Chapter 5
With Izuru Kamakura, one day later
Once again, Izuru sat in his isolated bedroom yet he felt some curiosity today. Junko's plan utterly failed, but it still had some merit and generated enough footage to scare the public. Yet, the remnants of the committee behind Hopes Peak Academy were doing their best to censor or make an excuse for what has just been shown. It's hard for schools, even prestigious ones, to cover up or hide the fact that people could have been killed.
Yet, what really interested Izuru was Satsuki Kiryuin's faction. The Devas as they are called, the first one he witnessed was Gamagorri. The president of the Disciplinary Committee, a brute that could defeat that ape of a security guard that beat up Izuru when he used to be Hajime Hinata. If any remnant of Hinata was still around, it probably would have been spiteful and wished that Juzo was there to face Gamagorri. Which no doubt would have been an instant loss on the boxer's part.
The funny thing is, Izuru has no idea of the true power behind a Goku Uniform. Especially a three star which is currently considered to be the the strongest piece of clothing ever made.
"Enoshima did have a point. What purpose does Hope have in a world of peace? Yet at the same time, what drives Hope to overcome Despair?" Izuru asked himself as he kept watching the news articles and videos on his phone. Only having one question that bothered him, "Who has the strongest will? The weakest one will surely be defeated." he said.
Thus the failed experiment meant to embody every Ultimate talent ever researched and become a chimera known as Ultimate Hope, sat there. Contemplating as to what will happen next and who will become the victor in this battle.
With Ryota, at the same time
Ryota could not help but feel uncomfortable. Junko came in feeling frustrated about her plan, which she was very vague about the details, had sort of failed. After calming herself down by making a puzzle and saying some metaphor about things falling apart. Ryota focused solely on his computer to finish his anime. It did no help whatsoever that Mikan was drooling and acting strangely.
"Did Junko hypnotize her or something?" Ryota murmured before Mikan looked at him. Ryota shivered and went back to facing his computer screen, "I guess Junko is really good with words. At least Mikan isn't stuttering and acting scared anymore, but is it really that much better?" he asked.
As this went on, Ryota could not help but wonder what was going on in Junko's head. At the same time, he briefly took a break and looked at some extra files that were installed. There was no doubt that they belonged to Junko and that left him very curious as to what his benefactor was so stressed about.
'Movie?' Ryota wondered as he clicked on a file Junko made.
As Ryota tried to ignore his creepy new friend who eyed him with lust or hunger or something. His eyes widened, his heart accelerated, his sweat turned ice cold and his skin started to turn pale. For what he was seeing before him, was the massacre that Junko has caused.
"What is this!? People are killing each other!" Ryota exclaims as he almost falls off of his chair.
Despite how rough it looked and how easily Ryota should have noticed the bad edits. The Ultimate Animator was paralyzed from fear as the footage is very real and could not have been faked. As he could students shooting, stabbing and assaulting each other in various ways. With the more critically injured students falling and appearing as if they were dead. Leaving Ryota to turn around and avoid facing the graphic scene before him.
Only to face Mikan's creepy face, "You shouldn't have looked at that." she said.
Ryota yipped in terror as he finally fell off of his chair. Where he started to crawl backwards only for Mikan to slowly follow him. Her eyes dazed, saliva leaking from her mouth and intentions that Ryota had yet to understand, Mikan wanted to move closer to Ryota. Almost as if the young woman really was feeling lust for the animator who was too scared to understand the situation Junko has just created.
Mikan then moved her face closer to Ryota's, "That file was not meant for your eyes, Ryota-kun." she said making him nervous.
"What is that!? What were those people doing!?" Ryota asked fearfully.
Mikan giggled, "They were doing a Mutual Killing. All those people are either dead or dying in the hospital." she said unaware of the condition of the Student Council.
"Dead or dying!? What is mutual killing!?" Ryota asked when out of nowhere, Junko kicked Mikan in the face.
"I just left and you two are getting it on? I never took the two of you for perverts." Junko said as she returned to the room.
Mikan whimpered as she stood up, "You hit me. You really hit me. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" she cries out before falling down again.
"Enoshima! What was that video!?" Ryota asked as he points at his computer.
Junko looked confused for a moment, "Oh that? I wasn't going to show it until later, but… whatever. I better explain it now." she said while snapping her fingers.
Junko proceeded to tie her pigtails into a single ponytail and put on a pair of glasses. Now looking like a teacher, Mukuro suddenly appeared and pulled out a slide and handed Junko a clicker. Where the fashionista proceeded to demonstrate her plan through the use of slides. Almost as if this were a basic lesson to be taught at schools.
"Basically, my "Mutual Killing" in a nutshell is my plan for despair. By having these guys lose their minds and give into despair. They get desperate to survive and try to rip each other's throats out." Junko said before moving on her next slide. "The tricky part is brainwashing, my brainwashing skills are not exactly the best." she said moving onto the next slide.
Ryota did not like where this was going. He could tell that Junko was somehow going to involve him in her scheme.
"That's where you come in Ryota. You are an expert, you know how people feel and how to make them think. You are an awesome director where I… am still lacking." Junko says pretending to be sheepish. Then came the final slides, "Think of it as a film project. One that can change the whole world by taking away the Hope and replacing it with Despair. Wasn't that your plan? Create a new world?" she asked.
"No! I don't want this!" Ryota said as he tried to run.
Only for Mikan to grab him by the legs, "Well you can leave, I'm not gonna stop yo." Junko said as Mukuro stood at the door. "Not me physically I mean, but you are the artist! Think about your integrity! You can't let a good film go to waste!" she said.
Slowly but surely, under all of this pressure along with his own life being at stake. Ryota started to give into Junko's delusions and desired to fix the mess of a snuff film that Junko created.
At Hopes Peak Academy
A giant protest was going on outside the building. No amount of effort that the Steering Committee could make was able to force the Reserve Course students to leave. As the video that Junko created, even in it's rough state, generated negative views against the high school. As the students were furious that the school had the audacity to hide the fact that they allowed several students to nearly killing each other. Even now, Hopes Peak was going to find itself in trouble with the government who is currently working on how to intervene with this mess.
As of now, Juzo Sakakura and every security guard were trying to push back the students. Going as far as to use brute force to send them back. As many had attempt to climb over their gates and walls.
"Go back! You got what you paid for! You aren't allowed in!" Juzo yells as he punches out another student.
It was hard to tell if Juzo cared or if he was just doing his job and keeping everyone out. Regardless, the school's reputation is going down at a rapid pace.
With Class 77
Everyone looked out the window to see the army of protestors outside of the gate. Most of the students either didn't care or felt heavily concerned as to how the future of the school would look.
Ibuki looked surprised by the size of the protest, "That's a lot of angry people." she comments.
"They do have the right to protest." Chiaki said.
"You think? An angry mob of this many people?" Ibuki asked.
"It's not a protest." Peko speaks up.
"What do you mean?" Ibuki asked.
"By technicality, a group of students gathering together like this. Disregarding the size and numbers, is considered a parade." Peko explains.
Ibuki scoffed, "What kind of parade is this then?" she asked.
Fuyuhiko scoffed, "They can call it a book fair for all I care. It's all about Public Relations. So organizations can say things to calm down the media so that no one gets really serious about this." he said.
"Then it's a giant fair, this looks way too serious." Hiyoko adds.
"Do you think this mob or fair or whatever you wanna call it is the reason why Mikan isn't here?" Ibuki asked.
"I wouldn't be surprised. There's so many people there, it would be hard to get through in all of this confusion." Chiaki says.
"Actually, I haven't seen Mikan in a while. Her stuff is still in her dorm, but I haven't seen her." Hiyoko said suspiciously.
Before anyone could say anything, Chisa entered the room, "Hey, what are all of you doing staring out of a window? We have our futures to think about!" she said optimistically.
"Just watching the insane protest going on outside." Ibuki replied.
"Don't worry about that. Just don't go outside during the day." Chisa says for the sake of their safety.
"Obviously, who would?" Hiyoko said, clearly not wanting to be near the craziness.
Chiaki started to look worried, "Yukizome sensei, do you think Hinata is there?" she asked.
Chisa gave her student a sympathetic look, "I'm not sure if he's caught up in this storm, but he doesn't seem the type to be too angry." she said.
Chisa is well aware of Chiaki's close friendship with Hajime Hinata. Of course, she was happy to meet the young man and only became more ecstatic as he helped Chiaki come out of her shell a little bit. Chisa was very angry with Juzo for deciding to beat Hinata when he was just doing a favor for a friend. Juzo could not care any less about Reserve Course students as he seemed to have a superiority complex when it came to having an Ultimate Talent.
To Chisa's surprise, Satsuki proved to be capable of doing the impossible by making Juzo backdown from hurting him. No threats, no muscle movements and not even a single movement of her sword. Chisa is very sure that even for a normal girl, there is no doubt Juzo would not defeat the Kiryuin heiress.
"You mean Hajime Hinata right?" Mahiru asks. Chiaki nods, "I didn't know him for too long, but he seemed like a nice guy. I wouldn't blame him if he got mad about what's happening but I'm sure he's not out there with the crowd." she says hoping to calm Chiaki's nerves.
Ryota's impersonator also had his doubts, but could not confirm anything as he did not know Hinata in person. He also never asked Mikan about him since it wasn't his business. Still, his own thoughts were still revolving around Mikan as he hasn't seen her in a while. Making him feel very anxious now that he also lost Ryota.
The next day
Gundham revealed something amazing, "Behold! My 12 Zodiac Generals!" he says as twelve various hamsters hang off of his sleeve.
"Wow." Kazuichi said sarcastically.
"Give me a name of a zodiac and I can specifically point them out." Gundham said with a serious face.
"Cool, but no thanks." Kazuichi said.
Gundham gave him a serious stare, "I can tell that under that sarcasm, your mind cannot comprehend my power Kazuichi Soda. May you forever bask in ignorance." he said.
"He has a point Kazuichi, you are basking in ignorance far too often." Sonia said as she stood beside Gundham while making a strange pose.
"You turned her against me!" Kazuichi said.
"Keep it down." Hiyoko said with an annoyed expression.
Akane sighed, "Still no sign of Mikan today either." she said.
That's when suddenly, the door opened and a new figure had entered the room. Only the unique part of this sudden act was that this person is not their teacher, Chisa. At the same time, this figure is a familiar face and not someone threatening like Satsuki.
"About time, where have you been Mikan?" Akane asked.
"I'm sorry, I think you have me confused with someone else." Nagito said as he came in with wet clothes from the rain. He then noticed the bland looks everyone gave him, "Did I do something wrong?" he asked.
Chiaki decided to help out, "It's not that we're not happy to see you Nagito. It's just that we're missing someone." she said.
Nagito looked confused, "Whom are you referring to?" he asked.
That made Akane very angry, "Do not tell me that you forgot about Mikan!" she yells.
Nagito tried to remember the name, "Oh! You mean Tsumigi. I saw her on the way here." he said surprising everyone.
Suddenly the impersonator lifted Nagito by the gruff of his shirt, "Where is she!? Tell me where she is now!" he demands.
"I do not recall you being prone to violence Ryota." Nagito says.
"S-Sorry." The impersonator said as he almost blew his cover.
Nagito dusted himself off after the impersonator let go of him, "That's right, I saw her walking towards the West District." he said.
"EH!?" everyone asked.
"Also, I brought gifts for everyone. Let me just take them out." Nagito said as he reached into his jacket pocket.
"Keep them to yourself. We need to confront Mikan now." Hiyoko said.
"Who's the new girl?" Nagito whispers to Chiaki.
"That's Hiyoko, she had a major growth spurt while you were gone." Chiaki whispers back making him nod.
"Let's go already! Enough is enough and Mikan owes us an explanation!" Akane said as she lead the class to the West District.
"Yeah!" almost everyone cheers as they leave.
Chiaki also starts following them, "Welcome back Nagito." she said as she left.
Nagito nods before looking around for a moment, "Pekoyama, do you have a moment? I have something to talk to you about." he said catching Peko's attention.
At the principal's office
Satsuki looked out of Jin's office window, "The masses are piling. No amount of verbal authority can stop this." she said.
Jin sighed, "I know, but the committee is too stubborn to do anything about it." he said.
Koichi scoffed, "They are doing something about it. They are trying to censor everything and deny involvement." he said as he pours himself a drink. "Still, I'm glad the kid's group got everyone out alive." he said referring to Gamagori stopping the Killing Game.
"The Student Council is still shaken and afraid. Some have still gone mad and had to be restrained." Satsuki interjects. "I can say the same with the many students wanting to climb over the walls." she said.
"I doubt that even Sakakura can handle that many." Jin said as more and more started piling over the guards.
"And should they eventually make it past security. What's the contingency plan?" Koichi asked.
"I can attempt to hold them back with more One Star students. However, I doubt it can be more than a temporary solution." Satsuki said as she looked at her cell phone.
"Something is better than nothing. What about you Jin? There's no doubt that the school is going to be under fire IF the Reserve Course starts to calm down." Koichi said with emphasis on IF.
Jin sighed, "To be honest, I'm not so sure myself. Even if the Steering Committee is to blame, the fault will be on all of us." He said.
"I'll be leaving now. I will see to it that those pigs are put back in their pens." Satsuki said referring to the Reserve Course.
At the gate
Juzo continued to push back students as they continued to climb over the wall. Once their numbers got intense and they started to overwhelm security. Juzo relied on his brutal instincts and began to knock students unconscious with strong punches. Making sure to let no one pass as he rapidly built up a pile of bodies with every single person managing to pass the gate. At least things started to calm down once a familiar face arrived.
"That's quite a mess Sakakura." said a voice.
"Munakata!" Juzo said with surprise.
"I never expected things to get messy." Kyosuke said with a serious face.
Juzo bowed his head, "I'm sorry, I wasn't able to handle this or prevent the incident." he said apologetically.
"Don't be, I put a lot of pressure on you and Yukizome. However, it's not a complete loss. I have someone who has some idea of where this originated and how to stop this." Kyosuke said as he heard heels clicking.
"As well as stopping this riot from becoming worse." Satsuki said as she revealed herself.
"Kiryuin!" Juzo exclaims.
"That's right, I've been working with Kiryuin-san. Despite her age and status, she's not a fool and quite resourceful when it came to this situation." Kyosuke explains very blandly.
"So who's responsible for this?" Juzo asked.
"A student who's been acting very discreet but at the same time was able to steal the Steering Committee's secrets." Satsuki said as she reached into her jacket. "Technically she's not alone, but she is mastermind." she said handing a document over to Kyosuke.
"Junko Enoshima." Kyosuke reads.
With Class 77
While everyone was putting in a lot of effort to look for Mikan in the West District. Nagito finally arrived after having a quick talk with Peko. Where he found Chiaki alone by the statue of Izuru Kamakura, the founder of Hopes Peak. Just as he arrived to meet up with her, Nagito stopped and went up to the statue.
"Is something wrong Nagito?" Chiaki asked.
"This bronze statue." is all Nagito said as he tried to touch the statue.
Only to accidentally open a panel on the statue and one on the ground. Before either student realized it, another path opened in front of the statue. Where several large staircases revealed themselves and lead somewhere underground.
"Is this a secret tunnel?" Chiaki asked.
"I doubt anyone wants us to find out about it." Nagito said as he started walking down.
"How did you know this was here?" Chiaki asked curiously.
Nagito shook his head, "I didn't, I just found it right now." he said revealing his Ultimate Luck's power.
Downstairs
As it was dark, Chiaki used the flashlight on her phone to help guide Nagito who was very determined to see what was downstairs. Chiaki thought this hidden passage is where Mikan was hiding or was likely taken. Nagito however, he just thought it might be worth the small travel. As neither would expect what they would find once they entered the secret room. Where they saw a familiar yet terrified face sitting in front of three computer monitors.
"Ryota?" Chiaki asked.
"I'm sorry! It wasn't my fault! I just wanted to make anime!" Ryota cries out.
"So said many failed mangaka's. However, this is not the issue." Nagito said to liven things up.
Just as Ryota ran up to the pair, "I'm very sorry! I never meant to hurt anyone!" he yells.
"Ryota, what are you talking about? Also, why do you look so different? Like you lost a lot of weight?" Chiaki asked as Nagito started suspecting some things.
"Who the hell did you let in here Ryota?" asked Junko as she came inside.
Ryota panicked as he ran behind Chiaki and Nagito. With the latter being able to peak towards the computer monitors. Where he saw the same video of the Student Council trying to kill each other. While he was no detective, Nagito could easily put the pieces of the puzzle together with all the obvious things he's seen in the past 20 minutes.
"I'm assuming you are responsible for this, despair?" Nagito asked.
Junko snorted, "Nah, as much as I wanna take all the credit. You can thank my editor over there for helping." she said pointing at Ryota.
Ryota continued to plead and beg for forgiveness while Chiaki tried to keep him safe. Meanwhile Nagito reached into his jacket and pulled out a firearm. Chiaki gasped at the sight of a weapon while Ryota ran off in fear as to what would happen next. Junko on the other hand, looked slightly confused and unsure as to what was going on. More than anything, Junko did not look afraid or the least bit concerned as to what Nagito is planning to do once he aimed the gun at Junko.
"Normally, I would say that Despair is just another essence of Hope. Something along the lines of that." Nagito said uncaringly.
"Pfft, that's lame." Junko comments.
"However, I learned a lot since my suspension. Hope and Despair, are nothing." Nagito begins to explain. "They are just two ideals, two concepts, two pieces of different philosophies. A bad joke in my opinion. On one hand, you have promise of tomorrow with worry and the other is to break from conformity. It's just a decision as to whether or not plans change for the next day." he explains.
Now Junko looked annoyed, "Yeah right! With Desapir, you can't even imagine what will happen next! That's the thrill!" she exclaims.
"Save it, I'm not here to debate on your kinks or thrills. I'm here to put an end of this mockery." Nagito says as he removes the gun's safety.
"Nagito stop! You can't end another human's life!" Chiaki yells as she tries tor reason with him.
"I'm afraid this is beyond morality, Nanami-san. I think the both of us understand that much." Nagito said before hearing footsteps behind him.
Chiaki backed up in shock as she saw Izuru suddenly appear. The taller imposing young man was suddenly within point blank range of Nagito's gun. Nagito merely smiled and saw him as an associate of Junko's. The white haired boy didn't say much as he pulled the trigger on Izuru who just stood there. When the firearm suddenly jammed, leaving a surprised looking Nagito.
"I never expected this outcome with my good luck." Nagito said.
When out of nowhere, Izuru moves at a blinding yet elegant speed. As he quickly side steps and spins around Nagito while taking away his gun and moving behind him. Where Nagito quickly became the target of the gun.
"Good luck? I doubt it." Izuru said before shooting Nagito.
"Nagito!" Chiaki cries out as Nagito crashes onto the floor.
Nagito grunted as he tried to sit up, "I suppose some luck is still there." he said as several threads pull out the bullet.
"Your uniform… it's like mine." Chiaki said with wide eyes.
Nagito lets out a chuckle, "Yes, a gift for my good behavior and retribution. Remind me to send a Thank You card to Kiryuin-san." He said as he stood up. "Now then, how do we escape this situation?" he asked Chiaki.
Outside, with Mukuro
*CLANG*
Instead of making her way down the secret passage under the statue of the real Izuru Kamakura. Mukuro found herself engaging in a fight with an uninvited guest. As the Ultimate Soldier, Mukuro is to predict and/or prepare for any looming threat. As she had quickly drawn out her two knifes in an attempt to cut down the potential threat. To her surprise, it was an upperclassmen from Class 77. The same class where Ryota is supposed to be from.
"You are an unexpected guest." Mukuro said.
"Well pardon the interruption. I just couldn't standby when I was told about what was going on." Peko Pekoyama said as she blocked Mukuro's attack.
"So how much do you know?" Mukuro asked dangerously.
"Not much really, not that I would tell you anything if I knew." Peko said before blocking rapid knife strikes from Mukuro.
Peko blocked each slash with a wooden sword. With each attack breaking the wood apart until the point where it completely shattered. Revealing an entire real sword underneath with Mukuro looking surprised by the revelation. Peko smirked as she pushed Mukuro back and started chasing her around with sword.
A true swordswoman never enters a battle without their sword.
'This is a surprise.' Mukuro mentally admits before avoiding a slash for her head. 'But it's not enough!' she thought as she slipped past Peko and stabbed her in the back.
Only to feel her knife get stuck in the back of her shirt. Mukuro did not have enough time to take the weapon back as Peko slashed at the soldier very quickly. Peko once again smirked as she took the knife from her back and removed it. Revealing that it did not pierce her back or harm her in any way. For a moment, Mukuro thought Peko was inhuman or just very gifted. Only to see the swordswoman rip off her shirt and reveal strange samurai like armor with a unique crimson and black design.
"As I said, I do not completely understand what is happening but I will not lose to you." Peko said.
Mukuro narrowed her eyes, 'Life Fibers? No, it's just armor.' she thought as she continued the battle.
As the fight continued with Peko being more prepared and able to keep up with Mukuro. The real Ryota ran out of the stairs with a face filled with hysteria. Mukuro knew how important the animator is in her sister's plans. So she was not about to let him escape. As Mukuro prepared to ditch Peko, the swordswoman somehow caught her off guard and slashed Mukuro's face. Making the soldier collapse into the rain covered ground as Peko sheathed her sword.
Only it wasn't a complete victory as Mukuro slowly got back up.
"You are much stronger than you appear. I'll give you that much." Peko said with some hint of respect.
Mukuro slowly stood up and wiped the blood off of her face, "For my sister's sake, I will not let anyone deter me." she said as she turned around.
Mukuro flicked off of the blood and turned around. Peko was immediately shocked, afraid she would dare say. Peko knew her worth was basically being a tool and a drone for the Kuzuryu family and that her tasks were to defend their heir to the point of killing people. Yet, it was Mukuro's condition that made Peko suddenly feel fear stricken. While it didn't look like it, both Peko and Mukuro were not trained to lose their emotions as they still functioned like normal humans.
Because while striking someone's face and leaving a permanent mark was nothing new for Peko. It was what she saw behind the heavy wound that really bothered her. As deep within the slash, it wasn't just blood that came out. It was the red shining threads of Life Fibers that were literally holding Mukuro together.
"The only pain I feel is shame." Mukuro said as she dashed for Peko.
Peko snapped out of her shock and blocked Mukuro's knife with her wrist guards. After engaging in another exchange of blows, Mukuro threw her knife with precise speed and accuracy that it left a large gash across Peko's cheek. Peko pushed away the pain and ran straight for Mukuro who dodged her attack. Before the swordswoman could continue her assault, Mukuro grabbed her wrist guards and squeezed them until they shattered.
"I-Impossible!" Peko muttered before being kicked in the chest.
The impact of the kick was strong enough to shatter her chest armor as well. Completely destroying the Life Fiber armor once Peko hit the ground. Peko refused to give up as she grabbed her sword only for Mukuro to stomp on her hand. The merciless soldier ignored Peko's cry of pain as she kicked Peko across the wet ground.
"I suppose my body is not used to the Life Fibers yet. Sister Junko is going to be angry that I took so long to deal with an upstart." Mukuro said before walking down the stairs.
Peko struggled to stand up as her ribs felt like they had cracked. The Ultimate Swordswoman can tell that those small hits were not at the level of a normal human. Instead, it felt like a beast inside of a child had beaten her badly. Just then, Peko moved her head up to see Chisa running down the stairs. Before Peko could warn her teacher of the dangers awaiting her, Mikan suddenly appeared and picked her up.
"Peko-san! Let me get you out of here!" Mikan exclaimed with concern in her voice.
"W-Wait, Y-Yukizome s-sensei…" Peko managed to stutter out despite the pain.
"Don't strain yourself Peko-san! You're badly hurt!" Mikan said as she continued to carry Peko back to class.
Downstairs
Nagito crashed into the floor again. The Life Fibers on his suit kept him from getting too badly hurt by the impact of the attack. Still, it did hurt pretty badly to deal with Izuru Kamakura. It was like fighting a brick wall that can punch anyone that gets too close.
"I'm afraid, that my luck has run out Nanami." Nagito said as he was ready to lose consciousness.
"What a waste." Izuru muttered as he looked down at Nagito.
Chiaki bent down to Nagito's side, "You're Hinata, I know it." she told Izuru. "You changed your hair and your eyes, but I know it's you." she said.
"I don't understand what you are implying." Izuru said with a voice lacking any emotion.
Before Chiaki could retort, Junko got in her face, "Let's see, you are Chiaki Nanami. The class representative of Class 77-A." she said with her teacher look.
"How do you know me?" Chiaki asked.
Junko's face changed to that a cute little girl, "Wow! I'm such a big fan of your determination and loyalty to your friends! It only makes it more enticing to fill you with despair!" she said.
Before Junko could mess with Chiaki's head any further. Chisa suddenly appeared and threw a fire extinguisher across the room. Junko quickly moved out of the way as the extinguisher as it exploded and created a giant mist. Izuru merely stood still and watched as things unfolded while Chisa took her students to safety.
"But Yukizome-sensei." Chiaki tried to say.
"Just run Nanami! Take Komaeda and run!" Chisa ordered as the two left.
"And now the teacher is here." Junko said as the mist started to disappear.
Chisa's face took on a look of determination, "I'm not sure who you are, but I will not allow you to harm my students!" she said defiantl.
Junko snorted, "I don't want to hurt them. Well, not physically at least. Okay, maybe not all of them in general." she said confusing Chisa. "What I want to do is make them the stars of my new show! You see, Kamakura here is meant to be the Ultimate Hope… only it backfired for semi-obvious reasons." she started to explain.
Now Chisa was frightened, "Kamakura? Wait, he's the Ultimate Hope? The secret experiment within the academy?" she asked fearfully.
Junko frowned, "Now it's less fun when everyone knows." she whined. "Anyways, deep within Izuru-kun here. He doesn't feel anything and he realizes that Hope is just a dead end. However, what I also want is the Ultimate Despair! That's where your students come in!" she explains.
"No! I won't let you anywhere near them!" Chisa shouts, her defiance refusing to give into Junko.
"I don't have to go to them sensei. I just need them to come here and see Ryota's masterpiece." Junko said as Chisa could see glimpses of her video. "Besides, they're all good kids at heart. So what kind of good person won't want to save their teacher? Right Izuru?" she asked.
Izuru did not bother to respond as he did not care. Although deep within him, he can agree with Junko's logic based on the file Junko shared with him.
"I won't let this happen!" Chisa said as she tried to run.
Only for Mukuro to grab her and hold her in place. From there, another man came into the room wielding a hack saw. The man looked like his face was filled with Despair. That every shred of his faith in humanity was now gone and he was ready to just end it all with a slow sawing of his neck.
"I can't do it. This… this is all wrong." the man said as he moved the saw towards his neck.
"Don't do it! Put the saw down!" Chisa yells out.
"But I can't. I don't know why!" the man cries out before the blade digs into his neck.
"NOOOO!" Chisa screams as the man slowly commits suicide in front of Chisa.
Back at the classroom
The search was a failure for the group. All of them were debating as to what to do next as they were unsure of what happened to Mikan. When suddenly, Chiaki arrived with Nagito hanging onto her shoulder. Just shortly after them, Mikan and Peko arrived shortly after with the latter looking badly.
"Pekoyama! What happened to her!?" Fuyuhiko demands to know.
"She was in a bad fight." Mikan said feigning ignorance.
"A bad fight? Who the hell could bring her down?" Fuyuhiko asked.
"Someone inhuman, beyond anything I could ever face." Peko said while wincing in pain.
"She's right." everyone turned their heads towards Nagito. "We're the elite, the ultimate high schools students, but we're facing something beyond our control. For in the end, we're just humans." he explains.
Fuyuhiko grits his teeth, "Cut the crap! What the hell did you see!?" he asked.
"Better start talking Komaeda." Akane said commanding Nagito.
Nagito grunts as he looks up, "From my little trip, I learned quite a few things and brought a few gifts as I said earlier. I gave Peko hers and it appears that it wasn't enough." he said as everyone notices the shreds of the broken armor.
"What is this stuff?" Kazuichi said as he studied the armor.
"It's just another cheap version of Goku Uniforms. Only I doubt that they are as remotely good as Nanami's, let alone a true One Star uniform. Yet, that should be enough to bring down a group of trained fighters and veteran athletes." Nagito explains much to everyone's surprise.
"Is this true?" Akane asked Chiaki.
Chiaki nods, "Nagito's prototype only works to keep him alive, but even then he was beaten badly." she says adding some fear to mix. "Then Yukizome sensei came down and bought us enough time to run back." she adds.
"She won't last long on her own." Nagito said.
"What the hell did you say!?" Akane asked angrily.
"Then we need to save our teacher!" Nekomaru yells as everyone agrees with him.
Nagito lets out a weak laugh, "I doubt that you can. I can tell you all to give up, but it would be pointless." he said.
"Guys, I don't like what he's saying and trust me, Nagito is a crazy ass." Kazuichi spoke up. "But he does have a point. Satsuki could keep up with One Stars on her own and she pretty much showed off that those things make people inhuman." he explains.
"It only means that a human can still win." Akane argues.
"Then you forget the type of human Satsuki is. What are the chances we can beat them together?" Kazuichi asked.
"I don't like it either, but Soda does bring up valid points." Mahiru said.
"Yukizome-sensei would say differently!" Chiaki snaps. Everyone suddenly goes silent, "If it weren't for her. None of us would have been close. I would still be sitting at the back of the class playing video games by myself and we wouldn't have connected." she starts to explain.
That much is true, since Chisa left due to her probation for defending Nagito. The class was drifting apart and before their teacher arrived, none of them really interacted with each other and wandered off on their own for most of the time. It was Chisa who brought them together in the first place, but Chiaki took initiative to keep them together when Satsuki was ready to either accept or break them of their wills.
"Playing co-op is a lot more fun than playing solo." Chiaki says using her gaming lines as a figure of speech. "So what good are we if we all just press the quit button and leave our teacher behind!?" she asked.
It was a weird way to motivate everyone, but it somehow made sense. The issue was still as to who would follow Chiaki's decision to save their teacher.
"Well I agree." everyone turned their heads towards the fake Ryota. "I'm not who I say I am, but I'm still one of you!" he said as he pulled off his face.
Several students screamed in terror as the face came off. Only to reveal a young man with long black hair in the fake Ryota's place. Leaving everyone but Mikan looked shocked that the Ryota they knew was just a fake.
"After all, I may not be the real Ryota but I see you all as good friends and Yukizome-sensei as an exceptional teacher who needs our help!" the impostor said with a slightly lower voice.
"Ah, I was gonna agree with our class rockstar, but… I'm going to have to get used to that." Ibuki said as she stares at the impostor's real face.
"It doesn't matter who is who! We have our teacher to save and Chiaki to remind us to get off of our asses!" Akane said.
"I don't think you all see the big picture." Nagito said with some doubts.
"Kazuichi! Lift up Nagito on your shoulders!" Sonia commands.
"Yes ma'am! I'll take him with me to the ends of the Earth if I have to!" Kazuichi said with a salute.
"I'm not sure how bringing the wounded helps." Akane said.
Nagito sighed, "You know what? Just go on ahead without me. I'll catch up." he said.
"Are you sure? You look worse than several food trays when Akane gets her hands on them." Mahiru asked.
"Just a flesh wound. Just hurry on without me." Nagito said.
The class hesitantly left without him despite their initial objections. Leaving Nagito to reach into his jacket for a cell phone. Where he immediately speed dialed one of the guards around Satsukie.
"Hello, Komaeda here. We have a bit of an issue and I have a place of origin for it." Nagito said.
"I'm listening." Satsuki said as she took the phone.
"Yes, Kiryuin-san I believe I found the Ultimate Hope or whatever you may wish to call it. Along with a ragtag of heroes wishing to save Yukizome-sensei." Nagito explained.
"If they were not taught under me, I would have them all flogged." Satsuki said, sounding somewhat proud.
With the class, a few minutes later
After getting the basic story of Junko Enoshima's involvement and the little bit of her plan that she revealed to Chiaki and Nagito. The class was feeling uneasy but not any less determined to find and save their teacher. As the group continued to run through the heavy rain towards the statue of Hopes Peak's founder. They had the misfortune of running into the angry Reserve Course students who made it past the security guards. All of whom, looked very angry and displeased.
"Looks like we found the parade you were talking about Pekoyama." Fuyuhiko said as the angry students turned to face them.
"If only they were here to celebrate." Peko muttered as the Reserve Course starts to surround them.
"Get out of here! I'll handle them!" Nekomaru said as he cracks his knuckles.
"I will stay back and fight as well!" Gundham adds.
"Seriously? All of them by yourselves?" Teruteru asked.
Nekomaru cracked his neck as he raised his fists, "Of course, I'll whip them into shape when I'm done." he said.
Meanwhile Gundham started posing like he's Saint Seiya, "My Zodiac Generals will grant me the strength I need to achieve victory. Now go! Rescue our teacher on this crusade!" he commands.
"Thanks guys! We'll come back for you!" Chiaki said as everyone else moved around the angry students.
At the hideout
Just as Mukuro was forcing Chisa to watch the Despair video that Junko had Ryota finish. The Ultimate Soldier was attempting to mess with Chisa's mind by using pins as instructed in a pamphlet that Junko made for her. Only to find her work being disturbed by a gun that fired giant staples at the computer screens. Mukuro immediately took out the pins she placed in Chisa's head and threw one at the gun.
Only to find herself jumping away to avoid the giant staples. As the shooter continued to fire at her until a grenade was tossed at her. Mukuro had only a split second to shield herself with her arms before the resulting explosion made her fly out through the stairs. Where she found herself in the line of sight by multiple half naked people with guns.
'This is surprisingly the least awkward thing today.' Mukuro thought before avoiding more staples and fighting off the armed gunmen.
Meanwhile, the gunman and a familiar blue haired man started to remove Chisa's restraints.
"No more! No more! It's twisted! This is inhumane!" Chisa cries.
"Chisa calm down! We're here!" said a familiar face.
"A-Aikuro?" Chisa asked, unable to see due to the tears in her eyes.
Aikuro busted off the restraints and lifted Chisa into his arms in a bridal carry. As Chisa started to compose herself and get a better look at her friend. She immediately started to tell him about all of the insanity without even questioning his prescence.
"Aikuro! There's a massive situation going on in this school! I can't explain it without going into detail but…"
"Hush now Chisa, Tsumugu and some friends of mine are here to help." Aikuro said with a trusting grin.
Now Chisa was scared, not by Aikuro's face or his weird back up. That and she didn't focus on the fact that her other friend, Tsumugu, was also here. Her concern was the lack of clothing that Aikuro had on.
"Now let's go. You might want to hang on tight or else…"
Chisa suddenly lost consciousness as she realized that her old friend is practically naked. The thing about Nudist Beach is most of the angels are typically naked aside from some equipment, boots and maybe some underwear. Which is the current attire that Aikuro has on right now.
"She must be in shock to see my handsome features." Aikuro said proudly.
"How many women want to see you naked? Besides, this rainstorm is a bad time for you to be naked." Tsumugu said.
"I have it under control. Now let's get as many people out before things get worse. I doubt Kiryuin is letting things run rampant for this long." Aikuro said as he left the hideout with Tsumugu.
A few minutes later
Ironically, almost as if this were some sort cartoon, Class 77 finally made it to the hideout just after Aikuro and Tsumugu left. Along with the other members of Nudist Beach who managed to sneak into the school as they chased after Mukuro. After explaining the situation to look for Chisa some more. Mikan fell behind looking a bit sick, prompting Chiaki to stay behind with her while everyone else started looking for their teacher. Unaware that she's already been rescued.
"Is something wrong Mikan?" Chiaki asked.
"No, I've just been thinking a lot lately. You're such a good person Nanami-san. You are always kind hearted and open to helping everyone." Mikan said solemnly. "When things turned for the worse, you became our class representative and lead us through the worst without Yukizome sensei. You are our ray of hope." she said without stuttering.
"I see, but what's bothering you?" Chiaki asked as she reached for Mikan.
Who then gave her the stare of a crazy person, "Forgive me!" she yells as she shoves Chiaki into a wall.
Only it wasn't a real wall. Instead, it was some strange secret passageway. Mikan stepped back and followed everyone else as to feign ignorance about Chiaki's disappearance. Leaving everyone unaware as to how badly Junko had damaged Mikan's mind.
With Chiaki
Chiaki shook her head as she gathered her bearings. Where she realized that Mikan sent her into another room that looked different compared to Junko's hideout. Only it appeared that Chiaki was not alone.
"Chiaki!" a voice calls out.
"Yukizome sensei?" Chiaki asks as she sees her teacher standing before her.
"Hurry, we need to get you out of here." Chisa said as she helped Chiaki up.
"But what about you? What about Enoshima and the others?" Chiaki asked.
"I'll explain what happened later when I catch up with you. Now go!" Chisa orders.
As Chiaki nods and runs down the hall. She didn't see the deranged smile on Chisa's face. As the teacher pulled down a zipper and revealed Nui underneath.
"Wow Junko screwed up with the film and now torturing the teacher. Oh well, if she passes this next part then Lady Ragyo might give her at least a C+ for her efforts." Nui said before pulling out two flash drives. "Okay, one is to make the Ultimate Despair and the other is Lady Ragyo's advertisement… mixed with the Despair video." she said to herself.
At that point, Nui started to develop cold sweat. As her skin paled and her face soon became filled with absolute terror.
"Oh kami! I FORGOT WHICH ONE IS WHICH!" Nui screamed.
With Ryota
After running for what felt like hours. Ryota ended up finding himself trapped in a corner by several Reserve Course Students. To make matters worse, Junko was with them and for some reason everyone was following her orders.
"Wow, ditching me this early Ryota?" Junko asked.
"Stop, I don't want to be a part of this anymore!" Ryota cries out fearfully. "I just wanted to bring hope. I wanted my love of anime to change the world." he mutters as tears fall down his eyes.
"Well you got it halfway done. You are changing the world, but what good is hope? It's just some dead end Ryota. You just can't open your eyes to the bigger picture." Junko said before she was interrupted.
"I think I see a little spoiled girl overthinking things." Juzo said as he revealed himself.
"And what do you want old man?" Junko asked with an annoyed look.
"I'm here to stop you Enoshima. Your Despair ends today and don't worry. I'm okay with putting you in a bodybag if I have to." Juzo said as he cracks his knuckles.
"Pssh, I don't have time for you." Junko said before her cheek was cut by a sword that almost impaled her. "EH!?" she asked as the sword landed in front of Ryota.
"I think you can make time for me then you degenerate." Satsuki said as she landed next to her sword.
"Well if it isn't Princess Control Freak. Here to discipline me?" Junko asked sarcastically as blood leaks from her cheek.
"I think expulsion would be better to phrase it. As I intend to do that to you and your stigma." Satsuki said as she pulled her sword out from the ground. She then turned her head to Ryota, "And you! We will be having a long meeting after this! For now, find anyone wearing a Goku Uniform and cower behind them!" she said with a commanding voice.
"Yes ma'am!" Ryota didn't know Satsuki very well but had no objection against her will.
"Oh no you don't!" Junko yells as her fingers turn into red tendrils.
Just as the tendrils were close to capturing Ryota as he tried to run again. Satsuki ripped them apart with a few rapid slashes. Forcing Junko to hiss as she gripped her missing fingers.
"I see you've become more than a monster in human skin. Only now you are a lesser creature with stronger material. I have no doubts as to where you obtained your power." Satsuki said with disgust in her voice.
Junko glared at her, "You cut my fingers off you psycho bitch! I'm going to enjoy knocking you off of your high and mighty pillar and on to your ass!" she yells as her hand struggles to regenerate.
"That's right, let out your primal instincts you sad excuse for a human." Satsuki said making Junko even more angry.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Omake #1 - Someone Call The Cable Guy!
As Mukuro forcibly strapped Chisa onto the chair to force her watch the Despair video. Junko realized that Chisa accidentally broke all of the monitors. Earlier when she had thrown the fire extinguisher, she ended up breaking a monitor. After Junko mentioned that the students would run here to save her, Mukuro attempted to restrain Chisa. Only this resulted in Chisa putting up a fight which resulted in her throwing things until the computer's other screens were destroyed.
"Crap, I'll just get the flat screen ready." Junko said as she turned on a television screen on the side of the room.
"No! Please stop!" Chisa begs.
"Shut up already! How do I set up my video?" Junko asked as she pulled out a USB drive. "Where do I put this thing?" she asked.
"Sister, maybe if you slide it in like a DVD. The USB will play the video." Mukuro said as Junko followed the advice.
Then Izuru stepped in, "You cannot stuff in a flash drive into a television." he said.
"How do you know?" Junko asked.
"I have the Ultimate Electrician talent within me." Izuru said as he grabbed the remote and adjusted the video settings.
"Cool, is this one of those smart televisions? I can just put in a code from my phone right?" Junko asked.
Izuru shook his head, "Unfortunately no, this one is bare basic flat screen." he said as he switched video feed to the shopping channel.
"Tell you what, if you are planning some sort of plan to take over the world or something along those lines. You can't do it with a top quality knife." Said the salesman on the television.
"Why is it on the shopping channel!?" Junko asked angrily.
"The Eviscerator is a fine, if not the finest tactical folding knife on the market." The salesman said as he demonstrated the knife's capabilities.
"Kamakura you idiot! This is not a part of my plot! I want to bring Despair! Not present knifes!" Junko yells angrily.
"Sister, it is a fine knife and the price is not that bad either." Mukuro said as she finishes strapping Chisa down.
"Mukuro, when I want to hear an opinion from your nasty mouth full of crooked teeth… it will be noted!" Junko replies.
"We are talking four-forty stainless, quick release and… I don't believe this. Is this the Staghorn handle at this price!?" The salesman asks as another salesman appears.
"It is, yup! That is the staghorn!" The second salesman confirms.
"At this price? You have to be kidding me!" the first salesman said dramatically.
Mukuro gasped as she scrambled for her phone, "What's the phone number?' she asked.
"Are you seriously trying to buy a knife while I'm having a meltdown here?" Junko asked.
"Now you folks at home are thinking, "That can't be real staghorn", it has to be a cheaper wood." the second salesman said. Only to pull out a document, "But I have the specs right here. It is unbelievable, I know! I can't describe this!" he exclaims.
"I don't believe I've ever seen Staghorn at this price." the first salesman said.
"Kamakura! Fix the television already and put in my video!" Junko complains.
"Be quiet." Izuru said as he punched Junko in the gut.
Normally Mukuro was ready to defend her sister regardless of her potential death. However, the Ultimate Soldier was too busy buying the knife. Meanwhile Chisa was horribly confused and unable to look away as her head was adjusted to view the television without being allowed to blink.
"Is this part of the torture?" Chisa asked as she looked confused.
"#1108-1816 is the item number on this one." the second salesman announced.
"Tell you what, we have to put a clock on this deal. Two minutes! Can I get a clock of two minutes?" the first salesman asked.
"I would be surprised if they last this long." the second salesman said.
By now, Izuru started picking up random phones and started calling with each one of them. Mukuro also started to help after she stole a cell phone from Chisa who looked confused rather than terrified. Just as the two were calling, Gundham of all people arrived first.
"Teacher! I, Gundham Tanaka, will repay you by saving you from your unjust imprisonment… what is this sorcery? No, it must be forgery!" Gundham yells as he looks at the screen.
"Gundham?" Chisa asks as she tries to look for him.
"Fine forgery I must say, there is no way one can obtain a one handed blade crafted with staghorn at the price of only 6,449 Yen!" Gundham yells.
"I know the lines are busy, but the wait is worth it for a knife you can slice up your friends with." The first salesman said as he waved around the document to prove the staghorn is real.
"I must purchase one as well!" Gundham yells as his gerbils start dialing the phone number.
"Could someone please untie me?" Chisa asked.