Chapter 4: Despair-Crossed Lovers

Day:March 27 th Time:8:30 AM Location:Restaurant-Dining Hall

Byakuya, Kyoko, Taka, Hajime, Hiyoko, Shuichi, Maki and Kirumi were all having breakfast.

''This sucks.'' Hiyoko huffed. ''Now that Teruteru isn't here, we have to make our own food.''

''While that is certainly inconvenient, I'm more concerned about the irreparable loss of human life.'' Kirumi closed her eyes.

''Indeed!'' Ishimaru clenched his fist. ''Saionji, you ought to mourn your fallen comrade!''

''Pfft.'' Hiyoko scoffed. ''Who cares? He was a disgusting pervert anyways. Who knows what he could have done to a cutie like me if given the chance. I'm relieved he's dead. That's just one less threat to worry about.''

''Would it kill you to not be so awful for once in your life?'' Hajime slammed the table. ''You're talking about our classmate that died brutally just a few hours ago.''

''On this island?'' Saionji shrugged. ''It probably would. I hope you aren't about to spout some friendship power bullshit after the crap Nagito pulled. Trusting each other now would be a joke!''

''It's hard to disagree with that.'' Maki said coldly. ''Classmates or not, we can never be sure who is hiding what. Some of us might have plenty of blood on their hands already, even before coming here.''

''I concur.'' Byakuya crossed his arms. ''People are naturally untrustworthy. To think otherwise is just naivete. And naivete only leads to ruin. And in our case, to the grave.''

''Even so, I think being at each other's throat constantly won't solve anything.'' Hajime sighed.

Kyoko put a finger to her cheek. ''While trusting people with no basis whatsoever is certainly foolish, I'd say distrusting people with no grounds is equally unwise. Start from an unbiased perspective, then investigate, gather evidence and finally reach a conclusion. That's the only good way to find the truth, be it about a murder or someone's character.''

''Speaking of people we can't trust, what did you do with Komaeda?'' Shuichi asked.

''He's locked up in his room and volunteers are taking turns guarding him in teams of two.'' The Ultimate Maid explained. ''Hopefully that's enough to prevent him from instigating more nefarious schemes.''

''On another note, I've heard you intend to call some kind of elections.'' Togami adjusted his glasses.

''Yes!'' Taka smiled. ''We will let the people decide the head of the Student Council!''

''You should be careful with that.'' Byakuya smirked. ''Politics can draw all sorts of unpleasant sentiments out of people.''

''I trust our fellow students of Hope's Peak Academy are mature enough to handle the issue without trouble arising.'' Kirumi clasped her hands.

''Hahahahahahahaahaha!'' Hiyoko chuckled. ''Sorry, couldn't hold that back.''

Day:March 27 th Time:9:00 AM Location:Sports Complex-Gym

Nekomaru and Sakura were exchanging blows at superhuman speed while Mondo, Sakura and Ryoma observed them from the seats.

''You seem pretty out of it, little guy.'' Mondo commented. ''Something's up?''

''I think this place is finally starting to get to me.'' The Tennis Pro sighed. ''And here I was thinking I was nothing more than an empty shell. Turns out I can still feel. Too bad all I'm feeling is unpleasant things. But good to know I can still be called a human I guess.''

''Hey Mondo, let's go at it!'' Hina clenched her fist and stood up. '' I'm tired of sitting.''

''Fuck no.'' The biker replied. ''I don't hit girls.''

''Don't be sexist.'' Aoi pouted. ''I'm not some defenseless damsel!''

''That's not it.'' Owada scratched his neck. ''It's a matter of principles, alright? My brother taught me to...''

''Who cares!?'' The swimmer punched him in the face. ''C'mon! Do me the favor!''

''I said no goddammit!'' Mondo yelled. ''Find someone else to fight! Where the hell is Akane, Nekomaru!?''

''I don't know!'' Nidai stopped a flying kick from Sakura with his forearm. ''She was pretty affected by everything that happened! Knowing her, she might be trying to eat her pain away! I hope she feels better now!''

Sakura managed to punch him right in the stomach. ''If I recall, Tenko went to check on her.'' She said. ''She's not here either. I wonder how that went.''

''Who knows!'' Nekomaru headbutted the martial artist in the face. ''Akane is a simple girl! Sometimes that makes dealing with her very easy, but other times she can be more difficult than anyone! I don't know if Chabashira has it in her to handle her!''

Day:March 27 th Time:9:30 AM Location:Hotel-4 th F-Tenko's Room

Tenko slowly opened her eyes to realized her head was laying on Akane's bare chest.

''Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!'' Chabashira blushed, started to flail her arms in the air and fell off the bed. Only then she noticed she was also completely naked. ''W-what the hell!?'' She screamed.

''Why the ruckus?'' The Ultimate Gymnast yawned as she got up.

''W-why are we naked!?'' Tenko yelled.

''I don't really remember.'' Owari said with her eyes still only half-opened. She picked up her panties from the floor and put them on. ''But it seems pretty obvious, doesn't it?''

''D-do you mean we've done THAT!?'' The aikido master stuttered.

''Stop shouting, jeez.'' Akane put her hand on her face. ''I have one hell of a hangover.'' She put on her skirt. ''What's the big deal anyway?''

''I've n-never done something like this!'' Tenko replied.

''Well there's always a first time for everything.'' Owari crudely buttoned her shirt and opened the door.

''Wait, are you going to just leave!?'' Chabashira asked.

''Yeah.'' Akane shrugged and got out of the room. ''Hangovers make me hungry.'' She closed the door behind her.

''Hey, d-don't just leave me here like...'' Tenko couldn't finish the sentence due to the sudden urge to vomit.

She put a hand on her mouth and crawled to the toilet before letting it all out. She hadn't noticed it earlier because of the shock, but she also had a terrible headache. Was that what hangover felt like?

Day:March 27 th Time:2:30 PM Location:Restaurant-Dining Hall

Ibuki, Sayaka and Leon were sitting around a table, having lunch.

''So what are you gonna do about Naegi, Sayaka?'' Ibuki asked with her head titled.

''Do I have to do something?'' The idol raised an eyebrow.

''You bet!'' Mioda stood up and slammed the table. ''Haven't you heard the tea!? Last night, Akamatsu was in his room! If you don't make your move quick, that blonde siren is gonna seduce him with her sweet piano melodies and even sweeter D-cups!''

''C'mon, don't talk about her like that.'' Leon said. ''Kaede is super nice to everyone.''

''That's the problem!'' The Ultimate Musician started foaming at the mouth. ''No dude can resist the sweet girl with the big bazonkas! Hell, even I can barely resist!''

''But I thought Akamatsu had something going on with Saihara?'' Sayaka put a finger to her chin in thought.

''Apparently they got into an argument or something.'' Ibuki explained. ''They've been looking weird at each other.''

''Really?'' Leon crossed his arms in thought. ''And she was so affected about all that stuff with Nagito, too. She must be in a extremely weak emotional state.'' He smirked. ''Maybe I should hit on her!''

''Disgusting!'' Mioda gritted her teeth. ''You have no shame, Leon.''

''Just kidding, just kidding. Well, mostly.'' Kuwata scratched the back of his neck. ''Anyways, aren't you overreacting? Isn't she like, way out of his league?''

''So is Sayaka and she's head over heels!'' Ibuki yelled. ''And honestly, if it wasn't out of respect for my friend, I'd hit on that too.''

''What the hell?'' Leon pouted. ''Why is Makoto such a chick magnet!?''

''I dunno, he must have some kind of mysterious charm.'' The musician shrugged. ''But I sure am glad I didn't invite Kaede to our group since her jam is so different. Stuff like this is the death of all bands!''

''S-so what I should do?'' Sayaka muttered.

''Leave it to Ibuki!'' Mioda gave a V-sign. ''Let's organize a double date!''

''Is Makoto gonna agree to that?'' Leon asked. ''Specially after that weird talk at the dinner.''

''Hhhhmmmmmmmmmm.'' Ibuki put her fingers on her forehead. ''I'll have to think of something.''

Day:March 27 th Time:3:00 PM Location:Hotel-3 rd F-Hallway

Celestia and Kokichi walked towards Nagito's room. Mahiru was standing guard in front.

''Are you alone, Koizumi?'' The gambler asked.

''No.'' Mahiru shook her head. ''Chiaki is inside, feeding him lunch.''

''Feeding him?'' Oma chuckled. ''What is he, a dog?''

''Nope.'' Chiaki came out of the room. ''He does bite, though.'' She showed them the mark of a bite in her palm.

''Jeez.'' The photographer frowned. ''How did that even happen?''

''He didn't want to eat.'' Nanami raised her finger. ''He kept going on about how trash doesn't need food and why he deserves to starve. So I had to get aggressive. But he fought back and...well, one thing led to the other.''

''You should have dropped the food and left.'' Ludenberg played with her hair. ''I bet he would have licked it off the floor. Whatever he says, humans will always stoop as low as necessary to survive. Even the lowest of scum must have the instinct of self-preservation.''

''I couldn't take that risk.'' The gamer put on her hoodie. ''The death of my tamagotchi still haunts me. Why did I take that nap before checking?''

''Besides, if he starves to death, Monokuma would find a way to execute someone over it.'' Kokichi smirked.

''And letting people die is wrong!'' Mahiru put her hands on her hips.

''Yeah, that too.'' The supreme leader shrugged.

''Anyways, I don't know how you can put up with Nagito's nonsense.'' Koizumi sighed. ''I really admire your patience, Chiaki?''

''What are you talking about?'' Nanami smiled. ''I bet you'd have done the same if I wasn't here.''

''Man, you two are so responsible.'' Oma hunched with excitement. ''I feel compelled to marry you.''

''Please don't say weird stuff.'' Chiaki tilted her head.

''Well, we leave him to you.'' Mahiru bowed and started walking away alongside her classmate. ''Please, be careful.''

Once the other two were away, Celeste pushed up Kokichi's chin and looked him in the eye with gritted teeth and eyes full of anger. ''Listen up, you worthless waste of human flesh.'' She said. ''I'm going to enter that room to have a private conversation, and you're going to stand guard here like a good little mutt. If I catch you trying to eavesdrop, I will feed you your own testicles and shove your phallus up you rectum. Am I making myself clear?''

''Crystal, ma'am.'' Oma said with a smile.

''Great.'' Celeste smiled, entered the room, and closed the door behind her.

Nagito was laying on the bed with his hands handcuffed behind his back. ''Hi, Celeste.'' He greeted with a smile. ''What brings you to my garbage can?''

Celeste grabbed him by the collar and slapped him across the face. ''What the hell is wrong with you!?'' She yelled.

''You're mad because what I did got Hagakure killed?'' Nagito asked. ''I understand. He was your classmate after all.''

''Who cares about that moron!?'' She shouted and threw him on the floor. ''This is about me! Any of us could have died at that dinner, including myself! How dare you put MY life in danger!? I am Celestia Ludenbergh! My well-being should not be at risk because of the the likes of you!''

''Oh I think I get it know.'' Komaeda smirked. ''You're afraid. As the Ultimate Gambler, you are an expert at seeing straight through people. I bet you've won tons of money by calling people out on their lies. And yet, even though we've been spending time together, you failed to grasp my true nature. You thought I was just a harmless dork you could boss around. And the only reason that didn't cost you your life was mere chance. So my very existence is keeping you awake at night.''

''Shut up!'' Celeste threw away her jacket and dropped her skirt to the floor. ''I'm not afraid of you!'' She took away her tie and started to unbutton her shirt. ''Look! I'm naked and unarmed! Would I dare to do this if you scared me, subhuman trash!?''

''I see.'' Nagito shrugged. ''So this what this is all about. You're undressing before me to convince yourself that you're no longer in danger. That I have no power over you. That you're still in control. Truth be told, I've grown fond of you. You were one of the people I was hoping didn't die in the dinner. So if this is your way of overcoming despair and achieving hope, I'll help you.''

''You've got it all wrong, you human-shaped heap of fecal matter.'' She put a heel on his chest. ''I don't have to overcome anything. You're the one that needs to be put in your place!''

''Well, if putting it that way makes you feel better about yourself.'' Nagito chuckled. ''Whatever you say, Miss Ludenberg.''

Day:March 27 th Time:10:00 PM Location:Church

Angie, Sonia, Gundham, Tsumugi, Korekiyo, Gonta and Hifumi were kneeling on the floor, praying.

''Tanaka, your stance in wrong.'' Angie scolded. ''For this kind of Atua prayer, you should bow your head more.''

''I'm not praying to your god, woman!'' Gundham shouted. ''I'm the Supreme Overlord of Ice! I don't need to beg to Atua or any deity! I make demands from them!''

''How dare you!'' Angie threw her mallet at him. ''Meet the wrath of Atua!''

''I am the incarnation of evil!'' Tanaka laughed as San-D jumped out of him and kicked the mallet back at the artist. ''Of course I dare!''

''Please, Gundham.'' Sonia sighed. ''I convinced everyone to let you in, so show some respect. We are in a holy site.''

''Are we though?'' Tsumugi wondered. ''This is all just a simulation, isn't it?''

''Kehehe...'' Korekiyo raised his finger. ''As an anthropologist that has studied countless cultures, I must say that it's humans that decide what is holy and what isn't.''

''So how long do we have to do this?'' Hifumi said with a grimace. ''We've been here since lunch.''

''Gonta tired too.'' Gokuhara said.

''The perfect Atua prayer lasts exactly 12 hours, 11 minutes and 10 seconds.'' Yonaga smiled.

Suddenly, they started to hear a voice through the speakers.

''Greetings.'' Kirumi said. ''I am Kirumi Tojo, current vice-president of the Student Council. I speak to inform you that, in order to increase everyone's trust in the Student Council, a new president shall be elected democratically by all of us. During the next three days, anyone is free to present their candidacy, then there will be two days for campaigning and elections will finally be held on April 2nd , with everyone but the candidates having a vote. In the meantime, Kiyotaka Ishimaru will stay as Acting President. Those interested in running for the election, please contact me within the aforementioned timeframe. That is all. Good night, everyone.''

''An election campaign?'' Hifumi scoffed. ''These guys take themselves way too seriously.''

''This is great news!'' Angie bounced around happily. ''I will run in the name of Atua! Will you all support me?''

''Never.'' Gundham got up and walked away.

''It would be quite unwise to make such a decision before knowing all the possibilities, would it not?'' Sonia also left.

''Indeed.'' Korekiyo followed her.

''What about you three?'' Yonaga asked.

''Gonta like Atua.'' Gokuhara nodded.

''I'm on board.'' Tsumugi smiled. ''Then we can be like a political party, right?''

''Then I guess I'll join, too.'' Yamada shrugged.

''Perfect!'' Yonaga smiled. ''Then from now on we'll be known as the Children of Atua. I'm gonna make medals for us to wear!''

''That sounds kinda like a cult.'' Hifumi said.

''Shut your blasphemy!'' Angie glared at him. ''Or Atua will make you double your weight.''

Chapter Management Edit Chapter

Chapter 30: Benefactor

Chapter Text

Day:March 28 th Time:8:35 AM Location:Restaurant-Dining Hall

Mondo and Taka were arguing while Hina and Mahiru ate their breakfast.

''We barely even hang out anymore!'' Mondo shouted. ''I thought we were bros!''

''I've been very busy leading the student council.'' Taka replied with a glare.

''Yeah I bet you've been busy alright.'' Owada scoffed. ''Fucking that stuck-up maid bitch, that is. Whatever happened to bros before hoes, man?''

''Don't talk about Kirumi like that!'' Ishimaru clenched his fist. ''And our relationship is strictly professional!''

''Yeah, right.'' Owada scratched his neck. ''Then why are you getting so flustered?''

''Because Kirumi is a very competent and hard-working woman and she deserves respect!'' Kiyotaka yelled. ''And unlike you, she knows how to behave properly!''

''Listen, man. I don't care.'' Mondo shrugged. ''If you wanna spend all your fucking time with your new girlfriend go ahead. I have a new best friend anyways.''

''What!?'' Taka flinched. ''Who!?''

''Nekomaru!''

''That muscle-head!?''

''Have a problem with that!?''

''No, you fit together. Maybe you can make a whole brain between the two!''

''Don't you go talking shit about my bro, bro! Are you still mad 'cause I dissed your side bitch!?''

''Kirumi is not a strumpet!''

''I-is this...a break-up?'' Mahiru asked with a grimace.

''Who knows.'' Hina sighed and shrugged. ''I gave up long ago on trying to understand what the deal is with those two.''

Day:March 28 th Time:11:40 AM Location:Hotel-3 rd F-Hallway

Shuichi was standing guard in front of Nagito's door when Kaede and Hajime approached.

''Good morning, Saihara.'' Hinata greeted.

''H-how are you doing, Shuichi?'' The Ultimate Pianist asked while avoiding his gaze.

''I've seen better days.'' He sighed and looked away. ''What about you?''

''I feel as well as I could, I guess.'' She said with a sad smile.

''Good.''

''Yeah.''

Hajime was starting to feel awkward. ''Isn't Mikan supposed to be with you?''

''Y-yes, I'm here.'' The Ultimate Nurse came out of the room. ''I was giving Nagito a little checkup.''

''Is he sick or something?'' Kaede asked.

''N-no.'' Mikan played with her fingers. ''It's just always good to check your health. He seems fine, but for some reason his whole body is covered in bruises.''

''Maybe someone got rough with him yesterday.'' Hajime said.

''Can't blame them.'' Shuichi grabbed the tip of his hat.

''Yeah.'' Hinata nodded. ''I still can't get over what he did.''

''I thought we agreed beating him up wasn't the right thing to do.'' Akamatsu sighed.

''Don't tell me you still think of him as a friend.'' Shuichi said.

''I-I'm still wrapping my mind around the whole thing.''

''Some truths are just too much to handle, huh? That's why my talent is more a curse than a blessing.''

''D-don't say that!''

''Errrm...'' Hajime was about to make another desperate attempt to change the topic when Nekomaru showed up.

''Akamatsu!'' He shouted. ''Have you seen Tenko!? She didn't come to the gym with us today!''

''Why would she know?'' Saihara asked.

''Well, I do!'' Kaede put her fists on her waist. ''I'm the class rep, you know! I like keeping track of everyone! I saw her eating breakfast by herself a while back. She seemed deep in thought.''

''Really!?'' Nekomaru yelled. ''That's weird! Hina went to get her out of the room earlier but she didn't answer! Is she avoiding us for some reason!?''

''You better not be bullying her!'' Kaede puffed her cheeks and pointed a finger at him. ''I don't care how big you are, I will throw hands with you if you hurt my classmates!''

''Heh.'' Shuichi smiled slightly.

''What's so funny?'' Akamatsu pouted.

''You.'' The detective replied. ''For a moment I had forgotten how much energy you have.''

''You bet.'' Hajime agreed. ''I wish I had half of your presence.''

''Again with that?'' Kaede smirked. ''Why am I always surrounded by insecure pretty boys?''

''W-what was that 'pretty' for?'' Mikan blushed.

Day:March 28 th Time:12:45 PM Location:Theme-Park-Haunted House

Ibuki, Leon, Sayaka and Makoto were walking through a hallway.

''Is this gonna be okay?'' Naegi grimaced. ''I'm not a fan of jumpscares.''

''But jumpscares are like, the whole point of a haunted house!'' Mioda winked. ''That and latching tight on to each other! So hot and romantic!''

''D-don't say weird stuff, Ibuki.'' Sayaka stuttered. ''We're just friends hanging out. It's not like this a date or something, right, Makoto?''

''Y-yeah.'' He replied.

''See?'' Maizono said. ''Not awkward at all.''

''Well, you just made it a little awkward if I'm being honest.'' Leon scratched his head.

''Whatevs, have fun!'' Suddenly, Ibuki pushed Maizono and Naegi into a room and closed the door behind them.

''W-what was that for!?'' Leon asked in shock.

''Shhhhh!'' Ibuki put a finger to her lips. ''This is all part of Ibuki's master plan!''

''Goddamit, Ibuki.'' Kuwata rolled his eyes. ''You haven't done anything stupid, have you?''

''Personally, I'd describe it more like genius.'' Mioda smirked ''See, I asked Gokuhara and Shirogane for a little help. They're gonna give those two a little scare. Maizono will surely grip onto Naegi, crying and screaming like a little girl. Then he can hug her and be all like 'I'll protect you babe, it's okay'. And next thing we know, they'll be making out in a dark corner! Mwahahahahaha!''

''What's up with that laugh? Are you trying to hook up your friend with some dork or are you gonna kill a superhero!?'' Leon grimaced. ''Anyways, are you sure this is gonna work?''

''Of course.'' Ibuki replied. ''That's how I got laid the first time, you know.''

''Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!'' A high-pitched scream came from inside the room.

''See?'' Ibuki put her hands on her waist. ''All according to keikaku!''

''Side note: Keikaku means plan.'' Tsumugi said as she raised a finger.

''What the hell!?'' Leon looked at the cosplayer. ''How long have you been here?''

''A couple minutes.'' She replied. ''You didn't notice? Well, I can't say I'm surprised. My sheer plainness knows no bounds.''

''Help!'' Sayaka's voice came through the room. ''I need a doctor!''

''Huh?'' The Ultimate musician opened the door. ''What's wrong?''

Inside, Sayaka was sitting on the floor. Makoto was lying down, with his head on her legs.

''What happened?'' Leon asked.

''I dunno, he just screamed and fainted.'' Maizono explained. ''I guess he really is no good with jumpscares!''

''Wait, that was his scream!?'' Leon laughed. ''What the hell, Makoto? He should man up a little.''

''Gonta is sorry.'' A voice said.

Leon turned around to see a giant green man with a sword stuck through his head.

''Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!'' He screamed.

''I guess I went a little too far with the make-up.'' Tsumugi smiled. ''Sorry.''

''Well, they aren't making out, but he's sleeping on her lap.'' Ibuki shrugged. ''Yay, progress! I'm gonna call this one a success!''

''Shut up and call Tsumiki already!'' Sayaka yelled.

Day:March 28 th Time:1:50 PM Location:West Area-River

The Ultimate Soldier was swimming when Kirigiri appeared from between the trees.

''Mukuro.'' She called.

''What?'' Ikusaba said dryly.

''I just want to ask you a few questions.'' Kyoko put a finger to her cheek. ''I figured the best time would be when you aren't armed.''

''Clever, aren't we?'' Mukuro smirked sarcastically. ''Don't think I need a weapon to kill you.''

''I'd wager it'd be harder, though.'' Kirigri said. ''Regardless, there's something on my mind.''

''You are wasting your time.'' Mukuro glared at her. ''I will never betray Junko, not even in death. You won't get anything out of me.''

''You'd be surprised at the amount things people that don't want to talk let slip during interrogations.'' Kyoko crossed her arms.

''Maybe people that have never been tortured for information.'' Ikusaba gritted her teeth.

''Let's cut to the chase. I've been thinking about the scale of this whole thing...and it's just too big. There's no way the two of you alone could pull it off.''

''So you suspect some more of your classmates might be involved?''

''I haven't been able to discard the possibility yet. But that's not what I meant. I'm talking about resources. Hijacking the Neo World Program, kidnapping three entire classes of an institution like Hope's Peak, and avoiding all authorities that must be looking into it for at least one week, not to mention the sheer complexity of an AI like Monokuma...That shouldn't be within the reach of high-schoolers, Ultimate or not.'' Kyoko pointed her finger at Mukuro.'' You must have some big corporation backing you.''

''So you think this is some big conspiracy?'' Mukuro asked smugly. ''Well, it's true I'm not the only one that loves Junko more than anything. She's very charismatic after all. But maybe you're thinking a little too big. In this world, people aren't born equal. Sometimes, it's not necessary to get a lot of people on your side, as long as you get the right ones. And Junko always had a knack for finding just the perfect match for her plans. That's all I'm gonna say.''

Day:March 28 th Time:2:55 PM Location:?

A green-haired girl was sitting in a wheelchair, alone in a room full of monitors, control panels and machines. She was looking attentively at the multiple screens in front of her when a boy wearing a leather mask slammed the door open.

The girl tilted her head. ''Jataro?'' She asked. ''What's wrong?''

''I'm spooked!'' He cried. ''Something really weird just happened! Whenever I go to take food to the prisoner, she keeps looking weird at me. Today I finally asked if it's because she hates me. But she said 'no'! What's up with that!? Everyone hates me!''

''Don't be silly, Jataro.'' Monaca smiled and put a hand on his head. ''Of course she hates you. She's just two-faced like every other adult. She just wants to get on your good side. If you want to see how much she really hates you, just take this mask off and go see her.'' She gritted her teeth and started pulling the mask away. ''That's why everyone hates you in the first place, right!? Because of your ugly, monstrous face! So ugly you're not allowed to show it to anyone!''

''Noooooooooooooo!'' Jataro screamed as he pulled the mask down. ''If you see me, you will die of ugliness shock!''

''That's right.'' Monaca giggled as she let go of the mask. ''You have to be really, really ugly if this disgusting thing is an improvement over your face. No wonder you're the second most hateful person in the universe.''

''T-the second?'' The boy muttered. ''Then who's the first?''

''Why, Monaca of course.'' She replied.

''Huh?'' Jataro tilted his head. ''But I don't hate you, Monaca.''

''Maybe you should.'' She glared at him and clenched her fists. ''Because...Monaca is worse than ugly. Monaca! Is! A! Mistake! That! Should! Have! Never! Been! Born! That means her very existence is wrong! What could be more hateful than that? Monaca's own life is a sin.'' She smirked. ''That's so wicked...even the gods must hate her.''

Day:March 28 th Time:4:00 PM Location:Hotel-Lobby

When Miu walked into the room, Hifumi was drawing in a sketchpad and Hiyoko was reading a magazine.

The inventor grabbed his notebook from under his hands. ''What's this?'' She asked. ''You drawing some porn, virgin?''

''Excuse you!'' He yelled and pointed a finger a her. ''It's not porn, it's ecchi!''

''You can call it whatever the fuck you want, but these are some huge-ass boobies I'm seeing here.'' Iruma laughed.

''Not as big as his own boobs, I bet.'' Hiyoko chuckled.

''Are you using me as inspiration?'' Miu asked. ''I bet half of you assholes are jerking off to me every night.''

''As if a mere flesh and blood human could cause the same sort of heavenly inspiration as the infinite sexiness of 2D!'' Yamada said as drool fell down his chin. ''I'll have you know this is a doujin for Princess Piggles from 'Demon Angel Pretty Pudgy Princess'.''

''Wait a minute, I've watched that show.'' Hiyoko put a finger on her cheek. ''I don't remember that character having really huge boobies.''

''Well...Erm...That's called Artistic License.'' Hifumi said as he bit his hand. ''It's very common among us fanfic creators.''

''Oh, I bet.'' Miu said. ''So what's this comic gonna be about anyways?''

Hifumi gripped his glasses. ''Princess Piggles must fight an invasion of tentacle monsters!'' He explained. ''But can she stop it before...bad things...happen to her and her friends!?''

''Disgusting!'' Hiyoko stuck her tongue out. ''What a creep!''

''Shit, now I'm kinda turned on.'' Miu blushed. ''Goddamit Teruteru, why did you have to go and die!?''

''What the hell!?'' Hiyoko shouted. ''What is wrong with you, you disgusting whore!?''

''W-what did you just call me!?'' Miu started drooling.

''Disgusting whore!'' Saionji yelled again. ''Nasty slut! Depraved Degenerate! Filthy piece of shit of a woman that's only good for cheap prostitution! Hooker for pigs!''

''W-what else!?'' Miu sttutered. ''W-what else I am!? Oooooooh!''

''W-wait.'' The dancer looked at her in horror. ''Are you getting off on this? Goddamit, I need a bath. I can't handle all these creeps.'' She run out of the room.

''C-can I have my sketchpad back?'' Hifumi asked. ''I think I was wrong. You've given me some inspiration after all.''

Day:March 28 th Time:5:05 AM Location:Factory-Workshop

When Kazuichi and Chiaki walked into the workshop, they found Angie inside, crafting medals with the enthusiasm of a particularly excited kid in elementary school art class.

''Woah.'' Soda scoffed. ''You've made quite the mess, Ultimate Artist!''

''This is no mess.'' Yonaga glared at him. ''This is the holy remains of Atua's possession of this humble vessel.''

''Is this supposed to be in the shape of your face?'' Chiaki asked as she picked one of the medals off the floor.

''Yes!'' The artist jumped excitedly. ''Atua wanted something beautiful for the insignia of our little pack of believers.'' She hugged herself. ''I'm so honored that he found me alluring enough.''

''Okay, that's getting really weird now.'' Kazuichi grimaced. ''I mean, you're already pretty weird normally, but that's like...extra weird.''

''Whatevs.'' Chiaki said. ''Are you gonna fix my Game Girl?''

''Yeah, it should be easy.'' Kazuichi started rummaging around. ''I only need to find a replacement battery. You fried that one from playing all the time. You kinda have a problem if I'm being honest.''

''Nanami, Atua can help you overcome your addiction.'' Angie clasped her hands. ''Come join us.''

''No thanks.'' The gamer smiled. ''I think I prefer my addiction.''

''You aren't even gonna deny you have an addiction?'' The mechanic rolled his eyes.

Suddenly, Celeste came out of the door to the warehouse, carrying a variety of chains, collars, handcuffs and other restraint devices. ''I see quite the childish lot has gathered here.'' She said.

''W-what's all that crap for?'' Kazuichi stuttered.

''Don't you think it's going to be quite the inconvenience to have to constantly have people guarding Nagito's room?'' She explained. ''Not to mention going through the trouble of feeding him and moving him around when necessary. The reality is we can't keep him in a room forever. That's why I offered myself as a permanent escort, so there can be way for him to move around without posing a danger to everyone else. Kiyotaka and the rest of the Student Council agreed as long as I find the means to keep him restrained at all times.''

''You're acting very different from yesterday.'' Chiaki put a hand on her chest. ''But thanks for taking care of Nagito. I'm worried about him. Even after what he did, I don't want any of my classmates to suffer.''

''There's no forgiveness for that sinner.'' Angie said with a glare. ''But perhaps with an entire life of servitude to Atua, he can be reincarnated in something other than rat flea gut flora.''

''I'm afraid I'm the only one that nasty brat will be serving.'' Celeste said as she walked out of the workshop.

''A servant?'' Soda tilted his head. ''What the hell was that about? Women really are unfathomable mysteries.''

''Please, fix it already.'' Chiaki pouted. ''I wanna play some Minecraft.''

''Well, maybe not all of them.'' Kazuichi shrugged.

Day:March 28 th Time:6:10 PM Location:Library-Archive

Sonia entered the room, where Kirumi and Byakuya were waiting.

''What is the matter, Byakuya?'' The princess asked. ''You said it was of the utmost importance.''

''Indeed.'' Byakuya said as he looked over some papers. ''It's about the serial killer whose existence you suggested. The one that kills young girls. The police isn't investigating that case to my knowledge, but there's another case. They were looking into a certain Japanese travel agency. They suspected one of their employees could be a serial killer.''

''Why?'' Kirumi asked.

''The bodies of young girls started appearing near the locations they organized travels to.'' Togami adjusted his glasses. ''In the end, no relation could be proven, since it wasn't in all the locations they visited, just some of them. It seemed like a coincidence. People are killed all the time, everywhere, after all. But then I remembered a small detail. This travel agency was based near Hope's Peak Academy.''

''I see.'' Tojo nodded. ''So you think it wasn't an employee, but the same person committing the crimes near Hope's Peak.''

''Indeed.'' Byakuya crossed his arms. ''And that person could very well be one of the people on this island. This all happened the year before we started Hope's Peak. But even so, it's possible someone was already frequenting the area''

''I-if you do not mind...do you know the specific l-locations where these girls were found?'' Sonia asked.

''Of course.'' Byakuya picked up a paper from a table. ''I wrote them down here. Vienna, Melbourne, Vladivostok, Hong Kong, Toronto, Tehran, Delhi, Giza, Abuja, Buenos Aires, New Orleans, Havana, Dubai, Samarkand and Rome.''

''Are you okay, Sonia?'' Kirumi asked. "You are getting quite pale.''

''I-I am feeling just a l-little sick.'' Sonia stuttered. ''I think I will go to bed early today. There is some things I need to think about.''

''Remember to be careful.'' Togami frowned. ''You never now how close this killer could be.''

Day:March 28 th Time:7:15 PM Location:3 rd F-Korekiyo's Room

Korekiyo locked the door behind him and pulled down his mask, revealing the lipstick in his mouth.

''We have to talk, Korekiyo.'' He said in a soft, feminine voice.

He pulled the mask back up. ''About what, my dear sister?'' He asked in his normal voice.

He pulled it down once more. ''About that blonde harlot you keep fraternizing with.''

''You mean Sonia? She's but a friend I happen to share interests with.''

He slapped himself. ''Liar! Don't forget I share this one body! You can't hide anything from me! I know you're feeling things for that princess! How dare you! I'm your only one, am I not, Korekiyo?''

''Of course, sister! Sonia might be awakening certain things within my soul I thought were long dead, but nothing compares to the pure, overwhelming love that unites us. She's just a very admirable girl, is all. Must I send her to become your friend?''

''I would never accept this royal whore near me . She wouldn't reach me, anyway. Women who try to steal love from other women deserve nothing but hell.''

''I don't think Sonia is...''

''Oh, she is, trust me. You're so naive, sweet Korekiyo. But a woman can tell things like that when she sees it. You must not see this princess alone ever again, or I won't just stand there watching.''

''But we've already planned to watch ' The 120 days of Sodom' tomorrow night. It would be rude to...''

''I don't care.''

Meanwhile, Kokichi was lying under the bed, listening to everything. He had an habit of spying on people, so he had seen plenty of weird crap over the years. But that might have been the freakiest of them all.

Day:March 29 th Time:8:20 AM Location:Hotel-3 rd F-Hallway

Akane got out of her room, yawning and with her gut growling.

''Hey!'' Suddenly Tenko jumped in front of her, in fighting position. Owari instinctively bit her hand. ''What the hell!?''

''Sorry.'' Akane blushed. ''But you should know to not surprise a hungry girl.''

''Is eating your response to everything!?'' Chabashira shook his head. ''Anyways, we have to talk.''

''Talk?'' The gymnast titled her head."About what?"

''About what we did the other day!'' Tenko shouted. ''Obviously!''

''It was fun I guess.'' Akane scratched her head. ''I can't really remember much.''

''That's all you have to say!?'' Tenko flailed her arms. ''Take some responsibility for your actions!''

''What do you mean responsibility?'' Akane put a finger on her ear. ''Are you preggers or something?''

''W-what!?'' Tenko blushed. ''How could I be!? Only degenerate males can get women pregnant! That's why they're so degenerate in the first place.''

''Well, whatever.'' Akane shrugged. ''I never paid much attention to that story about the bees and whatever the other thing was. Anyways, I'm starving. Bye.''

''Don't you dare leave me hanging again! Do you never think about the consequences of your actions!? You can't just go around doing whatever you want! What you do affects others! Like me!''

''Consequences? If you're worried about AIDS, tell Mikan to check you out.''

''Not that! I mean emotional consequences! That was my first time, you know!''

''So? What's the big deal?''

''What do you mean what's the big deal!? You don't care about this at all!? What am I to you!?''

''Huh? A friend, what else?''

''Friends don't get friends drunk to steal their virginity! You can only do that if you're more than friends!''

''Are you sure? That doesn't sound right.''

''Yeah, that sounded better in my head. I'm really nervous, alright!? I've even been avoiding you guys. It's taking me all I have just to talk to you.''

''Why?''

''B-because...'' Tenko started playing with her fingers. ''...I'm feeling things.''

''Alright, so where are you going with this?'' Akane put a hand on her hip. ''I wanna eat already.''

''Aaaaaaaaaah!'' Chabashira shouted. ''How dense can you get!? Do you wanna be more than friends!?''

''What do you mean more than friends?''

''I mean a couple, obviously! Dating!''

''I dunno, I've never dated anyone. Is it too much of a bother? What do you have to do?''

''Well...enjoy each other's company?''

''So just like friends then.''

''B-but also holding hands and kissing and cuddling and stuff.''

''That doesn't sound too bad. I guess I could do it if you want it so bad.''

''No! Don't just do it like some favor! I don't want that! Just tell me if you really want to do it or not! Listen to your heart if you aren't sure!''

''Screw my heart. I only listen to my gut. And right now it's saying...to hold your hand and go get some bacon!''

Akane grabbed Tenko by the wrist and dragged her downstairs.

Maki and Kaito watched them go. They had arrived from the floor above in the middle of their conversation, but they hadn't noticed.

''That is love is in motion, Maki Roll.'' Momota said in tears. ''Doesn't it fill your heart with warm and fuzzy feelings?''

''No.'' Maki replied coldly.

Day:March 29 th Time:9:25 AM Location:Hotel-3 rd F-Korekiyo's room

Korekiyo was sitting on a chair, reading a book, when Sonia stormed into the room and slammed the door shut behind her.

''Korekiyo...are you a serial a killer?'' She asked dryly. Her eyes were open so wide Kiyo felt she was staring into his soul.

''W-what is the meaning of this?'' Shinguji dropped the book and stood up. ''What are you talking about?''

''There is a serial killer that has been targeting young girls around Hope's Peak.'' She explained. ''And it seems this is a particularly well-traveled killer. That just so happens to have visited the same cities as you. It is you, am I wrong? You are behind the deaths of all those girls.''

''I-I must admit, I'm quite taken aback right now.'' Kiyo grabbed his mask. ''If you believe me to be such murderous criminal, why would you ever confront me by yourself, instead of informing everyone else?''

''Because I want to ask you a question.'' She asked. ''I want to know why do you do it. What drives you to kill them?''

''Why?'' Korekiyo scoffed. ''What reason could there be behind such horrid acts, other than simple evil?''

''There is no such thing as evil.'' Sonia replied. ''You told me that yourself. Everyone in this world has their own values. It comes with being human. I already told you I'm interested in serial killers. And for every single one of them I have researched, no matter how atrocious, I have always been able to find a train of thought behind their actions. It might not have been an acceptable, or even comprehensible explanation for everyday people or society at large, but they exist nonetheless. I am willing to bet you are not different in that regard. So tell me, Korekiyo. Why do you kill?''

''Well, if you must know...'' Korekiyo raised a finger. '''I do it all for my sister. I send her outstanding young women so she can have the best of friends in the afterlife, so she doesn't feel lonely.''

''I-I am afraid I do not follow.'' Sonia tilted her head.

Kiyo pulled down his mask, revealing he was wearing lipstick. ''She's talking about me, slut!''

''W-what the holy hell!?'' Sonia stuttered.

''My sweet Korekiyo and I loved each other more than anything. It was a forbidden love, but it didn't matter, for we only cared about each other. But alas, it was not meant to last. Illness forced me away from this mortal realm at an early age. However, Korekiyo is both the best lover and brother any woman could ask for. Not only does he allow me to share his body, he also regularly sends me nice friends. That's right! Our love transcends even death! So don't you dare think you can take him away from me, noble homewrecker!''

Shinguji grabbed Sonia by her neck, smashed her against the wall and started to choke her. The diamonds on her ribbon flew all over the room.

''Stop it, sister!'' He put back his mask and started talking in his normal voice. Then he grabbed his arm with his other hand, loosening his grip until he dropped the princess, who fell on her knees.

Sonia started coughing. ''I-I think I u-understand it n-now.'' She said, wheezing. ''All this is b-because you m-miss your sister, is it not? You r-really must have loved her a lot.''

''A-aren't you going to judge our relationship?'' Kiyo asked, his eyes wide open.

''I think t-that would be a little h-hypocritical.'' Sonia stood up, still panting. ''I am European r-royalty, after all. Besides, it is not in my nature to be judgmental. I already told you that. But more importantly...you said you kill girls to help your sister feel less lonely. However, it is actually you who feels lonely, am I wrong? That is why you let her share your body. In a way, you are refusing to let her go. ''

Kiyo pulled down his mask. ''Stop talking like you know him, whore!'' He said in his feminine voice as he started pulling the princess' hair.

''I k-know you probably were devastated when she died, but...it's been a long time, has it not?.'' Sonia started to wipe the lipstick off his mouth with her thumb.''I think you have grieved enough. There is no need to feel lonely anymore. You do not have to keep doing any of this. Not killing, not whatever this is. You are not alone.''

When his lips were clean, she kissed them.

Korekiyo stood there, without saying a word.

Sonia ran out of the room, as quick and suddenly as she had entered it. Once out of the room, she slammed the door behind her closed and sprinted upstairs.

Kokichi and Kirumi, who were standing guard in front of Nagito's room, saw her.

''Sonia and Kiyo?'' Kokichi said with his arms behind his head. ''I wonder what that was about. You better set that girl straight, mom. You hang out a lot with her, right?''

''This is certainly...worth taking note of.'' Kirumi replied with her eyes closed in thought.

Day:March 29 th Time:9:30 AM Location:Hotel-5 th F-Sonia's room

Sonia was kneeling on her bed, banging her head against the headboard. ''What in all hell is wrong with you?'' Liking a pretend villain like Gundham was one thing, but falling for an actual serial killer? That was way beyond deranged. Why was she like this? What was she even trying to do? ''What is the plan!? Is there a plan!?'' She had agreed to watch 'The 120 days of Sodom' with Kiyo tonight. Was she going to go? And why did she keep asking questions to herself? And more importantly, why could she not even answer?

Her frantic self-loathing was interrupted by the voice of a certain bear. ''Well, well.'' Monokuma said. ''It's been a couple days since someone got wasted, hasn't it? This is getting boooooooooooooooring. Don't worry! I know plenty of ways to keep heads rolling and the party going! Some motives, if you will. To begin with, all of you will receive a message from a very dear person! That might encourage you to do your best in the game! I've left the videos in the A/V room in the Town Hall. Please watch them. I've put a lot of effort into them, you know.''

Sonia sighed and lied down on the bed. ''I cannot deal with the goddamned bear and his blasted nonsense right now.'' She knew if she were to watch that video, her mental state would only decline even more.

Day:March 29th Time:10:00 AM Location:Town Hall-A/V Room

Shuichi dragged his finger through the surface of the packet as he read out loud the names on the cases contained within it. ''Akamatsu, Amami, Chabashira, Gokuhara, Harukawa, Hoshi, Iruma, K1B0, Momota, Oma, Saihara, Shinguji, Shirogane, Tojo, Yonaga, Yumeno. It looks like there's one for each of my classmates. Even deceased ones.''

''There's another two packets like that one.'' Kyoko said with her arms crossed. ''One for each class I assume.''

Taka, Kirumi, Keebo, Kaede, Chiaki, Angie, Sakura, Oma, Tsumugi, Mahiru and Hajime were also in the room. They were all the first to arrive, but everyone had agreed to let the detectives take a look first.

''So what should be our course of action now?'' The robot asked.

''We could just watch them all together and get it over with.'' Hajime suggested.

''Is that really a good idea, though?'' Mahiru sighed. ''It was Monokuma that left them here, you know.''

''He said they were motives, too.'' Chiaki put on her hoodie.''What if it leads to more killing? We shouldn't play his game.''

''I was talking about this with Kirumi on the way here.'' Taka put his fist to his chin. ''We came to the same conclusion. This videos are dangerous and should not be watched under any circumstances!''

''I can't help but be curious, though.'' Tsumugi raised her finger.

''Yeah, I wanna watch them.'' Oma pouted. ''Gimme mine at least.''

''The bear said it was a message from someone dear.'' Angie clasped her hands happily. ''So in my case it's probably Atua himself! You must let me see this divine message, else you will be committing a terrible sacrilege!''

''I refuse!'' Taka shouted. ''None of this videos shall be watched!''

''What exactly gives you the right to do that?'' Kokichi asked with a deadpan.

''Until a new one is elected, Kiyotaka is the Acting President of the Student Council.'' Kirumi smiled. ''Please, respect his authority.''

''So should we destroy them?'' Kaede crossed her ams in thought.

''Even if we did, Monokuma would just bring them back again.'' Shuichi said.

''Perhaps we should simply keep them behind lock and key.'' Kyoko suggested.

''Great idea, Kyoko!'' Ishimaru shouted. ''This A/V room has a lock on the door. I have the key right here! Let's go out and I'll close the door. Then I'll keep the key and stand guard in front of it at all times to avoid people trying to break down the door or some such shenanigans.''

''Atua won't stand by this.'' Angie said with a glare.'' Let's go find the rest of the Children of Atua, Tsumugi.'' The artist left the room.

''A-all right.'' The cosplayer followed her.

''Wait, I wanna help with the coup too.'' Oma followed her.

''Will you be okay on your own, Taka?'' Kaede asked. ''I think Angie wants to bring Gonta. I can stay to talk him out of it if you need it. I think he'll listen to me as Class Rep.''

''No need to worry, Akamatsu.'' Kiyotaka smiled. ''I have Kirumi after all.''

''I'm afraid I have other duties to take care of today.'' The maid bowed. ''My apologies.''

''W-what!?'' Taka flinched. ''This might really be a problem, then.''

''Do not fret!'' Sakura exclaimed. ''If it's power you need, you can count on me! I shall stand guard with you!''

''I will help, too.'' Keebo offered. ''I might not have muscles, but my strength is comparable to that of an average senior citizen!''

''That's not very reassuring.'' Hajime muttered.

''It's decided, then!'' Taka clenched his fist. ''Let's protect this place with everything we've got, my comrades!''

Day:March 29th Time:2:00 PM Location:Restaurant-Dining Hall

Tenko and Akane sat at the table where Makoto and Sayaka were eating.

''Hi, mind if we sit here?'' Tenko greeted. ''I'm going to have lunch with my girlfriend.''

''A-alright.'' Makoto said, sweating and slightly confused.

''Can I have that?'' Akane pointed to Sayaka's plate. She had barely taken a bite out of her steak. ''Don't just leave it there, tempting me! You temptress!''

''Sure, go ahead.'' Maizono sighed. ''I'm not very hungry today.''

''Is something wrong, Sayaka?'' Makoto asked. ''You've been looking down since this morning.''

''I'm worried about that motive thing Monokuma talked about.'' Sayaka hugged herself. ''He said he had a message from a very dear person. D-do you think he might have d-done something to our friends or family?''

''I'm sure they're fine.'' Naegi said with a smile.

''H-how can you know that?'' Sayaka looked at him intensely as she wiped her slightly teary eye.

''Well, I don't know it.'' Makoto scratched his face. ''I just believe it.''

''So it's just blind faith, huh?'' Sayaka looked at the floor. ''I wish I could be that optimistic after everything's that happened.''

''Same here.'' Akane said as she stuffed her mouth with meat. ''I can't get myself to care about anything since Byakuya and the others died. I dunno why I of all people am still alive. I wish I could believe in something.''

''I didn't know you were still thinking about that.'' Tenko played with her fingers. ''You should talk to your girlfriend about that stuff, you know.''

''Do you have any idea to help me?'' Akane asked.

''Not right now...'' Chabashira replied.

''Then why bother?'' Owari moved back to her frenetic eating.

''Listen, Sayaka!'' Makoto held her hands. ''It's gonna be fine! We're gonna get out of here together, and then you'll be able to hug all your loved ones again! Do you believe it, now?''

''Y-yes.'' Maizono smiled. ''Let's do it! No matter what, we'll do that!''

''Degenerate males.'' Tenko muttered as she pouted. ''Always showing off.''

Day:March 29th Time:2:10 PM Location:Restaurant-Kitchen

Hiyoko walked into the kitchen and found Ikusaba there, putting food into a huge bag.

''What the hell are you doing here!?'' She glared at her.

''Getting some food.'' Mukuro replied. ''This is the only place on the island that has edible things.''

''Is that so?'' Saionji smirked. ''Or have you come to look at Naegi from far away, like you always do? Do you think we can't see it? I bet even him has realized it by now. He can't be that clueless. But looks like he's all aboard the Maizono train, so you're outta luck. Pfft. You're so pathetic.''

''Shut up.'' Mukuro closed the now full bag and threw it over her shoulder.

''I mean, there's really no contest here.'' Hiyoko chuckled with a hand over her mouth. ''Super-hot idol group lead singer versus plain brute with the social skills of peanut? Easiest choice in my life, and I don't even swing that way. Maybe you should off her. That's all you're good for, anyways. At least I'd enjoy watching you die in agony when you get executed, if nothing else. But even then you still wouldn't have a chance. Not with Naegi and not with anybody else. Who would ever want to be with a disgusting piece of shit of a human being like you? Even your own sister didn't love you!''

''You really shouldn't try to provoke me.'' Ikusaba said.

''Oh, because you're a cool and stoic type that won't fall for this shit?'' The dancer mocked. ''I guess without Lady Junko to boss you around you're just a puppet without strings.''

''No.'' The soldier grabbed Hiyoko by the head and smashed her against the counter, then walked towards the door without even looking back at her. ''Because you might actually manage to piss me off.''

Day:March 30th Time:5:00 AM Location:Despairville-Main Street

Gumdham walked past Ryoma on the street.

''You're up so late?'' The tennis pro asked as he adjusted his hat. ''Or so soon, I guess, depends on how you look at it.''

''I could say the same thing, Hoshi.'' Tanaka smirked. ''I wasn't aware you were a fellow creature of the night.''

''Guess that's one way to put it.'' Ryoma scoffed. ''I don't sleep much ever since my time in the slammer. I don't recommend it. You should all try not to get in trouble like me if you manage to make it out of this alive.''

''Ha! As if a mere human prison would be able to contain my evil!'' Gundham laughed. ''I've already escaped from the depths of hell, and even broken the chains of causality! For I am Gundham Tanaka! Hahahaha!''

''Well, I'm glad there's still some jolly people around.'' Ryoma muttered. ''Makes this whole thing slightly more bearable.''

Suddenly, a shot rang out, and the two looked at each other in shock.

Day:March 30 th Time:5:05 AM Location:Town Hall-Secretary's Office

Sakura was standing guard in front of the door to the A/V room, arms crossed. Taka had fallen asleep on a table and Keebo had knocked himself out after headbutting Gonta when Angie showed up with him to confront them. In the end, Ishimaru had been able to talk the entomologist out of it, much to Yonaga's chagrin, so no fighting had been necessary, but the robot was still unconscious.

She heard what seemed like gunshot. She quickly run out of the town hall and tried to locate the sound. If the mental map she had of the town wasn't wrong, it had come from the area around the Movie Theater. She sprinted towards there and started to explore the surroundings.

Finally, she found Tanaka and Hoshi standing in a dark alley, looking at a lump on the ground. Then Monokuma's voice echoed.

''Oh snap!'' He shouted excitedly. ''Finally someone kicks the bucket! A body has been discovered! You know the drill. Investigate and then we'll have good ol' class trial. See ya.''

Day:March 30 th Time:5:15 AM Location:Hotel-5 th F-Sonia's room

Sonia had not been able to actually fall asleep, but she had been lying on her bed with her eyes closed for hours. Monokomua's announcement perturbed her and she opened them, only to see Kokichi Oma staring at her with a sinister smile.

''Eeeeeeeeek!'' She screamed.

''Jeez, calm down.'' He said while looking at his hand. ''I was just checking if you were awake, since the lights were on and all.''

''The lights are on?'' Sonia realized the room was, indeed, illuminated. ''I thought I turned them off. I really am beside myself.''

''Whatever.'' Kokichi crossed his arms behind his head. ''Did you hear the announcement? I wonder who's croaked this time. I haven't checked the Monokuma file yet. I want it to be a surprise.''

''Oh.'' Sonia had almost forgotten she must have gotten one of those. She pulled out it our of her pocket and looked at it.

Victim: Korekiyo Shinguji

Cause of Death: Shot through the head.

Time of Death: around 2:00 AM

Body was found in an alley near the movie theater.

She dropped the file on the floor.

''Hey, something's wrong, Lady Nevermind?'' Kokichi asked. ''Hey, hey, what's wrong? Well, never mind. Hahahaha. Your name is funny when you say it out loud. Hey, are you listening?''

She wasn't.

Day:March 30 th Time:5:25 AM Location:Despairville-Alley

Saihara and Kirigiri arrived at the scene, where Gundham, Sakura and Ryoma stood next to the Ultimate Anthropologist's body.

''I take it you three found the body?'' She asked.

''Indeed.'' Ogami nodded. ''More accurately, Tanaka and Hoshi did. I arrived a few minutes later.''

''Not much later, though.'' Ryoma adjusted his hat. ''She was here ten minutes after the gunshot, tops.''

''So it really was a gunshot.'' Shuichi put a hand on his mouth. ''I though I heard something, but I was half-asleep so I wasn't sure.''

''This area is relatively far from the hotel and the town hall. It's not unreasonable those who were asleep didn't hear a gunshot from here.'' Kyoko said.

''Monokuma's announcement is a different matter altogether.'' Gundham crossed his arms. ''That hellish noise resonates all throughout the island, like an echo from the underworld itself. All our peers must have awoken from their slumber by now.''

''You've left the scene exactly as you found it, right?'' Shuichi asked.

''Obviously.'' Hoshi pulled his candy out of his mouth. ''We know how this goes by now.''

''The first thing that catches my attention is that revolver on the ground.'' Kirigiri pointed at it.

''You think that's the murder weapon?'' Shuichi asked

Kyoko started to crawl on the ground. ''Possibly.'' She replied. ''We can only know that if we compare it to the bullets that killed Shinguji. Looks like there are some lying around.''

''Some?'' Sakura asked. ''I'm pretty sure there was only one gunshot.''

''That's not the only contradiction.'' Kyoko kept crawling around. ''The time of death in the Monokuma file doesn't match the gunshot you heard. Which means, there must have been more gunshots earlier, that nobody heard. I've found three bullets, so I'd say at least two more.'' She got up, with the bullets in her hand.

''How can you even notice such tiny objects when the darkness of night still embraces us!?'' Gundham grabbed his arm. ''Even I failed to see them. Are you perhaps in possession of tier infinite ocular magic!?''

''They don't call you Ultimate Detective for nothing, huh?'' Hoshi played with his candy. ''Compared to you, we've all got a ways to go as investigators.''

''But even someone as amazing Kyoko can't just compare rifling marks at a glance.'' Shuichi scratched his head. ''Leave it to me. I'll take the gun and the bullets to the forensics lab to examine them.''

''Good idea.'' Kirigiri nodded. ''I'll examine the body, then. Sakura, Hoshi stay with me. Tanaka, please call Tsumiki.''

''Roger that.'' Ryoma gave a thumbs up.

''Alright.'' Sakura crossed her arms.

''I don't accept orders from mortals!'' Gundham shouted. ''However, I will grant your wish of summoning the healer in order to acknowledge your skill.''

Day:March 30 th Time:5:35 AM Location:Restaurant-Kitchen

Kirumi was washing the dishes when Taka came running into the room.

''Finally, I found you!'' He shouted. ''Why are you here!? Didn't you hear the announcement?''

''I wouldn't be worthy of my title if I let my work on a task be interrupted, regardless of the circumstances.'' Kirumi said without turning around. ''How can I help you?''

''It's gone!'' Taka cried. ''The key is gone. I felt asleep and now it's not there. Someone must have stolen it! Darn it, I'm a failure!''

''That will be quite problematic.'' Kirumi gritted her teeth. ''What about the videos?''

''They're still there.'' Ishimaru explained. ''I could see the three packets are still not open from the window.''

''Good.'' Tojo put a finger to her chin.''Then we just need to keep watch over the room while we search for the key.''

''We have to inform everyone posthaste!'' Taka clenched his fist. ''It'll be quicker if we work together!''

''I'm not sure that's a good idea.'' The maid put the last glass on the counter and turned around. ''It would certainly create a panic. Specially now, with a murder on the plate as well, I'm afraid informing the rest will only create chaos and complicate things even more for us.''

''That's right.'' Ishimaru looked at the floor. ''Then I guess this is a secret.''

''Indeed.'' Kirumi smiled. ''Gossip is a maid's greatest sin.''

Day:March 30 th Time:5:45 AM Location:Clinic-Patient's room #1

Kaito ran into the room, carrying Mikan on his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

''Eeeeeeeeeek!'' The nurse was screaming and kicking. ''Is this happening!? Is this actually going to happen!? Noooooooo!''

''I told you to be quiet, jeez.'' The astronaut said as he gently placed her on the bed and sat next to her. ''This has to be a secret between the two of us.''

''A-alright, just go ahead.'' Tsumiki cried as she unbuttoned her collar. ''P-please don't be t-too rough.''

''Look at this.'' Kaito showed her his palm, which was covered in blood.

''B-blood!?'' Mikan screamed. ''That's too hardcore! Noooooo! B-but...I guess I don't have a choice.''

''What are you even talking about?''' Momota asked. ''I've been coughing blood. That's why I wanted to talk to you.''

''Oh?'' Mikan tilted her head. ''So you just want medical advice?''

''Yeah.'' Kaito said. ''Sorry for being so sudden, but it's really urgent. Why do you look disappointed?''

''Never mind'' The Ultimate Nurse shook her head energetically. ''How long has this been happening?''

''To tell you the truth, for over a year already.'' Kaito sighed as he looked wistfully at his hands. ''Coughing blood is the most apparent symptom, but there's a lot more to it. Sometimes I feel really sick. I've been talking to doctors and Hope's Peak and stuff. You know they're the best of the best, but even they didn't know what was going on with my body. They've figured out by now it's some kind of unknown virus. I'm the first to ever have this so they're calling it the Momota Disease. It's apparently not contagious so I'm keeping it a secret for now. They haven't been able to figure out a cure but I've been on a palliative treatment for months. But it doesn't seem like there's any medicine for me on the island. At first I felt fine so I thought I wasn't sick inside the program, but now it's come back and it's getting worse and worse. What do you think?''

''I-I-I-I-I...don't even know what to say.'' Mikan stuttered. ''This is a lot to take in.''

''Can you help me?''

''I don't know. I'd need to check you out in more depth, take blood samples and all that.''

''Well, that's fi...'' Kaito covered his mouth and started coughing. ''...fine. B-but we'll have to do it in secret. I don't wanna worry Maki Roll and the others. You get it, right?''

''Yes!'' Mikan nodded. ''This all fall under medical confidentiality.''

Suddenly, Gundham slammed the door open.

''Cease this coven at once, mortals!'' He yelled. ''Kirigiri requests your assistance on the scene of the crime, Tsumiki!''

Day:March 30 th Time:5:55 AM Location:Town Hall-Secretary's Office

When the Ultimate Robot woke up, he was alone in the office. But before he had any time to wonder where everyone else had gone, Angie stormed the place, followed by Gonta, Tsumugi and Yamada.

''Ooooh, it looks like Keebo is alone.'' The artist clasped her hands. ''Please, surrender. You're no match for the full force of the Children of Atua.''

''Never!'' Keebo closed his and ran at them, wildly throwing around kicks and punches. ''I will protect this door with my life!''

He ended up punching Hifumi in the crotch.

''Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!'' The fanfic creator screamed as he fell on the floor, twirling in pain.

''That was a little uncalled for.'' Tsumugi muttered.

''Don't worry, Hifumi.'' Angie said with a smile. ''Your future children didn't die in vain.''

''Keebo stop.'' Gonta picked him up. ''We doing this for everyone. This good. This right thing to do.''

''You're the one that should stop!'' The robot yelled at him. ''Didn't Ishimaru convince you earlier!?''

''First Angie convince Gonta to do this.'' The entomologist explained with a smile. ''Then Ishimaru convinced him to don't do this. But then Angie convinced Gonta again.''

''How suggestible can you possibly get!?''

''It looks like that wily Ishimaru took the key with him.'' Angie walked towards the door of the A/V room. ''I guess it can't be helped. Slam down the door, Gonta.''

''Gonta go!'' Gokuhara nodded.

''What the hell are you guys doing!?'' Suddenly Kaede ran furiously into the room, tailed by Maki. ''Didn't you hear the announcement? Haven't you looked at the file?'' Tears started flowing down her face, already torn in anger. ''Kiyo is dead, you know. I know his social skills left a lot to be desired and we didn't actually know him all that well, but he was still our classmate for 3 years. And you're all just here clowning around, fighting each other?Like you don't care, like it didn't even happen?

''Gonta sorry!'' Gonta shouted in tears. ''Gonta know if Kaede angry, it mean we doing bad.''

''I'm not angry, I'm disappointed.'' Akamatsu sobbed. ''Have we really reached the point where a friend dies and we can just keep going with whatever we were doing without even flinching? Has this killing game messed us up that badly?''

''She's right.'' Maki said. ''Getting used to death...is the absolute worst thing that can happen to a person, bar none. How can you even keep calling yourself a human once you reach that state?''

''True, true.'' Angie shook herself around. ''This is not the path of Atua. We should get justice for Kiyo first.''

''T-thank you, guys.'' Kaede sighed and fell on her knees. ''I'm glad we're all on the same page.''

Day:March 30 th Time:6:05 AM Location:Police Station-Forensics Lab

''This is definitely a match.'' Shuichi muttered while he wrote down the results of the test.

''Hey, Shuichi.'' A voice suddenly said behind him.

Saihara turned around to see Oma there, with a knee on the floor. ''What are you doing here, Kokichi?'' He asked.

''Would you make me the happiest man in the world?'' The Ultimate Supreme Leader pulled out a little box out of his pocket and opened it, revealing what looked like a diamond inside.

Shuichi rolled his eyes. ''If you've come just to fool around, go away. I'm busy.''

''Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm actually not declaring my undying love.'' Kokichi stood up and crossed his arms behind his back. ''This is actually evidence, you see.''

''Evidence of what?'' The detective asked.

''Of who killed JFK.'' Oma said with a smile, before switching his expression to one of extreme anger. ''Of what do you fucking think, idiot!? I found it near the scene of Kiyo's murder! I'm here working my ass off to help you out solve this crime and you just look at me like I'm crazy! For shame, Shuichi, for shame!''

''And when exactly did you find it?''

''Oh, that's a secret.''

''You do realize I have no reason to trust you on this, right?''

''It's our adamantine bond of friendship not enough?''

''No.''

''You wound me, Shuichi. But in that case...'' Oma gave him a sinister smile. ''All you have to do is analyze it. I'm 100% certain you'll find his blood on this diamond. As the Ultimate Detective, you wouldn't just ignore a possible clue, now wouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuld you?''

Day:March 30 th Time:6:15 AM Location:Despairville-Alley

Mikan and Kyoko were crouching next to the body.

''He was shot twice.'' The nurse said. ''Once through the left lung and another through the head. The first one would have been lethal already, but the second one was definitely an instant death.''

''We can be certain that's the order if we take into account the amount of blood in each area, too.'' Kirigiri nodded. ''So it looks like rather than waiting a few minutes for the victim to die of blood loss, the killer chose to finish it themselves.''

''I can only assume they were trying to avoid potential risks.'' Togami walked in on the scene, adjusting his glasses. ''Such as the victim making any last ditch moves. This is a very careful murderer we must be dealing with.''

''Indeed.'' Kyoko got up. ''I haven't been able to find a lot of clues around here. I hope Saihara is having better luck analyzing the bullets and the gun.''

''A pointless endeavor, I'd bet.'' Byakuya crossed his arms. ''What kind of fool would leave his prints on the murder weapon? This is clearly the doing of someone very intelligent, if your testimony about the scene is to be believed.''

''…'' The detective put a finger to her chin. ''...Assuming things about the mental capabilities of the guilty party will only cloud our vision. All possibilities exist until they're proven wrong. I though you were smart enough to know a basic thing like that, Byakuya.''

''Tsk.'' Togami gritted his teeth. ''Whatever you say. But you should watch how you talk to the Ultimate Affluent Progeny next time.''

''Yeah.'' Kyoko muttered. ''You're probably right about that.''

Day:March 30 th Time:6:25 AM Location:Hotel-Lobby

Chiaki, Mahiru, Miu, Ibuki and Leon were sitting around, waiting for the class trial announcement.

Celeste walked into the lobby, dragging Nagito by a chain on a collar on his neck. His ankles and wrists were also shackled.

''What the actual fuck!?'' Iruma blushed. ''The hell is this fetish shit!?''

''We can't just let him move about freely, can we?'' Celeste said. ''This is more humane than just keeping him locked all day.''

''Honestly, that's debatable.'' Leon grimaced.

'Weeeeeeeeird.'' Ibuki gritted her teeth. ''Is not just me, right? You all think this is really weird too, right?''

''No, it's not just you.'' Mahiru put her hands on her waist. ''I don't approve of this.''

''Good thing you don't have any authority over me then, you snooty swine.'' The gambler replied with a smile.

''Woah!'' Miu shouted. ''Catfight! Catfight!''

''Nagito...are you okay with this?'' Chiaki asked him, staring at him in the eyes.

''You're so sweet, Chiaki.'' Nagito smiled. ''Why do you even care about the opinion of trash like me? But you should know by now that if it's for the sake of hope I'm willing to do anything. This is...exactly how things should be.''

''Oh man, the fucker is actually into it.'' The Ultimate Inventor laughed. ''Please don't go cumming on us here!''

''I guess it's fine, then.'' Nanami said. ''Let's not fight over this anymore, please.''

''You're right.'' Celeste said with a bow. ''I apologize for the ugly words from before. I just got a little worked up, is all. As a sign of good will, my new servant here will give us all feet massages. Except for you, Leon. It's a women-only thing.''

''Oh, what a bummer.'' Kuwata said sarcastically as he rolled his eyes. ''I was so looking forward to getting touched by this creep.''

''Just the feet?'' Miu pouted. ''Can't we get something more spicy?''

''I'm afraid that's above the reach of plebeians such as you.'' Ludemberg replied. ''Do you want to go first, Nanami?''

''No, thanks.'' Chiaki replied with a smile. ''I'd rather not do it at all.''

''No way I'm going along with this either.'' Koizumi grumbled with her arms crossed.

''I guess I'll be the first, then!'' Mioda raised her hand. Leon elbowed her in the side and Mahiru shot her a death glare.''...the first to put these disgusting shenanigans behind me! It's not like I've ever had this kind of fantasy. Ibuki isn't into this at all! No, sir! Shame on you for promoting this, Ms. Celestia Ludenberg. Consider yourself kink-shamed. For shame.''

''...J-just shut up.'' Mahiru sighed.

Day:March 30 th Time:6:35 AM Location:Restaurant-Dining Hall

Hina, Nekomaru and Mondo were sitting on one of the tables.

''Aren't you even gonna eat a donut?'' Owada offered the swimmer.

''I'm not hungry.'' Asahina replied.

''Even if the times are rough, good little boys and girls who are growing up need to get their calories intake!'' Nekomaru yelled. ''Specially if they're growing as much stuff as you! Hahahahaha!''

''What's that supposed to mean?'' Aoi pouted.

''I think he's talking about your tits.'' Mondo said as he ate the donut himself.

''Thank you Mondo.'' Hina sighed. ''You're very helful.''

''Jesus fucking Christ, just slap us or something if you're annoyed.'' Owada clenched his fist. ''It's fucking disturbing to see you of all people with so little energy.''

''I'm just tired of this stupid killing game.'' Hina sobbed. ''It feels like it's never gonna end.''

''If it's energy you need, don't go skipping breakfast!'' Nidai advised.

''Yay breakfast!'' Soda pumped his fist in the air. He was eating with Hinata in a nearby table.

''W-what the hell are you doing?'' Hajime asked with a grimace.

''I dunno, I just wanted to feel included.'' Kazuichi shrugged. ''Don't you sometimes just feel lonely and would like to be part of some kind of group?''

''I know that feeling very well, but...'' Hinata started to say.

''YAY BREAKFAST!'' Nekomaru yelled even louder than usual as he pumped his own fist into the air.

''W-what are you doing?'' Hina asked.

''Yay breakfast!'' Mondo joined the chorus.

''W-what is going on?'' Hajime tilted his head in confusion.

''C'mon, Hinata!'' the biker shouted. ''We're trying to cheer up a sad girl here. Be a man and help us!''

''Y-yay breakfast?'' Hajime stuttered as he awkwardly raised his fist.

''Pfft.'' Asahina stifled a laugh.

''Don't hold yourself back Asahina!'' Nekomaru pointed at her. ''Embrace it!''

''All right!'' The Ultimate Swimmer smiled and pumped her fist into the air. ''Yay breakfa...''

Monokuma's voice suddenly echoed. ''Alright, that's enough investigating or whatever the hell y'all have been doing.'' He said. ''Come to the Debate Chamber A-S-A-P.''

''Well, that's a turnoff.'' Kazuichi sighed.

''The fucking timing of this goddamn asshole.'' Mondo grumbled.

Day:March 30 th Time:6:45 AM Location:Town Hall-Debate Chamber

Everyone was in their assigned seats. There were two new dolls replacing Teruteru and Korekiyo, the first one burned to a crisp, and the other with one hole on the head and another on the chest.

''Well, well.'' Monokuma said. ''Thanks for being here once again. Never change, you murdery psychos! The 4th class trial shall formally start now.''

''It's been a while since the last one, hasn't it?'' Kokichi crossed his arms behind his head. ''I kinda missed it. I'm looking forward to this one actually.''

''Shut up.'' Kaede glared at him.

''At least it's just one person this time.'' Mikan let out a sigh.

''That guy creeped me out anyways.'' Hiyoko shrugged.

'''Just' one person?'' Sonia held her arm. ''It does not matter whether it is just one or a thousand, or even what kind of person he was. A human life was lost. That is something precious and irreplaceable that we can never get back.''

''Well said.'' Angie nodded. ''Atua won't forgive any crimes.''

''We shouldn't forgive killing, either.'' Chiaki put on her hood.

''Nothing could be further from my intention than to take away the weight from this tragedy.'' Kirumi raised her hand. ''But we're not gathered here to share lamentations, are we?''

''The maid fucking gets it.'' Mondo clenched his fist. ''We're here to figure out who's the asshole that capped Shinguji.''

''Any ideas, Ultimate Detective?'' Leon asked, looking at Kyoko.

''First of all I would like to clarify some things'' Kirigiri put a finger to her chin. ''There were three shots fired tonight. Everything indicates the first two happened during the actual crime, at around 2AM, but the third one only happened at 5AM However, the last one was the only one that people heard, and it's what led the first witnesses to the body. This is really odd because all three bullets came from the same gun. The body didn't show signs of being moved so probably they all happened at the same place too.''

''Gonta not understand.'' Gokuhara pouted. ''Why first gun make sound, but then gun not make sound?''

''Isn't it obvious?'' Ikusaba said. ''The killer used a silencer. There's one missing from the museum.''

''And you were keeping this secret, devil woman!?'' Gundham shouted.

''No.'' Mukuro replied. ''Nobody asked. Besides, I only noticed it about an hour ago.''

''Didn't you say someone took a revolver a while back?'' Kaito asked.

''Yeah.'' Mukuro nodded. ''And looking at the murder weapon, it's definitely the same one.''

''I guess that's one mystery solved.'' Makoto said. ''But there's something weird here. Why would the killer even bother with this convoluted set-up?''

''This is a question for the gorgeous girl genius, Miu Iruma!'' The Ultimate Inventor raised a finger. ''This shithead obviously wanted to disguise the time of death!''

''That can't be it.'' Hajime shook his head. ''The Monokuma file would give it away. There's no way to disguise it.''

''Besides, they left all the bullets on the scene.'' Ryoma added. ''There has to be another reason.''

''They probably wanted to control the circumstances of the body being found.'' Togami adjusted his glasses. ''We have an extremely meticulous killer on our hands.''

''A killer that wants to control all the details, huh?'' Nagito put a finger to his chin. ''Interesting.''

''Leave the psychoanalysis for later.'' Maki said. ''What we need is to find something that points to the killer.''

''Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find that sort of evidence.'' Kyoko explained. ''There's no main suspect yet, which means everyone is a suspect. We should probably start by going all over our alibis to try and cross some people from that list. Since there were shots at both 2 and 5, the killer should be unaccounted for at both those times.''

''That should clear even more people than usual.'' Keebo pointed.

''You think so?'' Sayaka played with her hair. ''With it happening at night, most of us were probably sleeping alone in our rooms.''

''Not me though!'' Tenko shouted. ''I was with my girlfriend Akane!''

''What?'' Mahiru asked in shock. ''When did that happen?''

''If we're asking questions, can I ask why Nagito is handcuffed and being dragged by a collar?'' Mikan asked, blushing.

''Oh, it's because he's my servant now.'' Celeste said with a smile.

''T-that just raises more questions.'' Tsumugi stuttered, also blushing.

''Can I be your servant too?'' Hifumi asked, drooling.

''No.'' Celeste deadpanned.

''Enough distractions!'' Taka clenched his fist. ''Kyoko is asking about our alibis. Let's explain them by alphabetical order. You go first, Akamatsu!''

''Listen, all ideas are good in brainstorming.'' Kokichi pouted. ''So I'm not gonna say that this is all a pointless waste of time, even though it clearly is. But here's an alternative: Why don't we have Shuichi pull out the amazingly unparalleled smoking gun he's holding on?''

''In the middle of the class trial!?'' Miu blushed. ''Well, if it's such a marvelous fucking sight I'm not gonna complain.''

''I don't think they're talking about his dick.'' Akane said in thought.

''Of course not.'' Soda grimaced. ''He means incon...incontr...incontra...very good evidence.''

''Is this for real, Saihara!?'' Nekomaru asked. ''Or is this guy bullshitting as usual?''

''No, he's saying the truth for once.'' Shuichi nodded. ''I was waiting to hear what Kyoko had to say, but this evidence is pretty incriminatory.''

''What!?'' Ibuki shouted. ''What did you find!? What did you find!? The suspense is killing Ibuki!''

''A diamond...covered in Kiyo's blood.''

''What?'' Byakuya gritted his teeth.

''That's...pretty weird.'' Hina tilted her head.

''Indeed.'' Sakura nodded. ''I don't think there are diamonds on this island.''

''Well, duh.'' Oma smirked. ''Diamonds are rare, that's their whole point. If you could find them anywhere, they wouldn't be so valuable.''

''However, there's a person here who can afford to wear them as part of their attire.'' Shuichi grabbed the tip of his hat.

''Oh.'' Kyoko put a hand over her mouth. ''I failed to realize it until just now, but...your bow seems less shiny than usual.'' She pointed her finger at the Ultimate Princess. ''Care to explain, Sonia Nevermind?''

''Don't bully Miss Sonia, you assholes.'' Kazuichi raised his fist. ''She's royalty, you know. She's supposed to be protected from these things. Off with all your heads!''

''That will not be necessary, Kazuichi.'' Sonia replied with her palm forward. ''I cannot stay silent if that will get in the way of solving Korekiyo's murder.''

''Is that diamond yours?'' Hajime asked.

''I do not know at a glance.'' Sonia said. ''But I did lose some of them in a...let us call it altercation, with Korekiyo.''

''What kind of altercation are we talking about here?'' Ryoma pulled his candy out of his mouth.

''You hang out with him a lot, right?'' Leon scratched his head. ''Maybe a lover's quarrel?''

''My girlfriend and I never get into arguments.'' Tenko informed.

''Nobody cares about your love life, idiot!'' Hiyoko yelled.

''I do.'' Yamada bit his hand. ''I could use the details as...inspiration.''

''Maybe her 'degenerate male' shtick isn't that misguided after all.'' Hina pouted.

''Logically speaking, wouldn't this altercation be the murder?'' Keebo asked.

''No.'' Sonia shook her head. ''It happened yesterday morning, in his room.''

''Ha!'' Miu laughed. ''A likely story!''

''Actually, I did spot Sonia coming out of Korekiyo's room a little before 10 AM.'' Kirumi intervened. ''Kokichi can corroborate the story as well.''

''You bet.'' Oma nodded. ''And I think her bow was already missing some diamonds then.''

''So how did that one diamond end up with Kiyo's blood?'' Kaito asked.

''If she lost it in her room, maybe he was the one who took it with him.'' Maki suggested.

''Why would he do that, though?'' Celeste said in thought.

''Perhaps he simply wanted to return them to me.'' Sonia sighed. ''We had arranged to watch a movie together that nigh, although I did not go in the end.''

''Wait, hold your fucking horses!'' Mondo shouted. ''Didn't he get killed near the movie theater!?''

''So Sonia is the killer!?'' Ibuki started foaming at the mouth. ''I knew she likes some really creepy stuff, but to kill someone in cold blood...''

''Let's not jump to conclusions.'' Nagito smiled. ''First we should let Sonia explain what exactly that 'altercation' was about.''

''Giving all the details now would just confuse everybody.'' Sonia interlaced her fingers. ''But basically, it was mostly a pretty heated verbal argument that eventually escalated into violence. That is how the diamonds fell off in the first place.''

''He hit you?'' Chiaki stared at the floor. ''Why didn't you tell us?''

''I...am sorry.'' was Sonia's only reply.

''Honestly I'm finding this pretty hard to believe.'' Kaede said. ''I don't recall Kiyo ever getting violent in any context.''

''…'' Sonia held her arm and looked at the floor.

''That's the face of someone who has to something to hide.'' Mukuro said.

''C'mon Sonia.'' Makoto said with a smile. ''Please, tell us everything. Otherwise we won't find the truth.''

The princess let out a long, deep sigh. ''Kiyo...was a serial killer.'' She said. ''One that killed young girls near Hope's Peak. I was already looking into it, so I figured it out. That was...the matter we discussed.''

''Another creature of the darkness!?'' Gundham held his arm. ''That fiend Fukawa who claimed my eye was also one!''

''What the hell!?'' Nekomaru shouted. ''How many of those did we have running around on campus!?''

''If there's any more serial killers present in this room, please raise your hand!'' Taka yelled. ''It's important that we know this kind of information in order to improve our coexistence on this island.''

''Yeah, that'll work.'' Akane scoffed.

''W-why would you keep that to yourself?'' Sayaka hugged herself. ''If he went after young girls, then many of us were potential targets.''

''I would like to know the answer to that question myself.'' Sonia squeezed her arm.

''You even confronted him about it by yourself.'' Mahiru put her hands on her waist. ''Do you realize how insanely dangerous that was!? You're lucky the only thing you lost was a few diamonds on your bow!''

''You should never try to hide sins from Atua.'' Angie said. ''It doesn't matter if it's your own or somebody else's.''

''You should have told us.'' Sakura crossed her arms. ''That way we could have done something about it?''

''Maybe she did something about it herself.'' Kyoko put a finger to her cheek. ''The motive is obvious now, and she was supposed to be with the victim at the time of the crime. She's the obvious suspect.''

''Obvious does not equal true.'' Byakuya crossed his arms. ''I thought you were smart enough to know something basic as that, Kyoko.''

Kirigiri also crossed her arms. ''I had a feeling you'd have something to say about this.''

''I'm surprised no one else is saying anything, frankly.'' Togami adjusted his glasses. ''Fools, the lot of you. Why are you so willing to accept sudden new evidence nobody's heard about before? Saihara has yet to even say where he found it.''

''I'm not the one that found it, actually.'' Shuichi explained. ''It was Kokichi that found it at the crime scene.''

''And you take the word of an established perjurer at face value?'' Byakuya mocked. ''Do you seriously believe this guy would be able to find something that even Kyoko Kirigiri, the Ultimate Detective, missed in her investigation.''

''T-that's pretty hard to believe.'' Mikan stuttered. ''Not that it matters, but I didn't see anything like that, either.''

''He's definitely not the most trustworthy guy.'' Tsumugi raised a finger.

''Kokichi big, big liar.'' Gonta nodded.

''Obviously, I picked it up before Kyoko got there.'' Oma shrugged. ''It's not like anyone saw me there, right?''

''That's utterly impossible.'' Byakuya smirked. ''Up from the moment the body was found by Hoshi and Tanaka, to the class trial announcement, there were always at least two people on the scene. If indeed nobody saw you there, there's only one possible explanation: You're lying and your evidence is fabricated.''

''That's not possible.'' Shuichi said. ''It's a fact that diamond has Kiyo's blood on it. I've checked myself.''

''Only one possible explanation, Ultimate Affluent Progeny?'' Kokichi waved his finger. ''I think you're just lacking imagination. What if I got this evidence before the body was found?''

''Are you admitting to altering the crime scene before everyone else even learned about the murder?'' Togami adjusted his glasses. ''The only person that could have the opportunity, means and motive to do something like that would be...the real killer.''

''Man, you really don't have any imagination.'' Kokichi smiled.

''The hell are you smiling about!?'' Miu shouted. ''You're looking suspicious as fuck right now!''

''Damn right!'' Oma bit his thumb. ''But, you see, it doesn't matter how suspicious I am because...I have an alibi! Isn't that right...Ultimate Princess!?'''

''Oh?'' Sonia tilted her head. ''You mean when you were in my room this morning? Come to think of it, that was around the time of the body discovery announcement.''

''Wait, why was this guy in Miss Sonia's room so early in the morning!?'' Kazuichi shouted.

''If that's true, it's a pretty solid alibi.'' Kyoko said in thought. ''There's no way anyone would be able to get to the hotel from the crime scene between the moment of the shot and the announcement.''

''But this means Sonia couldn't have been the killer either!'' Hajime said

''So we just lost both our main suspects?'' Ryoma pulled down his hat. ''Now what?''

''Well, let's think hard about it!'' Kokichi raised a finger. ''I only found one diamond on the scene of the crime, but Lady Nevermind lost clearly more than that. There's no reason why Kiyo would pick just one, so they should be at the scene, but they weren't. This means the killer must have cleaned up the rest.''

''Why?'' Gonta asked.

''Excellent question, Gonta.'' Oma laughed. ''You get a gold star. If you think about it, it only makes sense if they were trying to hide Sonia's little mess with Korekiyo. I dunno why anyone other than her would wanna do that, but it has to be someone that at least knew about it, and there weren't that many. Just three as far as I know. And since neither Nevermind nor me could have done it...that only leaves you! Kirumi Tojo, the Ultimate Maid!'' Kokichi pointed at her.

''…'' Kirumi gritted her teeth.

''You aren't going to say anything?'' Maki asked. ''They say silence lends consent.''

''Stop this slander!'' Taka shouted. ''I met up with Kirumi in the kitchen at around 5:30AM, shortly after the announcement. There's no way she could have fired that shot.''

''That would be about 20 or 30 minutes to go from the scene of the crime to the kitchen.'' Shichi covered his mouth with hand. ''I guess that could be theoretically possible, but it's definitely a stretch. Specially if she had to avoid being spotted.''

''Well, a stretch is better than nothing, right?'' Kokichi shrugged. ''It can only be her since nobody else was aware of Sonia's clash with Kiyo. I know I didn't tell anybody and the princess clearly didn't either. And you're the only other person that knew.'' He suddenly smiled like a demon and looked at Tojo. ''Right, Kirumi?''

''...No.'' The maid sighed. ''I did inform Byakuya of that event between Sonia and Korekiyo.''

''I see.'' Kyoko crossed her arms. ''What do you have to say about this, Byakuya?''

''The same thing I've been saying all this time.'' Togami also crossed his arms. ''This is all a load of nonsense. I refuse to accept Oma's evidence or his testimony. With how careful this killer clearly is...there's no way this kind of proof should exist!''

''It's true that his actions are definitely suspicious.'' Nagito said. ''But if we've already established he's not the culprit, then there's no real reason to distrust him on this.''

''I guess he has point.'' Kokichi smirked. ''I mean, I could have picked that diamond off the floor if one happened to roll out of Kiyo's room when Sonia came out. And it wouldn't be too hard to just plant Kiyo's blood if I ,say, came across the crime scene before anybody else. But, well, the only person that would know the state of the scene after the killer left...would be the killer that cleaned it up himself, right? So...are you really going to insist this evidence can't exist? Then again, if you accept it...that's as good as admitting you did it too!''

''You...you liar!'' Togami screamed.

''Byakuya...'' Sonia stared at him with empty eyes. ''Was it really you? You killed Korekiyo?''

''No!'' Togami yelled. ''I don't accept this! I refuse! I reject this evidence, I reject this line of thought, and I reject this poor excuse of a human being!''

''The fuck!?'' Mondo shouted. ''I've never seen Byakuya lose his shit like this before!''

''It's because he's realized he's lost!'' Kokichi started laughing like a maniac. ''You wanted to control every little thing, but instead everything is escaping your grasp! I'm sure as the Ultimate Affluent Progeny, you're used to playing people like fiddles. But what is that power compared to the Ultimate Supreme Leader!? You tried to play the game, but there's no way you could win with me as your opponent! Mwahahahahahahahahahahaha''

''S-shut up!' Togami huffed.

''Let me tell a little fairytale.'' Oma said. ''Once upon a time, there was a very handsome Ultimate Supreme Leader. He was very smart and very nosy, so he realized something was up with some weirdo with a mask. So he started to follow him around from a distance. And then...gasp! Our protagonist found himself watching a murderer cleaning up diamonds from the scene of the crime! The End. Based on a true story.''

''Are you saying you caught Byakuya red-handed?'' Mukuro said.

''Yep.'' The Ultimate Supreme Leader looked at his nails. ''But I kow most of you don't believe what I say as a default, so I decided to set a little trap instead. Luckily I had picked a diamond earlier just in case, so i tainted it with blood when the killer left to get rid of the others. I knew Sonia would be suspected, so then I went to Sonia's room and stayed there the rest of the night to give both of us an alibi, since I figured the killer would do something to get people to the body at some point.''

''No!'' Byakuya shook his fist. ''I don't accept this! I'm Byakuya Togami, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny! I won't be brought down by the likes of you! I...Damn you to hell, Kokichi Oma!''

''I believe we should get to voting.'' Celeste said. ''I'm not particularly in the mood to listen to two egomaniacs exchange spiels for another hour.''

''Good call!'' Monokuma said. ''It's voting time!''

Voting Results

Byakuya Togami: 35

Sonia Nevermind: 1

Kokichi Oma: 1

''Well, well, looks like y'all are a pretty smart bunch after all.'' The bear laughed. ''It was indeed Byakuya Togami, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny, who killed Korekiyo Shinguji!''

''Why...'' Sonia muttered.

''...I figured out Shinguji was the killer you suspected may be among us after our conversation and Kirumi telling me about your confrontation.'' Togami sighed. ''He may normally only target girls, but someone so used to kill people is inherently dangerous to everyone, and most importantly, myself. I decided it was time to get out of this island, rather than letting my life be at risk any longer.''

''...Were you perhaps trying to protect Sonia as well?'' Kirumi asked, visibly shaken.''Is that why you cleaned up the diamonds?''

Day:March 30 th Time:1:55 AM Location:Despairville-Alley

Korekiyo got out of the movie theater. He didn't even remember the movie he had watched. His mind was completely filled with the image of a certain blonde princess.

As he wandered around the town streets, he kept thinking about her. Normally, his sister would scold him whenever he thought of another woman as anything other than a potential friend to send with her, but she hadn't showed up ever since that kiss. Was she gone forever? And if so, why didn't he miss her at all? In fact, he felt rather good. Was it because of Sonia? Korekiyo was feeling things he had never felt before. He couldn't help but hug himself. Humans were even more beautiful than he imagined.

Suddenly, he heard a gunshot and started to feel extreme pain in his left lung. He looked down to see blood profusely coming out of a hole in his chest. The diamonds he was carrying flew around everywhere. He covered the wound with his hand and fell on his knees, coughing. Byakuya Togami appeared from the shadows in front of him, with a revolver in his hand.

''W-why?'' The anthropologist asked.

''I've discovered your secret.'' Togami said, pointing the gun to his head. ''And now your existence bothers me.''

''If you really know everything...'' Shinguji said between pants. ''Y-you are making a m-mistake. I'm not a t-threat to you. I-I've only ever killed g-girls.''

''I'm well aware.'' Byakuya said as he adjusted his glasses and pulled the trigger.

The lifeless body of the Ultimate Anthropologist fell flat on the floor as Togami turned around and walked away.

That was the end for Korekiyo Shinguji.

Day:March 30 th Time:8:05 AM Location:Town Hall-Debate Chamber

''Is Kirumi right?'' Sonia cried. ''If so, your actions were completely uncalled for! I am more than capable of taking care of myself!''

''Don't be ridiculous.'' Byakuya adjusted his glasses. ''I'm not that selfless of person. I just assumed if your connection to Shinguji was discovered, it would eventually lead back to me, like, in fact, ended up happening. However, I will say this. Your attitude is clearly not the appropriate one.''

''What in the world do you mean?''

''You're a princess, Sonia!'' Byakuya pointed at her. ''Because of your birth, your life is more important than everyone else's, just like mine. Yet you allow yourself to act like some smitten teenage girl and put yourself in danger without a thought. Pathetic. Stop trying to deny what you are. You can't change it. Your destiny was already decided the moment you were born, so own up to it with pride.''

''I believe we said no more spiels?'' Monokuma said as a trap door opened under Byakuya.

''I am Byakuya Togami, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny!'' He yelled as he fell. ''Even if I die here, you will pay for it!''

GAME OVER

Byakuya has been found guilty.

Time for the Punishment

Byakuya was trapped inside a gigantic bank vault, full of bills, coins and gold. Monokuma appeared in front of him, wearing a nice suit. He pulled a lever and the ceiling split open.

Golden Coffin

Ultimate Affluent Progeny

Byakuya Togami's Execution: Executed

Stack of bills started falling off the ceiling, in such large quantities that Byakuya ended up buried in stacks. He climbed up, but once he got out of the papers, coins started to fall on him instead. He covered his face with his arm. The coins were small, but gravity made them powerful enough to slice his skin. Then gold ingots started to get shot out of one of the walls. One of them hit Togami in the head and knocked off his glasses. He tried to swim away but they were so quick he kept getting hit all over his body, all the while more coins fell from the ceiling.

Eventually, there was nothing in the vault except a giant pile of money and gold. Byakuya came out of the top, huffing and puffing, wound and bruised all over, and bleeding from his mouth and nose, but even so he managed to stand up atop the hill of gold, with a smirk on his face.

Then, the wall in front of him opened up, and he was met with a giant wave of molten gold. His smirk turned into a wince and he let out a pained scream as the extremely hot liquid gold engulfed him.

The molten gold fell like a waterfalll down the mountain of money, turning the pile of gold literal, and leaving on top of it a statue of the Ultimate Affluent Progeny, which immortalized the terrified and agonizing expression of his very last moments.

That was the end for Byakuya Togami.

Day:March 30 th Time:8:15 AM Location:Town Hall-Debate Chamber

''God damn it all to hell.'' Sonia cried. ''Why did it have to come to this?''

''This is quite frustrating indeed.'' Kirumi gritted her teeth.

''Why though?'' Hiyoko shrugged. ''We got rid of two creeps. As far as I'm concerned, this trial has been an absolute win.''

''You're talking about our classmate!'' Kaede glared at her.

''Your serial killing classmate.'' Celeste pointed.

''But...'' Kaede grabbed her arm.

''There's no need for this, Kaede.'' Maki said. ''I know you feel responsible for all of us as Class Rep, but crying over a killer is not worth it.''

''But Gonta still sad!'' The entomologist sobbed.

''And Byakuya...he really was going to get all of us killed just to escape on his own, huh?'' Sayaka stared at the floor.

''Technically, he could have saved one more person, according to the rules.'' Kyoko put a finger on her cheek.

''Would someone like Togami even bother with that?'' Hajime wondered out loud.

''Our Byakuya would have!'' Ibuki yelled. ''Damn it, Ibuki is sad now!''

''Byakuya would never have tried to sacrifice us to begin with.'' Mikan sobbed.

''Byakuya was a dick, but was he really that heartless to not bother to save at least one person?'' Leon scratched his head.

''Oh, I bet he wanted to get out with the princess so he could fuck that royal pussy!'' Miu laughed. ''Too proud to aim for anything lower than that!''

''Are you saying this whole thing was a love triangle all along?'' Akane asked with a finger in her ear.

''Luckily, we don't even think about anybody else like that, right?'' Tenko smiled.

''Wait, what!?'' Akane tilted her head. ''I didn't now this whole dating thing was supposed to exclude other people!''

''Well, it is!'' Chabashira pouted.

''Anyways, let's not go down this rabbit hole of conspiracies.'' Mahiru sighed.

''Guys...are you sure you should be having this conversation in front of Sonia?'' Chiaki put on her hoodie.

''Yeah!'' Soda shook his fist in the air. ''Can't you see she's not okay? Miss Sonia, if you need someone to talk to, or a shoulder to cry on, you can count on me!''

''Please, cease and desist!'' Sonia raised her hand. ''Your inanity is the last thing I need right now, Kazuichi! I need some time to gather my thoughts on everything.'' She dashed out of the room.

''Yikes.'' Tsumugi said, sweating. ''Unrequited love is too mild to describe that.''

''Well, what did you expect?'' Oma smirked. ''Nobody likes idiots like that guy.''

''Don't get cocky!'' Nekomaru shouted. ''You think we're just gonna let you get away with messing with the crime scene!?''

''Well, you're alive thanks to that, so...'' Oma looked at his nails.

''As long as it's for the sake of hope...'' Nagito smiled.

''I don't approve of the methods, but I can't argue with the results.'' Hoshi adjusted his beanie.

''So Oma's a liar, Byakuya was a dick and that Shinguji guy was a fucking creep.'' Mondo scratched the back of his head. ''Big news all over the place. This is some goddamn pointless discussion we're having.''

''It goes to show that trust is meaningless here.'' Mukuro said.

''A demonic sinner like you doesn't get to say that.'' Angie smiled.

''She's right, though.'' Shuichi grabbed the tip of his hat. '' How many people have betrayed us already? We don't actually know each other, that's the truth. There's no point trying to run away from the facts.''

''So you're saying this is gonna happen again!?'' Hina cried. ''That this is our normal now!?''

''Logically speaking, there is no reason to think otherwise.'' Keebo said in thought.

''No!'' Makoto yelled and pointed his finger at Shuichi. ''I reject that logic and I reject your truth! I'm gonna keep believing in my friends, no matter what!''

''You're starting to sound like a broken record.'' Hifumi pouted. ''If my fanfic creations were this repetitive, I would get mocked in every convention.''

''Well, it's a good thing to say!'' Kaito clashed his fists. ''He should say it as many times as it takes for it to get into your heads!''

''Enough!'' Taka clenched his fist. ''As Acting President, I won't allow more verbal infighting. The trial is over, so I officially declare this reunion over.''

''In that case...should we check on Sonia?'' Sakura asked with her eyes closed. ''I believe Soda was actually right. She didn't seem fine.''

''Leave the dark queen be.'' Gundham smirked. ''Even though she might be a mortal, she's capable of staring at the abyss.''

Day:March 30 th Time:10:25 AM Location:Church

Angie, Tsumugi, Hifumi, Gonta and Kazuichi were sitting on the ground in meditating position. Tenko and Akane walked in.

''Hi.'' The gymnast shouted. ''Hey, Kazuichi!? What are you doing here!? I thought you were a sciencey guy, not a spiritual guy!''

''I've just been feeling pretty lost.'' Kazuichi said. ''Might as well try it out. It feels nice to belong to something too.''

''That sounds like the story of someone joining a cult.'' Tenko grimaced.

''We not cult!'' Gonta yelled.

''Y-yeah, sorry!'' The martial artist played with her fingers. ''We're actually here to join, too.''

''Oh, really?'' Tsumugi asked. ''How come?''

''My girlfriend is having a bit of an existential crisis.'' Tenko explained. ''I thought maybe some spiritual guidance could help. I hate to admit it, but Himiko seemed to be pretty happy with this whole deal.''

''Welcome!'' Angie shook around. ''Atua is always happy to see his family grow!''

''More hot chicks is always nice for everyone.'' Hifumi said with a hand in his mouth.

''Isn't there some kind of special denomination without degenerate males?'' Tenko pouted.

''Nu-uh.'' Yonaga shook her head. ''Man or woman, Atua inhabits in everyone's heart.''

''Oh, so he's like, transcended gender or some shit?'' Akane asked.

''Not exactly.'' Angie winked. ''Atua can take many forms, but at his core, he's a very attractive hunk!''

''The theology of this thing is kinda weird.'' Soda muttered.

Day:March 30 th Time:11:35 PM Location:West Area-Forest

Mukuro was walking through the woods when suddenly a a screaming shadow jumped at her from the woods. Instinctively, she grabbed the thing by the neck, pinned it to the ground and pulled out a machete. The blade was millimetres away from the throat when she realized it was Oma.

''What the hell?'' She yelled. ''Do you have a death wish!?''

''You sound like Maki.'' He laughed. ''I bet you two would get along.''

''Trust me, we wouldn't.'' Ikusaba got up and sheathed her weapon. ''You can go play pranks on her, though. See if she kills you for real. That'd be a win for everybody.''

''But she hates me.'' Kokichi pouted.

''Maybe we could get along after all, then.'' Mukuro started walking away.

Kokichi got up and put his arms behind his head. ''Yeah, you hate me too. I get it. Everybody does.'' He smirked. ''But that's the thing. Everybody hates you too. Us public enemies should stick together.''

''I don't intend to trust anybody.'' Mukuro said. ''Least of all, you.''

''C'mon, don't be like that.'' Oma looked at his nails. ''Living here in the woods means you can't get intel. I could tell you all the big news from downtown. Like an informant of sorts. Aren't you dying to know how Makoto is doing?''

''...Tch.'' The soldier gritted her teeth. ''Go. Away. Last warning.''

''Nu-uh'' The supreme leader shrugged. ''You and I are gonna become besties, you'll see. That or I'll end up pissing you off enough to kill me.'' He smirked evilly as he raised as hand. ''It's a high-risk, high-reward gambit.''

Day:March 30 th Time:12:45 AM Location:School-Classroom C

Kaede, Shuichi, Makoto, Kyoko, Chiaki and Hajime were talking.

''Why did you call this meeting, Akamatsu?'' Kyoko asked.

''I just felt I had to do it.'' Kaede sighed. ''I called the Class Reps and the Ultimate Detectives''

''Why me, though?'' Hajime pointed to himself.

''To balance out the classes.'' Kaede explained. ''You were the first one I found.''

''Of course.'' Hinata muttered as he rolled his eyes.

''You haven't answered Kyoko's question.'' Shuichi said coldly.

Kaede bit her lip and started to shake. ''That's because I don't even know myself. I have no idea what I'm even trying to do!'' She started to cry. ''Counting Fujisaki, a fourth of us are gone now! I can't just stand still! I have to do something!''

''Hey, Chihiro is not dead as far as we know!'' Makoto shouted. ''We shouldn't lost hope!''

''Something?'' Shuichi groaned. ''What exactly can you do?''

''I'm telling you I don't know.'' Kaede wailed. ''That's why I've called you guys! To figure it out!''

''There's nothing to figure out!'' Shuichi yelled back. ''Whether people die or not is beyond our control here!''

''S-Shuichi...'' The pianist sobbed. ''Was what you said earlier for real, about how we can't trust anyone? Does that mean you don't trust me?''

''Everything I know about you would indicate that you're not dangerous at all.'' Shuichi grabbed his hat. ''But...I could have said the same about Korekiyo.''

''Well, I...I...'' Kaede bit her lip. ''I do trust you.''

Saihara avoided her eyes. ''...Like you trusted Komaeda?''

Kaede lost her step and had to grip a table to avoid falling to the floor, as if the words had physically slammed her back.

''Guys...Maybe this should be a private conversation.'' Hajime scratched his neck.

''I'm sorry about Nagito.'' Chiaki put on her hoodie. ''I understand how you feel but...I'm really bad at being a Class Rep. I can't event prevent my classmates from getting each other killed, so I don't think I'm gonna be of any help here at all.''

''Don't say that, Chiaki.'' Makoto smiled. ''As long as we have hope, we'll get through this. No matter what happened and what happens in the future. As long as we keep seen each other as friends, everything will work out.''

''Again with the platitudes?'' Shuichi rolled his eyes.

''I actually agree with Makoto.'' Kyoko crossed her arms. ''Well, partially. Thinking nobody has anything to hide might be irrationally dangerous. But, Saihara, the paranoid alternative of seeing potential enemies everywhere is even more self-destructive. Trusting everyone under these circumstances is not ideal by any means, but I can't think of a better course of action available to us at the moment.''

''Hmm.'' Shuichi looked at the floor. ''I guess if you look at it that way, he has a point.''

''Thank you, Kyoko!'' Kaede put a hand to her chest. ''You really can get into Shuichi's heart in ways that I can't! I'm glad there's someone that could help him even if I wasn't around!''

''T-That is the weirdest compliment I've ever received.'' Kyoko blushed and scratched her head.

Day:March 30 th Time:2:55 PM Location:Restaurant-Dining Hall

Sayaka, Leon, Celeste, Nagito, Hiyoko, Mikan, Kaito and Ryoma were having lunch.

''I still can't believe that shit Byakuya pulled.'' Leon sighed.

''Why not?'' Celeste asked as she fed a piece of bread to Nagito, who was kneeling on the floor next to her. ''Seems pretty believable to me.''

''C-can't he take a seat?'' Mikan stuttered.

''No.'' Celeste replied dryly. ''He's a bad boy.''

''There's really no hope here, huh?'' Sayaka sobbed, staring at the table.

''Don't say that!'' Kaito slammed his fist into the table. ''Hope is the last thing we should lose!''

''Wonderfully said!'' Komaeda started laughing maniacally. ''Everything is worth it as long as Hope can flourish in the end!''

''Shut up.'' Celeste elbowed him in the face.

''Yeah, idiot!'' Hiyoko started smacking him in the back of the head from the other side. ''Real people are talking. Hahahaha...''

Celeste grabbed her arm and glared at her with bloodshot eyes. ''Who said you could touch my servant?''

''I...gotta go the bathroom.'' Saionji ran away.

''I gotta say...Naegi sounds less insane when he talks about hope.'' Hoshi commented.

''Does he, really?'' Maizono let out a big sigh. ''At the end of the day it's the same argument, right? No matter what happens, just stick to hope. Like nothing is more important than hope. But there's so many things I care about more than goddamn hope. Put hope above all else? There's no way...I can just accept that idea.''

Day:March 30 th Time:5:05 PM Location:South Area-Beach

Maki was swimming around when suddenly her head smashed into something incredibly hard.

''Aughgghghghghg!'' A female voice screamed as a body seemingly sank before her.

''Asahina!'' Another voice yelled as a huge mass plunged towards them. Maki was able to identify it as Sakura Ogami.

The Ultimate Martial artist swiftly but gently took Hina out of the water and laid her on the sand and started performing CPR on her until she started coughing water. Maki followed them.

''That was you, Harukawa!?'' Aoi said, scratching her aching head. ''Damn, you have a hard noggin! I think I'm bleeding a little''

''I could say the same thing.'' Maki said as she put a hand on her own head and realize she was also bleeding.

''But I didn't know you liked swimming too!'' The swimmer said with excitement.

''It's just some exercise to relieve some stress.'' Harukawa muttered.

''We should swim together sometime!'' Hina clasped her hands. ''Maybe have a race or something! I bet you are just like Sakura, cold and scary on the outside, but actually super sweet on the inside.''

''Tch.'' Maki gritted her teeth and looked away.

''I don't think you should tell people they look scary, Hina.'' Sakura smiled and crossed her arms. ''You might upset them.''

''Ooops, sorry.'' Aoi giggled.

''You should ask Kaito instead.'' Harukawa said coldly. ''Seems like the kind of dumb thing a dumb idiot like him would enjoy.''

''Party, Party, Party!'' A voice yelled from the other side of the beach. The three girls turned around to see the Ultimate Musician yelling into a microphone. Nidai and Owada were walking behind her, carrying huge speakers.

''Mioda?'' Hina tilted her head. ''What are you guys doing?''

''Ibuki is sick of seeing everyone so depressed all the time!'' She gritted her teeth. ''So that's why I'm gonna organize the Super Amazing Beach Ibuki Concert Havoc 4: Absolute Chaos Edition! '' She winked and gave a V-sign. ''Get ready to have the most fun you've had in your whole life!''

''That's the spirit!'' Nekomaru shouted. ''But you really need to work on that name!''

''Speaking of things that idiot would like.'' Maki said. ''I'm not sure this is a good idea.''

''Who gave you permission for this!?'' Ishimaru appeared out of nowhere.

''What the hell dude!?'' Mondo frowned. ''Do you have a fucking fun radar just so you can spoil it!? Besides, weren't you supposed to guard the A/V room?''

''Kirumi is in charge of that right now.'' Taka replied with solemnity. ''We've decided it would be more effective if we switch. Regardless, I cannot allow you to do this without warning.''

''Well, it's not like it's gonna be right now.'' Ibuki shrugged. ''This is gonna take at least an entire day to organize. Ibuki wants fireworks and stuff!''

''What!?'' Mondo was visibly taken aback. ''You didn't tell us any of that!''

''What's the difference!?' Nidai clenched his fists. ''We already said we would help! There's no going back now!''

''If it's so much work, I can lend you my strength.'' Sakura said with a smile.

''Sure thing, Miss Hypertrophy!'' Ibuki shot her with a finger gun. ''Now let's test these babies.'' She turned the speakers on and started yelled at the microphone. ''Listen to the beat of Queen Ibuki, everybody!''

Everybody fell to the ground with their hands covering their ears, except for Maki, who just walked away shaking her head. ''I'm surrounded by idiots'' She muttered, with a barely perceptible smile on her face.

''Ooopsie.'' Ibuki giggled. ''I guess that was a little too loud.''

''That was way more than a little!'' Nekomaru shouted at the top of his lungs.

Day:March 30 th Time:6:15 PM Location:Factory-Warehouse

Gudham and Mahiru were walking towards the doors, carrying big bags of animal food.

''I must thank you once again, you with the power to capture souls.'' Tanaka said as he looked away. ''The Four Dark Devas of Destruction are voracious demons of capricious taste. I tend to run out of nourishment for them quite quickly.''

''You're welcome.'' Mahiru smiled. ''But I'm just a photographer y'know. I can't capture souls, only smiles.''

Suddenly they started hearing voices coming from the workshop.

''W-wait Miu, this is...''

''Oh, don't be shy, Keebo You are gonna like it!''

Mahiru and Gundham looked at each other and then ran into the workshop. There they found the Ultimate Robot lying on a table, and Iruma next to him, pressing herself against him, with a wrench and a screwdriver in her hands and a lustful expression on her face.

''What kind of dark magic ritual are you performing, you succubus!?'' Tanaka yelled as he grabbed his scarf.

''I was just gonna give Keebo here some fun modifications, Tanacum!'' Miu spat. ''Go away, you fucks! You're getting me out of my groove!''

''Iruma, do we need to have a talk about informed consent?'' Mahiru frowned.

''Shut your tap, Cuntzumi.'' The inventor gave her a thumbs down. ''Just because you're a kiss-less virgin doesn't mean the rest of us can't have fun!''

''My mechanical friend, must I release my power to rid you of this impure beast in the shape of a woman?''

''Well, I...'' Keebo started to say.

''Oh, c'mon!'' Miu pouted. ''I'm doing this for you, y'now. You'll be a hit with the ladies once I'm done with you! I bet you have the hots for somebody, you little imp. Trust me, this will blow her mind.''

''I guess it wouldn't hurt to try.'' The robot shrugged.

Mahiru shook her head and sighed. ''Even when they're robots, guys will be guys, huh?''

Day:March 30 th Time:11:45 PM Location:Secretary's Office

The Ultimate Maid was sitting at the desk when the Sonia walked in.

''Greetings, Sonia.'' Kirumi said with a tender smile. ''Are you feeling better now?''

''Indeed.'' The princess nodded. ''I have been thinking at length about everything throughout the day, and I have concluded that Byakuya was partially right. I was a fool to try to act like a regular teenage girl. I was born a princess. None of this would have happened if I had acted with more dignity. I cannot deny myself any longer. However, he was wrong in thinking that my life is more important because of my status. It is quite the opposite. As the Ultimate Princess, I have a duty. I exist to lead my people to greatness. That is why, if our classmates allow me, I shall lead them too, and protect them from harm!'' She energetically raised her hand. ''For that reason, I would like to become a candidate in the upcoming Student Council President election! That is why I am here!''

''Very well.'' Kirumi clasped her hands. ''You're the fifth candidate we've gotten. '' She looked at her watch. ''And I guess the last one as well, since we're minutes away from the time limit. Perhaps this election will be more contested than expected. Although...I am not sure that's a good thing.''