What's the matter!? Why are you crying!? Did something happen!? Did you trip!?
...I don't think she'd be crying from tripping.
S-Sorry for making you guys worry...
No, it's fine! If you don't mind, can you tell us what happened?
I found a small bird injured by the dorms... I wanted to treat it, but it died so suddenly... I thought maybe I could've saved it if I took it to Gundham right away...that's why I'm sad...
I see...
Is that something to cry about? It's not like it was your fault.
Hey, Maki! Watch what you say!
And Gundham isn't a vet, either... You don't know if he could've saved it or not.
You're...right... But when I thought about how it probably wanted to fly more, I just started crying...
You're so nice, Chihiro...
I don't think you should be crying over that, though...
But...I do think it's fortunate it had someone to cry for it.
Kaede, Maki... Thank you.
That reminds me, what are you doing here?
Um...I was thinking about making a grave for the bird.
Ah...but I probably shouldn't bury it at school without permission, right?
Yeah, probably... Even if you did make a grave here, someone might step on it.
I think this is something you should talk to Gundham about, don't you think? He seems to know a lot about giving proper burials to animals.
I see... You're right.
Come on, let's go. He should be taking care of the animals right now.
You're going to come with me, Maki?
...What? Would you prefer it if I didn't?
N-No...it's not that.
Oh, were you just surprised?
You know, Chihiro... Maki may seem edgy on the outside, but she's actually very sincere.
...You don't need to come with us, Kaede.
Why!? I only said the truth!
I'm going too, Chihiro!
Thank you, both of you...
I can't just leave a crybaby like you alone. That would leave a bad taste in my mouth...
Wow, you fixed the PDA perfectly! Amazing, Kazuichi! Sorry for troubling you... I can fix most electronics myself, but... It broke pretty bad when I dropped it, so there wasn't much I could've done... You saved me.
I was shocked when you ran into my class begging me to help. I was all, "What the heck!?"
Ibuki was freaking out and Mahiru started getting in my face asking me what I did...
I'm sorry... I was panicking at the time. It's embarrassing to think about.
Well, for things like this you can come to me whenever. I'm used to fixing stuff. I've fixed pretty much every kind of household electronic, too, y'know?
Wow... You're amazing, Kazuichi!
O-Oh, nah I'm...
...On second thought, you're right!
Yes, you're really amazing! Hehe, thank you. How can I ever repay you? I'll do anything you ask.
O-Oh...anything?
"Anything" makes me imagine all sorts of stuff...No, I've got Miss Sonia...
Is something wrong, Kazuichi?
I-It's nothing! No need to thank me, it's not a big deal!
Is that so...? Um, but I had to ask for your help, so now I feel bad...
How about I treat you to Teruteru's delicious cooking at the dining hall?
S-Sure... If that's what you want, I'll take you up on that... You're kinda...surprisingly aggressive.
Huh?
Well, I sorta thought you weren't the type to really talk to guys...
O-Oh, really? But that's not completely true... I talk to the boys in my class often...
Oh, I guess I misunderstood. Sorry for judging you by the way you look.
No, it's fine... Don't worry about it. I'd be happy if we could get along.
Yeah! If anything happens, feel free to come talk to me!
Pah! Post-writing cola really is the best! It's like I live for this one can!
You look like you're having fun, Hifumi... Did something good happen?
Excellent question! The new release I'm taking to Comiket...er, in other words, my new fanfic comic...
I finished the manuscript for it early this morning! I'm really proud of how it turned out!
Is that so...? Congratulations. Did you get any sleep? It looks like you worked hard.
W-Well, I didn't work that hard... Except I totally did. And of course I'd work hard on it! A great number of my loyal fans eagerly await it!
Hifumi... You make so many people happy with your comics.
Make people happy...
Hmm? Is something the matter? If you're going through a tough time, I can recommend some anime songs to cheer you up.
Hey, Hifumi... Um... Would you be happy if you could talk to people inside the screen?
Hwa!?
M-Ms. Fujisaki? I never expected to hear something like that from someone like you! I-I mean, of course that would make me happy. It's an otaku's dream to talk with 2D... I've often thought that my monitor was in the way or wished I could jump into the TV.
Um... So monitors just get in the way?
Ah... Well, what I'm working on might make it so you don't even need to look at a monitor.
Huh? You want me to not look at the screen, even though my bride is right there? Why? S-Sorry, Ms. Fujisaki. I don't really see where you're going with this...
O-Oh, sorry...I didn't explain enough. Um, what I wanted to say is... I'm making an AI program that can be installed in computers and cell phones to help users.
So the reason why I said you might not even need to look at a monitor is because... ...my AI will make it so that users will be able to use devices with just their voice.
I-I see... So that's it. That certainly is a conversation with someone in the screen.
Yes, it thinks and speaks like a person, too. You can think of it as your partner. It wouldn't just help with work and life, but it'd be fun to talk to an AI with emotions... We haven't reached that stage yet, but I hope one day, it'll become available to people.
Like the AI characters you see in sci-fi? They're always popular and appealing. Well, it's hard to say without seeing it for myself, but it seems like people would enjoy it.
...Oh, yes. Thank you. I'm going to work hard to create something that can make people happy... And when I do complete it, I want you to try talking to it.
Mhm... Well then, I will look forward to that day.
Alright... I'm finally going to tell everyone the truth today. I'm so nervous, but if I just think about when I told Mondo, I'll definitely do my best!
Yup, yup! I'm the super excitable landmine who can blow up any second, the murderous fiend!
G-Good morning.
Yeah, yeah. Ah, I'm sleepy...
My charm is that I'm always hyper, no matter what! I know that already! But I'm outta gas cuz I haven't killed anyone lately! I've been a good little glasses girl!
*sigh* Ah, where have all the adorable boys gone...?
Um, Genocide Jack... Uh, um...
Huh, you're still here? What do ya want? Little lolis like you don't do nothin' for me...
Well, if you were a boy crossdressing, then that'd be a totally different story!
Huh...?
But a chick dressed as an adorable boys is a no-go! Heaven may forgive them, but not me! I'm totally okay with the reverse though! You think that's unfair? That's just my justice!
Kidding! A murderous fiend wouldn't talk about justice, even as a joke! Kyeehahahahaha!
...Ah. Too tired.
...
...I couldn't tell her.
Seasonal Events
Sports Festival
Today is the the summer sports festival! You planned to do your best in the three-legged race... ...but Monokuma barged in and started his 1,000 Blows! What will you do?
C-Can someone stop Monokuma?
Finally...the barrage of balls stopped...
UOOOOOOOOH! Today's the day I'm gonna crush ya!
Stopping me is impossible...but since I have some spare time, I guess I'll humor you.
Y-You're amazing, Akane... I'm too scared to even get to close to Monokuma...
Akane! Go, Akane!
UOOOOOOOOH! I'm gonna do it! Gimme your strength, everybody!
You stood in front of everyone, and cheered for Akane as loud as you could!
I can't run away! I have to save the others!
Sayaka! I-It's dangerous! Let's get out of here!
Okay, Chihiro...
I-I'm out of breath... We ran so much.
Thanks for warning me, Chihiro. I was so surprised I couldn't even move.
Sayaka...
Thank you. I thought I would be useless in a situation like this... ...so I'm really happy you said that.
You made it out safely, and laughed with Sayaka afterward!
I can't run with so many balls flying around...
Th-That Monokuma... I wanna take a baseball bat and give his face a grand slam... And if I've got enough MP left after that, I'll saw him in half and not put him back together.
Chihiro, Himiko... Hide behind Gonta.
But then, you'll get hurt...
Gonta is gentleman, so Gonta use his big strong body to protect everyone!
Gonta, you're so strong... Thank you.
You managed to get away, while Gonta shielded you...
School Festival
Today is the school festival... You held an AI session, so people can talk to Alter Ego! A lot of people came... Why don't you ask for their opinion?
Do you have any questions...?
Hm... Well, this might be something outside your specialty...
O-Oh? But maybe I can help, so go ahead and ask!
I-I see... Then let me ask you one thing. ...a fluffy animal robot...
Huh...?
Someday, would it be possible...to make a fluffy animal robot that acts like the real thing?
Yes, there are robots like that. Ones you can have as pets or use as therapy... Um, a famous one would be... Have you seen any dog robots before?
Oh, yes. I've seen that before. But that one's shiny...not fluffy.
Oh, so the fluffy part is important...
Real animals get scared of me and run away. So I thought maybe I could pet a robot...
You discussed the possibility of a robotic pet with Peko, who seemed really serious...
Miss Mage, what do you think...?
Hm...this artificial intelligence you made can talk like a living human. Not bad for science. It's not as good as magic, though.
I see...I'm glad this wasn't boring.
But...how come the alter ego looks so much like you?
Um...I thought if I did that, it would be easier to understand what an alter ego is. By inputting memories and other info, you can recreate an existing person with an AI.
Wh-What good will that do? It's not funny for there to be another me in the screen.
Hm...there are many things you can do. For example, you can recreate the personality of a lost loved one...to help remember that person.
Nyeeeh...I see. That's probably something that would make people smile.
They say that advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic... But magic is more amazing...don't forget that.
Hehe, okay... Show me your magic some time.
You talked about programming and magic with Himiko!
Did you like talking to Alter Ego?
I don't really know much about computers, but I can tell that this is impressive... It's almost like there's two of you, Chihiro!
Yes. If you input memories and other info, you can essentially recreate another you. They'll reply with the same speech pattern as you, so it would be like looking in a mirror.
That being said, it's another existence...so it kind of feels like family.
Speaking of family, Alter Ego talked about her dad earlier.
Ah, I suppose she talked about your private life without permission. I apologize...
No, you didn't do anything wrong... But that's weird...I get too embarrassed to talk about my dad with anyone...
Huh?
... She has your thoughts, Chihiro. Birthed from you, like your own special family. But does that mean...the "dad" Alter Ego was talking about isn't *your* dad? Then...could he be...?
Hm? What is it, Shuichi?
Ah, it's nothing. I learned a lot today, thank you.
I'm glad. I was worried it might have been too boring.
...No, it couldn't be.
You were relieved that Shuichi enjoyed it!
Winter
Your last winter at the academy...but you're too busy with research to be sad about graduation! You worked so hard that you didn't even realize it was Christmas Eve until the evening... It's not good to overwork yourself... How about a little break?
Maybe I'll get some fresh air
Ah... That was close. I almost stepped on a bug...
I didn't think there'd be bugs when it's so cold out. I'll move it so it doesn't get stepped on.
Chihiro...thank you!
Huh? F-For what?
Gonta have good eyes, so...Gonta see you be nice to Gonta's friend.
Friends... Oh I see, so all the bugs are your friends.
I'm glad I didn't hurt your friends... I'll watch where I step from now on.
You so nice, Chihiro!
Oh yeah! Next time, Gonta introduce you to all his friends!
Really?
Of course! You more than welcome!
You parted ways with Gonta after you two made a promise!
Maybe I'll get some tea in the dining hall
Oh, Chihiro... It feels like it's been a while since we've seen each other.
Um...it might be because I've been stuck in my room lately doing my research.
Me too... I was so focused on a new game that I was cooped up in my room. I guess we've both been cooped for a while.
Hehe, yeah... I want to talk with everyone more, so I could walk around.
Yeah...good job on your project. Programmers are amazing. You've got my respect.
Huh? But...why?
Because my favorite games wouldn't exist without programmers. It's a wonderful job that can create many different things.
Yeah, I suppose that is a good way of looking at it...
So Chihiro...do you make games?
U-Um...the research I'm doing right now doesn't necessarily have anything to do with games.
You talked about games and programming with Chiaki while drinking tea...
Maybe I'll research something else
Hey, Chihiro! Sorry to keep you waiting!
Oh, don't worry. More importantly, how is it? Is it going well for you?
Yeah! I'm almost done making the prototype, A little robot you can put your AI in. So cool!
Wow, you're almost done with it? That's amazing, Kazuichi!
Hehe...let's make something extra rad that blows Keebo and Monokuma out of the water!
Yes, I'm excited.
Hey Kazuichi, what kind of robots do you want to create from here on out?
From here on out? What, are we talkin' about the next thing already?
Hehehe, am I getting ahead of myself? I always come up with new ideas for new programs while I'm researching.
If the small robot we're currently working on goes well, I'd want to make a big one next...
A big one... In that case, let's make one that transforms into a vehicle! Yeah, yeah! Let's have it transform into a car! That'd be so cool!
Yes...that sounds great.
F-For real? You think!?
It can be in human mode for conversing with people, and then in car mode for transportation.
Oh, and if possible, we could even make it a robot that can help the disabled. If it's something that can help people, maybe we can find companies to invest in our research.
I see... I wasn't really thinking about what it'd be for or who'd be using it... But if we're thinking of it that way, I know we'll be able to make something awesome.
Yes, I'm sure you would be able to make something amazing, Kazuichi.
Y-Yeah! But your technology is awesome, too... So let's keep makin' stuff together! Back when we both started at this academy, I never imagined we'd team up like this.
You discussed your ideas on creating robots with Kazuichi!
Appearances in Seasonal Events for Other Characters
Today is the summer sports festival... You're going to participate in the scavenger hunt! There are three cards in front of you... Which one is Atua telling you to pick?
Outlook good for the middle card
Hmm... "Someone who's like a small animal." Since Himiko's in the same scavenger hunt...
Okay Chihiro, let's go. Atua has chosen you to join me.
Wait, A-Atua? Huuuh?
Um... Religion is complicated, so I don't really understand, but...um, what should I do?
Don't be afraid. You'll be fine as long as you follow me. Atua is a gentle god, watching over you like a doting father, Chihiro.
But having a god like that watch over me is a little...
You ran through the goal with Chihiro, though she seemed a little put off by it...
Today is the school festival, you concealed your true exhibit behind an illusion... Those with low astral levels see an ordinary petting zoo! Your featured demon beast is...
The Four Dark Devas of Destruction, of course!
Oooh, I've always thought your hamsters were so cute... Is it alright if I pet them?
Perhaps one as purehearted as you may be able to touch the Four Dark Devas unscathed. But do not forget...they are still demon beasts. If you underestimate their fangs, you shall pay.
Okay, I'll be gentle so I don't scare them...
Chihiro seemed to enjoy herself as she gently petted the Four Dark Devas of Destruction!
Your last winter at the academy... You enjoyed a Christmas party with your friends! The party ended and you're going to help clean up. What will you do first?
I shall lay the debris of chaos to rest
Oh, Gundham! Throwing away the trash?
What are you doing here at a time when all is swallowed in the dark's embrace?
I was so wrapped up in my research, I forgot to eat earlier...
You guys had a Christmas party, right? Was it lots of fun?
Kehehe... My magic levels have reached new heights!
Um, so...it *was* fun? Your little hamsters look like they enjoyed it!
Do not carelessly approach. I will not be held responsible if you are hit by a wave of evil. However, should you seek food, then journey beyond this place. You may be able to consume the excess offerings from the rite of chaos.
Offerings?
Offerings such as birds grilled in hellfire and ensorcelled confections. No one will blame you for being lured to such offerings... Go and eat.
So you want to share the food and cake from the party with me?
Hehehe, thank you, Gundham! That's so sweet of you.
Your last winter at the academy... Christmas is over and graduation is coming up. Thinking about that...makes you feel gloomy. How will you spend your remaining time?
It's been a while since I called dad...
Wh-Whoa...
What!?
Hey, look where you're walking! I won't forgive you if you get my kimono dirty, y'know?
S-Sorry! Are you okay?
Well duh, isn't it obvious? Geez, you were probably all giddy for winter break like some little kid, huh?
N-No, it's not that... I'm actually feeling... troubled.
Huh?
Oh, I got a Christmas present from my family, and...
Gosh, it's just so embarrassing! I can't believe I got a gift...
I didn't ask for your life story. When you say family...do you mean your parents?
Um, well, my dad... I told him I didn't need anything, but he got me something anyway...
You...piss me off.
Huh?
If you don't want it, just throw it away.
N-No, I could never break his heart like that!
Then you should take what your dad gave you and be happy about it, right?
...Yeah, you're right. Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like I was complaining. I'll be sure to thank my dad.
Today is the summer sports festival! Whether it's headbanging or tree climbing, bring it on! But most important of all...cheering! Where will you perform your fight song?
A place with a pop vibe!
Yaaaaaa hooooo! Who's my hero? Chi-hiro! You're just like a cute, tiny mascot animal!
Ibuki, hello there. Um, what's going on?
Ibuki came to cheer-o Chihiro on! I'll support you with all my might so you can work hard! They wouldn't let me bring my guitar, but I can still headbang and shout for you!
Alright...thank you? I'm not very good at this kind of thing, but your cheering will really help me!
Today is the school festival... Obviously, you've decided to perform a piano recital! It's almost time to go up on stage. What kind of musical piece will you play?
I'll play a soothing musical piece
Phew... Just as I thought... No, probably even better.
Ah, Kaede...um...
Huh? Chihiro, what's the matter? Why are you crying!?
Oh, this... I was just so moved by your performance...
Huh?
I don't know much about classical music...but I was really touched! My chest felt all warm and fuzzy... And then...um...
Sorry...I can't describe it that well.
It's okay. Seeing you smile is the best compliment I can receive.
Really?
Yeah. I perform so I can see people smile like you, Chihiro.
Your last winter at the academy... Graduation will be here before you know it. With so few months left in the school year, you are overcome by bittersweet nostalgia...
Maybe I'll go to the dining hall
Um...what should I do...?
...Did something happen?
Oh, Maki... Um, I can't open this jar...
Hm, hand it to me. I'll open it for you.
Oh, wait...I want to keep trying. I want to be able to do at least this by myself. I need to get stronger.
But...thank you for offering your help. It was very reassuring.
You're being too dramatic over a jar lid.
That's true... But still, I feel relieved. Maki, children probably see you as a reliable big sister figure, don't they?
I don't think...I'm that reliable.
Huh, why?
I'm not good at taking care of people and I keep secrets. You can't rely on someone like that.
You keep secrets?
Nothing. Forget it.
Um...Uhhh... Keeping secrets might be bad... But I don't think it's strange... Even I...have secrets.
...Even someone like you?
Yes...I shouldn't hide it forever, but it's difficult to tell everyone at this point. So, I understand where you're coming from... Keeping secrets can make you feel guilty.
Maki...is there anyone you talked to about your secret? Or have you not told anyone?
Today is the sports festival... You're in the scavenger hunt! The card you pulled is... "Someone smaller than you"!? There aren't many people that fit that description...
I know someone like that in my class...
Chihiro? Could you come with me please?
Huh...? You want me to run with you? Um, I'm not that fast... Are you fine with that?
Your last winter at the academy... Christmas has passed, and graduation is coming up. The closing ceremony is over, and winter break starts tomorrow. What do you do tonight?
I've got plans with Chihiro...
Thanks for training with me today as well, especially since this time of year is so busy.
Nah, I...didn't have anything else to do. But you seem really busy lately.
Do you mean my research? Hm, I guess I have been a little busy.
I'm always sitting in front of the computer., so it felt refreshing to move my body today.
Yeah, you were training hard today. I'd say you've gotten a lot better at it.
Do you think so?
Well, when we first started, you would always complain about how it hurt. But how about now?
Now that you mention it...I do feel fine.
I see...I thought I wasn't progressing at all, but maybe I've actually become stronger.
Yeah, that's right! It's good, isn't it?
Hehehe...I'm glad. I think I'll be able to tell everyone soon.
Tell everyone? You mean...
Yes, probably... I'm going to tell everyone the truth before graduation... that I'm...not a girl.
Even though I can never be as strong as you, I've been doing my best... I feel like...I can tell everyone. And it's all thanks to you, Mondo.
Hey, come on. I didn't do anything special. Besides, from the very beginning, you...
Huh?
...Nah, nothing. Let's head back to the room. We're gonna freeze out here!
That's true... Thank you so much for today. I'll see you later.
Yeah... See ya.
I wonder...if I can change too. I don't know if I'll ever be as strong as you, Chihiro.
You finished training and headed back to your room.
Today is the school festival... You're manning a stand that sells cream puffs! Business is excellent. Here's another new customer... How will you greet them?
Didn't expect *you* to buy so many
Oh, sorry...was it inconvenient? I did just buy a lot...
Hmph... Not at all. I just thought it was unexpected.
Hehe...did you think all this was for me? It's for my friends, too. They went out to buy the other foods and drinks.
Oh, I get it now.
Here you are. Take them to your friends. Can you carry all that?
I can hold it... Do I really look that weak to you?
...I guess I am.
No... People judge me by how I look all the time, too. I should've been more considerate.
...But you're such a wonderful person.
People who judge based on looks are everywhere... I say, just let them talk.
Though...I guess that's not something I should be saying after judging you by your appearance.
No, don't worry... I'm a little braver now, thanks to what you said.
