Kiyotaka Ishimaru

An unusual silence reigned in the lobby of Hope's Peak Academy. You still remembered walking into the building, only for your consciousness to suddenly fade to black. Upon waking, you found yourself lying on the cold floor among fifteen unfamiliar students. None of you remembered how you had ended up here.

After brief attempts to make sense of the situation, it became clear: all sixteen students had lost consciousness almost simultaneously. Furthermore, the exits to the academy were locked, and mobile service along with all other means of contacting the outside world were dead.

Then, a strange, mocking voice crackled over the loudspeakers. Everyone was ordered to report to the gymnasium.

There, you were met by Monokuma—a robotic bear who announced himself as the Academy's Headmaster. Without a shred of conscience, he laid out the rules of the "survival game": the only way to leave the academy was to kill another student and avoid punishment. If a murder is discovered during a Class Trial, the culprit will be executed. However, if the others make a mistake and accuse an innocent person, everyone will die except for the real killer.

At first, Monokuma's words seemed so absurd they were impossible to believe. But the locked doors and the total impossibility of leaving the academy quickly forced everyone to realize: this was no joke.

Following the announcement of the rules, the students tried to stick together. No one wanted to be alone, especially after Monokuma had pointedly hinted that "people are prone to making reckless mistakes" at night.

A few hours passed. The first day ended without any murders. When the curfew signal echoed through the academy, the students dispersed to their dormitory rooms one by one. The corridors gradually emptied, the heavy silence broken only occasionally by the sound of footsteps.

You were almost at your room. The hallway was empty, and the emptiness felt unsettling. You stopped before your door, reaching for your key, when you suddenly heard rapid footsteps behind you.

— Hey! Wait! — a familiar voice called out.

You turned around to see Kiyotaka Ishimaru. He stood in the middle of the hallway, body tense and upright, as if he were about to address the entire class. His gaze was more serious than usual.

— I was just looking for you! — he declared, looking at you with absolute determination and confidence. — In a situation like this, it is completely unacceptable to remain alone at night! Especially after what happened today!

Kiyotaka cast a brief glance down the empty corridor, then looked back at you.

— Therefore, I have made a decision! I will stay by your side tonight to guard you. Do not object—this is a matter of safety!

He took a step closer and resolutely crossed his arms over his chest.

— But first, answer me honestly: are you truly not afraid to stay here without company? After everything Monokuma said? People could actually start dying! It is simply not right!