Chapter 6 – If you're looking for answers, you'll find despair.


"I messed up super hard Kiri! How could I let Monokuma manipulate me like that…? I lost hope on camera… I'm such a moron." Naegi complained to me.

"I think it's of little consequence." I replied.

"Huh?"

"We're the enemy to Future Foundation, they no doubt know everything that has happened." I explained. "Everything still is on camera and they know where we are. That stunt may have been just Junko's way of getting back at you."

"Oh…You don't think there was an ulterior motive?"

"Not one that we can prove."

"As always you're right. Do you have any idea on what we can do now though? We're still trapped in this funhouse and there isn't any escape at all!"

"We're low on options, we could wait for Remnants of Despair to find us on this island if Monokuma allows that."

"How long will that be…?" Naegi pondered. "They have access to the first island with their cottages. Monokuma skipped the second island, the beach one, and instead opened up the third island with the hospital. We're trapped on the fourth island in this Funhouse and there is also the fifth island unopened as well. Since Monokuma isn't opening up the islands in natural order our island could be opened up either after the next trial or… or any trial!"

"We won't get anything accomplished waiting around but we can't escape either…" I said before thinking about our situation for a while. "…We have two objectives for now, the first one is to figure out what Monokuma is doing and the second one is find a way to relay that information to Future Foundation in hopes that they'll get us out of here."

"What about stopping the Killing Game?" Naegi asked. "I can't just watch it go by again!"

"We're stuck on options Naegi and you know that. All we can do now is search for the truth."

"What about the Future Foundation? Aren't they going to come rescue us?"

"Depends on their view of us. Some of them may think we're not worth it while others may be fighting to get us out."

"Asahina! There's no way she would just sit by and watch this happen." Naegi realised.

"Good point, but what is she going to do? Hire a boat, sail to Jabberwock island and get us out here herself?"

"I wouldn't put it past her… I hope she doesn't do anything reckless."

"Like you just did, getting us trapped in this situation?" I reminded.

"…! I didn't mean for this to happen!"

"I know; this was a risk we took by entering so I won't hold it against you. But that also begs the question, how did the impossible happen and the game restart? Just another question we can't answer."

"Guh… I hate being stuck in here!" Naegi complained. "It's just… not being able to physically do anything!"

"Protagonist syndrome." Monokuma said as he appeared before us.

"Wha-?" Naegi said in shock.

"That's what I'm calling it, when the protagonist from the previous game desperately wants the spotlight from the current one. A bit like how washed up celebrities end up depressed when they become unpopular, of course they usually commit suicide."

"That's messed up! And how can you still be calling this a game!?" Naegi argued.

"Because it is, we're still in the virtual world you know!" Monokuma replied.

"Ask something more relevant Naegi." I reminded.

"Right… Junko! What happens when this game finishes? Are the Remnants of Despair going to live?" Naegi asked.

"I have no idea."

"What!?" Naegi shouted.

"I literally have no clue." Monokuma said. "All this stuff about avatars and uploads and stuff gets real complicated after a game reset and a bunch of software change. Even I can't keep up with it and I'm a bloody AI!"

"But…"

"If someone can finally commit a crime and get away with it, they should still graduate." Monokuma explained. "Let's say they kill and graduate, I wonder if they actually live…"

"Why wouldn't they?" Naegi asked.

"Because it might be too much." I said after collecting my thoughts. "Most of them have already died, that alone reduces the chance of survival by almost 100%, they would need a miracle to wake up. What's interesting is that the restart actually did bring them back alive, in full working condition as well."

"That's the work of the Neo world isn't it?"

"The Neo World works by first editing the user's current memories, similar to how Monokuma did to ours in our Killing Game, before uploading their consciousness into the virtual world as an avatar. The memories created in the virtual world would replace the memories forgotten about and the avatar would be uploaded back to the user. Certain features such as death was never considered since this project was and still is unfinished."

"Then what happened during the restart?" Naegi asked.

"While the avatar should have reset back to its original form, the consciousness is still uploaded into the Neo World, meaning the damage dealt to it through death may remain. Even if someone who died last time graduates this time, they may still never wake up, or even just wake up to just die in a few minutes. Any injuries they sustain could become real…"

"That's so cruel…" Naegi desponded.

"Hold it right there!" Monokuma interrupted. "Let's get a professional opinion on this then, I'm sure you'll welcome Alter Ego!"

"H-Hello." Alter Ego greeted as a digital holographic like version of himself appeared.

"Alter Ego!" Naegi called.

"Th-That was a very good explanation Kirigiri, you have your facts straight." Alter Ego complimented.

"I get my facts straight before I do a job." I replied before giving Naegi a glare.

"No need to thank me, I found Alter Ego here lost in the digital wilds so I brought him here." Monokuma said.

"What's happening outside of this world?" Naegi asked.

"I-I don't know!" Alter Ego replied. "I was cut off from the Future Foundation after the reset, my only residing point was the Neo World. They permanently kicked me out of HQ."

"Wha… What!?" Naegi said in shock.

"Then they've figured us out." I said. "Alter Ego was the main database of the 14th branch, our branch, in the Future Foundation."

"That's right." Alter Ego carried on. "That's where I'm mostly based but I do I help most of the other branches some time… or at least I used to."

"So Future Foundation weren't happy with Naegi's plan to cure the Remnants of Despair." I explained. "They likely shut down our branch, and since Alter Ego mainly specialised with us they must have deemed him a traitor as well and gotten rid of him."

"Well gotten rid isn't the right word…" Alter Ego said, slightly hurt. "The first rule of data is that it's near impossible to delete completely, so it's really hard for Future Foundation to get rid of me. Although now I feel terrible that they actually do want to!"

"Don't worry Alter Ego, we'll get you out of here as well." Naegi comforted. "I'd never leave a friend behind, especially one that saved my life!"

"I-It was nothing!" Alter Ego replied. "I should thank you for coming back to Hope's Peak to rescue me out of the database… you could do that again or maybe carry my data on a USB stick. Although when I stopped your execution it was really close… you sure are lucky."

"Man, you guys are so insensitive." Monokuma said. "I worked hard on that execution, but clearly the real me sucks at computers since I couldn't even delete you properly. It's alright though, she's dead."

"Alter Ego can you give us any new information?" I asked, ignoring Monokuma's comments.

"N-Not really, I really have very little power this time around. But I did pick up a connection of at least one new avatar… Sorry that's all I've got…"

"It's alright… every piece of info is helpful at a time like this." Naegi said.

"Why though?" I asked. "Why was another avatar uploaded Naegi?"

"It's likely Tsuki's considering the possibilities… if he really is alive and not an AI. But I've never heard of his or Sato's AI being developed." Naegi said.

"But why would Future Foundation place him in the Neo World with his memories wiped?" I asked.

"Do you think they're going ahead with the Hope Restoration plan?" Naegi said optimistically.

"Doubtful, we are still stuck in here." I reminded. "If this new avatar belongs to Tsuki, then why has Future Foundation placed him in here? If the avatar doesn't belong to him though, then who does this avatar belong to? Why would more AI's be created of supposedly dead people, that was only ever supposed to be a on off class mate. We need to figure out what happened to Kettei Tsuki during the tragic world incident. Care to explain Monokuma?"

"Nope. That's a spoiler."

"Alter Ego?" I asked.

"There was no new data on him the I had access to, his last current status was 'Matching blood found inside Hope's Peak class 77 room but body was missing with 4 other classmates. All were likely killed by class 77.'" Alter Ego recounted.

"I remember the scene… there was sooo much blood in that room." Naegi said.

"But this is Tsuki we're talking about, it was still possible he could be alive." I reminded.

"Ahh, that reminds me when I threw 'em all in Despair and they first started killing, those were the days." Monokuma said.

"Can you confirm whether the two new students are AI's or not?" I asked Alter Ego.

"No I can't, I've lost most of my privileges, I can no longer send data to Monomi either…" Alter Ego replied.

"Where is Monomi?" Naegi asked.

"I took away her teleportation powers so she can't come to see you guys." Monokuma said. "That useless rabbit probably doesn't even know you guys are here. Why the hell did you even design a rabbit?"

"That was er… my idea." Naegi admitted. "The Future Foundation banned creating AI's that looked like real people, and since we didn't base her off anyone in reality she had to be an animal."

"I see, I see." Monokuma said.

"Naegi you're disclosing private information." I reminded.

"Ah!"

"Hey, this just a question but I found a tiny bit of Mukuro personality lost in there, were you planning on recreating her?" Monokuma asked.

"How did you…? That was the plan but…" Naegi started to say but I interrupted him.

"Togami shut it down, it was too risky of a plan for now." I said. "We have no business in reviving the dead."

"Isn't that AI over there a revival the dead?" Monokuma said as he pointed at Alter Ego. "And the real me is dead remember. Death doesn't mean jack squat anymore!"

"Well I'm not an exact replica of my master… we have slight differences in personality." Alter Ego corrected.

"I feel perfectly the same though!" Monokuma exclaimed. "Just even smarter."

"That's because your AI was stolen off the talents Fujisaki had before them memory wipe." I said.

"I also had Izuru work on it as well, you know him having every talent possible is pretty useful." Monokuma said. "Anyway that's enough out of you all, I've got a Killing Game to watch over."

"Wait Junko!" Naegi called. "What was the point of this? Why did you just spend all this time talking to us?"

"I felt like it, the others can get pretty boring at times since they forgot everything." Monokuma simply put before disappearing but leaving behind his echoing voice. "Discussions with you guys keep the real audience kept up!"

"Well we know more now but we still can't do anything." Naegi said.

"I'm sorry I can't be more of use." Alter Ego apologized. "While I'm not bound by the rules I don't have permission to alter anything, so I'm trapped in here with you all."

"That's alright." Naegi said.

"Alter Ego do you know if the cameras are live?" I asked.

"Hmm, they are displaying video footage from the Killing School Trip to Future Foundation but not from the Funhouse. We are being recorded but it's not being displayed… I can't touch the feed though…" Alter Ego explained.

"Ok."

Monokuma is trapped in here as well, not in the Funhouse but in the Neo World. Perhaps this is a sort of jail for him by the Future Foundation, but why does he have so much power then? There's also that failed trial I witness where Hinata was executed for a crime I'm sure he didn't commit, meaning someone is above the rules and can alter them at his will. But why would he rig the trial? Surely he wants someone to graduate as a Remnant of Despair and spread despair… no that's impossible, the Future Foundation would just kill them on sight. So why was the real killer not allowed to graduate…? There are a lot of parties involved in this… we have the Remnants of Despair, Monokuma, the agents of Future Foundation trapped inside here and the Future Foundation outside the Neo World.

Everyone has their own goals, causing clashes in information and covering the truth… This mystery needs to be untangled string from string so that the rope of mist can unveil the reality we are in… our first step is figuring out why the participants this time is has been enlarged and what the roles of the two new students are…


"Soda, can we swap?" I called out.

"No way Hinata! I don't want to be in that room with the psycho!" Soda shouted back before heading back into Tsuki's room.

I don't want to be anywhere near Nagito either… ugh whatever, he's out cold it shouldn't matter. I walked into Komaeda's room, just being near this guy gave me the shivers.

"Tsumiki, Nagito is asleep right?" I asked just to make sure.

"H-He most certainly is… the anaesthetic Monokuma gave him and Tsuki must have been of industrial size due to how effective it is." Tsumiki explained.

"So there's no chance of him waking up soon?"

"N-None at all! It would take a fully grown adult male at least 30 hours to wake up, but for two teenage males it would be a minimum of 36 hours but more likely 48!"

Well that's both good and bad news. Nagito being asleep will stop any more trouble happening but it also means I'm stuck on guard duty for even longer. Two whole days in this hospital… ugh.

"Woah ho how hoe there!" Monokuma interrupted as he strode in. "Have you still not read the notice? It says you're not allowed sleep unless you are a patient or staff here!"

"Why do you have to get in the way of everything?" I argued.

"OI! I came here to offer an agreement." Monokuma said. "My advisor told me to so… you're all free to stay."

"Wh-What!?" I said in confusion.

"Considering you're all guarding this place, that means you guys are staff!" Monokuma announced. "Night guard Hajime, Kazuichi and Fuyuhiko reporting for duty! How long before the three cowards high tail it out of here?"

"Cowards!?"

"Of course you're all going to need something to defend yourself with! I summon forth Monomi!" Monokuma said before a puff of smoke covered my vision for a few seconds until it cleared, revealing Monomi.

"Monokuma, please stop teleporting me around!" Monomi begged.

"No, now I need you to be an example." Monokuma said before bringing out a baseball bat and putting on a police hat. "You gotta keep your eyes peeled for anything, if you see anything suspicious…" Monokuma then proceeded to strike Monomi with the bat constantly.

BANG THWACK POW

"Beat the living shit out of it!" Monokuma said maniacally.

"Ow! Oh no, violence is a big no no while on a school trip! Yeeooow!" Monomi said.

"Here ya go." Monokuma said before throwing the bat at me, I caught it at the last second.

"What am I supposed to use this for?" I asked.

"Did you not just see the damn explanation!?" Monokuma shouted.

"Why would I have to use this?"

"Oh I see, you don't think anyone is going to try and kill you?" Monokuma asked.

"W-Well o-of course not…!" Tsumiki replied.

"I wouldn't be too sure about that, at any night someone could just get out of bed and try to stab you!" Monokuma said before running off with Monomi by her ears.

"Uwah!" Monomi cried before disappearing from view.

"Monokuma scares me…" Tsumiki said lightly.

"He definitely is… random." I replied. "What am I supposed to do with this?"

"W-Well Togami will probably take the bat away like he did with everything else." Tsumiki mentioned.

"I'll just leave it here." I said before putting it in the corner of the room. It's not like there isn't any credit to what Monokuma is saying… I don't feel entirely safe while on this island but do we really need to go to such lengths? Togami even forcing us on guard duty while those two are unconscious, will another killing really happen? I highly doubt I'd have to use that bat… and I really don't want to since it came from Monokuma.

"H-Hajime… I'm not used to this you know." Tsumiki said.

"Not used to what?"

"T-Taking care of people like this…"

"But aren't you the Ultimate Nurse?"

"Y-Yes I am… but the thing is… usually I'm directly involved in treating the patients! D-Disinfecting, providing medical equipment, reading charts, providing antibiotics, or even just administering the anaesthetics! B-But Monokuma has already done everything…"

"Um… isn't that a good thing Tsumiki?"

"W-Well in a way y-yes…! But that means I haven't done anything to help them…! A-All I'm doing is watching over them pointlessly, I-I haven't done anything to help them!" Tsumiki said in a panic.

So she's complaining that all the work was already done and that she couldn't do it…?

"So you want to be the one that helps them?" I asked.

"Y-Yes I do! Y-You see Hinata, as a nurse my patients become reliant on me... at that moment they become completely dependent on me and need me… but not here! Monokuma has already done everything!" Tsumiki said highly stressed.

"C-Calm down Tsumiki… I really don't think it's like that."

"H-Huh?"

"I'm sure they'll be grateful just that you were here watching over them."

"Y-You think so?"

"Yeah I do." I responded. Well I can't really be sure for Nagito… "The fact that you offered to stay here on your own free will is enough for them to thank you."

"Th-Thank me…? Th-Thank me… thank me… th-that makes me feel better. Thank you Hinata."

"N-No problem…" Her sudden mood swings is really unnerving.

"Don't worry, if you ever get hurt or fall in I'll keep watch over you constantly! Then you'll have to rely on me!" Tsumiki said excitedly.

"L-Lets not hope for that…" I said before trying to think of a way to excuse myself from her glare. "H-Hey Tsumiki, maybe you should check on Tsuki? You've been here for a while."

"O-Of course! Maybe he's got a fever!" Tsumiki said too excitedly before dashing off.

Did I even give her advice or something during that conversation? And why do I feel like she's looking at me through the walls? I'm clearly stressed out, maybe it because I'm near Nagito… It's not even time for Kuzuryū's shift, he's probably catching sleep in the on call room.

I took a glance at the bat on the floor. I don't need to use that if Nagito wakes up… right? No, Monokuma was just messing with me.


Sonia's Personal Investigation

Something is up! There are mysteries wrapped around mysteries on this island and Sonia is determined to figure it all out! Starting with an investigation of the recently opened island.

Location – Music Venue

Upon entering I noticed Ibuki, Mahiru, Saionji and Akiko were already there.

"Greetings everyone, may I ask what you are doing here?" I asked.

"Sooniaaaaaaaaaa!" Ibuki called. "Would you like to listen to a song done by your very own Ibuki?"

"A song? That we be very nice to hear." I replied.

"Too bad! You'll have to wait for the totally rad party we're gonna have!" Ibuki said.

"A party?"

"Ibuki wants to host a party to celebrate Komaeda and Tsuki's survival once they wake up." Akiko explained. "This as the venue, it would be refreshing."

"The last party didn't go too well you know?" Mahiru mentioned.

"Yeah, Mr Ham Hands failed really hard last time." Saionji mentioned.

"Nonsensical!" Ibuki countered. "Byakuya already gave me permission so once the guys wake we can make 'em work again to set this par-tay!"

"Hmm, this reminds me of how the Titanic 2 crashed and other similar circumstances." I mumbled. "But nevertheless, if Togami is alright with it them perhaps we should amend our mistakes and do it right this time."

"Well, I suppose if everyone is alright with it as well." Mahiru conceded. "But we're still having our tea party this afternoon, I've invited and gotten all the girls to come apart from Tsumiki, she really doesn't want leave the hospital."

"I can respect her commitment to her profession." Akiko commented.

"We didn't need that nasty pig trash anyway!" Saionji mentioned.

"You weren't smelling too well Hiyoko not so long ago." Akiko said.

"Yeah well Mikan smells much worse!" Saionji retorted.

"Ibuki isn't too sure about that! Hoyoko-yoko smelt reaaaaaly bad!" Ibuki chanted.

"Hey! Stop it, you music dancing whore!" Saionji retorted.

"Excuse me, but Saionji smells just fine to me." I said.

"It was just a dressing problem Sonia, Hiyoko didn't know how to untie her kimono." Mahiru explained.

"And me and big sis Mahiru washed each other!" Saionji added on.

"D-Don't just say that out loud." Mahiru said embarrassed.

"Ohoho, you should have invited Ibuki as well!" Ibuki said.

"Yeah… no!" Saionji replied.

"There's no need to be embarrassed Mahiru, it was very nice of you to help out." Akiko praised.

"W-Well you helped with the knot." Mahiru said.

"Both me and Saionji have traditional Japanese knots on our kimonos, although hers is more complicated." Akiko explained. "Dancers are known for having a lot more intricate but stylish knots, mine is a simpler knot suitable for a warrior."

"How nice of the both of you." I said.

"Anyway." Mahiru said. "I've got some preparations for the tea party so I need to go."

"Well I look forward to it Mahiru, thank you for hosting one so we can all get along." I said.

"Oh, no problem." Mahiru responded.

"Now if you'll excuse me I have something to look at." I said to excuse myself to the downstairs storage room. Before, when I asked everyone for any suspicious items that they may have noticed, Hinata said something about a noose down here… there it is!

I pulled out my DPA (Digital Photo Album) and held it near the rope. Well last time it ate the disc before turning it into a clue, but I cannot see how this thing would eat something this large… ah! A scanner like beam of light was expelled from the DPA and started analysing the noose.

Clue 2 "The Death Noose."
This rope was originally used for strangulation and then made to look like suicide in the first Killing Game held on this island, however since then the Noose has claimed a victim each time a Killing Game was held in its presence.

What a fascinating object… a bit like how cursed Japanese swords must draw blood before being sheathed. Maybe this is cursed? Also there has been multiple other Killing Game's held on this island? How many victims have fallen to it? At least two others…

I left the noose behind and headed out, having a quick chit chat to the other girls before departing to my next location.

Location – Electronic Street

He should be here… Sato mentioned the laptop would be of valuable intel.

"M-Miss Sonia! You came to see me!?" Soda said ecstatically.

"Indeed Soda… I would like to know if you've gotten farther in decoding the laptop." I responded.

"W-Well I've gotten slightly farther, but you know you can call me Kazuichi!"

"No. Now please show me what you've learned."

"Oh, ok… Here I found this before." Soda said as he brought up pictures of the world outside destroyed.

BZZT

"M-Miss Sonia, you're v-v-vibrating!"

"Huh? Oh, the DPA is vibrating!"

"O-Oh..."

I brought out the DPA and once again it began scanning, this time the laptop.

Clue 3 "Destroyed World"
Following the most despair inducing incident ever witnessed by all of mankind the world began to riot and fall into anarchy. Roughly 30% kept hope but during the events of the first official Killing Game that was broadcasted, where the students defined as 'Hope' killed each other this amount dropped to roughly under 10%.

"How tragic… my entire kingdom has been destroyed with the rest of the world." I mourned.

"D-Don't fret Miss Sonia, once we get out of here we can repopu-"

"Updating…"The DPA announced in its robotic voice.

"Huh?"

"Clue 1 Updated."

I quickly scrolled to Clue 1.

Clue 1. "The First Official Killing School Game."
15 students of the 78
th class were trapped in Hope's Peak Academy, had their memories erased and forced to kill each other on camera. Currently 2 out of 15 students have been discovered.

Makoto Naegi – The Ultimate Good Luck Student
Chihiro Fujisaki – The Ultimate Programmer

14 Remaining. Survivors unknown.

"Hmm, I wonder what happened to them…"

"Miss Sonia, surely you don't believe in this crap?"

"Soda I did not ask for your opinion."

"Wh-What!? Oh…" Soda pouted.

"Is there anything on this laptop?"

"No, I haven't been able to crack the code yet…"

"Then I shall make my departure." I said before leaving hastily.

"Wait…!"

Location – Cinema

I spent a while watching 'Monokuma and the Beanstalk'

What a horrible film. I remember a fairy tale of similar concept but it was banned in my country. The character of Jack was defined as sadistic due to deciding to steal and kill from the giant without talking to it first…

"Really? You hate it as well!?" Monokuma complained.

"It was not very well designed, if I do say so myself." I answered.

"Well, would you say you would pay 1.5 million dollars to not watch it?" Monokuma.

"Unfortunately money isn't really an object of much value to me."

"Gah, stupid princess wealth. Well you someone did a few cycles ago. A reserve course chum paid me that not to watch it!"

"A 'Reserve Course Chum?' What is that and who are they?" I asked.

"How do I say this right… a nobody. The reserve course was set up by Hope's Peak as a private school for rich kids to give a bunch of money to fund Hope's Peak. Reserve Course students are just talentless normal people." Monokuma explained.

"Well how else would they able to afford such expenses? It sounds harsh but this sort of procedure is necessary in any sort of business. Although I do not agree with the low value you place on their lives."

"Lives schimes, a talentless scum has no place in here."

"Oh, I was under the impression that you got only Ultimates to participate in these Killing Games."

"Oh I do; this was a one off exception. Although he was special in a sort of way… Ok enough spoilers, I'll update your DPA. Cya!" Monokuma shouted before flying through the wall.

Clue 4 "The Reserve Course Block"
A separate building owned Hope's Peak to fund various costs. Ordinary students pay high prices to attend this school but are not allowed any interactions with the main course. Holds up to 2000 students at once.

That's it for now, I feel like I've learnt a lot but am still missing a lot of important details. I'll report my learning once I feel like I've made enough progress.

"Sonia? What demon has called you here?" Tanaka asked from the entrance.

"Oh, I was just investigating. What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I was taking Lucky for a walk, unfortunately he's a dumb mutt for his breeds standards but a worthy guardian, one that rivals a familiar."

"Oh really? In what way?"

"His whole life has been dedicated to protecting his owner… how pitiful."

"In what way?"

"This mutt has been forced into protection duty, his life has been dedicated to protecting a low child. Is such a feat fair?" Tanaka asked.

"Well is that not the duty of a dog? To protect his owner?"

"What rights dictate that this dog's life can be commanded? What makes his life lower than that of a child?"

"I see you view animals very highly Tanaka… you must not be a fan of zoo's then."

"Those hell holes are hypocrites, they claim to be protecting animals when in reality they're just keeping them shackled in tanks and artificial plains… the very mention of one disgusts me!" Tanaka spat before turning his back and walking off with the dog following.

I appear to have mentioned something he hates… but he was very passionate about hating it. I wonder where that originates from… Regardless I must not bring up such a topic again in his presence…

Investigation Complete!

Truth Trial at 10%


Rustle rustle

I'm being followed.

Crack rustle

Small body, light steps

Crackle rustle crack

Slightly clumsy, very jumpy… stop analysing and turn to the problem!

Togami turned around and faced the forest behind him.

"Ibuki get out of the bushes." Togami called.

Rustle crack…

"Ibuki is here!" She said as she busted out of the brush.

"Why were you following me?" Togami asked.

"Well ya know, Ibuki was first talking Mahiru and Hiyoko and Akiko and Sonia but they all kinda left Ibuki after a while so IbukiStartedFollowingSoniaButSheWasJustLookingAtSomeWierdRopeAndIbukiGotBoredAndDecidedToLeaveAndThenIbukiNoticedTogamiAndDecidedToFollowHimButTh-"

"That's enough!" Togami interrupted. "There is something I want to know Ibuki, why are you following Togami specifically?"

"Huh!? Togami talks like Ibuki and Togami's name when its Togami talking!? WOOHOO! Ibuki found someone else like her!"

"You've completely missed the point!" Togami shouted back. "Why have you picked me specifically to follow? I threatened to join in this game if anyone dare commit another crime and yet no one is fearing me!"

"Well durr silly, no one took that joke super serious."

"So you take it as a joke, unsurprising of your character but everyone else still relies on me…" Togami said before I started thinking for a while… I can't let this continue, something must be done… "Ibuki let's play a game."

"Sorry, Ibuki already promised to scrub Hiyoko's body."

"…" One of the few times in my life I'm at a stump for words… just ignore that remark. "Imagine you had any talent possible, what would it be?" Togami asked… no, this no longer Togami talking, he would have little to say to this girl. I suppose this is the supposed 'me' talking. Is this girl really the answer to finding my own personality? Ridiculous… hm, maybe not.

"A crazy cool talent? Maybe like the Ultimate Mind reader or how about floater where you can jump from any high glide down or maybe a sprinter to run superfast or a musician to play any instrument, or, or, OR…! I dunno." Ibuki replied hastily.

"… What about a copycat?" I said trying to keep calm. "Imagine being able to know everyone else's secret and live as them."

"Oh that sounds fancy, then Ibuki can find out what Sonia does in the bathroom all the time!"

"…Yes, even that. You would be able to live as anyone you wanted to, but in exchange you would have to give your own identity. Ibuki would no longer exist."

"I see, I see… So for Ibuki to be everyone, she would have to be no one!"

"Exactly."

"No way, Ibuki can't do that. She's chosen by the gods to live on this earth!"

"I suppose, you do have a high opinion of yourself so I'm not surprised." I replied.

"Anyway, how would Ibuki pull it off? No one has this colour hair and Ibuki wouldn't know how to act like someone else."

"It would be difficult but one would get used to it." I said, as always I can hint as much as I want and no one will get it. No one expects a talent like mine.

"I wonder Ibuki would do exactly… she would definitely live as Sonia in a large castle, who else… maybe Hajime so all the girls can love me… playing games all day like Chiaki would be fun, and also be Akane to have big bazonkas!"

"Hm, is that what pleases you? Well instead I would… I would…" I stuttered. Hold on… what exactly did I do? I took people's identity… and… I… "I-I would use it to find out more information on people… as a job…"

"That sounds boring."

"W-Well let me give y-you an example…" Why am I drawing a blank…? I know who I am, an imposter who uses other identities to find out more information… and yet I can't figure out what it is exactly I did. Is this amnesia…? Not only have I forgotten my school life but also my past… this cannot be a coincidence. Selective amnesia… Iappear to have forgotten everything about my job and how I worked… and yet I still remember my talents… "This conversation is over Ibuki, once again you will never understand the gravity of it but that's what makes you uniq-"

*Chomp!*

"Gah! Why did you just bite me!?" I shouted.

"You got boring and didn't listen to Ibuki." She replied.

"Ibuki your judgment is preposterous and indecisively stupid!" Togami shouted back. "Casually following and harassing people like Byakuya Togami could result in your own demise, I could easily kill you at this moment! You must choose your friends carefully, especially in a game where your life is at risk!"

"…" Ibuki shrivelled slightly at my outburst.

"I suggest staying around the other girls, they are all more reliable and trustworthy friends. Other people are dangerous and can result in your own life costed! Now be gone!"

"…" Ibuki slowly turned around and trudged away.

There… that should keep her safe. Not that I'm happy about it.


Bing Bong Ding Dong

"Everyone… this is Monomi asking you all to meet up at the beach. We have an important event to hold to help bring back some hope for this island! *whisper* Oh and it's also mandatory to attend otherwise Monokuma will '** * * * * *** *' sorry, I had to censor that. Please hurry."

"Hey girls you see that?" I called out.

"I did, we're being called again." Akiko responded.

"Guh, big sis Mahiru what does that nappy rabbit want now!?" Hiyoko complained.

"I don't know…" I replied.

"I think I do." Akiko said. "The last time Monomi grouped at the beach was for her minigame right?"

"Oh yeah, good thinking." I complimented.

"It mentions the use of minigames in the rules as well." Akiko said.

"Didn't Monokuma bring us to the park though for his stupid minigame?" Hiyoko mentioned.

"He did, we did the picture shooting game there. But the Monomi minigames are probably still going to be at the beach… we are required to have one daily due to the rules." Akiko said.

"It sounds kinda stupid… but I think we need to go since Monokuma enforced it." I advised.

"Lead the way."

Looks like most people made it to the beach, but we're definitely missing some people though.

"What the heck! Where's the rest of you!?" Monokuma shouted.

"E-Everyone needs to attend these events…" Monomi said from besides Monokuma.

"Not possible." Togami replied sternly.

"What!? And why the hell not!?" Monokuma shouted back.

"Two are unconscious and the other four of them are still at the hospital, where I told them to stay." Togami said.

"What?! You told them to directly disobey me!" Monokuma shouted enraged. "Why you…! You can't just ignore the rules… RAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWR!"

Sand started to whip up ferociously.

"Kyaa…!"
"What hell is going!?"
"I can't see!"

"You messed with the wrong BEEEAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR!"

Crackle crack… static

"Wh-What was that?" I asked in fear at the strange noise.

"Ooof, there we go." Monokuma said, pleased with himself. "No skipping class boys!"

"What the hell! How the fuck did I get here?" Kuzuryū swore.

"What are you doing here? What am I doing here!?" Soda shouted.

"Weren't we all in the hospital just a moment ago?" Hinata asked in confusion.

"What sort of dark art brought you here?" Tanaka questioned.

"How the hell should we know? I was there one moment and…" Soda rambled.

"Just, SHUT UP!" Monokuma shouted. "There we go, you all can talk about that later. For now let's address the issue at hand. The rules clearly state minigames must be performed at a regular basis, unfortunately the great Monokuma can't make a new one daily so that means we're going to have to resort to Monomi's minigames… but these would be too boring so I've decided to spice 'em up! You will now be competing against each other for… wait for it… wait for it… MEMORIES!"

"Huh?"
"Wha…?"
"M-Memories!?"

"Correct!" Monokuma answered. "You little skanks are going to compete for your own memories, now minigame platform, rise!"

Shake rumble

As announced, the platform underneath us started raising and the spinning wheel also appeared, with the pixel faces of everyone that was here.

"And the theme for today's minigame is…" Monokuma announced as the wheel started to slow down… "M-a-h-i-r-u-!"

"Huh?" I cried.

"That's right, todays theme is your talent! Now get over here red head!" Monokuma shouted.

"G-Get away from me!"

-Poof-

The world went black… but I wasn't unconscious. i just couldn't see.

Flicker

Then light appeared… light from the sun. I took a quick glance at my surroundings, I was in some sort of glass cage alone the was suspended high. I could see the others far below me on the minigame platform.

"Wh-What's going on?" I called out to no one in particular.

"You're the ref of course." Monokuma said from above my cage. "We can't have the Ultimate photographer competing in a game based on cameras, that wouldn't be fair. So instead you're just going to watch them... that's it."

"Th-This is very suspicious you know!" I shouted back, trying to rally my self-confidence. "What gives you the right to mess with our memories like this? And why are you giving them back now through some sort of competition!?"

"Guh, just shut up won't you?" Monokuma shouted rudely. "Ok, here's how it's gonna work… Wait I need to tell this to them not you, here take this instead!" Monokuma then threw a small tablet at me before jumping down to the platform. The tablet looked like it was displaying a live feed of what was going on below.

"Alright listen up sluts! Wait can I say that… hold on a minute…" Monokuma pondered.

"No rude words in front of students or on camera! It isn't even past 9pm!" Monomi responded.

"Alright, so that's a yes then." Monokuma said. "So the rules of this little game of 'hope' that Monomi so kindly prepared are simple, so pay attention."

"Hold on do we really have to go through with this?!" Soda shouted.

The screen then displayed an artistically styled header with Monomi and Monokuma in the background.


Monomi minigame: Photo failures!

You all have been given a camera to take one single picture, based on this picture you will earn points. You will gain a point for each person in your picture! But be careful, if you have your picture taken, you will be longer allowed to take a picture! (Your camera will turn off to indicate this) Those with the most points will earn a taste of their memories… so don't let anyone get in the way!

"Oh no… you've turned my game of teamwork into a competition… This isn't how a Monomi minigame should be played!" Monomi argued.

"Hey, I only added a prize to it and made a minor adjustment. Now what are you waiting for kids? You're on an unknown time limit so get snapping!" Monokuma called out.

"So er… how are we doing this?" Soda asked nervously.

"We're not!" Togami interfered. "This kind of game was made to make us distrust each other. We're not going to compete."

"And what of our memories…?" Peko asked.

"None of you will win, it could be dangerous for all we know." Togami replied.

"What!? Maybe I want to know them asshole!" Kuzuryū shouted.

"Preposterous, it will onl-" Togami started to say but was interrupted.

*Click*

A camera went off.

*Click*

So did another one.

"Wh-What are you doing? I strictly forbade this!" Togami shouted.

"So what Mr. Ham Hands?" Hiyoko replied. "I actually want to win this, otherwise someone is just going to swoop in a take a picture when we don't expect it! That's what happens when you lower your guard!"

"Thinking like that will only further make things worse!" Togami scolded.

"B-But eh, she was right. Didn't someone else also take a picture? It was you wasn't it Kuzuryū!" Soda accused.

"Bastard! Of course it wasn't me!" Kuzuryū shouted back.

*Click*

"Opportunities come and go, I won't let mine slip into the everlasting void." Tanaka said as he finished with his disposable camera.

"Stop being so immature! Are you all stupid enough to fight for this game?" Togami roared.

*Cleeeeck*
"Dammit my camera won't work! Someone must have taken my picture!"

"It appears we've already descended into anarchy." Sonia desponded. "Our only option of escape is to wait it out."

"Perhaps it is better this way." Pekoyama said.

Stamp Cleeeck Rustle Crumple Click

Everyone started to run around, some desperately trying to take a picture while others were trying their best to dive out of the way.

"Excuse me… but those of us that still have a shot to take should team up." Sonia called out. "I believe we still may be able to turn the tides in favour for those of us that coordinate.

"I still have a shot." Akiko mentioned.

"I do too…" Hinata mentioned.

"Only three of us?" Sonia gasped.

"Mine was taken." Pekoyama mentioned.

"Y-Yeah Saionji took mine…!" Soda complained.

"Of course I did, the wimpiest ones are always the dumbest to standstill." Hiyoko retorted.

"Yeah, someone must have taken mine as well." Nanami mentioned.

"I just took a photo randomly." Owari said casually.

"Fuhahahaha, you mere mortals may as well concede for I have bested you all!" Tanaka commanded.

"Tch, mines gone. Not that I really cared." Kuzuryū said in spite.

"Ibuki what about you?" Sonia asked.

"*Sniffle* Ibuki still has h-her shot." Ibuki said while holding back her tears.

"Hm? Didn't something happen Ibuki? You look very emotionally hurt." Sonia said in concern.

"She must have seen Mikan's ugly face!" Hiyoko answered.

"She isn't even here." Akiko mentioned.

"I-It was all Byakuya's fault. He said really mean things to Ibuki!" Ibuki shouted.

Everyone turned around to see Togami creeping towards a specific angle with a camera in hand.

"Togami? Y-You were trying to take a picture of us?" Hinata gasped.

"…" Togami stayed silent.

"When the leader has fallen to chaos, the herd shall soon follow." Tanaka commented.

"Even Togami has turned his back on us." Pekoyama said.

"That's not it." Togami replied. "If you're all going to riot then I will take it upon myself to win this game and prove dangers of the prize."

"That's like a fancy way of saying you just want to win!" Soda accused.

"He was going to take advantage of all you idiots going near Ibuki and take a picture!" Saionji added on.

"Not cool man!" Owari said as she punched her fists together.

"It can't be helped if none of you want to listen to me, but I am warning you now not all as it appears to be! This is a trap set by Monokuma!" Togami shouted as he raised his camera and took aim at the large group.

*Cl-Phoot* *Crack! *

"What on earth!?" Togami shouted as he looked at his shattered camera on the floor, and arrow was protruding out of a large metal part. Everyone looked back at Akiko who had her bow unslung and was in a firing pose.

"I won't allow such traitorous actions to happen." Akiko said. "Using a girl's emotions to gather a crowd… despicable."

"Holy crap! She just shot at Togami!" Soda screamed. "A-Actually that was pretty cool."

"My target was the camera and that alone. I won't guarantee it next time though." Akiko threatened in a new harsh tone.

"Do you have any idea what you have done?" Togami spat back.

"Ibuki, I believe justice dictates you take our picture." Akiko asked with a friendly smile.

"…" Ibuki had her jaw dropped but managed to recover with her old exited demeanour.

"Hold crab on a crab stick was that cool! Ok, ok! Ibuki taking the picture in three two one!" She exclaimed before rapidly raising her camera.

*Click*

"And time!" Monokuma said. "It appears everyone's camera is now out of order so the results will appear momentarily… who has the most points? Oh I can't wait… but to be honest I think just watching this go down is faaar better than the results."

Hajime, Chiaki, Byakuya, Akiko, Sonia, Kazuichi, Peko – 0 points

Akane – 1 point

Hiyoko – 3 points

Fuyuhiko, Gundham – 4 points

Ibuki – 6 points

"Now then, Monomi you can do the rest I'm bored." Monokuma said before leaving the place.

"Well that wasn't how I wanted this to go…" Monomi said sadly. "However we do have a winner so Ibuki enjoy your memory fragment!"


Ibuki's memory fragment

"How I almost got kicked out of Hope's Peak!"

Ibuki was in class with all her classmates around her.

"I have the reports from yer tests…" The teacher called out. He was an old rough man with a harsh tone. "Most of yer passed…"

"Most of us?" Sonia gasped. "What ever happened?"

"I was gettin' to that!" The teacher shouted… What was his name? Kariudo… Kariudo Amori…

"Koizumi, pass. Yano, pass. Hanamura, pass. Sonia, pass. Kuzuryū, pass. Nidai, pass. Hojo, pass. Soda, pass. Tsumiki, pass. Amori, pass. Nanami, pass. Togami, pass. Komaeda, pass. Tanaka, pass. Tsuki, pass. Sato, pass. Owari, pass. Pekoyama, pass. Mioda, fail. Saionji, pass. Everyone but Mioda 'as passed this month."

"So whaaat? Tests don't matter here anyway." I said melodically.

"Um, Ibuki…" Sonia called out. "But uh, this is the third month in a row you've failed."

"The academy accepts no attendance to class as long the subjects are working to improve their monthly talents." Kariudo read off paper. "We 'old monthly exams to test that the students are indeed improving, continuous failures will result in expulsion."

"Uh oh." Kettei said.

"This is most unfortunate; we cannot have Ibuki leave us!" Sonia gasped loudly.

"Having her talent full of hope leave us would be disastrous!" Nagito said creepily.

"Is there anything we can do for her Amori?" Mahiru asked.

"The academy won't just throw Mioda on the streets." He replied. "They relish each and every talent… but if she fails again, they won't need convincing that her talent has gone stale. A stale talent is easily replaced."

"Such devilry, the god of hell itself runs these exams." Gundham commented.

"Ibuki's talents haven't gone stale! They just aren't for the tastes of this Academy!" Ibuki shouted back.

"Or anyone else in the world for that matter." Kariudo countered. "Your best chance is to find Mioda performing at her best when everyone else's ears stay on, record it, and send it to the 'eadmaster 'imself. That should buy her another few months."

"Isn't that a short term strategy?" Togami retorted.

"Did I ask for yer input?!" Kariudo snapped. "Yer all 'ave prey to chase for now, so get hunting. I don't want paperwork on my desk about Mioda's leave or my job at risk. Get at it."

"So uh, how are we going to do this?" Kazuichi asked.

"Ibuki's music is just fine! She doesn't need to change it one bit!" Ibuki shouted.

"Well then I guess everything is fine." Akane said.

"It clearly isn't! We've gotta get Ibuki a stage and quick!" Sokudo shouted.

"Yeah… except we're going to need to do more than that!" Ātisu corrected.

Hmmm? Ibuki doesn't recognise these two and… yet Ibuki is sure she knows them. Sokudo Hojo… Ātisu Yano… They are ultimate's in Ibuki's class, and yet they aren't on the island. And where is Hajime?

"How do you intend to give Ibuki her talent back, for it was her own doing that lost it." Gundham said.

"Y-Yeah, what a-are we g-going to do i-if Ibuki already failed three exams in a r-row?" Mikan stuttered.

"SHOW SOME SPIRIT!" Nekomaru shouted.

"Kyaaa! I-I'm sorry." Mikan apologised.

"I can show you some of my spirit if you want…" Teruteru mentioned.

"Now then, let's work together to help Ibuki!" Nekomaru roared.

"Shouting about it won't help the situation you know." Togami said from the corner of the classroom. "Ibuki was scouted because of her skills in performing in a band."

"But Ibuki left those nerds because they were getting in her way!" Ibuki shouted back.

"Well then, to pass the exams all you need to do is find them or a substitute band and create a performance. That will be suitable enough." Togami said.

"So all we need to do is find band members that will perform with Ibuki. That doesn't sound too hard." Chiaki added on.

"I suppose Ibuki can do one show in a band again. She doesn't want the same old girls! She needs new and fresh people!" Ibuki explained.

"Well I'm sure if you all put your hopes together anything is possible." Nagito said.

"Ugh, will you ever shut up about that you creep!" Hiyoko complained.

"Behave Nagito." Peko enforced.

"Does anyone have someone they know that could help?" Mahiru asked.

"I know a singer you could perform with. She has a popular teen idol band." Togami said.

"I could help cover costs of the performance and set up ticket costs so we can break even. I'm well educated in the art of businessing." Sonia offered.

"I see, I see. But Ibuki needs an audience!

"W-We still need to advertise it then." Mikan answered.

"I could work on a poster then!" Ātisu offered. "I'll need some pictures of people though!"

"Yeah, of course I'll help with that." Mahiru said.

"I'll hang up all the posters then!" Sokudo said excitedly.

"More! Ibuki wants this to be a super large event!"

"The rest of us can spread the word then!" Nekomaru shouted.

"I can do that." Kettei said.

"I have friends to tell." Sato mentioned.

"I could tell all my online friends but I don't know if they'll come…" Chiaki said.

"Don't worry, I could hook it up to a livestream for them to watch!" Kazuichi offered.

"I could tell all the old guys that watch me dance… hehe." Hiyoko giggled.

"I'll gather a few demons to test their strengths against your music." Gundham offered.

"Tch, some of my folks might be able to join… no guarantees." Fuyuhiko said.

"I can act as security if needed." Peko said.

"Yeah me too, I'll chase anyone that doesn't listen!" Akane offered.

"There's going to be a lot of people right?!" Teruteru said. "I'll cook up a huge feast for everyone to enjoy!"

"Ohhh baby this is going to be GREAAAAAT!" Ibuki shouted.

"Well yer all look like you know what yer doing. Get to it." Kariudo said...

Memory fragment complete


"Hey Ibuki… are alright?" Tsumiki asked in concern. After a lot ruckus we eventually came back down to the beach and Koizumi came back saying she was just witnessing the whole thing. Now Ibuki is staring into space…

"Hajime maybe you should go separate them. We've got Ibuki." Chiaki said to me before pointing at an angry Togami shouting at a frustrated Sato.

"Ok…" I said before heading over to the two. Why do I have to do this?

"Give me back my arrow!" Sato commanded while Togami held a large piece of scrap that had been penetrated by her arrow.

"You fired it at me and expect me to return it? Don't be foolish." Togami spat.

"Considering what you did, I had every right to fire! Now give it back!" Sato shouted even louder.

"You clearly don't understand the lack of safety at risk." Togami sighed in a condescending tone.

"You don't understand your boundaries Togami!" Sato retorted. "Now hand back before I…"

"Before you what?" Togami snarled. He then yanked the arrow out of the scrap parts and held it with two hands, one at each end, as if he was about to snap it. "You can't be trusted with it!"

*Creaaaak*

It almost sounded like the arrow was whimpering as Togami's hand slowly bent it, pushing the wood to its limits.

*Shuf*

Within a blink of an eye Sato had readied her bow with another arrow prepped to fire, this directly at Togami.

"W-Woah!" I shouted in panic.

"You break that arrow, and I'll release the shot." Sato said in a malicious tone, her eyes staring daggers at Togami, who had somehow managed to complete remain calm.

"So this is of more importance then I though…" Togami said out loud, as if monologueing to himself.

"Give. It. Back." Sato said, somehow drawing the strings of her bow even more.

"B-Both of you! Calm down!" I tried to interject but they both gave me no attention.

"Don't be ridiculous, you shoot me here and you'll get executed for murder." Togami replied.

"…" Sato's gaze grew harsher at his words. "Not if I don't kill you with it."

"A-Akiko please calm down!" Koizumi shouted as she ran to join us.

"Not until I get that arrow back."

"Mr. Ham Hands is totally pushing his luck; I wonder what he bleeds like?" Saionji mocked.

"Both of you, cut it out!" Pekoyama commanded but neither of them backed down.

"This is bad man!" Soda screeched.

"Sato, I'll give you the arrow back, under one condition." Togami declared.

"Hm." Sato made a grunt of a disapproval.

"Hand me the bow."

What did he just say?

"You… you've gone too far this time Togami." Sato hissed.

"You've clearly proven that your emotions take control of you, you're a liability to the group. If Monokuma pulls the rights strings you'd easily be manipulated to become a murderer." Togami said.

"…" Sato continued her stare. Pulling on the string even harder, it felt like it was about to snap if she drew it anymore. "Over my dead body will you claim this bow of mine."

"Such ignorance." Togami sighed.

"YOU PIE-" Sato screamed.

"Stop!" I shouted before jumping in between them recklessly… actually I wasn't alone. Koizumi was at my back as well. I faced Togami in the eyes while she faced Sato.

"My point has been proven even more." Togami said.

"Why are you edging her on!?" I shouted at Togami.

"Don't you understand yet? Monokuma works by exploiting our weaknesses so that we commit murder? Sato's weakness is her emotions, take away her bow and she can't do anything." Togami explained.

"You have no right to have that much control over another person." Sato hissed.

"A-Akiko… please! Just drop the bow…!" Koizumi begged.

"…Alright." Sato submitted, dropping the bow and relieving it of the arrow prepped to fire.

"You finally understand?" Togami asked.

"Don't get me wrong Togami, I still need that arrow back." Sato demanded.

"H-Hey it's just an arrow… you've got plenty in your quiver and you can buy more at the supermarket." Soda said.

"No… you don't understand." Sato replied.

"I think I might understand…" Sonia said. "In old Japanese times, Samurai were taught to treat their weapons with respect. Their swords carry their souls while their bow shares their spirit."

"This is the modern day though, there are no more samurai!" Kuzuryū shot down.

"No, Sonia is right." Sato countered. "It was a matter of my upbringing, brought up like a samurai so I have to act like one. My sword, bow and arrows all carry meaning, so I suggest you hand the latter back."

"What if Pekoyama holds you weapons; she is of similar status." Togami suggested.

"I'm afraid not." Pekoyama replied. "My training not that of a samurai, it was more modern and… unique."

"Whatever, just give the arrow back already, this is fucking stupid." Kuzuryū said.

"It's of great disgrace to hand such a weapon to someone of different status, unless they are a direct superior or servant." Sonia explained. "It is quite difficult to adapt such old rules to modern day social life."

"Hmph, I had no idea people still lived under such old rules." Togami said. "Grgh, this has the made situation a lot more difficult. Have it back…" Togami finally conceded but with a pissed voice. He shoved the arrow in my hands and turned his back before walking off.

"It appears fate was tempted to is must, a millimetre more and Togami would have had to deal with Cerberus of the underworld." Tanaka fathomed.

I held the arrow in front of me, it not only held a certain weight to it but there was more to it that met the eye. The hawk feathers looked pristine, as if they were taken care. On the bamboo shaft that was slightly cracked due to Togami, their appeared to be some sort of marking in Kanji… Kachimushi?

"Hinata, if you would?" Sato asked to me.

O-Of course." I said somewhat nervously as I handed the arrow back.

"Repairable… Togami's lucky it wasn't permanently damaged." Sato said.

"Is it that important?" I asked.

"Each arrow carried a special meaning… one I won't leave behind." Sato said seriously.

I knew she looked like a warrior… but I never realised just how serious, or dangerous, of a character Sato really is… a modern day Samurai…

"I… um… like some time to myself…" Sato suddenly said uncomfortably before walking away.

"Let us depart, the only thing left after the battle are poppies that hold the screams of the fallen." Tanaka announced before walking away.

"Ugh, I can't bear to hear anymore!" Saionji said in frustration at Tanaka before walking off.

"Hehe… well I guess since nothing happened I'll just go as well." Soda said unnerved.

"I wanted to talk more about Japanese culture with Akiko… but now is probably not the best time…" Sonia said before walking off.

"I'll take Ibuki to Tsumiki since everyone seems to have forgotten about her." Chiaki said escorting a dazed Ibuki.

One by one, everyone walked off, leaving only me and Koizumi. Clearly we were still both too shaken up to move.

"S-Stop shaking!" Koizumi ordered.

"M-Me? Look at yourself! You're shaking just as much!" Jumping in front of someone who has a bow drawn has that sort of effect I guess… no surprise there.

"Y-Yeah…" Koizumi said nervously… "H-Hey Hinata… good job there."

"Y-You too… that was a close one." I replied.

"Just try to keep Togami from doing anything stupid!"

"I-I don't have any control over him! There's a better chance of you calming down Sato."

"Why can't boys just listen to other boys!?" She shouted at me.

"S-Sorry but I don't have that sort of authority over Togami…" I said in defence. "I'm going to head back to the hospital… Togami's going to mad if I don't return soon."

"Alright… hey are you guys really gonna spend the night there?"

"Apparently…"

"I'll uh… make you guys lunch for your work… Just don't slack off ok!?"

"Th-There's no way we can slack off, there isn't anything to do." I said in defence. The moment I think she's about to compliment a guy, and somehow it doesn't feel like it.

"Ok, I'm going to try talk to Akiko…" Koizumi said before leaving me alone on the beach.

That minigame couldn't have gone much worse. Togami did say these were made to turn us against each other… but no one must have expected it to be that bad. I guess I need to go as well… like Chiaki said, everyone forgot that Ibuki apparently remembered something…

Slowly I walked back to the hospital, all warned out.

"Tsumiki?" I called out once I entered the hallway.

"O-Oh, you're b-back." Tsumiki replied.

"A lot happened."

"N-Nanami filled me in on everything…"

"Oh, how is Ibuki then?" I asked.

"Eff eye en ee!" I heard Ibuki sing, jumping out of a room.

"Y-Yeah… she w-was j-just d-dazed… nothing dangerous." Tsumiki explained.

"Ibuki feels great again!" Ibuki sang even louder.

"D-Did you remember anything?" I asked quickly. Am I anxious? Nervous? What's this feeling?

"Oh yeah, Ibuki did some remembering!" She replied.

"What was it?"

"Ah, nothing much. It was just Ibuki in a classroom at Hopes Peak."

"Th-That's really important!"

"Naah, she just talked to her classmates like she does here." Ibuki said nonchalantly.

"You remember the people on this island?" I asked.

"Yup, they were all in class with Ibuki!"

"E-Everyone?" I asked hesitantly

"Yup."

"R-Really? Even me?" I asked. Why am I asking that… of course I would be there…! Right…!

"Ehm… yeah! Ibuki saw everyone." She replied.

"if you saw me there then do you think you could remember my talent?" I asked.

"Well, Ibuki didn't really 'remember' it… more like Ibuki saw it. Like a movie."

"Wh… So… you don't know…?" I asked in depression.

"Nope… Sorry Hajime. Ibuki needs to go wright up what she saw cuz Chiaki asked… bye!"

"Wait! You sure I was there?" I asked in slight desperation.

"Hehe…. Yeah… Ibuki saw you…" She said hesitantly before walking off. I slumped against the wall at the news…

Something isn't right… Something is up… why… why is this happening to me?! I just… I just want to remember my talent… what I'm proud of… what I live off… what I believe in… What I'm… confident in…


Yeah, I took a 2 month break off fanfiction. I bought the games and played them to revive my hype after DR3 and now I'm ready to pump out chapters again! I'll probably freshen up the previous few chapters a bit before the next one but eh, it feels great to write again!