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

Chapter 89: Factory of Egomania

X

[Good evening. In breaking news today, Tadachika Tomita, a prominent member of Hope's Peak's Steering Committee, has been confirmed dead. Authorities report that his body was discovered earlier today lying beside the riverbank, mere hours ago.]

The camera cut to an image of the river, the sun casting a somber glow over the scene as police tape fluttered in the breeze. The anchor continued, his voice solemn. 

[Initial investigations suggest that Mr. Tomita died of a heart attack, but the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. The police have launched an inquiry into the events leading up to this tragic incident. Reporters gathered at the front gates of Hope's Peak Academy to receive their take on the tragic news]

Next, the broadcast shifted to a brief interview with Headmaster Jin Kirigiri, who stood solemnly in front of the camera, his expression a mix of sorrow and concern. 

[Unfortunately, due to our respective positions, many of us seldom had a chance to talk to Tomita-san outside of the Steering Committee circle. But we all know that he was a dedicated member of the school board, and had a vision for the future of Hope's Peak Academy,] he stated, his voice steady but tinged with sadness, [This is a tremendous loss for our community, and we will ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted.]

[This incident raises many questions regarding the stability of the committee and the implications of Mr. Tomita's death. As details continue to emerge, we urge our viewers to stay tuned for further updates.]

Rise of the Ultimates - Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony

The broadcast ended, but the weight of the news lingered, the atmosphere heavy with uncertainty and fear. The Phantom Thieves, huddled around their devices, felt the impact of the report, each of them grappling with the implications of this shocking turn of events.

After the news had spread, Makoto, Kyoko, Toko, Kaede, and Shuichi had all received what was the equivalent of a lecture by their teachers, warning them to be safe, and to think about those closest to them, in light of Tomita's death. Unfortunately, it didn't come across to cleanly. After all, not that many people at the school actually knew who he was, despite his importance.

But even after that, and even after watching a live news broadcast about his death, it still didn't feel entirely real.

The usually lively space felt eerily quiet. Makoto's eyes remained locked on the screen, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts, yet his face was blank with shock. Komaru's fists were clenched tight, trembling slightly. Monomi, standing beside her, seemed to droop in sorrow, her usual cheer drained.

Toko's reaction was perhaps the most visible; her knuckles whitened as she gripped her phone, trying to make sense of what she had just read.

"A heart attack...?" she muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible. "No way...the timing is too..."

Shuichi was deep in thought, running scenarios through his mind, but no clear answers emerged.

Kaede shifted in place, her expression one of disbelief.

"This can't be real...It can't be..." she whispered, almost as if saying it out loud would reverse the reality of what they had just learned.

Chiaki, usually calm and measured, was visibly shaken, her brow furrowed in concentration as she replayed the broadcast in her mind, trying to find some logical explanation for what had happened.

"Toko's right. It doesn't make sense..." she said. "Why now?"

Hajime remained still, his eyes fixed forward yet unfocused. His hands braced against the table as if trying to anchor himself, his thoughts pulling him back to the implications of Matsuda's secrets, now tangled with this sudden death.