Chapter 1 - Part 18
What? You’re here?
...What’s your problem? Leave me alone.
...
After everything that’s happened, I’d completely forgotten about our argument.
Hearing his voice again pissed me off... but for Byakuya’s sake, I had to be the bigger person.
Don’t give me that attitude right now. You must have heard Monokuma’s announcement, right?
Of course I did... Apparently Byakuya's the one who got killed...
...So what?
Do you think I'm the killer? Think whatever you want, I'm used to being mistrusted.
No...I’m not here to suspect you.
I just want to know... what were you doing when the party took place?
...Hmph, checking my alibi, eh?
Well I don't have one... I was just chilling in my cottage all by myself during that time.
...The entire time?
But... Chiaki told me she met you outside the old building.
Tch! That nosy...!
It's true I went for a little walk... And then, just by chance...I ended up passing by the old building...
Was it really just a walk?
I wonder... maybe you wanted to join the party?
F... For the last *fuckin’* time, it's a coincidence! A COINCIDENCE!
Okay, I get it...
Hmph... dumbass...! [leaves]
When he was out of earshot, I let out a sigh.
...You were trying to keep your cool, weren’t you?
Yeah, I guess...
*Clatter clatter!*
Oh no, the door’s locked...
I guess... we need to ask *him* for help.
Nagito took a deep breath, and then...
Heeeeey Monokuma!
Yaaaaay! Didja call me!?
Wha!?
N...Nagito!? Since when were you able to call him like that!?
Hey Monokuma...I was wondering if you can do us a favor. There's something we want to investigate...
Hey, who are you talking to? That's just my after-image.
Kehehe... When I get serious, my after-image is unleashed.
It’s a motion based gag, so it doesn’t translate well in a written format...
...but it’d be boring if I dropped it completely, so who cares?
W-We don’t have time for jokes right now. Can you just please open Byakuya's cottage?
This is...for the class trial, it's something we really need.
...For the class trial?
Hmmm... If it's for the class trial, there's no way I can refuse!
Now then, there's only one spell that can open these doors!
The stuffed toy spat into its palms and thrust its arms towards the door.
Open sesame!!
*Clack!*
Well, I’ve done all I can do. Now you can go and investigate to your heart’s content! [leaves]
...
Was that door... tripped or something?
It's...probably powered by electricity. Let’s just go inside.
Byakuya...will never return to this room again.
...
There’s an envelope on top of the table...
This is a letter...that’s addressed to Byakuya?
There's no sender... That looks pretty suspicious.
I think we should check what's inside.
Yeah, okay...
I nervously picked up the letter and opened it.
...Eh?
"Be careful. The first kill will happen tonight. Someone will definitely kill someone."
W...What is this!?
Is this...a crime warning?
No... If it says "Be careful," it's probably a threatening letter...
Who would send something like this!?
Maybe...
...this is why Byakuya suddenly decided to throw a party...
...Eh?
"The first kill will happen tonight." Because someone made this threat to Byakuya, he gathered everyone in one area, and was extremely cautious about all the dangerous items.
He was trying to create a scenario in which everyone could monitor each other. He thought...if he did that, nobody would be able to kill anyone...
He couldn't ignore the possibility of this happening, even if it was just a worst-case scenario.
Remember what Byakuya kept saying? He wouldn't let anyone become a victim.
That’s right...
The fear he must have felt... I had no idea...
Those feelings... would have stayed with him up until his death...
Why did he keep this a secret? He should’ve discussed it with all of us...
Maybe then...we could have prevented this...
He probably couldn't... He probably thought...that was also a worst-case scenario.
...Huh?
If everyone knew what was in this letter, whether it's a lie or not...
Everyone would have likely begun to doubt each other, and at that point there'd be no turning back.
He wanted to make sure the rest of us were okay... so he decided to handle it all himself, without telling anyone...?
His strong sense of responsibility...is the only explanation I can think of.
...
No...
This could be a prank...and it might have nothing to do with Byakuya's death at all.
...Huh? How can he say that?
Is he trying to calm my nerves or something...?
This letter is definitely related ... The person who sent it... might be the same person who killed Byakuya.
The question is... Were they expecting Byakuya to arrange a party?
I don’t think anybody has that kind of foresight...
Mahiru... there's probably not much time left until the class trial starts.
Ah...You think so?
...
Ah! That reminds me, didn’t you ask Hajime for a favour earlier?
Y-Yeah, right. He’s supposed to figure out where everyone was standing right before the power outage.
He’s probably done by now... We should talk to him.
...
I’m sorry... I’ll leave that to you.
...Huh? Why?
I...need some time alone. I'd like some time to collect my thoughts.
I see...
Also, if you're going back to the old building, you should hear what Mikan has to say as well.
I think the results of her autopsy should be ready by now...
...I'll see you later. [leaves]
Bye...
To be honest...I feel sorry about the loss of Mr. Ham Hands.
I am too, so... maybe stop calling him Mr. Ham Hands.
Anyway, what are you doing over here? Did you find any clues for the investigation?
Nope, nothing. I'm here 'cause I have important business to do.
Which is...?
You wanna know?
I ran out of snacks, so I came here to get some.
Oh... Snacks...?
Yep, this one! My faaaavorite gummies!
There's a looooot of gummies here.
She abandoned the investigation... for candy?
Ah, but it's not just gummies, you know?
Cookies, chocolates, candies...everything I like is here.
But there’s one type of candy they don’t have... Such a lousy selection!
It can't be helped, so I'll tolerate these goodies since I'm such a nice girl.
She seems to know a lot about this supermarket... Which means...
Those are probably...night-vision goggles.
N...Night-vision goggles?
I've seen them at the supermarket on this island. They also stock self-defense kits too.
Hiyoko might know about the goggles and the survival goods.
Hey, can I ask you something?
Okay, but I’m gonna keep eating my gummies.
Um... Is there anything here that’s gone missing recently?
Apart from the candy and stuff...
Missing?
Hmmm... Probably a self-defense kit. There are clearly less here than there were before.
Defense goods... They’re probably the ones that are in Byakuya’s duralumin case.
Looks like one pair of night-vision goggles is missing too... I think that's it.
I see...Thanks Hiyoko.
So, this is definitely where the goggles came from...
Hey, Mahiru!
Here, I’ll give you this piece of candy. You don’t have to repay with interest, it’s on the house.
O-Oh. Thank you.
Hehehe, let’s share more candy later! [leaves]
Giggling to herself, Hiyoko left the supermarket.
For such a terrible situation, she’s in really high spirits...
Hey sis! How's your investigation goin'?
Good, I guess... What are you doing here?
I'm runnin’ around so I can think better.
How long has she been doing that? I don’t remember seeing her at the crime scene...
Hey, you should run around too.
You’re too skinny and pale. A gust of wind could knock you over.
I didn’t come here just so you could make fun of me...
*sob* ...Too cruel... This is just too cruel... *sob*
She’s just standing here... Maybe I should ask her about the old building’s windows.
Um, there’s something I want to ask you.
I don't wanna...I don't wanna help you guys mistrust your friends...
Y-You realise we’ve been forced into this, right?
All I want to ask is why the windows in the old building are covered by iron plates...
Huh? Iron plates?
I covered them up...so nobody makes the mistake of going inside, since it's dangerous cuz of the renovation.
Ah... so it was just you who sealed them...
Because it's dangerous to go inside! Danger isn't supposed to exist on this island...
This isn't how it was supposed to be... B-But...why did it get like this...?
It's cruel...too cruel... *sob*
Yeah, well... if only you hadn’t brought us to this island to begin with!
GAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Uwa!
What was that loud noise just now!? It came out of nowhere!
I feel so light-hearted right now...
I, NEKOMARU NIDAI, have been reborn! I have no intention of losing anymore!
What are you talking about?
I won't lose to anyone...not even to my past self!
Hey, can you answer my question?
What am I talking about? I’m talking about SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTT!!!
T-That’s why you were yelling? You’re disgusting!
Nu! I apologise!
Nevertheless... I don't know who was behind it, but someone tried to make a fool out of me...
Some scoundrel was occupying the bathroom before the party was about to start!
...Eh? There was someone in there?
Is that why, during the party...?
I-I've been trying to use it many times...but the door just won't open at all!
That’s right. You were getting really wound up over the door being closed.
Hmph! If you thought I was angry, you’ve underestimated my nerve and patience.
Do all and achieve all with one's presence of mind! That is the goal of a true leader!
In other words, a leader must never falter in any situation, but always have the presence of one's mind!
Easier said than done, it seems...
More importantly... the toilet had been closed since the party began, yeah? Was it still closed after the blackout?
The bathroom was finally unoccupied after Byakuya's body was found..
...And that’s how I was able to relieve myself.
....
Whoever was occupying that cubicle sure caused a lot of trouble... I wonder who it was?
