The Loveliest of Lies (Oumota)

There's no need to be afraid.

Kokichi cleared his throat and read the Monokuma file out loud:

"Thevictim is the Ultimate Detecive, Shuichi Saihara. The victim's body wasdiscovered in the Ultimate Magician's Lab. The cause of death was blood loss.He was stabbed in the chest. The victim also suffered extensive bruising,several shallow stab wounds, and cuts along his arms."

[Truth bullet added: Monokuma File 2]

"There's no time of death." Kaito pointed out. "So, it could've happened at any time. It...it could've happened this morning." His voice was full of shame and self-loathing.

Kokichi shook his head.

"I highly doubt that Momota-chan. No one saw him. I bet he's been dead for hours. And I think that Yumeno-chan and Chabashira-chan checked the lab before the performance this morning and they didn't find his body. The curtains were drawn up. Saihara-chan's body was purposefully hidden." He said, pointing at the red curtain next to the water tank.

"That makes sense." Kaito mumbled. He looked at their classmates.

They were just standing there, awkwardly watching them.

They didn't know what to do.

"Umm...Shuichi wouldn't have wanted everyone to stay together. We should split up and cover more ground, but we shouldn't be alone. Choose an investigation partner and head off." Kaito said slowly.

Kokichi blinked. He quickly pulled himself together and smiled goofily at Kaito.

"Uwah! Momota-chan actually had a good idea. I volunteer to be your investigation partner." He cheered.

He turned to the others.

"I want Gonta and Chabashira-chan to stay here and guard the crime scene. And Yonaga-chan and Yumeno-chan should also stay here! I wanna interrogate them. The rest of you can scatter. Momota-chan and I will come and find you after we've finished here." He said, making sure his tone was overtly rude and demanding.

In response, his classmates either frowned or shook their heads, refusing to listen to him.

They had been receptive to Kaito, but weren't receptive to him.

"Hey! Who says you can boss us around?" Miu complained.

"Go and choke on a dick, Iruma-chan. I want to investigate without your annoying stink." Kokichi insulted her.

"Choke...dick...Stink...?" Miu mumbled. She was blushing profusely.

"Everyone, just listen to Momota and Ouma. We're running out of time and we need to get on with it." Ryoma suddenly snapped. He sounded angry and tired.

"Hoshi-kun...are you okay?" Tsumugi asked.

Ryoma waved her off.

"I'm fine. I just want to get this over with." He said.

"Same here. I am deeply saddened by Saihara-kun's passing, but the sooner we solve his case and find the blackened, the sooner we can return to living our lives." Kirumi concurred.

Ryoma chuckled darkly, but didn't say anything else.

"Yeah. Listen to Ouma. Go and investigate." Kaito mumbled.

The others reluctantly agreed.

Kokichi's grin grew.

"Miu and Kiibo should investigate the gym! Atua tells me that Miu wants to investigate there!" Angie suggested.