Hajime Hinata

Hajime Hinata (日向 創 Hinata Hajime) is the main protagonist of Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair and a participant in the Killing School Trip.

Hajime originally had no talent, entering Hope's Peak Academy as a reserve course student, but he eventually received the title of Ultimate Hope  after participating in the Izuru Kamukura Project - a brain alteration/augmentation program named after the school's founder designed to "create a genius out of the ordinary" - in which his original memories were erased. During this time, he was known as Izuru Kamukura.

At the end of Danganronpa 2, Hajime and the other survivors managed to escape to the real world and decided to remain on Jabberwock Island.

Hajime returns in Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak Academy with the other Remnants of Despair as a Reserve Course student and a candidate for the Izuru Kamukura Project. He also returns in Side: Future, with his and Izuru's personalities mixed, though he considers himself Hajime Hinata.

Hajime appeared in the upcoming OVA Super Danganronpa 2.5: Nagito Komaeda and the Destroyer of the World as the red-eyed "World Ender" who will destroy Nagito Komaeda's imagination world. In Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony, he appeared as a guest characer in the demo gameplay.

At the end of Danganronpa 3, Hajime succeeds in curing the Remnants of Despair from the brainwash effect and together they all decide to atone for their sins, as he believes that this ending was the ending that Chiaki Nanami hoped for.

Appearance
Hajime is a young man in his early twenties, around 22 at youngest. His virtual avatar in the Neo World Program appeared as his 17 year old self.undefined

He has short, spiky brown hair with an ahoge that moves according to his emotions. He wears a simple white shirt with the emblem of his previous high school embroidered on the hem. He wears a green tie which also bears the same emblem. He has black jeans and red-and-white sneakers.

Hajime's eyes have a straight line running across his pupil, resembling a prohibition symbol. Although his eye color is originally green, his eyes turned red with symbols resembling target radars when he lived as Izuru Kamukura, and his right eye stays red after the two personalities merge.

Although Hajime's appearance does not change much when he becomes “Awakened”, his hair turns white and his eyes become just like those of Izuru Kamukura. In addition, he is completely enveloped in a lightning-like aura.

In the official art book, as well as in Chiaki Nanami and Nekomaru Nidai's free time events, it's implied that Hajime has some muscle, as he has done some exercise. However, he's the type who looks thinner when dressed.

As of Side:Hope, Hajime's eyes have become heterochromatic. His left eye is red while his right eye remains green. The design of both his eyes have also adapted Izuru's target radar design.

In Super Danganronpa 2.5, Hajime's eyes are both red.

Personality
Hajime is seemingly cynical due to how he behaves, but it would be better to describe him as a realist. He is quite skeptical and tends to worry more than the other students, but his worries are often very justified and understandable. He is a logical and smart person, often annoyed by the idea of not being able to understand someone or something at all. He tends to be quite serious, but he does joke around occasionally and often goes along with his classmates' eccentric hobbies.

Hajime can be snarky towards his classmates in his thoughts and he can be blunt at times, though he means well and he's more frank than sarcastic or mean-spirited. Though sometimes a bit submissive, he is not afraid to speak his mind. He is can sometimes be short-tempered and can snap at others, especially when he's tired or under pressure.

Still, Hajime is generally pleasant and easily exhibits kindness and thoughtfulness to others around him; he genuinely cares about everyone. Although he may have trouble understanding or relating to his classmates, he is tolerant of everyone's eccentric personalities and quirks and is always willing to listen and give advice. The official artbook reinforces this by stating that he spends his time talking with everyone and gets along great with both the girls and the guys. In Free Time Events, he makes even the most antisocial characters feel more relaxed and they often reveal things about themselves they wouldn't tell anyone else. Due to this particular trait, Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu thinks that Hajime's talent might be Ultimate Counselor and Nagito Komaeda calls him Ultimate Serenity. Though he is glad to help, Hajime feels that a talent like Ultimate Counselor would be stressful.

It's also heavily implied that Hajime is romantically inexperienced, appearing somewhat shy and even naive about the topic. He once mentioned that he hadn't really thought about it and has never asked a girl on a date. However, during Free Time Events and especially during Island Mode, several characters appear to have romantic interest in Hajime and he sometimes responds by flirting, dating or even forming actual (non-canon) relationships with them.

Though a bit paranoid in the start of the game and not having much interest in friendship, Hajime later really wants to believe in his classmates and feels bad about doubting them during the class trials, but understands it's necessary. He sometimes regrets exposing the murderers, as shown after singling out the murderer in chapter 3.

Though he tries to hide it, Hajime is very insecure about his lack of talent and it bothers him deeply. This caused him to admire Hope's Peak Academy more than anything, as he believed that attending the school would fix his problem. He wished to be part of something bigger than himself, to become more confident and someone he can be proud of. He felt bitter about being just a reserve course student. Chiaki was the one who guided Hajime to see the reality that whether or not he had a talent was irrelevant. It was largely due to her support and encouragement that he was finally able to overcome despair and gain true confidence.

After Hajime awakens from the Neo World Program, he preserves his memories as Hajime Hinata. It's assumed that, because the shutdown sequence didn't overwrite his memories, he also maintains the memories of his life as Izuru Kamukura and Ultimate Despair. Still, he chooses to live as Hajime Hinata, and accepts that the future includes countless possibilities which can sometimes end in failure.

As of Side: Hope, it is revealed that Hajime and Izuru's personalities are mixed. Though he identifies as Hajime and acts mostly like him, having the capability to feel, he still becomes bored easily. He is also capable of using Izuru's talents.

Prior to the Tragedy
Ever since he was a kid, Hajime admired Hope's Peak Academy and dreamed of attending it. It was a big dream of his, like being a celebrity or a superhero. He was insecure about himself and wished to be part of something bigger than himself, to become someone he can be proud of. He felt that his life as a talent-less person was boring.

As a teen, Hajime indeed enrolled into Hope's Peak Academy (his previous high school being Kodaka High School), but into its Reserve Department. As he had no talent, his parents had to pay a lot of money to get him into the school. However, as a talentless reserve course student, Hajime still felt like he was not good enough. This resentment towards Hajime's own incapability led to a strong desire to become a main course student. The ambition-less attitude of the reserve school disagreed with him, and he often spent his time alone.

Hajime's ambition eventually culminated in his participation in the Izuru Kamukura Project, undergoing numerous operations to enhance his abilities. Upon agreeing to the Kamukura Project, his official record marked him as expelled. Inhumane experiments were then conducted on him, and his memories of his life up until that point were erased, both of which Hajime did not expect.

Hope's Peak Academy exploited Hajime's feelings of admiration toward hope and talent just to use him as a lab rat. All of his senses, emotions, thoughts, and hobbies that could interfere with acquiring talent were excised. All of his memories of the past were forcefully suppressed into the darkest recesses of his mind. By directly interfering with his brain, the academy transformed Hajime into a completely different person whose specialty is talent itself. He was meant to be the fruit of all the research produced by Hope's Peak Academy's staff, a genius among geniuses possessing various talents, and he was named Izuru Kamukura after the academy's founder.

Izuru was known as the symbol of mankind's hope and he was given the title of Ultimate Hope. To protect such rare talent, the academy completely concealed all evidence of Izuru's origins and identity.

Episode 01 - Hello Again, Hope's Peak Academy
Hajime was standing in front of a fountain in the park, staring at Hope's Peak Academy main building. His head begun to hurt as he remembered everyone's insult about him being a Reserve Course student. Suddenly, Chiaki, the Ultimate Gamer, bumped into him while playing a game. Chiaki continued to walk until Hajime recognized that the game she played was Gala Omega. Hajime was overwhelmed by Chiaki's enthusiastic response after he told her that he also played the game. Chiaki made Hajime promise to show his game to her next time they meet.

Chisa Yukizome, looking for Chiaki, noticed that Hajime was in the Reserve Course judging from his uniform. The Ultimate Imposter, who had been dragged along by Chisa attempted to escape while Chisa was preoccupied with the conversation. Hajime laughed awkwardly, remarking that the Ultimates are more ridiculous than he initially expected. He envied the Ultimates and wished he had talent too.

Chiaki, disagreeing with Hajime, stated that whether one is talented or talentless doesn't make a difference. She goes on to say that having no talent allows him greater freedom than those with incredible talent. He can go anywhere and become anything, unlike her who only has games. When Chiaki left with Chisa, Hajime smiled at her and kept her words in his heart.

Episode 02 - My Impurest Heart for You
Hajime rested on the park bench, gazing at the sky until Chisa called his name, surprising him. Wanting to learn more about the Reserve Course, Chisa asked Hajime why he joined the Reserve Course. Patiently, Hajime answered that he joined the Reserve Course because he always aspired to attend Hope's Peak Academy, but couldn't find his resolve to join the Izuru Kamukura Project. When Hajime referred to himself as a "lowly Reserve Course student", Chisa reprimanded him and stated "everything starts with belief in yourself". He reluctantly obeyed her advice as she went back to her class.

Soon, Hajime was approached by the former headmaster of Hope's Peak Academy, Kazuo Tengan, to talk about the Izuru Kamukura Project. Despite the deadline is coming, Hajime still hasn't made a decision yet. He worried if he didn't accept the project invitation, he would get kick out by the Academy because his parents didn't have enough money to pay the student fees. Kazuo told him he can decline the invitation and return to his former high school. As Hajime raised his objection, Kazuo told him to not fear normalcy.

In Hajime's class, a new transfer student came and introduced herself as Natsumi Kuzuryu.

Episode 03 - A Farewell to All Futures
At the beginning of the episode, Hajime said that he wanted to have a talent that he could take pride on it. However, he was disappointed with himself for becoming a talentless and original person.

The scene began during the break time. Hajime, alone on his desk eating his lunch and reminded himself about what decision he should make since the deadline was only seven days left. Natsumi, the new transfer student talked to him and wondered why he always gazing at the Main Course building. Hajime doesn't seem to pay attention with what she was talking until she introduced herself as a family member of Kuzuryu Gang.

Hajime learned that he and Natsumi resembles in desiring a talent so they can be scout in the Main Course. Their differences is that Natsumi will do anything to do anything for it, unlike Hajime. Sato, a classmate of Hajime hit his desk after she eavesdropped their conversation, telling Natsumi not to plot something bad to her friend from the Main Course, Mahiru. As they continue to argue, Hajime tried to stop them until Mahiru came and took Sato out form the classroom.

After school ended, Hajime and Chiaki played Gala Omega games together at the water fountain near the park, the place where they first met. Hajime lost and said that his ability in gaming was nothing to be compared to the Ultimate Gamer. Chiaki, annoyed by it, said that Hajime lost because he wasn't focusing on his game. In turn, Hajime asked if Chiaki had no talent of gaming, and always lost whenever it comes to games, would she come to dislike it. Chiaki answered that she loves games and there are things that are far more important than just talents, like making memories with her friends. Hajime, surprised after hearing her words, was once again impressed by her resolve.

The scene change to where Hajime tried to stop Sato from punching Natsumi. He chased after Natsumi and asked her to stop intimidating either Sato and Mahiru, since if she continues, she wold get kicked out from the Reserve Course and will never get a chance in becoming a Main Course student. Natsumi said that she didn't care, stating that a person with no talent has no right to interact with talented people. These words later impacted on Hajime's decision to accept the Izuru Kamukura Project. Hajime comforted Natsumi by saying that there's something more important than talent itself. Hajime said that she can stay by her brother's side and keep making memories with him. Afterwards they part, and that was the last time Hajime saw Natsumi because the day after, her lifeless body was found in the Music Room.

Hajime mourned on a bench at the water fountain. He spotted Mahiru and Sato talking about Natsumi's murder. After Mahiru left, Hajime approached Sato to ask her about the truth. Sato lied about Natsumi's death, saying that maybe she has given up on having a talent. Hajime, angered, said that Natsumi couldn't have done that because she still had hope. Sato objected that statement and left the scene. Several days later, Hajime never saw Sato again since she was also murdered by Natsumi's big brother, Fuyuhiko.

Hajime wanted to learn about the truth behind Natsumi and Sato's murders by asking Mahiru directly, but an officer prevented him from sneaking inside the Main Course building and when he tried to force enter, the person in charge of Hope's Peak Academy's security, Juzo Sakakura slammed him down to the ground.

Juzo gave Hajime a cheap explanation and stated that Reserve Course students can be easily replaced. This statement triggered Hajime until he attacked him. As the former Ultimate Boxer, Juzo easily dodged his attacks and delivered a powerful blow onto his stomach. Hajime didn't agree with Juzo's view of the Reserve Course since every lives were created equal. He once again stood up and tried to fight back. Fortunately, Chisa came to his side and protected him from another blow given by Juzo. To his disappointment, Hajime threw Chisa's handkerchief when she offered it to him and left.

The day of the deadline approaches and Hajime cones to a decision; accepting the Izuru Kamukura Project. When he met with Chiaki who has already waiting for him to play a new game, Hajime turned down her request and said that they will play together another time. At the end of the episode, Hajime arrived at the Steering Committee's building to begin the Izuru Kamukura Project.

Episode 05 - The Beginning of the End
Since he had agreed to the Kamukura project half a year ago, when Chisa looked into his school record, she found that he was marked as expelled.

Hajime is seen laying on a bed in just a robe. He thought back to Juzo telling him he has no talent. He also thought back to his last encounter with Chiaki. A scientist entered the room and told Hajime that the operation would start soon. Hajime then ends up in a pod, and the scientists assured him that he won't feel a thing, although he might be confused when he first woke up. Hajime thought about how he will become someone that he can be proud of around Chiaki. As the operation began, his eyes turned red.

Episode 11 - Goodbye, Hope's Peak Academy
Now in the Neo World Program, Nagito introduced Hajime to Chiaki Nanami. After exchanging greetings and names, the two shake hands.

During the Tragedy
Izuru was later influenced greatly by Junko Enoshima and he subsequently became a member of Ultimate Despair.

Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
After the death of Junko, Izuru agreed with the other Remnants of Despair's plan to allow AI Junko to take over their bodies through the Neo World Program. The program's original purpose was to undo Junko's influence, but Izuru downloaded AI Junko into it.

After Izuru entered the Neo World Program, the program dug up the memories of Hajime and rebuilt his old personality from the data acquired in the past.

Prologue - Welcome to Dangan Island! Panic at the Heart-Throbbing School Trip!?
Hajime is first seen in front of the building of Hope's Peak Academy. He introduces Hope's Peak Academy and himself to the player. As he entered the entrance hall, his words became random, he felt dizzy and he quickly lost consciousness.

When he woke up, Hajime found himself in front of a door which led him to the class his classmates were in. After Haime enters, everyone realized that the door had been locked, and they all attempted to opened it until a rabbit-doll like creature that called herself Usami appeared. Usami then transported them to a tropical island, with her magical stick, named Jabberwock Island.

Hajime and his classmates began panicking at first, but when Usami tried to calm them down, Hajime lost consciousness. Nagito, one of his classmates, wakes him up.

After Hajime woke up, Nagito stated he should introduce himself to the others and Nagito accompanied him with his introductions and exploring the central and first island, able to gather his first Hope fragments. As a present for doing so, Usami had prepared presents for everyone on the Sandy Beach on the first island.

Usami gave each of them two presents: the first was a doll of herself and the second was a swimsuit set and most of the students went to swim including Hajime, while a few didn't. As soon as he steps close to the water, the sky suddenly turns dark and the weather turns bad.

Usami told Hajime that she is not doing anything, and yet, she's panicked by the weather changing so suddenly. While she's still panicked, someone talked and ordered the students to come to the Jabberwock park at the central island. Usami recognized something and disappeared in order to stop this certain someone. Hajime and the other students had no choice but to go to the Park so they won't miss something.

Hajime and the others met with Monokuma, the self-proclaimed Hope's Peak Academy's Headmaster. He quickly defeated Usami, turned her as his adoptive weak little sister "Monomi" and immediately executed her with his Monobeast. Monokuma's true incentive was to changed the field trip to a mutual killing game. He announced that only the one who commit murder and remained their identity as a culprit remain hidden until the trial is over who can freely return home. Hajime and the others are aware to protect themselves from any students, and from the mutual killing.

Daily Life
After Monokuma arrival and Usami's execution, Hajime came to the pool near the cottage, and looked up at his e-Handbook, and found that some rules were added by Monokuma. Hajime pondered about everything that he just experienced, Hajime looked up at the night sky that was filled with beautiful stars, but it was just a reminder of how far everyone including Hajime had been taken from what should they have been for their lives.

Hajime returns to his room when Monokuma broadcasts his Nighttime Announcement, frustrated, he kept yelling to himself, why he must accept such a grievous fate. He chooses to have a light sleep, to have a break and to clear his mind, as well as to prepare everything for tomorrow.

On the next day, after the Morning announcement, Monokuma entered Hajime's cottage, shocking him. Monokuma than explains to him that he hid Monokuma figures scattered around the island, if Hajime could found any, he could exchange the coins for some items at the beach and in Rocketpunch Market. Monokuma then disappeared once he was done explaining.

Hajime joined the meeting after Mahiru Koizumi successfully dragged Kazuichi Soda who was scared by the Monobeast. Just when the meeting began, Ultimate Imposter declares that they'll became the leader of the group, stating that they'll not allow a single victim to fall. Hajime and the others thought that the Ultimate Imposter is rather aggressive, but they finally accept the Ultimate Imposter as their new leader.

At night, Monokuma through the surveillance camera that spread all over in the island, told the students to go to the Jabberwock Park. Hajime, went to the park as he knew that opposing Monokuma would be bad for him and the others. After he arrived Monokuma and Monomi appeared on a stage that they set and began the event, called by Monokuma as “Monokuma Big Laugh Manzai Live Show”.

Just as Monokuma bullying Monomi for the most, Monokuma said that Monomi's erased the students memory. Monomi, stayed to keep shut her mouth, and Monokuma told to the students that there is a “traitor” among their numbers. Monokuma also gave them a “motive”, to get their memories of their previous school life. The Ultimate Imposter as the leader, ordered them to abandon this motive and move forward, and also ordered them to take a rest. When he arrived at his cottage, Hajime still was thinking about the traitor, but he discarded many speculations in his head, and collapsed onto the bed.

Hajime woke up after the Morning announcement on the next day, confirmed that he's more fit than last night. In the usual breakfast meeting in hotel restaurant, The Ultimate Imposter started the discussion about their plan to throw a party that night, all the way until morning and none of them were allowed to take absence.

Everyone thought that day was not a perfect time to throw a party, but after several discussions, they finally set up the party location at the old lodge and were granted permission to used it by Monomi. Nagito suggested one of them cleaned the Lodge, by drawing lots that he just prepared, which make Hajime thought that Nagito maybe imagined that would happen.

Nagito himself got the red mark chopstick and it was settled that Nagito was going to cleaned the Lodge, “So much for Ultimate Lucky Student” Hajime said to him. Beside that, Teruteru Hanamura, was willing to cook the party food, and Peko Pekoyama would invite Fuyuhiko to come to the party, then everyone dispersed, including Hajime, agreeing that they would meet at the old lodge after Monokuma's evening announcement.

After Monokuma's Nighttime announcement broadcasted, Hajime headed to the lodge and immediately body checked by the Ultimate Imposter. Later after being body checked by the Ultimate Imposter, Hajime came to the main hall and was welcomed by Nagito who already attended to the main hall and finished cleaning the Lodge.

Everyone excluding Fuyuhiko (not coming) and Teruteru (in the kitchen, serving the party food) was already in the main hall. The Ultimate Imposter believed that Teruteru still had some dangerous weapons, and they wanted Hajime to accompany him to the kitchen.

Hajime asked the Ultimate Imposter if keeping the dangerous items really necessary. They later discussed about it and led the Ultimate Imposter to share their past to Hajime a little.

Hajime learned that the Ultimate Imposter lived a harsh word that forced them to act as someone else. Just as when Hajime and the Ultimate Imposter ended the discussion, Teruteru broke into the kitchen and was flustered when Hajime and the Ultimate Imposter confiscated the cooking utensils. The Ultimate Imposter asked Teruteru that there is still one steel skewers missing, but Teruteru stated that the skewer was already gone since he first came to the kitchen. Afterward, Hajime, the Ultimate Imposter, and Teruteru returned to the main hall where everyone was waiting.

Everyone enjoyed the party, from Akane who couldn't stop eating, and Mahiru who decided to took some photos, Nekomaru Nidai  who attempted to left the party because of needs to void, Gundham Tanaka who lost his earring, until Teruteru who're still serve the food from the kitchen and busy explaining how beautiful and delicious the foods that he made were. Hajime's thought that there was no need to worry, until suddenly a black out occurred.

Everyone excluding Hajime panicked, refusing to just wait until the power came back, Kazuichi decided to go to the power outage. But before he did anything, the lights and electricity came back. Just after that, Mikan Tsumiki  fell in a messed up figure again, success to ease the panicked students. Hajime, noticed something, that the Ultimate Imposter has just disappeared from the main hall.

The students searched everywhere, Hajime even asked Chiaki, and she stated that there was no one going outside during the black out, so Hajime and the others returned to the main hall. Surprisingly, Akane smells blood from the table near the lamp cord, so Hajime nervously reached under the table, and he swore that he will never forget the sight when he lifted the tablecloth, the dead body of the Ultimate Imposter.

Deadly Life
Hajime stand firm right in front of the tablecloth, still confused why one of his friends dead in such a way. Mahiru and the others started to panicked and screaming, until Monokuma showed up, explained that he will held a School Trial, to facilitate the students, Monokuma give them “Monokuma File 1”. Monomi who doesn't agree with Monokuma's idea to hold a school trial get punched and dragged by Monokuma to nowhere, left the students who have no choice to started the investigation if they were not wanted to be executed.

Before Hajime started the investigation, he checked the Monokuma File 1, and the information showed were : After that, Hajime checked the table where the murder took place. However, the only significant thing on top of the table is just a table lamp who its power cord is attached to an outlet in the wall. Then he encouraged himself to investigate the Ultimate Imposter's body under the table. Hajime found the Ultimate Imposter's blood flowing out and has formed into a pool under the table, but there's no trace of a trail of blood anywhere. Besides the Ultimate Imposter's body, Hajime found a night vision goggles, who according to Nagito was originally from the supermarket. There is also a knife who covered in the packing tape, and the glow in the dark packing tape itself stuck under the table.
 * The victim's body was discovered in the main hall of Hotel Mirai's old lodge.
 * The time of death was around 11:30 p.m
 * The cause of death was stabbing with a sharp object. The victim was stabbed multiple times in the region between the abdomen and throat again and again. There are no other wounds on the body, nor any traces of poison or other drugs.

After done investigating under the table, Hajime trying to calming down Mikan who panicked caused of Monokuma who forced them to investigate the Ultimate Imposter's death. Mikan tells to Hajime that she panicked during the black out, and her foot got caught on the edge of the carpet and when she tried to get loose she ended falling in an embarrassing pose. Hajime also tried to calming down Mahiru, who blame the Ultimate Imposter's death to herself.

Mahiru then helped Hajime by showed to him the photo's she took before the blackout. Suddenly Mahiru notice that the Ultimate Imposter standing quite a distance from the murder took place. After succeed calming the girls down, Hajime got Gundham who lost his “Devildog Earring”. When Hajime asked about it, he ended told the story how he get the Devildog Earring. Hajime noticed a gaps on the floor, so when Gundham look at it, his earring was there, he then choose to find a way to get his earring back.

Done with everyone at the main hall, Hajime looked up at the Ultimate Imposter's duralumin case which he carrying himself during the party. Surprisingly, it's opened, there's a nightstick inside and a can of tear gas and some other unsettling items and a strange empty hard plastic case. Beside everything, Hajime found a key to the other duralumin case that filled with dangerous weapon. Hajime conclude that the other case can't be opened, and the weapon inside it have nothing to do with the Ultimate Imposter's murder.

Done with the case, Hajime found an air conditioner and its timer. Strangely, the timer is set to 11:30, the same time the Ultimate Imposter were killed, which means the mechanical beep was from the air conditioner who turning on. After feel that he has done investigate everything at the main hall, Hajime accompanied by Nagito to investigate the other room in Old Lodge.

Hajime first encountered Ibuki Mioda in front of the main hall's door. Ibuki said that she can remember everyone's conversation during the blackout. After talking with Ibuki, Hajime and Nagito asked Nekomaru about his problem during the party. He said that he wanted to used the only toilet in the Old Lodge, but it was locked, probably because someone was using it during the party. Hajime and Nagito also found a fire door which could be sealed to stop fire from spreading and giving everyone a better chance to escape.

In the kitchen, they interrogated Teruteru about his food and found the other kitchen equipment. In the warehouse, Hajime and Nagito were able to discover a bloody tablecloth and some powered on irons. Finally, in the Office Room, they found the circuit breakers of the Lodge, but its location was too high to reach. Somehow, Monokuma was the only one who could have flipped the circuit breakers.

Kazuichi declared Peko as the culprit, because she was not in the office room during the blackout. He also suspected Peko because she felt unwell when she left the office room. Hajime and Nagito found that the duralumin case which Peko bought to the office room was still locked and when they check, the content was still okay. After finishing the investigation in the Old Lodge, both of them decided to investigate the Ultimate Imposter's cottage.

However, before Hajime and Nagito could go further, they discovered Chiaki and Gundham investigating space under the floors from the outside. Gundham was still busy to search for his earring, and Chiaki stated that the truth behind the Ultimate Imposter's murder hinges on whether space under the floors is accessible or not. Later, Chiaki said something interesting about Fuyuhiko who just passing by the lodge during the party held. Then Hajime and Nagito encountered with Fuyuhiko who said same thing with Chiaki, Hajime wonders it's just a coincidence or Fuyuhiko who wanted to join the party.

Daily Life
After waking up, Hajime recalled the events of the previous night in which the Ultimate Imposter wereb murdered by Teruteru who was executed for his crime. Feeling sluggish still, he proceeded to meet with everyone at the hotel's restaurant where he discovered not only that Hiyoko Saionji refused to shower due to being unable to dress herself in her kimono properly, but that Nagito, who he thought was a kind individual until it was revealed otherwise during the first Class Trial, was missing. After discussing the two events, Monokuma arrived and asked the group where one of his Monobeasts was. Since they didn't have the answer, Monokuma left, allowing Monomi to arrive and admit that she defeated the missing Monobeast, allowing the group to go to the second island and explore.

Upon exploring the second island, the students found that it had a library, a diner with a beach house not far off from it, a drug store with many types of prescription medications, and a mysterious ruin that looked much like Hope's Peak Academy. The group explored this ruin and found the front door was seal and had the Japanese word for 'future' written on it. Monokuma then arrived and told them about the mysterious World Ender organization that intends to end the world, while also revealing that Monomi and himself cannot go into this ruin. After a while, Hajime returned to his cabin for the day.

The next day, Hajime found out the truth of Nagito's whereabouts the last few days: he was tied up by Kazuichi and Nekomaru in the dinner hall where the Ultimate Imposter were murdered, stating that it would be better if 'the traitor' was tied up so as not to disturb the rest of their trip. Later that night, the class received a summons from Monokuma asking everyone to report to the Center Island. There, Monokuma showed them what would be the second motive for his sick game: a video game of a long forgotten game franchise brought back to life by Monokuma - Twilight Syndrome Murder Case. He stressed that the key to this game was a 'missing link' and proceeded on his way while telling everyone to play it, otherwise someone else may play it and take advantage of it's secrets to commit a murder. The group unanimously agreed to not play it, but once told not to do something, it becomes hard to not do.

A few days passed and Hajime runs into Fuyuhiko carrying a strange envelope. Despite his inquire, Fuyuhiko told Hajime off and he proceeded to the restaurant to meet with everyone. Upon arriving, Mahiru asked Hajime to take some bread and milk to Nagito since she felt uncomfortable doing it herself. When he arrived, he was shocked to see the state Nagito was in, but was still creeped out by his demeanor. It was then that Nagito revealed that he knew of the new motive and asked why he and the other Ultimates were ignoring the threat. Hajime took this to heart and decided that he would play the game so as to understand what he may encounter soon enough. However, upon completing the game, Hajime was disgusted by the confusing ending and decided to dismiss the game entirely, going back to bed.

The next day, Kazuichi invited him to the supermarket where he explained that the girls were planning to go swimming together at the beach near the diner. Wanting to make it look like a coincidence, he instructed Hajime to be at the diner by 3:00 PM and wait for the girls to arrive. While waiting, they ran into Fuyuhiko who immediately dismissed them once Mikan and Ibuki showed up. While waiting to go to the beach, the group saw Hyoko running from the beach, seemingly in tears. Eventually Chiaki, Akane, Peko, and Sonia Nevermind arrived at the diner. Akane had to be nursed in the bathroom of the diner by Mikan who was worried about her wounds from her training with Nekomaru, leaving Hajime in an awkward position surrounded by the girls. He left just after Kazuichi, making the excuse that he probably needed help setting up the beach party. Approaching the beach, Kazuichi's screams were heard and the body discovery announcement was made once Hajime entered into the beachhouse, hoping that it was a lie, only to see something that reaffirmed that hope on the island was false, and that the only thing that was there was despair: Mahiru, the Ultimate Photographer's lifeless body lying on the beachhouse floor.

Deadly Life
Twilight Syndrome Murder Case is the true structure of this case and many times within Chapter 2 Deadly Life, Chiaki and Hajime seek the truth surrounding it. While uncovering the truth about the escape route after the murder, entering the shower room, he seeks the help of Akane who asks him for a piggyback ride in order to confirm the window was loose, much to his objections, he accepts but finds it increasingly awkward when she teases him about her 'panties' to which Hajime finds the whole experience pretty uncomfortable.

After, Chiaki and Hajime proceed to Jabberwock park, encountering Nagito who has been freed by Monomi and of course showing him the much needed hostility he deserves, they continue to the game, where the mystery of Twilight syndrome murder case is solved. Nagito helps Hajime collect together the real life characters portrayed in the game and they are then questioned at the airport, as always Hajime has never been truly thankful for Nagito's help but it's helpful nonetheless. When Monokuma allows Chiaki and Hajime access to Mahiru's cottage, they find, to Hajime's shock, incredibly realistic photos depicting real life events from Twilight Syndrome Murder Case.

Daily Life
The next day after the second trial, Hajime's utter bewilderment to the unnerving and creepy vibe given off by Hiyoko's shrine to Mahiru, to which he begins to accept in kindness as the other characters convince him that it's a thoughtful gesture.

When Hajime enters the third island he notices a completely different ambiance and vibe, seeking to discover the truth behind these desolate islands once thriving with life. In the next scene at the Monokuma theatre, he opts out of watching Monokuma's homemade movie and instead offers to pay him millions for a cheap badge, to which Monokuma states paying him back once he leaves the island, giving him a little source of hope, however little.

In the Electric Avem Hajime discovers a computer revealing an Usami X File containing information on The Biggest, Most Awful, Most Tragic Event in Human History, to which he doesn't understand. Monokuma arrives and only taunts him instead of revealing any truth to it.

When moving on to the hospital, Hajime was also in shock to discover Fuyuhiko, along with the rest of them, thinking he wouldn't pull through. In reality, Hajime and the rest of the group still thought of Fuyuhiko as a friend just like them despite what he did. Mikan later decided to treat Fuyuhiko for the rest of the day.

Suprisingly on the next day just after he recovered from his wound, Fuyuhiko sliced his stomach in remorse. Hajime was also confused and shocked by the events but was surprised to see him making changes by coming to his own recovery party, organized by Ibuki. When she begins singing, he finds it just as horrifying despite saying in the beginning he was looking forward to her musical styling's. Then in the face off of Monokuma and Akane, in which Nekomaru saves her life, Hajime is completely in shock, at the thought of a sacrifice that bold.

The next day, when Nagito, Ibuki and Akane contract the Despair Disease for Monokuma's next motive, Hiyoko forces Hajime into staying at the hospital to look after those with the disease, including Mikan and Fuyuhiko. In which Mikan ends up sleeping on top of him while he's resting in the hospital break room and almost choking him accidentally, when Fuyuhiko comes in on them he begins teasing to which Hajime becomes embarrassed and flustered.

When he returns to his cottage Hajime has a nightmare about his days as a reserve course student and states 'wanting to be confident in himself' despite people's objections of him not being an ultimate, only a fanboy of Hope's Peak Academy. When he begins to wake up, Mikan is again suffocating him accidentally by sleeping on top of him. She forgot the reason she came to Hajime's cottage is to tell him that Nagito has recovered after he fell unconscious since he contracted the disease.

When Hajime visited Nagito along with Mikan, Nagito forcefully ordered Hajime to not visiting him again. It is hinted that actually Nagito wanted Hajime to stay since he was contracted with the "lying disease", saying things that contradicted with the truth. After Hajime told Mikan to rest, he noticed the video image of someone trying to hang themselves on the communication camera in the hospital lobby. He hurries to the "crime scene", 'Titty Typhoon' where he sees how events have transpired, he runs for help at the motel, obviously in massive shock.

Deadly Life
Later on returning to the scene of the crime, the door has been glued shut. Fuyuhiko, Chiaki, Mikan and Hajime all proceed to force it down, to which they're all shocked to find not only the hanging figure that belongs to Ibuki, Hiyoko also found dead tied up against the pillar too. Eventually they were able to lead to many discoveries, Nagito convinced Hajime to watch the movie, the Wizard of Monomi which had a specific key link to the case, of course he found it dreadful, he expresses buying the badge was a far better alternative much to Nagito's dismay. Chiaki helped Hajime discover the way in which the death of Ibuki actually occurred, before the case began.

After the third trial is finally closed, Monokuma expresses that Nekomaru is back, everyone including Hajime runs to the beach, obviously ecstatic at their friend's arrival, however to Hajime's dismay, it was no normal meet up as he wanted.

Daily Life
After meeting back up in the restaurant, Nagito presumably as a test, seek to portray Hajime as the traitor because he couldn't remember his talent. This was probably his way of judging people mentally, through their reactions. When Monomi gained everyone access to the fourth island, they all rode the roller coaster to gain an important prize, a Future Foundation File of the Killing School life. Hajime tried to enter Monomi's house but she denied him, obviously to conceal the hidden diary which Nagito, Hajime, and Chiaki find later on.

They later took a train to the funhouse to gain another specific prize, however this was only a trap, which placed Hajime as a prime suspect for being the traitor by convincing them of getting into this situation. While searching Strawberry and Grape house, he was ditched by Kazuichi and was left with Nekomaru.

While both outcasts, Hajime and Nekomaru were able to discover the doors to Grape House were locked down tight until the button was pressed. Hajime stayed with the girls in Grape House so he wouldn't have to sleep in the lounge and he humbly chose the crummy room over the standard room as a considerate gesture.

Later, after the morning routine Monokuma Tai Chi, everyone begins feeling the effects of hunger and Hajime stated he'd rather starvd than kill. Kazuichi ends up ranting that he is, in fact, the traitor for saying this to which this angers Hajime and Chiaki has to break up the fight. In a desperate attempt to escape, Hajime seeked a way out through the Final Dead Room, only to be stopped by Chiaki who worried for his safety and knows that no escape will come from winning. Hajime ended up getting some rest to conserve energy, only to awaken to a loud thud but very quickly falls back into unconsciousness, eventually waking in time for Monokuma Tai Chi where he 'opens the door to despair' and finds Nekomaru's dead body laying on the ground.

Deadly Life
There was an interesting turn of events in which Hajime and the girls no longer have access to Strawberry house and vice versa, with the boys unable to use the lift or the tower button to look at the crime scene, Kazuichi set on fixing it.

In the meantime, Hajime is the narrative viewpoint at Grape House while Nagito is the narrative viewpoint at Strawberry House. Chiaki convinced Hajime to use the Grape phone and Fuyuhiko explained the situation to him. Meanwhile, Nagito went to the Final Dead Room and eventually discovered the truth about the true form of the "ultimate weapon".

After completing the Life-Threatening Game, Nagito entered Grape House through a secret hatch leading to the Monokuma archive and surprised Chiaki and Hajime greatly. He also explain he played Russian Roulette using 5 bullets, this also shocked Hajime who stated he only had a 1/6 chance of survival, Nagito then told Hajime he was only a Reserve Course student from the reserve department which upsets him deeply. Constantly criticizing him for not being worthy of hope, which left Hajime in silent.

Daily Life
The next morning, Fuyuhiko wanted to know what Nagito meant in the trial when he said Hajime was part of the reserve department, when Hajime reluctantly explains that he has no talent, they are surprisingly not bothered and Sonia explain that what really matters most is friendship although Hajime is still worried and reacts angrily in his mind to the whole situation. When Monomi uncovers a new island, Hajime is still very bothered and quite uncomfortable at being a backup student. Kazuichi finds an e-mail in the computer inside the factory about the destruction of the world and refuses to believe it, convincing Hajime that it's nothing but a delusional story for a manga. Hajime becomes nervous when Nagito finds out about their plan to capture him, to which Nagito picks up on instantly. When the bomb goes off and Nagito leaves the Hotel Lobby, Hajime later expresses he's afraid of him and feels his madness running through his bones. In an attempt by Nagito to blow up the island and weed out the traitor, Hajime faced an entailment of fear of trying to find the bombs, stopping them and leading up to the point where he discovers Nagito's body for himself.

Deadly Life
Hajime is shocked that someone could kill Nagito in such a cruel way but accepts the fact anything can happen on this island, in one way or another. Hajime begins to suspect that the motive for Nagito's actions may be different from just weeding out the traitor but he isn't sure what, not yet sure he is in fact Ultimate Despair, the very thing Nagito is trying to destroy in the upcoming trial. Chiaki and Hajime later investigate his cottage. Hajime discovers poison and holds the bottle with a shaking hand, representing his fear, and Monomi's/Chiaki's logbook although he doesn't know it yet but finds it quite strange. He then discovers the student profile in Nagito's bookshelf, to his shock, he realizes Nagito lied and everyone's profile's were written inside. However, it didn't provide any clues because by this point, Nagito had ripped out the important information. He was hoping that him being a Reserve Student was just a lie along with the rest but it turns out to be the only truth, which angers Hajime.

Chapter 6 - This is the End Goodbye Academy of Despair
After witnessing his friends fall one by one, Hajime vowed to stay alive. This conviction was made even stronger as Nagito released a time-locked video that basically stated his intentions.

Although Hajime and the remnants of the still-unaware "former" members of Ultimate Despair were led through a series of verbal traps disguised as "truth exposes", that nearly played into AI Junko's hands, Hajime was eventually able to expose AI Junko with help arriving from unlikely sources. However, in the process, they had to come to terms with the fact that they were members of a terrible organization that brought about The Tragedy, especially Hajime, who realized that he was "Izuru Kamukura" of the Hope Cultivation Project - the person who murdered the entire Student Council, and a major conduit for the Tragedy. The overload of information meant that AI Junko was constantly on the upper hand of a battle to break their minds.

At the conclusion of a finale which culminated in three former participants entering the fray to save the remaining students, Hajime and a regenerated Chiaki - revealed to be a student observer, one of two AIs responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the Neo World Program - defeated AI Junko in a final Panic Talk Action which brought the remaining students to their senses, allowing him to convince his fellow students to go along with Makoto Naegi's suggestion to initiate a Forced Shutdown of the Program.

The Force Shutdown allowed Usami to emerge and eventually erase AI Junko from the Neo World Program.

Afterward, the world around Hajime and co. began to glitch out, but he was able to clear his lingering regrets with Chiaki - specifically, not thanking her - before the Neo World Program shut down entirely.

Epilogue - The Day Before the Future
After the defeat of AI Junko, Hajime and former Ultimate Despair members opted to stay on the Jabberwock Island (possibly in hopes that they could do something to help their comatose friends), acknowledging his past but choosing to live on as Hajime Hinata.

Super Danganronpa 2.5: Nagito Komaeda and the Destroyer of the World
In a strange world, Nagito lives an ordinary life as an ordinary boy. However, one day, a boy calling himself "The Destroyer of the World" appears, having the form of red-eyed Hajime. He begins the destruction of Nagito's world.

Episode 06 - No Man is an Island
Hajime is shown on Jabberwock Island. seeing approaching Future Foundation peacekeepers, ready to attack under Kyosuke Munakata's orders. However, Izuru appears to be active in some form in his mind, as he emotionlessly expresses his boredom.

Episode 12 - It is Always Darkest
Hajime is briefly shown in the post-credits walking through a doorway, away from the dead brainwashed rescue squad members scattered at his feet that he defeated.

Side: Hope - The Academy of Hope and Students of Despair
At some point after the end of the Killing School Trip, the Class 77-B were awakened by Hajime, whose personality had blended with Izuru Kamukura's talents due to his experiences in the Neo World Program. Purged of Junko's brainwashing, the now-former Remnants of Despair joined Hajime on a ship that took them to the ruins the Future Foundation's off-shore facility, where Ryota Mitarai was attempting to broadcast a "Hope Video" to brainwash the world into never feeling despair again.

Led by Hajime, the Class 77-B engaged Ryota's army of brainwashed Future Foundation soldiers, Former Ultimate Elite Task Force members and Monobeasts in an attempt to reach the broadcasting tower where Ryota was situated. Hajime began is ascent up a slope leading to the broadcasting studio but is met with opposition, a multitude of Former Ultimate Elite Task Force squad members. He commanded them to stand aside, a loud crash is then heard by Ryota, Hajime breaking through into the studio, began to walk toward him.

Hajime was able to convince Ryota that hope does not come about by force, that he wasn't as strong either which is why he has regrets even now. The rest of the Class 77-B walk in, standing behind Hajime. He then explained that Chiaki's legacy is why they are standing where they are now and convince him that they'd rather atone for their past sins even if they weren't to be forgiven. Hajime was able to persuade Ryota to join them, so that they may atone for everything that happened, together. Ryota abandoned his plan and broke down in tears as a result, Hajime and the rest of the class surrounded him in support.

Hajime and his classmates left the broadcasting studio and continued down the sloping platform, Hajime nodding gratefully at Makoto with respect, responding Makoto to also nod in return.

Shortly afterword, Hajime and the rest of the Former Remnants of Despair shoulder the blame for the Final Killing Game in a broadcast to the Future Foundation, presenting themselves in their despair persona and relieving the organization of any wrongdoing.

Chiaki A.I. appeared to Hajime as a live depiction of his memory upon the boat leaving for Jabberwock island. Clutching Usami in her arms, she recalled the time Hajime first entered the Neo World Program, when an A.I. was created to monitor them. She explained that it was everyone's desire to see her once more that brought her into the program, as a depiction of their memories. She acknowledged she is not the same Chiaki but still pointed out that the class were able to see her again. She ended by expressing they all won a miracle together, Hajime, in response, stated that an ending like that wasn't so bad. Chiaki A.I. agreed, pointing out that she fought and risked her life for this. Hajime and her both stared upon the rising sun, Chiaki A.I. stating they can all make their future together, she turned to Hajime and smiled once more. Nagito then called Hajime over so he wouldn't miss out on Teruteru's cooking, Chiaki A.I. faded away as Hajime left his position.

Aoi Asahina and Yasuhiro Hagakure wave off Hajime and his classmates as the boat began its journey back to Jabberwock island.

New Danganronpa V3: Everyone's New Semester of Killing
Hajime appears alongside Hiro and Makoto in the game's demo, in order to avoid spoiling the actual game's story.

Execution
Scratch de Hinata - Hajime is printed on a scratch paper. Monokuma picks up a coin and starts to scrape the paper while Hajime remains helpless. After Hajime is completely scraped, the words “Try Again” are revealed. Disappointed, Monokuma throws the paper onto the ground. Hajime’s existence is disappearing once again and he dies. This execution is only shown in the Official Fanbook.

Alternate Identity
The Izuru Kamukura Project pushed Hajime’s memories into the darkest recesses of his mind and effectively erased his personality. Although Izuru is a completely different person, however, he can still be recognized as Hajime Hinata by those who knew him prior to the project. Izuru himself eventually becomes aware of his true identity because of this.

Izuru Kamukura
When Hajime decided to participate in the Kamukura project, he had no idea that the procedure would transform him into Izuru. Later, after the project was completed, Hajime's personality was erased, with Izuru's taking over.

When Hajime learned that he was Izuru, he was terrified of who he was. However, upon awakening from his coma, Hajime lives as one with Izuru, their two personalities mixing.

Real-Life Version
Chiaki was Hajime's closest friend at Hope's Peak Academy. Part of his reason for participating in the Kamukura Project was to be worthy of her. The two first met at a water fountain near the school, when Chiaki bumped into Hajime while playing a game. Since then the two started meeting with each other after school at that water fountain. The two of them would often play games together, though Hajime would get a bit frustrated because she would always beat him. In addition, Hajime even questions why Chiaki thinks playing games with him is fun. It is suggested the two of them had romantic feelings for each other, as they often blushed when coming in contact with each other, such as when Chiaki grabbed his hand.

Chiaki often comforts Hajime when he feels upset about not having a talent. She tells him there's more to life than talent, and that making memories with people is more important. Her words comfort Hajime, although his obsession with having a talent doesn't lessen. Hajime calls Chiaki a true friend and wants to one day tell her that he has a talent with pride.

After the deaths of Natsumi and Sato, his classmates, Hajime stops meeting with Chiaki at the water fountain after school because of his decision to participate in the Izuru Kamukura project. However, before leaving, Hajime thinks to himself how one of the reasons he decided to participate in the project was because of his desire to show Chiaki he has a talent. He thought of her while he was being transformed into Izuru Kamukura, and he decides to become a version of himself that he can be proud of around Chiaki.

However, upon his transformation into Izuru, Hajime forgot about all his memories with Chiaki. As a result, Izuru could not recognize Chiaki, although he confronted her after her execution. After Chiaki dies, Izuru is seen shedding tears despite not knowing who she actually was. This was probably the part of Hajime in Izuru that cried over Chiaki's death.

After awakening from the Neo World Program, Hajime, when trying to persuade Ryota Mitarai that hope and despair are both essential, he remembers Chiaki, showing great sadness over her death. While remembering memories of her, Hajime claims that he would never forget her, nor would he want to, and forever thought of her as precious to him.

AI Version
Hajime is shown to be close to the AI version of Chiaki over the course of the story. Hajime and Chiaki are frequently shown to be together in cutscenes and events. Their relationship progresses to a point where they can understand each other's expressions and wishes, even without the other speaking. However, it took him some time to warm up to her, as in Chapter 2, he thought of her behavior as "annoying."

Chiaki prevented Hajime from going to the Final Dead Room when he was stressed out because everyone suspected him to be the traitor, and she also assisted him during trials and investigations. It was briefly indicated before the all-girls beach party in chapter 2 that he was attracted to Chiaki in her swimsuit. It is especially prevalent in chapter 4 that the two are considerably close throughout most of the chapter.

During the fifth trial, Hajime was the most devastated among the group of remaining students when he found out that Chiaki was the "traitor" and was executed. It was also Chiaki who begged for Hajime to both claim and prove she was this alleged traitor, trusting his ability to see past words and lies Monokuma created and into the hope she sees in him.

In chapter 6, Chiaki was the one who guided Hajime to see the reality that whether or not he had a talent was irrelevant. It was largely due to her support and encouragement that he was finally able to overcome despair. Before she was shutdown along with the program, he thanked her for her help and promised never to forget her.

Throughout the free time events, and in Chiaki's final island event, it is somewhat implied that Hajime and Chiaki's relationship extends beyond the regular friendship Hajime and the others hold to a deep, everlasting friendship. The talks the two have progress from mere small talk to friendlier and playful yet also serious and consoling (usually from Chiaki to Hajime). There are also romantic connotations, such as both blushing when she trips and he catches her and her complimenting him on being well-built.

When Chiaki mysteriously reappears to Hajime, it is shown that when he refutes everyone's statements in the final Endless Debate that everyone saw a vision of the closest person to them, further showing Chiaki is the closest person to Hajime. Hajime insists on her person-ness, even after discovering her nature as an AI. When Hajime finally gets to tell her "Thank you", which is in turn responded in kind, it is implied that both their words carry deeper meaning.

When the battle of hope and despair ends, and Hajime and Class 77-B get on a ship, Hajime sees an illusion of her talking to him, smiling as the illusion tells him to move towards the future.

Nagito Komaeda
Nagito was the first student Hajime encountered on the island. He was the only one to stay with unconscious Hajime and escorted him to introduce himself to the other students. He also helped Hajime during most investigations. Though sometimes annoyed by Nagito, Hajime felt more relaxed around the other boy and believed that he's a kind person, though maybe not the most reliable.

After learning about Nagito's twisted way of thinking, Hajime felt betrayed and scorned. He felt that Nagito was very dangerous, only wanted to make others suffer and could trick him again if they talked too much. He felt that he didn't understand his way of thinking at all. However, during his free-time events, Hajime kept attempting to understand Nagito's mindset and continued to talk with him. There are also several moments in the main game where Hajime comes very close to understanding Nagito's thinking, but then abandons the thought as he feels he's just over-thinking. In the end, it was Hajime's understanding of Nagito that ultimately thwarted his plan in Chapter 5.

According to Nagito, Hajime was the first person in his life to take an actual interest in him. This is further proven by how he questions himself why he worries about someone like Nagito during the despair disease of Chapter 3.

After learning about Nagito's backstory and illnesses in his free-time events, Hajime feels bad for him and is willing to forgive him. However, Nagito then says that it was all just lies, which shocks Hajime a bit. More confused than angry, Hajime leaves deep in thought and believes that at least some of Nagito's words were true. He expresses curiosity to see what Nagito would do if he one day achieved the hope he claims to be pining after, saying that he felt a 'strange connection' to him, though his confusion and uncertainty of him remain; however this leads to his wishing to understand Nagito in order to protect everyone else on the island from the malice he senses from Nagito.

In Island Mode, Hajime spends time with Nagito, who is now much more harmless. However, Nagito's strange way of thinking still confuses and creeps Hajime out at the times. In the ending, Nagito hesitantly asks for Hajime's friendship and Hajime accepts it without much consideration, though he noticed that the wording seemed to start as a love confession and expected more. Nagito reveals that his way of thinking has changed for the better after his time with Hajime. Thanks to that, Hajime feels that they can eventually reach an understanding. After Nagito wakes from his coma, Hajime no longer seems disgusted by him, and can be seen smiling and eating with him. Because of all they have been through, Hajime finally comes to an understanding with Nagito, like he wanted, and finally became friends. As Hajime now shares Nagito's Ultimate Luck talent, he is most likely safe from the backlashes of his luck and he might be able to do things most people wouldn't, like beating Nagito in a game. In an Otomedia poster, which was released after the anime, Nagito is seen giving Hajime a small bag of fortune cookies as a gift while they are on the ship, presumably after the anime's story. Hajime appears flattered as he takes the gift, smiling in a slightly abashed manner. The pink hearts and the text mentioning eating cookies full of hope with "him" (using the Japanese word "kare" [彼] which means "him" or "boyfriend" depending on context) implies that it might be a romantic gesture.

In the magazine's interview, Nagito is asked what autumn food reminds him of Hajime. He answers a chestnut, because to properly eat one you have to go through a lot of work, just like with Hajime. In turn, Hajime answers that Nagito reminds him of a new crop rice because of his hair's color.

Chisa Yukizome
Hajime first met Chisa when she came to get Chiaki to attend class. When Chisa came to him to ask him about the Reserve course, he told her about how he admired Hope's Peak Academy and why he enrolled himself in the Reserve Course. When he wondered why Chisa is concerned about a lowly Reserve Course student like himself, Chisa told him not to call himself lowly and that everything begins with believing in yourself.

Kazuichi Soda
Hajime is a close friend of Kazuichi's. Kazuichi latches onto Hajime, calling him his "soul friend". Hajime is sometimes annoyed by the other boy.

Throughout their friendship, a brief break up ensues when he blames Hajime for "leading them" into Monokuma's trap and ends up turning to Nagito instead. They later make up however.

Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu
The two seem to be on good terms with each other after the events of Chapter 2, when Fuyuhiko is intent on changing himself. They are also willing to stay and focused on their friends that catch despair disease in chapter 3. Though initially, Fuyuhiko did not attempt to form a friendship with Hajime, their relationship changes relatively in the end.

Fuyuhiko considered Hajime as the "Ultimate Counselor" due to his nature that give the students confidence to endure everything that they have. In the last Free Time event, the two of them did a sakazuki, a Japanese ritual of exchanging cups to symbolize sworn brothers and pledge loyalty.

Mikan Tsumiki
Mikan seems to have formed a liking for Hajime as he is the first person (on the Island) to have gone up to her and spoke to her, not wishing to bully her but only to have a casual conversation. Though nervous and stuttering at first, she gradually lightens up, even asking him to come back and talk to her again.

Hajime is also the first person she admits to that she is glad that there is nobody to stomp on her and abuse her on the island. Mikan also chases Hajime around with a syringe a few times, wanting to give him an injection, and was found sleeping on him several times in Chapter 3. In the third trial, she uses him to give herself an alibi in the morning when they first discover the corpse.

In Chapter 3, when Hajime accuses Mikan of killing Ibuki and Hiyoko, she becomes furious, and obviously denies this. This act upsets Hajime, who doesn't want to believe she's the culprit as much the others, who are in shock at his accusation. Despite this, Hajime reluctantly shows evidence that points to her being the murderer. He tells Mikan to give it up, so he can still believe in her in the end. But Mikan's personality has already changed, and she was executed, leaving nothing but her malice for Hajime and the others.

In her free-time events, when Mikan explains her reasons for becoming a nurse, Hajime is disturbed and is afraid to show any signs of weakness or sickness around her. However, he also feels bad for her and believes that she is not to be blamed for the way she is now.

During the events of Island Mode, Mikan is very happy to be Hajime's friend and has a clear romantic interest in him. In her ending, she is even ready to go as far as to cripple him in some way so that they would be together forever. However, Hajime proposes to her instead, causing her to declare that she would become his own private nurse and take care of him forever.

Ibuki Mioda
Ibuki and Hajime seem to be good friends, and they bond during club activities that Ibuki comes up with during her free time events. Also during her free time events, Ibuki has been trying to help Hajime remember his talent. She insists that it should've been obvious what she was trying to do, but Hajime claims that he didn't even realize it, and was touched that she was trying to help him.

Ibuki often pokes fun at Hajime, saying that he has developed a crush on her or that he is sometimes looking for an excuse to be alone with her. Ibuki also gave Hajime some advice that even when people are constantly changing, either physically or otherwise, that they are always going to be their true selves and she made Hajime promise her that he will never give up on trying to find out his true self. In Hajime's official relationship chart, Ibuki states she wants him to be the drummer in her band, and insists that the two are in a band, even teaching him lessons. However, according to Hajime, she only taught him how to use a loudspeaker.

Gundham Tanaka
At one point, Gundham is implied to have tried to follow Hajime and the rest of the students, though when discovered, he denied it and went away. Hajime and Gundham become rather good friends through Free-Time Events, and in his final FTE (which takes place in the Strawberry House), Gundham makes Hajime sign a contract via handshake and declares that with the contract, Hajime will not be permitted to die without exclusive permission from Gundham Tanaka himself. Hajime thinks to himself that he would like to return that promise back to Gundham, though he figured that Gundham might get angry instead. Comically, their handshake ends in a mutual hand-squeezing to the death.

Hiyoko Saionji
Hajime misjudged Hiyoko the first he introduced himself to Hiyoko in the Killing School Trip. He thinks that Hiyoko would be perfect to stand right next to flowers if she didn't have a rotten personality. He later warms up to Hiyoko and forms a sibling-like bond with her almost like the one she has with Mahiru. When Hiyoko tells him that most people fall asleep while watching her shows, Hajime told her he would stay awake for her during the show.

Mahiru Koizumi
While it was never showed in the main storyline, but in her free time events, it's implied that Mahiru has romantic feelings towards Hajime. When Mahiru took a candid photograph of him, Mahiru didn't want to delete it even though Hajime told her to delete it. After revealing that she likes the candid of him, Mahiru blushed and ran away, saying that she needs to go somewhere.

In her last Free Time Events, Mahiru asked Hajime to take picture of her so she can see how Hajime saw her. She said that she liked Hajime's shot as much as her mother pictures she did. Mahiru also added that she would give him her old camera.

In her Island Mode's ending, Mahiru thanked Hajime as she was able to find herself. It was the reason why she will hand him her old camera in appreciation and due to liking Hajime.

Sonia Nevermind
Sonia shown to be friendly with Hajime and took a liking of him during the course of Killing School Trip. During Free time Event to the point she believe he was a hero from prophecy that would bring happiness to her land and wanted him to rule the Kingdom of Novoselic together after they escaped from the island.

Peko Pekoyama
Despite not sharing a close relationship with Peko in the main story, Hajime is shown to be somewhat interested in her romantically in their Free Time Events.

Makoto Naegi
Makoto put Izuru and the other Remnants of Despair in the Neo World Program. After waking up from the program, Izuru who successfully restored his previous identity, Hajime, brought his classmates to help Makoto to prevent Ryota from using his brainwashing video. Hajime is very thankful to Makoto, because of his hope his classmates return to their original personalities before being brainwashed by Junko.

Quotes

 * “NO, THAT'S WRONG!”
 * “I AGREE WITH THAT!”
 * “THAT MUST BE IT!”
 * “I CAN PROVE IT WITH THIS!”
 * “HERE'S EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED IN THIS CASE!”
 * “There's no way I'll back out now!”
 * “ALLOW ME TO CUT THROUGH THOSE WORDS!”
 * “I'LL SHOOT THROUGH THAT CONTRADICTION!”
 * “YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE!”
 * “THIS IS MY ANSWER”
 * “I GOT IT!”
 * “THIS IS THE END!”
 * “IT'S ALL COMING TOGETHER!”
 * “THAT'S PROBABLY TRUE...!” (Only in the Japanese version)
 * “Make something... up?”
 * “I'LL NEVER LET ANYONE CHOOSE AGAIN!”
 * “Even without a talent, you can have hope.”
 * “All lives are equal!”
 * “In the end, I couldn’t do anything, though. But because of my emptiness, there are things I can do.”
 * “I will become everyone's hope.”
 * “His personality is so overwhelming...” (thought about Ultimate Imposter)
 * “He was being pretty condescending, but he doesn't seem like a bad guy...” (thought about the Ultimate Imposter)
 * “I...I'm definitely fine with who I am. Right now, I'm more focused on what I'm supposed to do.”
 * “I definitely consider you a friend, and there's no way I could ever imitate your leadership... The truth is...I think you're amazing.” (to the Ultimate Imposter)
 * “The only Byakuya Togami I know is the person standing right in front of me.”
 * “The Byakuya I know always says “you” in a condescending way, right?”
 * “He sure has amazing confidence.” (thought about Teruteru Hanamura)
 * “...Why do I need to be ready to eat something?”
 * “Steamy potatoes that fall apart so delicately... Carrots seeping with such gentle flavor... Onions that had nearly melted... Tender meat with the perfect amount of fat clinging to it... Everything had combined to form such perfect harmony...!” (describing Teruteru's cooking masterpiece, “Versailles-style Meat and Potato Stew queue de boeuf”)
 * “Mahiru seems like a pretty solid person.” (thought about Mahiru Koizumi)
 * “It's like I'm being yelled at by my mom or something.” (thought about Mahiru, after being scolded by her)
 * “Even though she complains about it, she's really good at taking care of people.” (thought about Mahiru)
 * “Peko's stare is really intense...” (thought about Peko Pekoyama)
 * “I see... Peko isn't just a typical kendo athlete. She truly is the Ultimate Swordswoman... ”
 * “I...don't really know much about kendo. But I think you're really cool. You're kind of like a samurai.” (to Peko)
 * “Peko gave me a terse stare, and I couldn't help feeling a tingle run up my spine.”
 * “I don't intend to fight my friends at all. I definitely don't want to do that..”
 * “Let me help you until you can finally smile on your own. Isn't it too early to give up now?” (to Peko)
 * “If she didn't have her foul mouth and rotten attitude, she'd look perfect standing next to flowers.” (thought about Hiyoko Saionji)
 * “I mean, I can imagine Akane doing that, but...it doesn't change the fact that this kid is a rotten jerk...”
 * “...But the more I get to know her, the more fearful I become.”
 * “If you're the one doing the dancing, I'll make sure to stay awake.” (to Hiyoko)
 * “Jeez... When she's not being an unbearable brat, she can be pretty adorable...”
 * “Once Ibuki starts talking, it seems like she'll never stop...”
 * “I can totally tell she puts her heart into making her clothes so they're not just another commercial product.” (thought about Ibuki)
 * “I won't give up. I'll definitely leave this island...with everyone.”
 * “Somehow...I feel like I did something bad to her even though I know I didn't do anything...” (thought about Mikan Tsumiki)
 * “She's not a bad person, but...I don't really know how to communicate with her that well.”
 * “How...can you be smiling when you were forced to do stuff like that...?” (to Mikan)
 * “Thank you for...caring about me.” (to Mikan)
 * “If I show her any weakness, it'll be the end of me...”
 * “Asking someone if they want to talk is totally normal...”
 * “She's pretty perceptive... Changing the subject probably won't work on her.”
 * “Thanks to this irrational, hopeless, dangerous situation...? I never thought I'd meet someone who actually thought about our situation like that.”
 * “Maybe...what scares Mikan the most isn't violence or being hated... Maybe it's when nobody is interested in her at all...”
 * “Hey Mikan... Of course everyone cares about you. Because...you're uniquely you. Stop looking at people's faces all the time, and try looking at yourself more. Take a step back and pay more attention to your surroundings, and to yourself. Because you’re just like everyone else. You're...our friend.” (to Mikan)
 * “I know it's difficult to change all at once...but I really want her to change little by little. That's what I felt when I looked at Mikan's smile.”
 * “He's got a lot of confidence. How proud he must to be a team manager.” (thought about Nekomaru Nidai)
 * “I understand how important you are to your athletes.” (to Nekomaru)
 * “You seem very calm. Even in this situation, it’s like you have this unwavering presence of mind...”
 * “We will definite escape from here...all of us.”
 * “Gundham is hard to understand sometimes, but I do understand the intent behind his words.” (thought about Gundham Tanaka)
 * “Listening to Gundham makes me rethink how much of a responsibility it is to raise pets.”
 * “I feel like I got a glimpse of the deep affection Gundham feels toward all animals, not just hamsters...”
 * “Gundham understands the feelings of animals...”
 * “Gundham seems different from usual when he talks about animals. Somehow, his face seems gentler. He must...really love animals.”
 * “You're actually a really kind guy.” (to Gundham)
 * “As long as you're my friend... I have no desire to take anything away from you and try to force you to change.” (to Gundham)
 * “Hmm, I don't know when people suddenly decide they're friends or not... But since we seem to have the same goal, maybe we can at least call each other comrades?” (to Kazuichi Soda)
 * “Oh...so there are time when even the Ultimate Mechanic can't fix something.”
 * “C'mon, you know what they: "Where there's a will, there's a way," right?” (to Kazuichi by using a quote from a manga, "Radio-Combattler 4WD Tarou")
 * “The Kazuichi I know is a confident, happy-go-lucky guy who gets a little carried away sometimes... But maybe he's just been pretending to be like that.”
 * “She's pretty crazy, but I'm a little jealous of how cheerful she is.” (thought about Akane Owari)
 * “Akane's eyes lit up from being surrounded by food. She sort of looked like a little kid. When she looks this happy, it's hard for me to want to stop her...”
 * “People feel hesitant or uneasy...and sometimes you just need to vent about it.” (to Akane)
 * “What's...wrong with being weak...? It's normal to be weak... Humans feel overwhelmed sometimes...and even cry... I know I do, so what's wrong with that?”
 * “I don't think real strength means you don't accept your weaknesses... I think real strength means you overcome them.”
 * “You're not weak at all, Akane. You don't need to try so hard by yourself. Especially in this situation, we should all work together and do our best. Right?”
 * “That's right...we're not alone. We can move forward and overcome our worries and hesitations.”
 * “What she's saying sounds odd but she certainly looks the part... Typical of a princess, I guess.” (thought about Sonia Nevermind)
 * “It seems the Novoselic Kingdom is filled with more mysteries than I thought...”
 * “Her people must believe she's a wonderful princess if she actually thinks of them like that...”
 * “In my eyes, Sonia and the Novoselic Kingdom are just full of mysteries...”
 * “But even so...you're still a regular girl to me. I mean, I'm not a citizen of your country. I'm not even one of your vassals. So...when it comes to myself and the others, you're just our classmate. You're a regular girl... You don't need to try so hard.” (to Sonia)
 * “I'm sure everyone else won't feel like their usual selves if they don't see Sonia's smile.”
 * “This guy has always known violence and death... I see... He's used to it...” (thought about Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu)
 * “Th-That's a...pretty outrageous home life. The worlds we both live in couldn't be more different. ” (to Fuyuhiko)
 * “Um... Sweet things calm your nerves, and they also nourish your brain...”
 * “This is bad... His eyes look real intense... I've never seen anyone get so mad over milk.”
 * “At least this place has soft beds, a beautiful ocean, and entertainment...”
 * “I'm just trying to endure everything the best I can.”
 * “And that's when I realized. This wasn't the same Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu I met when we first arrived at this island... This is a man who has overcome great hardships.”
 * “Seeing him laugh like that was enough to distract me from my worries.” (Hajime's first thought about Nagito Komaeda)
 * “What should I do? Can I even hang out with someone like Nagito...?” (Hajime's response to Nagito after the events of the first trial)
 * “What in the world is this hope you keep talking about...?” (to Nagito)
 * “It doesn't seem he's trying to trick or trap anyone for the sake of his selfish desires. That's why...this is especially troubling.”
 * “For someone who's lucky, you still got dragged into this mess. Doesn't that seem ironic to you?”
 * “...Don't get the wrong idea. I'm...just a coward... I'm scared to leave someone like you alone when I don't understand you at all.”
 * “No matter what his reasons were, I couldn't forgive all the things Nagito had done. That's...what I'd been believing.”
 * “While you were standing? Impressive.” (talking about Chiaki Nanami being able to sleep while standing)
 * “It doesn't mean games always have to have happy endings, but you should get something out of beating them.”
 * “Every single time... I can't believe how quickly she falls asleep in such a short time.”
 * “Were you playing a video game in your dream, too?” (to Chiaki)
 * “Is she...relying on me? If so, that makes me happy.”
 * “Why are there so many things she doesn't know...? As usual, Chiaki is full of mysteries.”
 * “Nah, I'm not that good at using my brain.”
 * “I will definitely get out of here...and take Chiaki to a lot of different places...”
 * “Because that unique way of falling is not something one can forget so easily.” (thought about Mikan falling)
 * “I don't want anyone else...to be a sacrifice.”
 * “Only one word could explain our situation. Despair... We couldn't find a more suitable word than that.”
 * “No good... I can't understand what this guy's saying after all. But even so, there's one thing I can say. It's that he's not deceiving or manipulating people for the sake of his own selfish desires. Which... makes it even more troubling.” (to Nagito)
 * “It's just as Kazuichi said... Nagito's the kind of guy who'll just confuse us and make matters worse...” (talking about Nagito)
 * “Wh-What warm up!? This isn't a game, you know!” (to Nagito)
 * “Nagito Komaeda... You're definitely someone I shouldn't underestimate.”
 * “I suspect them because I want to believe in them!”
 * “I need to...make up my mind. I'm the one who has to do it...! I'm the one who's going to finish this...!”
 * “Like a house of cards collapsing in an instant... In the end, our friend we thought we knew ended up showing us a completely different side of herself... Then she vanished from our sight, leaving behind only her malice toward us.” (thinking about Mikan)
 * “You don't have to worry, Sonia... I'm sure your feelings are reaching them...” (In response to Sonia's mourn)
 * “I completely underestimated his capacity for malice.” (thinking about Nagito)
 * “A mind-boggling malice that threatens us even after he's died... That's the form his malice took.”
 * “I'm hoping that Chiaki says “Just kidding!” with her usual tone of voice... But that... It's just my selfish desire...! Chiaki isn't wishing for that!” (thought about Chiaki)
 * “It doesn't matter who the traitor is... Even if Chiaki is the traitor, that's not the Chiaki I know. I believe in...the Chiaki who's been with us this whole time. That Chiaki is saying she wants to protect us with her life! So the only thing we can do is believe her! If we don’t...nobody’s going to be saved!”
 * “...It's not fair. I...feel the same as everyone else. There's no way I can agree to this...! Emptiness. Loneliness. Sadness. But most of all...I'm ashamed of my weakness. But... Even so... I have to move forward.”
 * “If we believe in the person who's urging to us forward... then we have to start walking. And believe...with as much hope as possible in what lies ahead...”
 * “For someone like me...it's impossible... I can't choose the future...!”
 * “Hope...despair...do whatever you want! It's not my problem!”
 * “My hope...the world's hope...which one should I choose?”
 * “There won't just be hope... There will probably be a lot of despair too... I don't know what kind of future awaits us... but our futures are ours! I won't let anyone take them!”
 * “I will fight for my future! I will fight alongside the future that everyone created for me! It's not for anyone else's sake but my own!”
 * “I...am not Izuru Kamukura... I am Hajime Hinata!”
 * “Let's leave this place with confidence, and from there we can just create it on our own... The future that we want!”
 * “This isn't a game! We can change the future as much as we want!”
 * “We believe in our future... That's what makes us different from you...” (to Junko Enoshima)
 * “We believe that if we try new things, even difficult things, that everything will turn out okay.”
 * “We believe we can even create our own futures!”
 * “So this is the end... But...it's just the beginning... Isn't that right? It doesn't change how scared I am... I can't help feeling scared...so scared, but... Thank you... Thank you, Chiaki... Phew...I finally said it.”
 * “The future isn't a path, it's like an endless sea... You can try to go anywhere... But it doesn't mean you'll get there.”
 * “Even so, I will keep on living. I will keep on living as Hajime Hinata. My future...lies here.”

Trivia

 * Hajime's first name (創) means “beginning”, while "Hinata" (日向) means “a sunny place” or “to face the sun”. His full name can altogether translate as “to face a new day”.
 * The names "Hajime" and "Hinata" are very common names in Japan, with either having many written forms (e.g. Hajime can be written as 始, 治, 初, 一, 元, 肇, 創, 甫, 基, 哉, 啓, 本, 源, 東, 大, 孟, 祝...). Hinata itself is both a surname and a given name. This 'common' quality of his names is parallel to how Hajime was a common student with no extraordinary talent.
 * Matching the meaning of his given name, Hajime's birthday is January 1st, the first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
 * During Nonstop Debates, Hajime uses the phrase それは違うぞ (sore wa chigau zo; lit. "That's wrong"), while Makoto says それは違うよ (sore wa chigau yo; lit. "That's wrong"). Using よ yo in the end of a sentence is much more polite than using ぞ zo, which is perceived as impolite and more masculine. This is one of several nuances which show Hajime's personality to be blunter than that of Makoto. Another example of this is how he uses the word 俺 (ore) to refer himself while Makoto uses the word 僕 (boku). The usage of ore is considered more masculine and boastful, unlike boku, which is more polite.
 * Hajime's alternate identity is foreshadowed during one of Gundham's free time events, where Gundham asks Hajime to reveal his “true name”.
 * Hajime's temporary transition into his “Awakened Form" is similar to Kiyotaka Ishimaru's transformation into “Kiyondo”. Both of them acquired the transformation by keeping someone in their memories (In Hajime's case, he kept Chiaki and Izuru in mind as he finished off AI Junko), and had their naturally dark hair color turn completely white.
 * Technically being the same person as Izuru Kamukura, Hajime is the first character in the Danganronpa series that has participated in two Mutual Killing Games and survived.
 * The others being Makoto, Aoi Asahina and technically Kyoko Kirigiri.
 * According to the text seen on the computer screen in the episode 6 of Side: Despair, both Hajime and his parents gave their consent for the Izuru Kamukura Project and agreed that the school would not be held liable for the said actions, although it's unclear if they were fully aware of the consequences considering the school's tendency to lie and hide information.
 * Hajime's former high school, the "Kodaka High School" (小高高校 kodaka kōkō) is probably a reference to series creator, Kazutaka Kodaka.
 * Hajime, possibly Izuru with shorter hair, is seen in the promotional art for and the collaboration of Danganronpa 3 and Guns Girl Z.