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The Ultimate Imposter wasn't sure why Hope's Peak Academy threw their students onto an island, but they found themselves taking the identity of Togami Byakuya, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny. For this so-called vacation, they will act as the man who is fated to stand far above the rest...?
"Are you going to wear that, Hinata?" Byakuya glanced at the talentless brunette, checking the measly offering of the talking mascot. The Ultimate Gamer was the only one who found the item an acceptable accessory.
"Me?" Hinata Hajime is a brave soul for declaring his talentless status to these eccentric ultimates, hoping and failing to receive any form of sympathy. Despite the harsh and pointed statements, Hajime trailed behind the group, hoping to remember how he got to this tropical resort. "No, but I recall a rule saying we can't litter."
"You think we can tie these together and form a raft?" Hajime revealed nothing was in the usami strap, scanning the beach for a nearby trash bin. His voice was soft, speaking to a certain few after receiving criticism.
"That won't be sufficient material to carry a person across the sea," Byakuya crossed their arms, but they could see some merit to recycling trash. Hajime let out a sigh, and the two of them watched the interaction of the rest of the students speaking with the tryhard rabbit.
Out of everyone on the island, the Ultimate Imposter trusted Hajime the most. The reserve course student made the most rational choice for one without talent, talking with everyone and finding the most sensible person to follow.
Nanami Chiaki and Mitarai Ryota fixate on their game controller and tablet, respectively, to care about anyone. Owari Akane and Nidai Nekomaru prioritize working out, frequently in their little bubble. Kuzuryu Fuyuhiko and Kamukura Izuru tend to stray from the group, unwilling to interact with anyone. Tanaka Gundham, Saionji Hiyoko, and Komaeda Nagito are blunt in their words, intentionally pushing Hajime out of conversations.
Mioda Ibuki, Souda Kazuichi, Sonia Nevermind, and Koizumi Mahiru try their best to play along with Usami's antics, wishing to have fun in this bizarre getaway. The personality of Tsumiki Mikan is too unstable to form a decent relationship, somewhat similar to the naturally ominous aura of Pekoyama Peko. Finally, Hanamura Teruteru frequently utters sexual innuendos to be treated seriously. The Ultimate Imposter admits they act condescending towards the brunet, but Hajime must have experienced a far worse first impression from the rest of the group to decide he'd stick to them.
Hajime was there to watch Usami turn into Monomi, listening to the mad rants of Monokuma. Their heart-throbbing school trip has turned into a killing school trip with rules and class trials. Hajime was also the first to check the additional laws placed into their E-handbook, uncaring if anyone saw the clear downgrade of design compared to their handbook. Hajime's actions reminded them to retain character, speaking out to their classmates and ensuring no one falls for the other talking mascot wishing despair.
"Spending your monocoins already?" Byakuya guessed, scrutinizing Hajime's bag of goods.
"Monokuma will pay us if we find his plushies, so I started doing that. Here, I think you'll like this..." Hajime offered a bag of chocolate chip jerky and a sweet bun bag. The teenager smiled, hoping to make them happy. "What do you think?"
"Hmph," Byakuya should've expected this behavior from the get-go. Hajime knows he has no chance of escaping the trip, so he'll gather items and make friends. They accept the gift, refusing to look at his eyes. "I was just thinking that I wanted this."
"Are you stalking me or something?" Byakuya jest, but Hajime seemed oblivious to their humor. He seemed genuine. It was... strange. Someone wanted to befriend them?
It's been a day since Monokuma took over the island as a headmaster, and Hajime found a convenient way of decreasing anyone's animosity without intruding on anyone's personal space - gift giving. Since they're friends, Hajime shared some of his monocoins for the Ultimate Imposter to purchase necessary items from the Rocketpunch Market or MonoMono Yachine by the beach. When Monokuma asked everyone to head to Jabberwock Park, the Ultimate Imposter expected the murderous bear to offer a motive to kickstart the killing game. They didn't expect people to suspect Hajime as the rumored traitor-
"Nothing I say will change your minds, so what's the point?" Everyone felt the temperature drop when Hajime snapped. The reserve course student finally lost his patience.
"If you think I'm the traitor, be my guest and play Monokuma's game." Hajime wasn't shouting or begging people to believe him anymore, but his words intimidated everyone. Byakuya is correct in their presumption that Hajime can make everyone quiet down. "How about playing RPS to determine who gets to be the lucky killer receiving punishment? I'm sure my death would be an amazing tutorial."
"Enough with the sarcasm!" Byakuya didn't like where this was going, interjecting the conversation. Hajime knows they'll never trust him because he is different. Instead of enduring the discrimination, Hajime is willing to kick the bucket and let his death be a lesson to get these people to take the situation seriously. They won't let that happen, especially when Hajime abides by common sense. "There's no way there's a traitor. It's pointless to discuss something so foolish!"
The Ultimate Imposter ended the tension by giving a motivational speech, vowing as their leader to ensure no one dies. Hajime remained silent the rest of the day, following the Ultimate Imposter once they parted ways to return to their respective cottages...?
"You also think I'm the traitor, don't you?" Hajime called out, and Byakuya turned to face the brunette. The teenager lost his momentum, reverting to being an insecure and tired student.
"... Why does it matter?" Byakuya asked, observing the curious teen. That's good. Hajime holds them in high esteem. They knew Hajime would change his behavior pattern after confirming the attitude of the residents on the island. "Will killing the traitor truly be the key to escape? I find that hard to believe."
"Monokuma would not have used our memories as a motive if someone remembers the past," Byakuya raised his hand to adjust his glasses. "Whether or not you are the traitor, you are the least threatening person on this island. It is better to keep an eye on you than render you a corpse."