THE CONTRACT LOG: insert madoka reference here

[moraloutrage]

Who: Kiyotaka Ishimaru with Everyone and Anyone!
When: I'm backdating this to February 5th, before the field trip.
Where: The common room of the dorms
What: The new student council president has to draft his own contract with the school, and you get to help!
How: Carefully
Warnings: Your standard Yogen warning for discussion of death and murder. Dangan Ronpa spoilers may also come up.

[Ishimaru has called his own meeting in the common room of the dorms. All of the transfer students are invited, and he won't bar native students from attending as well. Ishimaru stands by the common room's coffin, which is currently covered with a tablecloth that totally makes it not look like a coffin, and he uses it as a makeshift podium to address the student body.]

Greetings, my fellow students. Most of you should know me. For those who do not, I am Kiyotaka Ishimaru from Class 2-E! At home, I was known as the Ultimate Public Morals Committee Member. Here, I have served as a member of the student council for quite some months now! ...And, just recently, I have been appointed as the student council's new president. I wish that I could feel prouder... that this position would come as a result of effort. Unfortunately, this position has instead come to me as the result of the loss of another life. I might not have seen eye-to-eye with Arisu-kun in many ways... but I would never have wanted things to go this way.

[He looks down for a moment, before he clears his throat.]

That said... as much as I wish things were different, that does not change the current circumstances. She is gone, and what she has left us with is... is a new opportunity. Many of you may have been aware that there is a contract forged between the student council president and the head of the school, which has control over certain factors such as the criteria for final exams and graduation. It seemed that it can also be used to challenge the terms of past contracts! So now, I have been given a chance to draft a new contract. Not only that, but I have time to decide on it, and I am allowed to crowdsource ideas before finalizing it.

[He balls his fist up with determination!]

And that is why I have called us together today! I feel that it would be best to hear out others' input and discuss matters before putting pen to paper. Also, it is possible that other students know things about contracts that I am not aware of. As your president, I want to hear all of you out in order to make the best possible decision!

[He'll allow some chatter, whole he consults his notes before he goes on to explain more.]

Arisu-kun's contract was shown to me. It appeared to have been heavily revised, with large portions of it being blacked out or unreadable. I only managed to gather several things from it. First, that grades and work ethic should be considered as important as karma and merit when it comes to deciding graduation and moving up a grade. Secondly, her contract was supposed to void out the effects of the contract of the previous class president, Aiko-san. I am unaware of anything regarding the contents of Aiko-san's contract. All that I do know is that Arisu-kun's contract came with a stipulation. Aiko-san's contract would only be voided if Arisu-kun managed to survive two years as class president. As we know, she unfortunately did not live up to those terms, so Aiko-san's contract should still be in effect. That is one problem for me... Without knowing the terms of that contract, I do know if I should take up her fight in challenging that contract or leave it be!

As it is, there are several thoughts that I already have in mind about this contract. First of all, I fervently support Arisu-kun's idea of holding up the importance of work ethic and grades. I do not wish to challenge it! After all, I am stern believe in the power of hard work, and I feel it would be best if this school reflected that. My next thought is that I wish to challenge the culture of murder in this school. We have all suffered too much during our time in these halls, so I wish to make a contract with terms that will discourage killing as much as possible. In the end, I wish to make this a better place for all of us.

[With that, he looks out towards the assembled students.]

I will now open the floor for discussion! Please tell me your thoughts!

[ooc: This has ended up being really long, sorry about that! I wanted to make sure all the information necessary for this conversation was included. And also sorry about taking this long to get this up! OOCly I believe we have some time to thread this out, ICly the contract is currently due mid-February. Feel free to take your time, or threadjack as needed, I just wanted to get this up and get the ball rolling!]

Comments

[dereban]

[Inaba is going to clear her throat to chime in; not that she really has much to add regarding thoughts in the contract, as Ishimaru's ideas are solid, but:]

While I do agree with most of this, given what happened with practicum and the number of people who failed classes in general, my personal thought is that in conjunction that if that contract goes through and deals with grades...we should also find a way to help those who aren't the best test takers, too.

And an alternative punishment for failing grades, for that matter. So we don't have a repeat of... well.

[moraloutrage]

[Ishimaru nods along with her input.]

Well said, Inaba-kun! Those are concerns which weigh upon my mind as well. I have tried to offer my help to any student who would accept it, but there were still many failing grades among the student body. It is my hope that many students manage to find the resources they need to help prepare themselves for tests... and that they no longer have to be matters of life and death!

I do seek to challenge any and all school regulations that can cause the deaths of our fellow students. So I am hopeful about proposing a peaceful alternative, such as some kind of remedial program! Or perhaps even a chance to retake tests! Anything would be better than what happened the other month.

[dereban]

I'm willing to make a guide on test taking as well as a general guide that encompasses math, for what it's worth.

[It's something that would help her pass the time, and it'd be a good distraction from a lot. Not to mention she's not going to the Disney trip, so hey.]

A remedial program would definitely be good. Although given that this is the afterlife, supposedly, maybe give people the opportunity to show something that's non-deadly that they're good at. Like having them give a presentation, a performance-- something? Because I understand that there are just people who are just godawful at studying no matter how hard they try. So having even something like that might help be an alternative to just outright grades.

it begins!!!

[sisters]

( oh, oh, amami has one. he raises his hand for good measure so he can get his turn to speak up. )

I hear that third-years don't often repeat. Is there a way we can make that possible?

( but there's something that piqued his interest even more than that: )

Actually, you said you can challenge the terms of the previous student council contract through this, right?

[samuraiwomen]

Oh, like the ability to defer graduation and repeat if you choose? That sounds like a good idea, Amami-san. We don't want to loose any allies.

[ Graduating seems scary. Sara doesn't trust it, and she still won't, even after talking to Luca in a few weeks. ]

[sisters]

Yeah, like that. It's been bugging me for a while.

( the entire year, to be precise. )

I'm not really looking to "move on" quite yet, since there's more I need to do here.

[moraloutrage]

[He points right at him.]

Yes, Amami-kun!

[He frowns thoughtfully as he hears him out.]

I believe that we can! It sounds like a reasonable provision for me to work into my contract. I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunities they need!

[And his other question has him curious.]

Yes, that is correct! That seems to be one function of this contract. From what I gather, it seems as if most contracts attempt to challenge a past one. Why do you ask?

[sisters]

Thanks. Appreciate that, Ishimaru-kun. ( he can always be counted on — just like amami had thought before.

a shame about the circumstances that led to this, but, well... in any case, there are more important matters to discuss now. )

A past one... Are there any limitations to that? For example, if Miss VP had a contract, would you be able to challenge hers?

[commences]

For Aiko-san, I know a small group spoke to her gorinto before she left, and some students that knew her personally. I wonder if you could learn her personality through them, and then decide whether to combat her contract.

( he had his hand raised after amami just so he can be polite and keep things concise. )

It might not give much, but I trust your judgement of others, Ishimaru-kun.

[samuraiwomen]

N-now might be a good time to apologize, Komeada...

[ Now that its clear your murderous ways might have DOOMED us to whatever Aiko's contract was! ]

But, I think he brings up a good point. We should investigate Aiko-san a a group!

[commences]

( apologize? )

After as much hope as that brought? It allowed Ishimaru-kun to be in the position he is now! There's no need to apologize when he's showing such promise!

( which means don't look down on ishimaru, because even komaeda's looking at him with bright, sparkly eyes as he turns to look at sara. )

I have been interested in her for awhile now... What's your plan, Shujinkou-chan?

[moraloutrage]

[How nice and dutiful of him! Ishimaru can appreciate him being that polite, even if it's about someone he's killed. He calls on him after listening to Amami.]

Yes, Komaeda-kun!

[And he hears him out...]

Ah, is that so? That is very interesting and helpful, Komaeda-kun! If I could learn more about her, that could prove to be a useful key. It's certainly worth investigating, at the very least! I will have to look into the students in question. [A beat.] ...And... I do appreciate your trust, Komaeda-kun. I will try not to let you down!

[He... might not have the same level of trust for Komaeda, but he still appreciates his help all the same, and he trusts what he's telling to him now, at the very least.]

[commences]

We all knew about Arisu-san, Sakasaki-kun especially, so you can gauge whether she had good intentions or not.

( it's good to learn about who they're dealing with because it seemed everything held true for maya, she was attempting to look out for them, possibly. yet, those days are gone, and now ishimaru's calling the shots. )

Chidouin-san is also interested in learning about her, as a protagonist, you should utilize her strengths as well!

( sparkle, sparkle. )

Also... has any of your student council associates ever mentioned her? Maybe they know more...

become meguka ishimaru

[samuraiwomen]

I think we can all agree that Maya Arisu was a good person...right? None of us had any real issues with her?

[ Speak now, or forever hold your peace. ]

If thats true...then Ishimaru I think you should take up the fight against Aiko-sans contract. I think we should believe in Maya's will, and that she wouldn't try to undo that contract without good reason.

[moraloutrage]

[Ishimaru remains silent for a moment at Sara's question. He looks downward at the floor as he thinks back to the past.]

I... will always remember how she oversaw the student council election. And... marched us out into that battlefield. She- she may have been bound to her duty, sure, but... I feel that I cannot forgive her for that.

[A pause.]

...That aside... I did not have any other issues with her. She did seem to be doing what she could to help the school... and I agree with the ideals she attempted to promote. But I will choose to look into all of the facts first before I make a solid decision about challenging that contract. I want to reach as certain an understanding of that contract as I can before I seal my path!

[samuraiwomen]

Oh...that was before my time. Are you sure it was her own will? People can be possessed...

[ Then again nobody forced the teachers to kill failing students, so maybe it was just a sign of the power the school held without having to control anyone. ]

But ah, yes! I'm not against looking more into Aiko-san! It would be good to confirm what we're doing, instead of blindly rushing into trust!

[taketori]

Ultimately, I'm willing to go whichever route you take. I'll trust your judgment.

[ Ishimaru's a good guy. He's perfect to run the student council, even if it paints a bigger target on his back. Still, he's not going to let the same thing happen three times. ]

I believe we should absolutely challenge that contract. Regardless of what's on it, the best option would be to steer the direction in a way we can at least have a good idea about, as opposed to going off of nothing. As for the terms, while I do agree about the concept of work ethic and grades, I do think abolishing the current system of a practicum would go a long way towards discouraging murder.

If they aren't willing to budge on the final exam having the same... [ ugh. ] --consequences, those who don't meet the standards should at least have a chance to make up the grade somehow.

[moraloutrage]

Thank you, Shirogane-kun. I am humbled by your trust in me, and I will try my best not to let you down!

[He says that with a little bow, to his trusted comrade on the student council.]

I appreciate all of your input and will take it into consideration! I am certainly contemplating the idea of challenging the contract. But I am choosing to look into more about the student who made it first, so that I can hopefully form a more confident idea of the ideals behind that contract before committing to that path.

And of course, that horrid practicum is definitely something I wish to abolish! It is one of the top ideas to work into my contract currently. And I am considering alternatives such as that as well. A simple chance to retake a test is all that any good school should need! Or a remedial program of some sort. ...Preferably one that does not also involve murder somehow!

[taketori]

Sorry to say, but I'm completely in the dark on how Aiko ran the student council, even from Arisu. I hadn't had the opportunity to ask her about it, so any details on that would be good to know as well.

I can co-sign a remedial program. It may not be good for morale, but provided we're able to build up enthusiasm for a normal progression system, then that should encourage the other students to work a bit harder.

[ The cost of typically being surrounded by geniuses, it felt like they didn't try to work hard, but they just did it naturally. ]

Out of curiosity, have you heard from any member of the faculty on what they would prefer? I understand that it may not be easy to refute anything the staff wants, but it still may be worth noting who wants what.

[notsosou]

[Shin's definitely thinking about Aiko's contract... she was gone before he arrived, so he has no idea what she was like as student council president or person. But he's glad that Ishimaru is pushing back against the people going 'just void it'. Knowledge really is power here, and entering contracts with no idea of their effects...]

Challenging the culture of murder, huh. Guess a good place to start would be... stopping it from getting you merit points, at least.

[Even if most murders aren't motivated by merits, it certainly doesn't help.]

There's the finals and practicum, too... [Which after that experience, he has a massive emotional stake in stopping.] Maybe there's a way to formalize what we did with the failing students in the dorm... Where they don't die but just can't be at school for a while. Ahaha, call it 'suspension' if you like.

[moraloutrage]

Indeed. The merit point reward is one part of what I wish to challenge. [he nods sagely.]

And I have been giving thought to what to do about those as well. A type of 'suspension'...? I had not considered that! It would be tricky to implement that, but I can see it as one potentially viable solution if we can get the school to accept such an idea! If the school did carry out that process themselves, it would certainly save the effort of our magic users!

[notsosou]

Right! ...and it means we can save more of them too.

[Not just the ones they can manage to get to in time or in advance.]

It's not ideal either but... maybe just something to keep in mind. Such as if they try to argue you down.

[That's how you're supposed to start out, right? You go higher than you need, so that if you're whittled down you can still end up with something you're happy with... or at least that's the theory.]

[filialdeception]

[ Meng Yao listens closely to all that Ishimaru has to say before providing a small, but sincere smile. He is proud that Ishimaru has come this far, even if Maya has been eliminated from the equation as a result. Well, their gain, right? ]

As always, you are diligent and hard-working in your efforts, Ishimaru-xiong. Though it is sad that she has passed, I am happy someone like you are here to take up the mantle.

[ Then, he's going to be looking thoughtful, looking quite interested as others bring up certain topics and ideas. After Shin speaks up, he'll say something. ]

On the subject of eliminating the cycle of murder, and taking away the benefit of merit points awarded to those successful in killing another, among other things...there should be more of an increase in the ability to earn merit points based upon hard work. Or, of course, teamwork or collaborations with others such as in a group project. That would foster more positive relations overall in addition to taking away the benefits or enticement towards killing others.

[moraloutrage]

[He offers a grateful bow to Meng Yao as he accepts his words.]

Thank you very much, Meng Yao-kun.

[And he listens very attentively to his input, his eyes wide with interest. By mentioning hard work, he has Ishimaru's attention!]

More points for hard work! How brilliant! Such a thing is sure to foster classes of hard workers! Your ideas all sound quite valid. Rewarding teamwork will also go a long way to building up bonds! It could also help with other potential issues as well, as students working together will have a better chance of boosting each others' grades through team efforts! I must thank you once more, Meng Yao-kun, for giving me more valuable ideas to consider!

[filialdeception]

[ Meng Yao smiles, pleased that Ishimaru is receptive of his idea. Though, he will also return the bow given to him with ease and grace. ]

You honor this humble one with your words. It's appreciated that you're also truly willing to listen to what each of us has to say...because of that, it's an easy thing to believe that we'll all benefit from what you'll end up putting together.

[ He says, earnestly. Though Meng Yao does not imagine it will not solve every problem, it is something like a stepping stone to help them on their way to do so. Not everyone, if they were in Ishimaru's position, would think to gather everyone to discuss such a thing... ]