Chapter Text
CLASS TRIAL
RESUME
long john jones:
Now then, for a basic explanation of this class trial.
long john jones:
you cowboys and cowgirls are here to solve whatever i ask you to
long john jones:
together we'll solve whatever wacky mysteries are left to us to my long john satisfaction
long john jones:
succeed this noble quest and this killing game will be vanquished once and for all
long john jones:
fail and we're starting this bad boy up again until only two of you remain
long john jones:
But there's so much to talk about! So I'll help out and give you a starting point.
You won't be able to get all of it right now... but you should be able to get some of it.
What was I hoping for by coming here?
long john jones:
pssst, a piece of advice for you homies
one of you has a lead on this one already.....
Unmei Norowareta:
... We all should have seen it by now. You had some grudge with Monokuma... or Itsuki, I suppose. With both of them gone, their game ends.
... Though I suppose that now leaves you at the head of the table.
long john jones:
ding ding ding. i'm glad you remembered our time together~
long john jones:
Grudge is really a strong word though. I had nothing personal against Monokuma or Itsuki Hisomeru. It's simply that...
Well, have you seen how he was running this killing game?
long john jones:
he's a cheat, a hack, a loser
long john jones:
but now he's dead
long john jones:
That said, the moves I could make were limited.
But believe me, I've been helping you guys out the whooooole time!
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
Really.
long john jones:
i'm sure if you think hard enough, you can figure out the main way i provided support
Inu Aruku:
What the fuck are you even talking about, buddy?
Hideji Birukawa:
Sorry, am I missing something? How did he cheat?
From what I've read about other killing games, it seems like he was running it more or less the same.
long john jones:
that's where you're wrong champ
other killing games tend to end
long john jones:
Either by everyone dying, or by the survivors breaking out.
Itsuki Hisomeru, didn't abide by that.
Hideji Birukawa:
Oh, you're right. He turned it into a weird cult recruitment session and then Monokuma walked out. I get it now.
Yujinko Aida:
Plus, the previous attempts at finishing the game didn't lead to either result. They just led to recycling of the other students for new games...
long john jones:
Bingo!
long john jones:
he really was a complete and total disgrace
which is why i played a secret support role the whole game, to help get us to this very moment
long john jones:
Not that I can take full credit.
I couldn't predict any of... this happening.
But beggars can't be choosers.
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
I find it hard to believe that the masterminds of the other killing games out there wouldn't be enamored with the idea of running more than one of them.
Hana Ohara:
What do you mean by a "support role?"
long john jones:
were you using your ears or was my mixtape too loud
i've been helping you all out the whole game with my long john charm and wit
and long john bars of course
Hana Ohara:
This... whole time?
*She places a hand to her chin, looking down.*
Are you... Sigma?
long john jones:
dang, she solved that one fas--
long john jones:
hey wait a minute long john jones
long john jones:
oh yes what is it long john jones but a pirate
long john jones:
how could i (long john jones) be sigma (not long john jones and maybe the villain from megaman x(????))
when i crushed that computer with an anvil that one time
that seems very counter productive in my long john opinion
long john jones:
oh wait that makes sense
yeah sorry guys i'm not sigma
long john jones:
unless of course
you have some way to explain that
Yujinko Aida:
I... I'm not sure...
*She thinks back.*
The last things we saw from Sigma were about finding out location, and sending help- before you scared me- us with another anvil.
long john jones:
what can i say? your friend on the computer was talking a lot of talk so i talked a lot of anvil
it was a great conversation
Hana Ohara:
Why would you know he was talking a lot of talk?
long john jones:
hm?
Hana Ohara:
Sigma "spoke" three sentences before you killed him. Afterward, you yourself told us you cannot see anything happening in the Computer Lab.
long john jones:
Uh oh! Hana thinks she hit the checkmate!
Aaaahahaha! No.
long john jones:
it's true, me one eye can't see the computer lab through my cameras
but i was doing a little secret peeping when i saw you guys go in there, i know how terrible of me, long john jones
i saw talk on the computer and used my trademark long john weapon as soon as i could react
Hana Ohara:
...
Unmei Norowareta:
... I'm not sure how much I pledge to this line of thought myself, but...
"Sigma" was very paranoid about Monokuma's possible oversight when giving their assistance. I'd guess destroying the computer also destroys possible evidence too.
Hideji Birukawa:
I mean, if Monokuma caught you tampering with the game in any way wouldn't you just be ejected from the facility?
long john jones:
let's see, in this theory i played the part of a funny guy on the computer, apparently, multiple times and on the last logged on to say hi before killing myself to hide the evidence
hmmmmm not a bad idea but the yee just doesn't haw if you catch my drift
if i wanted to destroy the evidence, i could have hit that computer with a funny hammer at anytime. no need to make a show in front of you all
Hana Ohara:
Is this supposed to be more of this "Despair" nonsense? Show us Hope by feeding us information as Sigma, then take the source away from us and tell us that no one can get to us?
long john jones:
if that was the play
wouldn't it be so much more effective to have this sigma break that hope themselves instead of good ole' long john jones?
Hideji Birukawa:
Is it possible that control over Sigma changed at some point?
long john jones:
...!
Hideji Birukawa:
Like, what if Monokuma or some other third party started sending us messages through that vehicle? Wouldn't Long John Jones just smash it at that point?
long john jones:
...
Yujinko Aida:
We always did think that there was a chance of Sigma being either bear's doing, or someone behind them...
It seems possible to me...
long john jones:
Yes, yes. Well done Hideji.
You got it, I am Sigma.
Surprise~
Inu Aruku:
W-What? This whole time...?
long john jones:
that last message you got was not one of mine
it really scared the treasure out of me pockets
or something
long john jones:
so i gave the computer a rooting shooting
with an anvil
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
So that last message was someone from outside?
long john jones:
Oh yes, and still nearby annoyingly enough. But when I said there was no way in, that wasn't something I made up.
Yujinko drums her fingers on the podium.
Yujinko Aida:
You were weirdly insistent on that point...
long john jones:
They've recently tried to find other ways to hack this system and send a message through the monitors, but Itsuki Hisomeru was good at keeping them out.
As am I, don't worry!
Unmei Norowareta:
... So there's three parties at play in total. You, Monokuma, and this other person?
Hana Ohara:
Four, if you consider Monokuma and Itsuki as separate entities.
Although... I suppose one of those is out of the picture.
Hideji looks visibly disappointed.
Hideji Birukawa:
I don't get it... Why do that to us? Why just create this whole narrative that we have a contact on the outside?
long john jones:
It's simple.
Believe it or not, most of what I told you guys as Sigma was the truth. With some blemishes here and there to not blow my cover.
Trust me, Yorumi Oda really thought he could get my number, but I'm not stupid.
Itsuki Hisomeru ran this killing game successfully five times with no sign of stopping. Sure I was here playing my part, but I needed to make sure you all were up to this task.
So I did the one thing I knew I needed to do for you to succeed in this killing game.
I provided hope.
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...that is absurd.
You mean to tell us that you've been trying to help us this entire time... while also helping Itsuki continue to run this killing game of his.
If you truly wished to help, then there wouldn't be only six of us left.
long john jones:
i'm not against the killing game you wacky little lion, but i am against wacky itsuki's way of handling it
and my help really was useful
long john jones:
After all, did you see Yujinko after the class trial for Yobun Ai?
She was shattered and destroyed until a little pep talk came her way.
To persevere in the face of ruin!
*He tilts his head.*
I truly do believe those words, don't fear.
Yujinko wrings the edge of her skirt, quiet.
Yujinko Aida:
...
Hideji scratches the back of his head.
Hideji Birukawa:
In sort of twisted way, he's right. Itsuki did need to be stopped from continuing the cycle he was on. So in that regard, thanks...?
long john jones:
no prob
the whole bumper cars episode was a little much but i figured sigma had played its course and it'd be a great final hope hurrah
long john jones:
of course i played my part to keep up the charade even if it cost me
my crown...........
long john jones:
Running into Unmei was a mistake.
I didn't expect your paths to cross like that...
But everything worked out in the end.
Unmei Norowareta:
... Oh. That was you, huh?
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
No, I cannot agree with this. If he wanted to put an end to Itsuki's ambitions then he had all the means to do so at any time.
Not to mention that, in the end, he was not even the one to end Itsuki at all. That was all that AI's doing.
long john jones:
Hmph.
Believe it or not, I was never in a position to end Itsuki Hisomeru.
Short of blowing you all up.
His control of the park far outweighed anything I could do.
Hideji Birukawa:
I think the point is that we may not have even made it to this observatory without his help. I'm not budging on this one. Not to mention, like I said before, I feel like if Monokuma caught wind that he was helping us he would have been removed.
long john jones:
really the most crazy thing is you believed that whole convoluted story about things i could "hack" and things i couldn't
it was more surprising that anyone else could get into that computer really...
long john jones:
But!
I'm afraid this is where this trial reaches a dead end.
Because this trial isn't going to get anywhere unless you can figure out who I am.
And sadly, Sigma isn't going to cut it.
I've got no cold cases for you to uncover!
And believe it or not, this killing game hasn't been about me!
long john jones:
you're free to grovel at my knees when you admit your defeat
Hana Ohara:
Your identity...?
*She places a hand to her chin.*
Can we assume that your declaration of "no way in" is truthful?
long john jones:
well yes and no
there is definitely no way in
long john jones:
Buuut, that may be something that hasn't always been true.
No need to sweat the details! But I've made the necessary alterations to make that little statement of mine true!
Which I know, bummer! That doesn't narrow me down at all!
long john jones:
i can be anyone in this whole wide long john world
Inu Aruku:
Ugh... This is making my head hurt.
Hana shakes her head.
Hana Ohara:
No, that distinction is important. If you had simply answered that there was no way in, that would have narrowed you down to a student who has been trapped here.
Because of that, I think it is reasonable to assume you are not one of the students who was trapped here.
long john jones:
great deduction in fact i'll help prove you right
because now with monokuma's little last power move
everyone in those funhouse pics that aren't sitting directly in front of me
are indeed dead
yes......
even the ultimate cowboy..............
i know....................
sucks
Unmei Norowareta:
... That leaves a broad pool of options still.
Hideji Birukawa:
So like, did you leave one of your copies behind?
*He tilts his head and looks around at all of the Johnathans.*
long john jones:
in what way matey?
we left at least 5 of us around
all with increasingly funny hats
Hideji presents, "White Bear Plush"!
White Bear Plush
- An absolutely adorable white bear plush found in the tunnels underneath the Projection Booth.
- Despite being the cutest thing you've ever seen, it does remind you a little of a certain other bear...
- It also appears to match the equally adorable bear in the photo you found in the Projection Booth back during Unmei's rule of the park.
Hideji Birukawa:
It's just, this thing kinda, well... Looks an awful lot like you.
Hana smiles a bit when Hideji shows the bear, but pushes it down. There's more important things right now.
long john jones:
...heh.
that guy is a little different but i guess is see the long john resemblance
...that doesn't really help at all though?
long john jones:
i also look very similar to dj kumadog but like
that doesn't matter bro
bears are bears
Yujinko smooths out her skirt composing herself.
Yujinko Aida:
On its own, It might not seem all that important...
But we did see this little bear plush somewhere specific...
Yujinko presents, "Kyoshin Manor Killing Game Photographs"!
Kyoshin Manor Killing Game Photographs
- A number of photographs attached to the notes detailing the Kyoshin Manor Killing Game. They all seem to have been taken after the fact and mostly consist of showing pictures of the Manor.
- The first shows the trial grounds which looks similar to the one you are all experienced with. Various signposts of crossed out faces are still spread out across the room.
- The second shows the Foyer of the mansion with an open front door. A minigun is currently hanging out of the ceiling and is looking to be dismantled while the photo was being taken.
- A third shows a hallway heading off somewhere. The hallway is completely blocked by rubble.
- A fourth shows what looks to be an Art Gallery, there are various tacky paintings and sculptures all around (Including... the Mono Lisa! It's hard to contain such beauty to a mere photograph...)
- A fifth shows what looks like a child's room. There are various signed posters of celebrities around the Child's room, along with a cute white bear plush sitting against the wall.
- A sixth photo shows what appears to be a security photo of the six survivors and who can only be assumed as (an unconscious) Yuda Kyoshin standing in the Foyer. This is most likely at the end of the Killing Game.
Yujinko Aida:
In the fifth photo... right there, plain as day. A link between here and there...
long john jones:
He sure is a cute looking bear!
But Monokuma was also on the movie theater screen, here, and at the Hope's Peak Killing Game for that matter.
Us bears tend to show up from time to time!
Yujinko drums her fingers.
Yujinko Aida:
I remember there were also... 'skits,' if you can call them that... on the movie theater screens- featuring both Monokuma and Long John Jones...
long john jones:
(actually mostly just me but go off)
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
If I recall, you mentioned to us as Sigma that a "Long John Jones" is not typically part of most killing games. Given that the only other appearance that we know of is in the Kyoshin Manor game, that began before this one...
...is it reasonable to assume that the inspiration for the mask you now wear came from that game?
long john jones:
hmmmm
a little weird i could get inspiration for my lovely visage
when i was live streaming that whole thing for you guys
Hideji Birukawa:
Was it actually live, though?
*He folds his arms over his chest.*
long john jones:
w-w-w-w-w-w-what do you mean????
Hideji Birukawa:
It seems a little odd how much documentation exists for something that was being live streamed more or less only about a week ago.
long john jones:
o-oof course it was live i long john jones would not make that up and there was no proof of anything otherwise for sure
Hideji presents, "Kyoshin Manor Killing Game Notes"!
Kyoshin Manor Killing Game Notes
- A series of papers telling back what is called the "Kyoshin Manor Killing Game". The front page says it is the property of the Future Foundation. It reads as follows.
KYOSHIN MANOR KILLING GAME
Note: This investigation was headed by Byakuya Togami. This paper is meant to document the discoveries of his investigation on the matter and to put a close to the case. Per Togami's specific instructions, the only individuals allowed at the scene of Kyoshin Manor are those Future Foundation members who have received direct clearance from him, and individuals tied to the Killing Game itself.
ADDENDUM: Togami had reported that despite their best attempts to keep anyone else out, an unknown looter had stolen a few objects from the mansion, namely from Yuda Kyoshin's room on the third floor. The objects all seemed to be of low priority and it was the only room the looter had targeted.
BACKGROUND
Isuka Kyoshin was the head of Kyoshin Corp, and was a member of the Hope's Peak Board of Directors. He and his family were unreachable after the events of the Tragedy, and the Future Foundation had assumed they were simply killed upon the Tragedy beginning, but this case has shined new light on that development.
Shortly before the Tragedy, Isuka was hosting a birthday party for his child, Yuda Kyoshin. As a treat for the child's birthday, he invited a number of Ultimate Students to the party at their manor on a small island right off of the mainland. However, as luck would have it, the Tragedy began to unfold during the events of the party, and the Manor, and all its occupants, both family, party guests, and everyone in between, went into lockdown in the Manor.
Things proceeded normally from there until the worldwide broadcast of the Hope's Peak Killing Game. The actions of Ultimate Despair and Junko Enoshima inspired Yuda Kyoshin to recreate a killing game of his own, both to match up with his new "idol" but to "film the events and upload it onto Youtube." (Writer's Note: Upon learning of this motive, I swear I saw Togami bash his head into the wall repeatedly in frustration.) Acquiring some technology from an unknown source, and working with his uncle, John Smith, Yuda conspired to kill the extra party guests, his parents, and wipe the memories of his "Ultimates" and put them in a killing game of his own.
PARTICIPANTS (And Notes)
- Ami Hatanaka: Ultimate Socialite
- Ayatsu Ikara: Ultimate Ventriloquist (and "Naughty Nick")
- Billie Cane: "Lil" Ultimate Track Runner1
- Duncan Faulkner: Ultimate Surgeon1
- Elise Harbough: Ultimate Sharpshooter
- Emiko Page: Ultimate Guitarist
- Enrique Rodriguez: Ultimate DJ
- Kamiko Haruki: Ultimate Second Banana2
- Kaoru Kita: Ultimate Cult Leader
- Kyota Maishiro: Ultimate Strategist
- Lucian Vincente: Ultimate Luchador
- Rufus Zerner: Ultimate Marine Biologist
- Sasaki Fukui: Ultimate Tessenjutsu Master
- Shou Shigeo: Ultimate Burglar
- Tenka Hyouka: Ultimate Mathematician
- Touketsu Ao: Utlimate Snowboarder1
1: Billie Cane, Duncan Faulkner, and Touketsu Ao were never Ultimates selected by Hope's Peak or even considered. The three of them were all hypnotized to believe they were Ultimates by Kyoshin to seemingly fill out his Killing Game's ranks. Touketsu Ao was a butler at the Manor, Billie Cane was one of the party guests, and Duncan Faulkner was an actual surgeon, albeit not an Ultimate one. He was invited to Kyoshin's party by Kyoshin's uncle John Smith due to them knowing each other from their time in the United States. The confusion was simply so the three would believe they were from Hope's Peak to complete Kyoshin's "game".
2. While Kamiko Haruki is indeed the Ultimate Second Banana, she was the only Ultimate not intended to be invited to Kyoshin's party. The original recipient, Ichigou Ruiji was Hope's Peak's original candidate for the Ultimate Second Banana, but was rendered comatose in an accident before officially receiving the title, thus allowing Haruki to take his place. Kyoshin was seemingly unaware of the switchup and according to reports from the game, much grief was given to Kamiko Haruki as a result.
3. John Smith was also a "participant" in the killing game, but a short lived one as Kyoshin neglected to wipe his memories and killed his uncle at the first chance he could, seemingly to understand the despair that came with it.
THE KILLING GAME ITSELF
Despite being run by a child, the killing game itself followed a very similar formula laid out by the Hope's Peak Killing Game, and was ran rather successfully to a point. Over the span of a few weeks, five separate murders took place with Kyoshin placing several motives to try to get the Houseguests to kill one another. And much like Junko Enoshima's killing game, Kyoshin had executions at the ready for each blackened found. (Note: Despite this, two of the cases forgoed execution as one of the blackeneds had killed himself before the trial began, and the other rendered the execution inert before it could even be deployed.
Much to his motive, Kyoshin recorded the entire killing game and uploaded them onto various discs to be edited and uploaded online at a later date. Each disc was broken down into "Chapter" which Kyoshin lined up with a murder. Ami Hatanaka removed those discs from the Manor upon escape from the Killing Game.
It is worth noting the strange anomaly that is "Long John Jones". A Monokuma like bear which hosted strange segments found on the discs called "Long John Jones Theater" where the bear would prattle on about something unimportant for several moments before the regular footage resumed. Despite this, Long John Jones hardly appeared in the killing game itself outside of two appearances, the second of which the bear was destroyed by Emiko Page, and it seemed as if Kyoshin didn't carry any backups.
According to the survivors, Long John Jones was a toy bear John Smith used to entertain Kyoshin growing up, and one that Kyoshin gave a Monokuma-Twist upon starting the killing game. To their understanding, the only purpose for the bear was to entertain Kyoshin himself.
The fifth and final murder is where the killing game started to fall apart. Kaoru Kita set up an elaborate plan to fake two separate deaths and plant a number of bombs around the Manor in order to put an end to the Killing Game. While the plan took a misstep causing him to take the life of Elise Harbough and lose his own life to Monokuma after detonating the explosives, the damage was enough for the remaining survivors: Duncan Faulkner, Kamiko Haruki, Tenka Hyouka, Ami Hatanaka, Enrique Rodriguez, and Lucian Vincente, to discover the truths behind the Manor, their imprisonment, and Kyoshin himself before subduing the child and escaping the Manor.
AFTERMATH
Notably, the survivors spared Yuda Kyoshin's life and escaped from the island and returned to the still recovering mainland. It wasn't much longer before they were found by the Future Foundation in which we began to investigate the killing game and the Manor itself.
However, not long after the investigation began, Future Foundation authorities attempted to take Kyoshin prisoner for his actions and role as a Remnant of Despair of sorts. This attempt did not sit well with the survivors and Kyoshin vanished with Lucian Vincente shortly after, with the other survivors cutting ties with the Future Foundation a little after that. While their current whereabouts are unknown, it is assumed all of them still live. Despite the fugitive nature of Kyoshin in particular, they are currently considered very low priority as the Future Foundation still has its sights on the main Remnants of Despair.
For the time being, this is where the case ends. Kyoshin Manor is currently locked down and under Future Foundation surveillance to make sure no unauthorized personnel enter the Manor and try to make use of any of the equipment or evidence still inside.
Hideji Birukawa:
I'd like to direct your attention to this spot here: The third paragraph of the Background.
It said that Yuda Kyoshin intended his killing game to be a video-on-demand type of thing on YouTube. I don't see anything about him broadcasting it live like the original killing game.
long john jones:
...
Yeah, it wasn't my best bit.
I was just trying to see if you were all paying attention~
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
In which case, that narrows it down to two possibilities.
Either you are one of the Future Foundation members who found out about that game after it concluded. Or...
You are one of the survivors from that game.
long john jones:
heh
long john jones legion:
hehehehehehe....
long john jones:
I have to make a confession...
You're wrong!
Long John Jones presents, "Kyoshin Manor Killing Game Notes"!
Kyoshin Manor Killing Game Notes
- A series of papers telling back what is called the "Kyoshin Manor Killing Game". The front page says it is the property of the Future Foundation.
- Long John Jones is presenting the Introduction, which reads as follows.
KYOSHIN MANOR KILLING GAME
Note: This investigation was headed by Byakuya Togami. This paper is meant to document the discoveries of his investigation on the matter and to put a close to the case. Per Togami's specific instructions, the only individuals allowed at the scene of Kyoshin Manor are those Future Foundation members who have received direct clearance from him, and individuals tied to the Killing Game itself.
ADDENDUM: Togami had reported that despite their best attempts to keep anyone else out, an unknown looter had stolen a few objects from the mansion, namely from Yuda Kyoshin's room on the third floor. The objects all seemed to be of low priority and it was the only room the looter had targeted.
long john jones:
I'd like to direct you to the little addendum...
The unknown looter?
That's me.
long john jones:
i broke into the kyoshin manor when no one was looking...
and plundered that room to the bones
some boxes of autographs, a family photo
long john jones:
And Long John Jones of course.
What can I say?
He was just so cute~
Hana Ohara:
...Why?
long john jones:
...
long john jones:
maybe now's not the time for the full explanation, it won't help you much here yo
long john jones:
but...
let's just say i was lucky enough to see the killing game beforehand and wanted some mementos
long john jones:
but where does this get you?
being the unknown looter... being sigma... being long john jones
long john jones:
None of these get you any closer to the truth!
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
An anonymous looter largely unrelated to either of these games does not exactly help narrow things down...
Hana places a hand to her chin.
Hana Ohara:
Indeed. You are not a student here... You are not with the Future Foundation... You are not a survivor of the Kyoshin Manor Killing Game, but you were familiar with it.
*She places a hand on her podium.*
Unless you happen to be that game's mastermind, then we have no obvious leads.
long john jones:
oh that's a good guess
long john jones:
Yeah, you got me.
I'm Yuda Kyoshin.
Hideji Birukawa:
????????????????????????????
Inu Aruku:
Huh!?
Hana Ohara:
...What.
Hideji Birukawa:
Isn't he a dumb little kid? Maybe all of the pretending and playing dress-up isn't so far off...
long john jones:
Ahahaha! What can I say? I was just getting the salty runback!
I had so much fun running the killing game the first time!
And to run one without that Galoomba running around. It's a dream come true!
Yujinko drums her fingers.
Yujinko Aida:
His room is where the White Bear Plush came from... and he was responsible for this all before.
Yujinko presents, "DVD Cases" and "Kyoshin Manor Killing Game Notes"!
DVD Cases
- A number of DVD cases with no cover or anything special about them. Each case is labeled "CHAPTER" with them numbering one through five.
Kyoshin Manor Killing Game Notes
- A series of papers telling back what is called the "Kyoshin Manor Killing Game". The front page says it is the property of the Future Foundation.
- Yujinko is presenting the "Killing Game Itself" section, which reads as follows.
THE KILLING GAME ITSELF
Despite being run by a child, the killing game itself followed a very similar formula laid out by the Hope's Peak Killing Game, and was ran rather successfully to a point. Over the span of a few weeks, five separate murders took place with Kyoshin placing several motives to try to get the Houseguests to kill one another. And much like Junko Enoshima's killing game, Kyoshin had executions at the ready for each blackened found. (Note: Despite this, two of the cases forgoed execution as one of the blackeneds had killed himself before the trial began, and the other rendered the execution inert before it could even be deployed.
Much to his motive, Kyoshin recorded the entire killing game and uploaded them onto various discs to be edited and uploaded online at a later date. Each disc was broken down into "Chapter" which Kyoshin lined up with a murder. Ami Hatanaka removed those discs from the Manor upon escape from the Killing Game.
It is worth noting the strange anomaly that is "Long John Jones". A Monokuma like bear which hosted strange segments found on the discs called "Long John Jones Theater" where the bear would prattle on about something unimportant for several moments before the regular footage resumed. Despite this, Long John Jones hardly appeared in the killing game itself outside of two appearances, the second of which the bear was destroyed by Emiko Page, and it seemed as if Kyoshin didn't carry any backups.
According to the survivors, Long John Jones was a toy bear John Smith used to entertain Kyoshin growing up, and one that Kyoshin gave a Monokuma-Twist upon starting the killing game. To their understanding, the only purpose for the bear was to entertain Kyoshin himself.
The fifth and final murder is where the killing game started to fall apart. Kaoru Kita set up an elaborate plan to fake two separate deaths and plant a number of bombs around the Manor in order to put an end to the Killing Game. While the plan took a misstep causing him to take the life of Elise Harbough and lose his own life to Monokuma after detonating the explosives, the damage was enough for the remaining survivors: Duncan Faulkner, Kamiko Haruki, Tenka Hyouka, Ami Hatanaka, Enrique Rodriguez, and Lucian Vincente, to discover the truths behind the Manor, their imprisonment, and Kyoshin himself before subduing the child and escaping the Manor.
Yujinko Aida:
Yuda was the one to record this all. These unlabeled discs... are likely where the recordings that we watched in the theater are from.
long john jones:
Yeppers!
Hideji Birukawa:
Ew.
long john jones:
i didn't even have to steal the dvd cases back
ami was so kind to take them from my house herself~
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...forgive me if I remain unconvinced.
long john jones:
...What do you mean?
I was on the run with my good pal Lucian, then beat the snot out of him and escaped to here!
Unmei has had his eyebrows furrowed, and a hand glued to his chin for some time now.
Unmei Norowareta:
... How did you manage that?
long john jones:
Have you heard of the ole' Made you Look technique?
Hideji Birukawa:
That guys talent begs to differ... Even with something like that I really doubt you could pull that off...
Unmei Norowareta:
... "You" killed nearly a dozen of his friends, and I'm expected to believe he'd let his guard down around you?
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
Did you not mention earler that your cover as Sigma was intended to help us succeed in this killing game? To give us hope, as you yourself put it.
That sounds very different from what we know of Yuda Kyoshin.
long john jones:
well
long john jones:
you see
long john jones:
i
long john jones:
it's funny you say
long john jones:
... Yeah, you guys are playing it real smart.
Good for you!
No, I'm not that kid.
As funny as it'd be!
Unmei Norowareta:
... You seemed a bit tall for the part.
long john jones:
Guilty as charged.
Anyhow! Hana's whole accusation was flawed from the start!
Let me let you in on a little secret.
What I said as Sigma was true, I did work for the Future Foundation for a brief time.
long john jones:
and before you get any bright ideas
no i was not one of beyblade's goons with his clearance or whatever
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...who on earth is "Beyblade"?
Yujinko Aida:
Not the safest of kids toys...
Inu Aruku:
I think he's talking about that Byakuya guy...?
long john jones:
But I was able to stumble on the DVDs that Ami Hatanaka smuggled out of the mansion and learned of the killing game that way!
long john jones:
but it's what i've thrown down before
you're trying to narrow me down because i had "access to the mansion" but as the looter, that's just not true my guys
long john jones:
i took me the autographs and pictures from the projection booth and the white bear, which are all from yuda's room just as said
long john jones:
and the dvd cases were from another source
long john jones:
and that's all i brought to this park
so checkmate, peasants
Hana Ohara:
Hm.
So you were not someone with access to the mansion, but rather someone with access to the park.
long john jones:
I have my ways of discovering things.
Yujinko Aida:
Well... you also did seem to bring a lot of bombs, from what we've seen...
long john jones:
true~ but i have my ways
long john jones:
the lion's dead friend detonated all the bombs in that mansion so there wasn't anything for me to take even if i wanted
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...
Inu Aruku:
O-oh.. Oh my fucking god...
The only thing we haven't accounted for...
Inu presents... "The Mono Lisa"!
True beauty can never be forgotten.
long john jones:
What?!
Inu Aruku:
You've got to be shitting me...
long john jones:
what are you talking about
long john jones:
that funny little picture in the arts and crafts room?
long john jones:
what does that thing have to do with the mansion?
long john jones:
we all have beautiful things on the wall
i wish it was a long john lisa.....
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...no, she is correct. This painting also appeared in Kyoshin Manor.
Tetsumi presents, "Kyoshin Manor Killing Game Photographs"!
Kyoshin Manor Killing Game Photographs
- A number of photographs attached to the notes detailing the Kyoshin Manor Killing Game. They all seem to have been taken after the fact and mostly consist of showing pictures of the Manor.
- The first shows the trial grounds which looks similar to the one you are all experienced with. Various signposts of crossed out faces are still spread out across the room.
- The second shows the Foyer of the mansion with an open front door. A minigun is currently hanging out of the ceiling and is looking to be dismantled while the photo was being taken.
- A third shows a hallway heading off somewhere. The hallway is completely blocked by rubble.
- A fourth shows what looks to be an Art Gallery, there are various tacky paintings and sculptures all around (Including... the Mono Lisa! It's hard to contain such beauty to a mere photograph...)
- A fifth shows what looks like a child's room. There are various signed posters of celebrities around the Child's room, along with a cute white bear plush sitting against the wall.
- A sixth photo shows what appears to be a security photo of the six survivors and who can only be assumed as (an unconscious) Yuda Kyoshin standing in the Foyer. This is most likely at the end of the Killing Game.
long john jones:
i
long john jones:
the mono lisa?????
long john jones:
that's what we're doing????
long john jones:
that has got to be the-
long john jones:
No, that's wrong!
Long John Jones is leaning forward against his podium. Despite his ever unmoving expression, he looks positively tilted.
long john jones:
Ahahahaha! You think you can corner me into being related to the Manor?!
Yujinko! Unmei!
Unmei catches his composure.
Unmei Norowareta:
Wh-what, stranger...?
Yujinko Aida:
What?
long john jones:
Tell me! Do you remember the conversation the two of you had in the Water Park the night before Asagi Oda and Yorumi Oda's murder?
Because I do~
Would you like the recap?
Long John Jones is very quickly tilting his head left and right as he speaks.
Unmei Norowareta:
... Where the hell are you going with this, stranger...!?
Yujinko think, think, thinks...
Yujinko Aida:
I... of course I remember. That's when we talked about the state of things in the park under Unmei's control... and Unmei's home- right?
long john jones:
It was a lovely conversation! But I'd like to hone in on one tiny, little thing.
Unmei discussed his intentions of putting that needle in his muffin that one fateful breakfast...
He was hoping to see if one of his fellow classmates could help him with his mortal wounds!
And figured that if someone in the park had the surgeon practice of "Duncan Faulkner" they could save poor Unmei!
Long John Jones pounds his paw onto the podium.
long john jones:
Well I saved Unmei from the brink of death!
So! If you think I'm somehow related to the Kyoshin Manor Killing Game--
*He suddenly straightens up.*
I'm either Duncan Faulkner.
*He changes his posture on a dime and starts twiddling his paws together.*
O-Or... little Kamiko H-Haruki... with her uhh- her talent...
And if I'm not EITHER of them, then there's no one else I could be!
And your WHOLE argument is wrong!
Hideji Birukawa:
Oh good, he's losing it.
Unmei Norowareta:
... ...
Hideji snaps his fingers.
Hideji Birukawa:
Oh, wow. You must have been real upset about this one, huh?
long john jones:
...What are you talking about?
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...I think I know where he is going with this.
Hideji Birukawa:
Kinda reminds me of when I'd go on air and take credit for someone else's little achievement... The way they'd react...
You were supposed to be in that manor, weren't you? But someone else got to take your spot...
Hideji presents, "Kyoshin Manor Killing Game Notes"!
Kyoshin Manor Killing Game Notes
- A series of papers telling back what is called the "Kyoshin Manor Killing Game". The front page says it is the property of the Future Foundation.
- Hideji is presenting the "Participants (And Notes)" section. Namely, the second footnote, which reads as follows.
PARTICIPANTS (And Notes)
- Ami Hatanaka: Ultimate Socialite
- Ayatsu Ikara: Ultimate Ventriloquist (and "Naughty Nick")
- Billie Cane: "Lil" Ultimate Track Runner1
- Duncan Faulkner: Ultimate Surgeon1
- Elise Harbough: Ultimate Sharpshooter
- Emiko Page: Ultimate Guitarist
- Enrique Rodriguez: Ultimate DJ
- Kamiko Haruki: Ultimate Second Banana2
- Kaoru Kita: Ultimate Cult Leader
- Kyota Maishiro: Ultimate Strategist
- Lucian Vincente: Ultimate Luchador
- Rufus Zerner: Ultimate Marine Biologist
- Sasaki Fukui: Ultimate Tessenjutsu Master
- Shou Shigeo: Ultimate Burglar
- Tenka Hyouka: Ultimate Mathematician
- Touketsu Ao: Utlimate Snowboarder1
1: Billie Cane, Duncan Faulkner, and Touketsu Ao were never Ultimates selected by Hope's Peak or even considered. The three of them were all hypnotized to believe they were Ultimates by Kyoshin to seemingly fill out his Killing Game's ranks. Touketsu Ao was a butler at the Manor, Billie Cane was one of the party guests, and Duncan Faulkner was an actual surgeon, albeit not an Ultimate one. He was invited to Kyoshin's party by Kyoshin's uncle John Smith due to them knowing each other from their time in the United States. The confusion was simply so the three would believe they were from Hope's Peak to complete Kyoshin's "game".
2. While Kamiko Haruki is indeed the Ultimate Second Banana, she was the only Ultimate not intended to be invited to Kyoshin's party. The original recipient, Ichigou Ruiji was Hope's Peak's original candidate for the Ultimate Second Banana, but was rendered comatose in an accident before officially receiving the title, thus allowing Haruki to take his place. Kyoshin was seemingly unaware of the switchup and according to reports from the game, much grief was given to Kamiko Haruki as a result.
3. John Smith was also a "participant" in the killing game, but a short lived one as Kyoshin neglected to wipe his memories and killed his uncle at the first chance he could, seemingly to understand the despair that came with it.
Hideji Birukawa:
Isn't that right... Ichigou Ruiji, The Ultimate Second Banana?
long john jones:
I...!
You...!!
Inu chuckles.
Inu Aruku:
Don't forget A, E and O, bud.
Unmei Norowareta:
Regardless of "talent", regardless of title, that would've been enough...! Enough to save...!!
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
Yet more testament to the power of talent.
Yujinko Aida:
The first Second Banana... with a strange, strange talent...
Long John Jones is clutching the podium incredibly hard... before he suddenly goes limp.
long john jones:
... well
long john jones legion:
seeya
All the other Long John Joneses drop to the ground.
Hideji claps.
Hideji Birukawa:
Nice! I killed him!
Yujinko Aida:
W-wow... is that really all it took?
Inu Aruku:
Where's the ding dong bing bong, bud? It's like Hideji said.
*She smirks.*
A body has been discovered!
A new voice calls out from outside the room.
???:
Wait just a second.
All five Long John Joneses suddenly explode as the door to the Observatory opens and someone new walks inside.
The figure quietly walks his way around the trial room before taking his place at the far podium.
???:
It's a pleasure to finally meet you face to face.
Ichigou Ruiji. Ultimate Second Banana.
Unmei Norowareta:
Str-
...
Ichigou. I've been waiting a long time for this.
Ichigou Ruiji:
As have I! I was worried this moment would never come...
*He places a hand over his chest and bows a little.*
You'll need to forgive my little outburst. I suppose Itsuki Hisomeru's "talent" rubbed off on me.
Hideji puts his hands on either side of his head.
Hideji Birukawa:
Oh, god I just don't care anymore. Get me out... It's just one thing after another!
Ichigou Ruiji:
Oh, you're almost there Hideji!
I'm not asking much more of you.
Most of our mysteries are solved by now...
And I couldn't be more pleased!
Ahaha... I never thought things would turn out this perfectly!
Yujinko Aida:
Perfectly?
*She looks confused.*
This... is the outcome you were looking for?
Ichigou Ruiji:
Oh, yes it was!
I wasn't sure exactly how it was going to pan out, but everything has gone more or less how I desired.
And it's all thanks to each, and every one of you!
Hana Ohara:
I do not understand. Why are you...
*She makes an inarticulate gesture with her hands at Ichigou.*
...Malicious?
Ichigou twirls his hair a little.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Was I really that bad?
Sure, I played up the part to get you to solve this case.
But see, it all worked out!
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
Ten people have died.
Hideji Birukawa:
I mean, you're acting like we just got to the end of Willy Wonka's factory tour except the kids are all dead instead of inconvenienced...
Ichigou Ruiji:
Well, it is as I said before.
I truly couldn't stop Itsuki Hisomeru myself.
His control of the park was too great, and... well,
*He motions to himself.*
Being the Ultimate "Second Banana" has its pros and cons.
Odds are, in a one on one fight, I'd be fucked!
Just statistically speaking.
But, while I might not be able to win...
Ichigou tilts his head.
Ichigou Ruiji:
I can easily achieve anything I set my mind to. I might not be the best in the world.
But who's complaining about being one of the best?
I know you guys aren't! Not really Ultimates and all!
So I used all of you to end Itsuki Hisomeru's killing game by your own hands.
It also came with the bonus of proving my own theories in the process...
A win-win!
Yujinko drums her finger on the podium.
Yujinko Aida:
You almost make it sound like your goals here were... altruistic.
Ichigou Ruiji:
One could argue nothing is truly altruistic...
"One" in this case, being Atsurou Koide if he was, you know, still among you.
But it's as I've always said.
I've been working with you guys this whole game.
*He runs a hand through his hair.*
You don't have to thank me now. It's fine.
Hideji Birukawa:
I already did when you were in bear form, you're not getting a second one... Sorry. What exactly are you planning to do now that you've been figured out?
Ichigou Ruiji:
Oh, come on Hideji. We'll get there.
I've been living in that tunnel for months now, at least let me stretch my legs a little!
Yujinko Aida:
We... could all stretch our legs together if you let us leave...?
Inu Aruku:
That'd be fucking fantastic.
Ichigou Ruiji:
When all the mysteries all solved, of course!
I did say I'd end this killing game.
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
But you're still going to keep us here for a few hours longer just for the sake of it. Is that correct?
Ichigou Ruiji:
I'm sure you can spare a little more time.
Hana Ohara:
Enough theatrics.
*She rests a hand on the hilt of her blade.*
What is stopping me from cutting you down where you stand, now that you are revealed?
Ichigou Ruiji:
Ahahaha!
Did you know that's exactly how they got Yuda Kyoshin?
The kid forgot to do anything to protect himself while out in the open!
No. The door is locked and Monokuma's many, many ways of killing you are installed in this room and will activate at my command.
Please don't make me use them.
Hideji scratches the back of his head.
Hideji Birukawa:
I'd actually rather not hurt him, for what it's worth... We'd probably be peddling our way through another killing game right about now without his help...
Hana Ohara:
Without Lyle's help.
*She snaps at Hideji.*
Hideji Birukawa:
Ehh. Fifty-fifty.
Unmei crosses his arms, looking to Hana and Tetsumi.
Unmei Norowareta:
We can end this peacefully. Besides - I think we're going to want to hear the rest of this... not to grandstand, but for our own good.
Yujinko nods.
Yujinko Aida:
Unmei's right. Let's take this slowly and safely.
Tetsumi shakes her head, looking up at Ichigou.
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...what is the point of all of this?
Ichigou straightens up and holds a neutral expression on his face.
Ichigou Ruiji:
To answer that my lion friend... Allow me to tell you a story.
There once was a man, who lived a rather normal life. He wouldn't win much at all, but he had friends, a family, and so life and the world moved on.
One day however, the man gets into a terrible accident outside of his control and falls into a comatose state. How tragic.
... When the man comes to, the world has been destroyed.
Inu Aruku:
...
Ichigou Ruiji:
Everything the man knew had been reduced to ash and nothing is as it was. And yet the man trudges on, after all, how could he not? He wants to believe the world will keep moving as it always had.
He wants to hope.
*He lets out a small sigh before he starts casually twirling a strand of hair.*
He eventually finds a like minded group who wants to gut the Despair that has seeped into every aspect of the world. The Future Foundation.
How could the man not assist? He's naturally talented at anything he does and proves to be an instant help! But there's a problem.
Despite all their posturing about "Hope", the Future Foundation is no better than the scum of the earth who turned it into the Despair wasteland it had become.
To them, "Hope" was merely a buzzword for whatever they deemed right. But they knew not what it actually meant. And so they worked only in their own self interest instead of that of the world. Entitled, selfish creatures.
But the man attempted to do what was right in the midst of a corrupt organization, but nothing he would try truly mattered. The world would go on devouring its stagnated hope while continuing to steep itself in despair.
Until one day, a set of DVDs made it to the man's desk.
You wouldn't happen to know what I'm talking about?
Hideji Birukawa:
...The Kyoshin Manor Killing game series recorded by Yuda.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Bingo.
The man hadn't actually seen the process of the killing game before. They had missed Junko Enoshima's broadcasted game after all.
There was something... different. The trials they faced were terrible, the loss indescribable, the sacrifices heartbreaking.
But in the end,
*He genuinely smiles.*
Real hope was born through it.
The survivors of that game had faced impossible despair, and persevered in the face of total ruin.
Yujinko Aida:
...
Ichigou Ruiji:
And every single one of them came out better for it.
Much was similar in the Hope's Peak Academy Killing Game as well.
And those who came out of those killing games were not afraid to not only fight back against Despair, but against the stagnated hope that had devoured the world. They would deny the Future Foundation and anyone who would stand in their way of a truly brighter future.
...
While ruminating on this, the man then experienced a new hope themselves.
Ichigou reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a small device. It looks like a small black, mostly featureless remote with a single button and an unlit light at the top.
Ichigou Ruiji:
It was an, admittedly, nostalgic trinket. The man's sister had made it for him when they were younger. She was very good with technology you see, and created a beacon of sorts so one could find the other.
It hadn't activated upon the man's reawakening but suddenly shot to life out of nowhere.
The man followed the beacon and found himself...
*He motions around him.*
Here.
Hana Ohara:
...
Ichigou looks down.
Ichigou Ruiji:
His sister was forced into a killing game against her will and there was nothing the man could do to stop it. But upon learning more... the man found opportunity. The killing game was set to loop.
The man returned with the supplies needed to start making a move, but unfortunately, by the time he did, the man's sister was killed.
*He looks up at the others.*
Can you guess who the killer was?
Hana Ohara:
......
Unmei Norowareta:
... Ah.
Yujinko Aida:
I... oh...
Unmei presents, "Framed Photo"!
Framed Photo
- A framed photo found in the tunnels underneath the Projection Booth. It depicts a woman with red hair and a sort of eyepiece over one of her eyes.
- Upon closer inspection, you recognize this woman from the fourth Funhouse photo, and briefly from Lyle's execution.
Unmei Norowareta:
... It would be Lyle.
Ichigou Ruiji:
And the Prosecutor played again. Forgetting any of it had ever happened.
Of course, the man was ready and had no choice to move past it. The world keeps spinning after all. It has to keep moving.
The entirety of the next game, the man bid his time, setting up everything he would need to make his move. The game would loop again after all.
And so it did. And so the man struck.
With two goals in mind.
The first, to defeat the mastermind running these sick, repeating games.
And the second... to confirm their theory of the killing games bringing out true hope.
And you six... you beautiful, beautiful six.
Have passed all expectation.
Yujinko grips the edge of her skirt.
Yujinko Aida:
"True hope," huh...
Hideji Birukawa:
...Man. I dunno how you went this whole game without losing your shit at the other guy.
Ichigou smiles.
Ichigou Ruiji:
What can I say, I knew you'd do it in the end.
Hana grips her podium hard... too hard, in fact. The edges of the podium begin to crack. She stares a hole through Ichigou, disdain clear on her face.
Hana Ohara:
How dare you sacrifice us for your sick "theory."
Ichigou Ruiji:
Sacrifice?
Ahahaha! You say that as if this very game hasn't improved each and every one of your lives!
He turns his attention towards Inu.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Inu! You broke out of the shell of your own making, learning to appreciate others and their bonds, learning to let others into her life and even when you were pushed into a corner and manipulated, you were able to stop yourself from attempting to take another life and do the right thing!
Tetsumi! You learned what it means to feel emotion to be human and coming to terms with your own past and feelings of insecurities. Being able to throw aside your constant need for perfection and learn you are able to make mistakes and still live on. You even went as far to sacrifice your very being in order to ensure your newfound friend's victory, even if it put you in the same hopeless state you felt in the past.
Unmei! You overcame both your desire for power and control, even if it's for a greater good. Overcoming your inability to look past any monster that comes your way and learn when is the right time to forgive another soul, including yourself, even overcoming your own need for self punishment for the monster you believed you had become. Only truly becoming a good leader and friend when you it all behind you and worked on your own personal improvement.
Hana! You tried to figure out the very complicated morals of justice and truth, looking past your own flawed notions of the concepts and finding the meaning for yourself. Trying to decipher how to do the right thing while protecting those important to you. Learning how to break the cycle of simply following the orders of those you cared about rather than doing what is truly right.
Yujinko! While you were certainly more noble hearted from the start, you were able to deal with the grief that comes from losing close friends and loved ones. Learning how to take that grief and sadness and turn it into something stronger, learning how to take initiative in situations where you would otherwise passively stand by. Learning how to take a stand!
And Hideji...
Where do I even start?
Beginning as a false persona based on nothing but lies, deceipt, and even murder, you pushed everyone away from you until a few unlikely individuals not only managed to make friends with the ultimately broken man, but was able to keep that friendship alive even when your true persona was revealed. Learning and understanding the meaning of others sacrificing themselves for you, being able to accept that people can love you for who you are, even if that someone is a nobody. And even learning how to control the very anger and rage that fueled your false persona to begin in, becoming a true friend to all in the process.
None of this would have happened without this killing game!
You'd all be the same broken and flawed assholes that you started this game as!
But this game has changed you... it's shown you true hope!
Hideji breaks the rather long silence creeping over the Observatory after Ichigou's long speech. He looks more conflicted than happy.
Hideji Birukawa:
I just... Don't know how to feel. It's true... We've all been made better people as a result of what happened here, and sure... I don't want my future to be decided by some organization even if the world is in shambles...
But even still...
*He clenches his fist, trembling a little.*
No one is better off dead. I can't accept how we got here. Not now, not ever.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Perhaps if the world was as it was before, you'd be right. But what this broken planet needs is progress to a brighter future, and you are that progress!
Sure, we had to break a few eggs along the way. But would we really be better off in this room if the likes of Atsurou Koide and Marco Nicchi were still with us?
Hana presses a hand into the podium.
Hana Ohara:
That is not for you to decide.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Would you look at that! I didn't!
You all made those decisions yourself.
All I had to do was put a tiny hunk of metal on the table.
Unmei Norowareta:
...
Hana narrows her eyes.
Hana Ohara:
Do not twist my words, demon. These choices were made by the circumstances you so clearly support.
*She adjusts her bowtie, then points a finger at Ichigou.*
Would it not be better for your "true hope" if the most troublesome of us were to change their ways?
Marco was driven mad by paranoia. He only wanted to see his brother again, and you have robbed him of this forever.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Itsuki Hisomeru mostly, but go on.
Hana Ohara:
The fact remains that you are complicit!
Hideji glances over at Hana nervously then back to Ichigou.
Hideji Birukawa:
Come on, man... I'm really losing respect for you the longer you speak. Can't you at least understand how those two felt? You lost family, too...
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...I admit that I find it difficult to find sympathy for the likes of Atsurou or Marco. But I do not believe that all of those who died deserved that fate.
Yujinko leans forward on her podium with both hands.
Yujinko Aida:
So what, us six are true hope because we made it through this killing game? What about the repeat players from the previous killing game, or the ones before that?
What about Teppei, who went from an ally to a killer? Or Yobun, Momo, Lyle... if the looping stopped last time, would they have been true hope?
Ichigou is silent for a moment before he clenches his fist. He takes another moment before he loosens it and runs the hand through his hair.
Ichigou Ruiji:
That is why Itsuki Hisomeru had to go.
It truly is a waste for him to reset the memories they made, to throw all that hard work in the trash.
It's for the same reason Hideji was so afraid of being reset into another game himself!
Trust me, I'm not terribly happy that it had to end up this way with them. Well, except the Prosecutor, but he went and redeemed himself for his past sins in the last moment.
Chalk it up to Itsuki Hisomeru's bullshit ruining something perfectly good...
*He shrugs.*
But Teppei Natsume went and killed over nothing, and Yobun Ai and Momoka Mawatari's deaths, while tragic and should be mourned, did help foster the hope that's standing before me now.
So we'll just have to move on and make sure bullshit like that doesn't happen again, no?
Hideji steps away from his podium, then takes a step toward Ichigou, glaring straight at him.
Hideji Birukawa:
Sorry, what? For a moment there it almost sounded like you'd be a big fan of Itsuki if it weren't for the resetting bit.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Please. Itsuki Hisomeru was just another despair obsessed fool. I've made it no secret that I'm a fan of the killing game, but not because of him.
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
And what of their own hopes? Do they mean nothing to you in the slightest?
Does it not matter how many people have to die, as long as those who survive reach that "true hope" that you so desperately desire?
Ichigou places a hand over his chest.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Trust me, in a perfect world, we'd be doing none of this right now! This world wouldn't be of need of true hope.
But a perfect world wouldn't have been torn asunder by the machinations of a high school girl, and the only "beacon of hope" wouldn't only care for their own self interests instead of the betterment of a burning world.
So we will have to make do.
The killing game weeds out those who have no place deciding our future. And while more innocents may fall as well, their tragic losses create the people who stand before me now! You cannot persevere in the face of ruin without first meeting with ruin face to face.
And this world will crumble if it doesn't have a true shining beacon guiding it forward.
*He shrugs.*
Not that I need you to agree with me. That is simply how I see it.
Yujinko keeps leaning forward; think, think, thinking... until she slowly shifts back to a standing position.
Yujinko Aida:
I... understand what you're saying. And the words you gave me several days ago did help me through an incredibly tough time...
*She gives an appreciative nod.*
I can agree that staying strong in the face of despair does lead to growth... to hope.
But seeing a killing game as a necessary path to true hope? I... I can't see it that way.
Ichigou Ruiji:
... If you've experienced the outside world like I have, and saw the results of the past killing games, you'd think a little differently.
But that's okay. You haven't. I can't fault you.
Unmei Norowareta:
... You showed me mercy that would've rightly fit the others as well. This "true hope" you see before you would be blinding in larger numbers, I assure you. Lit candles snuffed out before their aromas could spread.
... Now, show the rest of us mercy and get off this point. Candied words won't make the loss of our friends any easier. There is plenty else to talk through.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Yes, it would be blinding indeed...
Anyway! Sure! We'll talk about something else.
We've got a few more mysteries to casually cross off before we wrap things up.
Don't want to leave anything unsolved, yeah?
Inu Aruku:
Oh for fuck's-
We're still going?
Ichigou Ruiji:
To begin, let's just put a nice bow on this one. It shouldn't be that hard to figure out...
*He twirls a finger through his hair.*
We've established that we're in Zettai Norowareta's failed Abroad Hope's Peak Campus. That's all well and good.
But, but, but! Itsuki Hisomeru never bothered to talk about the true nature of this place.
*He rests his cheek on his hand.*
You've made it this far. This should be a cakewalk.
Hana Ohara:
"True nature...?"
Ichigou Ruiji:
There's a liiitttlllleeeee bit more going on here than just sitting in Unmei's dad's school on his little island nation.
Unmei's eyebrows could not be more furrowed.
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...I suspected as much.
Tetsumi presents, "Second Set of Blueprints"!
Second Set of Blueprints
- The second set of blueprints found in the Warehouse, and the seemingly newer of the two.
- Despite being written later, the writings on this pair of blueprints seem more hasty and scribbled out, as if it was figured out in a very stressful situation.
- It depicts what appears to be a large metallic dome of sorts with a very unpolished drawing of the same Hope's Peak Campus in the middle of it. There are now also additional vague structures drawn with the campus, albeit still inside of the dome.
- There are a lot more talks on electronics and other types of technology on these blueprints than the first. Idle brainstormings on oxygen intake, temperature regulation, creating an artifical feeling of being outdoors up to including a sky that can simulate a day and night cycle effortlessly, and the word "Sustainability" written in much larger letters.
- A similar list of companies are listed on the side, though there is no sticky note attached to this one.
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
These seem to suggest something far different than simply being on some remote island. Why the need to place this campus underneath a giant dome otherwise?
Ichigou Ruiji:
Oh, no need to complicate it that much.
Which I know, kinda hard to say given the different... unique murders you've all solved.
This entire park is simply protected by one of the greatest defense systems ever built.
For the sole purpose of keeping the Tragedy out.
Hana folds her arms.
Hana Ohara:
So we are in an ark, then.
Ichigou Ruiji:
That's not a bad way to phrase it.
Hana turns her head across the room.
Hana Ohara:
I hope you take no offense to me saying that I do not put this past your father, Unmei. It is, in fact, possibly the most believable thing I have heard all day.
Unmei Norowareta:
... It has the care and success of his other projects! Keep the tragedy out? Real fucking good job it's done of that! Sure glad it-!
Unmei stops himself from ranting, opting to grip and shake the podium in front of him instead.
Ichigou Ruiji:
They saw what was happening as The Tragedy began, and what was taking place at the actual Hope's Peak Academy. So survival at all costs was the natural choice.
Of course, your father wasn't aware that Ultimate Despair had already seeped into Ridatsuru.
*He slides a finger across his throat.*
Exit Zettai Norowareta.
The project continued despite his untimely demise, or perhaps more so because of it. But Ultimate Despair had already made its way into the ranks of those constructing the dome.
I imagine Itsuki Hisomeru swooped in and took advantage of the situation shortly after.
*He puts a hand to his chin.*
Though in retrospect... it could have been more that Monokuma AI and less Itsuki Hisomeru himself...
Oh well! Not that it matters anymore.
Inu Aruku:
So what? We're just in some giant dome? Haven't heard that one before.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Regardless, this dome is just meant to replicate the outside world so those on the inside don't go crazy. That whole day, night cycle; completely automated.
But the dome is completely sustainable. In every way.
How could it not? It's meant to weather out an apocalypse of unknown length.
But since Itsuki Hisomeru merely wanted to use it as a stage for his looping killing games, he never bothered actually fully closing the dome to the outside world.
*He motions to himself.*
I, of course, did the honors when I was making my preparations.
A safe haven that lets the outside world in simply wouldn't do!
Unmei Norowareta:
...
Hideji Birukawa:
Is this some kind of joke? I'm not living in some guy's vanity dome.
I don't like where this is headed. Don't even offer it.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Well, the some guy is dead.
So it's not that bad.
Hana Ohara:
...
Yujinko Aida:
So... every time one of Itsuki's killing games ended, did he keep bringing in more contestants from the apocalyptic world... into this dome?
*She makes a confused hand gesture.*
What about our loved ones we saw for the first motive? Them too?
Ichigou Ruiji:
I suppose he still had some Ultimate Despair goons outside to kidnap your loved ones. They were never in the dome.
Apologies by the way, to what happened to Teppei Natsume's parents. Absolutely deplorable and did nothing to foster anything.
Unmei Norowareta:
... I've had a question for the last little while and it seems like now's the time to ask.
You sent them to the exit? Really?
Ichigou Ruiji:
They wouldn't have been able to open the door, but yes, that is the way out.
Unmei Norowareta:
... So you sent them to a dead end... why?
Ichigou Ruiji:
It's what I said before, that whole bumper car episode was just a way to oomph everyone up a bit more in the endgame.
Even if it was doomed to fail, getting the taste of victory does wonders for keeping things going.
I'm sure you guys had fun beating the shit out of Long John Jones too.
Hideji Birukawa:
You said really mean things to me after I broke your crown...
Ichigou Ruiji:
Hey.
Can't blame a guy for getting into a role when his competition is the "Ultimate" Method Actor.
Anyway, now that we know about the dome--
The monitors hanging over the Observatory suddenly cut to a loud static.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Oh, son of a bitch. I've been away from my console for like twenty minutes!
Unmei Norowareta:
... Hm.
Inu Aruku:
H-Huh?
Yujinko Aida:
What's that...?
Ichigou reaches into his pocket to grab something before stopping himself and taking a deep breath.
Ichigou Ruiji:
You know, it's fine. They're going to keep trying to break in some way if I stop them again. And it's not like there's much anyone could do...
We'll just let this play out...
The static image flickers for a few moments as a video picture starts to become clearer on the monitor...
After several more moments the video feed becomes clear revealing two people looking into a camera of sorts. While none of the students have met them personally, and they seem to look a little different, the faces are clearly recognizable to them.
Kamiko Haruki:
O-Oh! I think we're in?
Duncan Faulkner:
Hello? Can you hear us?
Yujinko squints... then visibly lights up.
Yujinko Aida:
It's... it's them! From the Kyoshin Manor game!
Ichigou Ruiji:
What special guests...
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...how...?
Kamiko jumps back.
Kamiko Haruki:
Ohmygod! A talking lion?!
Hana Ohara:
This communication is two-way?!
Duncan Faulkner:
They can hear us! You did it!
Hideji Birukawa:
?????????
Who the fuck are these people?
Ichigou Ruiji:
... Did you never watch the theater?
Hideji looks over at Ichigou and shrugs.
Hideji Birukawa:
Legit, no.
Duncan adjusts his glasses.
Duncan Faulkner:
So we have six people, five of which look like participants- uh, I'm guessing six participants if you include the lion.
Unmei Norowareta:
That's correct.
Yujinko Aida:
We do include the lion.
Duncan Faulkner:
And Ichigou. He's here like we suspected, too.
Ichigou waves at the screen.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Long time no see.
Kamiko Haruki:
... No, I'm confused. Is Ichigou... the m-mastermind???
Hana Ohara:
One of two.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Yeah, the other one went and got himself killed by his bear.
Junko Enoshima fanboys! Am I right?
Kamiko Haruki:
...
Duncan Faulkner:
You're one to talk. But I suppose we ought to thank you for leaving a trail for us to follow.
Ichigou Ruiji:
If anyone was to follow me from that manor...
*He crosses his arms.*
I must say, I'm impressed! I knew about your little shenanigans on the computer, but this two-way communication... How did you pull that one off?
Kamiko Haruki:
Uhh...
*She smiles sheepishly.*
Lots of trial and error...?
Duncan Faulkner:
Surely you must know? You two have practically the same talent, after all.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Well, I usually skip the "trial and error" part, but whatever.
Kamiko Haruki:
A-Anyway! That doesn't matter. I have... no idea what Ichigou is doing but we're here to help!
Yujinko Aida:
That's great!
*She leans forward expectantly.*
...How?
Ichigou mutters under his breath.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Not that it matters, we're almost done here anyway...
Duncan Faulkner:
...we're still working on that one. These security systems are bloody difficult to work around.
Kamiko Haruki:
I think we're just a uhh, few steps away...
*She looks distracted as she looks between Tetsumi and Happy Hayder.*
Hideji scratches the back of his head, still a little confused as to what's going on.
Hideji Birukawa:
By "here to help" you mean get us out, I hope? I don't wanna be in this fuckin' place anymore.
Kamiko Haruki:
T-That's the plan!
Ichigou Ruiji:
Oh, I'd love to hear how you plan to do that.
Hideji Birukawa:
Your buddy over there seems to think it'd be more fun to live here.
Duncan Faulkner:
Before we go on about that, I'm just curious.
Who exactly is the lion? Last time we checked in on you there were only five of you left.
Hideji Birukawa:
Tetsumi lost her body in the final murder.
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
I... had to make do with a replacement. But I remain alive, in a sense.
Kamiko Haruki:
... Well, I think it's a very cute lion...
Is the other one... you know, alive too...?
Ichigou Ruiji:
Can we stop talking about the fucking lions?!
Inu Aruku:
She is right though...
They are fucking cute.
Duncan Faulkner:
Right. Moving on.
*He adjusts his glasses.*
Our best plan to get you out is to cut the power. Completely. With all systems disabled you should be able to get out without the security systems trying to stop your escape.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Aaahahaha!
Oh I insist, you don't do that.
Unmei begins to sweat some.
Kamiko Haruki:
...Are you uhh, bluffing?
Ichigou Ruiji:
Not at all! In fact-
*He looks down from the monitor and at the other students.*
How about we solve why?
Duncan, Kamiko, you can even watch too!
Don't want you hitting any buttons you shouldn't...
It all comes down to...
What is behind this door.
Ichigou presents, "Secured Door"!
Secured Door
- There is an incredibly secured metal door underneath the Warehouse.
- The door requires a very long password to open up. Getting in is not an option.
Inu Aruku:
Is there another door behind it?
Are you trying to pull a fast one on us? Cause I'm tired of all of this bullshit.
Ichigou Ruiji:
I'm happy that you're here Inu, and for the lessons you learned along the way.
But god you just talk sometimes.
Inu Aruku:
Helps me cope is all.
Got to keep my mind busy somehow.
Duncan Faulkner:
Kamiko, do you have any way to shut this guy up?
Kamiko Haruki:
... I can mute the feed but that's a-all I've got...
Hideji gives Ichigou a puzzled look.
Hideji Birukawa:
Sorry, can I ask what the big deal is? If you want to stay here, go ahead. Why stop us from just walking out?
Hana crosses her arms.
Hana Ohara:
I find it most likely that this door is not to keep us out, but to keep whatever is in there in.
Hideji Birukawa:
You've got a sword, who cares.
*He glances over his shoulder.*
I've got a sword.
Hana Ohara:
...I would prefer not to take any lives at this point, Hideji.
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...If I may hazard a guess. A complete stab in the dark.
Might there be more of these capsules behind that door?
Tetsumi presents, "Strange Capsule"!
Strange Capsule
- A very strange looking capsule found under the Warehouse.
- There are a lot of wires hooked up to it, and a blank monitor hanging off to the side.
- It looks like a body could fit in there.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Perceptive, perceptive!
But what is that capsule...?
Maybe we should ask a better question!
How has Itsuki Hisomeru been able to run these killing games?
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
I'm glad you choose to immediately confirm my theory.
It's not unreasonable to believe that these are life support capsules of some kind, no? And my guess is that there are more of them behind that door, keeping people in some kind of suspended animation.
Whenever Itsuki needed more people for his killing games, he could just pick a few and revive them.
Is this a reasonable hypothesis?
Ichigou Ruiji:
Ahahaha... yes, that will do.
Behind that door is Itsuki Hisomeru's secret weapon.
Hundreds upon hundreds of would-be Ultimates, just like yourself.
Unmei Norowareta:
H-hundreds...?
Kamiko Haruki:
...I'm s-sorry- huh?
Yujinko Aida:
That many?
Inu Aruku:
Wow... How original. Never this fucking premise done a thousand times before.
Duncan Faulkner:
...oh, I get it. If we disable the power, then they're all as good as dead, aren't they?
Ichigou Ruiji:
Bingo!
Duncan Faulkner:
Fantastic.
Ichigou Ruiji:
I knew you'd be perceptive! Surviving your killing game and all.
It's so nice to see it in action.
Kamiko mumbles under her breath.
Kamiko Haruki:
I don't remember him being this crazy before...
Inu Aruku:
Obviously just turn the power off just a little. Duh.
Duncan Faulkner:
That's... not how this works, Inu.
*He turns to Kamiko.*
Think you can figure out how to disable only specific parts of the complex?
Kamiko Haruki:
Uhh... M-Maybe? I'd have to figure out how to... split up the systems...
Unmei stares ahead, focusing on Ichigou.
Unmei Norowareta:
... How the hell did he even manage something like that...?
Ichigou Ruiji:
He had Ultimate Despair do the dirty work.
With all the hatred towards the talented, those being scouted ending up as targets wouldn't be that surprising.
Plus, the list for those scouted is so much larger than those actually chosen. And so mass kidnapping on a grand scale!
Of course, it is more complicated than a mere life support system.
Ichigou presents, "Strange Capsule"!
Strange Capsule
- A very strange looking capsule found under the Warehouse.
- There are a lot of wires hooked up to it, and a blank monitor hanging off to the side.
- It looks like a body could fit in there.
Ichigou Ruiji:
This is a form of tech Ultimate Despair stole from the Future Foundation. It was still in development, but it accomplished what Itsuki Hisomeru needed it to.
The Future Foundation called it the Neo World Program.
It's a form of virtual reality that the mind makes real...
An ideal way to keep hundreds of people asleep and occupied. Which also provides ample ways to... alter memories as you see fit.
Erase some memories of the Tragedy here, make you think you're a little more talented than you are there.
I have to concede, it's a genius system.
Unmei Norowareta:
... Also used to reset people between games, if I were to hazard a guess.
Ichigou Ruiji:
That is how he used it, yes.
The only real trouble is it requires a lot of work to stay running.
It is a prototype of the system after all, it's far from perfect.
The capsules require a lot of maintenance to keep running.
Work that may be hard for anyone not familiar with it to figure out but hey,
*He shrugs.*
I'm a quick learner.
There's also the pesky problem of waking them up.
Inu mutters under her breath.
Inu Aruku:
I hope you're a quick healer too, bud.
Yujinko Aida:
That's... s-so many lives at stake...
Ichigou Ruiji:
Don't worry, I don't intend to let them go to waste. I've figured out the wake up process.
You see, you can't just rip them out of the program willy nilly.
You have to make sure each individual virtual world comes to a... "satisfying end".
The brain makes it real, so if you just take them out without ending their individual stories...
That's how you get yourself one braindead person.
Ichigou presents, "Set of Cots"!
Set of Cots
- Under the Warehouse, there are sixteen cots all lined up in a row.
- There are a large number of various medical supplies in a cabinet next to each cot.
Ichigou Ruiji:
From what I saw between the previous game and this one, this process took over a month to just set up the next 11 participants.
And that's not even counting the repeats!
*He runs his hand through his hair.*
It's funny. Itsuki Hisomeru rips these would-be Ultimates from their ideal fantasy world and thrusts them into a new despair filled fantasy of his own making.
Hana Ohara:
I do not understand. If these capsules are capable of modifying our brains, why did he not just brainwash us to be his "Ultimate Despair" from the outset?
Why waste time with this entire specta-
Ichigou Ruiji:
...
Hana stops herself, then crosses her arms. She looks away.
Hana Ohara:
Never mind.
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...that certainly seems to line up with what we know of him.
Ichigou Ruiji:
So I implore you,
*He looks back up at the monitors.*
Don't cut the power.
Kamiko Haruki:
I... uhh...
Duncan folds his arms.
Duncan Faulkner:
Alright, fair enough. You've made your case.
But we're still getting these people out of he-
Hideji Birukawa:
I'm on team "Cut the power."
Yujinko Aida:
?????????????
Inu Aruku:
Well I know who the next blackened is...
Duncan Faulkner:
...you can't be serious.
Hideji clearly wasn't paying attention.
Hideji Birukawa:
...Yup! Kidding...
Kamiko Haruki:
...Good one?
Kamiko gives a hesitant thumbs up.
Ichigou Ruiji:
But don't worry your head too much Duncan. We are getting these people out.
Because, it seems all the mysteries of this park have been solved.
And as promised... this killing game is over.
Kamiko Haruki:
Huh? J-Just like that?
Unmei Norowareta:
... You did seem to have joined on the tail end of this conversation.
Yujinko doesn't look convinced.
Yujinko Aida:
It's all over then? We're free to just go?
Ichigou Ruiji:
Of course! You all accomplished what I wanted before I even showed my face.
Whether or not you approve of me or not, I truly believe you will bring a shining hope to this broken world and help steer it in a better direction.
Just like those two up on the screen! Going around trying to stop a killing game completely unrelated to them.
... Albeit a little too late, but how could they know.
Hideji yawns and stretches his arms over his head, giving a weak thumbs up toward Unmei.
Hideji Birukawa:
Sorry, Unmei. I'm tapped out. Been getting mentally tortured for weeks and been carrot-on-a-sticked about leaving every three days and I'm just over it. I want out.
Unmei Norowareta:
... Why are you apologizing to me??
Hideji Birukawa:
Because I don't wanna stay in your dad's shitty bubble...
Unmei buries his face in his palms.
Unmei Norowareta:
... Please just help me prevent further bloodshed on my homeland. We're almost there.
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...what are you going to do after this is over, then?
Ichigou Ruiji:
Well, that depends on you.
Because you helped me put a stop to Itsuki Hisomeru, I'm offering an extra... reward.
I deeply respect each and every one of you... so I will let you decide what happens with one last vote.
*He holds up a finger.*
It's gotta be unanimous though! I don't want to even hear about a tie.
I won't be partaking myself, of course for...
Obvious reasons.
Ichigou straightens himself up and looks towards the students.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Now, regardless of what you choose, I will open the exit for you and you're free to go.
In my perfect world... I will simply stay behind.
And use Itsuki Hisomeru's... spares in order to keep the killing games going.
Don't worry! I won't loop any of them!
What did you say before Unmei?
An army of true hope would blind this world...
If I can't fix this broken world myself... I'll simply provide the people to do so.
Unmei is a lot less calm.
Kamiko Haruki:
T-That's crazy!
Ichigou Ruiji:
Oooh, sorry, your opinion doesn't matter!
Duncan Faulkner:
Fantastic. He's completely lost his marbles.
So what is option two? Is it just as insane as the first one?
Ichigou Ruiji:
I understand if you are... naturally against the killing games. I won't fight you on our conflicting beliefs.
So, if you truly believe I am to be stopped.
I will happily accept punishment.
And with that the games will all end!
Of course... there will be no one to run the campus.
And it's what I said before... Everyone living in their little fantasy world in the basement.
*He slides a finger across his throat.*
Woopsie!
Hideji Birukawa:
Alright, soooo... We let you kill a few people now or like... Countless people later?
Ugh.
Hana Ohara:
No, Hideji. A thousand now or an indeterminate amount later.
Inu Aruku:
Is this a fucking trolley problem you just handed us?
There is no fucking winning answer here...
Kamiko is fiddling with her scarf.
Kamiko Haruki:
T-this is terrible...
Ichigou Ruiji:
You two aren't allowed to interfere with this either!
This is their choice to make after all...
*He tilts his head a little to the side.*
So...
What will it be?
The room stands in complete silence for several moments before Yujinko speaks up.
Yujinko Aida:
This... you can't expect us to be happy with either of those options!
*She leans forward, voice raised.*
After all we've been through, you can't expect us to choose to sacrifice the lives of innocents with either of these choices!
Ichigou Ruiji:
Well, I suppose you could all choose to abstain.
I've already told you my preference.
Hana crosses her arms.
Hana Ohara:
And what happens if we do abstain?
Ichigou Ruiji:
As in not vote for anything?
Well then you'll leave and I'll get what I want.
*He twirls his hair.*
I'm not too picky about the semantics here. You guys won after all! If you want to make it so "Oh, we just kick Ichigou out instead of killing him" that's fine too, I guess.
As long as you all agree.
Hana rubs her chin.
Hana Ohara:
If you are removed from the picture, what is stopping those two on the monitors from handling things here in the dome?
Ichigou Ruiji:
Well, how do I break this to you Hana...
*He looks up to Duncan and Kamiko on the monitor.*
Being able to hack into my monitors is a very different game from keeping those underground alive.
Keeping those capsules working, removing those inside in a safe manner.
That requires a more personal touch.
Really, the two of them out there can't do much other than watch at this point!
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
In that case... how did you manage to learn how to maintain the pods?
Ichigou Ruiji:
Have you really not gotten that point yet?
I'm a very quick learner.
Let's word it this way.
When it comes to maintaining these killing games and those inside, Itsuki Hisomeru was number 1.
*He motions to himself without another word.*
Any other questions?
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
No, I simply wanted to hear you say it yourself.
Because as I recall...
*She looks to the monitors.*
There is someone else here with the exact same talent as yours.
Kamiko Haruki:
...
Ichigou Ruiji:
And so we circle around!
They can't touch the pods from the outside. No amount of talent can change that.
Besides, from everything I've gathered from my life and watching the Kyoshin Manor Killing Game, our talents... vary a little from one another.
She'd be more likely to kill a few poor souls on accident "brute forcing" it even if she could touch the capsules!
Unmei has his hands tightly balled. He's expressionless but forces out some words.
Unmei Norowareta:
You consider yourself alone on your level, then. Your talent and experience is what gives you control over all these lives.
Ichigou Ruiji:
In strict terms of controlling this killing game, yeah pretty much.
But I'd say all of you have surpassed me! You've found a true hope I could never dream to find.
*He shrugs.*
Only second best and all.
But I will play the part of guiding others to surpass me in this field. If you would have me.
But you're asking me a lot of questions for a decision you have to make.
Unmei Norowareta:
... The option is still out there to confess that you are jesting, stranger. It does not have to be this way.
Ichigou gazes at Unmei, his expression turning more neutral.
Ichigou Ruiji:
This world will continue to burn if I do not do this. The hope you will bring to the outside world will save many lives, but only through an unstoppable force of true hope can we finally put this Tragedy behind us.
I allow your hopes to decide our future, but on this point I am uncompromising.
Get rid of me if you don't like it, or let me stay.
Hideji wipes the sweat from his brow and shakes his head.
Hideji Birukawa:
I... I can't in good faith walk out of here with the thought that he's still in here torturing people eating away at me...
Ichigou Ruiji:
Yes, yes. That's what the kill me option is for.
Hideji Birukawa:
I don't want to kill you, idiot!
Ichigou Ruiji:
Ok fine, it's as I said, semantics! Kick me out then!
There's no way in, and that goes for me too.
Hideji Birukawa:
No, I don't think you understand what I mean. If we just kick you out, I don't trust that you won't just set up shop elsewhere.
*He leans in.*
I think I'd rather drag your ass out of here with me. We'll be best friends for life, buddy.
Ichigou shrugs.
Ichigou Ruiji:
If that's the future you all decide on, so be it.
Yujinko Aida:
If we were to choose an option that removed you from the dome...
*She wrings the edge of her skirt.*
Would you even give us the password to the area with all the capsules? Or would you refuse, just to spite us?
Ichigou raises an eyebrow.
Ichigou Ruiji:
As long as you vote together, I will not stop you. But it wouldn't do you much good from the outside.
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...how are you so sure that no one can get in?
Ichigou Ruiji:
This dome was designed for keeping the Tragedy out, with no exceptions.
It's sorta like... a decontamination door?
That exit door you all found in the tunnels leads you to a hallway with the actual exit leading to the outside world.
There is no way to open to the door to the outside while the door to the park is open in any way, shape, or form. And there is no way to get into the park if the door to the outside is open in any way, shape, or form.
Makes sure the people inside could leave when the big bad end of the world is wrapped up whenever that happens, but also that no one is getting in.
Their only mistake was putting the guys who ended the world on the construction team!
Hana leans onto the podium with a groan, burying her head in her hands.
Hana Ohara:
Wonderful. Our choices are "kill everyone" or "kill almost everyone and condemn the rest to permanent mental anguish."
Inu Aruku:
T-This is beyond fucked...
Unmei Norowareta:
... This is my home. I don't care if it's my father's vanity project, or his deathtrap... I just wanted people to be happy here. Despite this feeling in my heart I'll do what I can for you all, but... please keep these souls in mind.
Out of nowhere, Hideji walks over to the podium next to Ichigou and leans up against it.
Hideji Birukawa:
So, what if I just decided to not leave?
Yujinko leans forward.
Yujinko Aida:
Yeah, yeah! If we stay here, and if get the password to the basement from you... We can try to look after the people in the basement, right?
Ichigou is silent for several moments before he tilts his head a little.
Ichigou Ruiji:
...what?
Hideji Birukawa:
Yeah... You know I was just thinking... You can't really run a new killing game with all of us still hanging out here. What are you gonna do, drug us all? Seems unlikely. I'd be happy to be your new roommate.
*He leans in closer, smirking at Ichigou.*
Ichigou Ruiji:
What the hell are you saying?
The game is over.
This is the part where you go out and show the world the hope that's been fostered here!
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
You said we were free to do whatever we wish.
What if we simply do not wish to leave?
Hideji takes the sword off of his back and stabs it into Ichigou's podium.
Hideji Birukawa:
Man, that'd really just SUCK if you spent all of that time filling me with hope just for me to hang around playing skee-ball!
Ichigou Ruiji:
W-What the fuck are you talking about?!
*He rips the sword back out and holds it downwards.*
Let me make something clear to you guys.
The literally hundreds of people underground; that's not a problem that sorts itself out in a week!
It will take years before anyone could even dream of waking them up safely!
Inu Aruku:
Sounds like plenty of time to catch up on some movies. We got all the fucking time in the world, pal.
*She smirks.*
Unmei finally manages to crack a smile and even laughs.
Unmei Norowareta:
I wouldn't hope for a better tomorrow!
Hideji counts on his fingers, calling out behind to his fellow classmates.
Hideji Birukawa:
I'd bet we could watch the Bartholomew Cavendish collected works about 40 times over in that time. How does that sound, Inu? I can give Ichigou the director's cut!
Ichigou Ruiji:
Are you stupid?!
Inu Aruku:
Are you?
Ichigou Ruiji:
Only if you're dumber than me!
Inu Aruku:
Also after watching that we could read him some of the jokes from your big book, Hideji. He'd love that.
Yujinko snaps her fingers once.
Yujinko Aida:
You know... It might take a while. But every time we wake one person up...
*She smiles.*
That's another helping hand to help speed up the process, faster and faster, right?
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
It seems you did not think this over as much as you had hoped...
And besides, we still have outside help in this. It's not just us.
On the monitor screen, Kamiko looks very confused over what is going on.
Kamiko Haruki:
Uhh... I'm a little lost but we'll help in anyway we can!
Duncan takes a sip from a thermos.
Duncan Faulkner:
There's no chance we're leaving those people to die. Whatever we can do to help you guys, we'll provide.
Hideji places a hand on Ichigou's shoulder.
Hideji Birukawa:
Lemme explain something to you, you shitty little weasel. Why oh why would I waste my time going outside to spread this wonderful hope you've given me when there are hundreds of students waiting to have hope spread to them in the basement?
Ichigou Ruiji:
No! Nonononono--!
*He recoils back from Hideji and points the sword at him.*
Think back, you fucking morons!
Think to all of the people that died for you to get out of here!
Did Reika Fujino die so you can stay in here?! Did Ayumi Matsuko die so you can wallow an existence in this fucking dome?! Did Lyle Ayashi DIE for you to waste your lives away instead of fixing this fucking broken world?!
Hideji Birukawa:
Man, shut up. I'll just very slightly stretch out all of your shirts so they're a tad too big and that'll be enough for Reika to forgive me.
Hana Ohara:
...
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
I'd be glad to help this world back on the road of hope.
Starting with these people.
Ichigou notices Hana's hesitation and turns to face her, pointing the blade at her. A desperate smile appears on his face.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Oh yes! And what of the innocents left behind?! Ahahaha!
Who will protect your loved ones if you stay in here? What about your promise to the dying Marco Nicchi to protect his brother? You can't very well hold your end of the bargain from in here, can you?!
Hana lifts her head out of her hands, barely. She looks up through her hair with a cold, resentful glare.
Hana Ohara:
...You are right. I want to leave. I want to protect those dear to me and to provide a beacon of Hope for the lost...
*She balls her hands into fists.*
I want this more than anything in the world...
*She grips at her head with a troubled smile plastered on her face.*
My... My dear family...
Ichigou Ruiji:
Yes! That's it, isn't it!? Your dear important family! You couldn't very well leave them to die in a cruel unforgiving world!
*He turns to face the others.*
Sorry guys! Has to be unanimous! Looks like that's checkmat--
Hana suddenly rockets across the room in a large leap, skidding hard as she lands next to Ichigou. She shoves her non-gauntleted hand into Ichigou's chest, then smacks the hand holding Ayumi's katana with her sheathed broadsword causing it to spin into the air. Hana twists her stance to catch the blade before it reaches the ground, holding it to her side. She straightens her posture and looks Ichigou dead on with a fire blazing in her eyes and a sword in each hand.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Ghk-!
Hana Ohara:
I will never make that mistake again. My dear family would never forgive a choice to knowingly condemn anyone, regardless of intention.
And... a word from the wise.
*She hands the Katana back to Hideji, then adjusts her still-loosened bowtie. She looks back to Ichigou.*
Keep my friends' names out of your mouth, or I will make you wish for death.
Hideji places the sword back on his back and turns around.
Hideji Birukawa:
So, who's ready to vote?
Ichigou stumbles back and falls back on the base of his throne. He looks up at the students, then at the monitor, looking for anything to help him. Not finding any luck, he pounds the ground in front of him with his fist, looking back at the students.
Ichigou Ruiji:
You... You can't do this! I guided this whole killing game for the sole purpose of disposing of Monokuma and for you to end it and escape! I set ALL of this up for you to WIN!
And you would deny me?! You would deny that hope?!
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...deny?
Tetsumi hops down from her podium and waddles closer to Ichigou.
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
For the longest time, I let my own fear of powerlessness cloud my judgment. I let what I thought to be a noble goal be perverted by my own personal demons. But you taught me how to overcome that fear. To forsake my own personal desires to instead devote myself to the future of humanity. Even if I had to give up my very form to do so.
Now at long last I stand with eyes unclouded, and I know that I will gladly continue to give up myself so that mankind may benefit. For ever have I labored to see all of Man unlock its true potential. Spending a few additional years to help the people trapped below this island is of miniscule consequence compared to what I have already sacrificed to reach this very moment.
This is the conclusion I draw from your hypothesis. What irony, that you see this as a denial of your hope when it is in fact embracing it.
I vote to remain.
Unmei follows after Tetsumi, leaving his podium and approaching the throne.
Unmei Norowareta:
What did they all die for...? You forgot a few names, but while I'm here let me answer that for you, from my perspective.
I died so that the people I loved could find peace and safety. At the time, I imagined that as a real escape, putting Itsuki and you behind.
You were the one that had a problem with that. You were the one that forced me to see the shortsightedness of my ways! You brought me back for this moment right here! You have only yourself to blame for the lessons that I will share with the many welcome visitors of my homeland...!!
I vote to remain! Let me finally welcome you to our Ridatsuru, my treasured friends!!
Yujinko Aida:
"The ability to take the worst of what the world throws at you and mold it into something good, to use that good to improve yourself and the world around you, to persevere in the face of ruin."
Your words have stuck with me all this time... That's what you claimed to be hope... and believing in those words did help give me strength when I needed it.
But... that's only a part of what hope is to me. I don't know if I can put it all into words, but...
*She approaches alongside her friends with a smile- tapping her head softly as she think, think, thinks.*
I'll try to take initiative more. I'll look at the grim realities of the world, and face them head on. I'll grieve for those I've lost, and accept the their wrongdoings. I'll believe in my friends... and myself!
Suffering is inevitable... but if we can prevent avoidable suffering for the people in the basement... that is the only choice that fits what my hope is! I vote to stay!
Inu chuckles as she also joins the others.
Inu Aruku:
You know what, Ichigou? I feel like everyone makes mistakes. I would be lying if I said that I didn't make any myself.
*She smirks.*
Unfortunately, I just make more of them than the common person.
But...
I feel like you really made the biggest fucking mistake trying to have us turn against each other.
I have to thank you for that honestly. If it wasn't for this shitty killing game I don't think I would have realized how much bullshit we can go through and still be united.
There's nothing you can do to change that.
You really thought you'd win this game? Not even in your wildest fucking dreams, pal.
You can fuck right off with that "hope" of yours.
Voting to stay here just to watch you suffer sounds like a good time to me. Gives me plenty of time to critique your little killing game. I bet you'd love to hear all my opinions on the matter.
Ultimately the worst "game" imaginable. Too bad you can't work on that any time soon.
Hana looks down at her hands.
Hana Ohara:
...When I first came here, I was in a difficult position. I had retreated into a shell, doing everything I could to avoid any sort of choice. When I did make a choice here, it was to follow the commands of another.
*She looks up with a difficult expression.*
It... should be obvious that my sense of Justice was corrupted. I was lost and only becoming more clouded by the day. However, during my time here, I had the opportunity to speak with a man who was able to empathize with my plight and, over time, guide me to a Justice that I can accept.
Even now I can feel his spirit, standing here with me in defiance of you.
*She smiles, placing a hand on her tie.*
I believe I know what he, too, would say in this moment.
Hana slams a flat palm onto the nearby podium, looking up at Ichigou with a casual, piercing glare. She shakes her head and shrugs with a completely natural smirk on her face.
Hana Ohara:
Nah, that is not right. You did not set this victory up for us. We set this victory for us. And this false hope you have for us... that you tried to swallow into your selfish delusions with twisted and sick ends? Our Justice for those past and those who deserve a better future overrides it.
*She points a finger directly at Ichigou.*
Prepare yourself for this true and Just hope, while you wallow in your own personal cell.
*She pauses for a moment, looking embarrassed. She clears her throat, then places a hand to her chest.*
...Regardless, I will make it formal as well. Thank you, Ichigou, for giving me the same choice as years ago. You gave me the chance to prove to myself how much I have grown. I, too, vote to stay, and to show you the true meaning of Justice...
Hope.
Hideji faces Ichigou and slowly closes his eyes, speaking softly.
Hideji Birukawa:
I'm not gonna dig into you too bad here... I think my classmates have put all of my feelings into better words than my dumbass could ever come up with. So... Thanks, everyone. To those who are here, and those who aren't-- thanks for believing in me.
Do I really need to say much more? You spelled out my own personal growth and journey through this place better than I could have ever done myself. I really did become a hero after all, didn't I? Why go out into the uncertain world around us when I have so many people that need my help right below my feet? Of course, I vote to stay.
*He dramatically throws his jacket off to the side, deepening his voice and puffing up his chest with a hint of Nefariousness.*
And as long as there's evil in this world, Hope will live on in the hearts of all mortals!
Fwa... Ha... Ha.
Hideji points at Ichigou.
Hideji Birukawa:
Game over, Ichigou Ruiji!
Ichigou looks up at everyone, seething in a terrible mix of confusion, sadness, and rage.
Ichigou Ruiji:
Y-You! You CAN'T-
AAAAAAAAARRRRRRHHHHHHHHH!
CLASS TRIAL
END!
As the students stand united over him, Ichigou is on his knees in front of his throne, staring down at the ground taking deep heavy breaths.
Ichigou Ruiji:
...
Aha... This feeling...
This burning in my chest... I've only felt it once before...
This despair...
Ichigou pounds the ground one more time before remaining still for several moments.
Unmei Norowareta:
... So that's our choice. If you want to see hope, now's the time to start watching.
Ichigou Ruiji:
...
*He mutters under his breath.*
What was I expecting? If Itsuki Hisomeru couldn't win, how could I...?
Hideji Birukawa:
You can always start over, man... As long as you're willing to do the right thing we'll take you aboard.
Inu Aruku:
A-Are you serious? You think this asshole deserves a second fucking chance?
Ichigou Ruiji:
I don't need your pity.
*He shakily gets back onto his feet.*
Ever since I awoke from my coma, I've only needed to rely on myself. No one else.
Now isn't any different.
Yujinko Aida:
If you never learn to lean on others...
*She shakes her head.*
You'll never see what real hope is. Not now, not ever.
Ichigou Ruiji:
... Hmph.
Then I suppose I'll simply watch this world stagnate until it stops spinning altogether.
Ichigou reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a tablet of sorts.
Ichigou Ruiji:
But I said I'd honor whatever you voted for. And so be it.
*He hits a few buttons on the tablet before tossing it to Yujinko.*
Control of the park. Go nuts.
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
What will you do now?
Ichigou Ruiji:
If you think I'm staying here, you have another thing coming.
I would rather not be reminded of my crushing failure every time I open my eyes, thanks.
From the monitor, Duncan clears his throat.
Duncan Faulkner:
That's all well and good, but what assurance do we have that you won't just try this elsewhere?
If you plan to just walk out of here you're going to have to go through us first.
Ichigou lets out a dry laugh.
Ichigou Ruiji:
If you find any other murder domes filled to the brim with slumbering "Ultimates", please let me know.
Duncan Faulkner:
...fair enough.
Kamiko looks over to Duncan and begins whispering to him.
Kamiko Haruki:
D-Do we have a way to uhh... apprehend him as he leaves???
Hideji Birukawa:
Welp, I tried. We'll get you a post-card... Jack-off. I take it back. Go have fun.
*He goes to retrieve his jacket.*
Yujinko Aida:
There's... nothing I can say that will get through to you now- just like with Marco, I'll have to accept that.
*She holds the tablet close to her chest. She nods at Ichigou once.*
I can only hope that you find a different answer, and a different path to walk on your own.
Ichigou Ruiji:
It's hope... but used for what? To what end...?
What was it all for?
Ichigou is silent for several moments before he takes a step towards the door. He pauses one last time before turning back to face the students.
Ichigou Ruiji:
You played the game well. Just remember, for every Yujinko Aida you awake down there, you'll find another Atsurou Koide ready to strike and put an end to this little fantasy world you willingly keep yourself in.
Good luck. Ultimates.
Ichigou waves before walking out of the Observatory in silence. His thoughts an unknown.
The entire Observatory remains in complete silence before it is broken by Kamiko laughing very awkwardly.
Kamiko Haruki:
... I guess we didn't do much, d-did we?
Duncan Faulkner:
Hah... I suppose not.
Kamiko Haruki:
I'm... happy you're all fine though.
Inu Aruku:
I wouldn't really say "fine" but I appreciate the sentiment.
Kamiko Haruki:
Yeah... I get that feeling...
Hideji gives the screen a thumbs up.
Hideji Birukawa:
Hey, if you two wanna let us know when he leaves so I can safely get some sleep... Well, that'd be great.
Yujinko tries to fiddle with the tablet in her hands to find where Ichigou is... but she stops in surprise when a single teardrop of hers falls and splashes on the corner.
Yujinko Aida:
I... this is it, right? No more hidden masterminds, no more tricks...?
Kamiko nods at Hideji.
Kamiko Haruki:
We'll try our best to uhh... get him? I don't know how it'll play out but...
*She puts a hand to her chin.*
Odds are if Duncan does the most work, between my talent and Ichigou's, it should work out for him?
Duncan Faulkner:
...I guess we don't exactly have the best means to keep him detained at the moment. I don't know. It doesn't sit right with me to just let him walk free after all of that, but I guess we have other things to worry about.
*He adjusts his glasses.*
Speaking of which... maybe you don't need our help to get out anymore, but if there's anything we can do for you guys on the outside, we'd be glad to help. Finding friends, relatives... that sort of stuff.
Hana lights up.
Kamiko Haruki:
Y-Yeah! It should be easy to stay in touch now that there's no interference.
Unmei grins and waves.
Unmei Norowareta:
Thanks for the help. We're genuinely very happy to have it.
Duncan Faulkner:
Well, I guess we ought to try and have a talk with Ichigou...
In the meantime, I think you guys ought to get some rest. I'd say you've all more than earned it by now.
Kamiko waves back.
Kamiko Haruki:
We will talk to you soon!
The monitors cut to black.
Hideji yawns and stretches, making his way over to the observatory door.
Hideji Birukawa:
Alright, I'm out. Think I'm gonna go soak my head and process the idea of being here for probably a few years. Goodnight!
Unmei snickers.
Unmei Norowareta:
We've managed up until now. This is just the victory lap now.
Hana has a big, dumb smile on her face.
Hana Ohara:
We did it.
*She runs over and scoops Yujinko off the ground, swinging in a circle. She puts her down and laughs a long, tired laugh.*
We did it!
Yujinko gives a comically large smile, tears falling freely.
Yujinko Aida:
W-we really really did it!
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
We have a lot of work ahead of us... but now at least we can do it without death hanging over us at every turn.
Now, I have several ideas on how to best proceed with the people in stasis - and some other projects besides - but perhaps that can wait for the morrow.
Hideji calls from the back of the room one last time before leaving.
Hideji Birukawa:
No augmenting the sleeping people!
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
What? No I- I swear that wasn't the-
Yujinko scoops Tetsumi from the floor, carefully (but firmly) hugging her to her chest.
Yujinko Aida:
We're finally finally finally free! We've got the power to fix everything!
Tetsumi Fukuhara:
...I am glad you are excited, but please put me down.
Hana pulls Yujinko in before she can abide by Tetsumi's requests, walking over to the other two and bringing them in to a hug.
Hana Ohara:
I am excited to get to know you all under less strenuous times.
*She pulls away, still beaming. She places a hand to her chest.*
That being said... I am exhausted. I will see you all tomorrow. Thank you.
Hana leaves. Unmei lets out a relieved exhale and starts out himself.
Unmei Norowareta:
Thanks all. See you soon.
As Unmei leaves, Inu looks over at Yujinko.
Inu Aruku:
W-Well I guess that just leaves you, me, and these two cute plush lions.
*She takes a look around the room one last time.*
L-Let's get the fuck out of here. This place is giving me the creeps.
Yujinko Aida:
Yeah... let's.
*She wipes at her eyes once, drying her eyes.*
Tomorrow's a new day... one that I'm looking forward to with hope.
