Thankfully the weather at Hope's Peak Academy was clear with a cool temperature. When the convoy of two vehicles arrived at the front gate, they saw that it was smashed in with debris from the brick walling and the gate littering the ground. Pulling both vehicles onto the school grounds, all four of them exited their vehicles – Hina, Mukuro and Makoto exiting the car while Hiro exited his own van.

Hina did some stretches. "Ugh, I know there are two seats in the back but…they're not really seats. It was really uncomfortable back there."

Hiro rubbed his neck. "Hey, c'mon, is my van that bad?"

"It has a weird smell, Hiro! I don't think I could take it for an hour."

"Hey, I'm totally clean! Honest!"

The ex-SHSL swimmer places her hands on her hips. "Eh? I think that smell might actually be your B.O.!"

"Ouch! C'mon Hina-chi!"

Makoto chuckled while Mukuro looked on in disinterest.

"So, Naegi-chi, I brought some things that we might need." He proudly opens the back of his van. "Got some canned food, bottled water…weapons…"

His eyes light up momentarily. "Actually, I wonder if the guys here need this stuff too. Maybe add in a little bit of a markup and…"

"Focus, Hiro-kun." Makoto sighs. "Let's see…"

The back was loaded with both food and water as he mentioned, though there were a few oddities as well as nonlethal-style weapons. It seems to be mostly bamboo swords and wooden staffs – stuff that you might see in a high school kendo and/or martial arts club.

"Oh! Oh! This looks kinda awesome!" Hina braves the smell as she reaches for what appears to be a red bō staff. "Okay! Nothing's gonna get past me, I swear it!"

Hiro reaches for a bamboo sword. The way he's holding it behind his back would probably get a massive scolding from Peko Pekoyama, but considering he's not exactly trained in using it makes it not a total surprise.

"See anything you like?"

Makoto just glances at the weapons and then back at the food. "I don't think we need this much food and water. Were you coming here already planning to sell it?"

"S-Sell?! Whoa, hey I'm not heartless. Just gonna distribute extras to whoever needs them…depending on donations of course…"

Makoto rolls his eyes. He finds a pair of brown leather gloves and puts them on.

Mukuro glances over at him. "Not going to take a weapon?"

"I'd really like to avoid fighting. And I don't think me swinging around something much longer than I am is gonna be a good idea." He sighs, frowning at his own shortness.

Mukuro takes out her combat knife. "As for myself, I won't need any."

The ex-SHSL Lucky Student panics at the sight. "Wh-whoa, wait, Ikusaba-san. Don't kill them!"

She looks at him with a piercing glare. "They will try to hurt you."

He stands his ground. "Look, I don't think these guys are part of Ultimate Despair. They can be reasoned with. I think people are just angry."

The SHSL Soldier looks away for a moment and then sheathes her knife. "Very well."

Hina relaxes slightly as Hiro scratches the back of his head.

Makoto sighs. He looks at all three of them. "Look, I…you know I don't want to drag you all into this mess. It's dangerous, but I can't do this alone. I just wanted to thank you guys. Really."

Hina smiles in response. "Don't worry about it, Naegi. You know I'm always ready to help you. Anytime. Besides, you were never really the fighting type, so I'm ready to protect you and Kyoko-chan with all I've got!"

Hiro smiles and gives a thumbs up. "We're gonna be fine. I already did a scrying. And…30% is always a pretty good chance as it is, right?"

Mukuro stares with distrust in her eyes, but notices that Makoto and Hina were both nodding at the ex-SHSL Shaman's confidence.

"Hiro-kun, I'd like for you to stay here. If it's worse than I think it is in there, we can make this a home base of sorts. But I think we'll be back before you miss us. You can count on it." Makoto smiles.

"Course. We've been through so much that I know you guys'll make it out. Find Kirigiri-chi and save the school! Not too hard, right?"

Hina gives a thumbs up. "Hehe. Yep! We'll get through it all and then have a big celebration!"

The damage to the main campus was not catastrophic, but still extremely noticeable. The delicate landscaping was damaged to the large amount of foot traffic from the protesting reserve course student body. Shattered glass and loose debris lined the walkways of the East Quarter where all the classrooms and other facilities were located. Mukuro stops the other two as they approach the administration building – they can see reserve course students setting up their protest around the statue of Izuru Kamakura while the security detail is separating them from the building itself. The students are attempting to pull down and deface the statue while the private security force can only watch on.

From what the trio can hear, they are protesting about unfair treatment and the death of a student.

Hina frowns. "A student died?"

Makoto recalls what Kyoko mentioned during his last visit. "The only student I know of who died was the student involved the Izuru Kamakura project."

"W-Wait, Hinata is dead?"

"It wasn't him." Makoto places a finger on his chin. "In fact, I don't know where Hajime Hinata is."

Mukuro continues staring at the protest. "You were right, Naegi-kun. They don't look like they've been brainwashed. They haven't started massacring the main course at least."

Makoto starts walking toward the class buildings. "I still have a bad feeling."

Hina walks over briskly next to him. "You don't think Kyoko-chan is in the administration building?"

"Don't think so. All the security guards are concentrated in one area because of all the students protesting… which means everywhere else isn't being watched. We got in so easily after all."

Mukuro catches up. "It could be a distraction."

Makoto nods. "Yeah, I think so too. But for what?"

The building containing the homerooms was slightly damaged as well, most likely by stray protestors, but nothing on a catastrophic level. Some windows were broken but there was no sign of any massive brawls or even any casualties. The area is extremely quiet. Hina steps in front of them as she opens the door to the building with no trouble. There hasn't been any attempt to barricade themselves. Inside was as quiet as the outside, as most of the classrooms looked empty. The hallway on the ground floor was a mess – looks like many of the SHSLs ran out quickly to who-knows-where after the protest passed by the building.

Makoto nods at both of them as he leads the two ladies to the homeroom of Class 78.

"Do you think that they're still in here, Naegi?" Hina whispers.

"Maybe. Kyoko-san was keeping an eye on them last I remember."

As they arrive close to the classroom, Mukuro stops them both from continuing with her arm in front of them as she takes the lead. Her eyes narrow as she sees seven large men attempting to break down a door. The seven look over with their snake-like eyes and wild hair. One even has his tongue out, extending out in a strange alien-like manner.

Hina looked panicked. "W-Was Hiro right? They look like aliens!"

Makoto gripped his fist and stared them down. "No, these are the Madarai Brothers. Together they're the SHSL Bodyguard. They protect the Student Council."

"But there's seven of them!"

Mukuro stepped forward. "That's the gimmick." She looks a bit annoyed as she instinctively reaches for her knife but stops herself.

One of the brothers speaks. "I do not know how you came across that information, outsiders, but you won't live with that knowledge."

Another speaks. "They don't appear to be students, nor alumni. We must finish this quickly so we can get to that Kirigiri woman."

"Look, there's no need to fight." Makoto attempts to reason with them. "Just let Kyoko-san go."

The second one replies. "So you are her associates. More reason to get rid of you."

Four of the snake-like brothers lunge toward Mukuro. As if an engine began to start, their movement began to slow to a crawl. She leaps in response, with and catches two of the brothers' heads, slamming them into one another. The other two land past her. Two of the brothers left behind make a charge straight for the SHSL Soldier, while the last one dashes toward the other two to focus on Makoto and Hina.

Mukuro ducks and dodges an attempted lunge slam from one of the brothers, finishing with a grab on his uniform and slams him into the wall. The final brother attempts a body slam while she's open, but she counters with a shoulder check. Said brother had a surprised face from the raw strength the petite girl had from her unknown talent and slammed into the opposite wall.

Hina grits her teeth as the two brothers who missed their initial lunge attempt to grab her. Her swift moves catch them off-guard as she leaps and kicks one of them dead into the head, knocking him out. The other turns to throw a haymaker, but Hina responds with a mighty swing from her three-sectioned staff.

The last brother, who was the first to respond, appears shocked from the two girl's combat prowess but continues toward Makoto. Makoto looks back with determined eyes.

"If I can grab you, then this is all over!"

Despite dodging backward being the natural response to the Madarai brother's grab with their strange long arms, Makoto ran forward and uses the momentum to knee him in the stomach. The air knocked out of him, Makoto kicks him in the same place he struck with his knee. The last brother falls over on the ground, groaning in pain. Mukuro quickly moves over and steps on his chest.

"G-Gah…you all…do you have talents…?"

Mukuro makes a final punch, knocking him out.

Makoto sighs. "Wasn't expecting that at all…all seven of them for just Kyoko-san?" He looks over at Mukuro who has a curious look in her eyes.

"You can fight, Naegi-kun?"

"Eh? I kinda just…played that by ear, really. I mean I almost punched Monokuma once."

Hina sighs. "You've seen so many of us fight that you probably just kinda…got into gear. That looked more like street fighting than any kind of martial art, though."

"At least we know the Student Council is definitely involved in whatever is happening."

The door creaks open. It looks extremely damaged, almost coming off the hinges as it does so. Kyoko steps out with Class 78. "Indeed, Makoto-kun. I surmise they wanted to silence me during the chaos."

Hina smirked. "Geez, look at you two. Calling each other by first name now."

Makoto is caught off-guard. "N-Not the time and place, Hina-san."

Mondo grinned and gave a thumbs up. "Holy fuck. You three can brawl! Though the girls surprised the hell out of me."

"Is that supposed to mean something, Owada-san?" Sakura crossed her arms.

"I don't mean it in that way Ogami-san, but the freckles chick isn't buff. The girl in the shorts looks pretty sporty though."

Leon flashed a smile. "Damn, these two chicks are cute and badass. Thanks for helping us out. Seriously!"

Sayaka sighed. "Kuwata-kun."

"What? We should be thanking them, right Sayaka-chan?"

"Indeed. Thank you three. I will also apologize for Kuwata-kun and his hungry glances."

"Geez! Don't throw me under the bus like that!"

Mukuro looks disinterested and Hina just crosses her arms with a huff.

"Y-Yikes! Alright, sorry ladies. My bad."

While the students were thanking their saviors, Makoto and Kyoko were busy at work restraining the brothers.

Chihiro watches them. "W-wow, those two are like…professionals."

"Of course!" Hina smiles. "We've been working with each other for years. Erm…well, except for Ikusaba-chan. She's uh…I guess a new recruit?"

Mukuro looks confused. "I'm here to protect Naegi-kun."

Hina stops herself as she realizes what she's saying. "Y-Yeah. Sure. Like the SHSL Bodyguard. Yup!"

Kiyotaka looks confused. "You four seem like extremely talented and driven individuals. Yet…not former students of Hope's Peak. It's certainly eye-opening."

Makoto stands up as he makes the final touches to tying the seven together. "There are a lot of people like us who didn't go to this school." He glances over at the other three. It wasn't exactly a lie, after all.

"True…our class was quite small. Your words have opened up my eyes, Naegi-sensei!"

The former lucky student sighs. "I'm not a teacher, Ishimaru-san. Still just a nosy reporter that seems to get caught up in things."

"That may be your profession, but you have a scholarly aura. Please, Naegi-sensei! Your worldly knowledge will help me in both my studies and my life."

Mondo groaned. "Damn, bro. Laying it thick there."

The SHSL Public Morals Committee Member stands straight. "Brother! Though your worldly knowledge is quite vast yourself, Naegi-sensei is an adult. We could all learn from our teachers and elders, after all!"

Kyoko finishes a quick call from her cell phone. "Munakata-san will be on the way to take care of the Madarai Brothers."

"Munakata-san is here?" Makoto looked shocked. He hadn't seen the former Vice Chairman of the Future Foundation for a long while now.

"Indeed. Along with Sakakura-san and Yukizome-san. I've been collaborating with those three during my time here." Kyoko moves close, while everyone else looks with varying levels of interest. She whispers in his ear. "They're the same as us…though you may be surprised at what they look like."

"Mm. But first let's get Class 78 to a safe place."

"I agree. However, the South Quadrant of the campus is closed off for the moment because of the protest. They won't be able to return to their dorms."

"I've set up a makeshift 'home base.' I guess it'll come in handy now. Hiro-kun is there."

"Very well." She moves away from Makoto and addresses the class. "We'll need to get to a safe place. Let's get going."

Celestia gives her most polite smile. "Is there any place on campus that is actually safe?"

Makoto steps forward. "I've got a base camp near the front of the campus. You guys should be able to be safer there – and if trouble happens, you guys can escape easily."

Hifumi sighs in relief. "That sounds good. I-I haven't been able to concentrate on my work with all that rabble outside! And I cannot even prepare Celestia Ludenberg-dono's milk tea in this place."

The SHSL Gambler sighs. "Yes. It's quite a shame. Even if Yamada-kun's tea is not up to par."

"Y-You wound me madam!"

"Perhaps the esteemed Naegi-san can try his hand at it. After all, he seems adept enough as a fighter and a thinker."

Makoto laughs nervously. "As much as I would like to give it a try, we should get going now."

"Whoa dudes! I knew you said you'd be back quick but… that was really fast. Not bad, Naegi-chi!"

The students of Class 78 are spread slightly out at the camp while the 'outsiders' are all close together in an ad hoc meeting.

Hina has pep in her step while she moves in place. "Naegi's intuition is really sharp, you know. He might be psychic now."

Sayaka's head turns toward them when she overhears that line.

"Making that old joke, huh." Hiro smiles nervously. "Still, he's come a long way hasn't he?"

"As much as I love the praise, we're still on the clock." Makoto turns to Kyoko.

Kyoko nods. "Allow me to share what I've found with all of you."

The other four look at her with full attention. Mukuro seems surprised at how Kyoko is sharing her information so readily with them.

"The current Student Council is heavily involved with the protest. Not all of the members are complicit, but Soshun Murasame is definitely a major player as he leaked the information of the Izuru Kamakura project to the Reserve Course." She looks over at them all, making eye contact with each person. "However, all evidence I've gathered does not make him to be the overall mastermind behind this. He is either a collaborator or an unwilling puppet."

Hina gives off a confused look. "How can you say that he might be unwilling? Didn't he send those seven guys after you?"

"The Madarai Brothers act autonomously. In any case, his involvement with the protests could jeopardize Murasame-kun and the rest of the student council's academic careers. At the very least, they would be forced by administration to step down from their positions. That would easily spurn the SHSL Bodyguard brothers into action to protect them. Plus, as far as I could see, Soshun Murasame is still sound of mind."

Hiro scratches his cheek. "So, uh, if that Murasame guy isn't the mastermind, who would it be?"

"There are a few suspects. Not many people were involved with the Hope Cultivation Project, but they could all be easily be responsible. The aim looks to be to assassinate both the Steering Committee as well as upper members of the academy's administrative body. Such as the Headmaster."

Hina gasps. "W-Wait, your dad…he isn't dead is he?"

"He, along with VIPs like Kazuo Tengan and Koichi Kizakura, are currently in lockdown at the Admin. Building. But we're still on a time limit." Kyoko turns to Makoto. "They were willing to use bombs before. There's no doubt they could do it again."

"Not only would they kill those VIPs, but also kill and hurt all those innocents currently over there." Makoto spat. "This is insane. Why go through all of this?"

"The failure to create Izuru Kamakura was a massive blow to both the Steering Committee's pride and the yearly budget. People involved were either fired or expelled from the academy along with a gag order. It ruined people's lives."

"Just like it ruined Hinata-san's."

"Regardless, I've just got word from the SHSL Secret Agent that he's uncovered more clues. I'm off to meet with him."

Mukuro frowns at the mention of Yuto Kamishiro.

"Okay. Just leave Class 78 to us, Kyoko-san. You've got a perp to catch, right?"

Kyoko closes her eyes and smiles at Makoto. "Indeed. I'll see you later."

The former SHSL Detective makes her exit as the three former Future Foundation agents watch her as she leaves their sight. Mukuro finally relaxes as Kyoko leaves the area.

"Ikusaba-san, you've got the best eyes here. Let us know if trouble comes running, okay?"

Mukuro nods at Makoto's request and takes a perched position on top of Hiro's van.

Hiro sighs. "Was it okay to let her go by herself? I was expecting you'd try and go with her, Naegi-chi."

"We didn't have time to argue. I plan on helping her, though."

Hina smirks. "Hehe. You've really grown to know her well, haven't you?"

"I'd…like to think so. But right now I'll check on the students. Don't charge them, Hiro-kun."

"W-What?! Never! They're technically old friends, right? S-So…maybe a discount…"

Makoto crosses his arms with a look of disapproval.

"Okay, okay. Fine."

A few of the students did go to Hiro for food and water. Makoto walks over to his car and taps it gently with his gloved hands.

Mondo walks over. "That your ride? Didn't take you to be a drift car racer. But you're a lot tougher than you look. A damn journo risking his neck to save people. That's a first."

"Well, I've been told that I'm pretty strange. How are you doing, Owada-san?"

"Overheard a bit of what you guys were saying. Whoever started this mess…damn I'd like to give 'em a pounding myself! Believe me. Putting people in danger like that, where the hell do they get off?!"

"I think as long as lives are saved, that's enough for me."

Mondo looked surprised. "Damn. You're calm, even after fighting that bunch of weirdos."

"I…I've been through a good amount. I wouldn't say I got used to danger, but I just take it one step at a time."

"Yeah?" Mondo looked curious. "Must've been some kinda shit."

Makoto pauses for a moment, then continues. "I've lost a lot of friends and colleagues over the years. I think of them sometimes."

The SHSL Biker Gang Leader's eyes went wide open. "Holy crap. Seriously?"

Makoto nods. "I once said to Kyoko-san that I'd carry my friends with me for the rest of my life. I still do." He gives a glance over to Mondo and then looks away.

"So ya…you don't move on, but you literally drag their memory with you, huh? You got one hell of a pair." Mondo looks away himself. "You ever feel guilty about it?"

"That I'm still here, living and breathing instead of them? There were a few times I felt that way, yeah. But most of the time I just put one foot forward in front of the other and live my own life. Nothing good comes out of moping around and feeling guilty. Those feelings get bottled up and eventually explode like a shaken up beer."

Flashes of Chihiro's death and Mondo's execution went by in Makoto's mind.

Mondo gives him a look. "You may not be the strongest guy I ever met when it comes to the fight, but… I got a lot of catching up to do if I wanna get as tough as you."

"Hm? Am I really that tough?"

"I can tell. You lost a lot of people." Mondo looks down at the ground. "While me, I can't even get over one damn death."

Makoto stops himself from asking an obvious question.

"My bro and Fujisaki-san… they're both good people. They helped me out a lot, but there's always this kinda…disconnect? That the word? Like those two never felt actual loss, so sometimes their advice kinda just bounces off me." Mondo gives Makoto a determined look. "Yeah. I think I see what bro sees in you now."

Makoto sighs. "Not you too. You're not forgetting about what I do for a living, right?"

"I know. But damn, I can see why you'd be good at that sorta thing. You know how to make people talk. And I feel damn good about it."

"Yeah, well, I don't like to report on stuff like this. Not unless the person wants me to."

Mondo smiles and gives him a thumbs up. "See! Not a lot of guys still know about honor and shit. Guys like us are rarer than diamonds." The burly man with a strange pompadour breaths out loudly, startling the others. "You got me thinking a bit. Thanks for the talk."

"Anytime, Owada-san."

Sakura watches with an amazement on her own face as Mondo went to think off on his own. "Somehow getting Owada-san friendly like that? Naegi-san is fearsome indeed."

Hina finishes off a donut. "He's always been like that. He may not be the strongest or even the smartest, but he's got like…insane amounts of charisma. At first he was really shy and passive, but these days he's pretty much a people person." She offers a donut to the SHSL Martial Artist.

The towering woman smiles. "Thank you." She takes one and eats it surprisingly daintily. "Ah, where are my manners? My name is Sakura Ogami. Your moves are quite interesting…"

She looks slightly disappointed, but perks up right away. "Aoi Asahina. But you can call me Hina!"

"Very well. Hina-san. The way you move is quite similar to the martial arts that I practice. It's intriguing."

Hina looks nervous. "Oh, well…um…is it? I mean I just watched someone else fight and did it the way I felt like. But that person is…" She stops herself and looks at Sakura for a moment. "That person is gone now."

"My apologies."

"N-No, you don't have to apologize!" Hina almost bites her tongue. "She… did it to protect and save us. She was a good friend to us. Even if she made a mistake at first, she was one of the most trustworthy people I ever met."

"I see…even in death, this person is both highly revered as well as remembered fondly for her martial prowess. I, too, wish to leave that impression on this earth."

Hina smiles. "Don't worry. I think you can do it. I can tell that you have a big heart, Sakura-chan."

Sakura smiles at the compliment. "It is rare to meet a fellow woman that has an enthusiasm for athletics and martial arts."

"Is it? Sounds like Hope's Peak might be slipping! There are a lot of women out there like us. I may not look like it, but I've worked as a physical education teacher before! I'm also a pretty good swimmer."

"Is that so? You sound like the ideal trainer."

Hina blushes. "H-Huh? Do I really?"

"I, too, have been curious about swimming. The ability to work out all your limbs at once would help me in my pursuit of strength."

"Well, I don't think Hope's Peak would hire me on as staff, but maybe during your free time I can show you swimming and breathing techniques!"

Sakura lights up. "Yes, that would be wonderful. I would be in your debt, Hina-san."

"Ah, don't sweat it Sakura-chan! Just being able to work out with others is reward enough for me. Right Naegi?"

Makoto suppresses a groan. "W-Well…I can keep up with you for a little while now these days. I guess all that exercise paid off."

"Your arms are still pretty average, Naegi! You need to do more weights! Those legs of yours are pretty strong though."

"U-Uh…sure. I'll make sure to do that."

"No slacking!"

Makoto looks defeated while Sakura smiles at both of their banter. "Perhaps I could assist with that."

"Yeah! Between you and me we can turn Naegi here into an athlete worthy of the pro leagues!"

Makoto just gulped. It seems his future wasn't looking too bright.

Sayaka approaches the former lucky student. "Ah, Naegi-san. Do you mind if we can talk?"

"Sure. I'll see you two around."

Hina and Sakura smile and wave at him while he walks off with Sayaka. Leon gives a bit of a look as he's eating some food.

Sayaka and Makoto reach a point at the "camp" out of earshot.

"Ah, thank you for humoring me. I've been meaning to talk to you for a while now."

Makoto gives a genuinely surprised look. "Huh? With me?"

"Mmhm. You live a surprisingly interesting life, but you always act like an average person. I…suppose I wanted to find out what keeps you so grounded."

Makoto places his hand on his chin. "Er…that's a little difficult to explain. I've always been like this."

"Really? You're just naturally a kind and grounded person?"

"Uh-ah… I wouldn't praise myself that much."

"Modest too."

Makoto stops talking for a moment while Sayaka smiles.

"You don't even think I'm annoying you and you're trying to give me a good answer. You're…something, Naegi-san."

"Hm. You're pretty sharp, Maizono-san."

"Well, you could say that I'm psychic." She waits a beat. "Just joking. It's just my intuition."

Makoto responds with a wry smile. "I've heard that you love making that joke."

"He-he. Your sources are correct! Though most people are pretty shocked when I do it to them. You just…went along with the flow for me. You're really nice about it."

"As for your question well…I suppose the best way to describe why I'm always so grounded is because I see others similarly."

"Oh?" Sayaka looks perplexed.

"Mmhm. I try not to let rumors or stories skew what I can see from people when they just talk to me. I guess you could say that I take people for what they are."

"I see. So that's your intuition at work. It's…somehow more impressive than my own. So, Naegi-san, what can you tell about me?"

Makoto thinks for a few moments. Considering what knowledge he has already because of his own Sayaka, he tries to make sure not to blurt out things he wouldn't be able to tell. "From what I can see, you value hard work and honesty. It's why you admonish Kuwata-san so much."

"That's…no, that's exactly right. It irks me a bit, how someone so blessed with talent could make light of how cutthroat the music industry can be. Given that you've looked into idols and musicians, you already know. Yet here you are…treating me not as an idol, but as a girl."

"Do you dislike it?"

Sayaka smiles. "No, in fact I enjoy it. Even in school I'm treated very highly. While it's nice to be acknowledged and celebrated for all the hard work I've put in…I'm still a high school girl. I guess it's really refreshing."

"Ah, well. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy your work. Though my little sister happens to be a Sayaker."

"Oh really? Perhaps I could give her an autograph."

"That would really make her day. I'd really appreciate it."

Sayaka smiles. "You know, that's the sweetest way someone has ever gotten an autograph from me. You're thinking of others even now."

Makoto stops for a few moments. "Hey, you know. I'm just a normal guy with a family. There's no need to make me something I'm not."

"Hm?"

"I…get that there's not a lot of nice people in the industry. I'm not going to ask what exactly you've done to get you and your group to the top. But there are a lot of nice people like me out there. I guess what I'm saying is that all I want is to be treated like I treat others."

Sayaka thinks for a few moments over what Makoto said. "No, I…started to sound like one of my own fans, didn't I?" She frowns. "Sorry if I started to make you feel uncomfortable."

"Don't worry about that. I-I just wanted to stop you before you had some strange image of me in your head."

"I wouldn't say it's a strange image." She blushes. "But I think of you very highly, Naegi-san. Especially after this talk. You're right. I should treat you like you treat me. Like a real life person, not an idol."

The idol smiles sweetly at the reporter. "But even if your kindness is as common as you say, you really are special. I truly and earnestly believe that. My intuition says so."

"Thank you." Makoto gives her a small smile.

"As for myself…I should eat something. I appreciate you talking to me like this." She bows shyly as she walks back to the others.

Mukuro passes by the high-spirited idol and presents herself to Makoto. "No one appears to be making for the camp. They should be safe for the time being."

"Good. While Kyoko-san is dealing with the mastermind, I'm thinking about confronting Murasame-san myself."

"Hm? Would it not be a better idea to stay here?"

Makoto smiles at her, making Mukuro try to hide her blush with her hands. "No, I'm not very good at sitting around. Plus the damage could very well cause another Tragedy to occur. I may not be a native to this dimension, but that drives me more than ever to stop it from ever happening. These people don't deserve that."

ANote

BlackCapPI: A massive protest at Hope's Peak Academy… it's just like the Danganronpa games!

Shirokuma: do you think a killing game is gonna happen?

BlackCapPI: I don't want to even think about it. These are real people. If the Tragedy were to happen for real…

Shirokuma: oh man, that would be pretty exciting don't you think…

BlackCapPI: Look. I love Danganronpa as much as anyone else, but having it happen in real life would be terrible. Awful.

Shirokuma: yeah you're right. was just trying some black humor.

BlackCapPI: I thought so. Besides, that would mean that our favorite series would cease to exist. No one wants to be reminded of something horrible.

Shirokuma: but game companies make games on the world wars all the time. those were terrible times.

BlackCapPI: Yeah, but those things happened a long time ago where we can do that while most people aren't offended. For us, we probably would be either dead or too old to enjoy a new installment if the worst happens.

Shirokuma: okay yeah that's terrifying.