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wake up

You open your eyes. And then immediately squeeze them shut as a cloud of chalk dust gets clapped in your face, the student next to you looking surprised— but the sort of surprised as if they're faking it, barely suppressing a laugh. "What're you dozing off for, transfer student?" they ask, going back to wiping clean the chalkboard you two are standing in front of. "The sooner we get everything cleaned up, the sooner we can go home!" Another classmate tosses a wet rag at the side of your face, laughing as if a joke— if it weren't strangely warm to the touch, with dark red stains smelling strongly of iron.

All characters open their eyes and wake up in one of the classrooms around school. Whatever they remember last, it's lost in a thick, sleepy fog, the drowsiness still wearing off and making it difficult to reconcile the fact that they've never seen this classroom or these people in their lives, but somehow, it feels like they've been here forever. The other students all act familiar towards you, calling you by name and encouraging you to help clean the classrooms as part of observing the Vernal Equinox. Buckets of soapy water are set on the desks around the classrooms, light pink suds spilling over the sides, and both students and faculty can be seen hard of work scrubbing dark, stubborn stains out of the walls and floors. "It must be absolutely spotless," they murmur under their breaths. "All evidence must be erased."

You don't have to stay and clean. You could throw the rag back into a bucket and flip these strangers the bird and exit the classroom. But those who don't help clean even a little will find that they leave sticky red footprints wherever they walk, creating more work for everybody else and becoming very easy to track down and """accidentally""" knock over the backside of the head with a mop handle. Besides, it's not like you can walk out of the school and get back to whatever you were doing before. Your feet may bring you to the front door on autopilot, but the doors do not open for you, and neither do any of the windows no matter how hard you try to pry them open or kick them in.

Careful, though. On some windowsills, particularly on the third and fourth floors, rests a stack of five flat stones one on top of another: a gorinto to those who recognize such a thing, a pile of rocks to those who do not. The stones are all damp with water, topped with a scattering of wisteria flowers, and flanked by cheap packaged snacks. Whether on accident or on purpose, the moment you touch any of it—-

wake up

You open your eyes. The last thing you remember is touching a wet stone or trying to swipe the rice cracker beside it, and in the next moment, you're somewhere else inside the school. Characters who touch the gorinto or its offerings will find themselves pulled into a memory of high school life, one that feels like theirs, although they recognize that that's impossible. There's the feeling of being classmates with the other characters- perhaps two characters are seat partners, or best friends, or rivals, or club members- but despite the familiarity, do not know each other's names or recall ever seeing their faces before. Essentially, live your pre-established cr high school au dreams.

The memories fade in and out of different scenarios, but they all start off the same: You open your eyes.

You open your eyes and the inside of your left wrist is stinging; you stop scratching, pulling your other hand away before the angry red lines on your skin splits and bleeds. Somebody calls your name, just as you see a pan slide off the stovetop out of the corner of your eye, and the stinging on your wrist flares to a searing burn, hot oil splattering you and the person next to you.

You open your eyes. You're flat on your back in a room that smells of paint thinner, your chest is heavy, and it's so hard to breathe. Something is crushing your throat- a fluffy white cat with golden eyes, purring and kneading away, but then somebody calls your name and its fluff puffs twice its size in surprise, claws sinking into your throat, hooking and tearing as the cat scampers away.

You open your eyes. A kendo shinai comes down hard on your head, the one in your hand failing to come up quick enough to guard, your classmates groaning in sympathy all around you. Your head is spinning, you feel sick.

You open your eyes. You and a friend are seated side by side in the clock tower, back to the walls and feeling the resounding toll of the bell fill your entire being as the count reaches ten, eleven, twelve. The world turns to silence. Your friend opens their mouth to speak, but you cannot hear them. You cannot hear anything.

(tw: implied suicide) You open your eyes. Your classmate sits on the other side of your desk, a spread of sandwiches and juice boxes between you and the window to your side providing a clear view of the upper branches of the wisteria tree in full bloom. And the strangled look on an upperclassman's face as they fall headfirst from the sky on the other side of the glass, hurtling towards the pavement of the courtyard below.

You open your eyes—-

You're standing in front of a window, cold fingers wrapped around your wrist and pulling it away from the pile of stones. Perhaps another character has come to your rescue, or else one student in particular who shakes his head, whispers "don't," and walks away.

wake up

You open your eyes and wipe a bit of drool off the corner of your mouth. There's really no shame, when half the students sitting around you in the auditorium are half asleep as well. As if coming out of a dream, the characters don't remember getting here, just that they are now- sitting in uncomfortably hard plastic chairs in the back rows in the auditorium, the school principal's flat, droning voice reverberating oddly off the walls of the large room. No matter how hard you try, you cannot get up out of your seat.

"...and now, let us congratulate the graduating class," the principal says, stepping back from the podium. A single student rises to her feet and meets the principal at the center of the stage, her long dark hair falling across her face as she bows and receives her diploma. "Congratulations, graduate. May your life be full and prosperous. Please, if you would say a few words..."

The girl straightens and pushes her hair out of her face with one hand— she has no other hand, the entire sleeve of her right rolled all the way up to the shoulder and pinned flat. She forgoes the podium and the microphone, but somehow, her voice rings out clearly and reaches all the way to the back of the room: "Keep your eyes open."

With that parting message, she steps off the stage, disappearing into the mass of students who stand and fill the room with applause, drawing the graduation ceremony to a close. Characters find that they can now get up and move, which is a good thing because the other students are all pushing and shoving to get out of the auditorium and out the front doors, phasing right through the closed doors. Like a sieve, the school empties out, leaving behind the dregs.

wake up

Your eyes are open and the school is quiet. None of the students or faculty remain in the school, and all the staff— the principal, faculty, nurse, and counselor's— offices are locked. A skinny black cat flicks its tail from where it sits on top one of the lockers, where characters can find a copy of the school calendar showing the next two weeks to be spring vacation, with the school being closed for the holiday.

At least, with school vacated, it's clear from those left who's in the same boat and allows the chance for exploration away from prying eyes of the other students and staff. Introductions are probably in order, a discussion of what the fuck is going on, maybe also a plan of attack— or a plan for survival, at the very least, because there is no way out of this school. What ingredients are left in the home economics kitchen is going to have to last everybody the next two weeks. The student store is already empty. The water runs pink. The vending machines don't respond to jostling or being kicked over and brought to the ground, only the last dozen "merit points" on your PDA that you can't earn any more of, with class out of session. The snack you've been hiding in your locker should probably be saved as a last resort. The cats are starting to look tasty.

Hang in there. School will be starting again real soon.

OOC

✽ Characters experience the recurring feeling of drifting in (school life) and out (canon life) of sleep up until the graduation ceremony, after which they will have full awareness and come to their senses. Pre-established cr is possible to some extent, as a varying degree of familiarity may remain, but all characters will be strangers to one another unless they know each other in canon. All npcs will know the characters' names, but characters will not know each other's names until introduced.

✽ The second prompt occurs upon a character touching a gorinto or any of the offerings surrounding it. While touching it, characters fall into a trance and experience different scenes of high school life, with examples given in the prompt but players are free to play out any aspect of normal school life taking place at any time during the school year.

✽ stopit is an npc and will be available for threading in his toplevel during the vernal equinox and graduation day, but not during spring break. After the game opens, he will be available as a student for threading on the npc contact page. The graduating student will not be available for threading in this TDM.

✽ During spring break, all npc students and faculty will be absent from the school, with exception of one white cat and one black cat. For this TDM, in addition to the areas greyed out and inaccessible on the locations page, the faculty office and nurse's office are locked and unavailable, as there is no staff. The library and club rooms remain open, but supplies will not replenish themselves.

✽ As a reminder, all doors and windows leading outside are locked and cannot be broken. From midnight until 6AM, all sound disappears from the world. Characters are free to use their PDA as a network, but it is text (and shitty touchpad art) only and all threads are public.

✽ TDM threads may be used for bonus activity after April AC is submitted.

Comments

[moraloutrage]

[Of course Ishimaru is being positive! He has to be! He's not in Hope's Peak anymore, he has to put all that crushing pain behind him... things can get better!!]

It is true that these are not ideal circumstances for meeting others, but it could also be much worse! [It's not in Hope's Peak. It's not a killing game.] In any case, I am glad to meet you, Hinata-kun!

[He props his hands on his sides and manages a smile as he glances around.]

Now that's a splendid suggestion. Now let's waste no time and get straight to it! [Investigating can be fun when there's not a dead body involved...]

[futurebullets]

[He gives a quick nod, grin a little bit easier.] Right! Now let's see, if we're standing here then...

[Then the way he's looking at the auditorium. He can feel a shiver overtake him as he thinks of his upperclassmen once again.

Alright. Not that way.]

...Let's try this way this first. [Hinata turns as he says it.] I don't know if it's worth trying the locked doors again, but there could be something in the other rooms still.

[When Ishimaru's ready, he'll start walking towards the faculty office.]

[moraloutrage]

[He does follow his line of sight towards the auditorium with a frown. But he doesn't question it. He doesn't mind not going there for now... that room does remind him of the setting of most of Monokuma's announcements back at Hope's Peak.

Ishimaru nods along as he moves to follow Hinata.]

Understood. I do not oppose your course of action, Hinata-kun. It could be worth another try!

[futurebullets]

[It's nice thing to hear. It makes it feel like maybe they'll be able to find something after all.]

And if everything's still unlocked... well, maybe at least there'll be a chance of finding something we overlooked.

[His expression turns more thoughtful, gears starting to turn in his head.]

It's weird, though, isn't it? They never gave us any reason or motive for locking us in here.

[moraloutrage]

[That's right! It's time to feel some hope!]

That's right! A second look, and with a second pair of eyes, sounds like quite the efficient way to make sure no stone goes unturned.

[But he frowns as Hinata goes on. As being locked in the school for unknown reasons is quite ominous and reminds him of some possibilities that he's trying to avoid thinking.]

....Y-yes, it certainly is quite odd. It.... ah, it is possible that this is all some big misunderstanding! They might not have meant to lock us here... We were just left behind through some oversight! H-how embarrassing of this institution!

[futurebullets]

[Hinata's listening closely as they proceed, so he feels his face shift into surprise at the way Ishimaru's changes a bit. Is he... nervous?

It could just be that Ishimaru's uncomfortable at the thought of being locked in, which Hinata can readily relate to, but...

He slows his pace just a bit. Either way, he should probably take more care with his words than he usually does.]

...You could be right. I might just be overthinking a little too much because of a bad situation I was in before. [He thinks, again, of his first clear, recent memory of this school before spring break. Now that his memory is fully back, he can identify the smell, and there's nothing else it could be except for-] Even if we're stuck in here, it might not necessarily be someone intentionally causing harm.

[For some reason it feels like a lie in his mouth, but Hinata hopes Ishimaru doesn't pick up on that.]

[moraloutrage]

[He does seem a bit nervous - but also like he's trying to quickly bury that nervousness and move on.]

I - I believe that I understand what you mean. [He responds a moment later.] I happen to have been stuck in quite the unfortunate situation before I was here as well...

[But he doesn't want to think back to that. To Hope's Peak and everything that happened there. Mondo, and Alter Ego...]

But those times were in the past!! [He calls out abruptly with a tightened fist.] This place is sure to be different! There are... many, many possibilities at play. W-we should just continue to investigate and see what light that sheds...!

[futurebullets]

In the past, huh...

[He's thoughtful for a moment as he keeps the same pace, not far from the faculty door now. Hinata doesn't think he could ever forget what he's been through, nor the friends he's lost, but...

Remembering doesn't necessarily mean lingering, after all. Maybe it's okay to not shoulder that whole burden.]

...Yeah, that's true. It won't help anything to worry about those things now. Though hopefully, being in bad situations before ending up in this school doesn't turn out to be a pattern... [There's a bit of wryness in his voice as he says it, but there's too much exhaustion in his tone for it to land.] Think I've had my fill of life-threatening situations for a lifetime.

[It's with those words that Hinata tries the first doorknob, just a bit of hope in his heart...

...before those hopes sink. Locked.]

...Damn. I guess that's about what I expected, though. [Hinata casts a look down the rest of the hall.] You think the others are worth trying too?

[moraloutrage]

[Ishimaru can't truly forget what he's been through. But he can do all that he can to keep his mind from dwelling on it, and to keep that pain from seizing his entire form again. Right now, he's focused on the present and the possibility of escaping from a different school. He's focused on hope.]

S-something life-threatening is absolutely the last thing that I would want to face again! [That's all he says to Hinata's first statements, as almost a kneejerk response. With each exchange, Hinata's descriptions gradually sound closer to a killing game. But Ishimaru knows he would be jumping to conclusions to think that. They're free of it now, so he shouldn't expect another student to know what it's like.

He frowns as Hinata reports the results of the locked door, and then he nods firmly.]

Of course! Everything is worth a try. Like in science, the only way to find out for sure is through experimentation. Allow me to handle the next door!!

[futurebullets]

[Hinata's mind catches on that one word. "Again". There's no way that Ishimaru also...

...No, there's no way. In any case, Hinata may be blunt, but he does have the sense to not dig into what is very obviously a sensitive subject. If Ishimaru feels like sharing that's one thing, but for now he'll let it drop.

He offers another grin over his shoulder as he releases the door.]

That's a good attitude to have. [Better than Hinata's more cynical outlook, at least.] Especially in a situation like this. If you keep trying, eventually you'll find a solution.

[Even if the path there is difficult... in the end, you'll find the truth if you earnestly seek it.]

How's the next door look?

[moraloutrage]

[Ishimaru feels relieved when Hinata speaks again without saying anything that points more to some kind of past killing game. And he smiles a bit at his supportive response.]

That is correct! Now that is the power of hard work in motion. Anything is possible when you work hard enough!

[Or at least that's the hill that he wants to die in. With that, he moves next door to the principal's office and tries it.]

...Hm... This door still appears to be locked. [But he doesn't seem content to just make one attempt at it. He keeps on trying to twist and pull at the doorknob, while grunting, to no avail.]

[futurebullets]

[Hinata can't help chuckling softly.]

I'm glad you didn't have to go through what I did, but... It's a shame we didn't have someone like you around back then. Think it would've done us some good to have somebody with that mindset.

[He's glad, though. Somebody like Ishimaru should never be involved in a Killing Game.]

Be careful, though! Don't hurt yourself with it. We can still try some of the others too. [He casts a look down the rest of the hall.] I guess it makes sense, though... All of the faculty left, so that's probably normal they'd lock everything up.

[moraloutrage]

Th-thank you, Hinata-kun! [He says with a slight smile.] I am glad that you can appreciate a good, hardworking attitude! I wish I could have helped you with past problems as well! I am sorry that you had such an unfortunate past situation... but there is a chance th-that I have already been through worse. I am glad that you could not have been through something that bad!

[After all, what are the odds of there being more than one killing game?

Hinata's guidance does help him to calm down with the door and release the handle, with a soft chuckle.]

Ah, you are correct. It only makes sense that their offices would be secured under these circumstances. They are only following protocol! And... it is not proper of me to manhandle school property in such a manner... [He shakes his head.] We should still try the other doors, just in case anyone was negligent! [Then Ishimaru can see to it that they get written up! ...And they can check the rooms in question too, he guesses.]

[futurebullets]

It's no problem. Honestly, it's kind of refreshing. [Hinata shrugs a little helplessly.] I really like my classmates... They're my friends. [Even if that's a little embarrassing to say.] But they can be really relaxed or eccentric, so it can be hard to wrangle everyone together to find clues sometimes. Having somebody so focused is a welcome change.

[Again, Hinata has to wonder what kind of situation Ishimaru came from. It seems like it was enough to bother him greatly, but...]

What I've been through is awful enough I wouldn't wish it on anyone. [The anxiety of not knowing if he or his friends would die, or being afraid of himself and what he might be capable of - Hinata has no way to know that Ishimaru knows precisely what he's been through.] I would honestly be surprised if you've been through worse... Maybe a little terrified, too. But I want to hope that this'll be better, at least. Even if being trapped brings up bad memories, all of us are still alive, so that counts for something.

[For now, a traitorous part of his brain whispers, three bad school memories flashing through his head, but he shakes it off with a grimace to himself. There's no mastermind saying they have to kill each other to leave, so it's already an improvement.]

But yeah, if we can find one unlocked that'd be a huge help... These are kind of extenuating circumstances, so I think they'll understand if we have to explain why we were a little rough. [Hinata offers the other boy a smile before casting a look down the hall. It strains his head a little to think about, but-] If I remember correctly... there should be three more doors over here. The other faculty entrance, the principal's office, and the nurse's office.

[moraloutrage]

Is that so? I suppose that I feel similarly about my original classmates. While I may appreciate most of them, they can tend to be... difficult, and lacking in proper diligence. But I have to say, you have proven to be quite reliable so far yourself, Hinata-kun!

[The only person who comes close would be Naegi. But even he has his flaws, like his insistence on wearing his trendy hoodie.]

I- I would not wish my previous situation on anyone either! [He adds on, sounding a bit more panicked. His eyes seem to be watering a bit, and he balls a fist.] You are right. We- we are all still alive. ...And I will not allow a single person to die!

[No more. No more! The killings are over, they have to be.

...After a beat, he clears his throat and adds-]

P-perhaps the nurse's office next!

[futurebullets]

You too, huh? [He can't help but chuckle a little.] But... thank you. It's not the first time I've heard it, so I guess it must be true. Honestly, though, I just like making sure things get done.

[But any good cheer gets lost in what Ishimaru says next. If he's saying that, that must mean...

Sympathy floods Hinata. He really shouldn't have said anything after all.]

...I see. [His voice has become considerably softer.] You went through something bad, too, didn't you? I'm sorry for bringing back any bad memories.

[He's quiet for a bit, too, simply thinking, until Ishimaru brings up the nurse's office. Hinata takes a breath, squares his shoulders - they have to keep moving. He can't help Ishimaru or give him any peace of mind by just standing around.]

...Right. I'll give that one a try next.

[moraloutrage]

It is an admirable approach, Hinata-kun! There is nothing wrong with wanting something accomplished as effectively as possible!

[As long as it doesn't involve murder, that is! In any case, he's glad to have found a dependable person to work with.

As Hinata softens up, Ishimaru meets him with a soft frown, while... trying not to think back to Hope's Peak.]

It- it is alright, Hinata-kun. I might have experienced something truly awful in the past, but that - that is in the past! Now, we are in a completely different situation entirely. So let us do our best!

[With that, he turns his attention to the nurse's office as Hinata steps up to bat.]

Do your best, Hinata-kun! You have my full support!

[futurebullets]

[His mouth quirks up in a half-smile.] If I ever have a chance, I'll introduce you to my friend, Souda. I think he'll learn a thing or two from you.

[He's not learning from Hinata, so.

But he's thoughtful, taking in Ishimaru's words. Before, he'd had nothing but his own fear and anxiety, woefully unequipped to fight against the odds. Here, at least, they still have some freedoms... So they have a chance, don't they?]

...You're right. Things are uncertain right now, but that means nothing's set in stone. We have a chance for things to be better, so... We can keep trying.

[With renewed steps, he approaches the door to the nurse's office and gives it a try...

...but the results are as expected.]

...Yep, that's about what I figured. [Hinata doesn't seem quite as discouraged as he had when they initially started.] But we've still got two more to try, at least.

[moraloutrage]

Is that so? Well, should the time come, I would be glad to discipline this friend of yours!

[He asserts that with a slight smile. He somewhat looks forward to meeting someone for the sake of teaching them something!

Ishimaru clings to every difference in order to cope with this situation. No sign of Monokuma or a killing game. Unfortunately there's also no dorm rooms or cafeteria... and they do still happen to be locked... but that's fine! As long as this situation continues to be completely different!]

Correct. We cannot give up! Through the power of hard work, anything is possible!

[He keeps his spirits from being dampened as Hinata tries the next door.]

Yes, that's right! You did your best in trying to open that door, and I respect that. Next, it shall be my turn to try my hand at a door. Onward, Hinata-kun! To the principal's office!

[futurebullets]

[That sneaks another small laugh out of him.]

Discipline is exactly the thing he needs, so it'd be a huge help.

[It's said only half-jokingly. He doesn't want Souda stuck here, or Ishimaru stuck on the island, but if everybody could meet together outside of that... It'd be really great. With his and Ishimaru's will put together, that'd get Souda into shape for sure.]

...You know, you seem to value hard work highly. That's pretty admirable for somebody your age. [Like that doesn't make Hinata sound like an old man... But he shrugs a little as he follows alongside Ishimaru to the next door.] I value it more than my peers do too, I guess, but... It feels like it gives you strength, if that isn't too weird to say.

[Hinata wishes it came that easily to him in every moment... But it's a good example to follow, if nothing else.]

But... Thank you. I'll leave the next door in your care, then.

[moraloutrage]

Splendid! Then should the time come, you can leave him in my care!

[He responds that with his voice full of duty, as if ready to fulfill an order. At least he figures that maybe this school would be better than whatever situation Hajime and his friends were last in. Especially since Ishimaru is sure that they will find an exit at any moment!

He does give a small, proud smile as Hajime commends his hardworking nature.]

Why thank you, Hinata-kun! The fact is that people of all ages should believe in hard work. It is the truest measure of one's ability, and it is a power that can change the world! If we all work hard together, the impossible can happen, and the world can become a better place. I suppose that it is a heartfelt belief that fuels me... and I am glad that you respect it as well, Hinata-kun!

[While he wishes that Hinata would value it more wholeheartedly, so far the other boy seems like a respectable young man.]

Very well! Here we go... [As they face the next door, he takes a deep breath to prepare himself! Then, with a growl, he throws himself at the door and struggles with the doorknob for a few moments before giving up.] ...Ah, I am sorry. This one still does not seem to work...

[futurebullets]

[He shoots Ishimaru a grin, a little bit stronger than last time.]

I'll be counting on you, then.

[It's something he already finds himself looking forward to. Something to aim for, to hope for, when they get out of here.]

It's pretty reassuring to hear, honestly. I know I don't work as hard as I should sometimes, but... I've always believed that I could accomplish things so long as I worked hard enough. Other guys I went to school with always thought I was too serious about things, so meeting somebody that doesn't is a nice change of pace. [Hinata's expression becomes a little softer.] I think if you keep on like that, believing in it so strongly... you'll be able to accomplish anything you put your mind to.

[Ishimaru is just the kind of person they need in this situation, Hinata thinks, and he's grateful that he's here.

It's about what he expected, though, when the next door remains unlocked.]

It's okay, Ishimaru. It makes sense that the principal's office would be closed more than any of the others. [He points a thumb in the direction of the last door. Almost there, now.] I'll give this last one a try, and then we can head back out into the hall.

[moraloutrage]

And I will do my best not to let you down.

[Ishimaru has practically just met this other boy, yet he already finds himself feeling a lot of respect for him. Simple, diligent, humble and with a certain charisma. He feels lucky to have met him!]

Your previous peers sound like poor judges of character! It is good to have a serious work ethic, and it can only benefit you in the long run! [He smiles.] I believe the exact same thing, Hinata-kun. And I hope for a world in which that same belief burns in everyone's heart.

[He clasps a hand to his chest, looking emotional for a moment! And then just like that, he's ready to move along.]

Very well. This one is all yours, Hinata-kun!

[futurebullets]

[He nods gratefully in response, but for a moment, he's lost in thought just a little.

It's a warm feeling that fills Hinata's chest, thinking about those words. It's such a different turn, not having people call him boring, a "stick in the mud" or worse, just because of how determined he was to work hard and be accepted at Hope's Peak Academy. So many times, other students had laughed as they went out to play while Hinata stayed back to study, quietly determined.

And yet, Ishimaru's praising the one thing he's grasped onto desperately all his life... And it's a nice feeling.

If we had met before, I wonder if...]

...Maybe so. They didn't care much for hard work, but... Thank you, Ishimaru. [His eyes are warm as he looks at the other boy.] I think if the world were like that... it'd probably be a much better place.

[It's hard to be discouraged after that, even though Hinata expects the worst result when he turns the knob. As it is, all he does is let out a light sigh. It's okay.]

...Well. I guess that's all we can do here, then. [Hinata steps back from the door and tilts his head back in the direction they came from.] I guess we can regroup in front of the main door, then decide where to go next?

[moraloutrage]

[Ishimaru just feels more and more that his assessment of Hinata was astute, and that he is truly met a soul that is somewhat like-minded. His response to Ishimaru's ideal vision of the world warms Ishimaru's face. And he gives a gentle smile to the other boy in return.]

I am quite glad that you feel that way. We have the power to change the world and make that happen. Let's both do our best to strive for a world like that, built on the power of hard work alone!

[He pumps a fist in air energetically! With such a dependable ally, Ishimaru feels like he's taken a significant step towards overcoming the geniuses of the world. He can't even feel too disappointed when the doorknob refuses to open. He's getting used to it at this point!]

Indeed. That sounds like a solid plan, Hinata-kun. Well said! Let us proceed there at once!

[He'll start marching forward immediately! It's easy to feel hopeless in the face of all of these locked doors, but at the same time, exploring with someone like Hinata has helped to soften his feelings. If he has people like him to work with in this locked-off place, maybe it won't be bad being stuck here for a little while! There's still hope.]