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vergilsama922 · 11 months

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Hope Universe: Laughing Man Murders - Grief

Author Notes: A bit of a long read but I really do hope most of you read and enjoy this. I put a lot of emotions into this and I hope it reaches you all. ❤️❤️❤️

Raina Naegi: Good evening, folks! This is your host, Raina Naegi, bringing you the latest developments in the ongoing Laughing Man saga. Our top story tonight: yet another high-profile couple has fallen prey to the infamous vigilante. Just hours ago, Kiyotaka and Akane Kuzuryu, parents to Fuyuhiko and Natsumi, known for their extensive criminal empire and countless alleged atrocities, were found dead in their luxurious penthouse suite.

The scene, as described by first responders, was chillingly similar to the previous incidents. The Kuzuryus were found with several gunshot and stab wounds, a macabre hallmark of The Laughing Man. Authorities have confirmed that this appears to be a case of a copycat killer given that several people were arrested in their involvement with the incident. This chilling incident marks the rise of an alarming trend, where regular criminals are seemingly inspired by the Laughing Man's acts of vigilante justice. The Laughing Man's victims, all high-ranking members of society with rumored ties to criminal activities, have been meeting their end in an eerily similar fashion. Now, it seems this trend is leaking into the general criminal population, inciting fear and unrest among the public.

Now, onto other news. We have a clip here from an interview with the Former Ultimate Detective herself, one of my very own aunties Kyoko Naegi. Let's see what she has to say.

Cut to pre-recorded interview

Kyoko: …All the victims have been individuals who were linked to criminal activities, yet remained untouchable by the law. The Laughing Man is clearly someone with a deep knowledge of his victims and a desire for justice. But murder isn't justice… It's just murder. As for the recent copycat crimes, they show a reckless disregard for human life that we must address swiftly and firmly. We've already deduced that the laughing man had a hand in leaking the information and manipulating these killers into taking action. In short, these were disposable pawns.

Raina Naegi: And there you have it. Clear words from our Ultimate Detective on the escalating crisis. Now, to address the increased pressure on law enforcement, Chief of Police, Kaoru Naegi, is scheduled to make a public statement. Stay tuned.

Reporter 1: "Chief, how is the police department responding to these murders? Is there any progress in the investigation?"

Kaoru: "We are tirelessly working on these cases. All available resources are being deployed to ensure the safety of the public and bring these criminals to justice. As for progress, it is an ongoing investigation and we will release more information when it's appropriate."

Reporter 2: "Is it true that public support is increasing for the Laughing Man and now this copycat?"

Kaoru: "We understand the frustration some people might feel regarding the crimes allegedly committed by the victims. But vigilante justice is not the answer. It creates a dangerous precedent and risks innocent lives. We do not condone such actions."

Reporter 3: "There's been an uptick in copycat killers since the Laughing Man puts out the victims' information, including their crimes, to the public. What are your thoughts on this?"

Kaoru: "This is a disturbing development. However, we urge the public not to take matters into their own hands. The leaked information should be treated with skepticism, and it is our responsibility as law enforcement to verify it and act accordingly."

Reporter 4: "Government officials have been targeted and their secrets leaked to the public including alleged human experimentation. How is the government handling this? Are you under extreme pressure to solve this quickly?"

Kaoru: "The government is deeply concerned about the allegations and we are working closely with other agencies to investigate these claims. It's our duty to uncover the truth and hold the responsible parties accountable. The pressure to resolve these issues is immense, but it's our job and we are committed to it."

Raina Naegi: Well, there you have it, folks. As we can see, the situation is incredibly complex and developing rapidly. Stay tuned to our channel for the latest updates. Stay safe, and remember, it's our hope that carries us forward. Goodnight!

In the privacy of her room, away from the prying eyes of the world, Natsumi Naegi sat on the edge of her bed, staring blankly at the wall. The news report continued to drone on in the background, serving as a harsh reminder of the reality she was grappling with. The loss of her parents was difficult, but to lose them this way, to have them murdered so brutally, was something she never thought she'd have to face. It was a mix of emotions that she felt — devastation, rage, anger, depression. It was a storm within her, threatening to consume her whole.

Years of distancing herself and her children from the family, disassociating from their crimes and atrocities, trying to build a life away from the shadow they cast — and now this. The ugly past she'd tried to leave behind had caught up, leaving her in a shattered heap of raw emotions.

The news replayed the grim images, the outlines of two bodies cordoned off in their opulent penthouse. Each detail served as a blade, piercing deeper into the heart of the already wounded Natsumi. There was an eerie stillness that surrounded her, one that echoed the hollowness she felt within. It was as if time had stopped, plunging her into an infinite abyss of agony.

Devastation was an understatement. It was a relentless tide, ebbing and flowing, washing over her in waves, threatening to drown her. Her parents were not perfect, far from it, but they were still her parents. The people who had given her life, raised her, and in their own twisted way, loved her. Their actions had forced her to distance herself, to shield her children from the toxic environment she herself had grown up in. But they were her roots, and having them severed so abruptly felt like being uprooted from the ground.

Rage, a burning fire within her, consumed her thoughts. How could they? How could someone take away life so brutally, so mercilessly? The image of her parents' lifeless bodies haunted her, an endless loop of the morbid scene playing in her mind. She yearned to take revenge, to make them pay for the pain they had inflicted. But what would that change? Would it bring them back? Would it provide her with closure? Or would it only drag her down into the pit of vengeance, where there was no way out?

Anger coursed through her veins, fueled by her helplessness, her inability to change what had happened. Her fists clenched in frustration, nails digging into her palms, leaving behind crescent imprints. It was not just anger at the killers but also at her parents. Their lifestyle, their choices had brought this upon them. And in turn, it had spilled over to her, to her life. She was angry at them for making her a part of this mess, even after all the lengths she had gone to distance herself.

Depression, a heavy blanket, settled around her, weighing her down. It seemed as though a black cloud had settled over her life, shrouding her in darkness. The tears flowed freely now, her body shaking with sobs. It was the loss, the emptiness that was left behind, the unspoken words, the unresolved issues — all amplified by the violent, unexpected end.

The torrent of emotions coursing through Natsumi Kuzuryu was, in large part, a product of the choices her family had made, choices that had now led to this tragic end. The most immediate of these was her brother, Fuyuhiko. Despite their upbringing, despite the hardship and anguish their family’s life of crime had brought them, he had chosen to embrace that life rather than reject it. He had willingly shouldered the mantle of the Kuzuryu family's legacy, taking control of the yakuza after their graduation from Hope's Peak Academy. Appearances were everything.

He had always claimed that he was doing it to make the yakuza better, to reform it from within. But from Natsumi's perspective, all he had done was continue the cycle. And now their parents were dead. The lifestyle they had led, the enemies they had made — it had all come back to haunt them. Fuyuhiko was part of that world, and while she knew it wasn't fair to lay the blame at his feet, part of her couldn't help but feel anger towards him.

She had confronted him after hearing the news, her emotions raw and unchecked. “You should have protected them, Fuyu!” she had lashed out, grief-stricken and desperate for someone to blame. “You should have done more!”

But as soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them. Fuyuhiko was her brother, and he was suffering just as much as she was, if not more. He didn't deserve her anger. He didn't need more guilt or regret on his shoulders. And so, she had apologized quickly, telling him that she didn't mean it, that she was just upset. She knew it wasn't his fault. But the rift had already been opened, the words couldn't be taken back, and the painful reality of their situation loomed larger than ever.

There was a fear that had also begun to coil within Natsumi, wrapping around her heart and squeezing until it was all she could think about — the fear of losing her brother. Fuyuhiko was still embroiled in the world they had been born into, a world she had tried so hard to escape from, and that world was now claiming victims left and right. She had lost her parents, and the horrifying thought of losing Fuyuhiko too was almost too much to bear.

But slipping back into her old ways, back into the world of the yakuza, was a path fraught with danger. Not just for her, but for her children as well. She couldn’t help but imagine the worst-case scenario; what if the same fate that had befallen her parents, happened to Fuyuhiko or worse, to her own children. She knew, logically, that her fears were likely overblown, and Fuyuhiko had been adamant about her staying out of it.

Fuyuhiko was stronger than he seemed, and he wasn't alone. Peko was by his side much to Fuyuhiko's own desistence, a formidable presence who had immediately stepped up to the plate as his bodyguard in the wake of their parents' death. Peko, another member of their strange family, and a formidable woman in her own right. Natsumi knew that with Peko at his side, Fuyuhiko had a fighting chance. But it did little to quell the fear that gnawed at her. The world of the yakuza was brutal and unforgiving, and even the strongest among them could fall.

She was torn. On one hand, the thought of re-entering that world filled her with dread. On the other, she was consumed by the desire to do something, anything, to ensure the safety of her brother. Her old instincts, forged in the harsh world of the yakuza, were telling her to fight, to claw her way back into that world and protect what was left of her family. But her heart, softened by the years of love and care she had put into creating a life separate from that world, was urging her to stay away, to protect her children and herself.

Her head swirled with these conflicting thoughts, an internal struggle that only served to fuel the storm of emotions raging within her. The quiet room seemed to close in on her, the walls echoing with the drone of the news report, a constant reminder of the tragedy that had befallen her family. She was lost, adrift in a sea of grief and despair, with no clear path forward.

The silence that filled her room was now heavy with unspoken words and pent-up emotions. She felt the weight of her grief, the sting of regret, and the bitter taste of anger. But amidst all this, she also felt something else — a strange sense of resolve.

She would find whoever was involved and bury their asses

As she grappled with these overpowering emotions, a knock on the door stirred her. Junko, her sister-wife, and now the unlikely source of comfort, walked in. This was not the woman she had once known — the confident, sly trickster. This was a mature, understanding Junko, a mother of five who was trying her best to navigate through her own labyrinth of life while lending a hand to Natsumi. This was her family now for better or worse.

Junko Naegi, having grown older, had changed quite a bit from her years at Hope's Peak Academy. The woman who stood in the doorway was not the embodiment of chaos and anarchy that many had once known. She was now a mother, a pillar of strength to her five children, and a source of support for her husband, Makoto. Even though the traces of her cunning, trickster self were still present, they were tempered by the warmth and wisdom that came with age and motherhood.

When she saw Natsumi sitting there, so lost and tormented, her heart ached for her sister-wife. Despite their unique relationship, they shared a familial bond, enhanced by the hijinks of their children, the shared meals, the random arguments, the laughter, the tears, and most importantly, their mutual love for Makoto and their family. Seeing Natsumi in pain was not something Junko could ignore. She had to try and help, in her own way.

Junko understood Natsumi, perhaps better than most. They were both born into tumultuous circumstances, thrown into chaos from a young age. Both had to fight, claw, and scheme to survive. Both had to bear the weight of their respective pasts. And both had found a semblance of peace in their shared family with Makoto. She recognized the despair in Natsumi's eyes because she had once seen it in her own.

She quietly stepped into the room, her blue eyes filled with concern. The usual air of mischief and sarcasm was absent, replaced by a solemn maturity. The room was silent save for the low hum of the news still playing in the background, a grim symphony to the despair that was weighing heavy in the room.

Junko: Natsumi, she started, her voice soft but firm I… I know this hurts. And it's okay to feel all of this. She took a moment, allowing her words to sink in. This was uncharted territory for both of them, the roles reversed from the days when it was Junko who was the one in despair. But they were family, and that's what family does — they support each other in the face of adversity, no matter how bleak things seem. And Junko, despite her past, was no exception to this

Natsumi glared at Junko, the flames of her rage briefly pushing back the overwhelming grief.

Natsumi: Oh, it's okay, is it? she snapped, her voice choked with emotion My parents are dead, Junko! Murdered. And you're saying it's okay to feel this way?! Her voice broke at the end, her fury giving way to the raw pain beneath.

Junko didn't flinch at the harsh words, knowing that they came from a place of heartache rather than any genuine resentment.

Junko: Yes, Natsumi she replied evenly It's okay. It's okay to be angry, to be sad, to be scared. It's okay to feel lost. And it's okay to let yourself grieve.

Natsumi: Well, I don't need your pity! Natsumi shot back, her icy gaze clashing with Junko's calm one I don't need you telling me how I should fucking feel!!!

Junko sighed softly, her eyes filled with understanding. How many times did she have this same argument with Ryoko about Mukuro? How funny she's now on the same side Ryoko was at....

Junko: I'm not here to pity you, Natsumi. And I'm not telling you how you should feel. I'm just… I'm just here. I'm here for you. That's all.

Natsumi's anger flared again, this time directed more sharply at Junko

Natsumi: You're here for me, huh?!?! she spat, her tone bitter Like you were there for that bastard who killed my parents?! You supported him, Junko! You supported the god damn person who took my parents from me!!!!

Junko winced, the accusation hitting home. She had been vocal about her sympathy for the Laughing Man and his cause. She saw in him a vigilante, a force for justice against a corrupt society. But she had never imagined that her support could lead to this, to her family being ripped apart

Junko: You're right, Natsumi, she admitted, her voice quiet. This wasn't about her, about her feelings or regrets. This was about Natsumi, about supporting her through this terrible time I messed up. I should never have supported him… not like I did. And for that, I'm truly sorry.

Natsumi's gaze hardened, even as tears welled in her eyes. There was a long, tension-filled silence as Natsumi contemplated her next words

Natsumi: So what now, Junko? What do you want from me?

Junko took a deep breath, steadying herself. This was the critical moment. She needed to be clear, to be strong for Natsumi. She needed…..to give her Hope

Junko: I want to help, Natsumi. She said firmly, locking eyes with the younger woman I want to bring this person to justice. For you, for your parents… for our family.

Natsumi scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. But there was no humor in her eyes, only a deep, aching pain.

Natsumi: And why should I trust you?! How do I know you won't just run off and join his cause again?

Junko took a deep breath, bracing herself for the onslaught. She knew she deserved every bit of Natsumi's ire, her grief and despair. She'd endure it. She'd endure all of the hate and despair if it means she could give her hope

Natsumi: How am I supposed to trust you, Junko? After everything? After you supported the person who killed my parents? Her voice was a low growl, filled with years of frustration, of pain. Every word was a sharp jab, a raw wound being prodded

And it's not just about him, is it? It's about everything. About how you are always pushing for the vigilante, always justifying his actions!!! And where did that lead us?! To this fucking hellhole!!! Her voice broke on the last word, but she pressed on, her eyes blazing with raw, untamed fury

Natsumi: And don't even get me started on the rest. On how you always seem to be at the center of everything! The attention, the fame, the power. It's always you, Junko, ALWAYS fucking you! And what about us? What about me?!?! Her voice was barely a whisper now, her anger giving way to an underlying sadness

Natsumi: I've spent my entire life trying to escape my family's shadow, to make something of myself, to be more than just a Kuzuryu. And now… now I'm just a victim. Just another name on the long list of people who got in the way of your fucking vigilante. Her voice was filled with a deep, bitter despair

Natsumi: So tell me, Junko, how am I supposed to trust you? How am I supposed to believe that you actually care, that you actually want to help? She let out a hollow laugh, the sound echoing eerily in the silent room I mean, what's the point?

The room fell into a heavy silence, the only sound the quiet whirring of the ceiling fan. Junko looked at Natsumi, her heart aching for the younger woman. She knew she couldn't erase the pain, the anger, the betrayal that Natsumi was feeling. But she could be there for her, could listen to her, support her. And that was exactly what she intended to do

Junko: Natsumi, she said gently Remember when we first met, at Hope's Peak Academy? We were both so different back then, so young and naive. You, the proud Yakuza princess, and me, the eccentric fashionista. We didn't quite get along at first, did we?

A hint of a smile touched her lips as she recalled their shared history

Junko: But over time, we changed, didn't we? We matured, learned to understand and appreciate each other. Remember when we planned Makoto's surprise birthday party? Or when we stayed up all night, talking about our dreams, our hopes, our fears? And when we became mothers, raising our children together, facing the challenges that came with parenting side by side…

She paused, her eyes meeting Natsumi's

Junko: I cherish those moments, Natsumi. And I believe in what we've built over these years. We've faced so many trials and tribulations together, and we've always come out stronger. And I believe we can get through this too, together. Because, despite everything, we are a family.

Natsumi: she started, her voice soft I… She was silent for a moment, as if trying to collect her thoughts I don't know, Junko… I just… I just don't know…

Junko watched as a myriad of emotions flitted across Natsumi's face, a silent storm that reflected her inner turmoil. Gently, she reached out, placing her hand over Natsumi's in a gesture of support and solidarity

Junko: And it's okay not to know, Natsumi. She said softly, her gaze steady and unwavering It's okay to feel lost, to feel confused…to feel all this pain and despair. It's okay to not have all the answers right now. You don't have to go through this alone.

Natsumi looked up at Junko, her eyes welling up with tears, a testament to the raw vulnerability she was experiencing. She wanted to recoil, to put up her usual defenses, but she found that she couldn't. Not this time. The weight of her grief was too heavy, too overwhelming to bear alone

Junko: I…..uh.. love you, Natsumi. She said earnestly, giving Natsumi's hand a reassuring squeeze I don't say that out of some twisted sense of obligation or because of our… unconventional family structure. I say it because it's true. You are more than just a sister-wife to me, more than just a co-parent. You're someone I deeply care about, someone I would never want to lose. And I want you to know that no matter what, I'm here for you. She paused, her voice choked with emotion You're strong, Natsumi. Stronger than anyone I know. But even the strongest people need to lean on someone sometimes. And I… I want to be that person for you. I want to be the one you can lean on, the one you can turn to. No matter how dark things get, no matter how lost you feel… I'll always be here, standing by your side.

The words hung in the air, their sincerity palpable. And then, in the quiet intimacy of the room, Natsumi broke. The tears she'd been holding back came flooding out, her body wracked with sobs as she clung to Junko

Junko held her, her heart aching for the woman she'd come to see as a part of her own family. She didn't speak, didn't try to offer any empty words of comfort. Instead, she let her presence speak for her, offering Natsumi a safe space to let out her grief and despair

As Natsumi cried, Junko found herself struggling with her own emotions, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. But she swallowed down her own grief, her own fears, focusing instead on providing comfort and support to Natsumi. She had to be strong, for both of them

As the initial wave of sobs began to subside, Natsumi slowly pulled away from Junko, her red-rimmed eyes meeting Junko's. There was a long moment of silence between them, an understanding passing through their gaze. Natsumi saw a sincerity in Junko that she hadn't expected, a depth of empathy that surprised her. She'd always known Junko to be eccentric and chaotic, but beneath the veneer of flamboyance was a woman who knew what it meant to grapple with despair

Junko gave a small, reassuring smile, her hand gently wiping away Natsumi's tears

Junko: I know despair, Natsumi. More than most. I've walked down that dark path before, and I know where it leads. It's not a place I would wish on my worst enemy, let alone someone I… care for. She paused, taking a deep breath, as if gathering her thoughts. Fuck she was not used to situations like this I won't let you go down that path. Not while I can still do something about it.

Natsumi looked at Junko, really looked at her, seeing her in a light she hadn't before. This was the woman who shared a husband with her, who co-parented their children, who had lived with her through the ups and downs of life. And now, this was the woman who was standing by her in her darkest hour, offering her a lifeline amidst the storm of her grief

Natsumi: Junko… She started, her voice hoarse from crying I… I…

Junko: Shh… She interrupted, her voice soft You don't have to say anything, Natsumi. Just know that you're not alone in this. We're in this together. And together, we'll find a way to get through this. We'll find a way to turn this despair into hope. Because that's what we do. That's what family does.

In the silence that followed, a new understanding was forged between the two women. The road ahead was still uncertain, filled with grief and challenges. But as they sat there, holding each other in a comforting silence, they knew they would face it together. Because they were family. And family, no matter how unconventional, sticks together

Appearances, Love, and Hope were everything.

#danganronpa #danganronpa au #hope universe #junko enoshima #natsumi kuzuryu #laughing man #emotional #long reads #grief #heartache #bonding #kyoko kirigiri #kaoru yasunaga #fuyuhiko kuzuryu

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