Chapter 7
“Allow me to re-explain,” Monokuma began. “You must argue and decide who the culprit is. If you vote correctly, I will execute the culprit. However, if you vote incorrectly, you will all get executed and the culprit will be able to leave.”
“Um…I don’t know where to start,” Mai started, looking awkward. “Does anyone have experience?”
“I may be troubling, but not as bad as having to participate in a trial.” Kenta said.
“Who’s the asshole that did it?” Mio asked. “Come on, man up and raise your hand!”
No one raised their hands.
“It’s clear that they will not listen to such demands.” Hisoki said.
“Maybe we should start from where this began,” Tsuki suggested. “And perhaps we’d be able to find out when Akatsuki died from there.”
When did he die? I thought. Yeah, I’m sure if we narrow it down a bit more we can come to a conclusion.
“I wonder that too,” Yui started. “When did he die?”
“How the hell am I supposed to know?” Mio asked.
“Maybe he died during the party,” Aika suggested. “And we never realized it.”
“Wait Aika,” I started. “I’m pretty sure he was alive during the party.”
“He was?” She asked.
“I can prove it with Hisoki’s account.” I said.
He nodded. “It was no mistake. He was alive. I witnessed him dancing with Ms. Sekke for most of the time.”
“You saw us?” Mai gasped. “Did we look good?”
He didn’t reply.
“So, he was really alive then,” Aika said, proudly. “I’m glad. He did enjoy it then.”
“Maybe if your head wasn’t so far up your ass you would notice it too!” Mio snapped.
“Guys, let’s not fight,” Mizuto called. “We need to discuss calmly, right? Or else we won’t be able to hear each other.”
“So when did he actually die?” Getsumei asked.
“Morning would be too early,” Keiko replied. “And night would be too late.”
“Not necessarily,” Sachiko said. “They could’ve easily done it after the party.”
“That couldn’t be it,” I said. “Because Akatsuki had his backpack with his stuff in it by then.”
“That seems rather impossible then.” Yui said, with a ball of sweat running down her face.
Daiki raised his hand. “What if they split the work?”
“Split the work?” Getsumei asked. “What do you mean by that?”
“Setting up the scene and killing him could be at separate times.”
“Clever.” Hisoki said, in a slightly surprised tone.
“How would they do that?” Keisuke asked. “Wasn’t everyone partying?”
“Not everyone,” Hisoki corrected. “Ms. Hirayama seemed to have disappeared during the party.”
“Oh…that,” She said, scratching her head. “You see, I drank some orange juice, but then I suddenly fell asleep. Next thing I knew I was in my room.”
Keisuke nodded. “I was wondering where you went, and then Tsuki called me over. She said that there was blood on you and your body was in the gym. I tried hurrying as fast as I could to get all the medical supplies I needed. Rai was there as well. Turns out, you were asleep. So, I washed the blood off you and carried you to your room. I’m so glad you’re okay!”
“Blood was on me?” She asked dumbfounded.
Aika crossed her arms. “They must’ve borrowed some blood packs from the nurse’s office. It wouldn’t be a big deal since Monokuma restocks stuff that we used.”
“‘They’ as in Kenta,” Mio said. “The only one who does crazy shit like this is him.”
“Me?” Kenta asked, wide eyed. “What are you talking about? I would never,” He paused before saying, “Just kidding. I did.”
“I do recall you admitting it this morning,” Hisoki told him. “But why did you even attempt to do something like that?”
“It was supposed to be a call.”
“A call?” Mai asked. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“If I made a fake body a real one would appear afterwards, got it?” He asked. “I just thought it would make things exciting.”
“Exciting?” Yui asked.
“I believe in a lot of things,” he explained. “So that’s why I borrowed Keiko. Just a bit.”
“You had no right to do that.” She said, glaring at him.
He giggled. “You’re right. Sorry. But hey, it happened right? I kind of wished it wasn’t Akatsuki though. I liked him.”
Mio scoffed. “Why didn’t you just kill someone since you wanted it so badly?”
“Because I would be the obvious suspect!”
“What?” I asked in surprise.
“I’m the Ultimate Schemer, remember?” He asked. “I bet a lot of you think I killed him, right? So that itself just proves that I couldn’t kill anyone because that would be very obvious.”
Tsuki sighed. “There was no call. It’s just a coincidence that it happened near then.”
“So do we believe him or not?” Mai asked.
“Whoever was with Keisuke and Keiko should have an alibi,” Mio started. “That’s Rai and Tsuki.”
“I see,” Kenta began. “I’m still a suspect.”
“No shit,” She snapped. “You have no alibi.”
“I don’t recall you having one either.”
“Sh-Shut up!”
“So it’s none of those four, including Keiko,” Getsumei said. “Then one of us eleven did it.”
“How about we go back to Daiki’s idea?” Mizuto suggested.
“You mean the splitting thing?” Mio asked, hands on her hips.
“I agree with that as well,” Aika said. “After all, we don’t even know why he went to the detention room in the first place.”
“Correct,” Hisoki said. “He wouldn’t willingly walk there.”
“Then why did he go?” Yui asked.
“Maybe he was being a bad boy.” Mio suggested.
“Or maybe someone invited him?” Aika asked.
“Perhaps he saw something of his in danger.” Hisoki said.
“I think so too,” I told him. “Remember the scene of the crime? His plushies were hung.”
“Yeah, it gave a really creepy vibe.” Mai commented.
“But Akatsuki didn’t do that, right?” Daiki asked.
“The killer did.” I told him.
“Why would they do that?” Getsumei asked.
Why would they do that? I thought. They used his plushies for a reason. “I got it. They used his plushies to lure him into the detention room.”
Yui gasped. “Really?”
“That is strange though,” Sachiko began. “Because how would Akatsuki know his plushies were in the detention room? Let alone knowing what condition they were in.”
“He… must’ve seen it,” I answered. “Since Akatsuki had his belongings by the end of the party, he would’ve had a chance to see the video anytime.”
Yui gasped. “You mean…the killer made a video? Only for Akatsuki to look at?”
“Interesting,” Hisoki began. “However, if this is a declaration you’re going to make, you must have at least some evidence regarding that, correct?”
The evidence…
“It had to be the broken camera bundle.” Tsuki said, interrupting my thoughts.
“The what?” Sachiko asked, in surprise.
“Rai and I searched the broken bundle of two materials at the crime scene. One was Akatsuki’s camera, because of the stickers. And the other one was a camera from the grocery store because of the lens.”
“So that wasn’t trash?” Mio asked.
“That’s right,” I realized. “Those were broken pieces of the cameras to destroy evidence!”
“I see,” Hisoki started. “You’re suggesting that the killer stole Akatsuki’s belongings during the party, made the video, and then put it back in the main hall, correct? If so, then what was the need for the extra camera from the grocery store?”
“I must agree,” Sachiko replied. “The culprit’s goal was to create a video for Akatsuki to witness-on his camera. Having a spare camera is pointless, yes?”
There was no way it was pointless, I thought. After all, it did get broken, along with Akatsuki’s camera. “No, the spare camera did have a purpose. If both cameras were used, and they wanted the video to play on Akatsuki’s camera, then the killer must’ve used the camera from the store.”
“Okay, then why break it?”
There’s a very possible reason to break it. “The SD cards!”
“Uh…SD card?” Keiko asked.
“Yeah, if the original video was on the store camera, then the killer had to swap the SD cards with Akatsuki’s.”
“So um…what does that mean?” Mai asked, awkwardly.
Yui gasped. “That means the video would be on Akatsuki’s camera, because the store’s SD cards got swapped!”
“Exactly.” I told her.
“Ooh, the killer’s plan is getting clearer and clearer.” Kenta said with a hint of excitement in his voice.
“Yes, it makes sense for what the cameras were for!-”
“I cannot agree with this.” Sachiko cut me off.
I was caught off guard by her sudden argument. “Wh-What?”
“Hmm. Well, I do understand your point on the use of both cameras,” She began. “But it’s still pointless to use the store’s camera.”
“Pointless?”
“You claim that the killer used the store’s camera for the video, yes?” She asked. “And from there, they swapped the SD cards with Akatsuki’s camera.”
I nodded. “Yes, there was no doubt it was used. It was found broken after all, I’m sure its use was important.”
“Isn’t that a little ridiculous?” She asked back. “To use one camera and transport it to the other for Akatsuki to see. If that’s true, then the killer would’ve had to use Akatsuki’s camera to begin with-”
“That’s not it,” I interjected. “You’re wrong about that, Sachiko.”
“Oh, is that so?” She asked, with surprise in her voice. “And why is that? Surely you’re not going to bring up that the store’s camera was broken again.”
“It’s not that,” I replied. “You do have a point. The killer could’ve just used Akatsuki’s camera, meaning there was no purpose for the store’s camera…but they couldn’t.”
“Couldn’t?”
I turned to Tsuki. “Tsuki, you would know.”
“Yeah,” She agreed. “A few days ago, Akatsuki was spending time with me. He was showing me his camera, and it was not like an ordinary one. It was extremely advanced, and there were so many options and buttons. I didn’t understand how it worked.”
Mai gasped. “He must’ve been a genius to understand something so complicated like that!”
Tsuki crossed her arms. “Well, he was a cinematographer, I’m sure he used all sorts of cameras and things like that.”
“So what’s your point?” Sachiko asked.
“That’s why the killer needed the store’s camera,” Tsuki answered. “The store’s camera is a classic everyday camera, so it was simpler to use. I’d imagine the culprit didn’t know how Aktasuki’s camera worked, so they’d have to settle with one with the store.”
“So they really did use it?” Daiki asked, surprised. “And then, they broke it, along with Akatsuki’s camera.”
“That seems to be the case.” I replied.
“So basically, Akatsuki eventually saw the video, and then someone murdered his ass in the detention room, right?” Mio asked.
I was slightly taken aback from her words. I forgot that she had quite a strong attitude whenever she spoke. “U-Um…yes.”
“Then it’s been covered,” Kenta said. “Now let’s discuss the murder weapon.”
“Why are you running the show?” Mio asked him. “You’re a suspect too.”
“Why are you so mean?” He asked, with pouting lips.
“We should discuss the cause of death though.” Aika chimed in.
“We found a material around his neck,” Tsuki began. “Right, Rai?”
Material around his neck? “You’re referring to the tape right?”
“Tape?” Mizuto asked.
“Someone was feeling pretty crafty,” Kenta said. “But I doubt they did it for no reason.”
They definitely had a reason. “It was to hold the blood.”
“Blood?” Mio asked. “So someone slit his throat or something?”
“Yeah,” I said. “It was even mentioned on the Monokuma file that he had a slit throat.”
“They ended him so quickly!” Mai exclaimed, aghast.
“Is that true?” Hisoki asked.
“Probably right?” Aika asked. “Because the killer got rid of the weapon.”
That’s true, I thought. The Monokuma file did mention his throat was slit but…it didn’t exactly state that’s what killed him. And that’s bothering me. Perhaps I have evidence that proves something else. “Is it possible that the cause of death wasn’t a slit throat?”
“What do you mean?” Mizuto asked. “The Monokuma file stated that.”
“I know that…but it didn’t say that’s what killed him.”
“Perhaps that’s why they used the tape,” Daiki said. “So we wouldn’t figure it out.”
“That’s not possible,” Tsuki said. “Because Rai and I found blood from leaking under. If they were planning to hide the slit throat, they would've hid the blood completely.”
“Then why did they slit his throat?” Hisoki asked.
“Because they wanted to hide the real cause of death.” I answered.
“Are you saying Akatsuki was already dead before his throat was slit?” Keiko asked.
“That must be it.” I’m sure I have proof of that as well.
“If that’s the case then the real cause of death couldn’t be external right?” Aika asked.
“There was an ankle injury, but you can’t be killed with that.” Keisuke said.
An internal injury, I thought. I’m sure I know what it is.
“So how did Akatsuki die?” Keiko asked.
“It has to be within the range of the neck,” Daiki began. “Otherwise there would be no reason to cut his throat.”
“An internal injury?” Mizuto asked. “Like what?”
Sachiko crossed her arms. “Maybe it was poison?”
“Ah! You would totally feel that down your throat!” Mai agreed.
“If he was poisoned then there would’ve been blood coming out of his mouth,” Getsumei said. “Or at least more saliva.”
“Maybe he was electrocuted.” Yui suggested.
“That’s an external injury, you idiot!” Mio spat.
Tsuki looked as though she was thinking hard. “Strangulation would be a possibility.”
“I think Tsuki is right,” I agreed. “Keisuke’s autopsy is proof.”
Keisuke nodded. “Based on my examination…it appears that Akatsuki’s windpipe has been crushed.”
“Crushed?” Hisoki asked, wide eyed.
“It would make sense that his windpipe got crushed due to pressure against it.” Daiki said.
“Which is why strangulation makes the most sense,” I began. “Because the rope’s pressure would be enough to do that certain damage-”
“You’re going south, mate!” Mizuto interjected.
“Mizuto?” I asked. “What’s wrong?”
“I really want to agree with you but saying he was strangled is a little strange. It must be wrong. I’ll lead you to the right track.”
“The right track?” I asked. “But his windpipe was crushed.”
He nodded. “It could’ve been from something else. Just because his windpipe was crushed, it doesn't mean he was strangled.”
“What else could it have been?” I asked.
“Maybe he was beaten up around there,” Mizuto suggested. “And then slit his throat to hide it. That must be it. There’s no proof otherwise-”
“Hold on right there, Mizuto,” I told him before he could finish his sentence. “There is further proof that he was strangled.”
“Really?” He asked.
“The frayed rope by the table,” I explained. “It was frayed around the center and nowhere else.”
“Hm? But that was used to hang his plushies, remember?”
“It’s true that ropes were used to hang the plushies,” I told him before explaining. “But not that one. The ones for the plushies weren’t frayed at all. However, the one on the floor was.”
“The plushies were too soft, they couldn’t do much damage to the rope.” Tsuki agreed.
“Which means they used it on something harder,” Kenta added. “Like a person.”
“Yeah,” Mai agreed, “Strangling a stuffy won’t get you anywhere.”
“It does make sense I suppose,” Daiki began. “After all, it never said that in the Monokuma file. Probably to destroy evidence.”
“So that’s why they slit his throat.” Keiko said.
“Hah, you couldn’t even connect those in your pea-sized brain, you dipshit.” Mio snapped at Mizuto.
Mizuto tipped his hat down at me. “My apologies Rai. It appears I was the one who took a wrong turn.”
“It’s alright,” I replied. “We have to think of this carefully, right?”
“It appears that’s been settled,” Hisoki started. “Now we should turn our attention to the party. Anyone suspicious?”
“I have an idea.” Mizuto said.
“You again!?” Mio asked, accusingly.
“I have evidence and Hisoki’s testimony to back me up.”
“My testimony?” Hisoki asked.
“Mai is the killer.” He said deadpanned.
“What!?” Yui asked, pale.
“Huh!?” Mai gasped, alarmed. “I’m suspicious? What is this even?”
Mizuto probably thinks that because… “Is it because of your account?”
Mizuto nodded. “You see mates, according to Hisoki, Mai was with Akatsuki for most of the time. And we already agreed that the killer set up the scene either after the party or during it and killed him.”
“Just get to the fucking point!” Mio ordered.
“I saw Mai leave the party.” Mizuto finished.
“She left?” Getsumei asked.
“I was going to the bathroom!” She cried.
“If you had an alibi, things would be different.” Hisoki told her.
“I do have an alibi!” She exclaimed before pausing. There she scrunched her face. “Dammit! He was my alibi.”
Mio scoffed. “You twisted psychopath.”
“Now that we have the killer exposed,” Kenta began. “We should vote, right?”
“I’m not the killer, please believe me!” Tears were in Mai’s eyes and so was snot running down.
“Wait,” I said to Kenta. “We need to think about this carefully, remember?”
“Is this our first disagreement?” Monkuma asked with a thrilled tone. “Then let’s debate! Is Mai the culprit?”
I was with Mai, Aika, Sachiko, Keisuke, Ayame, and Tsuki. The ones against us were Kenta, Hisoki, Mizuto, Mio, Keiko, Getsumei, Daiki, and Yui.
Kenta striked first. “Mai is the most suspicious person here.”
“There are other people who can be considered suspicious.” I replied.
“It’s Mizuto’s testimony.” Hisoki pointed out.
“Mizuto doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” Mai argued.
“Oh? Are you saying I’m lying?” Mizuto asked.
“There could be a chance that you’re lying in case you’re the culprit.” Aika said.
“You idiots, just choose her already!” Mio fired.
“We can’t choose yet,” Sachiko fired back. “We must all agree first.”
“Mai doesn’t have an alibi.” Keiko mentioned.
“Maybe the others don’t have alibis either?” Keisuke said, unsure.
“She left to set the video.” Getsumei stated.
“She… isn’t that smart… to make something complex… like a video.” Ayame said.
“I know we’re all friends, but there’s no proof otherwise.” Daiki said.
“Let’s discuss that proof then,” Tsuki told him. “We might be missing something.”
“Mai is the only one left-”
“I’m sorry Yui,” I said, cutting her off. “But we can’t just end this without knowing the facts. We have one shot at this, so it’s best to discuss more.”
Kenta sighed. “I guess you’re right. Our lives are on the line after all.”
“So Mai is not the culprit?” Mizuto asked.
“She’s a suspect but we can’t exactly say she’s the killer without proof.” I replied.
“Okay, so Mizuto’s suspicion was wrong,” Mio started. “Now it’s my turn!”
“Your turn?” I asked, bewildered.
She laughed. “My eyes are like a treasure. Always catching something valuable. And the valuable thing is evidence!”
“You have evidence?” Daiki asked.
“Duh! You jealous or something? Haha, you definitely should be!”
“So who’s suspicious?” Yui asked.
“Hisoki Kuragari,” She announced, pointing her finger at him. “It was you!”
“Huh?” He asked. “What makes you think that?”
“Shut up and listen!” She ordered. “And don’t play dumb with me. I witnessed you!”
“Witness?” Mizuto asked.
She witnessed Hisoki doing something? I thought. It would be beneficial to listen to what she says.
“Hisoki is the culprit!” Mio announced.
“But I didn’t go near the detention room.” Hisoki pointed out.
“I told you to shut up and let me explain,” She snapped. “He used a stepladder to hang Akatsuki.”
“Isn’t that stepladder small?” Keisuke asked. “All the ones in the store are pretty small, so…I don't think it will be much help to hang Akatsuki up there.”
“Well yeah, but it doesn’t matter to Hisoki because he’s tall enough to reach the ceiling,” Mio explained. “I saw him doing it during the investigation.”
“But if I’m the culprit,” Hisoki started. “Then why would I expose my method like that?”
“It’s called generosity, you sick fuck!”
“So what did Hisoki do after hanging Akatsuki?” Sachiko asked.
“He simply put it away,” Mio answered. “And then arrived at the dining hall,” She pointed at Hisoki. “Which makes you late and stupid!”
“Wait Mio, there’s something off about what you said.” I said.
“Huh?” She asked. “I was off? How?”
“Hisoki couldn’t have done it,” I told her. “Because the murder happened this morning.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
“Hisoki was there when I arrived at the dining hall,” I answered. “Right when the announcement came on.”
“So…he has alibis then?”
“Yeah, as long as he has that then he couldn’t-”
“Your reasoning is twisted like your face!” She cut me off. “It’s too early to decide that.”
“What? Why?”
“Eat your own words, shitface! Think carefully. You want proof right? I got you proof!”
“Huh?”
“If Hisoki didn’t kill Akatsuki in the morning,” She started. “Then he did it at night. Specifically after the party.”
“How would that work?” I asked her.
“Did your brain suddenly stop functioning?” She asked. “It would be easier for him to do it at night. He strangled Akatsuki, slit his throat, and hung his ass up from the ceiling with the stepladder. Obviously he wouldn’t have alibis because everyone was sleeping!”
“That’s not possible either,” I told her. “Because Hisoki had alibis after the party.”
“Huh!?”
“It’s true,” Hisoki began. “Mr. Yuko called me and Ms. Kishi over to the nurse’s office and we had a long discussion about the drug used on Ms. Hirayama and if we were familiar with it. After explaining that we didn’t, we discussed about Mr. Mitsurugi’s thoughts being it on Mr. Matsumura. I was incredibly exhausted because I was setting things for the party and monitoring everyone and then questioned. So I instantly fell asleep. I then woke up on my bed and headed to the dining hall.”
“Yes, that’s it,” Keisuke agreed. “I checked to see if he was alright. When I realized he was asleep, I carried him to his dorm while Sachiko went to her own. There was no doubt that he was fully asleep.”
“Sorry for troubling you.” He said to him
“It was nothing,” Keisuke replied, teary. “I’m just glad you’re okay!”
“S-Seriously?” Mio asked. “It’s not Hisoki?”
He shook his head.
“Dammit!” She bit her nail. “Well, technically rotten clown face is suspicious too.”
“I’m the rotten clown face, I assume?” Sachiko asked. “That’s alright. I didn’t have an alibi after that. It’s fine if you suspect me.”
“What do we talk about now?” Mai asked.
“We know that the killer left during the party,” I began. “So we just have to figure out who else wasn’t there. Excluding me, Keiko, Tsuki, and Keisuke who have alibis.”
“Mai left though, didn’t she?” Mizuto asked.
“I came back to clean up!” She argued.
“I’m sure everyone did that,” Getsumei reasoned. “If they set it up during the party they could simply come back.”
“Was there anyone else who wasn’t there?” Aika asked.
Someone else who wasn’t there? I thought. If I remember correctly, I talked to this person very briefly. Not to mention they were late. “Getsumei, aren’t you the culprit?”
“Getsumei?” Yui asked.
“What makes you say that?” He asked.
“Because I didn’t see you after I talked to you at the party,” I explained. “And you were late to the breakfast meeting.”
“That’s right,” Hisoki said with a sudden realization. “I do not recall seeing him there either.”
Mio glared at him. “God, why didn’t you say that earlier, you tooth decay!?”
“I didn’t think it was relevant. We had more suspicious people.”
“That is true, I must admit,” Getsumei began. “I did leave. But only to use the washroom.”
“For that long!?” Mai asked, shocked.
“It appears that I had a stomach issue. I felt a lot better afterwards.”
“Are you sure?” I asked him.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, even though you and Mai use different bathrooms you would’ve at least crossed paths with each other.”
“I didn’t see anyone,” Mai said, before gasping. “Could it be? He turned into a ghost!?”
“Who said we went at the same time?” Getsumei asked. “Actually, there is something else that makes it impossible for me.”
“Impossible?” Tsuki asked.
“Remember the stepladder we previously mentioned?” He asked. “Apparently Hisoki could’ve reached the ceiling. I most likely couldn’t because I am shorter than him by a few inches. And if that’s the case, then how would I hang Akatsuki up like that?”
“He’s right,” I began. “Even I couldn’t reach it.”
“But we just said Hisoki couldn’t have done it, stupid!” Mio spat. “This is like our fourth suspect, at least put some logic into your reasoning.”
“He has a point,” Aika agreed. “How else would you raise him up?”
There has to be a way, I thought. Perhaps I overlooked something.
“Rai, do you have any ideas?” Tsuki asked.
Ideas? Evidence. That’s it! I suddenly realized. That’s probably what it is. “Has anyone caught something strange about the floor?”
“The floor?” Mizuto asked. “What do you mean?”
“I found a line in the center of the floor,” I started. “And it even goes through the wall too. It appears that there was a gap. Like a separation in the room with the front and back.”
“So what?” Mio asked.
“We can’t say it was there just because. It must mean something.”
“It had to be linked with the murder, you mean,” Tsuki said. “Otherwise they wouldn’t destroy that evidence.”
Destroyed evidence? “You mean the Monokuma control panel?”
She nodded. “When we first investigated it wasn’t broken.”
“So why did they break it?” Mai asked.
“It must be linked with the separation,” I said. “If I remember correctly…”
“Rai?” Aika asked.
“I got it!” I called out. “It was to rotate the room!”
“Rotate?” Hisoki asked.
“After the culprit murdered Akatsuki, they used the control panel to rotate it,” I explained. “So when we saw the body, we were actually standing on the ceiling of the room!”
Mai gasped. “This culprit is a genius!”
“I do remember the chains were also on the floor when we first discovered the room,” Hisoki pointed out. “Since we saw it on the ceiling when discovering the body, it does make sense that it rotated.”
“But why would they add such a strange mechanism?” Keiko asked.
“This school is abandoned, so I wouldn’t know,” I answered. “Maybe it was just for extra space to be held in the room.”
“How did they know it rotated in the first place?” Aika asked.
“Either intentionally or accidentally,” Tsuki replied. “Maybe they investigated the room and figured it out. Or they accidentally pressed the button on the panel.”
“They would have to have known either way,” I pointed out. “Otherwise, they wouldn’t make this murder so complex.”
“So, basically Getsumei knew about it.” Kenta said.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Getsumi responded. “That logic doesn’t even make any sense.”
“How so?” I asked. “You were alone most of the time, so you could’ve searched-”
“Don’t talk back!” He interrupted. “I have no clue how your brain works, but if you're being so persistent on this logic, I have no choice but to stop you.”
“How is it illogical?” I asked him.
“The floor rotated?” He asked. “That sounds ridiculous on its own, right? They could’ve just used other equipment other than a ladder. But the floor rotating is out of the question.”
“Then the Monokuma panel wouldn’t be broken.” I reasoned.
“So what if it’s broken?” He asked. “Maybe it was accidental and it wasn’t part of their plan at all. That being said, there is no proof that which one was the floor, and which was the ceiling.”
“You’re wrong, Getsumei.” I said to him.
“How high is your stubbornness?” He asked. “I already told you. It’s impossible. Let it go.”
“There is proof actually,” I replied. “There was a line of blood on the ceiling near where Akatsuki’s body was hanging.”
“Blood on the ceiling?” Keiko asked.
“Yes. That blood was definitely from Akatsuki’s neck. But it wouldn’t make sense if the blood suddenly went on the ceiling after his throat was slit. That’s why it makes more sense to think that the culprit slit his throat, tied him to chains and then rotated the room.”
“Because the blood on the ceiling was actually the floor.” Tsuki added.
“So the room really was rotated?’ Yui asked.
“How about it Getsumei?” I asked him. “That line of blood proves it all!”
“I see,” He said. “You’re still missing something.”
“What?”
“Answer this Rai,” He started. “How did I strangle him?”
“With the frayed rope. We already covered that.”
“I know that, but how?”
“What do you mean, how?” Mio asked. “Do you want me to demonstrate it on you?”
“He wouldn’t willingly let me, right?” Getsumei asked. “In fact, he wouldn’t let anyone. He would’ve fought back. Or tell someone.”
“He brings up another good point,” Mizuto agreed. “Anyone would’ve fought back before getting strangled.”
“You’re not going to say he died before getting strangled, right?” Getsumei asked.
“That’s not possible,” Tsuki said. “We already ruled out he was strangled due to Keisuke’s autopsy.”
“That’s right,” Keisuke agreed. “His windpipe was definitely crushed.”
“Besides, if he died before the strangulation then there was no point in slitting his throat.” Daiki pointed out.
“Maybe they knocked him out?” Aika suggested.
Keisuke shook his head. “I didn’t sense any blunt force trauma or a chemical to knock out someone with.”
“So it’s impossible.” Getsumei said.
“What if he couldn’t fight back?” Tsuki asked.
“What?” I asked.
“What if he wanted to, but couldn’t?” She asked.
“Why couldn’t he?” Sachiko asked.
“You know what I’m talking about,” She responded, looking at me. “Right, Rai?”
Why couldn’t he fight back? “Are you talking about the gash in his ankle?”
“Isn’t a gash just a simple wound though?” Mai asked.
“It’s a very deep cut,” Keisuke answered. “And it happens to bleed a lot. If someone had that, it would hurt a lot.”
“They must’ve struck his ankle so he couldn't stand.” Tsuki said.
“Yeah, besides, he was distracted by the hung plushies, someone could’ve easily attacked him.” Aika pointed out.
“They must’ve used a knife, right?” Yui asked.
“I don’t think so,” I replied. “The killer had to squat then. And it would take too long. Akatsuki would’ve noticed.”
“They slit his pants sleeve too,” Mai said. “Can a knife do that?”
“It had to be something constantly sharp.” I said.
“So it’s basically not a knife because the killer had to squat and it would be easily noticed,” Mio began. “Then how else would you cut his pants while standing up?”
“I told you it was impossible.” Getsumei said.
“It’s not impossible for you,” I told him. “That’s why you have to be the culprit.”
“You better stop that!” He yelled whilst sweating. “No one could unless they knew how to build some machine!”
“You could’ve done it because you already had something sharp on you.”
He clenched his jacket. “Wh-What?”
“Your ice skates,” I replied. “You could’ve gilded when Akatsuki wasn’t watching, moved your skate with your foot to cut his ankle through his pants and strangled him.”
“Gh! You're impossible! This is impossible!”
“Alright Getsumei, I'll clear this out for you,” I started. “I’ll go over this case one more time and finish this trial.”
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[It all started during the party. Everyone was drinking, eating, dancing, and talking. Akatsuki took off his backpack including his camera to dance with Mai. That’s when the killer made their move. They stole his backpack that contained his belongings and left the party. They took a quick stop to the grocery store to pick up another camera before heading to the detention room. There were hooks on the floor probably because there used to be chains there. So they used hooks to tie Akatsuki’s plushies around them.. They rotated it back and used the store’s camera to film a video of what they set up. Since they didn’t understand Akatsuki’s advanced camera, they simply swapped SD cards before breaking the camera. They placed Akatsuki’s camera back in the bag before returning to the party. The next morning, the culprit tried to check if Akatsuki made it there. Traumatized, Akatsuki watched his plushies hang. And at that moment, the culprit swiftly moved their foot to his ankle. The culprit had skates on, so the sharp blade could cut through his pant sleeve to the ankle. Akatsuki fell due to the pain and with the supplies the culprit had beforehand, they used a rope from the grocery store and strangled him. After confirming that he was dead, they rotated the room to gain access to the bundle of chains. Then they most likely used a knife to slit his throat in order to hide the cause of death. After that, they wrapped the cut with tape before wrapping the chains around him. What they didn’t realize was that some blood splattered on the floor. They broke his camera which merged with the store’s camera pieces, and used the Monokuma control panel to rotate the back of the room. Akatsuki was then suspended with chains near the ceiling among his plushies. Then they broke the Monokuma control panel to get rid of evidence. Tossing the frayed rope aside, they must’ve used the washroom to wash the knife before coming to the dining hall where we met up and said they had overslept as an excuse. Most likely hiding the knife with them. With their alibis, three others searched for the absent people and that’s how the body was discovered. We rushed over to the shocking scene, and the culprit pretended to be just as frightened. This crime was committed by you, wasn’t it Getsumei Ayanokouji, the Ultimate Figure Skater?]
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His eyes were closed in disappointment.
“Getsumei…actually did it?” Keisuke asked.
After a pause, he said, “I suppose…I’ll have to admit it.”
“Admit?” Yui asked.
“I killed Akatuski.”
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Silence followed before Monokuma announced. “It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Please locate your lever and cast your vote! And when the votes are tallied, who will become the blackened?”
We reluctantly voted. And it was correct. Monokuma happily announced in front of our faces.
“Why Getsumei?” Yui asked. “Why did you do it?”
“Was it really to escape?” Mizuto asked.
“You probably don’t understand but…” his voice trailed off. “I have a life out there.”
“And we don’t?” Mio snapped. “Is that what you’re saying, egghead?”
“No, not at all,” he replied calmly. “I made a promise.”
“A promise?” I asked. “For what? And to who?”
“I have a person I promised to take care of after her family died,” he replied. “I couldn’t stay here any longer! I need to be there for her! Or else…she’ll die…”
“Her? How old was this girl?” Hisoki asked.
“She was just a kid,” He replied. “Their family was close to mine and she trusted me very much. They were separated from her recently actually, and so, they entrusted me to take care of her, until her family is found. During that time, I was responsible for providing food for her. Taking her to school, dropping off to her-”
Mio let out an annoyed sigh. “Shut up, you energy-draining bitch! I almost yawned for a second there. All we needed to know is that if you killed to protect her, we didn’t need to know your guys' life story. And besides, you fucking lost the trial, so it’s pointless to say anyway.”
Getsumei sighed and said, “With this, some of you can feel at least a little pity.”
“Um…no.”
He turned to the others, including me. “I didn't want to break my promise by letting anything hurt her.”
“You wanted to leave…so you could protect her?” Keiko asked.
“If it means I have to sacrifice someone, I will,” He said. “I made a promise! I…I can’t die here!” Tears rose in his eyes. “If I do, who will be there for her!?”
“Getsumei!” Keisukei cried.
“I’ll let you guys cry later,” Monokuma interrupted. “Because I have prepared a special punishment for the Ultimate Figure Skater!”
“Screw you!” He yelled. “I’m not going to die from your lame killing attempt!”
Monokuma giggled. “We’ll see how much you struggle to survive.”
“You’re going to kill him?!” Aika cried.
“You shouldn’t be allowed to kill him!” I agreed. “It’s not like he wanted to!”
“It doesn’t matter if he wanted to,” Monokuma started. “He killed someone and lost the trial. It’s only natural for me to execute him due to the trial rules.”
“Guys…I’m not going to die,” Getsumei said. “I’m not going to let this possessed bear kill me.”
“Are you sure?” Monokuma asked him. “People like you struggle until the very end.”
“Shut up!”
“It’s punishment time!”
A Monokuma themed chain clamped around his neck and pulled him back. He was in a cold area where ice pricks formed from the ground.
-Terror at the Ice Palace: Getsumei Ayanokouji’s Execution-
Monokuma had some type of leash onto Getsumei and pulled him at full speed before letting go. Getsumei could hardly control himself as more ice pricks crushed from underneath, injuring his ankles. An ice bridge towered up as Getsumei slid across it gaining some control. An ice prick shot up, making his nose bleed. The ice world started to tilt and Getsumei slid back until his back crashed onto an ice wall. He glanced around at the scenery. A castle of ice. It began to crumble as shards of ice fell and blocked the entrance. Getsumei glided away to find some stairs. Once he found them he tried using them until he made it to the balcony. The ice palace crumbled again and broke apart. Getsumei fell off and landed on the ground breathing hard. Blood from his mouth and nose dripped as he tried to get up with shaky shoulders. Some of the castle’s pricks fell in his direction and pierced him. The ice world crumbled until it looked destroyed.
“AHHHHH!” Mai screamed.
“Getsumei?” Yui asked, eyes filled with tears.
Keisuke was sobbing.
I stared in shock.
“Oh, so that’s how killers die.” Kenta said, with a cheery tone.
“What’s wrong with you?” Aika asked him. “Getsumei died in front of us and you're happy about that?”
“It did take me by surprise,” He replied. “But what else can we do? It’s over. This trial is over.”
“He’s right,” Monokuma agreed. “And it’s getting very late. You should go to your dorms.” He disappeared.
“Akatsuki…Getsumei…” Keisuke cried. “I couldn’t save them.”
Sachiko crossed her arms, her mask outlined blue. “This is seriously the worst.”
“We should head to our dorms,” Tsuki said. “We can talk more in the morning.”
“You mean, we’re still doing breakfast meetings?” Aika asked.
Tsuki nodded. “We have to move forward together. That’s what we promised Akatsuki ever since he died.”
Keisuke sniffed. “Getsumei said that too.”
“What a bullshitter.” Mio said.
“We have to keep going for both of them.” Sachiko said.
“I agree,” Hisoki said. “Let us depart for now. Hopefully our mind will be clearer in the morning.”
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My whole body was heavy again. But I didn’t want to sleep. Not after that. Flashes of Getsumei’s expressions during his execution ran through my mind and I couldn’t block them out. I shut my eyes so the world can disappear around me. I wish this was just a dream. A nightmare even. But it wasn’t. This was what reality is like. It was a nightmare I couldn’t escape from.
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