between all of you, remember?" the bear said, trying to undermine the students' spirit. "Your enemy… is each other."

"He's absolutely right about that."

Nearly all nine pairs of eyes darkened when Byakuya voiced his agreement with the Mastermind's puppet.

"Ahh, lovely Byakuya! You understand, don't you?!" Monokuma asked, feeling relieved and confident again.

"This is a life-or-death elimination match. The only way to survive… is to win. There can be no doubt that those are the rules of the game." the Ultimate Affluent Progeny looked away as if the sight of their captor disgusted him. "Which is why… I am bowing out of the game."

"Huh…?"

"Sakura and Hina were both willing to sacrifice their own lives to deny the reality of the game. Thanks to them, it would appear the others have cast aside their dear for this game." Byakuya explained, the confident look back in his eyes. "There's no point in participating in a game which has lost that excitement. Which is why I will no longer be participating in it."

"W-What did he say?!" Leon wondered, staring at the screen with widening eyes while the others gaped in surprise. "He… He won't participate anymore…! YEAAAAAAH!"

Relieved smiles appeared throughout the room as they understood the meaning of Byakuya's words and what it meant for the status of the Killing Game.

"Thank goodness…" Chihiro softly said, sighing in relief. "With Byakuya now on their side, they should all be able to unite to defeat Junko!"

So Byakuya decided to stop seeking victory the way Monokuma intended… That is good. Sakura thought, preferring to let the others do the talking for her.

"Wh-What's going on here!?" Monokuma exclaimed, the bear's usually confident grin showing signs of weakening.

"Now I have only one thing to look forward to. And that is to heap the harshest possible punishment onto the one who thinks they can control me!" the Togami heir proclaimed with determination.

"B-Byakuya! Does this mean…?"

"Don't misunderstand. I haven't been moved by some thoughtless sentimentalism if that's what you're thinking." the boy told Makoto, a finger against his glasses and his eyes neutral.

"Wherever Master goes, I go! And if the Mastermind turns out to be a guy, maybe I can catch on fire!" Genocide Jack added, looking over the moon.

"E-Everyone…!"

"So now they've reached unity…" Taka whispered with happy tears in his eyes. He took Mondo's hands with his and cried, "T-This is the best day of my existence! Seeing the hope of order being restored soon… Such happiness!"

The Ultimate Moral Compass' hopeful tears were shared by his boyfriend as they exchanged a soft kiss, making everyone smile at the scene. Quickly after, Leon and Sayaka shared a kiss of their own, making their neighbors, Mukuro and Celeste roll their eyes kindly.

"I believe you've succeeded, Sakura." the soldier told her former sparring partner, the suspicion she had carried in her eyes throughout the whole trial replaced by relief. "Your sacrifice made them all realize… Even if the price was high, this was masterfully done. On everyone's behalf, you have my eternal thankfulness."

The eight students began to clap and cheer for their friend, making her show an embarrassed blush they had never seen before. The only thing stopping them was Kyoko's voice through the screen.

"Well? Now can you say that Sakura's death had no meaning?" the Ultimate Detective asked Monokuma, an amused smile on her lips.

"Hmph. How boring. But nothing good can come of this." the bear said, sounding like a sore loser. "I'm still gonna be the one having the fun time!"

"The fun… time?" Hiro echoed worriedly.

"Anyway, let's forget about that good-for-nothing backstabber and get back on track!" Monokuma ordered, referring to Byakuya. "It's the moment you've all been waiting for! Punishment time!"

"H-Hey, hold on a fucking minute!" Mondo immediately yelled. "Mukuro told us there wasn't an execution in case of a suicide!"

"…I think I know what Junko has in mind." the soldier said, looking extremely serious. "She won't execute a student. She won't execute a 'person' for that matter… Damn it, I should have known she'd find it…" suddenly, she stood up, telling everyone, "It won't be bloody, but the next execution will be shocking, I'm sure of it. Junko's going to execute someone innocent… in an attempt to take away their hope… I… would close my eyes while it's happening if I were you… e-especially Chihiro…"

"H-Huh…?" the petite programmer looked up and noticed Mukuro's pained look. "W-Why, Mukuro…?"

"O-Oh no, don't tell me…?" Taka said his smile from before turning sad. Mukuro could only nod. "I-It's alright, Chihiro… M-Mondo and I are here to support you… E-Everyone is here to support you…"

"Wait, but… Sakura was technically the killer, right? And she's dead!" the serial killer exclaimed maniacally, the word 'dead' in her mouth still sounding terrifying.

"Y-You're not gonna…!" Makoto began, doubts making him pause before he could finish.

"I-Is it me…?" Hina gasped, covering her mouth with her hand, even if her eyes filled with terror.

"Oh heavens, no!" Monokuma denied. "Just cuz the blackened is dead doesn't mean I can sub in whatever ol' student I want! Didn't I tell you!? I'm very particular about the 'Bear-Times-One' rule! But I spent so much time preparing my special punishment, it'd be a shame to let it go to waste! So, for my special punishment… I've prepared a special guest!" he announced.

"A special guest…?" the Ultimate Lucky Student muttered, as did the few students in the Afterlife Theater who had not yet understood what was going to happen.

"Let's give it everything we've got! It's… PUNISHMENT TIIIME!"

Sakura chose to close her eyes out of respect. Witnessing Monokuma's needless violence was not something she wanted to do anymore, even now what she had crossed the doors of death. Instead, the Ultimate Martial Artist preferred to recall her moments shared with Hina, and there were many of them.

Aoi Asahina had changed Sakura Ogami more than anyone had ever done or ever would do. The girl wished she could tell her friend how much she meant to her, and how much her friendship had changed her life and how it was now making her smile in death. She had hope for everyone, of course, but Hina held a dear spot in her heart.

I know you'll live, Hina because you're too stubborn and resilient to die now. And I know you'll be there when hope will rebuild the world, and even if I am not alive anymore, my thoughts shall always be with you, and I will be praying for you at all times.

Hina, I hope life grants you love and happiness, because you deserve them more than anyone in the world. I'll never forget you, my dearest friend…

And when Sakura's prayers left the Afterlife to give her friend the strength needed to pursue her hope, this marked the moment the tide turned. Honor had paved the way towards a victory where hope had overcome despair. It was a small victory, but they would take it.

When everything was despair, a flash of hope, no matter how small or brief it was, could not be overlooked.

To be continued…


A.N: Having to reread Sakura's suicide note... Well, it was not fun, not gonna lie. Honestly, there were so many other scenes I wanted to write in this chapter, but it would have been way too long, honestly... Anyway, I hope you liked it. The next chapter is technically the last one, even if there will be an epilogue after that. Until then, please leave a review and I hope you have a nice day, everyone! :)