Who are you?

Day 1:The Start of A New Project

Mitarai POV:

The ship sways as I think about all that has lead to this moment. After the rest of the 77th class sent the video claiming they were the masterminds behind the killing game that me and the other Future Foundation members had to endure, all of us on the boat have been keeping quiet. On this boat, we have enough food to last a life time, and thanks to Hanamura we have been more than happy. Filled with hope, surviving on this boat is more than enough. But sure enough, there would be struggles along the way.

Hmm, I wonder what is in store today. I wake up to the swaying of the ocean and head over to the main deck. I see The Imposter and Ibuki having a lively conversation. As always, Ibuki never fails to keep everyone on their toes. I see her face twist into shapes I didn't even know were possible as she rants on and on to Imposter. Heh, I wonder if I should interrupt them or leave them be. But, as soon as I thought that, Ibuki's face does a full 180 and her eyes lock on mine.

"Mitarai, hello, hello! Good nom nom noming! Come here and let me tell you about this crazy dream I had!" Ibuki exclaims as she bounces towards me. 

"Er, uh- well, I actually-" I try getting out of hearing her ramble as the Imposter perks up.

"Actually, Ibuki, I'm sorry but I have my own plans with Mitarai today. Can you fill him in later?" he says. Thank lord, I needed a way to get out of that one. Don't get me wrong, Ibuki is a wonderful friend, but her explosive personality can sometimes be a little too much to handle in the morning.

"Oh, alrighty! I guess you'll have to learn about my donut stick fighting ninja dream I had later! Well, I'll leave you to it, bye bye!" Ibuki skips off into the kitchen.

As she leaves, I start to wonder what Imposter meant by having plans with me. I'm sure he was just helping me out as he saw I was uncomfortable, but still...

"Mitarai," he grabs my attention.

"Yes?"

"How have you been feeling lately? I mean living on this ship must be a strange change of pace and all but-"

"No no! It's great! It's a lot better than the chaos of the world. Plus I have you! And the others of course. Why do you ask?"

"Ah... no reason in particular, just checking up I guess."

"Oh, well. Uhm, how are you doing?"

"Just fine, it's a lot better than being dead haha."

"Yeah... ha... ha..." My laughter trails off as I remember all that he must have gone through. I have already been informed with all of the events that happened in the Neo World Program. And to think that I... I made them the despairs and that I was the reason they even had to go through with that is horrifying. I put my friends through that, it was all me. How can I even face him like I'm just another one of his old classmates? 

I assume that Imposter saw my eyes start to water as he said, "Hey, whatever you're thinking right now, know that you are not to blame for what happened to me. You are not to blame for any of the tragic events that lead to this point. It was Junko Enoshima, please understand that. I'm sorry for bringing up my death, I should be more careful."

"No, no I'm fine! I know that. Sorry... uhm can we change the topic? What did you have planned today, or was that just a ploy to get Mioda away?"

"Oh well actually, I was wondering if you wanted to just spend some free time together? I don't have much to do around here... so maybe you could animate and I could watch or something like that?"

"Wait, actually?! That sounds fantastic, of course I would like to spend time with you! We should grab something to eat first though, haha."

Imposter and I go eat a delicious breakfast made by Hanamura and head out. We both agree to go to my room so we can talk while I animate. It is strange though, since I decided to not go along with the Hope Video, I have nothing to work on. It seems as if that was all my life was about, restoring hope to the world. But now that that is gone, what is my life? What am I supposed to do?

"Hey, Imposter. I was wondering something," I say.

"Yes, what is it?" He replies.

"Well, since I am no longer working on the Hope video... what should I do? I mean, now my life purpose is gone and I no longer have anything to work on. I wanted to help others but now that's pretty much impossible."

"Mitarai, you are always focussed on others, and the big picture. Why don't you focus on yourself  for a while? You should make something that you will enjoy, you don't always have to please others," He replies. Ah, that does make sense. But, what would I enjoy making... I guess I should lay out some rough drafts and some ideas and then I can go from there. It's weird though, I used to always know what I was going to make and now... that's all a big mystery.

"Oh, I see. Yes, that makes sense. Thank you... Imposter. Hm, it is kind of weird always calling you Imposter. Is there anything you would prefer to be called?" I ask.

"No no, Imposter is just fine. I usually just go by the name of the person I am disguised as, but since I am currently not disguised as anyone, Imposter seems to fit. It kind of feels like I'm disguised as myself in a way, so it is only fitting."

"I understand. Anyways..." We start talking about other topics and the day passes by smoothly as  Imposter and I spend time together. It seems as if the day went by way quicker than usual, I wonder why. But, it was fun having someone to talk to while I work. 

As the sun started to set, Imposter and I said our goodbyes. It was a good day, and it also seems I have some good ideas started for what I would truly enjoy making even if none of them seem to be perfect. As I was left alone in my room I started to wonder why he chose me to spend time with. Ibuki and him are great friends, and they both went through the Neo World Program so I would think he would spend time with her. Never mind that, it's getting dark so I should get some rest. It's about time I get rid of these dark circles from under my eyes.