"Momota…" Miu trailed off, leaning against the door.

Kaito gave her an encouraging smile. "Iruma, you can tell me everything. I'll defend you in the trial. I know you didn't murder Gonta, or Kiibo."

"…"

"When we searched the computer lab, we discovered your notes, the bat, everything."

"I didn't make that mess, or leave that bat there." She whispered.

"I know. Someone- the blackened is trying to frame you." He said.

"…"

"Please, Iruma. We don't have a lot of time. The trial is imminent."

She chewed her bottom lip. "Okay. I'll explain everything. The cube in the centre of the computer lab is a *very* advanced computer. But it's- was completely blank."

"What do you mean?" He frowned.

"It had nothing installed on it. No data, or code, or any programs. We can probably thank Monokuma for that."

"But you were able to utilise it."

"Yes. I was fiddling around with it- this is on the day we discovered the room, before the motive- and I was able to figure out how to install certain programs on it. Chiefly, a VR program. I was planning on only using it to run simulations, with myself as the subject. But after the motive…I realised I could use it to commit a murder. It would take too long to explain the specifics, but basically, I was going to persuade all of you to plug in, and then kill one of you in the simulation."

"I don't understand- "

"If someone dies in virtual reality, their brain gets fried. They would be dead in real life."

He swallowed. "Ah. That sounds pretty horrible."

"It was all for Kiibo. So, I could escape with him." She sniffed.

"You loved him."

"Love." She snapped. "His memory chip is still intact. He's still alive."

If Monokuma gives him back. Which I don't think is going to happen. He thought. "Iruma, answer me honestly, would you have really killed one of us? You…you just don't strike me as a murderer."

"Yes." She murmured. "I…I don't hate any of you. It's just…Kiibo is…"

"He's everything to you. You care about him more than all of our lives combined."

I can't understand that sort of devotion. To love one person above all others…to be willing to kill for them…

He thought about Kokichi. Specifically, something Kokichi had said about Miu.

"You also wanted to escape so that you could save the world with your inventions." He accused her.

She flinched. "The world needs my genius. I can save Japan from the disaster that Tojo warned us about- "

"That's the pathetic excuse Tojo herself used. It's what Shuichi died for- some vague fucking "greater good." He retorted angrily.

"Momota…I'm sorry. I- I didn't mean…" She shook her head.

He balled his hands into fists. He'd just realised something…something terrifying.

"Who was your target?"

She paled, clamping a hand over her mouth.

"Iruma, tell me who your target was, or I'm not going to help you." He glared at her. "I mean it. You can defend yourself in the class trial. Alone."

She trembled. The hand fell. "Kokichi. I was planning to murder Kokichi."

His heart lurched and his whole body went numb.

Kokichi being in danger- he couldn't accept it- couldn't even fathom it-

"It's because he's the smartest person here." She hiccupped. "But Kiibo, he was-is just so fragile and trusting- "

"Explain. Quickly." He said tersely.

"I didn't want to do it. I really didn't. Then Kiibo…today, he talked me out of it."

"What?"

"Before twelve, he came to see me. He said that Ouma had spoken to him, told him that I was planning a murder. I-I broke down and admitted it. But Kiibo…he hugged me and told me it was all right. That I hadn't hurt anyone and that all I had to do was stop. I listened to him- I gave up my plan then and there. But my notes…I had to get rid of them. But I was just so tired. And Kiibo…he told me to rest. That he would watch over everything while I slept. So, I left. I-I didn't see anyone." She rambled, fresh tears falling from her eyes.

"Iruma…" All the anger drained out of his body. He hadn't meant to upset her.

"For some reason, Kiibo left the computer room. I told him to stay. But he left. Did the blackened lure him out? Did they corner him? Was it my fault?" She blubbered. "Or…was I the intended victim?"

"I have no idea." He admitted. "But, Iruma, please calm down."

She wept harder, refusing to listen.

I need to calm her down. But what should I do? I guess…I just need to be myself.

He marched up to her and gripped her shoulders tightly. "Iruma, listen to me."

She blinked at him in teary bewilderment.

"You have to pull yourself together. In the trial, people are going to go after you. Try and blame you for Gonta and Kiibo's murders. I won't lie, considering the evidence, they'll have a good case. It'll be difficult to refute them." He huffed." But are you really going to give up and let Kiibo down? Let him die?"

Her gaze hardened, and she stopped crying. "No. I'm not. I'm going to pull myself together and find the real blackened."

He released her and stepped back. "Kokichi and I will help you…. Well, mainly Kokichi."

"Momota, you're way more helpful than he is."

"Nah. He's much smarter than I am."

"He's also an annoying piece of shit."

"He's not that bad."

"Whatever." She took a deep breath. "I've…told you about my movements. So, I guess we don't have anything else to talk about."

"No." He said. "We don't."

[Truth Bullet Added: Miu alone]

-DING DONG BING BONG-

"Hey, hey, hey, I've been watching your progress verrrry closely~! And I hafta say, you've all been working so, so, so, so, hard!" Monokuma said, twirling a glass of champagne.

They both glared at him.

"I think it's something to celebrate. So, I would like to offer you all a glass of the finest champagne. From a magnum worth $100,000,000." He chuckled. "Wait, I forgot, you're all minors. So, I guess I'm gonna celebrate by myself! Haha!" He downed his drink and threw the glass away. It shattered against the wall. "Anyway, get your butts over to the Shrine of Judgement! It's trial time!"

The screen went black.

Suddenly, the door to the storage room burst open, slamming into Miu. She yelped and lurched away from it, almost falling down.

Kokichi hurried out, mouth set in a determined line.

"What the fuck Ouma!" Miu screeched, rubbing her arm.

"Kokichi? "Kaito frowned at his partner.

"Momota-chan, I need you to come with me. I need to check something." Kokichi grabbed his wrist.

"Okay." He shook him off. "But you don't need to force me. I'll follow you."

Kokichi rolled his eyes and turned to Miu. "Iruma-chan, I need you to stall everyone. We'll be at the trial grounds in a few minutes!"

"What the fu- "

Kokichi ignored her and started to run.

Kaito hurried after him. "Where are we going?"

"Gonta's lab." Kokichi replied without looking back.

Halfway across the third floor, Kaito started to slow down. He didn't have the strength to keep up.

"Kokichi, I can't- "He coughed.

"Momota-chan." Kokichi said exasperatedly, but slowed down as well.

"Sorry." Kaito said, taking deep breaths.

"It's okay. I just don't want you to collapse again."

"Thanks."

"…" Kokichi shook his head. "C'mon, it's not that far. Just one more floor."

They paced themselves and reached Gonta's lab a few minutes later. Kokichi opened the door for him. Kaito muttered a thanks and went through.

The room was deserted. Deathly still. All the boxes were shut. No bugs were loose.

Just a few hours ago, I was sitting here with Gonta. He was geeking out about moths…and now, he'll never do that again. He thought sadly.

Kokichi step in behind him and shuddered, before shaking his head and making a beeline for the table in the centre of the room.

Kaito followed him, frowning at what he saw.

It was covered in open books and notepads. And a pen had been haphazardly tossed aside.

Gonta told me that he had some work to do…His frown grew. Something about it troubled him…

"Yesss. It's exactly as I expected it to be." Kokichi smirked in triumph.

"What do you mean?"

"Gonta abandoned his work."

Ah. That's it. "He left the room without putting his stuff away. A gentleman such as Gonta would've never done that."

"Exactly. Which makes 0 fucking sense…except to me. It makes perfect sense to me." Kokichi cackled.

[Truth Bullet Added: Gonta's Work]

"Do you…do you have it all figured out then?" Kaito asked.

Kokichi nodded confidently.

"Will you tell me who the blackened is?"

"No."

"Kokichi…"

"Momota-chan, you wouldn't believe me if I told you who it was."

"Try me." Kaito challenged.

"Momota-chan, no." Kokichi sighed. "I can't. Not yet. But I'll tell you who it is when the time is right. I promise."

"In the trial?"

"Yeah. We're going to need to work through the evidence and build up enough proof until people are ready to believe me. And even then…I'm going to need you to back me up. Until we can convince a majority of the class to vote with us."

"Kokichi, you can always count on me."

"Thank you." Kokichi said. "But if we don't leave right now, we'll be late for the trial."

"Shit." Kaito swore.

"Yeah. Double shit" Kokichi snickered. "Let's hurry."

They rushed out of the room.

"I'll defend Iruma-chan." Kaito said, as they hurried down the stairs.

Kokichi raised an eyebrow. "You got through to her, didn't you?"

"No." He shook his head. "Kiibo did."

"Really?" Kokichi widened his eyes.

"Yes. Really." He huffed. "C'mon, let's pick up the pace a bit. I can handle it."

They ran the rest of the way.

Everyone was waiting for them at the trial grounds. Their expressions ranged from anger to boredom.

"If you guys had been just ooooone more second late, I would've executed you for tardiness." Monokuma growled, tapping his foot against the floor.

"Sorry to disappoint you." Kokichi joked.

"We had to collect an important clue." Kaito added

"Nah, I don't believe you." Monokuma cocked his head. "Lemme guess what really happened. Ouma got stressed. So, the two of you snuck away and made out in order to relieve some tension."

"No." Kaito snapped, turning red.

"Hahaha. Monokuma, is that joke really the best you can come up with? Even the mere idea of kissing Momota-chan makes me want to vomit." Kokichi countered.

"Same here." Kaito said. "It's disgusting. Kokichi is like a little annoying brother to me."

"Maybe you have an incest kink then?" Monokuma quipped.

"Can we please start the trial?" Korekiyo said. "I'd rather argue for my life than listen to this pointless drivel any longer."

"Same here." Ryoma deadpanned.

"Okay, okay. I'll open up the trial grounds." Monokuma vanished with a giggle.

The ground shook, the giant Monokuma statue smashed his jug, crossed his arms, and descended into the floor, then the waterfall parted, revealing the elevator.

"Everyone ready?" Kaito said.

"I miss Gonta." Himiko pouted.

"We all do."

"At least we can still save Kiibo." Ryoma said.

"Yes! Let's find the blackened and get our robot boy back!" Himiko jumped up, throwing her arms in the air.

"If Monokuma fixes him." Tsumugi muttered.

"Shirogane, what do you mean?"

"N-nothing."

"Kukuku. Can we please enter the elevator? I don't want Monokuma to come back and heckle us again." Korekiyo suggested.

"Good idea." Kirumi nodded stiffly.

"Everyone, just focus on the trial." Kaito said. "Nothing else matters at the moment."

There was a chorus of agreements. Everyone but Miu trooped into the elevator.

"Momota, I hope you and Ouma can find the truth." She gave him a desperate look.

"Iruma…we will." He promised.

"In return, if we survive the trial…I'll do everything that I can to help you."

"…okay."

They entered the elevator together. It wobbled and started to descend.

Kaito swallowed nervously and nudged his way to the front, wanting to speak to his partner.

Unfortunately, Kokichi was absorbed in his notes. Kaito didn't dare disturb him.

The elevator came to a halt and everyone trudged out into the trial room.

"Welcome!" Monokuma greeted them from his throne.

"It's that time of the week again!" Monosuke said.

"Uwah!? It's been an entire week since the last trial!?" Monophanie exclaimed.

"No. It's the second class trial this week."

"Ah. That makes sense." She huffed. "But …that means that four people have died in seven days! The bodies are piling up! Who knows, maybe everyone will be dead by next week!"

"Monophanie, remember that two people still need to survive. To win the game."

"Oh yeah."

"…" Monodam stared vacantly at his siblings.

"Will the three of you just shut up!" Monokuma yelled.

Both Monosuke and Monophanie wilted and nodded. Monodam didn't react.

They're putting on a show for the audience. Kaito realised.

"Thank you Monokuma!" Kokichi smiled. "Now I can give my epic speech. It should only take a few minutes. Ten at most."

"Ouma, please don't." Himiko said.

"But Yuuuumeno-chan, it has so many perverted jokes and gross diatribes!"

"As expected from a disgusting male." Tenko quipped.

"Chabashira, if I wanted to be really disgusting, I would tell you the story of how I got trapped in the sewers for eight hours, wandering through rivers of mud and filth until I found an exit."

"That's a lie." Himiko glared at him.

"Okay. Ya got me. I was only in there for four. But even so, I was covered in piss and shit and-"

"Stop it Ouma-kun." Tsumugi covered her ears. "Please."

"Shirogane-san, breath in, count to four, breath out, count to four. It's a good way to calm down." Korekiyo advised. "And Ouma-kun, I don't think anyone's in the mood for a speech. We just want to get the trial started."

"Yes. I've had enough of Ouma's unique brand of stupidity." Maki said.

"Jeez. Fine. I'll save my awe-inspiring speech for another time. I just want to say one thing…" Kokichi's smile morphed into a nightmarish grin. "I know who the blackened is. Momota-chan and I will expose them. They're not going to leave this school alive."

Tsumugi gasped. Tenko quailed, making Himiko glare at him again. Miu huffed and crossed her arms.

Everyone else just stared at him stone-faced, not taking him seriously at all.

But Kaito could tell that his partner was being deadly serious. He wanted the blackened to pay.

Kokichi's expression relapsed. "Ready, partner?"

"Ready." Kaito gritted his teeth, only to yelp when someone barrelled into him.

Kokichi had suddenly enveloped him in a big hug.

Completely bewildered, he froze up.

Kokichi squeezed him tightly, then giggled and twirled away.

"That was weird." Himiko said.

"It's just Ouma being Ouma." Ryoma shrugged.

"*Ahem*, now that Ouma has finally finished bullshitting, we can get this trial started! Take your places everyone!" Monokuma commanded.

Kokichi whooped and ran to his podium.

Kaito sighed and trotted after him, only to feel something jostle in his pocket.

He took it out.

It was a piece of paper- a copy of Kokichi's notes.

When did he write this? And when did he give this to me? Wait! The hug - He glared at his partner.

Kokichi whistled innocently, refusing to look at him.

He huffed and hurried to his spot, scanning the list:

[Monokuma file 3: The victim is the Ultimate Robot, Kiibo. The victim's body was discovered in the computer lab. The cause of death is blunt force trauma from multiple blows to the head. The body has no other wounds.

Monokuma file 4: The victim is the Ultimate Entomologist, Gonta Gokuhara. The victim's body was discovered in the Ultimate Anthropologist's lab. The time of death is approximately 1:00 p.m. The victim suffered a slight burn to his left foot and a blow to the head.

Key to Korekiyo's lab: It was found inside his lab, next to the door. The room had seemingly been locked from the inside.

Gonta's head injury: It has a noticeable lack of blood and isn't that deep.

Hammer: Found in Korekiyo's lab. There's very little blood on it. A few drops at most.

Appointment note: Found in Gonta's back pocket. It's written in blocky capital letters. It reads: Meet me in the Ultimate Anthropologist's lab around one pm. I believe that someone is planning to murder me. I need your help. Don't tell anyone else about this.

Water in Korekiyo's lab: Gonta's legs were damp. There was also water around/underneath his body.

Bucket: Found in Korekiyo's lab. It's partially filled with water.

Korekiyo's account: He went to the cafeteria to eat lunch at around 12:30. Maki and Kirumi were there. Then Maki left, followed by Kirumi a few minutes later. Around 1:00, the lights flickered. He didn't investigate. A minute later, Tenko entered the room and went outside. Ten minutes later, Tsumugi came in. She was very nervous. She left quickly. Korekiyo himself left a few minutes later. He passed Himiko outside in the corridor and went up to his lab. He discovered that the door was locked. He went back downstairs to look for help.

Someone running in the corridor: Just before 1:00, Kirumi and Maki heard someone running past Maki's lab. The footsteps were loud and panicked.

Flickering Lights: Around 1:00, all the lights in the school flickered.

Metal Baseball Bat: Found in the computer lab. It's covered in scratches. There are four of them.

Practice Scribbles: It has the same writing as the appointment note. Someone was practicing their penmanship.

Miu's notes: Miu's plans for murder. She was planning "experiment" and she wanted to "persuade us all to enter a virtual world, to escape the killing game".

Tsumugi's account: At 1:05, she was sitting by herself in a classroom on the second floor. When she left, she saw someone in the corridor. They were heading upstairs. She didn't want them to notice her, so she retreated and waited a few minutes. When she checked the corridor again, they were gone. So, she headed downstairs and went to the cafeteria. She saw Korekiyo there, but felt too nervous to eat, so she went to the library to be alone again.

Scorched extension cable: Found in the fishing box in the second storage room. Someone has taken it apart, exposing the inner wiring.

Himiko's account: After breakfast, she went to her lab with Tenko. They were together for an hour and a bit. Tenko left at an unknown time. Himiko didn't see anyone else. Tenko returned around 1:00, but left a minute later. Several minutes later, Himiko went to the bathroom. On the way back, she met Korekiyo in the hallway. She was alone until the body discovery announcement.

Folding chair: A folding chair with a piece of fishing line tied around one leg. It was blocking the door to Monokuma's storage room.

Miu Alone: She left the computer lab just before 12:00 and went to her room to rest. Kiibo remained behind to watch her things. She didn't see anyone.

Gonta's Work: The table in Gonta's lab was covered in open books and notepads. He had abandoned his work. Uncharacteristic of him.]

It was a lot to take in. But he understood why Kokichi had given it to him.

A sign of trust. To share in the responsibility of solving the murders and bringing the truth to light.

He smiled, happy that his partner had some faith in him.

Everyone assembled around them.

Monokuma waved a paw and the portraits of the dead students popped up.

Gonta's portrait had a red cross, while Kiibo's had a red question mark.

It was time.

[CLASS TRIAL START]