Prologue - Part 8
Mahiru... it looks like if we cross that bridge, we’ll reach another island not far from here.
Another island... Do you think it’s safe?
I can’t say. I’ve yet to explore it.
Well, I guess we can check it out ourselves...
But, you better have a backup plan in case things go wrong!
While I’m sure there’s nothing to fear... I’ll think up a plan B, just for you.
So he wouldn’t bother if I wasn’t here? What a careless guy...
Oh... this is just a small park.
A park surrounded by the ocean...
Hmm, it feels so nice.
Easygoing as ever...
For such a little place, that’s a seriously big statue.
I’m pretty sure just one of those animals would be the size of a small car...
It’s a magnificent statue, isn’t it?
The craftsmanship is amazing, but... don’t you find it a little creepy?
Those are some really mean looking animals....
I think it looks cool. It’s probably a symbol of this island.
A symbol of this island? I really hope not.
...What do you want?
Jeez, that’s no way to start a conversation...
Ah, Byakuya... Do you have time for an introduction with this girl?
...Introduction?
Go ahead, Mahiru.
...
...My name is Mahiru Koizumi.
...
My name is Byakuya Togami.
...I'm done. That's it, right?
Back off.
...
...No.
...
Um... Byakuya Togami is a particularly special person, even by Ultimate standards.
He's next in line to inherit his family's massive financial conglomerate. He's already begun managing the business operations, and his net worth is, well, enormous.
It's completely accurate to call him the Ultimate Affluent Progeny. He's the epitome of "exceptional."
...And that’s popular opinion, is it?
I see how it is then...
Hey, you.
Hm?
Because of your wealth, you must think you’re soooo superior to us, don’t you?
Well, I’m not having any of that!
Just so you know, we’re all equal here!
...Why should I listen to you?
Eh?
People radicalise entire states just to say the same thing. If you want my attention, start fighting for it.
I’m not going to listen to a renegade, but I might find your efforts admirable.
T-That’s...!
As for now, I think it would make better use of both our time if you left.
Come on, move! That’s the only thing you skinny types are good at, it seems.
His words ooze with hubris and his eyes show nothing but icey contempt...
Why would anyone take this hostile jerk for a leader?
...You’re looking angry, Mahiru. I think we should go.
....
*ding dong ding dong*
...Huh?
Did you hear that? It sounded like a school bell...!
Mahiru. Look at that monitor over there.
Congratulations everyone!
It appears that everyone has finished collecting the Hope Fragments!
I'm...*sniff*...I'm so happy...
Soooo...I've prepared a present for everyone that'll make you all veeeeery happy!
I apologize for the trouble, but please gather at the beach!
Tee hee hee! May shining hope be with you all!
Huh... She wants us to meet at the beach...
Are you sure we should do that? It seems suspicious...
Thinking won't solve anything. We can do that after we go to the beach.
At least prepare yourself! You have a duty to protect the girls, remember?
Don’t worry, I remember.
Going to the beach sounds like a really bad idea... but if Nagito’s coming along, maybe I’ll be fine.
If we don’t go, the doll will probably appear out of nowhere and tell us to. There’s really no other option...
You two are late. What were you dilly-dallying for?
Sorry to keep you all waiting.
Well, it's all right...
More importantly, this is our only chance to talk between ourselves before that rabbit returns.
Kyahaha! Let's talk!
Now then, let me hear your initial impressions of this island.
I happened to notice numerous blocked off bridges on the central island...
Oh, those are there so everybody doesn't get lost!
I tried to cross one of them and that rabbit showed up and told me, so I'm telling the truth!
So we don't get lost...? Is this island really so big?
But if you look at it in depth, it's just a normal island, right? It's got a resort and everything!
Well, not that I've ever been to a resort before, but...
Also, there's a biiiiig ranch!
Um...there's also a large supermarket, too... It looks like it stocks everything from food to living amenities.
The hotel’s also pretty fancy. If that’s where we’re staying, I guess it makes this trip a little more bearable.
The restaurant inside the hotel was also very nice. It seemed to cater to a more plebeian taste.
Can you guys listen to what I wanna say, too?
I... found something very important on this island.
Girls! Very, very cute girls! Aha! All over the place!
Grooooooss! I'm getting goosebumps!
All of you are fools... I can't believe nobody has mentioned the most serious truth.
...The most serious truth?
If no one here realized it, you're all bigger fools than I thought.
What did you say, you fat bastard? Don't be talkin' all big and shit!
Small dogs shouldn't bark so loud.
Hey, what's the most serious truth?
Did... did you find out something about this island?
...
Have you all gone to the park that's across the bridge?
The one where we met? With that really big statue in the middle?
When I saw it, I remembered a story I'd heard before.
There's an island in the Pacific Ocean, a beautiful island paradise where summer never ends...
It consists of a central island surrounded by five different islands...
It's also said that five holy animals symbolize each of those surrounding islands.
...What?
That island's name is...
Jabberwock Island.
Could this island be...?
...Jabberwock Island?
Eh!? Are we really on that island!?
Still, there is something on my mind.
In fact, according to what I've heard, Jabberwock Island is already...
...Never mind.
Hold it right there! That's a rather incomplete story you've told us.
No need to shout. I'll let you know once I obtain more information.
Meh, I don't care what this island's called. Nikoniko Island or Papua Island or whatever...
Doesn't change the fact that we all gotta live here, right?
Living together on this tropical island sure is exciiiiting! I'm super looking forward to it!
Right on! This ain't a bad school trip at all!
Um... you guys aren’t actually...?
Hmm, I like this island too!
...Can't say the same about the rest of you cretins.
Huh? Did I hear something?
Given that the trip is temporary, I guess things could be a lot worse, but...
Why are we here?
We were all supposed to enroll at Hope’s Peak Academy, right? But now we have to live on this island instead...
It’s so weird! There’s no way I can pretend it’s not weird!
Y-Yeah, he’s got a point...!
Stop talking, the both of you. You are acting irrational.
Hey, you can talk!
I mean... I doubt we’re gonna find answers anytime soon...
It’s unlikely that bunny will provide us any information.
So far, she’s proven to be full of inanities rather than useful answers.
Then there’s nothing we can do, right? May as well enjoy the scenery.
I’m up for it!
H-Hold on a second!
Are you really okay with this? Living on some island, away from your friends and family? You guys are okay with that!?
W-Well... even if we wanted to leave, there's no way we can...
Yeah... There's no ship, and the planes are just for show...
From what I've discovered, there's no way to contact the outside world, either...
In conclusion... it would be impossible to call for help.
In that case, let’s just swim home!
There's no way we can swim that far...!
SHOW SOME SPIRIT!!!
Hey, quit yelling at her!
She’s right, anyway. I guess it is impossible...
Could... could we cut down some trees and make a raft?
Nuh-uh! You can't do that! That's the biggest of no-nos!
Please recall the guidelines of this school trip!
"Littering is not allowed. Let us coexist with this island's bountiful nature in mutual prosperity."
Got it? I want everyone to get along and live peacefully on this beautiful tropical island.
But, what if we don’t want to live here!?
Stop. This rabbit seems to be rather finicky about these so-called rules.
Based on that, what if your actions place everyone here in danger?
Th-The word "danger" is a bit much! I wouldn't do something like that!
I get how you feel, Mahiru, but please try to keep calm...
F-For now...as long as we don't do anything weird, it seems there is no danger...
And as long and we gather the Hope Fragments, we'll be able to get off this island soon.
How can you be sure that will actually happen...?
There's no other choice but to believe...for now, that is.
...
Well... if that’s really what everyone wants to do, I guess I’ll go along with it.
I’m not gonna be happy about it, but... if something goes wrong, we’ll be safer if we’re together.
I’m glad we could come to an understanding.
....