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danganronpasurvivoraskblog · 6 months ago

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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

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rarepairronpa · 8 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.

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