Chapter Text
I want to begin with this.
If it were up to me, I wouldn't be the protagonist of this story. If I could show you the events that have transpired through any other person's eyes I would. The events of my time at Hope's Peak Academy... For me of all people to be in the middle of a battle between hope and despair, there's an obvious disconnect there.
...I suppose a proper introduction is in order.
(BGM: Beautiful Days [Piano Arrangement])
(The bust of a high-school boy. Black hair, unbuttoned gakuran jacket, and a face that screamed 'don't talk to me, I can manage a pleasant conversation, but we both know that's not what we want'. Aside from the ahoge on the top of his head, the boy seemed almost remarkably normal.)
Taiki Noboru: [neutral] My name is Taiki Noboru.
(Taiki Noboru - Ultimate Lucky Student)
Taiki Noboru: [neutral] If I were to have a defining feature, I suppose it'd be how other people view me. I know people who would trust me with their life, the best friends I could ever ask for.
Taiki Noboru: [nervous smile] I also know people who absolutely hate my guts.
Taiki Noboru: [neutral] I myself always seem to be flip-flopping between pride and self-loathing. I don't consider it a positive or negative quality, really. It's just the type of person I am.
(Bird's-eye view of an impressive-looking building.)
Thanks to Hope's Peak Academy, I'm now more on the self-loathing side recently... but I suppose I should explain that too. Just in case you, for some reason, haven't heard of the school.
Hope's Peak Academy is the most prestigious school in Japan. Anybody important or well-off you can think of was probably a student there as a teenager. It's said that if you can manage to graduate from such a place, you'll be set for life.
And for such an amazing school, not anybody can enroll of course.
(Shot of a classroom full of strange people. A girl studying some sort of scientific tool, a boy with a chessboard at his desk, a boy wearing a chef's hat, a person of unknown gender wearing a biker helmet, and a girl in an extravagant outfit combing her hair, to name a few.)
Hope's Peak Academy uses a strange system. You can't apply yourself. Instead, the school seeks out students from all over Japan who are known for being incredibly talented. To get into Hope's Peak, you have to be the very best at what you do. The Ultimate Gymnast, the Ultimate Programmer, the Ultimate Fashionista... They accept some pretty weird talents too; it's a school full of interesting individuals.
Apparently, the main focus of the school is researching talent. What makes a special person special? That's the question they're trying to answer. With that goal and the promise of success for the best of the next generation, Hope's Peak Academy is truly the face of Japan's hope. It's in the name, after all.
(Shot of Taiki standing before the school's gates.)
I know what you're thinking. 'So what's your talent? What is someone like you doing here?' Well, that ties back into the self-loathing... I said they accept weird talents, but one of them is especially weird. Once a year, the school randomly selects one 'normal' student and gives them the chance to enroll under the title of 'Ultimate Lucky Student'.
This year, that Ultimate Lucky Student was me. You'd think I'd be excited, and I was at first. But to be the one average kid in a class full of these 'Ultimates', it's actually rather scary. I'm going to be spending day after day with people who are that far above me. Every kid dreams of being in my position, and I did too.
I wanted to be Taiki Noboru, the Ultimate Movie Star. I dedicated a good two years of my life to studying drama and even appeared in a little commercial for a company run by my dad's friend. But even with all that effort, I could never get it to be anything but a dream. To be standing here as the Ultimate Lucky Student... it's cathartic, yes, but also pretty soul-crushing.
I guess what I'm getting at here is that I'm not the best example of a hopeful person. Though I'm also not a person who wallows in their despair. I had a dream, chased it and got nowhere, but I don't want that to stop me. No matter what, if I turned down a place at Hope's Peak I'd always regret it. Even if this ends up being a bad experience, at least I took the chance.
Surprisingly, I found myself bowing.
Taiki Noboru: Y-yes! I'll do my very best!
With that, there was nothing else to do. I stood upright, head held high, and took a step towards the school gates.
(BGM: N/A)
Taiki Noboru: ...!?
My head was swirling with nervousness before, but this felt different. I felt like the world around me was warping, like a painting being drenched with water. I assumed I was having some sort of panic attack and tried to clutch my chest, but my arms wouldn't move. I even stopped being able to breathe. One by one my senses failed me, until my mind was obscured by darkness.
...
...
...
(A blurry image of fourteen people standing in a classroom, their faces and figures completely indiscernible.)
???: ...verybody?
???: ...all doing he...
???: ...seems to be fifteen of u-
(Cut to black, before a silhouette of a stuffed toy bleeds into view.)
???: Upupupu...
???: Bwahaha! Please excuse the interruption!
???: But ya know, to have all this despair going on and be forced to sit at the sidelines...
???: No! I won't allow it! It's time I showed you all how to have some REAL fun!
???: Let's give it everything we've got!
DANGANRONPA: Yet Another Killing School Life
Prologue - "Trapped Without Hope"
I slowly woke up. My head wasn't spinning anymore, it was just blank. My whole body felt heavy, as if I was sinking into the floor. My throat was dry and my heart was beating ever so slowly. Where was I?
As I peered through my messy bangs, I tried to discern that. It was dark, for one. I could see vague shapes of furniture; they almost looked like classroom desks, but I quickly realized how ridiculous that sounded. The only source of light was from the gap underneath the door. Good, there's an exit at least. I tried to lift myself to my feet, but my strength hadn't returned to me yet.
...Right, I'm on the floor. Was I... sleeping on the floor? Why? Why can't I remember!? I tried to take advantage of my lucidity and think back to my last memory, but all that turned up was static. Just fuzzy, empty static.
(BGM: N/A)
Suddenly, the room filled with light, and I heard the sound of a door opening. Despite still feeling weak, I quickly shielded my eyes. Then I heard footsteps, increasing in volume. I found that my pulse began to race, the severity of my situation finally hit me, and I started to panic. But then...
???: You're the last one to wake up. How are you feeling?
With a little hesitation I lowered my hands. Squatting in front of me seemed to be a policeman. Or, at least, someone in a police uniform; a baby blue shirt, dark blue slacks, and a cap with a gold badge atop his spiky brown hair. There was even a walkie-talkie and a baton strapped to his belt. However, the first thing I noticed about him was how kind his eyes were. Strange thing to first notice about someone, but this was a strange situation.
Taiki Noboru: ...I...
Policeman: [smiling, arms folded] No need to panic, there's no immediate danger. In fact, the scariest thing for a while there was wondering if you'd ever wake up, haha.
Policeman: [gripping cap] ...Oh, sorry, are you thirsty?
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bottle of water. I found myself accepting it without hesitation and quickly guzzled it down. I suppose I hadn't drank anything in a while.
???: I hear company!
A female voice came from the doorway. A girl with frizzy blue hair skipped towards me, a curious look on her face. I found myself drawn to her outfit; it was incredibly unusual. It was one solid colour, navy blue, and seemed to be made of an unusual fabric. It fit tightly around her waist and chest, but the skirt was puffy like a ball gown. I almost thought it was a full-body costume at first, then I realized she was just wearing matching tights.
Weird Girl: [curious] You awake now?
Taiki Noboru: ...Where... am I?
On hindsight it was rude to follow up a question with another question, but that's all that was on my mind.
Policeman: [sighing] That's what we're all wondering.
Weird Girl: [thinking] Well, technically, you're in a classroom.
She gestured to the rows of desks and chairs to my right. There was also a blackboard on the opposite wall with a few characters scribbled on it. With that my suspicions from earlier were confirmed and I found myself standing up in confusion. A few scattered thoughts began to surface in my mind. Hope's Peak Academy... Ultimate Lucky Student... Taiki Noboru...
(First Building - Classroom 1)
(Welcome! Thank you for purchasing Danganronpa: Yet Another Killing School Life... is what I would say if this actually costed money. I am Tutorial-kun, your guide to the format of this fic and how you should be reading it. Although we did try to make things as clear as possible, this wouldn't be Danganronpa without my fancy explanations!)
(Most of what you'll be reading will be dialogue. You'll see the name of the character who's speaking, a description of their reaction/sprite if it's not Taiki, and what they're saying, all in that order. Meanwhile, Taiki's inner thoughts will be written in bold text. Everything else will be in brackets, such as my text, though you'll really only see it a couple of times.)
(Important things such as room names and a characters' title will be centred and underlined. Other than that there's text that's italicized, of which there are three types. Standard, which describe what would be cutscenes and those CG images in an actual Danganronpa game. Examine, which takes the place of actually moving the reticle and examining things. And BGM, which tells you what music is currently playing - it's not required to listen along of course, but it should make things more fun, don't you think?)
(Now then, back to the story. If you press the START button you can review the controls. ...Just kidding.)
(Examine: Desks)
Fifteen desks and chairs in five rows of three, plus one for the teacher. This definitely looks like a classroom, although I'm not sure I'm where I think I am... This place doesn't look fancy enough to be that school.
(Examine: Blackboard)
This blackboard looks pretty old. The only thing written on it is the Japanese word for future - "mirai"... why exactly?
(Examine: Monitor)
With the rest of the room being so basic, I'm surprised they even have a monitor. I'm guessing it's just used for school-wide announcements and stuff, but because of our situation I can't help getting a spooky vibe from it.
(Examine: Surveillance camera)
A surveillance camera? While these are normal for schools too, aren't they usually at least a little hidden? This one is sitting here right out in the open, it gives me the creeps. Like someone's watching me right this moment. But I don't think there's anything I can do about it...
Policeman: [grinning, arms behind head] So, are you feeling better now?
Taiki Noboru: I think so, thank you... but uh... Are we at Hope's Peak?
Weird Girl: [surprised] Ah! You're an Ultimate too, then?
Weird Girl: [peace signs] Woohoo! Sixteen outta sixteen!
Policeman: [stern] Now now, don't overwhelm him.
Policeman: [sighing] And it seems we are, yes. Or at least, we're in some type of school. For the legendary Hope's Peak this place is a little bizarre.
Weird Girl: [nervous smile] It's a bit tacky, yeah... Plus that thing of none of us remembering how we got here.
The things I was learning were somehow making me both less and more confused. Fifteen other people in the same situation, two of them standing right here.
Taiki Noboru: Then... uh, you two... who are you exactly?
Policeman: [surprised] Ah, I knew I was forgetting something! Ahem...
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [smiling, arms folded] My name is Ryuunosuke Yuudai, the Ultimate Police Officer. Pleased to be working with you!
(Ryuunosuke Yuudai - Ultimate Police Officer)
For some reason it hadn't hit me until now that this guy was a student... He was pretty tall, I guess, and a policeman being a student just seemed weird. He had quite the calming presence though, which helped. Although I reacted very strongly at something he said.
Taiki Noboru: Working!? What do you mean?
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [surprised] Ah, that's right, you wouldn't know...
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [nervous smile] Um, it seems like we're locked inside this building for the time being. Just adding to the list of weird things going on, aha.
Taiki Noboru: Locked inside!? So we're trapped!?
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [sighing] There's a chance we might not be. Everyone's still in the process of searching the place from top to bottom.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [thumbs up] Just remember, if we all work together, we can get out of any tough situation!
Weird Girl: [neutral] ...Meanwhile, wanna hear about me?
Momoko Yumi: [smiling] I'm Momoko Yumi, the Ultimate Roboticist! Nice to meet you!
(Momoko Yumi - Ultimate Roboticist)
'Roboticist'... I suppose you have to be a little out-there to be in that business, but even then she seemed like quite the handful.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [smiling, arms folded] Apparently Yumi-san has made great strides in her field. She's a bona fide genius. They say she alone has cut ten years off the estimated date for everyone in Japan owning a robot in their home.
Momoko Yumi: [crestfallen] It's just the matter of cost-effectiveness now... Oh, and the morality of owning slaves, even robotic ones...
Momoko Yumi: [peace signs] But we're in the middle of a technological revolution! We can't turn back now!
...Once again, I felt the need to comment on her quirkiness. In fact, I may have sighed involuntarily.
Momoko Yumi: [smiling] But now that you know about us, who are you? And what's your talent?
Just like that my world began to crumble yet again. How the hell was I supposed to explain to possibly the brightest mind on Earth that no, I don't have a talent, I'm here thanks to luck? How was I supposed to explain that to fifteen people renowned for being the best of the best?
The simple answer was that I couldn't, and instead I did easily the stupidest thing I'd ever done in my life.
Taiki Noboru: I'm... the Ultimate Movie Star. Taiki Noboru.
For a few seconds she just stared at me with a bizarre look on her face. Then she jumped backwards and clutched her chest.
Momoko Yumi: [shocked] Ehhhhhhh!? Really!? You totally don't seem the type!
She didn't know of course, but those words probably hurt me more than anything I've ever felt before.
Momoko Yumi: [nervous smile] Then again, we do have a lot of weird people here. I'm not judging or anything!
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [nervous smile] Best to quit while you're behind.
Taiki Noboru: T-that does make me want to ask though... where's everyone else?
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [gripping cap] Elsewhere. Like I said, we're still searching the place, trying to find a way out.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [smiling, arms folded] Since I've already met with everyone, I can help you make your introductions. If you want, that is.
Taiki Noboru: Oh... sure.
I had mostly pulled myself together by then, but I wasn't about to turn down a helping hand. Plus I'd probably need someone by my side when dealing with this assortment of colourful characters, I have no clue what anybody will be like.
Momoko Yumi: [crestfallen] Yeah that's right... just leave poor Momo-chan to rot why don't you...
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [neutral] ...
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [grinning, arms behind head] Yep! Let's get going then.
Although it seems even this guy can be a bit strange.
(First Building - Hallway)
The hallway was brightly lit, which was a welcome change. However, it had a pretty moody atmosphere. The walls were a dark purple and, while they weren't crumbling to bits or anything, felt very uninviting. Dirty peach tiling covered the entire floor. It didn't give the appearance of a school, just of a 'weird building that I'm currently trapped in'.
I didn't have much time to take in my surroundings however. While absent-mindedly looking around I managed to collide with another student. He had long blond hair and was wearing a grey sweatshirt and standard black pants, a surprisingly normal attire aside from them being a bit too big for him.
Taiki Noboru: S-Shit! My bad...
???: [staring] ...You...
I found myself freezing in place. Though the boy didn't look threatening at all, his gaze was absolutely piercing. Big blue eyes, I swear I saw them turn pink for a fraction of a second. Once I ripped my own eyes off of him I realized he was actually staring at the policeman guy behind me.
???: [thinking] ...Ryuunosuke Yuudai. Ultimate Police Officer. Met you ten minutes and thirty-three seconds ago.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [smiling, arms folded] As expected from the Ultimate Memory.
Ultimate Memory...?
???: [smiling] You! The kid who wasn't waking up, right? Rhetorical question, you don't need to tell me I was right.
Haruto Yamato: [grinning, arms folded] I'm Haruto Yamato! I have a completely reliable photographic memory of everything I've ever experienced.
(Haruto Yamato - Ultimate Memory)
Haruto Yamato: [thinking] Most notably I'm recognized by Guinness World Records as the person who's memorized the most digits of pi. That's three-point-one-four-one-fiv-
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [grinning, arms behind head] I think he gets it.
Taiki Noboru: The Ultimate Memory though, that's an incredible talent!
Haruto Yamato: [surprised] Huh!?
Haruto Yamato: [playing with hair] Oh, heh, I guess. It's not as specialized as everyone else's here, but it's alright.
Hmm... he actually seems like quite a pleasant guy. If we manage to get out of this place and find ourselves back at Hope's Peak I wouldn't mind being in the same class as him.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [thinking] Anyway, Yamato-kun... Any progress on remembering how we got here?
Taiki Noboru: Oh! You should be able to remember that, right?
Haruto Yamato: [downcast] ...Not exactly. It's a big blank even for me. Sorry 'bout it.
He looked genuinely upset with himself. I don't know for sure obviously, but I bet having a talent like that made this situation all the more unbelievable. I felt like I should apologize.
Haruto Yamato: [downcast] ...
Haruto Yamato: [laughing, arms folded] Welp. See ya later then! [leaves]
Good at putting on a happy face? Or good at changing moods quickly? I suppose I'll find out what his deal is in due time.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [smiling, arms folded] So, the next room along is another classroom. Wanna check it out?
Taiki Noboru: Oh, but there's still some people in the hallway...
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [thinking] Don't you want to explore everywhere yourself? I'm sure we'll run into everyone eventually.
Taiki Noboru: You make a compelling argument...
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [grinning, arms behind head] Ha, so you're a pushover. Good, that makes things easy.
Huh!? Is he teasing me for agreeing with him?
(First Building - Classroom 2)
Immediately I realized it was pretty pointless coming here. It was basically the same as the other classroom, just with yellow walls as opposed to blue ones which, along with the proper lighting, I guess made it a bit nicer to be in.
???: [smiling] Ah, Yuudai-kun. Have you brought me another student?
Sitting on the teacher's desk was a woman whose smile could melt snow. Her blonde ponytail seemed to sway happily as she looked me up and down. She was wearing an unbuttoned sky blue sweater which was drooping off her shoulders, exposing her stark white dress shirt.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [playful smile] Pretty much. Noboru-kun, this is Kotone Masuyo.
Kotone Masuyo: [smiling] Pleased to make your acquaintance!
(Kotone Masuyo - Ultimate Teacher)
Taiki Noboru: ...So there are teachers here too?
Kotone Masuyo: [surprised] Eh?
Kotone Masuyo: [red face, panicking] N-no! Well, yes, but... but I'm a student too!
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [nervous smile] What she means is, she's the Ultimate Teacher.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [smiling, arms folded] Masuyo-san is renowned throughout Japan. Whenever she isn't in school herself, she's teaching other people. Despite her age she's even able to get classes of adults to respect her.
Kotone Masuyo: [embarrassed] Ehe, you're talking me up a little much there...
Kotone Masuyo: [red face, panicking] And 'despite her age' means 'despite being a high school girl'! Just so you know!
Taiki Noboru: G-got it!
Kotone Masuyo: [smiling] Ehe.
Well, this is someone who I'd expect to see in a normal school environment at least. Although not as a student. She seems like a fun person though.
(Examine: Surveillance camera)
Just like the other room, there was a conspicuous camera staring me in the face. It wasn't any less creepy the second time. Seriously, what are these doing here...?
(Examine: Monitor)
My imagination is kinda running wild at the moment. These monitors feel like they're about to get hijacked by an evil genius threatening to destroy the world. Or maybe a ghostly girl will crawl out of one and massacre us.
...In this situation, I really shouldn't be left alone with my thoughts.
(Examine: Blackboard)
This blackboard has the Japanese word for world - "sekai" - written on it.
Kotone Masuyo: [sparkling eyes] Ah, being in such a tidy classroom makes me feel at home.
Taiki Noboru: Really? I guess it makes sense since you're the Ultimate Teacher. For me it's a little...
Kotone Masuyo: [disappointed, hand on heart] I see. You don't enjoy learning? I was hoping to book a private lesson...
If I had just a little bit less tact I'd comment on that.
Kotone Masuyo: [sparkling eyes] How about calligraphy? How steady is your hand? Would you like me to sculpt you into the Ultimate Calligrapher?
Taiki Noboru: ...S-seriously, I think I'm good enough.
Kotone Masuyo: [stern] Good enough!? You must reach for the stars! Good enough isn't good enough!
Taiki Noboru: Actually it is! By definition!
I think I accidentally got her riled up...
(Examine: Desks)
Fifteen desks, just like before, but...
Taiki Noboru: Gh!
I had no idea someone else was in the room. Sitting at one of the desks was a girl in a stylized seifuku, dark purple with a bright yellow neckerchief. She had long purple hair which flowed gracefully down her back, almost touching the floor. She was looking up at me with a raised eyebrow.
???: [mocking] It's about time. Tell me, how narrow is your field of vision? Or do you perhaps delight in wasting time?
Well, I had to get off on the wrong foot with one of these people at least.
Kotone Masuyo: [nervous] Ah, Midori-san... Haven't I talked to you about the joy of taking part in group activities?
???: [bored] Not yet. And if you ever do, just so you know, I won't take that advice to heart.
Kotone Masuyo: [bead of sweat] ...Yes, well... Perhaps another time then.
???: [bored] Ahem.
Ayane Midori: [eye contact] I am Ayane Midori, the Ultimate Poet. The pleasure is shared between us.
(Ayane Midori - Ultimate Poet)
Taiki Noboru: O-oh, right. Hello.
Ayane Midori: [bored] Apologies if that wasn't the best introduction. It's rare for me to be in a listener's mindset.
Kotone Masuyo: [sparkling eyes] Midori-san was interested in my work, you see. I knew coming to Hope's Peak would let me find people with such a thirst for knowledge, but to meet such a person so quickly...
Taiki Noboru: That's implying we're at Hope's Peak...
Kotone Masuyo: [surprised] Ah! Well...
Kotone Masuyo: [smiling] I prefer to keep my head held high.
Ayane Midori: [bored] A positive outlook is a virtue, Masuyo-san. I myself am quite excited.
Ayane Midori: [smug smile] To be in such a bizarre situation - full of strange people, sights and smells. I feel like an artist that has stumbled across a palette covered in brand new colours.
...I don't like this person. I'm not a fan of people who are intelligent and smug about it. Hopefully I won't have to associate much with her.
Ayane Midori: [bored smile] Nevertheless, I do hope we can become fast friends.
Taiki Noboru: Ah, same here!
Of course, I couldn't say that to her face.
Ayane Midori: [bored] Perhaps one of our first discussions will be on your use of vocabulary.
Though she's making me wish I could.
(First Building - Hallway)
After leaving the two to their talk/lesson thing, we were back in the hallway just in time for another person to pass by. She was quite tall, although that might have been because of the black boots she was wearing. Like her boots, all her clothes were dark, which made her red hair that much more eye-catching.
Taiki Noboru: Hey...
???: [frown, narrow eyes] ...
(BGM: N/A)
Instead of responding to me, she silently moved on towards the other classroom.
Taiki Noboru: Wait, hey! What's your deal!?
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [sighing] Quite the charmer.
Taiki Noboru: Who is that?
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [gripping cap] Don't ask me, I don't think she's introduced herself to anyone yet.
???: [facing away] ...
Obviously overhearing our conversation, she stopped in her tracks.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [gripping cap] What an annoyance. Don't you agree, Noboru-kun?
And he's obviously doing this on purpose.
???: [facing away] ...If you really are that curious.
???: [staring blankly] I cannot introduce myself due to my current predicament. For whatever reason, I don't remember my name or my talent.
(??? - Ultimate ???)
Taiki Noboru: ...Huh?
I found that sound of confusion unintentionally slipping out of me. On second thought it wasn't *that* weird; we were all experiencing some form of amnesia, but to not even remember your own name? I also couldn't guess her talent just from her appearance. What an enigma.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [thinking] That really is strange. But don't you think that's all the more reason to be working together?
???: [eyes closed] ...No, no thank you.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [sighing] Well, I tried.
???: [facing away] Now, if you're satisfied... I haven't had the chance to check these two rooms, so I'll be doing that now. Goodbye. [leaves]
Just like that she escaped into the classroom I woke up in. I don't even know what to say about her.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [thinking] ...Interesting.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [grinning, arms behind head] She certainly has a threatening presence, doesn't she? Kehaha.
A genuinely terrifying one. I don't think that's something to laugh at.
(First Building - Lounge)
The next room was finally different. It was quite spacious, with many comfortable chairs and couches in the centre. Against the walls were a few fully stocked bookcases; I suppose I'll check them when I don't have anything better to do. There were two people in this room yet again.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [thinking] This looks like the lounging area. If this is a school, this would be where we spent time studying.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [surprised] Oh, yeah, watch out for those two.
I didn't hear that last part, I was too focused on one of the people in front of me. He was exerting a powerful presence. He had neatly combed purple hair and was wearing spotless white clothes, aside from a tie that was embroidered with gold thread. He was the prime example of the type of person I was expecting to meet at Hope's Peak.
What I noticed most of all was the book he was reading. It was hard to tell from this distance, but it looked like it was something about Hope's Peak. I walked over to him, attempting to get a closer look, but-
*Slam!*
???: [angry] Go away.
He had slammed the book closed.
???: [annoyed] How many times must I tell all of you that I have no interest in whatever's going on? Leave me be, now.
I stood there for a moment, trying to decide whether it was worth arguing with him, before heading back to Yuudai's side.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [sighing] Yeah... that's Ryo Shohei.
Taiki Noboru: Cool name or not, he's an asshole.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [confused] Huh? Does that name not ring a bell to you?
Taiki Noboru: No... should it?
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [thinking] ...It's a bit strange, isn't it? You're in the presence of all these Ultimates, yet you haven't recognized a single one on your own so far.
I hadn't thought about it until now, but that is weird. Maybe it's a memory thing, like that girl? My memory came back to me earlier, but maybe not a specific part?
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [smiling, arms folded] But anyway, Ryo Shohei is known as the Ultimate Royalty. He's a descendant of ancient Japanese noblemen, and is one of the most important figures in Japan that's not in line for the throne.
Ryo Shohei: [smug smile] Heh.
(Ryo Shohei - Ultimate Royalty)
I suppose being that powerful explains his behaviour, but it definitely doesn't justify it. I knew I was going to meet some Ultimates that weren't so modest, but man. Even if you're basically a prince, learn some humility.
Ryo Shohei: [rolling eyes] Please, don't kneel. If you want to show your undying adoration, consider doing what I asked and moving elsewhere.
I complied. Mostly because I knew if I heard any more from him I'd snap.
(Examine: Bookcases)
I lazily picked up one of the books and examined it. 'So Lingers the Ocean by Toko Fukawa' - looks like a mushy romance story. With a slight grimace on my face, I put it back on the shelf.
(Talk to: ???)
The other boy in the room gave off a completely different impression. He was sitting on one of the chairs with his knees to his chin, practically cowering in fear. His white hair was fairly long and unkempt, as if he had just rolled out of bed. His outfit was the simplest possible; shorts and a plain red shirt.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [thinking] As a matter of fact I don't think I got this one's name either. Hm...
After saying this, he inhaled deeply.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [grinning, arms behind head] Yooo! My name is Ryuuosuke Yuudai! Mind telling me yours?
His brashness scared even me. I saw the poor boy jump out of his skin and look at Yuudai with wide eyes.
???: [surprised] Ack!
???: [glaring] ...
???: [nervous] That's because... I didn't say it... you idiot...
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [grinning, arms behind head] Haha, that would explain it! But uh...
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [smiling, arms folded] We don't know how long we'll be in each other's company, you know. Don't you think it's best if we know a little about each other?
???: [nervous] ...
Akio Kenichi: [muttering] Akio Kenichi. There.
(Akio Kenichi - Ultimate Miracle)
Okay, colour me impressed. I suppose being a police officer you have to be good at defusing bad situations. I am pretty curious about this kid, but it's obvious he doesn't want us to pry.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [playful smile] Nice to meet you, Kenichi-kun! So, what's your talent?
Akio Kenichi: [angry] Will you leave me the hell alone!?
Oh no.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [surprised] Huh?
Akio Kenichi: [glaring] Do you think I'm stupid!? I can tell... I can tell you're just going to make fun of me!
Akio Kenichi: [angry] So f-fuck off! I'm not some punching bag you shith-
(BGM: N/A)
Once again, I heard the sound of a book slamming shut. I quickly turned around to see that Ultimate Royalty person looking up at us three, obviously annoyed.
Ryo Shohei: [glaring] Akio Kenichi. He was born with many birth defects, both physical and psychological. He was expected to die within days, yet has somehow been able to live a normal life with surprisingly few health problems.
Ryo Shohei: [mocking] According to the profiles I am *trying* to read, he's considered the Ultimate Miracle.
Ryo Shohei: [eyes closed, scowl] Now, finally, if you'd all shut up...
...Oh.
...
...
Akio Kenichi: [pulling at hair] Why... w-w-why did they have to send me to Hope's Peak with a talent like that!? S-shit...!
...
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [downcast] ...
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [smiling, arms folded] I think I'll stay here and make doubly sure he calms down. Noboru-kun, any objections?
Taiki Noboru: Huh? Oh... Yeah, that's fine.
Ryuunosuke Yuudai: [thumbs up] Excellent. There's only one more room to explore, you'll be fine.
Well, not like I could get lost anyway... and, although I feel bad for that guy, trying to help him sounds annoying. In fact I kinda feel glad I'm not the one resembling a fish out of water here. But of course, I hope he'll be alright.