I am the Ultimate Martial Artist, but I am not yet the strongest human alive. That will be my goal at this academy.
Graduation[]
I took advantage of many opportunities here. I trained hard and made lifelong friends. I may not yet be the strongest... but these were a good three years.
How rude to declare such a thing upon seeing someone... But your words will not faze me.
Ngh, I can probably see a demand for you, but ya just don't cut it for me.
I have no issue with that. I doubt anything good will come from being your type. You also do nothing for me. Only cleanly people are suitable to be Sister's friends.
My gloomy side is the one who doesn't bathe! It's her fault I get this filthy! By the by, what happens to the suitable girls? You find any worthy ones already?
I could ask the same of you. What happens to those who "cut it" for you?
I must interject...
Ooohh, Miss Ogre just showed up, draggin' her knuckles like the ape-woman she is!
I felt a great disturbance in the air... What were you two discussing?
Nooothing! We were just chit-chatting and sipping some tea!
I see...then that's fine. I must be imagining things... My apologies.
Kehehe... I do not mind. I am accustomed to people thinking I am suspicious.
In regards to your question from earlier, though...
Hm? My question?
I will say... "The decision shall be put on hold for the time being." I don't wish to be seen as any more suspicious than I already am at this school.
Ahhh, we'd be in big trouble if she got mad! We'll call it off for now!
Hmm... So you're one of the students with a combat-related talent.
Yes...I am the Ultimate Martial Artist, Sakura Ogami. How strange... Your body doesn't look built at all, but I can tell you're strong. In order to become the strongest human alive, I must test your power. That's what I believe.
That's probably true. I'm talented at many martial arts. The muscles you've spent years building would probably mean little against me.
Even a little will be fine. Can you spare some time?
Does that mean you want to fight? I don't think there's any point to a battle where the outcome is obvious.
You may be able to predict the results, but it does not mean you are always correct.
My predictions are always correct.
Even so...in a battle, you will never know the final results until it is over.
Hey, hey! Aren't you guys givin' off the wrong vibe!?
What do you want, Monokuma? We are in the middle of something...
What do you think this is? The disappointing finale to a bleachy battle manga or something? This is supposed to be about the daily lives of Hope's Peak boys! And girls, too! Like, falling for the new girl in class, or falling for your childhood friend, that sorta thing...
Don't you want a convoluted love dodecahedron that works out for everyone in the end!?
...
That...that is what you guys want, right?
...
...
My bad... Clearly, I'm just getting in your way. So you really were gonna fight, huh? Man, bears got nothing on you savage humans.
Okay, then I'll just be the referee. Let's get it on!
It seems we should have our fight in a more private place, so no one can disturb us.
There you are, Sakura! Fight me! I'm gonna win today!
...What are you doing just jumping in like that? We were about to train.
Akane has been challenging me to fights quite frequently as of late... I have no reason to refuse a challenger... And so, I will fight any who seek me out...
Oh, Mookie's here too!? Perfect! How 'bout ya join us?
I'll pass. Also, my name is Maki.
Huh? Who cares!? I'm just feelin' feisty cuz I'm so damn hungry!
What a convenient excuse. Besides, I get why you'd want to fight Sakura, but why me?
Hm? Cuz you're strong, right?
Huh?
I'll have fun fightin' you. That's what the guy from your class told me. Ummm...I forgot his name. That one annoyin' brat with the shit-eatin' grin.
Ah... Everything he says is a lie. Sorry, you were tricked.
I also agree that you're not just some ordinary person.
Wait, what are you saying, Sakura?
I can see you're skillful, but I don't intend to challenge anyone who doesn't want to fight.
Okay then, let's all fight! It's a free for all!
I already said I'll pass.
Unlike you two, I don't enjoy or respect fighting.
Stop worryin' about that and just fight! It don't matter as long as we duke it out!!
...You're stupid and absurd. I wish you'd stop spouting nonsense.
Phew! Water is the best after you work up a sweat!
Yes...I would choose a simple cup of fresh water over a grand feast any day.
Yeah, yeah! And we had such a good workout, too!
I agree. In this school, I can partake in any training I want. I didn't think such an environment would be available in the middle of a city.
When I wanna run, I can run as much as I want! When I wanna swim, I can swim as much as I want! We have access to rich protein shakes, too! This really is the best training environment!
But above all, even though we walk different paths, I found a friend who I can train with. Hina... Thank you.
H-Hold on... What's up with you all of a sudden? Geez... I'm also glad that you became my friend. When I see you working hard toward your goal... ...I feel like I can absolutely get the gold medal at the Olympics.
Yes... You'll definitely be able to accomplish that.
I'll be the fastest in water, and you'll be the strongest on land! Alright! Let's train hard today...toward our dreams!
Seasonal Events[]
Sports Festival[]
Today is the sports festival... You were in the relay race, until Monokuma barged in! You were able to stop him and let the runners continue their race, but... Monokuma ran away! Monokuma might disrupt the other events as well... What should you do to catch him?
I should ask if anyone has seen Monokuma
Detective work doesn't suit me...but it must be done.
Huh? What's up, Sakura? Are you mad about something?
Yes...I cannot ignore Monokuma while he interferes with everyone's good time. Ibuki, did you happen to see Monokuma at all?
Hmhmhm, thanks for asking! I sure did!
...Is what I wanna say, but unfortunately I haven't seen hide or hair of Monokuma.
I see. Sorry for taking your time.
Ughughugh, I couldn't help you and now I'm filled with regreeet!
So since I was so useless, I'll tell you this... Don't work too hard on your own. You're a student here too, Sakura... Don't forget to enjoy the sports festival.
...Yes, I won't forget. Thank you.
You looked for Monokuma, but you remembered Ibuki's words and participated in events, too.
I should use this time to treat my injuries
Phew...I heard that Sakura fought with Monokuma, so I brought the first aid kit...
It's merely a scratch, I'm used to such injuries. I'll deal with it later.
But umm...c-can you show it to me first? Even if it's just a little scratch, if it gets infected, you could get sick.
Gh, Mikan!
Heeeee! Um, um... I'm sorry if I'm being a bother!
No, it's just...you're absolutely right. Even the strongest of us can fall ill! I was wrong to doubt your ability. I leave it to you to heal me.
Y-Yes! I will!
You had Mikan properly examine your wounds!
I should find an ally who shares my goal
Peko, do you intend to look for Monokuma also?
Ah... Academy security is already after him, but since it's Monokuma, the more the better.
The sports festival is important...so I'd like everyone to enjoy themselves today.
Then let's not ask any more people.
Peko, it seems our goals align. Let's join forces and split up to search for Monokuma.
I was going to ask you the same thing. I'm glad to have your assistance.
You found a powerful ally to help you look for Monokuma!
School Festival[]
Today is the fall school festival... A pop star, a fashionista, a swordmaster, martial artists... All the girls with sports and entertainment-related talents are putting on a fashion show! Unfortunately, that includes you, too... You have time before the show. What will you do?
Perhaps I will help set up the stage...
Is there something I can help with?
Sakura? Weren't you going to be up on stage next?
That is the plan, but I have some time before it begins... Makoto, if memory serves, you are not the assigned helper for this event.
Y-Yeah, I was just going to watch for a bit, but then they asked me to help out...
Then allow me to lighten your load. I can be of use with any heavy labor.
Oh, no, I appreciate the concern, but it would be bad if you got hurt now...
...Do I look like I get hurt easily?
N-No, that's not what I meant...
It's just that, it's pretty busy, who knows what could happen? You should be preparing to take the stage, Sakura.
If you're going to say that...then I will wait patiently. I apologize for taking your time.
No, not at all! Do your best!
You were distracted by your conversation with your classmate!
I will wait to go on stage with my peers...
Weeeoooeeeooooohhh...oooohhhh...
Oh, that's not a siren! It's just my voice!
Yes, I can tell.
I'd usually be able to overcome this using my Neo-Aikido spirit, but...ghhh, I can't stay still! I can't believe I'll be sharing a stage with a real pop sensation like Sayaka...
Oooohhh, this is bad! Whenever I get this nervous, my face distorts like a demon's!
Tenko...do you remember the purpose of this event?
Purpose...? Hm... We have sports-related talents, while Sayaka and the others' talents are in entertainment... So we want people to see how amazing we girls are, despite our different disciplines, right?
That's right. You cannot compare yourself to others. Take the stage...as yourself.
S-Sakura...it's amazing to hear that from a dignified girl like you! You're so cool! Compared to you...I still have much training to do.
Alright. This'll be a piece of cake!
You were able to help Tenko!
I will enjoy the show before ours...
Phew...I think my performance went well.
...
Oh, Sakura. It's your turn next, right? I'm looking forward to it.
GRRRAAAHHH!
Ah! Wh-What's wrong?
Kaede... Your performance was beautiful.
Oh, I see... Thank you.
My childhood days were filled with training. I never got to appreciate entertainment. I know nothing about classical music, but your performance has moved me deeply.
R-Really!? There aren't a lot of high school kids who listen to classical music. I wanted to show everyone the charm of this amazing song, so I'm glad you enjoyed it.
It was wonderful. I would love to hear any further recommendations you have.
Oh, how about...you visit me in the music room next time? I'll play some songs and you can tell me which piece is your favorite!
You made a promise with someone unexpected!
Winter[]
Your last winter at the academy... Graduation will be here before you know it. With so few months left in the school year, you are overcome by bittersweet nostalgia...
Maybe I'll go to the schoolyard
Oh hey, Sakura! Are you here for a run, too?
No, I did not come here for any compelling reason...but since you are out for a run... Perhaps my mood will improve if I join you.
Oh no, did something happen?
Don't worry about it. I was just feeling a little sad about our upcoming graduation.
I see... But when you're feeling down, that's the best time to start exercising! It's gotten cold lately, too. Even more reason to get your blood pumping!
People say I'm like a hyper little dog when I say things like that...
I like your energetic spirit, Hina. I would like nothing more than for you to follow your heart's desire.
Aw, that's so nice of you to say, Sakura... Now, let's run! We'll start with a warmup!
You exercised with Hina until your body got hot!
Maybe I'll go to the dining hall
Oh, Sakura. Here for a meal? I can come up with a special diet plan that'll suit you perfectly.
Nekomaru? When did you start working at the dining hall?
Hmph... That's not what I'm here for. I only help out when athletes come here. When Teruteru's in the kitchen, the menu's more flexible.
I see... So you two have formed a partnership of sorts.
An athlete's diet has a profound impact on their training and performance. I must consider all aspects of an athlete's training when creating a diet plan for them.
It's also my duty to stop certain people from eating too many donuts.
You mean Hina? I think your guidance will do her good, but allow her to indulge sometimes. Eating donuts is one of the main sources of joy in her life.
Exactly! Meals that fill your heart with joy do wonders for an athlete's vitality!
You're right... I could use a meal like that.
Yeah! Be sure to EAAAAAT UUUUUUP!!!
...You regained your vitality by sticking to Nekomaru's diet plan!
Maybe I'll go to the gym
Nyeh? Sakura...are you trying to train here?
Sorry, but...I've got the gym reserved till tomorrow. I'm gonna have a Christmas magic show tomorrow.
I see... Christmas will be here soon.
Did you forget? Well, I guess you don't seem like you'd be interested in stuff like that.
Hm...then you should come to my show. Athletic people like you don't try to figure out my magic, so you'll have a great time.
I must admit, I have never attended a magician's performance before. Then I will watch and support a fellow student.
Hm! Look forward to it!
Oh, but...um...it's hard to say this, but...
What is it?
R-Really? Then, I want you to remember... I'm not a magician, I'm a mage.
...
I-It's not like I'm saying you're wrong!
But...I'm a mage! I can't let that slide!
Calm down, it's alright. I did not mean to contradict you. Presenting yourself as a mage is necessary so that you may bring smiles to your audience.
S-So you understand. Then it's okay.
Whew...I was about to wet myself a little.
You promised to go see Himiko's show!
Appearances in Seasonal Events for Other Characters[]
Today is the fall school festival... Your job was to make the haunted house exhibit! You really want lots of people to come! Why don't you talk to students as they walk by?
Stop, you two! Atua is summoning you!
Atua has spoken... Everyone should enter this haunted house.
Huh? A-Atua?
...Your hometown must be exceptionally devout.
Of course! Atua is always by my side! Nyahaha! It's so divine!
Um, anyway...you just want me to go into the haunted house, right?
What do you wanna do, Sakura? The haunted house looks pretty interesting.
It does... Since it is a school festival, we should experience it for ourselves.
Yahooo! Now we're talking! I did all the interior decorations, but they're really intense...
So intense, they might make you faint...
Hey, don't say it like that! I really dislike that kind of stuff!
I do not think she means any harm by it... She simply has a strange way of speaking.
Nyahaha! Two victims, comin' through!
You escorted Sakura and Hina, who seemed exhausted already, into the haunted house!
Your last winter at the academy... The Monokubs have suggested that you all clean the school. Where will you clean first?
I'll start with the gym since it's so big
Yes, I have finished cleaning.
We finished this task very fast, thanks to you... There was hardly anything for me to do.
You were very helpful lighting up the dark areas for me to clean.
Th-That's right! I was helpful, wasn't I!? My functions were useful, weren't they!?
...
Keebo...there is no need to be sad. Like I said, you were very helpful to me.
I'm sorry... It's just that I sometimes feel self-conscious when I'm around you.
Hm...how so? Please tell me.
As a robot, I have no way to increase my strength on my own. I require outside help to expand my functions and keep my body maintained.
So I tend to feel a little self-conscious around others who can actually train their bodies.
I see... It's impossible for you to train your body... But...look at it this way—generally speaking, people are strong and weak in different areas.
Different areas...?
Everyone has a flaw. There is always something people cannot do, no matter how hard they try. But...I do not think you should be ashamed of that. With your body, the difference between you and others may feel more pronounced, but...
I'm sorry... Have I hurt your feelings? Being sensitive toward others is a weak area of mine.
N-No...actually, I'm quite touched. Very few people are so direct and sincere with me.
You're right... I should not focus so much on what makes me different from others. There may be things I cannot do...but there are also things that only I can do.
Yes, exactly. Even if you can't train your body, you can learn to do many things from experience.
That's very true, Sakura. I will continue to improve myself on my own terms. Your years of training lend a lot of weight to your words... I could learn much from you.
...Thanks to Sakura, you feel much more positive overall!
Today is the school festival... You decided to do "it" to athletes you've chosen! A promising student is walking by right off the bat... How do you approach them?
I'll show you my secret weapon!
Hah! I was waiting for this day! The day my body would be of use to you!
Oh, it's you, Nekomaru. You may have a secret weapon, but I don't think you should reveal it. Let me guess...your hand? No, your finger. That is where your skill is concentrated.
You were able to tell with a single look... Very impressive. I'll show you this power that has supported many athletes...
I know your goal is to be the strongest human alive...so leave your body to MEEEE!!!
That's fine. I have received your encouragement as manager. My body is normally immune to such techniques. But perhaps, from you...
Today is the fall school festival! A pop star, a fashionista, a swordmaster, martial artists... Girls with entertainment and sports talents came together to do a fashion show! But you didn't really want to participate in the first place. What do you do?
Watch the others closely
Just like I thought, Junko is so confident out there...
...Hm? No...it must be my mistake...
Oh, hello there Peko. Is it your turn next? Break a leg out there.
O-Oh... Thank you.
Was that...Junko? No, even if she had stage makeup on, her face was quite different...
Peko, is something the matter? You seem upset.
Sakura...did you see Junko's face as she went by just now?
No, I did not. I merely saw a shadow that looked like Junko go backstage.
I see. Never mind, then...
The next time you saw Junko, her face was the same as normal... Were you just mistaken?
Today is the summer sports festival. For once, your job and a school event didn't overlap! You became the captain of the volleyball team. Who will you talk to before the game?
Sakura...we'll support you
I feel very reassured with you on my team, Sakura. But, I can't let you do all the work. Let's do our best to support each other!
Well said, Sayaka. Although I train my body, I am unaccustomed to team events... Victory cannot be achieved without your help... I appreciate it.
Yes, let's put our all into it!
You played an intense game with Sakura and your other teammates!
Your last winter at the academy... Graduation will be here before you know it. But save your sadness for graduation day! Right now, you're feeling pumped as ever! So, what will you do today?
I'll go train with Sakura!
Sakura! If it's alright with you, please let me join you!
Oh, Tenko...go ahead. Even if we don't have class, we can't rest from training... You're the same, right?
Of course! I still have a long way to go before I master Neo-Aikido!
Plus...training with someone who's aiming for the top will inspire me to work even harder!
If me being here helps you, then that is for the best.
You're such an extraordinary girl! I admire you, but in a different way from Himiko!
Sometimes, I feel like I wouldn't be able to stand a chance against you... But...there's no way I can give up from that!
I have one thing that I know you can't do! And that's mastering the path of Neo-Aikido!
A new martial art... That is also an extraordinary path to overcome.
Should we train together, Tenko? Perhaps we can bring the best out of each other.
Yes! Let's work hard together!
The two of you trained together with even more passion!
