What a great way to start off the episode, right?

Seems like almost every cinnamon roll in Danganronpa has some kind of sad tragic backstory. Chihiro is insecure about his strength, Ryota was bullied and saved by anime, Mikan was bullied and sexually abused as a child, Taka's family was shamed after his grandfather was involved in a scandal, Gundam had family drama, Seiko had all that stuff about Ruruka. Can we just get one untouched pure soul? And they LIVE!? I think the only one we've had so far is Yuta, but our hopes that an untouched cinnamon roll would live blew up in our faces. Sorry.

Also, why the fuck do the kids want to take pictures of him if they think he is gross?

While the opening plays, let me say something. Ryota here probably relates to a lot of people. People who get bullied and get affected for life because of it. I feel like we can identify with him, a very realistic trait about him.

So far, each protagonist has had some form of a realistic trait or connection to the fans. Makoto is just an average joe, with a positive outlook on life. Hajime is more blunt, kind and trusting of his friends, but also done with their shit when it comes down to it. Komaru is a normal girl, unconfident in her ability at first, but learns to grow and be strong. Yasuke doesn't give a fuck about anything, basically. Well, he does, but not too much. Now Ryota here is showing a realistic trait and trying to be stronger, to save people, to be like Makoto in the Future Arc. I'm seeing Kodaka making Ryota out as the Future Arc protagonist of sorts, instead of Kyosuke, who seems more like a Byakuya. Someone who's a bit of a prick, but their heart is in the right place.

That was literally the most crazy way to time skip half a year. Only Chisa, folks.

So, the Kamukura project is something they are looking into, but there is more, confirmed by my good friend hajimes. The question is "What is it the something more?"

Goddammit. I see what they did. They are literally turning Hajime into Izuru. They will not acknowledge the person known as "Hajime Hinata". They are two different people to them. One quit school and the other will have joined as the Ultimate Hope. Chiaki will not approve if she finds out.

I'm so glad Koichi is now focused on scouting! I was so bothered that he was teaching while scouting in the first place.

And Nagito is missing. Fuck. This can't be good.

Chisa's back, baby! Happy ending for those at Hope's Peak, regarding the last episode.

It all comes full circle.

To be honest, I freaked out when I saw Taka. I literally screamed. I hope this means that my DR1 favorite will get to at least encounter my DR2 favorite. Even if it's a little passerby scene like Hajime and Class 77 in episode 3.

I wonder how Jin feels about Kyoko attending Hope's Peak. I don't think we ever went over this because their memories were erased.

This says a little bit about him, and Koichi, actually. Koichi went out and purposely scouted Kyoko, making Jin have to choose whether or not to accept his own daughter as a student. And he did, so that probably means that he accepts her wanting to be a detective. This little bit here is actually a pretty interesting character moment that I really like that they added!

Looks like that Sexy Sexy Soup hasn't quite worn off yet.

To be honest, I still ship them. You know how Toko has those fantasies about her and Byakuya? You think Chisa has fantasies like those about her and Kyosuke? I'll bet she does, in some form.

I loved seeing Class 77's big welcome. It's so nice seeing them all so happy. Oh, all the tears that will be shed soon.

Ah, Nekomaru. You're one of the few member of Class 77 who always puts a smile on my face. Chiaki's great, but she ain't my favorite character.

Seeing Chisa this happy almost makes me forget about how she died a probably painful death in the future. Still, it's great to know that she had a good life.

Well, we're fucked.

I say that because in SDR2, that picture of grown up Hiyoko was when she wasn't in despair. Which means that now that she's big, it's time for the despair.

Good to know she's still a bitch inside. Maybe she'll redeem herself, but for now, anybody who picks on Mikan goes on my "You're a dick" list.

THERE'S my favorite character! And his girl! So glad we're finally getting some Sondam.

And of course, Kazuichi is there to third wheel them. Hilarious. Now get you're pink haired head out of their business.

THERE'S the real one! He looks nice. Like, his younger design is pretty good.

I've been waiting to talk about this.

As you may recall, I kept saying how much the Impostor seems to care about everyone else and how smart he is. Now, when he delivers the food to Ryota, he doesn't smile at all. My friend suggested perhaps it is because he wished to stay in character. Look at the line above. At first glance, this is just some fat joke, but think about it. "All you can believe in". The Impostor seems to have gone through something in the past, perhaps involving how he became the Impostor, that made him lose his faith in others. I'll elaborate more on this later in this chapter.

YUTO GODDAMN KAMISHIRO!

Are you serious Kodaka? I'm fucking screaming over how he's there, but he just gets a passerby cameo. So random.

BUT! This is the first DR0 exclusive character! So, if Yuto is here...

YASUKE MUST BE RIGHT BEHIND! WE BETTER SEE HIM!

Well, someone knows how to make an explosive entrance. Am I right, guys?

Someone get the Mondo butter, because Class 77 is toast.

Come on, you think anyone else would leave a bomb as a tip? Or you think Junko would leave a normal tip? YOU'VE GOT THAT WRONG!

I like her leopard print outfit. It really fits her. And the sunglasses are a nice touch.

MUKURO. MOTHERFUCKING. IKUSABA!

What did I tell you guys!?

And she's a bit of a masochist. I was expecting Mukuro to be more cold, calculating, emotions less, and badass, but she's showing a lot of nervousness and blushing around Junko. I'm a bit disappointed, but I still love this girl!

So wait, Mukuro didn't know she was accepted into Hope's Peak? Didn't Koichi's have to scout her out? Did Junko just deliver the letter to her?

Ryota's getting those bags... Poor guy. And all that bullying REALLY makes me sad. If he was real, I would be Ryota's best friend ever. I would make sure he is getting all the love and credit and respect that he deserves.

Also, Ryota is making an anime to save people. Hmm... Like giving people hope? Like a protagonist would?

Unfortunately, in the Side: Future. Ryota says that he couldn't save anyone, so I'm pretty sure he didn't finish that anime...

Class 78 entrance exam! They are coming, my friends!

Ah Mikan, how adorable you are. I'd also be Mikan's best friend ever, because she deserves to be loved, too. And Nagito needs to know he isn't trash. I'd be their friend all the way through.

Guys, Byakuya finally showed up in the anime!

All jokes aside, it's been awhile since we've seen classic Twogami. We've had Ryotwo/Mitworai, but now the original is here.

So, is Byakuya like his default form? Cause he's Byakuya in his Ultimate Despair form. Waaaaaaait, how is the Impostor Byakuya as an Ultimate Despair, but he's Ryota during his time in Hope's Peak? Will he change back or something?

So, this explains everything. About the Ryota and the Impostor at Hope's Peak, at least.

Now, I said I'll elaborate more. Well, the Impostor wanted to impersonate Ryota for two reasons that I can see. 1. They need to impersonate someone, and they can't be Byakuya anymore because he's coming in Class 78. 2. With him being Ryota, Ryota is free to create anime to save people. The Impostor wants to save people, he even told Ryota something along those lines. I REALLY like the Impostor!

I actually really sympathize with Ryota, because we have the same goal. Except, I want to write books to help people, not draw anime.

Mikan, man, I feel so bad that she's always sad like this.

Seems like Chisa's not the only one who's getting after affects of that Sexy Sexy Soup. Gundam, you better run before Sonia gets a relapse. It's too soon.

Aw, Mikan is too precious for this world! Look how she reacts to just being told that he trusts her! Mikan is one of my favorites, man.

Speaking of my favorites...

YOU BET YOUR FUCKING BISCUITS I AM FUCKING READY, MAKOTO!

Wait, so did they make Nagito vanish because they Megumi Ogata wouldn't agree to voice two characters in the same arc?

Well, that's not ominous at all, right guys?

So wait, Kazuichi built Monokumas at the start of Side: Future 1. Does that mean Kazuichi and Junko and the father and mother of the Monokumas? You know Junko's gonna use that fact to her advantage. Probably to make a bunch of sex jokes.

Uh, I think you already did, Hajime. Or at least, you will be after the world goes to shit and you get put into a game.

It's okay. I didn't need a heart anyway...

It's okay. I didn't want a happy ending for Hajime anyway...

And so ends the beginning of the end.

To be honest, I loved this episode! It answered the question about Ryota, gave more info about the Impsotor, Mikan was being Mikan, there was Sondam and Gundam being Gundam, and Makoto was there with Junko and Mukuro and Taka's picture was there. This episode was great despite being the last one before despair starts coming in!

Well, I'll catch you guys later! This is Emerald-kun, signing out! Peace!