Some confetti falls on Mukuro's face while she's sitting down at the lowered table in Makoto's apartment. Makoto himself looked a little awkward, sweating a bit from Hina's cheer for the freckled ex-mercenary. Kyoko chuckles to herself, eyes closed, and mouth tight-lipped.

"You graduated, Ikusaba-chan! Congrats!"

"O-Oh…is this what this is for…?"

Makoto sighs a bit. "Y-Yeah. Hina-san came up with the idea. I just went along with it. Though my flat isn't exactly the best place for a party…"

"It's the thought that counts, Naegi! Besides they had her get a degree with honors and everything. Why not celebrate?"

The brown-haired man only laughed in response. "Yeah. You're right."

Mukuro looked away. "This isn't really that big of a deal."

"What do you mean?" Hina looked gave off a comforting smile. "Of course it's a big deal! Now you're, like, basically an adult."

"If you say so."

She fidgeted a bit, looking completely like a fish out of water.

"Now, now Hina-san." Kyoko moved shifted her eyes away from Mukuro and then at the cheery swimmer. "She's not completely comfortable with this. Take it easy on her."

"I guess you're right." A sigh escaped from Hina's lips. "She didn't even want us to celebrate her birthdays or even Christmas the next day, now that I remember. Enoshima-chan always said they were busy."

"I suspect it was for an obvious reason." Kyoko stopped her deduction at the end of the sentence, with Mukuro only sadly nodding in response.

Makoto immediately interrupted. "W-Well, she was a good sister who wanted to keep Enoshima company, right?"

Ikusaba responded flatly. "She always hated our birthday. Spending time with her was supposed to be despair-inducing. For herself."

"Was it bad for you?"

"No. Of course not. She's my sister."

Makoto sighed. "Anyway, we might as well eat. The food'll get cold."

"Y-Yes, of course."

The four started eating the warm food that Kyoko bought for them. Assorted rice balls, panko-crusted chicken slices, and some donuts that Hina insisted on bringing herself. The three survivors of the killing game were chatting up a storm while Mukuro would only respond when being addressed to.

"…and so father decided to pardon Matsuda in exchange for re-enrollment." Kyoko looked at her half-full cup of coffee.

Hina was shocked. "W-Wait, seriously? Why?"

"It would be a monumental disaster for the academy if it comes out that a student murdered another student, even if they were expelled. Especially when that former student was tied to one of the most despicable example of human experimentation in recent times. I suspect it's similar to how the deaths of the Natsumi Kuzuryu and Sato were kept under wraps from the public."

Makoto looked disappointed.

"I also suspect that the headmaster felt guilty that a student was driven to murder due to something he was complicit in, despite the Steering Committee. It comes with the caveat that Matsuda has to check with Gekkogahara-san weekly for psychological evaluations."

The former SHSL Lucky Student thought for a moment, imagining how he himself would react in that situation as a headmaster. "I…see. How did Matsuda-san take it?"

"Visibly irritated and proceeded to berate the headmaster. Unsurprising. However, he ended up accepting the terms."

"I see. Maybe they needed him to complete work on the Neo World Program?"

"True. That could also be another reason. Though…"

"Hm? What's wrong, Kyoko-san?"

"Well, any ongoing project right now is under heavy scrutiny. There is a high chance that the project will be abandoned. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology slashed the upcoming quarter's funding due to the riots and what information was leaked to the public."

"I guess all we can do is wait and see what happens. I don't know how Munakata-san will handle the NWP. He knows that it was pretty invaluable for reforming Class 77-B."

"The final decision rests with the headmaster, unfortunately."

Makoto sighs and looks over to Mukuro and Hina. "S-Sorry, it got really heavy there."

"Well it's important! We might need the Neo World Program!" Hina gave a small smile.

"As long as there isn't an Alter Ego Enoshima that comes with it." Makoto chuckled, while Hina and Kyoko looked unamused. Mukuro just gave an empty stare into space.

"So, ah, Ikusaba-san, now that you're an honorary graduate of Hope's Peak Academy, what do you think you'll be doing?"

"I haven't really put much thought into it."

"Well!" Hina gives a big grin. "Someone as athletic as the SHSL Soldier has got a lot going for her!"

"You also have expertise in being a survivalist." Kyoko added.

"I do yes, but… what kind of things are those skills in a peaceful world like this?"

"Hey, Ikusaba-san." Makoto gives a half-smile. "There's no rush. Just take some time to think about it, alright? I'll support you any way I can."

"…thank you, Naegi-kun."

Kyoko glances out at the window as the moon starts to rise. "I should get going. Thank you for having me, Makoto-kun." She stands from the grounded table.

"Anytime." He looks over at Hina who also stands. "Heading out too, Hina-san?"

"Yeah. Mind giving me a ride back to my house, Kyoko-chan? Another day of work and some final touches on Sakura-chan's training in the afternoon! Also need to work off this food." A sheepish grin appears on her face.

"Of course. It's no trouble, Hina-san. You two have a good night." The two women left the apartment while Makoto began cleaning up after everyone. Mukuro looked deep in thought as the sound of washing goes on in the flat. After a good while, the eatery was dried up and put away.

"Ikusaba-san?"

She snaps out of whatever trance she was in and looks back at Makoto.

"Oh…um…did you need something?"

"You're really thinking about this earnestly, aren't you?"

"It's really been a second chance for me. But you can't just…change so easily. I don't know how you all did it."

"That sounds like a personal journey, I think. The best part of a second chance is that you get time to find that answer."

"Can a wilted flower like me grow at all?"

Makoto walks over and sits back down at the table. "Sometimes the wilted flower somehow survives. Even after being trampled on."

Mukuro can only smile in response. "Sometimes I catch myself just staring into space thinking about what I can do. It still feels like a dream. But…when you look at me…I know that…it's real."

The former SHSL Lucky Student couldn't help but be touched.

"U-Ugh." Her face goes beet red. "I-It's easier to say s-something like that in disguise…"

"I think it means more when you said it like this."

"S-Stop, I…I'm not like my sis—"

"Hey. I'll have to cut you off there. You're talented and extremely introspective, you know? Whatever awful things Enoshima has said about you, I guarantee that it was just stuff meant to put you down."

Mukuro just looked down and her blush intensified.

Makoto looked alarmed. "H-Hey, don't faint on me now."

"I-It's just…I've never been treated like this before. I don't know…"

He could only bite his lip in response. Wanting to change the subject, he started off with another question. "Well, you're free to do whatever you want now. I'm sure you're tired of seeing the academy by now."

Steering away the conversation seemed to have worked. "No. I'm not, surprisingly."

"Really? It must've been pretty grueling the past several days."

"It's fine. Everything about me seems to be working. I was a former mercenary, if you remember."

"True. But I'm not quite free from my promise yet."

"I would like to go with you, Naegi-kun."

"To Class 78? Any reason?"

"…I'm curious to see how you work."

Makoto could only laugh nervously. "Alright. Sure. Though they may ask you some questions while you're there."

"Don't worry. I won't reveal anything."

"…that's not exactly what I'm worried about."

The entirety of Class 78 looked wary of the new person joining for the day in their homeroom. Mukuro kept her face completely devoid of emotion as they tried examining her face.

"Ah, well, you've all seen her before. During the riots. She's an old friend of mine."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "Old friend, huh? Sure, whatever you say sensei."

"Kuwata-kun!" Kiyotaka admonished him once again while the SHSL Baseball Player only rolled his eyes in response.

"She's been taking exams from staff the entire week, but she's never gotten to see the academy in full. I figured she could use a tour of the entire campus since she's never seen it in full yet."

"Whoa, shit. Exams, huh… guess they wanted to make sure they got every single piece of talent they could get their grubby hands on." Mondo crossed his arms. "Figures."

A respectful, yet cold greeting came from Mukuro's mouth. "My name is Mukuro Ikusaba. I've been given the title of SHSL Soldier. It is nice to meet all of you."

Sakura only nodded and smiled, recalling their spar the day previous. "Thank you for yesterday, Ikusaba. It was a good fight."

The rest of the class snapped their heads back at the SHSL Martial Artist and then back to the SHSL Soldier.

"Mukuro Ikusaba-dono fought Sakura Ogami-dono?! I'm surprised explosions did not start reverberating throughout the school!" Hifumi held his head in terror imagining the collateral damage the two could cause.

Sakura crossed her arms. "It was an earnest spar, not an all-out fight."

Mukuro only nodded once in response.

Celestia left a snide response. "How barbaric."

"Let's settle down." Makoto crossed his arms with a stern look. "Today will be the same as yesterday – all day in your development labs along with breaks. Please remember to take them." His eyes shifted to Kiyotaka who nodded furiously.

"In any case, try to have a good day alright?"

The bell rung to begin the slow-paced day for the school. Less students were attending class due to the third years already completing their exams. He saw from the corner of his eye the entirety of Class 77-B walking past Class 78's homeroom along with Chisa. The former SHSL Housekeeper gave a wave and said in a cheery tone, "Morning, Makoto-kun!"

Naegi could only wave back awkwardly.

"Seriously, dude! This is getting out of control!" Leon pouted.

"Hey, hold on, we're just old friends."

"Just how many 'old friends' do you got, dude?"

Sayaka rolled her eyes. "It was just a friendly greeting amongst peers, Kuwata-kun."

"Yeah, but she's hot!"

The SHSL Idol just huffed and stood up, getting ready to head to her own lab. The rest of the class followed suit while Makoto and Mukuro were left in the classroom.

"You're a lot more authoritative, Naegi-kun."

"I can't exactly be super laid back around teenagers. I don't want to step on any toes, but I'd like to do my job right."

She smiles softly at him. "I think it's a good change. You're still friendly but people listen."

"It took a lot to get to this point." A sad look showed on his face. "But at least I finally made it this far."

After giving a once-over of the room, they both walked out of there and Makoto started walking toward the hard sciences building. Many of the labs inside were unoccupied as the two made their way through the many floors. Eventually they reached the third floor where they could hear the soft whirring of supercomputers working in various rooms. Going down a few hallways, they eventually reach the actual computer lab. There were a few workstations widely spaced out between each other and they could see the light flickering at one of them.

Makoto called out. "Fujisaki-san?"

The SHSL Programmer jolted in his seat but calmed himself down. "O-Oh. Sensei. H-Hello."

Mukuro took a seat in one of the far off workstations, listening closely.

The substitute homeroom advisor looked over at the PC screen and nothing was displayed. He had a sneaking suspicion on what Chihiro was working on, but decided to ease into his questioning.

"You weren't looking at anything inappropriate, right?"

"N-No!" The programmer's face turned beet red. "I would never! Honest!"

"Well I heard some intense typing from outside so I thought you were working on something."

"I-I was working on something. But I finished!"

"Really? Can I see?"

"Um…well…"

"Is something wrong?"

"Well, I…"

"You know I've made a vow to not report on anything I've seen for the past week. I'm not a gossip, Fujisaki-san."

"I…I know. And both Owada-kun and Ishimaru-kun have high praise for you." The mousey Chihiro looks down a bit with the blue light of the computer screen reflecting off of his face. "I was working on a top secret project. I can't really go into it but…it involves creating an advanced Artificial Intelligence to oversee it."

"The Neo World Program?"

"H-How…oh right…you're a reporter. I forgot." A sheepish smile formed on the youthful face of the SHSL Programmer.

"It's nice to see something that could revolutionize and help the world out being created."

"Yeah. I f-feel the same way. I'm not very strong myself, but being able to help others' with their psychological problems using my talent makes me really happy." He shifts his eyes over to the side. "I'm happy that I can be of use."

"You value strength, huh?"

Chihiro looked down as he continued talking. "Y-Yes…I wish I were physically strong. I'm useless if I'm not in front of a computer."

"I don't believe that, Fujisaki-san. It sounds like you're a good friend."

A look of disappointment only persisted on the young prodigy. "Maybe…but I want to be able to do things on my own, you know? And maybe protect others. Having to rely on others is just so unmanly." A few moments pass by and a gasp escapes from his lips, having just realized what he said. "U-Um…I…"

Makoto, having already known Fujisaki's secret, could only muster a look of concern. "I wasn't expecting that."

"Oh n-no, I didn't mean, I…you must think I'm some sort of freak, don't you?" Tears started forming in Chihiro's eyes.

"I think you might have a reason for hiding your gender. That's what my gut tells me, anyway."

The backstory is the same as he remembers it. A bullied and waif-like child who decided to begin cross-dressing in order to make up for his perceived weakness. Despite this, he continued to feel insecure and continually felt trapped in the decision he made. But he resolved to become physically strong so that he could be proud of being a boy. After stating his piece, Makoto exhaled loudly from his nose.

"You're not as weak as you think you are, Fujisaki-san."

"D-Do you think so?"

"Definitely. But I have a question to ask."

"Go ahead…"

"Well, um, what's exactly stopping you from changing the way you dress?"

Chihiro looked down. "U-Um…well…since I'm a Super High School Level student, I'm sort of a role model. People were saying how it's great that a girl could be a SHSL Programmer and that it inspired girls to get into the computer sciences."

"I see. You don't want to disappoint them."

"I don't. Between that and not being strong, I…I don't think I can do it."

"There are people out there like you who are afraid of something similar. People who struggle with their identities for their entire lives. I think you could be a role model for those people."

His eyes widened momentarily and then he quietly shrunk back down. "I was hoping I could get strong and then I could be able to become my true self." He bit his lip. "But then if I do it now…I…I think everyone would turn against me."

"Your fears make sense. But do you think you can keep living like this?"

Chihiro sighs. "No. No, I can't."

"I'm not going to tell you to immediately go online and proclaim who you are to the world. But, just like working out, I think you should start small. Tell people you trust."

Some moments passed by and Fujisaki finally answered. "You're…right. I can't move forward if I'm afraid of being who I really am."

"What you lack in muscle, you've got plenty in spirit. I think you'll be able to make it through."

"Thank you, Naegi-sensei."

"Don't thank me. This was all you. It's going to be a long road."

With determined eyes, the SHSL Programmer nods. "I have to become both strong mentally and physically. I…I can do this. U-Um…do you mind if I can leave my lab for a bit? I have someone in mind to tell first."

A small smile comes from Makoto's lips. "Alright. But come back as soon as you can, alright? This'll stay between you and me."

"Yeah." Chihiro blushes and smiles as he rushes out the door, not having noticed Mukuro hiding in one of the workstations. Makoto has a sneaking suspicion that a certain SHSL Biker Gang Leader was going to receive some shocking news. Without the stress of the killing game along with a friendship that already has been going on, Makoto felt a sense of redemption.

After all, he was the one who suggested Mondo as his "trainer" way back on that horrible day. And knowing what he knew now of their Class, it was ironically the right choice…but at the worst possible time.

Mukuro stood up and walked over to where Naegi was standing.

"Some things change, but it seems you're mostly the same."

"Thanks. I think."

"I meant it in a good way. You really believe in yourself."

He shrugs in response. "I'm just a little more gung-ho than others. If my attitude helps others out, then I think I can walk around with my head held high." A nervous laugh came out of his mouth. "Though I should probably explain to Sakakura-san that I gave him permission to leave the lab momentarily."

The mention of Juzo hardened Mukuro's gaze. Makoto waved it off and began walking toward the administration building. When they arrived, they ran into Byakuya and Kyosuke walking from an adjacent corridor.

"Ah, Naegi-san. Would you and Ikusaba-san please join us in my office?"

"Is something wrong?"

"I'm afraid so."

The four walk together in tense silence and eventually enter the Vice Headmaster's office. Papers are stacked on top of the desk as Kyosuke sits down at his desk. Byakuya's eyes narrow straight at him.

"What happened, Munakata-san?"

The affluent heir crossed his arms. "The carelessness of this administration continues to baffle me. You already sold the overseas campus to another party."

"I had nothing to do with this, Togami-san." Kyosuke leaned forward and placed his hands together, crossing his fingers atop one another. "With the abject failure of the Hope Cultivation Project and now the upcoming budget cuts, Headmaster Kirigiri went ahead and pushed through a deal he made earlier this year."

Makoto placed his hands on his chin. "Who'd he sell the overseas campus to?"

"Some entertainment company. We've also had to lease data on the Neo World Program to them in order to reach enough funding to prevent furloughs for the upcoming semester."

"Whoa, wait." Makoto looked shocked. "You're basically leasing something that could overwrite an entire person's personality and memories…to an entertainment company?"

"Yes. Despite my efforts, the budget has always been mismanaged. Running a glorified research facility for talent was never cheap Naegi-san."

"It also seems the upper echelons of Hope's Peak administration has poor communication between one another." The blonde business magnate spat. "Munakata did not even know about all of this until I arrived this morning. What a waste of my time."

"I apologize for making you come out here for nothing. And considering I was in the middle of convincing Naegi-san to become the headmaster of the overseas campus, it seems all my efforts have been wasted. I'm not in a position to override any of the Headmaster's decisions. Not until he steps down formally."

"…did you find out what that entertainment company wanted to do with an uncharted island and the NWP?"

"Unfortunately, no. We've been told it's been approved by MEXT so it's within legal boundaries. They aren't at liberty to tell us anything." Kyosuke cleared his throat. "That's all I am able to share with you three at the moment."

Byakuya storms out of the office.

"Thanks for keeping us in the loop."

"I apologize. Even after such lengths you went through for us."

"Us?"

A wry smile appeared on the former Future Foundation section leader's face. "Chisa stormed into my office yesterday and made me promise to take her on a date. I recall her being forceful while under the influence of despair. But this time, it seems like she got the idea from someone."

"O-Oh." Makoto rubbed his neck. "I thought she was kidding when she was saying that."

"In any case, she and I needed to talk. So, thank you. I was wasting away this second chance by burying myself in work."

"Did she make you say this?"

Kyosuke cleared his throat. "In any case, I also wanted to let you know that Class 78's homeroom advisor should be returning this upcoming week."

"Ah. I see. W-Well, it certainly was an interesting experience the past week."

"I'm sure it was. If you like, I could offer you a permanent position here in administration if you'd like."

Makoto laughed nervously. "Uh…ah…I'd like to think about it for a bit."

"I imagine you have much on your mind. You would be a lot safer here." His eyes shift over to the silent Mukuro, who only returns a sharp gaze.

"I'll let you know when I can. I mean, I doubt I'd be able to work immediately into the next semester."

"True. You have time to think about it. If nothing else, I'll let you go on with your day."

"You have a good day, Munakata-san." Makoto turns to leave the office with Mukuro following closely. Kyosuke silently watched them leave before closing the door to his office.

The duo could only walk past a few offices until they caught up to Byakuya, his arms crossed with an annoyed expression to boot.

"You sure took your time, Naegi."

"Oh! Togami-kun. Did you want to talk?"

He gives a cold, firm glare at Mukuro. "Preferably alone, but she seems determined to stay next to you like a certain pervert I know."

The SHSL Soldier just blushed and looked mortified. "P-Pervert? Wait, you're talking about…Fukawa-san, aren't you?"

"I know from experience how difficult it can be to unlatch a parasite once taken a liking to its host."

Makoto crossed his arms in response. "Let's not go into the insults today. What did you need?"

"I simply wanted to ask you a simple question: why are you avoiding your responsibility?"

"Avoiding my responsibility?"

"Yes. No need to parrot my words."

"No, I'm wondering what you mean by that."

"You, Makoto Naegi, are supposed to be the headmaster of Hope's Peak Academy. Yet you've made no attempt at reclaiming your rightful place."

"There's already a headmaster. In fact, there are technically two."

"While that may be true, Naegi, you seem to have forgotten what abject failures they both are. Jin Kirigiri had a foolish plan to lock us up away from the world in order to 'protect hope.' Kyosuke Munakata had a hand in destroying the Future Foundation, almost undo all we worked at to reverse Enoshima's damage on the world at large."

Makoto stared straight at Byakuya while he continued.

"Weren't you one to never run away from a fight? Why run now?"

"I'm not running. There are things I need to do, and the only way I can do them is as I am right now."

"What? From your small hovel in the middle of Yokohama?"

"I only became headmaster because it was what I needed to do. Enoshima's influence was finally all but gone and it was the only way I could think of to make sure it never sprung back up again." His eyes narrowed slightly. "What's this about, Togami-kun?"

"You had proven me wrong."

"I…I did?"

"You, a lowly commoner, became one of the elite in the span of a few years. You had no family legacy, no outstanding talents, and essentially only the clothes on your back and made yourself into something more. Something I could say I could be associated with no reservations."

Makoto was irked, but was also speechless.

"As Byakuya Togami, I cannot in good conscience let you continue wallowing in destitution like this. After all, I repay my debts in full."

"Was that why you were trying to buy the overseas campus from Hope's Peak?"

"Indeed. If you were too hesitant to take over HPA itself, you could have easily founded a rival school. With the backing of the Togami family of course." A smirk appeared on his lips while Makoto sighed in response.

"Still, I guess thanks for believing in me."

"I would not say its mere belief. Or are you doubting my perception?"

"No, I'm not. But right now I'm worried about a lot of other things."

"Fair enough. I almost forgot how stubborn and idiotic you can be. In any case, I'll make sure to let you know when I've seized that uncharted island from whatever imbeciles thought they could snatch a deal from the Togami Corporation."

"You really think they'll just give it up like that?"

Confidently smiling, Byakuya responded. "Of course. Whatever project that they have in mind, I assure you that I could do it in a far superior manner. Whatever negotiators they may have employed, I can easily run mental marathons around them in a matter of seconds. This isn't a question of if they will comply with my demands, it's when."

Seeing the SHSL Heir in his element, Makoto couldn't help but smile.

"Now, if you'll excuse me." The suited young man walked past both of them, strutting along in both opulence and ego.

Mukuro raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you two are friends?"

"I think so."

After lunch period, the two head over to the performance arts building. Many of the labs were unoccupied compared to the last time Makoto was inside. They did not walk long as they could hear singing and the shuffling of feet in one of the ground floor rooms. Sayaka was dressed in her school uniform while singing and dancing one of her idol group's latest songs. She eventually finishes her performance with Makoto softly clapping afterward.

"O-Oh, Naegi-sensei! Ikusaba-san! Hello!"

"I didn't want to interrupt you. Seems like you're ready for the practical exam."

"Ah. Thank you very much." She bows. "There's a short tour coming up for our new album so this was a perfect opportunity to make sure my moves are still as crisp as ever."

Sayaka moves over to the piano and sits down, drinking a bottle of water.

"It's good you're taking breaks, too. I was a little worried that you might be pushing yourself too much."

"Health is important, right? By the way…I've actually been meaning to talk to you, sensei."

"You have?"

Mukuro looked a little on edge, but managed to suppress it from showing on her face.

"Y-Yes. Please don't laugh at this, but I've been having some strange dreams lately."

Makoto looked concerned. "Dreams, huh? What are they about?"

"Well…it's so strange. You're in them."

The SHSL Soldier bites her tongue.

"Oh? What am I doing in them?"

"Ah…well…it's a little alarming. But you're a little younger than you are now and we seem to be trapped in some kind of strange building on campus. And, then…and then I see my own death." She holds herself. "I…I see a knife in my stomach and some strange numbers on the wall behind me. Then darkness."

Some sweat forms on Makoto's forehead. Mukuro breathes a sigh of relief, even though what came out of Sayaka's mouth was still alarming.

"It's kind of silly to hear, right? You're an adult right now, first of all. I'm not sure what my dreams mean… but it's concerning."

"Have you been having them often?"

"Not often. Just once. Last night, actually."

"I-I'm sure it's just your imagination, then. It sounds more like a nightmare."

"Yes. It was. There was a feeling of sorrow. Like I may have done something wrong…"

Makoto held himself back from shouting out. "Well. I…I guess I'm glad you shared that with me, Maizono-san."

"Glad? Why?"

"It means you trust me enough to tell me what's been bothering you. It means a lot. More than you realize."

"Trust, huh…" Sayaka looks down. "I'm glad you think so. Really. But something about that makes me feel sad." She looks over to Mukuro. "I should apologize to you, as well. I shouldn't be bothering you with disturbing imagery."

"It's fine, Maizono-san. I'm a former mercenary. Death is something I've seen often."

"Oh my… so that's what they meant by SHSL Soldier. You must have had a hard life."

"…I did." Mukuro looks away.

"Ah, I didn't mean to pry."

"It's only fair. You spoke about something personal and we just met."

"I suppose. Regardless… thank you both for being understanding. It's just a silly dream, nothing more. Think nothing else of it, please."

Makoto looked bashful. "If you say so. A-Anyway, I still need to show Ikusaba-san around and check on the others."

"Of course. Thank you for stopping by." Sayaka smiles, one that wasn't practiced as an idol, but a natural and awkward smile.

The two leave the lab and walk for a ways until they were sure they outside of earshot.

Mukuro broke the silence. "Wasn't Maizono-san always joking about being some sort of esper?"

"She may not be fully aware of what she can do. I always had a feeling about that, anyway."

A strange possibility crossed the freckled girl's mind. "Do you think our Sayaka Maizono could be…crossing over? I was dead, but I'm here now. So it's not super unheard of for that to happen."

"Mmm. I'm not entirely sure about that. There'd be some weird things happening if that were the case, I think. I don't want to come to a conclusion without some evidence backing it up."

"Okay. I understand."

Makoto chuckled while Mukuro looked confused. "Is something funny, Naegi-kun?"

"You're a lot chattier now."

"O-Oh." She fidgets with her short hair. "Am I being annoying?"

"Huh? No. I like to hear what you think."

All Mukuro could muster from her nervous attempts at forming a response was a wide smile.

The rest of the day felt like a blur for Makoto. He was merely moving through the motions the entire time, on autopilot, all the way until he laid down on his bed and wished Mukuro a good night.

"Ah, right. Ikusaba-san."

Both of them stopped as they were on the way to Class 78's homeroom.

"Yes, Naegi-kun?"

"I've been told that they're being really strict about who even comes close to the practical exams. So… can you wait with Kyoko-san?"

Mukuro looked apprehensive, but decided to give in. "I see. Very well."

"I won't take too long. Promise."

"You seem to be very good at keeping them. I'll be waiting."

Mukuro went off on her own, at the very least until she was out of sight from the former SHSL Lucky Student. Taking a position atop one of the class buildings, she watched Makoto with the eyes of a hawk.

Meanwhile, the substitute homeroom advisor went into the classroom.

"Ah, good morning everyone. Today's the day of your practical exams. Also, I've been told your normal homeroom advisor will be returning on Monday."

Groans could be heard from some of the members of the tiny Class 78.

Mondo spoke up first. "Seriously? Ugh, can't you just like…become our normal advisor or something, sensei?"

"Haha. I'm glad you all think highly of me. But…well…laws are laws."

Kiyotaka looked down. "Indeed, but…I still have much to learn from you. We've only had a few talks."

Leon laid back in his chair. "Man, this sucks. I got so many more questions! And I need ya to rate some girls I've met!"

"Now, now. You've all got to pass your practical exams first. I'm to escort you all to the gym."

As if on cue, the short homeroom period ends and the bell rings. Makoto motions for them to come along as he walks with them all the way to the gymnasium. He looks up seeing that it was a gloomy Saturday. The entire sky was overcast. When the class arrived, there was an entire security detail as the students were subject to searches as they entered one-by-one. Waiting until the last student was inside, Makoto sighed and turned around. He began his trek to the administration building. The statue of Izuru Kamakura was still missing, only leaving its lonely base.

Another thing catches his eye. A smug-looking grin with strawberry blonde hair.

He could only stare down his despair counterpart in the emptied quad.

ANote

Shirokuma: owww… i never realized i could get so many splinters.

BlackCapPI: At your job, right?

Shirokuma: yeah! we've been doing a lot of construction. i really hope i don't break a nail.

BlackCapPI: Are you physically fit?

Shirokuma: nono, but we're short-handed as it is. we don't have that much for staff.

BlackCapPI: Ah. I see. My condolences.

Shirokuma: i don't have to do this, but it'll get me in good with the boss.

BlackCapPI: I never realized you were so ambitious.

Shirokuma: well i want to become a big time writer. gotta make some sacrifices to reach my dreams, right?

BlackCapPI: Good luck with that.

Shirokuma: thank you so much! im glad you're so supportive of me, cap.

BlackCapPI: You know, we've had so many private chats that maybe we should call each other by our first names?

Shirokuma: oh yeah! we are friends, after all.

BlackCapPI: You can call me Shuichi.

Shirokuma: shuichi, huh? ok! my name is tsumugi!

BlackCapPI: That's a really uncommon name.

Shirokuma: is it? i guess that's the only thing flashy about me. im pretty plain.