"Good Morning, Kokichi Ouma. We're glad you could attend the academy!" The hopeful, brown haired headmaster spoke out. I clicked my tongue. I hated overly goody people who trust people so easily. It made no sense. He doesn't even know me. If someone was a prankster causing mayhem, why would you give them the opportunity in a prestigious high school?

I really didn't get this guy.

"Cut to the chase, Naegi-Chan~ I know you gave me an invite. I'm here to ask why?" I said, crossing my arms.

"We recognized your talent. You're quite smart and a capable leader, Hope's peak is perfect for you." Makoto tried reasoning. I rolled my eyes. Talent. It was the thing that divided people. I don't think I'm talented. I think Dice as a whole is talented.

"So? There are plenty of other talented people~ I'm a liar and a troublemaker! It's true, by the way! Nishishi~ So Why?" I asked, getting annoyed with the hopeful headmaster.

The headmaster put his hands on his lap, smiling. "Well, I'm hoping that you would tone down your lying but... I trust that you're an ok person. Even if I don't know you, it's a gut feeling that tells me you're a good person." He replied.

I would be lying if I didn't say I was shocked. How is this guy the headmaster of this school? He seems like an idiot! Yet, I accepted his invitation. Maybe I was fine with attending, maybe he knows as well. For some reason, I want to trust in that blind hope. Maybe I'm as stupid as him but...

Could attending this school benefit me?

Aside from the actual benefits, I could meet some other Ultimates. I'm not sure why I'm considered an Ultimate but, whatever. I blame the scout, Hagakure.

Dice would be slightly more inactive from the time limits but, could meeting someone new change that? Maybe I could have fun with this school!

God damn it, Makoto's blind optimism was affecting me already.

"Alright, I'll attend this boring school~ You better make it interesting!" I demanded. Makoto laughed in victory.

"Of course! We welcome you, Ultimate Supreme leader!"

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"Hm? Are you waking..?" A metallic voice asked.

Fluttering my eyes open, I remember where I was. That was a dream, this is reality. Well, it was more like a memory... He couldn't seem to tell the last time he saw Makoto Naegi. Where was the guy now? Would he fight against these guys, since they spread despair? He was the Ultimate Hope, he defeated Junko, so could he defeat these people?

Then I realized the pounding headache I've received. My neck hurt like hell. In general, I was in a shitty physical state. Looking at the direction of the voice, purple eyes meet with blue. Kiibo was here. He seemed to look emotionless but something told me that wasn't the case.

"Are you ok?" I couldn't believe what I've just blurted out. Kiibo looked taken aback as well.

"I'm fine. Why is that the first thing you ask when you woke up?" Kiibo questioned. I shrugged. "Nishishi~ Maybe I was reeeally worried about you, Kiiboy!"

Kiibo frowned but didn't say another word. Instead, he pointed at my neck. "You were knocked out by a Monokuma hitting you in the neck. I was told to bring you into your room and wait till you wake." I brought my hand up to my neck as he said this. Oh shit, he wants kidding. I could feel the bruise. That explained why my neck hurt so much.

"Well, how bad does it look?" I asked, rubbing the spot.

"It looks like hell." Kiibo answered, surprisingly truthful.

"Kiiboy, you flatter me."

"Shut up."

Then I noticed the white paper in his hand. Immediately, a bad feeling arises in chest. I gestured the paper, asking, "What is that?" Kiibo sighed and handed it to me. Oh great.

Schedule

It was for their game, wasn't it?

"So I'm supposed to follow this?" I asked. It was a dumb question but... I really couldn't think straight right now. Kiibo glared.

"Of course."

Looking back down at the paper, that was already wrinkled because of my trembling hands, there were bold print directions on it. It read:

Room 202, meet with someone.

Dining hall, eat with someone.

Storage room, 212, play a game with someone.

Auditorium, 101, watch a show held by someone.

Be escorted to the bath house by someone. Leave to room after bath is done. (Remember: Nighttime you should be asleep. Poke around and that's a strike. Three strikes mean game over.)

I shuddered at the game over part. What does that mean? They would kill me? End their game by torturing me to death? Well, technically, this whole game is a form of torture.

Then, I noticed how who I'm meeting is anonymous. So, all the events depend on who it was. They're gonna make me go in blind so I don't expect who it could be.

Who didn't I meet at all?

Rantaro, right? So I'm probably meeting him first.

"So, I'm going to meet Rantaro, right?" I asked Kiibo.

Kiibo shrugged. "I don't know. Why should I tell you?"

I sighed, getting up from the bed. The silky sheets were wrinkled as I jumped out of bed. The pounding headache and the aching pain on my neck didn't leave. God damn it. I'll just have to deal with it. Kiibo got up as well.

"Are you ready to go?" He asked. I glared at him.

"Am I even supposed to be ready? You're supposed to take me once I wake up, right?" I reasoned.

"Fair enough, just... be careful." Kiibo said. "I advise, for this person, to do what you do best. Counter argue against them. They like having a challenge, so you won't get hurt too much."

Before I could make a remark, I thought better of it. I should just take the advice. Kiibo was still a complete mystery. I'll need to figure out more about him. He has some sort of unknown motive. Maybe he's not really despair's ally? Whatever, maybe once we're alone again, we could talk.

"Alright then, I'm excited~ Nishishi, lets go!" I said, with a fake cheer. Kiibo closed his eyes, hiding...sympathy? He opened his eyes and opened the door, which was surprisingly unlocked.

"How big is this place?" I asked Kiibo as we walked into the hall.

"It's a mansion. About as big as Hope's peak." He responded. I narrowed my eyes. That's how big this place is? But that doesn't make sense, how does no one find this place?

"How has no one found this place, yet?" I asked, desperate for some sort of answer. Kiibo shook his head. "That is something I am not going to answer. But... I'm sure you could figure it out." He said, cryptically.

I groaned in frustration. "Helpful." I said, sarcastically.

Kiibo crossed his arms. "Shut up and follow me. I'd rather not argue."

"I rather argue than have complete awkward, silence." I said, smirking.

Kiibo kicked my leg, tripping me. "Ow!" I yelped, falling to the floor. Kiibo glared down at me, his eyes showing cold, monotonous emotion. "Don't. Stop acting like we're friends. You know your own situation. I should not be trusted." Then he looked away. "At least, not yet." He mumbled, I could barely hear him.

"Wh—?!" Kiibo pulled me up and pushed me, beckoning me to walk.

"Just go. We can't be late."

This is something I don't understand. One second, he's on my side. The next second, he's not. Why is Kiibo so confusing? Kicking me down did not help soothe the pain on my neck. In fact, it worsened it. Is adjusting to hell that hard? No, hell seems better than this shit hole.

I looked over to Kiibo's expression. His eyes seem to hold no emotion. Just what is Kiibo thinking?

"Hey, Kiibo? You said Tsumugi was the one who found you after you killed Professor Iidabashi, right?" I asked, out of the blue. Kiibo slightly flinched, but regained composure. "Yes. Why do you ask?" He replied as I predicted he would.

"Do you listen Tsumugi now? Before, you protect her." My mind flashed back to each time I attacked Tsumugi. Every time I was hit down by Kiibo.

"I would have to protect her. She has... a relation to the professor." He said, hesitantly. It clicked.

"Did the professor program you to protect her, only? The professor didn't program you to protect him, allowing you to kill him. But... for Tsumugi, if she had a relation with the professor, did the professor upload your program with Robo ethics only for her?" I concluded. Kiibo looked surprised but looked down holding his expression.

He shook his head. "I won't deny or confirm it. You'll just have to theorize for now."

"Fun."

I could assume more, to be honest. If Tsumugi was a fan of Junko, she would be likely to put herself in despair. Then with that relation to the professor, she could subject him into despair. Having a family member or some sort of close person despair, that could cause a great amount towards Tsumugi. She loves despair just like Junko Enoshima. A complete copycat. If the professor fell into despair and re-programmed Kiibo to spread despair, only for him to be murdered.... How would Hope's peak react?

Professor Iidabashi was a great and respected professor. If Hope's peak tried to cover up his death to control chaos, only more chaos would break out.

...Just like the tragedy.

Suddenly an arm pulled me out of my thoughts as Kiibo literally pulled me. "Ow! wh—?!" He pulled me towards his chest as I noticed my surrounding. The floor seemed a lot more in bad shape.

"Be careful!" He scolded. I realized I tripped over without realizing. Huh.

"Oh. Well, it really doesn't matter, does it? One more injury can't hurt, riiight?" I remarked. Kiibo immediately let go of my arm, pushing me away.

"We're here, anyways." He said, pointing at the room door. "Remember what I said. This person likes challenges. To reduce that amount you get hurt, argue as much as you can." He advised.

I nodded. "Thanks..?"

He didn't say anything as he began to leave. I walked up to the door, taking a deep breath and knocking on it. Maybe if I run away now, I could escape. No don't be stupid Kokichi, you don't even know the layout of the place. Too late, since you knocked on the door anyways. The door opened by itself, creaking.

I tilted my head, only to see no one in the room.

"What... the fuck?" I mumbled to myself. The temptation to run was getting stronger but, maybe this was a trick. I walk inside the room slowly, looking around. No one is the room.

The room had a surprisingly peaceful appearance, the recurring theme of mint green. Is seemed normal...

"Kokichi-Chan~ It isn't nice to enter without permission..." A sudden voice behind me spoke out. I gasped, moving violently away. Turning around, I see Rantaro. This fucking bastard planned this, didn't he?

I narrowed my eyes. "The door was unlocked. It was pretty obvious that you set this up, Amami-Chan~" I chirped out. Rantaro shut the door behind, looking up with a smirk.

"Now I would never." He said, with fake offense.

I laughed. It's funny how much he's getting on my nerves already. "Nishishi~ Y'know I hate liars the most, Amami-Chan!"

"And? I wasn't really lying, was I? I promise you, I'm not suspicious." He said, obviously amused by the situation. I scoffed at his reply. "Says a psychotic Mastermind of a Killing game, who's probably spreading despair around the world, god knows how."

"Now, hold up. I mean, the rest are definitely doing it for despair. To be honest, I really don't care. I just enjoy others in pain. I don't care about Junko Enoshima or whatever she does, that's just boring~" He says, walking over to his chair.

I took a step back, a sweat bead rolling down my cheek. What..? He doesn't even do it for despair? He just enjoys it? He has no other reason?

"Hey, What about your family? Or is that a lie, too?" I asked. He had 12 sisters, clearly there was something more to this Kokichi doesn't know.

"Hey! That is definitely not a lie.... I wouldn't lie about my family." His eyes darkened, as his grin got wider. "They were my favorite prey. Of course my sisters ran away from home, our parents were crappy. Until I killed both of my parents... Then I would search for my sisters."

I bit my lip, not liking where this was going. "Why?" I asked.

"To kill them, of course! I'll reunite my family back in hell!" He said, chuckling. I held my breath, glaring at him.

"Then shouldn't you be searching for them? Why ar—?!" Rantaro laughed, hysterically. I took another step back, my legs hitting the bed. Rantaro finally calmed down, smirking up at me.

"I already killed all of them. Why else would you think I joined this group?" Rantaro said, as if it should be obvious. I was honestly speechless. He killed his whole family for no fucking reason. Sickening.

"I'm so bored y'know... After killing my sisters, I really didn't have much to do. I went around the world, as a serial killer, yet they dubbed me the Ultimate adventurer. Then I met Kaede, she sounded fun. And that's where it all began. But I got bored again, I was kind of planning to kill Tsumugi since she's so plain but, then you came along!" Rantaro continued.

I clenched my fists. "So you just thought it be fun to torture me?"

Rantaro paused, looking thoughtful. What could he be thinking about? "Well, torture on you could cause problems."

"Wh—?!"

"Look at how frail you are. You're already pretty bruised up." He said, pointing at my neck. He noticed...? I had my scarf on, there was no possible— At the doorway, he was behind me. This motherfucker is perceptive.

"And? You pretty much gone insane because of parental neglect? Your mind is pretty frail if you think that way." I pointed out. He snorted.

"No. I didn't get neglect from my parents. My sisters did but, not me. I was like this from the beginning. As a kid, I killed insects, to small animals, to children, to adults, to anyone." He said, getting up from his chair.

"So you were born unstable. Nishishi~ I guess you're completely unredeemable."

"Are any of us redeemable?" He said, almost to himself. Rantaro shook his head. "Ah, but that doesn't matter, Kokichi-Chan."

"Oh? And then what does?" I asked, realizing I couldn't move back. I was cornered by the bed.

"Like I said, you're frail. A weak person who seemingly can't even fight back. You talk big but you're really not." Rantaro smiled. "In fact, the reason I find you not boring is because of weakness yet acting skills to seem strong." I flinched. Although his words were supposed to get to me and I should know better, I still know there was some truth in that statement. I am weak.

Rantaro walking closer didn't help calm my fear. I had to say something quick. Something counter argue against his words.

"Maybe I am weak but, I sure as hell know you're not strong. You're a mindless killer seeking entertainment from someone's pain... You act big and try living up to it with your speech but then you realize, that what you're doing is pointless. An endless cycle of repeating, over and over again. You kill someone and get whatever entertainment you want. But now what? You're done. You move on to the next person, after a while the cycle continues. You're just a puppet in the cycle, completely mindless with no motive."

I realized I was shaking. Fuck. Rantaro seemed to stop dead in his tracks in front of me, processing what I've just said. He began laughing yet again, barely containing the fits of laughter to himself.

"Really? So maybe I am mindless, I'll admit to it. Just like you admitted to your weakness but.... Can you really prove, as of right now, how mindless I am? Because right now, I have a new motive, thanks to you. I have a new want."

"What would that be...?" I ask, not sure if I really want to know the answer.

"Well, to put is simply, I want you." Rantaro took a step closer to me, smirking. "I prove to you how powerless you are, Kokichi-Chan~"

I tried kicking him away from me but he managed to pin me down onto the bed. Struggling to fight with larger male, I was defeated once he pinned both my arms above my head.

"Nice attempts at fighting back, Kokichi-Chan~ This is how powerless you are. Are you beginning to understand?" He asked. I shook my head.

"Hell no! Let me g—?!"

He cut off my screaming by smashing his lips down onto mine. I tried pushing him off, fighting back, anything at this point. He smirked as he slid his tongue inside as he explored my mouth. He separated, leaving a trail saliva running down his own lip and I screamed. "No! G—?!"

He brought his lips down yet again, connecting onto mine forcefully. I mentally gagged at the sensation as I tried to raise my hand for offense. Only for my hand to be immediately slapped down. Taking this as a victory, he separated only to teasingly nip at the bottom of my lip.

He moved down towards my neck, roughly biting the skin as I fight back. His hand covered my mouth, suppressing my screams. He drew blood from my neck but still didn't stop. He continued biting and sucking on my neck, definitely leaving marks. I had to stop this before it escalated.

Thoughts and plans rushed through my head as I came with one solution. I bring my knee up to his stomach as hard as I can. Clearly it surprised him as he moved back in pain. Taking this chance. I shove him off me, running off the god damn bed.

The door. I ran for it only to trip over myself. Shit. I didn't fall onto the floor and I managed to regain balance. However, he was right behind me. Rantaro glared at me, kicking me in the stomach. I fell onto the floor, coughing. This gave a reminder to the stab wound I received two days ago.

He stepped on my spine. My eyes dilated as I glared up at him. He looked at me with a cold look on his face. "I don't like being interrupted. See, look at you crawling in despair. I could easily break you, right now and here." He brought his foot up from my spine only to bring it crashing down. I screamed. "Hahah! See Kokichi-Chan~, this is the enjoyment I get from hurting others. Seeing their faces contort to tears! It's great." He exclaimed.

"Agh... Shut the fuck up." My breathing felt shallow as I gritted this out. I refused to cry. I'm not letting him get what he wants. Before I realized it, I began smiling. "You say you don't like being interrupted yet you stopped yourself right now... Is it me or is my beloved Amami-Chan contradicting his own state of mind. Isn't that proof of your mindless cycle of killing, Amami-Chan?"

Rantaro snickered. "Aww~ How cute. I think I've figured it out. You're trying to counter argue against me to make me actually process your information. I do like challenges..." He removed his foot from my back and picked me up by my hair, roughly jerking my head up. "Keep it fun for me, Kokichi-Chan~ I love you a lot."

He let go of my hair as soon as the doorknob twisted. I fell down to the floor, groaning in pain. Rantaro seemed to be more worried about who came in.

"Kokichi has to report to the dining hall. The time is... up."

Kiibo was back. Thank god. I can't believe how relieved I felt when he came in. Then my feelings of hope plummeted when I realized he was here to escort me to the dining hall to meet another psycho. Rantaro crossed his arms, seemingly disgusted at the sight of Kiibo.

"I see you're here, you boring piece of metal." He said, smirking. "How's the worst killer in the world doing?"

"I don't know, Rantaro. How are you doing?" Kiibo asked. I tried getting up but my knees felt weak, Kiibo helped me up, thankfully. His eyes seemed questioning about what happened, but he kept it to himself.

"Fuck off, Kiibo. Did Shuichi send you so he can have his fun?" He said, snorting. So I was meeting with Shuichi next? Joy.

"Shut up, Rantaro. I'll fuck off, like you wanted." Kiibo said, grabbing my hand and leaving the room. Rantaro's frustrated slam of the door was not unheard. Kiibo doesn't seem to get along with Shuichi or Rantaro. Meaning more in-battles can happen.

Kiibo stormed out, taking me out of there quickly. I can't say I'm not glad he got the hell out of there with me.

"..." Silence ensued between the two of us, as we walked to the dining hall together.

"How are you feeling so far?" Kiibo asked. I glared at him. "Sunshines and lollipops."

"Sarcasm noted." Kiibo said. No Shit. I felt bile raising up in my throat after what happened.  Kiibo seemed to notice my discomfort. "Never mind. We can ta—?" I moved my hand to hold Kiibo's hand tightly. Kiibo looked completely surprised at the sudden action but, didn't pull his hand away.

"You shouldn't get to close me." He said, smirking. "I'm also a killer."

"A killer with a motive and protecting a random blue haired girl. And who's to say I trust you? I don't. But, maybe I can rely on you sometimes." I scoffed.

"So for your own personal gain?" He asked.

"Is that a bad reason considering what's happening?" I replied.

"No, it isn't." He commented.

I looked out the first window in the god damn place. I didn't notice this before....  I let go of Kiibo's hand, walking towards it. Kiibo glared at me. "Don't. It has barbs around it. You can't leave. Come on, if we're late, you're in trouble." I shook my head.

I'm not attempting to leave.

I'm attempting to figure out where I am.

The window seemed blurry, nothing seemed to be off about it. You could barely see the outside world. Kiibo sighed. "You won't be able to see anything e—?!" Kiibo stopped his speech when he saw me press my ear to the window. "Nishishi~ It's raining, isn't it?"

Kiibo nodded. "Right But.. how could weather help you?"

"I don't know for now, but I'll figure it out."

"That's stupid." Kiibo said. He shook his head. "More importantly, we've got to go."

I nodded, following him. If it's raining, it's safe to say we aren't underground. I did have a previous theory that we could be, but we aren't. This place is outside, seemingly not attracting attention. Is this a rural area, then?

Kiibo smacked my shoulder. "Ow! What?" I yelped.

He pointed at the dining hall door. Oh. We were here. Kiibo backed up from the door, beckoning me to go in. I open the door, slightly scared of what's to come. Inside, I see Shuichi playing with a fork, looking annoyed..? Then he noticed me coming in, instantly his mood seem to skyrocket. I shuddered.

"Hi, Kokichi!" He said, waving.  I felt a pang of nostalgia as this was the way he greeted me whenever we played around. This was a sick way to remind me that Shuichi was never the person I thought he was.

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Can I really handle this? How long can I last?