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Shuichi Saihara had woken up once again to a quiet morning, in his relatively new apartment, next to the guy he had ‘graduated’ that twisted simulation with a year ago from today.
The person in question currently resting in a not so peaceful slumber was Kokichi Ouma, former ‘Ultimate Supreme Leader’.
At least… ‘former’ to the degree as much as he’d like to be referred to with that title. It was hard to gauge his feelings towards his fake talent, even after being free from Team Danganronpa for the last ten months.
…
… Life hasn't been easy for anyone since stepping into the real world. Not only had they been faced with the reality that none of their family or friends were waiting on the other side for them, because they didn’t exist …
They also had to recover from gaining back their memories of the killing game they’d been forced to participate in prior to the ‘Love Observation Variety Show’.
It was originally hard to believe something of that nature actually took place. After all, they had spent over a week getting along just fine amongst forming new and unexpected relationships.
However… everything they felt during the killing game was real.
The marks inflicted surrounding their deaths lingered without any traceable evidence. The only thing they had left were the vivid memories and sensations that were far too detailed to pass off as fake, embedding the authenticity of their experiences into their brains.
The pain, heartache, fear and anxiety, sense of helplessness… and the despair…
…
… If only they hadn’t remembered that period of time at all… Things could have run a lot smoother after ‘graduating’ from the show.
It definitely wouldn’t have been great. Even then, they still would’ve had to come to terms with their personalities and backgrounds being fabricated for the sake of creating ‘characters’ for an audience's entertainment…
But they could have at least been a united force as they accepted who they were together.
They still would have had each other… without having to look at the person they affected the most during that time with remorse or sadness.
If Shuichi were to be honest, it was probably a good thing they were placed in the show before waking up.
On account of it, most of them had felt a little more comfortable discussing their feelings. They were able to look beyond the actions of the culprits and circumstances around the victims deaths in order to consider who the person they were next to was like away from the emotional and psychological pressure.
It was better than nothing… but that didn’t mean he forgave Team Danganronpa for exploiting them even further for profit.
He’d never forgive them for what they were put through. The trauma they sustained had taken its toll, and there was no telling when they’d completely heal, if ever…
For example…
Kaede had harbored immense guilt from her actions that she believed led to Rantaro’s death. For the first couple of days, she was barely able to look at him from how horrible she felt… until it was revealed who his actual killer was.
Even when that was resolved, she couldn’t stop blaming herself for setting up a murder attempt, going behind Shuichi’s back and inadvertently kick-starting the game, no matter how much everyone said they didn’t blame her.
With Rantaro, he would’ve never held any bitterness towards her regardless if she had or hadn’t caused his death… however while she was going through her own turmoil, his mind was adrift from the knowledge that his lost sisters, which were his biggest regret and life’s purpose, never existed.
On top of that, when it was revealed he had participated in the previous season of the killing game, an entire new wave of conflicting emotions crashed into him.
He’d apparently spent weeks alongside fifteen other scared and confused participants, survived multiple brutal class trials, and made it all the way to the end… only to have to sacrifice himself with the realization that there was no escape, playing right into Team Danganronpa’s hands.
He never got those memories back. The temptation to watch a recording of the previous season and possibly try to locate the previous participants was strong, but extremely distressing.
Kaede and Rantaro are still together, though the beginning couple of months afterwards were strained as they worked out their individual griefs.
Himiko has become extremely clingy in her relationship, which was something that Tenko undoubtedly didn’t mind, but the level of it could range to a concerning degree. Especially when she didn’t trust the intentions of others who’d want Tenko to do something for them.
Fortunately, the number of people on Himiko’s suspicion list when it came to the participants were very few, with Korekiyo being at the top, thanks to her time spent on the show. It more so applied to outsiders, resulting in creating a borderline fear of trusting strangers, making going out in public difficult.
Having to remind herself that not everyone was out to harm her, Tenko, or even Angie at times, was something she was actively working on, but this world wasn’t making it any easier.
Additionally, Maki had become what could essentially be described as Kaito’s guard dog. Public outings could also be strained if she didn’t like the expressions others would give them. There was even a time when Kaito had to prevent her from giving her fake talent actual legitimacy.
That night they had encountered a couple of drunk guys, supposed ‘fans’ of the killing game, in the alleyway on their way home. They’d mocked Kaito for not being expressiveful enough towards Maki when he had the chance before his death.
Just as Kaito was about to tell them off himself, in almost an instant Maki had them bruised and bleeding on the ground, and Kaito had to talk her down from utilizing the shards of a nearby broken bottle to finish them off. As expected, it worked, and the two guys kept their mouths zipped about the encounter.
Maki also monitors his health as if the possibility of catching a cold could knock him dead. While she handles being away from him a lot better than Himiko does with Tenko, if she catches wind about anything slightly worrying that happened in her absence it’ll take a period of time for her to calm down.
…
And when it came to his own relationship…
…
Shuichi slowly reached over to very gently place his hand on top of Kokichi’s. He kept it there as he watched the muscles in Kokichi’s face continue to twitch, rubbing it softly with his thumb before moving to interlock their hands together.
“ … Kokichi… ” He breathed. “ … I’m right here… Please wake up… ”
Kokichi’s eyebrows furrowed, his lips tightening as the ends moved up and down faintly shifting between a thin line and a frown.
“It’s okay… You’re okay…… I’m here, Kokichi… ”
It’s been on a consistent basis that Kokichi had been having nightmares made out of moments from the killing game. Naturally, pretty much everyone experiences them, but when it comes to Kokichi’s…
His tended to be more demented, as if his mind was trying to inflict as much torture as possible nearly every time he fell asleep.
Shuichi theorized that it was likely because, despite making up with the people he believed would’ve held the most resentment towards what he did, deep down he was still seeking some type of punishment to hold himself accountable.
There wasn’t much Shuichi could do to help prevent these dreams, and it made him feel awful that Kokichi was still suffering so much.
It wasn’t always as noticeable. Kokichi continues to do a pretty good job masking his feelings whether he was awake or asleep, specifically when he was distressed.
But Shuichi had been learning more on how to pick up on the smallest giveaways. Cracks in his masks that no one else would be able to realize were there unless they had the opportunity to be as close to him as Shuichi was every day.
Once they’re noticed, in this case while waking him up, Shuichi needed to take a calm and slow approach so that his voice could reach Kokichi’s subconscious. From there, Kokichi could remember that he wasn’t alone… and eventually…
His eyelashes fluttered against his skin until they gradually raised. The first thing Kokichi looked at was their connected hands. He stared at them for a few seconds before his gaze traveled up to Shuichi’s, which was half-lidded and warm.
“Morning Kokichi… ” He voiced softly, giving Kokichi a soft smile.
Kokichi blinked at him a few times, neutrality fixed on his expression as his mind worked past the fog of just waking up. Then, out of nowhere but not fully unexpected, Kokichi moved his other hand over to grab Shuichi’s cheeks, squishing them.
He jutted his bottom lip out. “How rude… I was having such a nice dream, only for you to go and interrupt it.”
Shuichi let out a light chuckle, gently removing Kokichi’s hand with his free one and interconnecting them as well. “Sorry… I just wanted to hear your voice.”
Kokichi huffed. “ Right…… You’re sooo needy.”
He laughed, keeping his eyes locked onto Kokichi’s as he brought both of his hands to his mouth and planted adoring kisses on the backs. “I suppose I am… ”
Kokichi’s pout grew bigger as he slumped his shoulders, a very faint pink forming at the top of his cheeks. “You’re not supposed to agree…… I can’t have fun if you do… ”
Shuichi’s smile also grew. “C’mon, it’s time to get up.”
Kokichi drew in his legs underneath to push himself up without letting go, stared at him until Shuichi turned on his back, then collapsed onto his chest. “I don’t want to.”
Shuichi hummed. His hands were now being held captive as Kokichi pressed them to the bed, doing his best to push his entire weight against him. It’d be easy to roll him off…
But…
Kokichi’s head was placed directly over where his heart was, his eyes closed once more as he lay completely still.
He was listening to his heartbeat…
Whatever he dreamt about definitely rattled him.
It probably hadn’t been too extreme. When they were, Kokichi wouldn’t react much to his surroundings after he woke up, and the look in his eyes would be distant for a large duration of the day, if not over a couple of days.
Otherwise, when he had a nightmare that wasn’t the worst but still disturbing, his go-to was acting as if nothing happened until he was ready to talk about it — if he wanted to.
… He’d also find any opportunity to listen to Shuichi’s heartbeat, just as Shuichi does with him when he’s anxious or upset.
Ever since the first time Kokichi allowed him to feel the rhythm of his honest feelings… it’s become their shared habit to do when they need a reminder for where their minds should be at. In the present, with each other.
They stayed like that for a couple of minutes longer until Kokichi moved up to rest his head against Shuichi’s neck. A feathery kiss was left on his pulse, and if Shuichi’s arms were free he’d wrap them securely around Kokichi’s waist as he peppered him in kisses back.
But alas.
“Ready to get up now?”
“Hmmm…… No.”
Shuichi closed his eyes, leaning his face against Kokichi’s head. “That’s a shame… I guess you don’t want to drink a cold bottle of Panta with your breakfast then.”
“We’re out.” Kokichi mumbled grumpily.
“I bought another case yesterday evening when I went shopping and put them in the fridge before getting into bed.”
Kokichi shot up, his expression of pure betrayal. “And you didn’t tell me then?!”
“So you could chug three entire cans to stay up all night again? Yeah, sorry, but no.”
Kokichi finally let go of his hands, pushing off of him and jumping out the bed to sprint into the hall. “Traitor! I’ll get you back for this!”
Shuichi sighed fondly, choosing to ignore the foreboding threat that will likely result in his coffee pods being scattered across the apartment.
At least Kokichi was feeling better. For the time being…
.
.
.
Shuichi finished typing out his thoughts on his document, pressing himself against the back of the couch as he stretched his arms in front of him.
He’s started somewhat of a digital diary as of late. It wasn’t anything special. Just a small therapeutic activity he took to.
The entries varied in topics. There were pages for what he’s done during the day, as well as sections dedicated to expressing fears and worries he held not just surrounding his own life, but also towards his friends’.
Because of all that’s happened, he’s made it a point to keep regular contact with those he was close to and check ups with the others who wished to maintain a polite distance.
Tsumugi and Korekiyo in specific had separated from the main group for their mental health. It was understandable, as their personalities were warped to an extreme.
Korekiyo needed the most professional help past what everyone else had been given and was still being seen twice on a weekly basis.
And Tsumugi… was just as much of a victim as the rest of them.
While keeping the exact details vague, the staff had confessed almost proudly that selecting her out of the cast to inherit the mastermind role was the best choice they could’ve made. They’d unknowingly admitted her position was forced onto her, contorting her personality past the initial characterization she was given.
She still struggles to separate her programmed loyalty to the company from her actual emotions, creating an identity crisis.
Shuichi could only hope that she’ll be able to find her place in this world just like the rest of them.
He sighed, closing his laptop. Thinking about everything made him feel like his energy was being depleted, but he didn’t want to avoid it either. It would be like denying an essential part of their reality, and acknowledging the pain didn’t mean he had to chain himself to it.
It just meant that he could one day look back and realize how far they’ve come since then, and how much they’ve grown as people…
Now that he was done, his eyes traveled to the left of him, trailing over Kokichi’s sprawled out body on the other side of the couch.
Kokichi had been lying next to him for almost the entire time, entertaining himself on his phone as he reclined against the arm rest pillow.
Speaking of coming far since that time…
Being able to see Kokichi relax fully was incredible beyond words.
He was so closed off after waking up… even more than how he acted while in the killing game.
It was absolutely heartbreaking. The fun-loving, energetic, clever, quick-witted and secretly deeply caring guy Shuichi came to cherish had been reduced to a shell of himself that refused to let anyone see anything past a stone cold mask.
Shuichi had felt so helpless. No matter what he tried, Kokichi seemed adamant at pushing him away. It took a good while before he was able to see even a sliver of Kokichi’s mask chip, and even longer before he was able to learn why.
Kokichi had apparently struggled to accept that Shuichi would’ve actually enjoyed being near him at the start of the ‘Love Observation Variety Show’. He was convinced Shuichi’s curiosity would have eventually diminished, or that his personality would’ve exhausted him until he couldn’t handle it anymore.
However, the more Shuichi came to see him and the longer they spent together, the more Kokichi began to feel hopeful, a sentiment that was apparently rare in his life.
Meeting Shuichi felt almost too good to be true, and during that one moment Shuichi still remembers from his brief ability to hear his thoughts, Kokichi had even considered dropping his lying habit if it meant Shuichi would stay by his side.
But Shuichi reassuring him that he’d try not to worry about it as much just about sealed it for him.
Kokichi had truly started to believe that someone could actually see him for more than what he presented as, and possibly come to love his ‘true self’ that was buried underneath…
… Only for him to regain all of his memories from the killing game and be reminded of how twisted and desperate he had become in order to put an end to it all.
To Kokichi, there was no forgiveness for the harm he brought everyone. He had become something not even he could recognize, and there was no going back from it.
Whatever hope he had held onto towards a happy ending with Shuichi… was ripped to shreds.
Shuichi would’ve never wanted anything to do with him. If Shuichi said otherwise, then he had to have been lying.
And if he wasn’t lying… then it was up to Kokichi to spare him from being with a monster like himself. Shuichi deserved way better… and Kokichi would always remain the type of person to stand alone.
But Shuichi never gave up. He stayed by his side through thick and thin, determined to prove to Kokichi that he wasn’t alone anymore. Shuichi kept to the silent declaration he made to himself inside the show, that he’d never give up on understanding all of him.
The first time Kokichi shed tears in front of him had been a massive breakthrough.
Then slowly…
He made progress, starting with talking to the other participants, apologizing… and eventually accepting their forgiveness.
Although Shuichi did believe Kokichi was gradually learning to forgive himself as well, his nightmares were evidence that there was still work to be done. But that was okay.
As long as he was safe, healthy and happy… Kokichi had all the time in the world now to heal, and Shuichi would be next to him every step of the way and beyond.
…
Shuichi hadn’t realized he had zoned out until he felt Kokichi’s foot jab him in the side.
“Whatcha gawking at, Shuichi?” He asked in an upbeat tune without looking away from his phone.
Shuichi cleared his throat, feeling heat spread across his face. “Ah. Nothing. It’s nothing… Sorry.”
Kokichi tilted his phone away slightly just to give him a deadpan stare. “C’mon. Really?”
“I-I’m serious! I didn’t mean to space out at you like that… I was just lost in thought I guess.”
Kokichi scanned his expression, shortly after letting out a hum before his eyes drifted to his shut laptop.
His lips tightening as recognition passed his eyes, and for a second it seemed like Kokichi wasn’t going to follow up on it. He turned off his phone and dropped it on the ground before looking back over.
“ … You were writing about one of the others, right?” He asked, already knowing he was right.
Shuichi cast a sad smile. “Yeah… ”
“Who?”
Shuichi hesitated, unsure how bringing them up would affect Kokichi. Though, it was best to be honest with him regardless.
“Keebo sent me a message earlier. He was able to try a pork cutlet bowl today, and was really excited about it.”
Kokichi’s face was blank, almost bored looking. “That so? Good for him I guess… ”
It was a surprising but welcoming change when Kokichi began reeling back his mean-spirited quips towards Keebo. He won’t admit it, but it was likely because even he felt bad for what Team Danganronpa had done to him.
Keebo had always been human, but was altered to believe he was a robot in order to incorporate the ‘audience participation function’ into the game. Shuichi couldn’t begin to imagine what it felt like for him, forced to listen to the audience’s voices dictate his will, and how confusing it must have been afterwards.
Kokichi let out a yawn, lowering his head. “ … Go on.”
“ … He mentioned that during their outing after they ate, he and Miu went shopping. He found a scarf he thought Miu would like. The material was thin, and he hadn’t considered it thoroughly before suggesting trying it on…… Miu ended up having a panic attack after he wrapped it around her neck… ”
Shuichi studied Kokichi’s expression that gave nothing away at first.
But then, a glimmer appeared in his eyes. It felt like Kokichi met him at a halfway point, recognizing where Shuichi’s mind was at and therefore understanding his intentions.
Kokichi stretched his entire body, sliding mostly off the pillow. He rolled his head, throwing one hand up in the air dramatically. “Geeeez, even now Keebo’s shit at knowing what a girl would want! It’s obvious scarfs aren’t something Miu would add to her wardrobe.” He dropped his hand, glancing at the side. “ … Though Miu’s a complete moron for agreeing to put it on. She knows better than that. ”
Shuichi hummed, frowning.
Kokichi’s eyes flickered over to him. He once again pushed his foot into Shuichi’s side, only stopping when Shuichi lifted his ankle to move it away.
In an even tone, Kokichi spoke. “She’s not actually an idiot. It means she did so fully aware that might happen… Don’t pity her too much. She’d probably degrade you for insulting her intelligence.”
Shuichi chuckled. He twisted his torso and brought his legs to his side to face Kokichi directly. “ … And what about you?”
“What about me?” He tilted his head. “Are you asking if I feel bad for her?”
Shuichi gave a small nod.
Kokichi scoffed playfully. “Why should I? Like I said, it was her own choice to do something so obviously stupid. Typical of her… ” He shrugged, shaking his head. “Bet she felt desperate to appease Keebo now that she can’t perform maintenance on his robo-parts. Bummer. Now they both have to learn how to express their emotions properly if either one of them wants their relationship to work.”
Shuichi released a relieved breath. His brows lifted upwards as his lips curved into a half smile. “Because you’re so great at being able to communicate yours, right?” He lightly teased.
“Hey! Don’t be rude!” Kokichi crossed his arms, fake tears gathering at the corner of his eyes. “I can’t believe you would send such a low blow my way!”
Shuichi reached over, softly coaxing one of his hands back to hold it. “Sorry… I was just joking.” He spoke almost automatically despite knowing he was fine.
“Well duh! You don’t have to spell it out for me!” Kokichi grinned brightly. “My beloved’s too much of a softy, and you’re waaaay too respectful.” His features relaxed. “Plus, compared to me and Miu, you wouldn’t hesitate to confront an issue when needed instead of dancing around it… Right?”
Shuichi’s expression melted, giving his hand a squeeze. “Right.”
They aren’t perfect by any margins, but this was how they’ve built up the trust they held in each other.
They both had days where whatever was consuming them was too difficult to express using words. Kokichi in particular, having been used to shoving it down until he choked when he was by himself.
But he’s come a long way… And when he couldn’t get it out of his system on his own, Shuichi was there to help piece it together little by little.
Them being naturally more adapted to reading each other’s facial expressions and tones certainly made navigating somewhat easier. It was a skill that was used far past their given talents of ‘detective’ and ‘expert liar’.
Kokichi tugged a bit harshly on Shuichi’s hand. “C’mon now! Time to shut that stupidly beautiful brain of yours off. Worrying about upsetting me because of what happened years ago is only going to age you like milk, and nobody wants that.”
Shuichi was able to brace himself on the edge of the couch before he crashed into him. He stared into the deep pools of violet he loves with half-lidded eyes. “Sorry. I’m sorry… It’s just, because of last time… I wasn’t sure, so… ”
Kokichi’s last extreme nightmare had taken place back in the VR, where instead of Gonta using the toilet paper, Kokichi was unable to control his body as he choked Miu from behind with his bare hands.
Kokichi brought his other hand up to Shuichi’s cheek, resting it there, his gaze serious. “ … I know… ”
He carefully guided Shuichi’s head to his chest, stroking his hair soothingly once Shuichi wrapped his arms around his torso.
Kokichi’s heartbeat thumped steadily against his ear, albeit a little more pronounced.
“You’re always thinking about everyone and everything out of your control… It’s stupid, but… you wouldn’t be you without this troublesome habit, huh?”
The vibrations of Kokichi’s small chuckle lulled Shuichi deeper.
“I mean, you’ve even been going out of your way to secretly search for all types of information just to make us all feel better!”
He flinched from being called out so abruptly, but felt Kokichi’s other hand rub his back in familiar patterns, and his eyes began to flutter as he fought off his exhaustion.
“It’s nothing really… I don’t mind… ” Shuichi mumbled, nuzzling his cheek against the soft material of his shirt.
“It’s not ‘nothing’. You’re doing too much… You need to heal as well, Shuichi.”
“ … I know.” His voice came out as meek as a whisper. “But… I’ve only just started in that area… There’s still so much to do… So much to look into… ”
Kokichi withdrew the hand in his hair. It joined the other as Kokichi hugged him tightly. “Ni-shi-shi… As expected of my beloved Shuichi… But it seems you’ve forgotten something important.”
Shuichi weakly lifted himself up, about to ask what he meant, but was cut off by a gentle kiss. Kokichi pulled back, his smile tranquil, tone mellow. “I told you before that if you ever needed help, I’d support you in any way I can… That wasn’t a lie.”
Shuichi’s eyes widened before he let out an airy laugh, his heart soaring.
He’s been so wrapped up in trying to make sure everyone was okay, trying to find any methods that could help ease their pain, help ease Kokichi’s pain… that he’d seriously forgotten something so fundamental.
He leaned down to kiss Kokichi again, pressing their foreheads together afterwards. “That’s right… How could I have forgotten… ? I have the best, smartest, most incredible partner by my side.”
A pretty pink bloomed over Kokichi’s cheeks. He whined, trying to press his head further into the cushion to escape him. “Shut up. That’s too sappy! I don’t like it at all!”
Shuichi followed after, his lips brushing against Kokichi’s. “But it’s the absolute truth.”
Kokichi’s eyes began to shimmer. “I said hush it… ”
And so he did, at least long enough to express the truth through his lips.
.
.
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—
The primary subject that Shuichi had been researching the past few days was about Team Danganronpa. Their founding, past seasons, funding methods… Anything he could dig up that could be useful in the future.
And he’s found some really interesting information now with Kokichi’s assistance.
As it turned out, Team Danganronpa was apparently struggling to keep viewership ratings up for the last couple of seasons before theirs.
The show being broadcast worldwide meant they still had millions of viewers tuning in. However any decrease from what used to be the average meant that their funds were at risk of dwindling greatly.
Financing a hyper realistic simulation that directly connected to a person’s sensory nervous system, the machinery used to erase their old identities to implant the new ones, and the medical equipment needed to keep their bodies alive while participating… cost a crap ton of money for those factors separately.
The higher ups had been desperate to increase their ratings so they could continue producing their beloved killing game entertainment. It was why they went all out with the fifty third season, introducing brand new technology, bringing back a popular motive as well as showcasing a never seen before one, and of course… the addition of Keebo’s participation feature.
It was working. The viewers loved this season with all their hearts. It ignited the flames within the die-hard fans, and the company was starting to believe they wouldn’t have to worry about another financial scare for a while to come.
…
Only for Shuichi’s conviction to ruin everything.
His, Maki’s and Himiko’s message to the world seriously caused hundreds of thousands of fans to shut off their TV’s and walk away. Boycotts spread like wildfire, and mass production of merch was going to waste. It was a total disaster!
Team Danganronpa had to scramble in order for all of their efforts to not be in vain. If they hadn’t thought of something fast, they’d be in danger of going into huge debt!
So, instead of releasing them from the simulation on schedule like the past season’s participants… they kept them in and live-screened to the world a new version of Danganronpa Entertainment. The ‘Love Observation Variety Show’.
They advertised showcasing their most popular cast with a clean slate away from the killing, promoting the idea that the fan’s favorite characters would be given a real chance to get along with one another, and for some, to fall in love! Nothing gets a dedicated viewer more excited than giving them hope that their otp has the potential to become an official couple.
Fortunately, that did bring back quite a few thousand viewers, and when word spread, more joined along the way in masses.
As long as the participants weren’t being psychologically tortured anymore and were acting upon their ‘own will’, it was fine!
The success of the ‘Love Observation Show’ cleared them from going into debt and then some, but their finances were still not where they’d like it to be considering they were obligated to pay the participants for their participation in the killing game. It was one of the only factors that kept what they were doing ‘legal’.
And because of their last-minute decision to hold them for a longer span of time than what the contracts listed as, the participants were owed some type of compensation.
They had to improvise a solution before the start of the show for it to be greenlit. The answer they came up with was to convert the tokens the participants earned from visiting the casino into authentic currency.
The team thought they were being sneaky, finding a loophole. The amount received would've been entirely dependent on how often the participants traveled to the casino and won. Not many cared to stay for long, their time occupied by their peers as they hung out or went on dates, but every one of them had earned something.
Too bad for them, though…
Shuichi, this time unknowingly, messed everything up again.
In their rush to tweak the simulation program’s settings to carry over, they overlooked a significant glitch in the system.
That glitch was what caused Shuichi to carry over some of his memories from the killing game, and it also bugged the casino’s database.
The tokens he accumulated back then were transferred over. All of those times he spent playing as a stress relief built up, adding onto the times he went on a couple of dates with Kokichi there.
Since it was in the official logs, there was no way to overwrite it. The company could only hang their heads and comply, attaching an additional ¥10,324,163.00 to Shuichi’s earnings. Though, it wasn’t much compared to his rightful reward for ‘winning’ the game.
The arrangement for the killing game participation prize money was organized to increase per trial. Starting at a base of ¥10,810,678.50 for the first trial, the amount would go up by ¥3,603,562.50 each time.
However, for the final trail, an additional bonus ¥720,712.50 was given to Tsumugi and Keebo and ¥1,441,425.00 to the three ‘survivors’.
Overall… Shuichi walked out with a check for ¥40,594,079.00 for the entire ordeal.
Back in the day, the prize money used to be way higher. Beginning to lower it per season was possibly the only hindsight that worked out for the company in the long-run.
The amount now wasn’t half-bad. Along with Kokichi’s total earnings of ¥25,240,778.50, the two of them could manage for the foreseeable future before they had to find another source of income, which gave them time to recover and adjust to this world properly.
But it absolutely wasn’t worth being put through the hell they underwent. Even if the amount allowed Shuichi to never have to think about working again, it would’ve never been worth it.
Shuichi would never understand the logic behind anyone’s reasoning for entering the killing game willingly.
The prize money wasn’t what drew people to sign their life away. Each person supposedly knew beforehand that their entire identity would be erased to make room for the implanted personalities suited for the game.
They simply didn’t care what happened to themselves afterwards, as long as they could play a role inside their ‘greatest passion’.
That’s what the internet said at least, according to old forums back when the simulation broadcast was becoming widely popular and accepted. But you could only trust those types of sources so much.
No matter what he was shown, told or read about, Shuichi couldn’t accept the idea that his past-self volunteered. He refused to believe that the audition video Tsumugi had during the trial was really him or Kaede and Kaito.
It was too suspicious. There had to be another hidden truth underneath the narrative Team Danganronpa was giving, starting with the contracts their past selves ‘signed’.
All evidence of who he had been before being placed into the simulation was nowhere to be found. Zero records of family history. No medical history. Not even a birth certificate.
Those auditions had censored the part where they said their names, which would naturally lead them to fall under the impression that their current names were fake as well. It’d provide the perfect explanation for why they wouldn’t be able to search for their personal information if all they had to go off of was fake identities.
Following that, under their contracts they had acknowledged the high probability that they’d suffer psychological and emotional distress within the simulation amongst other health matters, and agreed that by signing what was essentially their rights away to the company they were unable to sue for such causes. This made it near impossible for their present selves to get any legal justice.
But he wasn’t content with any of that.
… Shuichi had a gut feeling that Team Danganronpa's desperation leading up to their season had caused them to do far more than betting everything on the reception to their grand ideas.
And that might just include kidnapping unsuspecting citizens off the streets, then destroying the evidence of their wrongdoings.
… It was all conjecture right now. He didn’t have anything real to go on besides his hunches.
They might not be able to do anything to Team Danganronpa presently for the harm they endured… but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t be able to hunt them down based on a different angle.
He just had to keep searching.
Luckily for him, he really did have the best partner in the world to help, who was not only incredibly intelligent but also knew how to work from the shadows.
With Kokichi by his side, he could do anything.
And that’s the truth.
.
.
.
END.