Chimon

Available During Chapter 2:

Event 1:

Chimon: I wish I could just, like... grow wings and fly out of this place. But I guess it could always be worse. You guys seem nice!

What should I do? Should I invite Chimon to hang out?

Invite Chimon to hang out

See who else is around

Chimon: Really?! Yes, come play games with me!

We play several rounds of hide and seek. He fairs considerably better because of how small he is in comparison to me, but it's really fun regardless.

Looks like Chimon and I drew a little closer today.

Would you like to give Chimon a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

#68 Skip Supreme— A jump rope whose sides stick to the walls and can automate any speed from one to ten. It even has a high score tracking system.

Chimon: Aww, thank you lots! I'll keep it real safe, I promise!

...

Chimon: Do you think they're ever gonna give us our real money back? I mean, Monocoins are all well and good while we're stuck here, but like, I worked hard for that!

Monterio: What's your job like?

Chimon: I'm a hypnotherapist! So like, I put people in trancelike states where they become more open to suggestion so that I can help them move past their problems more effectively than they normally could. I specialize in mental health, but I've dabbled in marriage counseling. Most of the time, I have my meetings over the telephone, but I have an office rented out, so sometimes a client will come to have a session in-person.

Monterio: I see! I was under the assumption that you were a Stage Hypnotist.

Chimon: Ew, no! Y'know, I can't stand Stage Hypnotists. The way they use "hypnosis" to entertain people... make a big ol' show of it and stuff. They're phonies who use a bunch of ordinary social pressures to make people go along with it— whether their participants are aware of it or not. Like, it's just peer pressure, social compliance, and regular suggestibility. Plus a bunch of sleight-of-hand tricks to deceive the audience. Just by being compared to them, hypnotherapists look sketchy and manipulative. A LOT of people don't trust hypnosis, and think we're a hoax. But I worked really hard to get to where I am now! The Milton Model is practically my holy creed, I've been studying it since I was seven. That's literally over half my life!

Monterio: I'm... sorry for assuming?

Chimon: Huh? Oh, whoops! No, I'm not mad at you! I just get really frustrated about the whole thing. There's so much that goes into hypnosis— tons of speech patterns, body language, little tips and tricks and lost performatives and presuppositions and negative commands and on and on and on! But we're really easily mistrusted. Like with Azumi in that first trial. I know she just wanted to make sure that there's no way I could've made Hachi do that to herself, but that's not what hypnosis is. It's not mind control, it's not dark magic, it's just psychology and linguistics. And there are all sorts of ethical codes and guidelines. Breaking them can cost your license and ruin your career. Not to mention your reputation. I take my job seriously— I literally have no choice but to protect it.

Monterio: I enjoy hearing you talk about it. You're obviously very passionate about it.

He tilts his head a bit, as if attempting to understand exactly what I'm trying to express even though I'm being as straightforward as possible.

Chimon: For sure! But next time, I'll be sure to pick a happier topic. I want you to actually enjoy being around me. Being angry all the time is no fun, anyway!

I laugh a bit.

Monterio: Kana Omori is one of my all-time favorite people. I can handle angry.

He gives me a big smile. What a funny little guy. Eventually, Fujiko and Kana come in and start asking me to help them choose colors for their makeup today, and Chimon scurries off.

Chimon's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with him.

Event 2:

Chimon: Good morning! I'm still so excited that you have to talk for your code!

What should I do? Should I invite Chimon to hang out?

Invite Chimon to hang out

See who else is around

Chimon: Yeah! What do you wanna play today?

We play 20 Questions and similar games that involve talking, since I'm pursuing my goal of never shutting up.

Looks like Chimon and I drew a little closer today.

Would you like to give Chimon a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

#64 Buff Gun— A plastic toy rifle full of styrofoam bullets. This one is automatic, for the true bringers of chaos.

Chimon: Hehehe... Oh, yes. This is good. This is VERY good. Thanks a lot!

...

Monterio: What are your hobbies like, Chimon?

Chimon: Hmm? Well, I don't really have a whole lot of free time.

Monterio: Sure, but you must have likes, dislikes, etc. Like, I'd prefer to spend my free time skating than, say, woodworking.

Chimon: Umm... I collect things!

Monterio: Really? What sorts of things?

Chimon: My favorite is my marble collection. It's my smallest collection, but the one I put the most money into. The other things I collect are pretty cheap and easy to find, like origami paper and stickers, but I save up for marbles. My papa got me my first few marbles for my ninth birthday, and I expanded my majestic empire from there!

Montero: What's your favorite? Or do you not have a favorite? Like not having a favorite kid, or something.

Chimon: Well, it's hard to say definitively that it's my FAVORITE, but one of my most valuable is an antique German sulfide. Do you know what makes sulfides special?

Figures Inside

Stretched Flecks of Colored Glass

A Lattice-looking Core

Monterio: They have stretched flecks of colored glass, right?

Chimon: That's actually the defining characteristic of Onionskin marbles! They're definitely really pretty, but those aren't the ones I'm talking about.

Monterio: Ah, okay.

Figures Inside

Stretched Flecks of Colored Glass

A Lattice-looking Core

Monterio: They have cores in the spiral shape of a lattice, I think.

Chimon: Actually, those ones are appropriately called, "Latticino" marbles! Clever, huh?

I can't help but chuckle at his cheeky little grin.

Monterio: Sure. Clever.

Figures Inside

Stretched Flecks of Colored Glass

A Lattice-looking Core

Monterio: They've got little figurines in the middle!

Chimon: Ayyy! You got it! Ding ding ding! Little bitty figurines straight in the middle. Mine has a little cat inside!

Monterio: C-Cat?

Chimon: Hm? What's THAT reaction? Is the big, strong Monterio Mukai afraid of kitties?

Monterio: We're not talking about me right now, we're talking about your marble collection that you love and value and put a lot of money into!

Chimon: Oh my GOD, you're afraid of cats! That's crazy!

Monterio: This is so unfair and I object!

He laughs playfully.

Chimon: What scares you about them?

Monterio: Look, I got used as a scratching post in my preteens and I had to go to the doctor to make sure I didn't get mega infected! They're fucking rascals! BACK TO YOUR MARBLES NOW!

He laughs even harder.

Chimon: But yeah, I saved up for like, a couple of years, and it cost like forty thousand yen, so I take really, really good care of it!

That's... not a whole lot. Especially not for a couple of years (with a salary), but before I can even think to ask about it, he starts prattling off some more as I whistle.

Chimon: One of my Lutz marbles disappeared when I got here! I swear, Monokuma stole it just to cause me more despair, but he'd better look out! I'm gonna get it back and look real cool!

We make up fake scenarios for reclaiming his marble until Haruto comes in asking if we wanna watch a comedy movie in the screening room. Chimon accepts and I don't, because I'm sleepy, so we part ways.

Chimon's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with him.

Available During Chapter 3:

Event 3:

Chimon: Gosh, what are we gonna do here? If Monoinu was right, we're screwed whether the schism ends or not. I'm glad you're here to help me figure it out.

What should I do? Should I invite Chimon to hang out?

Invite Chimon to hang out

See who else is around

Chimon: Thank you! It's such a relief having you in my corner. Let's have a dance party!

We dance. It makes me miss Kana even more, but I can't be getting rusty. It feels almost liberating.

Looks like Chimon and I drew a little closer today.

Would you like to give Chimon a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

#112 Mica Marble— A particularly shiny and rare marble. This one is brown and rather large. It seems to glisten in sunlight.

Chimon: Huh?! This is really valuable, how could you give it away so easily?! I— Call on me whenever, because I seriously owe you favors for this!

...

Chimon: H-Hey, umm... I had a question.

Monterio: What's up, little buddy?

Chimon: Why... are you always so kind to me? You didn't have to even approach me the first time... and here you are sticking up for me even against Kana.

Monterio: Well... do you remember that time a while back when I told you that I forced myself to talk a lot more than I was comfortable with for a few years?

Chimon: I do.

Monterio: No offense, but it kind of felt like you were doing that when I met you. I can't really explain it all that well, but like... your high-pitched voice was just a little too forced, and a lot of your smiles didn't make your eyes crinkle up like real smiles do. And sometimes, when you thought nobody was looking, you just looked... tired. It was honestly kind of funny. When I told you about myself, you said you were glad to be an extrovert, because people treat introverts like outcasts, but I just got such "introvert in denial" vibes. So I wanted to get to know you and let you know that you don't need to do that.

His expression turns pensive, as though trying to figure out where to go from there.

Chimon: Yeah... I guess I've been trying to push that. I'm kind of always pretending to be the same person I was when I was younger. Cause I actually was really social back then. But, y'know, sometimes people mellow out. But being so expressive is what made me friends, so I just stuck with it, I guess, even if I'd wind up really tired by the end of it.

Monterio: Do you like your friends?

Chimon: For sure! They're exhausting, but they're really funny so I usually have a good time. I don't get to hang out with them very often, though, so sometimes I worry that they might not really value me as much as they value each other. They kind of stopped inviting me to places, cause they just assume that I'm busy. Which kind of sucks, cause they have all the good video games.

He says this last part with a bit of a laugh, so I laugh, too, but I draw him to myself in a hug to comfort him.

Chimon: Maslow's hierarchy of needs dictates that, after necessities like food and water, as well as a sense of physical security, people need social acceptance and belonging in order to actually fulfill their full potential. So, hypothetically speaking, if everyone was to leave me, life wouldn't be so fantastic.

I sigh, remembering my life pre-Kana.

Monterio: Yeah... that checks out. But you don't have to worry anymore. I'm your friend now. And we're both kind of introverted. So we're okay if we're together.

Chimon: You keep saying that you're my friend... even though you don't have a lot. Do you really mean it?

Monterio: Of course I mean it. I ESPECIALLY mean it because I don't have a lot. You don't have to worry. I don't intend to leave you high and dry.

Chimon: I... appreciate that. I definitely feel safer with you around.

He gives me a shy smile. I take his hat off to give him headpats, and we play a brief game of keep-away until he gets the hat back. Joanie comes up to us then, asking Chimon if she could talk to him. He waves goodbye and goes with her.

Chimon's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with him.

Available During Chapter 4:

Event 4:

Chimon: Hey! Can we talk? I wanna share a seeeecret!

What should I do? Should I invite Chimon to hang out?

Invite Chimon to hang out

See who else is around

Chimon: I knew I could count on you!

We chat idly for a while and listen to music until he's ready to spill what's on his mind.

Looks like Chimon and I drew a little closer today.

Would you like to give Chimon a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

#14 Candied Yuzu Peels— Packed with both sweet and sour flavors, this treat makes your mouth reflexively scrunch up.

Chimon: Hehehe... Oh, yes. This is good. This is VERY good. Thanks a lot!

...

Chimon: So, um, it's about those loved ones letters. I know we said we'd all talk about it as a group, but... I wasn't ready to tell Kana and Fujiko about my family situation.

Monterio: Don't worry. Tell me whatever you're comfortable with.

Chimon: Jeez, I'm getting nervous. Umm... I'm the only one in my family with stable work. And... now I'm being held captive, and my parents don't know what to do.

Monterio: ...What? You're a child and a student, you shouldn't be having to support your parents.

Chimon: Papa was a hypnotist, like me, but he got his license revoked when I was nine... and his reputation is in the garbage. I literally have my license under my mom's maiden name, because nobody would trust the son of Fumihiro Ueda, even if I was old enough to be doing what I am. We started this all out of desperation. My mom does costume makeup for a living, but her jobs are few and far-between. Even so, it's helpful, cause she always makes me look older for whenever I actually have to see someone in person.

Monterio: You do hypnosis under your mom's maiden name and have to act like an adult woman?!

Chimon: Um... y-yeah. My voice is still high, so I sound like a girl over the phone, and I took hypnosis school online so nobody would see that a literal child was getting certification. That's also why I keep my hair this length, but I actually kind of like it this way anyway.

Monterio: Are we just gonna gloss over the fact that your parents are making you commit fraud and breaking child labor laws?!

Chimon: That's what happens when neither of them have siblings and they're both estranged from their parents! I'm literally the only one who can help! My salary is just enough to pay the bills and get food on the table. I only get to keep like five percent of my earnings for myself and we're dipping into savings. W-We had to sell the car and we only have a really crappy little tv. No computer; I do everything at the library. I have a cell phone, but it's an ancient hand-me-down.

Monterio: What did your dad even do to get his license revoked?!

Chimon: He was framed! A client who didn't like his rates accused him of disclosing confidential information! It wasn't my Papa's fault, I swear!

Monterio: H-Hey, what if I help?

Chimon: What? No, I could never ask that of you.

Monterio: I get a lot of money from competitions, and both my parents work full-time. Everything I make is excess.

Chimon: Monterio, no, stop, you don't have to do that! I won't accept any money!

Monterio: You deserve a chance to be a kid!

Chimon: My papa's looking for work in other fields! It'll get better soon! You already do more than enough for me. Besides, you wanna give Minato the best life you can possibly give him, right? I like my work, so it's not all doom and gloom!

Monterio: Why do you always act so strong?

His expression falls.

Chimon: I... no, I'm not. I'm not really all that strong at all.

Monterio: H-Huh?

Fujiko rushes in and asks us whether we want to play at the playground, which Chimon uses as his excuse to avoid elaborating any further. I guess... I'll find out eventually.

Chimon's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with him.

Event 5:

Chimon: I-I need to tell you something now, before you find out any other way.

What should I do? Should I invite Chimon to hang out?

Invite Chimon to hang out

See who else is around

Chimon: Oh, thank God. Shit, I'm so scared.

He starts frantically explaining that he can't feel bonds the same way I can. He reassures me that he cares about me to the best of his ability, and that he's never intended to hurt anyone, but the whole conversation just scares me. Even so... I can see in his eyes that he's still the person I became friends with. So I try my hardest not to judge.

Looks like I understand Chimon a lot more now.

Would you like to give Chimon a present?

Definitely!

Not really...

#59 The Funplane— A slightly outdated portable game system, but still very desirable. It has a hi-def touchscreen, and can also play music and videos, making for the perfect all-in-one media machine!

Chimon: Huh?! This is really valuable, how could you give it away so easily?! I— Call on me whenever, because I seriously owe you favors for this!

...

Chimon: D-Do you hate me now?

Monterio: No. I don't hate you. I can understand why you would feel like you have to lie... and I really appreciate your honesty. It might take me a while to adjust to the whole situation, but I promised not to leave you. And... you're still my little buddy. Still one of the people who know me best. Do your parents even know about this?

His expression sours immediately.

Chimon: My parents... Obviously, now you know that I can't exactly love my parents with my heart. But I don't even really love them with my brain, the way I love you. My mother is spineless and my father is a deadbeat.

Monterio: So... what happened? How did your affection just... turn off?

Chimon: I... it was when I was ten. I'd just gotten off a long work call, and I walked into the living room, and my dad... he was talking to my mom, and he was drunk, and he admitted to her that he was done looking for work. That he was over it all, he didn't mind being poor. He was just gonna let me keep providing for them FOREVER. His fucking ten-year-old son! But they're so helpless that we'd wind up homeless if I ever tried to stop!

Monterio: I'll fucking kill that man.

He gives a half-hearted, scornful little laugh.

Chimon: Neither of them noticed that I was behind them, cause they were watching sports on the crummy little tv. So I turned around, did my homework, and cried myself to sleep. I loved them so much but it felt like such a betrayal. My mom didn't even tell him off. And I woke up the next morning... and it felt like everything that gave my life value had rotted and died. All of the attachments I had to everyone... my teachers, my clients, my friends, even my own parents... they were just gone. For the first few minutes, I legitimately thought I was a ghost. I felt so empty, and lost, but I couldn't make myself tell anyone. I just... lived on like normal. I tried making new friends, but I couldn't really love them, either. They were fun to be around, but I couldn't recapture that feeling. I've been mourning my own death for five years.

I wrap my arms around him, and I can feel him start to cry a little bit. Grieving everything he lost.

Chimon: Y'know, Papa was kind long ago. He gave me my key necklace, told me that my heart was the key and to follow it always. But he... he fell apart. When he lost his job, he gave up on everything. On his future... on his own heart. On... on me.

Monterio: Then I'll believe in you. Maybe one day, both of you can get better.

Chimon: I really have to thank you.

Monterio: What for?

Chimon: I... I was really scared that you would leave me. And not in a purely logical, "You're my strongest ally in the killing game" sort of way. Not even a "This is a person who I technically classify as my friend" way. You're accepting me the way I am, and that's incredible, but the fact that I was scared in the first place... means something in my heart actually does care about you. I so, so badly didn't want you to hate me.

Monterio: I'll never hate you.

Chimon: I'm sorry that I can't be the best friend you deserve.

Monterio: You don't have to worry about that. You're enough.

Even if he can only "love" me a limited amount... love is an action, not just a feeling. And in that regard, he's always loved me. Chimon is my friend in the truest sense of the word, and I hope he understands that.