No…
Why… WHY ?!
Why Gonta ?!
« What in the world ?! What the hell is going on ?! » Kaito couldn't believe it, and so was I.
« GYAAAAAAHHHHH ! » Tenko screamed.
« It's too late… He's dead… » Maki sighed.
We noticed the Monokuma message was gone, but I tried to ignore it, unable to not look away from Gonta's body…
I only wanted to save Rantaro… But Gonta took his place…
The killing game has begun again…
« What a relief. A murder took place just before time ran out ! » Monokuma chuckled.
« S-Shuichi, what about the pictures ? Someone used the moving bookcase ! » Kaede exclaimed.
« R-right, we will check them ! » I already knew it was Tsumugi, but I played dumb to not raise suspicion.
Speaking of Tsumugi…
She and everyone else arrived in the A/V Room.
« Kyaaaaaahhh ! » She screamed.
How could we have not seen her acting ? We wrre fools…
« Gonta ?! But… why ?! » Keebo exclaimed in horror.
« Hrk… ! Th-That's Gonta ? Oh, thank god ! I thought that was a pile of dirty rags ! » Miu did the same.
« Hey, have some respect for Gonta ! » Himiko glared at her.
« W-what the hell ?! S-she just snapped at me ! » Miu panicked.
« I see… So this ended up happening after all. Kehehe… my, my. What a world this is, so full of jokes like this. » Kiyo said.
« W-what… ? This is a lie, right ? My dearest Gonta is dea- Oh, I mean… was killed ! » Kokichi cried.
« So… can somebody explain the meaning of all this ? » Kirumi asked.
« Nope, because thanks to the First Blood Perk, there won't be a class trial, so that would just be a waste of time. So, if you're the one who killed Gonta, raise your hand ! » Monokuma said.
« Rise and Shine, Ursine ! » The Monokubs appeared.
« So whoever did this really gets to graduate huh ? » Monosuke asked.
« Heck yeah ! I'm a real stickler for the rules ! I'm also tough on convenience store clerks ! » Monokuma nodded.
« Then congratulations ! Would the blackened who's about to graduate please raise their hand ! » Monotaro exclaimed.
We all stared at each other, waiting for the blackened to raise their hand…
But as expected, no one did.
« What the… No one's raisin' their hand ? » Monosuke said in confusion.
« Hey, didja hear me ? All the blackened has to do to graduate is speak up, y'know ? » Monotaro exclaimed.
« Hm ? No one's stepping forward. What's going on ? » Monophanie titled her head in confusion.
« Ohhh… I see how it is. The blackened has no need for the First Blood Perk. They would rather do a class trial. » Monokuma smirked.
« Excuse me ? » Kirumi asked in confusion.
« Ok then ! I will give the blackened what they want and hold a class trial ! » Monokuma exclaimed.
The Monokubs were ecstatic.
« W-wait… What the heck's going on ? » Kaito asked.
« Like we said before, we're gonna hold a class trial so you bastards can find Gonta's killer. » Monosuke started explaining.
« Get it right and only the blackened will be punished. But if you get it wrong… » Monotaro continued.
« Simultaneous surgery ! Brain and knee ! Then brain surgery again ! » Monokid interrupted himn
« Everyone besides the blackened will be punished. » Monotaro finished.
« But before we can hold the class trial, you gotta investigate first. If you don't, you won't be able to argue over who did it. » Monokuma added.
« So you're saying we need to do the investigation ourselves, too ? » Ryoma asked.
« Of course ! The investigation is what makes the killing game so good ! You guys are gonna investigate this crime and uncover the truth ! » Monokuma nodded.
He and the Monokubs left, leaving us with Gonta's body.
« Let's get going then ! » Kokichi exclaimed.
« W-wait.. where do we even start ? » Tsumugi asked.
« Simple. We have to find out who killed Gonta. » Rantaro replied.
« Indeed, if we can't figure out who the culprit is, then we will be annihilated for sure. » Ryoma nodded.
« I agree, we should get started. I don't know if we have a time limit to do this, but we shouldn't waste time. » I added.
« But… is it true ? Is one of us really the culprit ? » Tsumugi asked.
Everyone began accusing each other again…
« Wait… Wait, stop ! We can't do this ! We can't go back and forth accusing each other ! For now, we need to trust each other and start a serious investigation. If we all lose our trust in one another because of this… It's all over ! We have to believe in each other and investigate this case. » I gave them the same speech than last time.
« You were just so… direct and assertive. You really are a detective ! Now that we need to investigate, you're becoming super reliable ! » Kaede smiled in approval.
« I agree with Shuichi. Actually, he just said exactly what I was gonna say ! » Kaito exclaimed.
« Sure, Kaito, sure. » Maki tried to not crack a smile at him.
« Hey, that's the truth ! » Kaito exclaimed.
« I agree with Shuichi. We need to do this together, or we are toast. » Rantaro nodded.
Then Monokuma appeared again with the Monokuma File.
« Dun dun dunnn ! A notebook that will kill anyone whose name is written in it ! » He exclaimed, showing it to everyone.
« Could it be ?! The Death N- » Tsumugi exclaimed.
« Whoops, my bad. It's a Monokuma File. » He interrupted her.
Another anime reference that was a clear clue to the mastermind's identity…
Anyway, let's read the Monokuma File…
The victim is Gonta Gokuhara, the Ultimate Entomologist. The victim's body was discovered in the A/V Room. The estimated time of death is 9:10 pm. The victim's throat was slit with a sharp weapon, causing a near instant death. No other injuries were detected.
Monokuma File 1 has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your Monopad.
Well, looks like Tsumugi waited and didn't find Rantaro thanks to Maki, but Gonta got killed.
« Mastermind ? I'm sorry, what are we talking about ? » Keebo asked.
So Kaede and I explained them about our plan. I then went to get the cameras back in the Library. There I encountered Monophanie, who took the photos away from me. I knew they were pointless since Rantaro wasn't in them and Tsumugi avoided them, but I let her take them anyway. I then returned to the Game Room.
« Where are the cameras, Pooichi ? » Miu snapped.
« A-ah, Monophanie took them. She was faster than I expected. » I explained.
« Way to go, moron ! Our evidence is gone ! » She snapped at me.
« Hey ! Didn't you hear him ? He said Monophanie was too fast for him ! Plus, he might have been punished if he tried to keep them ! » Kaito defended me.
« Does the rule prohibiting to attack Monokuma also extends to the Monokubs ? » Kirumi thought out loud.
« I wouldn't try it, we have enough death already. » Rantaro replied.
Either way, it was time to begin our investigation.
Investigation Start
« You're ready Kaede ? » I asked her.
« Where should we begin ? » She asked back.
« We should investigate Gonta's body, just in case Monokuma left anything out. But Kaede, if this is too much for you… » I told her.
« It's fine, I can do it. » She said sadly.
I nodded, and we approached Gonta's body. Like the File said, there was his throat being slit, and it was deep. Then Maki approached us.
« Hey you two. » She greeted us.
« Hey Maki. You were guarding the body ? » I asked her.
« Yeah, can't let the culprit destroy evidence. I checked the body, and I saw no signs of struggle or other injuries. The killer must have struck him fast before he could fight back. I believe the murder weapon to be a knife. And I also noticed this… » She pointed at the sliding door.
« There's no dust… The sliding door has been moved ! » I exclaimed.
« Yeah, but it doesn't go all the way. But judging by the proximity of Gonta near the door, it's safe to assume he approached the door, and was then stabbed by the culprit. » Maki theorized.
« Yeah, that seems to be the case. » I nodded.
Missing Knife has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your Monopad.
Sliding Door has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your Monopad.
« What do we do now, Shuichi ? » Kaede asked.
« We should ask the others for alibis, what they were doing during the time of the murder. » I replied.
« I agree, let's do this. » She nodded.
We first approached Kaito, Tenko, Himiko and Rantaro.
« Hey you two ! What are you guys doing ? » Kaito asked.
« We were about to ask you about your alibis. » I replied.
« Excellent timing ! We were asking what Rantaro was about to do outside of the Game Room ! » He said while glaring at the green-haired male.
« I already told you, I wanted to stop the mastermind. » Rantaro returned the glare.
« Of course, so you could go out andcommit a murder ! Typical degenerate male behavior ! » Tenko said in a condescending tone.
« Tenko… What did I tell you… ? Don't be mean to guys. » Himiko looked up at her with a frown.
« S-sorry, Himiko ! Your wish is my command ! » Tenko exclaimed.
« So I assume you guys were all in the Game Room, then ? » I asked.
« Yeah, so were Angie and Maki. We never left the Game Room, and the only way to get to Gonta is to use the door inside the Game Room. » Kaito nodded.
That's not true… The sliding door in the A/V Room was opened.
People of the Game Room has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your Monopad.
« That reminds me, how did we not hear Gonta scream when he was attacked ? » Tenko asked.
« A fine question. I suppose the background music was loud enough to distract us. » Rantaro suggested.
« Yes, and like the Monokuma File said, his throat was slit, so I doubt he could have screamed for help. » I added.
« That does explain things. Great job Shuichi ! » Kaede praised me.
Video Background Music has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your Monopad.
« Let's ask the others their alibis. » I told Kaede.
So we gathered the others' alibis, which were the same than before.
Korekiyo's Account has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your Monopad.
K1-B0's Account has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your Monopad.
Then Kaede was about to lift Tsumugi's skirt.
« Kaede… What did I tell you before ? » I frowned at her.
« R-right… Sorry… » She apologized.
I watched Tsumugi lead Kaede to the girls' bathroom to prove her Cospox.
Wait, the passageway !
I ran to the girls' bathroom, and waited outside until they were done.
« Oh, you're here, Shuichi ! » Kaede said in surprise.
« Yeah, I was waiting for you. So what were you two doing ? » I asked, knowing the answer.
« I proved her I couldn't use a disguise, as I have Cospox ! » Tsumugi exclaimed.
« It's true, she turned pink ! » Kaede nodded.
« Well, we should get going now, I'm returning to the Game Room. » Tsumugi left.
I gently grabbed Kaede's arm.
« Shuichi ? » She said in surprise.
« Kaede… Do you remember what Kiyo said ? » I asked.
« Hmm… You mean about his alibi ? » She replied.
« Yes, he said Tsumugi, Miu and Kirumi were with him. But he also said Tsumugi used the bathroom. I would like you to search everywhere, please. » I told her.
She raised an eyebrow, but did check the entire bathroom.
And then…
« W-what… Shuichi ! Come here ! » She exclaimed.
I did, and saw the hidden passageway opened in the Utility Closet.
« And who was the only one who went to the girls' bathroom ? » I asked rhetorically.
Her eyes and mouth widened as she realized.
« Shuichi… You solved the mystery ! » She exclaimed.
« W-well, I couldn't have done it without you, and Kaito too. » I smiled sheepishly.
« I gotta ask, how did you figure it out ? » She asked me.
« Well, since Tsumugi went to the bathroom all alone, and since I assume the Library isn't the only way to access the hidden room, I wanted to see if there was an access to it from the girls' bathroom. » I explained her.
« Shuichi, you are a genius ! » Kaede praised me.
« C-come on, Kaede… It was just logic, really… » I blushed a bit.
« Exactly ! You used logic to find out who was the culprit and mastermind ! You're such a great detective ! » She smiled at me.
Secret Passageway in the Girls' Bathroom has been added to the Truth Bullets Section of your Monopad.
Then the Monokubs announced the photos were finally developped. This time, because of our talk, we were the ones to arrive last.
« Where the hell have you two been ? » Miu snapped.
« Ah, Kaede wanted to use the bathroom, so I waited outside. » I lied.
« Is this true, Kaede ? » Tenko asked while narrowing her eyes at me.
« That's right ! » She lied too.
This satisfied Tenko, as the Monokubs showed us the photo of me, Kaede, Tenko, Rantaro and Kaito rushing to the Library to get the mastermind, as well as a picture with no one in front of the entrance. And well, me removing the front entrance camera. There was also the Hidden Door photo, which showed the Hidden Door opened, but no one in sight.
Front Entrance Photos has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your Monopad.
Hidden Door Photo has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your Monopad.
« Wait, that's it ? » Tsumugi said.
« Yeah… That's it. » Kaede sighed.
« Great ! We just wasted our time with these ! » Miu snapped.
« Actually, I got to ask, Shuichi, you said the cameras took a picture thanks to sensors, correct ? » Keebo asked.
« That's right, which is why I'm confused. If the mastermind used the hidden door, the moving bookcase should have triggered the camera… unless… » I nodded.
« Unless what ? » Ryoma asked.
« Unless the mastermind knew about the cameras… » I added.
« Huh ?! Shuichi, you mean they knew about our plan ?! » Kaede gasped.
« That's the only possible way. We saw the hidden door close when we arrived at the Library, and we only have a photo of the hidden door being open, but no one in sight. They used the door to shield themselves from the camera. » I explained.
« That seems correct, but doesn't the camera take a picture due to the sensors? The camera would have taken a picture of them afterwards. » Kirumi asked.
« That's true… Unless you know about a particular function of the cameras… You know what I'm talking about, right Miu ? » I asked her.
« Huh ? What are you talkin' about ? » She raised an eyebrow.
« Did you seriously forget about the camera intervals ? » I held back a grin about that.
« Huh- N-no ! I-I just wanted to see if YOU forgot about it ! » She defended herself, which wasn't very effective.
« What are those camera intervals, Miu ? » Rantaro asked.
« W-well, basically between every picture shots, there's a 30 second interval where the camera can't take pictures. » She explained.
« And so the killer knew about them. Right after killing Gonta, they triggered the Front Entrance Camera without appearing in the picture, so they went towards the Hidden Door, used it to shield themselves, and went in. And there's proof of that. The dust that was on the card reader the last time Kaede and I saw it is now gone. » I added.
Card Reader Dust Missing has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your Monopad.
« That's awesome, Shuichi ! We have lots of evidence thanks to you ! » Angie praised me.
« Yeah, great job ! Although, we still have no idea who could have done it. » Kaito nodded.
Ding dong, bing bong
« Alright ! It's time for what you've all been waiting for… the class trial ! Please assemble in front of the Shrine of Judgment in the courtyard ! Remember that red door surrounded by plants ? It's just on the other side. From there, you'll be escorted to a delightful class trial ! Puhuhuhu ! See you all there ! » Monokuma did his announcement.
Well… Time to do this class trial again. And this time, Kaede won't die, I swear it.
The Monokuma Statue moved down, allowing us to access the elevator. We all entered it, as it went down. Rantaro took Gonta's place behind Kokichi and Kiyo.
« Um, Shuichi… About… what we discovered in the girls' bathroom… » Kaede whispered to me.
« Yes ? » I asked whispering.
« Do we reveal it sooner or rather later ? » She asked me.
« Later, we must catch them offguard, or they will think of a plan to counter us. » I replied.
« Right, and Shuichi ? » She said.
« Yes, Kaede ? » I nodded.
« I'm glad you're no longer running away from the truth. » She smiled at me.
« It's all thanks to you and the others. » I smiled back.
The elevator came to a stop, as we got out, with the Monokubs and Monokuma waiting for us. We then went to our respective podiums, as this time, I could see Rantaro stand in front of me, with Gonta's portrait between him and Kaede.
Gonta…
He was murdered by the mastermind, there's no doubt about it. I'll never forgive his killer… That's why… We are going to expose the mastermind and end this killing game !
(A/N: Sorry, trying to get Rantaro as the same colors was too hard. Hope you're happy he's appearing now!)
His killer is in this room with us…
I already know who it is…
Tsumugi Shirogane, I will end this killing game you started !
CLASS TRIAL IN SESSION
Monokuma explained the rules of the class trial, and we began it with the same discussion than before.
« Before we determine the mastermind, we must uncover the culprit. » Kiyo noted.
« Then we should start by determining the sequence of events regarding the circumstances of Gonta's death. » I proposed.
« Then let us start by reviewing the incident. » Kirumi nodded.
Well, here we go again…
NON-STOP DEBATE
« Gonta's body was found just before the time limit, right ? » Tenko asked.
« He was killed in the A/V Room. » Kiyo added.
« Gonta was alone in the A/V Room. The culprit could've snuck up on him. » Angie proposed.
« He was watching a movie in it. » Himiko added.
« But how did he get himself killed ? » Kirumi asked.
« That's very simple. Someone in the Game Room got in and killed him ! There's no other way to get in ! » Kokichi exclaimed.
« No, that's wrong ! » I exclaimed.
BREAK !
« No, there is a way to kill Gonta in the A/V Room without being in the Game Room. » I said.
« Hmm ? There is ? » Kokichi grinned.
« Of course. The Sliding Door straight to the Library's rear entrance. You can't open it completely, but you can slip an arm through. » I explained.
« And since Gonta was near the sliding door… » Maki realized.
« Then he must have been lured by the killer to go to the sliding door, and they stabbed him in his neck, killing him. » Ryoma concluded.
« But who could have done that ? » Kiyo asked.
« Let's see one more time the circumstances of Gonta's death, we might find our answer there. » Kirumi concluded.
NON-STOP DEBATE
« So Gonta was killed in the A/V Room. How did he die by the way ? » Kaito asked.
« It appears to be a stab wound, caused by a knife. » Kiyo replied.
« Which is approved by the Monokuma File. » Kaede nodded.
« Where does it get us regarding the culprit's identity ? » Keebo asked.
« Nowhere, I'm afraid… Anyone could have done this. » Kiyo replied.
« No, that's wrong ! » I exclaimed.
BREAK !
« No, not anyone could have killed Gonta. The ones in the Game Room are innocent. » I explained.
« How do you know that ? » Ryoma asked.
« Because if one of them left the Game Room or went in the A/V Room from the inside, the others would have noticed ! » I replied.
« That's right ! We made sure everyone stayed ! » Kaito gave me a thumbs up.
« I guess I have to thank you and Maki. If I didn't listen to you, I would have become a suspect. » Rantaro said.
« So everyone in the Game Room is innocent ? » Keebo asked.
« Yes, and that means the remaining suspects are Shuichi, Kaede, Miu, Kiyo, Kirumi, Tsumugi, Keebo, Kokichi and Ryoma. » Maki finished.
« Wow ! We just cut in half the list of suspects ! This is so easy ! » Angie cheered.
« Let's not cry victory yet. We need to ask for their alibis. » Rantaro stopped her.
« I was with Kaede in the classroom we used for our plan, and we were together the whole time. » I explained.
« I was in the Dining Hall with Kiyo, Miu and Tsumugi. We didn't leave the hall until the Body Discovery Announcement. » Kirumi did the same.
« So that leaves us with Keebo, Kokichi and Ryoma. What were you three doing ? » Kiyo asked.
« I was in my room alone. » Keebo replied.
« Same, I was waiting for our doom. » Ryoma answered.
« Me too ! I had nothing better to do ! » Kokichi grinned.
« I don't think it would be them… The Dormitory is far away, there's no way they could kill Gonta and return to their dorm without being caught, even by running. » Rantaro said.
« Wait, are we at a dead end ?! » Tenko began to panic.
« Don't worry, we must pray to Atua for answers ! » Angie suggested.
« No, we won't need to do that. » I said, surprising her.
« Huh ? Why not ? » She asked.
« Because someone lied. And I know exactly who killed Gonta. » I told them, shocking everyone.
« W-what ?! You know the culprit ?! » Kaito exclaimed.
« Who is it ?! It's a degenerate male, isn't it ?! » Tenko asked.
« I won't tell who yet. » I replied.
« Huh ? Why the hell not ?! » Miu snapped.
« Because you wouldn't believe me. I will take it slowly, so we can all reach a common conclusion. » I explained.
« Nyahahaha ! Shuichi had the truth revealed all thanks to Atua ! » Angie cheered.
« No, it was thanks to my maaaggiic ! » Himiko exclaimed.
« Anyway, you claim someone lied about their alibi. Who is it ? » Kirumi asked.
« Well, I know it's not Keebo, Kokichi or Ryoma. They are simply too far away to the A/V Room to kill Gonta and get away without being caught, as Kaede and I were on our way to the Library when the receiver went off, and we found Kaito, Rantaro and Tenko, so they can confirm Kaede and I were together. » I explained, followed by a nod of the mentionned three.
« But didn't you mention the dust on the hidden door card reader was gone ? The killer must have hidden in there ! » Miu exclaimed.
« It's true, the killer used it, as we saw the hidden door close, meaning we arrived too late. However, the killer brought something along with it. » I nodded.
« And what would that be ? » Kiyo asked.
I know what it is… The culprit used it to kill Gonta !
« The missing knife. The murder weapon. » I replied.
« Oh yeah ! We didn't find it on Gonta's body ! » Himiko exclaimed in surprise.
« Maki, since you checked the wounds, do you know what kind of knife was used ? » I asked her.
« Yes, judging by the size, no doubt a kitchen knife was used. » She replied.
« Then, that means the only way to get a knife is go to the Dining Hall. » Rantaro noted.
« You guys saw anyone else enter the Dining Hall ? » I asked them.
« No, no one entered, it was just us four. » Kirumi replied.
« Then that means one of them is the culprit ! » Kokichi grinned evilly.
« H-huh ? N-no we are not ! » Miu shivered.
« Kehehe, so the suspicion falls on us now… How terrifying… yet amusing… » Kiyo cackled.
« I assure you I am not the culprit. I would never murder Gonta. » Kirumi said calmly.
« Y-yeah, there's no way ! You got it all wrong ! » Tsumugi said.
« Well, we will see about that. Please tell us what you were doing again in the Dining Hall. » I told them.
At that, Miu's, Kiyo's, Kirumi's and Tsumugi's seats moved forward.
MASS PANIC DEBATE
« I will repeat that I did not kill Gonta. » Kirumi started.
« I understand my looks might make me appear suspicious… » Kiyo spoke.
« I was too busy to tinker with my machine to commit a murder ! » Miu snapped.
« I'm too plain to kill someone ! And I didn't leave the Dining Hall ! » Tsumugi began to panic.
Nothing yet…
« I have no motive to kill him. » Kirumi continued.
« But appearances can be deceiving. » Kiyo said in a mysterious manner.
« I was bored so I had to find something to get rid of it ! » Miu explained.
« I was with the others the entire time ! » Tsumugi exclaimed.
There !
« I heard it ! » I exclaimed.
BREAK !
« Hold on, Tsumugi ! What did you say ? » I asked her.
« H-huh ? What do you mean ? » She asked back.
« You claimed you stayed with the others the entire time, but that's not what happened ! Right, Kiyo ? » I turned to the Ultimate Anthropologist.
« Ah, you're mentionning about my account where I said Tsumugi left to go to the bathroom, correct ? Yes, she did. » Kiyo nodded.
« Which means only one thing… You could have gone and went to kill Gonta. » I finally accused her.
« W-what ?! » She began to panic.
« Not that I'm doubting you, Shuichi, but could she really have gone from the Dining Hall to the A/V Room then return after killing Gonta ? » Kaito asked me.
« Of course she could have… Kaede, I think it's time to tell them. » I turned to her.
« Tell us what ? » Tenko asked.
« Well, after Tsumugi showed me her Cospox, Shuichi asked me to check the entire girls' bathroom, and… I found a secret passageway behind the Utility Closet. » Kaede told them.
« A secret passageway… ? » Rantaro frowned at this.
I looked at Tsumugi, and saw how she began to shiver in fear. I hate to say this, but I enjoy seeing her plan collapse.
« Yes, after Kiyo told me his account, I begun suspecting Tsumugi, so I asked Kaede to check the girls' bathroom to see if Tsumugi hid anything in there… And she did. We didn't go inside the passageway, but I strongly believe that it is connected to a room behind the hidden door. And with that… » I explained.
« She could have used the passageway as shortcut to go from the girls' bathroom to the Library, then kill Gonta, and return to the Dining Hall, we would be none the wiser. » Ryoma agreed.
« N-no, wait ! I-I didn't know this passageway existed ! I-I didn't do anything ! A-and, I'm not yhe only ones without an alibi ! Ryoma, Kokichi and Keebo were all alone ! » Tsumugi tried to defend herself.
« But no one knew of this passageway until now either. And they are all boys, so they wouldn't go to the girls' bathroom, it would make them suspicious. You on the other hand, the fact you went to the girls' bathroom, which has a secret passageway to the Library, only makes you more suspicious. » Maki countered.
« And with the background music… No one could hear you. You killed Gonta without anyone noticing before returning to the Dining Hall. » Himiko glared at Tsumugi.
« N-no… Please… It's just a coincidence ! You got it all wrong ! It wasn't me ! » Tsumugi panicked.
« Tsumugi… Please, just confess. We have exposed your lies. » Kaede told her.
« E-exposed my lies… ? Expose my lies ?! How about we expose yours ?! » Tsumugi snapped.
« H-huh ?! » Kaede said in surprise.
« You know, I found you two suspicious. So when I said I was returning to the Game Room, I lied. I decided to investigate the Lookout Classroom. And guess what I found there ? A shot put ball ! » Tsumugi exclaimed.
« Oh ? What was it doing there ? » Angie asked.
« I noticed the vent nearby had been opened, and since Kaede and Shuichi were together in there, that means one of them tried to kill someone ! » Tsumugi pointed at her.
No, no ! Damn you, Tsumugi !
« Wait, where does that vent lead ? » Tenko asked.
« To the Library… But no one was in there ! » I exclaimed.
« I… did consider to go to the Library to stop the mastermind, but Kaito and Maki stopped me. » Rantaro sighed.
« See ? Kaede tried to murder someone, after telling us to work together ! » Tsumugi pointed at Kaede.
« Stop ! She didn't try- » I exclaimed.
« Shuichi, stop. »
« H-huh ? » I looked at Kaede.
« It's true… I did try to kill the mastermind. » Kaede confessed.
« W-what ?! » Keebo exclaimed.
« Why would you do that, Kaede ?! » Kaito yelled out of shock.
« I… I thought if I could kill the mastermind… The killing game would end… But Shuichi returned and caught me red-handed before I could throw the shot put ball in the vent… » Kaede confessed, as she began to cry.
« So you were trying to protect us by killing someone ? You're an hypocrite ! » Tsumugi glared at her.
« Y-yeah… I know… » Kaede nodded.
« Which is why you killed Gonta afterwards ! » Tsumugi shouted.
« W-what ?! N-no ! I didn't kill him ! » Kaede exclaimed.
« Yes you did ! You failed to kill Rantaro, so you killed Gonta instead ! You're nothing but a liar ! » Tsumugi accused her.
I saw everyone look at Kaede in distrust, with a betrayed look, some more than others. Kaede began to crumble down, beginning to cry.
« Shut up ! Kaede didn't try to kill Rantaro, and she didn't kill Gonta ! She was with me the entire time after I stopped her murder plan ! » I exclaimed.
« That could just be you covering for her. » Kiyo said.
« Huh ? » I said in surprise.
« She killed Gonta, you discovered it, and you decided to protect her, even at the cost of your life. Doing anything for the one you love… Hasn't everyone felt that way before ? I most certainly have, at least. » Kiyo preached.
« With how creepy you are, I'm sure that person didn't want your love ! » Tenko exclaimed.
« Either way, I agree with Plain Jane and Creepyo ! Kaede is definitely the culprit ! » Miu exclaimed.
« It's my turn now ! » Kokichi said out of the sudden.
ARGUE !
« What ?! » Miu looked at him.
« Although the two are pretty buddy-buddy with each other… I'm pretty sure she told us the truth. A talented liar like me can spot other people's lies easily… like Tsumugi's ! » Kokichi smirked.
« W-what ?! » Tsumugi sweated.
« Well, what do you guys think ? Who do we believe ? » Kokichi asked.
« Well, I definitely support Kaede ! Out of the two, Tsumugi is the most suspicious. Her behavior is typical degenerate male behavior. » Tenko exclaimed.
« Nyeh, I agree ! » Himiko nodded.
« Tsumugi is the only person here who's suspicious. » Maki added.
« No way ! Kaede is definitely the one who's suspicious ! She literally used us ! » Miu snapped.
« Everyone ! I swear I didn't kill him ! You have to believe me ! » Kaede sobbed.
« While I don't think Kaede is the culprit, I think we should continue to discuss this. Maybe somethkng will come out of this. » Keebo shook his head.
« Are you guys kidding me ? We have everything we need ! Let's vote for Tsumugi already ! And you guys call me stupid ! » Kaito exclaimed.
« I agree with that. Let's end this. » Rantaro nodded.
« Hmm… I don't know if Atua agrees with me, but I think Kaede is the culprit ! » Angie exclaimed.
« While I do believe Tsumugi is the culprit, I say we continue debating, to make sure we didn't miss anything. » Ryoma proposed.
« This is quite troublesome… It seems our opinions are on opposite ends. » Kirumi noted.
« Yeah, what do we do about that ? We're split right down the middle… » Ryoma added.
« Hooold on ! Split ? Did you just say split ? In that case, the Ultimate Academy is proud to present its very own morphenomenal trial grounds ! » Monokuma exclaimed.
« The trial grounds are gonna morph ?! Seriously ?! I toootally wanna see that ! » Kokichi cheered.
So it's time to do the Scrum Debate again…
This time, Tsumugi, you won't get out of this trial alive !
So we pressed the button to choose our answer to the subject, as Monokuma used his key to rise our podiums from the ground.
OPINION OPPOSITION
Who is the culprit ?
Kaede is the culprit !
Gonta
Ryoma
Kirumi
Angie
Keebo
Miu
Kiyo
Tsumugi
Tsumugi is the culprit !
Shuichi
Kaede
Rantaro
Kaito
Kokichi
Maki
Himiko
Tenko
Scrum Debate Start !
« Kaede is the one who killed Gonta, not me ! » Tsumugi exclaimed.
Rantaro ! / Amami-kun !
« We have just proven how you killed Gonta, you're just embarassing yourself. » Rantaro countered.
« I find it hard to believe Tsumugi is the culprit simply because she went to the bathroom. » Kiyo noted.
Maki ! / Harukawa-san !
« The bathroom had a hidden passage leading to the Library, which she used as shortcut. » Maki added.
« But isn't it suspicious Pooichi and Kaediot discovered the passageway like that ?! » Miu snapped.
Kaito ! / Momota-kun !
« Shuichi used logic to find out about it and Kaede listened to him ! It isn't suspicious ! » Kaito came to my defense.
« But anyone could have accessed the bathroom ! Like Ryoma, Keebo and Kokichi ! » Angie pointed out.
Tenko ! / Chabashira-san !
« Not anyone. Only a girl can enter the girls' bathroom, and Tsumugi is the only girl that went in there ! » Tenko retorted.
« Still, how does that prove Tsumugi is the culprit ? » Keebo asked.
I got this ! / Kore da !
« Because the culprit had something Kaede didn't have, and it's important for this case ! » I exclaimed.
This is our answer !
« Ok, Shuichi. What's this something the culprit had ? » Ryoma asked.
« It's a bluff ! There's no proof ! » Tsumugi exclaimed.
Yes, there is ! And it's this evidence !
« Actually, I do. It's the Missing Knife. » I told them.
« What about it ? » Kokichi asked.
« Did you forget what type of knife it was ? Where it was taken ? » I asked back.
« That would be a kitchen knife… In the Dining Hall… » Kiyo replied.
« And who was the person who was in the Dining Hall then went to the girls' bathroom ? » I asked rhetorically.
Everyone turned to Tsumugi. She was beginning to look pale. I can't believe I'm saying this, but seeing her whole plan fail makes me grin, though I tried to suppress it.
« N-no… P-please… Y-you got it all wrong ! » Tsumugi begged.
« No amount of denial can save you now, Tsumugi. You are the culprit… » I frowned at her.
« Shut up… » She had a low threatening tone.
« You are the mastermind, and most important of all… » I stared at her.
« Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP ! » She began to snap.
« You killed Gonta ! And you can't escape now ! » I pointed at her.
« SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP ! YOU'RE LYING ! I REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE WHAT YOU'RE SAYING ! » She screamed.
« Then let me knock some sense into you ! It's time to end this ! » I exclaimed.
ARGUMENT ARMAMENT
Start !
Tsumugi appears wearing different cosplay clothing from various anime and videogames.
I am not the culprit !
There's no proof !
What you say are false accusations !
Kaede is the one who killed Gonta !
So stop accusing me !
The accessories she had fell off her hands.
I didn't know about the passageway !
Are you seriously accusing me because I needed to pee ?
You're such a bad detective !
These are just speculations !
So back OFF !
Her headpiece clothing fell off her head.
LEAVE ME ALONE !
I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING !
I'M NOT THE MASTERMIND !
I'M NOT THE CULPRIT !
I'M INNOCENT !
Her cosplay clothing was gone, leaving her as her usual, plain self.
This is it !
« What makes me so suspicious ?! »
THERE'S-NO-OTHER-POSSIBILITIES
« It ends here ! » I exclaimed.
« NOOOOOO ! » She screamed.
Tsumugi was on her knees, her glasses and shoes gone, her clothes creased, as she glared in front of her.
BREAK !
Everyone stared at her in shock after her outburst.
« Tsumugi… ? » Keebo asked uncertainly.
« H-how… How is this possible… ? » She had a low threatening tone.
She looked up, glaring at me.
« You shouldn't be acting like this ! » Tsumugi snapped.
« What are you talking about ? » I played dumb.
« You're not supposed to fight for the truth, you're supposed to fear it ! » She pointed at me.
« Well he doesn't want to anymore ! And that's how we exposed your lies ! » Kaede came to my defense.
« I agree, you're the culprit… and the mastermind. » Rantaro added.
« Shut up ! You're the one who was supposed to die ! » Tsumugi glared at her, then gasped as she covered her mouth.
« So you planned to kill Rantaro ?! » Kaito said in surprise.
« N-no ! I-It's… Raargh ! Damn you, Shuichi ! » She snapped at me.
« No… Damn you, Tsumugi… Gonta is dead because of you… He was a kind person… Unlike you… That's why I'm done with this. I'm done running away from the truth ! » I exclaimed.
I threw my cap on the floor, and pointed at her.
« And that's why you lost, Tsumugi ! »
Tsumugi gasped in shock, then looked down.
« Well ? Do you have any rebuttal ? » Kiyo asked her.
She chuckled in response.
« Huh ? What's so funny ? » Ryoma asked.
« I-I can't believe this… This went completely off rails… » She said.
« Wow, Tsumugi completely lost her mind ! » Kokichi chuckled.
« Y-yeah… I have… I just can't believe I have been exposed… » She said, staring at the floor.
« So you confess ? » Rantaro asked.
« Yes… I did it. I killed Gonta. » She admitted it.
« Hurray ! We did it ! All thanks to Shuichi ! He must have been blessed by Atua's guidance ! » Angie cheered.
« Yeah, great job, buddy ! » Kaito gave me a thumbs up.
« Hmph. I'll admit, not bad. » Ryoma nodded.
« I quite agree, your logic was sound. » Kirumi smiled.
« Thanks everyone. But before we vote, I think should give you all a review of the case so we're all on the same page. » I told them.
« Hell yeah ! Go for the kill, Shuichi ! » Kokichi cheered for me.
CLOSING ARGUMENT
Act 1 :
It all began two days prior, when Monokuma gave us the additional motive. The time limit added to this killing game triggered the crime. After the announcement, some of us decided to form groups to plan our next move. I had my own plan to find the mastermind, and Kaede offered to help me. At the time, I was unaware of her own plan to deal with the mastermind.
Act 2 :
To expose the mastermind, Kaede and I set up hidden cameras in the library. There was a hidden door in the library that showed signs of use. We deduced that the mastermind would return there, to let Monokuma out. The next day, we asked Miu if she could modify some cameras for our trap. We then went to the warehouse to gather the necessary materials. All we needed was disposable cameras and a security sensor. What I didn't know, was that Kaede used this as an opportunity to gather what she needed for her own plan… The shot put ball, which she carried in her backpack.
Act 3 :
Then, on the day the time limit would expire, the day of the murder… Kaede and I collected the modified cameras from Miu and visited the library. Once there, we searched the room for ideal locations to place the cameras. Kaede was preparing her plan, by removing the vent grate, and laid it inside the air duct. Then, she moved the pile of books on top of the bookcase, pretending to organize them. After that, she also tampered with the hidden camera linked to the security sensor. I was responsible for setting up the other cameras, but that one… I didn't even notice her trick. She used duct tape to keep the flash function on.
Act 4 :
After the cameras were set, Kaede and I climbed the stairs to the 1st floor classroom. We kept a lookout for the others and waited for the security sensor to go off. During the stakeout, we saw Kaito and six others go down to the basement. Gonta was with them… The first victim. Then, the security receiver I was holding went off. I assumed it was the mastermind, so I ran out of the classroom to the library. But then, I realized I left Kaede behind, so I returned there… to find her kneeled in front of the vent with the shot put ball… I stopped her murder plan… But I failed to save Gonta… Because Kaede wasn't the only one with a murder plan… The culprit of this case, who was also the mastermind.
Act 5 :
Around that time, there were four people in the dining hall… including the mastermind. They were probably irritated that no murders had yet occured. After the motive was given, they knew that Kaede was planning, but they needed to be sure a murder happened. So, the mastermind excused themselves from the dining hall and went to the bathroom. And from there, to the hidden room in the library that only the mastermind could enter. For that, they used the secret passageway in the girls' bathroom. They waited… But Rantaro, their target, never showed up, all thanks to Kaito and Maki. So, they opened the hidden door, waited for the camera to take a picture, used the camera intervals to their advantage, and looked around. It was there they found Gonta, in the A/V Room, wagching bug movies, in order to motivate himself for the fight against Monokuma. They attracted him to the sliding door… and killed him with the kitchen knife. They then opened the moving bookcase as shield to cover their identity from the camera, entered the hidden room again, then closed the hidden door. It was at this moment we arrived at the Library, too late. The mastermind went back to the girls' bathroom, and returned to the Dining Hall without raising suspicion.
Shuichi is on the right, pointing at the blackened, who glared at him.
« You're the one who started this killing game… Tsumugi Shirogane, the Ultimate Cosplayer ! » I exclaimed.
The blackened was indeed Tsumugi, her glare even more noticeable.
BREAK !
« Well, Tsumugi ? Did I get everything right ? » I asked.
« Yeah… You did… » She glared at me, speechless.
« So you really are the mastermind… But why ? Why capturing us ? » Rantaro frowned at her.
« Because… Well… Urgh, it doesn't matter anymore. » She shook her head, sighing.
« It DOES matter ! Tell us ! » Kaito ordered.
« No, I won't. It's all over because of you, there's no point in continuing. » Tsumugi replied.
« What do you mean ? » Kaede asked.
« As mastermind, I was supposed to make sure the killing game started. I succeeded, but since I'm caught, it won't matter since they won't allow it ro continue. » Tsumugi said.
« They ? You mean they are other people monitoring this killing game ? » Kiyo asked.
« Like I said, it won't matter, because- » She was interrupted by Monokuma.
« Ahem, in case you all forgot, we're at the end of the clasd trial, and you all know what that means ! » He exclaimed.
« It's Voting Time ! » Monotaro added.
« Huh ? Why ? There's no reason to continue this. » Tsumugi raised an eyebrow in confusion.
« Ah ah ah, we have to end it with the vote ! Them's the rules ! » Monokuma replied.
« Alright, you bastards ! Press the button in front of you to cast your vote ! » Monophanie continued.
« And make sure y'all vote, cuz refusin' to vote is grounds for termination. » Monosuke added.
So I pressed Tsumugi's picture, as the others voted as well.
« Puhuhu… It seems the voting has finished. Now then, let's see the result ! » Monokuma exclaimed.
The screen lowered, and everyone voted for Tsumugi, except one who voted for me. I guessed she's that mad at me.
« Who'll be chosen as the blackened ? Will you make the right choice or the dreadfully wrong one ? » Monokuma continued.
The spining wheel appeared, and it landed on Tsumugi's picture, with coins coming out of the machine. We did it. We won this trial.
« Well, at this point it goes without saying, but you all voted correctly ! The blackened who killed Gonta Gokuhara is the Ultimate Cosplayer, Tsumugi Shirogane ! » Monokuma exclaimed.
« Right, can I leave now ? There's no point in continuing this. » Tsumugi asked.
« Leave ? Leave ? » Monokuma laughed.
« What's so funny ? » Tsumugi raised an eyebro.
« Thinking you can leave. You seem to forget that you're about to be executed. » He smirked.
« W-what ?! N-no ! T-the killing game is over ! I-I'm the mastermind ! It's all over ! » Tsumugi began to panic.
« Ah, ah, ah ! I cannot bend the rules, even for the mastermind ! Now, without further ado… » Monokuma chuckled.
« No, NO ! I WON'T ACCEPT THIS ! » She screamed.
« And now, the moment you have all been waiting for ! » Monokuma exclaimed.
« NO ! I WON'T DIE ! » Tsumugi ran towards the elevator.
« Let's give it everything we've got ! It's… PUNISHMENT TIME ! » Monokuma shouted.
« I WON'T DIIIEEEEEE ! » She screamed.
The red button rose up, and Monokuma hit it with the gavel he pulled out.
GAME OVER
Tsumugi has been found guilty.
Time for the punishment !
Tsumugi shook the elevator iron bars as if to break them away and flee. Unfortunately for her, the flying iron collar wrapped around her neck, as she was pulled away and sent to her execution room. We felt our podiums move, as we were taken there, and even if we wanted to help her, there was an iron fence separating us from her.
She was dropped in front of us, in a room full of Monokumas, who were dressed as various anime and videogame characters.
Last Convention
Ultimate Cosplayer
Tsumugi Shirogane's Execution : Executed
Tsumugi began to look for an exit, which allowed the Monokuma cosplayers to unleash their powers… literally ! As they somehow had the powers of the characters they were cosplaying !
They began to punch, kick, stab and slash her, causing her to scream in pain !
And as it went on, it went to gunshots, smashing, breaking, burning and electrocuting her to death, as her screams began to quiet down.
One Monokuma, dressed as an anime character began to power a ball of powerful energy, which in reality was from an arm cannon.
Tsumugi was lying on the ground, blood coling out of her, clothes torn and burned, like the cuts and burn marks on her body.
The Monokubs were watching from a convention stand, when Monodam grabbed Monokid, and thrown him towards Tsumugi !
The Monokuma cosplayer fired his shot at Tsumugi, right when Monokid was in the middle of it !
A loud explosion happened, as chunks of Tsumugi's body and Monokid's head flew in the air, the latter landing in front of the students watching the execution end.
As much as I hated Tsumugi… This was too much... I didn't want any more people to die…
« Huh ? What the… ? Wh-Why is Monokid… ? » Monotaro couldn't believe his brother's death.
« M-Monodam ? What… have you done… ? » Monophanie panicked.
I ignored them and looked back at my friends.
« What... ! What in the world… is this… ?! » Keebo was speechless.
« A-Are you… fuckin'… kiddin' me ?! Talk about overkill… ! » Miu panicked.
« Atua… Despite her sins… Please grant Tsumugi's soul eternal repose. » Angie prayed.
« Puhuhuhu ! All this adrenaline creates such an exquisite feeling of despair ! It's moments like this that make all the killings worth it ! » Monokuma bursted out laughing.
« W-Why… are you doing such a terrible thing… ? » Kaede glared at the bear.
« You're the worst of the worst ! Does human life have no value to you at all ?! » Tenko snapped at him.
« Hey, I know it is precious. Cuz if it wasn't, ending it wouldn't be nearly as much fun ! There's no greater joy than witnessing such a display of despair entertainment ! » Monokuma laughed.
« There's one thing I need to ask… Why continue this killing game now the mastermind is gone ? » Kirumi asked.
« Why continue… ? Because it wouldn't be fun if I ended it just because the mastermind died ! As the saying goes, the show must continue ! » He explained.
Wow, very subtle, Monokuma.
« Just what is your goal, Monokuma ? Money ? Revenge ? » Rantaro glared at the bear.
« That's your job to figure it out ! Now, have a good night ! » Monokuma left, followed by the Monokubs after Monodam explained himself.
« I can't believe this is happening… » Himiko cried a bit.
« Himiko, you must not give up hope ! We might have failed, but now we know the consequences of getting caught for murder ! There can't be another murder ! » Kaede tried to comfort her.
I wish you were right, Kaede… I wish it was that easy…
« Can we leave now ? Staying here will only make us more depressed. » Maki proposed.
« I agree, let's get out of here. » Rantaro went for the elevator that just opened for us.
We followed him, and got out of the courtroom.
As we all left for our dorms, Maki grabbed my hand and Himiko's.
« Damn it… We still failed despite saving Rantaro and Kaede… » Maki cursed.
« Can we even stop this… ? We just changed the timeline, yet the murder happened… » Himiko looked down sadly.
« We have to… Or we will die. We made a wish to try to be with everyone. We must survive until we 'find' our way out again. » I told them.
« So we survive the motives, and find the clues, then call for a class trial again ? » Maki asked.
« Yes, that's what I have in mind. You girls agree ? » I asked them.
« That's the best plan we have. » Maki nodded.
« I hope it will work. » Himiko nodded.
« Alright, you girls go to sleep. I think I hear someone coming. » I looked behind me.
The two left, while Kokichi and Kaede arrived.
« Hey Shuichi. You're ok ? » She asked me.
« Yeah, well, I'm trying to. » I told her.
I suddenly felt her hand on my hair, causing me to gasp in surprise.
« You look so much better without that hat. » She smiled.
« Which reminds me… Can I keep it, Shuichi ? » Kokichi raised his hand with my hat in it.
« Yes, Kokichi, you can keep it. » I chuckled.
« Yipee ! I got the Emo hat ! » He puts it on and left for his dorm.
« Well, goodnight Shuichi. And thank you for finally standing up to the truth. » She hugged me, and left for her dorm.
I blushed a bit, and went in my dorm, and collapsed on my bed.
I sighed, as I failed to prevent the first murder…
But… Rantaro and Kaede survived…
And this time, I will prevent the next murder… I swear it !
CHAPTER 1
My Class Trial, Our Class Trial
THE END
Surviving Students
Gonta and Tsumugi's bodies turn to blue.
14
To Be Continued
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