Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Danganronpa.
AN: I'm disappointed no one caught the Man's Nut reference last chapter. Come on, people! That item gave us one of the best scenes in the whole game! The only ones that can compete are the Mikan snuggling and Nekomaru's "it" scenes. Both amazing as well. Although poor Hajime almost died from the former.
I wouldn't mind going out that way.
Ahem.
Anyway, on to the chapter.
Chapter 16:
Their Feelings
"Owari-san, you look amazing!"
"Indeed. It fits you well."
"H'mph, I guess even an uncultured meathead can pull it off once in a while."
Akane was bombarded with praise from the other girls as she stepped out of the changing room. She was now in a kimono of her own, this one a deep brown. It had no design, making it rather simple when compared to Sonia's. But Akane didn't care. They all looked the same to her. It was a miracle she had even put one on.
Putting her feelings, or lack of, towards kimonos aside, Akane wouldn't say that she hated all the compliments the others were throwing her way, though. It actually felt kind of nice.
But she would keep that to herself. The last thing Akane wanted was for the others to think that she was enjoying this. She never wanted to come back here again.
"But you still didn't do the obi properly!" Hiyoko, who was now out of the changing room along with Mahiru, was quick to point out Akane's mess of a sash. The gymnast had simply scrunched it all up together in the back, not bothering to tie it properly.
"The obi is one of the most important parts of the kimono!" Hiyoko's face showed her annoyance. But to anyone who knew her, this wouldn't come as a surprise. As someone who loved traditional Japanese stuff, messing with a kimono was one of the worst things you could do in front of her. "Do you want to look more like a blue-collar worker than you already are?"
"Blue-collar? What's that?"
Hiyoko's eyebrow twitched. "T-That's what you're focusing on…...?"
Akane rolled her eyes. "Oh, shut up. I don't even want to wear this stupid thing anyway."
It wasn't comfortable. Akane liked to be able to move around as freely as she wanted, but in this thing she doubted she could even jump from one rooftop to another. Which was disgraceful!
Mahiru sighed. "Owari-san, you're a girl too. You should be more mindful of your appearance."
"What does it even matter? I got my panties on. That's what matters, right?"
Mahiru's face burned red. "D-Don't say that so casually!"
It was clear that Mahiru and Akane were from different worlds.
"Urgh, whatever." Akane didn't care enough to continue that conversation. "I put the stupid thing on. That's enough, right?"
Peko frowned. She was holding onto a kimono of her own. It was the black one that she had spotted earlier.
"I do not think having such a disinterested attitude will make the others happy, Owari-san. You don't want to make Sonia-san sad, do you?"
It was sort of a cheap shot, Peko knew this. But it got her point across well enough.
"T'ch, fine." Akane finally relented and stepped back into her changing room. "Just know this is a waste of time."
"Yeah, it's like trying to teach a monkey manners." Hiyoko giggled into her sleeve. "I don't think it's possible."
Looks like she was no longer angry. That's good…..sorta? At the very least, Akane didn't care about the insult.
Mahiru shot the blonde a small smile. "I think we should leave Owari-san alone for now. We still need to pick a kimono for ourselves."
"Oh, right." Hiyoko had nearly forgotten that Mahiru hadn't picked one out yet. Unlike the redhead, Hiyoko wouldn't say that she had to choose one. She had a whole wardrobe full of them back at her house, as well as the ones she brought to school with her. But this was also a rare opportunity, and Hiyoko wasn't going to miss out on it.
Hiyoko grabbed Mahiru by the hand with a huge smile. "Come on, Big Sis. I'll make sure to pick out a beautiful one for you!"
"Hahaha right, of course."
Peko watched them go with a small shake of her head. Those two were really close.
'Well, I should probably start changing as well.'
Thankfully, there was still one changing room left. The one Mahiru and Hiyoko were using earlier was now vacant. The swordswoman stepped inside and began to strip. Unlike Mikan or Akane, she had actual experience with this.
"Hehehe, behold! For the great Mioda Ibuki will now-ah! No one is here! Ibuki has been abandoned by her friends!"
Peko stopped when she heard the shrieks outside, followed by…..gurgling noises? Was that even possible?
"…..A-blub-blub-blub-blub-blub!"
Oh yeah, Ibuki was totally having another spasm attack. But with such sound effects…...
Peko concluded right then and there that the girl known as Mioda Ibuki was beyond human comprehension.
"Mhmm, I must say that I don't mind this fabric at all. It goes perfectly well with a grand specimen such as I."
"Teruteru, I beg you. Never say that again."
"Ohohoho, I have no shame in my body, Uzumaki-kun. And you shouldn't either! Those arms of yours are ripe for the taking!"
"Ugh….."
Naruto looked defeated as Teruteru chuckled wholeheartedly. The short cook was now in a kimono too. Unlike Naruto's, Teruteru's was red, the same color as the apron and handkerchief he usually wore. It was also striped, with black lines running vertically on the front and back of the kimono.
"Your body is pure, correct, Uzumaki-kun?" Teruteru quickly fired his next question at Naruto. "No, no, no. Of course it is. Why am I doubting myself now? My instincts are never wrong!"
"What are you even talking about?"
Pure? Naruto didn't get what the cook was getting at with that.
'I'm clean?'
He was.
"Looks like a pervert's remarks don't work with an idiot, huh," Kazuichi said sarcastically as he exited his changing room. His kimono was a bright yellow, and he had his sleeves rolled up. It was just more comfortable this way.
"T'ch, you and Uzumaki have shit taste," Fuyuhiko said with his arms crossed. His kimono was a darker shade of purple than Nagito's, with a black outline. "How can you wear such eyesores? It's like I'm going blind."
"Don't try to diss me!" Kazuichi grumbled. "I already get enough of that from Saionji. And besides, this was in your store! If you think it's shit, then what does that make you for selling it!?"
Fuyuhiko smirked. "It's called appealing to the widest customer base. That includes bumbling morons like yourself. It's a common business practice. Not that I'd expect you to understand that."
"Y-Yeah, well…..shut up!"
Nice comeback, Kazuichi. Very nice.
Naruto was more depressed with his response, poking his fingers in a Mikan-like fashion.
"Why does everyone always hate on the orange? It's cool, I tell you."
"T'ch, it really isn't." Fuyuhiko sighed. "You better not wear something stupid to dinner tonight. That shit won't fly in front of the old man."
Naruto waved his hand in dismissal. "I think you're taking this way too seriously, Fuyuhiko."
"I'm serious, dumbass."
"Oh, what's this?" Teruteru looked interested in their conversation. "Uzumaki-kun is going over to Kuzuryu-kun's home? And meeting his parents? Are they that far into their relationship!? Have I been left behind!?"
Fuyuhiko scowled. "You have a problem."
Again, stating the obvious.
"But that is weird, isn't it?" Nagito spoke, smiling at them. "Is there a particular reason for it?"
"It's nothing serious." Seriously, it wasn't that important. Naruto didn't think so anyway. "Fuyuhiko's dad just wants to make sure his precious Fuhi is doing well at school. Right?"
Alright, so maybe Naruto was pushing a little bit too much with that last comment. But he couldn't help it! It was the perfect moment to bring it up!
Fuyuhiko obviously didn't think so, which is why he looked ready to strangle the life out of the blond.
"You little shithead, I'm going to fucking murder you! Come here-!"
"Ohohoho, Kuzuryu-kun is serious! My body is tingling in excitement!"
"Hmm, I can't say this is very hopeful."
"Shut up, Komaeda….."
Violence soon broke out again, only this time it was Fuyuhiko who was the cause of it. Well, it was Naruto really. But the blond didn't mind that one bit.
Only Ryota was spared, who was inside one of the other dressing rooms. He heard the commotion outside but made the decision to stay put.
It went without saying that he probably had the most common sense in the group.
When Mikan exited her changing room, she had to admit that she was a bit hesitant. Even with Sonia next to her cheering her on, she was afraid the others would think she looked ugly. In the past, remarks like that wouldn't hurt as much. She had faced them every day, after all. But now, when she was with the others, Mikan realized that it didn't have to be like that. She didn't have to be insulted just to get noticed by other people. Naruto had taught her that.
Which is why she was afraid of what the others would think.
Almost all the girls were out of their changing rooms by this point. Only Peko was missing.
"-and it was terrible! Ibuki thought she was alone!"
"H'mph, you made a big deal out of nothing." Hiyoko looked annoyed again. "You were screaming so loudly. Because of you, Big Sis and I had to stop shopping."
And that was a crime paid only in blood!
…..okay, not really. But still. It was annoying.
"Hehehe, Ibuki might have overreacted~" the girl winked at her. "But check it out! Ibuki's kimono looks perfect on her, don't you think? Her figure is blossoming!"
It was a simple purple kimono, but Ibuki was planning on customizing it by tomorrow. She needed to make sure she shined as much as possible during her concert with Naruto and Hiyoko.
"Hmm." Chiaki looked down at hers. It was in the same color as her hair, a pale mauve. "Does this look good?"
"Who cares?" Akane picked her hear, looking extremely tired for some reason. She had fixed her obi at least. "Haven't we been here long enough?"
She was starting to get hungry again.
"I still need to pick mine," Mahiru muttered as she looked around the store. She had spotted one that looked just right for her, but Ibuki had distracted her before she could look at it more closely.
But then Mahiru spotted Mikan coming out of the changing room with Sonia in tow and her face lit up.
"Tsumiki-san! You found one too?"
Mikan's kimono was lilac in color, and it was adorned with a falling snow pattern. The white of the snow matched really well with the color of the kimono. Most of all, Mikan's hair was no longer messy as Sonia had helped her tied it into a neat bun.
"Oh my, it looks like Mikan-chan is shining." Ibuki was impressed and let out a low whistle. "Trying to steal some hearts? Well, you won Ibuki's heart!"
Mikan blushed. "I-It's not like that at all! Sonia-san s-said it would look nice….."
And there was no way Mikan was going to deny advice from her new friend.
The princess flexed her arm. "I know how to do a mean bun, if I do say so myself."
She had learned after coming to Japan. It was one of the many new experiences that she was trying out.
Chiaki smiled. "I think it looks great, Tsumiki-san."
Mahiru nodded. "Yes. You look stunning. You should do your hair more often."
Hiyoko huffed and looked away. "I-It looks nice, I guess….."
That's the best one could expect from her. Mikan was still happy with the compliment, and she began to tear up.
"E-Everyone….."
"Eeeeeehhh!?" Ibuki nearly shrieked again. "She's crying!"
Mahiru sweatdropped. "We can see that…."
"There, there. You don't have to cry anymore." Sonia did her best to try and console the nurse by rubbing her back. "You look splendid, so you don't have to worry!"
"I'm pretty sure that's not why she's crying," Mahiru muttered but still gave a resigned smile. It wasn't exactly comfortable to see someone cry, but in Mikan's case Mahiru couldn't complain too much.
'As long as she's happy.'
And like that, the girls managed to have a more relaxed experience than the boys.
"Why do I feel like this took longer than it should have?"
Naruto was standing outside of the store, a bag in hand. He looked ready to clock out for the day. He was already feeling tired before coming here. Trying to stop Teruteru's perversion had only made him more exhausted than before.
'A nap would be nice.'
Naruto practically swooned at the thought, but he knew Ibuki would be angry if he tried to skip their practice after this.
'She's enjoying our team up way too much in my opinion.'
Naruto knew he sucked with the drums, even after practicing for the past week. As much as he hated to admit it, he wasn't a fast learner. Ibuki didn't seem to care, though. Neither did Hiyoko, who looked to be enjoying herself a lot more than Ibuki, if that was possible. Naruto only knew this because he noticed the way Hiyoko smiled when she thought no one was looking. It was cute in his mind, the way she played this "tsundere" act.
'Oh, I think I just understood what Teruteru was saying.'
Fancy that. He was totally learning.
Go him.
"Hm? Naruto-san?"
Naruto perked up when he noticed the new arrival next to him. It wasn't Fuyuhiko or Nagito, who he was expecting. No, it was Peko. Like him, she was carrying a bag. Probably her kimono.
'Peko in a kimono…..'
It was a nice image, he had to admit. It wasn't just Peko, though. All of the girls were going to be wearing them tomorrow. He was looking forward to that, honestly. Not just because they were beautiful, but because it would be nostalgic for him. Kimonos were common in his world, so it would feel like he was back at home.
Not that Naruto was still focusing on that. It was just a nice thing to think about.
"Naruto-san?"
"Huh?"
Peko frowned. "You've been spacing out for the last minute. Are you okay?"
"Oh." Naruto turned a bit sheepish. "Sorry, I was just thinking how nice it was going to be to see you in a kimono."
"Ah." Peko wasn't sure how to take that comment. A small blush did settle on her cheeks. "Thank you…..I suppose."
Talking to Naruto was a new experience for Peko. He made her feel like a normal girl. Before coming to this school, people were always too afraid to approach her or be upfront with her. Peko's personality didn't help the situation. Her cold demeanor made others more hesitant to talk to her. It wasn't like Peko was much interested in having conversations with others either. So it was a two-way street. It was still lonely, though.
Coming to Hope's Peak had changed all that. It wasn't just with Naruto. Peko felt more at ease socializing with the others as well. Today proved that. But it all came back to the blond in front of her.
"So what's up?" Naruto asked her. "Are the girls finished already?"
"Not yet, no. I believe Koizumi-san still hasn't picked one out yet."
Surprising. Naruto would have pegged Mikan to be the last one to choose a kimono. She was always indecisive and whatnot.
"But I am glad to have you here. There was something I wanted to talk to you about, but I didn't know how to approach you with all of this when the others were around."
Oh? Naruto gave Peko his full attention.
"Is something wrong?"
Peko was totally a no-nonsense type person. If she wanted to speak with him in private, then it must be serious.
The girl pointed down the street. "There's a playground near here. We should talk there."
So she meant private-private.
Naruto shrugged.
"Alright."
He had no problems with this. He trusted Peko, so going off alone with her was no biggie for him.
The two teens began to walk off, neither noticing Nagito looking at them from one of the windows with a curious gaze.
'What is this?'
His curiosity had been peaked.
"Is something the matter?" Ryota asked him as he joined Nagito by the window.
The luckster merely smiled. "It's nothing for you to worry about, Mitarai-kun. I just need to step out for a moment."
Spying on other people's conversations wasn't a nice thing to do, but Nagito couldn't help himself. Besides, the last time he had done it he had overheard some interesting things.
'Uzumaki-kun is always one to inspire.'
It was sure to be the same way this time. He just knew it.
Naruto had many questions lingering in the back of his mind as he and Peko arrived at the playground. It was vacant, save for the two of them. Not surprising considering what time it was. Most kids were probably stuck in school right now. They were only out and about because they could.
Hope's Peak Academy was extremely lax that way.
But anyway, none of that really mattered right now. Naruto was more curious about Peko's reasoning for bringing him out here.
"I can sense your confusion," Peko said as the two stopped by the swings.
"Well, yeah." Naruto placed both his bags down, letting Kurama jump free so that he could explore the playground to his heart's content. "You're not the type to do this without good reason, so I'm curious to see what you want to talk about."
"True enough, I do have something very important to discuss with you." Peko looked down. "However, I do not know how to approach this subject. To tell you the truth, I may be acting out of place right now. It's not something I'm familiar with doing."
Acting out of place? What the heck did that mean?
Peko began to smile. "You're even more confused now, I take it."
Was it that obvious?
"You're making it seem like you have to follow some orders or something," Naruto said after a moment of silence. "Which I don't get. You're not a soldier."
As far as he was aware anyway. However, there was no denying the fact that Peko did have something she was keeping from them. Naruto only knew this because of the hesitation he could see in her at different times when they were together. Like she was afraid of doing something she wasn't supposed to. It wasn't the same as Mikan's hesitation, though. It almost felt…..more robotic in nature. He wasn't sure how to put it into words really, but that was the closest way he could describe it.
"No, I'm not." After putting her bag down as well, Peko crossed her arms and finally looked directly at Naruto. There was some sense of defeat in her eyes that felt out of place. "Calling me a soldier would be too kind. I'm something even below that."
Naruto started to frown. "Stop being vague. What are you getting at?"
"You're going to be attending an important dinner tonight, right?"
Naruto's frown only increased. "How do you know that?"
The only other person who was there when Fuyuhiko brought it up was Mikan, and he was sure she hadn't told anyone else. Some of the others had found out, but only just now. So how did Peko know…...?
Almost as if she was reading his thoughts, Peko added, "I know this because my young master told me about it."
Young master…...? Did he hear that right?
'Peko-chan has a master?'
Wait, hold up. A master. This couldn't be…...
Naruto started to connect the dots. "Are you-"
"There is no need for you to say anything," Peko cut him off. "I can already see that you're beginning to understand, so I'll be upfront. I serve the Kuzuryu clan. To be more precise, I serve Kuzuryu Fuyuhiko. I am his weapon, his tool. I have done this for my whole life, and that fact won't ever change."
Naruto stared at her, dumbfounded. It was to be expected. Anyone would feel the same way in his position.
So Peko and Fuyuhiko were close? From Peko's words, the two were together even before arriving at Hope's Peak Academy with everyone else.
'Her whole life? And she's a tool?'
Peko sighed softly. "I'm sure there are a lot of things you want to ask, but before that I will tell you why I revealed this to you."
That was a good start.
"My young master trusts you, probably more than anyone else outside his clan." Peko was sincere with her words. There was no denying it. Even someone like her could see the bond between the two. "I'm not sure how he approached you about tonight's events, but you should know it was his idea. He probably wants to reveal…..all of this to you. To be honest with you, his first friend. He will do this in hopes that you don't think any less of him."
But that didn't make any sense.
"Why….why would I think any less of him for this?" Naruto asked, confused. "I mean, you two are acquainted. And you're probably close. Just because he has a friend like that, it doesn't mean-"
"Friend?" Peko suppressed the urge to scoff at the notion. "Do not misunderstand, Naruto-san. My young master and I are not friends. In fact, it's the complete opposite. He…..hates me."
The hesitation in admitting that was there, but Peko said it anyway. Because it was the truth.
"He hates you…..?" Naruto didn't look convinced.
"Yes. He wants to prove to everyone in the clan that he is worthy of succession, that he doesn't need the clan to survive. He wants to show that he can stand on his own two feet. That is why he hates me, a tool that was given to him by his family. He sees me as a sign of weakness. That's why…."
Peko paused here. It's why he had ordered her to not act like his tool around the others. To pretend that they were total strangers.
"We're only fellow high schoolers now."
Those had been his words right before the entrance ceremony, and a part of Peko had been hurt by them. To her, it only felt like Fuyuhiko was ashamed of her. But how could he not be? It wasn't as though she was anything special to him. She was only his tool, nothing more. Her feelings were irrelevant.
Anger flashed on Naruto's face. His anger wasn't only directed at one thing, or one person. No, he was angry at about just everything that Peko was saying. About her dismissal toward the possibility of there being more between her and Fuyuhiko. About Fuyuhiko unable to be honest with Peko.
But most of all, he was angry at himself for not being able to see through their relationship before this. It was as Kakashi always said. Look underneath the underneath. He had failed to do that with Nagito, and now with Peko and Fuyuhiko.
And it angered him.
'I still have a long way to go.'
It wasn't just his physical training that he needed to work on. But also his ability to read others, to be able to connect with them.
Peko saw the anger, and she quickly bowed.
"I apologize if you feel betrayed by this, Naruto-san. We lied to you, there is no denying that. But please, I beg you. Do not blame my young master for this. If you want, you can direct all your hatred at me. I don't want to see the first bond that my young master has made be tarnished like this. I beg you."
There was clear desperation in her voice. It was sad, really, to see Peko like this.
So that's how it was. Naruto understood. He understood Peko's actions. She wanted to make sure that Naruto wouldn't think any less of Fuyuhiko for keeping a "tool" such as herself around. She wanted to preserve their friendship, even if that meant that the bond she had with the blond was gone because of it.
She was trying to sacrifice herself basically.
Naruto wasn't happy with the display.
"T'ch, it's honestly annoying that you think so little of me, Peko-chan."
Peko-chan…..?
The girl raised her head, confused but also hopeful. "What…..?"
Naruto glared at her. "I understand your feelings. You feel devoted to Fuyuhiko. When we first met, you told me you had a 'debt' to pay, and it's probably tied to all of this. I won't deny that either. But this isn't just about Fuyuhiko. Or me. You're also a part of this. Did you think I was going to discard our friendship just to try and save another? Does our bond mean that little to you?"
"T-That….." Peko was forced to look away, the hurt clear in her eyes. "That's not it at all! I…..I was happy too. You are someone I have begun to think of as a friend. That is true. But…..it doesn't matter. At the end of the day, I'm just a tool for someone else to use. I'm not even human."
She had no worth. She didn't deserve friendship. That's why she was fine with being tossed to the side.
"You…." Naruto sighed and scratched his head. "You're totally misunderstanding the situation, Peko-chan. Fuyuhiko's hesitation probably didn't help the situation either."
Peko turned to him again, her face puzzled. "What does that mean?"
"It's not my place to say it, but I can tell you one thing." Naruto pointed at her. "Fuyuhiko doesn't just think of you as a tool. Nor does he hate you. I'm sure of it."
Because the boy loved her. Naruto was one hundred percent certain of that now.
"What…..?" Peko was left speechless by Naruto's words. It was just impossible. There's no way what he was saying was the truth! Because Fuyuhiko hated her! That was the only way to explain it. To explain his actions. It had to be.
"You don't look convinced."
She wasn't.
Naruto chuckled. "You're stubborn too, so I doubt words alone can change your mind on this. But I also know something else. Your actions just now confirmed it for me."
Confirmed what?
"You…..have feelings for Fuyuhiko, don't you?"
It was a bluff. Naruto wasn't sure at all, but when Peko's face lit up like fireworks Naruto knew he was totally right.
'Heh, we got ourselves an interesting situation right here~'
"W-W-What are you saying!?" Peko squeaked. It was so totally unlike her that Naruto had the sudden urge to hug her. "There's no way that's true at all, you idiot!"
But it was true. Peko knew, even before Naruto had said it. There was no way she wouldn't know about her own feelings. But she had suppressed them for a long time. Being confronted out of nowhere like this didn't help either.
It was just embarrassing.
"Hehehe, don't worry, Peko-chan." Naruto patted her on the shoulder. "I won't tell Fuyuhiko. Your secret is safe with me."
For some reason, that didn't reassure Peko at all.
"Your eyes look darker than usual, Naruto-san."
"Pfft, it's just your imagination."
Two of his friends had feelings for one another, but they didn't know about it? Naruto was going to make sure to fix that. And soon.
"Anyway, I think any less of you for this," Naruto told her. "You're my friend. You're human. And you matter to me. You got that?"
Peko could only stare at him, unsure of what to say. No, she couldn't say anything. Naruto had said everything for her.
The conversation might have turned more playful toward the end, but it didn't change the relief that was flooding through Peko right now. It was like a heavy load had been lifted off her shoulders. Naruto didn't think any less of her young master, and he was accepting her as well. She could keep her bond.
'Thank you, Naruto-san.'
He was a good friend, and Peko wouldn't change that for the world.
It didn't take the pair long to get back to the store where the others were. But while they were leaving the playground, both felt a pair of eyes on them from somewhere. The presence didn't feel malignant, but it was still noticeable. They couldn't find any bystander or anything, though. In the end, they just chalked it up to their imagination and moved on.
Unfortunately, while they were able to leave unnoticed, it wasn't the same when they got back as everyone else was waiting for them outside. The cars were there as well, ready to take them back to the school.
Sonia was the first to spot them and gasped.
"Ah, there they are!"
The others all turned to them, and right away Naruto and Peko knew they were going to be bombarded with questions.
"You two, where did you go!?" Mahiru was quick to scold them, her hands on her hips. "We were worried sick!"
Yeah, she totally had the "den mother" role down to a T.
"We were about to send Owari after you," Nekomaru said with a grunt.
"Heh, my nose would have totally found them!" As if in agreement, Akane's nose twitched like an animal's.
"It's totally inexcusable!" Teruteru cried out. "You two snuck out to have yourselves a make out session, didn't you!? And you left me out of it! You insult me!"
"E-Eh?" Mikan blushed and fiddled with her fingers. "I-Is that true…..?"
Naruto rolled his eyes. They did know a quick call to either of their phones would have suffice, right?
"No, it's not true. We were just talking."
"Talking?" Kazuichi scratched his cheek. "You sure that's all that happened?"
Peko was hot, so Kazuichi had his doubts that Naruto hadn't tried to do anything with the girl.
What Kazuichi didn't take into account was the fact that Peko knew a dozen different ways to kill someone and then dispose of the body without a trace. So if Naruto tried anything, it wouldn't end well for him.
"Yes. Stop misunderstanding the situation." They already had one Teruteru. They didn't need a second one.
"Still fucking annoying," Fuyuhiko said, sighing. "We had to deal with Komaeda suddenly disappearing on us. We didn't need you doing the same."
"Eh?" Naruto looked at the luckster. "You left?"
Nagito smiled. "Oh, it's nothing important. I just had to get some fresh air is all."
Hmm, for some reason, Naruto didn't believe that.
"I apologize for causing a scene," Peko said, bowing her head. "I did not think this would trouble everyone like this."
"It's no big deal really." Chiaki wasn't angry at least. "The others are just over-exaggerating."
"It's called being worried about your friends!" Ibuki exclaimed. "We thought you were kidnapped by hungry wolves or something!"
Hungry wolves? In the middle of the city? And why would hungry wolves even kidnap them in the first place? Wouldn't they just eat Naruto and Peko on the spot?
"Your words…...they're filled with riddles," Gundham said offhandedly, his eyes closed.
"Riddles? Really?" Ibuki giggled. "Ibuki knew she was special~"
Naruto was pretty sure Ibuki was misunderstanding Gundham's words, but whatever. As long as she was happy.
"Can we go now?" Hiyoko pouted. "I don't want to be standing out in the middle of the street. It's getting too hot!"
"Hmm, indeed. Outside is the enemy of all mankind," Ryota muttered.
Naruto sweatdropped. "You're taking it too far there, Ryota."
Ryota didn't think so.
"As long as we are done here, we should get going." Sonia beamed. "We still have some preparations to complete for tomorrow!"
Ibuki immediately pounced on Naruto, grabbing his arm as if to make sure he couldn't run away.
"We have band practice, Naruto-chan!"
"Yeah, yeah. I didn't forget."
"You better not." Hiyoko's face was smug. "Performing with me will be an honor. You should treasure every moment of this."
Naruto decided to play along and patted the blonde on the head.
"Of course I will."
Hiyoko blushed and huffed. She had no comeback to make. She couldn't. Not when she was blushing this hard.
'I-Idiot.'
By this point, for her, calling Naruto an idiot was more of a compliment than anything else.
"Hahaha, then let us go!" Nagito looked more cheerful than normal as he raised his hands. "Your talents are sure to shine brighter as we move forward!"
There were several groans from the group, but by this point, they were just chalking it up to Nagito being Nagito and didn't question it.
As they started to get in the cars, Fuyuhiko looked at Peko with a questioning stare, to which the girl just shook her head at.
They could talk later.
The rest of the day went by rather normally. Or as normal as a day surrounded by Ultimates could go. Naruto spent most of his time practicing more with Ibuki and Hiyoko, with Nagito and Mikan spectating for them. It was rather unfortunate that the trio were enjoying themselves so much, to the point that none of them saw Nagito and Mikan writhing in pain every time they played.
Ibuki's music had that effect on other people.
But it was still fun!
Kazuichi was able to finish setting up the last game as well, and all the decorations by Sonia were in place. Basically, the festival was ready to commence tomorrow.
The one most excited for this was Gundham, who was seen cackling every so often. But it was to be expected. They were going to make sure that all of the animals under his care found good homes. As caring as Gundham was, it was bound to make him happy.
Good Gundham.
It was after work that Naruto went straight home to change. He still had a dinner to attend tonight.
He didn't know what to wear, but formal clothing was probably going to be expected.
'I'm having dinner with the head of a yakuza clan…..'
The yakuza clan as far as the world was concerned. Oh yeah, formal wear was the way to go.
The blond grimaced when he pulled out his only suit from the closet. Tengan had told him to get one, just in case. Looks like the old man's cautious nature had paid off.
'I so don't want to wear this.'
It didn't look comfortable, and he was sure the tie was bound to try and strangle him at one point.
Kurama seemed to agree with his disgust as he turned away from the suit, almost like it was too disgusting to look at.
'Smart fox.'
Nevertheless, he still changed into it. It was a simple blue suit with a matching tie and a white dress shirt.
After changing, he had to grimace again when he passed by the mirror.
'I want to die.'
He sighed in dismay. Might as well get this over with.
Kurama climbed on his head again, and the two took off.
Hopefully no one tried to murder him tonight.
The security around the Kuzuryu compound had gone up tonight than the last time around. Maybe it was because they knew he was coming? They probably didn't want to take any chances, even if he was just a high school student. Being at the top always meant there were people who wanted you to go down.
Oh well, it didn't change anything for him. Naruto walked up to the entrance where a trio of guards were waiting for him. Naruto also spotted a lot of cars around, all very expensive looking.
Hm.
The guards instantly recognized him. Naruto expected to be search or something, but instead he was let right in. No questions asked.
'Huh.'
What were all the guards for then?
"Heh, looks like you made it."
Once inside, Naruto was met by Fuyuhiko. The shorter boy was in a suit of his own, but that was his usual attire.
"Fuyuhiko. Glad to see you aren't trying to kill me, after all."
"What? You're still on that dumb joke?" The yakuza heir smirked. "Like I told you. If we wanted you dead, you'd already be dead."
Right, right.
Fuyuhiko led him deeper into the compound. On the way, Naruto saw that there were a lot of different people around. Had he come at the wrong time?
"The old man decided to make a whole show of this," Fuyuhiko informed him after noticing Naruto's confusion. "He invited a lot of his friends, and some political allies that he's got on the National Diet."
The Japanese National Diet. That was the name of the country's government. While Naruto still didn't know how the government fully worked in this country, he knew that much.
At least that answered his previous question. All the security wasn't for him. It was for all the important guests that were going to be here tonight.
Kurama seemed to be just as fascinated as his owner, his head going back and forth from person to person. He was taking it all in. This was all new to him, after all.
"I thought this dinner was your idea?"
"It was. But the old man likes to show off when he can."
He and Fuyuhiko were alike in that regard. Like father like son, as it were.
Naruto then noticed that Fuyuhiko wasn't leading him to the main room where most of the guests were. Rather, he was taking Naruto to the back of the compound where they had hung out a bit after his first visit here.
Once they got there, Fuyuhiko was quick to speak.
"I heard what Peko told you."
Peko, huh?
"Hm, so you're not going to hide it anymore?"
Fuyuhiko sighed and turned to him. His face was conflicted.
"There is nothing to hide anymore, idiot. Not after she decided to go behind my back."
That phrasing...
"Are you mad at her? For what she did?"
Fuyuhiko hesitated with his response for a couple of moments. "I….I don't know. I was planning on telling you tonight, but…..this is also the first time she's disobeyed me." Fuyuhiko smiled. "If I'm being honest, I feel happy. Not angry. It's weird."
So it was like that, huh.
Naruto smiled as well. "Just so you know, she did it for you. Peko-chan cares about you. She was afraid that I would cut off my friendship with you over this."
"Well, I was afraid of the same thing."
"Then you're an idiot," Naruto said bluntly. "I admit that I don't know the full story, but I know for a fact that you don't consider Peko-chan to be your tool."
Fuyuhiko couldn't deny that. "We've been together since we were just babies. She's always been there for me." He turned serene as he remembered all the memories he and Peko had formed over the years. "My parents assigned her to be a hitman for me after they found her abandoned. That's why she took up to the sword, to protect me. It's supposed to be nothing more than a business relationship. But…."
But things were never that simple. Naruto could see that Fuyuhiko did care for Peko. He just wasn't good at expressing it.
Closing his eyes, Naruto grinned. "You love her, don't you?"
It was straightforward, and Fuyuhiko had to sigh at the boldness.
"You don't beat around the bush, do you?"
"I'm just calling it as I see it." Naruto opened his eyes again. "But hey, you're not blushing anymore. I call that improvement!"
"Idiot." Fuyuhiko readjusted his tie as a small red tint settled over his cheeks. "When I'm around you, I can't help but be honest."
"Then you should be honest with Peko-chan as well. I'm sure she'll appreciate it."
Like Fuyuhiko, Peko was like a toddler when it came to expressing her emotions. The two were the same, just running in circles and unable to properly explain their true feelings to one another. If Naruto was able to see this, but they couldn't…...then that was a big problem right there.
"Then you're not mad?" Fuyuhiko had been expecting a different response from the taller blond. "I kept a big secret from you. From the others. They'll probably….."
Fuyuhiko didn't finish that thought. He didn't want to think about it.
Naruto shook his head. "Stop thinking about that. The others will be surprised, but they'll understand. You two have your own circumstances. They won't hate you for this."
Naruto was confident that the others would be able to handle this revelation. Their bond was strong enough for that.
Fuyuhiko's shoulders relaxed. Like Peko, it was like a huge burden had finally been lifted.
"You always make things seem so simple. It makes me feel like I was overthinking the whole thing for nothing."
"You don't have to go that far." After all, Naruto had his own secret that he had yet to reveal. But seeing Fuyuhiko and Peko taking their first step forward like this, Naruto felt emboldened to do the same.
"I hope I'm not intruding."
The new voice broke into their conversation. It was Peko, who joined them outside. Naruto was at a sudden loss of words when he saw the girl. She was wearing a kimono for tonight. He didn't know if it was the one she had picked out earlier today or one that she already owned. Either way, Naruto had to admit that it looked very good on her.
Peko was basically the embodiment of a firm young woman, almost regal. But it wasn't in the same manner as Sonia. Wearing a traditional outfit like the kimono only emphasized that fact. Her striking red eyes meshed well with the black kimono, but at the same time her face was soft enough to not come off as rigid or harsh.
'My descriptions suck.'
Bottom line is, Peko looked very beautiful. She had no makeup either, which was probably for the better. Her natural features were enough to win over any man.
Naruto suddenly pulled Fuyuhiko to the side.
"I'm kind of jealous of you right now," he muttered with a playful sour look.
Fuyuhiko got what he was getting at and rolled his eyes. He blushed as well.
"Fucking idiot, just shut up before I hit you."
The last thing he needed was Peko catching on. He would cross that bridge later.
Peko looked at them with a tilt of her head. "Is something the matter?"
"Ahahaha, it's nothing." Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly while Kurama let out a quick bark, although it sounded more like a "yipping" sound rather than a regular bark. If that meant he was agreeing with Naruto or trying to sell him out, Naruto didn't know.
Peko looked at Kurama with longing. "I see that you brought Kurama along….."
Naruto and Fuyuhiko looked at one another with knowing smirks.
"Wanna pet him?"
Peko's face was like that of a child waking up on Christmas morning.
"M-May I really?"
Naruto shrugged. "Yeah. I don't think he'll mind. Do you, Kurama?"
As if knowing what was being asked of him, Kurama jumped from Naruto's head and onto Peko's awaiting arms.
The smile that broke on her face made both Naruto and Fuyuhiko smile as well.
"He's so soft," Peko said softly, stroking Kurama's back. "He looks bigger already."
"Probably because he's been eating a lot," Naruto said, still smiling.
Seeing Peko like this…..it was really nice. She was strong, but she also had her tender side. It really did make him jealous that Fuyuhiko had someone like her pining for him.
'Oh well. All I can do now is support them both.'
He could do that, even if it was a little sad.
"Onii-chan, where are you!?"
Another person made their presence known, this one louder than Peko. It took a few moments for Naruto to recognize the new arrival.
It was Fuyuhiko's sister.
'What was her name again?'
Fuyuhiko turned to her. "Natsumi, what do you want?"
Natsumi quickly ran up to them. Like Peko, she was in a kimono. Hers was a yellowish-gold color. It reminded Naruto of Kazuichi's, only not as flashy.
"Papa sent me to look for you! The dinner is about to start!" The younger girl took a moment to pause to look at Naruto. Unlike him, she recognized the blond immediately. "You're here again."
Was that a bad thing?
"I invited him," Fuyuhiko said, stepping in between Naruto and his sister. "He's an important guest."
Natsumi rolled her eyes. "If that's your way of saying he's your first friend, I get it. Sheesh, no need to be so dramatic about it."
Fuyuhiko's eye twitched. She was always like this. Dealing with her was such a pain.
Natsumi then pushed Fuyuhiko aside before he had a chance to complain and flashed Naruto a smile. "Hello, I am Kuzuryu Natsumi. Soon, I'll be known as the Ultimate Little Sister. It's nice to meet you!"
Wait, what? Ultimate Little Sister?
'Was that a real talent?'
Fuyuhiko scowled. "You're still going on about that crap?"
He might appreciate the gesture, but he also didn't like how far Natsumi was taking this 'ultimate little sister' gimmick.
"It's not crap!" Natsumi narrowed her eyes at him. "It's my talent! Since you're the Ultimate Yakuza, it's only natural that I, as your little sister, be called the Ultimate Little Sister. That's how I'll be able to attend Hope's Peak Academy with you!"
Naruto recalled the girl saying something about that during his previous visit.
'She wants to go to Hope's Peak…..because of Fuyuhiko?'
"Stop spouting that bullshit already!" Fuyuhiko fired back. "You don't need to go to Hope's Peak to be my little sister. You know this, don't you?"
Most of all, it was Natsumi who was supposed to be the head of the clan. Not him. That's how Fuyuhiko felt. He wasn't worthy of that position as he was now. But Natsumi…..
"If you're so fucking insistent on going to Hope's Peak, then why did you pass up on being the heiress!?"
"You know why! It's because you deserve that spot! Not me!"
The two glared at one another, neither willing to back down. At the heart of it, it was a disagreement that came down to the two caring about one another too much. That's why they were in this predicament.
"I believe this is a conversation that should take place another time," Peko cut in, breaking the sibling fight that was about to take place. "We have guests."
This was enough to deter Fuyuhiko from continuing. Natsumi on the other hand switched her glare from her brother to Peko. It was something Peko was used to, though. She knew Natsumi resented her in some fashion. It was probably because she could stand next to Fuyuhiko while she couldn't.
Naruto just kept quiet. There were a lot of things he could say right now, but it wasn't the appropriate time.
Natsumi let out a huff before turning away and heading back inside the house. Her form was shaking along the way. Either from anger or sadness, it was hard to tell.
"Looks like you got your own familial problems."
Fuyuhiko clicked his teeth in annoyance. "T'ch, she's just being an idiot. She's been trying to force the old man into letting her switch schools and go to Hope's Peak."
"As the Ultimate Little Sister?"
It sounded cute, Naruto admitted to himself, but…..
"The school won't recognize it as a real talent," Peko said, stating the obvious. She continued to pet Kurama as she added, "They're not likely to change their minds at this point."
"Then how is she going to get in?"
"The Reserve Course." Fuyuhiko looked up at the night sky. "That place you and Tsumiki decided to check out for some reason. The idiot thinks that getting into the Reserve Course will get her closer to the Main Course somehow. But she's just being stupid. As if she needs something like that."
Naruto was certain that there was more to this than just what Fuyuhiko was saying. It probably came from an inability to grasp his sister's feelings. Her true desire in all of this.
But it was the same as Naruto's situation with Nagito, and with Peko and Fuyuhiko.
'Understanding others isn't so simple.'
Emotions couldn't be easily understood, and neither did the feelings that came with them.
'Natsumi's feelings…..'
That was the root cause of this disagreement.
"Come on, let's go." Fuyuhiko dropped the subject and motioned for the house. "The old man will be pissed if we keep him waiting."
Kurama jumped back onto Naruto's head, leaving Peko wanting more.
'I miss his fur already….'
Naruto stopped himself from laughing at Peko's pouting face. She probably didn't even realize what she was doing.
Cute, Peko-chan. Very cute.
As the three entered the house again, Naruto's mind lingered on Natsumi for a moment longer.
Even if feelings and emotions were hard to understand, it didn't mean it was impossible. Just like with the three of them-no, just like with their whole class. It was difficult, and they were certain to stumble.
But it wasn't impossible.
'Natsumi, huh.'
Naruto wouldn't forget about her name this time. Maybe even help her down the road. No, definitely help her.
Why?
Well. Why not?
Yeah, yeah. Another extra chapter. But I'm sure no one is going to complain about that.
Anyway, we dove deeper into three characters today. You could say Fuyuhiko got an extra social event because of Peko. But also because he's probably Naruto's best friend from the group.
Enjoy the bromance, people. I know I am.
Peko was probably my favorite character to write about so far. I just love her whole dynamic with Fuyuhiko. While I definitely felt bad for Teruteru in the first trial, the second one made me cry like a bitch after everything was revealed. What's shocking is that Peko was a character that I was mostly neutral on up to that point. Yeah, her character design was cool, but besides that I didn't really feel invested in her. And yet, her ending still made me cry. It's like a love story gone wrong. And the worst part is that it could have all been avoided if only she and Fuyuhiko were honest with one another from the start. Which hits home for me since I have had similar problems in the past.
Danganronpa, man. I love these characters so much.
Anyway, that's all for me this time. Review and spread the love.
Till next time.
