Hajime woke up to the sound of the Monokuma announcement, and pulled his pillow over his head before turning over to try getting back to sleep. He could tell that his body was fully recovered from the overdose, but Hajime couldn't remember the last time he was able to sleep this well. No dreams or messed up memories. Just unconsciousness. Since the others were so adamant about him resting, Hajime was going to take advantage for as long as he could.

Then there was a knock at his door.

It wasn't a knock that he recognized, and didn't sound frantic, so while Hajime already categorized it as non-serious, he was interested. If it wasn't one of his fellow survivors, Tsumiki, or Chiaki then…

"Hinata. Tsumiki informed me that you should be well enough to rejoin us for breakfast."

Hajime really wasn't expecting Imposter to be checking on him. Maybe Koizumi or Nidai if he had to pick someone else, but as long as Imposter was impersonating Togami, they would send someone else.

…which means this is something Imposter wanted to do. Hajime realized, wondering if he would feel worried or touched that they cared enough about Hajime's well-being to let their true self show a little.

"If you don't believe you are up to the task, we can give you another day of rest, but you need to eat more. Owari informed me that all you had yesterday to eat was half a bowl of soup and some mochi."

Akane ended up eating most of the soup, and Chiaki brought him the mochi along with other snacks before the night announcement went off. Hajime ate enough that he wasn't really hungry, but he also wasn't nauseous anymore.

"Uh… let me get dressed and I'll come to breakfast," Hajime said instead of trying to argue with anything Imposter said.

Hajime turned to close the door, only to be stopped by a hand.

"Before you do… I wish to express my deepest apologies for you getting into harm's way the other night. Komaeda admitted to sending me a letter the night before the party, and I should have done more to stop him."

Hajime just stared at them in shock since…

"That wasn't your fault."

If anything it's mine. I'm the one who decided to tell Komaeda I was the Ultimate Hope. Hajime wanted to say, but kept his mouth shut.

"Do not blame yourself for the actions of others," Imposter said, accurately guessing Hajime's thoughts without knowing the whole truth of the situation.

Hajime couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at that.

"Then what were you apologizing for?"

"Ah, you might be right. Seems like I need to take my own advice," Imposter said with a thin smile that would never show up on the real Togami's face.

"But I will not back down on my promise to keep you all safe. I will have to double my efforts to make sure we don't have a repeat," Imposter continued.

"You… know you don't have to do everything by yourself right? I know we… uh… just met… but I would be willing to help. Some of the others too."Imposter just stared at him, and for a moment Hajime was worried they could tell he wasn't being completely honest, but then they looked away.

"I have noticed you have been doing a good job bonding with the others. Something that I have neglected to do since appointing myself as your leader," Imposter said before turning back, "Perhaps for everyone to survive this turbulent situation, I will have to force myself to trust others… even when it's against my nature to do so."

Once again, Hajime wondered how much of the real Imposter was showing. He never asked if Imposter revealed themselves to their classmates, but Hajime thought that they wanted to. Wanted people to know them as whoever the Imposter is, rather than the host of people they impersonate as their talent.

This was also the sobering moment Hajime realized that Imposter was still alive. Already, Hajime has the chance to really get to know them. He was a little too focused on what Komaeda did to realize that they technically succeeded in their first plan. No one died.

"Yeah… I uh, don't have the easiest time trusting others as well but… I've been trying," Hajime said, very aware that he was still standing in the doorway with his sleep clothes on.

"From my viewpoint, it looks like you have been successful," Imposter said, and paused just long enough for Hajime to think they were going to say something else before shaking their head, "Go get dressed. We can talk later, after you have eaten some real food."

"…right," Hajime got out before slowly closing the door.

Okay, it's day…5 and everyone is still alive. We still need to how to get Komaeda to stop trying to get me off the island, and find out if Monokuma will still try the murder mystery motive or not. Hajime reminded himself as he got dressed.

Hajime didn't like how close they got to someone dying, and even less that it felt like luck was the only reason no one died. His luck, not Komaeda's. Which was just weird to think about since before he didn't think much about luck being one of his many talents, and now he can't think about it without thinking about Komaeda. Which wasn't even accurate since his luck was based off all the people who won lotteries at Hope's Peak, not just Komaeda.

Imposter was gone when Hajime came back out, but he saw a few people leaving their cabins to get to the restaurant. Akane waved energetically at him before suddenly bolting at Nidai, trying to hit him with a jump kick (she was aiming for his neck but changed the location to his shoulder a moment later) only for him to grab her leg and toss her into the pool with a laugh that her timing was getting better. So… that was normal. For them.

Sonia was chatting with Tanaka closer to the old building, but stopped when she noticed Hajime.

"Hajime! It is good to see that you are up, I was about to bring you some food after my shift watching Nagito with the dark lord," Sonia said with a light chuckle that caused Tanaka to pull up his scarf to hide his blush.

"Yes, it is good to see that a mere human such as yourself was able to shake off such a dark aura threatening to suck your very life force away."

"…thanks… I was just going to grab some food and talk with everyone about what happened. Would you like me to take over… watching Komaeda?" Hajime asked the two, since it wasn't like he had any plan at the moment besides trying to talk to Komaeda.

Any attempt to try keeping things the same as last time in terms of who he spent time with was shot now that he spent a whole day sleeping. Last time, he spent the first day after exploring the second island hanging out with Koizumi before Kazuichi demanded to hang. Then he remembered Ibuki trying to see if playing an instrument was his talent (which is one now, but Hajime didn't want to hear Ibuki commenting on how soulless his playing was), and helping Pekoyama smile which… was something he could try again at least. He should still try spending time with the others, since Imposter brought up a good point that they needed to bond more. He needed everyone to trust him once they got out, and while Sonia and Akane were doing a good job re-establishing their friendships with those who died, Hajime hasn't been doing that with anyone.

Outside of Komaeda, but that was different.

"Oh, Hajime, I'm pretty sure Nekomaru was planning on taking over. Also, I am not sure it would be best to have you around Nagito at the moment."

"Huh? Why?"

"Has the tonic dulled your mind too? Have you foolish mortal forgotten the attempt to send you to the pits of Tartarus ereyesterday?"

"Uh…Komeada wasn't actually trying to kill me he just…"

"We know. However, I still think you two need to 'take a chill tablet' for the moment. You can trust us to deal with him!" Sonia said, looking eager enough to help that Hajime couldn't find it in him to argue.

"Well, if you're sure. I guess I'll just… check out the new island," Hajime said, even though his the back of his mind he thought of how easy it would be to sneak in and talk to Komaeda.

But it's not like I need to do it right now. Maybe once Monokuma reveals the next motive. Just to make sure he doesn't get any ideas. Hajime thought as he headed up the stairs.

Most people were either eating, or getting food, and it seemed that Akane and Nidai passed him while he was talking to Sonia and Tanaka (he did notice they used the main lobby rather than the stairs outside). Imposter was looking like they had been there since the morning announcement, not arriving about 13 minutes before Hajime did.

"Finally you arrived. Now that everyone is accounted for, I want to resume our discussion about what we discovered yesterday," Imposter said just as Hajime sat down next to Kazuichi with some breakfast.

"What you discovered…?" Hajime asked, even though he had a good idea it was Monokuma telling them about the 'traitor' and 'world ender'.

No one brought it up with him yesterday, but why would they if that part remained the same?

"Geez, did no one tell you? The second Island opened up, and while we were exploring the ruins together, Monokuma showed up and told us some… unsettling information," Koizumi said, starting off strong, only to lose her steam a little as the contents of what she was explaining caught up with her.

"That mechanical bear would have us believe that a group he called 'world ender' was the one to trap us here, and furthermore, that they have a member of that group hiding among us," Imposter clarified before the others could try explaining it in bits.

"None of us have heard anything about this group before… have you Hinata?" Pekoyama asked, and Hajime shook his head before answering.

"No, I haven't… I mean, that doesn't even sound like a real group," Hajime said, not even lying about the last bit.

Sure, the remnants of despair called Future Foundation that because they wanted to end their fun, but it was never really their name. Only reason why Monokuma was introducing them by that nickname first was to make it take longer for anyone to get the idea that Future Foundation wasn't really the bad guys.

"We also have been wondering how legitimate his claims are. Saying that the world was destroyed, and there is a traitor, will only make it easier to sow distrust. From that Bear's view, it doesn't matter if it's true or not. Only that enough of us believe it," Imposter said, and once again Hajime was so happy they were still around.

The rest of the breakfast meeting was much calmer than the one Hajime remembered. Any time yelling started up, Imposter would interrupt, though Sonia also chimed in a few times when she came in. It was only when Hajime started leaving, telling the others he was going to check the other island, did he realize what was also different.

Fuyuhiko wasn't antagonizing anyone. At least not as much as last time.

While Hajime still thought it wasn't as important now to keep things the same as last time, he also didn't want Monokuma to get suspicious of Fuyuhiko's seemingly sudden personality change.

But, is it only that noticeable with me? The others didn't comment on it, and it's not like Fuyuhiko is acting nice to everyone. Hajime wondered as he walked. It just seemed so obvious to him, but Hajime wasn't sure if it was something Monokuma (or more specifically the Junko AI) would even care about.

The part of Hajime that was grateful for things being more unpredictable now, was mostly drowned out by his worries about his friends being at risk. But Hajime knew it would be a losing battle at this point to ask the others to try keeping things similar. Imposter was already changing the whole atmosphere, as well with no murders damping everyone's mood. Hajime was worried, but there wasn't much he could do at this point.

Fuyuhiko wasn't sure what to do. The plan was clear: make Monokuma think he's planning to murder Koizumi for being complaisance in his little sister's death for as long as possible. It was even more simple than their first plan to avoid the dumbass party murder, but while Fuyuhiko wasn't as confident as Hajime that all they needed to do was keep things the same until the last minute, it ended up being a mote point. Considering Komaeda changed his plan to try getting Hajime off the island, and someone - Kazuichi, Fuyuhiko was willing to bet - messed with the lights in the old building so they couldn't have the party there. They haven't even had time to talk about that since Hajime was busy almost fucking dying.

Not that Fuyuhiko needed to touch bases with Hajime and the others for every fucking thing like a child. He was the Chairman of the largest Yakuza family in Japan for three years! He was more than able to make his own plans and decisions… but it was true he did a shitty job. Fuyuhiko could blame Endoshima and despair, but part of Fuyuhiko wondered if he was always going to fail his clan the moment Natsumi died. He always promised to himself that the moment he became leader, he would release Peko from her obligations to the family, and yet once he was in the position after killing his parents, he treated her like the tool he always told her she wasn't.

But no matter how much he fucked up in the past, he couldn't afford to do it now. This was a second chance, and he was going to make sure they all made it. And it was all too easy playing his part when Monokuma announced the game, even with the imposter Togami around trying to keep morale up. Fuyuhiko had to give the guy credit for not even flinching at all of Fuyuhiko's threats, even if they were empty handed. But also stuff he has done in the past.

Then they all headed back to the first island. Fuyuhiko went back to his cottage, and not even an hour after the nighttime announcement went off, Peko showed up. Just like last time.

"Young master," Peko said with a nod of her head as she silently climbed through the window and closed it.

"I'm going to play that fucking game right before sunrise. The idea that no one is going to play it is a dumb one, and I'm not going to be caught off guard."

"I agree," Peko said, with a slight pause that had Fuyuhiko looking up at her.

However, she didn't give him enough time to read her face before continuing, "I will come with. To make sure no one sees you."

Fuyuhiko couldn't help but raise a brow at Peko demanding and not asking to come with. It wasn't that uncommon for her to be so assertive when it came to his safety, but usually, she'll ask first. Make Fuyuhiko have to agree, and only if he didn't, would she try to argue. Something that she stopped doing even before they graduated.

"Sure," Fuyuhiko said quickly, before Peko could even begin to think she did something wrong.

Fuyuhiko even gave her a smile to show how grateful he was, and was surprised when she returned it. It wasn't the small, upturn of her lips that he was used to spotting. It was big, and honestly a little creepy looking, but who was Fuyuhiko to judge?

"Look at that smile, did you have a good day today or something?" Fuyuhiko tried to casually ask, almost cursing out loud when he spotted her smile slipped.

But her eyes were still bright and not as stoic as usual when she answered.

"I suppose. I… was thinking about what you mentioned before. About my smile being scary."

"I-What? Peko, I was 6 when I said that. I was a shitty crybaby, and you shouldn't let something I said without thinking bother you this much!"

"You weren't wrong though. I think… I forgot how to smile, even back then. I've been trying to relearn, and asking the others for help."

Fuyuhiko calmed down a little. That sounded… fine. Fuyuhiko vaguely remembered something similar happening their first year at Hope's Peak. Before Natsumi was murdered. Peko didn't tell him about it herself, but he overheard Koizumi and Saionji talking about it and almost interrupted thinking they were making fun of her. But then Nanami piped in asking if there was anything she could do to help and…

"I didn't have much luck until today when I ran into Hinata while he was exploring the beach house. It seems you were right about him being more reliable than he seems."

"Oh, that's… Good. I'm happy he was able to help," Fuyuhiko said, and while he did trust Hajime not to miss lead Peko, it was a little weird to think about since he wasn't sure he'd seen Hajime smile since they made it out of the simulation the first time.

Not a real one at least. The few times he smiled, it looked real, but was obviously calculatedly placed, not something he did just because he felt happy. But maybe that was just the advice Peko needed.

"It was… enlightening," Peko said, with that small smile Fuyuhiko has come to love seeing.

They just talked while they waited for it to become late enough to go out. It was nice, and Fuyuhiko wasn't sure when the last time they did this was. Before Natsumi died? Maybe even before Hope's Peak since it seemed like Peko was more interested in talking about her adventures in socializing when Fuyuhiko was doing the same. Sure, Fuyuhiko was only really hanging out with Kazuichi, Sonia, Akane, and Hajime, but from Peko's point of view, he chose to hang out with them after only a few days. And a murder attempt, but that was familiar for their line of work. Great for bonding for those who survived and for weeding out any traitors.

It was close to three in the morning when Fuyuhiko decided it was time to leave. Peko left first, and was nowhere in sight when he left the cottage. Fuyuhiko still had a good idea of where she was keeping watch, more from experience than anything Peko was giving away.

The park was just as empty as the first time Fuyuhiko played it, and Peko revealed herself for a moment just long enough for Fuyuhiko to see her, before moving to the entrance of the park. No one interrupted them last time, and Fuyuhiko didn't think that would change. The Togami Imposter may be good at acting like a leader, but the fact they didn't bother posting anyone to guard the arcade was proof they weren't one.

It was something that worked well for their situation, which is why Fuyuhiko didn't bring it up, nor did any of the others like Sonia or Hajime.

Fuyuhiko didn't think much about the dumb game the first time he played it. It was only when he unlocked the other days and saw the names at the end did he started making the connections. Monokuma popping up to show him the pictures was just another tick that led to him confronting Koizumi in the beach house.

This time, Fuyuhiko already knew who the 'girls' were. The fact that none of them called the police for his little sister was nothing short of cowardly. They were all normal students with no connection to the underground like Fuyuhiko or Peko (or Natsumi). There shouldn't have been any reason would them not to call, except that one of them was the guilty party.

Not that it really mattered, since even if Sato was discovered by the police and sent to jail, she would have still died. Fuyuhiko would have made sure one of their members in prison ended her. It… wouldn't have been quick either. Even though Fuyuhiko was beyond angry at what happened, he still gave Sato a quick death. It wouldn't have been after meeting Endoshima for the first time that Fuyuhiko started torturing people before killing them.

Fuyuhiko's hands were shaking slightly as the credits rolled again, and he only had time to shove them into his pockets before Monokuma popped up.

"Puhuhu, and here I was worried you all were too lame to play my super cool game. So how did you like it? Did you like the art direction, the cinematography, the surround sound-"

"Shut the fuck up. Don't you have something to give me for beating this first?" Fuyuhiko snapped, feeling like if he had to be in this bear company for a moment longer he was going to do something he'd regret.

Not that he would regret stabbing Monokuma in his weird glowing eye, but it would be pointless and only result in Fuyuhiko getting killed. Which made it even more frustrating.

"Oh ho? Did something get your interest? I did say these were based on real events that happened during your first year. Are you curious about the names at the end?"

"Are you going to give me my fucking prize or not?" Fuyuhiko asked, just as angry as he was the first time, even without the memories confirming that the game was correct.

"No patients with youth these days. Well, that's alright since I have it right here! You better do something with this, I don't want another let down like the party."
Fuyuhiko grabbed the folder, and was beyond thankful that Monokuma did fucking leave. He didn't open it though like he did the first time though. Fuyuhiko didn't need to see the photos of his dead little sister.

But that didn't stop Peko from coming up.

"Young master? What did he give you?"

That was the moment Fuyuhiko made his decision of what to do. He couldn't have a repeat of last time. That meant that Fuyuhiko couldn't have Peko involved in the planing of the murder since he couldn't tell her it's fake without worrying that Monokuma also figures it out, and he can't risk her stepping in again. He just can't.

"We should head back. The sun is about to rise," Fuyuhiko said instead of answering Peko's question.

He didn't bother looking to see if Peko was surprised by his reaction, or what, since he just started walking. He heard Peko following only after a moment's hesitation, then nothing as she slipped back into her silent protector role. Fuyuhiko thought about telling her that wasn't needed, but it was true they shouldn't let any of the others catch them out at night.

Fuyuhiko was about to cause a lot of suspicion on himself, and he didn't want Peko anywhere near that.