Prologue: Opening Pandora's Box Chapter 1:
In the year 2011, Hope's Peak Academy, an esteemed and highly regarded High School, was opening again after the end of summer break. It is a place that produces some of the most influential people in the world, such as the Prime Minister of Japan and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. In order to get into Hope's Peak, one needs to either be a student selected by the school, or be chosen via a raffle. This is due to the fact that the school itself doesn't require any money to enter, as all expenses are paid by the school. This was because it believed that money should never affect talent.
One particular student, Makoto Naegi, was a student that was accepted into Hope's Peak due to being the winner of the 78th class raffle. Despite his average appearance, he was an average, everyday, kind-hearted boy, and he was looking forward to making new friends and living an exciting school life. His sister, Komaru Naegi, wished him good luck on the first day of school. He had even gone early at 6:00 am so that he wouldn't be late.
He thought to himself as he walked down the hall, "I've finally made it to Hope's Peak Academy! I wonder who my classmates will be? I hope they're nice..."
"I only managed to get here by luck. I'm still shocked, to be honest. I can't wait to meet everyone!" He thought again.
He was making his way to Hope's Peak across a street in Towa City when he tripped on his shoelaces.
"Aaaah!"
And he fell face-first onto the concrete as one of his shoes fell off.
Hoping no one saw him, Makoto pushed himself off the ground and began dusting his hoodie when a voice called out to him.
"Ouch... That's gotta hurt."
Makoto turned around to see a boy around his age approaching him. He was wearing a ragged cloak over a faded red shirt and a pair of gray jeans so dirty that they were almost black.
His hair was a slightly darker brown than Makoto's and two threads of hair jutted out like antennas of an insect. He kept his eyes closed.
Makoto thought he was Yasuhiro Hagakure, the Ultimate Clairvoyant, who looked like a hobo, but this boy looked like he was actually homeless.
"Um... Are you okay?" Makoto asked the boy.
The boy simply smiled at him. "Don't worry about me. I should be the one worrying about you."
He tossed the sneaker that fell off Makoto's foot to the boy with the ahoge.
"Here, I think this is yours."
Makoto put his shoe back on and tied his laces together. "Th-thanks... I'm Makoto Naegi, I'll be attending Hope's Peak this year. And you are?"
The boy grinned and Makoto couldn't help but flinch when he saw his pointy-toothed smile.
"Name's Masashi." Masashi said with a smile.
Makoto was taken aback by how nonchalant he was.
"Oh, so you're a student here too, Masashi-kun?"
"No, I'm not a student here. In fact, I'm not even supposed to be here."
"Eh? Then why are you here?"
"I just felt like. Greatest school in the world a walk away where I make my turf? It would be a shame if I didn't make the most out of it."
Makoto could only tilt his head in confusion at what Masashi was saying, but realized Masashi never gave his last name. Considering his appearance, Makoto wondered if he actually was homeless.
"Umm…" said Makoto, afraid of offending him, "Do you have a last name?"
"Don't have any parents to give me a last name. So, yeah, just Masashi is fine with me. It's a bit of a pain to say, anyway. Besides, I'd rather have people remember me by my first name alone."
Makoto was surprised because in Japan, first names are usually reserved for family and close friends. However, his confusion was overshadowed by pity and empathy towards the boy.
"That's really sad..."
"Eh, I'm used to it." Masashi waved his hand as he turned to walk away.
However, Makoto, feeling pity towards him shouted "Do you want to got to someplace to eat? I have some time before school starts!"
Masashi turned around, raising an eyebrow.
"Sure, I have nothing else better to do."
"Then let's go!"
Makoto started to run ahead of Masashi. Masashi smiled and chased after him.
The two boys ended up going to a local fast-food joint near Hope's Peak. Masashi was enjoying his meal, slurping down the soda that Makoto paid for.
"You know, it's been a long time since I had a burger. You sure are nice."
"You don't have to say that, you know. But, I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"It's a nice change from the usual crap I have to deal with. Usually, I have to eat garbage, literally."
"Why would you do that?!"
"I'm poor, Naegi. It's a lot easier to scavenge in a dump than to actually find a job. But, if you really want to help, I can't say no to some free food."
"Of course!
The two boys ate their meals, but halfway finished with his burger, Masashi put it down.
"Why are you going to Hope's Peak anyway, Makoto?"
Makoto swallowed a bit of his burger and responded.
"It's not like I really have a reason, to be honest. I just won a lottery, and now, I'm going to Hope's Peak."
Masashi waved his hand.
"Of course you do. Everyone has a reason to do the stuff they do, even if they don't know it yet." Masashi said.
"Well... I guess you're right. My reason is to become friends with my classmates, I think."
"Huh... That's a pretty generic goal. No ambitions for the future? The fact that there are literal people who you can study under to analyze their talents? The chance of making your own name in the world?"
"I... I've never really thought about that. I just wanted to be someone, and make myself known to everyone."
"So you're going to be a celebrity, then."
"Not exactly. I'm just looking to make friends."
"Hm. You're pretty weird, Naegi."
"Hey! There's nothing wrong with being normal, you know!"
"Normal, huh…" Masashi thought, his forehead furrowing.
"On a different topic, what do you think about Ultimates?"
Makoto took a sip of his drink and spoke.
"Well, they're the best in the world at what they do, and they're so talented. They can do anything they put their mind to, and that's amazing."
"But if they're the best, then why go to Hope's Peak?"
Makoto was taken aback by the question.
"W-what do you mean?
"They are the best of the best. The very peak of their career. They are probably getting paid. Hell, Togami makes enough that can probably keep me fed for a lifetime with what he earns in a week alone. Why go to Hope's Peak if they made it all in life?"
Makoto pondered what Masashi was asking. He had a point. The Ultimates were the best of the best, and were already famous. But Makoto could only come up with one answer.
"I don't know. Maybe they want to keep honing their skills, or maybe they want to expand their skills to new horizons, or maybe they just want to learn more."
Masashi nodded.
"That's a possibility. But they learnt it already, not at the so-called best academy in the world. They are labeled the talent they already have. The school seems to be profiting off of students who already did the work."
"But there are other types of talent than the ones they were born with. Some people can't even apply for their talent, but they are talented in other ways."
"Such as?"
"Like sports or music or other hobbies. If I have the ability, I'd like to help others reach their dreams."
Masashi was quiet.
"What do you think, Masashi?"
"I... I have no idea, really, but having the power to reach your dreams sounds great."
"It does, right? That's what I think Hope's Peak should stand for. What hope should stand for."
Masashi didn't respond.
"Hey, do you have a dream, Masashi-kun?"
"I have one, yeah."
"What is it? Is it to be rich? Have a loving family? Travel the world?"
He laughed. "I'm afraid that I can't tell you yet, but when I do achieve it, I promise you'll know. But you'll be there when it happens."
He got up and wore his ragged cloak again. Some people gave him looks when he arrived, but Makoto didn't pay them any attention.
"I need to get going, Makoto. Thanks for the food. It was a nice talk we had."
The two went outside the restaurant but Masashi turned to Makoto one last time.
"One last thing," he opened his eyes as Makoto gasped. He had never seen that kind of eye color before.
They were the color of fire, burning hot and intense. It was like Makoto was staring into the sun itself.
"The world is not always what it seems to be."
And with that, Masashi walked away and disappeared from Makoto's sight.
He didn't know why, but for some reason, he couldn't help but feel something bad would happen.
Makoto was running late. The entire school was already gathered in the gym, and the only way he could get there was by squeezing past the crowd and rushing through the doors.
Makoto found a seat on the bleachers and sat down. He couldn't stop thinking about Masashi and the odd conversation they had.
He was so deep in thought, that he didn't notice a girl sitting next to him until she poked him on the shoulder.
"Hi there."
Makoto snapped back into reality and turned his head.
A girl with blue hair and eyes was sitting next to him, wearing a black sailor fuku and a blue tie.
"Sayaka! It's been a long time!"
Sayaka Maizono was Makoto's childhood friend from the same school he went to and the Ultimate Idol. She moved away a few years ago due to her job as an idol, and he hadn't seen her since.
She was surprised. "You... You remember me, Makoto?"
"Of course I do, we went to the same elementary and middle school. How could I forget you?"
"Yeah, but still, that was years ago. You didn't forget about me?"
"How could I? You're the one that's made it big as a pop idol. I'm surprised you even recognize me."
"Makoto, I'm an idol, not an actress. Of course I would recognize my old friend. I didn't expect you to win the lottery. I heard that the odds were 1 in 10,000. That's amazing, Makoto!"
"Thank you, Sayaka. But, if you don't mind, I'm curious, why are you here? » asked Makoto, thinking back on Masashi's questions.
"I just felt like it. There were people I wanted to meet here."
"I see. Well, good for you."
"Thanks. Do you want me to introduce you to some people I met here?"
Before Makoto could answer, a loud voice rang out across the gym.
"MAKOTO NAEGI!"
A boy with black hair, red eyes, and a white suit walked up to the two.
"Ah! I was hoping to meet you, Naegi! My name is Kiyotaka Ishimaru, the Ultimate Moral Compass! I must congratulate you on being accepted into Hope's Peak." Makati flinched at the volume of his voice. "That said, being almost an hour late on your first day is inexcusable. I expect you to not be late in the future."
Makoto bowed apologetically.
"I'm really sorry, Ishimaru-kun! It won't happen again!"
"Hmph. As long as you understand, I'll let you off this once. However, be warned, I won't be so lenient next time."
Ishimaru then walked off to another corner of the room, shouting at people who weren't wearing their uniforms correctly.
Makoto turned back to Sayaka.
"Do you know him?"
"Yeah, he was the person I met earlier. He seems a bit over the top, but he's really nice, and he's a good listener. He even introduced me to a few others. Like Junko, for example."
She pointed to a girl with pink hair wearing a red and black uniform, who was talking with a tall black haired, freckled girl.
"That's the Super High School Level Fashionista, Junko Enoshima. She's the most fashionable person I know."
"Enoshima..." Makoto recalled reading her name in the newspaper a few times. She was one of the biggest models in the fashion industry, and was known to have a sharp tongue.
"Oh, and the girl she's talking to is Mukuro Ikusaba. She's the Super High School Level Soldier. She only talks to Junko, so I don't really know her."
Makoto looked at Mukuro. She must have noticed him staring because she sent him a glare.
"Ah!" Makoto quickly looked away, sweating.
"Well, she is a soldier. She's not exactly friendly."
Sayaka smiled, and pointed at a tall, blonde boy wearing a black suit and glasses.
"That's Byakuya Togami, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny and heir of the Togami Conglomerate. He has a lot of money and influence, but he's a real jerk. He has no friends, and he even rejected me when I talked to him. Even though I was the one that approached him, he insulted me, and then walked away like I was a piece of trash on the street. Can you believe him?"
"Togami... Togami..."
Makoto had read the name in the paper a few times. He was the most successful heir in the history of the Togami Corporation, and was set to take over the company one day.
"Oh! There's Aoi Asahina, the Super High School Level Swimmer! She's nice and friendly, but a bit ditzy.
She was talking to a white haired person who was the most muscular person Makoto had ever seen.
"That's Sakura Oogami. She's the Ultimate Martial Artist. She's really nice, but she can be really scary. Her strength is terrifying."
"Wow. You know a lot of people, Sayaka.
"I can't help it. They were the only people I could talk to while waiting for you."
"Oh, right, sorry about that."
"No, don't be. I was actually thinking about looking for you. It's good to see you, Makoto."
"It's good to see you too, Sayaka."
Just then, the sound of a megaphone could be heard, and the room grew silent.
Principal Jin Kirigiri walked onto the stage. He was a young man around his late thirties with black hair.
"Hello, everyone, and welcome to Hope's Peak Academy. My name is Jin Kirigiri, and I am the Principal of Hope's Peak Academy."
Jin paused and cleared his throat.
"It has been many years since Hope's Peak was first founded, and over the course of those years, the school has produced the brightest, most gifted, and talented people. It has been an honor to be able to teach them, and see them succeed in their chosen fields."
Makoto smiled and clapped along with the rest of the audience.
"Today, I would like to congratulate the newest addition to Hope's Peak Academy. These 78 talented students, ranging from the best scientists, to the most athletic, to the brightest minds, and even the luckiest people in the world, are the symbols of hope for our society."
As Makoto listened to the Principal, he thought back to how Hope's Peak Academy was a symbol of hope for the entire country.
"And now, as tradition, the student representative from a senior class will introduce herself."
There was an awkward pause.
"Um, is there a problem?" Jin asked.
The microphone picked up a female voice.
"Uh... I fell asleep. Sorry."
A girl with short pink hair, black hoodie, and holding a gaming console bowed apologetically.
"My name is Chiaki Nanami, the Ultimate Gamer, and class representative of Class 77-B. Sorry for falling asleep. Please, go on, sir."
"Okay... Then, let us begin."
Jin handed the mic to Nanami.
"Thank you, sir. L-let's see... The 78th class of Hope's Peak, is a class with very, very interesting people."
The girl was starting to blush and look flustered.
"There's a gambler, and a detective, and a baseball star, and a biker gang leader, and an idol, and a programmer. You name it, we got it."
"Hope's Peak Academy is truly a place where anyone can reach their dreams, and be the best that they can be. I am very grateful that I was able to attend this academy, and I am proud to represent my class. So, everyone, please, join me in welcoming the 78th class of Hope's Peak, and show them the pride and glory that they will one day carry on. Thank you."
As Chiaki bowed, Makoto joined the others in clapping for her.
As Chiaki gave the mic back to Principal Kirigiri, Makoto glanced at a violet-haired girl with a ribbon in a braid staring at the two, or more specifically, Jin.
She tugged at her gloves and her purple eyes stared coldly at the principal.
Makoto didn't know who she was, but for some reason, her expression was a mixture of sorrow, pain, and anger.
And she fixed her face in a stoic expression and turned away.
Makoto was introduced to a number of new faces.
The gloved girl's name was Kyoko Kirigiri, and she was the Ultimate Detective. She didn't talk much, and was very quiet and stoic, but she was very intelligent.
Chihiro Fujisaki, a tiny girl, was the Ultimate Programmer. She was timid and shy, but she was a lot nicer than what Makoto expected.
Leon Kuwata, the Ultimate Baseball Star, was a boy with red hair, wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans. He had a cocky and arrogant attitude, but was still pretty nice.
Celestia Ludenberg was the Ultimate Gambler. She was an exchange student from a European country and wore a gothic lolita outfit, or so she claimed. She was pretty creepy.
Mondo Owada, the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader, was a tall, muscular boy with bleached blond hair wearing a leather jacket and a bad temper.
Sayaka was right, Sakura Ogami was very intimidating. Despite her kind personality, she was a terrifying presence.
Byakuya Togami, was indeed, a stuck up and snobbish jerk. Makoto wasn't sure what he would be friends with him.
Yasuhiro Hagakure, the Ultimate Clairvoyant was a scruffy man wearing khakis and a hairstyle similar to an urchin. He was an odd one and tried convincing Makoto to donate one of his organs.
Toko Fukawa was the Ultimate Writer. She had a strange obsession with Byakuya, and would only speak to him. She was a weird girl.
Junko Enoshima and Mukuro Ikusaba were the same as before. They seemed really nice, but they had a lot of confidence.
Aoi Asahina, or Hina, was very sweet and friendly, but also a little too ditzy for Makoto's tastes.
Finally was Hifumi Yamada, the Ultimate Fanfic Creator. Hifumi was a short boy with a chubby figure, wearing a gray jacket and a pair of glasses. His hair was oddly sticking out like Makoto's ahoge.
Makoto had introduced himself to every single one of them. They were a colorful bunch, that was for sure.
"I never knew so many Ultimates would be here. I've only heard of the Ultimates, and now, I'm among them. I didn't think it would be like this."
Makoto laid down on his bed in his dormitory, sighing.
"I'm so lucky to have gotten in, and to make it even better, Sayaka is here. I hope I can be friends with everyone here."
He turned off the lights in his room and fell asleep.
Unbeknownst to Makoto, dark deeds were afoot in Hope's Peak Academy.
Junko and Mukuro were in their room, preparing for the night.
"Sis, are you sure about this?"
"Of course, Mukuro. This is the plan we've been working on for years, and I will not let anyone or anything stop me."
Mukuro simply went along with Junko like usual. She always must make her younger twin sister happy out of obligation for leaving her for Fenrir.
"Alright then, sis. Whatever you say."
Junko smirked. "Don't worry, Mukuro. When the world is ours, we will be together forever, and we'll paint this whole world in despair!"
She laughed loudly and evilly, as the darkness in the room grew larger and darker, like the shadows of despair itself.
"All we need is that subject from the Kamukara Project, and we can begin the Tragedy."
"Are you sure that's all you need?"
"Of course not, we need that brainwashing tech from Mitarai, some weaponry from Towa, and the whole Reserve Council under our control."
"That was a rhetorical question."
Junko paused and realized that Mukuro wasn't the one to respond to her.
She glanced at her sister seeing her hold her combat knife in the direction of the doorway.
Both sisters were surprised when they saw the intruder, a man in a suit with short, grey hair.
Junko smirked. "So, we have an unexpected guest."
Mukuro kept her guard up and Junko sat down on the bed, her smirk widening.
"Why are you here, sir?" Mukuro asked.
The man didn't respond, instead holding up some sort of music box.
The music box was intricately designed like one of these ancient Greek vases. It had depictions of mythological figures coursing around its body such as Hercules and the Minotaur. It had a crank at its side with the handle being shaped like a dragon's tale. On top of the box was a diamond glowing eerily.
"Well, aren't you a rude guest? We invited you, and you won't even say a word. At least, say hello."
Junko giggled, and Mukuro tightened her grip on the knife.
The gray haired man didn't even flinch, instead cranking the music box.
Junko's grin remained even as Mukuro dropped her knife and fell asleep.
"I want this to be between only you and me, Ultimate Despair." the box said.
Junko stiffened.
"How do you know about that? Who are you?"
"I am a man of the shadows, a man who wishes to see this world burn, just as much as you do. I proposed an alliance."
"And why should I trust you?"
"I know of your plans, and I believe you are going about it the wrong way."
"How dare you!"
"Your plan is far too reckless and ambitious. But the worst thing is that it will work."
"Of course it will, I'm the Ultimate Analyst. I know everything about how this world works."
"Except, you don't."
Junko was shocked.
"What are you talking about?
"You don't need to know about that. All I'm saying is that you desire despair because it's unpredictable. Correct?"
Junko said nothing, which he took as a yes.
"But your plan is one you know will work. Wouldn't it be more…interesting, if you go headfirst into the situation?"
"What do you mean?"
"If you wish for the world to experience true despair, you need to take the most unpredictable approach. You're a person who has all the advantages at your fingertips, which defeats the purpose of despair. Despair is about uncertainty. If you take the path of least resistance, then despair won't be a part of your world, just an inconvenience. You need to go against the world and destroy the rules that govern it."
The music box stopped talking, but the gray haired man cranked it up again as Junko thought to herself about his words.
"I suppose you're right, but how?"
"Power beyond your wildest dreams, a weapon that could bring the entire world to its knees, the power to the world, into a living hell."
Junko couldn't help but giggle, and her laughter grew louder.
"You have a point. I have to admit, I'm intrigued by your proposal. What do you have in mind?"
The man tossed Junko a phone, who caught it and began reading its contents.
"You have some good ideas, but they need some tweaking. But first, we need to start by recruiting some people. Oh, and if you could do me a favor, could you find this person for me?"
She looked at the file on the phone, and her eyes widened.
"What a boring, normal life he has. Well, not anymore. We will crush his hope, and turn him into a symbol of despair for the rest of the world. He will be the key to our success. The Tragedy will soon begin, and the world will fall into a pit of despair."
Junko grinned evilly.
"Yes, I agree."
As the figure turned to leave, Junko called out to him.
"Hey, you. What should I call you?"
The gray haired man paused and cranked the music box one last time.
"Mikaboshi. Amatsu Mikaboshi."
Note: (*Spoilers. Skip if you want to finish the game first) When writing this story, I thought back to Danganronpa Trigger Happy Havoc and how despite the end of the world being a huge revelation, it was more or less an afterthought because the setting surrounded more towards the mystery of the genre and the school setting. Here in Pandanganronpa, the implications of what an Apocalypse would be like is the main drive of the story and there will be supernatural events that take place. This is my first story, so I want to test waters with characters, their motivations, how the world is explored, and where I can go with the plot.
Thank you,
kingofbeasts90