The guide contains spoilers for Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony, and is not recommended for players who have not completed Chapter 1. Read at your own risk.
When you give Kaede a present, she will give you a different reaction depending on how much she likes it. There are two possible reactions for each "tier" of present, and which of the two reactions you receive is random. Each line is a separate response.
Loves
Whoa! Can I really have this!? Thanks, I'm so happy right now! You really know what makes me smile, Shuichi. But, I guess *you* would know what I like!
Shuichi...I'm just so ecstatic! I thought I had been the only one looking at you, but I guess you've noticed me, too. I think that, because...you gave me such a pretty gift.
Likes
I really like these kinds of things. Do you enjoy them too, Shuichi? It would make me a bit happier to know we like the same things. Oh, god... I think I said something embarrassing just now.
Oh! I was just thinking about getting one of these! I can't believe you already know what I like, even thought we just met... Well, that's a detective for ya!
OK
I see... You carry these things around, huh, Shuichi? How did you find them in this academy? Or did you have them before you came here?
Hmm...so you like these kinds of things, Shuichi. I'll remember that. Someday, I'll get you a present, too... Oh, I don't mean it in a weird way. It's to return the favor, okay?
Dislikes
Umm... Your taste is...unique... Oh, I didn't mean it on a bad way. If you like it, then that's your choice.
Umm... I'm sorta curious why you chose to give this to me... I don't hate it. Well...I'm actually happy!
Hates
This isn't okay, Shuichi... Even if it's a joke, there are some things you shouldn't do. If we weren't in such a weird situation, I might be able to laugh it off.
Skills Granted[]
Becoming close to Kaede will grant the player the following skills, which will aid their in Class Trials:
Name
Description
Cost
Piano Duet
Makes it easier to push the opponent back during the Final Push. Effective during Debate Scrums.
5 SP
Free Time Event Dialogue & Option Guide[]
Full dialogue from Kaede's Free Time Events:
Introduction[]
???
Um... Are you an Ultimate student, too?
Y-Yeah... Well, then...
I'm... Shuichi Saihara. They call me the Ultimate Detective, but...
What? You're a detective? That's amazing!
Ah, no...I don't have the credentials to call myself a detective yet. I just...happened to solve a case that I came across and...now people call me that.
Not many people can "just happen" to solve a case. You should be more proud of that.
Oh, yeah... My name is Kaede Akamatsu. I'm the Ultimate Pianist. Nice to meet you!
Ultimate...Pianist...
Well, no one calls me the Ultimate Pianist. Usually just Piano Freak. Ever since I was a child, I would play the piano whenever I got bored... There were even times I played the piano so much, that I would forget to eat and sleep. Eventually, I won trophies from concerts. And people started praising me...
That's how you got your Ultimate title? That's way more impressive than me...
No. That's all I'm good for, really.
But this is my first time meeting another Ultimate student.
Well, Ultimates are scattered all over the country. They're difficult to find.
Even so, there are sixteen Ultimate students gathered here now. But why is everyone here? Were we kidnapped?
If so, then...is some organization out there trying to kidnap all the Ultimates?
Ah... about that... I... don't remember.
Huh? You don't remember?
I've been trying to remember it, but I can't...no matter how hard I try. I have no idea how I got here... When I woke up, I was in that locker. I...don't know how I got there... It's like...that memory just fell out of my head-
Same here!
...Huh?
I can't remember anything... Even though I'm trying so hard to remember-
...Kh!
Ah, are you okay? What's wrong?
Oh...I'm fine. I just got a headache...that's all.
...It can't be a coincidence that we *both* don't remember. What happened to us...?
I-I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. Probably not a big deal.
We're confused. We just need to relax, is all. Oh! Let's imagine Maurice Ravel's "Sonatine"...
Is that...music? I-I...don't really know much about music...
I see... That's unfortunate. When we get outta here, I'll share it with you...
But first, let's look for a way out. And if there are other Ultimate students here, we should talk to them, too. At least one of them has got to know something.
Yeah. Good idea.
Obtained Friendship Fragment! Shuichi's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with him.
Free Time Event 1[]
Spend time with Kaede
Oh, yeah. You don't know much about music, do you, Shuichi?
I kind of follow the trends? I don't know anything about classical.
I guess that's true. Normal high school boys don't listen to classical music...
Yeah. He's pretty famous, so I've definitely heard of him.
Chopin composed many solos, and was even referred to as The Poet of the Piano. That title might mean nothing to you at first, but you'll get it once you listen to his works. He always performed at concerts.
Oh, yeah. Speaking of Chopin... I played the three Waltzes, Op. 34 in front of a king before.
A king?
Yeah, some European king. He had to keep his identity a secret.
What!? Why did he have to do that!?
He saw my performance at an international competition on the news, so he came to Japan.
Wow...
But he looked like your average Joe. Nothing like a king out of a fairytale.
I don't think a king would like to be called an "average Joe."
But he talked like a king! His speech and mannerisms were totally not this era! "It is as if a god dwells within your fingers!"
He knelt down when he said that! I was speechless!
I...don't know how to respond to that. Did any other famous people come?
Yeah, sorta. A representative of Juilliard, famous pianists... I was really nervous back then. Like, what were they gonna tell me after? But in the end, I performed my usual way and hoped they enjoyed it.
That's incredible... You must be really amazing if you have fans like that...
Hahahaha! No way, Shuichi! I'm an ordinary high school girl who just happens to be a Piano Freak.
I don't think such important people would come to see an ordinary pianist.
Well, you're the Ultimate Detective, Shuichi. One day, you're gonna get famous people requesting you to solve their cases.
Ah, no, probably not...
Kaede and I parted ways, and I returned to my room.
Kaede's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with her.
Free Time Event 2[]
Spend time with Kaede
Hey, Shuichi!
Ah! What!? You scared me, getting that close!
Oops, sorry! I just got super excited!
What is it?
Let's play a piano duet together!
A piano duet?
Oh, right. You don't know yet. A duet is when two people play on the same piano.
You can do that?
Of course, since a piano has 88 keys!
Now that she mentions it, I suppose pianos are pretty wide...
I want you to know more about the piano! That's why a duet with you would be perfect.
W-Wait a minute!
Huh, what's wrong? Is there a problem?
I-It's just... It would be such an honor to perform with you, I don't know...
Whatever! I'm just a normal high school girl!
Ah! B-But I've never played piano before!
Everyone's like that in the beginning! You gotta try new things anyway!
I soon found myself in Kaede's lab, in front of her piano.
Okay, let's start practicing. Sit in front of the piano, Shuichi.
O-Okay...
Now, put your fingers on the keys.
Like this...?
Oh, don't place your fingers flat. Keep your fingers light and don't press the keys too hard.
Ah...like this?
Bend them a little more. Pretend you have an egg in your hand.
I'm gonna touch your hands, okay? So you know how to play in the correct form.
A-Ah! She's so close... Touching me... Soft... Warm...
What am I thinking about!? I hope she hasn't noticed...
Okay, just like that. Make sure only your fingertips touch the keys.
Hm, Shuichi? You don't look very focused.
I-I'm sorry! I'll do it right this time!
I-I'm sorry! I'll do it right this time!
Well, you're pretty motivated now. I'm happy to see you so interested.
Good...she doesn't think I'm weird.
Hehe, you look so relieved all of a sudden. It's not like I'm gonna scold you or anything.
O-Okay...
Kaede spent some time teaching me the basics.
Ah, aren't you a little...too close?
Ah, aren't you a little...too close?
Am I? But if I'm not close to you, then I can't guide you.
Th-The hands are fine... But, ah... Your face...and other things...
Oh my god! I am super close to you! S-Sorry!
Hahaha... I was so focused... That's why people call me Piano Freak...
Kaede spent some time teaching me the basics.
It's just really hard...
It's just really hard...
Really? I was able to do this right away. It's so hard giving lessons to someone else. Maybe I'm just a horrible teacher...
But this will be a good experience. I'm learning from you, Shuichi.
R-Really?
Kaede spent some time teaching me the basics. Kaede was so close to me the whole time, I had trouble focusing... But now I know why they called her the Piano Freak.
Yeah! You're pretty good, Shuichi! I think you can play a basic song now!
You think so? No, I'm not that good...you're just a great teacher, Kaede!
Well, the great Kaede Akamatsu is saying you can, so be more confident! ...Kidding about the great part.
Haha, yeah, thanks. I feel a bit more confident now.
With pianos, music will play as long as you press the keys. There are a bunch of people who have taught themselves and went a long way.
So you'll be fine, Shuichi! Since I'll be here to teach you everything.
She'll be here...
I played until Kaede and I were satisfied, then returned to my room.
Kaede's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with her.
Free Time Event 3[]
Spend time with Kaede
You actually came to duet practice!
Y-Yeah...
Then, let's start!
Phew... Let's end it here for today.
I feel like I'm getting a lot better!
Definitely! I honestly think you have the talent to play the piano, Shuichi. If you practice more, you might become the new Ultimate Pianist!
Ah, I don't know about *that*... And besides, this is just practice.
You're right... It's good to practice, but... We should focus on getting out of here together. I wanna escape already so I can get to know the other students.
Together...
...Hey, Kaede.
Hm? What is it?
This might...sound weird, but...
What's the matter? You can tell me.
Um, but if it's something hard to answer, then that might be a problem.
How can you be so optimistic?
Huh?
You're always talking about cooperating, and working together, and not giving up... I'm just amazed every time you talk like that.
Well, no, I suppose it's easy to *talk* like that...
But I know that you truly feel that way inside. I suppose I'm just asking you where those feelings come from.
...
Kaede...looks troubled. I'm sorry, I guess it was weird.
Oh, not at all! I'm not mad or troubled or anything like that! I was just thinking about how I could explain it to you. Since my feelings come from actual experience.
Actual experience? You were in a situation like this before!?
No, not that. There's no way I could've been in this kind of situation in the past.
Well, in my experience, music has always reached other people's hearts.
Music...?
I told you this before... I play the piano because I want to see people smile.
Everyone's faces light up from my performances. I can smile with strangers who I had just met a minute ago. Even if we don't speak the same language, we can bond anyway through music. I think it's because we can see other people's true personalities through music.
So, I'll be fine. I know we can overcome anything just by creating a bond!
Yeah...I suppose that's true, Kaede.
I wanna see more smiles from people, so... I plan to do all sorts of things. Classical music is my main focus, but I wanna do a performance with pop music.
Oh, yeah! Wouldn't it be super fun arranging music for famous games or movies? I can compose the songs however I like and then hold a concert! That would be cool.
Kaede...
I think that's a wonderful dream, Kaede. I'm sure that you can do it.
Really? You think so?
Absolutely. And I'd like to come to that concert.
I'll definitely invite you! I'll send you the first ticket!
Hold on!
I-I just told you my dream... Hahaha...that's embarrassing... I can't believe you got me to blurt out my secret, Shuichi!
I wasn't prying or anything... But I'm glad she told me.
After Kaede had calmed down a bit, I returned to my room.
Kaede's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with her.
Free Time Event 4[]
Spend time with Kaede
You came to practice again, right? I'm glad you're serious about this.
Then, let's start.
Shuichi, I think this is a good place to stop so let's end here for today.
Ah, done already?
Yeah, well... Whenever we see each other, we play the piano together, right? It feels like I'm forcing you to do this... You're not having fun...are you, Shuichi?
No way! I'm having lots of fun!
R-Really?
Okay! Then, let's do it again! Since I told you my secret, you're gonna have to tell me yours!
What!? Why?
Because I've decided! We're talking about you today!
We are...? Kaede's so pushy today...
Well, if you want me to... But what should I talk about?
How about...your hobbies?
Hobbies? Um...
Huh!? You have to *think* about your hobbies!?
W-Well... I remember helping out with the detective business...
I suppose...being a detective *is* my hobby.
Mmhm, I see. Detective work is your hobby...
What, you're taking notes!? Where did you get that notebook!?
From my backpack.
Ah, I see...
So your hobby is being a detective... Then, we should enjoy being that today.
What?
I'm gonna be the detective who'll expose your secret!
I thought *I* was going to be the detective!
Being interrogated might be good experience! It'll be useful next time you're in action!
Really!?
Yup! So now, next question! What's your favorite food? Meat? Veggies? Fish?
Well, from those choices...
Juicy Meat
Juicy meat...
Hmm, that's a pretty typical boy answer. Can you eat a giant steak in one sitting?
Ah, well...
Althooough, you don't look like you can eat a lot of meat... But I shouldn't judge...
What is she muttering about...?
Healthy vegetables
Healthy vegetables...
Vegetables? Are you worried about your calorie intake?
A little bit... I'm not athletic, I gain weight easily...
Hmmm, I see... So you're that type...
What is she muttering about...?
Fresh fish
Fresh fish...
Fish, huh? I prefer fish over meat, too! We're so alike!
Y-Yeah...
Then, I guess I shouldn't worry about our compatibility...
What is she muttering about...?
Next question! What's your favorite place?
That's a pretty broad question, I don't know if I can answer that.
Oh, right. Ummm...how about...
If you went out on like...a date...where would you go? Movies or the amusement park?
The movies
The movies, I suppose.
Movies, huh? I see... By the way, what's your favorite genre?
W-Well, I'll watch anything, but... I can never get into love stories.
O-Oh, I see... Well, it's a bit too fast to watch a romance movie with just two people anyway!
...She's taking notes again.
The amusement park
The amusement park, I suppose.
Amusement park, huh? You're pretty outgoing.
Ah, I get that a lot. But being a detective is mostly about gathering information, so...
Mmhm. I see.
...She's taking notes again.
Whatever they pick
Whatever they pick, I suppose.
Hmmm...that's gonna be a problem...
Huh? Why?
Nothing! It just means you're less likely to make a move, right?
...She's taking notes again. What are you gonna use those notes for?
That's...
...Yes?
A secret!
What?
Don't worry, it won't be used for anything bad! I won't show these notes to anyone else!
Detective Kaede Akamatsu is just gettin' started! Tell me everything ya know, punk!
After Kaede finished questioning me, I returned to my room.
Kaede's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with her.
Free Time Event 5[]
Spend time with Kaede
Okay, Shuichi! Time to get super pumped for practice!
Yeah, let's do it!
A piano duet... Two people playing piano together. When I was first learning, I didn't quite get it. But now...it feels nice. I played the low notes while Kaede played the high. Together, we played a melody. Of course, my playing didn't compare, but Kaede carried me. Perhaps that's what gave it a magical sense of unity. At first, I was so focused on Kaede sitting next to me that I couldn't focus... But as we kept playing, it got easier. It felt perfectly natural. It's like Kaede and I... have become one. ......... ...... ...
.........
*sigh*
After we finished playing, we remained sitting beside one another, basking in it.
You're amazing, Shuichi. I can't believe you've improved this much in such little time.
N-No, I'm not... No, that isn't quite what I want to say.
I had a great teacher who showed me the beauty of playing the piano.
The beauty of playing the piano? What do you mean?
It's so fun to play. I understand why you get entranced by it.
Right? Even though it's just us here right now... Someone might hear and it'll make them smile! That's when you know it's worth it!
I was only able to have this great experience because I met you, Kaede. I know that this is an...abnormal situation... But I'm still so glad that I met you.
"I had a great teacher who showed me the beauty of playing the piano."
S-Shuichi... I can't believe you said something so embarrassing.
Huh? What?
B-But... I'm... glad I met you.
While I was teaching you, I was reminded of how great pianos are... And I started to realize myself what I can do on the piano.
Yeah...
Hey, Shuichi. When we get out of here, come over to my house.
Huh? You mean it? Your...house?
Of course, where else?
W-Well, it's just that... I mean, going to your house is...
W-Wait a minute! No, I didn't mean it like that!
I wanted us to perform our duet practice on my favorite piano, so you could hear it!
Ah, that's what you meant! I'm sorry, I misunderstood.
But...I also wanna talk to you, and watch TV with you...
What?
You know how I said I wanted to become closer to you when we got out of here?
And...if it's you...I feel like we could get to know each other a lot more...
Does that...mean...?
That's why...
That's why...?
Geez! Just be a man and say yes already!
Ah! Sorry! Yes! Yes, yes!
...Pft!
Haha...
Hahahahaha!
We're just not there yet... With our duet, our friendship, everything... Which is why we're going to escape...so we can hopefully grow together.
Yeah, you're right. I kind of understood what Kaede was trying to say. I think that's because we have such a strong bond between us. But when we get out of here... I might want to take this even further...
Kaede and I spent the rest of the day talking about what to do after we escape.
Kaede's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with her. You've learned a new skill, Piano Duet. You have obtained a present: Kaede's Undergarments.
