Chapter 1 - Part 4
Byakuya is very reliable. As expected of the Ultimate Affluent Progeny.
With everyone working together under such a splendid leader, we'll be able to overcome any difficulty!
Then let's do what we can, just as our leader ordered us to do.
Ah... I hope this doesn’t come off too strong, but...
This gift... makes me really happy. Thanks for thinking of me, Mahiru.
Your present received a Great rating.
So, Mahiru... how are you feeling at the moment?
Terrible, thanks. I still can’t believe this is even happening.
I understand. If you want to talk about it, I’m happy to listen.
...Actually, maybe don’t do that. It’s not like I could offer any good advice...
You don’t really have to. Listening can be enough, especially from a guy.
Even so, I’m an unimpressive person.
My talent is only having good luck. It's not like it comes from hard work, and it's not like I can use it to do anything amazing.
What does that have to do with anything? It’s only a talent.
Only a talent? What are you saying?
...That it’s totally irrelevant to the topic at hand?
I mean, what does being lucky have to do with being a good listener?
Talent isn’t a reflection of you as a person. The best people I know are “talentless” by Hope’s Peak’s standards.
You know, a real man wouldn’t be blindsighted by such stupid stuff!
Huh... So talent holds little value in your eyes.
In that case, should I assume you aren’t proud to be an Ultimate?
T-That’s not what I meant at all! I... I am proud! I’m very proud!
Would you look at that, then. As it turns out, even you can’t deny your greatness.
You’re being overdramatic. This isn’t “greatness”, not by any stretch of the imagination.
...I’ll be honest Mahiru, your attitude towards talent is interesting.
If it’s alright with you... I would really like it if we spoke more.
Hopefully you’ll come to understand why I distinguish true Ultimates from... accidents such as myself.
That would be great, I think.
.....
Despite my rebuttal, Nagito doesn’t seem to have budged an inch.
Jeez... He sure wasn’t lying when he called himself the “Ultimate Ultimate Fanboy”, was he?
Thinking back on it, that name is really lame...
What do you want?
I haven't even said anything and already he's being aggressive...
...You want to talk, do you?
Well... I suppose I have time for a quick snack break.
We can talk as we walk. Come, to the restaurant!
This is for me, is it?
It seems we share similar tastes... Well, that’s nothing surprising.
Your present received a Good rating.
Mahiru, let me ask you something.
What qualities do you believe make a good leader?
Jeez, this again? Is he insecure or something?
Well, I think a good leader should give their people what they want.
They should fix the problems that people want fixed.
Hmph, I expected that kind of answer from you.
Wha-!? The nerve of this guy!
It's not about bringing the people what they want, but what they need.
That's why I think you too would make a good leader.
...Eh?
You go out of your way to correct any wrongs, even if it means tarnishing people's perceptions of you.
Not many "leaders" can take it upon themselves to do even that.
M-Maybe so, but... that doesn’t necessarily make me a good leader. Someone like Sonia is better suited for that.
Why do you pass the praise onto someone else?
...Wha?
Hesitation in your own ability is exactly what the enemy will exploit!
Embrace your strengths and build a version of yourself that is impenetrable... That is what you should do!
Am I understood? Do not think you can't lead, otherwise you will never have the strength to assume the role.
I-I see...
This isn’t a compliment, just so you know. It’s merely an observation.
Besides, no one is more fit to lead than myself.
...But if I'm not around, I have faith this group will remain in capable hands. [leaves.]
* Ding dong Bing bong *
Eh? That bell just now...!
Ahem! Hope's Peak Academy's School Trip Executive Committee has an announcement to make...
Hello everyone! The fun time you've all been waiting for is about to begin!
I wonder what festivities await you? ...Oops, don't wanna ruin the surprise!
I realise this may be getting a little tedious for some of you, but please gather at Jabberwock Park!
Gather...at the park?
A pit was forming in my stomach. Is that thing planning something...?
If I don’t go, I might get in serious trouble...
I guess I have no choice...
Once again, you're late... Did you lose your nerve?
It hasn’t even been that long since the bell rang, what’s he so fussy about?
...Anyway, it seems everyone is here.
Ugh, what is it this time...? So friggin' annoying...
Then you shouldn't have come.
Well... I mean... I don't know what'll happen to me if I don't come...
Heh, since none of us know what'll happen, maybe you should be the one to test that out.
Hey, don’t act like you didn’t come here for the same reason!
...What did you say?
I’m saying you’re scared. This big bad yakuza thing is just a stupid intidmidation tactic to feel better, isn’t it?
Oy, shut the hell up!
S-Stop it, you two. Fighting among friends isn't good!
...Friends?
I'm not your friend, dumbass! When did I ever become friends with you bastards?
...Eh?
Hmph, let me be perfectly clear...
...I can do it, y'know.
...Huh?
Do it...? What are you saying?
Oh? You didn't hear me? Then I'll repeat myself just once for you.
I said... I can do it.
Y-You...
Everyone was starting to trust each other again, and now you’re throwing around threats? What’s wrong with you!?
Hey bitch, don’t go treating me like a kid!
I live in a completely different world to you. Where I’m from, it’s kill or be killed!
Heh, the new rules make more sense to me than that “play along and be nice’ crap.
Give me a break! If you don’t shut up right now, I’m going to get seriously pissed off!
M-Mahiru, you shouldn’t-
No, this bitch seems to have a problem with me!
She’s out here saying shit like “big bad yakuza”... You’ll be the first to die with that kinda attitude!
Just stop already... This kind of fighting will not get us anywhere.
P...Please don’t fight! This is stressing me out...!
Y-Yes, please calm yourselves!
Shut up! Why should I join this farce where we all pretend to be friends!?
...Enough.
...Huh?
Fuyuhiko...I understand what you're saying.
I do not intend to dismiss your feelings. There was a time when I also thought the same way as you...
...Are you treating me like a kid, too!?
But what would reckless killing accomplish? If you fail to get away with it, you know you'll be executed...
Or perhaps...that's what you really want? If so...
You'd only be killing yourself to run away from this predicament. That's what a child would do.
Wh-What did you say...!?
Listen! So long as we're here, I will not let any of you die! I will not let any of you become a victim!
That goes for you too, Fuyuhiko. I won't let you die!
T-That’s...
Yowza! He's sooooo cool!
..........
As for you, Mahiru...
Next time, try not to poke the bear, will you?
...Eh?
Um... I must agree with Byakuya here.
Our situation is most tense, but I feel your actions were rather unbecoming...
...
I guess, if you don’t want Fuyuhiko causing trouble... you should try to mediate the situation.
Snapping back will only make things worse... I think.
A-Ah...
Um... I’m sorry everyone. I didn’t mean to make things worse...
If Mahiru has to apologise, so should Fuyuhiko.
...Eh?
I’m not trying to defend Mahiru or anything, but I think it’s only fair Fuyuhiko owns up to his actions as well.
Heh... As if I’m gonna fucking apologise...
I don’t care what any of you say... I’m just gonna do whatever I like...
Do what you will. However, remember what I said earlier.
"I will not let any of you become a victim." That is the duty I have appointed to myself.
Tch...!
...
He seems pacified, finally.
...