Chapter 1: Monokuma the Bichrome Bear and the Island of Misfit Ultimates

Day:March 21 st Time:9:13 PM Location:Movie Theater-Theater #2

Kazuichi, Chiaki, Sonia, Kiyo, Hina, Mikan, Kaito, Maki, Keebo and Mondo were sitting in the first two rows.

''I guess this is all of us.'' Kiyo said. ''Thank you for joining me in this anthropological study.''

''Beats sitting on my ass all day.'' Mondo said with his arms behind his neck. He was sitting in the second row and had his feet on top of the seat in front of him.

''I'm only here because Kaito kept ringing the bell in my room.'' Maki said. ''It was this or killing him.''

''I bet you'll end up liking it.'' Momota smiled.

''I hope it's not too scary.'' Mikan muttered.

''So what are we watching?'' Aoi asked.

''We'll start with the uncut version of Cannibal Holocaust.'' Shinguji explained. ''I've already put the DVD in the projector.''

Day:March 21 st Time:9:36 PM Location:Hotel-Lobby

Hifumi, Gundham, Himiko, Angie and Hiro were sitting on two couches around a table, with a large board spread on top of it. Celeste was at a separate table, playing solitaire.

Tsumugi and Nagito entered the room. ''Is there still room for one more player?'' She asked, pointing to Komaeda.

''I'm afraid not.'' Hifumi said. ''We already have six.''

''Oh well.'' Nagito smiled sadly. ''That's just fair for someone like me.''

''You can join me if you please, Komaeda.'' Celeste said with a sweet smile. ''Blackjack is more fun than solitaire.''

''I guess I'll accept the offer.'' Nagito took a seat in front of her.

''Have you already created your characters?'' Shirogane asked as she seated between Hifumi and Hiro.

''I'm a cat-girl mage.'' Himiko said with her finger raised.

''And I'm a troll shaman.'' Hagakure added.

''Angie is a angel priest.'' Hifumi continued. ''And I'm a sexy mermaid pirate.''

''What about you, Gundham?'' Shirogane asked.

''For this game, I'll be playing the role of Neos Evangelion.'' Tanaka smirked. ''Son of an hybrid of angel and demon and the exiled king of the dark elves. Raised by desert unicorns since a very young age and employed in a company of mercenary orcs. Versed in both the dark arts and the sword, and with the power to control animals.''

''I don't think you'll have enough skill points for all that.'' Tsumugi said, sweating. ''You might have to stick with a plain dark elf black mage. But this team seems to be lacking physical power. I think I'll be a draconid knight then.''

Day:March 21 st Time:10:44 PM Location:Hotel-4 th F-Tenko's Room

Tenko was tossing and turning in her bed. She wanted to sleep, but she couldn't do it with Miu squealing in the neighboring room.

She decided to go give her a piece of her mind. She got up from bed, changed out of her pajamas, and walked angrily out of the room, but she found Ishimaru standing in front of Iruma's room, staring at the distance.

''Did you come here to scold Miu and Hanamura, too?'' Chabashira asked.

''I've seen...things.'' Taka muttered. ''That was not appropriate in a school environment. That was not appropriate for any environment.''

The door to the room was slightly open, but Tenko decided not to look inside, and slowly walked back into her room instead.

Day:March 21 st Time:11:08 PM Location:Hotel-4 th F-Toko's Room

Toko could hear Iruma's moans from the neighboring room. Blushing, she put her ear to the wall, closed her eyes and shoved a hand up her skirt.

''Wow, you're more disgusting than I thought.'' A voice said behind her.

Fukawa turned around to see Saionji sitting on her bed, with Oma next to her.

''H-how did you get in here!?'' Toko yelled.

''I picked the lock.'' Kokichi smiled.

''W-what do you want!?'' Fukawa pointed at them.

''We were looking for a base of operations.'' Oma explained. ''And we figured that nobody would come bother us here.''

''Because nobody cares about you.'' Hiyoko scoffed.

''Why d-don't you use your own rooms!?'' Toko asked angrily.

''Mahiru could come to my room to check on me.'' Saionji said.

''Yeah, Hiyoko has one friend, somehow.'' Kokichi said. ''And I'm too suspicious. Everyone would realize we're up to something if we met in my room. So we need you to join our team.''

''A team to do w-what?'' Toko stuttered.

''To make fun of Mikan.'' Hiyoko said with an evil smile.

''That was a lie, idiot.'' Oma said staring at his nails. ''Our true goal is to find the mastermind.''

''What!?'' Saionji pouted.

''What m-mastermind?'' Fukawa asked.

''The person who brought us here, duh.'' Kokichi said. ''And if we assume we were drugged, then it has to be one of the people on this island, because no one else had access to those drinks. Which means we can't trust anyone else.''

''Then why do you trust us?'' Hiyoko asked.

''Because even a master liar like me couldn't fake being so dumb.'' Oma smiled.

Hiyoko kicked him off the bed.

Day:March 21 st Time:11:21 PM Location:Hotel-Lobby

''I open the chest.'' Himiko said.

Tsumugi looked at the map sheet. ''It's a trap.'' She sighed. ''An emerald dragon comes out.''

''Nyeh.'' Yumeno pouted. ''You said it'd be fine, Hiro.''

''It was a 30% chance.'' Hagakure shrugged.

''This is my prey!'' Gundham screamed. ''For the creature standing before us is the same beast that slayed my parents.''

''I thought it was the goblin thief from before that killed your parents?'' Hiro scratched his head.

''He was but a pawn following orders.'' Tanaka replied. ''The dragon was his master.''

''Please stop making up the lore as you go along.'' Tsumugi said, sweating.

''I'm the one that has to fight, anyway, right?'' Himiko asked. ''What a pain.''

''Don't worry, Himiko.'' Angie said. ''I'll cast Atua's blessing on you.''

''That's not an actual spell, Miss Yonaga.'' Hifumi said. ''Not that you can cast anything when you're dead.''

''If you believe in Atua, your soul never dies.'' The artist winked.

''I'll give Himiko part of my power.'' Tanaka crossed his arms.

''So you want to cast 'Magic Boost'?'' Shirogane asked. ''Then you have to roll eight or higher.''

''Nonsense!'' Gundham shouted. ''The power of one such as I can't be limited by the number on a dice!''

''Not this again...'' Hiro sighed.

In another table, Celeste and Nagito were playing blackjack.

''I won't draw more cards.'' Ludenberg said. She already had a nine and a ten.

''Give me one more, please.'' Nagito said. Celestia passed him a card and he looked at it with a smile. ''That's enough.''

''I have 19.'' Celeste said as she revealed her hand.

''21.'' Nagito revealed two 10s and the card he had just gotten, the ace of diamonds.

''You asked for another card with a 20?'' The gambler put a hand to her mouth in shock. ''That's by far too much risk for too little reward.''

''I knew I would get lucky.'' Nagito smiled. ''I drew a three and two kings one after the other in the last hand, so it was a given that something would offset it this time.''

''There's more to gambling than pure luck.'' Celeste smiled. ''Perhaps I could teach you the applications of risk management in chance games. It would serve me to hone my own skills, too.''

''I don't know why you'd bother with a guy like me.'' Komaeda shrugged. ''But if it can help you improve yourself, I'll be happy to be of use.

Day:March 21 st Time:11:55 PM Location:Movie Theater-Theater #2

The credits were rolling on the screen. Only Kiyo, Sonia, Keebo and Chiaki were still in the theater. Mikan had fainted and Kaito took her away. Harukawa followed. Kazuichi had run away screaming, Hina barely made it out of the place without puking and Mondo had simply stood up and left.

Sonia realized Chiaki was fast asleep, drooling on her seat, and tried to wake her up to no avail. The Ultimate robot also seemed to be unconscious, so Korekiyo shook him by his shoulders until he opened his eyes.

''Did you fall asleep?'' Shinguji asked.

''Extreme shock can cause my circuits to shut off.'' Keebo explained. ''It's similar to what you would describe as fainting.''

''We will watch 'A Serbian film' next.'' Kiyo said. ''Will you stay?''

''I'd rather not.'' Keebo grimaced. ''I will go to sleep instead.''

''Then please take Chiaki to her room.'' Sonia said. ''Sleeping here can't be good for her back.''

''Affirmative.'' Keebo picked up the gamer in his arms and carried her out of the theater while Kiyo went to switch the DVD in the projector.

Day:March 22 nd Time:12:09 AM Location:Hotel-4 th F-Nekomaru's room

Nekomaru got out of the bathroom, soaked and wearing nothing but a towel around his waist. Akane was standing in the middle of the room.

''What are you doing here!?'' Nidai shouted. ''Do I have to start locking my door!?''

''I can't sleep.'' Akane said with a finger in her ear. ''Teruteru and Iruma are too loud.''

''What does that have to do with me!?'' Nekomaru asked, picking his nose.

''Let's make more noise than them!'' Owari smirked.

''Everything has to be a competition with you, doesn't it?'' Nekomaru cracked his knuckles. ''Alright then. Let's see what you've got!''

Day:March 22 nd Time:12:17 AM Location:Hotel- 2nd F-Hallway

Hajime was about to enter his room when he saw Keebo come from the first floor, carrying Chiaki in his arms.

''Is she okay!?'' Hinata asked, worried.

''There's no need to worry.'' The robot said. ''She simply fell asleep while we were watching a movie with Korekiyo.''

''I never took Chiaki as the type to watch horror movies.'' Hajime said. ''Although I've seen her play survival horror games.''

''It's possible she just didn't want to be alone.'' Keebo suggested. ''That's why I went, too. But I have come to regret that decision.''

''So why are you carrying her?'' Hajime asked.

''We were not able to wake her up.'' K1-B0 explained. ''Sonia asked me to take her to her room.''

''But her room must be locked.'' Hinata said in thought. ''How do you plan to enter?''

''I assume she must be carrying her key on her person.'' Keebo said.

''So you're going to frisk her while she's asleep?'' Hajime frowned.

''What are you suggesting!?'' The Ultimate Robot blushed. ''You think I would try to take advantage of an unconscious girl!? It's because I'm a robot!? I didn't know you harbored such robophobic prejudices!''

''That's not what I meant.'' Hinata said, sweating.

''Where...am...I?'' Chiaki asked with a yawn. ''Why are you carrying me?''

''I was taking you to your room.'' Keebo said as he let her stand on the floor. ''You fell asleep during the movie.''

''Oh, yeah.'' Nanami nodded. ''That was a horrible movie. I didn't want to keep watching so I took a nap.''

''If you can't sleep we can play a game or something.'' Hajime offered.

''I'm still sleepy.'' Chiaki said as she walked towards the stairs. ''But thanks for the offer. And thank you for bringing me here, Keebo.''

''I should recharge, too.'' The robot followed her.

''I guess I'm alone tonight.'' Hajime muttered as he entered his room. ''As usual.''

Day:March 22 nd Time:2:00 AM Location:Movie Theater-Theater #2

''I think this will be enough for today.'' Korekiyo said after the movie ended.

''Indeed.'' Sonia nodded. ''It's quite late to do anything other than head for bed.''

''I must say, I didn't expect you would be the one to stay here until the end.'' Shinguji said as he caressed his face. ''I assumed a delicate princess would shy away from things of this nature. No offense.''

''None taken.'' Nevermind smiled. ''But it is not in my nature to be judgmental of things even if I can't comprehend them. As a princess, I will one day have diplomatic duties, so I'm expected to respect any culture, even if I may find something about them odd or disturbing. Furthermore, disquieting things are an inextricable part of our existence. Turning a blind eye to them is akin to refusing to understand our own world.''

''Wise words!'' Kiyo hugged himself. ''It is rare to find someone that truly appreciates the full scope of humanity's beauty. Will you join me for another session?''

''I shall.'' The princess replied.

Day:March 22 nd Time:7:45 AM Location:Hotel-5 th F- Hallway

Leon knocked on Sayaka's door. Ibuki opened it.

''You're already here?'' Kuwata asked.

''Yep.'' Ibuki saluted. ''I was so excited I woke up early!''

''Where is Sayaka?'' Leon asked.

''She'll be ready any moment now!'' Mioda replied. ''Come in!''

Leon followed Ibuki inside and they both seated on the bed.

Suddenly, Sayaka came out of the bathroom, wet and wrapped in a towel.

''Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!'' She screamed when she saw Leon.

''Holy cow!'' Mioda clenched her teeth. ''You got it going on, Maizono!''

''W-why didn't you tell me she was having a shower!?'' Kuwata blushed and looked away.

''If we're gonna be bandmates, we can't be shy around each other!'' Ibuki raised her finger.

''This has nothing to do with that!'' Maizono shouted. ''You can't just let a guy into my room like that!''

''Oh, so you're gonna be all embarrassed when Naegi comes, too?'' The Ultimate Musician smirked.

''W-what!?'' Sayaka blushed.

''It's obvious you have the hots for him.'' Ibuki crossed her arms. ''But I doubt that guy has gotten to first base. And if you don't have any experience either, it's just going to be lame.''

''W-what do you mean?'' Maizono put a hand to her face.

''I mean sex, duh.'' Mioda said. ''I bet you've never done it.''

''Well, I've done some things.'' Sayaka explained. ''But I've never gone all the way.''

''Some things aren't gonna impress Naegi.'' Ibuki said. ''That's why Ibuki is gonna teach you all her tricks!''

''W-what!?'' The Idol shouted.

''C'mon, you can't just show up in that towel and leave me hanging.'' Ibuki said, drooling. ''Don't be a tease! And you'll learn a lot! Leon can be our guinea pig!''

''W-what!?'' Kuwata shouted.

''Don't be boring like that guys!'' Ibuki cried. ''It's a fun way to bond with your buddies!''

''You know, I've actually always been curious about doing something like this.'' Sayaka said as she played with her hair. ''Maybe is not a bad idea. If Leon doesn't mind.''

''It's fine.'' Leon said. He had no idea what was going on, but he wasn't going to complain.

Day:March 22 nd Time:11:57 AM Location:Hotel-4 th F- Nekomaru's room

Nekmoaru got out of the bathroom. Akane was lying on the bed, naked.

''You're still here!?'' Nekomaru shouted. ''I thought you would have gone to get something to eat by now.''

''Let's go another round.'' Owari smirked. ''Food tastes better after exercise.''

''You never get tired, do you!?'' Nidai laughed. ''Well, you're out of luck this time. I've used a lot of energy taking that shit!''

''Then I might go find someone else.'' Akane pouted.

''Be my guest!'' The Ultimate Team Manager walked towards the door. ''Different training partners can help you improve your technique.''

Suddenly, they started hearing the loud tolls of a bell.

Day:March 22 nd Time:11:58 AM Location:South Area-Beach

Hina, Sakura and Tenko were lying on the beach after a few hours of swimming.

''Relaxing on the beach after swimming is the best.'' Hina muttered. ''The only thing that could improve this moment are donuts.''

''I just hope there aren't any degenerate males around staring at our swimsuits.'' Tenko frowned.

''The beach is a public place, though.'' Sakura commented. ''Should anyone come, we'd have no right to stop them, regardless of their intentions.''

Before Tenko could reply, a gigantic creature emerged from the ocean. It was so big that it covered the sun and engulfed the entire island in shadows. It was shaped like a teddy bear, with a white half and black half. The white half looked normal, but the black half had a red eye and a sinister smile.

Day:March 22 nd Time:11:59 AM Location:Church

Angie, Hiro and Himiko were sitting in a meditation pose.

''Is this even the appropriate type of church for Atua?'' Yumeno asked.

''Any church is appropriate for Atua.'' Angie replied. ''Because Atua exists in everything.''

''I'm the only one hearing the bell?'' Hiro asked. ''It's coming from the belfry.''

''I can hear it, too.'' Yonaga said. ''It must be a signal from Atua. Something important is going to happen.''

''Something bad or something good?'' Hagakure asked.

''I don't know yet.'' Angie replied.

Then, they started hearing a high-pitched laugh.

Day:March 22 nd Time:12:00 PM Location:Hotel-Rooftop

Junko and Mukuro were looking at the giant creature.

''He's here, he's finally here.'' Enoshima jumped around excitedly. She almost fell off the building, but Ikusaba grabbed her arm.

''Watch out.'' The soldier said.

''Thanks, Mukuro.'' Junko said in a cutesy voice. ''I was this close to be the first to kick the bucket. In the first minute, too. But this is so exciting. It's about to begin.''

''Upupupupupu!'' The bear's laugh echoed throughout the island. ''Monokuma appears!''

Day:March 22 nd Time:12:01 PM Location:Hotel-5 th F-Sayaka's room

Leon looked out the window. Sayaka and Ibuki were entangled in the bed behind him.

''What the hell is that thing!?'' He shouted.

''I'm glad you ask, Leon.'' The bear said. ''I am Monokuma, the god of this island!''

''W-what!?'' Kuwata flinched. ''It can hear me!?''

''As I said, I'm a god here.'' Monokuma said. ''I know everything that happens on this island at all times. And I have to say, some of you have traumatized this poor bear with your nasty shenanigans.''

Day:March 22 nd Time:12:02 PM Location:Hotel-4 th F-Chiaki's room

Chihiro rushed into the room and found the Ultimate Gamer lying on her bed, playing her handheld console with headphones.

Nanami took off her headphones. ''Is something wrong?'' She asked. ''You seem nervous.''

''Of course there's something wrong!'' Fujisaki shouted. ''So you don't know what that thing is, either!?''

''If you want to know what's going on, all you have to do is listen to me like good children.'' Monokuma said. ''You see, this is a killing game.''

Day:March 22 nd Time:12:03 PM Location:Library

Byakuya closed the book he was reading and walked outside.

Toko, Kokichi and Hiyoko came out from under the table and followed him.

''What in the world were you doing there?'' Togami asked.

''Spying on you.'' Hiyoko said with a smile.

''You gotta admit, your attitude is pretty suspicious.'' Oma said.

''W-who cares about that!?'' Toko yelled. ''What's t-this about a killing game.''

''A killing game is exactly what it sounds like.'' Monokuma explained. ''If you want to get out of this island you have to kill someone.''

Day:March 22 nd Time:12:04 PM Location:Restaurant-Dining Hall

Teruteru, the Ultimate Imposter, Miu, Kazuichi, Hifumi, Gonta, Korekiyo, Nagito and Kirumi were about to start eating.

''Kill someone!?'' Soda yelled.

''Allow me to explain.'' Monokuma said. ''When a body is found, you'll have some time to investigate and then there will be a class trial. I'll explain it in more detail when the time comes, but long story short, if you can figure out the perp, then they'll be punished. But if you can't, then everyone else gets punished and the culprit gets to graduate, aka leave this island. Oh, but they can also pick another person to take with them. That way they won't feel so lonely.''

Day:March 22 nd Time:12:05 PM Location:North Area-Cliffs

Ryoma and Rantaro were sitting on the cliff.

''A punishment?'' Hoshi adjusted his beanie. ''I already received mine.''

''I'm not talking about something as simple as jail.'' Monokuma laughed. ''A capital crime deserves a capital punishment. Plus, everyone enjoys a good execution.''

Day:March 22 nd Time:12:06 PM Location:Clinic-Patient's room #1

Mikan was treating Fuyuhiko and Owada. They had gotten into a scuffle over who was more intimidating of the two and had minor bruises. Ishimaru and Pekoyama were there with them.

''I know very well that rules must be enforced, but execution is excessive.'' Taka said.

''It's not like we're going to start killing each other just because some rejected Mickey Mouse ripoff tells us to.'' Mondo added.

''I know it's not that easy to get you kiddos to off someone.'' The bear said. ''That's where motives come in.''

Day:March 22 nd Time:12:07 PM Location:Hotel-Lobby

Celeste, Sonia, Gundham, Mahiru, Maki, Kaito and Korekiyo were hanging out in the lobby.

''A motive to kill?'' Maki asked in shock.

''Yep.'' Monokuma said gleefully. ''And to make clear that I'm serious, the first motive is something that will lead to someone's death no matter one.''

Day:March 22 nd Time:12:08 PM Location:Despairville-Main Street

Makoto, Hajime, Kaede, Shuichi, Kyoko, Nagito, Tsumugi and Keebo had run out of several buildings and were now looking at the giant bear towering over the island.

''In other words, an inescapable motive.'' Kirigiri said.

''You got it, Kyoko.'' Monokuma said. ''Has any of you woken up with something strange on their body? Maybe a mark that wasn't there before? What does it mean, you may ask? Well, that's the mark of the wolf. It turns you into metaphorical wolf. Whoever has it, please don't tell anyone. That would spoil the fun.''

''What do you mean by a metaphorical wolf?'' Hajime asked.

''Easy peasy.'' Monokuma replied. ''It means that you have to kill someone before midnight, or else you'll be the one that gets executed.''

''That is quite unfair.'' Keebo said.

''Yeah, it's pretty cheap.'' The bear laughed. ''But I want blood and I want it soon. Who knows how long it would take for someone to die if I didn't force it like this.''

''This can't be real.'' Kaede muttered.

''Well, I think that's enough for now.'' Monokuma turned around and started to walk back into the ocean. ''Have fun.''

''W-what is going on?'' Makoto asked to no one in particular.

When the bear disappeared, they heard another voice through the speakers.

''Please, everyone, gather at the town hall.'' Kirumi called. ''We need to...discuss this.''

Day:March 22 nd Time:12:20 PM Location:Town Hall-Debate Chamber

Everyone was sitting on their assigned seats.

''I think I speak for everyone here when I say: What the actual fuck just happened!?'' Miu said.

''That is a somewhat serviceable opening statement.'' Kirumi nodded. ''Does anyone have a proper understanding of the situation?''

''It's all fake.'' Teruteru said as he combed his hair. ''I don't believe any of it. That thing wasn't real.''

''How could it not have been real!?'' Hina shouted. ''I saw it with my own eyes!''

''To be fair, the existence of that creature goes against my grasp on reality.'' Keebo commented.

''The world is full of things we can't understand.'' Sonia said.

''Being skeptictal is one thing, but we can't just deny what we've seen and heard.'' Rantaro shrugged. ''Monokuma or whatever he was called was real, that's a fact. The real question is: Was he telling the truth?''

''You m-mean about that k-killing game?'' Toko stuttered.

''I, for one, won't be forced to play some vacuous game by the likes of such a pitiful creature.'' Gundham said.

''Do we even have a choice?'' Hiro asked, sweating. ''He said he was a god.''

''That's stupid.'' Angie said. ''Atua is the only true god.''

''There's an easy way to know if Monokuma truly has power over us.'' The fat Togami adjusted his glasses. ''He said one of us, the wolf, has a mark on them. Can anyone attest to that?''

''Ikusaba has wolf on hand.'' Gonta pointed out.

''That's a tattoo from when I was in Fenrir.'' Mukuro explained.

''If anyone has any weird marks on their body, this is the moment to talk!'' Kaito yelled.

Everyone started to look at each other suspiciously, but nobody said anything.

''I knew that degenerate male bear was lying!'' Tenko shouted.

''Do teddybears even have genders?'' Himiko muttered.

''You're too naive.'' Byakuya crossed his arms. ''Imagine you were the wolf. Would you speak up? Classmates or not, we don't know each other that well. Remember what being the wolf entails. According to Monokuma, it's kill or die for them. If they revealed themselves, everyone would be wary of them immediately. And that could potentially be detrimental to their interests. ''

''You don't mean...the wolf is planning to kill one of us!?'' Kazuichi grimaced.

''No, there's no way someone would kill over a threat that could easily be a lie.'' Kaede said.

''But are you willing to trust everyone here with your life?'' Maki asked.

''I bet it's Mikan.'' Hiyoko smirked.

''I-I'm not.'' Mikan stuttered.

''You assholes better not be suspecting me because I'm a yakuza!'' Fuyuhiko clenched his fist.''If I were the wolf, I wouldn't hide it like a coward!''

''That is a rather suspicious thing to say.'' Celeste said.

''Excusatio non petita, accusatio manifesta.'' Kiyo added.

''Going in circles about this will not help us.'' Peko said. ''If the wolf wishes to remain hidden, we have no choice but to respect their decision.''

''Yeah, let's not start pointing fingers at each other, okay?'' Makoto said sheepishly.

''Indeed.'' Kyoko said with a finger on her chin. ''This is probably the bear's true goal.''

''What do you mean?'' Hajime asked.

''Whether what he said was true or not, now we're starting to distrust each other.'' Shuichi explained. ''If Monokuma really wants us to kill each other, then a murder is more likely to happen now than it was before.''

''How low!'' Nekomaru punched the table.

''But we still don't know if it's true that there's a wolf.'' Leon said. ''Is murder an actual concern here?''

''There's only one way to find to find out.'' Akane cracked her knuckles. ''We all have to get naked!''

''Yeah, let's do that.'' Teruteru had a nosebleed.

''That is an invasion of our privacy.'' Mahiru frowned.

''I a-agree.'' Chihiro nodded. ''T-that is uncalled for.''

''Can you guys stop wasting time?'' Kokichi asked dryly. ''Who cares about the wolf?''

''But our lives could be in danger, Mr. Oma.'' Hifumi said.

''Yeah!'' Ibuki shouted. ''There's a wild beast on the loose. Ibuki is scared!''

''The wolf is as much of a victim as the rest of us.'' Oma said. ''It's the culprit we should be looking for.''

''The culprit?'' Ryoma adjusted his beanie. ''Of which crime?''

''Of bringing us here, duh.'' The Ultimate Supreme leader laced his hands behind his head. ''They were probably controlling Monokuma, too. There's no way that was living being. It was probably a robot or something like that.''

''That is certainly a possibility.'' Sakura nodded. ''However, we have no way of knowing who brought us here.''

''Well, the list of suspects is long, but not infinite.'' Oma smiled. ''It has to be one of us.''

''What?'' Tsumugi asked. ''This is starting to really feel like a crime drama.''

''Think about it.'' Kokichi added. ''We were the only ones with access to the drinks used to drug us.''

''That is true.'' Kyoko said. ''I came to the same conclusion, but I didn't want to bring it up and unnerve everyone.''

''So now the question is: Who of us did it?'' Nagito said.

''Whoever did it, please raise your hand and confess.'' Taka shouted.

''Yeah, that'll blow like an old lady's fart.'' Mondo scoffed.

Junko raised her hand. ''It was me, Junko Enoshima!'' She squealed.

''This is not the times for jokes, Junko.'' Sayaka said.

''It's not a joke.'' The fashionista pouted. ''I'm the mastermind, for realsies.''

''If you think about it, it makes sense.'' Shuichi said. ''She was the one that organized that party in the first place.''

''This is ridiculous.'' Byakuya frowned. ''There's no way she could have done something like this by herself.''

''But I didn't do it by myself.'' Junko said. ''I had the help of my trusty sister.''

''Is that true, Mukuro?'' Makoto asked.

''Y-yes.'' Ikusaba looked away.

''I still don't believe this.'' Teruteru said, sweating. ''They're pulling a prank on us.''

''There's an easy way to know.'' The Imposter said. ''If this is truly your doing, then where exactly are we?''

''Good question.'' Junko put on glasses. ''The truth is we're inside the Neo World Program.''

''And what the fuck is that?'' Fuyuhiko asked.

''It's a secret project developed by Hope's Peak.'' Enoshima explained. ''It's a simulation that goes beyond virtual reality. It's still in the beta phase, though''

''You mean we're in a virtual world right now?'' Hajime asked.

''But everything feels so real.'' Sonia muttered.

''Then this killing game is an actual game?'' Hiro laughed. ''Then we aren't in danger at all!''

''Of course is fucking game!'' Junko stuck her tongue out. ''That's why it's called a game. But if you die here, you're gone for real!''

''What!?'' Soda screamed.

''I'm telling you, this isn't the crappy VR you'd find in some videogame convention!'' Enoshima shouted. ''This is pretty much reality, but inside a computer. If you eat here, it fills your stomach in the real world, ff you lose an arm here, you lose it in the real world. If your head explodes here, it explodes in the real world, and if you fuck without a condom here, you might get preggers in real life.''

''Is that even p-physically possible?'' Fukawa stuttered.

''Never underestimate Hope's Peak Academy.'' Junko smiled.

''Why would they even develop something so dangerous?'' Himiko asked.

''It wasn't dangerous originally.'' Junko said in a sad voice. ''It was supposed to be used just to develop videogames. But then I had to come in an infect it with a virus. Sometimes thing go wrong.''

''A virus?'' Peko raised an eyebrow. ''As in a computer virus?''

''Yes.'' Enoshima replied. ''That is Monokuma's true nature. He's a virus that has taken over the admin privileges of the program. Designed by yours truly. I know how to program, even if I'm nothing compared to Chihiro.''

''If he has admin privileges, then he really is like a god here.'' Chiaki said.

''How could you get away with that!?'' Leon shouted.

''It was really hard.'' Junko said. ''The supercomputer running the program is hidden inside a cave. After we brought everyone here, I blew up thet entrance. Now everyone thinks we're all dead and the computer has been destroyed. No one will come looking for us. I've been planning this for months. And I have yet to hear a single thank you.''

''And you did all that just so we could play this 'killing game'?.'' Ryoma asked.

''Yep.'' The Ultimate Fashionista said in a cutesy voice.

''I knew this chick was crazy, but not this batshit insane.'' Mondo said.

''I sense great evil within this woman.'' Gundham closed his eyes.

''Truly, humanity is beautiful and full of surprises.'' Korekiyo commented.

''I don't know why you're doing this, but if you think we're gonna do what you want, you're the one underestimating us!'' Kaede stood up. ''We won't play your game! You can't make us kill each other with some nasty mind games! The students of Hope's Peak don't despair so easily!''

''Well said!'' Taka shouted.

''Such hope...'' Nagito said with a gleam in his eyes.

''Kaede is right.'' Hajime said. ''We should ignore Enoshima and try to find a solution ourselves.''

''If this is a machine, maybe Kazuichi can do something.'' Mahiru suggested. ''Get up and start working.''

''Why me?'' Kazuichi grimaced. ''This is virtual reality. I'm a mechanic. Fujisaki or Iruma know a lot more about computers than I do. Heck, even Chiaki could help, since this is kinda like a videogame. Why don't you tell them instead?''

''Because you're a guy.'' Koizumi put her hands on her waist. ''You should man up and take responsibility.''

Suddenly, Chihiro got up and bolted out of the room. Nanami glared at Mahiru.

''What's gotten into her?'' Rantaro asked.

''We shouldn't let him run around alone on the island.'' Mondo said. ''He could be in danger.''

''Him?'' Ibuki tilted her head.

''There's no time talk!'' Akane said. ''Let's go find Fujisaki before he gets into trouble or something.''

''Yeah, let's go look for our dear classmate Chihiro.'' Junko stood up.

''You aren't going anywhere.'' Sakura said. ''I'll be keeping an eye on you two.''

''I'll stay too.'' Hina said. ''Even for you, Mukuro would still be a threat if you're alone.''

Everyone else ran out of the town hall.

Day:March 22 nd Time:1:01 PM Location:School-Courtyard

Shuichi was looking around when Kaede came into the courtyard.

''He's not inside.'' The pianist said.

''Not here, either.'' Saihara said.

Suddenly, it started raining.

''What?'' Kaede looked up. ''It wasn't even cloudy a second ago.''

''I'm just adding some atmosphere.'' A high-pitched voice said. A much smaller version of the bear they saw before appeared before them.

''You can control the weather!?'' Kaede exclaimed.

''I told you I'm a god, didn't I?'' Monokuma smirked. ''And a beary powerful one at that. I figured that since this is tense moment, a storm would be fitting.''

''Kaede.'' Shuichi frowned. ''I think our situation could be far worse than we thought.''

Day:March 22 nd Time:1:12 PM Location:Town Hall-Debate Chamber

Sakura, Junko, Hina and Mukuro heard a loud thunder.

''Jeez.'' Hina said. ''Where did that storm come from?''

''I love it when the weather changes without warning.'' Enoshima said, drooling. ''It causes so much chaos and despair.''

''Is what Monokuma said true?'' Sakura asked. ''Will the wolf really be executed if they don't kill anyone before midnight?''

''If you don't believe me, all you have to do is wait.'' Junko smiled happily. ''Then we can all watch the punishment together like good friends!''

''What's wrong with you!?'' Hina shouted. ''There's no way we would let our friend die!''

''You say that like you can stop it.'' Enoshima said with a blank expression. ''I'm sure someone will die soon, and then you'll know the true meaning of despair.''

Day:March 22 nd Time:1:23 PM Location:South Area-Cave

Chihiro reached the end of the tunnel. He pulled a stalagmite and a blue screen appeared on the wall of the cave. He started pressing keys on it until he was able to insert a shutdown command. He got a message saying ''You have no permission to execute the following command: shutdown.'' Then he tried to enter the system as an admin and another message popped up: ''Wrong username or password.''

''No!'' The programmer shouted. ''They changed the password!? Well, don't freak out, Chihiro. With a little time, I can hack it.''

''Are you trying to shut down the game?'' A voice said behind him. ''It's a little early for that, don't you think.''

Chihiro turned around, but before he could see anything, a metal pipe hit him square in the forehead.

Day:March 22 nd Time:1:34 PM Location:Gaming House-Casino

Chiaki crawled up from under a poker table. ''She's not here.'' She said as she grabbed Keebo's hand. ''Let's look somewhere else.''

''It's quite rare to see you so nervous.'' The robot said. ''You must be really worried about him.''

''Of course I am.'' Nanami replied.

''You have not corrected me.'' Keebo said. ''As I suspected, Fujisaki is male, am I wrong?''

''That doesn't matter now.'' Chiaki dragged Keebo to the door. ''Let's go.''

''I've seen you two spend a lot of time together at Hope's Peak.'' Keebo commented. ''He's a very special person to you, is he not?''

''Yes.'' Nanami stopped in her tracks. ''But not in the way you think.''

''What do you mean?'' Keebo tilted his head.

''I'm not the Chiaki Nanami you know.'' The gamer confessed. ''I've never attended Hope's Peak Academy.''

''I don't understand.'' Keebo frowned in confusion.

''We are in the Neo World Program, right?'' Nanami explained. ''Chichiro helped build it, and Chiaki tested it. And the avatar she created...was me.''

''But then were is the real Nanami?'' The robot asked.

''I don't know.'' Chiaki put on her hood. ''But she's definitely not here. It's only the 47 of you and me here. There are no more players. I'm really worried about her, too. She and Chihiro are like my parents. I know it's not the same, but...''

Keebo gave her an awkward hug. ''As a robot, I understand very well how you feel.'' He said. ''If something happened to Professor Idabashi, I would be devastated.''

''Can you please keep my secret?'' Chiaki asked. ''I don't think things would turn out well if everyone knew what I am.''

''Count on it.'' Keebo nodded.

Day:March 22 nd Time:1:45 PM Location:Factory-Warehouse

''Chihiro!'' Mondo shouted. ''Chihiro!''

''This place is huge.'' Kazuichi complained. ''If she's here, it'll take us hours to find her.''

''You know what they say.'' Miu said. '' Flat-chested girls are always trouble.''

''Who says that?'' Mioda asked. ''Ibuki's never heard it.''

''I say it.'' Iruma smirked. ''And I'm a gorgeous girl genius.''

''I guess it depends on your definition of 'genius'. Soda muttered.

Day:March 22 nd Time:1:56 PM Location:Hotel-Rooftop

''She doesn't seem to be here.'' Mikan commented.

''But I'm the luminary of the stars!'' Kaito shouted. ''I always go the highest ground!''

''An all you get for your efforts is a soaked shirt.'' Harukawa said from inside the building.

''It was unlikely that she'd be here in the fist place.'' The Ultimate Imposter commented, looking around from the edge of the rooftop. ''However, if we look from above, we can increase our chances of finding her.''

''And your chances of slipping and dying.'' Hiyoko laughed. ''Wouldn't it be funny if Mikan fell and then Ham Hands fell on top of her?''

''I'd be thankful if you don't fill my mind with such disturbing images at a time like this.'' Celestia frowned.

Day:March 22 nd Time:2:07 PM Location:East Area-River

Pekoyama's head raised up from the river. ''There's nothing in this river.'' She said.

''I know you like to be thorough, but this is ridiculous.'' Fuyuhiko sighed.

''You should have offered to do it for her, Fuyuhiko.'' Mahiru said with her hands on her waist.

''This degenerate male probably wants to see her in a wet shirt.'' Tenko frowned.

''I'm not in the mood to deal with your crap, bitches!'' Kuzuryu yelled. ''So shut the fuck up!''

''Watch your mouth!'' Mahiru slapped him.

Fuyuhiko glared at her. ''Who the fuck do you think you are!?'' He said with a clenched fist. ''Do you think I'm gonna let you get away with this shit!?''

Peko quickly jumped out of the water and tackled Mahiru to the ground. ''Do not touch my master, impudent woman.'' She said.

Tenko kicked Peko away. ''Are you seriously going to side with this degenerate male?'' She asked.

''Is that a challenge?'' Pekoyama grabbed her sword.

Rantaro popped out of the river. ''C'mon ladies, don't do this.'' He said. ''This is not the time to fight among ourselves.

Day:March 22 nd Time:2:18 PM Location:Theater-Backstage

Kyoko and Hajime were looking around.

Suddenly the heard a girl scream. ''Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!''

''That was Sayaka's voice!'' Kirigiri noticed.

''She went to the props room with Naegi.'' Hajime said. ''We better go check on them.''

Day:March 22 nd Time:2:21 PM Location:Library

Byakuya was sitting on a table, reading a book when Oma came into the library.

''Aren't you looking for the cross-dresser?'' Kokichi asked.

''How do you know that?'' Togami asked back.

''It takes a liar to know one.'' The supreme leader smiled. ''Now answer me.''

''I'm of the opinion that acting like headless chickens is just playing Junko's game.'' The affluent student explained. ''Her and her sister are under watch, so I doubt Chihiro is in any danger. There's no need for me to bother myself with this search. Someone else will certainly find him.''

Suddenly, a bell started tolling, and they heard a high-pitched voice.

''Attention everyone!'' Monokuma said. ''A body has been discovered!''

Day:March 22 nd Time:2:24 PM Location:Theater-Props Room

Toko Fukawa was lying motionless on the floor. Makoto, Sayaka, and Hajime were looking at her with horrified expressions on their faces.

Kyoko was kneeling next to her, with a hand on her neck. ''It's true.'' She said somberly. ''She's dead.''

''H-how could this happen?'' Sayaka cried.

''Who would do something like this?'' Hinata muttered.

''Now then, since this is the first time, I'll explain everything.'' Monokuma said. ''When three people find a dead person, the body discovery announcement happens. After that, you'll have some time to investigate and then we'll get to the class trial. Make sure to give it your all, 'cuz you'll be beary sorry if you mess this up. Oh, and one last thing. Each of you should have a copy of the Monokuma file in your pocket now.''

''The Monokuma File?'' Makoto put a hand to his pocket and pulled out an envelope with a seal in the shape of Monokuma's face. He opened it and read what was inside.

Victim: Toko Fukawa

Cause of Death: Blunt Force trauma to the nape of the neck. Death was instantaneous.

Time of Death: around 1:30 PM

Body was found in the Props Room in the Theater

''Hinata, tell Saihara and Tsumiki to come and start gathering everyone's alibis.'' Kirigiri said. ''Sayaka and Makoto, stay with me for now.''

''I don't think I'll be very useful.'' Naegi sighed.

''That's not the point.'' Kyoko explained. ''No one should be left alone in the scene of the crime. What if I was the killer? I could alter the evidence.''

''Do you really think one of us did this?'' Hajime asked.

''We're the only ones here.'' The detective replied. ''I see no other possibilities. And considering the rules of the game, it's possible that the killer had an accomplice, so crime scenes should be always guarded by at least three people.''

''A-are we really going to do this?'' Sayaka sniffed.

''I don't think we have a choice.'' Kyoko said.

Day:March 22 nd Time:2:44 PM Location:Graveyard

Korekiyo and Ryoma were looking at one of the tombstones. The name Toko Fukawa was engraved on it.

''So it's happened, huh?'' Hoshi muttered.

''I wonder how this tragedy will affect our little society.'' Kiyo hugged himself.

Leon came running. ''Guys, come to the dining hall.'' He said. ''We're trying to figure this out.''

Day:March 22 nd Time:3:15 PM Location:Theater-Props Room

''This is so wrong!'' Ibuki was foaming at the mouth. ''Fukawa is dead, my baby is dead, it's a massacre!''

''Your baby?'' Shuichi raised an eyebrow.

''I think he means the guitar.'' Makoto pointed to a guitar that was laying on the floor next to the corpse, broken in half. ''She was pretty fond of that one.''

''L-let's leave.'' Sayaka said. Then she grabbed Makoto with one hand and Mioda with the other and dragged them out of the room, leaving only Mikan, Shuichi, Byakuya, Oma and Kyoko inside.

Ibuki wasn't the first one to enter the room to make sure the whole thing wasn't a prank. The reactions had ranged from disbelief to screaming to crying to anger to angry cries and screams of disbelief. Some of the students had decided to spare themselves the sight of a dead body. Only Kokichi and Togami had insisted in joining the improvised investigation team.

Mikan was crouching next to the body. ''It seems the information in the Monokuma file is t-true.'' She said. ''But...''

''But it's incomplete.'' Kyoko said.

''T-that's right.'' The nurse nodded. ''In her right index finger, I've found...''

''A very tiny cut right on the tip, correct?'' Kirigiri finished.

''W-why do you even need me!?'' Tsumiki shouted. ''You a-already know everything. I knew I would be useless.''

''Don't say that.'' Kyoko said. ''One person can make a mistake, but it's unlikely for two people to make the same mistake. That's why it's good to have people to contrast conclusions with. What do you think, Saihara?''

''This is really not my field of expertise.'' Shuichi sighed. ''I'm used to figure out people's secret lovers, not murderers.''

''It's not so different.'' Kirigiri replied. ''It's still a matter of gathering clues and building logical reasonings to arrive at the most likely truth. Only one of the clues happens to be a dead body.''

''Woah.'' Kochiki smiled. ''That's a pretty creepy thing to say, you know.''

''In any case, I don't see how that wound could be related to the murder.'' Shuichi said as he put a finger to his chin. ''I'm more concerned with the scissors. There's one on the floor and Fukawa is holding another in her left hand.''

''They're not the only ones.'' Kyoko added. ''She has more strapped to her legs.''

''You've lifted her skirt?'' Oma asked. ''Just for the record, you don't fuck corpses, right?''

''Are you here to help us or just to spout nonsense?'' Kirigiri glared at him.

''You should know the answer to that by now.'' The Ultimate Supreme Leader deadpanned.

''What do you think, Togami?'' Saihara asked. ''What's up with all these scissors? The one in the floor even has some blood on it. Did she use it to defend herself?''

The Ultimate Affluent Progeny had barely spoken a word. He had just been staring at Toko's body with a thoughtful expression. ''Could that really have been the truth?'' He wondered aloud.

Day:March 22 nd Time:3:29 PM Location:Restaurant-Dining Hall

Himiko and Gundham entered the dining hall, followed closely by Sayaka, Ibuki and Makoto.

Hajime pointed at Tanaka's left eye, that was covered by a black eyepatch. ''What's up with that?'' He asked.

''It must be a cosplay.'' Tsumugi suggested.

''Does this idiot think he's a pirate now?'' Saionji mocked.

''Eyepatchs are cool.'' Mioda commented. ''I should start wearing one.''

''You fools!'' Gundham shouted. ''This is no eyepatch. This is the seventh seal of Pandemonium. I have unlocked the eye of destruction! However, to control such infinite power is a challenge even for one such as I. That is why I must keep it sealed, lest the world face utter annihilation!''

''Gonta not follow.'' Gokuhara said with a confused expression.

''It's just Gundham doing Gundham stuff.'' Akane shrugged.

''Who gives a shit?'' Fuyuhiko scoffed. ''Are all these bastards here yet? I'm sick of waiting.''

''Asahina and Ogami are still watching over Ikusaba and Enoshima.'' The fat Togami said. ''Kyoko, Shuichi, that scrawny Doppleganger, Mikan and Oma are at the crime scene. Fujisaki is still missing and Fukawa is sadly no longer among us. Everyone else, however, is indeed here. Now then, let's discuss our alibis.''

''Are we seriously going to this?'' Mahiru bit her lip. ''How can we just accept that one of us is dead and it was also one of us that killed her?''

''You say that like we have any other option.'' Celeste said. ''It is our lives that are at stake here, dear.''

''Maybe she'd rather deny reality and die.'' Maki said coldly.

''I, too, am not comfortable with this.'' Keebo said. ''Toko might not have been very sociable, but she was our partner at Hope's Peak. Treating her death so lightly is distasteful.''

''Leave the grieving for later!'' Nekomaru yelled. ''If we don't figure this shit out, we're dead too.''

''We gotta find Chihiro quick, too.'' Mondo clenched his fist. ''If something happens to her 'cause y'all wasting time with bullshit I'm gonna fucking kill you off one by one.''

''Are you two fucking or something?'' Miu laughed.

''We're all gonna die anyway!'' Soda yelled. He was in a corner, hugging Yasuhiro in terror.

''The end is here!'' The Clairvoyant added.

''Calm down, you two.'' Angie said with smile. ''Atua is assuring me it's not our time yet.''

''Shall we start with our alibis, then?'' Korekiyo asked. ''I was with Ryoma at the time of the crime. We were searching for Fujisaki, as I assume most of us were doing.''

''That's true.'' Hoshi said. ''It couldn't be one of us.''

''I can vouch for Miss Sonia's innocence!'' Kazuichi shouted. ''We were together the whole time.''

''The fuck are you saying, dumbass?'' Miu frowned. ''You were with me. And with ADHD singer and one of the gangster guys with anger management issues. The tall one. I don't remember Her Royal Kinkiness there, though.''

''You should really have learned their names by now.'' Kaede said with sweat dropping from her forehead.

''Then what was this degenerate male talking about?'' Tenko glared at Soda.

''You do not need to lie for my sake, Kazuichi.'' Sonia said. ''I am afraid I lack an alibi. I was searching for Chihiro on my own.''

''Me, Pekoyama, Kuzuryu, Koizumi and Tenko were together.'' Rantaro said.

''I was with Maki Roll, Mikan, the fat Togami, Saionji and Celeste.'' Kaito said.

''Keebo and I were together.'' Chiaki said.

''I was with Shuichi.'' Kaede said.

''Me and Gundham were searching for Chihiro around the beach.'' Himiko said.

''Coach and me were in the gym.'' Akane said.

''Hinata, Kyoko, Makoto and me were also together.'' Sayaka said.

''Hina and Sakura have been with Mukuro and Junko all the time.'' Makoto said.

''Indeed.'' Byakuya nodded. ''That leaves only Oma, that Togami wannabe, Sonia, Hagakure, Yamada, Kuwata, Ishimaru, Nagito, Teruteru, Shirogane, Tojo, Yonaga and Gokuhara. And I guess we should count Chihiro too. Do you have anything to say for yourselves?''

''I guess it's natural that trash like me would become a suspect.'' Komaeda muttered.

''I didn't do it, okay?'' Hanamura said, sweating. ''In fact, Fukawa is probably still alive. I won't believe she's gone until I see her dead body.''

''You went to check it earlier, dude.'' Leon said.

''Nope.'' Teruretu shook his head. ''That was a dream.''

''Please don't try to deny reality like that, Hanamura.'' Taka said. ''It could derail the investigation.''

''I may be one of them, but I'm glad the list of suspects is relatively short.'' Kirumi said. ''It makes everything much easier for everyone.''

''What do you mean it makes thing easier!?'' Kaito yelled. ''I don't care if you don't have alibis! I will believe in you guys no matter what!''

''I'm moved, Mr. Momota.'' Hifumi said with tears in his eyes.

''That is quite an irrational stance to take.'' Peko crossed her arms. ''If there is truly a murderer among us, it's dangerous to let them on the loose, even if Monokuma is bluffing about killing us.''

''Didn't you hear me just now?!'' Momota clenched his fist. ''I'm 100% sure no one here is a murderer. I have no doubt about the innocence of everyone.''

''I understand how you feel but...don't you think having no doubts is...pointless?'' Chiaki put on her hoodie. ''In order to truly believe in something, you need to doubt it first. Otherwise, there's no meaning in it. I think.''

''Woah.'' Hagakure said with his eyes wide open. ''That was deep, man. Didn't expect that from her.''

''Also, even if it's a friend that does it, we should never forgive killing.'' Nanami added. ''Because if we forget killing is wrong, it'll happen again.''

''We can't let this happen again!'' Kaede shouted. ''We just have to do our best! If Monokuma thinks we're gonna give up, he has another thing coming.''

While Kaede was still talking, a bell started tolling, and a familiar voice echoed through the island.

''I'm tired of waiting.'' Monokuma said. ''It's time for the long-awaited class trial! Everyone reunite in the Debate Chamber. Remember that not going means punishment!''

Day:March 22nd Time:4:00 PM Location:Town Hall-Debate Chamber

Everyone was sitting in their assigned seats, except for Toko and Fujisaki. Chihiro's seat was empty, but Fukawa's was occupied by a plushy version of her with the neck broken. Sonia tried to move away the distasteful doll but it instantly teleported back to the seat from her hand.

A small version of Monokuma appeared on the table. ''Please don't mess with the decorations, Miss Nevermind.'' He said. ''I put a lot of effort in that. It's only fair that we pay homage to the fallen, am I right? Puhuhuhu!''

''You're disgusting.'' Peko glared at him.

''I think it's cute.'' Junko giggled.

''You better shut up before I give you a black eye, you sick bitch!'' Fuyuhiko shouted.

''Is Chihiro going to be alright?'' Makoto pointed to the empty seat.

''Who knows?'' The bear shrugged. ''I won't be punishing him if that's what you're worried about. Justified absences are fine.''

''I'm relieved he won't be punished, but I don't like the sound of 'Justified Absence'.'' Sakura said with her arms crossed.

''Why are you guys calling Chihiro a him all of a sudden?'' Himiko asked.

''You don't know?'' Monokuma tilted his head. ''Fujisaki is actually a boy! Not that it matters right now. Now then, let's start the Class Trial!''

''Wait!'' Ibuki yelled. ''You can't drop that info bomb and go on just like that! This is big news! My entire world has changed! How can I tell male from female from now on!?''

'''I'll start with a basic explanation.'' Monokuma ignored her. ''The rules are very easy to understand. You discuss the murder for a while and then each of you votes for whoever you think did it. If you choose the right fella, they are the one that gets punished, but if you pick the wrong one, then everyone else gets the ax. In that case, the culprit can choose one other person to be spared, and they get to escape and live happily ever after. See? Easy peasy.''

''This is gonna be so fun!'' Junko bounced happily.

''Why don't we just vote for that crazy chick and get it over with?'' Soda suggested.

''Sure, blame the psycho for everything.'' Enoshima pouted.

''Junko didn't do it.'' Mukuro said.

''That's true.'' Hina frowned. ''Me and Sakura can confirm her alibi and Mukuro's.''

''But it's still their fault, right?'' Leon asked with his arms crossed. ''Shouldn't we hold them accountable?''

''Only the one that does the deed counts as the murderer.'' Monokuma said. ''Anything else that happens is irrelevant.''

''I can't forgive them, either.'' Chiaki put on her hoodie. ''But we have to focus on finding Toko's killer.''

''If Enoshima has an alibi, perhaps we should focus instead on who lacks one.'' Kiyo said as he raised his finger.

''If I recall correctly, that would be Kokichi, Byakuya, Sonia, Hagakure, Yamada, Kuwata, Ishimaru, Komaeda, Hanamura, Tsumugi, Angie, Gonta, Fujisaki and yours truly.'' Kirumi listed.

''That's way too many people.'' Akane said. ''My head hurts just trying to remember all those names.''

''You should have learned the names of your school companions already!'' Taka yelled.

''Owari has a point.'' Keebo said. ''Is there any way to make that list smaller? Or maybe someone is particularly suspicious?''

''I think Oma is pretty suspicious.'' Teruteru said as he combed his hair.

''That's because I did it.'' Kokichi smiled. ''I confess.''

''For real!?'' Tenko flailed her arms.

''Please ignore Kokichi.'' Kaede said, sweating. ''It'll makes things easier. I apologize for the trouble he could cause.''

''You don't need to act like you're his mom or something.'' Mahiru put her hands on her hips. ''He's a grown boy already. He's responsible for his own actions.''

''I'd say the most suspicious of those fourteen people is Fujisaki.'' Rantaro put a thumb to his chin. ''After all, he's not even here.''

''His absence is quite unsettling.'' Sonia said.

''No fucking way Chihiro iced someone.'' Mondo said. ''He doesn't have that in him.''

''Who knows, though?'' Celeste said as she played with her hair. ''You can never be sure you know people as well as you think.''

''Would a soy boy like him be even capable of doing it?'' Iruma asked. ''Physically, I mean.''

''That would depend on how it was done.'' The fat Togami adjusted his glasses. ''Even the weakest person can murder anyone with the right method.''

''Toko hit in neck, right?'' Gonta said.

''That's what the Monokuma file said!'' Nekomaru yelled. ''But it didn't tell us the weapon!''

''Of course not!'' Monokuma said. ''That would spoil all the fun.''

''Wasn't there a broken guitar next to the body?'' Nagito said.

''You mean Ibuki's guitar?'' Sayaka asked. ''Do you think it's the murder weapon?''

''The fact that it's broken seems to indicate so.'' Byakuya said.

''Oh, no!'' Ibuki started foaming at the mouth. ''Nonononono. I'm a suspect now!? Are you gonna send me to the gallows!? Is this how Ibuki ends!? This is the worst day ever and it keeps getting worse! I should've stayed in my room!''

''You have an alibi, idiot.'' Maki glared at her. ''The killer probably picked it in the props room.''

''But does such an ordinary instrument contain the power required to slay a mortal?'' Gundham asked.

''It's hard to imagine someone like Fujisaki using that to kill.'' Ryoma said.

''I-it's not really a matter of strength.'' Mikan said as she played with her fingers. ''The nape of the neck is a very vulnerable area. If it comes from the wrong angle and lands in the wrong place, even a relatively weak hit can cause instant death.''

''In other words, anyone could have done it.'' Hajime sighed. ''I guess we're back to square one. Anyone has any other ideas?''

''Why don't we ask Atua?'' Hiro suggested.

''He's sleeping.'' Yonaga replied.

''What a lame god.'' Saionji laughed. ''Are we sure that's not just what she calls her electric toothbrush or something?''

''You will be punished for that, devil child.'' Angie said with a smile.

''What about Sayaka, then?'' Hagakure said. ''She's a psychic, right?''

''I only say that as a joke.'' Sayaka chuckled. ''Or maybe not. But I really don't know who killed Toko.''

''Perhaps we should approach this from other angle.'' Kyoko said. ''We should try to figure out why Toko was killed.''

''Isn't it obvious?'' Hiyoko glared at her. ''Because some idiot believed that bear's crap.''

''That would be the most obvious answer.'' Kirigiri smiled. ''But not necessarily the right one. First things first, I'd like to draw your attention to the numerous scissors found at the crime scene.''

''Scissors?'' Himiko asked.

''Yeah.'' Shuichi nodded. ''We found one on the floor and Fukawa had another one in her hand. She had several more strapped to her legs, too. Without a doubt, she was the one that brought them there.''

''Why would anyone need so many scissors?'' Tsumugi asked. ''Even I don't use that many to make my cosplays.''

''That's a good question.'' Kyoko said. ''I have some hypotheses, but I lack the information needed to reach a conclusion. I was hoping some of you could clear this particular mystery.''

''Genocide Jack.'' Sonia said with her eyes wide open. ''Scissors are his trademark weapon.''

''Genocide Jack?'' Angie asked. ''I don't like the sound of that. Atua doesn't, either.''

''Genocide Jack is a serial killer whose existence has been kept from the public.'' Togami explained. ''He's known for using scissors as a weapon and pinning his victims on walls. Also, he's been acting in the proximity of Hope's Peak Academy lately. Taking everything into account, we can safely assume that the true identity of this murderous fiend is...Toko Fukawa, the Ultimate Writing Prodigy!''

''You're saying Toko was a serial killer!?'' Mondo screamed. ''Are you fucking high!?''

''Isn't that conclusion too much of a leap?'' Kyoko put her finger to her cheek. ''All the evidence is circumstantial.''

''Under normal circumstances, it would be.'' The Ultimate Affluent Progeny adjusted his glasses. ''However, Toko herself told me as much yesterday.''

''What!?'' Kaito shouted. ''You knew that and didn't tell anyone!? Do you even know what teamwork is?''

''Needless to say, I didn't believe her.'' Byakuya frowned. ''I thought she just wanted attention. But this incident has made me reconsider it. I'm now convinced she was telling the truth. Apparently, it was some sort of split personality.''

''I was classmates with a serial killer!?'' Hiro shouted with fear in his eyes. ''Man, that's creepy.''

''Quite interesting, indeed.'' Kiyo hugged himself. ''Humanity always keeps surprising me.''

''As shocking as it may be, does it really matter right now?'' Pekoyama asked.

''Everything matters.'' Kirigiri smiled. ''Remember what I said earlier. If Toko was a serial killer, it's possible she was the one who attacked first.''

''Which would mean the motive for this murder is...self-defense.'' Sonia said.

''In a court of law, that would change everything!'' Taka clenched his fist.

''This is no court, though.'' Rantaro crossed his arms. ''We only have to figure out who did it, not why. So does it really change anything?''

''Yes, it does.'' Shuichi put a finger to his chin. ''Because it means that there was a fight. Furthermore, one of the scissors at the crime scene had blood on it. Since that was Fukawa's weapon, it's safe to assume that the killer didn't walk away unscathed. That is a vital clue to find the culprit.''

''But no one here is injured.'' Akane crossed her arms in thought.

''Injuries can be hidden.'' Saihara said. ''There's one person here whose appearance has changed since the last time I saw them. Can you please take off that eyepatch...Gundham Tanaka!?'' The detective pointed at him.

''Have you gone mad, human!?'' Tanaka laughed. ''Were I to unleash the power contained within my eye, this mortal realm would collapse onto itself and vanish from existence!''

''This is not the time to fuck around, Gundham!'' Fuyuhiko yelled. ''If you don't take it off yourself, I'll do it myself!''

''You dare challenge me?'' Tanaka frowned. ''Come forth, my Four Dark Devas of destruction!''

Before anything could happen, Angie ran behind him and took his eyepatch from behind. ''Atua will reveal your true nature!'' She shouted.

''What does Atua have to do with that?'' Hifumi muttered.

Everyone looked intensely at Gundham. All there was where his left eye should be was an empty socket and a small scar.

''Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!'' Hina screamed as she covered her mouth.

''That's not right!'' Mioda looked away. ''That's not right at all.''

''G-gundham...what happened to you?'' Sonia asked with tears in her eyes. ''Don't tell me...''

''Well, Tanaka?'' Shuichi said. ''Can you tell us what happened to your eye?''

''Hahahahahahahahahaha!'' Gundham laughed. ''You insist on doing battle against me, I see. So be it, then. Let us fight with our very lives at stake. However, I must warn you. My evil goes far beyond the comprehension of the likes of you, detective.''

''Gundham...'' Chiaki said. ''Don't do this, please. Just tell us the truth.''

''Here's is the truth you seek!'' Tanaka grabbed his scarf. ''I got this scar when trying to subdue a beast from the underworld. Do you think a mere human could do this to me? Preposterous!''

''The fuck is this edgelord talking about now?'' Miu asked.

''I think he means that he got injured trying to tame a wild animal.'' Tsumugi said.

''But I didn't program any wild animals.'' Enoshima said in a cutesy voice,

''You're still denying it, huh?'' Shuichi looked down. ''In that case, I'll have to prove it. Besides the hit to the neck, Fukawa had another injury.''

''You're talking about the small cut in her finger, right?'' Mikan said.

''Yeah.'' Saihara nodded. ''At first I was really confused. If there was a fight, what kind of weapon could cause that? But now it seems obvious. It was the teeth of hamster. One of the Four Dark Devas of Destruction did it! They were your partners in crime!''

''Hahahahahaha!'' Gundham smirked. ''Nicely done.''

''Are you admitting it?'' Mahiru looked away.

''Gundham is the killer?'' Soda grimaced. ''This can't be real.''

''Indeed, it was me who slayed Fukawa.'' Tanaka closed his eyes. ''But make no mistake, that was no mere human. It was a bloodthirsty demon I faced. Her skills with those scissors were well worthy of praise. Even so, attacking the Supreme Overlord of Ice could only lead to her demise. Fuhahahaha!''

''I guess that wasn't really Fukawa.'' Ryoma adjusted his beanie. ''It must have been her other side, Genocide Jack.''

''So now what?'' Leon said. ''Do we just vote?''

''Go ahead!'' Gundham laughed. ''I fear not hell, for I'm destined to rule it with an iron fist!''

''But I really don't want him to be punished for something he did in self-defense.'' Sayaka said with a sad a expression.

''Those are the rules.'' Mukuro said. ''It's him or us.''

''You have no right to talk!'' Nekomaru yelled.

''There's something bothering me.'' Hajime frowned. ''From the way Gundham's describing it, it sounds like he and his hamsters were facing Fukawa after she attacked him. But she was killed by a hit with a guitar to the back of her neck. If Genocide Jack was really so skilled, how did Gundham manage to pick the guitar and hit her from behind?''

''That's a good point.'' Kyoko nodded. ''I've been thinking about that, and my conclusion is that the person that killed Toko might not have been the same person that was fighting her. That's what the state of the crime scene tells me.''

''Then Gundham is innocent?'' Hiyoko tilted her head. ''I knew he was too much of an idiot to kill someone.''

''If it wasn't him, then who is the culprit?'' Sakura asked.

''You know the answer, Saihara?'' Kirigiri said. ''You've realized it too, haven't you?''

Shuichi closed his eyes and clenched his teeth.

''What wrong, Shuichi?'' Gonta asked.

''He doesn't want to accept the truth.'' Kyoko said. ''But it's a detective's duty to reveal it, even if they may not like it. Please think back to our alibis. If Tanaka was truly fighting Toko, there's someone who lied about them. Isn't that right...Himiko Yumeno!?'' Kirigiri pointed her finger at her.

''What a pain.'' Himiko sighed.

''I see.'' Keebo put a hand to his mouth. ''Himiko said earlier that she and Tanaka were together on the beach, looking for Fujisaki. But that's impossible now that we know Tanaka was at the crime scene.''

''Himiko and Gundham have been spending a lot of time together lately.'' Kaede grabbed her arm. ''It's natural that she'd lie to protect him. I guess she wasn't with him at the time of the crime...''

''Or maybe that part was not a lie.'' Kyoko closed her eyes. ''Perhaps the only thing they lied about was their whereabouts, and they actually were together at the time of the crime.''

''That would explain how Fukawa was attacked from behind while facing Gundham.'' The Ultimate Imposter adjusted his glasses. ''In that case, the killer is...''

''Exactly.'' Kirigiri said. ''It wasn't Yumeno proctecting Tanaka, it was Tanaka protecting Yumeno. She's the one that actually killed Toko!''

''Nonsense!'' Gundham screamed. ''It was me who put an end to that murderous fiend! It was a battle of the foulest! A deathly match to decide who shall keep on terrorizing this plain of existence!''

''Give it up already, Gundham.'' Himiko pulled the wing of her hat down. ''I'm tired of this.''

''Himiko!?'' Tenko screamed. ''This is all a joke, right?''

''Kyoko is right.'' Yumeno admitted. ''I did it. But..I didn't mean to.''

Day:March 22nd Time:1:23 PM Location:Theater-Props Room

Gundham, Toko and Himiko were looking for Chihiro.

''I have to go to the bathroom.'' Yumeno said as she walked towards the door. ''I'll be back in a minute.''

''Do not trouble yourself.'' Tanaka said as she left. ''My eyes can see what a thousand can not.''

''What are you planning to do with me!?'' Toko shouted all of a sudden. ''There's a reason you've let me come with you, right?''

''I do not concern myself with the affairs of mortals.'' Gundham replied.

''You're the wolf, aren't you!?'' Fukawa pointed her finger at him. ''You're planning to kill me! Now that we're alone, it's your chance. Just get it over with!''

''Be quiet, human!'' The breeder frowned. ''Those cries are pathetic, even for a mortal. I have no intention of slaying anyone today.''

Suddenly, Toko sneezed and Gundham saw her face changing. Her eyes went red ans she stuck her tongue out of her mouth.

''Huh?'' She said. ''Where am I?'' She looked at Tanaka. ''What is this? A pretty boy with insane fashion sense? Me likey!''

She pulled out a pair of scissors from under her skirt and attacked Gundham's neck. He barely dodged, but she pulled another pair with her other hand and hit him in the left eye.

''Kuh!'' Tanaka screamed. ''This is a dangerous opponent. Maga-Z, lend me your power!''

The hamster jumped out of his scarf and bit the tip of Fukawa's right index finger.

''Ah!'' Toko screamed and dropped the scissors.

That moment, Himiko came back. She didn't know what was going on, but she saw Fukawa attacking Gundham, who was bleeding from his eye. She picked up the first thing she saw that could be used as weapon, ran towards her, closed her eyes and swung it as hard as she could. She felt the guitar breaking in her hands.

When she opened her eyes, Fukawa was lying motionless on the floor, and Gundham was next to her, checking her pulse. ''This woman has moved on to another realm.'' He announced.

That was the end for Toko Fukawa.

Himiko started shaking and tearing up. ''I-I just wanted to stop her.'' She dropped the broken half of the guitar. ''I didn't think t-that could kill her. It's an accident! I swear it's an a-accident!''

''Calm down, little one.'' Gundham said as he dug through a box of costume accessories. ''I know you lack murderous intent. However, Fukawa is dead nonetheless.''

''W-what I'm gonna do now?'' Yumeno sobbed.

''I, too, am responsible for this turn of events.'' Tanaka found an eyepatch and covered his left eye with it, after cleaning the blood with a handkerchief. ''If you're willing to make a deal with a hell spawn, I will help you bury this secret into oblivion.''

Day:March 22nd Time:5:15 PM Location:Town Hall-Debate Chamber

''I'm sorry!'' Himiko started crying. ''I just wanted to help, but...I murdered someone instead.''

''But you saved Gundham, didn't you?'' Makoto said. ''Can we really call it a murder?''

''No.'' Maki said. ''That's not what a murder is. A murder is colder than that.''

''Of course it's a murder.'' Monokuma said. ''Fukawa is gone, you know. Do you really thing her death should be ignored and go unpunished?''

''She was a serial killer.'' Teruteru said, sweating. ''Maybe it's for the best that she's gone.''

''Perhaps she was just sick.'' Kirumi said. ''We should refrain from speaking ill of the dead.''

''In any case, the mystery has been solved.'' Celestia said as she played with her hair. ''What is left for us to do?''

''I'm glad you ask!'' Monokuma raised his paw. ''It's time to vote! A touchscreen will appear before you. All you have to do is select whoever you think is the culprit.''

''I don't want to vote for Himiko.'' Kaede bit her lips. ''She doesn't deserve it.''

''That's true.'' Oma said in tears. ''This is really unfair!''

''Please don't despair now.'' Nagito said. ''This is the time to cling onto hope and chose the only path forward. Yumeno has given up already, so her getting away would only lead to despair. For her and for Fukawa, we must chose hope.''

''Shut up.'' Hiyoko frowned. ''This is not the time for one of your stupid rants.''

''Stop chichatting and vote already!'' Monokuma shouted.

Voting Results

Himiko Yumeno: 30

Junko Enoshima: 10

Abstention: 5

Gundham Tanaka: 1

Day:March 22nd Time:5:30 PM Location:Town Hall-Debate Chamber

''You got it right!'' Monokuma said happily. ''The culprit this time was Himiko Yumeno, the Ultimate Magician!''

''I'm not a magician, I'm a mage.'' Himiko pouted.

''And a very skilled one.'' Gundham said. ''So why did you choose to reveal the sealing curse we casted together upon this case. With our powers combined, we would have never been defeated.''

''My magic is the real deal, not a parlor trick.'' Yumeno adjusted her hat. ''It shouldn't be used to scam people.''

''Girl, that was a cool thing to say!'' Ibuki shouted. ''You have my respect, sis.''

''I'm sorry, Himiko.'' Shuichi muttered. ''It's my fault you were found out.''

''But Himiko was just protecting Tanaka!'' Tenko yelled. ''That's not really a crime, right? You can't punish her for that!''

''Oh, you bet I can.'' Monokuma said. ''In fact, It's punishment time!''

''What a pain.'' Himiko sighed.

Just then, a trapdoor opened under her seat and she fell down. A giant TV screen appeared in the middle of the room and showed everyone Himiko's punishment.

GAME OVER

Himiko has been found guilty.

Time for the Punishment

Himiko and Monokuma were on stage. Monokuma was wearing a top hat, and Himiko was inside a rectangular magic sword box, with her hands tied behind her back. She was too short for it, so she was standing on a stool. Her head was coming out from the upper side of the box. The box's door was divided in three parts. Monokuma closed the two upper ones, so only the stool and Himiko's legs below the knee were visible.

No Tricks, No Gimmicks!

Ultimate (Magician) Mage

Himiko Yumeno's Execution: Executed

Monokuma pulled out a long sword and stabbed the box in one of the sides. Himiko let out a yelp and the tip of the sword came out on the other side, covered in blood. Then the bear stabbed another sword from the back, and it came out in the front. Blood started coming out of Himiko's mouth. He stabbed yet another one from the front, but from an upwards angle. Himiko started frantically moving his legs and kicked the stool away, but the swords were already holding her in place. Monokuma kept repeating the process from every side and angle possible, until he had stabbed a total of ten swords. Blood kept dripping to the bottom part of the box.

Finally, he opened the upper side of the box. Himiko was completely covered in blood. There was a sword stabbing each of her shoulders from above and coming out from her elbows, another that entered through her chest and came out from her back, and one that went from her back to her stomach. There was also a sword stabbing each of her knees, one from behind and one from the front. Another sword was piercing both of her ankles from the left side, and yet another one came from behind, went through her tied hands and came out from the middle of her chest. The last two swords pierced her feet, one from behind and and one from the front.

Himiko was wheezing and puffing. She seemed barely conscious, but still alive. Monokuma closed the upper parts of the box again and pulled out a saw. He started sawing away at the box right where Himiko's midsection would be. Once he got to her flesh, she started screaming. He kept sawing until the box was eventually split in half. The upper part, with Himiko's now motionless head coming out of it, fell to the floor. The bottom part stayed still. Only the lower parts of of Himiko's legs were visible, still held in place by the swords. Copious amounts of blood were coming from both halves of the box.

Monokuma turned to the camera with a smile and made a little bow.

That was the end for Himiko Yumeno.

Day:March 22nd Time:5:45 PM Location:Town Hall-Debate Chamber

Everybody had stood up from their seats to watch the execution.

''H-Himiko...'' Tenko fell to her knees, with her eyes wide open and completely pale.

''I-I don't believe this!'' Teruteru shouted. ''I refuse to believe it!''

''What kind of fucked-up punishment was that!?'' Fuyuhiko yelled.

''Overkill doesn't even begin to describe it.'' Rantaro said.

''I shouldn't have watched 'till the end.'' Ibuki foamed at the mouth. ''Can't unsee! Can't unsee!''

All the students had watched the whole thing. They couldn't help but stare at the final moments of their schoolmate. Some yelled, others cried, others barely avoided puking and others just looked silently at the screen. In the end, they all had somber expressions on their faces. All but one.

''10 out of 10!'' Junko laughed and clapped. ''Would despair again!''

''You bitch!'' Mondo clenched his fist. ''If you weren't a girl, I'd beat the shit out of you right here!''

''Well, I don't have that problem!'' Akane jumped at Junko.

But before she could reach her, Mukuro jumped in the air and kicked her in the stomach with enough force to send her flying against the wall.

''Akane!'' Nekomaru threw a punch against Ikusaba's face, but she stopped it with both of her hands. ''Tch. You're stronger than you look.''

''Yes.'' The soldier replied coldly.

''Who cares how strong she is!?'' Leon clenched both of his fists. ''It's forty against two! There's no way we can lose!''

''True.'' Enoshima said with a depressed expression. ''There's no way we can beat you all. But what will you do afterwards? I don't mind if you kill me, but then it'll be considered murder, and you'll be executed like poor Yumeno.''

''I don't wanna go out like that!'' Soda screamed in terror.

''Using the rules of your game to protect yourself, huh?'' Byakuya muttered. ''How clever.''

''I fear not death!'' Gumdhan shouted with a glare. ''You're far too wicked even for the deepest pit of hell. I shall exile you from existence itself!''

''Stop it, Gundham!'' Chiaki said with an uncharacteristic serious expression. ''We should never ever kill. Even if it's someone like her.''

''Chiaki is right.'' Sonia sobbed. ''I was terrified that you would be the one getting killed. You must not risk your life any further.''

''Hmph.'' Tanaka closed his eye. ''You women are too weak of heart.''

''But what do we do with them, then?'' Hiro asked, sweating. ''We can't just let them roam around free, can we?''

''We should hang them by their thumbs or something.'' Hiyoko said with a glare. ''They deserve that much at least.''

''We can do whatever we want with them, but that won't bring back Himiko or Fukawa.'' Tsumugi said.

''But we can let our anger out on them, at least.'' Oma smirked and put a finger to his mouth.

''Hell yeah!'' Miu shouted. ''Let's torture these cunts!''

''That sounds...despairful.'' Junko started drooling.

''If she's going to enjoy it, that won't make her any less dangerous.'' Maki said.

''Indeed.'' Celeste looked to the side. ''Perhaps we should merely tie them up and leave them somewhere. There was a jail cell around here if I recall.''

''There is one in the Police Station.'' Keebo said.''Unfortunately, Ogami broke the lock on the door.''

''My apologies.'' Sakura said. ''However, my strength is on your side. I'll give it my all to defeat these fiends.''

''I don't think a fight is in our best interest.'' Pekoyama said with her arms crossed. ''Ikusaba is the Ultimate Soldier. She has both the skill and predisposition to kill at least a person before we can overwhelm her with numbers.''

''I do.'' Mukuro nodded.

''Peko is right.'' The Ultimate Imposter adjusted his glasses. ''The risk of someone dying far outweighs the potential benefits of restraining them. After all, they're as bound by the rules of this game as the rest of us.''

''What do you mean?'' Makoto asked.

''If they were to kill someone, they would also be executed.'' Kyoko explained. ''Also, I'm sure Junko wants to see this game play out until the end. She won't risk her life so early. As of now, I don't see her existence as a problem.''

''So are we seriously just gonna let them go scot-free?'' Hajime frowned.

''It's alright.'' Angie closed her eyes. ''Atua will punish them in due time for taking the life of one of his servants.''

''Did you hear that, Mukuro!?'' Junko hugged her sister, who blushed. ''We can go free!''

''Just...just go away already.'' Kaede said with tears rolling down her cheeks. ''I don't want to be in the same room with you.''

''Fine, fine...'' Enoshima walked towards the door and dragged Ikusaba behind her. ''I'll let you crybabies sulk over your dead friend for a while.'' She turned her head and winked as she crossed the doorway. ''See you in the next class trial.''

''Maybe we should have beaten her up.'' Hina said with a pout after Junko left.

''H-himiko...'' Tenko muttered. She was still kneeling on the floor, still too shocked to even cry.

''Ms. Chabashira doesn't seem to be taking this very well.'' Hifumi said.

''Of course she isn't, idiot!'' Sayaka fell on her knees, crying. ''How could anyone be alright after that!? Her best friend just died horribly in front of her! If that happened to one of my bandmates, I...''

''We can't give in to despair now.'' Nagito said. ''For the people who died, we have to keep following the path of hope.''

''Shut up, Komaeda.'' Shuichi said with tears in his eyes. ''There's no way you understand our pain. That was our classmate that just got brutally murdered. And it was us that sent her to the gallows, even though all she did was protect someone.''

''I'm sorry!'' Mikan yelled. ''It's all because of my autopsy!''

''It not Mikan fault.'' Gonta cried. ''But Himiko friend. We all sad.''

''Himiko was a good girl.'' Korekiyo said. ''She didn't deserve a death like this.''

''I actually agree with Komaeda.'' Kaito clenched his fist. ''We can't give up now! That's just letting Enoshima win! For our fallen comrades, we shouldn't stay sulking here! There has to be something else we can do!''

''That's right.'' Mahiru said. ''We still haven't found Fujisaki, right? We can't abandon he...him.''

''Do you seriously believe he's still alive after what we've just seen?'' Ryoma adjusted his beanie.

''I'm gonna keep looking for him until I find him, one way or the other.'' Mondo said. ''And if he's really dead, I'm gonna make damn sure someone pays for it.''

''Even if you believe that this search is pointless, I think we should all occupy ourselves with something else.'' Kirumi said with a furrowed brow. ''Thinking about Himiko's fate any further will only poison our brains with loathsome thoughts.''

''Let's do it, then!'' Taka yelled, with his fist clenched and tears in his eyes. ''For Toko and Yumeno, let's move forward! That's what schoolmates should do!''