Chapter Text
X
Makoto's head throbbed as he blinked his eyes open, only to find himself surrounded by darkness, his body curled up in an impossibly tight space.
The faint scent of wood and dust reached him, and he realized he was trapped in some kind of crate. With weak strength in his arms, he tried to push on the surface, but it wouldn't budge. Barely any light was spilling in, so he couldn't see what he was doing.
As the hazy memory of Mondo's punch came flooding back, Makoto shifted, feeling for his phone, but it was gone.
*Shit...*
It made sense that Mondo had taken it so he couldn't call for help, but the notion of being shoved in a crate like this was just insulting to put nicely. Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself, and with his limited movement, slipped his hand into his back pocket, where he had hidden his lockpicks.
*Right. I've gotten out of worse...* he thought.
Closing his eyes, he let muscle memory take over, recalling the precise movements he'd practiced as a Phantom Thief. His fingers found the inside latch, deftly working at the lock. With a faint click, the crate's lid popped open, and he lifted it, spilling out into the dim light.
He found himself on a deserted street just outside the academy's grounds. The chill of the evening air cleared his mind, and he took a few moments to gather his bearings. His heart beat faster as he processed what Mondo had done.
*Well, at least he didn't kill me...* Makoto breathed a half-baked sigh of relief.
Without his phone, he didn't have many options. It wasn't as if he could confront Mondo again or go tattling to anyone without much evidence. Right now, the best course of action, he determined, was to get back to the Thieves' Den and regroup with his teammates. They'd know what to do, and he'd need their help.
As he started down the street, he kept to the shadows, weaving between alleyways and ducking around corners.
*Why would Mondo lock me up instead of... talking things out?* he wondered, replaying the intense confrontation in his mind. *And who's Daiya? The name sounds familiar...like he's mentioned it before, but I forgot...*
Makoto hoped his teammates would be willing to gather. He needed to piece together what had happened...and figure out how to help Chihiro and Mondo before things spiraled even further out of control.
Fortunately, when Makoto got to the Thieves' Den, Hajime was waiting for him; as was Monomi. (Makoto wasn’t sure how she had made her way over there. She was turning out more like a cat than a rabbit these days.) He gave them a very brief rundown of what had happened, and Hajime quickly relayed the information to the other Phantom Thieves through his phone.
After a short while, the group gathered at the Den.
Once everyone arrived, they huddled around Makoto, their expressions a mix of concern and focus as he recounted the events. Fortunately, aside from a stinging head, he was uninjured and mostly fine.
Hajime listened with a frown, Chiaki looked deeply thoughtful, and Kaede’s hands clenched as she tried to hold back her anger over Mondo’s interference.
Makoto also took the opportunity to tell his teammates that Chihiro wasn’t actually a girl. He didn’t want to go behind the programmer’s back and reveal the secret without his permission, but since Kaede already knew, and the team needed the full context, he didn’t have much choice.
“So he just...knocked you out and stuffed you in a box!?” Komaru gestured with her hands, which shook with frustration. “What the hell was his plan!? What, was he gonna just dump you in the ocean so you never told anyone!?”
“He’s a biker gang leader,” Hajime pointed out. “He’s probably done it before. He can do it again.”
“What the hell do you think biker gangs in Japan are like!?” Kaede spluttered. “You’re talking about organized crime level stuff! They’re just a bunch of street thugs!”
"Yeah, that sounds like something Fuyuhiko's family would do..." Chiaki added.
"Right...I keep somehow forgetting you're friends with the Ultimate Yakuza..." Hajime scratched his head awkwardly.
“My best guess is Owada didn’t exactly have a plan in mind. He probably attacked Makoto on instinct,” Shuichi suggested. “Maybe he and his gang would’ve taken him back to a hideout to threaten or question him, to make sure he didn’t tell a soul what happened. Blackmail, potentially.”
Makoto held his head in his hands and sighed.
“I really don’t know what’s going on with him, but Mondo found out about this,” he concluded, “and he’s acting this way because he wants to stop Chihiro. For some reason, he doesn’t seem to want Chihiro to tell everyone else about his secret, and...I’m not sure why...”
The room went silent, and Makoto glanced around, seeing the mix of shock and sympathy on everyone’s faces. Shuichi scratched his head, nodding in quiet understanding, while Toko crossed her arms, biting her lip. Even Chiaki, who usually wore a warm expression, looked troubled.
“Chihiro’s trying to be more open about who he really is. But Mondo figured it out already, and I think he’s trying to protect him in his own way...even if...it’s really misguided,” he explained. "At least that's what I'd like to believe."
“That’s...pretty intense.” Hajime rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “But Owada’s motives aren’t the only thing we should be worrying about. Makoto, if he’s got your phone, he could find out way more than he should about all of us.”
“If he figures out who we are as Phantom Thieves, this could go beyond just him protecting Chihiro,” Chiaki said, leaning forward, her eyes wide with worry. “We’d be putting everyone at risk.”
“I thought of that, but there’s no need to panic.” Makoto held up a hand, trying to calm them. “Yeah, sure, I need my phone back if I’m gonna use it for Metaverse stuff, and...well, I need my phone back. But Mondo doesn’t know the passcode, so even if he tries, he won’t get into it. He only took it to keep me from getting backup.”
“We can’t let this slide, though,” Kaede said, crossing her arms, her eyes hardening. “Owada’s willing to go this far to keep Chihiro from being himself? We can’t just ignore that.”
“Kaede’s right,” Toko spoke up. “Empty threats or not, he’s already proven he’s willing to take extreme measures to stop Chihiro. Whatever his reasons are, he’s putting his well-being...and now Makoto’s...at risk.”
“So...” Monomi scratched her nose. “What you’re saying is...?”
“Yeah.” Toko nodded. “There’s only one surefire way I see this ending peacefully...We need to send Mondo Owada a calling card.”
“We’re gonna change his heart?” Komaru pounded her fists together. “Aces! Count me in!”
“W-Wait! Hold on a second!” Makoto shook his head, worry evident in his eyes. “I get it, Toko, but...I know Mondo. He’s not a bad guy. He just...he’s confused. I don’t think changing his heart is the answer. We shouldn’t go that far.”
"You know he's MY classmate too, right?" Toko scowled. "I know that just as well as you do. But I know you also care about Chihiro. Are you really gonna sit on the sidelines while Mondo disrupts his life? Because that's not like you."
“Makoto, I know you want to believe in this guy. And maybe you’re right; maybe he’s not bad at heart,” Hajime said. “But he’s still standing in Chihiro’s way—actively keeping him from expressing himself. You saw how far he’s already willing to go. He trashed school property at HOPE'S PEAK and knocked you out cold. We might not know why, but his actions are clearly fueled by desperation.”
“Owada-senpai might not be a villain, but he’s not listening to reason, either,” Shuichi affirmed. “If we try to convince him on our own, he could just double down and hurt more people in the process. Changing his heart may be the only way to ensure he truly understands Chihiro’s struggle.”
Makoto opened his mouth to respond, but Kaede placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice gentle but firm.
“I know this isn’t what you wanted,” she said calmly. “But if we don’t step in now, Mondo might end up hurting Chihiro worse than he already has. You said it yourself—this is a huge step for Chihiro. And if we let Mondo stop him, it could set him back in ways that would take a long time to undo...if even possible.”
“We’re not talking about punishing Mondo. It’s not as if we’re treating him the same way we’ve treated the likes of Uzawa and Tsumura,” Chiaki said, tilting her head, her voice calm and steady. “Changing his heart doesn’t mean turning him into something he’s not. It just means helping him realize what he’s doing, and the impact it’s having. We could even guide the change so he supports Chihiro, instead of fighting against him.”
Makoto looked around at his friends, his resolve starting to waver as he saw the concern in their faces.
He knew they weren’t trying to push him into anything drastic. They were just looking at the reality of the situation—something he was struggling to accept. Finally, he let out a defeated sigh.
“All right,” he murmured. “If this is the only way to help Mondo understand...then let’s do it.”
As they stepped into Mementos, the eerie underground corridors pulsed with a strange, distorted energy. Makoto and his team moved forward with steely resolve, each one cloaked in their Phantom Thief attire.
They approached the center of Mondo's distortion, guided by Sandbox, and, as was tradition, they jumped into the vortex hole.
Once on the other side, they came face-to-face with their target.
In the near distance, a familiar burly figure lounged confidently, as if waiting for them, with his arms crossed. He was every bit as imposing as the real Mondo, but his presence was shrouded in a chaotic energy that revealed his inner turmoil.
"So that's Owada, huh?" Lab-Rat asked. "He definitely looks like a biker gang leader. In fact, I think I recognize him..."
"Yeah, you played against him during Sports Day," Sandbox reminded him. "When you got dragged into the game."
"Oh, that's right!" Lab-Rat suddenly remembered. "Never thought I'd be seeing him again, much less in a place like this...He seemed like a decent guy, even if he was a little scary."
"Yeah, actually, he came to Toko’s and my rescue when we got bothered by some people during our day out recently," Highwayman recalled. "The day we battled the Reaper, I mean."
"Yeah...You see how personal this feels for me now?" Leprechaun scowled.
"Makoto..." Monomi gently patted his leg. Makoto shook his head.
"Don't worry about it...You guys are right. Besides, we're here now, so there's no going back," he sighed. "Like it or not, what Mondo is doing is hurting Chihiro. Which means he needs to be stopped."
"Atta boy," Mozart gave him a thumbs-up. "Let's do this...!"
As they approached, Shadow Mondo glanced at them, smirking as his eyes settled on Leprechaun.
"So, you really did show up, huh?" he glowered. "Didn't think you'd actually try something this crazy, Naegi. But hey, if you wanna sign your death warrant or some shit, by all means, be my goddamn guest."
Razor, arms crossed and slightly annoyed, muttered to herself.
"So much for secrecy," she snarled. "These masks are such bullshit."
Makoto ignored her remark, his focus locked on Shadow Mondo. Taking a step forward, Leprechaun spoke, taking off his mask with conviction, his voice firm as he glared his classmate in the eyes.
"Mondo Owada! We're here as Phantom Thieves to steal your distorted desires!" he proclaimed. "Whether you want to admit it or not, you're hurting Chihiro by trying to stop him! He's your friend, but you stabbed him in the back! And it ends NOW!"
Shadow Mondo’s eyes narrowed, the smirk slipping off his face as a flicker of anger took over. He straightened, towering over Makoto, his expression a fierce mix of bitterness and resentment.
"Stabbin' him in the back?" he repeated, his voice a low growl. "Don't act like you know what you're talkin' about! I'm protectin' him, keeping him from screwing everything up for himself!"
"By making him hide who he is!? By keeping him in the shadows, just like you're trying to stay!?" Leprechaun’s heart tightened, but he stood his ground. "Chihiro's stronger than you give him credit for, Owada! You're just afraid of letting him grow, and I want to know why!"
Shadow Mondo’s face twisted in fury, the chaotic energy around him intensifying as he clenched his fists.
"You think I'm scared of Chihiro!?" his voice was nearly a roar. "You're wrong! I'm doin' him a favor! Keeping him from puttin' himself out there, where he'll get crushed!"
"What!?" Leprechaun exclaimed. "That's NOT what I said!"
"You think Chihiro can just waltz into the world and show off who he is!?" Shadow Mondo’s voice boomed through the cavernous space of Mementos, echoing off the walls as he continued to rant. "He's gonna get torn apart! This isn't some fairy tale where everyone accepts you! I'm doin' him a favor by keeping him hidden, safe!"
His eyes burned with an intensity that suggested a deeper struggle within. Usami, watching the chaos unfold, suddenly interjected, her voice cutting through Mondo's tirade.
"Wait a minute..." she said slowly. "Are you...Are you actually jealous of Fujisaki-kun?"
Her realization hung in the air like a heavy fog. Shadow Owada’s expression flickered for a moment; an uncomfortable mix of anger and something more vulnerable; but he quickly masked it with rage.
"Don't tell me..." Lab-Rat scowled. "You're afraid of letting him grow, because then...then he might be braver than you are?"
"That's...the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!" Mozart spat. "You mean you're just projecting your own fears onto him!?"
"This isn't about Chihiro. This is about you," Razor snapped. "And if you're so determined to stop him from changing...then I guess we'll just have to stop you!"
"I don't need to explain myself to you, you bastards! I'm the strong one! Not you! And NOT HIM!" Shadow Owada barked back, his fists clenched at his sides. "You don't know the first thing about what it takes to be strong! You think it's easy to stand tall and take on the world!?"
"You're wrong! You're like a hero to Chihiro! He looks up to you! He wants to be as tough and confident as you are!" Makoto’s anger surged. "But instead of supporting him, you're pushing him down! You're the one who's scared!"
Mondo's eyes blazed with fury, his face contorting with a mixture of rage and something darker...something deeply rooted in his own insecurities.
"You don't know what it takes to be as strong as I am!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the darkness. "I'm strong! I'M STROOOONG! STRONG! STRONG! STRONG! STRONG! STRONG! STRONG! STRONG! STROOOOOOONG!"
In that moment, his form began to shift, his muscles bulging as he transformed into a grotesque, skull-headed motorcyclist monster, exuding raw, chaotic energy. The ground trembled beneath the weight of his transformation, and the air crackled with tension.
"I'M STRONGER THAN YOOOUUU!" he screamed. "AND STRONGER THAN DAAAAAIIIYAAAAAAAAAA!!!"
Battle - Persona 2: Innocent Sin
Makoto felt his heart race, determination steeling within him like metal forged in fire. He slapped his mask back on his face and raised his gun, aiming unwaveringly at Mondo’s monstrous form.
“We’re going to steal what distorts you, Mondo Owada! By FORCE if necessary!”
The Shadow wasted no time, revving its monstrous engine before charging straight at the Phantom Thieves. Flames erupted from its tires, creating a fiery burst that engulfed the tunnel. The heat slammed into Leprechaun, knocking him back against the cold, hard ground. He gritted his teeth, adrenaline surging through him.
“Sleuth! Razor! Usami!” he shouted, regaining his footing and pushing himself back to the front line. “Take the front with me! We’ll face him head-on! The rest of you, stay back and provide support!”
Sleuth nodded, determination evident in his eyes, while Razor brandished her weapons with a fierce glare. Usami, understanding the gravity of the situation, quickly joined the trio at the forefront.
Together, they closed the distance to the monstrous Shadow, ready to engage in close-quarters combat. Shadow Owada roared toward them on his bike, flames spilling from his wheels like a tidal wave, rushing straight for the Lucky Student.
"MITHRAS!"
In the nick of time, he summoned his Persona, which absorbed the flames and countered the ensuing impact with its blade.
"Mondo!" Makoto called out, his voice steady despite the chaos surrounding them. "Stop this! You don’t want to do this! We can figure this out!"
"Don’t tell me what I wanna do!" it snarled, revving its engine once more before launching forward in a burst of speed.
The ground shook beneath them as the Shadow’s form surged, flames from the exhaust igniting once again. He swerved dangerously close to Sleuth, who barely managed to sidestep the attack.
"I’m not weak like you!" Mondo shouted, his voice laced with rage and bitterness. "I’ll never let anyone take away what makes me strong!"
Razor leaped forward, swinging her weapon, but the Shadow dodged, flames licking at her heels.
"Leprechaun, focus!" she yelled, her voice cutting through the noise. "He won’t listen to reason while he’s like this! We need to break through his defenses!"
"Yeah, I know! I’m trying!" he spat back.
"No, you’re NOT!" she shot back. "Whether you like it or not, we’ve gotta beat this guy down! It’s the only way we’ll get him to listen to us!"
"No! He’s not like all the other crooks we’ve faced!" Leprechaun asserted. "We can figure this out! Just give me a chance!"
"MOVE!" Usami shouted, blasting the biker with psychic energy as he swerved toward the two of them. At her warning, they dove out of the way just in time to avoid the attack.
"Razor!" Leprechaun cried. "Boost my speed!"
"Urgh, FINE!" Razor yelled back. "SUKUKAJA!"
Leprechaun felt energy surge through him as Razor’s buff swept over his body. He became more nimble, quicker on his feet, and was able to dodge another one of Owada’s high-speed attacks with relative ease.
Shadow Owada surged forward, his bike roaring with power as a volcanic burst of flames erupted from the exhaust. The heat rushed toward Leprechaun like an inferno, but he was ready.
With a nimble roll to the side, he narrowly dodged the attack, feeling the rush of fire whip past him. Gathering his strength, he countered with a powerful kick that sent Owada sprawling forward, momentarily thrown off balance.
Seizing the opportunity, Makoto summoned another Persona, which materialized beside him in a flash of light.
"Thoth, Masukunda!" he commanded, and the air shimmered with energy as Thoth cast the spell. An ethereal mist enveloped his opponent, slowing his movements and causing his bike to sputter, much to the Shadow’s frustration.
"Damn it! What did you do!?" Mondo growled, struggling against the effects of the spell. But Leprechaun didn’t hesitate. He dashed forward, channeling all his determination into a single strike. With a swift uppercut, he connected with Mondo’s jaw, sending the Shadow reeling.
Before Mondo could recover, he followed up with a powerful slam, driving him into the ground with all the force he could muster. The impact reverberated through the tunnel, and for a brief moment, it felt like victory was within reach.
"Mondo, please!" Makoto shouted, his voice filled with desperation. "You don’t have to do this! Chihiro just wants to be himself!"
But the moment was fleeting. Mondo, fueled by anger and frustration, pushed himself back up with an explosive burst of energy.
"Shut up, NAEGI!" he roared, his voice laced with rage. In an instant, he unleashed a brutal combo of punches, each blow landing with crushing force that knocked the wind out of Leprechaun. He staggered back, struggling to keep his footing.
With a final fierce push, Mondo launched Leprechaun forward with his bike’s front wheel, sending him crashing into a nearby wall. Pain shot through Leprechaun’s body as he hit the ground hard, but he gritted his teeth and pushed himself back up, refusing to give in.
"I know you’re in there, Owada!" he yelled, trying to break through the haze of rage. "You’re stronger than this! Let us help you!"
"I don’t need your help! I’m already the strongest!" he bellowed, revving his engine again and preparing for another charge.
As Leprechaun slowly regained his composure, he barely had time to catch his breath before Shadow Mondo’s bike blurred forward, sliding through him like a ghost, flames licking at his sides.
The heat was almost unbearable, but before the Lucky Student could react, Shadow Mondo unleashed a powerful blast of Curse magic. The dark energy struck him squarely in the chest, knocking the wind out of him and sending him sprawling against the cold stone of the tunnel.
"Ugh!" Leprechaun gasped, feeling the sting of the attack wash over him. He struggled to rise to his feet, but Shadow Mondo wasn’t done yet.
With a fierce roar, the Biker Gang Leader jumped high into the air, his silhouette framed by the dim light of the Mementos tunnel. He dove down, fist outstretched, ready to strike.
But just as it seemed Leprechaun was out of options, Sleuth stepped forward, his own resolve ignited.
"Casanova, now!" he shouted, summoning his Persona and focusing all his energy into a well-aimed ice attack. "MABUFULA!"
A torrent of icy projectiles shot toward Shadow Owada, striking him mid-dive. The impact sent the monster careening off course, and in the nick of time, he released the Thieves' leader from his grasp, allowing him to crash to the ground.
"Thanks!" gasping for breath, Leprechaun quickly scrambled to his feet, grateful for Sleuth's quick thinking. He took a moment to shake off the remnants of Owada's magic before summoning another Persona. "Belphegor! Bufudyne!"
The air grew frigid as Belphegor unleashed a barrage of icy shards that hurtled toward Shadow Mondo. The ice slammed into the biker monster, encasing parts of his frame and slowing his movements. The bike sputtered and almost crashed against the wall, with Shadow Owada struggling to regain his control.
"Hah! Got 'em!" Leprechaun pumped his fist in triumph. However, in the rear, his sister did not look impressed, lowering her megaphone gun, and narrowing her eyes in...disgust.
"Makoto..." she raised her voice. "What...the hell is that thing?"
"What's what thing?"
"THAT!" she pointed at Belphegor. "What is THAT!?"
"It's a Persona I obtained recently," Makoto replied casually. "What?"
"Why...is it a demon...on a TOILET!?" Komaru did a karate chop motion with both her hands, her face curling in a disgusted scowl. "Why the hell do you HAVE something like that!?"
"Because it's really freaking strong, okay!?" Makoto suddenly began to feel a bit embarrassed. "I'm not the one who designed it!"
"Well, it does make sense..." Shuichi interjected. "Belphegor is a demon in Judaism, and people who follow that religion believe that soiled excrement was a suitable sacrifice for him. Also, there's a 19th century book, 'Dictionnaire infernal,' that includes a drawing of Belphegor seated on a toilet like it were a throne."
"WHY do you KNOW that!?" Hajime exclaimed.
"Well, if you ask me..." Kaede smirked a little, "like any good devil, he's plopping something diabolical."
"STOP IT!" Makoto snarled.
"Can we FOCUS!?" Toko shrieked at the top of her lungs, freezing everyone in place, as she angrily gestured towards Mondo's Shadow, who had gotten his bike working again, and was in the process of revving it up.
"Damn it!" Mondo shouted, rage flashing in his eyes as he struggled against the frost. "You think this will stop me!?"
He revved his bike, trying to break free from the icy grip, but the attack had left him vulnerable. As he shook it off, he charged forward again, his monstrous form a blur of rage and steel. Leprechaun knew he had to stay nimble, so as Shadow Owada swung his fists, he performed a quick dodge, flipping gracefully to land next to Usami and Razor.
"Now!" Makoto shouted, his heart racing. He called upon Belphegor once more. "Let's hit him with everything we've got!"
In unison, Razor and Usami reacted swiftly. Razor summoned her Persona, unleashing a blast of electrical energy. She shouted as a barrage of lightning shot toward Shadow Owada, while simultaneously, Usami channeled the energy of Psiodyne, sending a wave of psychic force bursting forth. Leprechaun attacked in tandem, unleashing a chilling surge of ice aimed straight at the Shadow.
However, Owada swerved with an agility that belied his bulky form, narrowly evading the attacks. Flames erupted from his bike as he countered with a fiery wave that surged toward the trio.
"Get out of the way!" Usami yelped. They dodged just in time, feeling the heat wash over them as the flames scorched the ground where they had just stood.
The battle quickly turned into a dance of strikes and counters, with Leprechaun and Mondo trading blows. Each time Mondo lunged at him, the Lucky Student focused not just on the fight, but on reaching the person beneath the Shadow.
"Mondo, you don't have to do this, seriously!" he pleaded. "I know this isn't what you want!"
"You don't know ANYTHING! I'm STRONG! STRONG! STROOOOONNNGG!" Mondo's eyes narrowed, and he sneered. His fists flew again, and Makoto narrowly ducked, feeling the rush of air as the biker’s blow whooshed past.
"This isn't about you being strong! You're just being a bully!" Leprechaun shot back, regaining his footing. "You're tearing him down! You're making him feel like he has to hide! That's not strength, Mondo! Real strength is accepting who you are and supporting others! You've done that every day since we met you, so why stop now!?"
With every word, Makoto felt the resolve in his heart grow stronger. Mondo may have been powerful, but he was also lost in a storm of his own making. The intensity of the fight fueled Makoto's determination to reach him.
X
"I know you care about him!" Makoto continued, evading another attack, "But you're letting your jealousy cloud your judgment! You're better than this!"
Mondo hesitated for a brief moment, anger flickering in his hollow eyes as he processed Makoto's words. It was enough for him to take advantage of the opening, and he launched himself forward, aiming a series of quick jabs at him while Razor and Usami provided backup, preparing their next wave of attacks.
"Let us help you!" Makoto urged, feeling the weight of their shared struggles, "You can't keep running away from this!"
Mondo's bike screeched to a halt as he crashed directly into Leprechaun, and they struggled in close quarters, their hands locked in a desperate, fierce grapple.
Leprechaun could feel the raw force of Mondo's inner turmoil through every push and shove. The others tensed, ready to help, but Makoto shook his head, signaling for them to hold back. He wasn't finished reaching him.
"I'm strong!" Shadow Owada gasped, "I'm strong...! Strong...! STRONG...!"
"Mondo, listen to me!" Makoto's voice was steady, but the weight of each word hit hard, "You think pushing Chihiro down is going to help you!? He's already had people do that to him his whole life! If you keep going, you're no different from the bullies who made him feel small, weak...like he couldn't be who he really is!"
Desire For Execution - Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Mondo's grip faltered, his expression flickering with conflict.
"Is that what you want!? Is that how you want him to remember you!?" the Lucky Student asks, trying to keep his tone level and serious, "For Chihiro to see you as just another bully!? The one who ruined everything for him!?"
For a moment, Mondo's breathing was ragged, his eyes wild with resistance, but Makoto could feel the change settling in.
Mondo's strength drained away as the impact of the words hit him. And finally, his grip loosened entirely, and the struggle ended.
Slowly, he powered down, the flames fading from his figure, and his monstrous form began to dissolve. The Hell Biker Shadow reverted to the normal Mondo, the hardened exterior replaced with a vulnerable look that softened as he turned away, unable to face the others.
He sank to the ground, his head bowed, hands limp at his sides. The weight of his actions seemed to press down on him like a leaden burden. The Phantom Thieves stood back, the tension in the air shifting, almost softened by Mondo's silence. He refused to turn back to them, but the slight slump in his shoulders spoke louder than any words could.
"I can't believe that actually worked..." Toko wiped her brow.
"Owada, please, talk to us," Usami, not wanting to waste the opportunity, rather surprised, and overjoyed, that they had a chance to end this conflict through words rather than through force, carefully approached, "Makoto is right. You are not a bully, or a bad person. So I cannot fathom what it is that would make you want to do all of this."
"The hell do you care...?" he asked quietly, "why don't you just take my Treasure and get lost?"
"Because understanding what's going on is more important than some dumb trinket you're going to spit out," Makoto asserted, removing his mask again, "come on Mondo. We're friends and classmates aren't we?"
Mondo remained silent. Makoto took a breath, stepping forward to stand at his side.
"I know you don't want to do this to Chihiro. But you still have the chance to help him," he said, his tone softer now, "You can still be the kind of person he believes you are."
Mondo let out a shaky sigh as he looked down, avoiding the others' gazes.
"Fine...You kinda won this fight, so I guess it's time I tell you everything," he muttered.
He shifted his position, still remaining cross-legged on the floor, but turning himself around to face them. Although, he didn't lift his head, keeping the tip of his pompadour aimed at the ground.
Welcome to Despair Academy - Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
"There was a time when I wasn't the leader of the Crazy Diamonds. That was all my brother's doin'...Daiya Owada. He...He built the gang from the ground up. People thought I had it easy 'cause of him, but growin' up, I was always in his shadow, just tryin' to keep up." Mondo paused, clenching his fists. "Fuck, man, I'd give anything to be like him."
He took a moment, his jaw tightening as he worked through the memories.
"When I was finally old enough, Daiya let me ride with him. It felt like...like I was finally someone. We'd ride through town, and people would just clear out of our way. But I was always at the back of the pack. I didn't mind much, 'cause just bein' there with him was enough...but it didn't last long."
"What happened?" Mozart asked. She and the others watched as Mondo's shoulders slumped, his gaze shifting even further downward.
"I thought...if I just pushed harder...if I became stronger, then maybe one day, I'd be worthy to ride by his side," he swallowed, visibly tense as he continued. "My big bro saw that I wanted it, so he gave me a shot. Said he was thinkin' of retirin' from the Diamonds, passin' the torch to me."
At this, Mondo's face darkened.
"On his retirement night, we held a party, and I...I challenged him to a race. I didn't know if I could lead the gang without his blessin', and part o' me wanted to prove to him...to everyone...that I was strong enough. It was supposed to be a simple race, but I got reckless...tried to push past him...went straight into oncomin' traffic."
"You mean...!?" Makoto was pretty much able to piece together the rest of the story just from these context clues.
Mondo's hands shook slightly as he balled them into fists.
"Daiya saw what was happenin' and...he saved me. Pushed me outta the way, straight into a car," his voice wavered, and his expression grew haunted. "He died right there. And with his last breath, he told me not to blame myself. He told me to lead the Diamonds, just like he planned. I never told anyone what really happened. They think he just had an accident that night. They wouldn't have wanted me if they knew it was my fault."
The room fell silent, and even Monomi, usually cheerful and comforting, seemed somber.
"That's..." Highwayman clutched the brim of her hat. "I'm...very sorry to hear about that."
"Yes," Sleuth did the same, removing his hat and holding it respectfully. "That's not something I would want anyone to go through."
"Still, it doesn't explain everything you did," Lab-Rat crossed his arms. "Your brother's dead. So what!? What right does that give you to pick on Chihiro!?"
"Hajime!" Usami snapped.
"What!?" he spat back. "I'm right, aren't I?"
"Nah...he's right...It ain't an excuse..." Mondo leaned back against the wall, his gaze unfocused, as if lost in his own haunted thoughts. "Y'know...all this time, I thought strength was about keepin' things in, bearin' the weight without lettin' anyone see ya stumble. I thought as long as I kept Daiya's secret...my secret...that somehow, I was carryin' on his legacy. But Chihiro..."
Mondo's voice cracked slightly, and he clenched his fists so tightly it looked as if the veins in them might burst.
"He ain't hidin' anything for himself. He's out here, tryin' to find his own way, fightin' with himself openly in a way I sure as shit've never been able to do," he groaned, looking as if he might cry. "And it's...it's brave as hell...Braver than anything I've ever done."
"So...you were jealous of him after all..." Sandbox sighed.
"I've spent so long buryin' my weaknesses, pretendin' they weren't there. Every time I doubted myself, I just pushed harder to make myself look strong," Mondo affirmed. "But when I saw Chihiro willin' to change, puttin' 'emself out there like that...it scared me. I was afraid that maybe, all this time, I'd been lyin' to myself. That he was becomin' someone I could never be."
The vulnerability in his voice felt raw, and for a moment, the confident façade Mondo had built around himself all these years cracked, exposing the survivor's guilt and the envy he'd buried so deeply.
"But instead of respectin' him for that, I let myself get jealous. I couldn't stand the idea of him actually bein' stronger than me," he hissed. "It made me angry, y'know? Like...irrationally angry. So I just...I lashed out, did whatever I could to stop him from bein' more than me."
Makoto watched him carefully, feeling a deep ache in his chest.
Mondo's strength had always been his defining quality, but he could see now that it had turned into a cage...an ideal Mondo had trapped himself within, unable to escape without tearin' down everything he'd built. And Chihiro, despite his own insecurities, had found the courage to step outside of his comfort zone.
As Mondo's voice broke, the Phantom Thieves shared a heavy glance, the weight of his story settling over them. Shuichi was the first to step forward, his voice soft but resolute.
"Owada-san...you don't have to carry that burden alone," he asserted. "I know how it feels to think you're the cause of something terrible. It can eat you alive if you don't let people in."
"I don't need yer fuckin' pity...!" Mondo let out a shaky breath, looking away. "You think tellin' me that's gonna fix anything!? It doesn't change the fact that I let my own brother die..."
Makoto clenched his fists, swallowing back his own emotion as he stepped forward.
"No one here's trying to fix you, Mondo. We're here because we care, not just about Chihiro, but about you too. We're here because Chihiro deserves to make his own choices, and you deserve to stop punishin' yourself," Makoto met Mondo's gaze steadily, his voice softer. "Surely you don't honestly think Daiya would have wanted this for you?"
Mondo glared at him, but his anger seemed to flicker and die as he absorbed the words.
"You...You didn't know him," he scowled. "You don't know what he'd want."
"But isn't it obvious?" Kaede stepped in, her tone surprisingly gentle. "Daiya wanted you to move on. He wanted you to lead the Crazy Diamonds. If he had enough faith in you to hand you everything he'd built, don't you think he'd believe in the person you could become?"
Mondo's shoulders slumped, the fight visibly leaving him.
"I...I dunno," he muttered.
"You keep ranting and raving about being the strongest, but you're letting your fear control you this whole time. Is it any wonder that you think Chihiro's stronger than you?" Toko, being blunt as ever and not showing much outward sympathy, gestured behind her. "But that's not an excuse for you to keep holding him back...you're no better than the people who dragged you down if that's how you wanna play it."
The words struck deep, and Mondo gritted his teeth, his face twisted with an inner conflict. Monomi floated closer, her usually bright expression now serious.
"Mondo-kun, when people care about someone, they let them grow!" she said. "Even if it's scary! Don't you want Chihiro to be his best self?"
Mondo ran a hand through his hair, visibly wrestling with the thoughts that tore at him.
"You guys don't understand. I...I don't want him to look up to me. He'd be looking up to a fraud," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "If I'm the reason my own brother isn't here anymore, then what kinda person does that make me?"
Makoto took a step closer, compassion filling his gaze.
"It makes you human, Mondo," he asserted. "Chihiro looks up to you because of the strength he sees in you, not because you're perfect. But he'll only keep getting stronger if you let him grow, just like Daiya wanted you to."
Mondo's eyes flickered with a complicated mix of emotions. He turned away, looking at the ground, then back up at Makoto.
"Fine. I'll...I'll back off. I'll let him do what he wants," his voice was rough but genuine. "But it ain't easy, okay? And don't expect me to be...good at this."
Mondo looked up, his face shadowed with a mix of relief and fear. The Phantom Thieves gathered around him, and Makoto put a steadying hand on his shoulder.
"Listen though," Makoto said gently but firmly. "We get why you did it. And we're sorry that you had to suffer in silence like this for such a long time. But hurting Chihiro to protect yourself, no matter what you've been through...that's not the way. You've gotta take responsibility. If anyone can handle it, it's you."
"Being strong isn't about covering up your mistakes; it's about facing them," Toko said, her words sharper than her usual tone, but her eyes compassionate. "You don't have to carry everything by yourself. But you do have to come clean. That's the only way forward."
"The Crazy Diamonds respect you for who you are, Owada-san," Shuichi nodded in agreement. "But true strength is about honesty, too. They'll understand, and so will Chihiro. He looked up to you, after all. Maybe it's time to be the person he saw in you."
Mondo's eyes flickered between them, absorbing each word. It was clear he'd never faced himself in this way before, and the weight of his actions now fully settled on him.
"You guys...Thanks." He looked at Makoto, a mix of gratitude and lingering doubt. "I'm scared as hell of what this'll mean. Tellin' Chihiro, my gang, everyone..."
He let out a breath, his voice wavering.
"But maybe...maybe I can finally do something right for once."
"You're already doing the right thing," Makoto smiled, his encouragement unwavering. "Maybe I'm not an expert on this stuff, but it takes guts to face your fears and own up. And I think you'll find that those who care about you won't turn away, no matter what."
With a final nod, Mondo took a deep breath, seeming to draw strength from their words. He wasn't entirely certain of what lay ahead, but in the faces of his friends and in their unwavering support, he found a spark of courage he hadn't felt in years.
He looked around at the Phantom Thieves, glowing blue with light, each of them sharing in his burden and ready to help him make things right. And with that, his path toward redemption became a little clearer.
With one final nod, he disappeared, leaving behind a single item...a white leather jacket, with his gang's symbol on the back.
Makoto quickly grabbed it and turned his gaze to the lights in the sky that slowly faded, as Mondo's Shadow returned to his real self.
X
Shortly after that, the Phantom Thieves took care of some more minor business before splitting off. Hajime, Komaru, and Monomi returned to the Thieves' Den, while Makoto, Toko, Shuichi, Kaede, and Chiaki returned to Hope's Peak Academy.
It didn't take long for them to step into the school building and immediately be greeted by Junko.
"Yo! There you guys are!" she cried, darting over to them. "Hell, I've been looking all over for you guys!"
"Junko!?" Makoto exclaimed as she appeared out of nowhere. "What's up? You look panicked."
"Bruh, some CRAZY stuff just happened!" Junko exclaimed. "So, the security department was questioning Chihiro in our homeroom. And Taka-kun was with them too, trying to get to the bottom of who thrashed the lab."
"Actually," Kaede said, "we think we know the answer to that. It was—"
"Mondo, right?" Junko interrupted.
"Um...Y-Yeah, how did you...?" Kaede began to ask, but even as Junko went to answer, she quickly realized where it was going.
"The madman just barged into the room during the investigation and spilled the beans! He said he was the one thrashing up the lab 'cause he was trying to sabotage Chihiro!" Junko exclaimed. "Come on! You guys gotta come see!"
She didn’t really wait for a response, but the team quickly followed after her as she darted off down the hall.
As the door creaked open, Junko led the group into the tense classroom, where the aftermath of Mondo's confession was unfolding.
Makoto had expected it to be this way the moment Junko mentioned his name, but Taka was visibly distraught. His face flushed with hurt, his voice sharp with betrayal.
"Bro! How...how...even could you!?" Taka's voice wavered, both angry and pained. "We trusted you! I trusted you! How could you let it come to this!? Please! MAKE ME UNDERSTAND!"
Tears streamed down his face as he struggled to reconcile the friend he knew with the actions Mondo had confessed to. Honestly, given the situation, the reaction seemed a little bit over the top. But this was Taka, after all. It was always 100% with him.
Headmaster Jin Kirigiri stood nearby, his gaze stern yet thoughtful, watching the scene with a sense of gravity. Members of the Hope's Peak security division, including Juzo, were posted around the room, their presence underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Mondo, standing in the center of it all, faced his accusers with downcast eyes, every ounce of bravado stripped away. The weight of his confession pressed on him visibly.
If nothing else, the change of heart had worked very quickly. Likely because Mondo himself wasn't a complete and total distorted freak like the likes of Towa or Tsumura.
Makoto suddenly spotted Chihiro near the back of the room, looking uncertain and shaken, a mix of sadness and confusion clouding his expression. That expression shifted to one of hope once he spotted Makoto and his friends by the door.
Quickly and quietly, Makoto moved to his side, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. Chihiro glanced up, his eyes full of questions he hadn't yet asked, but grateful for Makoto's presence.
"I'm sorry," Mondo said, his voice low but unwavering. He looked around the room, catching each person's gaze, lingering especially on Kiyotaka and Chihiro. "I did things I ain't proud of. I let my own jealousy and fear get the better o' me, and I hurt people who didn't deserve it. It was wrong, and I'll take whatever punishment you think I deserve."
Taka took a shaky breath, wiping his eyes with his sleeve, but his hurt remained etched deeply on his face.
"Mondo, I...I thought you were someone I could look up to. Someone strong, someone who understood what it meant to protect others," his voice softened, almost breaking. "But...this isn't what real strength is."
Mondo's shoulders slumped, each word from his friend landing heavily. His gaze fell to the ground.
"You're right, bro. I messed up...worse than I ever thought I could," he said. "And I don't expect anyone to forgive me. I'm just...I'm just here to make things right, however I can."
"Owada, what you did was a breach of trust not only to your classmates but to yourself," Jin finally spoke, his voice steady yet not unkind. "Accepting responsibility is the first step, and we'll work with you to determine a fair consequence. But understand that actions like these, intended or not, impact everyone around you. Destroying important school property is not something you can be let off lightly for."
Mondo nodded, a bit of relief in his expression.
"Above all else though," Jin continued, "if this really was an act of sabotage as you claimed, the first thing we want from you is to apologize to Fujisaki."
Mondo nodded again, and his eyes settled on Chihiro. The programmer flinched a little, though whether that was because attention was now on him or because of Mondo's intimidating glare was unclear. But the silence hung in the air as he took a deep breath, his voice softer now.
"Chihiro...I'm sorry. What I did to you was completely selfish, and I did it all 'cause I was scared. I should'a believed in you, and supported you, instead of tryin' to control you. I get it if...if you never forgive me, but just know that...I can never be the kind of person that you look up to...not anymore."
Chihiro's gaze softened, and he looked down, biting his lip. He didn't speak, but a glimmer of understanding began to form in his eyes. Makoto stayed close by, a comforting presence at his side as they all processed the difficult truth.
The tension in the room shifted unexpectedly as Chihiro stepped forward, his quiet voice carrying through the silence.
"Mondo...I'm the one who's sorry," he began, glancing down and clutching his hands. "I didn't realize how much pressure you must have felt because of me."
Mondo looked up, startled.
"What? N-No, don't apologize! This ain't your fault!" his voice trembled, frustration and guilt simmering in his eyes. But Chihiro held his gaze, steady and sincere.
"No. I pushed forward without realizing how much my actions affected you..." he shook his head. "I made things difficult for you without understanding your struggles."
"Chihiro," Mondo said, his voice thick. "You're...You're stronger than I could ever be. You don't need to apologize for being brave."
"But you ARE strong," Chihiro shook his head, looking Mondo straight in the eyes. "You always have been. And I believe in that strength, even if you doubt it. You're capable of more than you think, and you can overcome this too. You'll make things right. I know you will."
Mondo's fists clenched, his heart battling a storm of emotions as he struggled to accept Chihiro's kindness.
"But...after all I did, I...I don't deserve it," he whispered, his voice breaking.
Chihiro smiled softly.
"You do. And I forgive you. All of it."
Mondo swallowed hard, his vision blurring as he wiped his eyes roughly.
"Dude...thank you. I don't deserve this mercy," he grunted. "But...thank you."
Headmaster Jin stepped forward, addressing Mondo with a firm but compassionate tone.
"Well, there, that takes care of that," he said. "But listen, Owada, while we can see your remorse, actions have consequences. Effective immediately, you're suspended for a month. During this time, you're not permitted on campus."
Mondo nodded, accepting the decision without resistance.
"Yeah, I got it. Thanks for not...y'know...bootin' me out outright," he said, his voice steady.
"You were invited to this academy as the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader. Acts of denial and rage towards authority figures is to be expected," Jin reminded him. "Just please, never let us catch you doing something like this again, or else it very well may be the last straw."
As Mondo turned to leave, he stopped near Makoto. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out Makoto's phone and pressed it into his hand.
"Here. I wasn't plannin' on keeping this or anything. I just panicked. I...I'm sorry for draggin' you into this, Makoto," he said. "I'll make it up to you, somehow."
Makoto took the phone with a nod, meeting Mondo's eyes.
"Just so I'm sure," Makoto asked, trying not to appear shifty about it. "You...didn't happen to open my phone and see anything on it, did you?"
"Nah, I didn't try. Not like I could'a figured out the password even if I wanted to," Mondo shrugged. "Why? You got like...8 tetabytes of porn on there?"
"No! And also it's TERAbytes," Makoto punched his arm, embarrassed.
Mondo chuckled, shrugging off the hit. Makoto sighed, shaking his head, then met Mondo's listless gaze again.
"Just keep moving forward, Owada," he said. "That's all any of us want."
With that, Mondo gave a final nod to his friends and walked out.
As Mondo left the classroom, the atmosphere remained heavy with a mix of relief and concern. Taka stood frozen for a moment, his expression a whirlwind of emotions—namely shock, anger, and sadness. Tears glistened in his eyes, and he clenched his fists at his sides, struggling to process the situation.
"Why would he do something like that? He...He could never-! I DON'T UNDERSTAAHAHAAND!" his voice cracked as he spoke, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
"There, there...Quit crying, you moron..." Toko rubbed his back, offering a semblance of comfort. "Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is that he realizes it now, right?"
"Mondo's actions were wrong, but he's taken a step to make things right again," Shuichi added. "It's not easy to face your demons like that."
"And remember, he's going to need support when he's back," Kaede chimed in, trying to lighten the mood a bit. "This isn't the end for him; it's a chance for a new beginning."
Taka wiped his eyes, reluctantly allowing himself to be comforted by his friends, feeling their support wrap around him like a warm blanket. Meanwhile, Chihiro, still processing the whirlwind of emotions, turned to Makoto with a determined look.
X
"Hey...Makoto, can we talk? Just us, outside?"
Makoto nodded, sensing the urgency in Chihiro's voice. He followed Chihiro out of the classroom, the two stepping into the quieter hallway.
Once outside, Chihiro leaned against the wall, his expression shifting to one that was a mix of curiosity and hope.
X
"So...be honest...did you and the Phantom Thieves really change Mondo's heart?"
Makoto hesitated for a moment, a playful smile creeping onto his face.
"Well, we might have had a little help from some persuasive tactics," he said, trying to keep the mood light. Chihiro raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced.
"Come on, Makoto. I can tell there's more to it," he pursed his lips. "Why did you do it?"
The question hung in the air between them, heavy with the weight of sincerity. Makoto took a breath, his tone shifting as he met Chihiro's gaze.
"Honestly? It was for your sake...and for Mondo's too. I didn't want to do it at first; it felt wrong to force someone to confront their issues like that...And it's not as if Mondo is a bad guy like the rest of our targets," he said. "But seeing how much he was hurting and how he was trying to hold you back...I knew we had to intervene."
Chihiro nodded, taking in Makoto's words.
"That makes sense. It was really hard for Mondo, and I can't imagine what he was going through," he acknowledged. "But you went through all that trouble...for me?"
"Of course," Makoto replied, his voice firm. "You matter to me. Helping you find your voice, and seeing Mondo realize what he was doing to you...that was more important than anything else. It was the right choice."
Chihiro looked away for a moment, a mix of emotions flickering across his face...gratitude, surprise, and something deeper.
"I can't believe you'd go that far for my sake," he said. "I'm not sure I deserve it."
Chihiro looked down at his shoes, as if he felt guilty. He had already put all the weight of what happened on himself, taking the blame when he really shouldn't have. Now, it seemed like he felt responsible for pushing Makoto and his teammates to change Mondo's heart.
Even though he had been their biggest supporter this whole time, he clearly felt bad about it, and had no desire, nor intention, to use the team's abilities for his own personal benefit. But Makoto wasn't sure how to convey this to him.
*I should choose my words carefully...* he thought.
PLATONIC ENDING
Beautiful Lie - Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
"Everyone deserves that kind of support," Makoto insisted. "You're stronger than you think. You just needed someone to remind you of that, to help you see it for yourself."
He turned to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"And hey, the Phantom Thieves have gotta have their fans, right?" he said. "I'm not joking when I say that you're probably the most important part of our escapades."
"What do you mean?" Chihiro asked.
"Okay, so this is gonna sound a little bit ridiculous, but the way our powers and abilities as Phantom Thieves work is that our power rises along with our reputation. The more the world notices us, the more threatening we become to our enemies," Makoto tried to explain, his voice earnest. "You're our biggest fan, and you made the PhanSite. You believe in us, and that belief is powerful. You not only make us stronger, but you remind us why we fight and what we're fighting for."
"Hm...Yeah, that sounds kind of ridiculous...But I'll take your word for it," Chihiro said, looking a bit shy, his cheeks coloring. "But I'm just a fan at the end of the day...I don't do anything special."
"Not true!" Makoto insisted, leaning closer. "Your support gives us strength. You see the best in people, even when they don't see it in themselves. You have a unique perspective that inspires all of us. And your technical skills? They're invaluable! You help us plan and strategize, and that makes a real difference."
Chihiro's eyes widened in surprise, the weight of Makoto's words sinking in.
"I never thought about it that way..." he admitted.
"Think about how much you helped us when we first started! You've always been there, cheering us on from the sidelines, believing in us even when we doubted ourselves. That matters," Makoto continued. "The way you support others is a strength all on its own. One that you'll always have, regardless of whether you choose to be a guy or a girl."
Chihiro felt a warmth spreading through him, his heart swelling with appreciation.
"I...I really appreciate you saying that," he nodded with a fluster. "I've always wanted to contribute, but sometimes I felt like I was just a side character in all of this."
"You're not a side character, Chihiro. You're integral to our team, even if you're not a member directly. You're like...an honorary Phantom Thief," Makoto emphasized. "The Phantom Thieves wouldn't be the same without you. And as you embrace your own identity, I hope you realize how strong and important you truly are...not just to us, but to yourself."
"I want to believe that," Chihiro nodded slowly, the doubt in his expression beginning to fade. "I want to be someone who can stand up for myself and others."
"You will be," Makoto assured him, a confident smile lighting up his face. "And I'll be right there to support you, just like you've always supported us. You've got this."
Chihiro bit his lip, touched by Makoto's words.
"Thank you. It's just...I've struggled for so long with my identity and what it means to be me. I'm still scared about what comes next," he sighed. "But with friends like you, I think I can handle it."
"You're not alone in this. And you never will be," Makoto smiled, relief washing over him. "No matter what happens, we'll face it together. The Phantom Thieves have your back."
"Yeah! Together, we can face anything!" Chihiro's eyes brightened with renewed determination.
ROMANTIC ENDING
The AI And The Heart - Persona 5 Strikers
"Okay..." Makoto sighed, a slight pink tinge crawling across his face, which slowly deepened in color. "To be honest, I did have my own reasons for sticking by you...But...please, just don't be weirded out."
"Huh?" Chihiro frowned. "Why would I be weirded out? What's the problem?"
"There's no problem, trust me," Makoto chuckled awkwardly. "Just...look, this isn't easy for me to say outright, but...it's because, putting all the Phantom Thief stuff aside...I...I like you..."
"Aw... Makoto...!" Chihiro beamed. "That's really sweet of you!"
"N-No, you don't understand," Makoto sighed, shaking his head as it went even redder. "I LIKE you..."
"H-Huh?" the programmer tilted his head.
"Look...If I asked you to go out with me," Makoto said slowly, "would you...at least consider it? It's okay if the answer is no...I totally understand..."
"Um...By going out..." Chihiro's brow furrowed as he scratched his head, surprisingly oblivious to Makoto's advance. "Do you mean you want to invite me out on a mission or something?"
"N-No, definitely not...As much as I'd like to, it's too dangerous," Makoto sighed. "I'm asking if you would be my partner."
"Your...partner?" Chihiro's eyes lit up. "You mean you want me to officially join your team!? As like...an Oracle or something!?"
"That's not...Well, that does sound good actually. You being our internet-savvy informant would be pretty helpful," Makoto considered. "But no, you're not getting me..."
Though the gesture made him die a little inside, he reached out and held the Ultimate Programmer by his tiny hands.
"Chihiro," he said, refusing to break eye contact, "I'm asking you to be my ROMANTIC partner. I'm asking you if you want to go out on a DATE."
There was a pause. A pause that lasted for what seemed like forever as Chihiro quietly blinked and processed all this information.
For someone so smart, he was adorably oblivious. But once the implications sunk in, his face went bright red, like some fuzzy, cute tomato.
"Huh...HUUUUUUUUUUH!?" he squealed, legs and hands trembling.
"H-Hear me out! J-Just for a second... please...?" Makoto couldn't help but grin. "Maybe there's something inappropriate about this, but...I feel really relaxed when I'm with you. I always think about you in the back of my mind, even when you're not there. With someone of your charisma, I'm sure you'd find a partner easily, but the thought of not staying by your side..."
He paused, took a breath, and shook his head.
"I dunno...I don't like it..." he said. "Look, if the answer is no, just tell me. I can take rejection, believe me."
"H-Hold on a second!" Chihiro stammered frantically. "Y-You DO remember that I'm not a girl, right!?"
"Yes," Makoto nodded. "I remember...Of course I remember..."
"So you're not-"
"I'm not about to treat you as anything other than what you are. You're kind, you're cute, and you're a boy. And I like you for all of that."
"So even though we're...?"
"Look, I'm surprised myself," Makoto shook his head. "I know this is coming out of nowhere, but it seriously doesn't matter what gender you are to me. I like you for who you are, not what you are, and whether you're a boy or a girl doesn't matter to me, because you're STILL Chihiro Fujisaki. I know that this is a little sudden though, so again, if you want to say no..."
"N-No! That's not-! I-I mean...!" Chihiro whimpered, and Makoto caught a glimpse of a smile that he tried to hide with his hands. "You're...really serious...aren't you?"
"I'm always serious when it comes to you," Makoto assured him. "You make me happy. And...I want to make you happy too."
"Jeez..." Chihiro flushed, no longer hiding his smile. "I never quite realized just how suddenly you decide to do things, Makoto-kun. You changed Mondo's heart to protect me, and then you drop this on me all of a sudden..."
"Is that..." Makoto rubbed the back of his head, "weird?"
"N-No, of course not!" Chihiro exclaimed. "I just...I don't know if I have the mental capacity to manage this sudden overload of information."
"Then I'd be glad to give you time to sit on it," Makoto smiled at him. "I've already decided that I want to spend more time with you, now, and hopefully forever."
"F-Forever!?" Chihiro floundered, going so red that it was surprising steam wasn't coming out of his ears.
"Oops, that uh...came out weird..." Makoto covered his face. "I guess I-"
"Y-Yes! I accept!" Chihiro blurted out suddenly, catching him by surprise. "I...I accept. I will...heh...happily go out with you."
Makoto's eyes widened, and it took him a moment to process the fact that he'd just agreed to his confession. Then, an overwhelming feeling of joy took hold of his body.
"A-Awesome...!" was all he could say.
Silence followed, but Chihiro stuck out his hand, trembling slightly, in front of him, and held it open. In understanding, Makoto reached out, held it, and the pair interlocked fingers.
"This is strange..." Chihiro chuckled quietly. "I'm...so scared...to actually tell people who I really am, but somehow...this is just as scary..."
"Yeah, well..." Makoto chuckled back. "At least we share in this nervousness, hehe..."
The mood dissipated as Kaede and Junko found the duo standing outside, both looking a bit more resolved than before. Kaede walked over with a curious smile.
"Everything okay out here?" she asked. "What sort of secret convo were you guys having?"
"That's none of your business," Makoto replied, trying to sound casual while shooting Chihiro a look. "We were just catching up, nothing big."
"Well, glad to hear it," Junko gave them a playful smirk. "Oh, and I figured you guys should know. Mondo told everyone where he stashed those missing clothes, so no more scavenger hunts needed. I guess he really is trying to make amends."
"That's great to hear," Chihiro said softly, then he looked up at Kaede with newfound determination in his eyes. "Akamatsu-chan, I apologize for repeating the question, but would you...would you still help me with my look? I really do want to take this next step."
Kaede's face lit up. She reached out, giving his shoulder a gentle, encouraging squeeze.
"Of course, Chihiro-senpai! I'd be honored!" her eyes sparkled as she added, "So, what style are we going for?"
Chihiro hesitated for a moment, glancing down with a nervous smile.
"Something that feels more...me," he said. "Maybe shorter and a little less like I'm hiding, if that makes sense? I want to feel like I can just be myself."
"Sounds like we have a real makeover on our hands!" Kaede grinned. "Let's do this!"
X
The classroom was buzzing with murmurs as Class 78-A gathered, everyone exchanging glances and whispers about the situation that had occurred earlier, rumors of which had spread like wildfire. Leon leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, looking confused.
"I still can't believe it. Mondo got suspended?" he pursed his lips. "Yeah, he was a rough 'n tough guy who definitely wasn't school material, but I thought he was practically invincible. He was a good dude after all."
"Maybe someone finally called him out on his temper," Byakuya remarked, raising an eyebrow. He looked unimpressed, though his eyes showed faint curiosity about the meeting.
"But what does that have to do with us?" Hina shrugged, glancing around the room. "I would get it if we were here to hear Taka lecture us on the importance of behavior, but why did Makoto want us all here?"
"Don't ask me," Hiro said with a shrug. "Speaking of which, Taka, what do you think?"
Taka didn't respond immediately. He was still clearly distraught over what had happened. Junko rolled her eyes.
"Oh, for God's sake, it's not like he died or some bullshit," she hissed. "Cheer up, sad sack."
Sayaka leaned forward, watching Makoto.
"You know something, don't you?" she asked. Makoto just smiled, keeping his gaze on the door.
"All I'll say is to sit tight," he told her. "We're waiting for one more person."
"You seem awfully pleased with yourself," Kyoko noted, observing Makoto closely. Makoto only gave her a small, secretive smile, his excitement barely contained.
A few of the others exchanged intrigued glances, now more curious than ever. He could feel their anticipation building, and just as he was about to respond, he heard footsteps approaching the door. Makoto straightened, turning toward the sound.
"Alright, everyone," he said, his smile widening. "Here he comes."
With that, Chihiro stepped into the classroom, Kaede close behind, both of them beaming with quiet pride. Kaede more so, since Chihiro's smile appeared to be more nervous.
"And...VOILA!" Kaede got on one knee and made jazz hands at the young lad next to her.
The change in the Ultimate Programmer was subtle yet undeniable. His usually longer, softer hair had been trimmed and styled with a bit more shape, giving his features a sharper look, and his outfit was more streamlined, leaning toward a classic, understated style. He took a breath, scanning the room of expectant faces, before his voice broke the silence.
"So? What do you think?"
Beautiful Days - Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
For a moment, everyone just stared, their surprise tangible. Hina's eyes widened, and Leon blinked a few times as if processing what he was seeing. Taka narrowed his eyes, looking thoroughly confused. Kyoko's gaze was steady, studying Chihiro intently, while Hiro muttered something about how he hadn't predicted this either.
"Whoa, man, this is...I mean...I dunno, it's different," Leon stammered, scratching the back of his head.
"I mean, it's a GOOD different, but...what, are you getting into crossdressing or something, Miss Fujisaki?" Hifumi scratched his head. "You're...quite good at it."
"Just...the opposite, actually," Chihiro looked around at each of them, then took a deep breath. "I wanted to tell you all the truth. There's something I've been hiding, and...well, I don't want to hide it anymore."
The room grew quiet, everyone's focus now solely on Chihiro. Makoto, though he wasn't sure if Chihiro saw him, gave a confident nod and thumbs up from the rear.
"This...is how I SHOULD look..." he said, his voice barely above a whisper, though it rang loud and clear. "I know it must be confusing, and I didn't want to keep lying to everyone. But hiding made me feel weaker. And...I want to be strong. I want to be someone who can face things honestly, no matter how hard it is."
There was silence. But it didn't last for long.
"Aaah! Now I get it! So you were actually a boy this whole time. My, that's quite interesting! Thank you for sharing this fact!" Hifumi quietly chortled before suddenly screaming, "WHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTT!?"
"Wh-What the FUCK!?" Leon spat.
"You're..." Hiro's eyes widened, "You're joking, right? This is like, a prank or something?"
"Well, wouldn't that be in poor taste if it was a prank?" Chihiro trembled, looking like he might cry from interpreting the reaction the wrong way, but to his credit, he still held his ground. "No, this isn't a joke. I'm completely serious."
"Yep, he's serious," Junko added. "The whole mess this morning? Kinda leading up to this."
"W-Wait! Hold on a second!" Hina cried. "Sorry, I'm lagging behind a little bit. Are you trying to say you transitioned? Because...that's cool! I'm proud of you! It's just so sudden..."
"Thank you, but...no, that's not it. I have been a boy this whole time, and have always identified as one. But ever since you met me, I've been dressing and pretending to be a girl," Chihiro elaborated. "Now you all know the truth, and if you need further confirmation, you can check my e-Handbook. It has my gender listed as male in it."
"Th-Then..." Taka, having suddenly gotten over his despair in the face of the sudden shock of the reveal, "It's TRUUUE!?"
"I knew it felt a little...off..." Byakuya fiddled with his glasses. "There was a certain incongruity to your 'female' body..."
"Adam's apple?" Junko asked.
"Among other things," he clarified.
"I have to admit, I'm impressed," Celeste smirked. "To have kept up that facade for such a long time...A year and a half, if I'm doing my math right..."
"Oh, I've been keeping up this facade for far longer than that," Chihiro sighed. "But recently, things in life started changing. And...you guys are my friends...so I didn't want to feel like I was deceiving you or anything..."
He lowered his head, shamefully.
"We are...friends...right?"
"Hm?" Mukuro frowned. "Why would we not be?"
"Well, as Celeste said, I did kind of lie to you about all of this...And if I were in your shoes, I'd definitely find all of this weird..." he sighed. "I just...this is pretty unnatural, isn't it? I figured I owed it all to you guys to tell you the truth, but...I did fully expect that some of you might be weirded out or find me gross or something like that..."
"Why would you ever think that?" Sayaka asked with a frown.
"W-Well, because—"
"Chihiro..." she cut him off. "I'm sorry, this is really surprising, but...what about this makes you think we would hold it against you? Or that this is 'unnatural'?"
"Well...the lying mostly..." Chihiro admitted. "And the fact that this has probably rattled everyone."
He gestured mainly to Taka, Leon, Hiro, and Hifumi, whose expressions of shock had not shifted. They were, indeed, rattled, but Sayaka shook her head.
"Well, why DID you keep this to yourself?" Mukuro asked. "Assuming you don't mind telling us?"
"Th-That's kind of a long story..." Chihiro sighed again. "The short end of it is when I was younger, people made me feel insecure, since I...well...wasn't exactly the manliest man. So I figured...if I started dressing as and pretending to be a girl, it would..."
"Get people off your case?" Toko finished the sentence.
"Ah yes, toxic masculinity!" Junko cooed sarcastically. "It's NEVER problematic!"
"Anyway, that did help...for a time..." Chihiro continued. "But as I grew older, and as I got to spend time with you all...a different kind of insecurity came through, and...I started to feel like I was lying to all of you about who I really was, even though I cared about you all...I'm really sorry for that...I just...wasn't strong enough..."
"But even if it took a while...you still told us, right?" Kyoko smiled gently, as much as she could muster, at least. "It takes a great deal of courage to take a step like this. You should be proud of yourself."
"Well...I can't claim to be strong, even now," he blushed. "I had a lot of help."
"You seem to be taking this in stride," Byakuya remarked. "It's like nothing affects you. An ice-cold woman, even now..."
"I don't see you overreacting either," Kyoko bit back.
"Well, to be fair, knowing Kyoko-senpai..." Kaede laughed. "I bet she somehow already figured it out."
"I had a hunch...but nothing concrete to go off of," Kyoko admitted.
"Um, I'm just curious, but..." Makoto stepped forward, scanning her. "What gave you that hunch?"
"Chihiro's demeanor when dealing with boys, I suppose," Kyoko explained. "I chalked that up to shyness, but you seemed far more comfortable when around boys. A girl with a personality like that felt a bit out of place to me...so I put two and two together."
"Yes, I was wondering about that myself," Sakura added. "I always wondered why you were so hesitant to spend time with Hina and me while we were training. I suppose now, it all makes sense."
"I'm very sorry about that," Chihiro apologized. "There were some activities I just couldn't do around girls, period...I'm sure I seemed like a creep to you...I'm sorry."
"It was nothing like that...I'm just glad the mystery is solved," Kyoko smirked.
"I have to admit it," Byakuya shook his head. "Your willingness to face yourself and admit the truth is something I can't help but respect."
"R-Really?" Chihiro's eyes widened. "This...doesn't bother you...at all?"
"Of course! You're seriously amazing!" Hina nodded, beaming. "I think it makes you even stronger!"
"Dude, I didn't see it coming, but yeah. That's pretty damn cool of you," Leon, still recovering from the revelation, managed a smirk.
"You've demonstrated remarkable courage, Chihiro-chan-Uh-! -kun!" Taka, teary-eyed, saluted. "I'm honored to call you my classmate!"
"Th-Thank you!" Chihiro beamed. "And, uh...you can keep calling me 'Chihiro-chan' or 'Fujisaki-chan' if you like. I don't mind what honorifics you use, and besides, I know this might take some getting used to."
"Honestly? I think the only thing I'm mad about is the fact that a dude can have a face that pretty without wearing makeup," Junko scoffed. "Always kinda pissed me off."
"Um...I-I'm sorry if I made you mad?" Chihiro staggered.
"Don't make things weird by apologizing!" Junko exclaimed. "If anything, you should be more bold!"
One by one, the others spoke up, voices layered with admiration and acceptance. Chihiro's face softened, and he seemed almost overwhelmed by the support. Kaede gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze, and Makoto stepped forward, a warm smile on his face.
"Everyone's here for you," Makoto told him. "You're stronger than you know, and you're not alone anymore. You know that, right?"
"Yes..." Chihiro grinned, tears in his eyes. "Yes, I do...I'm so...so happy...!"
Chihiro smiled, truly and deeply, as his classmates gathered around him, offering their encouragement and support.
And for the first time in a long time, he felt the weight lift...and in its place, a strength he never imagined he'd feel.
I am thou...Thou art I...Thy hast turned a vow into a blood oath.
Thy bond shall become the wings of rebellion that break the yoke of thy heart.
Thou hast awakened to the ultimate secret of the Moon, granting thee infinite power...