Phantom Thieves of Hope - A Danganronpa X Persona 5 Story.

Chapter 57: Climactic Sporty Showdown

Trial Underground - Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

Cheering and yelling for their favorite classes, the entire crowd, comprised of people both inside and outside the school, gathered around the track. As they prepared to start, Class 78-B felt the strain building and their hearts thumping with excitement.

Despite the last-minute preparation, there was comfort in the fact that the other two classes were in the same boat. Still, that didn't stop the likes of Chihiro, Hifumi, Sayaka, and Taka from looking quite nervous.

As they had done for most of the day (at least for as much of it that Toko had been around), Toko, Celeste, and Leon looked like they just wanted to get this over with and go home.

Byakuya, Makoto, Mukuro, and Kyoko were all rather indifferent to the situation, but a keen eye could tell that even they had competitive spirits that were quietly burning under a cooler surface. Unlike Hina, Sakura, and Mondo, who were all clearly pumped up and ready to win.

Makoto quickly split off from his class after a quick (and awkward) team chant. He hurried off towards the end of the long track. He wouldn't go on yet, since every classmate had to run around half the track at least. So he would have to go up as soon as Kyoko received the baton. Then wait until Byakuya carried it to him, and then run for the grand finish.

However, he was quite surprised when he arrived at his spot to see who his fellow anchors were.

One was Shuichi Saihara...

And the other was...

"Hinata!?"

Hajime looked a little embarrassed when Makoto showed up. He even pulled his black hood over his head a little more. Clearly, he and Shuichi had already had ample time to talk before he'd arrived.

"Wh-What is going...What is...Why!?" Makoto made some random motions and points with his hands, desperately confused. Shuichi sighed, shrugged, and shook his head.

"Well...Class 77 only has 15 students. They were a person short," Shuichi explained, "and apparently...Well...I mean, you can probably figure out what happened..."

"Chiaki's classmates remembered I helped them out with basketball this morning, and they said they might ask me to come back for the relay since I helped them win the game...I was...less than thrilled about it..." Hinata covered his face, "When she asked me, I couldn't say no..."

"Chiaki asked you?" Makoto questioned, "Well, okay then...I mean, I hope she knows what she's doing."

"As it turns out, I can participate while keeping myself anonymous," Hajime sighed, "they said that I can keep the hood up, and they gave me sunglasses and a mask to hide my face too. Whether they'll stay on while I'm running is the question..."

"Well, that should at least keep you hidden from any spies in the Steering Committee," Makoto acknowledged, "for now that is..."

"Yeah...I'm sorry, I really wasn't trying to draw any attention to myself, but...after everything I put her through, I owe so much to Chiaki. I have to do this if it means paying back what I owe," Hajime nodded, "With that in mind though, I just want you to know that even if I'm trying to stay out of the spotlight, I'm still going to give it my all to win for Class 77."

"I will do the same for my class," Shuichi added, "We may be friends and allies, but today we are opponents. Don't expect me to hold back."

"Same here," Makoto smirked competitively, "time to show you guys what a REAL Phantom Thief can do."

Discussion HOPE VS DESPAIR - Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

Makoto chatted with Hajime and Shuichi for a bit while the first runners lined up. Admittedly, if you saw the lineup, then you would feel so very sorry for the other two competitors besides Sakura, Miu Iruma from the class below and Teruteru Hanamura from the class above, who were CLEARLY outclassed the moment she stepped onto the starting line, and the terrified looks on their faces said they knew it.