Danganronpa: Once Upon an Smiling Priest

The tension in the air was almost palpable as everyone processed the information they had just been given; the absolute silence made it feel like the temperature in the gymnasium dropped by some degrees.

There were a few extra moments of nothingness before everyone regained their voices.

"Ultimate…" Mrs Maizono trailed off with wide eyes.

"…Assassin?" And Mr Naegi finished for her, with an expression no different from hers.

"The Ultimate Assassin? I see, that's good to know!" Huh, out of everyone here. Out of every possible person. I didn't expect Mr Yamada of all people able to keep such a level of composure at a thing like-"Assassin!? Eeeeeeeeeeek!"

Ah. There it is.

"Y-You can't be serious…"

"N-No way…"

"Th-This… this can't be!"

"Is he for fucking real!?"

"Oh my… so that was the o' so mysterious talent he was keeping in secret." Among the series of confused cries, Celes's voice raised above them like a plane through the clouds. Keeping her face as impassive as ever, and though there were brief signs of suspicion and confusion in her face, though her voice was one of slight mockery. I could also see that the calculating and mischievous glint in her eyes hadn't faded. "I can see now why he was so privy about it."

Uh-huh, sure. I mentally rolled my eyes. Glad to see someone understands me. Not!

Sarcasm aside, I couldn't put any blame on their reactions. A moment ago they thought everything was a regular, if somewhat shotty, procedure of the school 'I am still kind of bothered that they didn't notice the red flags, but whatever…' and the next one, our captor revealed that we were to live the rest of our lives inside this school, with the only way out being at the price of taking out someone else's life.

And if things weren't already bad enough with such a reveal, then they took a turn for the worse when the bear, supposedly, revealed that one of us had taken people's lives for a literal talent.

Myself, more specifically.

What a plot twist, huh? I mentally chuckled at such a thought. If I actually was the Ultimate Assassin this would have actually been an amazing twist... My frown deepened. My once shining face had long since turned sour. Too bad it wasn't.

"Upupupu, I hope that this grand reveal has raised the competitive spirit this school needs!" Unsurprisingly, Monokuma didn't waste his chance to twist the knife in the metaphorical injury. "With nothing else to say, I will not take more of your time guys, do what y'all think you should do, see ya!"

Monokuma's sudden departure brought a momentary stop to the rising panic of the moment. Though I suppose it's more of a stunned silence.

Anyways a few moments after he was gone, one person regained his composure with extra momentum to add.

"W-Wait a moment, guys! Everything he said must be a lie! Yes! Everything he said is ridiculous!" Taka nervously exclaimed before turning my way. "Even that last part must be fake! A prestigious institution such as Hope's Peak would never bring into their halls someone with a talent as nefarious as killing people! It would be outrageous, right, Voyager!?"

…Hmm... Wouldn't they? I mean a Talent is a Talent. And I don't doubt that Hope's Peak would enrol such a person.

"Y-Yeah!" Mrs Asahina chimed in, although a quick glance at my direction made her confidence falter seeing my deep frown. "It would be absolutely crazy… R-Right?"

That moment of uncertainty between believing if what the bear said was true or not, made everyone in the room turn to the only source that could confirm or deny his declaration.

"You have been awfully quiet, peasant." Mr Togami sneered in my direction. Most would think that it's just his usual way of being a prick but in this instance for him, it was a different reason, to confirm whether the events regarding my actual talent were true or not. And I knew this all too well. "What are you waiting for? What Monokuma said is true? I demand you to spill it."

Uptight as ever huh? Mr "I could drown you in money" Togami.

I could tell the truth, maybe saying 'Everything that thing said is crap! The reason I didn't tell you guys is that I have amnesia and I don't remember what my talent is, he must know that and is using it against me!' or something boring like that. That being said, there were two problems for that to hold the minimal chance of working given how I've been acting up until now.

The first one was Celes. The little backstabber. And my supposed "amnesia".

She was good at lying, she's the SHSL Gambler after all. And given her nack for gambling and lying I have no doubt that she was as much if not more talented at recognizing when someone else does it.

It was a natural skill to develop in her field after all. One that I had helped develop. She would always lose her cool when things didn't go her way, unfortunately. Well, that and her plans. Those would always cause her to break her quaint and regal mask whenever they failed. Mostly because she, herself made them so overcomplicated.

Though none of that is my actual worry, what I'm worried about is her and the Togami spilling the beans about what my SHSL talent actually is. And I rather they hate me for being an assassin than my actual talent.

And with that brought the Togami, he would undoubtedly let out the cat, either for his own amusement or just because he could. Perhaps to show his shallow superiority.

With so little leverage on my part, it was too risky to gamble on whether she would help me or not. The Togami was out since the beginning as I doubt he'd be willing to help me in any situation.

I looked at all of my fellow… captors? to get a detailed sight of their faces.

Sakura didn't look scared on the exterior, and she probably wasn't, but I could see the tension in her body language. She was waiting for me most likely. Waiting to see my decision. She knew just as much as me what would happen if they found out what my actual talent was.

It seems Monokuma has really turned this story on its head and forcefully put me into the spotlight.

Either they hate me for being a murderer. Or they hate me for being an even worse murderer.

Hell! They might think that the reason I killed her was because I was an assassin.

So cool…

Mr Owada looked like only opening my mouth was reason enough to beat the heck out of me.

Celes, as expected, I had her full attention without letting much else on her part.

Hiro was being Hiro.

Mrs Enoshima looked… conflicted about something?

Odd. Quite odd... Oh well! Not my problem.

As for Mr Togami, it seemed he was ready to snap at me if I didn't give a response soon.

The only seemingly neutral person in all of this was Mrs Kirigiri, the slight moment of surprise from before already vanished from her features. By now, she looked uninterested in her surroundings while thinking deeply about something.

Oh, I see how it is. Bring up such a table-flipping reveal and then not even take responsibility for it ya prick.

As for the rest… They still looked scared. Not as much as the moment when Monokuma went and announced my "talent", but they had looks of anxious curiosity for my answer. That was probably what was keeping them from having a stronger reaction.

Curiosity.

Few to no allies in sight. A large number of potential hostiles in my surroundings. While not odds I am a stranger too, that still begs the question though… how should I proceed?

Should I play along and take this role that was forced upon me or should I rebel and focus the spotlight harder on me? My such an interesting performance this will create.

A physical confrontation wouldn't help, actually, it would make the situation worse. Not only for everyone's mental well-being but for my task of raising these kids higher. I'm supposed to be the stepping stone, not the pitfall.

Though most of them didn't look like fighting material. Sakura wasn't going to do anything and the only one left who would, I felt confident I could deal with him.

After all, everything I've seen so far up to the bomb fiasco gave me sufficient insight to make a preliminary estimation of the threats each and every one of them presented.

That is to say, not much of anything.

All of them would break within the first month if they went through even half of what happened to me. Not that I want them to or anything of that nature.

There was one definitive exception though. Perhaps two. That weird incident with Mrs Enoshima was still bothering me. Every time I looked in her direction I felt like ripping her face off. A strange reaction to be sure, but not one I'm unfamiliar with.

Regardless, the first one made up for everyone else in this place. If this was to be my role in this play then I will take it upon myself with enthusiasm and grace.

If I am to be the dragon that must be slain in order for the heroes to band together and save the day then so be it.

I will play your little game Monokuma and be the martyr for these little lost lambs.

…

…Sigh.

There was only one option then. Though it wasn't as if I was given much of a choice.

I'm a terrible liar after all. Though on a side note, I'm a bit shocked that no one has commented on my vestments yet. Kind of odd for a supposed "SHSL Assassin" to be wearing priest garbs.

"Your silence is only going to incriminate―"

"Mr Naegi." I suddenly said, cutting the purple-haired ankle bitter off; if her expression was anything to go by she was a little miffed about it. "Do you remember what I promised you earlier?" I flatly inquired tilting my head over to him as I moved my hands behind my back.

This naturally caught our main and side characters off guard. If his expression was anything to go by he thought I was going to drag him down with me into the fiery pits of hell. "Huh?" Mr Naegi staggered for a while as he tried to remember our promise between fearful and accusatory gazes. "W-Well, um, you promised me that you would tell me your talent later." He eventually managed to squeak out. Causing my smile to return to me ever so slightly. My dark crimson eyes gleamed behind my eyelids unbeknownst to everyone.

"Well now, good to see that you remembered my promise, Mr Naegi." My smile widened a little as I brought an arm in front of me slightly in a teacher-esque pose. "And I'm not one to break my promises."

I paused for a little while building up some suspension. If the bear can do then so can I goddamnit! I'll make you suffer as I did!

Though it seems Mr Naegi wasn't quite picking up what I was putting down as he tried to ask me something before I quickly cut him off.

"It is true." I said, almost as if it wasn't some big deal.

The admission, combined with how casual I was about it, made most classmates look as if I had spoken a foreign language.

"W-What do you mean 'It is true'?" It was again Taka who searched for any clarification, for him and almost everyone else, though with much less enthusiasm than he previously did.

I almost played with the idea of maybe considering feeling bad for the guy. Though if I was being honest I wouldn't have done that anyways.

"What Monokuma said is true." Regardless, there was no point in delaying this any longer, so might as well put on a performance with maximum effort and efficiency. "My talent, it is the Super Highschool Level, otherwise known as, the Ultimate Assassin."

I heard someone "Eeek!" at that, though I'm not sure whether it was Mrs Fukawa or Mr Yamada. Perhaps it was a coordinated effort. Mrs Fujisaki seemed on the verge of having a panic attack, meanwhile Hiro… he was playing with something in his hands but I couldn't see. Odd, when did he pick something up? Perhaps he's had it with him this entire time? Oh well! It's not as if it will be important to this story or anything!

Be that as it may, if the boiling pressure wasn't enough already, Celes brought a question in a way that only complicated things further.

"So, if it is true Mr Voyager…" Hey! That's my thing! I'm the polite one, not you. "If I may know, why did you keep it a secret?" The possible gothic backstabber asked. "Maybe..." Her brows raised by the slightest degree as if she had just realized something. A slight fake, gasp could be heard exiting her mouth "Could it be that you were planning to do something with that?"

You're really enjoying this aren'tcha girl.

The implications of what she was saying were clear to everyone, making it the last straw needed for people to truly panic.

"AH! C-Could it be!? Master Voyager was planning a murder, using his talent since the beginning!?"

One of my eyebrows twitched as Mr Yamade breathed life into his theory. Whether intentionally or not Mr Yamada's commentary wasn't helping my situation anytime soon.

Sigh. I was already regretting agreeing to attend Hope's Peak. I'm sure most of my fellow prisoners were also thinking the same thing.

"Shit!"

"Really!?"

"They'd really let someone like him in here?"

"Wh-What are we going to do!?"

"No way!"

"I-I wa-wanna leave!"

"Hahaha, hey, hey everyone, you shouldn't group up on poor Voyager-chi!" Mrs Enoshima while trying her best to ease the growing fear and despair predictably failed.

And of course, her comment was ignored by everyone else. All with their own reasons though most because they couldn't hear her over their own cries and shrieks. Though Mrs "Teachers Pet" did take a little notice of it, though given her reaction she just brushed it aside.

Well at the very least, you have my back Enoshima-san and... Wait... Voyager-chi? Where did that come from?

"I-It can't be…!"

"Hey, bastard! You have some goddamn fuckin' explaining to do! Otherwise―"

Before things turned to the point of no return, I interrupted Mr "testosterone-filled" Mondo and the rest, otherwise, this might as well turn into a witch hunt against me. Not that I'd be much different from my everyday life before I managed to hide myself.

I just hope it doesn't backfire on me.

"Otherwise, what?"

Instead of the cherry or polite voice people got used to hearing from me, I poured a dangerous tinge to my words, along with partly opening my eyes to show him the death glare I was giving him. If it resembled Hers in any way then it would have looked like a shadow grew over my face.

I was originally going to stop at just that but then realised that such a thing would be unbecoming of the SHSL Assassin. And as such I released an appropriate amount of killing intent to sell the bit.

I wasn't even sure how much of this was an act or not. Perhaps all my time spent with those two had made me become just like them in a way. One who gave out niceties and the other bullets.

Befitting of what Those bastards made of me since time immemorial I suppose. Human beings can be oh so cruel when they want to be.

Even if I'm the SHSL Priest, to remove the natural human goal to commit evil was beyond me. I couldn't grab it out like I do with trauma, lies and organs. It needs to be brought out in a more... natural way.

For it is when human beings are, well, being true to themselves then such things as this come out.

Though, unfortunately, only a few human beings have the mental capabilities to disregard the rules of civilization to go through with them. I wonder if anyone here will be able to do so before they reach their natural breaking point.

Anyway, while I knew I was risking it with that move, seeing as now moving any part of my body would be seen as some type of threat aimed towards them I chose this much simpler option.

After all, if I had done anything else they would have mostly likely looked to Ogami for help given her physical stature which would have given her unnecessary stress.

So I had to do it, I needed their full attention to me, only without all the screaming and pointing fingers. Shouting in an attempt to do any kind of explanation would have complicated things, while the same went for trying a diplomatic and calm approach, as my words would've gotten overridden by those same yelling and screaming from before.

So, I used the only other method I knew that didn't involve hurting someone and I was familiar with at the same time.

Intimidation.

Everyone was silent, their full attention, as always, was on me. Whether as playing a role or giving a sermon. I was, unfortunately, always in the spotlight.

Making use of this opportunity, I relaxed my face and stopped releasing any killing intent. Seeing most were occupied breathing in relief, I wasted no time with my move.

"Celes, am I right to assume you would be interested in a deeper explanation of my actions regarding my... talent, yes?"

"Mhm, that would be appreciated. I am sure everyone is eager to hear what you have to say." She said with complete composure, as expected of her. Even if she was terrified on the inside from what just happened the likelihood that she'd show it is almost impossible. "By all means, the stage is yours."

"Alright, I suppose that everyone is willing to hear it, right?" I asked as I closed my eyes.

After all, it wouldn't do for me to have any extra inconveniences in the middle of what I was about to say.

Not everyone responded immediately, some taking more time to nod than others, but eventually, I got the whole group's permission.

"Okay." I said putting my usual upbeat persona on. I had stopped caring for what they might think of this not too long ago. It didn't really matter if they approved of my jovial nature or not. What did matter, was they all understood the severity of our situation.

And in a way, I'm thankful to Monokuma and the mastermind behind this for making me the SHSL Assassin. At least in this way, my words will have some backing given I'm supposed to be super skilled and dangerous and badass and that nonsense.

"First of all, as I said when the bear announced that we were trapped inside the school. In my case, I suspected that we were kidnapped way earlier than his announcement. Not much after I woke up if I am honest." I gave a simple shrug as I finished, letting it hang in the air for their eager, little brains to take in and absorb. It was the truth after all. No point in lying to them about such a thing.

You see with these kinds of people you have to take it slow and lead them to the answer but not give it out yourself. Otherwise, they'll never learn.

"R-Right, I remember you made a comment about it back on the main hall…" Pointed out a wary Pop Idol. "But how did you know?"

"Well… the first sign was that I fell unconscious." My smile grew slightly as I responded to the Idol. Grateful that someone was beginning to pick up on it, cough, Mr Naegi, cough.

"It just doesn't make sense. Before being put in this place, I was well rested; I had a meal beforehand and I had no signs of exhaustion, or any sickness for that matter. How they knocked me out I don't know nor how they did it. But it became clear that someone knocked me out. Just think about it."

I gave a quick glance around, and once I confirmed that I still had their attention, even if filled with suspicion, I continued. "Then, everything became even more strange in the classroom where I woke up. There was a TV, a surveillance camera, and of course, the most daming evidence, the metal plates." I nodded to myself as I recalled my waking moments. Making sure all the information was correct.

"The TV and the camera I would put it as an extravagance or security of Hope's Peak if there was only that, but combined with the metal plates, the meaning of these changed. Instead of a security system, I reasoned that they wanted to track my movements and keep me trapped. If that wasn't enough already, it was the pamphlet that confirmed to me that it was indeed a kidnapping."

"Hah?" Mr wannabe Rockstar gave me a weirded-out look. "What does that paper have to do with anything?"

"Yeah, it was just an entrance ceremony announcement, right?" Chimed Mrs Head Empty Hina with a raised eyebrow.

"It was a threat." I corrected with a smile, and then I allowed about a minute of brief panic at the revelation before their attention went back to me. "At first glance, it would seem like just a badly written message meant to be taken as a joke." I patiently began elaborating. "But..." I took on a detective-esque pose as if I was uncovering a mystery.

"If you read between the lines and take the additional context into account, you would understand not only that it was way too bizarre of a message, but that if you disobeyed what the message 'requested' of you, they subtly implied there would be consequences." I finished with a bit of foreboding in my voice as if I was telling a scary story. Though that tinge quickly disappeared as I shrugged and looked off to the side. "Though what said consequences are I could only guess that it'd be harmful." If I looked too much in Mrs Enoshima's direction I might do something I'll regret.

Judging the looks on their faces, I could see that some people began to put the pieces together while understanding that, indeed, everything at the beginning was way too shady to be part of the school.

Well, everyone except Mr Ishamaru. The guy was looking at me as if I was telling a very interesting story.

"That's an interesting explanation of something we all have already experienced." For all the progress made though, it was evident the Togami was going to be a tough customer. There was always that one viewer that would ruin it for everyone else. "But you haven't responded to the question made to you, don't try to avoid it!"

"The point I am trying to make." Not wanting to deal with another chain of unnecessary paranoia breaking my winning streak, I wasted no time in keeping with my explanation. "Before meeting with everyone in the main hall, I already expected to be met with... let's say, problematic circumstances." I responded with a slightly opened-eyed smile before closing them as took on an inquisitive look and pose. "Which, speaking of, do you guys remember what was in the main hall?"

At my question, everyone began to think about the possible answer, though the face Mrs Kirigiri was making while looking at me made it obvious that she already knew what I was talking about. I don't know why she hadn't said anything, I could only theorize what sort of thoughts were buzzing around her little mind. God I just want to punt it off her head.

I suppose I can work with her indifference. If most of them come to the correct answer by themselves rather than being told by a single person, it would actually make things easier for me.

Right on cue, everyone began to give their own conclusions, with Taka answering as if it were a teacher who asked that question.

"Well… if I remember correctly, there is the giant metal hatch!"

Clapping my hands together three times in applause I eagerly nodded at the Moral Compass. My smile shone brighter. "Well done Mr Ishamaru, it's reassuring to know that someone was paying attention." I said enthusiastically to which my smile returned to normal and Taka, as if on instinct bowed his head in thanks. Though he quickly righted himself and apologised after realising what he had just done.

"Now, was there anything else of note?" I questioned the crowd to which Mrs Asahina gave her piece. Good to see she was finally contributing. "It was also where we all introduced ourselves…"

"There were also the multiple cameras with the… the… Ah!" Mr Naegi seemed to get my main point.

Good to see that you're finally growing a brain, my dear child.

"The mounted guns!" Finalized Mrs Maizono.

"HUH?!" Some members of the class gasped at the implications of what Mr Naegi and Mrs Maizono were referring to. It's all coming together now. We're finally getting somewhere.

Seeing my opening, I nodded at the Idol's response. "That is correct, when I stepped inside the main hall, the first thing I saw was a bunch of people right in the middle of a firing zone. By that point, I already knew I had been kidnapped and the moment I stepped inside the main hall, I was held at gunpoint along with everyone else."

"And what does that have anything to do with you not revealing your talent?" Asked Togami with a sceptical look. No doubt to see if I was lying in any kind of way. Not that he would even know what to look for if I ever were to lie.

I did have to resist the urge to give him a played-up, exasperated sigh as I, if he hadn't cut me off, was about to say what hopefully would shut their accusations against me.

"You and everyone else saw your own reactions at the revelation of my... talent, yes?" I inquired with a raised brow. Letting them mull over my words for a second before I continued. "So do the math. Everyone was in the shooting range of those mounted weapons. If I said I was the SHSL Assassin that would, as we've just seen, cause everyone to start panicking at the mention of my... talent." I tried to sound as hesitant and pained as possible when mentioning my false talent. which wasn't something that was to hard to do with my accolades.

"Panicking in the middle of a kidnapping, with captors we don't know anything about. What if they didn't have the patience to deal with scandalous people and they also were trigger-happy?" I finished with a slight shake of my head. Acting as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

As excepted of the SHSL Assassin.

It appeared understanding finally dawned on them if their blanching faces and widened eyes in horror were anything to go by.

"No… Fucking… Way…" I heard Mr Owada whisper, with Mr Kuwata muttering similar words. Kindered spirits I suppose.

"H-Holy crap…"

"It… would be a massacre." Sakura admitted. And seeing her of all people backed up my words. As expected. Even she could see the objective fact that we were all in grave danger. Anyone who still had any lingering doubts caved in upon hearing her words.

I nodded in general agreement with their comments. While it was true that I didn't necessarily do it out of altruism, it would be lying to say that I did it for myself. 

It was my job to help these people and if I needed to hide the truth, even if that truth was about my actual talent, I would do so without a second thought as such is my life.