Danganronpa: Poisoned Hope (Fanganronpa)

Chapter 4 - Thorns Of Past Loving Memory - Class Trial Opening

"You already know what's happening, so let's get started!" Monokuma cheered as we stepped into the courtroom.

As usual, two new death portraits greeted us as we walked in: Gin's and Haru's.

Crap...It's been a while since I've seen Gin's face. I was literally just thinking about him and Tama two minutes ago. I'm also not used to seeing Haru like that either...I guess their death was a big shock for everyone.

But...if no one died, we all would've frozen to death. Half of me feels grateful but the other is just a mix of sadness for their murder and confusion about who the culprit could be.

Well, someone was clearly feeling worse. Shiro was staring daggers at Haru's portrait, his eyes filled with revenge.

Is he really serious about that 'making the killer pay for it' stuff? It sure looks like he is, but I'm not sure Monokuma will allow a whole fight to go down in the trial room.

I haven't seen this side of Shiro before. Sure, we saw his nice guy act and his true personality, but maybe there was a friendlier side he showed Haru...

Friendlier is a strong word...Maybe he was kinder? Or just not as aggressive and mean? I guess only Haru knows, and we can't really ask them anymore.

Now with Haru gone though, he seems to be filled with unbridled rage. He must've cared or liked them a lot. Haru was the one person here he could tolerate. Heck, I kinda feel bad for the culprit knowing about the beat down they're gonna get from Shiro after this...

He kept mumbling under his breath tons of swears and threats that I didn't really want to hear. I was too distracted glancing at Kei was as leaning onto his podium.

Our conversation was super weird. I still don't know if he's the culprit or not. He is a suspect and there is evidence against him, but considering his morals and his belief in 'a murder for the sake of truth' stuff, it doesn't make sense. I'm not ruling him out though.

And I'm still hung up on that 'love' bit he mentioned during his long speech about me.

Kei noticed me glancing and looked back, but quickly turned his attention back to Monokuma who was giving some long speech I didn't care about.

From the time I've spent with him, he's been pretty laid back. But when it comes to the trials, he becomes an analytical crime-solving god. Sometimes he treats this like it's just a game and other times he's completely serious. He's...unpredictable. We did hang out tons during and before Akito's case, so I should know more about him than anyone else here. He's like a complete enigma: impossible to understand or know what he's thinking.

"Um, Ryuto." I heard someone say from behind me which face me a break from thinking about Kei. I turned to see Kuro there.

"Oh, what's up?" I asked, acting casual despite the literal murder we have to solve in a few minutes.

"I just want to say that I believe in you. We all do. You can do this, ok?"

"Wait...you're not worried about me screwing up?"

"Of course not. I know you can do this. I'd completely trust you with my life like I am right now." she explained.

"Woah, thanks. I kinda needed to hear the right now...I'm pretty freaked out."

"Don't worry. I'm sure you can do this." Kuro smiled as she turned to go give Mizuki some attention.

That just gave me a ton of relief but a bunch of pressure at the same time. So, she's not worried...but everyone believes in me? Talk about pressure...

I'm sure she didn't mean it in a rude or mean way. Kuro is like the nicest person here...

Actually, Toshiro used to be, but after what happened before the last case, that doesn't hold up anymore...

Whatever. She's right. Pressure or no pressure, I still gotta do this.

"If we're all done giving ourselves a pep talk..." Monokuma cleared his throat while giving me the side-eye.

Woah, it's like he totally knew what I was thinking just know. That's weird...

Well, Monokuma was always weird, so nothing new there.

"...It's time to start the trial! I can't wait, I can't wait!" he continued, being way too excited to do another execution.

"You sound enthusiastic..." Arashi said.

"Of course I am! This is my killing game! Obviously, I'm going to be enthusiastic. Who wants a boring lifeless mascot? No one does!"

"He's kinda right. Cute and happy mascots are always popular." I added.

"That's correct, but now is not the time for that. It's class trial time!" Monokuma repeated. "As always, step right on up to your podium and we can begin the fight between the spotless and the blackened!"

We did as we were told as I stood behind the trial stand that had my name on it.

I hoped I wouldn't have to be in this place again. It's gives me the creeps...It's like it gets worse every trial.

But this is it. I gotta do this. Even if I'm nervous or slightly panicking about messing things up, I can do this!

...I think I can at least. I just hope this trial isn't too complicated...

I've probably just jinxed it.

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