Please read until the end before get angry or anything at the story, a lot of stuff happens in this chapter. Also I would like to remind everyone that just because a character thinks something doesn't mean it's correct, they are simply displaying their current thoughts.
Chapter 4 – The… Mastermind?
"Soooo, you enjoying the show my little sister Monomi?"
"Boohoo, this isn't a fair trial at all! You've dropped your standards Monokuma!"
"Oi! That's onichan to you! *POW*"
"It still hurts when you punch me onichan!"
"That's because it's supposed to! Now what do you mean 'drop my standards'?"
"You aren't just satisfied with one execution anymore! Now your killing my students because of what you call attempted murder! You're sooo cruel."
"Huh? Who said I was going to execute 'em? No, no! This was just some encouragement to get them moving along, of course how burnt they get will be the result of how long it took the others. Just because the cast this time is pretty big doesn't mean I'm just going to kill a bunch of them instantly… on purpose."
"What? So can they really can die?"
"Who knows… but if they do, it isn't my fault."
"You're so cruel!"
"Yeah, yeah. The whole point of this attempted murder is to help motivate everyone to commit a murder properly. I don't want to see anymore half measures! I'm just encouraging people to get the job done properly."
"I can't believe everything you're doing…"
"Well whatever! I'm heading over to our attempted murder criminals and get an on sight interview. Monokuma, away!"
Here I am, hanging on a mental bar above a floor full of flames. A crazed psychopath is in front of me and a crying idiot who attempted murder is behind me… Anyone that falls won't be living very long. God I wish this was a dream.
"Heya folks, how are you 'hanging'?" Monokuma asked as he walked up to us on tall stilts.
"Long enough!" I shout back.
"You all don't look so good." Monokuma said.
"You'll never shatter a symbol of hopes spirit!" Nagito said back but…
"P-P-Please let me go!" Hanamura begged pathetically. I had tried getting him to calm down before but it hadn't led anywhere.
"I would say that 'symbol of hope's spirit' has been shattered." Monokuma teased.
"But once he gets out of this, his hope will be much stronger!" Nagito argued. "That is if Hanamura gets out of here of course. But that's not the point… since his spirit has been broken that's shown to me that Teruteru is not the Absolute Hope I'm looking for, nor can he become one. So thank you for showing me this Monokuma."
"Absolute Hope should be the last of your worries." Monokuma mocked.
"Never! Even if I die here, my death will just go towards helping the cause. Of course someone meaningless like me won't be much use anyway." Nagito said.
"Well you sure got yourself in a pickle Kettei." Monokuma said to me. "If you hadn't offered to help Nagito clean that old building, you wouldn't have been caught up in all this. The nice ones always end up dying early, usually the second chapter or so."
"I'm more resistant to death then you think." I said.
"Well it's your lucky day today!" Monokuma said. "If you you're feeling itchy to kill, feel free to throw someone else off free of charge, no trial or anything. Of course that won't get you off this island but its murder free of charge! It's sooo easy that you're practically stealing the murder!"
"Even now you want us to kill each other?" I spat. "Whatever, what do we have to do?"
"Huh? Do what?" Monokuma replied.
"Do to survive? There's a chance we live through the fire and smoke; the rules say we might not die. How?!" I asked again.
"That isn't for you to decide." Monokuma answered. "Once the trial is over and if they figure out who's behind everything that happened tonight you'll all be given a way out. I'll unlock the door between here and the class trial. That is, if you can still walk through it. Upupupu."
"What if they don't figure it out?" Nagito asked.
"Well that would mean you all stay here and burn. You won't even be able to see who the mastermind is… does that fill you with Despair?" Monokuma asked.
"So we're just supposed to just hang here until then!?" I shouted, ignoring his question.
"Well you could let go if you want." Monokuma suggested. "The fire down below is more comfortable then it looks. Anyway I need to get the class trial back up, so I'll see you later. Alive or not." And with those words he left us three to hang for our lives.
"Hey Kettei, there's something I want to ask you before I go." Nagito asked.
"H-Hold on there, before you go? Surely you can hang on for longer!" I replied.
"Are you the mastermind behind tonight's events?" Nagito asked, ignoring what I said.
"The manipulator? No I'm not the one… and neither are you I assume."
"How unfortunate… I didn't think it was you. Too bad though, I figured you weren't the Absolute Hope either."
"Hope…" I muttered the words. Hope is a feeling, like Despair. A human feeling that helps us live our life… and yet the boy I called my friend seemed to dedicate his entire life, and the life of others, to it. I've seen a fair share of psychos in my time… but this definitely tops them. But… why? Everyone has a reason for what they do, whether it's 'good' or 'bad' is another thing. "Nagito… what is so special about hope?"
"Isn't it obvious? Hope is the reason you and the other Ultimates exist! With your talents you can spread Hope across the world, destroying any despair in the way!"
"Then why did you try to kill me!? I am an Ultimate chosen by Hopes Peak Academy."
"Because everyone would despair over your death… there would be so much despair for everyone. And then… they would recover, with their hopes shining even brighter!"
"What if I was this Absolute Hope you keep talking about? Then you would have killed it!" I said, of course this conversation made no sense to me but I think I was getting somewhere.
"But you're not full of Hope. You don't have hope inside of you." Nagito spat back. "You aren't hoping Kettei! You're despairing! I hate the Despair inside of you!" Despairing… haha. I guess I am. May as well come clean about it, this may be my finals moments of life.
"You're right Nagito. I am despairing. I have been for my whole life. You've got a problem?" I replied sternly.
"If you overcame that despair you would be such a powerful symbol of Hope! That is your job as an Ultimate."
"Wh-What are you two talking about?" Hanamura asked in confusion.
"I'm sorry Nagito, but that isn't how I live my life. I don't 'overcome' my problems nor do I run from them. I live with them and use them to my advantage, that's who I am and who I always will be! My despair is what makes my talent!" I said back. Was that even a smart thing to say? Is he going to try and kill me…? If so he's in for a surprise.
"What talent? You haven't shown anyone your talent. Working hard doesn't make you an Ultimate, something else does. So what is it?" Nagito asked.
"…I can't explain it. But as an example I can say this… I can hang off this pole until my arms rip off… literally."
"Woah… too bad such a talent has to go to waste. Whatever, my role as a stepping stone has been fulfilled. It's time for me to accept my fate…" Nagito forewarned.
"What!? What was your role Nagito!?"
"Someone used me, and you, and Teruteru. Whoever they are… to think they would go to such distance to try and get off this island! I'm sure their brimming with hope…" Nagito then shuddered before I notice his grab on the pole loosen. "The other Ultimates aren't going to be able to figure it out, the mastermind behind tonight has won. Meaning this is good bye." And then he let go.
"You idiot!" I shouted at him as he slowly dropped. I let go of the pole with one hand and grabbed his hood. "You're not allowed to die just like that!"
"What are doing? I have no more reason to live, Absolute Hope has been created. It is unfortunate I won't be able to see who it from up here, but that's what selfless devotion calls for. I have nothing left here. A worthless stepping stone like me has fulfilled his duty, that is all I have ever wanted." Nagito said. I started to feel my right arm strain a lot at holding us both up.
"Nagito, you tried to kill me, you scared Hanamura into attempting a killing, you said you hated me and you're willing to sacrifice the lives of others in the name of 'hope'." I said. "Most people would drop you right here, back into the depths of hell from whence you came from. You deserve to burn Nagito Komaeda."
Nagito just looked into my eyes silently.
"Hahaha! That was pretty poetic don't you think?" I asked, slightly hysterical. "I should have added, 'but you're my friend, I have to help you no matter what!' That would have come straight out of some video game don't you think?"
"What… what are you doing?" Nagito asked in confusion.
"Listen up, that was just a joke. I'm not saving you because you're my friend or for any equally unrealistic reason. We did only meet yesterday… with our current memories. The only reason I'm saving you is because… well just because you're crazy doesn't mean I can just let you die."
"I really am lucky, to think someone actually views my life as worth saving." Nagito said to himself.
"Hanamura help me pull Nagito up." I asked before swinging Nagito towards Hanamura. He had finally stopped crying and just looked at me aghast.
"…What did you say?" Hanamura asked, regaining some of his demeanour. He spoke slow and calm for once… does that mean…? Oh crap.
"D-Don't do anything rash now! If we're going to survive this, we need to work together." I said slowly. Of course I don't really believe that. All I have to do is hang here until they figure out who did it, if they figure out who did it. There is no teamwork needed, but I'm not about to let anyone die… unless it's necessary.
"It's his fault you know that we're in this mess." Hanamura said. My arm is starting to strain really hard. "He's the reason we're all here. Why are you saving him?"
"Because you can't just kill someone because of that!" I argued back.
"Why not? That psycho tried to kill and tricked me as well. It's all his fault!" Hanamura's voice was now raised with anger.
"Are you saying we should kill off psychopaths that try to kill other people?" I asked.
"Of course we should!" Hanamura said. He took the bait.
"Ha! As if!" I laughed at him. "You tried to kill Nagito because you were willing to sacrifice everyone for your own personal desires. I think that qualifies as a psychotic, don't you?"
"I-I-I was m-m-manipulated!" Hanamura said in defence but it was too late.
"So was Nagito, by the mastermind, remember?" I snarled. "Oh wait, do you have selected memory now? You don't want to give psychopaths the same respect you have!" I then changed my voice into one of mockery. "Oh look at me, I'm a fancy cook. All those crazy guys are less deserving then me. They try to kill someone and they should be burnt at the stake! Oh but when it's me, it was all just a mistake! Please believe me." I then switched back to my serious voice. "Is that it, huh? Is that who you are Teruteru Hanamura? A selfish coward who pushes blame on others?" At my speech Hanamura recoiled, not very far considering the situation we're in.
"S-Stay away from me, you're just as crazy as him!" He said in response.
"See? Once again you're running away!" I shouted at him. "Help me pull Nagito up right now!"
"N-No!" Teruteru said. I've lost most of my respect for him now. Slowly… even if I tear a muscle I'm going to do this! I shuffled my hand, approaching Teruteru slowly while Nagito hung slightly. I couldn't read his face, surprise? Shocked? Inspired?
"Teruteru, you pull Nagito back up right now and I'll forget everything you've just said. No one has to die here." I said. His response was one I did not expect, he turned around with a face full of anger. He lifted his leg slightly and kicked hard.
Bam!
"You…" I didn't have words to express my feelings. Teruteru had just kicked my hand, the one that was holding Nagito. I didn't even recoil in pain and my grip on Nagito didn't waver. "Is that it? If there's a problem, you just want to kill it?" I spat.
"Get away from me!" Hanamura shouted before kicking again.
Bam!
And again.
Bam! Bam!
He got slower.
Bam… Bam.
"Are you done?" I asked. My left hand was throbbing and hurting badly, but I hadn't let go of Nagito. I would definitely be getting black bruises there, funny, I didn't think he had it in him. I thought he was just a coward, that he couldn't do it, he couldn't actually kill someone. But he had just tried to kill Nagito, right here. Not for any reason I could see either, this wouldn't get him off the island. No, he did this out of pure evil, there was nothing positive to get out of this. I never threatened to kill him or anything of the sorts. This person was capable of murder and no doubt was going to kill someone that night if he wasn't stopped. "You're a murderer. You tried to kill someone before, and you just did now." Teruteru just stayed silent.
"This is exciting!" Nagito exclaimed. "Here I am, watching Hope versus Despair before my very eyes! Will Kettei's Despair convince Teruteru to keep me alive? Or will Teruteru overcome the Despair and muster the Hope to kill me?"
"Who's side on you on?" I asked in surprise.
"The side of Hope of course." Nagito replied.
"I'm trying to save your life! Surely that is hope." I argued.
"Someone like me isn't worth saving, no Hope comes from saving trash." Nagito replied. "I want to see if Teruteru can overcome your Despair, then his Hope will become more powerful!"
"You don't even know what my Despair is!" I said. This argument is pretty nuts. "Despair isn't always a bad thing!"
"No, that's wrong!" Nagito argued. "Despair is despicable and should be wiped out, Teruteru kill me now!"
"You see? He is insane!" Hanamura shouted at me. "Why are you defending him!?"
"Just because someone is insane doesn't we can just kill them! It's your own fault that you tried to kill Nagito and may die right here! You can't pin all the blame on a psychopath! Take responsibility!"
"Don't let him deceive you Teruteru." Nagito warned. "As a symbol of Hope you must do anything to defeat Despair! Prove Kettei wrong and kill me!"
"B-Both of you stop it!" Hanamura begged in fear before…
BAM!
…? He kicked me harder than I expected… My grip on Nagito just released.
"No!" I shouted as I saw him drop. He looked me in the eyes as he dropped, his cold demented eyes. It was hard to sympathise with something like that… but nevertheless he was a human. He only laughed as he fell.
…
Teruteru just looked at me, his eyes were blank. Was that regret? Probably not… not that it makes a difference. I should throw him down there, he said that we should try to kill of psychopaths that kill other people. He did just kill someone, with little reason. 'Because I tried to kill him?' 'Because he tricked me into trying to kill him?' Ha, those are funny excuses. "Teruteru, are you ready?"
"R-Ready for what?" He asked nervously.
"To stick to your words obviously." I said matter-of-factly. "You agreed that psychopaths should be killed if they killed someone. Well it's time you kept to that."
"W-What are you talking about?" Teruteru panicked.
"Am I lying? Is that not what you agreed to? Just like we all agreed to have the killer among us executed. Those are the words we spoke, there's no taking them back now, Teruteru. You threw Nagito into the pit of fire and now it's your turn. Nothing complicated about it."
"Y-Y-You're going to k-kill me?" Teruteru stuttered.
"I thought about it… it's a possibility, one that I would only ever resort to in dire needs. So no, I'm not going kill you, in fact I'm not going to touch at all. Especially when you need it."
"Eh?" He was confused.
"You're trembling Teruteru, something tells me you're going to fall pretty soon. You're not very strong, are you?" I stared into his eyes, fear. That's all I saw inside him, fear. Fear of death, fear of falling, fear of life… and fear of me. "I'm getting out of here if they figure out who the mastermind is, I can hold onto this pole for a very long time. Longer then you can ever imagine, who knows, maybe you and Nagito will be alive?"
"H-Huh?" Now he was getting worried.
"After all, you can survive that fall with maybe a broken bone or two. The real question is how long you can survive the fire burning down there? I have no actual idea but I would say you'd drop unconscious due to the smoke after 5-minutes and probably burn up to death soon after."
"S-Stop it!" He begged. But I had lost all respect I had for him.
"So now I'm at a dilemma. You see that door that Monokuma said would open if they caught the mastermind? The reason he said we have to walk through it means we need to be conscious and able to walk to be able to live through this and get out of this pit of fire. Now I know that I can last long enough and that I'm strong enough to do it, but I don't want anyone to die. So I was thinking of helping someone get out."
"…" Now he just looked at me in silent fear.
"Unfortunately I won't be able to help Nagito anymore, leaving you as my only option. Oh, and by the way, I lied. This isn't a dilemma for me, I'm not saving your cold blooded murderous hypocritical ass." I said.
"Wh-Wh-What did I ever do to you? We barely talked at all… why are you threatening me like this? Who are you!?"
"I tried you know; I didn't want to have it to be like this. But if you aren't willing to change then this is how it has to be. Goodbye Teruteru Hanamura." I said before his arms started shaking at higher speeds, he was about to give out anytime now.
"Y-You, you're just like hi-" Those were the last words I heard before his arms gave out. Next was terrifying scream as he fell, before the thump of his small body on the floor. Now was the mixture of his screams with the crackling of the fire. I killed him… without even touching him. I could have saved him, but not after what he did. No regrets, move forward and live with it. This isn't good for my sanity.
Please hurry up everyone, even though I have absolutely no idea who's behind all this. Our lives are on the line here. Ha! As if they can hear my inner plea for help! No pointing in hoping but there's also no point in not hoping.
Trial Resume
P.O.V. Hajime Hinata
"Now you all better get back to finding who the killer is!" Monokuma said before pointing at the monitor display Nagito, Tsuki and Hanamura hanging on the metal bar above a pit of flames. "Otherwise those three will be cooked and fried! Oh and by the way you can't talk to them anymore until after the trial, as you can see they're kinda busy."
"This is so very cruel…" Sonia desponded.
"Well let's just hurry and find out who the killer is already!" Owari said.
"We shouldn't rush it though." Pekoyama warned. "I don't need to remind you what happens if we choose wrong."
"Monokuma." Togami called. "Can the traitor be one of those three who attempted murder?"
"Hm, I have to be fair about this in all ways." Monokuma replied. "Meaning I can't be allowed to narrow down the killer at all. The only hint you're getting is that the mastermind is behind all the events tonight."
"So it could still be anyone then." Sato said.
"Not entirely." Togami countered. "To be able to plan and execute all these events mean that the manipulator would have to be very intelligent."
"Well then it can't be Owari!" Saionji pointed out.
"Hey Monokuma, shouldn't you be telling us something?" Chiaki called.
That's right, Monokuma said he would tell us…
"What was inside the meat on the bone?" I asked.
"Well here, you, go!" Monokuma said as he threw down small sheets of greasy paper at us. I took a close look at them. On one side of each sheet was a neat set of instructions while the other side had a different handwriting.
Note 1, Side A: Someone is going to die tonight, the party is a set up to kill someone and get away with it. If you do not take action, we will all be executed. Write your reply on the other side of this note and leave it in the storage room.
Note 1, Side B: Who are you? Who's planning on killing someone? How do you know all this?
Note 2, Side A: I'm here to help you, I know that your diner and your mother is in danger. I have nothing for me outside of here but you do. If you do not believe me then think back to the pictures we got of our broken homes. Your mother's life is at risk here, be careful and keep an eye on Komaeda.
Note 2, Side B: Komaeda is insane and trying to kill someone! How do you know all this? Is momma's life really in danger?
Note 3, Side A: Yes, it is. Monokuma will reveal to us that our memories have been lost before the party, that will prove my point. Hide an iron skewer in some meat in the kitchen, during the party the lights will go out. From there you should grab the weapon and head to the hidden passageway under the floorboards, I have paved out a way in glow in the dark paint, at the end of it use your weapon to stab through the floorboards and kill Komaeda when he goes for the knife.
Note 3, Side B: I don't trust you, why are you helping me and who are you?
Note 4, Side A: We're running out of time, this is your only chance to get off the island and save your mother. Burn these notes now, this is my last message. You have to get off this island.
"To think he actually followed these orders. What a fool." Tanaka said.
"Why? Why would Hanamura do this?" Koizumi questioned in annoyance.
"He was scared." Togami answered. "He was unsure at once but the mastermind knew he was worried for his mother and used that against him. After Monokuma told us all that we had lost our memories Hanamura thought everything he was told was true. He followed these murders out of pure fear."
"But how did they know what Monokuma would say?" Chiaki asked. "Did he tell them?"
"Nope! The moment this Killing Trip started I told everyone at the same time. Otherwise that would be spoiling." Monokuma said.
"Then how did the manipulator know all this information?" Pekoyama asked.
"Maybe they can see into the future?" Ibuki suggested.
"It isn't anything as ridiculous as that." Togami said. "Monokuma said 'the moment this Killing Trip started.' Meaning they knew beforehand."
"Beforehand?" I questioned. How could they know before all this happened…? Does that mean… "Are you saying that the manipulator is the traitor?"
"That would explain it." Kuzuryū confirmed. "I knew it; we do have some fucking traitors!"
"A singular traitor to be specific." Sato countered. "Monokuma said there was no accomplice in this murder."
"Cor-rect!" Monokuma answered. "Just because two of you are traitors doesn't mean that they worked together."
"So we really do have a traitor..." Sonia said depressingly. "To think two of us would work for an organisation known as World Ender…"
"S-Something d-doesn't add up though…" Tsumiki said. "Why wouldn't the traitors w-work together…?"
"That's obvious." Kuzuryū said. "Since World Ender put us on this fucking island that means both traitors are protected. They'll be able to get off when this is over."
"That's a very suspicious thing to say! Only the traitor would know such a thing!" Soda accused.
"Wha- What the hell did you just say?!" Kuzuryū shouted back.
"Wrong!" Monokuma interrupted. "Only one person can get off this island! Everyone else will be executed, even if they're traitors."
"That would mean even the traitors are against each other." Tanaka said.
"So the other traitor might not have known anything about this…" Chiaki said.
"So since one of the traitors is the murderer, that means the other traitor would know who it is." Togami deducted.
"Well can't they just tell us then? Aren't there lives at risk as well?" Owari asked.
"Well they aren't going to admit it!" Saionji retorted. "Otherwise we would just tie them up for trapping us here!"
"You saying that has only reduced the chances of them admitting to it." Pekoyama said.
"B-But are they really going to die b-before admitting it?" Tsumiki questioned.
"Yeah, I was wondering about that too." Koizumi said.
"I think they might." Sato said. "All we know about them is that they work for World Ender, who destroyed the world. I don't think them killing or ratting on one another is out of the question."
"Th-This is sooo messed up." Soda said.
"Then why haven't they admitted to it?" Owari asked.
"The traitor probably considered that." Togami said. "Meaning that they must have done something to keep them quiet. Or they want us to figure out who the mastermind is so they don't have to reveal themselves."
"Are we really making the right assumptions?" I questioned. "All we have is information Monokuma has told us…"
"Maybe your saying that because you're the traitor!" Soda accused.
"I think this is a little fishy as well." Chiaki said. "We don't know much about the traitor or who they are. So I think we should focus on who planted the poison as a priority."
"But that is going to take longer." Sato countered. "All we have to do is convince the traitor to give the other traitor up and we're done here."
"Also we still have Tsuki, Hanamura and Komaeda hanging for their lives. If we don't hurry they'll…" Koizumi warned.
"But there are so many mysteries we need to figure out with this trial." I argued. "Surely you can see something is off about this trial. Three of classmates have been taken away so we rush the decision without being able to interrogate them, a mysterious poison suddenly appears and someone planned to make three of our classmates attempt a murder on each other? There is definitely something strange about this trial!"
"Hey! There is nothing strange about it!" Monokuma shouted. "This is a completely normal trial! Nothing is strange at all!"
"We don't have a choice though." Sato argued. "If you want to drag this out and uncover every mystery then those three are going to die." Sato then pointed at the monitor, it now displayed Tsuki holding Nagito up by his hood, they were talking to Hanamura about something. "I don't care much about Komaeda or Hanamura, but if Tsuki isn't the traitor or the manipulator then his innocent blood will be on your hands simply because you wanted to uncover everything."
"I…" I trailed off. What am I supposed to say? Of course something is wrong with this trial but if I drag this out then those three are going to die…
"I understand your concern Hinata." Togami said. "But right now we have to find out who the real killer is as efficiently as possible, otherwise the body count increases. I won't let anyone else die."
"F-Fine." I conceded.
"Good, now I have a question for Monokuma." Togami said. "Where did the Monoquinine come from? You never told us anything about it before."
"Puhuhu, it is odd isn't it?" Monokuma said. "I'll give you all a hint. The Monoquinine is a very special poison where you can alter it to either paralyse and/or kill someone. But to makes things simple, in this case it was made to kill. This poison is hidden on the island in a very secret place, only someone with prior knowledge can access it. That's all I'm going to say."
"This proves that they are indeed the traitor. Now as I was saying, the killer must have found out a way to keep the other traitor from talking." Togami explain. "Now who can't talk?"
"The three attempted murderers and Nidai." I answered.
"No way! Coach was not the traitor!" Owari fought back.
"It makes sense, kill him so he doesn't talk." Kuzuryū said.
"Are ya listening to me? I said it couldn't be him!" Owari argued.
"Hmph, how can you be sure?" Kuzuryū questioned. "Did you know him before all this?"
"…No, but I said it isn't him!" Owari replied.
"We can't eliminate the possibility then." Sato said. "But we should also consider everyone else as well."
"What about Komaeda, Tsuki and Hanamura?" Togami asked. "In what ways are they suspicious?"
"They all spent a lot of time at the abandoned building, meaning they all could have pulled off this crime with the most ease." Tanaka answered.
"Can one of them really be the manipulator though? Why would anyone of them try to kill someone, even though they set up a poisoning?" Koizumi asked.
"Th-That does seem unrealistic." Tsumiki asked. "D-Does that mean Nidai was the other traitor…?"
"No it doesn't!" Owari roared back.
"S-Sorry! I didn't mean to say something s-so stupid!" Tsumiki squealed.
"Either way, I still don't think we have enough information." Chiaki said. "We aren't going to figure out who killed Nidai like this… I think."
"If the traitor hasn't spoken now, then I find it hard to think that they would talk now." I said. "Regardless of whether Nida is the other traitor or not. We aren't figuring anything out like this."
"You're right…" Koizumi agreed.
"We're still wasting time, soon it's going to be us executed." Saionji threatened.
"I don't get it…" Togami muttered. "Why is this so elaborate…? This doesn't make any sense…"
"I think we need to try looking at this from a different angle." Chiaki suggested. "If we think through what happened that night we might find our answer."
"Yeaaah, Ibuki still has no idea what happened that night." Ibuki said.
"Hinata go through what we currently know." Togami ordered. I was about to complain but lives were on the line.
"Ok well first we know that this somewhat started with the party idea. By suggesting the idea that we hold the party in the old building, Nagito was able to set up for his attempted murder by hiding a knife under the table and rigging the ACs and the irons so that a blackout would occur." I explained.
"Apart from it being a bad plan there are no problems, carry on." Togami said.
"However during this, Nagito was caught by Hanamura and told him about his plans to kill someone. This confirmed what he had been told in the notes and he decided to go with it by hiding an iron skewer in the kitchen and use the blackout to prepare and kill Nagito from under the floorboards." I explained.
"Hold it." Chiaki interrupted. "There's a problem with that, the large carpet that Tsuki placed would have stopped this murder."
"We already mentioned that. The carpet was rolled out at the very end by Tsuki." Kuzuryū said harshly.
"I know… but since this note seemed intent of having Hanamura kill Nagito, what do you think the manipulator would have done when they noticed the carpet would have stopped it?" Chiaki asked.
"That's right, that carpet screwed up his plan." Soda said.
"As did Hinata uncovering the truth." Sato mentioned.
"W-Well, if we want to f-find out what the manipulator would have done… d-don't we need to find out what they w-would have gained from having Hanamura kill Komaeda?" Tsumiki asked.
"That's a good point, why did they want Hanamura to try and kill Komaeda?" Koizumi agreed.
"Perhaps they wanted to pin this on him?" Tanaka suggested. "By making the cook kill someone, and having Nidai die of poison in the food, we would have accused Hanamura of killing him."
"So this was all a trap set by the killer." I summarised. "To manipulate Hanamura and get away with his own murder."
"Monokuma, what are the rules regarding double murder?" Chiaki asked.
"Hey, hey! You have to wait for the third trial for that. I'm not spoiling anything until it happens!" Monokuma said.
"You're so useless!" Saionji said.
"Sticks and stones will ruffle my fur but your words will never fluff them." Monokuma replied.
"That doesn't even make sense!" Monomi replied.
"Back on topic." Koizumi interrupted. "So what did the killer plan to do after they noticed the carpet had been placed?"
"It was likely the poison had already been placed at that point, since the carpet was placed just before Monokuma called us all to the park where after that we went straight to the party." I explained. "So someone was going to die by it no matter what."
"Meaning the killer wouldn't have been able to pin this murder on someone else as easily." Pekoyama said.
"But we did end up thinking it was Hanamura." Chiaki informed.
"That right, because I was suspicious about the meat on the bone." I said.
"So the killer's plan to get Hanamura to kill Komaeda was foiled by two people." Sonia said proudly. "By Tsuki's interior design sense and Hinata's suspicion!"
"But Nidai still ended up dead and we have no idea who did it." Kuzuryū reminded.
"Hey, stop talking so negative! We're trying you to solve this and you're not helping." Koizumi scolded.
"I'm only saying this cuz your all out of your league. No one's a detective here and we're already too late." Kuzuryū then pointed at the monitor displaying only Tsuki and Hanamura, who appeared to be arguing.
"Wh-Where is Komaeda?" Sonia asked in concern.
"H-He must have fallen." Soda replied.
"That's right!" Monokuma said gleefully. "You all better hurry up and decide on the mastermind before he burns up."
"We can let that psycho burn all we want, he deserves it! Criminals are the lowest of the low!" Saionji said.
"That's pretty heartless don't you think?" Mioda said.
"We don't have time for arguments." Pekoyama interrupted. "Both Tsuki and Hanamura are still hanging for their lives."
"We have a decent amount of information to make an accusation." Togami said. "I've managed to profile the killer. They clearly have to be smart to be able to plan something this convoluted. Using the information, they knew about the killing game beforehand due to being a traitor, they had already gained an advantage. They also were desperate to pin this crime on Hanamura, and after they noticed Hanamura's attempted murder would fail they needed to do something so that we would suspect him and discredit anything he said regarding those notes."
"Just tell us who it is already!" Owari asked.
"The killer had to make us suspect Hanamura, they knew most details of his attempted murder and brought that to light." Togami explained. "There desperation to do this is what has revealed them. Who the mastermind is…"
Make an accusation!
Who is Togami talking about? Who was so desperate as to do this? I need to think about everyone.
Peko Pekoyama:
Could it really be Pekoyama? I never noticed anything suspicious about her and she even didn't contribute a huge amount to accusing Hanamura.
Kazuichi Soda:
He did instantly accuse this of being Hanamura's doing at the start of the trial. Unnaturally so, but still… that isn't enough to go off.
Akiko Sato:
She had a very icy reaction when Hanamura was first caught and has been pushing to take action constantly. Suspicious yes but that still isn't a lot to accuse her of murder.
Nekomaru Nida:
I can't see this being a suicide in any possible fashion. Was he really the other traitor though…?
Akane Owari:
The only thing she ever did was lose her temper and defend Nida… Plus, not to be mean but this is a very complicated murder.
Gundham Tanaka:
He helped before when proving it was Nagito… I think? Nothing else really points to him.
Chiaki Nanami:
While Chiaki was helpful in figuring out everything that went down tonight, she backed me up when noticing something was odd in this trial. I also have a hard time believing it's her.
Byakuya Togami:
He's been one step ahead most of the time, but didn't realise the knife was smuggled under the table. He also did warn us about Nagito just before he… showed his true colours. But is that enough to suspect him?
Mahiru Koizumi:
She was very fiery as she got aggressive at Hanamura, but surely that's just her personality? We also did some investigating together; she was helpful but not that helpful. She is trying to get us to rush this decision but isn't that because she's worried about the others?
Teruteru Hanamura:
Unless he forged those notes as an elaborate plan, it can't be him. Still though… why did he follow those instructions?
Hiyoko Saionji:
Apart from her sour tongue, she hasn't acted odd. Not only has Hanamura been getting accused by her, she just throws insults at anyone. I don't see this being her…
Nagito Komaeda:
I want it to be him, I really do. But it isn't, he tried to kill Hanamura and the mastermind used this. If Nagito was the mastermind, why would he go through the effort to hide it? He himself doesn't want to leave this island, as creepy as that is. Dammit there was more to ask him to see what more he knows but Monokuma isn't allowing that. He may also be dead right now…
Mikan Tsumiki:
She hasn't accused anyone at all and has barely talk. I don't have anything to incriminate her, thankfully.
Kettei Tsuki:
He spent a lot of time at the abandoned building, so he could have noticed Nagito's behaviour and used that to manipulate Hanamura. But then why would he convince us all to carry on the trial when we were all thinking about giving up? He also asked me to accuse him of attempted murder… dammit none of this makes sense!
Sonia Nevermind:
She was super against the idea of there being traitors among us and didn't want to believe one of us were the killer, thus she never gave much input. She didn't accuse anyone.
Fuyuhiko Kuzuryū:
He was suspicious of Hanamura like everyone else. He also suspiciously joined us just after the blackout, but that doesn't have any relation…
Ibuki Mioda:
Apart from her distracting comments, there is nothing I have to say against Ibuki.
…?
That's everyone! I went through everyone, and I still have no clear idea on who did! Who was Togami talking about?
"The mastermind is…" Togami said out loud before pointing his finger. "Hajime Hinata."
…? What? I'm the master? Crap, why does he think it's me!?
"Wh-What?" I said in surprise.
"You think it is Hinata?" Sonia asked.
"I do." Togami answered. "And I have my reasons."
"We should hurry, Hanamura just fell off and I don't know how long Tsuki is going to last." Sato warned.
"So we just vote Hinata then and we're done right?" Owari said.
"N-No! I'm not the killer." I argued.
"Togami, why do you think it's Hajime?" Chiaki asked.
"Simple. This whole event tonight was pulled so that we would think Hanamura was the killer and take the fall." Togami explained. "There was one person in particular who figured out what was meant to happen tonight. They told us all how Hanamura went to kill Nagito so we would find him suspicious. That person was you, Hajime Hinata!"
"You're behind this Hinata?" Koizumi said in surprise.
"No, it wasn't me! You've got this wrong!" I fought back.
"Hey, he did tell us all about using the green paint under the floorboards." Saionji said.
"You also mentioned how the knife was hidden underneath the table." Pekoyama added on.
"D-Didn't you also tell us about the AC timers?" Soda said. "How'd you know all that stuff?"
"I-I figured it out!" I replied in shock. "All I did was make decisions based off the evidence." I looked around, most people had distrust in their eyes. Most of them think I did it! So this is how it feels to have everyone gang up on you because of one accusation… I feel terrible. Like I have nowhere to run… like I deserve this… but I'm not the killer!
"You did make your conclusions rather quick." Tanaka said. "Unless you have access to the dark knowledge, you must be the killer."
"I said I'm not the killer!" I argued. "You've got this wrong!"
"I didn't expect it to be you." Togami said. "But all the pieces fall together. You explained Hanamura's and Komaeda's attempted murder in great deal before anyone else had figured out."
I can't believe it; they all think I did it because I figured everything out! All I did was try to keep everyone alive and the think I'm the killer because of it! Why… they all deserve to-
"Hold it." Chiaki interrupted. "You still haven't explained all the problems." Oh thank god someone thinks I'm innocent.
"We don't have time for that." Sato warned. "Tsuki is about to drop any minute now."
"But if we're wrong then we're all going to die." Chiaki countered.
"You're just defending him because you two hit it off!" Soda accused.
"G-Grow up!" I retorted. "All our lives are on the line here!"
"I'll give you one final chance." Togami offered. "To prove that you are not the mastermind."
My heart is racing, we're all going to die if I fail this! I can't believe that's all it takes for people to paint you as a killer. An accusation and a bit of circumstantial evidence. I felt myself starting to panic, I just wanted to deny everything Togami said but I tried to calm myself and give my rebuttal.
Panic Rebuttal Showdown!
Togami vs Hinata
"I'm disappointed that you're
the traitor Hinata."
"I'm not the traitor or the
mastermind! How about
you show me some evidence!"
"You clearly tried your best
to pin this crime on Hanamura!
That's why you explained his
crime to us!"
"I explained it because
I figured it out! We had the
evidence and discussed
it together! I wasn't
the only ones who
made the conclusions!"
"And yet you always seemed to be
the one finishing with the correct conclusion."
"If that's all your evidence
to think I'm the killer then
maybe you're accusing me
because you're the mastermind!"
"You denied that this could all
be because of the traitor because
you were worried that the other
traitor would rat you out."
"No I wasn't! And that isn't evidence
that it was me in specific!"
"Of course I have more evidence.
Something to incriminate you beyond
a shadow of a doubt…"
"What are you talking? You have
nothing to prove that I committed this crime!"
"And that is where your logic is flawed!
Then how did you know the iron skewer was in the Meat on the Bone?!"
End!
"Wh-What?" I asked in confusion.
"I figured it out, I understand it now." Togami said. "The moment out party started, the mastermind noticed a problem, the carpet was in the way and would stop Hanamura's crime. So in order to make sure we all still found him suspicious, the killer exposed Hanamura's plan by pointing out the iron skewer."
"N-No… you've got it all wrong!" I begged.
"Then how did you know that the iron skewer was in the meat?" Togami questioned. "It was impossible to know!"
"I-It was just intuition… I didn't know it would be in there." I said, my spirit now crushed under the suspicious gaze of everyone.
"And intuition you understood Hanamura's and Komaeda's crime? Face it, there are way too many coincidences here." Togami said.
"It wasn't me! Someone help me out here or we're all going to die!" I begged before looking at Chiaki. She understands… right?
"Togami… explain it all from the beginning. The we'll know…" Chiaki said slowly.
"This with clear all doubt. Listen up." Togami said.
Crime Summary
Act 0:
"This starts before our school trip. The killer was working with World Ender, the organization who put us in here. Meaning they were a traitor and had time to prepare a plan for such a convoluted crime. It's likely they knew who we were and our weaknesses, including Komaeda's madness and Hanamura's fear."
Act 1:
"After everyone had gotten on the island, the traitor likely waited until night of the first day before heading over to the secret area and collecting the Monoquinine. This may have been where they conversed with the other traitor and convinced them to stay silent."
Act 2:
"After our talk on setting up the party, the traitor did some sneaking around and discovered that Komaeda was trying to kill someone, he used this to his advantage and sent those letters to Hanamura to manipulate him to kill Komaeda, he then planned to expose Hanamura so we would accuse him of the masterminds own crime. The poison was placed inside the food, so that someone was likely to die from it. Of course poison being placed inside the food would also lead us to place more suspicion on Hanamura."
Act 3:
"The plan was set and the party started, but instantly their plan was foiled. As they entered the venue, they noticed a carpet was set out, that would stop Hanamura's crime and increase the chances that they would be caught. But then they gained an opportunity to do so, when I asked them to investigate the kitchen with me they decided to expose Hanamura's crime there and then so that we would find Hanamura suspicious."
Act 4:
"After the revelation the blackout struck, where Komaeda tried to kill someone. However, his shoddy plan failed as he couldn't see in the dark and thus only struck Tsuki in the arm. At being attacked, Tsuki fought back where the floor broke underneath them, making this crime more complicated. However, this was just a mere distraction as Nidai had already died from the poison in the food, his final resting point, the toilet."
Act 5:
"This killer didn't stop here though, he wanted to be done as quickly as possible. Even now, during the class trial they revealed both Komaeda's and Hanamura's attempted murder in great deal. This was all a ploy from a start so that we would accuse Hanamura of the murder so they could escape free."
"The only person capable of performing such a murder was you Hajime Hinata! You've been deceiving us from the start!" Togami accused.
"No! It isn't me… you've got this all wrong!" I fought.
"I find this theory hard to believe as well." Chiaki added on. "Isn't odd to think the killer would know so much about us then? Did they really know they could use both Hanamura and Komaeda?"
"Exactly!" I said. "There are more holes as well! We haven't seen this secret area where the poison came from at all and we haven't shown why the other traitor has kept quiet! What about how the killer knew Nagito would kill someone and that Hanamura would accept his proposal? Also the poisoning in itself is suspicious! How did the killer know someone would consume it? Barely any of us ate anything. And how about Nagito's murder, was he really planning on killing someone in the darkness just like that? The floor as well, it just coincidently fell? Sure there's more to it!"
"Does it matter?" Sato said in response. "None of that changed the fact that you're the mastermind, you're just playing for time so the others are going to die. You're a sick individual."
"It's over, just admit to it." Togami said.
"What? It isn't me! Why… why won't you believe me…?" I begged.
"Well it appears you've come to a decision, are you ready to vote?" Monokuma asked.
"No!" I shouted.
"Yes we are!" Togami said, he was joined by most of the others.
"Then everyone get ready to pick, who is the mastermind? Will choose the right one? Or the wrong one?" Monokuma said, my opinion was drowned out.
Who am I supposed to vote for…? It doesn't matter, I'm outnumbered, my vote doesn't matter. Everyone here is against me… we're all going to die apart from the real mastermind… why? Why is this happening!? Well there's no point in voting, I'm dead either way… there's no hope for me.
"Correct! The mastermind is indeed Hajime Hinata!" Monokuma announced.
"Wh-What?!" I gasped.
"Thaaaat's right you filthy traitor!" Monokuma said in my face.
"But…" I tried to say.
"You… you bastard! Trying to manipulate us like that!" Kuzuryū spat.
"You're the lowest of the low!" Saionji hissed.
"I didn't expect it to be you." Pekoyama said.
"Even now you won't admit it, disgraceful." Sato said.
"You…! You killed coach for your sick twisted plan!" Owari threatened.
"Why is this happening… Why is Monokuma lying…?" I wondered, not that it meant much.
"Hm." Tanaka didn't even dignify say anything.
"I knew it! You are the traitor!" Soda said.
"Ibuki didn't want it to be you…" Ibuki pouted.
"H-Hinata… why…" Tsumiki said.
"I don't believe it…" Sonia denied.
"How? How could you Hinata!?" Koizumi said at me.
"It wasn't me!" I shouted back. "Monokuma's lying! It was all a setup up! I swear I didn't do any of this!"
"Who is the other traitor?" Togami asked. "Who is it?!"
"I'm not the traitor…" I begged with tears in my eyes.
"Time to end this then! No point wasting time!" Monokuma said.
"What about the other three?" Koizumi asked.
"Huh? Why are you asking me?" Monokuma asked. "There's a monitor over, that shows you their fate. Although I would say you all took just too long…"
I turned my attention to the monitor… there was no longer anyone in sight. Nagito, Hanamura, Tsuki… they all fell. Gone… forever.
"You heartless piece of-" Sato started to say but she didn't even finish before she grabbed my shirt and looked me in the eyes. "It wasn't enough, was it? You couldn't just accept you had been caught, you had to drag this trial out so they would die!"
"I didn't mean to!" I responded. "I-It wasn't me…!"
"Well let's give it everything we've got, iiiiiit's PUNISHMENT TIIIIIIIIME!" Monokuma announced.
This isn't happening… What did I ever do? Why am I being painted as a murderer? Why is this happening!?
"Agghhh!" I screamed as I felt a hook clasps my neck and force me back. So that's it, Monokuma's going to kill me for a crime I didn't commit. Why is he doing this…?
Execution: Hajime Hinata
"Reserve Course Trouble!"
After a few moments of blackness, the lights came one. I was in a classroom, it had a five by five row of desks. I was on the left most row, third from the front, right next to the window. All the other seats were filled with cardboard cut-outs of my old classmates… this was my old school, before Hopes Peak. I… hate this place! I… had no friends here, everyone hated me because of my… 'connection' to Hopes Peak. Why did they hate me… why was I bullied…? What… what was my talent!? Someone tell me!
"Haaahaaa."
"Hehehe."
"Loser."
Their laughing at me… noises are coming out from the cardboard cut-outs. Why are they laughing at me…? What am I…? Who am I…?
"He cheated."
"He didn't really get into Hope Peaks!"
"Peh, pay to win."
"He thinks money can help get him through life!"
"Talentless!"
… No… that's not true…! I'm an Ultimate! I swear it! I… have talent to be proud of… I'm sure of it! I'm not a rich kid… I'm not a cheater… I'm not a reserve course student! P-Please! I'm begging you, anyone, let me out of here!
Blop Blop
No… why is this happening…? Nagito's body was placed at the desk to my right by a Monokuma in a suit. Nagito was burnt, he smelt completely charred. His clothes were barely their original green colour and his skin was peeling off. Nagito's head was tilted upwards in the chair, somehow is crazed look has survived the fire… but apart from that he was dead...
I looked at the desk behind me, I could see Hanamura slumped on the desk. His hair burnt and he has the same sickly smell of death as Nagito. Why is this happening?
Blop
And placed in front of me was Tsuki, he sat in the chair like a normal person. He was the least burnt up out of the others.
BANG
I looked back in shock at the noise, one of the desks with a cardboard student had been crushed by a large iron hammer.
"Tsuki! Are you alive!?" I called out.
"H-Hargh!" Tsuki coughed as he tried to speak, he slowly turned his head turned to me, his expression was slow and light, as if he was on the edge of death. "Hra-Hraa… Hajime..." He managed to spit.
BANG
Another desk was crushed.
"What are you doing here? Are you ok?" I asked.
"I-I'm dead…" He managed to say.
"What?"
"I-I can… cheat d-death… ha! Monokuma must have… hehe, thought I was dead… and p-purhg… put me in… y-yarg, your execution. Why…? Why did you do it Hajime?" Tsuki asked me in between fits of coughs.
"It wasn't me…! I didn't do it…" I said.
BANG
"I know you didn't…" Tsuki said. "I saw them, the mastermind…"
"Who was it!? You have to tell Monokuma and stop the execution!"
"That won't work… Monokuma is executing you to prove a point to the mastermind."
"What is going on Tsuki? When did you meet the mastermind!?" I asked.
BANG
"In death… I remembered it all… I remembered everything." Tsuki said. "The truth is horrible, and I can't stop it… But he will give me orders when the time is right."
"What are you talking about!?"
"It doesn't matter… we're all going to forget this… this run was a complete failure. The real question is… how did you remember Hajime? What do you remember?"
BANG
"I… I don't know! I don't know what's going on! Tell me what's happening!"
"We're all pawns in a bigger game… I just have to try our hardest to remember the next time around. This hell is just going to repeat again and again and again and again and again an-"
BANG SPLAT
And that was it… those were his last words before he was crushed right before me, his blood splattered the classroom. The large iron slowly lifted up, revealing his flesh and organs, I wanted to gag at the sight of it. The boy that was spouting nonsense just a few seconds ago was mercilessly crushed before my eyes, he wasn't supposed to die…
BANG SPLAT
BANG SPLAT
I looked to my right and behind me, both Nagito and Hanamura was crushed… nothing remaining would identify them, just blood, so much blood. And I was next… I looked above me, the iron hammer was above my desk, ready to slam down. This was it for me… I don't want to die here!
BANG SPLAT
This is it for me?
This is my end?
That's my future?
Death… is my future?
Future
Future…
Future…?
This… is my future?
Bad Ending
"Failed, we'll have to give this another try by reverting it back to the more original state. Don't die this time, we can't let them best us, this is for our future."
Who are you? Where are you? What… What is going on…? What… what is that? What am I seeing? Is that us in another class trial? A different trial? A different murder…?
"Here's everything that happened in this case!" I said loudly. I'm talking without even trying…?
Case Summary
Act 1:
"Togami had us all gather at the dining hall of the old building near the hotel because of the threatening letter he received. Everyone had come as intended except for one so the party was underway. At this point the trap had already been set. Using the irons and the AC timer, Nagito had managed to set up a timed blackout."
Act 2:
"When the blackout occurred, Nagito has grabbed a knife from underneath the table and tried to stab the closest person to him, Tsuki. But something happened that Nagito didn't expect, Tsuki fought back and tackled him into the floor, putting Nagito's plan to kill someone to a halt. This put both Nagitoand Tsukiundersuspicion ofattempted murder of each other, which lead to them being held over a fiery pit at this minute."
Act 3:
"However, during this, the real killer was in the kitchen. The killer knew about Nagito's plan and had prepared a light source and a weapon in the meat on the bone. By closing the fire door, their light source wouldn't have been caught as they headed to the storage room. They then placed the tablecloth over them to cover any blood splatters before heading down the trapdoor that lead underneath the floorboards."
Act 4:
"Using the green paint they had laid out just underneath the table that had knife hidden, the killer prepared to strike Nagito as he grabbed the knife. However, a problem had occurred, the killer hadn't taken in account the size of the carpet that was laid out just before the party started by Tsuki, which covered their view of under the table and would make it harder to stab through, forcing them to retreat. This was when they shouted from under the floor boards, to avoid any suspicion afterwards."
Act 5:
"When returning from their failure, the killer heard the toilet flush and decided to change his plans. Since the toilet was based in the corner of the building, it was easy for them to use the walls as guidance before arriving underneath it. Then after hearing Nidai trying to unlock the door in the darkness, he took multiple stabs, missing at first, but then striking his feet before Nidai dropped in surprise or shock before he was stabbed through chest."
Act 6:
"On the other side of the locked door was Pekoyama and Togami, who had tried to force it open at hearing Nidai's yells of pain but due to the darkness, the locked door and Nidai's body weighing against it, they couldn't get it open. They both decided to try and head back to the office using the walls, where with their combined efforts, they managed to reset the circuit breaker and bring back the lights. But by then it was far too late."
Act 7:
"This and the distraction where Tsuki and Nagito were fighting over the knife gave the real killer enough time to exit from under the floorboards and hide his weapon before joining us all in our attempt to open the door to bathroom. Pretending as if they hadn't done anything."
"Isn't that right, Teruteru Hanamura!" I accused with confidence. That's right, I understand this murder. Everything makes sense, all the facts come together… what a weird daydream to have.
"Th-This… is a mistake… A mistake, I tell you... I would never… I would never kill anyone…" Hanamura said.
"Under normal circumstances you wouldn't." Togami said. "But your own concerns forced your hand didn't it? After seeing Nagito's true colours and those pictures Monokuma gave us you couldn't control yourself, you saw an opportunity handed to you and tried to kill him."
"I-I'm sorry… I didn't mean to... I mean I would never do… such a thing… I wanted to protect you all…" Hanamura said slowly.
"Which is what you told yourself, isn't it?" Togami replied. Clearly Togami understands the reasons behind other people actions very well. "That helped keep your conscience in check as you committed the crime."
"But then why did you stab coach!?" Owari roared.
"Fear." Togami put simply. "After his attempted murder failed, he was worried we would find him out. Not only would everyone shun him and distrust him, he would never get another opportunity. So after hearing that flush, he took the risky chance and killed whoever was in that toiler, since he didn't know who it was at the time, it was easier to do. That's how his psyche works."
"I… It wasn't… fair… I didn't want to… ugh… I didn't mean to… ngh… gra…" Hanamura started to tear up. "Waaaaaaaaaaaah!"
"It appears; this is the end." Pekoyama said.
"Ge-he, hahaha!" Monokuma laughed. "It appears you're ready to vote, so please press the lever and choose who you think the blackened is!"
I still feel really confused… what was that daydream I had? Why was it similar yet different is so many ways? I need to vote first…
"Dading! That's right… the killer is indeed Teruteru Hanamura!" Monokuma announced. "Now take a moment to share your sob story while I go find a different execution method."
I quickly drifted out of Hanamura's speech. My thoughts were all over this place, what was the alternative murder I witnessed? There were some clear differences. For one I hadn't pointed out there was an iron skewer in the meat before the class trial and there was no poison involved at all or ever mentioned and we never thought the killer was one of the traitors. The other thing is Tsuki and Komaeda were placed above that fire pit by Monokuma because of suspicion of attempted murder, there wasn't any accidental attempted murder. Another difference is the floor never broke at… it all must have been my imagination. Nothing before the trial seemed to contradict anything, except this was our third day on the island not second. The second was used to prepare for the party by Tsuki and Komaeda… why did things seemed so rushed? Why would I accuse myself in my own imagination...? This didn't make any sense… Slowly I drifted back into the conversation…
"No, I was only trying to protect you all!" Hanamura begged.
"From what exactly?" Sato asked.
"Komaeda! I meant to kill him!" Hanamura replied.
"But you stabbed coach!" Owari shouted.
"I find it hard to believe." Sato said with an icy stare. "You planned to take advantage of him and use it to commit murder to get off. If you wanted to protect us all you had to do was say something."
"Why didn't you say anything?!" Togami shouted. "Were you worried? Did you think Komaeda would kill you if you did? Did I not make it clear that I was trying to prevent a murder no matter what?"
"I… I…" Hanamura couldn't respond.
"It's not hard to understand, he wanted off this island so he could see his mother and was willing to sacrifice us all for it." Sato said. "Did you not think that we all have families?"
"I… No, that wasn't it… I just wanted…" Hanamura stuttered.
"Face it, you were willing to do whatever it took to get off this island." Sato said in annoyance. "How could you look your own mother in the eyes and tell her that you killed 17 other students to be here?"
"I don't think it was like that." Chiaki countered. "Maybe he didn't think very far ahead… but he only ever took initiative because of what Komaeda did. I don't think Hanamura would have tried otherwise."
…
"If only I hadn't left my duralumin case." Togami sighed. "I would have been able to grab my night vision goggles and seen him under the floorboards."
"If I had beat Nida to the toilet things might have occurred differently." Pekoyama said.
"You might have wound up dead." Kuzuryū reminded.
"What if the carpet hadn't been placed?" Tsumiki asked. "Does that mean Komaeda would have been stabbed?"
"E-Excuse me..." Sonia said. "But surely both Komaeda and Tsuki should have been freed by now?"
We all gasped and looked at the monitor. Tsuki and Komaeda are no longer hanging from the pole… did they both fall down into the fire?
"Upupupu… that's right, I still need to unlock this door to let them out right?" Monokuma said as she patted an iron plated door. "Well first things first, execution time!"
Execution: Teruteru Hanamura
"Kebab Barbeque"
A hook wrapped around my neck and instantly dragged me away as I screamed.
E-Everything was black… and then I saw a fire underneath me light up, it was huge, must have been over 100 times my size. I then realised what I was tied to… a horizontal iron skewer. I was being cooked like this was an oversized barbeque!
STOMP STAMP STOMP STAMP
A giant Monokuma robot slowly walked towards me before grabbing a hand and started spinning it slowly. The world twisted before me as I was slowly cooked alive… nauseating hit me harder than any spice I ever had, I started to be sick. Part of the vomit landed on me… the rest of it went into the fire underneath me. For some reason the fire roared more intensely at it… my skin slowly started to peel off before me. I screamed and cried but it made no difference.
"I'm sorry momma, I'll see you soon. If I could go back and stop myself, I would."
That was it… just like that Teruteru Hanamura was gone. Monokuma had slowly burnt him to death in an ironic execution… a slow and painful death that dragged out his screams until the very end. I felt responsible, I accused him and led the final argument that led to us voting for him. But I had to, our lives were on the line. The real killer here is Monokuma!
Click
What was that? I turned my attention to the iron and door and saw it slowly open, revealing a room full fire and flames beyond it.
"Are they alive?" Soda asked.
"Hagh… murghh…" The sound of wheezing could be heard coming from inside. We all watched in anticipation to see who was alive. "W-We… murgh made iiit…"Tsuki managed to see as pulled Nagito's body out of the fire room.
"Y-You're alive!" Sonia exclaimed in shock.
"Ha… I'm sooo… lucky…" Nagito said before his eyes shut.
"Hehe…" Tsuki laughed quietly in slight hysteria. "Monokuma… thought… he-he-he could… burn me…" He then dropped on all fours and with his head to the ground. "G-Good job… everyone… now if… you'll excuse me… I need to… r-rest..."
Thump
Tsuki laid on the floor.
"Th-there both suffering from smoke inhalation! We need to get them to a hospital!" Tsumiki shouted as she jumped by their sides.
"Argh, sorry I don't feel like it. Surely it's ok to thin out the cast a bit?" Monokuma asked.
"The rules state only the blackened will be punished." Togami said. "Since we found who that is, these two aren't allowed to die here."
"Yes, you must follow the rules Monokuma!" Monomi added on.
"Ah, whatever! Fine, fine! Call the ambulance!" Monokuma shouted.
CRAAAAAAAAASH
An ambulance drove straight through one of the walls, we all looked at it in shock. A lot of screaming. Two Monokuma's dressed up as doctors rushed out, one of them pushed Tsumiki to the side before they both grabbed a body and carried it into the ambulance with them. The ambulance then drove off, through the whole in the wall it made.
"Is it ok to leave them both to Monokuma?" Koizumi asked.
"There's nothing we can do for now." Togami answered. "Right now we should focus on our situation. I'm disappointed in everyone here."
"Huh?" I said.
"This murder easily could have been avoided if we all just acted more mature." Togami said. "If you had all kept calm during the blackout we could have avoided this."
"I am ashamed in the way we acted." Sonia agreed.
"Hey it's your fault Mr. Ham Hands!" Saionji said. "You dragged us to this party where a knife was hidden!"
"You're right." Togami said. "That's why I'm mostly disappointed with myself. But let me make something clear, none of you are capable of creating a murder where you can get away with it so perish the thought!"
"H-Hey, surely no one else is thinking about it." Soda said.
"We can't be sure as we don't know what Monokuma will do to force us to kill each other." Togami warned. "I don't there to be anymore more murders or attempted murders! If there is, then I'll start to play along."
"What do you mean?" Owari asked.
"I will take part in this killing game if I catch another one of you attempting a murder, is that clear?" Togami said. Surely that's a hollow threat? It has to be, that goes against what he's been trying to do this whole time! He's trying to scare us… and it's working.
"You're threatening us to keep us in line?" Sato questioned.
"Yes." Togami replied.
…
"I think we should call it a day." Chiaki interrupted.
"Yes… we can discuss these matters at a later time." Sonia agreed. Everyone else did as well, me including. But we were all thinking the same thing… was Togami really serious? I also had that odd murder on my mind… what was that last bit? My execution… argh, I can barely remember it…
Diary of a traitor
Day 3
A lot of bad stuff happened today that I don't want to write about. For my own investigation I still don't know whether Hajime is the traitor or not. I still need to spend time with Kettei Tsuki, Akiko Sato and Sonia Nevermind… if they want to. But now I'm unsure… why is there another traitor and how do they differ from me? Good night, I'm very tired today.
Ok, ok. Yes, I know this is confusing and yes it doesn't currently make sense and no, I'm not going to pull this again for another trial. Dangan Ronpa has always managed to have an overall despairingly confusing story line so I'm going to stick to that. Also sorry to those that like Teruteru, but in a world Komaeda and Togami live though the first trial is hard enough, limiting my options even more was just too hard. But don't worry, Teruteru and Nekomaru are going to make a small comeback… how and why? You'll have to find out, once someone's out of this killing game, they're out for good but something magical can happen… And by the way, I'm making Imposter Togami more cynical than others usually do, kinda like overprotective. For uniqueness sake and I think it suits him. Next chapter should have the opening of an island, the interview with the dead and Monokuma talking to a Future Foundation agent.
