Oh, but this time, I'll write your name on my hand three times. Then I'll learn it for sure!
Oh, don't worry about that. I'm a reserve course student, you won't see me much.
Oh...really? I thought you were classmates with like Kazuichi and Chiaki. I see you often enough with that class.
Well, we hang out outside of school...
It sounds like you've blended in.
Blended in?
Yeah, so much that I thought you were their classmate.
Guess you're right, yeah.
Oh, sorry for holding you up. Were you about to go somewhere?
Yeah, Gundham told me he wanted to show me an animal or something.
I see, so that's why you're up already. I guess animals do tend to wake up early. You really do get along with everyone, Hajime. I never see Gundham around other people.
Yeah, sometimes I feel like I'm just being dragged along by strong personalities.
Hahaha, you must be fun to hang out with!
I'm gonna run a bit more before class starts! See ya, and say hi to the animals for me!
Sorry for making you wait. I hope grape soda's okay.
Oh, that's my favorite. Thanks. I was surprised you'd come to talk to me. As thanks for the drink, I'll answer your question.
You want to hear about why I quit tennis, don't you?
That's not the reason I wanted to talk to you... But it'd be a lie if I said I wasn't curious. I remember hearing about what you did on the news.
Hmph...from your perspective as a reserve course student, it's probably infuriating, huh? Even though I had a talent, I threw it away... You probably think I'm an idiot.
N-No...that was probably your only choice. For a guy as talented as you to throw it all away...I imagine it was a hard choice.
Sorry...those were harsh words to put in your mouth. *I'm* the one who thinks I'm an idiot.
I never once thought about the consequences of my choice back then... Even if you've got talent, one wrong choice can make your future vanish in an instant.
...
You should be careful. You can choose any path you want, but be sure to think carefully about where it will lead.
Hmph...as thanks for the drink, I gave you a lecture... That's a poor trade.
No... It was helpful. I can choose any path I want... My friend told me something like that.
It seems like you've got good friends... That's a valuable thing to have.
You had a long discussion while drinking some soda...
Yes, but...what brings you all the way out here, Hajime?
I came to return the CD Mikan gave me. Well, "gave" isn't quite right. She forced a mountain of CDs on me...
Hmmm, I see...
You know, despite your lack of an Ultimate talent, you get along well with the others. But I'm terrified to be in the same class as all of them. I'm shameful...
Who cares? It's my choice who I hang out with.
Well, I guess I can understand that. For me, I yearn for Hope's Peak...I'm drawn to that light of hope like a moth to a flame...
...Nagito, do you say this kinda stuff to everyone you meet?
Yes, I do. Why?
Nothing, it's just...I don't really get it. It's exhausting trying to figure you out.
Haha, you *do* look tired... You don't have to stay here and listen to me. You can leave me any time you like.
Look, if you have a problem with me, *you* can leave *me*.
Oh, don't misunderstand. It's not that I don't like you, Hajime. I think I know what you want. You're even more mysterious than me...
We have these little talks, but are you just trying to get close to main course students?
Hey, come on. You don't have to say it like I'm some kind of spy or something. Besides, that's not why I talk to you. It's because of...what you said.
I still don't understand it, but I know that I'm not going to just leave it at that.
I see. Such courage, Hajime.
But courage in the hands of the powerless is called recklessness.
Mind your own business, Nagito. You're just trying to...rile me up.
...By the way, I saw Mikan staggering off toward the schoolyard after homeroom.
Oh, Hajime...you actually waited for me. Sorry for being late.
No, don't worry about that. Did something happen? I heard something about homeroom...
Yeah, it was the usual. Akane and Nekomaru started their intense workouts during class.
Oh, yeah, I can picture that. The classroom must have been a mess. And that's just "the usual" for you? That kind of thing never happens in the reserve course.
It's always chaotic, but it's fun. Although, I have to be careful no one breaks my game consoles during all the chaos.
That sounds pretty bad. I know that everyone relies on you, too...
No one really relies on me...but I help everyone, because I like them.
And that's why they rely on you.
I'm sure...everyone relies on you too, Hajime.
Me?
Well, you know...Fuyuhiko seems to like you, and Hiyoko is pretty attached to you... Ever since you started talking to Nagito, I feel like he's been warming up to us.
And Mikan looks happy when you're there... That goes for everyone else, too.
The people around me are pretty unique... maybe it's just easier for them to talk to me.
It's more fun when you're there, Hajime.
Well, it's not like I'm not having fun...
This is all because you brought us together, Chiaki. If not for you, I never would have met them.
Really?
What?
Even if I did nothing, I'm sure you would've met the others. And they'd rely on you, like usual.
Ch-Chiaki...
...Just kidding. But that is really how I see everyone when they're around you, Hajime.
When they're around me, huh? Sometimes I feel more like I'm getting dragged along...
Let's hold a game tournament, and go out somewhere with everyone again. I can't imagine hanging out with everyone without you there.
Yeah... Call me whenever.
Okay! So, what kind of game should we play today? Puzzle? Fighting? Or do you want to try your hands on a rhythm game?
Well, I did practice the fighting game from last week...
I'm definitely more of a match for you now. What do you think?
Oh, sounds good. I'm up for that challenge!
Seasonal Events[]
Sports Festival[]
Today is the sports festival at Hope's Peak Academy. You came to cheer for your friends... But the basketball team was short a person, so you were asked to join!
I might as well give it my all
The other team has...the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader, Mondo Owada. His talent doesn't have to do with sports, but he looks like he'll be a tough opponent anyway.
Hm? Haven't seen your face before. But it doesn't matter, I'm gonna kick your ass anyway.
You guys may be Ultimates, but you're not all athletes! We can still win!
Bring it on! This is a test of manliness!
...You had a heated battle in basketball!
Honestly, I'm not so sure about this...
Oh, you are...Hajime, of the reserve course. This is getting interesting. The odds have changed with an irregular such as yourself.
You're...the Ultimate Gambler, right?
Are you betting on the basketball game?
How perceptive. Sports require brains as well as brawn. It would be good to place a bet.
Despite being used for gambling...your fighting spirit went up a bit!
...You want me to join? Are you sure?
Hm? What do you mean?
Well, why invite me over someone with a sports talent? You've got other options, don't you?
Besides, I'm not from the main course... You guys might get disqualified because of me...
Oh, don't worry about stuff like that, man. I saw Usami being thrown into games to fill in for people.
U-Usami? If that's the case, I guess anything goes...
Anyway, you better work hard so I can show my stuff! Miss Sonia might be watching!
...
Alright, I'm gonna stop thinking and just go at it!
Yeah! I know you got my back, Hajime!
You gave it your all alongside your teammates!
School Festival[]
Today is the main course's school festival... You were invited so you tried the escape room! Let's work hard and cooperate with the others! So, what will you do?
I'll ask that reliable guy what he thinks
Hey, Shuichi...did you happen to find anything?
Yes, I did. Looking around the room, I found something that looks like a code. I realized the meaning of the code. Now I just have to find out how to use it.
W-Wow, you really are the Ultimate Detective... With you, we'll escape in no time.
Ah, sorry...I keep going off on my own, even though we're supposed to be working together.
No need to apologize. I'll be relying on you.
I found these tools we can use. How about we work together to figure out how to use the code?
Alright, let's try it.
...You worked together with Shuichi and solved lots of mysteries!
It's best for everyone to work together...
You don't seem all that into it, Kyoko. I guess games like these are too easy for you, huh?
Oh, I'm not bored. I've investigated cases related to games before, but nothing of this nature.
Ah...sorry. I didn't know.
You don't need to worry about it. Let's start the investigation. Even if it is a game, we need to gather all the clues, just like a real case. Right?
Yeah, let's do our best.
...You worked together with Kyoko to solve the mystery!
There's something written on the wall...
This has got to be a clue, but...maybe it's a red herring instead?
It could be...we should consider all of our options.
You're right. This whole room is suspicious, but I don't know if I'm thinking too hard or not.
We should be able to solve this if we work through everything together.
...Sorry that I don't have any better advice...
No, I agree. Let's all talk it over and solve things one at a time.
...You worked together with the others to solve the mystery!
Winter[]
Your last winter at the academy... Today, you have been invited to Chiaki's Christmas party. You've still got some time before the party. How will you spend it?
Maybe I'll look around the schoolyard...
Hope's Peak Academy, huh?
Oh, Hajime... What are you doing here? Aren't you on your way to the dining hall?
Yeah...just looking at the school building. I never did end up being able to attend... Since I was a kid, I admired Hope's Peak...but the closest I could get was the reserve course.
H-Hajime...
To be honest...I could've changed that, though. I had a chance to become talented and be useful to Hope's Peak, no matter the cost...
But Hajime...you chose a different path in the end, didn't you?
I was pretty lost for a while, but... I realized something important.
Having talent isn't a goal. Even if you have one, but don't believe in yourself... ...you can't be proud of yourself. I know that now... That's how I feel.
That's right, Hajime. You know...you are your own biggest supporter! If you can learn to love yourself, that love...
...will continue to support me for the rest of my life, right?
...Huh?
I don't know where that came from. I just felt like I knew what you were going to say.
Now let's get going. You're coming to the party too, right Monomi?
Of course! Let's go be with the others, Hajime!
You headed to the party with Monomi...
There's probably something in the dining hall
Huh? I heard the girls were going to set up here, but you guys came too.
Of course I'm here! I couldn't miss a chance to see Miss Sonia in an apron!
I just...had some spare time, so I decided to help out.
Alright then, I'll help too. What should I do?
In that case...Hajime, there's a favor I wanna ask you. Your birthday is New Year's Day, right?
Yeah, but...what about it?
Listen up, Hajime! Your duty for today is... plan a birthday party and invite Miss Sonia!
Huh? Why?
You're gonna make him plan his own birthday party? That's a bit harsh, don'tcha think?
New Year's isn't a great excuse to have a party with your classmates, right?
But that's where Hajime's birthday comes in! Miss Sonia would definitely come to that!
So that's your motivation, huh...?
Oh, of course we'll celebrate your birthday, too! We're soul friends, after all! Getting to be with Miss Sonia on New Year's Day will be the best! Thanks for being born, Hajime!
That's probably the worst birthday greeting I've ever gotten...
Hey Hajime. Invite Chiaki, too. Today's party was her idea, right? Actually, when we all get together, it's usually her idea. That's why I wanna invite her to something for a change.
Fuyuhiko, you...
H-Hey, it wasn't my idea! Byakuya and Mahiru were the ones that said it!
Got it. Then let's all get together on New Year's Eve.
Alriiiight! I'm already excited for next year!
But...please tell everyone it was you guys who came up with this plan.
You talked about the New Year's birthday party, before the Christmas party had even started...
Maybe I'll run into someone at the dorms
Huh? Sayaka? Are you going somewhere?
Yes, today is my group's Christmas concert.
Oh, you're working today, too. That's gotta be tough... All I can say is, do your best.
Sorry, I guess you're always working hard huh, Sayaka?
I work hard to make sure that everything goes smoothly! My friend will be there, and all of our fans are waiting.
Doing your best... Hey, Sayaka...if you didn't have an Ultimate talent...
No, never mind. Sorry for stopping you when you're so busy.
...Even if I didn't have this talent, I would still be doing this.
Even if you didn't have the talent?
It's because I love this. I work so hard because I admire that life so much.
Sorry, I didn't mean to answer your question like that.
Admiration... So you feel the same way, Sayaka?
Hajime, do you have something you admire?
I do. No...I did.
But that's over now.
...I'm sorry.
Then, you need to think about the next thing.
The next thing?
We're almost graduates... Some of us still don't have things figured out. Some of us are still looking for goals.
You're right... Thinking of the next thing... Thinking of the future...
A friend of mine told me...I can go anywhere and do anything from now on...
Wow, sounds like a wonderful friend.
Could it be the friend you're going to meet up with today?
Huh!? It is someone I'm meeting with today... How did you know?
I just figured that's what you're doing here. Like a detective!
Sorry, I have to get going. Well, Hajime...Merry Christmas. You should talk to your friend about your future. It's what helped me.
Yeah...thanks.
I'll cheer you on, no matter what you choose.
After being supported by a pop sensation, you went to the party feeling reassured!
Appearances in Seasonal Events for Other Characters[]
Today is the school festival... Your exhibit is an arcade where everyone can play together! You have a visitor right away... What kind of game will you invite them to play?
...Want to play a shooting game?
Ah, Galaga. How about a competition to see how many rounds we can each clear?
Let's do it! I won't lose!
Okay! Then I'm first!
M-Monokuma!? Where'd you come from!?
I've been here the whole time, Hajime! It's a bad idea to leave you two alone in a room together, so I made time to chaperone!
That's none of your business. Besides, we're just playing games. If you're busy, get out.
You say that, but...if you saw me naked, your eyes would explode.
No, you're always naked. You're naked right now...I think?
...That doesn't matter. Let's hurry up and play the game.
You fought against Hajime and Monokuma, who turned out to be surprisingly good at games!
Your last winter at the academy... Today is the Christmas party with your classmates! You're toasting with juice, eating cake and snacks, playing games...it's very lively. So what will you do now?
Hajime, let's play
We've got board games and card games, too. Playing analog is nice sometimes.
You're right. If it's against you, I know it'll be a good match, Chiaki.
I won't lose at board games that easily... I've played many bonus modes in games.
Like casinos in RPGs... Sometimes I want to play that more than the main game.
Then let's invite the others. I'm sure they'd want to join in, too.
Everyone's pretty pumped up, so it'll probably be an intense battle!
As I thought, that was really fun. Times like this where we can all gather... might be more important from now on.
Is that because...we're going to graduate?
I know that graduation won't be the end... but it'll be harder to meet, after this. So...we need to enjoy it while we can.
Chiaki, um... Are you free on New Year's?
Huh? New Year's?
Well, my birthday is on New Year's Day and... Kazuichi and Fuyuhiko said we should celebrate. I think they just want to use it as an excuse to go wild, but I thought I should ask everyone.
I can come too?
Of course. And if possible...it'd be a big help if you could invite the others.
Okay, leave it to me! I'll make sure everyone comes to your birthday party, Hajime!
That's exciting... We get another chance before graduation to play with everyone.
Yeah, I'm excited too...
But to be honest, it's a little embarrassing to use my birthday as an excuse...
Today is the school festival... Many students have set up exhibits to display their research. As the Ultimate Robot, you have decided to put yourself on display! A guest has arrived at your exhibit... How will you greet them?
Feast your eyes on...the Ultimate Robot
You're the exhibit...? Is that even possible?
Of course. As the Ultimate Robot, I house the latest technology from Professor Idabashi.
Then...doesn't that mean your creator is the amazing one, not you?
Gh... True, Professor Idabashi is indeed amazing, but he's not a high school student!
Sure, I guess...
Some students, like Sonia and Fuyuhiko, are Ultimates simply for being their natural selves.
I see... As a robot, what really matters is who you are, not what you can do.
Right. Some may say I'm surprisingly normal, or ask what it is I do, but I'm still an Ultimate!
So even a surprisingly normal Ultimate student like you has their share of worries...
You discussed your Ultimate Robot title with Hajime...
Today is the the sports festival... You're the captain of the basketball team! School events aren't really your style... But you've got a responsibility. So, who should we look out for?
That guy looks strange...
Yo. You a new guy?
New? No, I'm not in the main course. I'm just here filling in for someone...
Ah, helping out a friend, huh? I gotta respect that.
It's nothing that cool... I'm just going to try not get in the way.
Ha! You've got determination on your face! I'm counting on you!
You've been looking forward to the summer sports festival, and it's finally starting today! But apparently Monokuma is disrupting the events and getting in everyone's way... We gotta find Monokuma and catch him before the afternoon events start! For everyone's sake, I will uphold the peace! Monokumaaaa! Where are youuuu!?
He might be near the gymnasium!
Hmmmmm... I've got a sneaking suspicion that leads me over...here!
Whoa!?
Oh, it's you Monomi. Don't scare me like that.
Ha-wa-wa! Hajime...I'm sorry.
What are you doing here? Did you come to cheer your classmates on in their events?
Something like that. The main course's sports festival is pretty cool...if a bit chaotic.
Hehehe... It sure is. The students are so full of energy. We got fun events this afternoon, like soccer and basketball! Please come cheer for everyone!
Isn't there usually only one sports tournament? This sports festival is a bit out of hand...
It is, but that's cuz the Monokubs suggested that we really pile on the events this year.
...Ah! That's right! I'm supposed to be guarding the sports festival right now! I gotta go! Sorry, Hajime! See you later!
You spent too much time talking to Hajime and never found Monokuma...
Today is the summer sports festival... Your part is over, so now you can cheer for the Ultimates! Which event will you go watch?
I wonder how boys basketball is going?
Hm...that's a relief. Seems like I haven't missed the final round yet.
Huh?
Hajime from the reserve course... What are you doing here?
What? I'm playing basketball. They were short one person, so they asked me to step in.
I see. So you're going to be a stepping stone for all the talented people to shine?
That's not why I'm here...
Then why are you here? Don't tell me you think you can stand on equal ground with them.
It's true I'm different from the rest of them, but...
But what? There are no buts about it.
No...maybe you don't understand it, but...
The game's about to start, so I'm gonna go. If you're here to cheer, go and take your seat.
...
You cheered for *almost* everyone at the basketball game...
Your last winter at the academy... You were invited to a party by the symbols of hope. But you feel like someone like you has no place at such a party... What do you do?
I'll watch everyone from the corner
Hajime...is it okay for someone as popular as you to be on the sidelines?
I don't think it's a good idea for me to jump in during all this ruckus.
That's true... If you get pulled into Ibuki and Akane's headbang contest, you'd be done for. I can't believe this Christmas at Hope's Peak will be my last one ever...I can't even laugh!
Don't say it like that...
But it is our last Christmas here. The past three years went by so peacefully. From now on, everyone's talents will shine... and I won't be able to watch.
I know we've all got a bright future ahead of us. This isn't the last time we'll meet, though.
Well, I don't know about for me. You might be invited, but...
Hey...do you really think Chiaki wouldn't invite everyone from your class?
Well, if it's Chiaki...she wouldn't forget me, I suppose.
Yeah, so don't act like you won't be invited.
Why are you telling me this, Hajime? You're not the type to gather people around you.
Why do you ask? Is it weird?
It's more like...I can't believe you're interested in scum like me.
Over these past three years, we've talked about a lot of things, haven't we? About your luck... Listening to that...
Honestly, I still don't feel like I understand you. But even so... After we've talked this much... I can't let it end like this.
I think there's a lot of things about me you'll never understand...
Maybe, but even so...I don't want to leave things like this.
...
Nagito...let go of my hand.
What? Why?
Why...? This is a handshake. Normally you let go after the handshake's done...
Are you trying to say you want to be friends with me?
... Do you think there would be any meaning in us being friends, Hajime?
Yes. Even something as simple as that... might change things.
...
Well, if you say so, then okay...
Alright... Since we're friends...you better come to anything I invite you to.
If I'm invited by my friend...then I guess I don't have a choice, huh?
Well, I'd never reject an invitation to something that'd make everyone's hope shine!
...You spent a rowdy night with your friends and classmates!
Your last winter at the academy... Today is Christmas. Himiko asked you to help with her Christmas magic show. How will you help?
I'll go shopping for things she needs
Hm? If it isn't Hajime. You here for a Christmas party?
Yeah. Chiaki invited me to hers. How about you? Are you going out somewhere?
I'm about to go shopping for things Himiko needs for her magic show.
Hmm... The Ultimate Magician's show, huh? That sounds like it'd be fun.
If you've got time, why not stop by? I've never seen it before, but it's supposed to be pretty good.
Yeah, I'll check it out. You're going to it too, right?
No, I won't be there... I'm just going to help set up, then leave.
Huh? Why?
If I have too much fun, I might...forget my place. After I graduate, I'll go back to prison and be forced to do hard labor...
In that case...I think it's even more important you go to the show.
...What?
You made one bad choice in your life, right? But it's not like your life ahead of you has completely disappeared. You have tomorrow and the day after and the next. Treasure your bonds with your friends.
So you don't make that mistake again. No...so even if you do, you've got a place return to.
Hmph... Are you trying to talk to me about the future?
Just a little bit of advice from a guy you chat with... But I'm sure you don't need it.
No...I'll remember it. Hmph... You're such a nosy guy.
Today is the school festival... You're going to perform on stage as the pop sensation! You can check out some exhibits and shops before your show stars... Where will you go?
I'll take a walk in the courtyard
Huh...? Sayaka!?
Um...you're Hajime, right? Hello! I didn't know you were here.
Yeah, a friend of mine invited me. I gotta admit, I didn't think you came to school events.
Hehe, are you surprised? I may be a pop star, but I'm still a high school student.
S-Sorry...that was rude of me.
Just kidding... To be honest, I still have to work a half-day today. Like you said, it's rare that I'm able to attend school events like this, Hajime.
...Because you're a high school student and a pop star. You always seem so busy...there's no way I could do that. You've got my respect.
Being a pop star is my dream come true... I enjoy working this hard.
That attitude is probably why you've got so many fans. It makes me wanna cheer you on, too.
Thank you. I'll be holding a concert in the gym today, so please stop by.
Yeah, I'll stop by.
You renewed your determination to do your best on stage, so you can gain more support.
