Danganronpa: Poisoned Hope (Fanganronpa)

Chapter 5 - A Traitor's True Anguish - Motive

A yawn escaped my lips as I heard the familiar bell of the morning announcement. I sat up in bed while the monitor flickered on, showing Monokuma sat in his usual seat, holding a drink.

"This is an official announcement from Headmaster Monokuma! It is now 7:00 am! Did you sleep well? Anyway, get ready for another beautiful day at the academy!"

I expected his announcement to be over, but then I heard the bear's voice again.

"Oh! And instead of going to that boring breakfast meeting, I'd like you all to gather at the gym. I have another verrrry important announcement to make!"

After that, the monitor turned off once more.

I wonder what Monokuma wants. Knowing him, it's probably another motive, but so early? The last trial was only 2 days ago. Isn't he rushing it a bit?

Or is it so important that he must tell us now? I don't have a clue.

Since I didn't want to be punished, I quickly got ready for the day and then dragged myself to the gym, thinking about what Monokuma wanted to say.

-

Walking into the gym, I saw almost everyone there. The only person we seemed to be missing was Toshiro.

After what happened last night, I have no idea what he might be thinking. Is he mad at us? Is he upset? In grief?

"Ugh! I'm so tired..." Mizuki complained, swaying from side to side. "I can't even stand straight!"

"Mizuki...are you ok?" I asked. As soon as she saw me, Mizuki stood up straight, puffing her chest out.

"I sure am now!"

While I joined Mizuki, I heard the others start to complain.

"What does the stupid bear want now? I was in the middle of my skincare routine..." Reina started to ramble on about how long every step of this routine takes. Arashi and Mei just nodded along like they actually understood what she was talking about.

"Doesn't look like he's gonna show up anytime soon..." Kei commented from the side, sitting down on the bleachers with his feet upon them.

"What if he's waiting on Shiro?" Ryuto suggested while yawning and rubbing his eyes.

"I hope not. That guy is gonna take forever to come!" Mizuki replied.

"Well, judging from the state he's in, I understand if he just wants some time to himself. However, Monokuma might punish him if he doesn't arrive soon, so I'm just praying that he does come." I added to their conversation.

Remembering what happened last night, I wonder if Shiro took my advice about letting go. It sure did help me. If I didn't let go and continued trying to escape, I'd still be in the state I was after Okashi's execution.

"Is everyone here?" Monokuma popped out from his podium on stage as if he was listening to our conversation.

"Looks like he showed up after all," Kei mumbled, standing up after resting on the bleachers.

"Let's see...6...7...Wait. Where is that guy who was obsessing over a bag of dead meat?" Monokuma tilted his head. "Oh boy! This is like..." he quickly counted up to three in his nonexistent fingers. "...the third time he's gotten close to punishment in under 2 days!"

Suddenly, the doors to the gym creaked open as a tired Shiro walked in. He was silent as he just joined the rest of us like nothing had happened.

"Excuse me! Your late sir!" Monokuma addressed him.