Chapter Text
"But we don't have much time left to keep up this banter." Diva Junko then stated. "We have to draw things to a close soon…"
"What do you mean?" Makoto questioned, wary and confused.
"I'm talking about the vote, of course! You didn't forget about that little rule, did you?" Cutesy Junko answered.
Future Junko's words caused some initial confusion for the group. "Wait, but, hold on…" Hiro spoke up with both confusion and anxiousness. "I thought the new rule was that if we figured out the mystery, we win; and if not, the mastermind wins."
"...It was…" Byakuya confirmed. Slowly but surely, he was able to gather himself to at least regain some composure. "But it looks as though Enoshima is changing her own rules."
His words earned a look from Junko. "I'm sorry, where did future me say that we wouldn't vote?" Getting some of her own energy back, she grabbed her prop glasses and got into her teacher persona. "They still won and solved the mystery; they just now have the decision to obtain their prize… likely with some catches."
"And what the hell are those catches?" Taeko questioned, narrowing her eyes at the fashionista.
In response, Junko merely shrugged. "Don't ask me. I'm not the one drawing the trial to its close."
Despite saying that, however, she has a clear idea on what her future self got planned for the vote. But she'll let her classmates hear for themselves what the plan is.
"Oh! And also, since this'll be the last vote, I decided to change the rules!"
"What…?" Makoto spoke in surprise.
"You guys so full of hope… and me so full of despair…" Monokuma Junko began. "I've decided to have you vote on which one will be punished! If even one of you votes to punish hope, well then… I'll consider that a win for me, and punish everyone on the side of hope!"
"...Say what?" Leon spoke incredulously, mouth agape. "Is she actually serious right now?"
"If even one person decides to vote to punish hope… she'll punish everyone?" Chihiro whimpered out in worry.
"That's so lopsided, it's not even funny!" Hiro exclaimed with equal anxiousness.
"It doesn't sound too worrying, honestly…" Sayaka interjected, narrowing her eyes. "After all, it's all on the basis that even one of the survivors would want to punish hope; execute themselves, essentially. And I can't imagine any of us doing so."
"You're assuming the psycho isn't planning to vote herself…" Mondo pointed out, scowling. "She could be trying to pull a fast one on them."
The psycho in question pouted at that. "And let the audience accuse me of cheating? Of course not!" Junko denied, acting offended. "I'm quite certain that my future self will veto herself out of the voting, just to keep it completely fair!"
"Even if it's just one person…?" Hina said with trepidation.
"Oh, but don't worry. I won't be voting, of course." Monokuma Junko added.
"See? It'll remain completely fair!"
"So back to what I said; I can't imagine the survivors voting to have themselves killed…" Sayaka stated once more, purposefully ignoring Junko. "So…"
"...As Miss Ludernberg asked before: What's the catch?" Hifumi finished nervously for the idol, biting his nails.
"Even if you don't, you've still got the upper hand in all this!" Hiro exclaimed fearfully.
"It's okay. Nobody would actually vote to kill themselves, right?" Makoto assured the survivors.
"Oh, let me just mention one more thing. When I win, to punish you guys…" Monokuma Junko further added. "You'll have to stay here till you grow old and die. No fighting, no killing. That's your punishment."
It took a moment for the class to process the implications of that punishment. To figure out just how exactly that's worse, or even as bad, as simple executions. But once they did…
"You're telling me they'll have to accept remaining in the shitty version of the school…?" Mondo voiced with incredulous disgust. "That's basically the same damn scenario from when they got locked up in the beginning!"
"Indeed…" Taka nodded with his friend with a frown. "Even if one of them voted to punish hope, that wouldn't erase the others' desire to get out…"
"...But w-where would they get out t-to?" Toko pointed out nervously. "All s-six of them now know that t-the world w-we know is gone… w-what's actually left for them o-outside?"
A loud, uncomfortable silence was met with that question. And slowly, the students started to realize the ultimatum about to be made. The two options that were being presented to the survivors.
'What…?' Makoto thought in bewilderment.
"You mean… we'd just…" Hiro stammered in nervousness and bafflement.
"We'd have to just… live here?" Hina finished disquietly.
"She's saying she'll let us live!" Genocide Jill pointed out.
"If you're not happy with that… then go ahead and punish me, and make your way to the outside world." Depress Junko suggested, before switching to her teacher persona. "Enter a world fallen from grace, where only despair exists. Where you'd likely be dead within a day."
"...So these are the two choices being presented to them…" Kyoko voiced out the realization that the class silently came to; her tone neutral, and her lips pressed thinly. "Either we vote for hope to be punished, and accept remaining in the school forever; or punish Junko, and leave the school. Leave to go out into a world that has been destroyed."
"So either staying inside a shitty school, or going outside to a shitty world…?" Leon summarized, the color that came back to his face leaving once more. "That's…"
"A-Are those actually supposed to be choices?!" Hina voiced with fearful disbelief. "Either way, their lives are over! How can we accept either of those things?!"
"That is the issue. They are presented with an impossible decision…" Sakura stated, a scowl clear across his face.
"..." Makoto was merely watching the trial with a focused stare. Yeah, from the way Junko was phrasing it, that seemed like an impossible decision. To whither and die in a school-turned-prison, or go out in an anarchic world that could kill you in just a day out there.
But that was the thing. It was phrased as an impossible choice. As if no matter what, despair is what awaits. And while the situation undoubtedly looked bleak… he can't see staying in the school as an option. Not anything better, or even equal, than seeing the state of the world for themselves.
"Wh-What are you saying? So no matter what, we're doomed…!" Makoto pointed out.
"Wait a sec! I just got hit with an inspiration bomb…" Punk Juno suddenly exclaimed. "Dying of old age is boring as shit, right? The audience at home isn't gonna dig that at all! So, here's what'll happen! One of you will get to experience an instant, super impressive punishment!"
That drained whatever color that remained across students' faces. "Shit…!" Mondo cursed out.
"And now the impossible choice got worse…!" Hifumi exclaimed worriedly. "If even one of them decided to vote against hope, then…!"
"One of us will be executed." Hiro finished, looking fearful for his counterpart.
"But that's- she can't just-!" Hina spluttered, feeling both fearful and outrage. "She keeps changing the rules whenever she feels like it!"
"A thing that's way too common with the psycho…" Taeko groused, a bad feeling entering her stomach. A bad feeling on just exactly who the psycho was going to pick.
"What?!" Hina exclaimed fearfully, covering her mouth. "Y-You can't just-!"
"Do you mean to say… you'll execute one of us?" Byakuya inquired, sounding just as disquieted.
"And I get to decide… who's gonna hafta suck it down!" Punk Junko declared.
"A-As if things a-aren't already bad enough…" Toko stuttered, unhappy with the fact that Jill was still in control. That she will likely be the one to choose for her. "But n-now they'll have to worry about any of them b-being chosen at the e-end."
Her last words brought Junko into a burst of giggles, causing several of the students to jump. "T-The hell is so funny?!" Leon exclaimed warily and angrily.
"Oh, I just- I just find it cute- is all…!" The fashionista replied back, in between fits of giggle. "Adorable that you think that I'm gonna be picking randomly…!"
Several pairs of eyes stared at her, confused. But then they understood the implication. "You mean… you think your counterpart already has someone in mind?" Byakuya asked warily, eyes narrowed. "And you already guessed who?"
"I don't think; I know." Junko corrected, a smug yet mad grin stretching her face. "After all… who do you think will have future me's eyes at this moment?"
'...No…' Sayaka eyes dilated with rising dread and fury; realizing just what's about to happen.
'...Shit…' Was Makoto's only thought at the moment, the lucky student making that same realization.
"Makoto! You're up!"
All warmth left the room swiftly with that three letter statement.
Chihiro, Taka, Hiro, and Hifumi all turned white as sheets.
Leon's and Mondo's eyes widened with outrage.
Byakuya's and Sakura's eyes narrowed with barely concealed fury.
Toko could only shake uncontrollably in her seats.
Once again, Makoto was targeted by the mastermind. Once again, their lucky student was put in the direct chopping blocks.
Instantly, the lucky student's eyes widened, his face going pale. "...M-Me?"
In all honesty, this didn't come as a shock for Makoto. With how outspoken his future self has been, how Junko apparently saw him as a threat near the end of the fifth trial… if it wasn't gonna be a completely random choice, it would've been either him or Kyoko.
That didn't stop the color leaving his face. The rapid beat of his heart. The initial panic he felt at being put in front of the firing line yet again, before he pushed it back down.
Junko, of course, was in full contrast to the luckster's feelings; and let out a full bellied laugh that was reminiscent of a certain monochrome bear. She was clearly pleased with the situation, joyful at the choice being given.
"Who did you all think I was gonna pick? Hiro? Toko?" She asked rhetorically and mockingly, as her laughter cleared up. "Who else would I choose but the guy who keeps acting up? Who keeps acting like a rebellious child and choosing hope when despair is on the plate? Who else, but our dear, Makoto Naeg-?!
Sayaka, Hina, and Taeko all lunged at her. And of course, chains shot from the ground to stop the three girls in their tracks.
That gave Junko a pleasing look of each of these girls' enraged state. Taeko's furious look that sharply contrasted that calm and cool persona she crafted; the frenzied wrath from Hina as the poor girl tried fruitlessly to grab at her; and the sheer, dark look of hatred from Sayaka that would make any fans of her question if it was actually her.
"Aww, what's wrong~?" The fashionista cooed mockingly to the three girls. "Scared that your mutual crush is gonna get punished? Afraid that at least one person will vote for him? That he isn't gonna survive his second execution?"
"You're dead… you're absolutely dead, you hear me?" Despite them coming out as whispers, Taeko's venomous words were heard by many. "Once we are out of here, once we're back at Hope's Peak, I'm gonna grab you by the fucking throat! See how much you'll enjoy your damn despair when the light leaves your eyes! YOU HEAR ME, YOU DEMENTED LITTLE BITCH?!"
Oh, she definitely hears her. But of course, Junko was far from intimidated by the death threat. If anything, that sounded like a tempting good time for her.
Before any more could be said, Kyoko cut in. "Enough. Trying to attack her again is pointless right now."
All three of the chained Ultimates turned towards Kyoko, ready to retort or protest back. What stopped, however, was the look from the detective that aimed firmly at the screen. An icy glare that made clear that she was as furious as they were.
"Again, we can deal with her once this viewing is done. Once this trial is done." She spoke coldly; though not towards anyone in particular. "So let's calm ourselves until the opportunity arises."
Of course, the three of them were still very much upset. But they were still able to recognize Kyoko's point. So once the chains slid off of them, all they did was send withering glares to their would-be jailor before stomping back to their seats.
"Yeah! You've been acting up, causing all kinds of trouble! I haaate you!" Cutesy Junko whined. She then switched to her diva side. "So, let me make this clear. Everyone has two choices in front of them. If a single person votes for 'hope' to be punished… then only Makoto will receive a harsh punishment, and the rest of you will live here in peace."
It took all of Taeko's remaining self-control not to launch herself at Enoshima once again. To not go and throw her nail filer at the psychopathic bitch, over the way she was framing the two choices. As it is, she couldn't wipe away the rage that still showed itself across her face.
Sayaka held a similar look of rage, with her hand clasped around Makoto's to keep herself in her seat. However, not only was she feeling furious over Junko targeting her luckster… she also felt fear for the voting results. A worry that can't help but sprout over the possible outcome.
Before this trial, before the previous trial, she would've felt confident that the others wouldn't vote for Makoto to be executed. That they wouldn't turn on him like that. Now, however… now that confidence wasn't there. At least not fully.
"If, on the other hand, you desire to see us punished, then you must all leave this place." Royal Junko continued, before switching to her teacher persona. "I will force you out, ensuring you all die horrible deaths in the outside world."
It almost felt like the world was taken from under her feet for Mukuro. The girl could only look on the screen with a mix of dismay and trepidation, her face ashened and her eyes the widest it's ever been.
Either Junko dies or Makoto dies. That was the scenario her sister has now officially created. Either she's going to see her sister loves dearly essentially kill herself, or the boy she loved at first sight go through another execution (And she will not put any expectation in his luck saving him a second time).
She knew, going into this trial, that this would essentially be the scenario. That whoever lost would get executed. The only difference now was that Makoto alone was on the chopping block, not the rest of the survivors. Her sister was forcing the others to choose between her and Makoto.
"What I'm saying is, if you sacrifice Makoto, the rest of you will get to live out your lives." Punk Junko 'clarified'.
'What kind of life is that…?!' Hina shouted in her mind, both her fists clenched and her teeth grinding together. 'How the hell is staying in the school, forever, living?!'
Kyoko could only look at the screen with a cold wrath. This didn't come as a surprise for her. After all, this was perfectly in character for a girl who wants things to be exciting. Who holds a grudge over anyone who manages to actually stand up to her.
That didn't stop the anger she felt on behalf of Makoto. However, she didn't let herself feel fear for him. Cause she knows that this won't be the end for him.
'Sacrifice me…?' Makoto thought with complete fear. 'B-But that's-!'
Like an eagle that caught sight of her prey, Junko landed her eyes on the present luckster. "Oh? Not feeling so confident now?" She taunted, grinning smugly. "Do you still think that hope is gonna win out in the end? Because future you is showing quite a bit of apprehension."
"Oh, fuck off!" Leon quickly spoke in defense of his friend, glaring hotly at the fashionista. "You put a fucking target on his back! Anyone would get scared out of their goddamned minds in his shoes!"
"Hmm, I guess." Junko shrugged casually in response, seemingly not putting up an argument. "Anyone would be scared. Would get worried about being punished. Especially with how the last vote went."
Makoto bit the inside of his mouth, trying his hardest to keep his emotions in check. Of course Junko had to go there. She would bring that up, in an effort to shake him, to prod at him.
And thinking back on it, she did something similar a few days back. Probing him regarding how much he actually trusted and forgave his classmates; likely trying to drudge up that feeling of betrayal. Was that her way of trying to bring him into despair? Or was it something else she was trying to do?
The fashionista's words also brought about flinches from Hina, Hiro, and Toko, while Byakuya merely tensed up. "W-Well, this'll be different…!" Hina argued, her words sounding rather weak. "There's no way that any of us will vote for Makoto…"
Junko was far from convinced by those words; if her grin was any indication. "Are you sure about that?" She retorted confidently.
"What, has your resolve softened? Have you lost confidence? Are you afraid of being punished?" Monokuma Junko taunted. "Don't you have faith in your friends?"
"N-No, that's not it…!" Makoto quickly denied.
"It's okay. You're right to be afraid." Teacher Junko said 'assuredly'. "It would seem all of those around you have realized the futility of going against me."
The screen then circled around Hina, Hiro, Jill, and Byakuya; all of whom had varying looks of fear, distress, and hopelessness (Or in Genocide Jill's case, disinterest).
The looks across the four survivors' faces wiped whatever confidence the group had in what they would choose. Fear for the lucky student soon rose up in a fervor pitch; cause even just one of them giving into despair meant certain doom.
And over half of them looked ready to just… give up.
"G-Guys…?" Makoto stuttered, turning even more blue.
'No… No, you can't actually be thinking about it, future me…!' Hina protested at herself, her eyes dilated and aimed solely at the screen. 'You can't be thinking of voting for Makoto! NOT AGAIN!'
'I… This… What are we supposed to do?' Hiro exclaimed to himself, gripping his curls. 'I don't want to vote for Makoto! I don't want future me to kill him! But… can they really risk going out there? Is that really the right choice here?!'
'Dammit… Dammit, dammit, why is Jack still in control?! Why is she making the decision for me?!' Toko nearly shouted in frustration, curling up and gripping her head. 'B-But… if I was in control, would I… I would be like everyone else, wouldn't I? I just…'
"..." Byakuya merely held a glare. A deep scowl that was aimed squarely at the TV, with both his teeth and fists clenched tightly.
"They're… They're not serious, are they…?" Sayaka wasn't sure how she sounded at the moment. Angry? Furious? Worried? Fearful? Whatever it was, it was strangling her voice. "Are they… are they actually thinking about…?"
"As mentioned before; they are faced with two impossible choices." Despite her words, it was clear from the curtness of them and her posture that Sakura was far from happy. "To stay in the school in fearful despair forever, or go out in the world where death is more than likely. I… it is hard to blame them for choosing to stay in relative safety…"
"But… they'll be sacrificing Makoto if they vote to stay…!" Chihiro protested, nearly shouting; tears already sprouting. "They'll be voting for him to die, AGAIN!"
Mondo let out a small, frustrated growl. "They're fucking scared out of their minds…" He said reluctantly. "Doesn't matter if they want Makoto alive, or the bitch dead. All they can think about is what would happen if they stepped one foot in that damn apocalypse."
No one was happy with the current direction the survivors seem to be going. Dismay and frustration was felt over the strong possibility that the future Hina, Hiro, Toko, and Byakuya would vote for Makoto to be punished, just to remain safe in the school. However… at least on some level, they understood what was going on in the survivors' minds.
Junko, meanwhile, was very pleased with the situation. Here, her future self will deal with the nauseatingly optimistic lucky boy, once and for all. Here, she's going to have that hope snuff out.
This'll prove, undoubtedly, that despair is much stronger than their pathetic hope.
"It's so beautiful… your lovely faces, eroded by despair, have come together as one…" Depressed Junko sighed, before switching back to Monokuma Junko. "Besides… Kyoko, you could never betray your father, could you?"
"...What?" Was Kyoko's confused and shaken response.
The present Kyoko had to hold back from outright scowling, her fists clenched tightly. If it wasn't for her gloves, she likely would've been at risk of drawing blood.
She should've seen that coming. Even with her complicated feelings regarding her father… just knowing that he was doing all this to protect them, protect her, would make her at least hesitate in her decision. And Junko seemed to know that. Is now using that knowledge against her.
However, she didn't let that get to her. Didn't let fear for the luckster grip her. Even now, she's still quite confident in how this was going to end.
"I mean, the headmaster's only wish was that all of you would survive, right?" Monokuma Junko pointed out. "That's why he tried to trap you all here, after all! The least you can do is try to honor your dead father's wishes. Puhuhu!"
"..." Kyoko was silent to this, her face twisting to further distress.
Quite honestly, Makoto couldn't blame any of them for looking ready to give up. From the outside looking in, it's clear why any of them would accept living in the school, forever. Even if they have to stay under the thumb of a madwoman, even if they have no control over when they get out or not… it still could be seen as better than risking going out to a world on fire.
That didn't stop the sting of betrayal he felt. The twist of that wound that was prodded so many times at this point, it may as well be a scar now. Couldn't help but feel hurt that all of them, any of them, looked ready to let him die. Give in to despair and have him be executed for their own safety.
'Damn it! Get a grip, Makoto!' He shouted to himself in admonishment; his face twisting from frustration. 'You know that this is part of Junko's manipulation! That she planted this seed! Don't go doubting them now!'
"Kyoko…!" Makoto called out, almost helplessly.
Sayaka couldn't believe what she was witnessing. After all this time, all the survivors did was to expose the mastermind, figure out all the mysteries, and escape the school… they were about to throw all that away for relative safety. Was about to throw Makoto to the wolves for the second. Time. All to protect their butts.
"Please tell me this isn't about to happen…" A small, hollow laugh left the idol's lips as she said. "Tell me they're not about to all vote to punish hope. Punish Makoto!"
A part of her acknowledged that this wasn't an easy choice. That they were faced either entering an anarchic world or staying in a blood-covered shelter. Neither option sounded great, especially for those who had thought the world was relatively normal a few weeks ago.
The much larger part of her, admittedly, did not care. All she cared about was the boy she cared deeply for looking to be betrayed once again. And the deeply conflicted look on that same boy's face did nothing to calm her.
"Someone please tell me they're not about to sacrifice him, just to protect themselves!" As she spoke, Sayaka sounded more and more desperate; almost pleading to the screen to prove her wrong. "That they are just gonna… give in! Give up, and let Makoto be killed! SOMEONE TELL ME THAT ISN'T GONNA HAPPEN!"
Of course, most in the room couldn't say anything. The majority of the survivors' counterparts, especially, couldn't muster up any words of encouragement.
They wanted to believe that the survivors would pull through. That none of them will vote for despair, when victory is so close. But… how often were they met with disappointment? How often did they see themselves fail in the end? Can they really expect for everyone to vote for hope to win?
"One person's despair is enough to seal your fate. Isn't that just the most hopeless outcome ever?!" Punko Junko gloated; then switched to Cutesy Junko. "So who do you think's gonna give in? Whose despair is gonna sign your death warrant?!"
Mukuro couldn't help but clench her fist, her face tightening up from anger. But at who? The survivors, who looked to be ready to vote for Makoto? Junko, for creating this scenario in the first place? A mix of both? Herself, possibly?
She didn't know. Not completely, anyway. All she knew was that she absolutely hated this trial. And that she's gonna hate the results no matter what.
As for Junko, the fashionista decided to speak up once more. "So, I ask again… feeling confident now, dear Makoto?" As she asked this, her voice took her more neutral tone; yet there was a menace that left chills across her fellow classmates' back. "Still think your future self is gonna win this?"
As she faced the lucky student, she noted that he had his head bowed once again. But the fashionista did not let that deter her from speaking. "What makes you think you can count on your friends here, when those same friends voted for you the first time around?" She spoke condescendingly. "What makes you think that absolutely none of them would just give up? That your hope of yours is strong enough to get all five of them to vote with you? That any of them will want to risk facing the outside world?"
"Tell me… when all you are faced with is despair, where the hell can you move forward to?"
For a moment, the room was eerily silent. None were sure what to say, or were silently taking in Junko's line of question. There were a few, even, that wanted to hear what Makoto had to say. What he had to say regarding this final vote his counterpart got wrapped into.
Those few soon got their wish when Makoto took a small, yet deep breath, before looking up…
And giving a glare that made it abundantly clear that he was far from giving up.
"I told you before; hope can still exist despite any despair." Makoto answered firmly, and clearly. "It doesn't matter how overwhelming it is. People can still find hope amidst all that darkness!"
"..." For a moment, Makoto was silent, looking like he was about to give up. But then… "No one… nobody's gonna give in to despair!"
The lucky student's face set itself into a look of determination. "We're not gonna lose to you!"
"...How?" Her question came out as a whisper, emotions mixed and hidden within that single question. As Junko continued, her volume slowly got higher. "How? How in the hell is someone like you this stubborn? How can some ordinary boy still stay optimistic in such a bleak outcome?"
Once again, her empty look returned. Yet despite the look, despite not shouting, the emotions were felt within the Ultimate Despair string of questions and sentences. "Any other of these so-called Ultimates would break under this pressure. Any other run in the mill student would fall in despair long before this trial. Yet how? How are you not broken at this point? How the hell can you think that no one will vote for your death? How do you keep insisting on choosing the most boring route imaginable?"
This guy refused to break at his idol crush's betrayal. Refused to back down in the midst of the subsequent killings. Couldn't make the effort to expose Kyoko's lie, and save his own skin. Remained abnormally stubborn while stuck in a goddamn garbage pit!
How can one average joe, with luck being his only thing, be the single biggest thorn for her and her plans?!
And in response to her questions, Makoto couldn't help but smile wryly. "I've said it before, didn't I? I've always been more gung-ho than others." He replied back. "Moving forward, being hopeful, has always been my thing. And you saw future me, didn't you? Even when I'm stuck in a garbage pit, with no way out, I am unable to just give up."
"..." Junko said nothing towards his words. Merely stare at him as if he was the most incomprehensible puzzle.
"I can't tell you exactly why I'm like this. It's probably the one, single, abnormal thing about me." The lucky student dropped his smile and regained his determined glare. "And being hopeful no matter the situation, is better than wallowing in any sort of despair!"
"..."
"..." And yet again, an emotionless, empty look entered Junko's face. "So boring. Stubborn till the very end, huh?"
'Indeed…' Byakuya thought in agreement; an agreement he would not dare voice aloud. But unlike Enoshima, he could only feel a familiar exasperated fondness flooding him. 'Stubborn. Naive. Overly trusting. All those can be attributed to Makoto Naegi…'
'...Yet it was that very nature that brought him this far, hasn't it?' Taeko unknowingly continued, a fist over her chest and a soft look across her face. 'Being that optimistic dork who sees the best in others. Even people like me.'
'It's that inner strength that allowed him to persevere this far. His unwavering trust in both his friends, as well as their better nature.' Sakura thought with clear respect. 'And it's something that Junko Enoshima cannot so easily break.'
'...And this is why I don't believe you to be average, Makoto.' Sayaka thought tenderly; his determination soothing her anxiousness. 'No ordinary person can be able to face all that despair, and stand tall.'
And Makoto's confidence… filled the entire class with hope. The hope that he'll convince each and every other survivor to leave the school. That Junko will be defeated.
"Well, that's fine. Then let's just hurry up and get it over with." The mastermind then said dismissively. "It's time for the final vote. Everything will come to an end. Your stupid hope… and your stupid life!"
"...The only life that will soon end is yours, Junko."
Slowly, the Ultimate Despair turned towards the Ultimate Detective, her expressionless look still remaining. While she said nothing, the look on her face screamed, "And what makes you say that?"
Kyoko answered with steely determination. "All this time, all throughout this killing game, you've only been able to see the absolute worst in others. You've only seen our flaws, our weaknesses, the things that hold us down… and because of that, you are blinded when it comes to our virtues."
"..." The narrowing of her eyes was the only hint to Junko's emotions.
"You never saw Chihiro deciding to better himself, and accept the reveal of his darkest secret." The detective continued onward. "You were blindsided by Sakura's sacrifice, and what it resulted in. You never saw Makoto deciding to hide the evidence that would undoubtedly implicate me. And even now, you're unable to recognize his inner strength. The hope that counters the, what did he call it? Artificial despair."
"..."
"That is why you will lose." Kyoko then concluded. "Cause you're not only blinded by his optimism… but his ability to spread hope onto others."
"...You really think he can convince all of our hopeless group of survivors to brave the outside world?" Junko finally spoke; her tone was derisive. "You actually think he has what it takes to counter all my despair?"
In response? Kyoko smirked. "I don't think; I know." She countered. "And you're about to see that ability to bring up others within this trial."
"..." Junko said nothing else. Merely turned back to the screen, waiting to see the cocky little cop wannabee be proven wrong.
"...Are you that confident that he'll persuade everyone, Kyoko?" The question came from Sayaka; who leaned over to give the detective a hard gaze. "Do you believe that the others will vote to punish despair? That the survivors, including you, won't sacrifice Makoto?"
The boy in question didn't say in between the two girls. However, the glances he gave and the look in his eyes made it clear that he wanted to hear what Kyoko had to say.
And in response, Kyoko didn't hesitate to meet the idol's gaze back. "I am." She spoke assuredly. "You may not trust any of our other surviving counterparts, or even any of us right now… but if you want to trust in something, trust Makoto's ability to reach out to others. To inspire hope inside others. That much, I'm sure, we can all count on."
As she said this, the detective squeezed the luckster's hand and gave a brief glance at him, making it silently clear that she was also talking to him. Makoto gave his own look in response, assuring her that he understood. And while he was slightly stunned by the level of confidence, he more than appreciated it.
"..." Sayaka didn't say anything else back. Merely linked her arms back with Makoto's, looking less overwrought than before.
The idol was aware that this was still the future. And with the reveal of the mastermind being one of their own, they pretty much have everything they need to stop this from ever happening. However… that didn't mean she wanted to see Makoto suffer such a heavy betrayal. Didn't want to see how it would affect their present luckster.
And hopefully, the rising confidence that this won't happen will bear fruit.
'The final vote…' Makoto thought to himself, gripping the guard rail tightly. 'I have to show everyone… I have to make them remember! I have to convince them not to give up. To live in despair…'
'That's not really living at all!'
Those last, six words was enough to further reinvigorate the entire class. To get them to fully cheer on the future Makoto in uniting the remaining students.
"H-He's… He's right…" Chihiro asserted in agreement, a look of determination setting on his face. "They can't accept living in the school. They can't remain scared of the outside world. They need to be strong!"
"You got that right…!" Mondo nodded in firm agreement, glaring at the screen. "They can't give in to the bitch at this point! They need to stand up, and throw her ass to her own execution!"
"As he stated before; a life of despair inside the school is no life at all." Taka added in just as strongly. "Even with Hope's Peak having been turned into a shelter at the start, its purpose has long since been perverted. They need to get out, and face the world they were isolated from!"
"It's not gonna be fun, that's for sure; but neither would living the rest of their lives with the psycho." Leon remarked, a glare aimed at the screen. "So they better listen this time around! Trust in Makoto; not in the psychotic bitch who put us in that damn situation!"
As his classmates cheered on his future counterpart, Makoto took another deep breath and focused his attention back on screen. 'I don't know how much of Kyoko's confidence is warranted…' He admitted to himself. 'But they can't give up now. They can't lose to her now! So you better live up to that confidence, future me! Your life, and all the survivors' lives, depends on it!'
As for Mukuro… the only thing she could do was steel herself as best she could. She knew, coming into this trial, that the results will not be what she would desire at all. That regardless of the outcome, someone she cared deeply for was going to die.
But she will not back away from her newfound loyalty towards Makoto. Won't let the ultimatum her sister created shake her so badly. All she could do now was support her light; and cheer for him to win this.
'Win, Makoto… and show to all of us just how strong your hope truly is.'