Danganronpa: Boiling Point

Chapter 36: Fifth Floor Investigation

After finishing my shower, I got myself dressed and ready for bed. The 10pm Nighttime alert would go off in a few more minutes, but Fuyuhiko's execution and Hiyoko's bawling still played in my mind. Certainly, I was used to dealing with death on a daily basis, but this...this was different. This was worse than anything I had ever experienced.

These were people we were supposed to get along with, to find a way to escape with. Instead, with the exception of poor Ryoma, we were bickering and killing one another.

Worse, Monorakun seemed to enjoy our misery, our infighting, and only seemed to care about us during the suspected security breach, and when showing us the Carnival Room. Otherwise, he taunted the others, hurled snide remarks around, and generally was a thorn in everyone's side.

Tomorrow, the Fifth and final floor would be opened for us all. I had to get some rest, so I would be prepared for what was to come the next morning.

And, once again, another dream of my past visited me. This time, it was daytime, and I was speaking to Officer Keisatsu Yakuin outside the mortuary, in the parking lot near his police car. He was asking me about Tonchiki Gehinna's disappearance.

"So, Miss Kantoku, witnesses say you were seen with Mr. Tonchiki Gehinna about two weeks ago, watching a movie together at night. Is this true?" Officer Yakuin inquired.

"Yes, I had watched a movie with him the night he disappeared, but he had dropped me off at the mortuary afterwards," I responded. This was technically true; we did go to the mortuary after the movies.

"Ok. And what happened after he dropped you off? When did you see him next?" Officer Yakuin asked next.

"Regretfully, I had not seen him since that night. While I did enjoy the movie, we did not end up having a second date. In fact, after that night, Tonchiki never spoke to me again," I answered, glancing off to the left, at the ground.

Officer Yakuin looked puzzled. "Hmmmm...I see. Well, his car was found at his home, but no one has seen him since that night. Any idea where he may have gone after he went home?"

"No, sir. He dropped me off at the mortuary, as I often prepare bodies and perform other duties at night. He made no mention to me of any other plans, so I do not know," I responded, shrugging my shoulders slowly.

"Alright, miss, I think that's everything I have for now. If you see him again, or hear anything about his whereabouts, please let us know, ok?" He patted the hood of his police car a few times.

I nodded in reply, then glanced towards the mortuary. "May I resume my duties inside? I still have cleaning to do before this evening's visitation."

After the police offer was convinced that I had nothing to do with Tonchiki's disappearance, he let me return inside, so I could resume vacuuming the lobby.

"Wake up, everyone! It's 7am, and Nighttime is now over! Time to enjoy another fun-filled day at The Ultimate Talent Enhancement Center!" Monorakun's voice woke me up. Today was the day the Fifth Floor would be opened to everyone. Clearly, I would be wise to find a partner to go up with, and with this being the final floor, I knew just who I wanted to accompany me.

I headed to the Dining Hall, and after making a omelette with bacon, ham, and both Cheddar and Swiss cheese, I sat next to Kyoko, who was eating a bagel of some sort.

"Kyoko? I know we have not have much cause to speak much, other than the Class Trials, but I was hoping we could go to the Fifth Floor together this morning, after breakfast."

Kyoko considered my request, then nodded. "I prefer working alone, but in this case, I won't object. After all, if we spend all our time trying to avoid danger, we'll never move forward. Am I wrong?"