"Interesting." Kyosuke Munakata, the current Headmaster of Hope's Peak Academy, found himself sipping a small cup of tea while sitting across at his desk from Kyoko Kirigiri. "And here I had imagined you founded your so-called Alliance to be a direct competitor to us."

"I'm not the founder." Kyoko kept a calm composure, sitting straight up and facing directly ahead of her. She moved her eyes to the corner of her eyes at Juzo Sakakura. He was standing still, arms crossed.

"Yes. Of course. That honor would go to Makoto Naegi, wouldn't it?"

"...I had wondered why you never took the chance to engage Junko Enoshima directly, Munakata-san. The final killing game took more out of you than any of us realized."

"As observant as ever." He placed his hand over his mysteriously in-tact eye that he supposedly lost. "It's a prosthetic. I never planned on having one, but Chisa and Sakakura-kun insisted."

"Akin to the old warrior codes of the past, I imagine. And that lead you to hold back Sakakura-san from making any aggressive moves of his own?"

"Don't talk about me as if I'm a damn attack dog!" The former SHSL Boxer snarled. "I got my own reasons for not going after that bitch right now."

The former SHSL Student Council President looked over at his trusted friend and then back to their guest. "As far as I'm concerned, she's practically neutralized. Another world painted by despair doesn't seem to be one of her aspirations this time around."

Kyoko crossed her right leg over her left. "How can you be so sure?"

"Because Makoto Naegi is still alive."

The lavender-haired woman blinked a few times and stared at them both in silence.

"While that would be an astute observation on your own, I believe you aren't being completely forthright with me." She uncrossed her legs and stood up slowly. "Makoto-kun got to you, didn't he?"

Juzo's eyes shifted toward Kyosuke, who leaned forward and hid his mouth beneath his hands. A flash of a memory arrived, with a starry-eyed Chisa Yukizome standing next to the former Future Foundation vice chair bringing forward underwear in their hands and offering it to Makoto Naegi.

"He...was certainly the natural choice to be your spokesperson."

The former SHSL Boxer crossed his arms. "If you ask me, the man's more dangerous than Enoshima right now."

Kyosuke raised his eyebrow at Juzo, who also started to think back on a similar memory. Except this time he slammed his pair of boxers right into the former SHSL Lucky Student who proceeded to fall on the floor from the impact.

"What a stupid tradition!" The tall brawler clenched his fist with comical tears pouring from his eyes.

Kyoko cleared her throat. "Let's move onto why I'm actually here. Have you read over my proposal about cooperation between us?"

"I have." Kyosuke sat straight up. "Though I must ask – are you aiming to just receive free labor from the SHSL students?"

"I simply wish to help develop their talents. Besides I am only asking for two classes in particular."

"Indeed. One made up of foreign individuals like us and the other which got involved with this whole mess in the first place. It makes saying yes to this considerably easier." The white-haired administrator adjusted his tie. "But speaking of being dishonest – my intuition tells me you're not telling us the entire story of why you want to borrow them sometimes."

"It's nothing nefarious, I assure you. And it helps guarantee their safety in these troubling times."

"Some internal secret in the Alliance?"

"It isn't as if I know every single secret of Hope's Peak Academy either."

"Hmph." Kyosuke closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fine then. That's a fair assumption. We will cooperate with you for the time being. Provided you allow me to send a representative. It would be foolish for us to blindly trust when you have questionable individuals in your ranks."

"That would be a fair deal, then." Kyoko stood up. "Shall we get it in writing?"

Juzo was completely distracted and wasn't even paying attention to their transaction.

Naegi's probably right. I should actually get onto the dating scene. Not like there's any space for me between the soon-to-be newlyweds anyway. Gotta make myself happy for once. Who the hell knows when I'll find another guy I like?!

"Sakakura-kun."

No response.

"Juzo Sakakura."

He snapped out of his deep thinking. "Yeah, Munakata?"

"Are you sure you're alright? You've been quiet for a while. Do you need the day off?"

"Nah. You need something?"

"Could you grab us the seals? We're about to draw up a contract."

"Yeah. Got it." Juzo walked out briskly from the office leaving the other two perplexed.

Kyoko started to ponder. "Sounds like his influence."

Maki walked into the main lobby of Tokyo Headquarters, looking around for her so-called advisor. Her eyes fixated on two people she was not expecting to be at the scene – namely Shuichi and Kaito. The area beneath her bangs darkened as she glared at them both.

"What are you two doing here?"

Before either boy could answer, Mukuro answered for them. "I asked them to join us. Solo missions are no longer being assigned after the death of one field agent."

Shuichi sighed. "Sonosuke Izayoi."

"Right. I've been briefed on what happened." Mukuro walked over to the training trio.

"So what exactly are we doing?" Kaito asked. "We're not just going out there to beat people up, right? We aren't thugs."

"Why would the Alliance waste energy on something petty?" The former SHSL Soldier faced the exit. "If someone gets in your way, you kill them."

Kaito and Shuichi went pale from those words.

Maki continued to give them both a death glare. "Why did you two agree to this?! Go back to your own jobs!"

"No." Both males regained their composure and replied at the same time.

"I'm not gonna leave you alone like this, Harumaki." Kaito gave her a thumbs up. "Besides it's not like we have to kill anyone."

"Don't be naive." The SHSL Assassin was showing off her famous lack of patience. "Do you want to die?"

"Between the three of us this assignment will be cake. Ain't that right, Saihara?"

"We'll do what we can. We've been asked to help you out."

"Is it because you all have no faith in me?" The girl with the long black twin-tails asked.

"Not at all." Shuichi started to explain. "Killing isn't the main point of this anyway. Right, Ikusaba-san?"

"We're to clear the way for a supply caravan for a settlement that has managed to independently form itself in the middle of former downtown Tokyo. Once we establish that supply route, we'll be able to form a frontline in order to retake the remaining parts of the former Capital. This is important." Mukuro's explanation had no emotion and her eyes were committed to stay razor-sharp. "It's a huge mission for a group who hasn't been on the field yet, but Kirigiri-san seems to have enough faith in all of you."

Maki bit her lip. Instead of feeling indignant for being treated like a helpless child, now her stomach was starting to knot from the pressure. She'd never say it out loud, though.

"Fine." She finally replied. "What's the plan?"

"Stick tight with me." Mukuro continued. "We just need to clear the route from any opportunists and remove any sort of traps that may have been laid out."

The two guys finally nodded while Mukuro was busy studying Maki for a few moments.

"Momota-kun and Saihara-kun are prepared to do what it takes to complete the mission. Are you, Harukawa-san?"

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm ready." The SHSL Assassin snapped back.

"That's a shame."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I've seen mercenaries just like you. They're hotheads that try to act cool but end up flubbing on the execution. They end up dying."

"Hmph."

Mukuro walked over to her and stared straight at her. Maki responded in kind.

"You may have an assassin's talent, but have you personally killed anyone?"

The girl with the long black hair didn't reply.

"You've come close."

Kaito rubbed the back of his head while Shuichi sighed.

"Let me give you a piece of advice. If and when you kill, it's nothing personal."

"W-Wait!" Shuichi interrupted. "Is there really no other way around this, Ikusaba-san?"

"Even in a 'normal' world, you might find yourself in a position where you have to kill. But there's nothing heroic or honorable about it. A kill's a kill. No matter what anyone wants you to think."

"...so you're a professional." Maki's eyes were fixated on her older counterpart.

"There was a point in my life where I killed for someone else. And I started to lose my mind because of it. Are you going to lose your mind, too?"

Harukawa's voice was hoarse. "I swear I won't."

"Good. Because next time I won't be around to actually take the kills." Mukuro started to put on some finger-less brown leather gloves.

"Harumaki." Kaito's voice was distant. "You really sure you want to walk that kinda road? Even a guy like me can tell it's something you can't take back"

"I don't like it. But it's the talent I was given. And if you two are stupid enough to help me out, then I've got no choice. I won't have you kill for me. It's my own burden to bear."

"Then we'll just have to make it where you won't end up killing anyone! Right, Saihara?"

"I'll do my best. That's all I can promise."

"Heh! You hear that? You got two reliable guys ready to make sure you won't get into that shitty situation!" Kaito gave the biggest grin he could muster. Maki could tell it was forced.

A glint of light shined at the corner of the SHSL Assassin's eyes and she reached her hand out and caught an old military-grade dagger that was tossed straight at her. She looked annoyed at the person who casually threw it at her.

"When you've made your choice, you'll do it with that." Mukuro explained. "Not that the experience would be any more different if you used a gun, but we're still a lawful entity. You're not allowed to use a firearm as a minor."

"Semantics."

"I agree. But rules are rules. Believe me – I've been in a similar situation. Sometimes you have to suck it up and follow orders." The freckled former mercenary opened both doors and started to walk out. The other three looked at each other while steeling themselves for the mission ahead, following her.

Makoto looked down his shirt and stared at a steel-chained necklace he had on now. There was a familiar black bear hairpin attached to it as its centerpiece. He looked up and looked straight at the blue-haired mastermind looking straight at him and sitting from across a table. She had her hands together on top of her legs and was completely quiet.

"Shirogane-san, right? Are you alright?"

"I'm perfectly fine, Naegi-san." Her posture was stiff and straight. "I was not forced to come here, if that was what your next question was going to be."

"No, I do think you'd come visit Junko on your free will."

"Do you think I am dangerous?"

"Dangerous isn't the right word for it. I'm just... did you really enjoy the killing game?"

"It's plain to see that I enjoyed writing it. But would I kill for fun? Probably not."

"Just probably?" Makoto sounded nervous. Before he could continue questioning Tsumugi, Junko pinched both of his cheeks.

"Uh-uh! No! You're not filling her with hope!"

"Owowow!" He grabbed her fingers while she kept pinching. "You're gonna leave marks!"

"Those'll probably be the most innocent marks you'll have on you for a while. Upupupupu." She stopped pinching and wrapped her arms around him. "Besides, not like she doesn't have that stink on her."

"Stink?"

"Did you forget, daaaaaarling? Hope and despair are something of a sixth sense for me. Too bad the only other person to share that skill is that disgusting stepping stool."

"Right." Makoto took a deep breath (as deep as he could with the former SHSL Despair tight around his neck) and returned his attention toward Tsumugi.

"I thought you wouldn't have stuck around."

"A fair conclusion, Naegi-san! Looks like you've gotten sharper than you were in The End of Hope's Peak High School." She adjusted her glasses with a smirk. "Though it seems I've gotten something even more interesting."

The couple blinked a few times and looked at her in silence.

She just started to drool from the side of her mouth while her blue eyes dilated. "My favorite series becoming actual reality?! This is, plainly, my dream come true!"

Makoto let out an extended sigh while Junko only gave a straight-faced and open-mouthed smile. "Isn't she great, Makoto? Here I thought she was just another pretender with her whole 'Junko Enoshima the 53rd' deal but she certainly surprised me!"

He started to sweat a little, being surprised at Junko taking an interest in the former employee of Team Danganronpa.

"So what's your goal then? It's not world domination or destruction is it?"

"Heavens no!" The SHSL Cosplayer answered. "I may have a talent that is essentially me being a copycat, but I could never capture the true essence of Enoshima-sama."

"I like the sound of it." Junko grinned. "Wanna start calling me that, Makoto?"

"No." Makoto leaned forward along with the strawberry blonde that was attached to him. "Then what?"

"Were you not the one that said that 'hope and despair are mixed?"

"Sure. But what does it have to do with you, Shirogane-san?"

"Those words are etched into my soul." Tsumugi held her hands together. "And there's someone out there that shares that with me."

Makoto started to think about any possible people she might be referring to.

"That person and I are destined to clash until one of us can't stand anymore."

"It sounds like a sad fate." The former SHSL Hope lamented. "Are you sure you want to live your life like that?"

"Not many people in real life can claim they have an eternal rival. And I don't want to have my life peak when I'm not even an adult yet! Who would want to stagnate and not improve themselves?!"

Junko boredly looked at her manicure. "Most people to be honest."

"Not I." A shadow was cast over Tsumugi's own eyes. "I was able to bring what I wanted to the world through Danganronpa V3, but that's not enough for me. Because of that person, I was able to write far beyond my own capabilities. I guess I'm a little addicted to it."

"The adrenaline rush of having a rival?"

"Maybe. It's hard to explain. I certainly don't love the person."

Makoto nervously shifted his eyes toward Junko, who adjusted the position of her face to catch him right as he did it. She grinned while his own eyes widened from a face full of her. They looked at each other for a while until he cleared his throat and then looked back at their guest.

"So what did Junko promise you?"

"She promised me her support."

"That's it?"

Holding her Naegi like she would a Monokuma, she started to explain. "Upupupupu. It's not like I want to do the same old song and dance. And why should Kirigiri have all the fun?"

"So that's why you're doing this?"

"It's not like you have your own proxy, Makoto."

"Eh?"

"Think about it. Who would be your successor? Look at all these ahoges come out of the woodwork. Not even your own sister would be a good substitute!"

"Not sure how I feel about that. But what about you?"

"Oh no. I'm another person you can't really replace." She placed her cheek up against his. "I just want to throw a wrench in all your little plans."

"Ergh..."

"Don't be so sour. That's the beauty of life, isn't it? Romance! Action! Drama! Horrible deaths!"

"I'll disagree about that last one."

Junko pursed her lips and touched the tip of Makoto's nose. "Plus, even if you let the others know – it's not like it would stop what's already going on."

"What do you mean?"

"While it'd be interesting to have an audience in our house, Ma-ko-to, she's not going to be staying here! She just wanted to..."

"Pay my respects." Tsumugi sat straight up with starry eyes. "I appreciate your assistance."

"Well don't expect me to bail you out if you screw up, geek girl!"

"I also have one more question to ask you two."

"Then ask it already! Before I get a gray hair that I need to tear out."

"What is your relationship with each other?"

Makoto opened his mouth. "Well, we're boyfr—"

"He's my husband!"

"Wait, what?! Since when?"

"Since now! Til death do us part!"

"Junko!"

"Time for you to change your last name, Makoto!"

"No way!"

"Like I'd change mine to Naegi. Eugh."

Tsumugi giggled to herself as she watched the two bicker.

Nagito was staring out into the dusty sun inside the homeroom for Class 77-B. The class ended and the class went off into their own little groups and lives. He wasn't blaming the others for still being wary of him. After all, one could say that he is an extremist. The light continued to beam down onto his desk as he thought to himself until a brighter, more important thing walked into the room.

Hajime Hinata.

"Ah. Hinata-kun. What brings you out here?"

"I've heard a little thing or two about you finally making a move."

Nagito waved his metallic hand weakly. "Are you here to stop me? You easily could. I'd have no chance."

"I just want to ask – why now? Do you have less time than I thought?"

"Death isn't the only thing that awaits me. You know of my affliction. I...I wish to do this still as myself. While I can still walk."

Hajime's eyes softened. Despite their wildly different backgrounds, there were a few things he could emphasize with. Such as their sense of self.

"But this plan is..."

"It's grand! I know. But at the very least my ill-gotten fortune has meaning now. As soon as its built, then I will make one last step onto the world stage."

Hajime looked out the same window that Nagito was looking out of. Instead of the sun, he saw a large tower being constructed over one of the destroyed parts of Tokyo. A small community was formed at its base from what he knew from the Alliance's briefings.

"Tell me, Hinata-kun, are you aware of the Tower of Babel?"

"That story from the Hebrew mythos? Is that your inspiration for this?"

"Somewhat. Not the tower itself, mind you, but what it stood for. Hopeful human beings can come together and work on something in order to defy fate. But they failed and were doomed to no longer work together again. Or so that god thought. Is that not the type of crushing despair that true, beautiful hope can spring from?"

Hajime's heterochromic eyes were fixed on the white-haired man.

"I want to give humans another chance. Another Tower of Babel. This..." Nagito extended his hands out wide from side to side. "This will be my legacy!"

The brown-haired man with an ahoge narrowed his eyes.

"Whatever it takes, Hinata-kun. But you've already pieced it together long before you came here. I know you have."

A sigh escaped from the former Reserve Course Student's mouth. He placed something on Nagito's table. A familiar-looking black-and-white bear.

"So you've decided."

"I'm starting to regret this decision. But I think I can count on you to exercise some self-control, Komaeda."

"Isn't that a wildly illogical conclusion to come to?"

"I've started to do those more. Speaking of which, stand up."

The current SHSL Lucky Student did as ordered.

"If you're willing to use humans for a game, then you'll have to understand them better."

"I don't...understand."

Hajime grabbed his metallic wrist. "You're spending some time with your classmates."

"Wh-what?!"

"If you want, you can say your goodbyes to them at the same time."

"Hinata-kun..."

"Didn't you learn from the SHSL Hope? They're still your classmates, Komaeda."

Nagito looked down. "I've already caused undue damage to them. I'm still aware enough to realize that. Besides. I am simply unfit to share the sam—"

"Not this again. The only one who believes that crap is you." Hajime interrupted. "The only reason why the others avoid you is because they have no idea how to approach you."

"Well, that's..."

"It's absolutely true. You weren't the only one who's went through hell and back. The rest of them did. They all remember."

"Are you doing this to dissuade me?"

"If it works, then I think that's a win for me. But I really doubt it'll change your mind. Especially this late. Don't leave any regrets."

"...regrets, you say?" His green eyes now fixed themselves on his formerly untalented peer. Hajime took this chance to drag him out of the room while Nagito grabbed the Monokuma.

"Hey hey." Chiaki greeted while her android counterpart smiled at the two men.

"You two were here as well?" Nagito asked.

"Of course." The SHSL Gamer leaned forward with excitement. "We're all going out together!"

"We...we are?"

"Yeah! We're all waiting for you, Komaeda-kun."

Ai brushed her hair over her right ear. "Owari-san is starting to get hungry. We should hurry."

"Stop resisting." Hajime warned.

The white-haired luckster sighed and had a look of resignation on his face.

He always hated his so-called talent. Like a pendulum, he could easily predict whether or not it would be good or bad. It was wild, uncontrollable, and dangerous. And yet when he looked at the three people in front of him and think of all that he's ended up living through, he could only smile.

Nagito Komeada was truly lucky.

Empty bullet shell casings landed at Mukuro's feet while Kaito punched someone into the ground.

"Not counting Ikusaba, I think I got the most! How about you, Saihara?"

"I haven't really been keeping count."

"Aw, where's your spirit man? At this rate I'm gonna beat you!"

Shuichi kept an open palm on his unsheathed katana. "I didn't realize it was a contest."

"By the way, you might break your sword if you keep using the blunt edge. Where the heck did you come up with that?"

"Ah...don't worry about it."

"If you two are done chitchatting." Mukuro had her twin pistols up in the air in her hands. "Check on Harukawa-san."

"Yo! Harumaki!"

Maki was tight-lipped. The knife that the former SHSL Soldier gave to her was already drenched sanguine.

"...are you alright?"

"No. I'm not. But we have a job to do."

Shuichi sighed. It was unclear who screwed up, but the SHSL Assassin had to make her first confirmed kill. For all their bravado, they ended up failing in keeping Maki unblemished.

"Mission accomplished." Mukuro declared.

Kaito exhaled loudly. "Finally. I was all hot-blooded before, but now I'm beat."

Shuichi looked at the settlement that they were clearing the way to. He felt so small when he looked at the giant centerpiece – an unfinished tower with cranes and dozens of people working tirelessly at it.

Maki interrupted his staring. "What's wrong, Saihara?"

"That tower. I have a really bad feeling about it."

"You have good instincts." Mukuro holstered her weapons as she looked straight at the SHSL Detective. He nervously returned the look. "But there will be fools who get drawn to it. I'm glad none of you are that dumb."

"What's it supposed to be, anyway?" Kaito asked. "And, yeah, I know it's a tower."

"Officially it's supposed to be a new business center. And a new centerpiece for Tokyo, much like some of the towers in the United States, Dubai or even Korea." The black-haired woman with freckles explained. "They're calling it the Tower of Hope. It was a joint venture among many of the conglomerates in Japan along with an eccentric multimillionaire."

Shuichi began to piece together just who that particular rich man was.

"So what's so bad about it?" Maki asked.

"Aside from who's behind its construction, it's a giant target for anyone crazy enough to cause another mass panic."

The blue-haired detective started to think. If it was the person he was thinking of, he should have clearly thought of that before committing to the project. There were people out here crazy and/or desperate enough to try and make a move.

Unless Nagito was trying to make the move before anyone else could.

Maki stared directly at Kaito. The purple-haired man started to sweat a little. "You say that we're not all that dumb to get enticed by the tower, but I'm not so sure."

"Ouch! Hey!" A pained face came from the SHSL Astronaut. "Have a little more faith in me! Besides, you guys already set me up with a whole JAXA-sponsored program and everything."

Maki looked down and sighed. This silly banter was taking her mind off the blood. "Will you be staying with the stars for the rest of your life?"

"No way! I got you and Saihara here! I'd never leave you two. Believe me!"

A small chuckle came from the now-official assassin. "I'll hold you to that, Momota."

"You got a man's word! And look at you! You're smiling a little bit."

"Don't ruin it."

Shuichi started to chuckle while Maki glared at him. Kaito joined in a hearty laugh and Maki looked completely annoyed with the both of them. But she was still smiling.

Mukuro found herself watching the scene unfold with her own smile. She felt a little envious, but she was happy for the young assassin.

ANote

Sayaka found herself looking over a few new fashion magazines. She was little disappointed that Junko didn't return to the scene, but she was trying to get into the current trends. Even though she had her own idol outfits provided to her by her agency, being out in public still required her to stay fashionable. Every day not inside a classroom was met with scrutiny by both her fans and the general public.

"Heya! Sayaka-chan!"

The SHSL Idol looked up and saw Leon with his usual grin.

"Good afternoon, Kuwata-kun. You're not in a rush to leave class today?"

"Nah! But check this out." Leon handed her what looked to be a handwritten letter on some fine parchment. Not only was this strange in this time and age, but she could tell the stationary was expensive.

"I'm unsure what this is."

"It's an invitation. For VIPs! Heh, seems I'm a big shot now."

Sayaka smiled with her most practiced smile. "Congratulations."

"Ah, don't be like that. But it means I won't be able to visit the work-exchange program with the rest of you guys!"

"Oh? You don't want to see Naegi-sensei again?"

"I mean you know I'm always down to clown with the big teach! But a guy's gotta make his own choices, right?"

"I suppose so." Sayaka replied. "I'll make sure to tell him and the others about your decision then."

"Thanks, Sayaka-chan! Now how about a date?"

"I'm afraid not, Kuwata-kun."

"Jeez. Ah, well, it's alright. No shame in trying, right?"

Sayaka sighed. "Well, considering your reputation..."

"Wh-whoa, hey, I wonder what you've heard?"

"Nothing good."

"S-So direct..."

Sayaka giggled. "But you are a good person, at the very least."

"Eh? Really? Thanks!" Leon rubbed the back of his neck. "And here I thought you hated my guts."

"I wouldn't say I've ever hated you. I just simply don't see you in the same way that you see me."

"That's fair."

Celestia was waiting by the door and eavesdropping. "Oh? A classless man as yourself received one too?"

"Eh? What're you talking about Ludenberg?"

"I, too, received the same invitation. It is to the grand opening of the Tower of Hope, correct?"

"Oh, I gotcha. Makes sense. You are kind of a classy chick."

"I thank you for your sweet words." Before Leon could say another word, she interrupted him. "And nothing more."

"R-Right..."

"Are you sure you two don't want to go to the work-study program? Fujisaki-kun, Owada-kun and Ishimaru-kun all have enjoyed it so far." Sayaka asked.

"This seems to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Plus...I'd be able to get away from that oaf for a while." The SHSL Gambler replied.

"Poor Yamada-kun."

An angry expression flashed on the gothic lolita's face. But she immediately put up her facade of a classy lady in control.

"So since we're going to the same place, wanna head over together?" Leon asked with a wink.

"That will not be necessary. I will see you at the grand opening ceremony, Kuwata-kun." Celestia curtsied with a disarming smile. She then walked off with some practiced grace.

Sayaka sighed. "You really don't learn, do you?"

"Hehe. Sorry. But she's got her charms, too."