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Matsuda Yasuke wasn't the type to play a game of chess with a stranger. However, Hinata Hajime, the heir of the international pharmaceutical company, lured the Ultimate Neurologist against the latter's will, presenting evidence sufficient to kick Enoshima Junko out of school.
[In a way, you and I are alike.] The teenager explained. [A couple of guys concerned over their hyper-analytical ultimates, right?]
Yasuke knows he isn't an open book, but he will admit his weakness is blatant in the eyes of that reserve course student. That brunette wore sheep's skin daily, moving people like chess pieces with an inhumane desire to test human limitations. Unfortunately, the Ultimate Fashionista discovered the underground facility, causing the deaths of some of the scientists.
[Your thesis concerning memory is very interesting...] The brunette gave an outrageous proposal. [A good start to erase memories of those with talent.]
Memory can be manipulated, but Hajime proposes memory erasure. That procedure could lead to a flurry of issues with irreversible consequences. The safest and ideal method is for the target to forget, moving long-term memories to short-term memories for immediate disposal. However, multiple variables lead to forgetfulness. Erasure is a theoretical possibility that he refuses to tackle in his work until Hajime dangles his childhood friend as blackmail.
[If you're worried about permanency, shall I bring my friend along?] Hajime asked in a cheerful tone, but his expression was full of regret. [After all, there's no such thing as too much research funds.]
The proposal was not exactly a bad idea the more Yasuke thought about it. It took a couple of days lying under the bed before Yasuke decided to take Hajime's offer. Yasuke decides to hear Hajime's supplementary knowledge on his work, not having much to lose. That's right. If he could fully manipulate memory, he could help Junko get out of that despair-craving mentality. He could stop her from running on the path to destruction. Yasuke didn't want his friend to have nothing left at the end of the road.
[Well, I expected this...] Hajime sighed, analyzing the medical records of two distinct characters. [Special cases require complete comprehension.]
Having a specific time frame to make his move, Yasuke listens to Hajime's predictions concerning the incoming tragedy. Initially nonsensical, the neurologist couldn't deny there was some semblance of logic in his words. Hajime placed himself in Junko's shoes and determined all possible despair-inducing events to cause maximum mayhem. If Yasuke doesn't make his move, Junko will use his knowledge in her plans. A cruel revelation Yasuke mulled over the past days.
[An endless treatment plan leading to numerous deaths...] Yasuke muttered, staring at the everchanging memory loss procedure. [Or an irreversible treatment plan hinting at betrayal.]
With countless human test subjects, Yasuke felt bits of his inhumanity stripped away as Hajime assisted him in the operation table. Forgetfulness is not a sickness, primarily a symptom of underlying factors from the internal or external environment. However, this concept of sentiment continues to interfere with the sterile system. Hajime seemed to comprehend Yasuke's hesitation in touching emotions, halfheartedly listening to the neurologist's desire to manipulate the hippocampus.
[You're pretty good at making BS...] Hajime discovered, earning a smack of a clipboard straight on the face. [It's true. You state the obvious, but never quite answer my question.]
Yasuke was allowed to read hidden test trials and results of erasing memory, mostly given a week to comprehend the data concerning M-zeta kinase enzyme manipulation within human test subjects. Hajime sat on the mountain of data, reviewing the drugs that assist and disrupt brain activity. Due to the unique character of their target specializing in brain-intensive talent, the duo created a one-time procedure involving external and internal manipulation of the mind that will theoretically last for five years.
[I can still see the hesitation in your eyes, Matsuda.] Hajime had grown fond of Yasuke's presence, realizing the latter's affection for the fashionista was beyond friendship. [Very well. I'll give you experience by letting you help me erase the memories of Izuru.]
The Kamukura family commissioned the school to remove memories leading to weakness. Childhood memories with irrelevant characters had to be removed. Discovering the truth and watching Hajime trick the Ultimate Hope into sedation invoked a small ounce of sympathy. After a handful of hours, the surgeons and assistants left the duo to their own devices. Yasuke stood silent, watching Hajime break into a pitiful yet silent mourning.
[It's a success...] Hajime whispered, covering his eyes as Yasuke checked the progress reports. [With this... We can move on to creating specific devices to store memories in hard drives...]
Yasuke continues to stand as the pioneer of his specialization, but his chest is empty. The bodies beneath him continue to bleed with desperation and unresolved guilt. Human experimentation led by those with talent inevitably boosted progress at the cost of losing literal lives. The neurologist has three days to execute the plan to change Enoshima Junko forever... Two days before Enoshima Junko instigates another mass killing.
[Make your choice..] Hajime closed his eyes, tricking the Ultimate Hope through false procedures of talent expansion. [Whether you choose to die or live, I don't want you to regret your actions.]
Regardless of his decision, Yasuke gains insight into a prototype program created to psychologically store, alter, and replace the memories of the participants. Currently labeled as the Psychotherapeutic Communication Simulator, the participants will enter a synthetic virtual world after mounting a device to the cranium. Despite knowing the collaborators of the project, Yasuke and his colleagues failed to comprehend the true nature of the project. Fujisaki Chihiro guessed the goal is to replace bad memories with new ones. Gekkogahara Miaya theorized the program would undo trauma sustained in the real world without the expected pain and stress overcoming the obstacles in the mind.
[If placed in the wrong hands, we can destroy the subject's personality, disconnect them permanently from their vessel...] Hajime fiddled with his pen, waiting for Yasuke to make his move. [Your last day of deviancy is coming, Matsuda. Have you decided whether you want mutual destruction or psychological closure?]
Yasuke knew warning Murasame Sōshun wouldn't be enough to derail Junko's plan. He understood the volatility of the reserve course department and begrudgingly accepted Hajime's analysis of Junko's potential. That's why he finds himself at a standstill.
[I won't erase her memories completely] [I must erase her memories.]