#Mod Saihara | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

danganronpasurvivoraskblog · 9 days ago

Text

Dangancember 2024 - Danganronpa Top 24 Class Trials - Number 5: Danganronpa V3 Case 1 {BEST CASE FROM DRV3}

//Me running from the angry mob who think this case is fucking overrated:

//Okay, okay, I already knew going into this, looking at my top 10, that this is probably the second or third most divisive placement on this list, because the feelings that people have for this trial are generally mixed, and all of it rides on one particular aspect of it, that carries the whole thing.

//But that's not a problem becase we already have a set precedent for that on this list, and yeah, I will not deny it. This trial is only up here because of one massive bias that I have towards it, and if you know me by now, then you already know what it is.

//But I have lots of other reasons as to why I absolutely love this Class Trial, mainly because even if it's not as good a mystery as 2-1 or A2-1, this is the best opening case for me because of how it kicks V3 off with an emotional bang.

//This isn't like the first trial of Another 2 where I think it's generally not a good sign that my favourite case in that game was the first one. This one has a legitimate reason for being up here because of how, even to this day, it sets itself apart from every other Danganronpa trial that we've covered so far, not just among the openings.

//And trust me, it was SO GODDAMN DIFFICULT trying to decide which I liked more between V3-1 and V3-4, because they're both AMAZING. But the thing that ultimately decided it is that I actually have come back to this case a few times over the course of my time as a DR fan. While I only sparingly go back to Chapter 4 of this game, because it's already had its impact on me.

//If you thought the opening cases in previous games were wild, V3 comes out swinging (literally) with a mystery that doesn’t just set the stage but completely flips the script on what you expect from a Danganronpa trial.

//It’s not just about solving the murder; it’s about the emotional gut-punch, the clever twists, and the bold storytelling choices that make you question everything you thought you knew about the series.

So let’s dive into what makes this case such a standout moment in the franchise.

//The first victim in Danganronpa V3 is Rantaro Amami, a man of mystery whose Ultimate Talent remains unknown during the first chapter. His untimely demise occurs in the library, where he’s tragically bludgeoned on the head with a heavy shotput ball.

//I know there are other aspects of the trial that stand out to people more, but I actually want to kick this review off by saying that Rantaro’s death is not just shocking but downright brilliant.

//It's one of the best character fakeouts in the series, and the only time I think Kodaka does it better in any of his mystery games is the prologue case of Rain Code (If you know, you know.) It's executed so well that it leaves you doing a mental double take.

//At first glance, Rantaro seems poised to become this game’s equivalent of Nagito. i.e. a morally ambiguous outcast with potentially twisted ideals.

//His enigmatic vibe and cryptic behavior practically scream "plot relevance." Honestly, he even gives off shades of Yuri from SDRA2, with that same aura of someone you’d expect to stir the pot in bizarre and unsettling ways.

//To emphasize this further, all the other Ultimate ???'s have been integral to their games. Kyoko was the deutragonist and leading lady of DR1, and Hajime was the protagonist of DR2. And in the first chapter of DR1, Kyoko is mostly unnasuming, and you don't know what her relevance to the plot is until the trial actually happens; since most of the screentime of Chapter 1 is taken up by Makoto's relationship with Sayaka.

//But before we even get to unravel his deal, he’s unceremoniously removed from the board. It's as if the game chuckled to itself and shouted "SIKE!"

//This clever bait-and-switch caught me completely off guard. I was ready for Rantaro to take center stage as the group's wildcard, only for the game to pull the rug out from under me.

//Instead, the role of chaotic, antagonistic schemer eventually falls to Kokichi, who turned out to be another fantastic choice, though his brand of chaos is a touch different.

//I'd really like to see a potential fanfic rewrite where Rantaro survives, and serves as the rival character to the main protagonist. Because most V3 rewrites are one's that have Kaede survive the first chapter, but Rantaro still dies, and he hardly gets any screentime, if any. And that's a shame, because I'd like to see what people do with his character.

//Please read all these fanfics by the way, they're so good.

//And sure, you could argue the setup feels a bit reminiscent of Danganronpa 2, where the first victim is also a character cloaked in mystery, and then later, his real talent is revealed to be something monumental to the plot of the game. But hey, if it ain’t broke, why fix it? It’s a bold way to kick things off and keep players guessing, and it sets the stage for the rollercoaster ride of twists that V3 is known for.

//But...okay, let's not delay ourselves any longer. All ya'll motherfuckers know the precise reason why it is that I love this trial.

//When it comes to the first trial of Danganronpa V3, the victim is certainly a shocking element, but let’s not kid ourselves...there’s one reason why this trial is etched into the annals of the series’ history as one of its most mind-blowing moments.

//And that reason is…The culprit.

//So, who killed Rantaro Amami? Who's the mastermind behind this library bludgeoning?

//You are!

//Okay, to be more specific, the person who turns out to be Rantaro's SUPPOSED murderer is Kaede Akamatsu, the Ultimate Pianist, who starts V3 by serving as the player character.

//Yep! The character you’ve been controlling this whole time is the murderer. And that alone is one of the best plot twists in the entire series, already rivalling the final plot twists of Danganronpa 2.

//And if that doesn't set a precedent for this game, I don't know what could have.

//To elaborate, the game opens with you playing as Kaede, a talented and determined pianist with a big heart, a hopeful spirit, and a knack for rallying her classmates. Everything about her screams "main protagonist," from her bright demeanor to her prominent placement in marketing materials.

//But as this trial unfolds, the game pulls the ultimate fast one.

//At first, the trial plays out like classic Danganronpa fare: you gather evidence, debate your classmates, and cross names off the suspect list. The usual, right? But as the suspects dwindle and the pressure mounts, it becomes clear that solving this case won’t come easy.

//The group edges closer to despair as they struggle to pinpoint the killer. This is where Shuichi Saihara, the Ultimate Detective, the game's current deutragonist, becomes the prime suspect for much of the trial.

//After some prompting, Shuichi, putting his sleuthing skills to good use, proposes a theory that flips the entire case, and the game, on its head. The real killer isn’t anyone standing on the sidelines. It’s Kaede herself. The cheerful, hopeful pianist you’ve been guiding through this madness turns out to be the one who orchestrated Rantaro’s death.

//Let’s pause to appreciate just how wild this twist is. Up until this point, Kaede was framed as the central figure of Danganronpa V3. You’ve bonded with her, rooted for her, and poured hours into her perspective. And now, she’s sentenced to death.

//The "main character" doesn’t even survive past the first chapter! It’s a daring, genre-defying move that caught players completely off guard.

//To make this twist land, the game’s developers went all out. They weren’t just pulling a fast one on Kaede; they were pulling one on us. Here’s just some of the things they pulled off this grand deception:

On the game’s official Steam page, the promotional images heavily feature Kaede as the protagonist. Shuichi, on the other hand, is LITERALLY a background character.

Kaede is front and center in nearly all official artwork; at least those that dropped at the time of release. Shuichi’s presence is muted, making it seem like she’s the undisputed lead.

V3 is the only one of the Danganronpa games that had a fully released demo. In the game’s demo, Kaede is marketed as the hero, reinforcing the idea that this is her story. Makoto and Hajime, both of whom make reappearances for the demo, specifically refer to her as a "fellow protagonist."

The developers warned fans repeatedly on social media to avoid spoilers, knowing this twist was too good to ruin.

To cement the illusion, they even slapped the "Female Protagonist" tag on the game’s store page.

//This level of misdirection is nothing short of genius. It’s one of the most ambitious twists the series has ever pulled off, and it solidifies this trial as a standout moment in Danganronpa history. Clever, daring, and a little cruel, it’s the kind of narrative gut punch that keeps fans talking years later.

//Also, as a side note, while I was doing this analysis and getting screenshots from YouTube to use as part of it, I found this comment, and I never actually thought about it this way, and it's so goddamn funny for some reason:

//It definitely keeps ME talking years later, since these days, Kaede is quite possibly my favourite character in the entire series.

//And yes, I'm sorry, this is turning into a rant about why I absolutely love Kaede, but it is very relevant to the plot of this trial, since this is her one and done. So I want to establish what she was able to achieve within her time.

//Kaede is a delightful bundle of joy, determination, and just the right amount of chaos, and even though she is the protagonist initially, she sets herself apart from the previous series hitters; Makoto, Hajime, and Komaru.

//She’s a hardworking leader type with a strong will, unshakable beliefs in herself and others, and a heart set on making people smile. especially through her music. But while her Ultimate Pianist title highlights her talent, it’s Kaede’s personality and quirks that truly make her shine.

//For starters, Kaede’s kindness and selflessness often lead her to put others first, sometimes to a fault. She’s so trusting that in the game’s demo, she outright fakes an alibi for Makoto based solely on gut instinct, even though she has no rational reason to believe he’s innocent. She does this for Shuichi as well, but obviously, as far as she's aware, SHE'S the culprit, so she knows that if Shuichi is voted for, she gets executed.

//She’ll lie if it’s for a good cause, but at the same time, she’s hilariously bad at it, squirming uncomfortably every time.

//Like previous protagonists, she’s sensitive to others’ struggles and listens earnestly to their concerns. But Kaede takes it a step further: she actively pushes people to improve, even if that means bluntly pointing out their flaws.

//It's easy to go through all of V3 without seeing her FTE's, because she's obviously only around for this chapter, and has two per character. And unless you reset the game multiple times, you won't get to see them all.

//Which is a shame that you have to go through so much effort to see them because they're all packed with moments of encouragement that show her as an unshakable force of positivity. Unsurprisingly, most of her classmates quickly grow to like her.

//That said, Kaede isn’t without her...problems...In fact she has quite a few.

//Her obsession with piano borders on comical; she works musical metaphors into everyday conversations and avoids any activity that might harm her precious fingers. Her Free Time Events with Tsumugi even lead to a minor existential crisis when she realizes her entire identity revolves around piano, prompting her to desperately search for new hobbies.

//Which is not true, because personally, I think she's among the deeper characters in V3, but it's still funny.

//Kaede also has a goofy, impulsive side that often makes her unintentionally funny, or awkward or awkward depending on the situation. For example, she has absolutely ZERO sense of restraint

//In K1-B0’s Free Time Events, she casually asks questions about his robotic nature in ways that come off as insensitive. She’s the type to poke buttons (literally in Keebo's case, where she pushes his emergency shutdown) or cheeks without permission, giving her a playful, almost childlike quality.

//But then there’s her tendency to blurt out comments that can sound…questionable. She enthusiastically calls Tenko cute, describes Tsumugi’s "sexy aura," and even threatens to lift Tsumugi’s skirt to get her to talk, prompting Shuichi to point out that she’s acting like a creepy old man.

//Her layered personality doesn’t end there. While she’s a genuinely kind and brave person, Kaede also has a fiery temper and a knack for standing her ground. She’s quick to lash out when provoked, whether it’s snapping at Shuichi for panicking, telling Himiko to shut up during an investigation, or calling out Kokichi for his attention-seeking antics.

//Yet, these moments of frustration come from a place of passion, as Kaede firmly believes in justice and doing what’s right. She’s not afraid to call out any behavior she deems unacceptable, earning her a reputation as a bossy but well-meaning figure.

//However, Kaede’s determination to do the right thing is both her greatest strength and her biggest flaw. She’s relentless in pursuing her vision of justice, even when it’s misguided or downright dangerous. In this chapter, she rallies the group to escape using one of Monokuma’s obvious traps, earning everyone's pointed criticism, specifically from Maki and Kokichi. Her pushy attitude sometimes rubs others the wrong way, but Kaede genuinely doesn’t realize how her actions affect those around her until it’s pointed out. When her good intentions go awry, it leads to moments of genuine regret.

//Of course, Kaede’s defining moment comes in the trial, where her unwavering sense of justice drives her to extremes. To save her classmates, she attempts to murder the Mastermind, a decision that ends in disaster when her plan misfires and Rantaro becomes the unintended victim.

//And despite the inclusion of the First-Blood Perk, which allows whoever commits the crime to escape the school without the need for a Class Trial, she refuses to take the chance, because she wants to use the trial to out the Mastermind.

//This twist not only redefines Kaede’s role but also highlights her complexity. She isn’t just a good person in the traditional sense. Her belief in her own righteousness blinds her to the consequences of her actions, making her a beautifully flawed and deeply human character.

//Now...before I go onto what I actually liked about the trial itself, and how, while the Kaede twist carries it, it's still supported by a bunch of really neat moments, mysteries, and pacing, I want to go over one massive concern that we haven't really established with this case, and give my opinion on it. Because this is something that we've kind of already gone over, but I want to talk about it in more detail here, because this is where the point becomes relevant.

//During the trial, the evidence begins to point toward the fact that Rantaro was killed by a heavy shotput ball dropped from the vent above the library’s bookcases, which is how Kaede set up the trap. Initially, suspicions are scattered among several characters, with Shuichi himself being a prime suspect for much of the trial.

//However, in a dramatic reversal, Shuichi pieces together that Kaede’s actions prior to the murder align with the placement of the murder weapon. He theorizes that Kaede had hidden the shotput ball inside the air vent with the intention of setting a trap for the Mastermind. This trap involved the ball rolling out of the vent and hitting whoever triggered the motion-detecting cameras set up in the library. Tragically, Rantaro happened to be the one caught in the crossfire.

//Or so we thought...

//In truth, Tsumugi Shirogane, who is secretly the mastermind of the killing game, altered the events of the murder after Kaede set her trap. Kaede’s plan to kill the Mastermind failed, and the shotput ball actually MISSED Rantaro. He was instead killed directly by Tsumugi, who procured her own ball and smashed him over the head with it.

//Using her authority over Monokuma and the game, Tsumugi manipulated the evidence to make it look like Kaede’s trap had succeeded. Ensuring that Kaede would take the fall for the crime, not only eliminating a strong-willed leader who might disrupt the killing game early on, but also, due to Monokuma's threat of killing everybody if nobody died within a certain time limit, to ensure her own survival.

//The group unknowingly plays into her hands, convicting Kaede as the blackened based on incomplete and fabricated evidence. And it's quite possibly the only substantially evil thing Tsumugi does in the whole game.

//Now...this element of the game is controversial, both for me, and for the audience, for several reasons.

//My big issue is that it's an unfair manipulation of the rules of the killing game, which usually relies on airtight logic and player-driven deductions. Knowing that the evidence was tampered with by Tsumugi retroactively feels like a betrayal of the game’s premise of uncovering the truth.

//And yeah, this isn't the first time the Mastermind does this. Junko does this in Game 1, in fact. And it's highly unrealistic for you to believe that the Masterminds would ever willfully play by the rules, but my problem is that it really undermines them from being the powerful villains that they play themselves as in the final Chapter. It's why I believe AI Junko in the second game is the best Mastermind of the lot, since she's the only one who doesn't royally fuck up at one point (barring Mikado and Akane T.)

//The bigger issue for people in general, however, is that some fans feel that the framing diminishes Kaede’s role in the twist. Instead of her actions directly leading to the crime, her plan is sabotaged and used against her by an outside force. This makes her appear less culpable, which can feel like a cop-out for such a high-stakes moment.

//One could argue that if Kaede had actually succeeded in killing Rantaro, the twist would have been more impactful. It would’ve forced players to grapple with the moral complexity of Kaede’s actions, as she would’ve knowingly crossed a line to protect her friends. By shifting the blame to Tsumugi’s interference, the narrative somewhat softens the weight of Kaede’s decision.

//And I do agree with all of these notions, and understand where people are coming from. HOWEVER, despite these criticisms, Kaede’s framing still works within the context of the story and doesn’t take away from the emotional impact of her being the Chapter 1 culprit.

//What you have to remember is it isn't simply that Tsumugi committed her own crime individual of Kaede. Kaede started the murder plan, and Tsumugi finished it.

//It still means that Kaede isn't the killer, and shouldn't have been executed for it, but it doesn't change the fact that she still TRIED to kill somebody.

//It doesn't take away from the complexities and flaws of Kaede as a person in this game. The Despair she felt, and the corner she was driven into, still mattered, and she still acted on it in the worst way possible. Had the shotput ball hit Rantaro and not missed by pure coincidence, she would still have been the culprit.

//Even though she was framed for the actual murder, Kaede’s actions remain central to the story. Her plan to kill the mastermind reflects her unyielding determination to save her classmates, even at the cost of her own morality. Whether her trap succeeded or not, Kaede willingly put herself in a position where she would’ve been responsible for taking a life. This is the heart of the twist, and it’s not about whether she succeeded, but about her willingness to go that far.

//The framing doesn’t change the fact that Kaede is executed believing she is responsible for Rantaro’s death. Her guilt and despair as she tries to encourage Shuichi to carry on in her place still land with full emotional force, and the player shares her devastation, and her death leaves a lasting impact on the narrative. This doesn't change with Chapter 6's revelations.

//And on top of that, Tsumugi’s interference is consistent with her role as the mastermind and a villain who thrives on deception. The killing game has always been about manipulation, both of the participants and the audience. By framing Kaede, she ensures that the game starts with a shocking betrayal of expectations, cementing her as a calculating and ruthless antagonist.

//Only to fumble the ball much later, but this is more of a knock on Trial 6 than Trial 1.

//And that's mainly the big reason why I think this trial is great as an opening. It allows several characters to shine early.

//Kaede’s bold leadership, Rantaro’s mysterious potential, and glimpses of complexity in Kokichi’s manipulations and Kaito’s steadfastness all take center stage.

//But beyond Kaede, the real breakout star here is Shuichi, whose journey from hesitant sidekick to true protagonist begins in earnest during this chapter.

//At first glance, unlike Kaede, Shuichi feels eerily familiar to Makoto and Hajime, or previous protagonists. He’s polite, serious, and perpetually anxious, sporting a hat he refuses to take off because he’s self-conscious about making eye contact. He blushes, breaks into cold sweats, and often assumes everyone else is more capable than he is.

//In short, he doesn’t exactly exude confidence or charisma, and that’s exactly why his growth feels so satisfying. V3 may have ups and downs in terms of its characterization and plot development, but if there's one thing that I can say for certain, it's that Shuichi's character writing, throughout ALL of this game, is FLAWLESS!

//Despite his meekness, Shuichi shows surprising flashes of initiative early on. He’s the first to suggest they set a trap for the mastermind, proving he’s not as passive as he seems. He’s also quick to stand up for himself when pushed too far, such as his angry outburst at Miu accusing him of being a pervert.

//Kaede’s role in shaping Shuichi cannot be overstated. As the initial protagonist, she radiates optimism, courage, and determination. Her plan to stop the mastermind, though it fails, demonstrates her willingness to take risks for the group’s sake.

//When the truth of the trial forces Shuichi to accuse her, the weight of that responsibility crushes him, but Kaede’s faith in him remains unwavering.

//Kaede’s final words, encouraging Shuichi to believe in himself, become the foundation for his transformation. Her trust in him, paired with Kaito’s relentless support afterwards, helps Shuichi shed his self-doubt (and his hat) and step into the spotlight as the protagonist. From here on, Shuichi is determined not to look away from the truth, no matter how painful, a promise he makes in honor of Kaede’s memory.

//Trial by trial, Shuichi grows more confident and assertive. By the time the finale rolls around, Shuichi has fully stepped into his role, calling out the mastermind and rallying his fellow survivors with unshakable resolve. His passionate outrage upon revealing Kaede’s unjust execution shows just how far he’s come, not only as a detective but as someone who refuses to let lies define their lives.

//What makes Shuichi such a compelling protagonist is how different he is from Kaede. Where Kaede is bold and charismatic, Shuichi is quiet and thoughtful. He lacks her boundless optimism but compensates with razor-sharp intellect and a deep sense of responsibility.

//His understated heroism makes his victories feel earned rather than inevitable, and his struggles resonate with anyone who’s ever doubted themselves.

//In the end, Shuichi becomes the protagonist that Team Danganronpa never anticipated. While Kaede was ideal for their manufactured Killing Game, Shuichi subverts their expectations entirely. By rejecting the binary of Hope and Despair and refusing to vote, he takes a stand that transcends the game’s twisted rules. His quiet determination and intellect ultimately bring an end to the Killing Game and the series itself.

//Just as he promised Kaede.

//Kaede’s death and the way she passes the torch to Shuichi set the stage for one of, if not, THE most rewarding character arc/arcs in the series. Her impact is felt throughout the game, not just in Shuichi’s growth but in how her sacrifice inspires the survivors to keep pushing forward.

//Shuichi’s evolution from anxious and self-doubting to confident and decisive is what makes him such a standout protagonist. His relatability, paired with his ability to rise to the occasion, ensures that his journey, from the first trial to the game’s finale, is as compelling as it is memorable.

//But while the characterization and the relevance of Kaede is what carries this trial this high onto the list, I want to talk a little more about my thoughts and feelings on the invesigation, and the trial itself.

//The first chapter of Danganronpa V3 is just as heavy and depressing as its predecessors, but it cranks up the confusion factor to eleven. While Hope’s Peak Academy and Jabberwock Island had some sense of familiarity, the Ultimate Academy for Gifted Juvenies in this game feels more alien, making the stakes even harder to grasp initially.

//I kind of already said this, but from the way Rantaro carries himself in the prologue, acting all mysterious and competent, I was convinced he was going to be a key player. Maybe even a leader figure who would stick around for the long haul. And then when he started going a bit off the rails, I thought, "Ah, I see where this is going."

//I began thinking that he was going to turn out like Tsurugi from the Another games. Like the morally rigid, justice-obsessed type whose sense of right and wrong is slightly…off.

//But nope! The next thing I knew, Rantaro was lying there, very dead, and I was sitting there questioning my life choices. That little arc of his really threw me for a loop.

//Unless you're NicoB and somehow channeling detective-level intuition, figuring out who the killer is in this case is next to impossible based on the investigation clues alone. And that’s exactly what makes it so brilliant.

//With Kaede as the culprit, you essentially experience the entire murder setup firsthand. You’re there for the plan, the execution (as in the crime HAPPENING in real time, not the execution that kills Kaede, although we are also there for that), and the aftermath. But the game cleverly omits just the right moments or twists key words in a way that keeps you from ever suspecting her.

//Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: some fans argue that the protagonist switch is the only good thing about this case, dismissing the rest as basic or bare-bones.

//Respectfully, I think they’re wrong.

//Sure, the protagonist twist is a massive highlight. It’s chef’s kiss in terms of execution. But the case itself has plenty to offer.

//As a first case, it had some big shoes to fill. On one hand, it easily outshines the first trial in Danganronpa 1, which, let’s be real, was serviceable but not exactly riveting.

//On the other hand, it had to compete with Danganronpa 2’s first trial, which featured Teruteru’s surprisingly intricate scheme. That one’s a tougher act to follow, but I’d argue that Kaede’s case pulls ahead in terms of how engaging and multilayered the mystery is.

//Teruteru's crime was more complicated, and engaging, but it wasn't as fun to solve as this one was for me.

//Is it the most complex case in the series? No.

//Does it redefine what meta means in V3? Not quite.

//But it’s still an awesome, tightly crafted mystery that deserves its spot among the series’ best. In hindsight, even though they are my least favourite set of mysteries in the main trilogy, V3’s cases are all pretty intricate, so the fact that this one holds its ground says a lot.

//And really, how can you not appreciate a case where the game essentially says, "You’re the killer, but good luck realizing that before we drop the bombshell?"

//It’s clever, it’s bold, and it sets the tone for V3’s penchant for subverting expectations. Whether you’re here for the shocking twists or just love seeing your brain get tied in knots, this case delivers.

//For good measure, I'll reiterate how this whole thing goes.

//So, the whole mystery kicks off with Rantaro getting murdered, and Kaede, being the brilliant hero that she is, takes it upon herself to help the group narrow down the list of suspects. She shuts down anyone who tries to throw blame at others, using hard evidence like a detective on a caffeine high.

//The excuses for why certain people couldn’t have been the killer range from, "They were miles away at the time," to "They’re physically too weak to throw a shotput hard enough to kill someone". Basically a smorgasbord of alibis and physical limitations that could’ve come straight out of a detective’s handbook.

//But as it goes, all suspicion seems to funnel onto Shuichi. After all, he’s the only one who could bypass the security system, because Miu, the mastermind behind the tech Shu and Kae used for their trap, told him how to do it, while Kaede was not informed beforehand. And since Miu has her own alibi, she's off the hook.

//However, in a classic display of Kaede's wits, she manages to throw a few crafty suggestions, and a little white lie here and there, to get Shuichi off the suspect list.

//But if Shuichi isn’t the culprit, then who in the world is? Well, Shuichi, after a brief moment of hesitation, and probably some deep internal screaming, suggests a bold new theory: Kaede could be the killer.

//Now, if this was a soap opera, this is where the dramatic music would kick in. The rest of the trial devolves into a full-on "everyone vs. Shuichi" situation. Which is a terrible situation to thrust the poor boy into, especially since this chapter also features a whole ass scene where Shuichi is crying about being scared of the truth.

//I get why Kaede did it, and it did help Shuichi in the end, but it doesn't change the fact that she was making him fight everybody over a truth that he didn't want to come to light.

//The tension is palpable, and the whole room is practically ready to tear him apart, but this is where Shuichi starts showing his detective chops. He doesn’t flinch, doesn’t back down, and argues with the same quiet determination you’d expect from someone who’s been taking notes on how to deal with chaos. It's a subtle flex of his growing skills as a detective, and honestly, it’s pretty satisfying to watch him hold his ground against everyone.

//Eventually, the trial wraps up with Kaede confessing to the murder. But here's where things get a bit…well, complicated.

//Now, if there’s one thing that makes this trial truly stand out, it’s how the protagonist switch ties into the game’s larger themes of Truth vs. Lies, and more importantly, the colossal twist that the world of V3 isn't even real.

//Shuichi, the true protagonist, is like the ultimate punchline to the whole game. The fact that Kaede doesn’t make it past the first chapter is like one giant narrative rug-pull. Not only does it break your expectations for what you thought the game was going to be, but it also ties directly into the overarching narrative of deception that runs through V3.

//And, if you’re paying close attention, it’s not just a clever narrative trick. It's a commentary on the entire premise of the game. The creators themselves are in on the joke, which adds a whole layer of meta to the experience.

//In the end, this trial is a perfect storm of clever writing, emotional punches, and mind-bending twists.

//Kaede may not have been the killer, but her actions set the stage for everything that follows, and that’s what makes this trial one of my absolute favorites in the Danganronpa series.

//So yeah, I'm definitely biased. And I'm sorry if that ticks people off.

//But I should warn you. If you think THIS is the most controversial pick for the upper rankings? You'd best get ready for tomorrow's.

#danganronpa survivor #danganronpa #danganronpa v3 #drv3 #ranking #mod talks #kaede akamatsu #shuichi saihara #rantaro amami #dangancember 2024

24 notes · View notes

love-me-purple · 1 year ago

Text

movie night with the v3 boys

cw: slight nsfw and cursing in a few of em. spoilers of ET in kaito’s

a/n: might make a 1 and 2 vers. !! naur I did a few light puns in a few of them if you spot them tell me. under the cut cause it’s kinda long

Shuichi

➼ he’s so sweet

➼ he prioritizes you fully! he gives you the blankets, the snacks, he lets you choose the movie; he does everything.

➼ even if he sits on the sofa cold, hungry, and terribly quiet.

➼ he doesn’t complain a bit.

➼ you notice him shivering slightly a couple minutes into the movie, and even after he protested against getting a half in your luxury, you snuggled against him and buried him under the warm covers.

➼ once you did, he whimpered slightly against you. it just felt so nice. not the fluffy sheets, not the delectable food, and even though the movie was pretty great, you next to him really made the experience better.

➼ he moved closer next to you, kissing you on the cheek. you made him kiss you on the lips after.

➼ the movie run ends with cuddling and tangled arms and legs, overall super fluffy.

Kokichi

➼ large pillow forts with lots of soft pillows and thick blankets. he turns the ac and all the coolers on just so it’ll turn super cold in the house, leading you to bury yourself under the blankets and cuddle closer to him.

➼ he sometimes teases you by stealing the snacks and blankets, making you pissed off and subconsciously pinning him to the carpet floor.

➼ he tries turning the simple, pure movie night into a netflix and chill i SWEAR

➼ he flips the tables and climbs on top of you - kissing you lightly on the lips with a smug look. ➼ and then he gets up and goes back to watching the movie like nothing happened

➼ he’S GETTING HIS ASS beat TONIGHT

➼ interpret that any way you want

➼ anyways, if he’s not in that mood, he’s very chatty during movies. ➼ he’ll comment nonstop and predict the future with pretty accurate predictions.

➼ his habit of doing that will, if you don’t already, bring you to do the same.

Rantaro

➼ this guy is so romantic

➼ kisses, smooth; non - pushover pick - up lines, basically everything you’d expect from a good gushy mushy date.

➼ he likes playing with your hair. tangles, small braids, etc. if you don’t have hair, then / another option for him is he runs his hands down your arms and hands.

➼ he draws small patterns on your skin with his fingers while kissing you on the head.

➼ he loves it when you do it to him as well, so by all means, go ahead !!

➼ nooo but the chips with dip are absolute perfection adding to the mix. if you don’t like that kind of thing, he’ll get, like, anything you’d like to eat during the movie -

➼ the prices don’t mean aNYthing to him, he’s happy to spend money for you no matter what it is <3

➼ perfect night for netflix and chill

K1 - B0

➼ he’s a robot. he can’t be cold, he can’t eat, and so all he has to do is sit back and watch.

➼ people (miu) helped him with what to do and how to act during the movie -

➼ he’s so awkward, in a cute way. he’ll get closer to you as the movie progresses, trying to be discreet but pretty much failing.

➼ you pretend you don’t notice though, for his sake.

➼ he’s tense during the movie. but with a few calming, reassuring words - he calms down a bit and attempts to kiss you as a sign of thanks.

➼ oh he also looks up on his mental search engine how to act normal and such and comes across the term of ‘activities’ during watching movies / shows

➼ and then he overheats for a bit (thankfully while you were in the bathroom -)

➼ guess he didn’t have safe search on

Korekiyo

➼ horror / documentaries. if you don’t like those things, then …

➼ he likes it when you braid his hair. with any other person he’d kinda just be like ehhh, but when it’s you …

➼ he’s such a simp.

➼ he’s pretty chill, doesn’t really talk except for the parts when either you’re talking, something’s factually wrong, or when something especially pisses him off (usually when the characters are especially dumb).

➼ he likes having his hands free, so, of course, you have the blanket and snacks.

➼ he nuzzles his head into your neck and hair during sweet and overall ushy gushy moments.

➼ yeah

➼ he’s only human after all

Gonta

➼ like shuichi; he gives the blanket, the snacks, and is awfully quiet.

➼ there’s a sort of worried look on his face, like you won’t like doing this and it’ll never happen again.

➼ he asks you like every couple minutes if you’re okay - nonstop until you reassure him.

➼ because of his overall bulky, tall structure - you’re gonna need a few more blankets to cover him.

➼ and a lotta snacks if he’s especially hungry

➼ he’s the type of guy to watch smth like a bug’s life or the bee movie. and you’ll agree because he’ll be self - conscious of himself if you don’t.

➼ it’s either that or bug documentaries. he hates horror films, especially if it has bugs in it that are thoroughly portrayed incorrectly.

➼ he gets so angry it’s almost funny

➼ until you don’t calm him down and he goes to storm the director’s / producer’s place then uh good luck

Kaito

➼ tries to be romantic and kinda fails.

➼ the whole mood is sorta goofy. comedy / horror / sci - fi def. if it’s horror though, expect him to scream loudly and cling to you. and then for him to make up an excuse like, “i wasn’t scared! i was just … amazed by the stars in the sky in the film! so … spread out!”

➼ if it’s sci - fi, it’s definitely ET

➼ he cries softly when ET dies. and then he says, “I JUST GOT SOMETHING IN MY EYE WAHHH”

➼ comedy’s chaotic, but pretty fun with him. he tries so hard not to laugh, but when he does, his LaUgh

➼ it depends. it either sounds like a hyena crossed with a donkey or just a hysterical, soft sound.

➼ either way, movie nights with him are always a blast.

Ryoma

➼ he’s smooth. and he predicts the movie in his head, and shows barely emotion during sad, emotional, funny, or romantic moments. like none at all.

➼ but once he gets used to being with you during movies and finding out what exactly you like, he starts showing bits of emotion here and there.

➼ like outward pity. and sadness. and laughter.

➼ sharing is caring when it comes to blankets and snacks. sometimes when both of you reach into the bag / bowl / plate / etc. at the same time, and y’know your hands touch? he’ll squeeze your hand and bring it up to kiss it.

➼ SOME CHEEZY THING LIKE THAT

➼ and then he’ll just smile slightly at you. no matter what reaction you have.

➼ yeah other than that it’s pretty normal! still a hit tho

301 notes · View notes

drv3giftexchangeclub · 2 years ago

Text

The matching form is open for the DRV3 Summer Gift Exchange, a fan event to celebrate Summer by exchanging fan-works related to DRV3!

We hope to see you there! More info and a link to the matching form in the pinned post.

#danganronpa #danganronpa v3 #ndrv3 #drv3 #fan event #gift exchange #rantaro amami #himiko yumeno #korekiyo shinguji #tenko chabashira #angie yonaga #kokichi ouma #shuichi saihara #kaito momota #kaede akamatsu #mod post

259 notes · View notes

pridemagica · 7 months ago

Note

transmasc shuichi anon: i prefer the pink and blue one but if u don’t like to use that one i’m ok with an alternate.

of course here you go!

Transmasc Shuichi Icons!

#mod 🌻#danganronpa #shuichi saihara #drv3 shuichi #trans #transmasc #transmasc icons #icons #pride icons #pride #pride month

19 notes · View notes

rarepairronpa · 2 months ago

Note

Challenge: Try to come up with a top 5 ships list for each of these characters. In the case of ones where you don't even have 5 you personally like well enough, try to make it the ones you dislike the least.

DR1:

Makoto

Kyoko

Byakuya

Sakura

Chihiro

Mukuro

Junko

SDR2:

Hajime

Nagito

Chiaki

Mikan

Imposter

Mahiru

Sonia

V3:

Shuichi

Kaede

Kokichi

Kaito

Maki

Korekiyo

Tsumugi

Ohhh, this is such a fun challenge! I'm going to try and do top 5 in general, and then also top 5 rarepairs for the ships.

Got a bit long, so it'll be under the cut.

DR1:

Makoto Naegi:

1. Naegiri

This is really, really difficult for me because I'm a big believer of Kyouko/Makoto/Sayaka/Mukuro. Ranking any of this OT4 as individual ships is suuuuper hard. But I figured poly ships were probably cheating. This one isn't a rarepair, but I just adore their story of refinding love with others. They are literal end game!

2. Naezono

Probably because I love Sayaka Maizono so much that this just bareeeely beats out Mukuro. She might be my favorite of the female cast in the first game. Boy oh boy do I eat up her relationship with Makoto. Naezono real!!

3. Naekusaba

DR: IF has the best look into this relationship. I also rather like how she protects him in DR0! It's such a tragedy in canon, since DR: IF shows how close Makoto was to saving her.

4. Naemiki

Listen. I know Mikan and Makoto don't interact in main canon (well, very briefly in DR3 only for her to be pushed into the ocean). BUT. Makoto would be such a genuinely good presence in her life. And I love the idea of contrasting her relationship with Junko to her relationship with Makoto. Just, chefs kiss.

5. Naejunko

OHHH TO BE NARRATIVE FOILS WITH EACH OTHER... I love the fact that Makoto very clearly didn't want Junko to die, perhaps one of the only people in DR to not want that, and yet became known for killing her. She haunts him. Blood staining his hands he never wanted to spill. They are opposites, without her he is irrelevant. And he misses being irrelevant. She has transformed him into something grand when he had always been something simple. He is mundane and yet she has made him Ultimate. Ultimate Hope, to her Ultimate Despair, and now that's all they'll ever be. Even if, once upon a time, they were friends.

Alternative 5. Komaegi

As a replacement for the Naegiri non rarepair, in a rarepair line up, this would be number 5. I love komaegi.... what if I worshiped you and you saved me and you looked at me and saw something worthy and I looked at you and saw a god. But unlike with Junko, you didn't want to be a God. Junko shaped both of us and I mold you in her image, I project what she wanted onto you, because you to me are just as holy as her, just her opposite. You are an idea to me, a symbol, and all you want is to help me even though I do not deserve it. You look at me and think I deserve it. I go crazy for that shit.

Kyouko:

1. Kirizono

Surprise, it's not Naegiri! I feel like there. There just so much I like about kirizono. Sayaka being such a positive person in her life, and Kyouko, unlike Makoto, sees that a lot of her disposition is facade. It's like a mix of Celegiri and Naegiri in a way that compels me. And also. Why should they fight over Makoto when they could smooch?

2. Ikugiri

OHHH I ADORE THEM IN DR: IF. SUCH A GREAT PAIRING... they're both sort of reserved so I do think that someone bridging the gap would be what initially gets them talking. But the respect Mukuro has for Kyouko is crystal clear in DR:IF, and the way she in turn believes Mukuro and considers what she says is everything to me...

3. Naegiri

Again, end game. I also think Makoto is just... such a good partner for Kyouko. He reminds her of Yui in the best ways imo, and restores her faith in humanity some.

4. Chigiri

Chihiro canonly admiring Kyouko and repeatedly saying so in optional DR1 dialogue... Kyouko bringing Chihiro with her in DR:IF.... more people should consider these two!

5. Enogiri

Gonna be so for real, it was @aparticularbandit that made me love these two. I have so many enogiri thoughts. The whole game is basically an intellectual back and forth between the two, with Kyouko investigating to find the mastermind. If Makoto is the philosophical downfall of Junko, Kyouko is the practical one.

Alternative 5. Kirimaru

Since, again, Naegiri is not a rarepair, here's what I'd put as number 5 for a rarepair list. (My first thought was Celegiri, but that's. Also. Also not a rarepair.) I'm gonna go with a dark horse and say Komaru/Kyouko. All the benefits of Naegiri but Infinitely Funnier. Imagine you have a relationship developing with your long term friend, only for your sister to bust in and STEAL YOUR GIRL. I think Komaru should kiss So Many Girls, that girl is so unbelievably WLW.

Special shout out to Komagiri (Nagito/Kyouko) which I am also looking at with wide eyes. I've only written them platonically but their relationship has a lot of potential in general. I also adore Hinagiri (as in. Aoi Asahina, not Hajime Hinata), and honestly would definitely put it at my number 6/7. The hardest part of this is limiting my rarepairs to only 5.

Byakuya Togami:

1. Togiri

Listen. I believe in Naegirigami. But I have never been That enthused with naegami. I feel like Naegami is infinitely. INFINITELY improved with Kyouko in the picture. And the main feeling behind that? Byakuya and Kyouko chilling. Hanging out. Starting as loving the same person and then actually developing themselves. Enthralling.

2. Nanagami

The main reason I like this is 100% because of my Chiaki ship work. Figuring out their interactions was sooo facinating and I got. Attached. Chiaki is willing to put up with a lot of stuff and remain empathetic. She would extend sympathy to Byakuya while also not being a dormat; pushing back when he said something objectionable. Which. I understand is the appeal of Naegami too. But. I think the nuances of it are a bit different. Idk. I just think it's neat.

3. Mitagami

I... I know these two never interact. And there's no big narrative parallels to justify them. But. I don't know. I've always like them. Just... imagining them slowly bonding at Future Foundation. A really sweet office romance. Only for it to all be blown up with the revelation of Byakuya betraying FF to help the Remnants and Ryota himself sort of being a Remnant (especially in a no brainwashing verse). Like. Idk man. Can't justify this one I just think the idea is cute.

4. Naegami

I. Very much don't like a lot of fan characterization for this one, but I can't articulate why. I think I like the idea of them more than any actual content I've seen of them.

5. Twogami

I am enthralled with how much grace and admiration and empathy the Imposter had for Byakuya... and how that went sour. To go from how they talks about him during their FTEs to destroying his life... also. The thought of gender fluid Byakuya and agender Imposter bonding over that is so cute...

Alternative 5. Tozono

I... feel like this one could be interesting? I've kinda run out of ships I genuinely ship and are more grasping at straws. But Sayaka being a super peppy and smiley person to contrast Byakuya is kinda cute, right? I almost went with Kaede for this exact reason but uh. I feel like she wouldn't be able to Stand him, actually. Plus, Sayaka's smiley-ness being a facade might actually ironically endear Byakuya, since he finds genuineness to be stupid and initally off putting. Yeah, half of what makes Naegami and Nanagami is him realizing that genuine kindness is a Good Thing, Actually, but sometimes you want something different. He would trust Sayaka ironically more because of his understanding of it being a facade, that they both recognize. Plus, they both had to deal with public image. I also like the idea of Sayaka dressing him in cute dresses and doing his make up. I think it could be cute!

Sakura Ogami:

1. Sayagami

I LEGITIMATELY ADORE SAYAKA AND SAKURA AS A COUPLE. I always have but it was made so much more prominent after reading this fic about them. Ohhh my god Sayaka taking her dress shopping... I literally cried.

2. Sakuraoi

Yeah, I had to put this on the list. They're Basically Canon, babies first Yuri, and that makes them iconic.

3. Chogami

Chihiro training with Sakura is such a good idea... plus I don't remember who said it but I love the idea of them tackling messy gender feelings. With Sakura at first not understanding because she always Clung to her assigned sex as Proof She Was A Girl, in a world that made her feel bad for being muscular. And then Chihiro comes around and SHATTERS that- being whatever flavor of trans you prefer (trans girl, trans boy, gender fluid, agender- any of them work). I feel like they could both really enrich each others worlds.

4. Sakuriyoko

This one's more vague. I just like the idea of, like... Hiyoko and Sakura bonding over their talents being tied to traditions. Plus. Same appeal with Sayaka where I feel like Hiyoko would put her in cute outfits- just very different types of cute outfits, more traditional in nature (kimonos and the like).

5. Sakuramiki

I am grasping at straws for this. Sakura training Mikan is a cute image, right? She'd treat her well and respect her and maybe help her stand up for herself. And Mikan can tenderly dress her wounds, win win!

Alternative 5. Sakukoma

This... I tend to write platonically? I tend to see Sakura as a lesbian so I don't have many romantic ships with guys. But. Nagito and her could be SUCH an iconic duo. Again, I tend to think of them platonically, but still. I think what made me fall in love with a possible Sakura and Nagito dynamic was my class civil war series, specifically this chapter of unseen pixels. In that vein, Gundham and Sakura are pretty cool foils to each other too in canon.

Chihiro Fujisaki:

1. Fujisaba

I love them in DR: IF and I also love how Chihiro stays with her body in DR1...

2. Chigiri

Same reasons as before lol. I am endlessly charmed by them. Chihiro seems to really admire her in DR1 optional dialogue which is so cute.

3. Chimiki

Chihiro and Mikan... my silly rarepair... I feel like they'd bond over being bullied and they'd both learn to be more assertive by standing up for each other. Would be especially good for Chihiro, as protecting Mikan would make them feel strong... and make Mikan feel safe. I do think Chihiro would stand up for her, too, which is something she desperately needs. They may stutter and flinch in fear when doing it, but they'll do it, which is more than a lot of people can say!

4. Enosaki

I LOVE ENOSAKI.... so many good angles to take on it. It's chihiros legacy (alter ego) that caused her downfall... she killed them and they caused her death from beyond the grave... and of course this great post from @theamityelf about Chihiro making simulators for Junko to kill people in with no consequences... this shit rules.

5. Celeshiro

I RAN OUT OF SPACES FOR SAYAKA/CHIHIRO TOO.... aughhh. But yeah. I like the idea of Celestia having a soft spot for Chihiro... she did express concern with them being out and about in chapter 2. I have So Many chihiro rarepairs. Which is crazy because I feel like I don't talk about Chihiro that much. But believe me. I am Full Of Rarepairs.

Mukuro Ikusaba:

1. Naekusaba

They are just So. AUGHHH good in Danganronpa IF. I adore them, truly.

2. Kirisaba

I really like them in DR: IF as I mentioned. But also. The idea of Mukuro being quietly afraid of Kyouko figuring her out during school life... That Compells Me.

3. Fujisaba

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU FUJISABA.... I also think Fujisaba's appeal is somewhat the same appeal as Naekusaba. Falling in love with a pure and innocent smile... holding that smile between my blood stained hands... aaaughh I go crazy.

4. Ikuzono

This one is just barely a rarepair. Seems to be the go to Mukuro femslash ship. Which is a bit ironic as they have the least canon content of the Sayaka/Kyouko/Mukuro trio. But I do love Ikuzono. I've read some amazing works for them. The stand out one being this one, which is really good and any ikuzono fan should read!

5. Celeskuro

I like it because I had a friend who was really into it, and I've always just felt really happy seeing it around because of that association. It's also interesting, right, as I feel they're somewhat opposites in disposition, but both are lying/putting on false faces to cope. I wonder if Mukuro's control issues (in the sense that she gives up control, not enforces it) would intermingle with Celestia's control issues. There's a potential for a story there.

Junko Enoshima:

1. Junkan

It is absolutely diabolical to make me pick only 5 Junko ships when I love them all so much... but number one has GOTTA BE junkan. They fascinate me so much. I'm enthralled with all the different ways you could take them. How their issues intermingle. They are horrible together. Toxic Yuri for the win.

2. Enonami

I ADORE enonami. They are Also toxic Yuri. Junko canonly kills people she likes. She also crazy murdered Chiaki. You see what I'm putting down? I also like the idea of Chiaki being the first person to, like, ideologically best her. The idea of a non brainwashing verse where Junko tries to manipulate Chiaki into despair and FAILS... so shes a sore loser about it and spitefully kills her like she tried to do to Makoto. Chiaki is a threat to her, to her ideology, to her identity, and so she must kill her. And in that way- in being such a threat to Junko she had to kill her- chiaki struck an ideological win. The first person to ever best Junko... even if it also ended in Chiaki's own death.

3. Matsushima

READ DANGANRONPA ZERO READ DANGANRONPA ZERO READ DANGANRONPA ZERO READ—

4. Junkozuru / Hajunko

HA. IM CHEATING BY COUNTING THIS AS ONE. But, ahem. I have already talked about Hajunko, so I'll leave this brief. I think post canon Hajime could have fixed her.

5. Kazujunko

Debated very heavily whether I wanted to put junkonia, twoshima, or kazujunko. As I've already talked about junkonia too, and I also mentioned twoshima in my playlist masterpost, I'll talk about Kazujunko. Girl boss vs cringe male wife simp. I looove it. I think he'd just be so unabashedly in love with her. He's crazy in love as we can see from his relationship with Sonia, but unlike Sonia Junko would whole heartedly encourage this! Enabling his worst most obsessive behavior! She is a idol for him to worship and she ADORES it!

SDR2:

Hajime Hinata:

1. Hinamiki

I ADORE HAJIME AND MIKAN. They're so good together, for real. How he handles her in their FTEs and Island Mode is exactly what she needs in that moment. She threatens to break his legs and he PROPOSES TO HER. they are so crazy (positive) they match each others freak but in a really healthy and productive way, I'm obsessed.

2. Hinatsumi

THE RELATABLITY... THE TRAGEDY.... THE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT ALL... obsessed with that talk they have before she dies where she cries. Plus. The image of average Joe Hajime Hinata being a mafia wife is just... perfect.

3. Hajunko

As I have said, I already talked about this one in depth.

4. Hinanami

Actually like Kamunami a lot more than Hinanami, but the Tragedy and complicated dynamics of Kamunami are founded on this ship, so I gotta include it.

5. Komahina

I like Komahina!! I'm very particular about it, however. And it's not my top ship for the two of them. But. I do like it.

Alternative 4. Matsuhina

I don't... really ship this, but I am interested in it. People be writing some really compelling things for these two. Who. Never canonly interact, lol.

Alternative 5. Sonjime

They basically get engaged in their FTEs. What do you want from me? But for real, I really did like their last FTEs. I'm kinda not invested in them being romantic vs platonic, but their FTEs were very fun. I almost put Kazuhina on here for how funny I find them, but I think I like Sonia and Hajime just a bit more. Though actually.... funniest possible ending. Sonia and Kazuichi both dating Hajime. Sonia still hates Kazuichi and Kazuichi is very emphatically Not Dating Her, they're just both dating the same guy. Hilarious.

Nagito Komaeda:

1. Komanami

Ohhh that's gonna be controversial. I am just enthralled with Nagito seeing her as the class hope, and literally falling into despair when she dies. Like. That's a love language in and of itself for Nagito. Her being his first friend... them playing games together in that one manga anthology.... I love them SO SO SO MUCH.

2. Komamiki

This was my first big Danganronpa ship. I was SO passionate. And I still adore them. They will always have a place in my heart.... they are so concerning!

3. Komahina

Almost put this under the next one but I think I would be burned at the steak for hersay if I did that. The Classics(tm)

4. Junkomaeda

He hates her. He absolutely loathes her. But in a way that makes you squint suspiciously. Love to hate you, hate to love you type deal. This is a kind of ship where you don't actually want them to end up together (like most Junko ships, but this one Especially). But you can't deny its some weird hate-worship situationship. In the worst way. That. Enthalls me.

5. Mitakoma

Inexplicable Ryota Ship Number 2. This one at least makes some sense, since they are both somewhat obsessed with "bringing hope" albeit in very different ways. I also really liked this comic about them. (By @haunted-xander )

Alternative 5. Komaede

This. Might sound crazy. But I'm actually really fond of Nagito and Kaede. I feel like they're somewhat similar in the sense that they're willing to go to extremes for "the greater good". Kaede was fully ready to kill the mastermind, Nagito was fully ready to kill the Remnants. And even themselves weren't exempt from their judgments; Kaede declined the first blood perk and got herself executed after violating her moral code and killing an innocent, and Nagito killed himself after realizing he was a Remnant. I truly believe Kaede to be a subversion of both Chiaki and Makoto, and her actual moral compass underneath her peppiness to actually be one of ridged black and white thinking, similar to Nagito. I also think she'd just be good for him.

Chiaki Nanami:

1. Komanami

I just think they're neat, okay? I just think they are really really cool and neat.

2. Kamunami

OHHHH THE IDENITY ISSUES AND TRAGEDY OF THIS SHIP... I'm of the big belief that Izuru's love for Chiaki isn't. Healthy. Isn't the healthiest kind. Like, I imagine, he sort of clings very unhealthy to the feelings she evokes in him. Because he can't remember feeling that much about anything or anyone else. So she kind of becomes his rock. His anchor to emotions. To caring about things. Which... I think could manifest in not so healthy ways. Like. Putting a Junko AI in a simulation with a Chiaki AI for a rematch to see who wins. You know, normal boyfriend things. On Chiaki's side, there's a lot of feelings of like... not being able to fully accept that the version of Hajime she knew is dead and gone. You can't rescue him or wake him up from Izuru, it's just Izuru now. He's effectively dead and replaced. Ohhh the messy relationship dynamics that could come of that. Mourning you when you're still alive. Do not stand at my grave and weep. No one is in it.

3. Nanamiki

I love you!!! Nanamiki!!! My favorite femslash ship maybe ever. I've talked at length about them before, so I'll just leave that post here. Technically not my own post, but an ask I sent into @danggirlronpa .

4. Enonami

I mentioned a lot of why I like Enonami in the Junko section, but I also would be remiss to not talk about the sheer potential despair!Chiaki has. This ship and despair!Chiaki go hand in hand like bread and butter. It's all just a lot of fun.

5. Natsunami

NARRATIVE FOILS..... MY BELOVED.... this is a super rarepair but I'm actually really fond of it. Love the contrast, too. This super sweet bubblegum pink fluffy girl and her very intimidating growling mafia wife. Who WILL fuck you up if you mess with her girlfriend. I could actually keep going for a while about Chiaki ships. I love so many of them, they're all just great. Twonami, Naenami, Kazunami, Ikunami.... I could keep going. I made a whole ship collection to prove she goes well with Literally Everyone. I could go on and on.

Mikan Tsumiki:

Twomiki

I LOVE THEM. SO MUCH. IN DANGANRONPA 3. literally a highlight of the whole show for me. I cannot describe to you the joy I get when they are on screen. This is my number 1 Mikan ship and it's 100% because of the anime. For how well Imposter handles and defuses her. Gaaah I love them.

Mitamiki

THEY.... I know brainwashed!Mikan and him have that really uncomfortable scene but before that.... before that... they were so cute. She was nursing him back to health.... connecting with him.... plus they both have a history of bullying/abuse that I feel like they could relate to each other on. Ryota is just abrasive enough to get really bitter and mad at anyone who bullies Mikan. That Guy Holds Grudges. Mikan wants to be forgiven for being alive and Ryota wants to prove he doesn't need to be. I'm so ill

3. Hinamiki

He just. He just handles her in the exact way she needs. He's also the exact kind of crazy Mikan needs- a stable, mundane kind of insane who meets her where she's at and forgives her worse qualities with grace. If Mikan told me she was thinking of breaking my legs I would run so so so so far away. And he proposes instead. And he was right to do so. Once Mikan is assured he won't abandon her, his faith in her is rewarded with her apologizing and admitting she didn't actually want to do that. He is good for her. He is SOOOO Good For Her. He is to her what Junko should have been, if she wasn't the worst person in the world. He encourages her good parts where Junko encouraged her bad parts and affords her grace and doesn't understand her perfectly but tries so so hard to, and never, ever gave up on her or dismissed her as too messed up or annoying. Oh my god. I love them so much I'll CRY right here typing this. I am Tearing Up as I speak.

Nanamiki

You know I love nanamiki Forever. So many ways you could take them and all of them in some way supported by canon!

Komamiki

At one point this would have been both my top Nagito and top Mikan ship. But Alas. Times change. I still adore them, though. I'll always have a soft spot for them. I could Also keep going for a long long time on this one... haven't even mentioned natsumiki or satomiki or mikaede or mikane who I all ADORE.... I have so many Mikan ships, for Real.

Imposter:

1. Twomiki

I ALREADY TALKED ABOUT HOW I ADORE THEM. BUT HAVE I MENTIONED I ADORE THEM?

2. Twoshima

Two "imposters".... two pretenders.... they are always only what someone else wants... packaging themselves to best fit their image of who they should be... identity issues to the max.... but Junko, beautiful pretender she was, Saw Them. Gave them a name (a nickname?) and idenity only she could see. And yet... and Yet. They never saw her the same... she never let them.... ohhhaghhgh I go crazy.

3. Mitworai

I think this is the most common Imposter ship nowadays. For Good Reason. They were real fun in the anime! I maintain that the Imposter (with maybe some help from Mikan) should have been the one to talk Ryota down. Hajime I love you but You Don't Know This Clown Like They Do. Stfu

4. Twonami

THIS. SPECIFICALLY GOES HARD WITH AI CHIAKI.... AI chiaki is also an imposter impersonating someone.... human Chiaki.... identity issues galore. I'm also fond of human Chiaki and them, since I think Imposter impersonating Chiaki post her death would go Unbelievably Hard, but also.... AI Chiaki and them just enthrall me.

5. Twokoma

I don't... really ship this one? But I am interested in their relationship. I tend to view it more platonically, but it's undeniable that Imposter was pivotal to Nagito's earlier arc. In optional dialogue it's even hinted that the whole reason Nagito acts in chapter 1 is because Imposter inspired him to. They were just so inspiring he too was taken in by it and wanted to Do Something about their situation. It's just that. What he wanted to do wasn't actually helpful. Lol. I also like that the Imposter definitely knew Nagito was reaching for the knife and presumably trying to kill someone... and still died for him. That's sweet. They're a sweet person.

Mahiru Koizumi:

1. Mahto

SATO AND MAHIRU IS MY NUMBER ONE MAHIRU SHIP. theyyyy..... girlfriends forever. Crazy to me that they're not outrageously popular and are, in fact, a rarepair.

2. Mahiyoko

Yeah, this is a classic for a reason. Can't go wrong with soapies. Used to be pretty passionate about it, too.

3. Enozumi

MAHIRU SHOULD HAVE AN EVIL GF. FOR. REASONS. Mahiru (to me) is so WLW that I think part of how Junko would get her would be to appeal to that WLW nature. Her messy crushes that end in disaster. Her relationships with girls willing and able to kill, one to protect and one to destroy. Junko would stir up all those confusing feelings about Sato and focus them on her. And also. What's more romantic than a model and her photographer?

4. Koimiki

I have grown a lot fonder of these two since writing my Koimiki story. They are so messy at times but I think they could eventually make it work. I would say I passively ship it now, at the very least, yeah.

5. Mahibuki

These two go hardest in an ot3 with Hiyoko. I Want That For Them. So badly....

Alternative 5. Komazumi

I tend to think of Mahiru as a lesbian, but in the event that she's bi with just a heavy preference for girls, I actually really like this idea. Maybe it's because I have a friend who's really fond of it, but I've fond myself also growing fond. Always thought they had amazing friendship potential too. So, while I still tend to headcanon Mahiru as a lesbian, I do still have an inherited fondness for these two.

Sonia Nevermind:

1. Junkonia

I've already talked at length about these two, as I said. But this is 100% my number one Sonia ship. Oh my god I'm so invested in these two, for real. Enthralled with them, you could even say.

2. Nevermiki

I LOVE THESE TWO. Sonia and Mikan would have the best horror movie dates as they both love them. They both also share a desire to get married fast as Hajime basically has to propose to both of them, so they're compatible in that way too. Seriously, I really love these two.

3. Soniabuki

Ibuki serenading Sonia at concerts... with death metal... cutteee. Ibuki is so honest and real and Sonia has had her whole life in the public eye in a way that made her act perfected. I think she could really appreciate how authentic Ibuki is.

4. Soniaki

Sonia and Chiaki are one of the more popular rarepairs out there, but I still rather like them. They were cute in the anime. You know the scene. Plus how impassioned Sonia was at denying Chiaki was the traitor really shows how much she cared... like Akane was Mikan's defender that whole trial, Sonia was Chiaki's...

5. Kiyonia

This one. Is totally 100% because of their dynamic I wrote in class civil war. People in my comments Also said they started shipping them because of it. I am a menace. I didn't even mean to convince people of this rarepair! It just sort of... happened!! But him viewing the elites of society as people just as capable of falling pairs really well with Sonia wanting very hard to be viewed as a person before a princess. Also I'm sorry to Gundham who is Sonia's canon love interest but somehow isn't on this list. He'd be next if there was a number 6, if it's any consolation. ACTUALLY WAIT. I FORGOT ABOUT SONIAHIYOKO. UHHH. I'm not gonna edit this because I said A Lot but. I do think Sonia and Hiyoko would actually be above Sonia and Ibuki on this ranking. I cannot BELIEVE I forgot my girls. What an absolute crime and travesty.

V3:

Shuichi Saihara:

1. Saimaki

Yeah, this also might be controversial. I'm putting at this at the top because I a) adore them and b) have TWO ot3s with Maki and Shuichi in them - the training trio and the surviving trio. I adore them. They are sooo important to me.

2. Saimatsu

Kaede is bisexual and that is fully because of Shuichi and Rantaro in canon. Otherwise she'd be into girls all the time any time. She has such a heavy preference for girls and works well with literally all of them, and yet here she is, dating Shuichi. A miracle among miracles.

3. Saimota

I BELIEVE IN THEM. THEY ARE BASICALLY CANON. TO ME. DO YOU HEAR WHAT SHUICHI THINKS ABOUT HIM IN THEIR FINAL FTE. DO YOU. CAN ANYONE HEAR ME

4. Saimeno

Apart of my surviving trio ot3, my beloved.... I adore them so much. I tend to think of their relationship as a qpp one, vs romantic - with both Himiko and Shuichi "properly" dating only Maki - but I do care about these two so. So much. SO much!!!

5. Saiouma

These used to be my number 1... oh how the mighty fall. I think I just got burnt out with fandom content from these two, so now they're a lot lower than they used to be. Almost put Saimami here but. I do think I like Saiouma a bit better.

Alternative 5. Saigiri

I feel like Shuichi and Kyouko could have such a good mentor mentee relationship. I think that would be good for Kyouko, to learn how to teach someone like Shuichi. She knows intellectually that emotions drive actions and she doesn't dismiss them, no, but she's also not the greatest at dealing with them- whether that means comforting someone or dealing with her own emotions. Shuichi would sort of force her to confront that, given all his issues with being a detective. She would need to navigate his insecurities in a way I think will make "dealing with emotions" click in her head more. Plus, Shuichi makes her confront her own buried feeling on being a detective (the ones we see in the Kirigiri novels). Self recognition through the other and stuff. I think this ship could fuck.

Alternative 6. Saikiibo

I think their love hotel is cute... plus their FTEs are pretty funny, aha.

Alternative 7. Saigonta

How gently Shuichi handled Gonta in chapter 4.... how sweet they always were together.... I don't know if I'd say I really romantically ship this, but I do adore their little friendship together 🥺

Kaede Akamatsu:

1. Oumaede

Listen. Listen. I know most people headcanon Kokichi as gay, but... this ship. This ship is SO GOOD. I adore their FTEs and their parallels in the narrative. Purple liars go brrr. This is the ship that makes me go, "okay, Kokichi can be bisexual specifically for Kaede Akamatsu."

2. Tenkaede

I LOVE TENKAEDE.... all their interactions are so unbelievably wlw. Tbh the v3 girls/kaede in general... I tend to like. Not on this list but Himiko and Kaede and Angie and Kaede are also some of my favorite Kaede ships everrrr.

3. Amamatsu

This was my first v3 ship! I have a. Soft spot for them. I love that nail polish event. They ended so tragically... sometimes I ot3 this one with either Kokichi or Tsumugi. It's fun.

4. Kaemugi

KAEMUGI.... MY BEAUTIFUL GIRLS.... I was one of the first people on ao3 to write something for these girlies. Literally my first Kaemugi work is also the 6th Kaemugi work written on ao3. I saw these twos FTEs and never looked back, even though they ended up being very messed up with the Tsumugi mastermind and frame job reveal. They're so interesting...

5. Mikaede

MIKAN AND KAEDE.... my rarepair that I dearly love.... they'd literally be so good for each other. I tend to think that Kaede was lightly bullied ("piano freak") and that's why she was so desperate to hold onto her new friends. Because they were like her and didn't exclude her and actually listened about her interests. (Kaede Akamatsu is autistic to me. To Me.) So while she doesn't get the more extreme bullying, she can definitely understand how it hurts and would do her very best to comfort and support Mikan. She's also not shy about speaking up if she thinks someone is bullying someone. She's outwardly very kind and caring which would be unabashedly good for Mikan.

Kokichi Ouma:

1. Oumaede

I love these two, truly. Kaede and his relationship was so much more friendly that Shuichi and his - Kaede seemed to view him as a mischievous prankster and Shuichi seemed to view him as a puzzle that got more and more threatening to him the more he failed at solving it. Which. Can be a fun dynamic too, honestly. But. Kaede being willing to listen to him- specifically thinking of the death road of despair here- to consider his perspective without getting caught in "he's manipulating me" as much... that's good stuff to me. When he's upset, genuinely upset, she listens. Instead of dismissing his feelings as fabrications.

2. Oumota

Purple liars go brrr part 2. They are definitely antagonistic during the game, but there also is a lot more consideration of Kokichi on Kaito's side than I think others view him. And them working together for that final plan... chefs kiss. I eat that trial up.

3. Oumugi

This one... is also going to be controversial. I think what I like about this one is the same thing I like about Enogiri. Kokichi is trying to sus out Tsumugi and the whole game is a back and forth of them pushing and pulling. Also some of the Oumaede appeal with both of them being liars- albeit in a very different way. Kokichi is a sheep in wolves clothing and Tsumugi is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Actually, there's some of the same appeal I feel towards Enonami too- where Kokichi beat her in some ways (helped kicked off the end of the killing game), but also. Died. Like a pyrrhic victory. I also love how petty Tsumugi is towards Kokichi like, all the time. I don't know. I like them.

4. Harouma

This one. Is also going to be very controversial. Imo, Maki and Kokichi have similar tendencies to dismiss each other as "murderer" and "liar". They both tend to fall into black and white thinking. In the event that they gain understanding of each other, I think their lives could be really enriched where they both realize they're too quick to judge. This is definitely a Character Development ship- one that would require and facilitate character development. But that's what I like about it, I think.

5. Saiouma

Hi Saiouma. Nice of you to finally show up, lol. This is a classic for a reason. At one point it'd be my number one, too. Again. I think I just got burnt out on it.

Alternative 5. Naeouma

I like this because you think Kokichi is the anarchist boyfriend. But. It's actually Makoto. Plus, Makoto would extend SO MUCH sympathy and understanding and belief in Kokichi, even at his worst, to which Kokichi would be like h. Hey. What the fuck is wrong with you. I'm actually acting SO evil right now and yet. And Yet. Unstoppable force (Kokichi's mastermind plan) meet immovable object (Makoto's belief in people). (Almost put Hinaouma next, but. Now that I've written them be father and son, basically, I feel a little weird about the ship now, lol. Still a good ship, but has definitely gone down in rankings because of that. It's not the ships fault. It's my own for getting so attached to them being a father son duo.)

Alternative 6. Oumeno

Listen. I know it was Kaito who called her cute, because it was Kaito in the existal. But. Maybe Kokichi wrote that in, you don't know. Plus, their aesthetics go together so well! They're both tricksters! One with her "magic" and one with his "lies"! The showmanship of this ship! The theater, the art! Their aesthetics match!!

Kaito Momota:

1. Kaimaki

Yeah yeah, I know, I'm basic, but their arc is one I EAT UP. I actually sometimes view this as somewhat one sided - Maki confessed to Kaito, but have you noticed that Kaito... didn't respond to it? Just told her she'd find someone else iirc. Which I have two interpretations of: a) he didn't want her to linger on their what if, felt it would be cruel if he reciprocated or b) infinitely funnier, he's not into her because he's gay. Or even aro. Like wow this is awkward... I literally do not feel the same but saying that would crush her... time to say something vaguely reassuring and brush over it. I know that's probably not what canon intended. But. That interpretation does Amuse Me. In a dark kind of way. But. When I seek out content for the ship, I do tend to go for the reciprocal interpretation. They are just too cute that way. I especially like it when Shuichi is Also there. Training trio foreverrr

2. Saimota

LISTEN. LISTEN. it's just so important to me that everyone knows Shuichi Saihara basically has a canon crush on Kaito. He adores him. Training trio foreverrrrrrr

3. Oumota

In Kaito's love hotel he basically wants a rival. Kokichi in canon is his rival. You see what I'm putting down

4. Gokumota

How much he defends Gonta is really heart breaking.... this might be my number one Gonta ship. They are so sweet

5. Momomiki

They could be cute? I've read a few cute ones about them.

Alternative 5. Magic Stars

(This is Himiko and Kaito.) He DID call her cute. You know, pretending to be Kokichi and all, but if that wasn't a line Kokichi wrote, then uh. That just came from Kaito. Plus, their themings pretty similar. Could be another aesthetic ship.

Alternative 6. Kaimami

I don't know. I think Kaito and Rantaro could vibe.

Alternative 7. Cyberspace

(This is Kiibo and Kaito.) I like the vibes of it mostly. I don't know, they seem neat. I almost put Kaito/Kaede on this because I DO believe it is possible Kaito had a crush on her but. Honestly. I think it was wholly one sided based on how she thinks of him. Like. I believe in Kaito having the crush. But I don't have faith Kaede would reciprocate.

Maki Harukawa:

1. Harumeno

HARUMENO MY BELOVED.... after losing their first loves they deserve to have a sappy romance with each other.... My red girls.... my beloved....

2. Saimaki

I do think in general the Shuichi and Maki friendship is underrated. They're a very good duo. I love when they investigate together.

3. Kaemaki

I have so many Kaemaki thoughts... we know from Kaito that Kaede is just Maki's type... but also. Kaede and her were so antagonistic in that first chapter. I'm going to do a hot take. Pre-development Maki and Kaede in a scenario where she lived? They would be a protagonist/antagonist duo. Maki is 100% being set up to be Kaede's antagonist, just look at their actual interactions. And Kaede, while similar to Kaito in many ways, is also drastically different in others. For one. She is not forgiving. She is not a forgiving person. She tries to kill the mastermind and when she kills someone innocent instead? Basically gets herself killed to atone. She would take one look at Maki being an assassin and go. No flipping way. She'd expose her in an instant just like Kokichi. THIS IS AN ANTAG/ PROTAG SHIP AND IM TIRED OF PRETENDING OTHERWISE.

4. Kaimaki

I just love Maki's arc in relation to Kaito... so badly lol.

5. Yonakawa

I love these two opposite demeanor. And I also just think they look really cute together. Atheist vs Devotee. Angie being like "Angie forgives you Maki because God forgives you Maki, as long as you atone!" They are So Fun. I love them. Angie in canon is very hard on Maki post assassin reveal but I do feel like depending on how things go they could have buried the hatchet so to say. I like them a lot.

Alternative 5. Miumaki

Miu was afraid of Maki but was also one of the ones giving her the least shit. Plus Maki was rude to Miu but not anymore than her rudeness to everyone. I think Maki's clear and honest was of stating what's on her mind would do Miu some good. And Miu could help teach Maki not to judge books by their covers. Plus. They could both bond over Hating Kokichi.

Alternative 6. Tenmaki

I actually still do have a few more Maki ships, which I didn't expect. But uh. Yeah. Tenko and Maki could be really cute! Plus. Tenko went to Maki to deal with Angie. Which I think shows a level of respect between them. Plus. Buff gfs working out together. What more could you want

Korekiyo Shinnguji:

1. Kaekiyo

I tend to think Korekiyo as some flavor of aromantic- like, grey aro, maybe?- but I am. Very invested in the Kaede and Kiyo relationship. Their FTEs are good. And. Concerning in implications. But still good.

2. Amaguji

They could both talk about their fucked up relationships with their sisters!!! Korekiyo would hate that he lost so many sisters and Rantaro would hate everything about Korekiyo's relationship with his sister. And they'd make it work anyway.

3. Shinouma

I liked when he threatened to tear out his nerves. Lol.

4. Shinsai

They also had really good FTEs, this time without the threat of Korekiyo killing him for his sister. Which. I guess is a plus, lol.

5. Tsuguuji

Their summer camp interaction was sooo funny. Mikan out crazied Kiyo. Kiyo was set to kill her for sister only to be like... uh. Nevermind. She's clearly insane. He killed Angie, who was a cult leader, for his sister but Mikan Tsumiki's weird "I have power over my patients" thing made him go ACTUALLY NO. NEVERMIND. YOURE A WHOLE FREAK. I adore that

Alternative 5. Gontaguuji

I feel like this could be cute? Maybe Korekiyo talking about how people precieved the "gentleman" across history.

Tsumugi Shirogane:

1. Kaemugi

KAEMUGI MY BELOVED... so interesting to consider from Tsumugi's POV....

2. Amamugi

I like the headcanon that these two were in the last killing game (52nd one) together. Plus. I just adore how petty Tsumugi seems towards him. He's literally just some guy and she goes bark bark growl growl I hate you you normie go do a backflip and die.

3. Shironaga

OHHH I GO CRAZY FOR ANGIE AND TSUMUGI.... she joined her cult to blend in but also... what if it was to stay close to her because she knew she was about to die... she created an angel and then killed it... Angie talks about God not knowing she's right next to her in plain glasses... plus. They are both artists. They could bond over that.

Oumugi

Talked about this already in the Kokichi section. But yeah. They are opposites and yet the same... yin and yang... two liars, one trusted and guilty and one misstrusted and innocent... augh.

Saimugi

I wish I could fit Himiko also on this. But alas. Totally fell in love with this ship because of this fanfic. I'm specifically obsessed with the dynamic in that fanfic. Tsumugi befriending Shuichi instead of Kaito... disaster.

And woof, finally finished! Some of these I was grasping at straws but others I could have kept going and going about. There's so many great ships it was hard to rank them! But yeah, right now these are my thoughts. They are, like always, subject to change but this is what I'm feeling right now.

15 notes · View notes

lonelyshuichilover · 1 year ago

Note

Hello!! Is it alright if you do a request where Kaito and shuichi (separately) watch their S/O (gender netural) get executed?

My God, this is going to be… interesting. I will leave the reader's talent and victim as ambiguous as possible. It's your time to kill your most hated character! /hj

CW: Angst (kind of), Reader gets executed, someone dies (rather ambiguous), this is kind of bad sorry A/N: I'm watching 'La Velada del Año 3' rn, it's epic.

Shuichi and Kaito (separately) watching their S/O get executed.

Kaito Momota:

This man…

This man will probably behave the same as in Chapter 4.

He's going to deny everything, even if all the evidence points to you being the culprit.

You can't blame him, you're his partner! Obviously he's going to prefer to trust you more than anything.

But everything has to come to an end, doesn't it?

At a certain point, Kaito will have no choice but to accept it, you killed someone, you're the culprit.

When everyone votes for you, Kaito will remain silent, feeling somewhat betrayed by you.

When the voting ends and the results say it's you, Kaito would approach you and take you by the shoulders.

Kaito will ask you to explain. Why did you decide to go and kill someone? Why?

It doesn't matter if you explain yourself or if you remain silent,, Kaito wouldn't look at you the same way, you killed someone when you promised not to, you betrayed his trust.

But even so, he can't come to hate you. You're his partner, his significant other, you've been with him from the beginning, it's impossible for him to hate you.

Of course, all of that was interrupted by Monokuma, who exclaimed that it was time for punishment.

And then everything collapsed for Kaito, the punishment… he had completely forgotten.

Just like in Chapter 1 with Kaede, he would fight Monokuma so that the bear doesn't execute you.

But just like in Chapter 1, it doesn't end up working, and annoyed with himself, Kaito hugs you tightly, before the chains separate you from him and lead you to your execution.

He can't even watch your execution without feeling helpless, he could have stopped you, he could.

But he didn't.

And now you are gone.

Shuichi Saihara:

My god...

MY GOD

If you remember how he acted in Chapter 1, well the same.

As soon as he realized that you were the culprit, Shuichi would feel like the world was collapsing on him.

You… you killed someone.

He would try to deny it for a long time, until he realizes that there is no point in doing so.

So he decides to say it and explain the case, as always.

But something is different, his voice trembled and wavered with some of his words.

When everyone voted for you and the result said it was true, he was devastated.

He arrived at the truth, but for what?

He's going to lose you.

Just like Kaito, Shuichi will ask you to explain. He wants to know. He NEEDS to know.

He might not look you in the eye.

It doesn't matter if you did it for something selfish or something heroic, he couldn't hate you even if he tried.

He loves you very much, he could never hate you.

When Monokuma announced the execution, Shuichi's heart broke even more.

The chains grabbed your neck, and Shuichi tried to reach you.

But he couldn't.

As much as he wants to, he can't take his eyes off the execution.

It's so… brutal.

Once the execution is over, he falls to his knees, feeling miserable once more.

You are gone, and he feels like its his fault.

Broo Misho got injured in the middle of the fight, damn it. Shelao won, but at what price? It doesn't even feel like a victory. -.-"

Mod Shuichi

#danganronpa #danganronpa x reader #danganronpa x y/n #danganronpa x you #danganronpa v3 #drv3 shuichi saihara #shuichi saihara x reader #shuichi saihara #kaito momota #kaito momota x reader #mod shuichi

93 notes · View notes

drkinhome · 2 months ago

Text

An aesthetic/moodboard for a Miu who’s friends with Kokichi and Shuichi

#danganronpa #danganronpa kin #aesthetic #miu iruma kin #kokichi oma kin #shuichi saihara kin #mod toko

9 notes · View notes

miwawae · 2 years ago

Note

Hey what's your opinion on saibo and kiiboma or all three

ejemmm (?)

#kiibouma #kokichi x kiibo #drv3 kiibo #ouma kokichi #kokichi ouma #kokichi fanart #suichi saihara #saihara chan #shuichi saihara #mod saihara #danganronpa saihara #danganronpa3 #danganronpa2 #danganronpa

304 notes · View notes

crackanronpa · 9 months ago

Text

#danganronpa #mod kokichi #drv3 #danganronpa v3: killing harmony #danganronpa v3 #shuichi saihara #kaede akamatsu #kirumi toujo #k1-b0 #kaito momota #korekiyo shinguji #kokichi ouma

109 notes · View notes

mod-kyoko · 1 year ago

Text

school au headcanons!! pt. 3

fandom: danganronpa: killing harmony

type: hcs, non-ultimate au

a/n: just how the characters would be if ultimates didn't exist

♤♧♤♧♤♧♤♧♤♧♤♧♤♧♤♧♤♧♤♧♤♧

shuichi saihara

fucking mock trial kid if not debate

the shy but smart one

the one that the popular girls mess with like he's a little social experiment

his teachers love him because he always behaves in class and has amazing grades

kaede akamatsu

piano accompanist for the choir and theatre

in all honors classes and the honors society

perfect life?? does not struggle ever?? (seemingly)

the one girl as school who always looks held together and you've never seen her look anything less than happy and healthy and you're like please how

orchestra kid also (plays violin)

keebo

in robotics

kind of unnoticed

incredibly socially inept-

has the stereotypical small set of "nerd" friends that all sit on their computers at lunch and talk about video games and coding

kokichi oma

fucking theatre kid

class clown

some people hate him some people love him

some girl always humbles him when he gets too roudy in class

kind of the teacher's nightmare

ran cross country

rantaro amami

sk8er boy

every girl ever has a crush on him??? (but he's gay-)

secretly dating a soccer player

effortlessly popular somehow

honors classes

plays dungeons and dragons

kaito momota

the kid who carries a bluetooth speaker through the hallways-

p.e. is his favorite subject

runs cross country

the one who befriends the teachers that everyone else takes advantage of/teases

tsumugi shirogane

literally goes to school then goes home???

spends all her time in the library as an aid

self-sabotages her own social life

never ever goes to big school events but sometimes enjoys watching the play and musical

in the anime club

himiko yumeno

dnd player

people think she's weird but no one has beef with her

in quiz bowl 💀 (competitive trivia basically)

always participates in the school's talent show

band kid (trumpet)

maki harukawa

the girl that fucking hates everyone

always shows up to school just looking absolutely done

super quiet in class and does really well

her counselor tried to get her to join some extracurriculars so she decided to join cross country

takes her anger out in p.e.

gonta gokuhara

the kid with the kindest heart but suffering grades that the bullies love to target for some reason

does track and field

volunteers for so many organizations

he eats lunch in his favorite teacher's classroom

spends a lot of time studying but often cuts it short because he's so frustrated

angie yonaga

art club, art classes, lives and breathes art

always drawing during class and there are always people asking her to draw them

her art is always earning those rewards and being displayed throughout the school

friends with all the other art kids

kind of weird and accepts all the other weirdos of the school

the one kid that gifts drawings to their teacher that they hang up around the classroom

miu iruma

slacks off during group projects and in p.e.

just as unfunny as "the boys" of the class but no one cares because she's a girl

no one has ever told her to shut up

is in robotics competitively

makes fun of theatre and band kids

ryoma hoshi

everyone calls him emo (even though he is literally not) because he keeps to himself and wears dark colors

on the tennis team but doesn't really participate in any other school activities

wears his tennis jacket to school 24/7

gets lowkey bullied but always gets cold, quiet revenge rather than fighting back

kirumi tojo

always making conversation with the teachers and hanging out with them even though she has plenty of student friends

cleans up after everyone

is in student government

never ever dresses comfortably, always shows up to school dressed up

korekiyo shinguuji

the weird kid

everyone makes fun of him because he still wears a mask years after the covid pandemic ended

is on the quiz bowl team (100%)

model student and in the honors society

teachers dread him because he raises his hand just to add info to the teachers lecture either to correct them or because he thinks people want to know

tenko chabashira

fucking tryhard in p.e.

track and field

biggest school spirit at every rally

always yelling at the boys who mess around in class

is part of the GSA and acts aggressively gay whenever homophobes are around

#mod kyoko #danganronpa #danganronpa headcanons #danganronpa imagines #rantaro amami #kokichi oma #shuichi saihara #maki harukawa #kirumi tojo #korekiyo shinguuji #kiibo #keebo

72 notes · View notes

silicon-tmblr · 13 days ago

Text

Added some custom coordinates to the nighttime version of the Pianist's Lab the other day

Much better now, right?

#drv3 #danganronpa v3 #danganronpa modding #kokichi oma #maki harukawa #kaede akamatsu #keebo #himiko yumeno #rantaro amami #korekiyo shinguji #shuichi saihara

38 notes · View notes

danganronpasurvivoraskblog · 27 days ago

Text

Dangancember 2024 - Danganronpa Top 24 Class Trials: Number 23 Danganronpa V3 Case 6

//Oh Jesus...

//Now, let me just make one thing clear with this one. I actually don't dislike V3's ending with a burning passion. I definitely don't LIKE like it, but after sitting on it for a while, some of the twists and events of the trial are...pretty good actually, and really show what Danganronpa V3 is all about.

//So I don't tend to agree with the lavish hate that this trial gets.

//HOWEVER, with all that being said, I DO agree that this is by far the worst ending in the entire franchise. And yes, that includes both the Another games, Ultra Despair Girls, AND DR3.

//Which...Actually, to their credit, despite having a very iffy runtime for me, all of those examples had actually pretty killer endings that I really enjoyed.

//But yeah, I mean...V3's final trial and the whole thing that happens in it is just so fucking infamous. And for all very valid reasons. So...without further ado, let's talk about it for the umpteenth time.

//In case I already didn't make it clear, describing Danganronpa V3's final trial and ending as "controversial" among its audience...honestly doesn't do the full scope of the situation justice.

//It's very hard to come by someone who has played V3 and is a fan of Danganronpa who probably doesn't have more mixed feelings about a single segment of a video game.

//And honestly, I'm not sure if I should talk about the good things, or the bad things first; because again, divisive implies that it kind of balances out.

//I think I'll focus on the stuff I don't like, because that's the main crux of the argument that explains this trial's placement.

//Something I've always noticed is that when you look at the ending trials for all three mainline Danganronpa games, you notice that all three of them suffer from very similar issues. Those issues being the ridiculousness of the events, the sheer length, and the fact that they are just incredibly blatant plot dumps that try to scramble every bit of the established lore together in one uncomfortable package. And the reason why DRV3 is the worst of the endings is because it does all three of these at MAXIMAM VELOCIPY.

//(I spelt that wrong on purpose by the way.)

//In the Danganronpa series, it has become widely recognized that the trials progressively increase in length with each installment. I kinda see this as a good thing, as it contributes to the franchise’s appeal, because longer trials mean more intricate mysteries, additional plot points, and unexpected twists.

//The final trial in Danganronpa V3, however, takes this idea to the extreme, likely in recognition of its status as the series' concluding chapter. It goes all out, lasting, at minimum, 4 to 5 hours.

//And unlike the ending trials of 1 and 2, that ridiculous length of time is filled up by basically random bullshit. Some sections are highly innovative, like the segments where players must intentionally fail certain minigames to progress as a means of rejecting hope in confrontations with Tsumugi. However, other parts can be frustrating, and just...packed with pointless dialogue.

//For example, the whole segment where they kind of bring up the fact that Kaede had a twin sister as a red herring? Pointless.

//I mean, I take advantage of that fact later, but generally why was this even a plot point to begin with? It's so weird, and nothing comes of it.

//There's also the strangely unfomfortable spike in difficulty, and the fact that fluctuates VERY often.

//The trial features a mix of straightforward puzzles and extremely challenging minigames, some of which rival the difficulty of Danganronpa 2’s notoriously tough (and ridiculously fucking stupid) "Improved Hangman’s Gambit." These difficulty spikes, combined with long stretches of dialogue between minigames,don't do anything for this trial other than cause a pacing imbalance.

//How about the actual culprits though? Well, they are equally as divisive.

//This is, unfortunately, the only moment in Danganronpa V3 where Monokuma gets to show himself off to be the same bad bitch bear he was in the original game, and the Monokubs don't stick around long enough to be an issue to him. And unlike the first two games, he sticks around for the entire trial.

//But then he's coupled...with Tsumugi...

//And all my homies HATE...TSUMUGI...

//Okay, to be fair, Tsumugi is one of the most fun characters to write for Survivor, but I feel the need to point out that a large part of her character arc is that it involves her desperately trying to take up the mantle of the Ultimate Despair, and be on the same level as a criminal and terrorist Mastermind as Junko.

//And the reason I even have leeway for this type of character building for her is because there isn't just room for character development and improvement with her. There's FAR TOO MUCH of it.

//Tsumugi isn't just the least compelling masterminds in the series, but one of the least compelling characters IN GENERAL. And even after she IS revealed to be the big bad, she somehow remains the incredibly blank and boring character that she was for most of V3's run time.

//Junko, Monaca, and even Nagito as something of a pseudo-Mastermind were all batshit crazy and demonic to the core, but it's important to point out that they all have REASONS driving their evil acts, as psychopathic and evil some of them were. But Tsumugi lacks any sort of personal motive, and relies on her role as an avatar for the audience’s desires. The general passivity compared to other masterminds makes her insanely underwhelming.

//Speaking of which, if I may be allowed to go on a bit of a tangent here; the way that Tsumugi is outed as the Mastermind is kind of controversial in and of itself for me.

//By which I mean it's discovered that what actually happened at the beginning of the game is that Kaede's trap to kill the mastermind failed to kill Rantaro. But because of the first blood perk that meant the students would all die if no one was murdered, it meant that time was running short, and in the heat of the moment, Tsumugi got a second shotput ball, killed Rantaro with it, and used her authority as the Mastermind to frame Kaede for the crime anyway.

//Which all feels like unnecessary bullshit if I'm being honest.

//Case 1 and the twist that Kaede was the actual killer was great; and her subsequent execution is one of the most emotionally impactful moments in V3, because it it sends her off as a tragic, morally gray protagonist who was willing to kill for the greater good. Hence the reason why she's my favourite character in the series.

//However, the revelation here retroactively strips her of agency, making her a victim of Tsumugi's manipulation rather than someone who took a flawed, bold step to save her friends.

//This twist also diminishes Kaede's character arc. Her determination and selflessness, even if her actions were misguided, is largely the reason why she manages to be such a spectacular character despite her short runtime. By revealing that she was framed, the story shifts her role from an active participant to a passive victim, which feels like a betrayal of her established personality and the unique premise of her narrative.

//Additionally, the reveal is poorly foreshadowed, and feels like a contrived attempt to shock the audience, and a desperate attempt to redeem Kaede, rather than a natural development. The explanation relies heavily on Tsumugi’s ability to perfectly execute a plan without leaving meaningful clues for the detectives, which feels inconsistent with the game's emphasis on logical deduction, and inconsistent with her being an absolute dumbass every other time, even AFTER her Mastermind reveal. As a result, the twist feels less like a clever subversion and more like an unfair rewrite of the story's emotional stakes.

//All in all, Tsumugi's character feels less developed than those who came before her, and it feels like the emphasis on her being a "cosplayer of fiction" was little more than a bad excuse to avoid giving her any type of depth or a unique personality.

//She's just plain. And she stays plain even when she's revealed to be the main villain.

//Also, this is a comment that's gonna get me smited by everybody, but fuck it, I refuse to hide how I truly feel: Keebo is equally as dogshit.

//Keebo is such a NOTHING character, and I don't understand why he has such a massive fanbase. This is supposed to be him at his best, and his whole point is that he's the one who has to stick it to Tsumugi, but he fails to do even that.

//There's a tiny segment of this trial where we get to play as Himiko and Maki, and a large segment where we get to play as Keebo, and BOTH are UTTERLY POINTLESS, even though they are kind of cool.

//Keebo's actions during this trial when you play as him are a clear homage and cliche to the series' origins, where he is constantly encouraging everyone that they should never give up since the game isn't over yet. But this is effortlessly shut down when Tsumugi abruptly informs him that she WROTE his character that way, and it's exactly what she wanted him to say, as well as the fact that he unknowingly served as the audiences eyes and ears for the game. Thus Keebo's one single moment to shine in this entire game is ultimately futile.

//What was the fucking point of even that?

//So between the dogshit gameplay, and the dogshit Mastermind behind everything, this case is already bad enough. But sad as it is to say, we have to talk about the elephant in the room. Something that I believe is always a make-or-break for the final trials, and that's the Ultimate plot twist that it entails. Usually a big reveal of some sort.

Game 1: The world outside the academy has been basically destroyed.

Game 2: Jabberwock Island is a virtual simulation, and the students in Class 77 are the brainwashed Ultimate Despair terrorists who aided Junko in the Tragedy. Hajime is also Izuru Kamukura, a talentless boy who was experimented on by Hope's Peak Academy against his knowledge.

Another 1: Similar to Game 2. Yuki is revealed to be the true Mastermind behind the Killing Game, and his real identity is Utsuro, the boy with the power of Divine Luck that reshapes reality in his favor.

Another 2: Sora isn't real, is actually an AI based on Akane Taira, is the one who really has the Divine Luck Mikado seeks, and she is left behind as the virtual world is erased.

//I'm not gonna dance about it any longer than I have to, we all know the twist of V3, and we all know it's kind of bullshit.

//The case reveals that the events of Danganronpa V3 are part of a fictional reality show within the game’s universe. The students' lives and personalities were fabricated, their memories manipulated, and the killing game broadcasted for entertainment.

//V3 is actually the 53rd entry of the Danganronpa franchise, with the V in V3 actually being the roman numeral for 5. And Tsumugi directly references the previous Danganronpa games, framing them as part of the same fictional reality show franchise.

//This retroactively positions Danganronpa V3 as a reboot rather than a continuation, suggesting that the events of earlier games may not matter either.

//And the final trial frequently breaks the fourth wall, addressing the player directly and critiquing their role as consumers of violent, despair-filled entertainment. Tsumugi frames the killing game as something the audience demands, effectively blaming players for perpetuating the cycle.

//So yeah...

//EVERYTHING here just SUCKS!

//In the Meta sense, I will say that the twist is interesting, kind of humerous to an extent, and shouldn't be taken seriously in any sort of degree. Not to mention, to a certain extent, it's innovative and quite thought-provoking, as it rightfully critiques fan obsession with sensationalized entertainment.

//But it's done in a way that, in the attempt to portray their games audience, makes me wonder if Danganronpa understands its audience at all.

//The way it's handled here is a betrayal of the narrative, dismissing the emotional weight of the characters' struggles and reducing them to fictional constructs.

//If you're someone, like me, who is/was deeply invested in the original cast and continuity, this just feels insulting. It's like the series we love has been seemingly reduced to a meaningless cycle of fabricated tragedies. Some even see it as an attempt to erase the legacy of Danganronpa's 1 and 2, and it generally makes V3 feel disconnected from the rest of the series.

//I think what upsets me the most is that Tsumugi's claim that the game is made "for the fans, by the fans," is done as a way to make the player complicit in the killing game, suggesting that their desire for entertainment is what perpetuates the franchise’s cycles of despair.

//In other words, this game is basically telling you that you are a terrible person for playing and enjoying it. And I don't vibe with that AT ALL.

//This meta-narrative comes across as kind of self-indulgent and dismissive, overshadowing the characters and plot in favor of philosophical commentary. And not even the good kind.

//But this is why I specifically use words like "controversial" and "divisive" to describe this twist. The events of V3 single-handedly created a divide in the fanbase, with some appreciating the meta-commentary and others feeling disrespected.

//But besides the twist itself, what makes me personally lean towards the latter side of the argument is that all these twists, turns, and concepts are brought up, and despite the trial almost physically forcing the ideas into your throat, what baffles me is how strangely and concerningly ambiguous everything remains by the end of it.

//When you think about it, there are no grounds upon which Tsumugi makes her claims, so everything she says and states in this trial is questionable at best, and a blatant lie at worst. Shuichi even makes note of this at the very end of the game.

//It’s unclear whether the events of Danganronpa V3 were "real" in the context of the game world or entirely fictional within its universe, which many at this point in time have accepted as its own alternate timeline; hence why I make it so in Danganronpa Survivor. This ambiguity extends to whether the surviving characters have truly escaped the cycle of the killing game or are trapped in another layer of fiction.

//The surviving characters (Shuichi, Maki, and Himiko) are left in an uncertain state. Their escape from the game is metaphorical rather than literal, and their identities, forged through fabricated memories, remain unresolved.

//It's up for debate whether this can be called clever storytelling or unnecessarily confusing bullshit. For some, it feels like a cop-out that avoids resolving the story definitively, while others appreciate the open-ended nature, which allows for personal interpretation.

//The lack of clear rules or boundaries for what is real made the ending feel nonsensical or overly convoluted, and it's hard to get invested in a story that defies traditional narrative logic in this way. Even for something like Danganronpa.

//The ambiguity about the trio's futures and identities felt hollow, and that's why a lot of people want more closure.

//Speaking of which, yet another huge issue with this trial is something that V3 shares with 3. Despite the fact that the purpose of the game is to tie the knot on the franchise, there is SUCH a lack of CLOSURE, for FUCKS SAKE!

//Ultimately, it doesn't matter at all whether we can say that V3 was truly real, or fictional. It doesn't matter, because either way, people still want a satisfying conclusion for the characters they’ve followed, but V3 provides NONE of that. The ending’s open-ended nature, while probably done with good intent, makes it difficult to discern any definitive meaning or takeaway from the story.

//So god tell me, what did I just waste four hours of my life on!?

//Trial 6 of V3 is the worst ending in the series because it is generally a waste of time, spends so long trying to meticulously explain a very stupidly handled twist, and ultimately has NO CONCLUSION.

//Which is why it's so low, and yet, it still manages to avoid not only the honorable mentions, but the bottom spot (although it's really fucking close, trust me.)

//My opinion of this trial is overly negative, and it's not one I enjoy revisiting in any sense, but there are things about it I like.

//For starters, the characterization. I kind of already rambled on about this before when I went on that tangent about Tsumugi being a stupid as fuck villain.

//But while Tsumugi is incredibly poor...SHUICHI is BRILLIANT!

//I like all the Danganronpa protagonists about the same, and though I generally prefer Kaede, I ADORE Shuichi too, and THIS is why. He is EASILY the best-developed protagonist in the main series, and the way that growth that happens throughout all of V3 culminates here is near FLAWLESS.

//He's been through so much pain for this whole game, and it crushes him tenfold when he finds out what little enjoyment and fulfillment he DID have wasn't even reality, and just part of a fictional series. That, and the fact that people will never empathize with him, because in their eyes, he's just a character behind a screen.

//But he goes on to assert himself as a protagonist and chooses to challenge the killing game’s rules. His defiance is a moment of growth festered in him by the emotionally REAL relationships he had with Kaede and Kaito, showing that he can stand up for his beliefs, even in the face of overwhelming odds. His journey from self-doubt to confidence is deeply satisfying, well-handled, and emotional for fans who connected with his struggles. His choice to reject both hope and despair in favor of forging his own path is empowering, just as much, if not more, than even Hajime's from Game 2.

//There were a few characters, namely Kaede, Kaito, and Kokichi, who did massive gambits in an attempt to break the killing game and ruin it, but they all failed. It feels good to know that Shuichi was the one who succeeded.

//Despite its kind of unholy subversion, the trial also acts as a tribute to the Danganronpa series and how far it's come, incorporating callbacks, references, and homages to earlier games; most notably when Tsumugi transforms herself into characters from the series before this.

//It's not quite closure, but it's the closest we get.

//As far as the twist goes, while I generally think it was handled poorly, the idea behind it comes from a very important place. The meta-narrative of this trial turns the game into a commentary on the nature of fiction and the role of creators, characters, and audiences. It’s a fresh and daring approach that sets this game apart from its predecessors, making it memorable and thought-provoking in regards to people's relationship with the series and the medium of storytelling as a whole.

//And while I generally dislike the open-ended conclusion, it does invite the idea of interpretation, allowing players to draw their own meanings and decide what is real within the story.

//I mean, I did that. You're reading that very blog now.

//The worst part about this trial for me is the fact that it feels like the twist is designed to attack the hardcore fans; something that I can't really forgive. But the way the trial critiques fandom culture, exploring the implications of endlessly consuming horrible concepts for entertainment, is kind of a valid statement to make at the current state of the world. It asks the audience to consider their role in perpetuating the killing games and questions the morality of reveling in such dark content.

//I just wish it had done so more kindly.

//But yeah, overall while I do appreciate V3's final trial for its boldness and willingness to subvert expectations, I generally dislike it for its perceived disrespect to the series' characters, themes, and fanbase. Case 6 is somehow both a brilliant deconstruction of the series’ tropes and a reflection on the nature of storytelling, fandom, and media consumption, as well as a betrayal of the series’ core themes. The ending’s ambiguity, meta-commentary, and radical deconstruction of the franchise leave it as one of the most polarizing conclusions in gaming history, and I doubt there are many that come close.

#danganronpa survivor #danganronpa #ranking #mod talks #danganronpa v3 #drv3 #tsumugi shirogane #shuichi saihara #keebo #k1-b0 #dangancember 2024

25 notes · View notes