Chapter 10
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We crossed the bridge to the entry of the second island, with some convincing for you, and were amazed by what we saw. This island had a completely different vibe from the first one. There were so many unknown areas you almost found it hard to take it all in.

"Wow, so this is the new island?" Hajime pondered. "It's a lot different from what I've imagined."

"I know, right? Ooh, what's that over there? We should go check it out!" You exclaimed as you took hold of his hand and basically dragged him around wherever your heart desired.

We arrived in front of what looked like an ancient rune. The building was enormous, with vines and ivy growing all around it. At first glance, it was just an abandoned building, but then it seemed oddly familiar...

"Wait, a second...Doesn't this place seem familiar?" You questioned.

"I don't know, but it feels like I've seen it before." Hajime replied as he too stared at the structure.

"Let's go see." But as we got closer, we noticed a familiar figure standing by the entrance. It was Chiaki, standing upright with her eyes closed and softly snoring.

"Chiaki? What's she doing here?" You asked as you nudged her, trying to wake her up. But it appeared Chiaki did not awaken or even hear you call her name.

So you did the next best thing. You grabbed her shoulders and began shaking her while yelling, "WAKE UUUUUP!"

"Hey stop that! You're gonna make her get a head injury." Hajime complained as he pulled you back.

"Oops, sorry, that's usually how I wake my sisters up." You apologized sheepishly.

Fortunately enough, Chiaki started waking up. "Huh, what? Oh, it's just you guys. Sorry, I dozed off a little."

"You didn't look like you were dozing, more like completely asleep while standing." Hajime murmured.

"Anyways, do you know what this huge building is?" You asked her.

"It seems like an ancient rune, but it reminds me of a special place." She answers.

"A special place?" Hajime and you asked in unison, glancing at each other.

"Mhm, now I'll check around a bit more. You guys just go somewhere else, ok." She stated firmly while puffing up her cheeks and pouting. You had a feeling she was mainly pushing us away so that she could sleep uninterrupted.

"Alright well, you better not just sleep the whole time we're counting on you to tell us everything you find." Hajime declared.

"Yup, I will." She said with a gentle smile. But right as we were about to leave, you suddenly stopped once you remembered you had something important to tell her.

"Huh? Y/N are you coming?" Hajime asked, glancing back at you.

"Yeah, I am. Just wait for me over there, ok." You explained.

He nodded his head and went ahead without you as you approached Chiaki once again. "Hey Chiaki, I was wondering if you wanted to join me for a sleepover?"

"A sleepover?" She asked.

"Yeah, I'm planning to have all the girls join so we can have a night full of fun together." You told her. She seems to think it over before smiling.

"Sure, that sounds fun and I could bring my games over for all of us to play." She suggested happily.

"That sounds great! Alright, I'll talk to you later." You replied before running back to find Hajime.

• • • •

The second place we visited was a library. It looked grand on the outside, but it was even more magnificent inside. Everywhere you looked, there were only books from floor to ceiling. There had to be about over a thousand of them inside the library alone.

"Wow, this library is simply marvelous! There are so many books it almost rivals the library back in my homeland." Sonia gushed, her eyes shining brightly at the sight of such beautiful treasures.

"I know, right? There are so many books it would probably take me over 100 years to even get close to finishing half of it." You agreed, skimming through one of the books on the shelves.

"What's a library doing on an island, anyway? I highly doubt anyone would really come here." Hajime questioned.

"That's not true! I'm here reading!" We heard a high-pitched voice shout. We looked over to see it was just Monomi.

"Since I'm here, I can explain it to you?" She offered.

"Oh, I see..." Sonia spoke, clearly bothered by her presence.

"I can tell by your face that I'm a nuisance, since I'm acting more energetic than usual. I'm feeling more empty now." Monomi sulks.

"No, it's fine. Just go ahead and explain it to us." You suggested.

"Well, since you guys are students, I created this library to be a place where you guys could all come together and do your homework." She told us.

"Don't try and act like our teacher!" Hajime shouted at her.

"I am your teacher!" Monomi spat back.

"Well, you don't act like one. What's your true identity and motive?" He interrogates her.

"R-Real Identity that's silly." She awkwardly laughed, not sure how to respond before she just abruptly said goodbye and disappeared.

"Running away at every inconvenience that makes her even more suspicious." Hajime commented, crossing his arm.

"I still cannot believe she's the one who prepared this grand facility." Sonia uttered.

"Yeah, she's probably lying." Hajime responded flatly.

"According to this island's guidebook, many of their guests are wealthy and stay for weeks at a time. These are all probably things that they donated." Sonia deduced.

"I'm sorry, did you say island guidebook?" You asked.

"Mhm, I found it in this library. Would you like to take a look?" She offered as she laid the book down on a table. You glanced through the page and read a little bit of it.

The page said, 'Jabberwock Island is a small island in the Pacific Ocean known for being a paradise of an enteral summer. Jabberwock Island consists of a small central island surrounded by five other islands. The outer islands were developed as resorts, while the central island has an administration building. A bronze statue in the lobby of this building symbolizes the island.'

"Wow, isn't this what Byakuya was telling us before?" You recalled.

"Yes, but I noticed something strange as well. On the central island, it says that there's an administration building, but it's nowhere to be found. There's only Monokuma Rock and the park." Sonia mentioned.

"That's not all. Inside the guidebook, it also mentions the only way to travel between the five islands is by boat." She adds.

"Then how have we been getting around the islands?" Hajime asked.

Sonia thinks for a moment before coming up with a conclusion. "There might be a possibility that this place is an artificial island made to look like Jabberwock Island, which might be why we're the only ones here." She speculated.

"An artificial island, huh?" You mumbled under your breath. It would explain a lot, especially why we haven't been found yet.

"But I could be wrong. The guidebook must be just old." Sonia reassured as she put the book away.

"Yeah, I hope so." Hajime sighed.

"So, you found anything else while reading?" You curiously asked.

"Oh yes, I was reading an occult magazine and this particular one was talking about serial killers!" Sonia exclaimed excitedly, picking up a copy of the magazine she mentioned.

Hajime and you were immediately stunned by her words. "Serial killers, huh? Didn't think you'd be into that kinda thing." Hajime awkwardly admitted.

"You see, in this particular article, it's talking about one of my favorite serial killers that goes by the name, "Shining Justice!"." She proudly announced.

"Shining Justice? I don't think I've ever heard of them before." You responded. Then again, you weren't really interested in real-life serial killers, but you did enjoy a good slasher film.

"Then I shall explain it to you. Shining Justice is a serial killer who calls themselves "The Ally of Justice!". Wearing a wide variety of hero masks, Sparkling Justice is a delightful serial killer who only kills criminals." She expressed very passionately.

"Alright calm down Sonia." Hajime advised, seeing her get all riled up.

"Thanks to the mask they wear, nobody knows their real age or gender. After all, it is essential that serial killers be mysterious, such a genius!" Sonia cries out with wonder and amazement written all over her face.

"I'm sorry, but I've been listening in to your conversation. Why are the three of you talking about murderers?" Peko asked as she approached us. Her face was riddled with confusion and unease.

"Actually, I haven't said a word." You interjected, and Hajime nodded his head in agreement.

Sonia gasps at her statement and stares at her in shock. "It is a mistake to refer to these people as mere murderers! They're much more than that. What they do is simply a work of art." She proudly asserted.

The entire conversation was a little pointless, but at least you garnered one thing from it. Sonia was obsessed with serial killers.

"Oh, Hajime, do you think you could wait for me outside?" You politely asked.

"Again? What for?" He suspiciously questioned.

"Please, I swear I'll owe you a favor if you do!" You pleaded, giving him puppy dog eyes.

He heavily sighs and reluctantly agrees. "Alright, but I'm gonna hold you to that. Don't take too long."

As soon as he left, you turned your attention to the two girls still in the room. "Hey guys, so I was wondering if you wanted to have a sleepover at my hut?"

"A sleepover? I don't know if that's the best idea, especially after the last incident." Peko hesitantly said.

"Come on, it'll be a great opportunity to get all the girls together and boost the atmosphere, plus it'll be fun." You reasoned.

"I've never been to a sleepover before. It does sound fun so I shall join." Sonia agrees.

"Fine, then I shall attend as well. What time shall it start?" Peko asked.

"I haven't thought about that, but let's just say after the nighttime announcement." You suggested.

"That's perfect. We shall be there." Sonia grinned, before we all dispersed.

• • • •

"So, what were you talking about back there?" Hajime asked once you exited the library doors.

"Oh, just girl stuff." You quickly fibbed, strolling ahead of him.

"What kind of girl stuff?" He questioned as he crossed his arms.

"The secret kind." You playfully grinned.

"I don't know how I feel about you keeping secrets from me." Hajime said.

"Ugh, fine. I guess I'll tell you." You sighed as you motioned him to come closer and whispered in his ear. "I'm planning a secret sleepover with all the girls."

"A sleepover!? Why'd you keep something like that a secret?" He exclaims.

"Because there are no boys allowed, and I didn't want you blathering to the other guys." You bluntly responded.

"You know me well enough to know I wouldn't do that." He protested.

"I don't know, do I?" You asked jokingly.

"Oh, come on, you've known me for 2 whole weeks already." He complained.

"Really? It's only been two weeks? It's felt like a whole month already." You casually replied.

"Time flies by when you're trapped on an island, I guess." Hajime chuckled.

"Yeah, and hopefully since this new island opened up, we might even find a way to get off this island." You said optimistically with a small smile on your face.

"Hey...If we do actually manage to get off of the island, what's the first thing you'll do?" Hajime asked you.

"The first thing I'll do? Probably go see my family. As much as I don't admit it, I really miss them and of course, the next thing I would probably do is continue my tennis career with my coach." You answered without thinking.

"What about you?" You asked curiously, looking back towards him for his answer.

"Actually, I'm not exactly sure. Strangely enough, I still don't remember my life before all this." He confessed.

"I'm sure something is waiting for you ahead of the road and if there's not well, at least you can still hang out with me." You reassured him, tenderly patting his shoulder.

"You mean that? Thanks, Y/N." He replied. His face grew a soft pink at your sweet gesture.

"Just do me a favor, though, okay?" You requested.

"And what would that be?" He asked.

"Try not to die until finally we get off the island, okay?" You giggled.

"I'll try..." He chuckled as we made it to our next destination.

It was a pharmacy. We quickly searched inside and saw there were shelves lined with dozens of colorful bottles filled with medicine. They would definitely come in handy if any of us got sick or badly hurt.

Afterward, the next place we visited was a nice-looking diner with a large parking lot and a giant sign with a pig on it. The inside was pretty small, with booths lining the walls, numerous food items hanging on the walls, a jukebox, and a kitchen behind the counter.

"Man, this place looks great. I would kill for a burger and milkshake right about now." You whined.

"Yea, me too. I can't remember the last time I had a burger." Hajime admitted as well. But to our dismay, sitting in a booth was Fuyuhiko.

"Oh, it's you guys." He said, looking up at us with a hamburger in his hands.

"What are you doing here all alone?" You questioned.

"What does it look like I'm trying to eat!? Now go away, dumbass!" He harshly yelled.

"Hey, you're not the boss of us and you don't own the place either. Matter of fact, we're gonna sit here too." You boldly asserted.

"Uh Y/N, are you sure about this?" Hajime nervously asked.

"Of course I am! Now let's go sit!" You commanded as you dragged him to sit in the booth on the opposite side of Fuyuhiko.

Fuyuhiko glared at you, clearly ticked off by this. "What do you just not understand English or something I said get leave me alone when I'm eating!" He barked.

"Geez, you're so mean for no reason. By the way, how did you even find out about the second island you weren't at the restaurant today?" You asked, holding your head in your palm.

"Tsk, an annoying person told me about it." He answered.

"Really who?" Hajime inquired.

"Don't even worry 'bout it, dumbass. Just know they told me and now I'm eating here. There mystery solved." He simply said.

"Yeah, but tell us more about this annoying person." You insisted.

"It's none of your damn concern! Just get the hell out of here and leave me alone!" He spat.

"Actually, it is our concern. I don't know if you've noticed, but we're all in this together. Everyone's working hard together to find a way to escape and all you wanna do is play the lone wolf role. We all have to work together, so why are you avoiding us!?" Hajime snapped him.

Fuyuhiko was taken aback by this. Even you were a little surprised to see such a straightforward guy like him suddenly act so seriously. Fuyuhiko merely huffs and glances out the diner window.

"I'm not avoiding you, bastards. I've just decided not to rely on anyone." He grumbled.

"Not to rely on anyone?" Hajime questioned him as we shared a glance.

"Yep." He bluntly responded, "That includes the Kuzuryu Clan. I can still survive without relying on them."

"Don't get it twisted. I'm still a yakuza by blood. I just want to prove I earned it and can be tough without my clan. Even if I fail, my little sister can still lead it." He continued.

"You have a little sister? That's pretty hard for me to imagine." You snorted.

"Shut up! It's not like it matters. I don't intend to spend any time with you guys. Nothing good can come of it." Fuyuhiko scoffed.

"What do you mean by that?" Hajime questioned.

"Isn't it obvious? In this situation, interacting with others will shorten your life span. Take Teruteru and Byakuya, for example, and besides I don't want affection holding me back when it's finally my time to kill." Fuyuhiko firmly stated.

"You're still going on about that? Ugh, how could you honestly say all those things? It's just awful." You sighed frustratedly.

"But it's the truth. I'll sacrifice the lives of everyone if it guarantees my survival. You're the ones who decided to talk to me without permission, so don't get pissed at me if I say something you don't like." He retorted.

"Fine, I guess we'll leave." You said, abruptly. "Come on, let's go. I don't know why we wasted our time talking to someone like him."

"...Alright." Hajime nodded with a sigh.

We then went on to search our very last location, which happened to be at a beach house. We calmly chat when suddenly a bloodcurdling scream rips through the air.

We raced around the house to the back to see Ibuki with a horrified expression on her face. "Oh no no no this is bad!" She exclaimed.

"Did something happen!?" You shouted as you both ran toward her.

"I'mpanickingsomuchIbarelyhavetimetospacemywords!" Ibuki cried out in panic, her words not making much sense.

"Ibuki, just calm down and tell us what's wrong?" Hajime anxiously asked.

"T-The killing started again! Look over there!" She points her finger over to a specific spot and we follow it to see a shocking sight.

We saw Akane throw a high power kick Nekomaru's way, which he easily dodged and sent her flying backward. The two of them were battling each other, moving faster than light possibly as they fought with all they'd got. If someone were to suddenly intervene, the damage would probably be fatal.

"Your speed is adequate, but it's still not enough. You're not using your muscles properly. You're letting your athletic body go to waste!" Nekomaru criticized.

"Ah shut up, all I gotta do is win!" She shouted back.

"What's that? You're gonna win against me! THAT'S QUITE ABSURD!" He loudly bellowed as he launched a powerful punch into Akane's gut. Akane groaned weakly as she collapsed onto the ground and Nekomaru stood over her victoriously.

"Had enough? Have you learned your lesson?" Nekomaru asked.

"H-He's done it! Nekomaru Nidai's Ultimate Move: Super body Blow! That's instant death. I'd be surprised if she even lasted five minutes!" Ibuki shouted.

"Hey, what are you saying!? Why are you guys even fighting? I thought excessive violence was against the rules." Hajime questioned.

"This isn't a fight." Nekomaru told us.

"Yup, it's a one-sided beat down!" Ibuki happily cheered.

"Well, it sure did look a lot like one." You replied.

"It's merely training. I'm just a team manager. There's no way I'd be able to fight for real." Nekomaru explained.

"Oh, so you guys were just sparring, but why?" You inquired.

"I-I gotta admit.." Akane began, slowly getting back on her feet again. "He seemed pretty strong...So I couldn't help but get excited. I thought sparring would help me burn off energy, but...I lost."

"She's alive!" Ibuki gasped.

"Of course, Akane is no weak little chump." Nekomaru grunted.

"Now that I know what I'm going up against, I'm totally ready to spar again!" Akane enthusiastically announced.

"What a bunch of battle-loving troublemakers." Ibuki sighed.

"Hold it Akane! It seems you're the type to learn from actions more than words. So I'll give you one piece of advice. How you use your body and muscles is half-assed. You're not utilizing your Ultimate Gymnast talent well at all. You need to learn the basics!" Nekomaru scolded her.

"Dammit shut up." Akane grumbled.

"If you understand what I just said, come see me when that time comes. I will fight you once again." Nekomaru expressed.

"Don't forget what you said. My desire to win is pretty crazy! I won't give up until I win!" She promised as she left the beach.

"Wow, these two are totally crazy." You mused.

"You said it. What a bunch of meatheads. I just hope they don't hurt each other." Hajime agreed.

After all that, we headed over to the beach house and went inside. It was pretty luxurious and expensive, like a private house for celebrities.

"Hey isn't this awesome? It's like a celebrity pad or something. The showers are out of order, but the ambiance is nice, and the fridge is stocked with drinks!" Kazuichi giddily said.

"Wow, this place feels so expensive. I could stay here all day." You remarked.

"Yeah, but that's not even the best part. We even have a private beach all to ourselves. It's awesome!" Kazuichi gleamed.

"We're the only ones on this island anyway, so anywhere we go is a private beach." Hajime pointed out.

"Hey, don't shatter my dreams like that!" Kazuichi huffed.

"What's got you all excited about the beach?" You asked.

"I mean, who wouldn't be? We get to do whatever we want and splash around. I might even get to see Miss Sonia in a bikini." Kazuichi smiled happily to himself.

"No, you can't!" The pink and white rabbit shouted as she appeared out of nowhere.

"It's here! Why not? Are you interfering with my love affair with Miss Sonia?" Kazuichi asked angrily.

"I'd hardly call it a love affair." Hajime sarcastically replied.

"Changing in the beach house is prohibited! It would be shameful if peeking occurred!" Monomi declared.

"But doesn't that just defeat the purpose of having a beach house?" You questioned.

"It doesn't matter to me. I'll just come here after changing. I'm never gonna give her up!" Kazuichi firmly stated. It was clear, Kazuichi was never going to change. He was down bad for this girl.

"Anyway, breaking the rules is not allowed. Also, playing is fine, but please focus on your studies." Monomi lectured, but that was when Monokuma randomly sprang out of nowhere, carrying a machine gun.

"W-Where!? Where's the rule breaker!? I'll beat the crap out of them, no questions asked!" He demanded.

"H-Hey, what are you even holding!?" Hajime anxiously yelled.

"A machine gun, obviously. Rule breakers will be shot to death. That's just common sense!" Monokuma answered.

"Common sense, my ass! It's not like we're under a military dictatorship!" Kazuichi shouted.

"Man, I really wanted to shoot something, but I guess I'll just wait until one of you breaks the rules," Monokuma grieved as he disappeared.

"Uh, as you can see, it's very dangerous, so please don't change at the beach house." Monomi warned, before leaving as well.

"That was totally bizarre. Those guys are really annoying." Kazuichi grumbled.

You were about to say something, but just then Chiaki walked through the door.

"Oh, there you guys are." She casually remarked.

"Chiaki, what are you doing here?" Hajime asked.

"I've finished investigating the ancient rune and found something interesting I wanted to show everyone. The others should already be there." She notified us.

And so we set back off to the ancient runes. Hopefully, there would be something good waiting for us there...