Frankly, Hajime had a fantastic time playing with Chiaki. For about 5 minutes. Then the screens stationed around the clearing and assumedly the rest of the islands, flared to life.

"H-Hewwo?"

Hajime jerked back in surprise, turning to stare at the now activated devices. The portable console sat in his hands, forgotten. To his surprise the screen was occupied by…a pink plush rabbit?

Right, that must be Usami.

Acute observation. It's not like you met her on the beach less than an hour ago.

Do you ever shut up?

"Hello everyone! I'm glad to see everyone's getting along so far! To celebrate settling in, please meet me on the beach for a special surprise!"

"Looks like Usami want us to meet the beach," Chiaki mused aloud. Hajime glanced at her.

"We should probably head off, right?"

"Yeah," she sighed.

The two pulled themselves off the bench, Chiaki rubbing her eyes sleepily. They began the walk across the bridge, the pacing slow as the gamer girl meandered across.

We're totally going to be the last ones there.

But Hajime kept quiet anyway, sparing glances at the girl next to him, making sure she didn't fall asleep mid step, or, god forbid, fall off the bridge entirely.

Izuru was stull conspicuously silent since his last jab back in the clearing.

Izuru?

What is it?

Your reaction…I haven't known you for very long, but I don't think you usually react like that to meeting new people. Did you know Chiaki? From before this? I still don't know who you are, because your explanation basically made no sense whatsoever, but you seem to know what's going on. Is she important?

…No. I didn't know her. Not technically. But yes. Yes she was.

Hajime didn't know how to respond to that and continued to walk in silence.

Eventually the two (three, if he counted Izuru) arrived on the first island and made their way down onto the beach. As expected, everyone had already arrived before them, shifting and glaring at the sand as they waited. Usami was nowhere in sight.

"About time!" huffed Byakuya. "Where on earth were you two? We've been waiting here for well over five minutes. The island is quite small, I can't imagine it would have taken you that much time."

Hajime offered a muttered apology, rubbing the back of his neck. Chiaki smiled lightly, and there was a sudden flash of moment. An explosion of white light and sparkles appeared above the sand, and from it out jumped a pink, plush bunny.

"Hi-ya!" she called. People had varying reactions. From a muttered oath (Byakuya) to a screech (Ibuki) to a full out scream (is Kazuichi's vocal cords okay?), the general response was surprise and panic. Usami ignored all this and continued to speak anyway. "I'm glad everyone made it. I don't think I've properly introduced myself to everyone here, so I'll do that now! I'm Usami, the magical bunny girl! With a wave of my magical stick, I can make dreams come true! I hope we can all get along for the rest of our heart pounding school trip!"

Mahiru recovered first, taking a small step forward. After a quick measuring glance up and down the rabbit, she spoke. "So, what's the surprise?" she questioned.

"Right!" Usami perked up, swinging her wand in the air. "I guess everyone is excited for my super special surprise! Well, here it is! Ta-da! Limited edition magical girl Usami straps!" With a wave and a flash, 16 bright pink phone straps popped into existed, and were flung towards the students. Hajime grabbed his out the air as it approached, before opening his fist to study the bright pink monstrosity more closely.

Are we…supposed to be pleased about these? They're so ugly!

"I hope everyone liked their surprise! I made them myself!" Usami cheered, giving a quick twirl.

"Why the hell would I be happy with this shit?!" A new voice cut through the confusion and made Usami cower. A short, blonde haired boy in a pinstripe suit shoved his way to the front, fist curled angrily around the Usami strap.

"Fu-Fuyuhiko!" Usami squeaked nervously. "What's wrong? You don't like it?"

"Tch." Fuyuhiko glared down at the plush bunny. "I don't want this damn strap. I want some answers. You just whisked us away out of nowhere, pulling some bullshit magic trick, claiming we're on this island for some sort of school trip? I don't think so." The mafia's eyes narrowed. "I mean, I accepted that excuse at first, because Hope's Peak is known for some over the top stuff, but after sleeping on it, I realised that doesn't make sense at all!"

"W-what do you mean?" Usami responded nervously.

"There's never been anything like this listed in the records, for one." He snarled. "And second, I don't remember agreeing to no school trip. Especially not to some island in the middle of fuck-knows-where! And I damn-well don't believe my family would ever have let me leave without having been asked permission." His eyes narrowed, and a small smirk fluttered on his lips. "Unless you didn't ask? Do you have a death wish or something?"

"H-Hey," Hajime stuttered, surprising even himself. "That's going a bit far, don't you think?"

The boy turned sharply, a menacing gleam in his eyes. "And who the fuck are you?" he demanded, eyes raking him up and down.

"H-Hajime Hinata." He gulped. "I don't think we've properly introduced." That's right, he was the guy taking a nap in the lobby!

You only realised that now? I was almost surprised for a moment, I didn't think you were suicidal. No, you're just impressively dull, as always.

We've known each for maybe an hour or two! And shut up! What was his talent again?

"Huh. You're that guy who passed out on the beach earlier, yeah?" the boy grinned. "The name's Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu. I'm the Ultimate Yakuza."

…Fuck.

Language.

"So what?" Fuyuhiko sneered, ambling towards him. "You don't like my attitude? You're gonna what? Stop me? I'd like to see that." He added, looking Hajime up and down.

Well now I'm just offended.

Hajime remained silent, unsure of how to respond. He didn't want to make Fuyuhiko angrier, but the feel of the eyes of every other student there made him want to stand his ground. He wasn't a coward, damn it!

Before any serious incidents could occur, however, Usami's shrill voice cut through the tension. "Enough! The purpose of the school trip is to become closer friends with one another, not to fight!"

Usami coughed lightly, before quieting her voice. "So please, try and get along."

"Tch." Fuyuhiko grumbled. He turned, digging his hands into his pockets and relaxing into a slouch. "Whatever. I'll figure it out eventually."

"So now that everyone has their straps, how about we have some fun?" Usami continued brightly.

"Fun?" Ibuki gasped.

"Fun sounds good!" Kazuichi added excitedly.

"Hmph. Have you all already forgotten the task at hand?" Byakuya demanded. "The yakuza is right; this situation as it stands is unacceptable and very suspicious!"

"R-Relax, dude," Kazuichi said. "Look, it's a school trip. We're on a beautiful island with hot chicks. Besides, it's not like can do anything about it right now; while we're here we may as well go with the flow!"

"Kazuichi is right," Nagito pitched in smoothly. "An opportunity like this doesn't come along often. Usami, you said something about fun? What did you have in mind?"

"What else? We have beautiful white sand and a deep blue ocean right hewe! Let's go for a swim! Here, I have swimsuits for everyone!" And with that she waved her wand and a pile of black school issue swimsuits popped into existence.

"Oh, hell yeah!" Akane whooped. "I ran the whole way here, I'm hot as hell! Let me at 'em!" Before anyone could so much as say a word, so darted forward, snagging a female swimsuit off the pile and took off in the direction of the closet building.

"Wait for me!"

"Oh my…I can't miss out on an opportunity like this!"

"Ah! Traditional school swimsuits! We do not have these back in home country. I must try one on!"

And with that, Kazuichi, Teruteru and Sonia also grabbed swimsuits and headed off to get changed.

"H-Hang on…" Hajime stuttered. He had so many things he wanted to say. Were they really just going to off like this? What about the fact they've been basically kidnapped? What about the way all the ways off the island have been conveniently dismantled? What was this pit of anxiety that sat in his stomach like a rock? What about Izuru's ominous warnings?

"Hmph. Fine. There is not much we can do at present, that much is true, I suppose. However, I shall not be participating in this event." With that Byakuya turned around and stomped off, resting beneath the set of palm trees on the beach. Chattering began to swell as the different students began to grab their respective suits and wandered off. Eventually, the only ones left on the beach were Hajime, Peko, Fuyuhiko, Chiaki, Hiyoko and Byakuya, accompanied by Usami of course.

Hiyoko was quick to poke out her tongue at the rest of the group. "Just cause I'm not swimming doesn't mean I'm hanging with you losers. Squishing Mr Crab is more fun instead! See ya!" and with that she scuttled off down the beach, giggling manically. Hajime glanced around the clearing. Fuyuhiko stood awkwardly, arms crossed. Peko stood a few meters away from him, shooting him a glance every so often. Byakuya sat under the tree, eyes closed, and Usami stood humming to herself, waiting for the students to return. He turned to Chiaki to find her snoring softly, still standing on the sand.

"Chiaki?" he called softly. She awoke with a jolt, bringing up a hand to rub at her eyes.

"Mhhmm? Yes, Hajime?" she murmured sleepily. Hajime felt a strange jolt go through him at the sound of his name falling from those lips sleepily.

"A-Are you going swimming?" he asked awkwardly.

Chiaki shook her head. "I'm feeling a bit tired," she murmured. "It'd be bad if I fell asleep while sleeping."

"Ah yeah…that'd be very bad." He agreed.

"I'm going to take a nap for a bit," she said with a yawn. And with that her head rolled forward and the sound of soft snores recommenced.

"All right then," he said to himself. He hung awkwardly at Chiaki's side, looking around anxiously. The ominous feeling just wouldn't dissipate and he couldn't bring himself to just go swimming like the others. In his glancing, he managed to accidentally catch Peko's eye. They stared at each other for a moment. The swordswoman hesitated, seeming to ponder something, shooting a glance at Fuyuhiko before seeming to straighten her shoulders. She approached in measured strides, poker face in place. Hajime waited for her approach curiously, shifting in the sand. She finally reached him, and paused silently. Finally, she spoke.

"I believe we weren't able to have a proper conversation the first time we met," she said shortly, arms crossed.

"It was pretty short," Hajime acknowledged carefully. Peko still gave him the jitters. It probably had something to do with the sword on her back, the way her fingers were always twitching readily, how her posture always rested on the balls of her feet, ready to lunge into action, the way - Hajime shook his head lightly, shaken. For a moment, his thoughts hadn't quite been his own. It was almost like they'd started to sound like –

"-alright?"

He jumped. "Um, w-what? I mean, what did you say sorry, I missed that." He apologised hurriedly. Peko had a concerned look on her face and seemed to be studying his face. He felt himself flush in embarrassment but attempted to maintain eye contact anyway.

"I asked whether you were quite alright." She said slowly. "You were quite shaken when we arrived earlier today. You appeared to have calmed down during your explorations, but you look quite sick at this moment. Is there something on your mind?" She said the last part awkwardly, as if the words weren't quite natural.

Hajime chewed on his lip for a moment before exhaling heavily. "Don't you think this is all too suspicious?" he ended up blurting. Peko raised an eyebrow.

"Of course. Both the manner and circumstances around our arrival, are, for one, very suspicious." She allowed. Seeing the look on Hajime's face, however, she quickly amended her statement. "However, as our classmates said previously, there is not much we can do at present. While I do not agree frolicking in the surf is the appropriate course of action;" she paused. "I agree that perhaps relaxing and bonding with our new classmates would be in our best interests."

"About that," Hajime mumbled. He glanced at her face, searching her eyes. "You don't…recognise anyone here, do you?" Peko stiffened suddenly, and Hajime instincts screamed at him to run. She glared at him warily.

"Not beyond the descriptions provided in the forums," she said coldly. "Is there a reason you ask?"

Hajime sighed again. "You're going to think I'm mad," he admitted. "But I just. I could have sworn that I already attended Hope's Peak before now. Or, I already started at some point? Either way, I can't remember anything clearly, and I can't even remember the reason why I was admitted. I just have this horrible feeling that something bad is going to happen. Everyone seems to just want to go with the flow, but I think something is wrong." He paused. "No, I know something is wrong." He corrected. "But like you said, I can't do anything about it. It's driving me nuts." He drooped tiredly.

Peko studied him curiously. "What you're saying…It sounds like you believe yours, and by extension, everyone's memory has been altered."

"I-I know it sounds far-fetched, crazy even-" he began.

"It is fine." She interrupted. "It is far-fetched as you say, and I can't say I believe you, but I will certainly keep it in mind. You do not look like someone who would lie, Hajime, and you certainly seem to believe what you're saying. In fact, I see intelligence behind those eyes. I will take your warning seriously. I thank you." And with that, she turned away and began her walk back to her original place. Hajime gaped after her for a moment, before straightening himself.

"That went better than expected," he muttered. The sound of screaming made him jerk harshly, and he saw Peko brace on the other side of the beach. He relaxed quickly when he realized the sound was that of a dozen or so teenagers running down the path towards the ocean, already shoving and laughing and they ploughed through the sand, launching themselves towards the sparkling water. Another set of screams filled the air as they touched the chilly water, splashing each other with their hands. Nekomaru laughed uproariously, while Teruteru flitted back and forth drooling at the number of attractive bodies glistening in the sunlight.

Hajime smiled at the sight. Everyone…they looked like they were having fun. It was tempting. So very tempting. Perhaps, if he didn't have these butchered remnants he was sure were memories, and if Izuru's warnings didn't rig in his head, he wold join them. And even so, maybe he hit his head? Maybe Izuru was a construct of his imagination? What if he was wrong? He wanted to be wrong. But he couldn't bring himself to believe it. Not now. So he lowered himself to the sand and smiled, unmoving, without grabbing anything from the pile of swimsuits as he watched the others frolic in the waves. Eventually the group began to exit the water, one by one, dripping wet and flopped on the warm sand. Eventually someone yelled something about a sandcastle competition and all hell broke loose. Teams of three and four formed on the sand as students scrambled to get the best team and most sand. Nekomaru was able to scrape up a ridiculous large amount into a formless lump, while Akane did her best on another team to match him. Gundham created intricate tunnels in his team's castle, as the Dark Devas tunnelled carefully through the structure, with Sonia looking on, instructing on the proper architecture for a proper castle. Kazuichi made the mistake of calling out.

"Hey, Fuyuhiko or whatever, want to join our team? We're one short!"

"Do I look like a child?!" Fuyuhiko snarled in response. "Do it yourself!"

Kazuichi flinched hard, and turned away, tears in his eyes as he focused back on the sandcastle silently. Hajime watched them for a while, feeling left out. Swimming had felt like a bad idea; getting changed into a thin swimsuit, stuck in the ocean. It made him feel vulnerable. But maybe, since he was already on the sand, as long as he tried to keep it out of his shoes…? He made a decision, and took a couple of tentative steps.

"Hey, uh, Kazuichi was it?" he called out. The pink haired boy raised his head in shock, swivelling his way.

"Y-Yeah, what's up?"

"Uh, you said you're one short, right? Do you mind if I join?" Hajime asked carefully.

Kazuichi brightened instantaneously. "Hell yeah, dude! Get over here!"

Hajime trotted over with a grin and settled down to help build…whatever this amalgamation was. The sandcastle, if it could be called that, accurately represented the mess that was the group. It appeared to host all the leftover students, unwanted from other groups, consisting of Kazuichi, Teruteru and Nagito. All three boys seemed pleased at his presence as he carefully settled on the sand, Teruteru proclaiming some flirtatious declaration, Kazuichi patting him on the back and even Nagito sent a bright smile his way. Apparently the sandcastle was a mess because none of the three could agree on what they were actually building. Kazuichi insisted on some sort of mecha-style robot, Teruteru went on about building a statue of a woman, and Nagito suggested, as non-confronting as possible, that they build a copy of Hope's Peak. Hajime just shrugged when he was asked to give his opinion. The only feature they agreed upon was a deep and broad moat surround the indistinguishable lump of sand. Of course, once completed, the arguments started again.

"How about we grab some shells to decorate?" Hajime suggested desperately, as a form of peace keeping. The three glanced at each other and agreed, murmuring.

"Whatever. I'm staying here." Kazuichi sighed.

"I'll help," Nagito offered. "I may as well be of some use, after all." The two boys stood, dusting off their clothing (or swimsuit, in Nagito's case) and glanced in disappointment at the awesome sandcastles being constructed by the other groups.

"Perhaps we should head to the rockpools to look?" Nagito suggested lightly. He seemed to be enjoying himself on the beach, although the red patches on his skin and his shivering suggested his body did not feel the same. Hajime glanced around, his eyes catching on a pale spot in the sand further up the beach.

"What's that?" he asked, pointing. Nagito turned and squinting, before his eyes widened.

"I'd say you hit the jackpot, Hajime," he chuckled. He began to make his way up the beach, Hajime hesitating for a moment at the strange tone and odd expression the lucky student had used as he spoke. He eventually followed, and stopped at the pile of smooth, pale scallop shells. As they went to grab them, the sound of a wave breaking and screams of shock made them pause and turn. While they were away, a massive wave had apparently appeared, crashing with force up the beach. Everyone working on the castles were soaked, and, Hajime noticed, the sandcastles ruined. His group's sandcastle was worse for wear; the lump structure had melted under the water into a smooth column. In fact, it actually looked…better, he admitted with surprise. Considering the fact that it was also the only one standing (and with a very full moat), he'd even say they were the winner of the contest, especially with the shells they added.

"One more thing!" Nagito called, trotting over to where the three were making the final touches. With a flourish, he produced a beautiful feather, one that shimmered blue and green in the sunlight. He reached over his fellow students and placed it into the top of the castle with great care.

The sky went dark.

Hajime froze. Clouds, thunderous ones, had appeared with the same suddenness that Usami had pulled the straps and swimsuits out of thin air. They weren't there one moment, and here the next. His heart hammered in his chest and he urgently stumbled to his feet.

I knew it I knew it I knew it

Finally. Izuru sighed. The game begins.

A shout and a scream rose from behind him and he twisted, almost falling in the sand with his urgency. A small flash and Usami cried out, as the screen hung on the palm tree next to them spluttered to life.

"Ah ah ah! Mic test, Mic test! Can you hear me? Helllooooooo?" A laidback, nasally voice came out of the machine and a silhouette flickered ominously on the screen.

"No way," Usami stuttered. "That voice…it can't be. This is bad. This is very bad."

Hajime felt the bottom of his stomach drop away. The voice…it was malicious and gleeful all at the same time. He wanted to throw up. Hours of paranoia were finally coming to a head, and he found himself trembling hard. His breathing was a mess, and he barely noticed the confused students crowding around him. For a moment, everything seemed to drop away. When he came back, he found his breathing was even again, and the rest of the students had firmly crowded around, eyes fixated on the small screen.

"Ahahahaha! Hello there, dear students!" The voice continued. "The oh-so-boring part of this trip is over! Hurry over to Jabberwock park, asap! I wouldn't want to be late either, if I was you!"

"I need…I need to stop this!" Usami declared. With a small flash, she disappeared, likely in the direction of Jabberwock park.

"Jabberwock park…that's on the middle island, right?" Kazuichi asked nervously.

"That is correct." Byakuya said slowly. He turned to Hajime, eyeing his pale face. "Pull yourself together," he told him. "Everyone should hurry. This doesn't sound like an event you'd want to be late to."

Hajime gulped and inhaled shakily.

He is correct.

Izuru? You're back?

Make your way to the park immediately. It's time to, as Chiaki may say, to 'up the difficulty'.

I don't want to up the difficulty! I was quite happy playing on easy mode, making friends!

Should have chosen Island mode.

What? Wait, that doesn't matter. What's happening? I know you know Izuru!

Just go to the central island. And please make note to actually breathe properly. I'm not planning to jump in and take over you start hyperventilating.

So that's what happened. Hajime pondered Izuru's true motivations as he ran towards the island. He knew that this…whatever this was, was going to happen, claimed he was on the sidelines, and yet continued to give Hajime advice. Nonsensical advice, but advice all the same. Shaking his head, he focused on running, eventually skidding into the clearing that way Jabberwock park. The rest of the group that hadn't swum was already there, along with Usami shaking her magic stick in the air and yelling something. He heard the patter of footsteps behind him as those who had to stay behind to get changed arrived one by one.

"Where are you?" Usami yelled. "Come out right now!"

The last of the students filed in, wandering confused. A giggle penetrated the tense air, and everyone spun towards the massive statue in the centre. It seemed to glare down at the group of students and Hajime shuddered.

"Upupupupupup!" it giggled again. A flash of black and white had everyone stumbling backwards as…another stuffed toy appeared? It landed after an impressive flip on the base of the statue, raising its arms to the sky like a gymnast. It was a black and white teddy bear. The left side looked harmless and sweet, with a small button eye and smiling mouth, all completely white. The right side looked malicious, with a red eye like an open wound, and a mischievous smile stretching far too wide.

"Ahem," it said. Everyone glanced each other in confusion. "Hello there! Thank you for waiting! I'm running a bit late today, I apologise. Why, when I saw who we were going to have as a participant, I was trembling with joy!"

"Participant?" Fuyuhiko muttered.

"My name is Monokuma! I am the headmaster of this academy!" the bear crooned. "And I am pleased to tell you, the days of this boring, lacklustre, super ultra lame school trip is over!"

"Monokuma!" Usami gasped. "How are you here? This place isn't yours, you shouldn't be here! And my school trip isn't lame! It's the heart-pounding school trip! I won't let you carry out whatever you're planning!"

"Aha!" Monokuma yelled, flinging himself forward. "An opening!" he flew towards Usami in an instant, who flinched at the sudden movement. Latching onto the 'magic stick' as she called it, he wrestled her to the ground. A great ball of dust rose from the park grass as to two fought. Maniacal laughter and cries filled the air and Hajime found himself rooting for the white rabbit.

Don't bother. They wouldn't have approached if they weren't prepared.

Sure enough, the dust cleared, revealing Monokuma standing atop a dirty Usami and a broken magic stick.

"No," she whimpered. "Not my magic stick!"

"Too bad, so sad!" Monokuma growled. "Now, it's time for this lamesauce school trip to end. Don't you know how boring lovey dovey friendship and living in harmony is? No, what people want are terror and despair! Misery and death! Gore and uhh… I ran out of examples. It doesn't matter! Cause now we're gonna spice things up! It's time for the Killing School Trip!"

"Killing school trip?" Nekomaru rumbled. "What on earth is that?"

"Exactly what is sounds like!" Monokuma said gleefully. "Doesn't a trip where everyone as to get along to leave sound boring? Instead, if you want to leave, kill a student, pass the class trial, and you're home free!"

"Ah, I see we just have to kill…WAIT WHAT?" Kazuichi screeched.

"That's insane!" Byakuya gasped.

"I don't want to believe this, I won't believe this, I can't…" Teruteru chanted.

"GAHHHHHHH!" Ibuki screamed.

"Is this some sort of fucking sick joke?!" Fuyuhiko seethed.

"W-W-What is this?" Mikan cried.

"W-What even is a class trial, anyway?" Mahiru asked, voice trembling.

"I'm glad you asked!" Monokuma crowed. "All you gotta do is kill someone, doesn't matter how, and then get away with it! After a murder, everyone will come together and try to piece together the evidence to figure out whodunnit! If you get away with it, you go free! If not, you get punished! If the class doesn't figure out the real killer though, they get punished instead!"

"A-And punished means?" Kazuichi asked timidly.

"Execution!" Monokuma answered cheerfully.

"No…way," Hajime whispered, mouth dry.

"Those are big words. I have to warn you, I don't want to get violent," Nekomaru warns. "But I will if I have to!"

"Heh, all I need to do is take out the bear, right?" Akane snarls, grinning evilly.

"I won't stand for this," Peko adds, reaching for her sword.

You knew. You KNEW about this. Why? Are you…are you on that thing's side? Did you plan this?

Hmph. Of course I knew. That doesn't mean I'm on that things side. As I mentioned before, I am a neutral party. I suggest you pay attention. Something is happening.

"Oh dear, we can't have that!" Monokuma continued to tease. "Let's see; if you wanna use force, then so be it! I guess I'll just use force too!" He spun around and raised his arms, starting a strange chant. The wind picked up the clearing, a cold and wet chill that seems to cling to everyone's skin. Some people backed away, fear clouding their features. "I summon thee!" the bear concluded with a grand gesture, and lightning split the sky. There was a massive rumble, and the statue began to glow. The figures that made up the statue began to shift and move, jointing squealing. A cloud of dust rose as they climbed down from their places. When it settled, it revealed a set of massive robots, eyes glinting red in the dark. Time seemed to stop. Hajime felt his breath catch in his throat and his body freeze. Everything that had been happening so far; their sudden and inexplicable arrival, the voice in his head, talking toys; all of it had been strange and almost beyond belief but this…this was going too far. He couldn't move. He couldn't breathe. He didn't…he didn't know how to deal with this, with any of this. He was just a normal person, what the hell! His thoughts seem to be mimicked on the faces of his fellow students, as, despite the obvious threat posed by the obviously malicious robots, nobody ran. Nobody moved. Nobody breathed.

"Behold! My monobeasts!" Monokuma cackled. It broke the silence for a moment, and severa people stumbled back a step in shock.

"M-M-M-Monster!" squealed Mikan.

"No, they're monobeasts!" snapped Monokuma.

"Is this dark magic? Or a weapon from the future?" Gundham exclaimed, face pale with horror.

"Oh, oh no," Sonia whimpered.

"G-Get behind me!" Usami cried out. "I'll protect everyone!"

"Oh? You're still here?" Monokuma said slowly, cocking his head. "Guh, I got carried away! I forgot to do the costume change! Ah beary me, I've been trying too hard to impress. Oh well, I can always do that later. For now, you're a perfect example for my lesson. Enough of this courage crap. Monobeasts, sick her!"

Usami trembled as the beats rose up. The groan and aqueal of metal on metal echoed in the clearing as a hatch opened in one of the beasts. A massive machine gun emerged slowly, swivelling as it warmed up. Helpless, the white rabbit could only watch as it moved to aim at her. The gun activated suddenly, with a bang and a flash, gunfire spewing forth. It ran her through, stuffing floating through the air. Bullets ricocheted around the clearing, and the tree behind the rabbit fell with a crash. A stray bullet barrelled towards Hajime, faster than he could blink. His vision went black for a millisecond, enough to let him know that Izuru had seized control moved them out the way before he could even think of reacting. He turned in shock to where the bullet had gone and pierced the tree behind him and gulped heavily. Turning back, he found Monokuma's gaze settled firmly on him with a knowing grin splitting his features.

Usami's hair ribbon floated down sadly, settling on the park floor. Everyone looked at it, some with horror, others with grief.

"That's enough for now," Monokuma said happily. "Now do you understand? You can't defy me. It doesn't matter how long it takes because there's no time limit, but there will be a murder. And it will be amazing, awesome, and absolutely despair-inducing. Anyway," he chirped, changing tone completely. "Look how late it is! I've updated the tablets to include the new killing trip rules," A ding rang through the clearing, confirming the bear's words, "along with a few other things." He giggled cruelly. "All right, sleep tight, kiddos!" And with that, he popped out of existence, and the beasts continued to hover, glaring silently.

Is this real? Am I really stuck in killing game? Am I…going to die?

The last thought chilled him to the bone. Would anyone actually…?

A quick glance around the clearing showed everyone standing awkwardly. Some took the news with dignity, including Peko, Byakuya, Hiyoko and Akane. Others, such as Teruteru, Kazuichi, Ibuki and Mahiru weren't doing so well, trembling where they stood.

"I won't believe it, I won't believe it, I won't believe it." Teruteru continued to chant.

"I don't…I don't wanna die…" Kazuichi sniffed miserably.

"If they were people or actual animals we could fight…But what the hell was that?!" Nekomaru roared.

"This seems impossible…" Mahiru whispered.

"That's because it should be," Byakuya sniffed. "Obviously those were robots, and that suggests Monokuma is one too. Therefore, there should be someone controlling them."

"You think someone here orchestrated everything?" Sonia gasped, daintily covering her mouth.

"It's possible, but we can't be sure. There could be someone else on the island," Byakuya allowed.

"Considering there's a change in the e-handbook, I'd say it's definitely a possibility," Nagito commented noncommittedly.

"Change?" Hajime repeated stupidly. Right, that…thing added new rules. He pulled his tablet out, fumbling with the switches, until it rested in one trembling hand. It hummed as it turned on, and he flipped to the rules section.

Rule 1: Extreme violence is prohibited on this island. Please live peaceful and relaxing lives with your fellow students.

Rule 2: Be considerate of each other and work together to obtain Hope Fragments.

Rule 3: Littering is not allowed. Let us coexist with this island's bountiful nature in "mutual prosperity".

Rule 4: The lead teacher cannot directly interfere with the students. An exception to this rule is made if any student violates a rule.

Rule 5: Once a murder takes place, a class trial will begin shortly thereafter. Participation is mandatory for all surviving students.

Rule 6:If the blackened is exposed during the class trial, they alone will be executed.

Rule 7: If the blackened is not exposed, the remaining students will be executed.

Rule 8: As a reward, the surviving blackened will be forgiven of their crime and allowed to leave the island.

Rule 9: The Body Discovery Announcement will play as soon as three or more people discover a body for the first time, not including the blackened themselves.

Rule 10: Destroying any property on this island without permission is expressly prohibited. This includes the surveillance cameras and monitors.

Rule 11: You are free to investigate this island at your own discretion. Your actions in this regard are not limited.

LAST RULE: Additional school trip rules may be added at the headmaster's discretion.

"These are the new rules, huh?" Hajime murmured aloud.

"Indeed." Nagito commented. "But they're not what I'm talking about."

"Huh? What are ya talking about then?" Akane asked.

"Check out the student profiles section," he said with a little smile. Hajime shot him a confused look, and flicked over the section in question. The profile section had a strip along the top with a little pixel artwork to represent each of the students. Until he'd met them, that figure had been black, and the profile blank of all detail. With Chiaki, the last profile had been filled in, with 16 little portraits lining the top. Except now…there wasn't 16 portraits. There were 17. Right before his own portrait, a new little icon sat.

"Hey, there's a new profile space in the student profiles!" Kazuichi exclaimed.

"Yeah, but it's blank," Mahiru frowned.

"That just means we haven't met them yet, genius," Fuyuhiko snapped.

Hajime glanced at his own e-handbook. That profile was decidedly NOT blank. A portrait of a boy with long black hair and red eyes glared back apathetically from the screen. A boy, he noted with some shock, with his face.

Izuru Kamakura, the profile read. It went on to list the same medical details as Hajime; height, weight, chest and blood type were all identical. Strangely enough, under 'birthday', it simply listed '?'. Likes were listed as 'interesting things' and dislikes as 'boring things'. Under special notes, it said 'Ultimate Talent/Ultimate?'.

Hajime swallowed heavily. This was a confirmation. One that Izuru was real, and not just some figment of his imagination. Izuru, who had known about the game beforehand. Izuru, who was currently the number one suspect as the identity of the mastermind. One thing was for sure, he couldn't tell anyone that the 'mysterious student' was present inside his head. Which meant, of course, he couldn't let the profile get filled in. He had to be careful not to let him out in front of students. Speaking of…

Didn't you speak to Nagito on the beach earlier? He thought with some alarm.

Relax. The -ehandbook system works on Hope shards. Izuru answered dismissively. Hope shards are gathered as students become closer to one another. I do not form attachments in response to familiarity as most do. As long as I do not become preferential towards anyone while in control, there should be no issue.

If that's the case, how did Nagito get his hands on my profile if I was unconscious.

A mystery indeed. I did introduce myself as you, if you're wondering. However, that should not have triggered the system. My best estimations point to either a malfunction unlocking the profile, or a bluff.

Bluff? So, it's possible the profile didn't unlock after he met me, and he took a bluff? How did he know my profile didn't list a talent then?

He probably guessed.

How?

Luck.

I'm starting to see what you mean by dangerous.

Indeed. In fact, I'd say the bluff suggests that he already suspects you.

Don't say that! You're scaring me! I'm already as paranoid as it is!

Hajime let out a shuddering breath and look around the park. Scared faces had become tired, or even angry as they studied the blank profile and rules listed in the handbook.

Byakuya sighed. "Unfortunately, it is not this mysterious student, or the mastermind that we must fear right now. It is, in fact, ourselves."

Everyone froze and glanced at each other.

That's right. Right now, our biggest threats are each other, and our own strength of resolve. Can I really say, standing here, that I won't eventually break? Can I really stand here and shout 'I'll never kill anyone!'? None of us have been in this situation before. Now that I'm paranoid, I'm sure it will continue to grow. I have to try my best, and hope that I can withstand the pressure.

"I believe we should retire," Sonia said softly.

"I-I-I can cook something to eat!" Teruteru babbled. "Anyone want something to eat?"

"You can eat first," Chiaki said firmly. "I think everyone needs a rest before that."

Hajime agreed. And with a heavy heart, each of the students turn and wander back to the hotel slowly, despair nipping at their heels.

The killing game starts.

Students 'alive': 17

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Hello there, time for another chapter! I've finished my classes for the year, so I'm hoping for faster updates. Are you ready for the killing game to begin? There are so many little changes beginning to waterfall here, and I'm so exciting to see them start to come together! I omitted a lot of the little details the game went through, because I'm not planning on writing a fic that takes 50 hours to read (god, I can feel my fingers cramping at the thought) so I stripped it own the important stuff. Oh, and sandcastles. Because you know, sandcastsles are fantastic, Kazuichi was my very first Danganronpa child, and I wanted to have Nagito's (and Hajime's) luck have some time to play. I love comments, they're everything to me, so pretty pretty please leave some, even if you commented last chapter! Fun fact, I nearly had Usami speaking OwO for the entire time, before I decided it was too hard to read. You have been spared. I wonder where we'll go from here.