The Trickster's Gamble

A tools final chance

As Kokichi and Hiyoko arrive at the Beach House to investigate Mahiru's death, the tension in the air feels almost tangible. The quiet is broken as Chiaki, who's already examining the scene, looks up and spots Kokichi. With a calm yet pointed tone, she says, "You're not supposed to be here."

Kokichi's eyes flash with a mix of surprise and amusement. He understands the underlying meaning-she he acknowledges that he doesn't quite belong to this group. Though Chiaki doesn't voice it outright, Kokichi can tell she's aware he isn't from the same world as the others. For a moment, he wonders if she knows more about his background than she lets on.

But before he can respond, Hiyoko comes to his defense, stepping forward with a fierce glare. "Why can't he be here?" she snaps, folding her arms. "Mahiru was my friend, and I want him here to help figure out what happened!" Her fierce loyalty is evident, and Kokichi quickly plays into it.

"Thank you, Hiyoko," he says softly, feigning sadness and sincerity. "I'm here to help, for your sake." He places a comforting hand on her shoulder, glancing at Chiaki with a subtle smirk as if to say, Guess I belong here after all.

Chiaki's expression remains neutral, though her gaze lingers on Kokichi, silently acknowledging his act. She's wary, but she steps back, allowing him and Hiyoko space to investigate.

They start with the Metal Bat lying nearby, and Kokichi inspects it with a curious tilt of his head. "A bat... an odd choice, don't you think, Hiyoko?" he muses aloud, watching her nod in agreement.

Next, they examine the Mask near the scene. Kokichi picks it up, pretending to inspect it thoughtfully. "A mask left behind-could mean someone wanted to hide their identity, or maybe it's a clue," he suggests, keeping his voice low and sympathetic.

Finally, Kokichi kneels beside Mahiru's body, adopting a solemn look as he murmurs, "She didn't deserve this..." He watches Hiyoko's reaction, subtly mirroring her grief to keep her trust intact.
As Kokichi and Hiyoko continue investigating the Beach House, they find a small yellow gummy on the floor of the closet. Kokichi examines it thoughtfully before glancing over at Hiyoko, who lights up at the sight of the gummy and blurts out, "Oh, I love gummies!"

Kokichi's eyes narrow slightly, observing her reaction. In his mind, a theory starts forming: if Hiyoko did somehow have a part in Mahiru's death, her love for the girl might serve as a clever alibi. After all, no one would suspect her of killing her closest friend. But as he watches her innocent excitement over the gummy, a hint of doubt settles in. Would Hiyoko really do something like that? he wonders.

Though his mind races with possibilities, Kokichi ultimately finds himself shaking off the suspicion. Despite his usual mischievous nature, he can't bring himself to fully believe that Hiyoko would betray someone she was so close to. Instead, he decides to keep this theory to himself for now, using it to keep an edge in the investigation while staying close to Hiyoko, watching for any other clues that might point them to the real culprit.
the Beach House shower room, Kokichi and Hiyoko examine the scene with intensity. Kokichi inspects the shower door and window, while Hiyoko's attention is drawn to Akane, who has just entered the room.

Hiyoko immediately narrows her eyes at Akane, crossing her arms and glaring with suspicion. "What are you doing here?" she snaps, her tone sharp. "Weren't you supposed to be somewhere else? Or do you just conveniently show up when things look bad?"

Akane looks at Hiyoko, confused but unfazed, and shrugs. "Just checking things out like everyone else. What's your problem?"

Hiyoko huffs, clearly defensive. "Oh, please. Like you'd even care about all this unless you had something to hide." Her voice is laced with contempt as she steps back, still eyeing Akane warily.