Prologue: Opening Pandora's Box Chapter 5
I do not own Danganronpa. It is a product of Kazutaka Kodaka and Spike Chunsoft.
(One week later)
The Principal's office was an extravagant place to be in. Bits and doodads of items passed down from previous Headmasters such as trophies, pictures, certificates, and medals decorated the walls. Finely polished wooden furniture was neatly centered in the middle of the room where an oak table sat in between expensive, beautiful sitting chairs. The Headmaster's desk sat in front of three large windows draped in purple satin curtains. Two flags labeled with the emblem of Hope's Peak Academy were on both sides of a recliner chair behind the desk like a throne.
It displayed an aura of dominance and power suited for the person responsible for overlooking school affairs. However, that air of authority was disrupted by one individual who was sitting in the chair behind the principal's desk.
Headmaster Jin Kirigiri gripped the file tightly in his right fist, almost crumbling it up. Meanwhile, his left hand was clenching his dark purple-almost black-hair tightly. His striking purple eyes pierced the thin sheet of paper in his hand, as though hoping to shoot laser beams to incinerate the parchment in front of him.
Two other men relaxed in the seats in front of him despite the principal's clear agitation.
The first man was tanned with long blonde hair and beard guzzling down a bottle of alcohol. On the table laid his iconic white fedora. He is the Class 78 teacher, Koichi Kizakura. A longtime friend of Jin, Kizakura served under the school as the Ultimate Talent Scout, responsible for finding people who are the best in their field (excluding the relatively new Ultimate Lucky Student lotteries). Despite his rather lax nature and alcoholism, there is no other man Jin would trust.
The other man sitting opposite of Kizakura was his predecessor Kazuo Tengan, the former Headmaster of Hope's Peak Academy. Despite retiring years ago, Tengan has been a prominent authority figure for the school, retaining no small amount of respect from Ultimates and non-Ultimates alike. He was no longer as fit as he used to be, having a significant hunch and bent knees with his pointed hair and beard a permanent gray, but his dull-green eyes still shown with the sharpness that has not been lost since his youth.
Kizakura set down the empty bottle and glanced over at Tengan who was staring straight at Jin.
"I was under the assumption that I am no longer the Headmaster." said Tengan dryly. "Why is it that you pulled me out of retirement and have a chat now?"
Kizakura sighed and leaned back in his chair.
"What's this about Jin? Is it really that important?"
The man did not respond, instead slamming the file on the table and pushing it towards the two men.
Kizakura shrugged and pulled the file closer. He scanned the file carefully.
"What the...!?"
Tengan took the file out of his hands and flipped through the pages.
Pictures of the bloody corpses of dead students flashed before his eyes, their faces contorted in pain and fear. Depictions of gory murder ranging from gunshots, stab wounds, and even some guts here and there stained the walls and floor of the room that contained them.
"What in God's name is this?!"
Jin took the file out of his hands and slammed a hand on the desk.
"This is the 'Tragedy' of Hope's Peak Academy."
Kizakura looked over the pictures again.
"I recognize these students. These are the Student Council kids!"
Tengan shook his head.
"Who could have done something like this?"
"We don't know," answered Jin. "This event occurred a week ago. I only received news of the incident from the Steering Committee this morning."
He sat back in his chair, sighing.
"Some of the parents have called, wanting answers about why their kids stopped calling them. Rumors are already spreading since some students have already noticed that the Ultimates from the council, either as friends or mere acquaintances, have gone missing. The Committee fears legal action will be held against them. They want me to cover up the entire incident as a mass suicide."
"And are you going to!?"
Jin did not respond.
"Jin, you can't seriously-"
Principal Kirigiri slammed his fists on the desk. "You know that I don't have a choice! We've both been here long enough to know that even though I'm Headmaster, the Steering Committee are the ones who have the true authority over Hope's Peak. Between this and the Kamukara theft, I already have my hands tied."
Kizakura sighed.
"So it's finally come to this, huh?"
The Headmaster nodded.
"Hope's Peak Academy has been a beacon for hope ever since its founding." stated Kirigiri. "That is the reason why we have been granted so much authority, so much freedom. We must uphold the reputation that the school has been given. To nurture and hone the talents of the several brilliant young men and women who come inside these walls. I'm sorry, but we can't change this."
Tengan nodded solemnly. "Yes, I understand."
He glanced at the file. "But, why did you bring us here?"
"Because, I wanted you to see this."
"See this?"
"It is true that the Steering Committee wants me to cover up the murders of the Student Council. However, I believe this may not be the entire case."
Kizakura raised an eyebrow.
"Explain."
"The Committee has no need to hide this matter from us. With all the authority they hold, it would be easier to simply erase the whole thing as a terrible accident. However, I know that the committee is scared. Scared that the truth will come out. However, they gave no clear case on how such a massacre happened. The fact that the Steering Committee was afraid to tell me despite being the Headmaster is...worrying."
He put a hand to his chin.
"In addition, I have been hearing rumors that some members have been going missing. There's a chance that they might be related to the massacre."
Tengan frowned.
"This is a delicate situation. If there is any chance or a possibility that the murders were committed by one of the Committee, then they already hold a frightening power considering the school's status and the fact that the Committee are the top dog's of the institute. In other words, they are the top of the top."
He bridged his fingers and rested his beard on them, his glasses glinting.
"The question is why? Why sabotage an experiment that you've taken part in? Why kill a group of innocent students? If the culprit truly is a member of the Committee, then they already have everything they need. What more could they want?"
"I don't know," said Jin, looking at the window. It was beginning to pour.
"Well, whatever the reason is, we need someone to investigate the case," said Kizakura.
Tengan turned towards the Ultimate Talent Scout. "And you would suggest?"
"Kyoko Kirigiri." Jin flinched at the name.
Koichi continued. "She has the talent to do so. Besides, the girl is a lot smarter than I was during my youth."
The Headmaster shook his head. "Absolutely not."
"But-"
"I will not involve Kyoko in this!"
Tengan cleared his throat. "Jin, we're running out of options. It's barely the start of the school year and already we not only have a murder case but also a stolen experiment on our hands. Your daughter is our best bet at solving this mystery. "
"Besides that, she's a Kirigiri, the ancient line of detectives." Kizakura winced when he said that last part. Jin still holds a grudge against his family clan, especially his father. He never got the details, but something caused a rift between the former clan heir and the rest of his family that has been ongoing for years.
"No. I will not put her in danger. I will not allow it."
Tengan sighed.
"I know that you don't want your daughter to get involved, but it is necessary. She can take care of herself."
Jin stood up, ignoring his predecessor's words. "I will do it."
Kizakura spat out his mouthful of beer. "WHAT?!"
Tengan was much more dignified with his manner, but showed equal shock, his jaw slightly gaping and his eyes behind the lenses widening.
"Jin, are you mad?"
"If there is no other choice, then I will find the culprit."
Jin stood up from his seat and faced the window. "I'm a Kirigiri too, whether I like it or not. I still remember the skills that my...father...drilled into my head. Let's hope years of not using them won't have dulled my own investigation abilities."
"And what would your daughter think if you suddenly took up the mantle of a detective?"
"I..."
Jin hesitated.
"I will cross that bridge when I get there."
Tengan shook his head. "It will be your decision. Just know that the future of Hope's Peak may rely on you."
"Thank you." Jin bowed to Tengan gratefully. "The reason why I asked you to come here was because I need someone to take my place as Headmaster while I go investigate. I couldn't think of a better man than you."
"Of course, my boy." Tengan nodded. "It will be hard to get used to being an old coot again, but it is my duty."
Jin bowed his head again. "Thank you, sir."
Kizakura, who had been silent during the exchange, spoke up.
"Do you have any leads?"
Jin paused, thinking for a moment.
"There are rumors of Reserve Course Students receiving strange favors from a mysterious benefactor. If there is a link between the massacre and the disappearances, then it is very likely that they are related."
Tengan stood up and stretched.
"Well, good luck."
Jin smiled a little and nodded.
"Thank you."
He walked across the room to the door and opened it so he could go through.
However, his detective skills must have truly dulled because Jin did not notice a certain lavender-haired girl standing right beside the doorway, listening to the entire conversation when she had coincidentally come to disown her father then and there.
Kyoko Kirigiri stared at the steadily shrinking shape of Jin Kirigiri walking down the halls, her gloved hands gripping the sleeves of her jacket furiously.
A certain gray-haired man watched quietly from the windows as Kyoko stormed off.
"My, oh my," he lamented, "Not so stoic, are we."
Hakashita had overheard the entire conversation.
"So the professional talent-kisser is actually taking the front seat, is he?"
He made a lazy position, lying on his side with his right arm holding his head while he crossed his legs.
"Junko needs to know about this."
He was about to go before he stopped and looked back to the Ultimate Detective who was struggling to keep her emotions in check as much as possible.
"Hmm, I wonder..."
(Afternoon)
Makoto Naegi's school life had been going pretty well if he had to say so himself.
The school had an aura that seemed to inspire hope everywhere. Even though Naegi didn't have a particularly high-class talent, he made quite a number of friends with his classmates.
There were a couple of exceptions. Byakuya Togami, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny, was the most arrogant and pompous person Makoto had ever met. The two of them had a few run-ins together, but the other boy seemed to have a general dislike for the Lucky Student. Toko Fukawa wasn't any better. The Ultimate Writing Prodigy was probably one of the prickliest girls Makoto ever met. Her lust with Togami also weirded the heebie-jeebies out of him, not that he would ever say that out loud.
Mondo and Taka were caught trying to go to the bathhouse and forced back into their dormitories on the day Makoto talked with Mukuro. Needless to say it did not quench their rivalry at all, with the two constantly trying to one up the other at everything they do. Both were equally loud, and it was kind of annoying.
There was Hifumi Yamada, the Ultimate Fanfic Creator. Makoto could not follow Yamada's constant talks about anime and RPG video games, as well as his supposed profession regarding fanfiction writing. He also noticed that despite claiming to be interested in 2-D girls only, that did not stop Yamada from occasionally leering at Hina's chest (not that Makoto could blame him).
Celestia Ludensburg (he was pretty sure that was not her real name) openly proclaimed she was the 'Queen of Liars', already making Makoto ill-at-ease. She had a strange ranking system and called Makoto a C-class, whatever that means. However, her occasional fits such as that time when Hifumi spilled the tea he was going to give her scared the hell out of him.
Leon Kuwata was an alright guy, but the Ultimate Baseball Star's weird antics roping him along to gain girls' affections and coupled in his AWFUL singing and guitar playing discouraged Makoto from visiting him often.
Hina and Sakura were nice but tried to get him to take on some exercise. Makoto was sure that his scrawny build could not handle the training regime they planned for him.
Chihiro was polite but shy and avoided the class as much as possible.
Kyoko was the same, but out of aloofness rather than shyness.
Junko was the polar opposite. She was loud, boisterous, and energetic. Whenever he saw her, she always seemed to have a smile plastered on her face and a sparkle in her eyes. However, because of her beauty, she was swarmed with boys (and some girls) often and the moments she had some free time on her hands she disappeared along with Mukuro (who Makoto now just realized he didn't see that often, weirdly enough).
Hiro was...Hiro.
Wow. Now that he thought about it, Makoto hadn't really made that many friends beside Sayaka since the start of the school year. Actually, now that he really thought about it, besides some occasions, none of the classmates of class 78 had really interacted with each other that much apart from morning greetings and even those were often rare and in-between.
He didn't really feel like an 'Ultimate Lucky Student' at all.
Naegi's thoughts were interrupted when someone tapped him on the shoulder.
"Naegi-kun."
"Eh?"
He turned around and was surprised to see Sayaka standing next to him, her blue eyes staring at him.
"Maizono-san? What is it?"
"Oh, nothing," she replied. "It's just that I've noticed that you've been spacing out lately. Are you okay?"
Makoto rubbed the back of his head, blushing a bit. "I'm fine. Just been thinking about things lately."
Sayaka smiled.
"Oh. Alright then."
They walked down the halls for a little bit until they reached the entrance of the dormitories.
"See you tomorrow, Naegi-kun."
"See you too-"
Just as Makoto was about to say goodbye a rusting noise came from overhead. Both Makoto and Sayaka tilted their heads towards the ceiling as the noise got louder.
"Kr-kr-kr-kr-kr-kraaaaaaaaaaaaaaash."
Suddenly a loud crash clanged from above and Makoto jumped, crashing into Maizono just as one of the ceiling lights shattered at the spot where Makoto was a moment ago.
"What the-"
Before Makoto could even finish, a coughing sound could be heard from the dust cloud that had stirred up from the falling light, a shadowy figure appearing from the outline.
A blonde girl with rosy cheeks emerged from the array, waving her hand violently.
"Fucking hell!" she cursed, a shocking development considering how young her face appeared.
Scowling, she turned toward Makoto and Sayaka who were both staring at her, their jaws dropping.
"Ummm."
The girl was taken aback for a moment before puffing up her chest and proudly announced. "Sup lame-o's!"
"Who the heck are you!?" asked Makoto, a bit startled at the sudden intrusion.
"Can't you tell? I'm the Ultimate Sister, Natsumi Kuzuryu!"
Kuzuryu. Makoto knew that last name. It came from one of, if not, the biggest yakuza clans in Japan being ridiculously powerful in terms of both men and riches.
The girl, however, was not wearing normal yakuza attire but instead a traditional Japanese middle school uniform like what the school provides and, depressingly enough, taller than Makoto.
"I don't remember seeing you in our class."
"Of course not," said Kuzuryu. "I'm from another Class."
"Really, but that uniform looks like it came from the Reserve-"
"SHUT IT BITCH!" Kuzuryu yelled at Maizono who jumped at the sudden outburst.
"That wasn't nice." Makoto said, spreading his arms in front of Maizono.
She glared at him. "Who asked you, fuckhead?"
Makoto stepped back a little.
"Umm..."
"Natsumi!"
"Shit."
A small figure stomped over, glaring daggers at the so-called Ultimate Sister.
"Ah...brother." Natsumi said weakly.
Brother? Makoto noticed the similarities, namely the same blonde hair, rosy cheeks, and young face. The boy was even shorter than Makoto, but was dressed in the standard Main Course uniform meaning unlike his sister, he was the actual Ultimate. Thinking back to Hiro's story, he wondered if these two were the same as the boy and girl that gave the Ultimate Clairvoyant the debt.
"What are you doing in the Main Course?!" said the boy angrily.
"I-I just..."
"Grrrrr." the boy replied, smacking his forehead with the palm of his hand. "Actually, how did you get here? Father refuses to send in his men to help you when you made that deal, and I sure as hell know that you aren't capable of breaking into the East building all by yourself. Care to explain?"
"Well, you see..."
Angry yelling could be heard from across the hallway.
"Crap," the boy cursed. "Sakakura is here."
"If you hadn't slowed me down, I would have-"
"ENOUGH!" shouted the boy with a voice shockingly loud for such a tiny set of lungs. "We will talk later. We need to run or else Father will learn about this."
Natsumi's rosy cheeks turned a deathly pallor.
Nodding meekly, she and her brother ran as fast as they could.
However, a small paper card fell out from Kuzuryu's back pocket.
"WAIT!" Makoto cried, picking up the card and waving it at the two. "Is this yours?!"
But the two were too far away to hear what Makoto was saying.
"GET BACK HERE SHITHEADS!" Makoto and Sayka both jumped as the giant that is Juzo Sakakura rushed through the hallways (with the 'NO RUNNING' sign ironically stuck on his back). The security guard, with the grace of an enraged bull, crashed into Ultimate after Ultimate, sending them flying into the air. One of them was Makoto.
After Makoto crashed onto the floor, he could see from his position the security guard comically twisting his neck around to choose which direction the two runaways went before choosing right and continuing his chase, screaming what he would do when he gets his hands on the two.
"Ouch."
"You okay, Naegi-kun?"
Makoto rubbed his sore butt, the impact from the crash not helping his situation at all.
"I'm fine. How about you Maizono-san?"
She shrugged. "I'm fine."
He stood up and looked down at the piece of paper in his hand.
"Huh? What's this?"
It was a small card like the ones you get from the doctor's office to get their number. However, the entire card was a blank white and the instead of someone's number, all it said was 天津甕星.
"Amatsu-Mikaboshi," read Sayaka, "It says the 'Dread Star of Heaven'."
"'The Dread Star of Heaven?' Does that have something to do with space?"
Sayaka shrugged. "Never heard of it before."
She looked closer at the card.
"Maybe you could ask Hagakure-kun? He might know."
Makoto nodded, putting the card in his pocket.
"Thanks for the suggestion, Maizono-san."
"No problem."
She glanced at the watch on her wrist.
"Oh, look at the time! I have to go, bye Naegi-kun!"
Makoto waved as Sayaka ran off.
"See you tomorrow."
As Makoto continued on his way to his dorm, he couldn't help but think about what he just saw.
Natsumi Kuzuryu's sudden arrival was quite strange. Makoto knew that it was possible for students to move from one Class to another, but it was incredibly rare for that to happen. And considering that both her and her brother were members of the Kuzuryu family, it was not surprising that she was accepted to Hope's Peak Academy as a Reserve Course Student since her family is rich enough.
He never thought about it until now, but Makoto just realized that there are actual non-talented people like him that are here at Hope's Peak Academy. Probably average, everyday normal teens who probably had to pay a hefty sum just to get into Hope's Peak.
It is true that Hope's Peak doesn't accept bribery into the Main Course, but the newly established Reserve Course is a different story altogether. He heard Byakuya bring them up a couple of times and, to no one's surprise, berated them as 'pathetic, boot-licking scum who only managed to get in because they paid for it.'
Makoto turned in his bed. I got in here because of luck. They got in because they had to pay for it. I got into the Main Course. They went into the Reserve Course. I'm here. They're there.
Why does that bother me?
Chisa Yukizome was preparing to turn in for the night. It was getting late, and the teacher's lounge was mostly empty. All the teachers had already left, either heading home or retiring to their respective dorms.
She was about to follow suit, her hand already on the doorknob.
"Bring-bring."
She sighed and picked up her phone from her pocket.
"Yukizome-san."
Immediately, a smile grew on Chisa's face.
"MUNAKATA!"
She blushed and looked around, embarrassed, before clearing her throat and speaking with a much lower tone.
"I mean, hello, Munakata-kun."
"Chisa-san." Munakata responded on the other end. His voice was low and soft, like a whisper. "How are you doing?"
Chisa beamed.
"I love being a teacher!" she said, her green eyes gleaming. "The dears of Class 77-B are so sweet and cute. Although some are a bit difficult, it's nothing I can't handle. Koizumi is so motherly, she looks out for everyone, especially young Saionji. Tanaka is loud, but he is such a sweetheart deep down and everyone loves his hamsters, although his antics are weird, even by Class 77-B standards. But he is a good kid! Sonia is like a fairy tale princess; Mikan, the poor girl, is super shy, but really caring; and Kazuichi acts tough but a real softy. Even Komaeda fits in with this family!"
The caller from the other side gave a chuckle
"I'm glad. You're very good with kids."
Chisa giggled. "And you're a real natural leader."
She then pouted.
"And why aren't you out of your office, you workaholic?
"I'm busy, Chisa-san."
Yukizome sighed as there was a pause on the other side before answering again.
"Chisa-san."
"Yeah?"
"Have you got any intel about the Reserve Course?"
Chisa stopped, her mind suddenly alert.
"We already know that the high tuition fees from the Reserve Course are making their way to pay for the Kamukura Project, and that the Steering Committee hopes to recreate the image of the founder, Izuru Kamukura." Munakata continued.
The legendary founder of Hope's Peak Academy. Ironic considering how little to nothing is known about the man from his childhood to why he created Hope's Peak Academy. People only know what he looked like at the end of his life due to only ONE statue being made in his honor and only ONE picture, taken before his death, was taken.
"And we're still unsure of how the project will be carried out."
"Do you have anything else, Chisa-san? Anything at all?"
"Well...there is one thing," Chisa replied.
Munakata inhaled deeply.
"There is?"
"Yes."
"Go ahead."
Chisa took a deep breath.
"I've been hearing rumors, groups chatting among themselves, about visiting someone. I didn't get a name, but the way it sounded, it seemed like they were trying to get drugs. However, this is not drugs."
Munakata nodded and then realized he was on a phone and could not communicate with Chisa.
"Continue."
"Did Juzo tell you about that Kuzuryu girl today?"
"Yes. Apparently, she broke into the main building and almost caused a stampede. We've yet to figure out where she is hiding, but I suspect that the security is still looking for her. Wait. Do you think-?"
"That someone or some group is smuggling Reserve Course students in the Main Course? Yes."
Munakata paused for a moment.
"Hmm, if this is true, then they might have gotten information about the Kamukura Project."
"They might have," answered Chisa. "Or maybe not. This is just speculation. Either way, this is the only lead we have."
Munakata chuckled. "Anyway, I have to get back to work."
Chisa smiled a knowing smile. "Overseas expansion?"
"Yes."
"Don't forget your health, okay?"
"I know."
Chisa beamed. "I will always support you, Munakata."
"Thank you."
And the line was cut.
She hung up the phone and walked out of the room. Yukizome was about to put her phone away when she accidentally dropped it.
"Ack!"
The phone landed with a clatter and the screen flipped up to show the background: a picture of her and her boyfriend, the Ultimate Student Council President, Kyosuke Munakata, standing beside each other, his arm wrapped around her shoulder and the both of them smiling happily with Juzo Sakakura with his arm around Munakata's shoulder, giving one of his rare smiles.
She smiled to herself and was just about to pick it up when she heard a whooshing noise from overhead.
Chisa looked up just in time to see a figure wearing a white coat and luchador mask fall on top of her.
Then everything went black.