Chapter Text
The world fell into despair due to the event known as The Biggest, Most Awful, Most Tragic Event in Human History. Acts of despair were committed all over the world, led by the Remnants of Despair. They sought to spread despair in every way they could to every corner of the Earth giving declarations for the sake of despair with no motivations other than pure despair. The only ones who could fight despair were the Future Foundation. These were a group of people from all over the world coming together for one purpose - to fight the Remnants of Despair and defeat despair to bring the world into a hopeful future. However, once the Tragedy came to a climax, the leader, Ultimate Despair Junko Enoshima, was killed in the Hope’s Peak killing game, a major turning point of this event. Still, the Remnants fought on, and the battle between them and Future Foundation, between hope and despair, waged on as more people continued to lose their lives.
In their headquarters, a meeting was being held by some of its members in the 14th Branch. 12 people were sitting around a large table talking about an incident which involved one of the members in their branch.
“It’s been a while since we’ve gathered here in this way.” Kazuo Tengan, former Hope’s Peak Academy director.
“If we are all gathered here, then is it because of what happened?” Great Gozu, former Ultimate Wrestler.
“I find it hard to imagine it could be anything but Makoto Naegi’s betrayal.” Koichi Kizakura, former Hope’s Peak Academy Talent Scout.
“Tch, that bastard thinks he could do whatever he wants.” Juzo Sakakura, former Ultimate Boxer.
“Here’s your coffee," Chisa Yukizome, former Ultimate Housekeeper, pours coffee into his cup.
“So this meeting is to discuss what to do with him before the situation gets out of control.” Seiko Kimura, former Ultimate Pharmacist.
"That appears to be the case." Ryota Mitarai, former Ultimate Animator.
“Are we even sure he’s on our side? For all we know, he was allied with the Remnants the whole time and defeating Junko was fake.” Ruruka Andoh, former Ultimate Confectioner, pops a piece of candy into the mouth of the boy lying on her lap.
“Hmph, you make a good point.” Sohnosuke Izayoi, former Ultimate Blacksmith, chews on the candy.
“That seems like a bit of a stretch though. Maybe he didn't realise who they were?” Daisaku Bandai, former Ultimate Farmer.
"I think he was just trying to help them. We should probably listen to his point of view." Miaya Gekkogahara, former Ultimate Therapist.
"Seriously? Trying to help? After what he did? He probably just damned us all with that," Ruruka claims.
"Although she does have a point. We do need to listen to his point of view to understand his intentions and have a fair trial," Tengan muses.
"I shall be the judge of that," Kyousuke Munakata, former Ultimate Student Council President, suddenly storms into the room. "Makoto is part of my branch, so I will decide what happens to him."
"Ah, Munakata, it seems you have appeared. Though I do disagree with your remarks; you may be the leader of the branch, but I am the leader of Future Foundation, so this is relevant to me too," says Tengan.
“You are simply here as an overseer. Since you hardly ever get involved in matters in individual divisions, you cannot make decisions on what happens here. I know what that boy is like, and the only way to deal with people like him is to put them in their place.” Munakata walks across the room and sits at his place at the head of the table.
“How are you going to do that?” Bandai asks tentatively.
“I have a few punishments in mind for the boy. The goal is to teach him to respect the decision of his superiors and not do anything to endanger the foundation.” Munakata looks his subordinates in the eye. “So, what are your ideas for Naegi’s treatment?”
Outside, a helicopter was descending down in front of the building. 3 individuals walked out onto the threshold.
“Are you sure you are prepared for this meeting?” Byakuya Togami, former Ultimate Affluent Progeny, asks from within the helicopter.
“It’s going to be fine, I’m certain that Makoto will manage to convince them,” Aoi Asahina, former Ultimate Swimming Pro.
“We should go in. The other members are probably waiting for us.” Kyoko Kirigiri, former Ultimate Detective.
“That’s right. Well, see you later Byakuya.” Makoto Naegi, Ultimate Hope. Byakuya nodded to them and left on the helicopter while the others walked into the building.
When they arrived at the meeting, they were greeted with twelve pairs of eyes trained on them. Eventually, someone broke the silence.
“Makoto Naegi; you have arrived,” Munakata muttered coldly. He then spoke louder, “Makoto you are under arrest for suspicion of treason against the Future Foundation. Arrest him.”
Sakakura walked up to Makoto and placed handcuffs onto his hands. He then mumbled “Sorry I gotta do this to the one and only Ultimate Hope,” sarcastically before punching him in the stomach. Munakata calls or to him, "That's enough. I didn't ask you to fight him."
Sakakura turns to him, surprised. "But with a crime as serious as his, should we really let him go this easily?"
"You still are not permitted to hurt him yet," Munakata replies.
Hina speaks up at this. "Hold on. What do you mean 'yet'? You can't do anything to Makoto!"
"As if you're in any position to argue that," Seiko comments harshly.
Great Gozu stands up, "Cease this fighting or I will stop it by force." This silenced the makeshift courtroom.
Munakata continues. “Thank you. Now, Naegi, what do you have to say for yourself.”
Makoto begins, “I understand I went behind the Future Foundation’s back to do something they would not approve of, but I believe it was for a good reason. I think that without Junko’s influence, the 77th class would not have done what they did, and should be given another chance. However, I acknowledge that this was a betrayal to the Future Foundation and am aware of the consequences.”
“Hmph, so you admit that you have committed a grave crime towards the Foundation and will not back away from the repercussions.”
“Yes, I realise what my actions entailed and am willing to accept any punishment you decide to give me.” Makoto pauses. “On one condition.”
“Condition?! Who do you think you are, asking for a condition? Do you know what position you're in?” Sakakura barks.
Tengan calmly raises a hand to silence him. “Now, now, let’s not get so rash. Let’s hear your condition.”
Makoto spoke, loudly and deliberately: “That the 77th class remain unharmed.”
Silence echoed throughout the room.
The one to break it was Seiko. “Are you crazy? Those are the Remnants of Despair we’re talking about! There’s no way we can protect them.”
“Huh, maybe I was right with the Remnant ally theory.” Ruruka remarked.
“Tell us, Naegi, what do you mean by this? How do you expect we keep those war criminals alive while ensuring the safety of regular citizens and the future of the world.” Munakata states.
“I’m not saying to release them or anything, I’m just trying to make sure they are able to recover completely from despair without being attacked. I believe that before that class fell into despair, they would talk about hope."
"Do you think they even know what hope is anymore? The only way to help anyone is to eliminate them altogether,” Sohnosuke retorts from Ruruka’s lap.
Kyoko intervenes with, “It’s clear the Remnants don’t need to be punished, they need to be helped. The best solution would be to send someone to aid the 77th class to a full recovery since the Hope Restoration Plan was a failure.”
“And who would agree to be sent to people as dangerous as they are?” Sakakura questions.
“I would,” a voice perks up from across the room as Miaya rolls forward.
Everyone in the room looks surprised. “You?” Munakata asks incredulously.
“I helped with trying to rehabilitate the 77th class, so it’s only fair I continue to work with them. And besides, I’ve seen first-hand how cooperative they can be, so I’m willing to help them.”
“But what if, on the off chance, something were to happen? You are hardly able to defend yourself in your state.” Kizakura says, concerned.
“Then I’ll go with her,” Great Gozu stood up as he made his announcement. “I doubt any of the Remnants would be strong enough to overpower me, or dull enough to try.”
Munakata considers this. “So Miaya and Great Gozu are confident in their abilities to control and rehabilitate the Remnants. I suppose there is therefore no reason to not allow them to do so.”
Ryota suddenly stands up. “If it’s okay, I would like to go with them too.”
“Ryota, you too? Aren't there other things for you to do?" Tengan asks, surprised.
"I know they're your classmates, but are you sure it's really necessary for you to go?” Yukizome asks.
Ryota mutters something under his breath. Speaking louder, he says "Uh, well even if they did bad things, they're still my friends and I want to help them. Besides, it's kinda my fault they became like this in the first place."
"So it's settled. Miaya, Great Gozu and Ryota are going to Jabbarwock. Does this satisfy your request, Makoto Naegi?"
"Yes, that will be enough for now." Makoto replies.
"If that's the case, let's talk about your actions. You said you understand the severity of what you did and accept the consequences of it." He nods. "Very well. Since you have been going behind our backs to act against us, starting from today you will be confined to your room. You will be brought provisions by someone we choose."
"Hold on a minute! You can't just do that to him - that's basically imprisonment!" Hina cries out.
"It's okay, Hina, they are just following procedure. I knew this would be a consequence," Makoto reassures her. Hina looks like she wants to object more, but eventually gives in.
"After that, you and your friends will be assigned to a member to keep track of your whereabouts, and you will be forbidden from making decisions on your own; every request must be made through your assigned member who will pass it on to either me or Tengan who will authorize it for you. Does anyone have any objections?" He was met with silence.
"Very well. Does anyone have any preferences on who to guard who?”
"I will go with Kyoko," Kizakura says suddenly. "If it's okay with you, that is," he quickly adds.
Kyoko eyes him suspiciously but eventually replies "Sure."
Ruruka perks up with "Ooh, I know! Seiko should be good with Makoto. Traitor for traitor." Seiko growls, but Makoto says "I don't mind," and that was that.
Bandai begins to say, "Well, if no one else wants to do it, I can do Hina."
She grumbles "I guess."
Munakata then announces "We will be speaking to Branch 13 to arrange a similar deal with your friends there. This concludes the trial of Makoto Naegi. This meeting is adjourned." And with that, he banged his gavel on the table. Everyone stands up and leaves the meeting room. Sakakura places handcuffs on Makoto's hands, more gently this time, and Seiko escorts him out of the area, Kizakura and Bandai doing the same for Kyoko and Hina. The six of them walk towards Makoto's room.
As soon as they walk out, Hina begins to complain.
"There is no way that was right for them to do. They can't just kick you up like a criminal for trying to help them out of despair," she argues to her friends.
"Even if I don't agree with them, I understand why they are doing it this way. I already said I accepted the consequences," Makoto replies.
"The best thing we can hope for now is for Miaya and her team to be successful. We can try to talk to Munakata to rethink your sentence, but that will likely be difficult with the new restrictions put on us," Kyoko adds.
"We're here," Seiko says suddenly. They reached his door. Makoto's handcuffs are removed, allowing him to squeeze the arms of the two women beside him before he walks into his room. He turns around to see them one last time before Seiko closes the door in front of him. He hears the door click and everyone walking away, leaving him alone and locked in his room.
Makoto Naegi's sentence had begun.