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Chapter Text

[Hinata Hajime] That's all the brunet remembered when he opened his eyes. The last thing he remembered doing was... Nothing?

Someone is speaking outside.

'Outside?' The young adult learns he is in a capsule, forcing himself to raise his arm and push the tinted lid before him. The sensation is a necessary pain. It took a dozen taps before the lid popped open. Too quiet. Too cramp. Too dark. Too cold.

"Sweet baby Jesus?!" Someone exclaimed, and Hajime dropped his arm lifelessly back into the capsule. "You're alive?!"

"Guess the PCS works, after all!" The person came into view. A male based on the voice. "Gotta tell Naegi-chi about this."

[Psychotherapeutic Communication Simulator] Hajime shivered, breathing through his mouth to take in as much oxygen as possible. Too cramp. Too dark. Too cold.

"Hmmm..." The person scratched the top of his head, thinking what to do. "Anyways, I'm a good guy."

"Hagakure Yasuhiro. Just call me Hiro!" The person introduced, offering a hand. Hajime blinks, and the guy quickly catches on. "I don't know how long you've been stuck in this joint, but you better not die on me!"

"..." Hajime felt warm arms envelop him, head drooping as the guy pulled him out of the pod. Too dark.

"How am I gonna do this?" Yasuhiro muttered, carrying Hajime like a child. The scent of smoke is on this person's hair. The guy walked, bringing Hajime to a place with light. "I know you won't believe me, but I predicted our encounter last night."

"Not you exactly, but a source of wealth hidden in the school! I'm serious!" The person continues to talk, unaware the survivor of the Reserve Course will take another nap. "The revelation was definitely from the ether. No doubt about that! My skills never failed me yet."

Chapter Text

"Sorry, but we can't recruit people without experience," the 13th Division Head apologized. "How about asking the 3rd Division? I'm sure they know where to sort your friend."

'I expected that...' Hajime watched the final attempt of Yasuhiro trying to get him a job within the organization end up in flames.

'Will we finally interact with the 1st to 6th division or stop altogether?' Hajime read the purpose of each division within the Future Foundation, not finding himself to fit any Branch. Holding a bowl of soup, Hajime spent the last two days diligently following Yasuhiro. A total of four days since they arrived at the Future Foundation, where Hajime rested in the infirmary for a couple of days. 'Gekkogahara Miaya won't accept a test subject in the 7th Division, only requesting Hiro send her reports of my condition.'

'The 14th division is mostly funded by Togami Byakuya. Would my presence increase Hiro's debt?' Hajime appreciated Yasuhiro's effort to help him adjust, but maybe the standard procedure is the best solution. Currently, Hajime stays in one of the lodgings dedicated to the 14th Division. Hajime only took naps, sorting the junk and trinkets of his new roommate after reading the news. 'What does the 14th Division do? Public relations. What a volatile responsibility.'

[The Future Foundation is a group dedicating their time, effort, and resources to rid the world of despair.]

"Not even a diploma is going to get you a job," Yasuhiro groaned, raising his hand to acknowledge a greeting from a passing person.

'Former Ultimate Clairvoyant.' Hajime repeats the title of his friend, not seeing any benefit in how the people treat Yasuhiro. The salary grade of the officers are similar to one another unless you become a head officer or a notable figure within the organization. Those deployed on the field receive benefits to promote active members, but Yasuhiro told him the casualty rate is high.

"We might as well slack off and wait, huh?" Yasuhiro wiped his nose, ready to take a break for the whole day.

"Why not head out and find your friends?" Hajime proposed, but the man almost tripped on air.

"W-we could, but my fortune-telling senses are telling me to leave tomorrow. That's right! Worst day to head out," Yasuhiro adjusted his glasses. "Let's check the cafeteria and get another bowl of miso for you. That'll fill you up real good."

"..." Hajime sipped his soup, trailing behind the anxious fortune teller. Based on the words of the people working in the 14th Division, Naegi Makoto, Kirigiri Kyoko, and Togami Byakuya left last week to search for the Remnants of Ultimate Despair. No one knows when they'll return, much less survive an encounter.

Chapter Text

"Good moorning~!" The Former Ultimate Swimmer greeted, making Hajime look away from the screens. Asahina Aoi, a member of the 13th Division likes to visit the 14th Branch. "There you are! I was wondering where you went."

"Hina, right?" Hajime recalled the female introducing herself two days ago, rubbing his eyes and slightly yawning. It's been a full week since Hajime stayed in the Future Foundation, spending the rest of his days reviewing the records of Class 78. From the first days the students were trapped to the miraculous survival of the Former Ultimate Lucky student, Hajime watched it all in the highest speed setting. "This isn't your usual course for your morning jog."

"But I haven't seen you and Hiro in a while.." Aoi wasn't wearing her Future Foundation uniform, but clothes similar to when she got trapped in Hope's Peak Academy. A blue tracksuit jacket over a white tank top with shorts for freedom of movement. "Let me guess, he's tinkering with another Monokuma?"

"Yeah," Hajime returned his gaze to the final trial, having only the central screen active to display the grand finale. Although Yasuhiro promised they'd head out to explore, he received several requests and stuff to look into. That's why Hajime spent his days in the recreational room to review the most-watched TV series. "Any news on Naegi and the others?"

"I got something even better!" Aoi chirped, and Hajime looked away from the execution video of Enoshima Junko to see the swimmer set down two bags of food. She smiled at him, and her words were predictable. "I convinced Fukawa-chan to come with us. Let's head out and find them ourselves!"

"You won't get in trouble for this?" Hajime asked because he remembered seeing the Former Ultimate Writing prodigy undergo some tests to prevent the appearance of the Former Ultimate Murderous Fiend. The people are afraid of Fukawa Touko, specifically Genocide Jack.

"Nope! Once you clean up, bring the food and wait by the lounge. I'll drag those two out in no time!" Aoi made a fist pump at the idea of hanging with her friends.

"Sure thing, Hina..." Hajime returned to the video just in time to see the deceased Ultimate Despair crushed by the same punishment meant for the proclaimed Ultimate Hope. Hajime eventually stood up, dusting his clothes offered by a sympathetic soul. 'Why do I feel something bad will happen?'

Chapter Text

"Why the hell are the Yakuza here?!" Yasuhiro cried while Hajime trailed behind the man, avoiding the array of bullets flying over their shoulders. It's barely been half a day since they left the Future Foundation, walking along the damaged site of Kyoto. They wore a device along their face to purify the air, initially helping folks clear some debris while gathering intel. "It's even the Kuzuryu clan of all people!"

'The Former Ultimate Yakuza, Kuzuryu Fuyuhiko...' Hajime slipped out of the narrow pathway, grabbing the back collar of his friend before Yasuhiro tripped. Deep in thought, Hajime remembered the tremors in the civilian's voices, the fear, and awe these people had on the head of the Underground. Strangely, the surname Kuzuryu evoked a sense of nostalgia.

"I want to stand by my brother's side..." A female with blonde hair confessed, leaning against the rail to hide her tear-stained expression. [Kuzuryu Natsumi] whispered, "If they recognize me as the Ultimate Little Sister, I can be with my brother."

"You mind selling your organs for me? Dumb question. There's definitely a reason why Gekkogahara-chi turned you down," Yasuhiro tugged Hajime to walk up the overpass, hearing the noise of metal clashing against bullets. The group was supposed to rest and eat lunch, but a bunch of Monokuma-helmet-wearing men in suits ambushed their area. "Got anything on you? I ran out of firecrackers."

"I don't have authorization to own anything," Hajime could hear numerous footsteps rushing to their side, jumping off and landing on a nearby bridge. They ran down and went left, facing a dead end. "We can't climb that."

"Ugh...no way." Yasuhiro crouched down, clasping his hands together as if praying. Although they were standing on a dead end, Hajime noticed the unstable structure of the building before them. Hajime walked near the wall, knocking on the bricks. "I seriously don't wanna die here...!"

"I'm begging you! God, Buddha, Mother Earth, God of Space, King Neptune!" Yasuhiro begged while Hajime pushed some bricks, eventually kickstarting the end of the building to crash against the hitmen. "Help me!"

*CRASH*

"Dusty..." Hajime remarked, checking the ruins before looking back at his friend. They've been running for ten minutes, dodging bullets and blades thrown at them. Surely, Aoi is safe with the other girl being adept in combat. Yasuhiro stood up and pointed at Hajime, but Hajime spoke first. "Shall we explore the mall?"

"Don't change the topic! Are you starting to remember stuff?" Yasuhiro scrutinized him, but his question confused Hajime. The school records told everyone exactly what happened to the reserve course student dropout. "Anything about whatever Hope's Peak Academy did to you?"

[Hope Cultivation Project]

'I promised not to tell anyone...' Hajime wasn't sure why the Former Ultimate Guidance Counsellor didn't want anyone to know the inhumane things Hope's Peak Academy did, but he understood Yasuhiro wouldn't benefit from the revelation. It was Gekkogahara Miaya herself who canceled and created certificates to validate Hajime's existence, giving the theoretical excuse that the deceased Ultimate Neurologist saved Hajime from the despair inflicted during the events leading to the Tragedy.

"The surname Kuzuryu sounds familiar," Hajime unconsciously moved his hand to feel his forehead, unsure why he imagined sutures in such a sensitive place. The doctors in the medical bay reassured him that he was not modified or touched during his years of coma, but the uneasy feeling wouldn't go away.

"I guess the sister attended the reserve course at one time..." Yasuhiro cupped his chin while Hajime decided to look at the inside of the ransacked mall. "The debt disappears if one of the parties dies, right?"

"If we follow that logic, the population would be half in size without the help of despair..." Hajime noticed the photos dangling above them, pictures of people tortured and murdered in various ways. The faces of people screaming in agony, squirming for pleasure, and mourning over their loved ones... Hajime spoke, "Kuzuryu liked taking pictures during the break... I think?"

"She's dead," Yasuhiro wasn't wrong, but those words pierced his chest.

[Twilight Syndrome Murder Case]

"..." Hajime remained silent, watching Yasuhiro tear down the photos.

Chapter Text

[Hope Cultivation Project] Hajime remembers stepping out of an elevator to enter an underground facility some time ago. Hajime was supposed to undergo a questionable surgery to embody ████. They promised that he'll gain... talent?

[Psychotherapeutic Communication Simulator] That's the name of the system keeping Hajime asleep until the day Hagakure Yasuhiro stumbled into the room. A system that attempted to reformat his memories.

"Can you find where that noise is coming from?!" Yasuhiro snapped Hajime out of the latter's musing, still plucking out the disturbing photos. Yasuhiro told Hajime that if normal people look too deep into the pictures, they enter a trance and become crazy. It seems one of the primary tasks of the 14th Division is to handle propaganda of hope and despair. "I get people dig live music, but that's super loud."

"... Alright," Hajime agreed, scanning the area for any visible movement before staring at the source of the sound. Logically, Hajime should find a security room or maintenance office to check the general situation. However, Hajime didn't want to leave Yasuhiro.

"?" Hajime can hear the sound of scurrying, hundreds of eyes watching their every move. The place has not been cleaned for a while, giving way to animals roaming the area.

"It's from the music store nearby," Hajime examined the active store unmanned by anyone. Taking a couple of steps forward, Hajime spotted a family of four crumpled at the entrance of the shop.

"♫" An upbeat classical tune is now playing on the screen.

"?" Hajime ignored the neon color graffiti that clamored the end of Hope, observing the few stores somehow unspared from the chaotic rampage some time ago. The music is distracting, making Hajime return his focus to the TV in front of the peculiar music store.

"🎶" The show featured the concert of the lead singer, a traditional dancer, and a hanging background dancers-

"Hey! I told you not to analyze those despairing stuff. It's bad for the mind," Yasuhiro spoke while Hajime observed the details on the screen. People cheer as if their lives depended on it, waving red glow sticks into the air. [The concert is in Nagoya.] The scream is deafening, the stadium begins to sink. They're drowning, smiling? "Don't let it get to you, man!"

"Mahiru..." A female student with long dark green hair held onto the hands of the anxious redhead, looking at the other with determined violet eyes. ████ vowed, "Mahiru! No matter what happens, I'll protect you at all costs! That's why I ████ ██ ██ ██████ █████"

"[Sato]-chan..." Mahiru teared up, giving in to whatever this other person said. "But this is-"

*BAM!*

"There we go! Free of charge," Yasuhiro threw a metal pipe against the screen, destroying the TV. Hajime blinked, finally facing his friend. The memory seemed irrelevant? Yasuhiro smiled, "You're welcome. Now, let's get out of here. We had our fun."

"..." Hajime stopped after something caught his eyes, picking up a utility knife. He wants to test the leniency within the Future Foundation, specifically where people must register blades exceeding five inches. Hajime has seen the Former Blacksmith perform this loophole, but that guy's the 9th Division Head.

"You know how to cook?" Yasuhiro rests his arm on Hajime's shoulder, squinting at the knife shop. "Feel free to experiment."

Chapter Text

[Ultimate Despair] Not a person, but a group of people whose goal is to spread despair across the world.

[Ultimate Hope] A title given to an individual that brings hope to a group trapped in a desolate situation.

'Is it easier to spread despair than hope?' Hajime sat on the bench, watching Yasuhiro hijack a nearby phone booth. Heading to the ground floor, they discovered the entrance was blocked from the outside. 'Is it easier to be part of Ultimate Despair than be Ultimate Hope?'

'Is that why the Future Foundation scrutinizes Naegi Makoto?' Hajime continued to eat the sandwich Yasuhiro got from the vending machine, sharing the broken pieces of food with the stray cats. They don't seem to be feral. It's rather concerning why they're fat than anything. 'The fear of mistaking hope for despair.'

"When will humanity return to being complex people? Return to the source of neutrality, the truth that will give hope and despair. But then, no one likes dealing with such boring things..." Hajime asked the cats, finishing his meal and listening to Yasuhiro beg for his friend to help him out. It seemed Makoto's luck brought the trio to meet Aoi and Toko. "Everyone prefers witnessing two sides stand dramatically at the edge to match the adversary. From weapons to opinions, opposing factions clash with the third party being a nonchalant referee."

"Unable to comprehend the motive of those desperate to end future conflict, the audience mistakes their sacrifice as a means of obtaining glory," Hajime frowned, and a fat dark gray fluffy cat flopped on his lap. Comparing the personalities of the people inside the Future Foundation and the people outside, Hajime noticed the former to be fixated on despair despite being called messengers of hope. The people outside are staying neutral, utilizing goodwill and shifts of circumstance to their advantage. If Hajime could meet the NGO, maybe he'd have a better understanding of the situation. "The cycle repeats, the masses consume the goods, and lives dwindle. I think that's why the world stopped progressing."

"Hm..." Right now, Hajime can see why the heads of the Future Foundation made extreme efforts to eradicate despair. 'By erasing the constant variable known as despair, the system should accordingly change.'

"However, trends are not easily erased from history. Repetitive actions turn into habits, and positive feedback from others leads to addiction..." Hajime is starting to get a headache from thinking. "Technically, thinking of despair and hope only becomes a problem when it interferes with our ability to live a normal life... Like a disorder."

"Gekkogahara must surely know how the mind works, struggling to find a cure on an issue that can only be tackled separately unless she..." Hajime scratched his temple, potentially answering why he was shoved into the PCS. However, a distant memory of meeting fellow participants of the [Kamukura]- Hajime blinked, 'Wait. What?'

"Nya~" The fat cat sat like a loaf on his lap.

[Nanami Chiaki] Hajime wondered why the cat reminded him of a female. It's not any ordinary girl either, a female student sitting by the fountain with a smile and a game girl in hand. His chest is hurting at the memory.

"Sit tight. They're on their way," Yasuhiro returned, placing one hand on his hip to stare at Hajime. "What did I say about feeding the strays? Now you're stuck there until they get off you!"

"It's not a problem," Hajime picked up the dark cat, nuzzling his face against the back of the cat. [Nebelungs] Hajime asked, hoping the memory he received wouldn't ruin their friendship. "Hiro. Do you know who Nanami Chiaki is?"

...

"Did you learn her name from watching TV or part of your memory?" Yasuhiro clarified, and Hajime hugged the cat to look at the guy. "Because she's-"

*CRASH!*

"?!" They both faced the entrance, only to see a large Monokuma scooping the debris to get inside.

"Reusing the robot of the enemy? How creative." Hajime got off his seat as soon as he saw numerous robots flood into the gates. "Never mind!"

"DON'T RUN! WE'RE HERE TO SAVE YOU!"

"Run!" Yasuhiro was already ahead, returning to the escalator. "Hajime!"

"Ok," Hajime hesitated, but followed his friend. Holding the cat in his arms, Hajime's curious why the voice of the large Monokuma tickled his sentimentality.

Chapter Text

"He awakens..." The Former Ultimate Animal Raising Committee member announced, and the black reticulated python hisses. "One who makes the impossible possible, trudging this damned earth to overcome the limitations of humanity..."

"I still don't get anything he's saying~!" The Former Ultimate Gymnast squinted at her past classmate.

"Of course, you don't get it, dummy. He's not making any sense at all!" The Former Ultimate Traditional Dancer closed her fan, taking a seat after her minion cleaned the chair.

"I believe this unknown person can explain the absence of Kuzuryu and Pekoyama," The Former Ultimate Imposter answered, currently disguised as the Ultimate Animator to fulfill the request. "A new member of the Future Foundation, perhaps?"

"Indeed. I would not be surprised if they brought trouble to our doorsteps." Former Ultimate Princess smiled, sitting on the back of a willing subject. "Come now, Tanaka-san. Who is this person you speak to?"

"I speak of a being I once considered a foolish human..." The animal breeder professed, opening his eyes to stare at the curious monarch. "A fated encounter, a singularity that changed the course of destiny!"

"Food is ready~!" The Former Ultimate Cook announced.

"I'm sure they'll come midway. It's not like those two to skip a meeting!" The Former Team Manager assisted the cook since someone tortured the staff. "You two over there! Yeah, you guys at the arcade! Get over here!"

"Argh! I lost!" The Former Ultimate Musician bashed the fake guitar against the screen after losing a round against the Former Ultimate Gamer. "These games lack creativity, Chiaki-chan! You can't expect me to showcase my genius here?!"

"I know, but we had so much fun together, right?" The gamer smiled, setting down the guitar controller. "Ah~ Being with my friends is best, not as boring as those noobs on the street."

"Sorry for the wait," The Former Ultimate Photographer emerged from the bathroom. "Mikan-chan is such a great help!"

"I'm so glad I can be helpful to my friends!" The Former Ultimate Nurse smiled, clasping her hands together with blood on her clothes.

"Whatever." The dancer crossed her arms. "Where's stinko? Shouldn't he be slobbering all over Queenie by now?"

"Wasn't he with Peko-chan?" The musician slammed her body against the startled nurse, hugging the other party with a grin. "Making new toys and partying hard!"

"I deeply apologize for being late, everyone! I hope our absence didn't affect anyone to a despairing degree," The newcomer speaks after opening the door and walking right to the crowd of students. The Former Ultimate Lucky student smiles, standing beside another ultimate. "I brought Kamukura-kun over if you don't mind."

"You aren't the last one today, Komaeda-kun. We can eat while we wait," The present leader of Ultimate Despair yawned, sitting on the chair.

"You're always so kind to me, Nanami-san. I don't deserve such treatment..." The albino grimaced, but the Former Ultimate Hope didn't care. The long-haired entity sat beside the gamer, staring at the bloody feast.

*SMASH!*

"Ack!" The Former Ultimate Lucky placed his hands on the table, wincing as a raven landed on his head.

"KRAA!" The large bird screeched, flapping its wings at the concerned man in a straitjacket.

"As expected, his potential is immeasurable..." The male furrowed his eyebrows. "Mechanical beasts are but mere scraps under his gaze. Kehehe... I have taught him well."

"Potential? Did someone catch Tanaka-kun's attention?" The gamer looked up at the ceiling, hand raised as if to cover her mouth while recounting the past. "Who's the new player?"

"I believe Tanaka-san is speaking of an old friend of ours..." The Ruler of Novoselic theorized. "Someone you deeply cherish, Nanami-san."

*BAM*

"What took you?" The manager had yet to sit down, making sure everyone present took a seat.

"Some rats got in my turf," The Former Ultimate Yakuza growled, signaling he failed to exterminate the unwanted guests. "Almost caught hope-spouting Naegi, but his luck made buildings fall like twigs. His luck got nothing on Komaeda, but he pisses me off! It's like a fucking calamity went over and danced at my men's corpses!"

"Let me guess, he asked you guys to come to the Future Foundation too?" The photographer looked away from her camera, seeing the bloody yakuza leader and swordswoman. "He also visited Hiyoko-chan, Ibuki-chan, and me last week. It's pretty despairing how he fails to understand the world's beauty. Kyoko-chan sees it, but she pretends disgust for that guy."

"Uh-oh~ Mahiru-nee is thinking of kidnapping people again." The dancer covered her mouth with her sleeve. "If we take the detective, who wants bad luck hope kid?"

"We could, but Togami-san would turn into an active nuisance..." The sovereign glanced at her secretary, who handed her a tablet. "Whoever keeps Enoshima-san's mortal enemy has to have equal luck. I vote for Komaeda-san."

"Alive? ALIVE?! I want him dead! I need him to regret everything he's done because he killed my Beloved!" The nurse's voice is slowly rising to a screech. "He took her from me! Her despair! Her life! Her hate! Her love! He will regret his very existence!"

"Calm down, Tsumiki. If he visited us, he'll visit you eventually." The Ultimate Swordswoman reassured the angered nurse, keeping her blade in the sheath. "Souda will be here shortly. He claims to have seen someone from the past."

"Here we go again with the rando. Who is it?" The athlete spoke with her mouth full. "He stonk? Weak? Whut?"

"He said a guy looked like our friend, Hinata." The mafia head spoke only after he sat down and took a drink, and the whole table went silent. "I told him, if he were our guy, he'd walk with his arms raised, and you still wouldn't catch him-" 

*BAM!*

"Fuck you! You jinxed me!" The comedic timing of the Ultimate Mechanic didn't make anyone laugh. Slumping on the door, the mechanic caught his breath. "Guys... You won't believe it! My soul bro is alive. He acts like he has amnesia, but he's back!"

Chapter Text

[Naegi Makoto] - The Former Ultimate Lucky student is known by the people as the Ultimate Hope, probably due to the popularity of the live stream. Although ordered by the 2nd Division to execute the Remnants of Despair, Naegi's close associates are aware of Makoto's actions to convince the surviving members to enter the 7th Division's rehabilitation program.

"If you're alive, then that changes everything," Makoto smiled, a reaction different from the rest of the people in the Future Foundation. Hajime decides to reevaluate the fellow brunette.

Naegi Makoto has script immunity despite the bad luck circulating his existence. Makoto's hope cultivated from the killing game persuades the uncertain and confused to follow his principles. Despite being a mere member of the 14th Division, various notable figures acknowledge his skills and achievements against the deceased Enoshima Junko.

"Hinata-kun. I don't understand why Matsuda-kun placed you in the program, but your survival guarantees the Neo World Program can keep its participants alive." As soon as they returned to the base, Makoto dragged Hajime to his office, showing reports and folders concerning the remaining faction of the evil organization. Yasuhiro had to be brought to the infirmary by Aoi because the former got snagged by the large robot hours prior. Hajime wondered how his prediction skills worked, but such overpowered skills must have a cooling down period. "This is great news! I'm right. We don't have to keep detaining and killing people to end despair, after all."

"No wonder the masses trust your words instead of the preexisting leaders. Your optimism is infectious..." Hajime skimmed the character profiles, finding the pictures familiar. Meeting Makoto is an eye opener, a fresh air from all the black-and-white subjects. His words remind Hajime that the future is an endless sea of possibilities, drowning only the craven and conservative. "However, Gekkogahara insists Hiro send reports of my status. She believes no participant should stay in prolonged periods within the Neo World Program."

"I haven't read that one yet. That must be why she sent me an email," Makoto went over to his PC while Hajime continued to look at the wanted alumni. The supposedly deceased Class 77-B survived the Tragedy. No one knows how they survived, but the chaos and smooth transition of despair into society alerted the Future Foundation that the graduated students had joined Ultimate Despair. "I see... I got it. She's working alongside Alter Ego to modify the program to avoid the destruction of the psyche, creating alternate methods in leaving the system other than graduation..."

"I don't remember any of that," Hajime disclosed, picking a chart and scrutinizing the headshot of a girl. Nanami Chiaki is a familiar name. He remembers a pink Game Girl and a Gala Omega hairpin, which matched her picture. The Former Ultimate Gamer waited by the fountain, or was it him? Hajime doesn't remember everything yet. "All I remember is waking up with no memories... They're coming back to me slowly."

"That's because you didn't graduate from the system. According to the data, you entered the system as a beta tester. Unfortunately, no one was there to remove you from the system. Since you have no objectives, you stayed in the program on a loop until you discovered a forced shutdown sequence with the observer's assistance," Makoto sat down, reading the document on the screen. Hajime finally dropped the papers, glancing at the monitor. "Matsuda-kun placed you inside without following protocol, and you couldn't leave even if you wanted to..."

"Since you rejected the alterations, all the system did was take your time. All your memories should return to you." Makoto forwarded the documents to his friends, specifically the Ultimate Detective and Ultimate Affluent Prodigy. He stood up, showing a face of concern. "But you don't remember everything yet..."

"Is that a good thing?" Hajime asked, cupping his chin. Hajime doesn't remember performing a crime or sin against this Matsuda person, but the guy intentionally locked him in virtual reality without any exits. Hajime couldn't trust his skills to find an escape to Groundhog Day, so the observer should be the one who helped him escape limbo.

"Uh... Yes and no? You'll need to start writing a journal. Kirigiri-san and Togami-kun might want to talk to you later," Makoto muttered, searching his cabinet to give Hajime a white notebook. "Here you go."

"Thanks. You shouldn't have," Hajime received the hardbound notebook and examined the contents. First meeting and he already received a gift. The item even had an in-built pen. "I guess I need to show this to you?"

"When we ask for it...?" Makoto wasn't sure either, and Hajime felt he needed to protect this junior. "I know you're still confused with everything, but I'll do my best to help you. I don't know if I can get you a position, but I'll let you know immediately."

"Thanks," Hajime watched Makoto, unsure what else to do.

...

"Do you want to come with me?" Makoto tests the waters, asking him. "Or do you want to visit Hagakure-kun?"

"I guess I'll visit Hiro," Hajime selected, finally having an objective.

Chapter Text

"When there's a will, there's a way!" The clairvoyant told the indifferent brunet, pulling out several pamphlets and maps to place on the table.

"Yeah..." Hajime doesn't know when Yasuhiro heard the news, but Kyoko conversed with Byakuya to relocate Hajime away from the Future Foundation to live elsewhere. Hajime's presence could cause conflict between the alumni. However, Byakuya had no plans to subsidize a useless person. Hajime needed to find work as soon as he left the building.

"Don't worry, my man. I got the solution to your dilemma!" Yasuhiro placed a compass on the table, and Hajime examined the map of Japan. There are multiple maps, and the ultimate strongly wished Hajime travel around Tokyo. "Hear me out. Because a lot of people died because of despair, these areas..."

"You can scour the residences, grab the goods, and sell them in pawn shops." Yasuhiro pulled out a marker, circling the devastated areas while Hajime read the announcements and laws leading to this new job occupation. Hajime wondered why anyone permitted such a rule, but multiple careers were probably abolished due to the advancement of technology. "That's right. Be a treasure hunter! Once you go big, you can help your good friend out, eh?"

"... I don't know," Hajime spoke while scrutinizing his friend, feeling this was the correct answer. Based on the title, [treasure hunter] needs to research and understand the history of the locations to determine the object's value. Hajime asked Yasuhiro, eyeing the equipment lingering in the room. "How about you teach me the ropes?"

"You don't have to say twice. Of course, I'll help you! I have a keen eye on these things," Yasuhiro will now start rambling about his exotic purchases, reminding Hajime of the words uttered by Aoi and Toko. "You might be thinking that I just sell off my stuff to pay the debt, but these are all priceless, you hear me?! This is one of a kind!"

'I guess helping him lessen his debt is a suitable way of displaying gratitude,' Hajime glanced at the maps, noting the large red crosses near the free-for-all zones. 'If this will be my new job, I'll have to adapt as fast as I can and find a way to deal with those Monokuma bots.'

'I should tread carefully and avoid causing trouble for them,' Hajime glanced at his excited friend, seeing a cast on the arm of the fortune teller. Yasuhiro will be able to free his arm tomorrow, so their expedition will be tomorrow afternoon. For now, Hajime is ordered to write whatever he can recall in his journal and stay in Yasuhiro's room.

Chapter Text

[Stay] - High chance of survival

[Hide] - Low chance of survival

Hajime summarized the options before him, listening to the business mogul and detective argue before him and Makoto. Kirigiri Kyoko may be the head of Division 14, but Togami Byakuya has control over the excess funds and manpower achieved through sheer merit. The survivors of the infamous Killing Game must understand these two have different priorities.

Kyoko wants Hajime to stay within the parameters of the Future Foundation, unwilling to lose an important participant in the Neo World Program to prove the successful rehabilitation of despair. Byakuya wants Hajime to move as far away from the Foundation as possible, emphasizing the unstable atmosphere within their organization. The guy is also harsh enough to point at Hajime's lack of talent.

[Stay]
VOTE: Kyoko, Aoi, Alter Ego

[Hide]
VOTE: Byakuya, Toko, Yasuhiro, Makoto

'In the end, Togami won,' Hajime sat beside Yasuhiro, observing Makoto converse with Byakuya about Towa City. Hajime wondered who to believe, Kyoko who underestimated his survival skills, or Byakuya who overestimated his analytical skills. Hajime might have observed Alter Ego too much to realize Makoto's convenience. Fukawa Toko will agree to most proposals of her cherished person and Yasuhiro wanted him to start earning. Makoto is the tiebreaker, agreeing with Byakuya that they won't be able to hide Hajime effectively within their base.

'Even though the safest place is the Future Foundation...' Hajime doesn't see a flaw in Kyoko's rationality, having spent most of his time in the quarters reserved for the 14th division. Nothing happened to Hajime in the safe house, frequently ignored by the majority. Hajime could only imagine the words uttered by the Former Ultimate Therapist, influencing and/or encouraging Kyoko to preserve his existence. Hajime has become a game-changing chess piece for the project members of the Neo World Program. His stay in the virtual reality is quintessential to the complete correction of the psyche of trauma patients, specifically those fixated in despair.

'Togami is right.' Hajime closed his eyes, curious when the skies would regain their lovely blue hue. Gekkogahara Miaya is on their side in curing despair, but the rest of the department heads have strong sentiments against despair. In a world saturated with violence, disease, and famine, betrayal is inevitable. 'It won't take long for people to confuse hope with despair, adapting to the extremist mindset in solving present issues.

"?" Hajime blinked, hearing that song from before. According to Yasuhiro, the song was crafted by the Former Ultimate Musician, Mioda Ibuki, who joined Ultimate Despair. The Future Foundation declared the alteration of the title after Junko's death. [The members of Ultimate Despair are nothing more than Remnants of Despair.]

"Nothing good, huh?" Yasuhiro let out a comical sigh, crossing his arms in utmost disappointment. Hajime looked down at his brand new phone, aware Byakuya placed a GPS in his phone. Hajime isn't allowed to text or call anyone but them. No one denied Kyoko's presumption that the Remnant of Despair wishes to impede hope at all costs, and Hajime's death will be a monumental blow against the concept of redemption. "I got an idea-"

"No," Byakuya quickly shot him down, actually the one driving them to the site. Hajime wasn't sure why the blonde was paranoid, but there were three other cars that would head to alternate safe houses to confuse any suspicious Future Foundation member.

"Hear me out. It's right up our alley!" Yasuhiro uncrossed his arms and Hajime watched the fortune teller raise his legs to sit improperly in the car. "How about we start our own TV channel? Of course, viewers gotta pay the subscription."

"Another failure of a business opportunity," Byakuya commented on the idea, which Hajime wholeheartedly agreed. The reason why social media platforms espouse despair is because the viewers crave despair. The TV channel countering the present system will enter bankruptcy in less than half a decade... Unless Makoto's luck will find a solution?

'Hold on. I heard the followers of Naegi past the seventh figure,' Hajime used Makoto's desktop to browse the internet hours before departure, hoping to understand his saviors before departure... Only to stare at a virtual Makoto shrine.

"Back me up, Naegi-chi! You get me, right?!" Yasuhiro whined, but Makoto offered a helpless smile.

'Why does it feel like Togami is the father in the household?' Hajime covered his face to avoid showing his smile. Kyoko uses cold logic while Makoto sways others with warm optimism. Byakuya? He's the treasurer everyone needs. This same leader instructed Hajime to stay in the house belonging to the Togami company until further notice. However, Yasuhiro will visit Hajime later to teach him the ropes of hunting treasure.

[ "What do you think?" ]

"Huh?" Hajime doesn't know why that phrase led him to memory lane. Facing his colleague, Hajime pushed the thought of the blurry female aside. "Even with Naegi's assistance, the program won't profit."

"Don't let his looks deceive you. Although he possesses no talent, Hinata is one of the top performing students in the reserve course department..." Byakuya disclosed an interesting tidbit about the brunette, performing his research on the selection process.

'There was once a prominent project, but the controversial secret operation fragmented into different side projects to contain something or someone?' Hajime somewhat believed since that sounds right. 'Best to keep quiet until I remember everything.'

'That won't stop progress.' Hajime believed.

Chapter Text

[日向 創]

"Himuka... Sou. Why can't that be my real name?" The brunette sighed, waiting for the hot water to boil. Hajime is currently on the ground floor of a minimalist-themed apartment, done exploring the safe house an hour ago. Byakuya was supposed to tour everyone around the place, but something happened in the Future Foundation.

"..." Hajime grabbed the kettle, pouring the hot water inside the cup noodles. Closing the lid, Hajime feels a wave of comfort and familiarity towards this long-lasting meal. Hajime cupped his chin, thinking of his past. 'I suppose I belong to a middle or upper-class family household. Hope's Peak Academy dislikes those without talent, so the excessive tuition fee should be a deterrent for those possessing fleeting fancy.'

"Hm..." Hajime waits for the noodles to cook, recalling the silly banter a couple of hours ago. 'Kirigiri Kyouko, the detective haunted by cup noodles.'

...

'I wonder why they initiated an emergency meeting concerning Ultimate Despair?' Glancing at a plasma screen TV, Hajime recalled the past. He summarized his understanding based on the expressions and movements of Yasuhiro and company. Hajime theorized something dangerous occurred akin to a warning or a calamity influencing a city. Based on Hajime's encounter with one of them controlling the Monokuma robots, a calculated assault would take down the majority of the  talentless  people within the building-

"That's not like me," Hajime disliked that specific word, aware he shouldn't discriminate against any of the people working in that organization. 'I mean, I know they can't all be ultimates. There is a reason for their positions, following the orders of those above. However, they have a purpose. They are working for the greater good!'

"Stop judging people... You're no better than any of them. Why is it hard to relax?" Hajime continued to scan the area, thoughts returning to his fake name. It's based on his real name, which was necessary, according to Kyoko. 'People are apparently after me.'

'But why? Do they know me?' Hajime thought to himself, recalling the face of the Former Ultimate Gamer. 'Is she searching for me?'

'Oh. Can I ask Nanami for help? Hagakure's debt is pretty high, and she feels trustworthy...' Hajime thinks to himself, unsure whether to explore the outside without his guardians. Hajime could also start writing things in the journal again, feeling his memory will return the more he writes down something. Hajime debates what to do, strangely fixed in place. 'Someone is coming.'

"How would I know that?" Hajime doesn't know how he knows such a thing, but he walks to the tinted window to check outside. Someone is there. Someone familiar.

"Izu-" Hajime covered his mouth, taking a step back and finding his actions quite confusing. A rush of memories floods into his head. Countless bodies on metal tables, modified and conditioned to remove imperfection. Hajime blinked rapidly, feeling nauseous. 'That can't be right. One of the main procedures of the Hope Cultivation Project is the erasure of memories and- Wait. No. The grand project has a list of complex procedures to filter the test subjects. No no no.'

'Focus on the present. I can worry about the past later,' Hajime returned his gaze to the person outside.

[Kamukura Izuru] His mind identifies this foreigner with absolute certainty.

'If he's part of the project, then why is he here?' Hajime wasn't sure what was real or what was fake anymore. His memories clash with the facts presented before him. Hajime woke up in a hidden laboratory, but his memories involved him dealing with frightened reserve course students.

"?!" Hajime flinched when the figure turned to face his direction. Long dark hair and pale complexion, the Ultimate Hope(?) possess red eyes capable of seeing through the reinforced and tinted glass. Wearing a suit, the intruder strides straight to his area.

"This is the most boring gift you've given to date," A male stood a couple of feet away, opening a rectangular box to reveal a striking red necktie. Despite the remark, the teenager held the gift close to his person. "Have the ambition-less tryhards taken your brain cells, Hajime?"

"What are you talking about? This is your advance rite of passage plus birthday gift!" Someone spoke in jest, having his gaze fixed on the gift that this student held in his hands. Judging from the color and pattern of the uniform, this teenager belongs to the main course of Hope's Peak Academy. This person, Hajime knows is his voice, laughed at the other party and offered his hand. "But if you don't want it, then hand it over. I'll give you a better one tomorrow."

"You've lost your chance to fix your mediocre efforts," This ultimately refused, turning away. Hajime finally raises his head to see smooth black hair almost covering half of the ultimate's upper body. "Let's hurry along. The rest are waiting for our arrival."

'No! That can't be right!' Hajime shook his head, deciding to go against the fuzzy feeling in his chest. The documents and reports meticulously scavenged and gathered by Makoto's team point to Kamukura Izuru being the voluntary participant and survivor of the first Mutual Killing Game hosted by Enoshima Junko. Hajime can't rely on emotions and risk his life.
 

'I need to call them,' Hajime had Yasuhiro's phone number on speed dial, calling his friend while rushing upstairs.

"Hiro!" Hajime finally called the fortuneteller on the phone, which meant they were buddies. The brunette urgently disclosed bad news, "My location has been jeopardized. Kamukura Izuru is coming over-"

*BEEP BEEP BEEP*

'Oh, man. Oh, Buddha Jesus! My friend needs me!' Yasuhiro ran out of the meeting room, aware his friends ran right behind him. Correction. Makoto, Aoi, and Kyoko practically zoomed past him. Byakuya and Toko walked beside him without difficulty, the former reviewing reports given by his latest secretary.

"Come on!" Yasuhiro can't believe he's being outrun by his peers. Back in his days, he could escape the yakuza without fail. Speeding up, Yasuhiro knew more than three cars would be rushing to the area given the sensitive situation. 'I should start working out!'