Chapter Text
X
The room was dark, save for the faint light filtering through the blinds. The clock read 2:17 AM. Perfect timing.
Kaede blinked the last remnants of sleep from her eyes, her heart already pounding with anticipation. She had planned for this. Everything was set.
Swinging her legs out of bed, Kaede moved with quiet precision, her senses already heightened. She'd spent basically the whole day plotting, scouring her thoughts for anything that could give the Phantom Thieves an edge. And now, it was finally time to act.
She crossed the room swiftly, pulling her backpack from the corner. She had packed it in advance: gloves, a compact flashlight, a lockpick set Shuichi had slipped her, and, just in case, one of her old conductor's batons, slim but reassuring in her grip.
The plan was simple enough: meet with Kyoko and the others, get in, gather intel on Matsuda, and get out. But Kaede couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that nothing about this heist was going to be easy.
It rarely ever was, Metaverse be damned.
But this was her plan, and she was certain that even if the Ultimate Neurologist turned out to not be the target the Thieves were after, she was almost certain that he knew SOMETHING. More than he let on.
Kaede took a deep breath, adjusting the bag's strap over her shoulder. Her reflection in the mirror stared back at her, resolute.
"Suck it up, Akamatsu," she said to herself, "You're a Phantom Thief. Thief like you mean it."
She could hear faint footsteps down the hallway, but they passed without pause. It was too late for anyone to question her movements, but she couldn't risk slipping up. Pulling her hood over her head, Kaede double-checked her supplies. She had to be ready for whatever she might find.
Silently, she slipped out the door and into the shadows of the academy, her mind already racing ahead to the heist. Yasuke Matsuda had something hidden, and Kaede intended to find out exactly what.
Despair Searching - Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
Kaede moved out of the dorm room, and through the school's quiet grounds, her footsteps barely a whisper on the floor. The academy was always buzzing with activity and wonder, but now, it was eerily still, the oppressive silence only amplifying the tension in her chest.
Every shadow seemed to stretch and shift as she crept toward the meeting point, her mind already running through the plan.
It had to go smoothly. There wasn't room for mistakes tonight.
As she reached the edge of the Matsuda's building, she spotted them in the dim light. Makoto, Shuichi, and Kyoko, their figures partially obscured by the shadow of the adjacent building. Kaede quickened her pace, her heart settling slightly now that she wasn't alone. Monomi, who pranced on Kyoko's shoulder, nodded and was the first to speak.
"You're on time," she said, her voice calm, composed as ever. Makoto and Shuichi gave her small smiles of greeting, though both wore the same worried expressions Kaede had been trying to push aside.
"Everything clear?" Kaede whispered as she joined them, eyes darting around for any signs of movement. Kyoko nodded again, then stepped forward.
"Alright, listen up. Matsuda's lab is on the south side of the building. Security is minimal, and from what I can tell, the security office in the building is unmanned at this hour, but there are cameras, which is why we're taking a less direct route. Kaede and I will sneak in through the fire escape/maintenance door. We'll avoid detection, get the intel, and be out in under ten minutes. Got it?"
Kaede glanced at Shuichi and Makoto, who stood off to the side, both already poised for backup.
"We'll be hiding just outside the lab, covering you," Shuichi added, his eyes narrowing with determination, "If anything goes wrong, we'll get you out. But let's try not to trigger any alarms."
"We've got this, Kaede. Just focus on the mission," Makoto offered a reassuring smile, though it was clear he shared the same unease.
Kaede grinned, feeling a surge of adrenaline. It wasn't her first heist, but the stakes felt higher tonight. Before they could part ways, she turned toward Shuichi with a cheeky smile tugging at her lips.
"If I'm going in for something this dangerous," she began, her tone light despite the tension, "I'm gonna need a kiss for luck~"
"H-Huh?" Shuichi blinked in surprise, his cheeks instantly flushing red. Makoto stifled a chuckle, while Kyoko rolled her eyes ever so slightly.
"I'm serious!" Kaede teased, leaning in just enough to fluster him further, "Who knows what's in that lab, right? I might need all the luck I can get."
For a moment, Shuichi stammered, clearly thrown off. Then, gathering himself, he stepped forward, his face still burning with embarrassment. He leaned in quickly, pressing a light kiss to her cheek.
"There. Luck," he muttered, looking away awkwardly. Kaede chuckled, her heart lighter for a brief moment.
"Thanks! I'll be back before you know it."
"Stay safe," Makoto added, giving her an encouraging nod. Kaede nodded in return before turning to Kyoko, who was already walking toward the side of the building, her steps purposeful.
"Let's get this done," Kyoko said without looking back, her focus unwavering.
With one last glance at Makoto and Shuichi, Kaede followed Kyoko, her nerves steeling once more. The plan was in motion, and there was no turning back now.
Matsuda's secrets were waiting for them.
Interrogation Room - Persona 5
Kyoko led Kaede and Monomi around the side of the research building, the cool night air brushing against them. The faint hum of security cameras could be heard near the front, but back here, by the fire escape, it was quiet.
Too quiet, almost.
The door in front of them was unguarded, just like Kyoko had promised. No security presence, no alarms, just a simple door, standing between them and Matsuda's lab. Kaede couldn't help but grin as they approached it.
"Looks like we're lucky tonight," she whispered, cracking her knuckles. "Alright, let's get this thing open...!"
Without missing a beat, Kaede took a step back and raised her foot, fully intending to kick the door down. But before she could make her move, Kyoko's hand shot out, grabbing Kaede's arm with surprising force.
"Wait!" Kyoko hissed, her voice low but urgent. Her eyes were wide with disbelief, as though Kaede had just suggested detonating a bomb instead of kicking in a door.
"K-Kaede-chan! What are you doing!?" Monomi, equally startled, trembled with nerves.
"What?" Kaede blinked, confused, "Was this not the plan?"
"No! No, this was NOT the plan! Are you trying to set off every alarm in the building!?" Kyoko hissed, "Kicking it down might be quiet in movies, but this isn't a movie. This door is reinforced. And besides..."
Kyoko released Kaede's arm and reached into her coat pocket, pulling out a small, thin metal device.
"There are quieter ways to get inside."
"You're telling me you've got something that'll work better than this?" Kaede raised an eyebrow, holding up the lockpick set Shuichi had given her, watching as Kyoko knelt by the door.
"Do you see a lock on this door?" Monomi deadpanned.
Kaede looked back at the door. She indeed did not.
"Why bother bringing a lockpick if you were going to boot the doors down anyway?" Kyoko exclaimed quietly. Kaede shrugged, looking a little guilty.
"Sorry! I just...guess this is on brand for me?" she said, "I don't really do lockpicking. I'm basically the muscle of this group."
"W-Well..." Monomi scratched her ear, "It is true that Kaede-chan is more like our enforcer and bodyman than our silent assassin type...That's more Toko-chan's thing.
Kyoko pinched the bridge of her nose.
"You mean to tell me now, of all times, that I'm about to go on an espionage mission with the one member of the Phantom Thieves whose job is to be a barbarian and destroy things?" she asked.
"Hey! I can be sneaky too!" Kaede spat, "I'm not a Phantom Thief for nothing!"
"I hope, for all our sakes, that you're telling the truth..." Kyoko sighed. She was starting to get a bad feeling, but it felt rude to go back and ask Shuichi or Makoto to come in instead, especially since this was Kaede's plan, and she was serious about taking responsibility for it.
Feeling a little defeated, Kyoko instead inserted the thin device between the crack in the door and began working with practiced precision. Her hands moved so fluidly that it looked like she had done this a thousand times before.
After only a few moments, there was a faint click.
Kaede's mouth fell open in mild disbelief. But she pouted and crossed her arms.
"You know, kicking down the door would've been easier..." she grumbled. Kyoko gave a small, barely perceptible smirk, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Sure, sure..."
Standing up, Kyoko pushed the door open ever so slightly, just enough to peer inside.
"It's clear," she whispered, motioning for Kaede to follow, "Let's move before someone notices."
Kaede nodded, her earlier confidence replaced by quiet determination. As they slipped inside, she cast one last glance at the now unlocked door, mentally thanking Kyoko for stopping her from making a scene.
As the shadows of the hallway enveloped them, Kaede couldn't help but chuckle under her breath.
"I guess you're right," she whispered to Kyoko. "This isn't a movie, after all."
Kyoko didn't reply, but Kaede could sense her approval as they moved deeper into the science building, one step at a time.
Kaede, Kyoko, and Monomi, perched on Kaede's shoulder, moved silently through the dimly lit halls, their footsteps careful and measured. The air was thick with tension, but Kaede's heart raced with excitement.
"How far until we get to Matsuda's lab?" she asked with a tense but upbeat whisper. Kyoko slightly turned her head back to her.
"His lab is on the top floor. But all we need to do is get to the stairs, climb them, and we're right there," she said, "just don't make too much noise. I don't know how tight security is in this building, but Matsuda himself is definitely in his lab by this time."
"How do you know?" Monomi asked.
"Because the last time I was in there, he was laying on a bed," Kyoko told them, "his lab isn't just his office and place of research. It's also his accommodation."
"Eurgh...I'm suddenly a little scared to see how much of a cesspit it is," Kaede cringed.
But just as they reached the end of the hall, Kyoko abruptly stopped, raising a hand to halt Kaede.
Kaede froze, following her gaze, and that's when she saw him: a school janitor, pushing his cart and humming to himself as he meticulously cleaned the floors. His cart squeaked faintly with each step as he approached the lab door they needed to enter.
"Ooh, that's not good," Monomi's soft, high-pitched voice squeaked in a hushed whisper, "What are we gonna do?"
"We can't just sit here and wait forever," Kaede crouched lower, ducking into the shadows behind a large cabinet, "We should make a run for it while his back is turned. We can slip right past him."
"No. There's a window next to the lab," Kyoko quickly shot her down, her eyes scanning the area. "If we run, he'll see us when he hears our footsteps. It's too risky."
"So what then?" Kaede frowned, frustrated, "We just wait for him to finish cleaning?"
Kyoko narrowed her eyes, her mind working fast. As the janitor continued wiping down the windows, Kyoko's gaze fell on his cleaning bin, which was filled with supplies and perched on a set of rolling wheels. A small glint of inspiration sparked in her eyes.
"I have an idea," Kyoko whispered, her voice barely audible, "Stay here and be quiet."
With that, Kyoko crouched even lower and crept toward the janitor's cleaning bin. Moving with a practiced grace, she reached it without making a sound, her body tense as she kept an eye on the janitor.
He hadn't noticed her yet...he was too focused on cleaning the glass.
Kyoko placed both hands on the side of the bin and gave it a careful shove. The wheels squeaked slightly as it began to roll across the floor, gathering momentum as it headed toward a tall stack of boxes nearby. Kaede watched, holding her breath. Monomi covered her eyes with her little paws.
The bin hit the boxes with a soft thud, knocking them off balance. A loud crash echoed through the hall as the boxes tumbled over, spilling their contents onto the floor. The janitor jumped, startled by the sudden noise.
"What the-!?" he muttered, hurrying over to the mess.
"Now!" Kyoko whispered sharply.
Kaede didn't need to be told twice. She and Kyoko darted out from their hiding place, moving swiftly but silently toward the lab door while the janitor was distracted by the fallen boxes. Kaede glanced over her shoulder once, just in time to see the janitor bending over to pick up the scattered supplies. He hadn't seen them.
They made it to the lab door, slipping inside with barely a sound. Once they were safely in the room, Kaede let out a small breath of relief, grinning at Kyoko.
"Okay, that was smooth," she winked, "I didn't think you could move a cleaning bin so fast."
"It's all about knowing your surroundings," Kyoko shot her a knowing look, her lips curving into a faint smirk, "Now, let's find out what Matsuda's been hiding."
X
Kaede and Kyoko moved swiftly down the dimly lit hallway, their goal finally in sight. The stairs to the upper floors, and to Matsuda's lab, loomed ahead, winding upward to the hidden secrets they sought. Monomi remained silent on Kaede's shoulder, her tiny paws clutching nervously as the tension in the air thickened.
They reached the base of the stairs, and just as Kaede took a step forward to ascend, a sudden sound from above made her freeze.
Footsteps. Someone was coming down.
Kyoko's sharp gaze shot to Kaede, and without a word, they both retreated into the shadows once more, slipping into an alcove just beside the stairwell. Kaede held her breath, heart pounding in her chest as the footsteps grew louder, echoing ominously in the narrow stairwell.
As the figure emerged from the stairs, Kaede cautiously lifted her head to get a look at who it was...and immediately felt her stomach drop. She barely stopped herself from gasping aloud, as she ducked her head back down out of sight.
"What?" Kyoko whispered,"What's wrong?"
Kaede gulped before she responded, keeping her voice at its lowest possible decibel.
"It's Sakakura...!"
Kyoko then felt her stomach sink.
Sure enough, the unmistakable figure of the former Ultimate Boxer, and now a notorious enforcer for the academy, loomed on the staircase. His broad frame, clenched fists, and ever-present scowl made him a terrifying presence at the best of times.
But now, seeing him here, in the dead of night, left Kaede both horrified and confused.
"What's he doing here?" she thought aloud, her mind racing, "Has he been sent to guard Matsuda's lab? Does the Steering Committee know we're onto him?"
"The more important question is, did he see you?" Kyoko hissed back. Kaede kept an ear out, and she heard Sakakura's footsteps and low grunts, but nothing that sounded hostile.
"I don't think so," she hushed.
Juzo's footsteps slowed as he reached the bottom of the stairs, and he paused, his eyes scanning the hallway. Kyoko, crouched beside Kaede, remained perfectly still, her sharp eyes locked on his every movement. Kaede could feel the tension in her body as they waited in absolute silence.
"This is bad..." Monomi trembled slightly on her shoulder, whispering in a barely audible voice, "What do we do?"
"Please don't tell me you plan on strong-arming your way through this one, enforcer?" Kyoko taunted. Kaede bit her lip.
"Very funny," she said. "You do realize that I'm just a dainty girl in reality, right? He could snap my neck with his bare hands."
Kaede turned her scowl back at Juzo, her heart pounding louder than ever. He was too close, and his watchful gaze would catch them the second they made a move. She glanced at Kyoko, hoping for some kind of sign, some plan, but even Kyoko's calm expression had tightened into one of focused concentration.
But as Juzo began to move again, slowly walking toward the hallway they needed to enter, Kaede's mind raced. They had to figure out a way to get past him without being seen. As the tension mounted, Monomi, still perched nervously on Kaede's shoulder, shifted slightly and whispered.
"I...I think I have an idea," she said. Her voice was shaky, but she sounded determined. Kaede turned her head, her eyes filled with urgency as she waited for Monomi's suggestion.
"What is it?" Kaede whispered back, keeping one eye on Juzo's looming figure.
"We could split up," Monomi suggested, her small paws clutching Kaede's hoodie, "If I go with you, we can lead Juzo in one direction, and Kyoko can take another route. Then we'll meet up somewhere safer once we've lost him!"
Kyoko listened closely, nodding ever so slightly.
"It's a risky plan, but it could work," she acknowledged, "Sakakura will only be able to follow one of us. The rest of us can continue the mission."
Kaede bit her lip, her mind racing as she weighed the options. Splitting up would definitely increase their chances of at least one of them reaching Matsuda's lab, but it also meant they'd be vulnerable on their own. Still, they were out of time, and Monomi's plan was their best shot.
"Alright," Kaede whispered, her voice firm despite the knot in her stomach, "Let's do it. I'll go with Monomi; we'll draw him away. You take the other direction, Kyoko. We'll rendezvous once we lose him."
Kyoko's eyes flicked to Juzo one more time, who was now pacing near the bottom of the stairs, seemingly searching for something.
"I'll head toward the east wing," She nodded, "We'll meet by the supply closet on the second floor."
X
Kaede took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for what was about to happen. She and Monomi shared a brief look of understanding before they both got ready to move.
But just as Kaede was about to take her first step, her foot slipped slightly on the slick tile floor. A loud *squeak* echoed through the otherwise silent hallway, sharp and unmistakable.
Discussion -PANIC- Instrumental Mix Cover (Danganronpa) - Vetrom
Juzo's head snapped up instantly, his eyes narrowing as he turned toward the sound.
"Who's there!?" he barked, his voice booming through the stairwell.
Kaede's heart leapt into her throat. Without another word, she and Kyoko locked eyes, and they both darted in opposite directions! Kaede sprinted down the nearest hallway, Monomi clinging tightly to her shoulder, while Kyoko slipped into the shadows on the opposite side, disappearing from sight.
Behind them, Juzo let out a growl of frustration as he stormed down the stairs, drawn to the noise Kaede had made. She could hear his heavy footsteps pounding behind her, growing louder as he chased after them.
"Keep running, Kaede!" Monomi squeaked urgently, her voice trembling with fear.
Kaede's breath came in quick, shallow bursts as she and Monomi sprinted down the hallway, their footsteps echoing in the narrow corridor. The sound of his heavy boots pounded relentlessly behind them, growing louder with each passing second.
Kaede's mind raced! They had to get out of sight now!
"There!" Monomi squeaked, pointing a paw toward a set of double doors up ahead.
Without a second thought, Kaede veered toward them, her hand darting out to push the doors open. She and Monomi slipped into the lab room beyond, quickly pulling the doors shut behind them.
Kaede held her breath, pressing her ear against the door, listening intently for Juzo's approach. The hall outside was eerily quiet for a moment, save for the faint sound of her own heartbeat thudding in her ears.
Then, the silence was shattered.
*Boom!*
The door exploded open with a deafening crash as Juzo shoulder-tackled his way into the room! His broad figure filled the doorway, his eyes blazing with anger as he stormed inside. His gaze swept across the room, searching for any sign of movement.
Nightmare in the Locker - Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
But there was nothing. Just empty lab equipment, sterile tables, and rows of cabinets. No sign of Kaede or Monomi.
"Come on, you're not getting away that easily!" Juzo growled, frustrated, knowing that he'd heard someone running.
And yet, in the darkness of this lab, he couldn't see anyone.
That was because who he was looking for was suspended mere inches above him.
At the last second, before the burly boxer had barged in, Kaede's eyes had darted around the room, scanning for anything, literally ANYTHING, that could help her hide. And as a result, her eyes had locked onto a steel pipe running along the ceiling, and in a split second, a desperate plan formed in her mind.
Within the span of a few seconds, Kaede had lifted her animal companion from her shoulder and gently placed her on top of a nearby shelf. Monomi's wide eyes blinked in confusion, but she'd stayed silent, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Kaede had then grabbed onto the pipe overhead, using all her upper body strength to hoist herself up. Her arms burned as she suspended her body just below the ceiling, gripping the pipe tightly. She tucked her legs up, making herself as small as possible, and held her breath, forcing herself to stay absolutely still.
So now she hung above him, her muscles straining but her determination unshaken. She was just inches above his head, so close she could hear his heavy breathing. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she didn't make a sound. She couldn't afford to.
Juzo growled in frustration, pacing around the room and kicking over a stool in his path.
"Where the hell are you...!?" he muttered, his voice low and dangerous.
Kaede remained perfectly still, clinging to the pipe as she watched him below. Her arms trembled from the effort of holding herself up, but she kept her breathing steady, refusing to give herself away. Monomi, perched silently on the shelf, stayed as still as a statue, her tiny eyes wide with fear.
Juzo stood in the center of the room for what felt like an eternity, his eyes narrowing as he scanned every corner.
But Kaede's plan had worked. He didn't think to look up. Finally, after what seemed like an agonizingly long moment, Juzo let out an irritated grunt.
"They couldn't have gotten far," he muttered before turning and storming out of the room, slamming the doors shut behind him.
X
The moment the door clicked, Kaede let out a shaky breath, her arms burning from the strain. She carefully lowered herself down from the pipe, landing softly on the floor. Monomi scurried over to her, her paws clutching at Kaede's pant leg.
"Kaede, that was amazing!" Monomi whispered, her voice filled with awe.
Kaede gave a weak grin, wiping sweat from her brow.
"We're not out of the woods yet," she said, "Let's keep moving. Quietly this time."
Despair-Syndrome 001 - Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Kaede and Monomi crept through the dim, sterile hallways of the academy, their nerves on high alert after narrowly avoiding Sakakura. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and Kaede's mind raced as they moved, trying to map out the quickest path to regroup with Kyoko.
But the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from around the corner, and Kaede's heart sank. Another threat was closing in. She froze, glancing at Monomi, who tugged anxiously on her sleeve.
"What now?" Kaede whispered, her eyes darting toward the nearest doorway. They were out of places to run.
Monomi, quick on her feet, suddenly perked up as her gaze landed on a vent in the wall. Without hesitation, she rushed over to it, her small paws working quickly to pry open the grate.
"Kaede! Get in here, quick!" she whispered frantically.
Kaede's eyes widened as she looked at the narrow vent.
"You want me to crawl through THAT!?" she hissed in dismay.
"You don't have a choice!" Monomi hissed, her paws tugging at her sleeve, "Just go! I'll put the grate back on!"
Realizing there was no other option, Kaede crouched down and crawled into the vent, wincing as she squeezed her body into the tight space. It was a claustrophobic fit, but she managed to pull herself inside just in time. Monomi scrambled after her, pulling the grate back into place and making sure it looked undisturbed from the outside.
Kaede pressed herself against the cold metal interior of the vent, barely breathing as the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder. She could hear the distinct clicking of shoes on tile, sharp and precise. Whoever was coming was close.
Her breath hitched when she saw a figure walk into view through the small slits of the vent. Kaede's eyes went wide with shock as she recognized him instantly.
*Munakata!?*
He walked into the hallway with an air of authority, his sharp gaze scanning the area. His presence was intimidating, calm but menacing, like he knew everything that was going on in the building.
He came to a stop just outside the vent, standing only a few feet away from where Kaede was hidden. Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched him through the narrow slits, her body frozen in place.
For a moment, Munakata simply stood there, his cold, indigo eyes surveying the hall with an eerie calm. Kaede held her breath, praying that the vent wouldn't creak or shift under her weight. She was completely at his mercy...if he looked down, if he saw even the slightest movement, it would be over.
Munakata's eyes lingered on the spot where she and Monomi had been just moments ago. His expression was unreadable, but there was a calculating glint in his eyes, as if he could sense that something wasn't right.
Kaede remained frozen in the cramped vent, her breath shallow and her heart hammering in her chest. Through the narrow slits, she watched Munakata stand in the hallway, his cold, calculating eyes sweeping the area. Every second felt like an eternity as she lay perfectly still, hoping her hiding place would remain undetected.
Suddenly, another set of heavy footsteps approached, and Kaede's heart sank when she recognized the sound of Sakakura's boots. He strode into view, his posture tense, frustration written across his face as he approached Munakata.
"What's with you?" Munakata asked, noticing the Ultimate Boxer's exasperated expression.
"Caught wind of something. I reckon someone or something is sneaking around here, and I'm trying to find out what," Juzo greeted, his voice low and gruff, "Any luck with Matsuda?"
Kaede's ears perked up at the mention of Matsuda's name. She inched closer to the vent's opening, listening intently. Munakata sighed in annoyance, his sharp gaze narrowing.
"No. Matsuda refused to give me any useful information. He's always tight-lipped, acting like his knowledge is worth more than it is," he crossed his arms, his voice dripping with disdain, "In fact, he went straight to sleep as soon as we were done talking."
"So he didn't crack?" Juzo scowled, clearly irritated.
"No," Munakata said, a bitter edge to his tone, "I thought I could get him to slip up, but no such luck. He's careful, guarded. Won't reveal anything unless he absolutely has to."
Kaede's heart raced. Matsuda had information they needed. Information that even Munakata and Sakakura were after.
If Matsuda was still holding out, then that laptop Kyoko had mentioned might be the key. But the thought of stealing it right under Munakata's nose felt like an impossible challenge. Juzo growled in frustration.
"If Matsuda's being that stubborn, why don't we just take his laptop? You know it's gotta have something on it," Juzo suggested.
*Hey, that was my idea...!* Kaede grumbled internally. Munakata's expression darkened, his fingers tapping against his arm as he considered the suggestion.
"If I thought I could get away with it, I'd have stolen that laptop myself," he admitted coldly, "But I can't risk drawing too much attention right now. The Steering Committee's eyes are already on me."
Kaede felt a chill run down her spine. She was moments away from being caught in the middle of this power struggle between the two dangerous men.
*If they find me now, I'm done.* she thought.
As she pondered her next move, Monomi nudged her gently, pointing toward a nearby shelf. The little creature had a determined glint in her eyes, and Kaede realized Monomi was about to cause a distraction.
Monomi quietly crawled through the vent and then reappeared from the other side of the hall, her tiny paws moving quickly as she darted across the floor. Kaede watched anxiously as the plucky rabbit climbed onto the shelf, carefully tipping over a stack of books and tools.
*CRASH!*
New Classmate of the Dead - Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
The sound echoed through the hallway, sharp and sudden. Munakata's eyes snapped toward the noise, his expression shifting from calm to alert in an instant.
"What was that!?" he barked, already moving toward the sound. Juzo followed, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"It came from the storage room!" he said, "Shit...! Let's check it out."
Kaede's pulse spiked as she watched the two men turn away, walking quickly in the direction of the noise. Monomi, still unseen by the two, quickly scurried back to Kaede, her small face filled with relief.
Without wasting a second, Kaede carefully pushed the vent's grate open and crawled out, landing as quietly as she could on the floor. She glanced toward the hall, seeing that both Munakata and Juzo were still preoccupied with investigating the storage room.
"Good job, Monomi," Kaede whispered, giving the tiny creature a grateful smile.
"Let's go before they come back!" Monomi nodded eagerly.
Kaede didn't need any more convincing. She took off down the hallway, her footsteps light and quick as she made a run for it, putting as much distance between herself and Munakata as she could.
Kaede and Monomi darted down the hallway, their feet making as little noise as possible. The pianist's heart pounded in her chest, still reeling from their close encounter with Munakata and Juzo.
She glanced over her shoulder every few seconds, half-expecting to hear their heavy footsteps behind them. The urgency of their mission weighed on her, and she knew they had to move quickly if they wanted to reach Matsuda's lab first. Monomi clung to Kaede's hoodie as she ran, her small voice whispering.
"We're almost there, Kaede! Just a little further!" she urged.
X
But before Kaede could reply, she collided with something solid, the impact sending her sprawling to the floor with a startled gasp. Monomi tumbled from her shoulder, landing on the ground with a soft squeak.
For a brief, terrifying moment, Kaede's mind raced with the worst possibilities. Had they run straight into Munakata? Or Juzo?
But then, a familiar voice broke through the panic.
"Kaede!?"
Kaede blinked and looked up, her heart settling when she saw Kyoko standing over her, one hand extended to help her up. Relief washed over her like a wave.
"Kyoko!" Kaede scrambled to her feet with Kyoko's help, her legs still shaky from the adrenaline. "Thank goodness it's you!"
"Uwawawa! Too right...! Monomi quickly righted herself as well, her tiny face lighting up with relief, "We thought we were done for!"
"What happened?" Kyoko arched an eyebrow, her gaze calm but curious, "Did you shake Sakakura off?"
"Not just him...! Munakata's here too...!" Kaede took a deep breath, quickly recounting the events of the last few minutes, "They were talking about Matsuda. They want the same thing we do: information from his lab. Matsuda already fended Munakata off, but if we don't hurry, they might beat us to it."
Kyoko's expression remained stoic, but her eyes sharpened at the mention of Munakata, recalling her previous investigation into him.
"So they're after Matsuda as well," she muttered, more to herself than to Kaede.
"We need to move fast, Kyoko!" Monomi nodded eagerly, bouncing on her feet, "We barely escaped them!"
Kyoko glanced down the hallway, her mind already working.
"There's a shortcut through the labs. If we take it, we'll avoid the main corridors and get to Matsuda's lab before they do."
"A shortcut!?" Kaede's eyes lit up.
"Follow me. I'll lead the way," Kyoko nodded, her voice steady and sure.
Without wasting another second, Kyoko turned and started down the hall, her pace quick and deliberate. Kaede and Monomi hurried after her, their footsteps falling in sync as they made their way toward the labs.
The pressure was mounting, but with Kyoko leading them, Kaede felt a surge of confidence. They still had a chance to beat Munakata and Juzo to the prize, and she wasn't about to let that opportunity slip away.
Darkness Time - Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
Kyoko, Kaede, and Monomi moved swiftly through the dimly lit halls, taking every turn with purpose as they followed the shortcut Kyoko had promised. Finally, they reached the top floor and the door to Matsuda's lab.
"Munakata mentioned that Matsuda was asleep," the pianist mentioned quickly, "You think he's still...?"
Kyoko gestured for Kaede and Monomi to stay still as she pressed her ear to the door, listening intently. The faint sound of soft, rhythmic breathing reached her.
Satisfied that the coast was clear, Kyoko carefully turned the handle and pushed the door open, its hinges creaking slightly in the silent corridor. Inside the lab, the air smelled faintly of chemicals and dust. Papers were strewn across the desk, and equipment lay in disarray, like someone had hastily shoved things aside.
At the center of it all, Yasuke Matsuda sat slouched in his bed, completely unaware of their presence. He was fast asleep, a manga volume draped haphazardly over his face, his snores filling the otherwise quiet room.
Kaede froze in the doorway, her stomach churning at the sight of him.
She hadn't seen Matsuda up close before, and the casualness of his appearance...the way he slept without a care in the world...made her blood boil.
*This guy...this could be the Phantom Killer?* The thought alone made her fists clench at her sides.
Her mind flashed back to her father, the cold memory of his death still fresh. If Matsuda really was the killer, then this man...this lazy...uncaring man...had taken everything from her.
Kaede swallowed hard, forcing the rage down. This wasn't the time to let her emotions take control. They were here for a reason, and she had promised Makoto. She intended to keep that promise.
Kyoko, ever composed, had already slipped into action. She quietly made her way to the drawers and cabinets, her gloved hands working swiftly as she searched through Matsuda's belongings. She rifled through documents, files, anything that could give them a clue about the Phantom Killer's identity or any leads they could follow.
Kaede, meanwhile, kept her focus on the laptop sitting on the desk, partially hidden beneath a stack of papers. It was old, scuffed from years of use, but she knew it was what they needed. She walked up to it slowly, casting a wary glance at Matsuda as she reached out to grab it. His snores remained steady, oblivious to her presence.
*Disgusting...* Kaede gritted her teeth, her anger bubbling under the surface. She had to remind herself why they were there, why she couldn't act on her hatred now.
She swiped the laptop off the desk and tucked it under her arm, careful not to disturb anything else. It was heavier than she expected, but she wasn't about to let that stop her. Monomi perched on Kaede's shoulder, watching Matsuda with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"Let's hurry," she whispered softly. Kyoko, after grabbing a handful of folders and snapping some quick photos of the contents, gave Kaede a nod.
"That should be enough," she whispered, her voice calm but urgent, "We need to go before anyone else shows up."
Kaede glanced one last time at Matsuda, still snoring away beneath his manga. The sight made her sick to her stomach, but she held her composure. For now.
X
Unfortunately, as Kyoko moved toward the door, she suddenly froze, her sharp instincts kicking in. From down the hall, she could hear the unmistakable sound of heavy footsteps—rapid, determined, and getting closer by the second.
Her heart sank...Munakata and Sakakura...!
Non Stop Action - Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak Academy
Without a second thought, she pressed her hands against the door, holding it shut just as the footsteps reached them. A loud bang reverberated through the room as Sakakura slammed his fist into the door, and it was a wonder that Kyoko was able to keep it held shut!
"Open up!" his angry voice barked from the other side. Another crash followed as he pounded on it again, the force nearly enough to rattle the hinges. Kyoko's calm composure wavered slightly as she strained to keep the door closed.
"We've got a problem," she muttered under her breath, her mind racing for a solution.
"Oh, you THINK!?" Kaede bit back sarcastically, and her heart leapt into her throat as panic gripped the room.
They were trapped, with no way out except for the door. Her gaze darted around, trying to find an escape route, but nothing seemed obvious. The pounding on the door only grew louder, more frantic.
"What do we do!?" Monomi whispered urgently, her voice trembling as she clutched Kaede's hoodie.
But suddenly, Kaede's eyes widened, an idea forming in the chaos.
"Kyoko, you mentioned that there was a security office, right? How far is the room where they do that?" She turned to Kyoko.
Kyoko blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question, as she continued to hold the door tightly shut while Juzo continued pounding.
"What? Why-"
"How far!?" Kaede asked again, more insistent this time, as she started moving toward the window.
"It's at the other end of the hall," Kyoko shot another glance at the door, then back to Kaede, "but—"
She didn't even get to finish her sentence before Kaede had already flung open the window. Without hesitation, she swung her legs over the ledge...
"WHAT are you DOING!?" Kyoko spat, trying not to raise her voice too high, "No, seriously, what are you doing!?"
"This is the safest route!" Kaede rested her feet on the ledge outside the window, trying to ignore the drop below, "I'm less likely to die this way."
"No, you're not!" Monomi snapped, "You'll most certainly fall to your death!"
"I'd rather take my chances with the ledge than with those two maniacs!" Kaede asserted, "You two hide somewhere! I know what I'm doing!"
Before Kyoko or Monomi could stop her, Kaede shut the window and disappeared into the night, shimmying along the narrow ledge on the outside of the building.
Kyoko's breath caught in her throat as she watched Kaede slip outside, her body balancing precariously with a steep drop far below her. The girl moved quickly and quietly, sliding along the outer wall as though her life depended on it.
"Kaede...!" Monomi squeaked, eyes wide with terror.
But Kaede didn't look back. She kept moving, determined and steady, inching along the ledge toward the other side of the building, her face set with focus. Meanwhile, Kyoko and Monomi were left in the lab, still trapped as the pounding on the door grew more violent. Munakata's voice joined Sakakura's, colder but equally relentless.
"We know you're in there," he growled, "Come out now, or we'll force our way in...!"
Kyoko's grip tightened, her mind calculating their next move. But just as she was about to speak, a groggy voice interrupted them.
"What...is going on...?"
Yasuke Matsuda stirred in his bed, the manga slipping from his face as he blinked awake. He let out a drowsy groan, clearly annoyed by the noise.
Kyoko's eyes widened as Matsuda sat up, rubbing his eyes, oblivious to the chaos about to unfold. With no other choice, she grabbed Monomi and ducked behind a nearby cabinet, praying they wouldn't be seen.
They were on borrowed time, and Kaede was their only hope.
The door crashed open with a thunderous bang as Munakata and Sakakura stormed into the room, their eyes scanning the space with cold determination. Matsuda, still groggy from his sudden awakening, blinked in confusion as the intruders burst into his lab, looking more like they were ready for a brawl than a conversation.
Nightmare of Hope's Peak - Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak Academy
"What the fuck...!" Matsuda slurred, rubbing his temples as if trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, "What the hell do you want now? I already talked to you maniacs earlier...Hngh..."
Juzo didn't even bother to respond to the question, his eyes sweeping over the room with laser focus. Munakata, on the other hand, fixed Matsuda with a sharp, impatient glare.
"Where are they?" His voice was cold, cutting through the tension like a knife.
"What are you talking about?" Matsuda stared at him, still half-asleep and visibly annoyed, "I was asleep."
"The intruders," Munakata snapped, his voice edged with frustration, "They're here, Matsuda. I know it. Don't play dumb."
Matsuda's brow furrowed, a flash of irritation crossing his face.
"Intruders?" Matsuda's brow furrowed, a flash of irritation crossing his face, "You're insane. No one's here."
He waved his hand dismissively, clearly uninterested in whatever Munakata was accusing him of...But his expression quickly shifted when he glanced at his desk...at the spot where his laptop had been.
It was gone.
Matsuda's face drained of what little color it had as his eyes darted wildly across the desk, the realization hitting him like a freight train.
"W-What the-!? Where's my laptop!?" His voice shot up, panic replacing the grogginess as he bolted upright from his chair, his hands trembling as they gripped the edge of the desk, "What happened to my laptop!?"
He spun around, glaring furiously at Munakata and Juzo, as if they were the culprits.
"Did one of you take it!?" he demanded, his voice rising with each word, "You idiots, what did you do!?"
"Calm down," Munakata said icily as his jaw tightened, clearly losing patience with Matsuda's outburst, "We didn't touch your laptop. Someone else is in here, and you're going to help us find where they went."
"They've gotta be hiding somewhere," Juzo, still prowling around the room, checked every corner with suspicion, "No way they got out without us seeing."
Matsuda's panic only escalated as he realized the gravity of the situation. His laptop, filled with sensitive information, was gone...taken right under his nose while he was sleeping.
"This is your fault!" he shouted, jabbing a finger in Munakata's direction, "You storm in here, banging on doors like a lunatic, and now my work's been stolen!"
"Shut it; don't talk to him like that," Munakata's eyes narrowed dangerously, but before he could respond, Juzo's voice cut through the argument, "We need to find them. They can't be far."
Unbeknownst to the trio, Kyoko and Monomi were crouched in absolute silence behind a large cabinet, their breath barely audible. Kyoko's mind raced as she watched the scene unfold, her heart pounding in her chest.
They couldn't stay hidden forever. Eventually, Munakata and Juzo would search the room thoroughly enough to find them. Monomi tugged at Kyoko's sleeve, whispering anxiously.
"Kyoko...what are we going to do?" Monomi asked, "They're going to find us...!"
Kyoko's eyes darted toward the broken door, quickly calculating their options. They needed a distraction; something to pull Munakata and Sakakura away from the lab. But they didn't have many tools at their disposal, and time was running out.
Munakata froze mid-sentence, his sharp eyes narrowing as a sudden instinct made him turn his head, his gaze sweeping the room once more. He moved slowly, his steps deliberate, his brow furrowed in concentration. Something was off, and he could feel it.
Kyoko tensed behind the cabinet, holding her breath as Munakata inched closer. His eyes scanned the corners, lingering on the shadows, as if he could sense their presence but couldn't quite see it. She knew that if he got even a step closer, they were done for.
Munakata's hand reached out toward the cabinet, fingers brushing the edge.
So close...
Kyoko's pulse raced, every second feeling like an eternity. Monomi squeezed her arm in fear, barely holding back a squeak.
X
But then, before Munakata could take another step, a sudden, obnoxiously loud sound blared through the school's speakers, alerting the three men as a voice crackled through it.
[Ooooo OOBIE DOOO! I WANNA BE LIIIKE YYOOOOOUUOOOOUOOOU!!! I WANNA WALK LIKE YOOOOU! TALK LIKE YOOOUUU! SKA-DOOOOOOO!]
The voice was unmistakably that of the Ultimate Pianist herself. Kaede's voice, loud and off-key, echoed through the building with all the subtlety of a foghorn.
Kyoko and Monomi, though previously frightened and tense, were forced to stifle their laughter. Munakata, not finding it nearly as amusing, stiffened, his hand freezing in place. Juzo and Matsuda exchanged confused looks as Kaede continued her ridiculous singing, the tinny sound of her voice filling the halls.
[NOOOOOOW, I'M THE KING OF THE SWINGERS! OH, THE JUNGLE VEE AY PEEEE! I'VE REACHED THE TOP AND HAD TO STOP, AND THAT'S WHAT BOTHERIN' MEEEEHHEEEHEEEE!]
"What the hell is that?" Matsuda's face twisted in disbelief, his earlier panic replaced by sheer confusion. Juzo's eyes widened as realization dawned.
"It's the intruders we were talking to you about," he growled, pointing in the direction of the loudspeaker, "Whoever the fuck that is, they're in the security room!"
"We've got them...!" Munakata's stern expression hardened into cold resolve.
Without wasting another second, the three men bolted out of the lab, their footsteps echoing loudly down the hallway as they made a beeline for the source of the sound.
Kyoko's body relaxed the moment they were gone. The tension that had been suffocating her finally released, and she took a deep, quiet breath.
"Kaede..." she whispered, a mixture of relief and gratitude washing over her.
"She saved us..." Monomi, still clinging to Kyoko's sleeve, let out a soft sigh of relief.
Kyoko didn't waste any time. The opportunity was fleeting, and they had to move now before the three returned.
"Come on," she whispered, motioning to Monomi as they quickly slipped out from their hiding place.
They hurried toward the open door, staying low and quiet as they darted out of the lab and into the hallway. Kyoko glanced back for a split second, checking to make sure the coast was clear, then gestured for Monomi to follow.
They were free.
With Kaede's distraction working perfectly, Kyoko and Monomi made their escape, racing down the hallway and into the shadows.
Diversionary Tactic - Persona 5 Strikers
Kyoko and Monomi slipped out of the science building just in time, ducking into the shadows near the entrance. The night air hit them like a wave of relief, but there was no time to catch their breath. As they rounded the corner, they nearly crashed into Shuichi and Makoto, both of whom were wide-eyed and panicked.
"Kyoko!" Makoto exclaimed, relief flooding his voice, "What happened in there? We heard a loudspeaker and all this commotion!"
"Where's Kaede!?" Shuichi looked around, scanning the surroundings with a worried expression, "Is she okay?"
Monomi hopped up onto Kyoko's shoulder, still jittery from their escape.
"It was a close call! Munakata and Sakakura were after the same thing as us! Matsuda's laptop and all his information! We ran into them more than once," she looked up at Shuichi and Makoto, her little arms flailing as she spoke, "Kaede came up with that distraction to buy us time, but they're still inside!"
"Munakata and Sakakura were there?" Makoto's face went pale. "And Matsuda? How did you even-?"
Before he could finish, a strangled gasp escaped Shuichi. His eyes went wide with horror as he stared up toward the building.
"Oh no...KAEDE!"
Makoto's heart leapt into his throat as he followed Shuichi's gaze.
There, suspended above them, clinging desperately to a narrow ledge on the second floor, was Kaede. Her fingers were trembling, her arms straining as she struggled to maintain her grip.
"Kaede!" Makoto shouted, panic in his voice as he rushed toward the wall, looking up at her in terror. Kaede looked down at them, a grin on her face, but a furrow in her brow.
"Get ready to catch me!" Kaede's voice came from above, her usual cheerful tone strained with fear. Her hands slipped slightly, the weight of her body pulling her closer to the edge.
"We've got you!" Without thinking, Shuichi bolted forward, eyes wide with panic, "Just-! Just let go; we'll catch you!"
"We need to form a cushion! Everyone get ready!" Kyoko, staying calmer than the others but still tense, positioned herself under Kaede, motioning for the others to do the same. Kaede's grip faltered again, her knuckles white as her strength gave way.
"Alright...Here I go!" she yelled, her voice tight with nerves. And then, with a final deep breath, she let go.
Time seemed to slow down as she plummeted toward the ground, her arms flailing as she fell. Makoto's heart pounded in his chest, and he scrambled into position just in time, arms outstretched alongside Shuichi and Kyoko.
Kaede hit them with a thud, the force of her fall knocking everyone backward, but they managed to catch her before she could hit the ground. They all tumbled down into a heap, groaning as they struggled to regain their balance.
"Are you okay!?" Makoto asked breathlessly, wincing as he sat up. Kaede, flat on her back but safe, gave a weak thumbs-up, gasping for air.
"Yeah! Yeah, I'm okay! Thanks for the save!" She looked up at the sky, still shaking from the near-death experience, but a smile crept across her face.
Shuichi, still wide-eyed, let out a nervous laugh.
"Please...don't do that again," he pleaded.
"No promises~" Kaede gave him a playful wink, still catching her breath.
With that, the group decided that it was probably a good time to get out of there, so without turning back, they hurried off into the night before the three angry men in the building could catch them.
"Kaede," Kyoko said, "do you still-?"
"The laptop's here and in one piece," Kaede patted her backpack, much to Kyoko's relief. The detective followed her satisfied sigh with an eye roll.
"Jungle Book? Really?" she asked with a slight smirk.
"Hey! A classic's a classic!" Kaede shrugged with a cheeky grin.
Back at the Thieves Den, the atmosphere was tense as Hajime sat hunched over Matsuda's laptop, his fingers hovering uncertainly over the keyboard. The dim light from the screen reflected off his furrowed brow, while Chiaki stood beside him, her arms crossed as she studied the screen with a frown.
"No matter what we try, nothing seems to work," Hajime muttered, his frustration seeping into his voice, "Every password we've thought of has been wrong."
"Correct me if I'm wrong," Monomi piped up, "but if you enter the wrong code in a certain number of times, doesn't it lock you out for a while?"
"Yep..." Komaru winced, "That won't, like, stop us, but either way, we're gonna be SEVERELY delayed if we don't get this right by tonight."
Hajime paused, his fingers previously hovering over the keyboard, turning towards Kaede, who sat on the bed.
"I know this isn't exactly the time to bring it up, but I seriously can't believe you jumped off a two-story building," Hajime's gaze moved up towards the ceiling.
"Hey, it was do or die, okay?" Kaede shrugged, a grin creeping across her face, "By which I mean it was what we must do, but almost die."
"Don't say that!" Shuichi piped up, looking alarmed.
"Sorry," she replied sheepishly, "Anyways, we should focus on what we got."
Chiaki sighed softly, her usual calm demeanor slightly cracked under the pressure.
"We're running out of ideas," she paced back and forth, "It's gotta be something personal to Matsuda. Something only he would think of."
Behind them, the rest of the Phantom Thieves gathered in a semicircle, each of them brainstorming and exchanging suggestions in hushed voices. The stakes were high. If they couldn't break into the laptop, they might lose their only chance at finding out the truth about the Phantom Killer and possibly clearing their names.
"What about something related to his research?" Makoto leaned forward, rubbing the back of his neck nervously, "Or maybe something tied to his work at Hope's Peak?"
"We've already tried variations of that," Toko shook her head, her brows knit in concentration, "None of them worked."
Kyoko stood off to the side, her arms folded across her chest as she quietly observed the group. Her sharp eyes glanced over the screen, the encrypted text mocking them with its cold complexity. She hadn't spoken much since they returned, her mind working behind the scenes, processing everything they had learned so far.
"What if it's related to someone close to him?" Kaede piped up, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "People like to use names of loved ones or friends for their passwords, right?"
"Do you even think a guy like that has any friends?" Komaru scoffed, her voice dripping with distaste, "If he does, he doesn't deserve 'em."
"I'm inclined to agree," Makoto's eyes narrowed as he looked up towards the ceiling, lost in thought.
However, Kyoko's eyes flicked upward at that suggestion, and slowly, the pieces began to fall into place. A name surfaced in her mind, one that made sense given everything she had learned about Matsuda and his secretive research into the Metaverse.
"Ryoko Otonashi..."
Kyoko murmured, her voice soft but cutting through the chatter of the group like a knife. Everyone fell silent, turning to look at her.
"Who's that?" Hajime asked, confused, "Is that someone important?"
"Ryoko Otonashi was a patient of Matsuda's...and his childhood friend, apparently," Kyoko stepped forward, her face serious, "He was researching the Metaverse as part of her treatment. If there's one name that meant something to him, it would be hers."
"Of course!" Chiaki's eyes lit up with recognition. That would explain why nothing else worked. This must've been deeply personal for him."
Kyoko walked over to the laptop, motioning for Hajime to give her the keyboard. She typed in deliberately, each keystroke echoing in the quiet den:
"0T0N45H!"
For a moment, nothing happened. The tension in the room was thick as everyone held their breath, waiting.
Then, the screen flickered, and the password screen dissolved, revealing the desktop behind it.
"It worked!" Chiaki exclaimed, her usual soft voice filled with excitement.
"Kyoko, you're a genius!" Hajime grinned in disbelief.
"Lucky guess," Kyoko gave a small nod, her expression calm but with a glint of satisfaction in her eyes, "Still, it makes sense. Ryoko Otonashi was the key to everything he was researching, after all."
"Now we can finally dig into what Matsuda knew," Makoto leaned in closer, scanning the newly unlocked laptop, "This could be the break we've been waiting for."
Kaede, watching the screen light up with files and folders, felt a spark of hope flicker inside her.
They were one step closer to unraveling the truth...and maybe, just maybe...finding the evidence they needed to bring the real Phantom Killer to justice.