The sun set when Makoto and Mukuro arrived at the café Apricot. The eatery was surprisingly busy for a weekday. Asking the owner, Makoto finds out the place began to advertise live performances for unknown performers to get their name out in the hopes of becoming the next big thing through the power of social media.

It was a nice gesture to give back to the community at the very least. Tonight there was a keyboard – possibly because bringing a grand piano into the place was probably not feasible in any fashion. Mukuro looks at what Makoto orders – a gourmet hamburger with a side of something fashioned as a "donut cake."

The hamburger was extremely out-of-this-world. Almost alien even. He feels as if someone may get a high by eating the foreign staple. Trying out the cake now, it's extremely sweet. He didn't even have to order a cup of coffee with how much energy was contained in the dessert.

"Kirigiri-san was right. You've gotten some strange tastes."

"That's the specialty of this café."

"Is it?"

"Yeah. One of the owner's distant relatives travels around the world a lot. Says he's only a teenager. Maybe he might have some sort of SHSL talent?" Makoto chuckles a bit. "Anyway, he brings back some exotic recipes and the ones the owner likes get added to the menu."

Mukuro's eyes shift back toward Makoto's face. "Still, you were the type to only eat curry, or sandwiches or maybe a dry piece of toast."

"I realized that even food from far away feels comfortable. So if I happen to find myself far from home, I can still feel at home anywhere I go. Curry's still my favorite though." He breaks off another piece of his donut cake with a fork. "After all, both my parents' house and Hope's Peak Academy are long gone. Not to mention that we're not even from this version of this world…"

"Do you want to go back?" Ikusaba kept her face as neutral as possible.

"Ignoring the fact that it sounds like we might not even be able to… I don't know. Would that world be my home now?" Makoto smiles. "All my friends are here with me. That's good enough."

The raven-haired lady looked down while blushing. "I see. I'm glad."

The two enjoyed some more small talk between each other while finishing their meal. They can hear the keyboard come to life as the performer finally took the small stage. The performance is full of energy, yet there was a somber melancholy to it. Makoto decides to look back during a pause in their conversation and sees the blonde girl he saw earlier this week. Her set finally ends with applause from the other patrons. Some of them finally put down their phones as they finish recording.

The owner makes a motion while Makoto tries to wave it off. Unfortunately, he brings the young blonde piano player over to their table and introduces them.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Kaede Akamatsu. So you're a reporter, Naegi-san?"

"Ah, yeah. I am. Though at the moment I'm on another job…"

Kaede smiles sweetly. "Well, what did you think about my piece?"

"It was really nice. I'm, uh, not really a music critic or anything."

"Ah, well. That's okay! Just hearing praise from someone so cute is enough for me."

Naegi was taken aback. "C-Cute?!"

While Mukuro scowled a little bit, Makoto felt that there was something…off. Funny how with all of Junko's aggressive flirting, his gut feeling knew it was at least genuine. Akamatsu's own words, while there was some feeling of fondness, seemed to have something else hidden behind them. He wasn't entirely sure what it was but he felt he needed to probe around a bit.

"Erm, well, thanks for the c-compliment. But, really, I enjoyed the melody. Though it, I don't know, felt a little sad to me?"

"Sad, huh…" The blonde pianist looked a bit thoughtful. "That's kind of impressive! Yeah, I wanted to play something that evoked that kind of melancholy without making it sound like you were at a funeral."

"It was a good choice. You might have gotten a few fans."

She slyly smiles. "Are you one of them?"

The SHSL Soldier glances over at Makoto while he responded with a strained smile. The freckled warrior just sighs quietly and watches closely.

"I…I wouldn't go that far. I've only heard one song, after all."

"Ah! Yeah, that's true. I could play some for you at some other time. Maybe in private?"

Revealing how uncomfortable he is on his face, he flatly replied, "I don't think that's necessary. Really. You did fine."

Kaede, however, looked a bit confused. The look on her face revealed how she wasn't expecting this. In fact, she looked unsure on how to proceed.

"I plan to write about this event. It's a nice little thing happening in the community. That includes your performance, too."

"O-Oh." His words shook Akamatsu out of her short shock. "Sorry, I was…"

"Were you trying to get me to write about you?"

Kaede laughs awkwardly. "Y-Yeah. You caught me. I mean… you didn't look like a creep but I figured I might as well try anyways."

"Have you done this before?"

"Well, guys fawn over me. Especially those in showbiz. Thank the stars I didn't want to become an idol. Eugh."

Mukuro decides to chime in. "It sounds like you don't think highly of people."

"Can you blame me? People can be really awful. I don't have any faith in humanity."

Makoto gives her a sad smile. "Does that include yourself?"

The question caught the pianist off-guard. "N-No. I suppose not." She looked a little on the defensive. Makoto immediately noticed that she seemed extremely stubborn on her own worldview.

The high school piano player sighs. "Believe me, I want to believe in people with all my heart. It's just that I've seen too much that makes me think the contrary."

"That's alright. You don't need to justify yourself to me. You barely know me, Akamatsu-san."

"Gee…you're such a cute softie you know that?"

Makoto sighs in response.

"But I've never met someone as nice as you before. That's it! You're like… a unicorn."

"What now?"

"Something that probably doesn't exist. There's no way you're this easygoing."

"I mean I get mad or anxious like anyone else. I don't know what to tell you. I'm just like this."

Mukuro nodded in agreement.

"But people can take advantage of you and betray you…how can you just live like that?"

"Oh, believe me. It's happened. Many times. All I can do is learn from it and keep going on with my own life."

Kaede frowns. "Sounds like a really painful way to live."

"It's not easy, yeah. But with a good attitude, a level head and a bit of luck…it all works out."

After all, there were plenty of people with infectiously cheery attitudes like he has. His luck, while painful at times, has saved him more than he realized. Though that was before he was able to take an outsider's perspective on things thanks to the Danganronpa series.

"You know, I thought you were a wimp. But you're a lot tougher than you look."

"Hehe. Thank you, Akamatsu-san."

"Maybe I ought to try being a little more positive. A little bit. I mean, a smile uses less muscles than a frown, right? Don't want to get wrinkles either…"

"By the way, are you a fan of Danganronpa?"

"Huh? How'd you figure that out?"

"Just a gut feeling."

"Really? Huh. Anyway, yes, I'm a fan. Not like a hardcore one or anything, but I started getting into it around… Danganronpa 45? I really liked the dance mechanics in the trials! And all the characters were highschoolers so I guess I connected with them a little bit." She blushes. "Ooh… sorry. I was rambling. Between DR and piano, I can start gabbing a lot. Did you watch V1?"

"Oh, erm…" Some sweat drips from Makoto's forehead. "N-No, I haven't been keeping up with it."

"Aw. I wanted to talk about it. But I don't want to spoil it! Better catch up, 'cause V2 is coming out soon!"

"Wow, really?"

"Yeah. They used actors for V1 to kinda show it off to the world but they had auditions for V2 while it was airing. They wanted people of high school age so I decided to give it a shot. I mean, it wouldn't hurt right? Might help out my music career and get my name out there. And maybe if I don't get into V2 there's always V3!"

Makoto laughs. "Wow, you're being really optimistic."

"I blame you!" Kaede smiles back. "A-Ah! Anyway, I need to get home before my parents kill me. It was nice talking to you, Naegi-san! Hope the next time you see me is on Danganronpa!"

Makoto sighs in relief as the blonde pianist walks out of the café.

Mukuro shifts her eyes to the sides. "Is the killing game some kind of blood sport in this world?"

"Er…well…that's actually not too far from the truth, actually."

Makoto yawns as he arrives back at Class 78's homeroom. He had to arrive early onto campus in order to attend the normal teacher's meeting for the last three days of the school week. Mukuro had to fill out paperwork in order to finalize her examination results for Hope's Peak Academy records. Her arduous trials were finally coming to a close.

The class greets him while the substitute homeroom advisor stifles a yawn and replies.

"Sorry. Had an early morning. Anyway, since we're a little short staffed because of the riots earlier this week the exams will be spread over the next three days. You guys will have your practical exams on Saturday."

Leon groans. "Seriously? So we're last. Man! And I was hoping I'd have time to ask a chick out."

"However it means we have ample time to prepare." Sakura smiles. "Isn't that right, sensei?"

"Yeah. You guys are the freshmen class so they definitely want you guys to succeed. Though that means you guys are going to only be going to your labs for the next couple of days."

Sayaka spoke up next. "Will our normal observers be in our labs with us?"

"Ah, sadly no… we're so short staffed that they're also assigned to be proctors for the upcoming exams."

"Hot damn. That bad huh?" Mondo huffed. "How about you? You stuck with that job too?"

"Oh no. I'm not an official faculty member of Hope's Peak so… I'll be checking in on you guys from time to time."

"It seems you take your charge very seriously, Naegi-sensei. I doubt they're asking you to do such a thing." Celestia smiles. "Still, it does bring some comfort."

"I'm glad you think so. I have no doubts you guys will do fine. I'm just making sure nothing strange happens, is all."

"S-Strange?" Chihiro shivers. "What do you mean by that?"

"Oh. Sorry if I'm alarming you, Fujisaki-san. It's just there might be some damage left over from the riots. I wouldn't want any of you to get injured while you're preparing."

"Ah…I see…" The SHSL Programmer calmed down a bit.

The bell rings to signal the end of homeroom. "Alright everyone! Make sure you're sharp for the exams. Practice if you need to, but don't go overboard."

The students file out as Makoto watches them all leave. He looks around the classroom for the first time, alone. He walks over to one of the unused desks. This was the one he used and the one he woke up in the killing game at. It was criminally funny how the students were all worried about their exams rather than their own well-being. A thought process he used to know and subscribe to himself.

The old adage must ring true, Naegi thought, that when you're young you feel invincible. But he was still young. He was only 20-years-old at this point. But those few years from the Killing Game and onward felt more like decades. You see many of your friends, colleagues and family disappear from your own eyes.

But the classroom felt timeless. Had he done the time travelling himself, he might have foolishly thought he could relive the years he lost. Makoto knew that this was just an exercise in futility. Regardless of whether he truly went to the past or not, the fact remained that everything still happened. Nothing could change that.

Walking away from the desk and stopping at the door, he looks back at the classroom. After realizing something about himself, he smiles and takes one last look at the past he will continue to carry with him for the rest of his life.

"Ah, Makoto-kun."

"Kyoko-san. Good morning."

"Would you like to come with me to my office?"

Shaking off his melancholy feelings, he smiles at the former SHSL Detective. "Yeah. I'd love to."

He followed Kirigiri all the way to the office she was being lent in the administration building and he could smell a nice aroma. She opens the door and a couple of cups of tea were laying out on the coffee table still steaming. Naegi takes a seat on the visitor's couch and she sits next to him.

"The receptionist in the lobby said you came by. I apologize."

"Ah, n-no. It's okay. I assumed you got wrapped up in important business."

Kyoko picks up a cup with her gloved right hand. "Yes. A lot of reporters have come by lately. Some authorized, others not. It certainly was a draining day yesterday."

"I bet. With the whole scandal and now the practical exams… I'm glad to not be in your position." Makoto sighs. "S-Sorry. I didn't mean to say that."

"You are correct, though. I don't envy myself either."

He rubs the back of his neck and then reaches for the other cup of tea. "Must be annoying though. You aren't able to take other detective gigs for the meantime."

"It is annoying but not for that reason."

"Huh? I thought you missed being a detective."

"While maintaining the Kirigiri name is important…" She looks over at Makoto while she puts down her tea cup. "…I missed the quiet."

"O-Oh. Yeah. You were being hounded by reporters back at our HPA too."

"It was necessary back in our world. Here…not so much. I had forgotten how irresponsible adults can be. The headmaster especially."

"Well it should die down soon, right? Just a little bit longer."

"Indeed. Though it always seems to be the way things are. Even during our time in the Future Foundation, I hardly ever got a chance to be with myself. And…" Her eyes scan Makoto's face.

"That's right. You were the head of our division."

"Not to mention we hadn't seen each other in literal months. I suppose its bad luck."

He just laughed nervously. "Yeah, but we have some downtime now."

"I suppose I'll take the chance to ask you a few questions."

The former SHSL Lucky Student gulped his tea in response. "S-Sure."

"What were your plans for the future? We never got to discuss them at length."

He placed his hand on his chin, reminiscent of the lilac-haired woman's own pose. "Well completely rebuild the academy, assist with reconstruction efforts where we needed it, and I guess live the rest of my life with my head held high."

"No, not that. I mean for your own personal life."

"H-Huh?! Oh…um. Well, I-I don't really know..."

"If you'd like, I'd like to tell you my own."

"Sure!" Makoto breathed a sigh of relief. "I'd like to hear them."

"When the commotion died down, I was hoping to live my life out peacefully. Perhaps take an early retirement and maybe teach my…successor." Her eyes move to meet Makoto's. "I was tired of fighting, Makoto-kun."

He just looked back at her.

"I wanted to be with my special person, grow old together, and live out my life like anyone else."

"S-Special person…?"

Her eyes narrow slightly and her tone drops flat. "Makoto-kun."

"O-Oh…" He rubs his cheek with his finger. "I-I see."

"Hm. For someone so expressive, it seems you're as clumsy with love as I am. Or is it something else?"

"I guess after Maizono-san I never allowed myself to really think about that kind of stuff. It's funny. We weren't even dating."

"It makes sense. Out of everyone's deaths, hers really stuck with you. I recall the password. '11037."

"I'll never know what her intentions were when she left that message with her dying breath. And frankly, I probably shouldn't. She took those thoughts to the grave." Makoto sighed.

"I still maintain my belief that she was truly remorseful for her actions."

He smiled in response. "Hey...if you don't mind, I'd like to...to talk about the video."

Kyoko immediately knew what he was talking about. "You've been tight-lipped about it. I suppose you want to share it now?" She crossed her arms.

"I was just remembering the last time I tried to hide something from you."

"...you were in an unenviable position. I was out of line. Now...what did you want to share about the Suicide Video?"

"I saw them all, Kyoko-san. All our dead friends. And...and...I thought you were dead at the time. You and Maizono-san were telling me to join you."

The former SHSL detective flinched when she heard this. Even though, logically, she was not at fault for this; she felt guilt from almost driving Makoto to death. It would be the second time in her mind.

"Kyoko-san? Are you alright?"

"No, I...I'm fine. I was just thinking about what a poor friend I've been. I should have found you as soon as I could have."

"Don't worry about that. We're here together now, right?"

"Yes. You're right." Kyoko shows a close-lipped smile.

"A-Anyway. About your feelings…I can barely sort my own at the moment."

"As I thought. You've hardly really had time to even think about it, as you said."

"Yeah. When it comes to something like this, I want to give an answer that I back 110%."

"I see. While I am disappointed, you aren't one who wants to leave room for doubt. I would've been angry if you agreed to date me and had second thoughts."

Makoto blushed at how well she took it, leaving an awkward silence between them. He looked away and then saw some wrappers laying out on her desk. "Hey, have you been eating well?"

"What do you mean?"

"It's just… you were never really one who knew how to cook." He laughs nervously. "I mean, you just ate cereal most of the time I saw you back in the killing game."

"And what is wrong with cereal?" She crosses her arms.

Unlike the previous time where she was annoyed with him for pointing out her bad dieting habits, he got angry in return. "Hey! You can't just eat poorly all the time. It'll catch up to you, you know."

"I—" Kyoko sighs. "I know you're right, but bad habits are hard to break."

"Kyoko-san…" Makoto looks at her with a disapproving look.

She looks straight at him in a neutral stance. "How could you bully me in my own office? You're a cruel, cruel man Makoto-kun!"

They both look at each other in tense silence for a few moments and finally laugh.

After a short chat, Makoto bid Kyoko goodbye and headed over to the art building. He walks through the hall where he can still hear a certain SHSL Music Club Member's shredding on her guitar through the thick walls and doors. Ibuki always had a "unique" music style, the older Naegi mused. After ascending a couple of floors, he manages to find the Anime Development lab. Opening the door, he finds Hifumi working on his latest piece of fan work.

"Ah! Sensei! Glad of you to drop by. Are you ready to learn the wonders of Princess Piggles?"

"Erm…I'll pass for the moment. What are you working on?"

He walked over to the SHSL Doujin Artist and immediately saw a panty flash in one of the panels. "O-Oh…is this one of those kind of works?"

"Hmph! While I do embrace how the art of doujin-making allows us to tap into our base urges, this is definitely not what you're thinking of!" He looked proud. "I don't need to rely on R-18 works to garner an audience."

"Not to mention that wouldn't be legal."

"Details, details!" Hifumi takes a large gulp from one of his cans of Orange Panta and sets it aside with five other empty cans. "Tell me, Makoto Naegi-dono, your sister wants to be a manga artist right?"

"Yeah. It was always her dream to make stories that could make people happy." He taps his chin. "Girls' manga really inspired her."

"It is certainly an admirable dream. You know, I wish to one day make my own series as well! Many popular doujin artists transitioned into becoming celebrated manga artists. And I will be the next Osamu Tezuka-dono!"

The substitute homeroom advisor looked impressed. "That's a pretty big dream, Yamada-san. Have you any idea on what you'd make?"

Hifumi suddenly deflated and sighed. "Actually, I have not. It's increasingly difficult to make something completely original these days. But I want to revolutionize the industry in some way so that my name could be remembered by otaku for generations!"

"Yeah. I don't think my sister would help you here. She doesn't have any grand ambition like that. She does it because she wants to tell her stories."

The SHSL Doujin Artist huffed. "…when you've been making fan works of other people's work, I'm afraid that I've never learned how to be original."

"Everyone had to start somewhere."

"Yes, but how do I go from the realms of the masses and transcend into manga godhood?"

Makoto was at a loss for words. While he knew he could cheer him up and reinforce his skills and ego as a doujin artist, he knew that Hifumi wanted to become more. Unfortunately he wasn't an artist. He was, at best, a casual anime and manga fan. He had no idea about the intricacies of the world of mangakas or a way to make a sufficiently unique story that could be remembered by literal generations of fans and others.

"I know this may be a personal question, Yamada-san, but am I the only one you've ever told these things about?"

"Aside from my darling sister, yes. In fact you two are the only ones who have been willing to listen."

It seems between dimensions some things never change.

"Have you talked to the other people who used this lab? I mean, they would at least share some interest."

"Hmph!" Hifumi looks away sadly. "Philistines, the lot of them! They simply want to steal my ideas! Besides, none of them hold any ambition. It's saddening. Only wanting to stick into the status quo and make their harem and romance-centered works."

"That can't be true of everyone that uses this place."

Footsteps arrive at the door and both look back at the entrance. A large portly male with long black hair was helping a sickly-looking Ryota Mitarai into the room.

"I-I have to go back to our dorm…I need to keep working on it."

"Mitarai. You know that sensei will drag you here herself if you didn't come out. We're all to report to our labs while everyone else is taking their practical exams."

Makoto now realizes that the larger man was the SHSL Impostor. "Is Mitarai-san alright? He doesn't look too well."

"Oh? There is a teacher here?" The Impostor suddenly become self-conscious, looking ashamed that he wasn't in disguise. "Y-Yes, I'm afraid he's a little ill. He hasn't been eating well."

"From your little conversation, it sounds like he's been working on something until he collapses. And if I recall he's the SHSL Animator."

Hifumi stands and brings him a bag of potato chips. "I understand that art must be given its full heart and soul, but you must eat! Your creative juices require it!"

Ryota weakly looks at it while the Impostor just nods at him. He takes a seat and eats some of the chips he was offered.

The Impostor sighs as he helps the sleep-deprived animator to the table where Makoto and Hifumi were sitting. "My examination is in a few hours. Afterward, I'll come back to check on you, alright?"

"Okay. I'll…I'll see you later." He watched his large friend leave the lab and turned his attention to the other occupants in the room, trying not to make eye contact.

"Yamada-san, have you and Mitarai-san met yet?"

"No. I knew that he attended this school, but this is the first time I have ever met him! To think someone so dedicated to anime could exist!"

Ryota just looked cautiously at both of them.

"Mitarai-san, do you mind if I can ask you something?"

"G-Go ahead…"

"Why did you become an animator?"

Ryota was jolted out of his daze. "Ah…I…" He looks embarrassed. "I want to spread hope to the whole world with anime. I want people to look back fondly on my work and smile on it. Not just here in Japan, but the rest of the world too."

Hifumi looked at him, impressed. "Ryota Mitarai-dono. What are your opinions on Demon AngelPretty Pudgy Princess?"

"The magical girl anime?" Ryota musters up a weak smile. "Hehe, the show is actually one of my inspirations!"

The portly doujin artist smiled and looked triumphant.

Makoto also smiles. "It seems you and your senpai have a lot to talk about."

"Indeed! That devil's luck of yours…it truly has helped me out this day! To think I could find a kindred spirit!"

"I didn't do anything. I should get going and check on the others. But I want to remind you two that 'no man is an island.' It's tempting to just stay by yourself and focus on your own things. But that's unhealthy. After all, you both were inspired by someone else's creation."

The two looked at him and nodded.

"Now, now! As Makoto Naegi-dono has said, we have much to discuss. I wish to probe your brain a bit to truly understand your passion!"

"Here!" Hifumi offers him a can of his Panta, "It wouldn't do if you just fell over unconscious!" Ryota smiles and takes it.

Makoto could only chuckle to himself as he leaves the lab. Walking into the hallway outside, Makoto runs into Chisa.

"Oh, Yukizome-san."

"Makoto-kun! Hi!"

"Were you here to check on Mitarai-san? He's fine and in the anime lab."

The former SHSL Housekeeper sighs in relief. "Ah! That's good. I was wondering if I had to drag him over here myself. I'm on my lunch break now. Care to join me?"

Makoto smiles. "Sure."

Both young adults make their way to the cafeteria for some food. It seemed they got Teruteru's examinations out of the way as soon as possible so the campus wouldn't miss his cuisine. Also probably for the safety of the other students. It seemed Makoto's good luck was on a roll today as curry was on the menu.

The homeroom advisor of Class 77-B sighed. "It's all just been work, work, work lately! What rotten timing, you know, with the practical exams happening."

"Must be rough."

"Yeah! And I haven't been able to hang out with either Kyosuke or Juzo-kun either." She puffed up her cheeks.

"Hey, I wanted to ask Yukizome-san...how are you?"

She smiles. "I'm feeling way better than before, you know. It's like I've gone back in time before your freckled friend…" She stops herself with the corner of her mouth forming a frown.

"No, no. I know what she did."

Her voice sounds as tired as she should be. "To think I lived lobotomized for so long. It was like watching yourself and not being able to do anything. And I killed those children…"

"Just like your class, it wasn't your fault."

"Yeah. I was able to see my darling students help you out at the end. I'm proud of them."

"Do you still blame yourself for what happened to Munakata-san?"

Chisa sighs. "Brain drain or not, I still did that to him. It was like my love for him was transformed into wanting him to fall into the depths of despair."

"Yeah. I noticed you two seemed distant but…"

"But?"

"Even at the end, I'm sure he still thought of you."

Chisa pinches Makoto's cheek and he immediately reacted with an "ouch!"

"I can see why Kyoko-chan says you're so cheeky."

"I-It's true, though!" Gritting the pain, he continues. "I mean, you saw it too, right? In that weird theater."

"Yes, I did." She looks down in guilt and releases his cheek. "That pink demon was cracking up but my thoughts drowned her out."

"Hey, you know this is a second chance right? Might as well take it."

"I know but..." The orange-haired woman looked at him. "Okay, Makoto-kun, how do you manage to do it with Kyoko-chan?"

"Do what?"

"Both her and Kyosuke are really distant people, you know. How are you guys so close? I'm jealous."

"I-I think you might be misunderstanding our relationship here. But…I guess it's because hiding what we feel is pretty useless. I'm terrible at lying and Kyoko-san is always candid about her feelings since we've known each other for so long. I guess that's the secret."

Chisa pouts.

"Look, if you two actually sat down and talked…I think you two can reach an understanding."

"Hehe, just like both of the killing games. You've always been about that. And the fact that the people who took your advice make it work so well means you have a point, huh?" The former SHSL Housekeeper clutches her fist and stands up. "Okay! You're right, Makoto-kun! We're not going to get anywhere if we just keep moping!"

The few students and faculty in the dining area give her looks, but she ignores them.

"And this time we're going on an actual date! I'm not taking no for an answer."

Makoto starts sweating a bit and thinks to himself what a fearsome woman she was.

After bidding the ever-cheerful Yukizome goodbye, the substitute homeroom advisor decided to visit the academics lab. Upon entering it, there were computers neatly in a row in the middle table with the surroundings looking like an entire library. He sees Kiyotaka with a high stack of books while he reads it with undivided attention.

Makoto knocks on the door frame and he turns back to see him. He immediately stands and bows. "Sensei!"

"Ishimaru-san. Have you eaten lunch?"

"I-no-I've been too busying preparing for the exam!" He looks down in shame.

"I think you already know, but I did say to not go overboard. Your health is still important."

"This is true! However, eating in the laboratory is strictly prohibited!"

Tell that to everyone else using these labs… Makoto thought to himself. "Just make sure to eat something on the next break period, okay?"

"Yes sir!"

The brown-haired adult walked over and glanced at the books that Kiyotaka was reading. They were all academically inclined – from Japanese literature, to history, to various mathematics.

"I've been asking people this, but do you mind telling me what your dream job is?"

"My dream job? Well, that is simple, Naegi-sensei. I want to become Prime Minister of Japan!"

"I heard you're related to Toranosuke Ishimaru."

"You are indeed correct. He was my grandfather. However, I am also sure you are aware of the shame that he brought to our family. I wish to bring honor back to the Ishimaru name."

"Yeah. I can see that. You're extremely dedicated."

"To be acknowledged for that one fact, that all my accomplishments were through merit rather than natural genius, is what I strive for. As expected from a well-researched reporter." The SHSL Public Morals Committee Member beams with pride.

"Ah, I'd like to ask a more personal question."

"Go ahead! I have nothing to hide."

"Well, I…I just wanted to ask if you've made a lot of friends in your class?"

Kiyotaka looked dejected, almost teary. "N-No. In fact the only people I have connected with are my brother and Fujisaki-kun."

"Hm. Any reason why?"

"Well, I…I haven't had friends growing up. Maizono-kun said that it was really sad and tried her best to have a conversation with me, but it was too strained."

"I don't mean to admonish you, Ishimaru-san, but you do realize a politician needs to know how to interact with people. It's a major part of the job."

"Y-Yes, I know. But…" He looks over to the side.

"I noticed you trying to take charge several times but no one seemed to heed you."

The red-eyed student sighs. "I only want what's best for my fellow classmates. While most of them are behaved, there are a few problematic members of our group."

"You'll encounter a lot of problematic personalities in the world of politics, you know." Makoto gives a sympathetic look. "I'm not saying your efforts are wasted here, but as a person and as a future political figure you want to become well-rounded. Especially as Prime Minister."

"Hm." He shifts his eyes back at the adult Naegi. "Have you ever been in politics?"

"Not exactly." He chuckles at his memory to when people were calling him Headmaster. "I am a reporter, after all. I meet a lot of different people."

"Indeed. It's a shame you aren't our regular homeroom advisor." Ishimaru grins. "I can see and feel the dedication you have, too! Haha, had you been a student of Hope's Peak Academy, I would have found a kindred spirit!"

Makoto could only laugh nervously in response.

"However you have a point! I need to not only become a model student, but also a model human being!" His voice booms throughout the laboratory. "I swear to you, Naegi-sensei, that I will redouble my efforts into befriending my class! You'll see!"

"Once again, don't overdo it. Some people might need their space too."

"Hm. It sounds as if the art of human interaction is a lot trickier than I realized."

"It comes with experience."

"Your words have lightened the burden on my heart. I thank you! Perhaps you, my sworn brother and I can take a trip to the public hot spring in order to strengthen our bond as men!"

"I don't think you should be offering that to your homeroom advisor."

"Y-You are correct! I am sorry!" He gets down on his knees and repeatedly bows his head over and over, almost slamming his forehead into the floor.

"Don't kowtow to me like that! Please!" Makoto could only sigh as he spent the rest of the class period to calm him down.

After checking in on some of the other students of Class 78, he returns to the homeroom where the students waited for his arrival. Makoto makes a glance over at Chihiro and Sakura, the only two he hasn't spoken at length with yet.

"I know it's been a long day for some of you, so make sure you guys get a lot of relaxation and rest in." Makoto smiles. "I'll see you all tomorrow, alright?"

The bell finally rings and the students file out aside from one of them. Sakura seems to be waiting at her desk. Before Makoto could ask, Hina and Mukuro arrive at the classroom door.

The former SHSL Swimming Pro smiles. "Hey hey! Look who I ran into!"

"It's done." The SHSL Soldier states flatly.

"Naegi-sensei, would you like to join Hina-san and I in our training?"

"Sure. Would it be alright if Ikusaba-san joins us as well?"

The SHSL Martial Artist glances over at Mukuro and smiles. "I have no issue. I sense some frightening strength in her."

"Yeah, Naegi! I don't mind either. How about you, Ikusaba-chan?"

"I would like to."

The four of them arrive at the martial arts laboratory, looking similar to the dojo in the old school building. There are wooden weapons aligned on the wall for public use as well as the scent of lavender incense wafting throughout the room. The walls were also lined with cushions for obvious reasons while the floor looked to be straw tatami.

"Naegi-sensei, if you would indulge me…I would like to spar with you."

"W-Wait, me? But I'm not much of a fighter." Makoto's shock didn't disappear from his face. "But…alright. Just don't go too hard on me."

Mukuro looked like she was about to step in, but Hina shook her head and gave the freckled girl a stern look. The raven-haired former mercenary sighs and stops herself from acting on her own protective instincts.

The actual spar was no contest. Sakura Ogami was the undisputed strongest human on earth as of the moment. Despite being bruised and battered, Makoto always kept standing up after being downed or thrown into the walls. Mukuro was biting her own lip and her fist was shaking. Hina was just watching carefully with a serious look in her eyes.

"Interesting." Sakura blocks another clumsy attack from Makoto. "You are definitely untrained but you seem to be far sturdier than you look."

"Y-Yeah…I've heard that before…"

"I believe I've seen enough." She pushes him away, while he wipes sweat from his forehead. He looks for his suit jacket which was left somewhere on the floor.

Mukuro sighed in relief.

Sakura crosses her arms. "Even in the few lucky hits that you had, you lacked any desire to hurt me. I believe it is that which holds you back."

"I'm not really a fan of violence." He picks up his suit jacket and dusts it off. "I'd like to talk it out."

"That is actually quite admirable. Albeit quite risky and potentially foolish. There are people out there that refuse to listen to logic or understanding."

"I know that all too well, Ogami-san." Makoto laughs despite the pain coursing through his body. "I wanted to check on you tomorrow but it seems like you already have a good head on your shoulders."

"I would like to ask you a question, if that is alright."

"Go ahead."

"When you first met me, you weren't intimidated at all. I'm curious to know what your thought process was."

"It's true. You have a very intimidating presence and reputation, but the way you carry yourself and treat others tells me another story." He smiles. "You are the textbook example of a true warrior of honor, you know? You'd fit in with samurai."

The SHSL Martial Artist looked confused. "Please elaborate."

"You're polite, calm and always looking to improve yourself. You seem to have a clear idea of what you want in life and how to achieve it. And, frankly, I don't think I could teach you anything. I believe you'd do what is needed to be done without any hesitation. The ideal warrior."

Mukuro looked over at Hina and noticed a few teardrops fall from her face.

"I…I see." Sakura relaxes her pose. "If you are able to grant me such praise without reservation, I have no choice but to believe you. Thank you."

Makoto looked back at Hina for a moment and saw that she was trying to smile through her tears. Mukuro stepped forward.

"I would like to be your opponent, Ogami-san."

"Very well, Ikusaba. I am curious about your strength as well."

Makoto quickly stepped out of the way and back to Hina while Mukuro and Sakura began their friendly duel.

"Are you alright, Hina-san?"

"I—I'll be fine, Naegi. Seems like Ikusaba-chan's gotten better at reading the room. I guess it's because," she sniffs for a moment, "of you."

"You know. You said we're best friends. Tell me what's wrong."

"I spent all this time helping Sakura-chan with her training and…she's the Sakura I know but, it doesn't feel real. I don't know how to explain it. And then I realized I had the same feeling with my parents. With Yuta."

"Yeah. They all died still. That still all happened."

"You already knew huh. So that's why you never visited your parents." She wiped her eyes. "I…why would anyone want to time travel? This is like torture…"

"Sometimes the temptation to change horrible things and wanting only the best for the people you love is too great. I can understand it. Maybe there might be some realities where I fell into that same temptation. I don't know. But that's just how I see it."

"So when you saw Maizono-chan here…"

"She's not the Sayaka Maizono I knew. And I only hope for this world's Maizono-san that she never has to go through anything horrible like ours did."

"You're pretty damn tough, Naegi. You may have noodles for arms but you've always been able to look straight at anything horrible and move forward." She laughs in a sad tone. "Hehe, if you worked out more, you'd be the complete package."

Hina looked at Sakura and Mukuro who were trading blow-for-blow in perfect synch.

"I really don't like what Ikusaba-chan did, but I can't bring myself to hate her. I can't even hate Enoshima-chan."

Makoto looked straight at her as she continued.

"Because the last time I hated people, I almost did something I could never take back."

"Yeah." He remembers how she lost Ogami and wanted to take down the survivors along with her in the fourth trial.

Hina looked down and clasped her hands together. "I regret losing control even to this day. And…I've always wanted to make amends."

"You've paid back thousandfold, Hina-san. Without your help in the final killing game, I don't think I would've be able to save what we had left."

"Thanks." Hina smiles. "You're always so sweet you know that? No wonder I used to have a crush on you."

"Y-You did?! Why am I just finding out about this now?"

"Hehe. You're a little prince charming when you become heroic. But, well, things change. And I want to continue changing and growing so that our Sakura can watch us and smile."

Makoto smiles back. "I think she's happy with us. Actually, no, I know she is. She gave her life for ours. She will always remain one of my inspirations."

"Mine, too. That's why I've decided to keep on helping this Sakura. I want her and Kenshiro to have a happy life here. It's the least I can do to honor her memory."

The spar ends with Sakura slightly eeking out as the victor with Mukuro on the ground.

"It was a good fight. I was pushed to my limit, Ikusaba." Sakura extended her hand to her.

Mukuro looked a little dissatisfied with her loss but looked back at Makoto and Hina laughing about something. She smiled and took Sakura's hand, being helped back up on her feet.

ANote

Shirokuma: omg! that ending to V1…

BlackCapPI: It certainly caught me off-guard. The hero's best friend and mentor being the mastermind. It was a very good twist.

Shirokuma: yeah, i really love it when good twists are used. maybe they're a little cliché in the mystery genre, but you know what i say! if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

BlackCapPI: By the way, did you audition for V2?

Shirokuma: aw i wish i could have but im so busy with my part-time job, you know?

BlackCapPI: Really? A highschooler with a part-time job huh.

Shirokuma: gotta pay for all my cosplays somehow!

BlackCapPI: Yeah. It makes sense. They said they would be using the videos for both V2 and V3 since a lot of people auditioned. More than they were expecting.

Shirokuma: yeah, i even heard they're planning on starting production on V3 right away after V2 ends. no rest for people in the entertainment industry…

BlackCapPI: Really? Yikes. I feel for the production staff.

Shirokuma: well the best way to support them is to watch and buy the work they poured their heart and soul into.

BlackCapPI: Yes, I know that. But I feel like that creates a bad situation where companies are then encouraged to overwork their staff even more.

Shirokuma: that's also true… it's kind of rough in today's world isn't it?