When a game encounters enough success, one of the many natural results of this would be a sequel, with new characters created. Although, the possibility of a returning cast is always present, the people behind the story can decide to make a little twist with this theme, sometimes with big intentions, or others, just for a good gimmick.

The later ended up being the case for the fat, caring, impersonating and strict version of Byakuya Togami from Super Danganronpa 2 Goodbye Despair,

the Ultimate Impostor.

Wow, two people from what is considered the best game of the franchise are this low on the list. I'm actually surprised. 16 votes, for those who have forgotten or are too lazy to see the previous chapter.

Why is that? Well, I'll try to explain.

Name meaning:

Since the Ultimate Impostor has impersonated any other living person before… it doesn't have any name. Not any official at least. So we're going to have to look to everything else. Even its gender is unclear, as we do not know if he has taken the place of a woman before, so from now on, we will address him as a man, his shown sex.

Physical description:

As Akane was a follow up to Aoi's design, the Impostor is a follow up to another character of the first game, namely Hifumi. This character fills up the trope of the overweighted character. Aside from that, and aside from his revelation in DR3 which only surprise lightly his classmates, he chooses clothing appropriate for the impersonated person, so not much can be said here either.

Personality analysis:

Fortunately, his personality has more to talk about. Maybe not when he impersonates people (arrogant and mighty when he is Byakuya Togami, shy and introvert when he is Ryota Mitarai), he seems to be a caring leader, even despite the personality he puts up. This is shown when he takes the lead in the second game, or when in DR3, he takes Ryota Mitarai's identity so the later could focus on his work, all the while taking care of his health.

Something that comes up with his talent, is his sense of self-esteem, or rather, lack of. Because of it, he feels very lonely as if they do not exist. He simply wants to exist and live a normal life, but believes he cannot unless they assume someone else's appearance and disappear if he's found out, something that wears him out and makes him not to become close with other people, thinking that only thing in the world you can truly rely on and believe in is "fats and sugars".

This actually works in his favor in the game, as it is the sequel and thus are happy to find a returning character coming back but different, his Free-Time Events giving hints to his true identity until Chapter 5. In exchange, we get to see more of his caring side in Danganronpa 3, in another impersonated role.

Origin and history:

Nothing his known about his past, aside from the fact that he was given nothing. No name, family, money, no identity at all, thus leading him to steal other people's identities himself. Apparently, his built didn't get in the way of that talent. So much, in fact, that according to Koichi in the DVDs, when Class 77 needed to be scouted, he stole his identity to do his job because the man was drunk, and when the adult realized that, he offered him a place instead.

Plot relevance:

In the game, he only lasted a chapter, and despite his serious and cold attitude, he showed his vow to protect his classmates by hosting a party, and even prepared himself in case someone would murder one of them, taking precaution as body checks, removal of dangerous items, and even night-vision goggles. Unfortunately, his drive to protect people cost him his life by accident. And while some people might believe that Byakuya have changed (even though only a few would think that), his identity, or lack of, his revealed.

In Danganronpa 3, his caring side his shown more, as he is the one who bonded with Ryota the most, taking care of him while proposing a beneficial deal for the both of them. Aside from that, we can see him impersonate Kyosuke to take down the brainwashed forces of Future Foundation in Side Hope, and also being a considerate argument to stop Ryota in his desperate plan.

How Good was the Impostor actually?

This character has an interesting gimmick for sure, as it consists into stealing other people's identity to exist, but despite that, he manages to have his own identity among the cast, with an interesting twitst that is, unfortunately, not used to the fullest, as his talent could have been used within the game more, as a potential suspect. Other than that, his caring demeanor is what shines the most, which makes him his own person… something he was craving more than anything else.

What do I think of the Impostor?

Byakuya Togami if he had a heart.

Seriously, I like to think of him as the Superior Byakuya. Because he tried to protect his classmates, not play with someone's corpse for his own entertainment!

Nope, I don't like Byakuya this much, and I didn't let go of this. But I'll get to his case when it is time.

Also, I believe that his sole role was to surprise people with his talent. 'Got you, it was an imposter all along!' A good impostor at least…

But honestly, I feel like he could have been more. Since he's the first to die, he didn't get much screen time, and he could have been a suspected mole, it's easy to see how. And for all the good DR3 did to him (because yes, it's not much but it's there), I still think it's lacking.

What made people dislike the Impostor, in my opinion?

See just above, and you've got your answer. And maybe the fat character card plays here too.

That… or people don't like someone impersonating as Byakuya.

…so Japanese people prefer the prick who toyed with a dead character's body, rather than someone who died trying to defend his classmates who are under tension of killing each other to escape and recover two years of memories…

…

…again, I think I'll stay in France, thank you.

For real, another reason I can think of is, his gimmick wouldn't work out in ordinary scenarios. It worked on Jabberwock Island because it put some mysteries about what happened to Byakuya, and in worked At Hope's Peak Academy because nobody has ever seen Ryota before, but let's get real, in any other realistic instances, this plan would only work if the people near him don't use their brains. For all the good logic Danganronpa builds, this trait is not one of them. Interesting talent, but only one niche available.

Come to think of it, I'm surprised Byakuya didn't make him disappear for impersonating him and making his image near commoners. Like, come on. The dude is smart enough to realize things, and he's got the means to make things happens.

How could we make the Impostor better?

How about you show us his struggles? Since DR3 is, again, supposed to explain how the Remnants felt into Junko's hands… maybe have him encounter Junko by chance with a promise of her remembering him and always recognizing him no matter the disguise!

It's not much considering it would be easy for us, but still, it's there!

Maybe him wanting to protect Ryota could also work, as he would not recognize him (somehow, we'll have to work on that), and this makers him fall in despair. Heck, idea I saw on tumblr, maybe Mikan could break him by saying no one would fall in love with a nobody like him! Boom!

And like, his talent could also be considered useful for the Steering Committee! Since Despair!Impostor wanted to be anyone he wanted, maybe in another AU, he could have been engaged by them to take place of a person they want to destroy!

…but I digress. Those are what ifs after all. So, without further ado…

How would you rate the Impostor?

Ultimate Impostor°: 4 RANK (I have a soft spot, although I wouldn't mind some improvement)

Again, I blame the context where he appeared, and the gimmick he was given. A niche that has hidden potential can only get you so far. Sorry, Impostor.

For compensation, I'll name you Zenku. It means "leader" in Japanese, if I remember correctly. Alright? Alright.

I think he deserves a higher ranking, but… alas. I have to be fair.

PERSONNAL TIER LIST UPDATE!

4 RANK (I have a soft spot, although I wouldn't mind some improvement)

Akane Owari, Ultimate Impostor

3 RANK (Don't mind them, but improvement is welcome)

Hifumi Yamada, Yasuhiro Hagakure

2 RANK (I dislike them to a various degree, either change them or bash them)

Kazuo Tengan

1 RANK (This character isn't worth anything, we need to change it no questions asked)

Daisaku Bandai

Two in one! Phew! I do hope it was worth the wait!

Arceus just came out… I enjoy it a lot, despite its flaws.

Don't worry guys! I'll make sure to come back to my other fics soon! Until then, see ya around!

Pupla out, Corona begone. Stay safe, people.