Chapter 18: Everyday Life with the Ultimate Gamer


What's going on ladies and gentlemen? Boys and Girls? Ultimates of all ages? It's wesst1 back again, once again and I need to ask: Are you ready?

She's gonna take us back to the past. But there won't be any shitty games that suck ass. Well maybe. For all I know Gala Omega 3 was a classic because it was so bad it was good.

She's Chiaki Nanami and she's everyone's favorite Sleepy Video Game Nerd.

Hajime will be there too, of course. It's not easy to separate the two.

Speaking of not separating, I am going to be making Chiaki a mix between SDR2 and DR3. I mean AI Chiaki was created because Class 77-B wanted to see Chiaki again, so there can't be too much of a difference between the two, can there?

But enough about that, you didn't come here to read an author's note after all.

Without further delay, on with the chapter!


Present Day

Naegi felt awkward. He and Hinata had been awkward around each other for a while, although for Nanami's sake they tried to hide it or deal with it. The two boys sat on opposite sides of the bench in the courtyard with Nanami in between them. Thankfully, Nanami was too focused on her game to notice anything wrong.

Hinata felt terrible because the awkwardness really was his fault. It's not Naegi-kun's fault I used to hate who I am. If only… He stopped himself there, he didn't want to think about the things he had lost.

Naegi didn't actually blame Hinata for anything that happened between them. Hinata admired Hope's Peak Academy and for the school to tell him he was talentless and therefore worthless, well, Naegi thought it was impressive that Hinata wasn't more pessimistic.

The tension was momentarily broken by Nanami. "Naegi-kun, have you ever played this?" she asked as she showed him the title screen. Apparently, she had just finished the game herself.

It was a collection of games from 20 years ago, the one Nanami had selected was, "Sectorman? I played it a few times years ago, but I was never very good."

"I can help you," Nanami said as she slid over until she was pressed up against Naegi.

Naegi turned red at her action but thought that he shouldn't be too surprised. He and Nanami became incredibly close because of and after a certain incident. It and everything that led up to it was still fresh in their memories.

It was still fresh in Hinata's memory too. He wished he had done things differently, but he couldn't change the past. If only…


Hope's Peak Academy-Courtyard

Second Week of Classes-Sunday

Naegi was exhausted. He had just finished what Mioda had called "Club Activities" although the activities themselves had very little to do with a music club. He wasn't complaining, but five laps around the academy; a game of tag; and putting the equipment away would take their toll on just about anyone.

Naegi was glad there were still a few hours until he had to start dinner, he didn't think he'd be able to hold utensils much less handle food at the moment. Naegi got as far as a bench by the fountain before he collapsed. He couldn't remember the last time a bench felt so comfortable.


Naegi most have drifted off because the next thing he remembered was a soft voice saying, "Naegi-kun, there are better places to take a nap."

"Huh?" Naegi grunted before opening his eyes to see Nanami Chiaki and a boy looking at him. The boy's appearance shocked Naegi a bit, he looked like a taller version of Naegi. His hair was shorter and black as opposed to Naegi's slightly shaggier, brown hair. He was also wearing a Reserve Course uniform. Remembering his manners, Naegi said, "I'm sorry. Mioda-senpai's club was fun, but it really wore me out."

"It's not a big deal. It's a public bench, I told Nanami-san we can just find another," the boy said.

"You don't have to do that I need to get up soon anyway. Can I just stay until I finish waking up?" Naegi asked groggily as he moved over to make room.

Nanami sat down right away, but the boy she was with hesitated.

"Are you okay with this?" he asked Naegi.

"'It's a public bench,'" Naegi reminded him before introducing himself. "I'm Naegi Makoto, Class 78's Ultimate Lucky Student. Nice to meet you, Senpai."

"Hinata Hajime. Reserve Course so I don't think I'm really your senpai," the boy, Hinata explained. Naegi thought Hinata sounded almost ashamed of being a Reserve Course student.

"What course you're in doesn't matter. We're both still students of Hope's Peak Academy," Naegi pointed out.

Hinata didn't say anything, but he was grateful for what Naegi had said. He finally joined Nanami and Naegi on the bench.

Nanami handed Hinata a handheld game system and pulled out one for herself. Once she turned the game on, Naegi got a look at the title.

"Gala Omega 3. That was the first game I ever played. I love that game," Naegi told them.

Nanami smiled and Hinata said, "We both like it too. It's a classic."

"I hear it's getting a release on mobile, but…" Naegi trailed off.

"But what?" Nanami asked, genuinely curious. Her focus was now entirely on Naegi and his next words.

"Well, the company that made the Gala Omega series originally was bought out and the IP is now owned by a company with a reputation. The belief is that most of the game is going to be stuck behind a paywall."

Nanami's face went blank.

Naegi was wide awake after what happened next.


Later

Back at the dorm, Yukizome had called a meeting.

"It has been brought to my attention, by both school security and the local authorities, that some of us get very passionate, heated even, about topics related to our talents," she tried to explain as diplomatically as possible. She had trouble wrapping her head around it. She and the rest of Class 77-B didn't even think Nanami knew most of those words.

Naegi felt bad. He probably should have guessed that Nanami hated paywalls. Thanks to her…rant? Thanks to her rant, he knew what the Ultimate Gamer thought of paywalls, microtransactions, and loot boxes and he would make sure to not even hint at the topics going forward.

Nanami's face was red from embarrassment and she had been more quiet than usual. She was no expert, but she was pretty sure her outburst had the opposite effect of tripping flags. At least Hinata and Naegi were nice about what had happened, even though both of them seemed terrified of her while she was screaming about how certain companies were ruining gaming.

"Sorry about that, Nanami-senpai. I blame it on just waking up," Naegi joked.

"It's fine, Naegi-kun…I think. I saw how afraid you and Hinata-kun were," Nanami said.

"Oh that? It happens among friends. I'm sure you and Hinata-senpai will look back on it and laugh one day," Naegi reassured her.

"You don't think I scared him off?" Nanami asked.

"Of course not. Hinata-senpai seems like a really good guy. He must be if he's friends with you. I don't think it's a bad thing to let your friends see a side of you you're embarrassed about or a really passionate side of you. I think you'll only get closer because of this," Naegi told her.

Nanami smiled cutely and said, "Thank you, Naegi-kun. I feel a lot better. I hope you'll join us again sometime."

"I can't promise I'll always be there, but I'll be sure to take you up on that every now and then, Senpai," Naegi told her.


Hope's Peak Academy-Girls' Dorm

Third Week of Classes-Friday

Just because Naegi didn't spend much time in the courtyard didn't mean that he didn't interact with Nanami. There were times when he would actually serve as a teacher for the young gamer. She had come to him asking to learn to bake. While Naegi didn't consider himself an expert, her did manage to get by.

"Thank you for this Naegi-kun," Nanami said as they sat and waited for a pie she was trying to bake to finish. "I love games, but they aren't good teachers…I think," Nanami explained, thinking of how she once tried to apply the lessons of Baking Nana to cookies in real life and got less than spectacular results. How was she supposed to know that the game was speeding things up?

"I'm happy to help, Nanami-senpai. But if I may ask, Hanamura-senpai and Ando-senpai would probably be better teachers, why did you pick me over them?" Naegi asked. It probably wasn't his business, but he couldn't help but wonder why Nanami would pass up more capable teachers and go for an average teacher like him.

"I don't know Ando-senpai that well. Hanamura-kun was willing, but I didn't want to wear the uniform," Nanami explained.

I think I know what the "uniform" is, but…"Uniform?" Naegi asked.

"The apron was cute, but I was only supposed to wear that. So was he," Nanami told Naegi.

Naegi couldn't really decide what bothered him more: How in-your-face Hanamura's sexual harassment was, or the thought of the Ultimate Cook wearing nothing but an apron. Never mind, I think I have my answer. Naegi hated his own imagination sometimes.

"I'm not even pursuing his route. The heroine only does the apron thing for her love interest," Nanami continued.

"I don't think that's a requirement or anything, Nanami-senpai," Naegi told her. Nanami confused Naegi. She could fend off Hanamura, but she seemed so naïve about the world. It was cute, but Naegi was worried that someone would take advantage of the poor girl.

"It's not? But in all the sims I play they have either that or a shower scene," Nanami said.

"Dating sims can be fun, Senpai, but they are all pretty exaggerated and they rely on tropes a lot," Naegi explained.

"Oh," Nanami said as her face fell. Without her games to fall back on, she was in unfamiliar territory. That scared her.

"Well, to be fair, those cliches have to come from somewhere. And the sims at least show popular date ideas, so maybe they can be helpful in that respect," Naegi reasoned, trying to cheer Nanami up. I can't believe I'm arguing that dating sims hold some sort of educational value. Just do it for Nanami-senpai, Makoto, Naegi told himself. He hoped he wasn't misleading the girl. Someone, somewhere, possibly, because stranger things had happened, might have had a relationship that mirrored a dating sim at some point, so maybe. But for Nanami, it was one of her quirks and in a way, it was charming. It was certainly cute. If Nanami was doing this for Hinata, Naegi figured that the older boy would understand that. At least Naegi knew Hinata would never take advantage of Nanami.

*Ding!*

"Pie's done," Nanami announced as she pulled out the lemon pie out of the oven.

It was done, but something was wrong. The pie looked strange, but neither student could figure out why. It wasn't until it cooled that they could try to determine what was wrong.

It tasted like salt and lemon. When Naegi had stepped out of the kitchen, Nanami had accidentally added salt instead of sugar.

The gamer was upset that she had made such a mistake and was ready to cry. I thought I was doing so well. If I can't bake how will I raise anymore flags? What am I going to do? Nanami thought. It was a common mistake for first timers, but she really had tried hard. While Nanami was crying she heard the *plink* of a plate. When she looked up, she saw Naegi cutting a piece of pie and putting it on a plate.

"Naegi-kun?" Nanami sniffled.

"After all the work you put in, it would be a shame to just throw it out," Naegi said as he took a bite of pie. He turned so Nanami wouldn't see the face he was making and when he turned back, he gave her a smile and said, "Yummy!"

There were still tears in Nanami's eyes, but she wasn't sad anymore. "Hm, hm, hahahaha!" Nanami couldn't help but laugh. Naegi was trying so hard to make her feel better, and she was so grateful for it. If it had been one of her games, there would have been a sound cue. Her relationship level with Naegi had just improved. But Nanami wasn't thinking about her games, she was just happy that Naegi was here.


Hope's Peak Academy-Courtyard

Tenth Week of Classes-Monday

Naegi had stopped by to greet Nanami and Hinata often, but it wasn't until after the Novoselic Embassy Incident that Naegi was able to join them. Naegi's situation, and his habit of making promises to people, usually kept him too busy to join the older students, but because of what had occurred the previous evening, he had plenty of free time. Ikusaba saw to that.

Coincidentally, just like the first time he had joined the others at their usual spot by the fountain, Naegi was exhausted. This time it was from answering questions about the Embassy and trying to dodge reporters who weren't satisfied with his answers.

"Do you two mind if I join you today? I need to take my mind off of last night and today," Naegi explained.

Instead of answering, Nanami just scooted over to make room for Naegi.

Hinata had heard what had happened last night. Specifically, he heard what Naegi had done and couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure you don't have an 'Ultimate' talent, Naegi-kun?"

"I assure you, Hinata-senpai, I'm absolutely average in every way," Naegi answered.

"Can you really say that after last night?" Hinata argued.

"I don't think I did anything anyone else wouldn't have done. I think Tanaka-senpai and Souda-senpai were more impressive. And if it hadn't been for the Devas, I doubt I would have been much help," Naegi countered.

"The 'Devas'?" Hinata questioned.

"They're Tanaka-kun's hamsters four oldest hamsters," Nanami told him.

"Uhh…okay." Hinata had thought that at first Naegi had been making up stories, for what reason, he didn't know, but when Nanami confirmed that there actually were "Devas" Hinata couldn't help but think, I've always admired the Main Course students, but it finally occurs to me that Ultimates are weird. Not that Hinata minded weirdness, you can't survive at Hope's Peak Academy if that bothered you. And when Hinata thought about it, he realized that even normal people like him were could be pretty weird too. It actually made him feel a little closer to the more talented students at the school.

"I don't understand why I'm the one the press wants to interview. Between Fujisaki-kun's hacking and Souda-senpai and Tanaka-senpai helping to disarm security, I didn't really do much," Naegi admitted.

"Sonia-san said you got shot protecting her, and that you were the one who got the hostages to fight back," Nanami mentioned, still mostly focused on her game.

"One guy tripped down the stairs and dropped his weapons and we got lucky enough to knock out another. I ran off to get Sonia-senpai unarmed. I'd do it again if I had to, but it really was suicidal," Naegi countered.

"You are an Ultimate Lucky Student, maybe you're more like Komaeda-kun than you realize," Nanami suggested.

Naegi didn't have a response for that. From what he had heard, Komaeda had a low opinion of Lucky Students despite being one himself, and that according to Saionji, Komaeda was a weirdo. He couldn't confirm this because Komaeda never really bothered to interact with him. Naegi was certain Nanami was trying to compliment his luck, but Naegi had a feeling that being compared to Komaeda could just as easily be an insult.

Hinata couldn't help feeling left out. Nanami had mentioned her classmates before, but Hinata had never met any of them. Even if he had, when the conversation turned towards talent, Hinata couldn't help but feel like it was a conversation for Ultimates only.

This feeling was made worse when later that same week, Nanami informed him that Class 77-B and Class 78 were going to spend a week at a hot spring inn. Hinata understood the reasoning behind it when Nanami explained why, but to Hinata, it still further illustrated the difference between him and the Ultimates.


Eleventh Week of Classes-Friday

Minato Inn

Nanami puffed up her cheeks in frustration. She was standing in the Inn's gift shop and had no idea what to get. She knew Hinata felt left out so she figured the least she could do is buy him a souvenir, but between being a student and never gotten a boy a gift before, she wasn't sure what to get.

Maybe I should have asked one of my classmates. Or Yukizome-sensei, she'd have an answer, the young gamer thought. She was about to do just that when Naegi entered the shop.

"Oh, Nanami-senpai, are you shopping for someone too?" Naegi asked.

Nanami nodded and said, "I wanted to get something for Hinata-kun. He was disappointed that he couldn't come…I think."

"I know my sister was. Komaru demanded I get her something or she'd never forgive me," Naegi said with a laugh. Something then caught Naegi's eye. He went over an picked up a package of bath powder. "'Take the Minato Inn hot spring experience home with you. Mix these with your bath and enjoy the benefits of our hot springs in your own home.' I guess my whole family can enjoy this," Naegi said as he went to buy it.

"So fast," Nanami noted.

"Hmm? Oh yeah, Komaru is a fan of these kinds of things. That and it's really the only thing I expect her to actually use and not forget about," Naegi said the last part quietly and quickly. He then asked, "What are you getting for Hinata-senpai, Nanami-senpai?"

"I don't know. I've never really gotten someone a souvenir before," Nanami admitted.

"I'm sure Hinata-senpai will be happy with anything if it's from you," Naegi told her.

"Anything?" Nanami asked.

"Well, within reason I suppose. In Hinata-senpai's case, maybe something he can keep in his dorm room or take with him," Naegi suggested. Naegi looked around and began making suggestions, "They have sensu fans, ukiyo-e picturing Mt. Fuji, and if you want something practical maybe a tenugui towel?"

Nanami seemed to consider all of these but couldn't make a decision.

"I guess other than having the Inn's name, the fan and the towel aren't that different from what you could get anywhere. I know, how about a charm?" Naegi suggested.

"A charm?" Nanami asked.

"There's a shrine nearby. We can get an omamori for Hinata-senpai," Naegi suggested.

Nanami liked the idea, but she was a bit confused. It seemed like they were skipping a relationship flags and Hinata wouldn't even be at the shrine. This wasn't anything like her games. But…it should be okay…I think, Nanami thought. She then asked, "Can we pray for Hinata-kun to get into the Main Course?"

"I don't see why not. I think Hinata-senpai would appreciate the support," Naegi said. When he had heard of Hinata's dream, Naegi wished him luck and said he looked forward to the day the Hinata reached his goal. Hinata seemed glad that someone believed that he could be an Ultimate at the time, but he seemed to be getting more and more discouraged as time went on. Naegi wasn't sure whether or not Hinata believed in a Higher Power, but figured that even if the older boy didn't, he'd appreciate the sentiment.

Once they had told Yukizome and Kizakura their plans, the two made their way to the shrine. They weren't really there that long, at least Nanami didn't think so, but she was happy. Naegi had been very helpful today and she appreciated his kindness. He gave her feeling similar to the one she got from Hinata. She couldn't help thinking this is what the characters in her games felt like when they were on the path to the good ending.


Hope's Peak Academy-Courtyard

Twelfth Week of Classes-Monday

As much as she had enjoyed the trip, Nanami was happy to be back at Hope's Peak Academy. As much as she loved her classmates, things just didn't feel right if she couldn't see Hinata. She had been so happy to see him and to give him the gift she got him that she almost forgot to bring different games for them to play.

Hinata was happy to have Nanami back, but he wasn't sure what to make of her gift. The charm was innocent enough, at least for most people, but after a year in the Reserve Course and nothing, as far as Hinata was concerned, to show for it, Hinata's mind immediately went to some rather depressing places. What is this supposed to mean? That nothing short of divine intervention will get me into the Main Course? the darker parts of Hinata's mind wondered.

Nanami was blissfully unaware of what Hinata was thinking. She was just happy to be playing games with him again. What made her even happier was that Naegi had joined them today.

Naegi wondered if he was a third wheel. He knew he shouldn't, this wasn't a date between Nanami and Hinata. Naegi wasn't even sure if those two had that type of a relationship. Nanami was sweet, but this seemed to be uncharted territory for her, at least Naegi guessed from all the times Nanami mentioned flags. Hinata on the other hand, didn't really seem to be interested in that type of relationship. Naegi liked the older boy, but Naegi got the feeling that Hinata didn't much like himself. Naegi wanted to help, but he didn't want to mess up what the two already had. If anything were to happen, it would happen naturally.

Naegi wasn't sure why he was here. Nanami was insistent that he join her and Hinata today after classes ended. He supposed that he shouldn't complain, he was actually glad for a distraction. He had gotten approval to be a part of the Ultimate Mentor Program and he was nervous. Naegi liked kids, they usually liked him, but he still wasn't sure if he was cut out for teaching children. I'll find out Thursday, I guess, he told himself.

Hinata, who was having trouble focusing on the game in his hands, shut it off and directed a question at Naegi, "Nanami-san said that her gift was from the both of you?"

"Yes. Hinata-senpai, I don't know if you're a spiritual person or not, but we just wanted you to know that we believe in your goal of becoming an Ultimate. I hope you'll look at the charm and remember that," Naegi answered.

Oh, that's what it's for, Hianta thought as he felt guilty for doubting Nanami and Naegi. He should have known better, neither one of them was the type of person to mock him for his dream. He knew that, but that couldn't stop him from feeling insecure.

Seeing as how Hinata was the first to shift the topic away from games, Naegi turned to Nanami and said, "I'm glad you invited me, Senpai, I can't help worrying about Thursday and I'm grateful for any distraction I can get."

"What happens Thursday?" Hinata asked.

"I'm helping out at Hope's Peak Elementary as part of the Ultimate Mentor Program. I'm a little worried if I'll be any good at it," Naegi admitted.

"I didn't know there was a Hope's Peak Elementary," Nanami said.

"Me neither, but Yukizome-sensei told me that Hope's Peak Academy has an elementary and junior high program for younger children who are expected to be scouted by Hope's Peak Academy when they're old enough," Naegi explained.

Hinata scoffed mentally, Even I knew about that. Hinata couldn't help but feel angry that actual Ultimates didn't bother to find out more about Hope's Peak, while a Reserve Course Student like him knew almost all there was to know. Were they even serious about being Main Course Students?

"Elementary school students with Ultimate talents. Wish me luck on Thursday you two," Naegi said.

"You'll be fine, Naegi-kun. You were just fine with Owari-san's siblings," Nanami reminded him.

Hinata wished Naegi luck, but the sentence "Elementary school students with Ultimate talents." kept echoing in his head.


Hope's Peak Academy-Reserve Course School Building

Twelfth Week of Classes-Thursday

Hinata Hajime's mind was a confusing place.

Hinata was happy to be a student of Hope's Peak Academy, he really was, but he hated being in the Reserve Course. The school did not value him or the other students as actual students. The school valued their tuition money, but not the students themselves. In the back of his mind, Hinata knew this, but he was in denial. He would be an Ultimate one day. He absolutely would be. Then he would be good enough. Good enough for…well, best not to get ahead of himself, he figured.

As his mind wandered, he thought of the other Ultimate Student in his life now, Naegi Makoto. He seemed like a good guy. Hinata thought that if someone like Naegi could fit in with Ultimates, then he had a chance.

Of course, when he thought about Naegi, Hinata's mind went back to the last conversation he had had with the boy. "Elementary school students with Ultimate talents." If they've been prepping for Hope's Peak academy since childhood, does someone like me stand a chance? Hinata wondered. Now, it was odd that a high school student would see himself as competing with elementary school students, but the Reserve Course Students already felt inferior to their more talented peers, knowing that there were elementary and junior high students with Ultimate talents made it worse.

Hinata also remembered that Naegi asked both Nanami and Hinata to wish him luck for today. Hinata knew it was wrong but knowing that even Ultimates could feel insecure made him feel better about his situation. With only two years left to prove himself worthy of being an Ultimate, Hinata needed something to feel like he had made at least a little progress.

That didn't mean that he didn't feel guilty for feeling that way. Hinata knew Nanami and Naegi supported him and finding joy in the insecurities of either one was wrong.

He hoped that whatever Naegi's students were like, they were taking it easy on the younger boy. Maybe Hinata could alleviate his guilt by doing something for Naegi under the guise of celebrating the younger student's success. But what could a normal boy do for an Ultimate?

Hinata Hajime's mind was a confusing place.


Hope's Peak Academy-Courtyard

Sixteenth Week of Classes-Monday

"…and it was like an unwinnable battle from the RPGs. Naegi-kun was getting beaten up to protect Saionji-san, and Saionji-san said how brave he was. Hmm…if Saionji-san had short, spiky hair and Naegi-kun had black, spiky hair and maybe a giant sword it would have been like the ending of… No, there would need to be another guy, but still-," Nanami was busy singing Naegi's praises to Hinata after Saionji's experience the previous night.

Hinata was impressed with the younger boy, he couldn't deny that. "Naegi-kun always seems to show up when someone needs a hero," Hinata said. He remembered how Naegi had described himself as "absolutely average in every way." Hinata was tempted to ask Naegi what his definition of average was next time they saw each other. Hinata didn't think "average" meant what Naegi seemed to think it did.

"He does. He's always there when we need him," Nanami said. She was glad that Naegi was a member of her party.

"I guess he really is an Ultimate," Hinata said.

"It's not about being an Ultimate…I think? Every time something like this happens, Naegi-kun just says he's trying to help as best he can. He always says anyone could have done what he did," Nanami explained.

A darker part of Hinata's mind thought that was Naegi being arrogant for thinking that and Nanami was foolish for believing it. Did Ultimates think normal people were lazy? Was he lazy? Was he not trying hard enough? The more rational part of Hinata's mind realized that it was just Naegi being humble, but that didn't make Hinata feel better. If Naegi was as average as he claimed, what was the difference between him and Hinata? Hinata needed to know.

Nanami's mind was busy too. She was still trying to think of heroes to compare Naegi to. She didn't think her earlier comparison was the right one. And she also began to notice that comparing Saionji to the heroes' friends didn't bother her, when Nanami began comparing Saionji to the love interests, Nanami found herself very annoyed for some reason.


Hope's Peak Academy-Courtyard

Twenty-First Week of Classes-Tuesday

The big "revelation" from Hope's Leaks came as no surprise to Hinata Hajime. In the back of his mind, he had always known that the Reserve Course was nothing but a way to finance hope's Peak Academy. Hope's Peak had promised normal people a chance to become Ultimates and it was all a lie.

Hinata wasn't sure what to think of feel about any of that. He knew he should have been depressed. He should have been pissed. He should have been a lot of things, but he just felt numb. He guessed it was because the news was so bad, and he had been in denial so long that he felt like this. All the money his family spent, all the time and effort he put in was for nothing.

Actually, he did feel something. I feel like such a fucking idiot. It was always so obvious. We were never going to be made Ultimates. Hinata's depressing train of thought was interrupted when he came close to the front gate and saw the crowd on the other side. So many of them were yelling at once that he couldn't make out what any of them were saying, but it was obvious that they were angry.

"Why do they hate hope?" an unfamiliar voice asked. Hinata looked and saw a tall boy, a Main Course Student he believed, with white hair, and a corpse-like pallor. He matched a description that Nanami had given him of one of her classmates, Komaeda Nagito.

"You are Komaeda-san, right? What do you mean? They're mad that the Reserve Course students have been taken advantage of," Hinata explained.

"This is Hope's Peak Academy, a place for the talented. This happened because the talentless trash believed that they could be the equals of Ultimates. But the talentless are what they have always been, stepping-stones for Ultimates. I may be a lowly Lucky Student, but I've always understood how it works. Your kind is used to make Ultimates shine even brighter. That 'help each other rise' business is the delusion of talentless and of Lucky Students who don't know their place," Komaeda ranted.

"But…" Hinata tried to argue, and he wanted to argue, but these were things he had always feared to be true, but he could never put these fears and these truths into words.

"I know about you, Hinata Hajime. You think yourself friends with Nanami-san and that uppity Lucky Student Naegi. If trash like Naegi wants to lower himself to associate with you, I could care less. But if you're going to take advantage of Nanami-san's kindness, don't taint her hope in the process. Though for the life of me, I can't understand why she wastes her time on you," Komaeda told Hinata.

Hinata found his voice. "I've never taken advantage of Nanami-san's kindness."

"Perhaps. But you do use your 'friendship' with her to inflate your own sense of self-worth. It doesn't matter in the end, I guess. Lines are being drawn and you can't be on her side. I think she knows it too," Komaeda warned, before he turned and left.

When he was alone again, Hinata fell to his knees. He didn't think it was possible, but he felt worse than he had felt earlier. It was as if Komaeda had looked into his very soul and confirmed all of Hinata's fears. Well, not all of them. Hinata didn't think Nanami or Naegi would end their friendship with him. To Hinata, with so much having gone wrong, that knowledge felt insignificant, but it was something. But Komaeda had planted a seed of doubt, and Hinata's friendship with Nanami and Naegi would never be the same because of it.


Later, as Naegi sat in the common area of the dorm, he saw that Nanami had come back to the dorm early. She should have been with Hinata at this time, Naegi was worried that something else had gone wrong.

"Nanami-senpai, you're back early," Naegi noted.

"Hinata-kun texted me and said he wasn't feeling well," Nanami told him. Naegi noticed something odd when Nanami told him that.

"You don't seem too upset about it."

"With everything going on, I'd say the wrong thing…I think. Hinata-kun seemed really upset yesterday. I can understand why…I think," Nanami explained.

Naegi nodded in understanding. "I've been afraid of the next time I hang out with the two of you because of everything that's been going on. Hinata-senpai really admires Hope's Peak Academy and my actions started all of this. I'm never going to think that I did the wrong thing, but I never imagined the fallout would be like this."

"You did the right thing…I thi-no, I know you did. Those children needed a hero, and you came to save them. That couldn't possibly be wrong. I'm sure Hinata-kun would agree," Nanami reassured Naegi.

Naegi nodded again. "Yeah. Hinata-senpai is a good person, he would understand."

After a few moments of silence, Nanami spoke again. "What do you think is going to happen now?"

"I wish I knew. I hope they don't shut us down," Naegi said.

That was Nanami's biggest fear. Without Hope's Peak, she'd have never met all of her wonderful friends. She'd have never met Hinata. She'd have never met Naegi. The thought of them going their separate ways like this terrified her. She didn't say that. Naegi felt bad enough already. She thought, at least.


Hope's Peak Academy-Courtyard

Twenty-Second Week of Classes-Tuesday

Naegi needed to clear his head, or so Nanami thought, so she had actually dragged him to her and Hinata's usual spot to hang out with them.

Naegi appreciated the gesture, he really did, but he couldn't focus on games today. He hadn't been able to focus on much for over a week. He knew it was bothering his friends as all of them had tried to cheer him up in their own way. He thought, at least. Tsumiki didn't get a chance to explain what she meant when she suggested she help him with some "relaxation techniques" before Ikusaba dragged her away.

He wished there was something he could do to fix all of this.

Hinata was also distracted today. He couldn't forget Komaeda's words no matter how hard her tried. Do Nanami-san and Naegi-kun really think of me as a friend, or am I some charity case or a form of entertainment? Are they laughing at how hard I'm trying behind my back? Hinata's dark thoughts had been affecting him a lot lately, blowing up at anything even slightly annoying. He hoped that his time with Nanami and Naegi would quell his fears and help him calm down a bit.

Nanami was determined to have fun today. Everything may have looked bad, but it would get better. It had to. And it would get better even if she had to force it to in any way she could. She turned on her game and hoped that going back to her usual routine with Hinata would be the first step in a return to normalcy.

Naegi was glad they switched benches, at least this way they weren't facing the front gate and the crowd behind it. Unfortunately, the crowd was loud enough that they could heard them.

"Thieves! Liars! Bastards!"

Naegi knew that those comments were aimed mostly at this mysterious Steering Committee, whoever they might have been, but without anyone identifiable to yell at, it still felt like the students and the innocent staff members were the targets of all the abuse.

The stress was really getting to Naegi. Naegi thought back to his first day. How he was in awe of Hope's Peak Academy. How he was looking forward to his school life here. How he was happy to meet his new friends. It hadn't always been easy, and it certainly wasn't normal, but his time at Hope's Peak were memories he would treasure forever. And now he felt like he had tainted everyone else's' memories and high school life. And it wasn't just at Hope's Peak Academy where he had caused problems.

"Honestly, it would have been better if I had just refused the invitation," Naegi said. He hadn't meant to say it out loud, but it had slipped out.

"What do you mean Naegi-kun?" Nanami asked.

"I've been at the center of everything that's happened at Hope's Peak this year. I shouldn't have accepted the invitation to come here," Naegi explained.

Before Nanami could argue with Naegi, Naegi was on the ground clutching his jaw. Hinata had hit Naegi with a right hook right when Naegi had finished talking.

"You little shit! Is this all a joke to you?" Hinata asked.

"Hinata-kun!" Nanami yelled, mortified at Hinata's actions and his words.

"What do you…?" Naegi began to ask.

"I've been busting my ass to become an Ultimate my whole life! My family took on outrageous amounts of debt to get me into the Reserve Course with the hope that one day, I could be a real Ultimate student and not some talentless nobody! You get handed a chance to become an Ultimate and now you say you wish you had refused to be one! Do you have any idea how that feels? To work so hard and to have nothing to show for it! To see someone else get what you wanted and say they don't want it!" Hinata ranted.

"Naegi-kun didn't say that!" Nanami argued.

"Of course, you'd defend him! When it comes down to it, Ultimates always stick together, normal like me be damned, right?" Hinata asked.

"That's not what she's trying to do! Do you even hear yourself!" Naegi argued as he got to his feet. Hinata being mad at him was one thing. Naegi actually wondered why more students weren't, although he was glad for it. But Nanami hadn't done anything wrong and now her friend had begun to hurl abuse at her and seemed ready to keep going and Naegi wasn't going to let that slide.

"Whatever. You two don't give a shit about people like me. Thanks to you, I and everyone else have lost the chance to go to be Ultimates of Hope's Peak Academy. Hope's Peak's long history is ending because of you," Hinata said looking at Naegi in contempt before he stormed off.

Naegi didn't want to leave things like this. Hinata had misunderstood him completely. He wanted to sort things out but knew Hinata wasn't in a listening mood. Plus, there was someone right next to him who needed help.

Nanami eyes stung from her tears. Hinata, her closest friend had hit their friend, said those awful things to her, and stormed off. Once she felt Naegi embrace her, she began to cry harder.

"I'm so sorry, Nanami-senpai," Naegi whispered.

"It's not your fault," Nanami sobbed. She didn't blame Naegi, not one bit. She knew what Naegi was trying to say and that Hinata had taken it the wrong way. She blamed herself for this, she knew things were bad and that everyone was on edge, but she never thought that this would happen.

"This isn't your fault either. I don't know what Hinata-kun is going through right now but everything will be alright. I'll find a way to fix this for you. I will get your friend back," Naegi promised.

Nanami believed him, but that didn't stop her tears. Things weren't going back to how they were, that much was clear, but the return of Naegi's resolve, even if it was for that moment, gave Nanami hope.


Hope's Peak Academy-Girls' Dorm

Twenty-Fourth Week of Classes-Tuesday

Nanami had been going to the fountain for the past two weeks, but Hinata never came back. He never responded to her texts either. He had completely cut Nanami out of his life.

Naegi hated to see Nanami sad, but he thought approaching Hinata would make the situation worse. He had done his best to cheer Nanami up, but he knew that Nanami still missed Hinata. No amount of playing games with her would change that. Today, he was going to try another way to raise her spirits. It was an idea he got from a memory of something he helped Nanami with long ago. At least it feels long ago these days, Naegi thought as he finished up.

A few moments later, Nanami came in after waiting for Hinata to come back to the fountain. She plopped herself down on the couch in the common area and started playing the game she had planned to play with Hinata. Gala Omega 3. If Hinata wasn't going to come to the fountain, Nanami could at least remember the good times with him this way.

*Plink*

Nanami wasn't really able to focus on the game, otherwise she wouldn't have noticed the sound in front of her. Naegi had placed a plate of cookies in front of her. Before she was able to tell Naegi she wasn't hungry, she saw that each cookie had a design on it. Naegi had apparently put an image of every one of her favorite videogame characters on a sugar cookie.

"Don't spoil your appetite, Senpai. I made stupendous stew for dinner. I don't think everyone's favorite plumber would steer us wrong," Naegi said.

"These look so amazing! I almost don't want to eat them…I think," Nanami said as she smiled for the first time in two weeks.

"Don't let Owari-senpai hear you say that," Naegi joked. Naegi then got serious as he said, "Senpai, I know you're hurting. I promised to fix this for you, and I will. I think I need everything to calm down first though. I don't know what upset Hinata-senpai so much, but I think the stress of what's been happening is a big part of it. I wish I could fix that too, but I don't know how yet. I'm sorry. I know this isn't much, but it's what I can do right now."

"Naegi-kun…" Nanami was touched. Naegi hadn't forgotten his promise. She didn't think he had, but it was still sweet of him to reaffirm it like this.

"Nanami-senpai, I've fought with friends before. And my Otou-san taught me something important. 'Friendships are like people. They're born. They age. And, sadly, some die. The ones that don't die, the ones that you can fix, become stronger for it.' I found it really helpful. There's more but I think we can be forgiven for not heeding that part," Naegi told her.

"What was the rest?" Nanami asked.

"He said that 'No matter how long you wait for friendship to be restored, it won't happen if you don't take it back with your own hands.' I'll admit that's true and I know you've been trying to do that, but I still believe that the current situation being what it is, we need to the bigger problem needs resolved first. I know Hinata-senpai is worried about Hope's Peak. Until we all know what's going to happen to the school, I don't think Hinata-senpai is going to listen. Not to me anyway. I keep trying to think of what to do, but that's the answer I keep coming back to," Naegi explained.

"I understand. I think you're right, but it doesn't make it easier," Nanami said as she munched on a cookie. She knew Naegi was trying, she had heard him talking to himself a few times, trying to think of the best way to approach Hinata, but he always came back to the larger problems at the school.

"Everything will work out, Nanami-senpai. I don't know how yet, but I won't give up. I'll keep trying for you," Naegi told her.

Nanami blushed at that declaration. Have I been going down the "Naegi-kun Route" all along? Or is he the hero tripping my flags? Nanami wondered. She didn't have time to think about it before two familiar voices shouted, "Hey! Cookies!" Nanami looked at Naegi.

"They are for you. You can do whatever you want with them."

Nanami ended up sharing with Owari and Asahina. The sentiment meant more to her than the cookies anyway.


Hope's Peak Academy

Twenty-Sixth Week of Classes-Friday

Naegi sighed as the crowd dissipated. He had never felt so relieved in his life. He knew he was taking a risk in drawing their attention, but it had paid off. Once the Headmaster had taken control of the situation, Naegi felt that it was safe to relax.

"Naegi-kun!" Nanami called as she ran up to Naegi. She had been listening since the beginning. As worried as she had been, now, she couldn't help but believe that everything was going to be alright now. "You did it! You said you'd fix everything, and you did!" Nanami shouted as she tackled him in a hug.

Naegi hugged back before saying, "I wish I had fixed everything, but the Headmaster finished the job. I just set it up for him. More than that though, there's still one thing I need to do before everything is fixed."

Naegi looked around, hoping Hinata was close by. When he did manage to spot Hinata, Naegi grabbed Nanami's hand and ran over to the taller boy. "Hinata-senpai, about last time…"

Hinata acted like he hadn't heard Naegi as he turned and walked away. What Naegi and Nanami didn't know, was that Hinata had spent the past couple weeks feeling worse than they did. He had wanted to apologize, but his pride kept getting in the way, before it turned to shame of course.

What do I have to apologize for? Neither one of them knows what it's like to be a Reserve Course Student.

Why should I apologize? Naegi is the problem. He's some cruel joke the universe decided to play on me.

I'm not wrong! They don't know about any of my problems! My problems… My problems… I'm my biggest problem, aren't I?

"Hinata-kun!" Nanami shouted.

That stopped Hinata, but he didn't feel right about facing Nanami after his outburst, so he forced himself to keep walking.

"Hinata-kun…" Nanami said sadly.

"It will be okay, Nanami-senpai. We'll keep trying. Hinata-senpai will have to talk to us eventually. I believe that we can all play games together again very soon," Naegi said.

Nanami nodded. It hurt that Hinata hadn't stopped to talk to them, but if Naegi wasn't giving up then neither would she. But as much as she missed Hinata, she knew she would be handling it much worse if Naegi wasn't by her side.


Hope's Peak Academy

Twenty-Sixth Week of Classes-Saturday

Hinata entered his classroom just like he would any other Saturday only to find it empty.

Am I early? Hinata asked himself as he looked at the wall clock. He couldn't bring himself to look at his phone. He couldn't handle looking at all the messages from Nanami. It made him feel terrible that he hurt his friend the way he had. Once he calmed down, he knew he overreacted. Naegi wasn't trying to insult him, he had just thought that his presence had caused all the problems at the school. If Hinata was honest, it was better that all of the problems at Hope's Peak were dragged out in the open. Maybe now things would improve. He could only hope.

"There you are!" A familiar voice called as Kuzuryuu Natsumi grabbed Hinata by the shoulder of his uniform jacket and dragged him outside.

"W-what's going on?" Hinata asked.

"Classes were cancelled today. There's a huge announcement outside the Main Course Building and all the students are expected to attend," Natsumi said as she continued to drag Hinata.

"I can walk you know," Hinata reminded her.

"Fine, but you better not try to skip this. This might be what we've all been waiting for," Natsumi said, her voice full of hope.

"That'll be the day," Hinata mumbled. He wanted to believe too, but he wasn't going to hold his breath.

If Natsumi heard that, she didn't comment. Soon the two of them joined the crowd of students that were listening to Jin.

"The events of the past couple weeks have forced the staff of Hope's Peak Academy to face a few truths that for whatever reason, we believed we could ignore. First, to our students in the Reserve Course, I would like to offer my most sincere apology on behalf of myself and the school. You are not inferior; you are not talentless. It took one of our newest students to teach me that just because someone hasn't found their talent yet, doesn't mean that they don't have one. That's where we come in. Those of us on staff and your peers in the Main Course," Jin said. Hinata noticed Naegi next to Jin and saw the Headmaster acknowledge the younger boy when he said, "one of our newest students."

Hinata remembered Naegi's description of himself. "I'm absolutely average in every way." Hinata knew at the time that Naegi believed that, he might still believe it, but it wasn't true anymore. Hinata wasn't sure what you'd call it, but Naegi had found his talent. Perhaps he really was the…Ultimate Hope? Was that what the crowd called Naegi? Maybe he, Hinata Hajime really could find his talent too.

"The Ultimate Talent Development Plan will be broad at first. Reserve Course Students will form groups presided over by Ultimate Students. For example, our students with Ultimate Athletic Talents will work with students who wish to develop in that field. Now some of you may wonder if they're just going to train you to be their rivals. Well, I can't promise they won't," Jin paused as the students laughed. That was a good sign. "But I believe that by competing against each other you will all help each other grow."

"Another example would be our Ultimate Students with leadership abilities. Many of you have shown an aptitude for leadership. I have read your Senseis' notes on all of you. Perhaps that sounds intimidating, too many leaders in one place does sound bad. However, this will also be invaluable experience. You must have experience in defending your positions, persuading others, and when possible, compromise. I could go on, but I believe that you understand our goals with this. We promised we would make you the hope of the future, we will make good on that promise. If you're giving us a second chance, then we owe you that."

Jin continued for a while, but Hinata had heard all he needed to. He could mingle with Ultimates? He could have a talent? The past few weeks he believed that the chance for both of those was lost to him. The sad part was that he couldn't enjoy it. Nanami wasn't here to celebrate with him.

Once the students were dismissed, Hinata stood rooted to his spot, still feeling sorry for himself. He didn't even hear the footsteps behind him.

"Hinata-kun?" Nanami called.

"Huh?" Hinata asked as he came back to reality.

"Hi Hinata-senpai. I hope you enjoyed the announcement," Naegi said.

"I did. It's not exactly how I thought things would go, but it's definitely a start and I'm grateful for it," Hinata told the younger boy.

All three of them thought the same thing. This is awkward.

"Hinata-senpai…"

"Hinata-kun…"

"Naegi-kun. Nanami-san…"

"…I'm sorry!" they all shouted in unison.

"What are you two apologizing for? I'm the one who made an ass of himself," Hinata wondered.

"I should have known you were under a lot of stress. I was so busy feeling sorry for myself that I didn't notice you had your own problems," Naegi explained.

"I dragged you both to the fountain because I wanted things to go back to how they were. I was selfish…I think," Nanami said.

"…I'm really pathetic, aren't I? I punched Naegi-kun because I took what he said the wrong way and I insulted Nanami-san and now you both apologize to me? I really need to step up," Hinata said, feeling very small at the moment.

The awkward feeling returned, but it didn't last long as Naegi thought of a good way to let Hinata know there were no hard feelings.

"So...uh, are you going to work with Ogami-san for the Ultimate Talent Development Plan? That right hook is proof you'd do well," Naegi began.

"That's in really bad taste, don't you think, Naegi-kun?" Hinata asked.

"Not really. I'm the one who got hit," Naegi pointed out.

"Pfft! Hahahahahah!" All three of them couldn't help but laugh. They had made up, but things were still different. And that was okay. That had been Nanami's fear, that if things had changed, she'd lose her friends. But life wasn't like that, sometimes things don't turn out the way you expected. She had expected to go down the "Hinata Route," but the past few weeks had made her happy she had ended up with the "Naegi Ending." Hinata would always be her precious friend, but she thought that Hinata needed to learn to love who he was now before anyone could trip flags for his route. While she had been so focused on what she lost, Naegi had gone and tripped her relationship flags. Even though she didn't know how much things were going to change, she couldn't be happier.


Present

Sometimes your Player 2 isn't who you expected them to be, Nanami thought as she glanced at Naegi and blushed.

I'm glad Nanami-senpai and Hinata-senpai have made up. Hinata-senpai means so much to her, I'd hate to have been the reason it ended. Still, I wish I knew why it felt so awkward around Hinata-senpai, but I guess it's not easy to forget something like that, Naegi thought as he followed Nanami's instructions. He had to say, even a casual like him could feel like a pro with the guidance of the Ultimate Gamer.

Hinata looked at Naegi and Nanami and couldn't help feeling like a third wheel. Did Naegi-kun feel like this in the beginning? I know I have only myself to blame, but maybe…If I find my talent and can learn to be happy with who I am… Hinata thought.

Once Naegi had finished the game, in record time, for him at least, Nanami went to change the game card. When she came back, Naegi had disappeared.

"Naegi-kun? Where did he go?" Nanami said as she looked around frantically.

Hinata had noticed Naegi disappear, but he hadn't seen him leave. As he helped search for his friend, he found a clue. "Nanami-san, I think I know what happened," Hinata said as he held up a long, orange hair.


Naegi had barely registered that he had been moved from the bench as he felt himself being carried away. When he felt himself stop, he saw that he and his…kidnapper, he guessed, were in a rather picturesque, and rather secluded spot on school grounds.

"You are in a lot of trouble, my little rotten orange!" an angry Yukizome Chisa informed Naegi.

"S-sensei? Wha-what do you mean?" Naegi asked.

"I'll tell you what I mean! You…!" Chisa began.


Ah Makoto, what did you do to make Chisa mad at you? She was so eager to spend time with you in the first two chapters.

Well, you'll find out next time.

Sorry this took so long, I wanted to get it out sooner, but I had trouble balancing Chiaki and Hajime. Hopefully, I won't have that problem next time. Our favorite housekeeper is up next. I hope you'll look forward to it!

You might find this interesting, if you didn't already know, there actually is a recipe for the Stupendous Stew from Super Mario Odyssey.

/super-mario-odyssey-stupendous-stew/

There were others. Like Lava Soup from Oracle of Seasons among others.

Of course, like last time, we aren't finished with the chapter just yet. There are forces that mean Makoto harm out there, and now is the time to check in on another part of those forces.


Somewhere in Japan

Kirigiri Fuhito had seen better days. He wasn't sick or anything, but he wasn't anything like the proud man he once was. Bottles of sake and whatever else he could find to drown his troubles in where strewn about his private office.

His heir. He had lost his heir just like he had once lost his reputation. Both losses due to a man named Naegi. Naegi! He hated that name. Fuhito may not be able to do anything to the boy's grandfather, but he could still ruin the boy. But how?

As if to answer his question, his phone rang.

"Hello? Who is this?" Fuhito asked.

"…"

"What does MEXT want with me?" Fuhito asked.

"…"

"I despise that blasted school! Why should I help in any way?" Fuhito asked.

"…"

"Why should I find this person? Is he missing?"

"…"

"He isn't? This request is beneath me! You want me to find a person that isn't missing for a school I despise. So, the very obvious question I have is: Why?"

"…"

"Really now? Well, that's different," Fuhito said as he thought of the best way to approach the man he had been tasked to find. It appeared he would have his revenge sooner than he had ever expected.


Not the new enemy yet, but next time. Next time.

I'd love for a big reveal, but I'm guessing most of you already know who the enemy is. But if you could play some dramatic music when he shows up next time, I'd appreciate you humoring me like that.

Sorry that this chapter wasn't as long as the previous ones, I'll try to remedy that next time.

Until next time though, read and review and most of all, stay frosty!