Hopeful Blacksmith (Danganronpa 1 x OC)

Chapter 36: Who are you really...?

The day after Sakura's class trial, that morning, in the dining hall...

"So, let's begin the usual post-trial investigation.", Togami declared.

"Hey, you didn't make small talk or anything! We never just get straight to the point like that!", Hiro interjected.

"If you want to keep up with me, you must refrain from pointless small talk."

"Jeez, how high is that horse of yours?", Hina grumbled.

"He just acts like that to hide his own insecurities. That's what I like to think, anyway...", Hiro whispered, I just giggled at the remark while I finished my breakfast.

"Regardless, if you want to defeat the mastermind, you need to follow my lead. They creep around the school like a mouse, but the mastermind's pride is as bloated as a cow's udder. And no matter what it takes, I *will* rid this world of them...", Togami vowed. Seeing him actually working on a common goal with was refreshing. I expected Toko to fawn over him, but she was quiet. Hiro seemed to notice too, as he pointed it out.

"Hey, Toko...you've been pretty quiet."

"..."

"Man, you're so boring now! You just sit there, like a mushroom. Gonna start calling you Miss Mushroom!"

"Hiro!", I hissed.

"What? It's true!"

"Doesn't mean you should say it!"

"..."

"She didn't snap back at you...", Hina muttered in surprise.

"Her talking makes things difficult. So I told her not to open her mouth without permission.", Togami explained with a dignified shrug.

"What!? But if she can't open her mouth, she can't eat! Or drink water!", Hina gasped.

"I don't care."

"And you're okay with that, Toko!?", Hiro asked.

"..."

"Jeez, how low is that rock you're hiding under...?"

"Oh for the love of-- Toko.", I called. She looked up at me, a little surprised I called on her. "Talk all you want and eat for pete's sake, you need all the energy later when we start checking the rest of the school out."

"..."

"Ugh... I'm your mistress, aren't I?", I rolled my eyes.

"... Yes."

"Good, now go eat.", I pointed. Toko looked at Togami, who looked furious at me, then back at me, then trudged to me with a sneaky grin and started eating next to me. I smirked at Togami, who just huffed in annoyance and turned away from me.

"I believe this is the small talk Byakuya warned us against.", Kyoko interjected.

"And yet...I let myself get involved. But it is now finished. I will never allow you to drag me down to your level again. We're going to begin our search. Stop running your mouths and start moving your legs.", Togami grumbled as he got up to explore. After all of us finished our food, we started our search. There were a few empty classrooms that didn't have anything interesting, so I left them be. I then went through a large wooden door. Inside, was the school dojo. It was very elegant looking. Kyoko stood there, staring at the cherry blossom trees.

"... They remind me of Sakura. She would have loved this place.", I muttered, a sad smile on my face.

"... It's quite elegant.", Kyoko nodded.