Danganronpa: Komm Susser Tod

Chapter 3, Part V

Chapter 3: My Enemy's Enemy, Part V (Class Trial)

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Nanae: We've stopped?

Ukyo: Of course we have, Nanae.

The elevator doors promptly opened to reveal the new look and feel of the courtroom that awaited us. The walls were a deep red, the floor was not only littered with bright playing card symbols but also an even darker red, and both the curtains and carpet were black as night. Monokuma was there, sitting on his throne, hands behind his back and feet kicking in front of him, reminding us that there was no love in the air - only death.

Monokuma: Quite passionate, won't you say?

Iori: Yes, heh.

I responded with nothing but silence. I was the only one who knew of his involvement in Mayu's death - and I felt a deep satisfaction knowing that I'd get to air his dirty laundry right here. Of course, if he didn't outright kill her, then-

Homura: Reiji?

Reiji: Hmm?

Homura: Why do I have the feeling that something's wrong?

Sasuke: Ehh, it's all in your mind. And besides, I could easily snatch up everybody on the spot if I wanted to.

Monokuma: Atta boy! Wait: oops, no preferential treatment should be given to any student. We are all equal here, even in death. Of course, seeing that I am the teacher, I am above the rules!

Iori: Pfft.

Monokuma: Anyway, let me repeat the rules for thee, but not for me: this Class Trial is to determine who will go and take the fall for the most recent crimes!

Asuka: I see what you did there and it's not funny.

Monokuma: All eyes will be on the prize of which murder is most relevant to the case; c'mon, you all know which one is totally useless, right? Like some bumfuck delinquent who died alone?

I felt sick to my stomach. Mocking both Mamoru and Masato's deaths were bad enough, but Mayu and Shouko were just kicking us while we were down.

Monokuma: Moving on, if your pinpointed criminal did indeed escalate from petty theft, or jaywalking, or arson, into outright murder, then congrats! You all live to see another day. Except the poor bastard who will be subjected to a fate worse than death!

Chie: Detention, ribbit?

Monokuma: Bzzt! Wrong answer! It's even worse than detention! It's called execution!

Tetsuo: (facepalming) Wasn't it so obvious?!

Monokuma: You all know the punishment for getting the wrong guy, so make damn sure you've got the right one by the time I get bored, which equates to time running out! We cool?

Kira: I guess?

Monokuma: We cool. Let's get right to it then!

Another Class Trial... Another death implicitly on my hands... Another step I took forward.

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Sasuke: So, who should we tackle first? The blatantly obvious suicide or the blatantly obvious homicide?!

Homura: ...

Sasuke: No answer? How 'bout you, Reiji?

Reiji: Let's solve the murder first.

Asuka: Considering that Mayu's case is relatively open and shut, that sounds like a good idea.

Iori: Trust me, there's a big twist. Nobody's gonna like it.