Chapter 2

First impressions made the base of a person's image in another's mind. It didn't cement a person's perception towards another forever, but when a bad first impression became the base for future interactions, anything that came out from all those interactions would less likely be anything positive.

Second came introductions. It is the closest way one could get to amend their first impression. The first of everything had the most impact on a person's psyche, for that is when the brain recognises a previously unmet entity or occurrence.

'How does the protagonist fare in both aspects then? Haruto remembered Naegi's less-than-stellar entrance and his arguably weak introductions. Unreliable—that is what he presented himself as.'

Despite his strange mind that psychoanalysed the game's protagonist—he'd deal with that later—he could see the reason Naegi Makoto became the Ultimate Hope by the end of the game. Normal as the Lucky Student was, other Ultimates' versions of normality were vastly different from his. Perhaps that was why other characters relied on him at certain points in time.

While it was nice to have notions of saving everyone, it's nigh impossible to achieve, and he had no retries should he fail. Aspire for the best-case scenario but prepare for the worst. In the case where only some would survive, he should choose which events to alter carefully.

'I should present myself as a calm and reliable person capable of thinking. Every fan of Danganronpa knows that most of these Ultimates are only good at their talent, and awful at any sort of coherent thinking except when they are the blackened. The world outside the school is harsh, so saving those with useful talents might be the best strategy to utilise.'

Haruto wished he had more time to himself to simply think, but seeing as introductions were underway, especially with Ishimaru making his way towards him, he stopped his train of thoughts.

Ishimaru held out his hand for a shake, straight and rigid. "I'm Ishimaru Kiyotaka! It was excellent how you took control of the situation!"

"My name is Futsushima Haruto. Pleased to meet you." Taking his hand and making sure his own grip was firm, Haruto replied, "I'm sure you could do the same. You seem to be used to reinforcing the rules." If he were to name a leader figure for the first game in the franchise, it'd undoubtedly be Ishimaru. The guy was forceful enough to bring people together, and allowed discourse to happen, but…

'He failed though, didn't he? Still, there's value in him.'

"It's only a given that rules should be respected above all else! Rules are there to be followed, not to be broken! Am I right?" Ishimaru's red eyes almost seemed to burn from his intensity.

Haruto appreciated the burning feeling cutting through the anxiety in the room, but he thought that there was context for everything, and that rules were best broken in certain situations, but Haruto nodded anyways. "Certainly so."

"Right! We'd best not dally on our introductions! More important matters await." With that said, Ishimaru went off to introduce himself to another one of his classmates.

The characters near him were Yamada—of whom he's acquainted to already—Maizono Sayaka, Fukawa Toko, and Kuwata Leon. Ishimaru was introducing himself to Fukawa, so that left Maizono and Kuwata. No preference over whom he should talk to first, the killer or the killed of the first class trial, he simply chose the one nearest to him: Maizono Sayaka.

As he neared the blue-haired and blue-eyed girl, she turned towards him with a smile befitting of an idol. She tilted her head, a finger to her mouth. "Hi, there. I don't think we're introduced to each other yet."

Haruto scrutinized her even while a smile that could rival the girl's was plastered on his face. Honestly, outside of propelling Naegi onto his first step of being the Ultimate Hope in this Killing Game, Haruto couldn't see how Maizono could be of use. Spread hope through her songs like how Mioda Ibuki the Ultimate Musician spread despair?

'Providing moral support for the people? Plausible, but that's stretching it a bit with how she currently is.'

"I guess my psychic powers don't work on you." Maizono tapped her chin.

"Well, you're not the Ultimate Psychic, are you?" Either his new body had a great smiling face that masked his emotions—wouldn't be surprised since he's the Ultimate Psychologist—or his thoughts were too outlandish to be thinking of at this point in time.

'Probably both.'

"Yes, I am. I have a great intuition." She gave a closed-eye smile.

Amusement coloured her emotions, but the paint was only a layer thick. Understandable anxiety was what consisted most of her emotions, but perhaps the girl was used to masking her emotions due to her line of work, Haruto noticed no other body language that could give away her feelings except for her deceptive smile.

'Just be cordial.'

"You're quite the famous person; it'd be hard not to recognise who you are, when your group are featured in so many billboards across the country, Miss Ultimate Idol. While the circumstances could have been better, it is an honour to meet a celebrity such as you, Maizono-san." Haruto gave his closed-eye smile in return and held out his hand. "My name is Futsushima Haruto, Ultimate Psychologist."

Maizono laughed, the sound tinkling and melodious, her rose-tinted cheeks painting a beautiful picture. "You don't have be so formal. Aren't we classmates now, Futsushima-kun?" She shook his hand. "The honour's mine, too."

Haruto nodded and parted ways as he went to a guy with coppery-orange hair. With multiple metal studs on his right ear, wearing other accessories and sporting a goatee, it was hard to make a fashion statement about the musician-wannabe, Kuwata Leon.

He greeted the man with a slight bow of his head. "Hello, my name is Futsushima Haruto."

"'Sup, the name's Kuwata Leon." He ruffled his hair, looking nonchalant about the situation, even giving out a carefree vibe.

'Having the Ultimate Baseball Player as his title, he possesses great physical prowess. It'd be good to keep him alive, but his brain would need some polishing. If he can cover up his murder—as poor of an attempt as it was—he has the capability to think. Even idiots can be a little smart given some time.'

"Mesmerised by my fashion, are you?" Kuwata's words snapped Haruto out of his musings. "It's totally better than my baseball days, right?"

Drawing what little he knew of the character in front of him and wanting to not answer the question, he manipulated the topic by asking, "Your style is inspired by punk rock, isn't it? Do you perhaps want to be a musician?"

"Aw, man! I knew you could feel my superstar aura! Yeah, I'm so sick and tired of baseball so I'm switching to become the Ultimate Musician! That's where all the ladies at, you get me?" He slapped Haruto's shoulder, making the everlasting smile on his face crumble. "Oh, dude, sorry. Didn't know your body is so weak."

'That fucking hurts more than it supposed to! It felt like his shoulder would pop off his body. Like Kuwata said, I'm currently fragile. Seriously need that label on this body.'

Haruto rubbed his slapped shoulder and gave a firm, albeit slightly stilted, smile. "No, it was just so sudden, that you took me by surprise."

"We're cool, then?" Haruto nodded. "Cool."

With that last word from Kuwata, the conversation ended and Haruto moved towards Fukawa, the Ultimate Writing Prodigy. His introduction with Kuwata wasn't so stellar, but he needed to focus on the purple-haired girl in front of him. She fiddled with her fingers, her eyes cast down, silent.

'This is going to take a lot of patience… Remember that she has worth not only because her involvement with Naegi Komaru in the future, but most importantly, her alter, Genocide Jack might be able to place where the original 'Futsushima Haruto' belongs.'

Haruto started the introduction with a warm smile. "Hello there. My name is Futsushima Haruto." He held his hand out. "Nice to meet you."

Fukawa glanced at the outstretched hand and took a step back, her hand curling as she cringed. "Y-You are just trying to feel up my hand, aren't you? Don't think I don't know a pervert when I see one!"

Retracting his hand, Haruto scratched his neck and said, "Ah, my apologies. I didn't know you are uncomfortable with touching. I'll be more mindful the next time."

"I know t-that's just an excuse because you thought of me a filthy creature and that's why you don't want to touch me, right!" Fukawa's face scrunched up in a mix of anger and nervousness, before she turned tail and ran away from Haruto.

'I…expected that to happen, but what the fuck was that disaster? There's no winning with that girl. She didn't even introduce herself. Damn, now I need to be conscious to not call her by name.'

"Hoho," Yamada interjected his thoughts from the side. "That is why, Futsushima-dono, 2D girls like Princess Piggles are infinitesimally better than 3D ones."

'But Yamada, this dimension came from a game, so is Fukawa a 2D or 3D girl…? Forget about Fukawa; what about me? Speaking of Yamada, he might be worth saving considering his talent that was showcased in the third class trial. Thought for another time I suppose.'

Haruto simply gave a noncommittal nod as a reply and went to the next group of characters. The next group had Asahina Aoi, Owada Mondo, Kirigiri Kyoko—to whom he already introduced himself, and there was no denying her utility so there was no need for decision making there—Fujisaki Chihiro, and Not-Enoshima-Junko.

Meeting the nearest person by default, a nod became Haruto's perfunctory greeting. "Hello, my name is Futsushima Haruto."

Asahina's expression lit up. "Ah, you're the guy who wanted to do introductions, right? I'm Asahina Aoi, but my friends just call me Hina. Feel free to call me that too!"

'Asahina, well, since she's one of the survivors of this Killing Game, I know her usefulness. Her talent is not indispensable, however. Well, aim for the best, prepare for the worst. If I can't save them all, I can still save the rest.'

"Then, Hina-san, nice to meet you too."

"Yep, but ah! I might forget your name sometimes, so don't get offended when I do, okay?" She smiled sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head. "It's hard for me to remember people's names."

Haruto smiled. "That's fine. If you forget, I'll simply remind you again."

'Her emotions are nicer than the others. Her cheerfulness genuinely covers her anxiety about the situation.'

He bade farewell to her and moved on to the next person, one who's arguably one of the most useful characters in the Danganronpa, even after their death: Fujisaki Chihiro, the Ultimate Programmer, and the creator of Alter Ego.

Fujisaki spoke in his timid, androgynous voice, "Hello, nice to meet you. I'm Fujisaki Chihiro…"

'It's a bit hard to see him as a man. I understand his urge to be recognised as one though. Perhaps the most trustworthy character in the series if only one considers the fact Fujisaki couldn't even kill a fly, much less a fellow human being. It's a universally recognised truth that he's the most precious character.' Haruto readied a smile. 'He's a trap though.'

"Nice to meet you too, Fujisaki-san. My name is Futsushima Haruto." Deciding that the conversation would be cut too short without any further topic, Haruto said, "Fujisaki-san, what's your talent?"

He seemed taken aback, but answered nonetheless, "Ah, um, people call me the Ultimate Programmer…" Hesitating as he clutched onto the black ribbon fastened on his collar, he took a moment to ask, "What about you, Futsushima-kun? You were so calm in handling the situation earlier…"

Haruto hummed. "Staying calm is perhaps one of the most important things for someone in my field." He gave a small chuckle. "I'm the Ultimate Psychologist, so I wouldn't be deserving of the title if I panic, would I? The role of a psychologist is to give sound advice to their patients; hence, composure and attitude are vital for a psychologist's credibility."

"I…see." Fujisaki's eyebrows were scrunched in concentration, before they smoothened themselves out. There was a determined light in his hazel eyes. "Futsushima-kun, is it alright if I consult you about something, later on?"

Haruto's smile widened, warming further his expression. "You're welcome to do so anytime, Fujisaki-san."

Bidding Fujisaki goodbye, Haruto walked towards Not-Enoshima-Junko. Passing by Krigiri, he gave a friendly nod as a greeting which she returned. Meeting Ikusaba Mukuro face-to-face, his eyes widened.

'I should have expected it, but there's only calmness in her.'

"Why do you look so shocked?" Ikusaba grinned, wide and all white teeth. She gave a peace sign. "Like, I know you're awestruck at my beauty, but it isn't nice to stare at a lady like that, got it?"

'This serenity is kind of nice… But she's a mass murderer. Usefulness as the Ultimate Soldier or not, I'd be taking too many risks if I attempt to save her from the real Enoshima Junko's Spears of Gungnir. Better to let her die.'

'Lie through your teeth but be careful; she is your enemy.' Haruto bowed his head even while he kept a part of his mind on Ikusaba's emotions. "Apologies. Humans generally tend to appreciate beauty in any kind of form."

"Huh. You're quite the straightforward kinda guy, aren't ya?" Ikusaba laughed but he knew her heart had no ripples. "I can't say I dislike your type. Well, Enoshima Junko at your service!"

"Futsushima Haruto."

'There's no fluctuation. How are her emotions when talking to Naegi, I wonder?'

"Right, see ya later!" She waved him farewell.

Haruto sighed internally. He knew Enoshima wouldn't have Ikusaba kill him if he misspoke so early in the Killing Game, but one could never truly know with these psychopaths.

Next was Owada Mondo. If one wanted to learn anger, this guy was probably their best bet. 'Owada has some potential, but honestly, being in his vicinity of sudden flaring anger is exhausting. Futsushima Haruto's body strangely provides with psychology-related knowledge, but I'm not sure if I can commit myself to handling Owada's anger issues.'

Owada turned his attention from glaring to the giant metal hatch door to staring down Haruto. "Name's Owada Mondo. Nice to fuckin' meetcha."

Haruto's smile did not waver at the foul language. "Hello, my name is Futsushima Haruto. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Owada-san."

The Ultimate Biker Gang Leader clicked his tongue. "Ah? You don't have to be so formal to me. Can't handle that shit. Just call me Mondo."

"Then, Mondo-san, you can call me Haruto."

"Sure."

Getting rather tired meeting different characters and personalities, Haruto almost let his shoulders sag in relief as he took in the last four students—he hadn't introduced himself to Naegi yet, but the protagonist was probably still busy meeting the other original cast of the game— and made his way there.

He went to Ogami Sakura first, her towering height, compact muscles, and unruly long white hair cutting an intimidating figure. He knew her to be the one of the most loyal characters though, so he didn't cower like Naegi did during his introduction.

Holding out a hand, he had to glance up to meet the powerful woman's intense eyes. "Nice to meet you. My name is Futsushima Haruto."

"I am Ogami Sakura." She took his hand in hers, and her eyebrows furrowed. "Hm? You."

'What is it? Is she going to prod my body like she did to Naegi's?'

She placed her hand onto Haruto's shoulder and squeezed. His knees almost buckled. 'Was she trying to pull a Vasco on me? Why is she feeling shocked?'

"What…are you doing?" His smile strained. "Please release your hand."

A frown marred her face even as she released her hold. "As expected, there's something wrong with your body."

"…What?"

She shook her head. "If you had gotten injured, you shouldn't have let your body progressed to such a poor condition. Take better care of it."

'I have no idea what's wrong with this body either!'

"…I will."

Haruto bit the inside of his cheek. Standing off to the side as he clenched and unclenched his hand, he waited for a moment and closed his eyes.

'I never asked to be in a Killing Game, even less with this shitty body!' He gritted his teeth for a moment.

Opening back his eyes with a sigh, he went to meet the biggest asshole in the cast: Togami Byakuya. At least Haruto knew this introduction would be short. Without any events acting as catalyst, no matter how much he tries, he knew befriending Togami was impossible for now.

'Let's get this over with. No need to assess the guy; he's essential in the outside world due to his assets. I'd be damned if this guy dies.'

Plastering on a smile, Haruto greeted Togami. "My name is Futsushima Haruto. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

Togami levelled a judgemental gaze onto him. "Name's Togami Byakuya."

Haruto nodded and didn't linger further; he wasn't eager for a tongue-lashing from the infamous blonde. 'I might just have the urge to punch and break his glasses if he ever imposed his holier-than-thou attitude on me.'

He made his way towards Hagakure Yasuhiro. Looking the man over, he'd say he looked like a scammer. The unbuttoned gakuran over his unbuttoned shirt and over a brown-yellow shirt coupled with a brown belly-warmer formed a shady image.

'Kind of a typical getup for a fortune-teller. He was also coined as the most useless character, and I must agree.'

Once Haruto approached Hagakure, the man rubbed his stubbled chin and said, "Hmm, I see how it is…"

Haruto couldn't resist, and asked, "What exactly are you referring to?"

"That dark shadow with crimson eyes that looms over you, that's what!"

That made him quirk an eyebrow. "Pardon?"

'This guy has potential as the Ultimate Clairvoyant, but if he's like this, I don't mind not having the future read by him. Whatever he just said was probably bollocks anyway.'

"Nah, now that I think about it again, I think it's just a trick of the light, haha!" Hagakure folded his arms against his chest. "So, 'sup? I'm Hagakure Yasuhiro. The name's long so you can call me Hiro for short. Think you're interested in a session on fortune-telling? It costs only 10,000 yen per session!"

Hearing his laugh, Haruto felt at ease. 'He does have positive emotions only at this point in time. It's nice and peaceful.'

"My name is Futsushima Haruto. I only came here to introduce myself, so I'll have to decline."

"Is that so? Come find me if you change your mind!"

Haruto nodded his head and turned towards Celestia Ludenberg who was right next to Hiro. Bowing his head slightly, he said, "My name is Futsushima Haruto. Pleasure meeting you."

"Oh my, how polite of you. Then, I shall give you my name as well." Celestia curtsied. "I am called Celestia Ludenberg, but I'm sure you will cater to my preference and call me Celeste, yes?"

'I don't remember her real name, but I don't care either way. Celestia Ludenberg is one of those people who want to be a special snowflake. The only difference that sets her apart from that group is that she actually succeeded and attained an ultimate talent.'

"Then, Celeste it is." Haruto nodded.

'Ultimate Gambler, huh. I think it's fine even if the talent doesn't live on.'

Celeste gave a small smile. "I look forward to getting to know you better."

Returning the gesture, Haruto finally finished his introductions and went to lean against a wall. A few moments passed before an expected voice asked for his attention.

"Um, hi."

Naegi Makoto.

.

.

.

'He's the last person I need to introduce myself to.'

Naegi Makoto glanced at the boy who leaned against the wall. The person had his eyes trained on the floor, the icy blue paired with his gray hair and pristine and formal attire made Makoto gulp.

'He feels like Kirigiri-san and Togami-kun. But I remember him taking charge earlier.'

Approaching the gray-haired student, Makoto tentatively greeted him, "Um, hi."

When the unknown student lifted his eyes, Makoto thought that his eyes looked just like Togami's: sharp, and cold. But then, he smiled, and it was as if the ice thawed off his face.

He pushed off the wall to stand properly. "Hello there. You're the student that came in late, weren't you?"

"Huh? Yeah…" Makoto rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish.

'Being called out like that is embarrassing…'

"You said your name is Naegi Makoto, right?" Makoto nodded. "My name is Futsushima Haruto. Pleasure meeting you, Naegi-san."

'Huh? I didn't see his name anywhere on the thread discussing the Ultimates enrolling for this year. I guess he's like Kirigiri-san then. But maybe unlike her, he might tell me his talent…?'

"What is it, Naegi-san?"

'This person, how do I say this… I feel relaxed around him. Why is that?'

"Futsushima-kun, if you don't mind me asking, can you tell me what your talent is?"

He let out a small laugh. "So that is why you looked spaced out?" Makoto reddened slightly in embarrassment. "I suppose it is normal for me to be unknown."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

'Is his talent actually not a talent, just like mine? But he doesn't look like the type to have such a mediocre talent as his Ultimate.'

"You see, Naegi-san, I'm the Ultimate Psychologist. Being a psychologist means that you keep sessions with your patients confidential. Ultimate or not, wouldn't it be odd and unethical to have my patients' cases be broadcasted over the news?" He scratched his neck. "This is especially true for the more sensitive cases."

"Oh, that does make sense."

'Having the news headline be something about a young psychologist becoming famous because they helped multiple suicidal people, would be in bad taste, after all. It's like glorifying something that shouldn't be glorified.'

Putting a hand to his chin, Makoto thought: 'Since he's the Ultimate Psychologist, I guess that's why I feel so relaxed around him, huh.'

"Okay, time to get down to business. This is no time to stand around making friends like a bunch of dull-eyed baboons." Togami's voice cut through Makoto's thoughts.

'Togami-kun's right. Right now, I need to figure out this strange situation.'

Makoto took in a breath, and focused. "I remember that Futsushima-kun mentioned something about—"