『 ♧ Escape Artist ♧ 』『 RANMARU KAGEYAMA × DANGANRONPA V3 』

CHAPTER 3-6: The Third Class Trial

After a long irritating walk, Kokichi and Ranmaru eventually arrived in the open garden and stared at the large and eyestraining statue of Monokuma. Luckily, they were the last people there, and everyone was already standing in toward the entrance. When they arrived, nobody was exactly speaking. Not wanting to break the silence, the two ultimates chose to simply stand a bit further from the group and begun a conversation.

"So.. who do you think did it this time?" Kokichi started, looking to him curiously.

Ranmaru didn't share the look, merely looking forward. "..no clue."

"Well.. did you??"

"Ack - what the hell!? Of course I wouldn't.. I would never hurt Angie.." ranmaru retorted, now fully staring at a smirking Kokichi.

Kokichi merely let out a yawn and crossed his arms behind his head, looking away absentmindedly. "I mean..
You WERE the last one to see here alive that we know of, you certainly have a record of getting involved in these trials, and usually that more interesting side of you would have come out by now, right? Besides, you do know Angie was using you ri-"

"Cut it out, Kokichi. You know I wouldn't kill Angie.. no, not Angie." He said, looking forward slightly. Their conversation ended there as the statue finally parted, and the elevator revealed itself, soon being filled with the remaining anxious participants. When Ramaru entered, he noticed the now empty space next to him. He shared a look with Korekiyo beside him. As both acknowledged the spot where Angie would've been stood happily. He could only hold back a cough as he chose to look at his shoes for the remainder of the descent.

"Finally!! You guys sure know how to take your time.. anywho! You know the drill, only now it's double the murder, double the stakes!!" Monokuma cheered as every sorted to their spots. Ranmaru ignored him, slouching at his podium and tapping his foot as he waited for the trial to begin. Luckily, he wasn't waiting long as he looked around before Himiko raised their voice.

".. Who did it?" Was all she said. Ranmaru looked to his left with worry as Himiko glared to everyone with anger and hatred.

"Do not let your emotions haste your judgement. After all, there may be two killers." Korekiyo replied to her question.

"So.. our other culprit.. might noOoOott be one of us heeere..." Tsumugi warned nobody in particular, making an odd hand gesture and looked around fearfully.

"Hm? What do you mean?" Gonta looked over and asked her.

"The traaaansferrr stuuudenntt..~ "

Ranmaru looked at her in disbelief, growing concerned more and more as she grew more adamant the further she went on explaining. "Hey, uhhh... You're joking, right??" He muttered. "Shuichi, please step in.."

Shuichi didn't answer, only looking to Tsumugi in wonder. As she continued on, she eventually started accusing Rantaro Amami of being resurrected and killing both Angie and Tenko. Luckily for Ranmaru, his worries were silenced as a voice spoke up from the crowd.

"I don't think Angie's ritual succeeded.. according to Monokuma's instructions inside, you had to burn the necronomicon in the ritual." He explained.

Coincidentally, he was able to grab the necronomicon and hold it up, showing its cleanliness to the group. "If Angie's ritual had worked, the book would have been gone."

"Aha, Meaning Angie died before the ritual was complete, yes?" Keebo repeated. He was given a nod in reply when suddenly someone yelled out.

"EUREKA!! I don't know about Tenko, but I'm pretty sure Kiyo murdered Angie!!" Miu pointed an accusatory finger to Korekiyo as she cried out in 'genius'. "I mean, it was HIS katana after all! He was the only one who cared about it, too. All he had to do was break in and do the deed!!"