A/N: Alright, we've finished the final main chapter of the game! All that's left is the epilogue, and this journey will come to a close. This chapter ended up being longer than I had ever planned; over 22,000 words! Let me know what you think in the review section. I should have the epilogue chapter done soon, so until then, enjoy!

Chapter Six: Ultimate Pain, Ultimate Suffering, Ultimate Despair, Ultimate Execution, Ultimate Death

The Ultimate Despair…

"Right now we have to get out of this horrible place. Figuring out the rest of the story can come after."

Shaken out of his pondering by Kyoko's interjection, Makoto nodded, looking towards the locked door in front of them.

"Kyoko, do you still have that one thing?"

Smiling, Kyoko twirled the Monokuma Key around her finger and replied "Of course I do. It's an absolutely vital part of ensnaring the mastermind. I would never part with it."

"And it can open any door in the school, right?"

"That's right."

"So we can use that key of yours to open this door, right?"

Kyoko smirked as she coyly challenged "Let's find out."

Kyoko inserted the key into the lock and twisted, causing a clicking sound to echo from the keyhole as the door swung open.

Beaming, Makoto bounced up and down as he cheered "Yes! It worked!"

Amused by Makoto's joy, Kyoko said "And now we can get out of here. Let's go."

"Sounds good." Smiling, he stared into the dark exit and exclaimed "Well, what are we waiting for? Last one to the exit is a rotten egg!"

He dashed through the doorway, leaving Kyoko standing there in the dust.

So...energetic…

Shaking her head in amusement, Kyoko leisurely followed him, silently eager to rejoin the others at Hope's Peak Academy.

XXX

"Whoa!"

Makoto stared up at the seemingly nonexistent ceiling of the long vertical corridor they were in, decorated only with a single metal ladder bolted to the wall.

Seeing Makoto's shocked expression, Kyoko smirked and teased "Where'd all that enthusiasm of yours go?"

Makoto chuckled nervously as he stared at the ladder, growing more and more nervous the longer he thought about how high up it went.

Kyoko rolled her eyes and told him "Well, what are you waiting for? You won't find the exit unless you start climbing..."

Makoto nodded and nervously walked up to the ladder, gingerly placing his right hand and foot on the first step. Once he found his grip, he repeated with his left appendages. Turning to look at Kyoko, he saw her smile encouragingly at him.

"You're doing fine. Just keep going; I'll be right behind you."

"Yeah."

Gathering his courage, he continued to climb up, soon hearing soft clangs below him as Kyoko followed him.

"I had no idea we were so far down..."

Kyoko cautioned "Don't lose your footing. If you slip, I won't be able to catch you…" Liar. Of course I'll catch you…

Oblivious to her lie, Makoto murmured his agreement and continued climbing. To ward off his nervousness at climbing up so high, Makoto decided to engage in small talk with the Ultimate Detective.

"Um, so Kyoko...there's something I wanted to ask you."

Genuinely curious, Kyoko replied "What is it?"

"You said you're the Ultimate Detective, right? So how long have you been doing detective work?"

I haven't regained all my memories, but…"How long…? Ever since I can remember." Even though she couldn't see Makoto's curious expression, she explained "I come from a long line of detectives. Detective work is in my blood. There was a time when being a detective was considered a sacred duty. My family's always seen it that way."

"Then...is your family famous?" It would make sense; if someone like Byakuya was invited to come here in part because of the Togami name, then it wouldn't be much of a stretch to say the Kirigiri name was a factor in Kyoko's enrollment.

Kyoko shook her head and replied "Quite the opposite, actually. Even among actual detectives, many people haven't heard of us."

Shocked, Makoto stammered "But...How come?"

"Because we take pride in it. A detective is neither light nor shadow. We represent neither justice nor evil. That is how we can uncover the absolute truth. We stand neutral in all things. And to do that, we have to stand separate from the rest of society. Which is why we've made a conscious effort to conceal our existence."

"A conscious effort…?" ...I guess that's why she was so distant and nonsocial when we first met.

Kyoko admitted "It's kind of old-fashioned, and I can't say it's entirely rational...But it's our family creed, and we do must we must to protect it. Because, like I said, it's our source of pride."

So that explains it...why I couldn't find out anything about her before I came here...she hid herself to protect the Kirigiri pride…

"And yet...I...gave up some of that pride."

She gave up her pride?

"In order to enter Hope's Peak, I had to reveal myself to the school. I did it knowing it was something a true Kirigiri detective would never do."

I get it...the reason she gave up that pride… "It was because that's how much you wanted to reconnect with your dad, right? There's no shame in that." She must love her father very much, to go so far…

Kyoko ruefully smiled and shook her head.

If only it were so simple...Makoto, you have no concept of my past, so you could never hope to truly understand.

"Reconnect…? I had absolutely no desire to reconnect with my father."

"Huh…?" But I don't understand. She was so dedicated to finding her father. If it wasn't to rebuild the bond between father and daughter, then what was her motivation?

"There's nothing I want to talk to my father about. There is something I want to say to him, though."

I'm almost afraid to ask but… "What…?"

Determination in her voice, she explained "No matter what it takes, I have to find him and tell him, face to face…I want to sever all ties with him."

Makoto almost stumbled, shocked and appalled by Kyoko's revealed motivation.

Sever? She wants to cut herself off from her father? But why? I could never...think of severing myself from my father…

Sighing, Kyoko explained "The last time I saw him...I was still very young. So I don't remember myself, but apparently he was extremely intelligent. He was in line to become the next head of the Kirigiri family. He was talented, he had a promising future. But he had no interest in detective work. So he cut himself off from the family. Not long after that, my mother died, and he simply...ran away. He went to my grandfather, and they had a huge argument. And young as I was...he left me behind."

So that's why she wants to sever ties with him. She feels abandoned by her father. For Kyoko to lose her mother so young, and to have her father run away...it makes sense that she wouldn't want anything to do with him. But still...why did he run away? Why didn't he try to take her with him? Be the father that she needed? Trying to convince himself more than Kyoko, he weakly defended "I-I'm sure he had a reason for that. I'm sure your dad wanted to take you with him."

...Is this your attempt to try and comfort me, Makoto? If I actually cared about my father, then that might ring true. But...it's different with me. With a hint of bitterness in her voice, she replied "If that's true, then I need to thank him. Thank him for leaving me...Because unlike him, I take pride in the work I do. I take pride in my family name. So every last part of me is happy he didn't take me with him. If I'd gone with him, I never would have had the chance to become a detective."

Although Makoto couldn't see it, Kyoko's eyes had taken an angry and hurt expression. The Ultimate Detective was secretly thankful that Makoto couldn't see her face, so that he couldn't try to understand her more than he already was.

Are you happy? Are you really unaffected by your father's abandonment?

"I don't blame him, you know. He had his own life to live. That's what anyone in my position might say, right? But it's not true...But there's one thing...One thing I can never forgive."

"Really…? And what...can't you forgive? What did your father do to you?"

Gritting her teeth, Kyoko admitted "What I can't forgive him for is...The way everyone else looked at me. I was never sad about being left behind. Like I said, I think it was a good thing. But when the rest of my family looked at me, they saw something different. They only saw me as the little girl that was abandoned by her father. That's how they see me even to this day."

...That's not how I see you. I don't see you as your father's daughter. I see the amazing detective who's saved my life more times than I can count!

"His shadow has been following me my entire life. I'm sick of it. I need him out of my life. I need to step out of his shadow. That's why I have to find him, and tell him we're no longer family. In order to settle the past...In order to remove him from my life forever...I have no doubt he forgot about me years ago."

Despite what Kyoko had told him, Makoto had trouble believing that Kyoko's father thought nothing of her.

Maybe I'm biased, what with being showered with affection by my own father. "B-But...you're family. To just cut him out like that..."

I knew you wouldn't be able to understand, Makoto. She shook her head and replied "Our only connection is through blood, nothing more. Are we connected by heart and soul? No. Is blood really enough to call someone family?"

What can I possibly say? How can I truly understand how she feels? I can't really blame her for not thinking of her father as her family, and I can't exactly prove that she was more than a blood connection to her father, so I can't honestly say that her father loved her…

Makoto dropped the conversation, hearing a sigh of relief from Kyoko a few seconds later.

It must have been hard...for her to tell me about a painful part of her past...she really trusts me.

Smiling a faint smile, he continued climbing until they reached a metal hatch on the ceiling.

That must be the hatch I unlocked earlier…"On the other side of this door...Hope's Peak is waiting for us."

"We're...back."

Kyoko heard the hope in his voice, making her smile as she continued "Remember that hatch on the ground near the trash room? I'm fairly certain that's where we'll come out. I unlocked it earlier, so it should open without much trouble."

Nodding, Makoto held one hand on the hatch and declared "Right. Hope's Peak, here we come!"

He pushed with all his might, the hatch easily giving way. Feeling for the floor above him, Makoto hoisted himself up and out of the corridor. One he was on sure ground, he reached his hand down the hatch. Seeing what Makoto had in mind, Kyoko grasped his hand with her own and felt Makoto hoist her up and plant her next to him on the floor. Makoto and Kyoko panted, exhausted, before falling on their backs. They looked at each other for a few seconds, then burst into simultaneous laughter.

"Looks like we're back."

"But I can't believe how long that ladder was. I'm exhausted…"

"Kyoko..." He took her hand in his own and exclaimed "Thank you. I never would have gotten out of there without you."

Blushing, she took her hand out of his grip and looked away, an expression of guilt on her face as she replied "No thanks necessary. I was just returning the favor." Don't thank me when I'm the reason you were down there…

Makoto looked at her, concerned at the sudden shift in mood, but Kyoko waved off his concerns, assuring him that she was fine.

Okay, so we're back at Hope's Peak Academy...but it's still only a matter of time before Monokuma finds out I escaped and decides to punish me...and maybe Kyoko too…

Makoto shivered, causing Kyoko to look at him and ask what was wrong.

"So...now what do we do? If the mastermind finds out...And I'm worried about you, too. You helped me, so they might..."

"You're worried?" He barely survives being executed, and his first concern is whether I'll be okay?

"Y-Yeah, of course."

Kyoko felt her heart flutter as she thought it over.

Eventually, Monokuma will find us. We have to find a way to convince the mastermind to spare Makoto. But how? They seemed intent on killing Makoto as a plan B, and we didn't have a clear suspect during that last trial. Wait, the trial! Aoi told me on the elevator that Monokuma was broadcasting our lives on the airwaves. If I can convince him that executing Makoto now would make the mastermind out to be the loser, we might stand a chance! It's a gamble we have to take! She looked at Makoto and answered "Then let's just get a concrete answer."

"Huh?" What concrete answer? And from who?

"Let's ask Monokuma if there's a problem with you escaping."

Makoto blanched in horror at Kyoko's suggestion.

"W-Wait, that's - !"

Before Makoto could panic, Kyoko reasoned "If we try to hide, it's only a matter of time till we're found out. And it's not like we can run away."

"So you're saying rather than stressing out over getting caught, we should just give up now?"

Makoto hung his head in despair, only to be lifted up by Kyoko's hand so that he was looking at her, an assuring smile directed right at him.

"Don't worry. What you think is going to happen, isn't. Because the mastermind is the one that's ensnared."

Confused, Makoto asked "What does it mean…?"

"The mastermind stood exposed during the investigation into Mukuro's death. There was a moment where the mastermind let their guard down."

"There was…?" So...it's not hopeless?

Seeing Makoto's eyes regain a spark of hope, Kyoko replied "If we can talk to Monokuma, we can confirm it. And it'll be better for us if we go to him directly before he tracks us down. That should help with our negotiations…"

Makoto sighed with uneasiness and anxiety as he acquiesced "We don't really have a choice, do we?"

"Monokuma should be in the gym. Let's get going."

Makoto and Kyoko stood up, the Ultimate Lucky Student still rattled by Kyoko's shaky plan to negotiate with Monokuma for his life.

You really think the bear can be negotiated with? Forgive me if I'm a little skeptical…

Seeing his anxiety, Kyoko wrapped her left hand around his right and squeezed in comfort. Makoto gasped, looking down at their intertwined hands, then looking up to see Kyoko's hopeful smile.

"It'll be okay, Makoto. Monokuma won't hurt you again, I promise."

Kyoko squeezed his hand one more time, making the two Ultimates blush, before walking, still hand in hand, to the gym. Makoto still fretted about his fate, but found comfort in Kyoko's grasp and words.

I'm trusting you, Kyoko. I'm trusting you to protect me. I know you won't let me down!

XXX

"HEY!"

Makoto steeped back behind Kyoko, clearly scared of the sadistic bear and what he might do. Kyoko wordlessly squeezed his hand in comfort and assurance, giving Makoto the courage he needed to step back in view as Monokuma waddled up to them.

"Kyoko I don't mind so much."

Considering your plan A was to execute her, I doubt that…

"But Makoto's supposed to be dead. What's HE doing here?" He pointed one paw at the Ultimate Detective and accused "Did Kyoko help you?"

"So what if I did? I'm sorry, is that against the rules? What will you do?"

Monokuma started growling about how he would execute Makoto a second time, making the Ultimate Lucky Student sweat in fear.

No, once was traumatizing enough! "K-Kyoko…!" I knew this would happen. Kyoko, a little help here…

"Do whatever you feel you have to."

"What!?" Then what was all that about the mastermind being cornered? Don't just let him have his way with me!

"But before you do, let me just say one thing."

Huh?

Kyoko smiled at him before addressing Monokuma "If you execute Makoto, that means you lose. Not that that matters to you, right?"

Shocked, Monokuma uttered "I beg your pardon?"

"Well you set up this latest class trial yourself, right? I was getting in your way, so you wanted an excuse to kill me. I was supposed to be chosen as the blackened and then executed, right?"

Steaming, Monokuma roared "H-Hey, what are you talking about!?"

Ignoring him, Kyoko continued "But when Makoto chose to overlook my lie, your plan came crashing down. The results of the trial weren't at all what you were expecting. Because you never imagined that in that position, one person would protect another like that."

She glanced toward Makoto, smiling at him as his eyes widened in realization of her gamble. Makoto smiled back, playing along with her strategy.

Of course I would protect you.

"And in response to that unexpected development...you reacted by proclaiming Makoto the blackened and trying to execute him. You made the choice out of desperation. No, more than that...You must have realized that Makoto, who refused to be manipulated, was a threat to you, as well."

Damn straight; I didn't even vote!

Makoto couldn't help but smile smugly as Monokuma was shocked into silence.

"But then there was another unexpected development waiting for you. An entity that would throw a wrench, so to speak, in your precious execution machinery."

"Alter Ego..."

Kyoko closed her eyes for a moment, thinking If it wasn't for Alter Ego, Makoto would be dead. "You never imagined the possibility of a being that could come to our aid even after you'd killed it." She opened her eyes, pointed her finger at Monokuma, and accused "Now, here's the absolute truth. Makoto didn't kill Mukuro. You did. So executing Makoto for it would surely be a violation of your rules, which I know you love so much. If the blackened is exposed, they alone will be executed. That's what you told us, right?"

Scowling, Monokuma challenged "You talk a big game. You're saying the blackened is me and not Makoto? And you can prove this, right?"

"No, I can't."

What are you doing, Kyoko? If we can't prove it, then it's curtains for me and possibly you!

His panic was short lived, for Kyoko elaborated "I don't have any right now, but with a little more time I guarantee I'll find some. Because no matter how deeply you try to bury it, there is only ever one absolute truth. If Makoto really was the killer, he never would have come to you willingly like this. He would have feared for his life, feared another execution. He would have tried to run and hide. He would have been gripped by the despair you so love to inspire."

The only reason I didn't do that was because you told me it was futile…

Smirking, Kyoko finished "But here we are - confronting you with nothing but hope in our hearts."

"And that's supposed to be enough to convince me in the absence of evidence?"

He's kind of got a point. What's your ace, Kyoko?

Kyoko shook her head and replied "It's not you I'm trying to convince. If you were to execute Makoto now, everyone out there watching this would be extremely displeased."

Watching? Wait, she must have found out about how we're all being broadcasted. She's using the TV audience as leverage!

Makoto smiled at Kyoko as she continued "Imagine what everyone out there would think if you killed Makoto...They would assume that you killed him because what we said is exactly right."

"Oh dear..." Monokuma uttered as he stumbled backwards, making Kyoko and Makoto smirk.

"Sorry, dirty tricks will never persuade your viewers that hope is dead. Because you see..." She pointed her finger at Monokuma and declared "Despair can never kill hope."

Monokuma growled, making Kyoko smirk in victory.

Just a little more and we'll corner him! "Of course, you can say we're just making this all up. You're welcome to prove us wrong." She shook her head and declared "No, you have no choice but to prove it. Because if you kill Makoto without proving your own innocence, you'll be accepting your own defeat. If you want to earn our despair fair and square...then I suggest you take my advice."

Seething, Monokuma growled "So? What is this advice of yours?"

And now for my ace! "To do Mukuro's trial all over again. Only this time, you follow the school regulations to ensure a fair trial. No tricks, no manipulating the outcome!" Staring down Monokuma and pointing her finger at him, Kyoko continued "Consider it the final battle if you like. It's time for one last showdown - one final battle between hope...and despair! Well? That would make for a proper climax, wouldn't you say?"

Makoto's eyes widened as he realized A retrial! So this is what Kyoko was aiming for. But what reason would the mastermind have to agree to such a proposal?

"Kehehe...interesting...Beary Interesting indeed!"

Huh? "Beary?"

"Oh, I was getting bored, so I decided to change things up a little. So, time for bear jokes!"

Bear jokes? Now?

Makoto watched, baffled as Monokuma ranted "Now, what you've suggested might be pawsible. It would certainly make for one honey of a climax!"

Unamused, Kyoko asked "Does that mean you accept?"

"It would cause you unbearable despair, right? Then I'm prebeared to agree to your terms! Challenge accepted! Will your hope win out, Or will my desbear claim victory…? Let's have one final grizzly showdown!"

Makoto fought back a beaming smile as he thought in astonishment He agreed...We still have a shot!

His internal smile was wiped away when Monokuma interjected "But with the caveat that we give your grand finale a little more kick. This is the long awaited climax, right? Just guessing the killer is bearly a fitting end. Can't just go with the whole and the murder is routine, ne?" Sporting an evil smile, Monokuma cackled "No no, an epic showdown of these proportions calls for some high stakes razzle dazzle!"

At this, Makoto nervously asked "What did you have in mind?"

"I'm glad you asked. So for this final face-off, you'll have to unearth all the mysteries that have been bearied here!"

"All the mysteries…?"

"That's right. Every last mystery that's pawing around the school. If you can do that...then that'll be enough to koalafy as a victory for you, and I'll concede defeat! You and your surviving cohorts go free!"

Smirking, Kyoko replied "That's what we've been trying to do all along…"

"Okay, well, good! Then let's bear it all! If you can claw your way to the truth of Mukuro's death, AND solve the mysteries of this school...then you win!"

For the mastermind to propose a trial where we get to leave if we win...there's no way this is like a normal trial. There's gotta be a catch…

"And the catch..." Kyoko asked, making Makoto glad that they were on the same page.

Makoto shivered at the evil glint in Monokuma's eye as he started "But fail to solve the mystery, if you can't do all that..."

"We'll all face execution. Right?"

Makoto gaped at the catch, realizing just what they were agreeing to.

This really is an all-or-nothing gamble here!

Nodding, Monokuma cackled "They don't call you an Ultimate Detective for nothing! Kehehe...I can bearly contain my excitement...When you learn the whole truth...what kind of despair will you show me?"

Chuckling, Kyoko replied "We're as excited as you are, I'm sure."

Excited isn't really the word I'd use, Kyoko…

"When we've uncovered every last truth, how will the Ultimate Despair reveal their own despair…?" As Makoto stood there, his head spinning from the turn of events, Kyoko asked "But before we get started, I want to clarify one more thing. Do you remember the rule? When one student kills another, that's when a class trial is held."

Holding his paw to his chin, Monokuma replied coyly "I remember that, fur sure. So what?"

"I just want to confirm, that is what you said, right? And it's a true statement?"

Sighing, Monokuma replied "I've said it before, but it bears repeating...Everything is based on the school regulations. And having a trial for Mukuro is no exception to that."

This statement just left Makoto even more confused, leading Monokuma to disclose another hint; that the game started with sixteen students, who were the only ones to step into Hope's Peak Academy since the game started.

Stop speaking in riddles. You're making my brain hurt!

Kyoko meanwhile pressed "Are you telling the truth?"

Monokuma went silent, making Makoto worry. Then Monokuma roared at them to get lost.

"He seems...emotionally unstable."

As Monokuma roared at them to get lost again, Makoto questioned whether Monokuma was really going to just let him leave. The bear shrugged that he'd get his punishment later, and shooed them out, saying he had to prepare their punishment.

To Makoto's astonishment, Monokuma started dancing on the floor, cheering "This'll be spectacular! Hope doesn't stand a snowball's chance in hades against despair once you rugrats know the truth!"

Okay, he's lost it…

Kyoko smirked and countered "Don't count your chickens before they're hatched. We may have a few surprises in store. The despair you keep prattling about might just be yours." She turned around and started walking away, calling out "Come on, Makoto. Let's go."

Makoto nodded and ran up behind her, latching onto her hand for protection until they got out of the gym and away from Monokuma's immediate sight.

XXX

Makoto sighed in relief, amazed that he had walked out of there with his life. He looked toward Kyoko, beaming at her with gratitude.

"Kyoko...thank you. Everything I have right now is because of you."

Frowning, Kyoko replied "Don't thank me just yet. The real battle is still ahead of us." Smiling, Kyoko continued "But still, I'm glad it worked out. I wasn't sure if the enemy would accept my proposal."

"Why would the mastermind agree to it?" Makoto wondered.

"They had no choice but to accept. It's all because of that one moment that the mastermind let down their guard, like I said."

"So what moment was it that the mastermind let their guard down…?"

"I wasn't there to hear it myself, but do you remember what the mastermind said? They said they had hijacked the airwaves to broadcast our school life to the outside world, right?"

Makoto nodded to indicate that he was following her so far.

"And what did you think when you heard that? Pretty hard to believe, right?"

"Well...,I mean, the idea of actually taking over the airwaves seems so...unbelievable." Sounds like something in a Saturday morning cartoon. It's hard to believe that this is actually happening in real life...

"You don't exactly read about something like that happening very often, so it's hard to imagine. In other words, that kind of thing is extremely difficult to pull off. And yet somehow...the mastermind was able to do it." I'm still not sure exactly how, but I guess we'll figure it out during the trial… Shaking away the thought for the time being, Kyoko continued "But think of it another way - there must have been some reason they had to do something that difficult."

"A reason…?" What reason could she be implying?

Seeing Makoto's confused expression, Kyoko explained "They had to show the world something, no matter the cost - us killing each other."

"They wanted to show the world…?"

Makoto shuddered at how anybody could actually find entertainment in that, like Monokuma said.

"The mastermind has been very adamant about not killing us directly, but forcing us to kill each other. And all their rules and regulations were designed to encourage that."

Nodding, Makoto grit his teeth and lamented "If those stupid regulations didn't exist, nobody would've killed anybody..." Sayaka, Junko, Leon, Chihiro, Mondo, Kiyotaka, Hifumi, Celeste, Sakura, and Alter Ego. They'd all still be safe, living happy lives. Plus, they tried to target Kyoko and have her executed. I can't forgive them!

Kyoko mused "So the mastermind's ultimate goal was to make us kill each other, and show that off to the world."

"But...why?" What sense is there in that?

"To prove a point, most likely."

"Prove...a point?" What point could possibly be proven from that?

"The outside world has a name for the students of Hope's Peak, right? A certain concept…"

His eyes widening in epiphany, Makoto asked "You're talking about hope, right?"

Very good, Makoto… Kyoko nodded and continued "And for those of us who represent hope to kill each other and sink into despair...The mastermind wants the world to see that, to try and prove that despair is better than hope. That's their goal, as the Ultimate Despair."

Makoto stepped back, astonished by Kyoko's assertion as he stammered "But that...that's ridiculous!" They want to prove despair is better than hope? How is that even a remotely rational motive for a sadistic scheme like this?

Kyoko lamented "You're right. It is ridiculous, completely irrational. It's the kind of thing that nobody but those who call themselves the Ultimate Despair would devise. That group whose only purpose and motivation comes from despair…"

"B-But - ! Is that really their only reason for making the rest of us suffer!?" A group that orchestrated a mass genocide, just for despair? This is…

Makoto's eyes narrowed as he felt his blood boil at the motivation that his friends had died for. He was brought back to his normal state of mind when Kyoko squeezed his hand, her lavender eyes staring sympathetically into his own.

"I know how angry it must make you. And yet...that same motivation is what led to the mastermind revealing their weakness."

Their weakness? But what could that have been?

Seeing Makoto come up empty after racking his brain, Kyoko explained "Because their goal is to broadcast this killing game to the world...the mastermind has had to be more particular than is reasonable about their own regulations. If the mastermind simply ignored their rules, this wouldn't have been a game, but a one-sided slaughter. At least, that's how those who are watching this would have seen it."

"And that's why the mastermind couldn't kill any of us themselves?"

"That is precisely the reason. No matter how much they may hate what I'm doing, I haven't violated a single one of their regulations. Junko broke the rules, so she was punished. But in my case, they couldn't lay a finger on me. So instead, they tried to use the class trial, following all their proper rules, to get me killed. They began a trial that didn't have a right answer, then made me out to be the killer."

Makoto smiled as he interjected "But even that didn't work..."

Looking at him gratefully, Kyoko answered "Yes, thanks to you. And due to that failure, the mastermind took yet another risk. They attempted to kill you instead, who also was not the killer."

She looked away, shame filling her as she thought back to that last trial.

I'll never forgive myself for setting you up like that, no matter how long I live…

Her guilt trip was interrupted when Makoto concluded "And when that fact was exposed on live TV to the entire outside world...the mastermind had to accept your suggestion?"

Kyoko refocused her gaze on the Ultimate Lucky Student and nodded, explaining "To prove to the world that despair is better than hope, they have to defeat us in perfect form...It would only do the mastermind harm to have it shown that they'd violated their own regulations."

"But all of that was just a hunch, right? And you were still able to get the mastermind to accept your challenge..."

Smiling wistfully, Kyoko admitted "Well, it's only thanks to you that we got that chance. Because you believed in me, another path opened up."

Of course I believed in you. How could I not? Makoto looked at her, grateful and amazed as he replied "Still, I can't believe how much of the mastermind's thoughts and plans you were able to figure out. I didn't have the slightest clue…"

Shaking her head at Makoto's praise of her, she admitted "In the end, though, I couldn't prove any of it. It was just my reasoning. Essentially, I was making a bet. But it looks like I got it right. This time at least, I won the bet."

Okay, you deserve the Ultimate Gambler title for pulling this off…

Makoto watched as she breathed out a sigh of relief, showing her nervousness openly in front of him.

Kyoko suddenly burst into laughter for a few seconds before admitting "To be honest, I haven't been that nervous in a long time."

"I totally couldn't tell you were nervous at all..." Makoto told her in admiration.

Chuckling, Kyoko replied "Well, presenting a strong demeanor is a fundamental part of negotiation and persuasion, wouldn't you say? Plus, if I'd showed my uneasiness, that would have just made you that much more uneasy."

She's right. If I was that uneasy when she was right next to me and holding my hand, if she had showed as much nervousness as I did, I'd probably be…

"Anyway, we can't relax just yet. All we've done is earn another chance to fight. We have to win this time. Or everything we've gone through will have been for nothing…"

Nodding, Makoto replied with conviction "You're right." There's no option but to win!

Seeing Makoto clench is fist in front of him, Kyoko smiled, proud of him.

At last you've found it. Your courage, your resolve… Her smile turning into a frown, she then said "But before we begin the final battle, we have to tell the others what's going on."

Nodding, Makoto countered "But now we know who our real enemy we have to do now is work together with everyone to destroy the mastermind…!"

"Work together with everyone...Is that really possible?"

"Huh?" His eyes widened as he realized Of course; she's still uneasy about working with others. It took her so long to ask me for help, working with the others must be…

Makoto lay his hand on her shoulder, making the Ultimate Detective look at him in surprise.

"Kyoko, I understand how apprehensive you are about this. You're used to working alone, and I can't imagine how hard it must have been for you to gather the resolve to ask me alone for help. But trust me, working together is our best bet for getting out of this place alive. So let's unite; trust in everyone else like you trusted me..."

Smiling wistfully, Kyoko thought ...I guess you do understand me after all. Makoto...I want to believe you. Really I do. But...what if… Shaking her head, she removed his hand from her shoulder, replying "Anyway, right now we have to go find the others. They're probably in the dorms somewhere. Shall we go?"

Seeing Makoto nod, she walked off, the Ultimate Lucky Student following closely behind her.

We're really gonna see everyone again! I'm coming back to them alive!

XXX

"I suppose his emotional instability reached its limit."

Makoto stood in the dining hall, bewildered as Monokuma was spouting random gibberish at him and Kyoko before slinking away.

Kyoko mused "I wonder what that was all about…"

As Makoto sighed in relief, he heard a shout of surprise and turned around, seeing Aoi, Byakuya, Yasuhiro, and Toko stare at him with shock on their faces.

Tears forming in his eyes, Makoto yelled "Y-You guys!"

The four ran towards Makoto, only to step back when they got close, confusing Makoto.

"Wait...what's that smell?"

"It's Makoto! He smells like a wet dog!"

Well I did spend goodness knows how long in a literal dump...

"G-Get away! Shoo! Shoo!"

Makoto felt his eyes dry up as he thought Come on guys; I can't smell THAT bad…

Watching the exchange with some amusement, Kyoko coughed to get everyone's attention.

"There's no time to indulge in an extended happy reunion. We need to explain to everyone what happened with Monokuma."

Byakuya's interest was piqued, while Yasuhiro asked if it was okay for Makoto to be here.

"That's related to what I have to tell you all. We're going to redo Mukuro's trial."

Aoi expressed shock at the idea of a retrial, while Yasuhiro asked what the point would be, still convinced that Makoto had killed Ikusaba.

Makoto facepalmed and groaned "No, I didn't do it! Like I keep telling you..."

Kyoko interjected "Makoto isn't the killer. And of course it's not me or any of you."

Byakuya was the first to catch on, deducing that it was the work of the mastermind, and leaving Yasuhiro shocked.

"That's right. It was all an elaborate trap contrived by the mastermind. Makoto spotted the trap in time, and did what he had to to stop it. But his decision meant that he would be the one to die."

Byakuya expressed surprise that Makoto spotted the trap, making the Ultimate Lucky Student rub the back of his neck and sheepishly claimed that Byakuya was making it sound easy.

Rolling her eyes at Makoto's modesty, Kyoko continued "But executing Makoto, who wasn't the blackened, is a clear violation of the school regulations. The rules state that only the blackened is to be executed. The mastermind broke their own rules. Which is why I went and negotiated with them to have the trial one more time."

Aoi expressed shock, while Byakuya deduced that she used the TV broadcast as leverage to get the mastermind to agree.

"Very observant of you."

After some back and forth between Byakuya and Yasuhiro, Aoi asked for clarification on their goal of exposing the mastermind, and Byakuya correctly guessed that this trial would have more to it than that. Makoto informed them that they had to solve all the mysteries of the school in order to win.

As Aoi dismally claimed that they still didn't know much after all the time they spent plundering the school for clues, Kyoko informed them "You've probably guessed already, but if we lose this time...everyone dies."

Yasuhiro expressed shock, while Toko angrily told Kyoko not to make decisions for them without consulting them, before ranting that she was fine living there with Byakuya. Her dreams were dashed however when the Progeny in question voiced that he wanted to get out ASAP.

Coughing, Kyoko redirected "Anyway, at this point the only way for us to survive is to unravel the truth."

Byakuya smirked, finding the idea of one final showdown an entertaining development.

Really, Byakuya? Our one chance to get out of this with our heads intact and you still view this as a game?

Aoi and Yasuhiro lamented that to uncover everything required of them was a really tall order. Of course, this fired up Makoto to cheer them up.

Clenching his right fist, he encouraged "Maybe, but this time the trial is different. We know who our enemy is now. So if we work together and search as hard as we can, I'm sure we'll solve all those mysteries!"

"I'm not so sure about that. I can't agree with the idea of working together with everyone."

That shook Makoto out of his good mood as he stared incredulously at Kyoko.

Huh? But what about the whole speech I gave outside the gym? Did my words mean nothing at all, Kyoko? A little hurt, Makoto stammered "Why not..? I mean, working together with everyone seems like the most obvious way to solve all the mysteries..."

"That's what I thought, too...at first. Until Monokuma gave us that little hint of his…"

Kyoko divulged that only sixteen students entered the Academy since the game began, leading Byakuya to agree with her reasoning. Toko, Aoi, and Yasuhiro immediately started panicking at Byakuya's assertion that the mastermind was one of them, making Makoto panic and jump in to try and keep the group together.

"W-Wait! We can't say for sure that's true yet! Monokuma might have just said all that to confuse us…!"

I'm sorry, Makoto. I want to believe that, but the stakes are too high not to consider it… "It's certainly a possibility. But only one among many...The mastermind being one of us is also a possibility."

As Byakuya and Toko agreed that they couldn't ignore it, Makoto felt his heart crack as he felt the unity in the group dissipate.

Makoto brought up the point that one of them would have had to be controlling Monokuma, and challenged everyone to come up with a single incident of one of them acting strangely when Monokuma was around. Toko stammered that the mastermind could have snuck off in secret, but Aoi countered that they would have noticed if someone snuck off that many times. Yasuhiro suggested that Monokuma was on autopilot, and to Makoto's dismay Byakuya concurred in a rare moment of agreement with the Ultimate Clairvoyant. Their back and forth was interrupted by an announcement from Monokuma, who revealed that every single door would be unlocked during the investigation.

"How very magnanimous of him to unlock all the rooms."

Byakuya reminded everyone that they needed to start with the investigation.

"B-But!" Are we really going to split now? Can't you see? Working separately is exactly what the mastermind wants. We have to work together on this! Why can't you see that Monokuma's just trying to divide and conquer?

Byakuya insisted that he was planning on going alone anyway before leaving along with Toko.

Looking at her, Yasuhiro asked "And you're gonna go off by yourself, right Kyoko?"

"That's right."

Soon after, Aoi and Yasuhiro left to conduct their own investigations, leaving Makoto and Kyoko alone in the dining hall.

"...it's just us two." Makoto lamented as he looked at Kyoko.

"Indeed."

"So...you're gonna go off on your own too, right Kyoko?" You don't even want me to help you?

Kyoko frowned as she saw the subtle hurt in Makoto's eyes.

Maybe I was a little strong earlier… "Well, don't misunderstand. Just because we're going to do our searches separately doesn't mean we can't still work together. That goes for all of us."

Makoto's eyes widened as he understood what Kyoko meant earlier. Choosing to view the situation as simply covering more ground, he softly smiled to show Kyoko he was okay, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Sighing that she couldn't make Makoto feel completely better, she said "Well, I'd better get going. I have an endless list of things I need to check. Monokuma said all the doors in the school had been unlocked, right? So we should be able to investigate every nook and cranny in the school."

She turned around and was about to walk away before she remembered one last thing.

"Oh and Makoto? Before you go investigate, grab some water bottles from the kitchen and take a shower. You do kind of stink..."

Blushing red in embarrassment, Makoto murmured "Right..."

As she walked away, Kyoko finished "Makoto...no matter what it takes, we have to uncover the truth. By any means necessary."

XXX

Makoto had decided to investigate the Headmaster's Office when he saw that Byakuya had already beaten him to the punch. He proceeded to show Makoto Mukuro Ikusaba's student file, or at least the part that Kyoko had apparently missed when Makoto had distracted Monokuma. Makoto skimmed through the file, noting her recorded vitals, the fact that she was in their class, and a warning from Headmaster Kirigiri about how dangerous she might be. Makoto closed the file and handed it back to Byakuya before walking away.

"Oh, and one last thing..."

Makoto turned around, interested in what Byakuya had to say to him.

"It's a bit of advice from me to you, so I suggest you pay attention. You seem to be getting along with Kyoko quite well."

Makoto frowned, his recollection of what Byakuya and Aoi said to him after Hifumi and Kiyotaka's murders giving him an idea of where this was going.

It's not what you think...right? "She's just done a lot to help me..."

"Well, don't put too much faith in her..."

What's that supposed to mean? How can I not have faith in her?

"The cost of that faith might be more than you can afford."

Makoto flashed back to his execution, the heavy weight pounding behind him as he waited for his death, before shaking the vision away.

What am I thinking? I already told her, that wasn't her fault. "Wh-What are you saying...?"

"Call it a hunch."

His blood simmering at Byakuya's hunch, Makoto turned around and briskly walked out the door.

He's wrong. I know he's wrong. Kyoko protected me...she's earned my trust! It won't turn out like that execution. We're all going to get out of here alive!

XXX

"It's the headmaster's private room."

Makoto jumped as he turned his head to see Kyoko standing to his left.

Guess I was monologuing again… "So I take it you've already been here?"

Nodding, Kyoko explained "I've been through this room several times already, but I still have one little regret. So I decided to check it out one more time."

Makoto nodded, but had a curious expression, wondering what regret she could have. He then noticed something different; Kyoko didn't have the calm, analytical look that she had been known for in the past trials, concerning Makoto.

Kyoko looks almost...meek right now.

Opting not to bother her and risk making it worse, Makoto looked around the room until he noticed an odd feature on the rear wall.

Hey, this is a darker shade of brown, and it looks further away than the rest of the wall…

"There's a gap here, but not just any normal gap...I can feel a breeze coming out. There's likely an open space on the other side of this wall."

His eyes widening in realization, Makoto exclaimed "You mean, like...a hidden room!?"

Nodding, Kyoko lamented "I think I might know how to open it. But that's where I ended up getting stuck. Which is the regret I mentioned…"

His eyes sparkling, Makoto energetically asked "Did you figure out some kind of trick or something?"

Smiling ruefully, Kyoko replied "A very easy trick, yes. So easy, I'm not sure you can even call it a trick...I saw a program on that PC that I think controls it. Enter the right password, and the door should open right up. But I don't have a clue what that password might be. All we know is it's probably made up of letters and/or numbers. We can't really go from there…"

I see...and I guess she hadn't found any more concrete clues on what it might be…

Kyoko explained with a hint of irritation "I looked through all his paperwork, all the files on the PC, everything I could think of. I learned more about him than I had any desire to, but nothing that might have been his password...When I think of how much time I wasted on this…"

This must be so hard for her...having to learn about the father that she wanted to cut ties from to solve the school's mysteries. And to come up empty handed...What can I even say in this situation?

Sighing, Makoto walked up to her and lay his hand on her shoulder, squeezing it in comfort before removing it and looking around some more.

...I guess he couldn't think of anything comforting to say, so he settled for a physical gesture.

Kyoko gave a small smile and followed him with her eyes as he walked over to the PC on the desk.

My father's PC… As Makoto started playing with the computer, Kyoko postulated "Whoever used this last, it looks like they were very interested in the Ultimate Despair. The PC still has some search results left on it…"

"Then we might be able to get some info on the Ultimate Despair!?"

...I'm afraid you'll be disappointed, Makoto… Shaking her head, she replied "There's not much though. Nothing we don't already know. The Ultimate Despair isn't one individual, but instead points to some kind of group. That group is responsible for The Tragedy, which happened one year ago. They're the worst sorts of people, whose driving force comes from despair...And that's all there is. Not much to it, is there?"

No, I guess not…

Sighing, Kyoko shook her head, looking off to the side as she finished bitterly "But I guess that's the best he could do as a complete Kirigiri failure…"

...I guess she really holds a strong grudge against her dad… "Any information about the mastermind is helpful, right? I appreciate whatever info we can get our hands on." Kyoko, I know you and your dad have issues, but anything he left us to help us defeat the mastermind, we should be grateful for.

Smiling at his good-hearted nature, Kyoko replied "I see. That's a good outlook to have."

Makoto then started to ponder about what the password might be, though he didn't have much hope that he could deduce it if the Ultimate Detective couldn't figure it out.

...No, wait! There might be a chance...The password could be...something she didn't want to think of. Kyoko implied that her father didn't love her. But if he did… "What about your name?"

"Huh?" My...name? No, it can't be. My father wouldn't care so much as to use my name as his password!

Makoto apologized, explaining that he had just been thinking out loud. He frowned, seeing Kyoko's face shift into one of anxiety, having barely heard his apologetic explanation.

I have to be sensitive about this… "Um...do you mind if I try it, just to be sure?"

I know it's going to be wrong but...what if it's right? Does that mean...NO! Calm down, Kyoko. It's just a password. No harm with Makoto typing in a password…

Slightly touched that Makoto was asking her permission, she sighed and answered "It's not like you need my permission. If you want to try it, try it. Do whatever you want."

What I want and what's right are two different things, Kyoko… Makoto stammered "O-Okay..."

Makoto walked up to the computer and sat down in the chair, his hands shaking as he trembled with hesitation.

Is this really worth it? If that's not it, that just might hurt Kyoko even more…

Though touched by Makoto's obvious regard for her feelings, Kyoko urged slightly more calmly than before "If you're worried about me, Makoto, don't be. I already know that your guess is wrong."

Is it… "Okay." He took a deep breath and said "In that case, here goes nothin." Kyoko Kirigiri.

As he typed the password and pressed the Enter key, both were shaken by a rumbling sound as the indentation swung backward, revealing a secret room. Makoto had an amazed look as he swung his arms into the air in victory.

"Kyoko! It worked!"

As he was about to start laughing, he heard Kyoko's muffled voice ask "...Why?"

Makoto looked towards the Ultimate Detective, and gaped in concern and shock. The normally clam Kyoko had the tips of her glove in her mouth as though she were biting her fingernails, trembling as she was confronted with a truth that she had denied ever since her mother died.

"K-Kyoko…?" Nice going Makoto, did you have to slam it in her face!

Trembling, Kyoko shakily stepped into the hidden passage, not even bothering to look at Makoto.

"Kyoko..."

Standing up, he briskly followed after her, having a feeling that Kyoko's repressed emotions would only further surface when confronted with whatever was in her father's secret room.

XXX

"H-Hey, Kyoko…?" Are you okay…?

Makoto called out to her as he entered, spotting Kyoko staring anxiously at what appeared to be a brightly wrapped present on a small wooden table.

What the heck is a present doing in a room like this?

His curiosity getting the better of him, he walked over to the table, preparing to lift the cover when Kyoko interrupted him.

"Be careful, Makoto…"

He looked at her apprehensively, unnerved by her warning as he asked "Why, do you think it's dangerous?"

I'd feel better if it was dangerous, but… Shaking her head, she replied "No, not dangerous. But...surprising, probably. If it is what I think it is...at the very least, it's not something you'll be happy to see." For once, I hope I'm wrong…

"Wait, so...you know what's in there?"

Makoto grew worried as Kyoko neither nodded nor shook her head, nor gave any hint of her answer in her eyes. At last she spoke, though cryptically as usual.

"Just don't scream or anything, okay?" Please let me be wrong. Let me be wrong twice today, please!

Nodding, Makoto gingerly grabbed the lid and pulled it off. What awaited him made him scream regardless; a pile of ones and a skull were resting in the bottom of the present. For her part, Kyoko made no move, or even thought to reprimand him for screaming.

"Just as I thought." So I was right…

"Just as you thought…? How could you have known that?" At this, Makoto stood on his feet and screeched "I mean...there were bones in there! Human bones!"

Somewhat shaken herself, Kyoko answered "Well, it's not that I was thinking of the bones specifically. I just...had a feeling it would be his body."

Not sure where she was going with this, Makoto exclaimed "Th-That's pretty much the same thing! A dead guy in a box!"

Kyoko resisted the urge to slap him as she glared at Makoto with angry tears in her eyes and revealed "My father…"

Taken off guard and not wanting to make Kyoko more angry than he apparently already had, Makoto nervously asked "What about him..."

Taking a deep breath, she answered "What you found in the box...Those bones...That...body...That's my father. Or at least...what's left of him."

Makoto gaped at her before turning his astonished expression to the human remains before him and wondered This is...Kyoko's dad? "How do you know...that's him?"

"Given all the information we have already, that's the only possible answer. Alter Ego said that the headmaster was probably here in the school...but the only ones who were alive at the start of the killing game were us sixteen students. When you put those two ideas together, it doesn't take much to assume...that most likely, my father was in this school, but he was also dead. That's my assumption, anyway."

Kyoko…

Makoto watched as she subtly clenched her fists, realizing that despite her calm appearance, Kyoko was anything but composed right now.

I don't really blame her; she came to see her father, and now she has to see his skeleton in his private study. This is...beyond cruel!

As he started to look around the room, Makoto suddenly felt a sense of discomfort, as though he was intruding. Kyoko saw his expression and frowned.

"Don't worry about me. Feel free to look around as much as you like."

Kyoko turned around, shocked by Kyoko's insistence that he treat this like any other investigation.

"Are you sure?" I mean, this is essentially your father's grave, Kyoko. I don't want to disrespect him or your family by prodding around in it…

Secretly grateful that Makoto was taking her feelings into account, Kyoko assured him "Never let anything get in the way of the investigation. I don't."

Nodding, Makoto first walked over to the desk and gingerly started opening the drawers, sifting through them in a manner as to not completely mess up the arrangement. His eyes widened when he pulled out what appeared to be a handbook with the words In Case of Emergency printed on it in red text.

Showing the extra handbook to Kyoko, he watched as she deduced "A handbook with no limitations, given to the school's ultimate authority, the headmaster...I'm assuming that's what that is."

"I think you're probably right."

"It might prove useful as we continue our investigation. Why don't you hold on to it?"

"Huh? But Kyoko..." If this belonged ot your father, then you should have it. It's technically your birthright, right?

Seeing what he was thinking, Kyoko shook her head, replying "I don't need it. If you don't want it, go ahead and leave it here."

...I guess she really wants as few reminders of her father as possible. Sighing, he acquiesced "...I guess I'll take it."

He had just put the handbook in his pocket when something else caught his eye; Makoto started walking over to the dresser on the far wall and spotted a single frame resting on top of it. He looked curiously at the picture inside of a young man holding a smiling girl with long, purple hair.

This picture...the girl in it looks familiar, but why? His eyes widened in realization as he thought Wait, is this a picture of…?! "H-Hey, Kyoko…!?"

Curious as to why he was calling her, she walked over to him, opening her mouth to ask him what was the matter, until her eyes wandered to the picture in his hand. She gasped, placing her hands over her mouth in shock, startling Makoto.

"Kyoko? Are...are you..."

I can't...believe...he kept it…

Kyoko's eyes widened as one of her memories came rushing back at warp speed, overwhelming her senses as she zoned out.

Sweetie, stop being such a wiggle worm!

Look, I'm a birdie!

"Kyoko?"

The Ultimate Detective came out of her flashback, looking around and seeing Makoto, his hand laid on her shoulder and his mouth frowning in concern.

Swallowing a lump in her throat, she uttered "Well, this is annoying. I came here to cut myself free of the past. And yet...To now find something like this...So what do you expect me to do now…?"

It's a picture of Kyoko when she was a little girl.

Makoto found the photo of her to be cute, but thankfully had the sense to not voice that particular thought.

He must have really cared about her...Which is exactly what Kyoko thought was a lie…

He looked over to Kyoko who was trembling in shock and emotion.

"Why? What…? " You mean he...actually...loved me? "I wanted to face him and tell him myself. To cut him out of my life for abandoning me… That's the whole reason I came here. And now he's abandoned me again. And this time, he even stole the only opportunity I had to move on. Has there ever been a worse father…?" Lies. You knew deep down that he loved you. Your name as the password and the photo of you prove it. And who says he abandoned you? For all you know, Monokuma and the mastermind could have killed him too. Admit it; you love your father and wanted to see him alive again. You just want to be mad at him for not being around…

Makoto looked at her, concerned at her emotional monologue.

Kyoko…

Was Makoto right? Did I really...want to reconnect with my father? Guess I'll never know now, because he's dead!

The thought of her father's death brought tears to her eyes as Makoto watched in concern. He placed the frame back on the dresser and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Kyoko? Are you okay?"

She looked into his eyes with her watery own and, in a burst of unidentified emotion, tackled him, almost knocking him off balance.

"K-Kyoko!"

He was shocked even further when she embraced him in a vice and sobbed into his shoulder.

Kyoko...she must be overcome, finding out her name was her father's password, then finding his remains in his private room, and now finding that old family photo of her and her dad. Her entire worldview must be falling apart. I don't blame her for breaking down after all this. She's been so strong throughout this entire ordeal; if anyone deserves some time to let their emotions out, it's her!

Smiling sadly, Makoto returned the embrace, running one hand up and down her back in a comforting gesture. The shoulder of his hoodie quickly became damp with Kyoko's tears, but Makoto found he didn't care.

She was there for me plenty of times. If I can be there for her...just once...I will be.

As the two of them stood there, in the middle of her father's private room, Kyoko felt a warm and content feeling spread through her.

This feels...nice…

Kyoko couldn't help but smile at the thought, her tears slowly drying as she gained a small grasp on her emotions. At last she separated herself from him, wiping her eyes with her gloved hand to get rid of any residual tears.

"Listen, Makoto…? Can I ask you a favor?"

"What is it…?"

Looking to the side with guilt, she admitted "I know it's completely unreasonable to ask you this. And I know it'll only inconvenience you that much more. But...could you leave?"

Makoto felt his heart crack at Kyoko's request.

"Huh?" Did I...do something wrong?

Looking at his saddened expression, she hastily clarified "Just for a little while. I'd just...like to be alone for a bit." It's not that I don't want you around…

"K-Kyoko..."

Smiling slightly at his concern, she assured him "Don't worry, I'm fine. I just need to calm down a little...I need to...get my emotions in order." I've already burdened you enough with my issues. I don't want to burden you more while I get myself under control.

Makoto hesitated, wanting to respect Kyoko's wishes but also feeling guilty about leaving her alone to deal with this.

Treading carefully, he started "You know, Kyoko...You told me before about the relationship you had with your dad. How you're only connected by blood, not by heart and soul. But..." Doesn't this picture and everything else infer that you were bonded to his heart and soul?

"Maybe that picture motivated him, maybe he hoped to see me again someday. Is that what you were going to say?"

...Close enough, I guess…

...I wish I could know if that was true… Closing her eyes, Kyoko continued "If so, it's just a theory. And this isn't an issue that can be settled with theories. That picture doesn't change the facts of what happened, what I went through. That problem can't be solved so easily."

What about the advice you gave to me about Sayaka's intentions? It didn't change things either, but we could still infer her feelings. Why can't we infer your father's feelings from this stuff?

Rather than voice that thought however, Makoto reluctantly acknowledged that although he was satisfied, with some persuasion, about the inferences regarding Sayaka's feelings, the rocky past that Kyoko had with her father made those inferences much harder to accept.

Sighing, he apologized "You're right...I'm sorry."

Smiling sadly, Kyoko assured him "Once I've got myself under control, I'll return to the investigation immediately. So please, just give me some time to myself."

"O-Okay, I understand. Then...I'll see you later." As he turned to leave her to her own devices, Makoto turned back around and urged "If you need me, for anything, don't hesitate to come find me, okay?"

Kyoko blushed, touched at Makoto's willingness to comfort her, before she softly giggled and urged "Go, will you? I'll be okay, promise."

"...If you say so..."

As Makoto left the room, his last thought was I hope she'll be okay…

Kyoko looked back at the entryway, already missing the Ultimate Lucky Student.

...I'm sorry Makoto, but I've already burdened you enough, no matter how comforting your presence is…

XXX

Nothing makes sense anymore! I mean, what's with that photo? And now Yasuhiro's avoiding me...What the heck is going on?

Makoto looked at the open corpse tray, reminding him of how Genocide Jack raced out of the Bio Lab after waking up.

...And I didn't even get to ask her about the picture…

"That must be why she passed out…She faints so easily…"

Makoto whiled around to see Kyoko leaning against the wall. Aside from a slight pink tinge around her eyes, she appeared like she hadn't been crying at all. In addition, her expression was no longer faking a calm demeanor, but she looked calm in every sense of the word.

"K-Kyoko!" She looks better...I'm glad.

"It's getting late, isn't it?"

Nodding, Makoto remembered how emotional she had been in the private room compared to how she was currently and felt obligated to ask "Are you okay?"

Looking to the side, she apologized "I'm sorry if I made you worry."

Makoto waved his hands in front of him in reassurance and exclaimed "N-no, you don't have to apologize." As long as you're feeling better, that's all that matters.

Kyoko interrupted his thoughts as she interjected "But listen, about this room…"

"Oh yeah, it's..."

Kyoko finished "It's a morgue." Makoto nodded in confirmation, leading Kyoko to explain "I suspected as much. And Toko must have looked inside the fridge, seen what was in there, and...well, there you have it."

"You knew she'd fainted?"

"I was on my way here, when Genocide Jack came running past me. I assumed she must have sneezed, but once I got inside, the real reason became clear. I imagine she came here to investigate, and when she opened the slot there…" As Makoto confirmed that Toko had indeed fainted, Kyoko continued "Anyway, we should close it up. Don't want to leave it hanging open like that…"

"Yeah, good idea..."

Getting to one side of the tray, Kyoko asked "Give me a hand with this."

As Kyoko was about to push, a thought came to her.

Wait; I didn't get to see Mukuro's body during the 5th trial, so this might be an ideal opportunity to get caught up.

"Kyoko…? What's..."

"Maybe we should wait a second before closing it." When Makoto asked why, Kyoko explained "Because Mukuro's body is in here."

Makoto stumbled back from the fridge, exclaiming with disbelief "Mukuro's body is inside the fridge!?"

Nodding, Kyoko explained "Just like every other time, the mastermind probably brought it up here while we were in the class trial."

Makoto caught on, speculating "Because they assumed we wouldn't be oding the class trial over again, I guess..."

"You may be right...Either way, now I can finally get a good look at the body." Flames of determination burning in her pupils, Kyoko declared "I need to do my own examination of the corpse as soon as possible. I'm going to find a clue this time, and I'm going to grab the mastermind by the tail…"

Nodding, Makoto asked enthusiastically "Okay, so...what should I do?"

Smiling, Kyoko thought to herself Sorry to disappoint you Makoto, but I'm not sure there's much you can do to help out with an impromptu autopsy… Feeling bad that she had to dampen his enthusiasm, Kyoko suggested "Why don't you just...wait over there? I'll let you know as soon as I'm finished."

That's it? Not that I'm any good around corpses anyway. Guess I'd only get in her way if I tried to help.

Giving a sigh of depression, Makoto's shoulders sagged as he went over to the corner and plopped himself down, twiddling his thumbs as he waited for Kyoko to finish.

I'm sorry, Makoto…

Makoto watched her work, his mind starting to wander until it settled on the photo he got from Monokuma.

...Wait, the photo! She's in it too, so I should ask her about it. I know she's working, but it's technically part of the investigation, so it'll be okay, right? Taking a chance, Makoto walked closer to her and started nervously "Don't let me interrupt your investigation, but I wanted ot talk to you about something."

Though curious, Kyoko didn't turn around, only asking him "What is it?"

"It's about that announcement Monokuma made earlier..."

Don't tell me you actually fell for it, Makoto… Slightly disappointed, Kyoko replied "You mean the one about a hint or something? I didn't take him up on the offer." When Makoto asked why not, she answered "The only reason he'd give us a hint at this point would be to confuse us, to cloud our judgment. I can solve this mystery on my own, without whatever hints he may have to offer."

"That's...a good point" Makoto admitted. Great, now I feel stupid for having gone…

Dropping the subject, Makoto turned to look at the fridge slots, noting that some had blue lights while the others were inactive.

"It would seem the blue light comes on when a slot is occupied."

Nodding, Makoto looked at the wall and counted the nine lights in total.

Wait, nine? But weren't there…

"Okay, Makoto. I'm done."

Filing the thought away for the time being, Makoto looked at Kyoko with surprise and remarked "Jeez, that was fast!"

Kyoko shrugged and replied "Anyone can do good work if they go slow. In that spirit, I'll make my report brief."

Does that mean that was slow for you…?

"I paid careful attention to the wounds and the traces of blood. And it seems highly likely that...the stomach wound and blow to the back of the head were inflicted after death. The burnt tissue made things a little difficult, but I'm completely confident in my findings."

"Then what was the fatal injury?" After reviewing the Monokuma File, Makoto commented "The only other option is those other wounds, but the file said they were old."

"Where does it say they're old?" Makoto stumbled back, taken off guard by the edge in Kyoko's voice as she continued "All the Monokuma File says is that they were inflicted at least several days ago."

Old, several days ago, what difference does it make? "I...guess I don't see the difference."

Still so much to learn… Kyoko shook her head, disappointed as she answered "Well the difference is immense, considering the impression they give. You seem to be equating several days old with simply old. But that doesn't quite follow logically. Old wounds, it makes it sound like they've been there forever, like they're not related to the murder."

"Are you saying...they are?" Shaking his head, Makoto asked "But we all got the Monokuma File right after she was killed, right? So if the wounds were at least a few days old, there's no way they could've had anything to do with it."

So you still don't see it...the answer right in front of you? "But what if Mukuro herself wasn't killed within the last few days? Certainly you can allow it as one of the many possibilities, right?"

"One...of many?"

Makoto was still dumbstruck at Kyoko's theory. The idea that Mukuro died earlier than a few days ago seemed almost laughable to him.

Besides, we had never met Mukuro before her death, so when would she have died as part of the killing game if not at least a day or two ago? So how does this even classify as one possibility?

Seeing Makoto's confusion, Kyoko explained "A detective doesn't have supernatural powers. There's no way to predict the answer from the beginning."

You sure about that? Because with how you've solved each of these class trials and saved my behind, I'm starting to think your detective powers border on the supernatural!

"Instead, the ideal detective begins by imagining as many possible scenarios as they can. They envision these possibilities without prejudice, without bias, using only their logic and common sense. Then, as they investigate, they test what they find against each of these possibilities." Kyoko smirked and remarked "Of course, me telling you this doesn't mean you'll be any good at detective work. But beyond using that to solve this particular mystery, you should keep it in mind for the future."

Don't worry, I don't think I'm cut out to be a detective. You're the only reason I'm still alive after all…

"So if there's anything else you'd like to know about the condition of the body, now's the time. We probably won't get another chance to interact with it."

"Come to think of it, there was one thing..." Makoto tapped his chin as he recalled "When I was looking at Mukuro's profile, it listed her height and weight..." What were they again?

"5 foot 7 inches, 97 pounds. Vitals were...31-22-32. Did I get all that right?"

"You remembered all that?" I shouldn't be surprised at this point, but still...Are you sure your skills aren't supernatural?

Before Makoto could ask his next question, Kyoko answered "They are indeed consistent with the corpse."

I didn't even ask it yet…

"And don't forget about the Fenrir tattoo. There's absolutely no mistake...Our victim in this case is, without a doubt, Mukuro Ikusaba…! Is that all you wanted to ask?" As Makoto nodded, Kyoko turned around and said "Then it looks like we have no further business with Mukuro's body. Let's get going. It's kind of chilly in here…"

Just like that? But what about putting Mukuro's body back? "Oh, wait, are we not gonna put the body back? Don't you think it's kinda...sad, leaving it out like this?"

...I knew you were kind, Makoto, but sympathy for the corpse of our enemy? Turning back to him, Kyoko replied "Sad…? Did you forget? She was our enemy once. A part of the Ultimate Despair."

"B-But she still got killed. She's still a victim..."

"Have you ever heard the phrase you reap what you sow?"

"But still..."

The two of them entered a staring contest, Kyoko surprised by Makoto's uncharacteristic unwillingness to yield to her, until at last she broke it off, shaking her head and chuckling.

"You really are naive, you know that? It's really quite appalling…"

Makoto was taken by surprise as after sighing, Kyoko walked to one side of the open tray as she stared at him, as if waiting for him.

"Well, aren't you going to help me? You're the one who insisted that we close her fridge after all..."

Smiling and nodding, Makoto nodded and rushed over, counting to three as they pushed Mukuro's body back into the fridge and closed the door.

If feeling sad for my enemy makes me naive, then what does helping me here make you, Kyoko?

Dusting off her hands, Kyoko said "I think we've done all we can do here. Back to our separate investigations, yes?"

As she turned around to leave, Makoto's eyes widened in remembrance and he exclaimed "Ah, hold on!"

What is it this time? It must be important, or he wouldn't have shouted about it.

Kyoko watched as he kicked his heel with his toe as he hesitantly spoke "I did have one last thing...I know I shouldn't, but I feel I have to ask..."

It must be something about my father...he probably wants to avoid making me distraught. I have my emotions under control, so I should be able to handle it… Sighing, she exasperatedly interrupted "Go ahead, then. Out with it."

Well, here goes nothing… Taking a deep breath, Makoto asked "Have you really not seen your dad even once since you got here?"

"What?" Why would he ask me that? I told him, multiple times, that I came specifically to see my father. There couldn't be anything that would make him second guess that… "What do you mean?"

"Well...you know all those lockers on the 2nd floor of the dorms?"

Nodding, she replied "I do, yes. But to get into any of the lockers, you'd need the handbook of whoever the locker belongs to."

Kyoko's eyes widened when Makoto revealed that he got in using her father's emergency handbook.

Kyoko gasped "The one you found in the headmaster's hidden room...So? Did you find anything worthwhile in the lockers?"

Makoto explained that he had found a pocketbook in one of the lockers. Kyoko's eyes widened when he explained that he thought it might be her pocketbook.

"What makes you say that…? Like I said, only the locker's owner should be able to get into it, right? I can't imagine those lockers belonged to any of us...After all, we only got access to that area just recently. What I'm saying is, there's no way I could've had access to any of those lockers. And if I did have a pocketbook, why would I bother putting it in a locker?"

Makoto explained that he looked in the pocketbook and found a journal entry inside written about the headmaster.

Kyoko gasped, putting a hand over her mouth as she exclaimed "Could that mean…? That video...is real, too…?"

"Video?"

Makoto watched Kyoko take a few deep breaths, concerning him until she calmed down, explaining "Makoto, I think everything is finally starting to fit together to reveal a cohesive picture. Although...I'm afraid that picture might be worse than anything we could have imagined."

Okay, now you're starting to scare me…

Makoto was tempted to say Kyoko looked panicked as she said "I need to go investigate those lockers, right now. I need to confirm what you just said with my own two eyes." Makoto offered to give her her father's handbook, but she shook her head, refuting "That won't be necessary. If I'm right about this, I shouldn't have any problem opening the locker with my own handbook. After all, it would seem that it's my locker." As Makoto looked at her in confusion and worry, she handed him a DVD and said "If you watch this, it'll all make sense."

Urgent Interviews!?

Kyoko explained "I found it in that hidden room, after you left. I don't have time to explain exactly what I think it means, so just watch it and see for yourself. I think you'll realize exactly what it means...You'll understand why you found my pocketbook in a place none of us have ever seen before."

None of this makes sense right now…

Hesitating for a moment, Kyoko came to a silent decision.

Maybe I can...depend on him a little bit more. I already know he'd agree to it if I asked...alright. "Oh, and now it's my turn. Do you have a second to listen to me ramble…?"

Surprised that Kyoko was asking him to listen to her talk, Makoto nodded.

It must be important if she's asking me… "Yeah, go ahead Kyoko."

Taking a deep breath, she confessed "So as it turns out...the arrangements I'd made...didn't stick. What I mean is, I'm less and less sure of everything. Even my own feelings…"

You're talking about your dad, right...seeing his corpse must have really shaken her up. No wonder she's unsure of herself right now!

"I can never find the answers to the questions I wanted to ask. For the rest of my life…"

And all because of the mastermind…

Makoto clenched his fists, angry at the mastermind for taking away Kyoko's opportunity to talk to her dad.

"But there's one thing I am sure of." Makoto looked into Kyoko's eyes and saw the flames of anger and hatred in them as she said with determination "When it comes to the mastermind, there's no room in my heart for forgiveness. I swore to destroy the mastermind. This is just one more reason to follow through on that."

And I'll be right there to help!

Kyoko sighed and lamented "It's strange...to be confronted with his death, and suddenly feel this way. I couldn't care less if my father had found happiness. So why is it…? Why does it bother me so much to know how he suffered…? It's ridiculous. There's just no understanding it, I guess…"

Because you love him after all. Because despite all your denials, what you really wanted...was to have your dad in your life...and someone murdered him before the two of you could have that chance!

Kyoko let out a laugh, but it was one filled with sorrow, echoing the sobs that Makoto had been witness to not long ago, of ones that threatened to burst forth even now. Makoto felt the urge to hug her, to hold her hand, to offer some gesture of physical comfort, but refrained from doing so, getting the feeling that a gesture like that wasn't what Kyoko wanted at the moment.

Once her laugh ended, she looked at him with an expression of guilt and clarified "So, that's it for my rambling. There's still much to do before I can consider my task complete."

"Yeah, you're right."

"But keep this in mind...There is only ever one absolute truth. Whether that truth serves justice or suffering...Whether it's the greatest truth, or the worst…Even if the truth you uncover is filled with hopelessness...you still can't give up hope."

Makoto nodded, not really sure where she was going with that philosophical remark but taking her words to heart all the same.

"A-Absolutely not!" Makoto agreed as he continued "Because...all I can do is keep moving forward. That's pretty much all I'm good at, ya know?"

By this point, Kyoko had accepted that Makoto would just insist that he was only good for one thing, regardless of what she thought about his gifts.

Smiling, she commented "Indeed...Sorry if that was...strange. Anyway, I need to get going. I'll see you at the class trial…"

With that, Kyoko left the Bio Lab, leaving Makoto alone with the strange DVD in his hand. He clenched his fist and stared with determination as she left.

I promise Kyoko...I'll help you take down the mastermind...and avenge your father!

XXX

"You're early, Makoto."

Makoto looked to the side and saw Kyoko leaning against the wall, analyzing his face.

"Does that mean you feel prepared?"

Makoto nodded and looked around, frowning that they were the only two who had arrived yet.

"But where's everyone else? Why aren't they here yet?"

"Don't worry, I'm sure they'll be here soon."

Soon enough, Byakuya, Yasuhiro, and Aoi all filed in. MAkoto tried to greet them, but was met with cold glares from each of them.

What's going on here?

Genocide Jack soon appeared, cackling that she would kill the mastermind with her scissors. When Makoto reminded her that she only killed adorable boys, she waved him off, saying that she'd kill anyone if it was for Byakuya. In the middle of her rant, she sneezed, reverting back to Toko.

"No human language can describe the disappointment I'm feeling right now." Kyoko deadpanned.

It was then that Monokuma strolled in and cackled "This final class trial is gonna be slathered in pitch-black despair! Climaximum sorrow!"

Kyoko narrowed her eyes and retorted "You're right. This is the final class trial. And this time, it'll be fair."

Monokuma objected, claiming that he was always fair before disappearing. Soon Byakuya, Aoi, Yasuhiro, and Toko filed into the elevator, leaving Makoto and Kyoko alone in the lobby.

"They're all acting...odd. Like they're paranoid, suspicious of each other...But you know why that is, don't you?"

"Y-Yeah, I think so..." It must be those pictures we saw! Kyoko was right, we should have ignored the hint…

"Well, you can tell us all about it soon. At the class trial…"

Nodding, Makoto declared "You're right. I'm ready..."

"Ready to win, right?"

Makoto clenched his fist in front of his face as he nodded, confirming "Of course…." We can't afford to lose!

Smiling, Kyoko replied "I'm glad to hear you say that."

Kyoko grabbed his hand, intertwining them together, before they stepped into the elevator, determination steeled on their faces as they prepared for the final showdown, between hope and despair.

XXX

The trial opened up with Monokuma taking one of the podiums and revealing the new rule, reiterating what Kyoko had told everyone in the dining hall, along with the punishment that awaited the loser.

"Are you saying that if you lose, you'll execute yourself?"

Makoto shivered as Monokuma nonchalantly answered "Yep, sure will!"

Kyoko pressed "...And that's final? No loopholes? No wiggling out of it later?"

Monokuma confirmed it one last time, and with that, the trial truly commenced. Yasuhiro, Aoi, and Byakuya all started accusing everybody else of working together as the mastermind. Bringing up their photos as evidence, they all claimed that they weren't in any of the photos.

This has to be a trap; Monokuma set us up! But how do I prove it? Each photo has a certain something in common. There's a connection regarding what person isn't shown in the group photos. And that person is...I got it!

Makoto revealed that the only one not shown in the photo was the person who received it. It didn't take long for everyone else to realize that it was a ploy by Monokuma to break up their team spirit.

"Yeah, I thought that must be it. But how was that a hint?"

Wait...what if there's more than just a trick by Monokuma to these photos…?

Makoto started comparing all the photos they received, his brow furrowed in concentration as he started to ponder. Yasuhiro and Aoi told him not to worry about it, confident that they were forged, but Makoto wasn't so certain about that.

The reason I don't remember this picture isn't necessarily because it's fake...There might be...some other reason...Some...terrible reason...An unbelievable but entirely horrifying reason...Kyoko said that she felt a disconnect when she fainted, and that she had amnesia. Wait, AMNESIA...Now I understand!

Makoto proposed that everyone had gotten amnesia at the same time. Predictably, Yasuhiro and Aoi waved it off as utter garbage.

"Ever since I came to this school...I remember everything that's happened!"

No, that's wrong! And I can prove it with this!

Makoto brought up the DVD that Kyoko had given him of the entire class being interviewed by the headmaster. Aoi accused Makoto of lying, but Kyoko shook her head in refutation.

"No, it's not a lie. Just watch the DVD and you'll see for yourself. The headmaster did, in fact, interview you."

Aoi and Yasuhiro still refused to believe it, but Byakuya reluctantly acknowledged that they had no way to refute the reality. Makoto then revealed that during the interviews, the headmaster all asked them if they could live in Hope's PEak forever, and all of them had said yes.

When Toko demanded to know why he would ever say yes to that, an agitated Makoto yelled "I don't know! I don't remember a thing!"

Kyoko calmly questioned "The same goes for everyone else? Nobody remembers…? You don't remember choosing to live here forever. Or even talking to the headmaster about it at all…"

Yasuhiro exclaimed that the whole idea of him agreeing to live at Hope's PEak for eternity was simply too insane to be believed.

"Insane or not, we can't move forward until you accept it. Am I right?" When Monokuma confirmed it, Kyoko responded to Yasuhiro's shrieks of shock "I know it sounds absurd, but...if it's the truth, there's nothing we can do about it."

Though Aoi and Yasuhiro still expressed skepticism at the idea, Byakuya chose to accept the reality that faced them. Makoto then accused Monokuma of having stolen those memories from them.

Monokuma started to sweat as he stuttered "Oopsie! You figured out that part too, huh?"

"Of course. There's no way we would all just happen to get amnesia at the same time."

Everyone then started asking how that would happen, but Monokuma insisted that the method didn't matter, leading Byakuya to hypothesize that there was a purpose behind their shared memory loss, and that the key was to figure out what memories were stolen from them. Monokuma confirmed as much, hinting that the original motive was related to the matter.

"That has something to do with the memories you stole from us?"

Monokuma cryptically replied that it was still a secret and urged everyone to focus on solving the murder of Mukuro Ikusaba.

Cackling, Monokuma posed "So who did it...Who killed her?"

Kyoko replied "Whoever did it is the same one who's behind everything. That much I'm sure of."

As they started debating who the mastermind could be, Toko dejectedly lamented "The mastermind is p-probably a million miles away..."

"No, that's wrong!"

Makoto brought up the control room that he and Aoi found during the investigation, exclaiming that the control room's presence proved that the mastermind was still in the school. Byakuya then speculated that the mastermind had to be one of them, since of the original sixteen students, the six of them were the only survivors. It didn't take long before fingers were pointed at Makoto, with Toko bringing up that he was the only one to survive their execution.

"W-Wait, what are you trying to say?" Makoto shouted as he started to panic, his execution playing back in his eyes as he listened to his friends accuse him of concocting the whole scheme.

I won't let this happen again… "Everyone, calm down. There's no reason to panic. The mastermind's true identity will become clear soon enough. Just as soon as we find out who killed Mukuro."

Makoto sighed in relief and looked gratefully at Kyoko as Byakuya agreed with her.

Thank you, Kyoko!

As Yasuhiro and Toko wondered what else there was to talk about, Kyoko answered "If you want something to talk about, I think there might be one thing...We haven't fully established what Mukuro's fatal injury was." When Aoi objected that her cause of death was blunt force trauma to the back of the head, Kyoko shook her head, replying "No, that isn't actually what killed her. It was something entirely different. Wouldn't you agree, Makoto?"

Makoto's actual cause of death must have been...the other wounds...I got it!

Makoto raised the possibility that Mukuro may have been killed more than a few days ago, causing Yasuhiro to recoil in shock.

Kyoko elaborated "What if, when we discovered her body, she'd already been dead for several days? If that's true, then naturally the wounds that killed her would appear to be however many days old."

Toko speculated that since Mukuro was the Ultimate Soldier, she got those wounds before even coming to Hope's Peak.

Kyoko however, shook her head and replied "You're wrong."

Toko then went into a fit, ranting about how Mukuro must have bene in a hundred different battles, so that was where she must have gotten those other wounds from.

Sighing, Kyoko asked "Are you finished?"

Wait...according to her profile...Toko, No that's wrong!

Makoto brought up that she hadn't suffered a single injury in battle, leading him to postulate that those other wounds were the very thing that killed her.

"As a matter of fact, it's hard to imagine any other possibility. When examining her body, I found that her stomach and head wounds came after she was already dead."

Her cause of death revealed, the debate moved to who attacked Makoto with the knife in the middle of the knife, since it couldn't have been Mukuro Ikusaba.

I can't think of anyone else...I got it!

Makoto declared that it was the mastermind, leading Monokuma to counter that it was Mukuro Ikusaba, demanding proof that he was wrong.

"I'm telling you now, it was Mukuro Ikusaba!"

Shaking her head, Kyoko retorted "You're wrong. Even without seeing their face...there's another part of the attacker we can use to prove it wasn't her."

"Oh? And what is this other part?"

It was the right hand!

Makoto brought up the Fenrir tattoo on Mukuro's right hand, claiming that the assailant who tried to kill him had no markings or tattoos on their right hand. With no way to twist the argument back to Mukuro, Monokuma admitted that it wasn't her, but claimed that it could have been someone other than the mastermind. Byakuya restated that he, Aoi, Yasuhiro, and Toko all had alibis that evening, leaving Monokuma to point the finger at Kyoko, and Makoto horrified.

No! Not again! I won't let her be Monokuma's target again!

...I guess I don't have a choice.

She looked over in Makoto's direction and felt a surge of courage fill her, giving her the strength she needed to make her next admission with a smile.

"If you insist, I don't mind showing you."

"Huh…? Show me what?"

"What do you think? I'll show you the one thing that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt it wasn't me."

She must mean her hands...Kyoko, NO! I believe you! You don't have to show us your scars to us if you really don't want to...Don't let Monokuma push you around!

Before anyone could actually say anything, and before Kyoko could second guess herself, she yanked her right glove off like it was a band-aid, exposing her hand for everyone to see. Everyone was shocked, but none more than Makoto. Kyoko's right hand was covered in a criss-cross pattern of red flesh, leaving Makoto to stare in horror.

"What happened to you?" What happened to make you suffer like that, Kyoko?

Wistfully smiling, she replied "Awful, isn't it? It happened when I was first learning to be a detective. I was inexperienced…"

"I thought you didn't want anyone to see those scars..." I certainly wouldn't have asked you to show them to us, especially if circumstances weren't…

Kyoko could see the consideration in his eyes, making her smile in gratitude as she assured him "If it means we get another step closer to unmasking the mastermind, it doesn't really bother me." Liar; it does bother you. It's only because he's there that you have the courage to show everyone. As she pulled her glove back on once more, she said "My scars should suffice as proof. Makoto, did the person who attacked you have scars like mine?"

"No, not at all. I'm positive."

"Then this much has been made clear...There can be no doubt that the one who attacked Makoto is the true mastermind."

Defeated, Monokuma moaned "On top of my secret being revealed, I had to look at those positively grotesque scars of yours!"

They're not grotesque! They're… Makoto growled at Monokuma, furious at seeing Kyoko's scars being made fun of by the sadistic bear.

This did not pass by unnoticed by Kyoko, who noted the irony that Makoto was getting more worked up about Monokuma's taunts than she was.

"Ah, sorry! Did I say that out loud? I do hope I didn't hurt your feelings…!"

Smiling, Kyoko replied "Not at all. You can say whatever you want."

That doesn't mean he should!

The debate then turned back to the circumstances of Mukuro's murder, and how her fresh body appeared in the garden days later. Makoto proposed that the corpse was originally stored in the Bio Lab, with Byakuya catching on and guessing that it was then moved to the garden later.

In fact, I have proof...I got it!

Makoto brought up the tarp that was found in the garden and revealed that the words Bio Lab had been printed on the corner, stating that there was a large number of them at the Bio Lab.

Nodding Kyoko theorized "So when the killer moved the body to the garden, they must have grabbed a tarp to wrap it in. Then they simply left it as it was to protect against the sprinklers, and put the coat on it afterwards."

Sweating, Monokuma demanded that she show evidence to back up her wild guess, leading Kyoko to smirk and shake her head.

"There is no evidence. I was simply explaining what I think happened. But you seem to be getting pretty worked up about it, wouldn't you say? Now that the conversation has turned to the topic of the bio lab, you must be getting pretty nervous. Because the key to uncovering your secret identity is hidden within that room, isn't it?"

Gaping, Yasuhiro exclaimed "Are you talking about unmasking the mastermind!?"

Nodding, Kyoko explained "You see, the bio lab contained an inconsistency, one so major it can't be overlooked."

Are you talking about…

"La-la-la! I can't hear you! La-la-la!"

Okay, this is getting crazy, even for Monokuma. We must be getting close… Makoto realized as he watched the bear's antics.

Kyoko sighed and moaned "Such a child...Oh well, just ignore him."

Makoto refocused his attention back to the inconsistency that Kyoko mentioned. Desperate, Monokuma brought up Makoto's family, making the Ultimate Lucky Student's eyes widen in panic.

"Are you sure your family's still okay?"

"Why are you bringing that up now!?"

Makoto began to hyperventilate as panic swept through him, making Kyoko narrow her eyes in anger at Monokuma's desperate strategy.

Damn that bear; bringing up that motive to throw Makoto off balance. He's already suffered enough!

As Monokuma continued taunting him, Makoto roared "S-Stop talking about that!"

"Calm down, Makoto. He wants you to get upset."

Kyoko's voice broke through him, allowing Makoto to get his wits back by focusing on her voice instead of Monokuma's taunts. Monokuma continued to try and shout him down in an attempt to bring him back into a panic, but Makoto wouldn't let him, and was able to concentrate until the answer came to him.

This should prove it! "The inconsistency Kyoko's talking about is...the lights!"

Makoto explained that the Bio Lab was set up as a substitute morgue, and that everyone who died was set up there.

Excellent work, Makoto! Kyoko took it from there, elaborating "And it was set up so that when a slot had a body in it, a blue light would turn on."

Makoto revealed that only nine lights were on, confusing Yasuhiro.

The number of lights that should be on is...I got it! "Ten of the lights should have been on. Any other number is incredibly suspicious!"

When Toko asked why, Kyoko revealed "That's simple. Just recall who's died here so far, and it should become clear."

Makoto roll-called the victims so far, and Aoi started wondering whose body disappeared from the Bio Lab.

"It may very well be...that none of them disappeared. Including Monokuma's executions, there have apparently been ten deaths. But there were only nine bodies. That's the point I'm trying to make."

What would it take for that to make sense…? Wait, what if Mukuro was...I got it! "What about if...the same person was killed twice?"

Aoi acquiesced "T-Technically you're right I guess, but still...something like that - "

"Could easily have happened. No, it is what happened." Kyoko interjected as Aoi tried to come to terms with Makoto's suggestion. When Byakuya asked who was killed twice, Kyoko smiled and answered "It was Mukuro, of course. Before she was killed as Mukuro Ikusaba, she was killed as someone else."

Monokuma denounced it as crazy talk and demanded ot know who the theoretical someone else could possibly have been.

"All you have to do is look at those bodily injuries of hers and that will become obvious."

Who could it have been? Who else suffered a fatal injury like Mukuro? It wasn't Sayaka, it wasn't Junko...wait, no that's wrong! "Junko. Wasn't her fatal injury pretty similar to Mukuro's?"

Makoto explained that Junko was stabbed to death with spears. Catching on, Byakuya continued that Mukuro died from a number of wounds across her body.

"When you compare that to the stab wounds Junko suffered..."

"Then the s-similarities...match…?" Toko finished in an incredulous gasp.

Nodding, Kyoko confirmed "Yes, and those are the only fatal injuries that match up. That explains why those two bodies are actually one and the same."

Byakuya deduced that someone that had previously thought to have died was still alive. Toko exclaimed that Mukuro was the one still alive, and that the body they found in the garden wasn't Mukuro, but Makoto was still unconvinced. The Ultimate Lucky Student brought up her records from the headmaster's office and stated that the corpse's appearance and measurements were consistent with her records.

Backing him up, Kyoko elaborated "She was 5 foot 6 inches tall and weighed 97 pounds. Her vitals were 31-21-32. Everything in her profile is consistent with that corpse."

With that point settled, Toko asked who was actually still alive.

There's only one person it could be…! Here's my answer! "Junko is still alive. It's the only possibility!"

Byakuya refuted him, bringing up that they had all seen Junko get impaled themselves, and that Makoto had checked her pulse himself that day. Makoto lost his confidence, lamenting that he must be wrong, causing Monokuma to cackle in victory.

"This case hasn't been decided just yet…You haven't given up already, have you Makoto?"

His confidence revived, Makoto roared "N-No, of course not! There's no way I'd give up that easy!"

Kyoko smiled, glad that Makoto's confidence had been restored. As Byakuya and Yasuhiro reiterated the impossibility of Junko being alive, Kyoko gave Makoto a line to grab hold of.

"I think we need to look at this from the opposite direction. Let's assume Junko is still alive. If so, how could she have survived?"

Makoto's eyes widened in realization as he thought Could it be that...Junko's not the one that died? It wasn't Junko, but someone else entirely? Maybe she used some kind of trick...wait...she was REPLACED! Now I understand! "What if she switched places with someone else!?"

Aoi and Yasuhiro expressed doubt, claiming that there was no possible timing for them to switch before Junko's death.

No, they switched! I'm positive. I need to figure out how to explain how they could have switched…! I got it!

Makoto proposed that they switched places before they had all gathered in the entrance hall, pointing out that if that's when they switched, then they wouldn't have needed to switch at the moment of death. While Yasuhiro and Aoi expressed disbelief at that, with Aoi claiming that she had a normal conversation with Junko, Byakuya reminded them that they didn't know who everyone was when they first met, making Makoto's theory more than plausible.

When Aoi tried to counter that Junko never had Mukuro's Fenrir tattoo, Kyoko countered "She could have hidden it with foundation or something like that." After all, I considered doing the same thing to cover my scars before deciding that gloves were less of a hassle… Shaking the thought, Kyoko continued "If she did, it likely melted away in the explosion, exposing the tattoo after the body was extinguished. Plus, there were the fake nails found on the hands of Mukuro's body. They were the same fake red nails she was wearing when we all met for the first time."

Struck with an epiphany, Toko interjected "B-But...if she really did use foundation..."

Seeing where she was going, Kyoko finished "Correct. Even if there was no tattoo on her hand, I couldn't say for certain it wasn't Mukuro. So I'm glad nobody noticed that glaring hole when we were trying to figure out who attacked Makoto...But too bad for you, Monokuma. You can't deny it anymore." Byakuya noted how elaborate the plan was, making Kyoko explain "The reason such an elaborate plan was possible is because the two of them were working together."

Makoto deduced that both Mukuro and Junko were the Ultimate Despair. Monokuma was struck silent, making Kyoko smirk in victory.

"What's wrong? Lost the will to fight back?"

As Aoi taunted that Monokuma was probably just afraid, the bear spoke up, exclaiming that the whole theory was a bunch of nonsense.

Makoto's eyes narrowed squarely at Monokuma as he declared "You aren't going to fool anybody! Don't think I haven't noticed."

Monokuma trembled, making Kyoko smirk as Makoto continued pressing the sadistic bear.

"Monokuma, you've tried to hide Junko's identity twice now." They were...I got it! "You made sure I couldn't finish watching the video. You did the same thing with this group photo!"

"Th-That was just coincidence! That whole power outage thing was just a fluke!"

Shaking his head, Makoto refuted "No, it was no coincidence. You definitely planned it. You did it because we would've figured it out if we took one look at her face!"

Recoiling, Monokuma fearfully asked "Figured what out?"

Raising his voice slightly, Makoto answered "That the girl in the pictures and video isn't the Junko that we know!" After all, the unusual circumstance common to all of these pictures...I got it! "It's obvious when you think about it...Junko's face. The one thing common to every single photo is that you can't see her face."

Stumbling on the podium, Monokuma stuttered "What are you all talking about? You've all met her!"

"But we were all suffering from amnesia. It was like we'd never met before!"

As Monokuma almost fell off the podium in shock, Kyoko interjected "I believe everything Makoto said is true. Junko and Mukuro switched places before we met either of them."

As Byakuya noted that it would have been impossible for any of them to notice the bait and switch, Makoto continued "She faked her death by killing Mukuro, who had switched places with her. The real Junko is still alive!"

Monokuma stumbled backwards, cursing "Xanadu!"

Pointing his finger directly towards Monokuma, and looking eerily like Kyoko at that moment, Makoto roared "And she's the organizer of this school life of mutual killings - Junko Enoshima, YOU ARE THE MASTERMIND!"

"Faxanadu!" Monokuma cursed before bending over.

With Monokuma finally silenced, Kyoko interjected "With this, the identity, and the crimes, of the mastermind have been exposed."

"N-no, wait…! Hold on..." Monokuma weakly objected, still unmoving, but MAkoto didn't let him finish.

"Don't bother trying to deny it. There's no more room for debate. You don't have anywhere left to run. I'll prove anything...right now!"

Makoto went on to detail every single detail of Junko's plot, from switching places with Mukuro to murdering her to trying to frame Kyoko for her death. Makoto's voice became especially growly at that last part, letting his disdain for forcing Kyoko to make him out as the bad guy known loud and clear.

"That's the whole story behind this incident! Well? What do you have to say to that!?"

Makoto's taunt was met with silence, as the robotic bear had stopped making any noise at all, eerily reminding them of how he was when the others were disassembling him.

Eventually, an exasperated Byakuya sighed and complained "What, are you broken again? Or is playing dead just your strong suit?"

Monokuma stayed silent, even when Aoi, Yasuhiro, and Toko all took their turns yelling at him.

"Give it up, Junko. The game's over. Admit defeat."

At this, the robotic bear finally raised his head, creeping everyone out with how his evil red eye was glowing as he cackled "Admit defeat? Oh ho ho, I think NOT! There's still plenty more to go!"

Everyone gasped in shock as mist covered Monokuma's podium, obscuring their vision of the bear. It then dissipated in what could only be described as an explosion of air, leaving in its wake a tall, blonde haired girl with two pigtails.

That must be the real Junko...Makoto and Kyoko thought as everyone stared at their new adversary.

The new teenager put on a crown and adopted a snooty yet regal voice as she boasted "At long last! I've been waiting for how I've longed for this moment! I'd nearly grown tired of waiting for minds of your caliber to come!"

This is the mastermind?

Switching personas, the girl adopted a somewhat depressed voice and revealed "Mukuro and I were two sides of the same coin you might say. Fraternal twins invariably at odds..."

Toko gasped, exclaiming "Twins?"

Makoto's eyes widened as he realized That's it...the Two Despairs!

The depressed girl confirmed "Yeah. A fairly common plot twist. So it's kind of embarassing to say it now. Mukuro and I had your stereotypical twin relationship...Mukuro was the physically adept older sister, the one rough and military minded. And the cute, genius, younger sister, the younger sister who was cunning and compulsively attractive..." She switched personas once more, adopting a crazy grin that creeped out even the stoic Kyoko as she pointed to herself as she cackled "That was me! Junko Enoshima-chan!"

Junko cackled some more, leaving Aoi and Toko trembling with fear at their clearly unhinged classmate. Byakuya and Kyoko stared with as much neutrality as possible, while Yasuhiro did his best to glare at the Ultimate Despair. But it was Makoto who glared at Junko with seemingly all the fury and hatred in the world, staring down the Ultimate Despair as she continued to cackle away.

Junko Enoshima...You're responsible for everything that's happened! For trying to frame Kyoko and cause her unimaginable guilt for my verdict, and for killing Alter Ego, Sakura, Celeste, Hifumi, Kiyotaka, Mondo, Chihiro, Leon, Sayaka, and last but not least, killing Kyoko's dad and stealing her opportunity to reconnect with him...I swear to take you down!

XXX

Aoi remarked how she felt like Junko looked familiar somehow, triggering Makoto's memory.

Was it...I got it!

Makoto realized that he had seen her face on the magazine covers, leading him to realize that Mukuro's claim that they were all photoshopped was just a lie. Byakuya nodded, coming to the conclusion that the reason why Junko hadn't seemed the same at first was because she was actually Mukuro.

Aoi suddenly came to a realization and spoke shakily "But...if she was your twin, that means...you killed your own sister?"

Junko then put on a pair of glasses, shifting to a new personality as she explained in a lecturing tone that she had Mukuro switch places with her because she needed to control the killing game from behind the scenes, but she didn't want her Ultimate Fashionista appeal to go to waste either.

"And that's...why you switched identities?"

Junko went on to explain that Mukuro was still completely inept at portraying her accurately, and decided to kill her off to meet everyone's expectations. At Makoto's horrified exclamation, Junko also explained that she killed Mukuro in order to avoid becoming bored.

"I've never been a stickler for following a plan to the letter, ya know?"

Everyone was thrown off guard as Junko again switched personalities, adopting big goo-goo eyes and trying to exude cuteness. The result just made everyone shudder.

"In other words, Mukuro's death was a one-sided, premeditated act of betrayal. Just as I suspected...When Mukuro was killed, she must have been as surprised as anybody else."

Makoto and Aoi stumbled back in shock at Kyoko's conclusion, demanding to know how Junko could possibly not be bothered by having murdered her own twin sister. Junko switched personalities again, adopting a teary-eyed and down in the dumps persona as she confessed that such an act filled her with such despair, it made her feel so good.

"What the heck is wrong with you?"

In response to Yasuhiro's exclamation, Junko speculated that Mukuro must have felt such hopelessness during her death, and that she was jealous of her.

Taken aback like everyone else, Byakuya said "You're some kind of...abnormality."

Nodding, Kyoko agreed "Turning your own despair into some kind of fetish...Abnormality doesn't even begin to describe it."

Yasuhiro claimed that she was even crazier than Genocide Jack, leading Junko to rhetorically question that she was hopelessly perfect. Byakuya shook his head in disgust, saying that there was nothing perfect about what she just said. Toko jumped in, claiming that Byakuya was way more perfect than Junko, especially since he had that noble blood.

"Don't you mean...had that noble blood?"

That caught Byakuya's attention; his eyes narrowed and he growled at her to explain what she had just said.

Swapping personalities again, Juno hid her face behind a Monokuma plushie and taunted "You haven't even solved all the mysteries, and yet here you are, yap-yap-yapping away!"

Kyoko hesitantly interjected "Are you talking about our memories…?"

Junko taunted them to solve the mystery of their memories before they could gloat, leading Makoto to confidently declare "Damn straight! That's exactly what we're going to do. We're going to solve all these mysteries…And then...we'll have our victory."

Yasuhiro demanded that Junko give them a hint, but the Ultimate Despair cryptically replied that their memories shared something in common with a few other things.

The memories that were stolen from us, and what they must be related to...I got it! "You're talking about the motives you provided to try and get us to kill each other, right?"

Switching back to her slightly depressed persona, Junko revealed that each motive had a specific theme, and proceeded to go through them one by one, switching personalities each time when Makoto guessed it right. When an irritated Byakuya asked what the point was in asking those questions now, Junko switched back to her cute persona and explained that they were all normal motives, before switching to her ruler persona and declaring that there were as many reasons to kill as there were people on earth, compelling humans to kill each other and bringing despair to the world.

"This is what we refer to as the seed of despair!"

"Seed of despair…?"

In response to Kyoko's question, Junko went on to lecture about how hope was nourishment for the seed of despair, until an annoyed Byakuya interrupted, asking when her stupid speech was going to be over with, and demanding why she was changing the subject from their missing memories. Junk switched to her teacher persona and explained that the seed of despair was closely tied to their lost memories. She went on to explain that by taking away their memories, she gave them the hope of escaping from Hope's Peak.

"What are you talking about?"

In response to Byakuya's confused question, Junko switched to her ruler persona and explained that if nobody wanted to leave, the killing game never would have taken place, and that she took away their memories to bring forth their desire to leave.

"The only reason we want to leave is because you took our memories...is that what you're saying?"

Switching to her Monokuma personality, Junko acknowledged Kyoko's deduction. When Yasuhiro demanded to know why having his memories would make him not want to leave, Junko cackled and declared that she would show them the outside world.

Is she going to show us the Tragedy? "So something really did happen out there…"

Everyone watched in horror as Junko turned on a video of people in Monokuma masks creating riots, Monokuma robots destroying cities, and monokuma heads being attached to famous monuments.

"What the..."What the hell is this? It looks like something out of a movie!

Junko demanded that they remember what happened to the outside world, switching to both her depressed and crazy personas in the process.

How are we supposed to remember...what we've forgotten? Wait, we might not remember, but Genocide Jack might!

Makoto brought up that even though Toko and Genocide Jack share some knowledge, their memories aren't linked.

Catching on, Kyoko mused "I see. If their memories are separate...then even if one personality's forgotten, there's a chance the other may still have those memories."

Toko initially resisted, but sneezed as soon as Byakuya asked her to, causing a switch to Genocide Jack, who announced her entry with glee.

Wow, that was fast… Makoto deadpanned as she and Junko introduced themselves to each other as though they were having a normal conversation. Everyone then urged her to watch the video that was playing in front of them.

After a minute, during which Genocide Jack was lost in thought, Kyoko pressed "Well? Does it look familiar?"

Genocide Jack in her usual craziness explained that they were witnessing was the state of the world after the Tragedy.

Switching back to her crazy personality, Junko exclaimed "The world's been destroyed, get it!?"

Even Kyoko couldn't help but let out an astonished and horrified gasp, uttering "Destroyed…?"

It was then, among Yasuhiro's protests, that Junko dropped the biggest bombshell yet; that all of Byakuya's family, along with his precious Togami Corporation. This left Byakuya shocked and appalled, shaking his head and refused to believe it.

Byakuya…

Makoto felt sorry for the former Ultimate Affluent Progeny. Arrogant though he may have been, he had everything he owned taken away from him by Junko, angering the Ultimate Lucky Student. Byakuya exclaimed that his family was destined to guide the world, leading Junko to switch to her crazy persona and refute that the world got destroyed a year ago.

"That doesn't make any sense!"

Makoto interjected, claiming that he only came to Hope's Peak a few weeks ago, so the Tragedy couldn't have occurred a full year ago.

Junko switched to her Monokuma persona and cackled "Have you considered the possibility that you're mistaken about that?"

"Mistaken…?"

Junko then dropped an even bigger bombshell; their entire class had been attending Hope's Peak Academy for two full years up to that point. Everyone stared in shock, with Aoi and Yasuhiro refusing to believe such an audacious claim. Makoto however decided to ponder Junko's words.

The memories that were stolen from us...I got it! "If we accept that what you say is true...then we've all lost our memories of the last two years, after coming to this school."

Junko in her ruler persona grudgingly acknowledged that Makoto was correct, making Aoi gape in shock and Yasuhiro shake his head in denial. Reluctantly, Makoto showed Yasuhiro his notebook, leading Yasuhiro to confirm in an aghast tone that it was definitely his handwriting, even though he didn't remember ever writing in it. Still in denial, Yasuhiro shook his head and denounced it all as one big lie.

"I don't want to believe it either...But there's also no explanation for this pocketbook." Taking the small journal out of her pocket, Kyoko explained "It's mine. And the handwriting inside is also mine, there's no doubt about it. But just like Hiro, I have no memory of ever writing in it."

With Byakuya reluctantly voicing his acceptance of Junko's explanation, everyone was forced to accept the seemingly impossible reality that they had forgotten two years of their time together. Junko then continued to taunt them about what happened during those two years...then stopped because she was bored.

At Yasuhiro's shocked exclamation, Junko switched to her ruler persona and declared "We are bored of this world! Everyone always talks big, declaring all the great things they'll do! But then they always fizzle out..."

Even Kyoko couldn't make any sense out of Junko's speech, forcing her to inquire "What are you talking about?"

Switching to her teacher personality, Junko challenged them to determine where their memory loss began.

...I got it! "I can't think of any time other than...that day!"

Makoto hypothesized that the memory loss began when he had passed out in the entrance hall and woke up on a desk in the classroom.

"I assumed not much time had passed since I'd collapsed in the main hall."

Junko switched to her cute personality and exclaimed "But instead, two whole years had gone by!"

"The reason it felt so short was because...our memories of the time in between had been completely removed?"

Junko confirmed Kyoko's hypothesis, recounting how when they regained consciousness and met in the entrance hall, everyone took the time to reintroduce themselves.

"But by that point, we'd already spent two years together at the school. That's what those photos reveal, isn't it?"

Junko gleefully confirmed Kyoko's deduction, and proceeded to give a cliffnotes version of what had happened in the two years since they entered Hope's Peak Academy, revealing that the Tragedy had even exterminated almost all of the student body.

Disgusted with how casual Junko was with all of this, Kyoko asked "What...are you? The most tragic event in human history, and the Ultimate Despair that caused it...I can't believe it's all because of just you and Mukuro. Was it some kind of organization? An angry mob? An incredibly motivated family?"

Junko explained that the closest comparison she could make was an ideology, switching to her ruler personality and exclaiming that if they saw despair as the enemy, then their enemy was the world.

This still isn't making any sense at all… "I just don't understand why…"

Junko cackled that it was merely a tangent anyway, then divulged that after the Tragedy, Hope's Peak was transformed into a shelter to protect everyone who had survived, and challenged them to deduce who was responsible for it.

The one who turned Hope's Peak into a shelter and isolated us here...the letter, the DVD...I got it! "It could only have been...the headmaster of Hope's Peak Academy." Kyoko's dad!

My father...turned the school into a shelter...to protect us?

Junko then detailed about how she and Mukuro had already been enrolled at the school by that point, making it so that Headmaster Kirigiri's plan backfired on him.

So it's true...you and Mukuro, you killed my father!

Junko then revealed that she used the Killing Game to eliminate the last specks of hope in the world.

But how did she do that...That was...wait, the HIJACK! Now I understand! "You're talking about hijacking the airwaves, aren't you?"

Junko reverted to her slightly depressed persona and confirmed it, then switched to her Monokuma personality and revealed that there was a group of people who were trying to rescue them all this time, but that Junko used the guns installed in the school to repel them.

So...Aoi was right? People were coming for us!

Makoto clenched his fist in outrage at Junko's callousness and disregard for human life.

Switching to her ruler persona, Junko shrugged and finished "And that's the truth! Which is what you wanted, right? You solved the mystery but despaired at the truth, right?"

Kyoko's eyes widened in realization as she gasped "Don't tell me...Did you seriously count on the possibility that we would solve your mystery?"

Everyone stared in shock as Junko revealed the awful truth that everyone had been murdering each other for nothing, meaning that all of Junko's motives for escape were meaningless.

"We weren't just random strangers, either. We were classmates. We'd spent two years together…"

Even Genocide Jack couldn't laugh at the horror of the truth that Junko had laid out in front of them. It was then that Makoto decided to stand up, to stand against Junko.

"You say the world's fallen apart. But I haven't seen it for myself. I don't accept it as the truth! Even if it's all true...I refuse to give in! I refuse to lose to you!"

It was then that Junko brought up the vote, and revealed that she would change the rules for this trial; if only one person voted to give in to despair, then Makoto would be executed and everyone else would live in Hope's Peak Academy for eternity.

"M-Me!?"

No, not again! Never again!

"Kyoko, you could never betray your father, could you?"

"...What?" Betray...my father?

Cackling, Junko answered "I mean, the headmaster's only wish was that all of you would survive, right? That's why he tried to trap you all here, after all! The least you can do is try to honor your dead father's wishes!"

Makoto grit his teeth in anger as he listened to how Junko was manipulating Kyoko and poking at her emotional wounds.

Using her father like that...damn you Junko! Kyoko, don't listen to her! If Junko seeks to push you into despair, then I'll pull you all back into hope! Makoto stared down Junko and roared "As long as we have hope, we'll never give up!"

His path made clear, Makoto proceeded to revive Aoi, Byakuya, Genocide Jack, and Yasuhiro's determination and hope. All four of them moved to stand behind him. His four friends brought back to their senses, Makoto turned his attention back to Kyoko, whose eyes were drowning in despair.

"Kyoko! Don't listen to her!"

Makoto's voice grabbed her attention, enough at least so that she was looking into his eyes, entranced by the warmth emanating from his pupils.

"I know how important your father was to you, believe me! This is what he wanted!"

This was what my father wanted? I want to believe you… Shaking her head, Kyoko replied dejectedly "You say that, but how can we really know what he wanted? I never knew the man..."

"KYOKO!"

The Ultimate Detective gasped as she again found herself lost in Makoto's eyes, his words piercing her despair like a bullet of truth as he yelled "Your father entrusted us with the future. He didn't surrender to despair like Junko wanted us to. And if hope is fading away, then we'll simply become the new rays of hope!"

Kyoko smiled as his words impacted her, realizing He's right! How could I have been so foolish? I nearly betrayed my father's wishes for all of us, and almost sacrificed Makoto a second time in the process. I have two promises to keep before I even think about giving into despair. Makoto Naegi...thanks for giving me hope again! "I didn't really know my father, so I can't pretend to know what he was thinking. But even if we're just connected by blood, there's one thing I am sure of...He would never want us to abandon Makoto and choose to stay here. I can't explain why, exactly. But if I'm sure of anything, I'm sure of that...Just because we don't actually know anything, does that mean we can't understand…?"

"Kyoko..."

A thought came to Kyoko, surprising her that she never thought of it before. "Could it be that…?" I love… She shook her head and continued "...No, never mind. So, Makoto...I don't think you wound up at this school because you had good luck or bad luck...I think you came here for a different reason entirely...You came here to bring down the Ultimate Despair. You came here to confront despair without ever giving up. Lady luck doesn't snub you; she relies on you! And if that's true, I think we could call you...the Ultimate Hope. What do you think?"

The Ultimate Hope…

As Makoto mulled the title over, Kyoko moved to stand behind him, the six friends united as one force of hope against the Ultimate Despair. Junko had her head bowed, unbelieving that the shy and uninteresting Makoto Naegi had somehow managed to negate her despair and rally his friend sinto all opposing her.

"Lame. How lame. Your stupid faces...The stupid things you've said...The stupid way you all treat each other...They're all lame, lame, lame!"

Undeterred by Junko's attempt to sway him, Makoto preached "I'm not an elite..."

"There's nothing but despair outside."

"I'm not great enough to be called hope..."

Yes you are, Makoto…

"But...But I won't give up!"

"Let despair violate you!"

Shaking his head, Makoto roared "I refuse to give up. I refuse to get bored! I refuse to throw it all away! I refuse to despair!"

"Cut the crap! You disgust me!"

"After all, being optimistic..."

"Do you have a death wish, Makoto?"

"...is the only thing I've got going for me!"

"You're unBEARable. I hate you BEARY much!"

"No matter what, I'm leaving this school. I and everyone else are leaving this school!"

Recoiling in shock that her despair was only motivating Makoto to survive, a desperate Junko yelled "That's so annoying! That's so uncool! Despair for tomorrow! Despair at the thought of the unknown! Let your memories throw you into despair!"

Let's finish this… Makoto raise dhis right hand, pointed straight at Junko and declared "Sorry, but HOPE PLOWS FORWARD!"

Stumbling back, Junko's will to fight cracked and shattered into a million pieces as she stuttered "What the hell? Seriously, what the hell's happening?"

Satisfied at Junko's defeat, Byakuya declared "It looks like we've reached the end. I think it may be time to vote..."

Kyoko nodded, agreeing "Let's put an end to these trials. Put an end to the killing...with our own hands."

As soon as their monitors appeared, all six friends touched the icon of Junko Enoshima and yanked the lever without a moment of hesitation, watching as the slot machine revealed Junko's face and all her fortunes went down the drain.

Junko stared at everyone for a moment, blinking, until she finally uttered "What's this? Huh? What the hell?"

Kyoko glared at the Ultimate Despair and informed her "You've lost, Junko."

Blinking in disbelief, Junko replied "Lost? I lost? No way? That's impossible. That's just..." Everyone was caught off guard as Junko adopted a dopey grin and finished "Totally the best! I infiltrated this school two years ago, created in incredibly detailed plan...I even killed my own sister for it...To come this far, and to think that my plan would fail at the very, very, very end!" She spread her arms and exclaimed with incomprehensible glee "It's the most ultimately, ultimate despair!"

As Makoto and everyone else stood in shock at Junko's speech of happiness, Kyoko asked "Anyway, so are you prepared to admit defeat?"

Junko replied that she didn't care whether she succeeded or failed, claiming that despair awaited the six of them no matter where they went. To her shock, Byakuya, Aoi, and Yasuhiro all reminded her that because of Makoto's strength as the Ultimate Hope, they didn't fear despair, and would enter the outside world filled with hope. Makoto grew teary eyed as he heard everyone's faith in him, touched by their emotions.

You guys…

Kyoko chime din as well, saying "You said that despair is as contagious as any disease. But the same is true of hope. All you have to do is look at us to see how true that is."

"K-Kyoko!"

Makoto grinned as tears of joy fell down his face as an irritated Junko warned them that despair would continue to stand in their way.

"I'm almost done though, so whatever...Because it's almost punishment time, right!?"

Makoto blanched at the thought of Junko executing herself, while Kyoko asked in slight disbelief "Do you really intend to go through with this?"

Makoto tried to stop her, exclaiming that he didn't really want her to die, only for Junko to angrily exclaim that she craved to taste the despair of death, leaving Makoto frozen in shock and horror.

Junko walked over to her big red button and held her hand over it trembling as she said "Okay, let's do this! I've reserved an extra special punishment for last! Let's give it everything we've got! It's...PUNISHMENT TIME!"

XXX

What the...what just...happened?

Makoto stared at the blood that was splattered all over the floor, the end result of Junko subjecting herself to six different executions. The only thing that remained of her was a big red button attached to a remote control that said Emergency Override.

"Hey, is that..."

Kyoko nodded in response to Aoi's question and finished "It's likely the button to disable Junko's security system and open the hatch in the entrance hall."

Aoi and Yasuhiro cheered "Yes! We can finally get out of here!"

Byakuya smirked in victory while Genocide Jack cackled with glee, though she did pout afterwards "Darn! I was looking forward to crucifying her with my beautiful scissors! It would have been a glorious tribute to Master!"

Seeing Makoto's blanched look of horror worsen, Kyoko spoke up "This may be a good time to gather whatever things we need before we leave. We should also get whatever food we'll need from the kitchen and warehouse as well. Makoto and I will join you after we collect the Escape Switch."

Nodding, the four survivors disappeared into the elevator, their mix faces of glee and contentment disappearing after activating the elevator, leaving Makoto and Kyoko alone in the trial room.

"...Makoto..." Kyoko tread carefully, recognizing how tumultuous Makoto was from years of having maintained an emotional mask.

"...You didn't send the others away just to gather supplies, right?"

Kyoko shook her head and slowly asked "...How are you feeling?"

"Honestly? I don't know how to feel, Kyoko. I mean..."

Makoto turned to face Kyoko, revealing tears streaming down his face.

"Why did she have to die?" Makoto croaked. "She didn't have to die; we could have let her run for her life once we escaped." He gave a sorrowful laugh that reminded Kyoko of herself back in the Bio Lab as he continued "I don't even know why I'm feeling sorry for her. I mean...she killed ten of our friends. She even killed your father. She doesn't deserve my pity, so why? Why don't I hate her enough to acknowledge that she reaped what she sewed?"

"Makoto..."

Kyoko stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, burying his head in the crook of her neck. Makoto gasped, struck speechless by Kyoko's gesture, before surrendering to his emotions, sobbing into Kyoko's jacket as he finally dealt with the emotions that had swirled in him during the entire adventure at Hope's Peak.

"Makoto, you're the Ultimate Hope; you gave us all hope, you pushed us to not give in to our negative emotions and made us believe that we would survive another day. If you fell victim to that hatred too, then you might have fallen to despair too." Smiling, she rubbed his back as she assured him "It's not in your nature to hate anybody. You're not the kind of person that would wish death on another, no matter what they had done. It was that good-hearted nature that allowed you to befriend all of us after we lost our memories and kept us together in the most trying of times. Don't ever feel ashamed of that, because it's thanks to you that we're about to escape from here alive!"

Kyoko looked down to see if Makoto was reacting at all to what she was saying Though he had yet to stop sobbing, it was at a less audible volume. Kyoko took that ot mean that he was slowly starting to feel better, so she continued.

"As for why Junko insisted on dying...I don't have an answer for that. I don't think anyone present today will have an answer for that. She was so nonsensical that even I couldn't figure out anything about what made her tick. I will say this though; she clearly wasn't happy with her life at Hope's Peak, for whatever reason. Maybe in her own way, she was suffering too. So...maybe by defeating her and pushing her to the edge...perhaps we ended up doing her a favor. She won't hurt anyone ever again...including herself. Is this making sense?"

So...she's at peace? I guess...I guess I can understand that. If she didn't feel happy at all in life...then maybe this truly was for the best...even if I can't comprehend it.

Makoto nodded and sniffled, then looked up to her, smiling as he rubbed his tears away with his wrist, his cheeks tinted with a faint shade of pink.

"Thanks Kyoko...sorry I lost it back there..."

"It's okay. Any normal person would be just as distraught after having witnessed that much death in such a short time. You have every right to cry a little if it helps."

The two of them heard a loud groaning sound as the elevator door opened again on their floor. Kyoko then let go of him before walking over to the blood splattered floor and picking up the Escape Switch before handing it to Makoto.

"Well, shall we get going?"

As Kyoko started walking away, Makoto grinned, yelling "Hey Kyoko, wait up!"

He chased after her, eager to finally face the world with his new friends.

No...they're much more than my friends now. We're family!