A stifled groan came from Makoto's mouth as he was basically lugging around Junko who had content herself with embracing and leaning on him from behind with a sleepy expression. Like a far shorter and cuter version of Atlas, he managed to bring her along with pure force of will. Though the strain on his muscles was definitely not making the endeavor any easier. Kyoko sighed as he came into view of her in a meeting place far from the Tokyo Headquarters of the Alliance.

"What sort of tomfoolery is it this time?"

Junko's voice was full of fatigue. "I kinda pushed him too far. Upupupu."

"Spare me the details."

"Oh? But I'd love to get suuuuuper descriptive. I'm sure you've got one hell of an imagination in that detective brain of yours, hmm?"

"It wouldn't be so much imagination as you simply making me fill in the blanks on my own. For despair, no less."

"Of course!" Junko's tongue wagged in a guffaw. "That face of your darkening always cheers me up, Kirigiri."

Ignoring her taunt, Kyoko looked off toward a seemingly random direction. "Alter Ego has found the location of another anomaly, unfortunately."

"Is it?" Makoto asked. "I think being able to track them easily is a good thing. Right?"

"Yes. That would be correct. The issue is that they seem to be happening often." She adjusted her personalized gloves. "It could mean someone, or something, is causing it to happen. I doubt things would come undone if Nanami-san isn't doing anything herself."

"So where is it, Kyoko-chan?"

"Within Hope's Peak Academy. I'd rather not blow the cover of ourselves as well as our former allies. So I've pulled some strings and created an alibi."

A familiar grin spread on the former fashionista's face. "So what? Called up your papa-san and told him you'd visit?"

"...if it works, there should be no issue?"

"Still such a daddy's girl, huh?"

Kyoko's eyes narrowed as sharp as daggers before she waved off Junko's provocation.

"Hey, that's enough Junko. The last thing I need for you two is to come to blows when we get there."

"Oh, I'd fucking love that! A real rematch this time!"

Kyoko gave off a small close-mouthed smirk. "The results won't differ this time."

Makoto just blew out a breath of air quietly as he shook his head. "Will we be meeting with anyone there?"

"Most likely Hinata-san." Kyoko answered. "I suppose I'll appreciate his help while reigning in your unstable girlfriend."

"Excuse me. Waifu!"

"She seems to be delusional as usual."

"Get me a diamond ring, Makoto. 24K. Mined with your own hands."

"E-Excuse me? No way!"

Her tired face still mustered up a depressed expression complete with a mushroom on her head. "I thought you loved me."

"I do. But I'm not going to do what you just asked me."

"Eeeeeh? Talking back to me? I'll remember this!"

The third wheel chimed in. "I suppose that exchange makes me feel at ease. Only slightly."

"Huh? Are you some sort of cuckquean, Kirigiri?"

"Only in your imagination, Enoshima."

"You're probably right. Makoto would totally be the cuckold in this kind of relationship!"

"I would argue that it would be you."

"Hehe... that'd be some kind of despair." Junko started drooling, making the other two of the trio react with apprehension.

"I refuse to be involved in some sort of show you can enjoy. Again." Kyoko snapped back at her. "How can you put up with this, Makoto-kun?"

"She's usually not so aggressive with someone else. This is the first time I've seen it."

The former SHSL Detective tapped the side of her head with an aggravated sigh. "Your usual strategies won't work here."

"I'd be waaaay disappointed if they did. But it'll make it far more worth it when you finally give in."

"Absolutely unbelievable. I'm done here." The lilac-haired woman began to walk away. "I suppose I'll meet you and your ward at the academy."

"...what's all that about, Junko? Are you just still taunting her?" Makoto asked.

"Can you blame a girl for wanting to rub it in? Beating the heroine at her game... oh, it really is satisfying."

"And you said you wanted to lose."

"I used to. But this... I like this." She placed some soft kisses on the back of his neck, causing him to have some shivers down his spine. "I always seem to come back to your dorky face."

"Trying to force some drama out of this?"

"I can't even put my entire soul into it. Ugh. You're supposed to get jealous and annoyed, Makoto!"

"I'm more confused than anything."

"Aw." Junko huffed. "Fine. I'll take it."

She leaned even more forward, causing Makoto to feel the full shape of her frontside. She leaned into his left ear and started talking into with an airy voice. "But you know what I really want, right?"

He started to sweat and stammer.

"That luck of yours can spoil most of my plans, sure. But not this one. It'll give out eventually. Just enjoy the ride while it lasts. Upupupupu."

He swallowed whatever he was about to say and started to carry her back to his car without another word.

"So it is our turn to be paired, is it?"

Keebo looked at the SHSL Gambler with a slightly curious look. She had also abandoned her hair drills, despite them seeming naturally made from her hair. She was finally dried off and fully in what appeared to be her school's gym uniform.

"Hmhm. Have you been entranced by me as well, Idabashi-kun?"

"No."

He could see the vein pop right on her forehead from that rejection.

"I see that you have no taste, then. A pity. And you seemed to be a very cool sort."

"I guess that would be a shame, then. We should get going to our game." He walked off unphased by what the former gothic lolita was trying to draw out of him. Entering their combined colored room, another large and empty room awaited them. It seemed the game was not yet to begin. Blinking a few times after his observation, he turned back on the only thing he could observe – his partner for the game.

"How much longer must we wait? A lady of my stature should not be kept idling. I have appointments to keep today."

"...for someone so proud, you were easily able to discard it earlier."

"My life is worth billions. I have dreams to accomplish, after all."

"I've been told you're the Queen of Liars. I have an acquaintance that also pathologically lies. I think I understand what you lie about."

"Is that so? How curious. To think you would be so callous. I should punish you."

Keebo continued to not react to her threat, causing her to start to sweat.

"Just what kind of beast are you?!"

"I'm human. With some additions."

Her eyes fell upon his metallic arms. "I can see that. I wonder what kind of story those arms have to tell."

"Sure. But you'd have to answer my question. That would be a fair exchange."

One of her eyes twitched as she looked at him with vanishing patience.

"What an irritating boy. D rank. Maybe E at this rate. What makes you believe my answer is of equivalent worth to yours?"

"I'm only speaking in a completely fair manner. Why would I answer a question of yours if you don't reciprocate."

"Tch! You cur..."

Still there was no emotional response from the former Team Danganronpa employee. He turned away.

"Fine! I'll answer your foolish question if you answer mine." Her poker face did not show the huge grin she had behind it.

"Sure. Is the person who helped you out the same person that Kuwata-kun was talking about?"

Her eyes widened. "That brazen idiot, when I get my hands on him—"

"Well, you never said you had outside help before. I just assumed."

A tired sigh came from her mouth and her polite accent disappeared. "Yeah. Guess you got me, huh? Shit. I'm getting too used ta talking like this again."

"A proud girl like you would probably have opted to die with dignity. But something in you said that you didn't want to."

"...guess sensei made me realize there are a few more important things than my dignity. You already saw me in my undies. Guess this ain't much when you really think about it."

"No. I suppose not. Now I'm curious to meet this sensei of yours."

"Maybe he can help out with how freaky you are."

"Perhaps. Though I am getting help in that respect. Now, your question?"

"...are those arms heavy?"

"I do feel stiff in my shoulders from time to time. I guess they are. Was that what you wondered?"

"Well, I was hopin' you'd...carry me for a bit."

Keebo blinked for a few moments and then did so, sweeping her off her feet unintentionally.

"Mmm. Pretty strong." Her accent returned. "Despite your shortcomings, you'd be a wonderful butler. You're even pale enough to pass as a vampire." She giggled with her mouth over her hand.

"The game should be starting soon." He put her down gently with a slight look of disappointment in her face.

"...thanks. I'm not gonna repeat that." She stood up straight and dignified, signifying that she was back to being Celestia Ludenburg full-time. "And don't you dare share anything from our conversation."

"Aw! What a heartwarming chat between you two!" Monokuma giggled. "Ahahahahaha! Maybe I should sell the recording."

"I will tear you limb from limb, you demented bear!" Celestia yelled while gritting her teeth. "Get your stupid game over with!"

"Okay, okay! Testy testy!" Monokuma was continually jolly despite the gambler looking ready to make good on her threat. "Let the games begin! Upupupu!"

Blinding lights showed up just like last time, while the floor in front of them started to split up into what looked like giant versions of playing cards.

Hajime didn't look too happy to be seeing Junko Enoshima. He was in front of both of the Nanami sisters as he gave her a wary look. She smirked while standing right next to Makoto, with her hands on her hips with a toothy grin.

"So the flaccid hope dares to show his face to us! Enjoying your girlfriends, Kamakura?"

"I was hoping that I would never have to see you again. But I knew better. I'll gladly shut her up, Naegi-san."

"N-No! Don't. Please. We just need to find the anomaly and we'll be out of here."

"Hah! Enoshima-sama goes where she pleases." Her voice quickly switched over to a depressed tone. "Though being back here is totally awful. Gross, even. There's so much hope in here that it just disgusts me."

"You didn't have to come." Chiaki Nanami pouted. "You should've just stayed home."

"Ah, but how you two are such filled with regret and despair...it was totally worth it."

"Oh come on!" Makoto pulled her along by the arm while she turned her head at them. Chiaki and Hajime looked at each other for a moment. Ai held both their hands for a moment and walked ahead, with them finally swallowing their unease and following the former headmaster to find the dimensional anomaly. They didn't have to look far, considering Kyoko had given Makoto directions from Alter Ego beforehand while she distracted the faculty from any suspicions placed on them.

It was right in the Class 77-B classroom. Chisa had dismissed the class from their end-of-day homeroom and the others had gone back to their dorm rooms – likely still feeling down from the loss of one of their classmates and friends days prior. There wasn't anything off about the room initially, but it was most likely hidden somewhere. Hajime stepped forward and started to sweep the place with his eyes. He slowly moved over to the lecture podium. Makoto and Junko quickly went over to where he was and the three took a peek underneath it. They saw a familiar beach with a grayish sky that was starting to clear up reflected from what looked to be a broken mirror stuck underneath the roof of it. Hajime was looking across at someone.

"Hinata!" A female voice sounded out. The Hajime in the reflection appeared to turn toward it, not startled at all.

"Koizumi."

"There you've been. We've been looking for you! Are you still upset about Komaeda?"

"I was never upset. I managed to understand him in the end. That was all I could give him."

"It's okay to grieve, you know. You happened to be close enough to him." Mahiru crossed her arms in disapproval. "Full of talent or not, you don't have to act all tough."

"I see." Hajime replied flatly. "How are you?"

"Well... Saionji-chan and Tsumiki-chan aren't fighting as much anymore. And it seems that Kuzuryu and I have made some common ground here. And Mitarai seems to be eating again. So I guess I'm fine."

"You don't need to take the brunt of responsibility. They're all adults, too."

"I know that!" Mahiru scolded. "But... this island and each other is all we have left. The world will never take us back."

"Of course not. Did you need a reminder?"

"Hmph. This is the time when a man should comfort a hardworking woman."

"Then I will rephrase. We don't need the world. And, like always, they will forget. It may take decades, but we will be able to return to the mainland. Albeit disgraced individuals. And likely under surveillance."

"Great. Now you've convinced me to never leave this place."

"I didn't need to do much." Hajime continued under his breath. "Boring."

"C'mon. Don't mumble. And you called me boring again didn't you?"

A sigh escaped his lips. "I don't see why you bother."

"Hinata! Look, I'm tired of making dumb mistakes. With Sato-chan, with Tsumiki-chan and I'm not going to keep it going with you. You have to remember who you really are."

Hajime looked straight at her. "I see. I suppose that part of you isn't so boring."

A blush spread on her face. It was barely a compliment, but knowing the former Izuru Kamakura – anything like that meant a ton. "What kind of thing to say to a girl is that? For someone so smart, you're pretty s-stupid at times."

"You're right. And I'd like to stop making mistakes, too."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I will stop pushing you and the others away."

Her eyes widened for a moment after he said his piece. "R-Really? What changed your mind?"

"You're all too stubborn."

A sour expression washed on her face from the underhanded compliment. "I guess we wore you down finally. Though it's not like you have many places to hide left."

"Fair point. But... I guess I have another reason."

"Another one? What do you mean?"

He gave her a smile and she instinctively broke eye contact with him.

The former SHSL Photographer pouted. "D-Don't tease a girl like that! She might get the wrong idea."

"I'm not teasing. I really mean it."

"Hinata..."

The image disappeared from view, leaving just a reflection-less glass behind.

"Aw. So cute and pure! But of course Izuwu would love the vanilla kind of gal! Right?" Junko taunted.

Ai smiled while Chiaki pouted. "It was very cute. Don't you think so, Chiaki-nee?"

"Hmph. I guess. But I'm here now, Ai-chan."

The SHSL Hope Android didn't quite understand the context of her sister's annoyance.

"Enough. And...never mind." Hajime stated. "Is this what you were looking for?"

"Yeah, Hinata-kun." Makoto replied. "C'mon, Junko. Destroy it."

"Don't tell me what to do, lover boy! Besides... aren't you curious to see if something spicy comes up?"

"No! It's already weird looking at someone's alternate self. It's like I'm intruding on their privacy."

"Privacy schmivacy! Let's see it, oh mystical artifact of despair!"

Another image came into view and it was the face of one Mikan Tsumiki. They could only see her from the neck up but it was clear that she was not wearing a top.

"Oh Hinata-kun...I'm ready for you."

Junko herself had a look of complete disgust. "Nope. No need to see this pigshit." She immediately broke the glass with her grip and the image disappeared. Makoto breathed a sigh of relief while Chiaki's face turned bright red.

"E-Even we haven't..."

"Something wrong, sister?" The artificial Nanami asked.

"N-No way. Hajime-kun's not that kind of guy, right?"

"He's a regular old guy alright." Junko smirked. "Better get him quick before his eyes start wandering. Upupupupu."

"Don't listen to her, Chiaki! Are you two done here?"

Makoto pulled out his cellphone and called Kyoko. After a few moments, he was talking to her and eventually hung up after a short conversation. "Looks like the distortion's no longer around. Thanks for putting up with us, Hinata-san."

"Wish I could say it was my pleasure, but..." Hajime glared at Junko who stuck her tongue out at him. "I don't need to really explain why it wasn't, do I?"

"Sorry about her."

"Whatever. I'm just excited for the after party." Junko started to droll slightly as her eyes swirled and looked straight at her partner.

As the two former members of Class 78 walked out of the classroom, Hajime noticed someone watching from outside off the corner of his eye. He didn't feel any malicious intent but the person was already long gone by the time he could have given chase. Looking back at the two Nanamis, he rubbed the back of his head and looked apologetic.

"I'll...try to make this up to you, Chiaki."

"Okay." She stopped being upset and gave her signature smile. "You're free tonight, right?"

"For you? Sure."

"Thanks, Hajime."

The giant cards laid out in front of them were all flipped – they were able to clear the floor by matching the cards together in random places while they flipped around at the start. Keebo's amazing memory came into play here, while Celestia looked very content.

"Hm. I had to get my own hands dirty... but at the very least we most likely finished before the other teams. Well done, Idabashi-kun."

"You really put effort in there. It was a team effort."

"Ah. How sweet. I suppose I should thank you for realizing what a rarity it is to see someone of my stature having to physically work for the goal." Her accent dropped. "I'm more surprised I didn't break any nails. Filing them would be a real pain in the ass."

A door opened on the other side of where they stood. Looking at each other for a few moments, they both walked out from there and into the next lobby where they found they were the first team that arrived from their respective minigame. A few minutes passed by and the next team finally appeared. Miu and Daisaku appeared, slightly sweaty and covered in patches of dirt.

"Ughh... this isn't the way I want to get wet and dirty!" Miu whined. "I need a cold shower. Fuck!"

"Sometimes an honest day of work is like feeding the koalas on an autumn's eve." Daisaku said.

"God! Please, enough of those stupid sayings. They make no fucking sense!" She looked toward Keebo and immediately walked over to him, the annoyance on Celestia rearing itself for just a moment.

"Should a dirty girl like yourself be even close to anyone right now? Who knows what strange diseases you might be carrying?"

"Screw off, pale bitch! This guy's mine."

"I don't believe he's ever mentioned that he had a significant other. Is that right, Idabashi-kun?"

Keebo looked at both of them and sighed in annoyance. He, internally, was surprised at how much he felt about the situation. It was a really unknown sensation for him.

"We should focus on the upcoming trials ahead."

Both girls' momentum were easily cut short by his reminder. They stopped even looking at each other. After a few minutes of awkward silence, the final team showed up with a groaning Leon Kuwata and Great Gozu right behind him.

"It wasn't even my sport. Damn." Leon had a sour expression of his face.

"That's fine. I was clearly not up to par. I will accept the punishment game."

"Upupupupu." The evil game host came up from behind them with his insidious, yet goofy laugh. "A volunteer! Excellent! Your life or your freedom! Such hope that's coming from you. Though to be honest... I'd rather want to see you despair instead. Ahahahahaha!"

"Nah. I screwed up. I'll do it, man." Leon stepped forward in front of the bear. "I can't keep looking uncool like this."

Celestia watched him with a curious look.

"Such bravado! If there was a live audience, I bet they'd be cheering. Too bad you aren't the protagonist."

"Shut the hell up bear! I'll take it! Let's go!"

A chain appeared from a trap door from across the room and snapped onto his leg, making the SHSL Baseball Player panic as he was dragged through it into the punishment game room. Monokuma continued to laugh and disappeared as another window opened up to show them the game that he would have to fight for his life for. It looked like they were up in a luxury box at a baseball game. It looked like the audience was full of Monokuma – though Keebo's sharp eyes showed them to be merely wooden cutouts of the demented ursine.

Leon was propped up on the home base. A bat was dug into right next to him and he grabbed it immeditalely. Monokuma was right behind him looking like an umpire. A ball machine was set up on the pitchers' mound. It started to fire balls at him at a slow, steady pace with him hitting them with amazing accuracy. The machine started to pick up its pace with Leon struggling to keep up. He could feel his wrists aching from constantly hitting the ball. He just wanted to quit at this point – but he knew that the balls hitting him would injure him. Or worse. So he bit his lip and continued. The field was littered with baseballs until he noticed that it finally ran out. The way out showed itself across the field and he just ran before anything else could happen to him.

"Could easily be 1000 balls." Keebo observed. "Looks around to be that number."

"Damn. Not bad, Kuwata." Miu mused. "Guess his arms aren't just for rubbing one out, huh?"

Great Gozu went toward the new entrance that appeared in their sky box and went on ahead of the rest of them. Celestia had her poker face on, walking after the former SHSL Wrestler. When Keebo and the others arrived in the lobby, Great Gozu was helping out the fatigued Kuwata.

"That was reckless, young man! You should have let a man like me handle it. Not someone with a bright future like yourself."

The SHSL Gambler gave off a small smile."I'm surprised you stuck through with it. The Kuwata-kun I knew would have easily given up after the first one-hundred pitches."

"Well I definitely didn't want to die! Especially in an uncool way like that. Imagine dying to being pelted by freakin' baseballs. Stupidstupidstupid!"

"I suppose most of the time I forget that you are a Super High School Level talent. I should reevaluate you sometime. You certainly do deserve your status."

"Feels like you're making fun of me. But I'll take the praise. About time you realized how rad I am."

"Hmhm. Don't get cocky."

A small smile came from Keebo. Leon looked back and laughed a little while rubbing his arms.

Kaede entered Shuichi's office while he was busy staring at his sheathed katana laid on his desk.

"Saihara-kun. We need to talk."

His eyes came up to see the SHSL Pianist's own. "Akamatsu-san... what is it?"

"You've been acting strange. Chibashira-san told me that you've been visiting her regularly for fighting lessons."

"I just wanted to be able to defend myself."

"Don't give me that! I may be blonde, but I'm no ditz." Kaede held her arm. "Is it because of what I did in the killing game? I didn't know you back then! I just...I'm sorry."

"Akamatsu-san..."

"What I'm saying is...don't repeat my mistake. I know you had to rely on yourself after then. But things should be different now." She sighed and looked down. "I feel like a hypocrite here. But I really do want to help you. At least to make it up to you."

He gave her a small, close-mouthed smile. "Thank you. It means a lot."

"I mean it, Saihara-kun. Please."

"I'm not bitter or anything about what happened. I understand why you kept everything to yourself. And...I understand acting the same way won't solve anything. I just didn't want you to get dragged into this mess."

"Just tell me what's going on. I don't want this to become some kind of lie between us."

"...Oma-kun told me something that day."

"It all started from then, didn't it?"

"Yeah." Shuichi stood up and walked over to Kaede. "He told me that he was able to see the true culprit of what happened that night. At least...see enough of it."

"It's someone we both know very well, Saihara-chan! Wouldn't you want to see her?"

"Oma-kun... are you talking about...?"

"Nishishishi. C'mon. Do I really need to spell it out for you? Though, if you ask me, she wasn't there to kill Sayaka Maizono either."

"Then why?"

"I'm not your only ardent admirer. Sheesh... you really are a heartless guy, aren't you? Playing with all of our hearts!"

"Enough. Thanks for the tip."

"Oh? You're taking it at face value?"

"My intuition tells me you're not lying this time."

"How interesting. Though, given what's happened in the game... you just might be right!"

"Oma-kun."

"Guess I'm just a bit player this time. But I'll be watching, Saihara-chan! Don't disappoint me!"

"...he really is a piece of work." Kaede sighed. "But I guess everything does lead back to Shirogane-san."

"I have to confront her." Shuichi added. "This game won't end until I can get an answer out of her. She's clearly dangerous."

"Agreed. But... how are you going to draw her out?"

"She must be close by. I don't know where she is, but she could easily be in the building."

"Do you think?"

"She's the SHSL Cosplayer, remember? She could easily blend in with our suits."

"I...I guess you have a point there." Kaede raised her fists. "Then we can just draw her out, right?"

"It shouldn't be too hard. But..." The SHSL Detective's eyes wandered over to his sword. "I may have to prepare for the worst."

"...don't worry. I'm no slouch either. Let's do this, Saihara-kun. Together."

"Yeah. Together."

ANote

Himiko looked over at one of the last patrons sitting at the bar counter. She wasn't expecting this person to be drinking. But she was by herself and very unsociable. The door opened and the SHSL Magician looked over and saw Maki enter. She was also surprised at the person and decided to take a seat next to her.

"Nyeh. Long day, Harumaki?"

"...yeah. I just need to sit down for a while."

"You've been really into work lately. Is it because Momota isn't around?"

"Partially. I just can't get too distracted in my line of work." The SHSL Assassin sighed. "I guess people always need unsightly things done. Even if the intentions are good."

"Need some juice?" Himiko smiled. "It'd be on the house."

"Sure. Thanks, Yumeno."

Himiko went over to the drink cabinet to find suitable ingredients to mix up for her best friend. Maki looked over at the bar patron who was looking at their half-empty glass of hard liquor.

"I don't think I've ever seen you drink, Ikusaba."

"Me neither." The former SHSL Soldier mused. "But I've decided to give it a try. Tastes horrible."

"...thanks."

"For what?"

"For all the advice you've given me." Maki explained. "It's helped keep me sane whenever there's no choice left."

A small smile formed on the freckled woman's face. "I guess I'm not a total failure after all."

"But I've been meaning to ask... why?"

"I guess...I guess I'm trying to make sure your dreams come true."

"My dreams?"

"Look at me." She looked at her Fenrir tattoo on her hand. "Discarded by my own sister, left behind by the only guy I've ever loved. All I can do is make sure you don't end up where I am."

A small glare came from the red-eyed assassin in response.

"Don't give me that look. I'm just jealous of you."

"Jealous?"

"It feels like you're someone I could have been had I chosen differently."

Maki couldn't form a response from her observation.

"And now, instead of learning, I ended up trying to vicariously live through you. It's a disgrace."

"Then stop being a disgrace."

Mukuro stopped staring at her drink and looked at her protege.

"You clearly have the right ideas. They've worked for me. Now take your own advice. I can't keep getting tips from a coward."

The former mercenary reflected on Harukawa's words. "I guess this is what they meant by becoming a teacher is the best way to learn."

"Then what will you do?"

"I haven't fully thought of it yet... but I'll have an answer soon. I promise."

Maki finally softened her gaze and gave a small smile.