Keebo sat in the lobby while most of the others were recovering for the next set of games. None of the participants, other than the 7th unfortunate soul, had actually died. Two of the others had entered before any of the others making the white-haired youth look at them intently. It was two of the older players – both former Super High School Level students that graduated from Hope's Peak Academy years ago. The former SHSL Wrestler walked up to the former Team Danganronpa worker and placed his hand on his shoulder. There was no reaction out of the teenage boy.
"A soul of steel. Very admirable quality in trying times like these." The masked wrestler sounded very impressed despite the others not being able to see his face.
Rather than argue about it, Keebo looked away and took the compliment. "You two aren't students. But you're both alumni of Hope's Peak, right?"
"Right! I thought this sicko had a grudge against Super High School students, but you're not from our alma mater, right?"
"Just a salamander caught up in a farmer's swinging sickle." Daisuku added.
Keebo raised an eyebrow in response. "I guess I'm unlucky."
"Hm. You might be right. But you've really put in your own effort! Good job!"
"Were you two in the same class?"
Great Gozu shook his head. "No. I was in Class 69. Bandai-kun was in Class 66. We actually met recently. Haha. It seems that despite our talents, it's been a fun time to use them in order to help others."
"Ah. You're talking about what happened to Eastern Japan." Keebo looked down. "Though you two were probably not very popular in your own classes."
"Hah! Sharp words." A hard smack came onto the boy's back from the much larger wrestler. " I definitely wasn't. But it doesn't matter. We managed to find some common ground and bonded over hard work."
Daisaku grinned. "A dog and a cat can find solace in a piece of chicken."
"Though his fondness of making up his own sayings can make conversations difficult. Still, once we win this game I want to ask what this asshole was thinking of when he threw us all into this sick game!"
"I see." Keebo ruffled through his own white hair while thinking over what he said. "Thanks. I think I learned something today."
"Huh?" Both burly men looked very confused.
The other participants showed up, somewhat recovered from the past ordeal. Monokuma didn't even make an appearance, only the colors of their collars changing color in order to signify the next combinations: Leon and Celestia, Great Gozu and Daisuku, with Keebo and Miu as the final group.
"Aw, hell yeah! Finally!" Miu cheered.
Celestia and Leon nodded at each other. The duos entered their respective rooms.
"You're really clinging onto my arm."
"Damn straight I am! Can't have you damage these babies too much. They're valuable!"
"Is that why you've stuck by me all this time? It's a flimsy excuse."
"Screw you! D-Don't think I'm in love with you or anything!"
"I...didn't say anything like that, but okay. Is that it?"
"Ugh! What the fuck?! Get a hint, idiot!"
"This sounds like something that would come from Shirogane-san's work."
"Hey! No! Stop!" Miu gripped his prosthetic wrist. Then she looked completely deflated and depressed. "Aren't guys supposed to like this sort of stuff?"
"Are they? I wouldn't know."
"Ugh...here I thought everything would be so much better. Not like you really understood as a robot, either."
"That person isn't me."
"I know that! Fuck! T-Though...I kinda like you better."
"What do you mean by that?"
"He was a fucking pushover! A real pansy! I just want a..." The SHSL Inventor teared up slightly. "You hate the shit out of me, don't you?"
"I don't, no. I'm just mostly unable to pick up on what you're saying."
"Are you kidding me? How much more obvious can I get? Do I gotta get on top of you and scream?"
Keebo pinched the bridge of his nose. "No. Don't do that."
"Then come the fuck on! Are you a man or not?"
"Iruma-san. I'm just trying to understand myself at this point in time. I really don't know how to respond to your advances."
"Just say yes, dipshit! P-Please..."
The white-haired youth blinked a few times, still unsure how to exactly respond to her begging.
"I-I just...you're pretty hot and kinda cool. I always wished for someone like you, you know? And now I've got a banging personality and sick style and I still can't..."
Exhaling once again, he pondered over all the emotional people he's met recently. Not just in the game, but the others who participated in Danganronpa V3 as well as Hajime and his cohorts.
"Hey! What the fuck?! Gonna say something or what?"
"I heard you, Iruma-san. Look, I—"
"Upupupu. Sorry to interrupt, but this isn't some kind of mid-2000s teen romantic comedy!"
Monokuma appeared with glee as the two were annoyed to see the mascot.
"Aw, don't give me that look. You'll have plenty of time to sort your hormones once you survive the next game. Ahahahahahaha!"
Stage lights appeared as a giant obstacle course rose from the ground in front of them. There was even the sound of an in-studio audience to accompany it. There were no actual people around – but the two could easily feel the pressure from their next challenge.
"You gotta be shitting me!" Miu screamed.
Right outside the ruins of Tokyo, Makoto was laying back and sitting down. He was watching reconstruction efforts happen in real time while wondering where the next anomaly would appear.
"Naegi!"
He turned toward the origin of the cheery voice and saw Hina running up to him.
"Hina-san? What's wrong?"
She slowed down and walked up to him, looking relieved.
"I've been trying to find you!"
"Did something happen at the Tower of Hope?"
"Listen, you have to—"
"Hey! Stop right there!"
The two Class 78 survivors turned over to the shrill voice that called out. Two familiar women walked up to them, looking a bit unhappy. Specifically at the former reporter himself. Hina looked upset at the two individuals interrupting her from telling Makoto something important.
"With Asahina-san t-too?" Seiko lamented. "I didn't think you were some kind of ladykiller, Naegi-san."
"W-Wait, I think you two have the wrong idea. Hold on...were you the one that was following us?"
"Save it." Ruruka countered. "We both saw everything. You were pretty close with Kirigiri and that weird gyaru bitch."
"Have you two really been following me this entire time?"
"...look, I think you guys have the wrong idea. I used to." Hina tried to explain. "I mean, he might seem like he's a beast. The Prime Minister of Beastopia, even!"
"That's not helping, Hina-san."
"A-Anyway, he's just a really nice guy. And he's in a relationship already—"
"With three girls." Ruruka glared right at her chest. "Even an airhead like you got a piece of him, didn't you?"
"Hey, let me finish!"
"I guarantee you, Naegi... I'm way more woman than all of them combined. They're just little girls compared to me." Ruruka smiled sweetly and traced her hand on his lips. "You can taste it a little, can't you? It's my special chocolate."
"What are you doing?!" Seiko almost screamed. "Don't you dare try and pull a fast one. We agreed to just confront him about it. B-Besides, he'd like a nicer girl...I'm sure!"
"You mean dating a dead fish?"
"I don't know what you mean, but you can take y-your mean insults and shove them where the sun doesn't shine!"
Whatever plan they had concocted before their confrontation seemed to unravel as they turned on each other. The former SHSL Swimmer sighed at watching the inevitable cat fight. Makoto really had no words for what he was witnessing.
"A-Anyway, Naegi. I wanted to tell you that—"
Mukuro walked up to slowly growing group. "Naegi-kun."
Seiko and Ruruka turned to her as if snapped out of a trance.
"You're that new girl, aren't you? Makuro, right?" Ruruka asked. "Can't you see we're a little busy here? And how do you know Naegi?"
"I'm part of his entourage."
"WHAT?! This flat-chested bimbo? She's like a child compared to the others! Not to mention me."
"Naegi-kun likes me the way I am."
Makoto raised an eyebrow. "Hey, Ikusaba-san..."
A small close-mouthed smirk came from the former SHSL Soldier. "He has soft hands and he's a good kisser."
Seiko and Ruruka had their eyes wide open and just looked at Makoto in bewilderment.
"N-No, don't misunderstand...!"
"T-That was very to the point, Naegi-san." The former SHSL Pharmacist lamented.
He just looked pleadingly at the freckled black-haired girl.
"Sorry. My sense of humor goes too far sometimes. I blame my time with Junko-chan."
"That's a pretty cruel joke." Makoto deadpanned.
"I wasn't expecting that from Ikusaba-chan." Hina started to sweat a little. "Where'd she pick that up from?"
"These two were following you, but there was another party as well."
"...were you following us too?"
"Yes. It's still dangerous these days." The former mercenary explained. "Though my experience in following you before has helped keep tabs on any potential threats. I was the best choice, naturally."
Makoto rubbed his cheek. "You have a point there."
"That unknown person was too quick for even me to catch."
"Really? You couldn't see anything?"
"They were wearing clothing that concealed their form. Whoever it is has an idea on how to keep themselves hidden...even from Kirigiri-san and my sister."
"That's concerning. Thanks for letting me know."
"Anytime."
Seiko and Ruruka took the time to cool down while trying to parse the conversation.
"So you really weren't just...on a date with your girlfriends?" Seiko asked.
"I only have one girlfriend. I'm really not that kind of guy."
Ruruka groaned. "Ugh. Well, I guess that means I only have to worry about one person then."
"Ando-san!"
"What? Shouldn't you be happy too?"
"Uh...guys. I'd really appreciate it if you two didn't talk about potentially ruining my relationship here." Makoto pointed out.
"What? You'd rather have us talk about it behind your back?"
"That's not what I meant at all!" Makoto finally turned to his tanned classmate. "What was it you wanted to tell me?"
"It's about Togami. Listen, what he's doing at the tower..."
Keebo reached out as Miu screamed and leaped onto the final platform.
"You've gotta be fucking kidding me!" She was gasping for breath, her hair disheveled and she was sweaty. "You stupid sado-bear! When I get my...hands...on...him..."
"We're almost done, Iruma-san. Just a little more to go."
"I can barely even fucking walk!"
Keebo knew their time was short. He just hoisted her over his shoulder and started to run through the final goal. As he ran through, some black-and-white confetti blew out of cannons with Monokuma laughing in the background.
"Not bad! Not bad at all! Too bad you took the longest to finish! Ahahahaha!" The bear's voice lowered to a growl. "You know what that means."
"I'm not a goddamn athlete! Ugh!" Miu groaned as she was still over Keebo's shoulder.
"If you didn't contribute enough, you gotta pay for it! Fair is fair, right? Wouldn't want to punish someone who didn't deserve it."
"I'll do it." Keebo replied.
"W-What? What the fuck are you doing?!" Miu was struggling, still being held by the youth with prosthetic limbs. He finally put her down and she landed on her butt. "I'm the one who screwed up this time!"
"...you wouldn't be able to do the game as you are."
"Just...just give me a few seconds."
"Oh! How selfless! But...are you sure you want to throw away your life like that?" Monokuma asked. "It wasn't your fault after all. Why should you be punished when you were the one who was carrying the team? I wouldn't want to make your life...unfair. Upupupu."
"I have a much better chance of surviving."
"Even a utilitarian wouldn't take this gamble. What makes you think I'd let you off easy, huh?"
"Keebo...I mean, Idabashi..." Miu looked down at the floor. "The hell do you think you're doing?"
"I might not have been directly responsible for what happened to you in the killing game, but it'd be unfair for you to go through hell again. Dying felt real. I know that for a fact."
The SHSL Inventor grasped her neck for a moment.
"I don't feel things like normal people do. But... I can understand them. Now I can." Keebo explained. "So I want to do this."
"Well. Alright. Seems like you won't be swayed! Bye bye now!"
Keebo was confused. They hadn't even made it to the last area, but a trap door appeared under him and made him fall down. He could hear the blonde girl's scream as he fell down and landed on what appeared to be bags of trash. Recovering from the long fall (and trying his best not to breathe in the stink), he threw away an eaten cup noodle container that perched on his head and looked around where he was. It was a replica of the school set used for Danganronpa V3.
Some ominous music from the show came on and he saw a blue light from above. His eyes widened as he felt shock for the first time in his life. It was his robotic counterpart, but real and in-the-flesh. He didn't have much time to stay frozen, as some of the payload came his way and he started running as fast as he could. Sweating a little from the leftover heat from the blasts from K1-B0, he was trying to figure out how he could either beat or get past this new opponent. Even with upgraded arms, he probably wouldn't really be able to get close enough to give himself a clean punch.
He continued to weave through the increasingly destroyed buildings from the onslaught. The SHSL Hope Robot was still high in the air, eyes completely blued out, with an intent to end his life. Though he started to notice something off about the attacks. As he continued to run, it was only leading him to one path. Realizing that he was running into certain doom, Keebo's heart started to pump harder. It wasn't exactly the first time he was in a life-or-death situation, but something about this was different to him.
He was in front of what looked to be the entrance of the main school building. K1-B0 had him right in his sights and saw him fire off a large laser right at the top of it. Feeling the tremors from the debris beginning to fall, he saw a large stone coming straight for him.
The heartbeats he was feeling was something completely unknown to him before.
He liked it.
He felt human.
Looking at his arms, he started to wind up a punch straight for the large stone ready to crush him.
There was no way to run now. He would get crushed.
As it came right up to him, he threw the only move he had left. A punch with his back in it. The grinding of metal against stone was loud and caused sparks, and he could see his arm breaking from the sheer force of it. But it saved him. The rock crumbled and chunks of it went flying toward his artificial counterpart. It punctured right into its body, and one even hit the self-destruct button right on his chest. The robot exploded in a spectacular display, while Keebo covered his eyes with his remaining arm.
After his hearing came back from the deafening blast, he turned around to the sound of someone clapping.
Nagito Komaeda was sitting in a wheelchair, while a girl in a Monokuma helmet was pushing it.
"You're Komaeda-san."
"...it seems you truly are something special, Idabashi-kun." Nagito grinned with a crazed look in his eyes. "You've surpassed even my lofty expectations."
Keebo just glanced over the arm that was basically crushed to a pulp. Miu would give him an earful later.
"Why did you do this?"
"For hope. Specifically, the hope that was laying dormant inside of you." Nagito leaned forward in the wheelchair while placing his fingers together. "Drawing out hope in your fellow participants would naturally make you realize your own. Provided you were in the right context."
"I may not be like other people. But even I know what you've done is messed up."
"...perhaps. But it's too late for a man like me start to grovel and repent. I'm almost out of time." His grin faded. "Don't take it as an excuse. It's simply the truth. I could never become the SHSL Hope."
"I don't fully understand what you're getting at."
"...I learned about many types of hope in this life of mine. My hope was the hope of progress. To one day become a vessel for humanity to achieve what they were meant to be. From the depths of despair could hope rise, could it not?"
"That's why you did this?" Keebo found himself clenching his hand unconsciously.
"But I could never truly become that hope. It paled in comparison to someone like Makoto Naegi. But you..." Nagito's eyes lit up. "You could be that vessel. Have you not progressed because of what transpired here? The hope of progress was inside of you all along. You yearned to truly understand humanity."
Keebo was trying to decipher what the SHSL Lucky Student was trying to tell him.
"...there's a hope in men to somehow attain immortality. My hope is that my ideals will live past this ailing body of mine. Will you become a vessel for hope?"
"I don't understand what you're getting at. You have a twisted idology."
"But is it incorrect?"
"No. But it's abhorrent. Even a guy like me can understand that much."
"To think you would go so far just to understand humanity! I know you aren't able to produce those feelings. Maybe you can get angry or sad like others can, but you could never be fervent. Why would you reject a chance to become something greater than you are?"
"Because progress isn't something you can will. It's gradual."
"Oh how little you know, Idabashi-kun. Did you not see it yourself? How, when brought to the brink, humanity can overcome despair? How bonds become unbreakable in the face of insurmountable challenge? Or how someone so emotional can bring someone who lacks emotions unfamiliar feelings!"
"I still reject your ideals." Keebo replied. "I don't know much. I'm just someone who isn't even an adult yet. All I know is that I want to improve myself."
"And this is how you could become so much more!"
"By blindly following an ideal like the 'hope of progress?' I refuse. I'll continue to find my own way."
"So you choose to continue to be talentless?"
"I don't have a title, but I know that I can grow."
Nagito's face twisted in insanity as he started to laugh for a long while. "You've truly exceeded all expectations. I haven't felt this way since I met Hinata-kun!"
"Your game is over."
The two turned to the intruder on their conversation. Monokuma was dancing like he was drunk, with Byakuya right behind him with a hacking gun in hand.
"Hagakure." He spoke into a mic, disguised as a lapel pin. "Have you rescued all of the captives?"
A static voice rung in his ear. "Yep! Everyone's safe, Togami-chi!"
"It's time to surrender, Komaeda."
"Hmhm...hahahahaha!" Nagito laughed and held himself. "So you were waiting this long for revenge, were you?"
"What you and Monaca Towa did not only tarnished my family name...but also myself. It's over."
"To think you would hold a grudge over someone insignificant as myself. I'm honored. I have no moves left."
The girl in the Monokuma costume fell over and deactivated. It was another android.
"However, you would not have just cause to arrest Towa-san. Only myself."
"You!" Byakuya grit his teeth.
"I apologize. But there is no proof of her involvement here. After all, the Towa Group no longer exists. The death of Haiji Towa ensured that."
Angry at Nagito's final move, he spat and ordered one of his subordinates to wheel Nagito Komaeda away.
"...what will happen to him?" Keebo asked.
"I doubt he'll survive long enough to face trial. I'll ensure he's safely locked behind in a police hospital for the remainder of his miserable life. Are you alright?"
"Did you know he was targetting me, Togami-san?"
"I had an idea." The former SHSL Heir adjusted his glasses. "However, this was the best chance at stopping his scheme from reaching the climax. Who knows what else he had in store for you?"
"I see. So you used me."
"I did mention you were a pawn when I assigned you to this. Though I was mistaken in that aspect."
"...what do you mean?"
"Everything hinged on you. I won't repeat this. Thank you. And don't worry about the arm. I'll make sure you're taken care of. A Togami never forgets his debts."
Keebo grasped at the remains of his destroyed arm.
"Sorry, Saihara-kun." Kaede looked completely apologetic. "I still haven't found any trace of her at all. If she's in here, she's really blending in."
"Don't worry about it. You helping me out is plenty enough."
"Yeah, but I feel pretty useless if I didn't find anything out."
"You're not useless. You're actually pretty good at investigating."
"Really? Thanks. You're sweet."
Shuichi blushed a little bit. "A-Anyway. That should be enough for now. Hey, why don't I meet up with you at Yumeno-san's bar later?"
"We still can't drink, you know."
"Just to hang out."
Kaede giggled. "Yeah. I was just joking. I'll see you later, okay?"
The SHSL Pianist left with a smile on her face. Shuichi placed his hand on his chin and began to think about any possible leads to the location of Tsumugi Shirogane. He started thinking about Junko Enoshima, though from what Kyoko told him there wasn't really any sign of them together recently. He looked up from his thoughts and noticed a girl with blue hair in a suit walking past him. The body profile did fit the former Danganronpa V3 mastermind's. Taking the only lead, or what was more likely a bait into a trap, he started to trail the girl.
After a few minutes of observing and following her from a distance, she started to walk faster. Probably alerted to his presence. Not wanting for her to get away, he picked up his own pace. They continued to walk briskly for an additional several minutes before it was a full blown chase with poor Alliance operatives being caught in the way by both parties. The chase continued until the girl ducked into one of the empty rooms that was just nearly built. Taking a deep breath, he went inside himself with Tsumugi sitting on the desk, waiting for him. She was trying to look cool but she was sweating and panting while trying to smile.
"It's..." She took a deep breath through her nose. "It's been a while, Sweet-chi."
"Don't call me that."
"That's just plain rude. We were friends, weren't we?"
"We were. That was before the killing game."
"Hey! That's pretty ungrateful of you. I gave you what you wanted, after all. You even got a girlfriend out of it."
"What do you want with me, Shirogane-san?"
"You are my eternal rival you know? I've never met anyone who had seen as much media as I had. Or anyone who loved Danganronpa as much as I did! Why wouldn't I want to see you?"
"Someone could've gotten hurt! And Oma-kun almost took the fall for it."
"I never intended to hurt Maizono-san. I would never, actually. But... it was a good way to get your attention. After all, I can't exactly just call you and have you accept my invitation! As for Kokichi Oma...that's just what he does. It's plain to see."
"Ergh...don't make this seem like it's my fault!"
"Oh? But you're assuming I'm some sort of deranged lunatic."
"You kind of are."
"There you go with that rude mouth of yours again."
"In what way is putting someone in mortal danger sane?!"
"You have a point in that. But...well... I needed to do something a little big just to make sure you got the message."
"What are you? A yakuza?"
"Hey! Don't mess with me. I can become the Dragon of Dojima at will, you know!"
"You'd never inherit his ideals, though."
"You see? Not a lot of people would immediately get that reference!"
"That's still no excuse for what you did."
"Oh? Then I suppose I'm sorry."
"You can't just apologize for trespassing."
"Will you be punishing me?" She looked a little coquettish when she asked.
"T-That's not my job!" Shuichi winced in response. "Were you always like this?!"
"I suppose I picked up some things from Enoshima-sama."
"You still haven't answered my question. What do you want?"
She stood up from the desk and walked up to the SHSL Detective. "I'd like to make a deal."
"A deal? What? You're insane. I'm calling security."
"Ah-ah. Why don't you hear me out first? I'm quite generous, you know. And I'm sure Akamatsu-san and the others would appreciate it."
Shuichi's eyes narrowed a bit.
"Don't worry. I'm not going to suggest something that would be criminal. So, here's my proposition..."
Keebo entered the apartment with what appeared to be a cast over what appeared to be a newly constructed arm. Hajime looked to him from the kitchen.
"You're back. How are you?"
"I'm fine. It's not like there are pain receptors attached to it. Despite Iruma-san wanting to install them."
"Sorry about everything."
"...I take it you know what happened."
"Yeah. I ended up choosing an old friend over your well-being. Though I think you're not going to be too torn up about what happened."
"I can't speak for the others, though. It was a game where death was real."
"...I'm not a compassionate man. Not outside of my own social circles." Hajime looked away. "Though, I'm sure Chiaki's disappointed in me."
"Do you regret your choice?"
"It wouldn't be the first time." He walked over and made some food for him. "I'm not a great teacher. But at least I can make some good food."
"I heard he doesn't have much left to live."
"No. He doesn't. I'll be visiting him soon."
"Then I can understand your choice."
"Idabashi." Hajime's eyes widened. "Don't do that. You don't have to do something like that."
"I'm just stating facts." Keebo began to eat with his only working hand. "You could've stopped everything on your own?"
"Just because I have the capability doesn't mean I'm willing. It's just like when certain people tried to make me into something they wanted." He closed his eyes. "I'm just stubborn through and through. Doesn't matter what name I have."
Keebo looked at him while chewing.
"Still. I should at least make it up to you. I'm supposed to be your guardian, right?" He looked over at newly crafted arm. "Who made this?"
"A friend of mine."
"It's pretty good. Wouldn't say it's up to par with, say, Monaca's work...but I think I can do something for you."
"What did you have in mind?"
"Some synthetic skin to cover it up."
Keebo's eyes widened. "You...what? You can do that?"
"If I put my mind to it, yeah. Gotta be motivated, though."
"I see. I'd really appreciate it. Though...I don't really need it."
"No? You clearly want it more than anything."
"What I lost is something I could replace. I'd like to do something for the person who helped me out here. As well as the others."
"You're a bit of a bleeding heart."
"Life can be unfair, but I strive to be fair."
ANote
Makoto sighed and leaned back. "I guess it's all over. Komaeda-san..."
"At least the damage was minimized." Kyoko pointed out. "We'll see if we can assist Kuwata-kun and the others."
"Thank you. Going through something like that...it takes a toll on the mind." He sighed and blinked a few times. "But moving on...why are you all here?"
"Don't be so grumpy, Naegi." Hina was chewing on a donut. She gulped and continued. "You have a huge house! It's not like your little apartment."
"Hey, I liked that place."
"Yeah, but this place is better!" The former SHSL Swimmer's eyes lit up. "You could throw a big party in here! And maybe fit in two or three pools if you teared down some of the rooms."
"What am I gonna do with multiple pools...?" The former SHSL Hope sighed and looked over at Seiko and Ruruka.
"Who knew you were so loaded...? Things look better and better." The former SHSL Confectioner grinned.
The pharmacist winced. "D-Don't be so rude, Ando-san! We're supposed to be guests."
"See? You're way too nice. It's super suspicious. Aren't-I-right-Naegi?"
"Ugh! Why do you have to be like this?"
"Maybe if you'd make something to prevent allergies, I wouldn't distrust you as much!"
"That's just too much! I-I don't even like sweet things."
Mukuro blinked a few times. "Do you need me to show them the door, Naegi-kun?"
"Don't worry about it. They'll calm down. Eventually."
"Upupupu. Look at you, Mr. Popular. So much estrogen in one place!" Junko bursted in. "All these girls trying to play with MY ahoge."
The others just stared at the former SHSL Despair. She basked in the attention and just leaped and landed in her man's lap. She stroked his face while he blushed and looked away. "Don't worry. You can play around. Just as long as they know who's the Queen around here!"
"N-No! I'm not that way!"
"Seriously, Enoshima-chan. You're way too much." Hina scolded.
"I wouldn't degrade myself that way." Kyoko said unflinchingly.
"...I'll decline." Mukuro said, looking away.