Makoto's eyes opened up slowly as he found himself alone in his bedroom. He looked over to his side and saw that he was by himself in bed. Slowly rising up from the king-sized mattress, he sat up and rubbed his eyes while trying to shake off the grips of unconsciousness. It was chilly inside with the winds of Winter still circulating inside the space. He gripped his arm and rubbed it as part of a futile attempt to warm up.
Previously, he would be bundled up in something like a set of pajamas or even a hoodie. But his time living with Junko Enoshima had him dress down more than he was used to. And then he got used to it.
Moving downstairs in the eerily quiet mansion, it was probably the quietest it had ever been over the past year. The fact that he was living in such a place for a relatively long time now never ceased to amaze him. He went to the opulent kitchen just to pour himself a simple bowl of cereal and to eat it before he would get on with his day. It was going to be a very busy one with him traveling a lot and he wanted to attempt to complete his task in one day. There was a lot on his mind and it was muddled with all of his thoughts. In fact, it was a blur to him as he was moving onto a shower, into dressing himself and finally getting into his car did he regain complete cognizance of his own self. He started the car and then began to drive out.
The commute itself was of nothing to note. It was just a quiet, normal drive through Tokyo and out toward Kyoto. There wasn't a cloud in the sky during the entire time. The city had come a long way from its completely destroyed state and people were out and about driving as if a disaster hadn't happened in the first place. As he was enjoying some of the music from the Danganronpa series, he had took an unexpected turn into one of the housing districts and saw some familiar faces walking on the sidewalk. He pulled up in his Japanese luxury car as the two people he pulled up next two had distrust and confusion plastered all over their faces.
"Utsugi-san? Shingetsu-kun? Hi!"
Their expressions softened into smiles.
"Naegi-san? What're you doing all the way out here?" Nagisa asked.
"Ah...I took a wrong turn while heading over to Komaru's place. You all live together, right? I could give you two a ride home."
"Awesome!" Kotoko cheered. "My legs are pretty sore from dance practice..."
"You've joined the dance club?"
"Ya-yep! Not to become a star or anything, but it keeps me in shape. Gotta stay super adorbs, y'know?"
"Right..."
The sound of the back doors were unlocking as the two children stepped inside and took the two seats. Makoto drove off with them inside, headed toward their home for the past year and change. He looked at the two teens from the rear view mirror.
"How about you, Shingetsu-kun? Have you joined any clubs?"
"Not particularly. Being the Student Council Vice President already eats up enough of my time." Nagisa crossed his arms. "Seems everything would fall apart if I wasn't putting my full attention toward it."
"Really? Congratulations! You two sound like you've been busy."
A smug grin came from the pink-haired girl. "Yeah, but it makes him so grumpy you know? He even does boring council stuff on the weekends. What a workaholic!"
"Grumpy?! It's a lot of responsibility. A... shame the President is so lackadaisical. Completely irritating."
"See what I mean?"
A soft chuckle came from Makoto as he made another turn. "This is the right way, yeah?"
"It is." Nagisa answered. "Just make another turn at the next street and we'll be home."
"Thanks. How's everyone else?"
"Hm? Well, Daimon is off in three or four different athletic clubs. The only time I see him is when he comes home late at night after practice. Jataro is probably finding his new muse somewhere. He's quite popular... though it always seems like he doesn't believe it at all."
"You've all really gotten busy."
"Indeed. It's nice to be able to actually contribute to society."
Kotoko stuck her tongue out. "Blegh. Don't put it like that. We just want to keep our minds off things, you know?"
Within a few minutes, they were in front of Komaru and Toko's house. As all three of them exited the vehicle, the former SESL Arts Festival grabbed the hand of the former SESL Social Studies hand and looked as if she dragged him into the house, with the blue-haired youth stammering the entire way. Makoto smiled a little as he watched them and then followed them into the house.
"Komaru? I'm here." He announced at the open front door.
His slightly younger sister beckoned to his call. "Aw, thanks for giving them a ride Makoto! I really appreciate it. Oh, oh...come on in please."
Taking the invitation, he walked into the residence for the first time in his life. "Wow! Togami-kun gave you guys a nice place."
"Nothing like where you live. What do you even do with all those rooms?"
"To be honest, I don't even know." A sheepish chuckled followed soon after. "Where's Fukawa-san?"
"Riiiight here, Makutie!" The former SHSL Murderer jumped out at them with a smug smile on her face. "Were you waiting for Miss Morose? Nope! Just me today! Kyahahahaha!"
"...good to see you too, Syo-san."
"You Naegis are so cute, I could have one hell of a scissor fiesta. Especially with Dekumaru!"
"Hey!" Komaru protested.
"You're such a minx... I used to admire girl-on-girl action from afar, but now I've gotten into it as a player! Was I in the closet with that sad girl herself?! Oh, its cutting me to shreds right now!" A lewd expression spread on her face while her long tongue was out. "Ah, but little Miss Morose wants a turn now. So I bit you adieu!"
The woman closed her eyes and opened them up again. "...s-sorry about that. I was in the middle of w-writing my new novel. I needed some inspiration, so I turned to...ugh...her."
"It's fine. You two are doing well, it looks like."
"Y-Yeah. Better than you and your girl with huge knockers."
"We're not doing too bad."
"I heard the news. I'm a-absolutely disgusted in you."
Makoto sighed. "I figured you'd say something like that."
"But you still came all the way out here to visit us." Komaru added. "It really means a lot. Thanks."
"So do you two have any plans on what to do next?"
"W-Well, once we kick the brats out...maybe we'll go somewhere else?" Toko replied.
"Somewhere else? Like where?"
Komaru started to give it some thought. "Maybe we can go to Okinawa or something. I ended up falling in love with the beach ever since Jabberwock."
"Beachside property?" Makoto gave them a small smile. "That'd be nice. It would be cool to just sit down and listen to the waves."
"J-Just don't move in near us, okay? I can only handle so much of the blonde bitch." Toko pointed at him. "And you just humor her. A total simp!"
A nervous chuckle came from the girl without a SHSL title. "Anyway, it would probably help with my new series."
Makoto's eyes widened. "Oh?"
"Yep! I got picked up by Shoujo Jump! I'm so excited. Now I can finally write what I've always wanted!"
"Hm?"
"A series centering around two sisters trying to use alchemy and find out the secrets behind it and the country they live in. All while trying to make up for a horrible mistake they did in the past."
"Wow. Sounds like it'll be a good one."
"...it's not a bad plot. Could be better." Toko pushed her two fingers together. "J-Just don't make me read it!"
"You promised, Toko-chan!"
An annoyed groan came from the SHSL Literary Girl as Makoto chuckled.
After a pleasant brunch with Toko and Komaru, Makoto bit them farewell as he got back into the car and drove off. His next destination was to visit a man who had become a good friend of his. Going through the light late morning traffic, he eventually came to a small residential area filled with various apartments. Mostly young adults lived around there, being the center hub for a post-high school population just trying to make ends meet. Pulling onto the side of the road for an open parking space, he exited the vehicle and walked over to an apartment complex while walking up to the second floor. He knocked on the door. There was no response. He knocked twice again and he could hear an annoyed muffle from the other side. It opened.
"What? What? What?! Oh... it's you."
An annoyed-looking green-haired girl rudely greeted him. She looked like she was still in her Monokuma onesie and it was almost lunchtime.
"Oh! Towa-san. Is Hinata-san in there with you?"
"Hmph. He left with his fiance a few hours ago. You just missed them."
"Huh. Guess I was unlucky today. How are you doing today?"
"Don't pretend you want to see me. Ew." Monaca dramatically winced. "I hate liars."
"I really want to know how you're doing."
She bit her lip and still looked wary. "Fine. I'm just...going back to school and stuff. Somewhere around here. I try to keep to myself, so don't come here with the cops okay?"
"Not trying to make any friends?"
"Fat chance. I don't give a fuzzy pickle about anyone else in that school. I just go and try to get through the day and go back home to where my paradise is waiting for me."
Makoto's eyes drifted over to a desk in the living room behind her. There was a two monitor setup along with a mid-sized computer tower humming back there.
"Right..."
"Sheesh. You're still an airhead. How the hell are you going to be a good adult when you're like that?"
"I'm always like this."
"Ugh. How. Are. You. Still. Alive?"
He only responded in a low, soft chuckle.
"There. You satisfied? You're not my probation officer."
"Did you get in trouble?"
"...I was making a joke." Monaca sighed and slammed the door in front of the elder Naegi's face.
A low rumbling came from the former SHSL Lucky Student's stomach as he parked on the curb, in full view of a long line coming out of a restaurant. He sighed and went to walk toward the back of it when he saw an arm waving at him. He pointed at himself and the hand gave a thumbs up sign. Makoto looked around at the other people waiting in line and excused himself as he sifted across it to meet with the person.
It was a heavyset man in an apron, relatively tall. The brown-haired man narrowed his eyes and recognized the person as the former SHSL Impostor. The person was out of disguise and opened a door for Makoto to enter through in the back of the building. Inside was a seperate eating area and he was waved down by another familiar face – the former SHSL Animator Ryota Mitarai.
"Naegi-san! It's good to see you."
"Mitarai-san. You look like you've gained some weight. Erm...ah, I mean..."
The no-longer sickly looking man gave a reassuring look. "It's fine. I know what you meant. I used to be super unhealthy."
"You don't even have bags under your eyes anymore. Amazing!"
"...he's taken the deaths of our classmates to heart." The former Impostor explained. "It's a shame, but it took such heavy losses for Mitarai to understand the own worth of his life."
Ryota tugged at his own sleeve. "We shouldn't talk about the dead like this."
Makoto held the back of his neck and craned his head slightly forward.
"N-No! It's not your fault. Really. I won't blame you for everything anymore."
The door coming from what looked to be the kitchen opened and a portly cook appeared with a cheery grin on his face.
"Hanamura-san!" Makoto smiled. "It's good to see you."
"Oho. This must be that luck of yours, huh? I was just about to give these two the VIP treatment. Just a little foursome, you know?"
The other three laughed nervously while sweat drops accumulated from their foreheads.
"You could say my TLC with Mitarai here got him back on his feet. Food has to be good, right? It heals the soul."
Makoto peered in the little windowsill on the internal door and saw others that looked like the former SHSL Cook inside, preparing food and rushing around the kitchen.
"Is that your family?"
"Of course. Or, to be clearer, the family of the me that used to be here. I really screwed up with my own family. So I'd better take care of them. After all, ladies love good family men."
"Makes sense. Your family restaurant is so busy these days."
"Well, even in a hick place like this, people can recognize some good food."
The Impostor gave him a look and Teruteru relented. "For someone so forthright with their own carnal desires, it's always interesting to see you stick to the same lie that you're from Aoyama. And that's coming from one who doesn't have their own identity."
The cook's false accent dropped for a moment. "Now I reckon you don't want to pick a fight, hm? Sorry. Can't really get used to it."
"I think there's charm to wherever you actually came from." Makoto reassured.
"A man after my own heart. Careful... you might blow me away and make me drop my boxers!"
"I'll be careful, then." He then turned to the masterful doppelganger. "And what have you been up to?"
"I live with Mitarai these days. Considering I used to take care of him, it was a natural choice. While I still have reservations about his unhealthy work ethic... I've been able to help lessen his load by appearing as him during conventions and press conferences."
"Sounds like you make quite a pair."
"I don't want you to keep living a lie, you know." Ryota interrupted. "You always wanted to live as yourself, r-right?"
"This is only for parts at a time. My talent is still part of me. I am not doing this to be you, but to help you as a friend."
"...thank you."
"Now now. We shouldn't be stressing over the dinner table. Let me get some of my best dishes for you all." Teruteru headed toward the door. "I'll give you all some sensual healing through your taste buds."
"Just my luck..."
Makoto was waiting in the lobby within one of the newly constructed Japanese embassies. He had supposedly done a strange hand movement which was considered very disrespectful to one of the diplomats that was dining in the restaurant as he left and was confronted by said politician immediately after he did it. Knowing what an international incident would be disastrous for the just-recovered Japanese society, he immediately asked to make an apology to the person he offended.
He had to apologize to their royal family. So he was sitting on a couch, tapping his finger on his leg as he was waiting for the representative of said monarchy to appear. The door opened and he saw a pair of familiar faces.
"The Hopeful Horned One! So you are the one causing death and destruction among the Dark Queen's devilish servants!"
"Tanaka-san? Nevermind-san?"
"Ah. Greetings to you, Naegi-san. I have been told that someone was quite crass and denounced the royal family of Novoselic."
"S-Sorry. I accidentally twisted my hands like...this...and your diplomat took it like that."
"Oh my! How bold!" Sonia held her hands together and smiled with a glint in her eyes. "I understand that hand movement means literally nothing in the rest of the world, but it is quite offensive to a member of the royal family. It stems from one of the foreign conquerors back in our storied past."
"I'm really sorry about it."
"No apologies necessary. I am, as one would say, quite impressed more than anything."
"As expected from the man who defeated the Twin-Tailed Devil herself! Ahahahaha!" Gundham crossed his arms with a haughty expression. "Come, Horned One! Become one of my acolytes!"
"I'll pass."
"A poor decision. You and the other horned fiend will be swayed eventually! Such fiends as yourselves cannot resist my powers forever!"
"How have you two been?" Makoto asked.
"After graduation, I have had Tanaka-san accompany me in order to assist me with the royal census of fauna within our fair kingdom. While traditions are important, I intend to preserve our Makango and Skong populations. Eventually, I as Queen will issue decrees to my people in order to do so."
"Such brutal antics should not persist. In fact, my newest Deva will be quite pleased that I intend to honor our pact." The door opened and a golden animal appeared from behind them, walking next to Gundham and standing absolutely still as if waiting for a command. It was staring right at Makoto.
"Um... what kind of animal is this?"
"This is a Golden Makango. It took an immediate liking to Tanaka-san and followed us from Novoselic."
"W-Well... if anyone can look after it, it would definitely be him."
"Your praise brings me such dark energies! Hah! I appreciate you."
"I'm glad you two are doing well. It's really nice to hear."
"I understand that you have a very long day today."
"H-Huh?" Makoto spouted out involuntarily.
"What sort of politician would not have informants all over the place? I would not dare to take your precious time any longer. You are dismissed, Naegi-san."
"Such dark energies radiating from such a being...I can only wonder what kind of darkness lurks from it..."
"Thanks, guys."
"Do not be a stranger now. You are a friend of Novoselic. Come visit anytime. Preferably without your other half."
A nervous chuckle came from Makoto as he bowed and left the the pair.
An almost blank stare toward his cell phone, he looked up and glanced at his filled shopping cart. A mundane thing to be worried about, considering what was going on in his own life.
"Koizumi-nee, why are we shopping in such a bland place?"
"It's really hard to afford much these days. Besides, Tsumiki-chan needs the help for her new place."
"Ugh. As long as she's not trying to flash horny idiots again, I'll stick around."
Makoto looked up and saw Mahiru and Hiyoko in the same aisle he was in. As he was waving and trying to flag them down, he felt someone bump into him.
"I-I'm sorry!"
Mikan was on the floor, prone, while having cans of Spam covering her unmentionables.
"Tsumiki-san...!"
Hiyoko's face darkened. "That's it. I'm leaving."
"Wait, Saionji-chan!"
"She's doing it again. And it's with the horniest idiot of them all."
The hapless luckster helped the former SHSL Nurse up on her feet.
"Thank you, Naegi-san. P-Please forgive me!"
"You're okay, right? Nothing hurt?"
"Y-Yes. Oh, this is so embarrassing."
"It's good to see you three. Kinda random to meet up with you all here of all places."
Mahiru placed her hand on her chin and lookd up. "Really? From the news, I'd figured you'd be stocking up on supplies. Good to see a responsible guy for once."
"Too bad his partner is a piece of shit." A snicker from the formerly-short dancer followed.
"Yeah, well...that's a whole different issue."
The former SHSL Hope sighed and looked at the two girls. "How are you two? Adjusting well?"
"Ah, well, thanks to Saionji-chan's family, we were able to get a place of our own."
Hiyoko raised her arm with a haughty wink. "We're roommates!"
"After that, I don't know what we'd do. We graduated thanks to you, Kirigiri-chan, Hinata and Yukizome-sensei. So I guess I could follow in my mom's footsteps. Become a legendary photographer myself."
"Hmph. As for myself, all these pop dances make me sick! It's time for another renaissance in Japanese dance." Hiyoko smirked. "We can't lose our cultural identity, right? So it's my job as a Saionji to make sure we keep it."
"How about you, Tsumiki-san?"
"O-Oh...well...I was able to get into Tokyo University's Hospital as a resident nurse. It kinda reminds me of Hope's Peak, to be honest. S-So, I get to help people like I've wanted to. And I work with Kimura-san. She's amazing!"
"So that's where she went. Makes sense, since she's a talented pharmacist." Makoto felt a bit of a dark aura from her but shook it off. "Also you live on your own?"
"Yes. It's kinda lonely sometimes..." Mikan nervously smiles. "B-But people visit me from time to time. You can visit too, Naegi-san."
"...I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."
A wide and bright smile formed on her face.
He was doing more shopping in the area, walking down the sidewalk as Makoto's phone went off and he immediately checked it. It was an e-mail from Chisa Yukizome. He opened it up and it showed her and Kyosuke dressed in full snow gear, looking like they were taking a selfie right before skiing down a mountain.
Makoto-kun!
I heard the news! Congratulations from both Kyosuke and I! We're sorry we couldn't thank you in person, but good luck! Hajime-kun mentioned that this place was great for couples and we decided to check it out ourselves. And it is! You should come sometime too, especially when there aren't too many tourists.
We're doing great. The little one is on the way! I just wanted to thank you again for helping Kyosuke out back then. You're always a friend of the family.
Oh, and by the way.
There was another attached photo, and it was Juzo with another burly, serious looking man.
We found him a date! It's like a double date!
Take care,
Big Sis Chisa
Makoto chuckled as he felt his heart grow a little lighter that day. He definitely needed the pick-me-up from the stressful time he's been having lately. He turned and saw some flatscreen TVs, showing off the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Broadcast live from a European country, he saw Akane Owari leaping high in the air while landing her finale. The judges on the panel displayed their scores at their posts, giving the former SHSL student a full array of 10s. The camera panned to young children that resembled her in the front row, cheering her on. The future gold medalist wiped sweat off her brow and pointed at the sky.
"This one's for you, old man!" She yelled into the audience.
He smiled a bit at the sight. Putting his phone back in his pocket, he went to continue his shopping. He noticed some new electronic billboards put up against the tall buildings around the district, showing off Ibuki Mioda's new hit single "From Me to You Too," with her face plastered next to the album art.
Makoto laid a bouquet of flowers on an unmarked grave in a cemetary a few miles away from Hope's Peak Academy. It was the late afternoon and he was all done with his chores for the day. He brushed aside some snow from the headstone and looked at it for a few seconds.
A familiar and soft female voice asked from behind, "Here too, Naegi-san?"
He turned around and saw a large group made up of members of the former Class 77-B.
"Oh, hey there everyone. What brings you here?"
"I heard you were trying to look for me earlier. Sorry." Hajime answered. "But I predicted we'd meet here eventually today. We have business here, too."
Fuyuhiko stepped forward to another grave nearby with Peko following close behind him, lighting some incense and sitting down on his knees in front of it. Hajime looked wistfully toward it and didn't say another word as it became completely quiet.
"...don't laugh at me too much, Natsumi."
"She would have been proud of you, Kuzuryu-sama. You've grown into a fine man."
"Thanks to you and the rest of you guys. I'm in your debt."
Kazuichi rubbed the back of his head. "Well, you could lend me—"
"Anything except for any weird ass toys you want."
"Hey! We're supposed to be soul friends too, right?! C'mon! Help a brother out! Lend me 50,000 yen."
"You sure you want to ask for money from a yakuza? We charge interest. No charity here."
"Ugh..."
Chiaki placed her hands together. "There were still a lot of people lost, weren't there?"
"Yeah." Hajime nodded. "Especially for him."
Makoto waved it off. "It gets easier with time. Don't worry about it. How are you two? Adjusting to living together?"
"Feels kinda natural, since Monaca already lives with me. Just two people sitting around and playing games all day."
"Is it a problem?" Chiaki asked.
"No way. It's nice and peaceful at home."
Kazuichi put his arm around Hajime's shoulder. "Well, we need to hang out more then! Maybe you can help me out with setting me up with some hot chicks?"
"You weren't interested in anyone else in our class?"
"Aside from Nevermind-sam—san? Not really. Everyone else kinda scares me."
A nervous chuckle came from Makoto.
"I'll see what I can do." Hajime replied. "But I'm no miracle worker."
"What the heck's that supposed to mean, man?!"
"When's the wedding by the way?" Makoto asked.
"Well, we're thinking of sometime after the snow melts. Maybe in May?"
"Not June?"
Chiaki raised her hoodie. "It gets really hot."
"Haha...I understand. How's it feel, Hinata-san?"
"Hm? I'm looking forward to it. Seems like it's the unknown for me."
"Really?"
"No, not really. But I really love her. Even if we have our boring days, I'll look to the future."
"And leave stuff to me and my clan." Fuyuhiko interjected. "You guys'll have nothing to worry about. The venue, the staff and security. I wasn't lying when I said you were my brother, Hajime."
"Thanks, Fuyuhiko."
Kazuichi gave off a thumbs up. "It's gonna be flashy as hell. Give some rich guys a run for their money!"
"I...don't need it to be flashy." Chiaki blushed.
"Hey, Togami hooked me up with some parts as a bonus. It'd be no big deal. Put my skills to good use. Kinda weird to be a personal mechanic but here we are."
A distance voice yelled at them. They all turned and saw the other Nanami sister with a bag full of steaming food. Hajime and Chiaki immediately walked over as the others followed them. The artificial Nanami set up a blanket for them to have a small picnic on.
"I hope you all enjoy it. I don't have taste buds, so it's hard to make sure I got everything right."
Makoto's eyes widened. "This bread is great! Good job, Ai-san."
"Thank you very much."
"What have you been up to after graduation?"
"I work at a bakery during the day."
"Huh? Just a baker?" Makoto was surprised at this development.
"We both can't be streamers at the same time... my sister and I." Ai looked over at Chiaki. "Though when she needs a day off, I take over."
"If you don't mind me asking..." The original protagonist interjected. "Has anything weird been happening with you two? No one's shown up lately, if you know what I mean?"
The two Nanamis shook their heads. "Nope. Whatever strange power that I got...it's gone. I don't know what happened to it..."
Makoto and Hajime looked at each other for a few moments. Seems they caught onto something, but decided to not talk about whatever it was.
"The bread's getting cold, guys!" Kazuichi bellowed. "Let's eat!"
The hapless lucky man opened his eyes in a solo-occupied bed again. It was the early morning and he could still feel the chilly air lingering in his room. He sleepily reached over for his phone and looked at it. The call he was waiting for didn't come during his slumber. Rubbing his eyes, he went onto To-Witter and saw that Komaru had posted a new picture on her account – it was a group photo with her, Toko and the former four Warriors of Hope under her care. The tagline with it was "finally got a family photo!" As well as the hashtags "#blessed #family and #adorbs."
He smiled and gave it a like. Tapping his chin for a bit while deciding on what to have for breakfast, he decided to call up Shuichi to check in on him. Three rings went on before he was answered.
"Naegi-san? Good morning."
"Saihara-kun! How's everything? How's the car?"
"Everything's great. You... didn't need to buy me a car."
"Just think of it like a bonus from your former boss. I had Kyoko-chan's blessing."
"...I really appreciate it. I do."
"Have you been doing well with Akamatsu-san?"
"Um...yeah. We're still together. She's at the studio today recording something for her next album. And I'm getting ready for class."
"Finishing up school, right?"
"Yeah. And then I'm going to aim for getting into law school."
"If you need any help, just let me know."
"Of course."
Makoto cleared his throat. "How about the rest of your friends? How are they doing?"
"Harukawa-san used most of her prize money to open an orphanage."
"Really? I thought she didn't like kids?"
"Me too. But if I...if I had to make a guess, she wanted to do something to make up for being a hit-woman during our time with the Alliance. I think most of those kids were from people she had to eliminate."
"...I see. I wish it didn't have to come down to it."
"She's a lot happier now. She smiles a lot more. And having Momota-kun visit her after work probably helps a lot. He doesn't really go on missions anymore. Probably because she'd kill him."
A nervous chuckle came from the former SHSL Hope's side.
"He trains new astronauts now. I really think he fits that job."
"Well, sounds like they're getting along nicely. How about Yumeno-san?"
"She opened up a new bar in downtown. With her parents' blessing."
"Really? I guess the prize money and her stipend really helped."
"Mmhm. She said she wanted to become the 'goddess of the glass.' Whatever that means. She also does tricks while bartending."
"I should probably drop by and see for myself."
"For everyone else...I'm not as close with everyone else as I am with who I talked about. But I can tell they're going to be fine."
"And Shirogane-san?"
Shuichi was silent for a while. And then he spoke. "I try not to talk with her too much. She's doing fine, as far as I know. She works for an anime studio now. That's about all I care to remember."
"Right. Just wanted to make sure you were keeping tabs on her."
"I am. And I will. I need to get going. I'll be late!"
"Sorry! Have fun at school!"
Shuichi hung up and Makoto looked over at his phone wistfully. He went over to the kitchen to cook himself something before he decided to go to his next destination: the school where it all started. Hope's Peak Academy.
The academy modernized a little more since the last time he visited. The famous SHSL level students would glance over at Makoto every so-often, prompting him to feel a little embarrassed. These were world-famous students being shocked and awed at him – someone who wasn't even an alumni in the reality he decided to live in. He looked over at the screens where an interview with Sayaka Maizono was being broadcasted.
The interviewer was asking some normal, hard-hitting questions. Finally the expected boyfriend question came up.
"Ah, no. I'm single. I'm too focused on my career. Besides, there's someone out there that I don't want to disappoint. Someone who believes in me."
Makoto shoved his hands in his pockets as he saw from the windows four third years running around the track. He could make them out – Mondo, Chihiro, Kiyotaka and Leon. They were all dressed in gym gear and he noticed that Chihiro in particular was getting toned. He, however, wasn't looking where he was walking and he was knocked down by someone he didn't pay attention to. He winced and looked up, seeing a familiar black-haired freckled woman with glasses on.
"Ikusaba-san?"
"Naegi-kun. Sorry." She pulled him up. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I was looking for you, actually."
"R-Really? Did something happen?"
"I wanted to check up on you." Makoto smiled. "How's being a teacher working out for you?"
"I have you to thank. I doubt Munakata-san would have accepted my application without your help."
"No problem. I was just shocked when you told me you wanted to become an instructor."
"...they say the best way to learn is to teach. And I've got much to learn...as a person and as a woman."
"How's your class?"
"A handful. But they pale in comparison to having to look after Junko-chan."
Makoto rubbed his cheek nervously. "So you're doing fine."
"My former mercenary life prepared me for any upstarts wanting to challenge me. What's more important is that...if you're in trouble, I'll come running. It's the least I can do for you."
"I really appreciate it. And good luck."
"I won't need it."
He had to think about the implications for a moment and blushed slightly.
"I need to get going. Thanks again, Naegi-kun."
"Anytime. Take care of yourself."
"I will. I won't waste this chance."
"No, Hiro. I won't."
"C'mon, Hina-chi! It'll help you win the Summer Olympics. I guarantee it, 30% more chance of a victory or your money back!"
"What the hell kind of guarantee is that?!"
The two looked back at Makoto who was finishing off his treadmill workout within Aoi's personal gym.
"C'mon, Naegi-chi! Convince her."
"I'm not gonna convince her to buy one of your shady products."
"Please?"
"No."
"Thanks, Naegi." Hina sighed. "Everything good with you? You've been really quiet."
"Just a little stressed. But the workout helped. Thanks, Hina-san."
"Of course! A good workout is always good for you! And a box of donuts."
"I think I'll pass on that this time."
The former SHSL Swimmer shrugged. "More for me, then."
"Well... least she's gonna do us proud, eh?" Hiro gave off a big smile. "Glad you got chosen."
"Eh? Thanks. I'm glad I could finally go for that gold medal I've always wanted."
"You'll get it." Makoto smiled. "You've been through worse."
"Yeah! I have. And with you and everyone else getting my back, I'm gonna make us proud!"
"Hell yeah! We should drink!"
"Ugh... sorry. I can't. Not until after the competition." Hina pushed her fingers together. "Had to give up most bad things just to keep donuts."
The two men nervously chuckled.
Hiro rubbed the back of his head. "That's some dedication right there."
"Speaking of which, how is your business?" Makoto asked.
"Doing well, matter-of-fact. Once ol' Togami-chi gave me the funding to start it up things have been going pretty smooth. Even got myself a brand new crystal ball and some OOParts!"
"Yeah, I see the infomercials every once in a while on TV. 'Mister Yasuhiro's Amazing Commodities' right?"
"Yep yep! So buy something, Hina-chi!"
"No thanks."
"But we literally sell anything AND everything!"
"That's a problem." The swimmer sighed.
A teacup was placed down gently, clanging slightly as the new COO Byakuya Togami sat across his custom-made European desk from Makoto, who was just sitting normally with a cup of water for himself.
"So you're not accepting my offer?"
"Yeah. I don't think the business world is for me, Togami-kun."
Byakuya sighed and pinched his the bridge of his nose, taking great care not to damage his glasses.
"Stubborn as usual. Will you be returning to becoming a freelance journalist?"
"It's an option. I haven't really decided yet."
"Being fickle like that will do you no favors. Especially with what's coming soon."
"I know. But that's the beauty of it, right? An open future. I don't know what's going to happen."
"Fair enough. But the offer still stands if you change your mind. I only hope that you listen to reason and accept my offer."
"Speaking of offers, what did you think of mine?"
"Hmph. As much as I dislike associating myself with that witch, there would be no point in not accepting. Your progeny is in good hands. I, Byakuya Togami, swear on my family name. It's not every day that one gets a godfather such as myself."
"Really? Thank you!"
"It seems you remember how to be thankful. Very well."
"So, um, if you don't mind me asking... are you seeing anyone?"
"I believe that is none of your business. But no. I've been busy restructuring the Togami Group and overseeing development. Having an heir of my own is not high on the list. But it will happen."
"Right. Just a little worried about you."
"Unacceptable. Very well. I will find a suitable one shortly."
"Togami-kun!"
"I can't have you of all people worried for my future, now can I?"
"Yeah, but I wouldn't want you to do anything drastic either."
"There you are being fickle again. Irritating. I believe our business is concluded for the day. I expect a report soon, Naegi."
"A report? Uh... sure. Of course I'd keep you in the know."
"You certainly have a lot of gall to call me out here, Makoto-kun."
"...huh?"
"Just kidding. You'd know I'd come."
"Thanks for coming, Kyoko-chan."
The two were overlooking a hill on the outskirts of Tokyo. Their cars were parked next to each other and the sunset was glowing as their backdrop. It was starting to turn chilly as their breaths could be seen as mist.
"It's certainly been a while."
"Have you been busy with cases?"
"Indeed. A detective's job is never finished, it seems."
"Sorry for interrupting your work."
"I needed the change of scenery. What did you want to ask?"
"I wanted to ask if you could be the godmother of my child. I...I know it's kind of in bad taste to ask but—"
"I accept."
"Huh?"
"I highly doubt Enoshima is, in any capacity, fit to be the guardian of a child. Even with you involved. I wouldn't want the child to fall, after all."
"Yeah that's...that's certainly part of it."
"That and..."
"...and?"
"Never mind. I'll keep that to myself. You'd do well to remember what kind of person she is."
"I'm fully aware of what she is."
"Then don't act surprised when it happens."
Makoto was trying to decipher what the former SHSL Detective was trying to get at, but he couldn't come to a clear or concise answer.
"...have you been alright?"
"I've been distracted. But I'm healthy. Though seeing her every week for our weekly chess matches has been interesting. I suppose one learns more about someone the more time you spend with them. That's a given, right? Two people like ourselves tend to learn even more."
"I...guess that's good? Maybe?"
"Good enough, I'd say." Kyoko closed her eyes and gave off a close-lipped smile. "I'm more glad that you've been alright."
"I've been a little stressed but... yeah. Everything is fine on my end."
"Then there would be nothing to worry about. It's not as if I'm moving away."
"No, you're right about that. Though... would you?"
"Only if the proper prerequisites were satisfied."
"You only become more and more mysterious."
"Thank you. I'd rather not burden you with more truths for now."
Makoto's phone went off and he picked it up. "Hello? W-Wait, really? I'm on my way!"
"It seems it's time. You have one last person to see, right?" She placed a gloved hand on his shoulder as they turned around and a hospital was across the street behind them.
"Guess I'm lucky today. Perfect timing."
"...I'll be out here. Let me know when it's safe to enter."
"Yes! Thanks, Kyoko-chan!" He nodded at her and ran inside the sterile building with her watching from where she stood. He rushed through the hospital, everything moving around him like a blur, until he reached a room on the second floor. His hand was shaking as he turned the door and entered the room.
There was Junko, staring right at him with a babe in her arms. A small pair of red eyes also looking back at him, not even crying. The doctors and nurses around her looked back at him as well.
He smiled and closed the door behind him.
Another pair of red eyes was looking at the same sunset that Makoto and Kyoko were looking at earlier. It was a male with strawberry blonde bleached hair with a small cowlick pointed from it, wearing a yellow hoodie opened with a white shirt underneath it, covering his torso. His pants were a tight purple and he finally looked behind him.
A girl with long, flowing brown hair and green eyes was right behind him. Another bearer of an ahoge, though hers was thin like Komaru's. She was wearing a closed green and purple hoodie, wearing a red skirt with leggings underneath them.
"Not saying hi to them?"
"Of course not. I'm not like you and I wouldn't want to alert them to my presence."
"They already know this place isn't natural. What's the harm?"
"I doubt they know the actual nature of this place. We are all outsiders, displaced from various timelines. The Infinity Route."
"Details, details. I just wanted to meet my parents."
"Hmph. As irresponsible as ever."
"Well, Kirigiri-chan... you know me pretty well. Gotta make trouble wherever I go, right? Gahahaha!"
"Unbelievable."
"Who knows who we'll meet next? I'm excited!"
"Have you met yourself?"
"Hm. Oh, you're talking about the kid? I mean... could be me. But this version of mom seems way more satisfied. The one I grew up with was way more desperate."
"I see. Naegi-kun, what are you planning?"
"Nothing right now. I'm just going with the flow."
"I suspect you're waiting for more like us to show up."
"Of course! It'll be one hell of a party, wouldn't it?"
'Kirigiri-chan' narrowed her eyes. "And more hapless women for you to flirt with, yes?"
"Hell yeah! That's my sister! SHSL Investigator at work."
She held her temples. "What a disaster."
"Don't be so grouchy. C'mon. Let's go. There's a whole universe to see."
"...fine. Someone has to keep you out of trouble."
"Hehe. Thanks."
ANote
After one whole year, this work is finally complete. Thank you all for following this story whether you started from the very beginning or if you started reading recently. I appreciate you all. While there are no plans to continue with the universe set up here, the opportunity is there so if I choose. Either way, I hope you enjoyed all the weird twists and turns that I put in here.
Happy 10th Anniversary to Danganronpa!
- A