Kaede Akamatsu

""There were four hundred individuals that went by the name of Kaede Akamatsu. However, I'm the only one to be lucky enough to have ever looked at the night sky again.""

- - Cards of Despair

Early life
Kaede was created in a Cloning Facility by Kanade Otonokoji to be a participant in the 400th killing game. She is the 399th clone of Kaede Akamatsu who was killed in the original Killing Game. She has all the memories of the real Kaede and has no idea she is actually not the original.

Prologue
Kaede received a letter with an invitation to Hope's Peak Academy. She met up with her fellow Ultimates inside the gym of the school. After excitingly introducing herself to her fellow classmates, Monokuma appeared and introduced the Killing Game.

Chapter 1
After regaining her composure with the introduction of the Killing Game Rules, Kaede told her fellow classmates that she believed that if they worked together they would be able to escape. Kaede would explore the school with Rantaro Amami in hopes of finding some sort of exit. Kaede believed that he was the "key" to the group's escape of the school as he was the only participant that had forgotten his Ultimate. Kaede believed there was a bigger meaning to Rantaro’s amnesia. The motive was then introduced: an accomplice could escape with the blackened if they pass the Class Trial. Kaede reassured the others that continuing to trust each other was their best chance of escape, this was mostly done in response to Sou's claim that they could no longer trust each other.

The following day Kaede waited in the hallway for everyone to exit the dorms. She noticed that Rantaro was missing from the group. After knocking at his door and getting no answer, she got a bit worried. Monokuma then informed the group that the second floor had been opened and she quickly made her way there. She was relieved to find that Rantaro was in fact on the second floor exploring the library. After searching the second floor, Sou brought up how Kaede was worried about Amami. Rantaro questioned her on why she was worried about him, leaving Kaede feeling a bit embarrassed.

During nighttime, Kaede and the others were woken up by Ryoma Hoshi. He them led them to the burnt body of Izuru Kamukura, which he had found inside the incinerator. Sou commented about how Kaede was a fool for trusting everyone. This signified the official start of the Killing Game. During the trial Kaede and the others were able to uncover that the handcuffs utilized were purchased by Sou from the vending machine. Sou would then make claims that he was in fact the blackened in the case. However, thanks to the help of Reimu Hakurei and Rantaro Amami, Kaede was able to provide that Sou was in fact lying. He had been the accomplice in the case who attacked Izuru and handcuffed him inside the incinerator. His Ultimate Gamble paid off and Ryoma, unaware of the situation, turned on the incinerator making himself the unintentional blackened.

Chapter 2
After the events of the first trial Kaede was furious by Sou's actions. Upon confronting him in the morning Sou reacted with befuddlement. He claimed to have no recollection of his previous actions or the fact that he was in a Killing Game. Kaede was confused by this but went to explore the third floor with the others. During this, more participants were introduced into the Killing Game, including Hibiki Otonokoji and Kanade Otonokoji which Kaede was ecstatic to learn that were also fellow musicians. She would then finish searching the third floor not finding much in ways of helping with escape.

She reconvened with Rantaro and brought up how she believed there was a chance that the school could have an effect on people's memory, which would explain Sou's sudden memory loss. Rantaro was a bit more skeptical of the idea. The next day, Kaede requested and received a haircut from Reimu Hakurei; however the next motive was announced: a time limit to complete the trial when a murder occurs.

While in the kitchen, Aoi Asahina brought up the idea of having a pool party which Kaede and the others agreed on. Kaede, not knowing how to swim, believed it was a good chance to learn something new. The group, which included herself, Aoi, Miu Iruma, Kirumi Tojo, Reimu, and Kanade, went towards the pool. Upon entering, Hibiki found the bloody body of Kokichi Ouma on the ground. While everyone was shocked at first, Kokichi got to his feet revealing it was just a prank. Everyone was understandably irritated and moved on to enter the pool. However, upon entering the pool area, they saw Ayumu Fujimori's electrified body inside of the water.

During the trial, it was revealed by Rantaro that, in fact, Ayumu was male, explaining the drag marks found in the boys locker room. Kaede pointed out how it was strange that the claw game was still turned on despite the door being locked, believing it was somehow connected to the electrocution that occurred. Thanks to Rantaro pointing out that Sou joined the group searching the gaming room late, they were able to figure out that he hid inside the arcade machine. He was, in fact, the one that caused the electrocution. Kaede and the others were able to recall that Kirumi had served Ayumu's breakfast during the announcement of the pool party. This explained the empty bottle that they found, which was actually poison Kirumi utilized. Kaede then explained how Kirumi conducted the crime leading to the ending of the second trial.

Chapter 3
After being lied to by Sou again, Kaede avoided talking to him and went to explore the 4th floor with Rantaro. Monokuma then introduced the final new student, Jotaro Kujo. During their exploration they found the auditorium, which had a piano on the stage. Kaede, not being able to help herself, played her favorite song on the piano for Rantaro. They explored more to find what looked to be the old Headmaster's room, but unfortunately they didn't find anything useful. They, then, found out that one of the doors on the 4th floor was locked. Kaede, Hibiki, and Kanade would all converse inside the auditorium. After failing to remember a few nursery rhymes, much to the chagrin of Hibiki, the group played a short set together, Hibiki dedicating it to "The Dawg". Afterwards, Kaede asked the twins if they would both like to play together when they all escaped, which they agreed to. They all made a plan to perform for the other students.

The next motive was revealed to be Despair Disease, which completely changed a person's personality. Miu, Sou and Kokichi were the first to contract the disease. Kaede and Kanade agreed to do the concert after the group had overcome the motive. She then went to find Rantaro to ensure he would be there for their concert. The pianist, however, found that Amami had also fell victim to the disease. He had the opposite personality, not seeing the point in trying to fight against the game. While talking to Rantaro in the hallway, Kanade knocked him out with her guitar case, believing it to be the only solution to keep everyone else safe. Though she did not enjoy seeing Rantaro get hit, she agreed that this was the best option they had.

They both discussed what actions were best to prevent the further spread of the disease. They ask Miu for the creation of a door-locking device, which she gladly obliged since she was under the disease. Kaede and Kanade both agreed to take shifts at night watching the doors and making sure nobody escaped. Akamatsu began her shift first. During this moment, she suddenly passed out.

Kaede woke up the next day in the auditorium next to the dead body of Kokichi Ouma. In a panic, she rushed to get the others. And the third investigation began. However, while investigating, the group discovered the body of Reimu Hakurei, hidden behind the curtains. Miu, back to her normal self, expressed disdain for everyone letting the shrine maiden die while she wasn't in control of herself. Inside the elevator Kaede found the incinerator key inside her backpack.

During the class trial, the pianist found herself under fire from Kanade, since evidence pointed towards her being the culprit. The group was able to deduce that Kaede was in fact drugged by the true culprit, hoping to frame her. After a bit more discussion, Kanade was able to conclude that, in fact, Reimu was the one who strangled Kokichi to death. She then pushed for the group to get the vote over with, but both Kaede and Rantaro objected. Akamatsu had a realization that the wooden piece found under Kokichi's body could in fact belong to Otonokoji's guitar case. She hesitantly brought this point up, hoping that she was mistaken. Much to her dismay, Kanade in fact did murder Reimu. The guitarrist stated that she woke up early, noticed Kaede was missing then found Reimu over both Kaede and Kokichi. Akamatsu was distraught that the person who worked with her the most to try and prevent a murder in the end killed someone.

Chapter 4
After feeling that her trust had been betrayed, Kaede remained in her room at the beginning of the next floor's opening. Only after Rantaro encouraged her to continue on being herself, she went along with him to explore the new floor. While exploring together, they found parts to make a bomb, which Hina said she could possibly make a bomb big enough to escape. Both Kaede and Rantaro assured her that was a bad idea. After finishing exploring, Kaede heard an explosion and rushed over to find Hina had accidentally set off a bomb, injuring herself. After talking with Kanade, they were interrupted by Miu, who said she found something. They entered a classroom which had the remnants of what looked like a crime scene. All three agreed that this room had to have some significance.

Kaede would again talk to Rantaro who was seemingly doubting himself because of his memory loss and the potential of him being a unaware contributor to the Killing Game. Akamatsu let him know that she believed in him and that he was a good person. Rantaro then told her about his missing sisters, which he blamed himself for. She promised him that once they escaped together she'd help him look for his siblings. Though surprised by the kind gesture, Rantaro agreed.

The next day, Miu unveiled her new invention: A hammer she could use to blow people away if they got near her, named M.I.U.I.S.E.P.I.C. The next motive was introduced: if the blackened won the class trial they, could choose another student to escape with them. To get her mind off the motive, Kaede once again asked Aoi to help her how to swim at the pool. Akamatsu, though nervous, was able to understand Asahina's lessons. Later on, the pianist sought out Kanade, who she hadn't talked to since the last trial. Kaede apologized for the way she had reacted, unsure what she would have done if that were her in Otonokoji's place. Kanade told her to not worry about it and promised to never do anything like that again.

Kaede and the twins then agreed to perform their show that they were planning for the other students. Rantaro, Aoi, and Miu showed up for the performance. However, before they could start, Jotaro Kujo entered the auditorium arguing with Iruma again. When he was asked to leave by the others, he attacked both Kaede and Rantaro and then was knocked unconscious by Kanade. Miu said she would watch over him. Though shooken up, they all agreed to continue with the musical performance, playing instruments that were all upgraded by Miu while she was under the effects of the Despair Disease.

The next day, the group inquired Miu where she left Jotaro. The inventor took them to the auditorium and told them to look in the piano. However, he was not inside, as she had stated. The group then split up looking for him. The group would reconvene as Miu and Rantaro had found Jotaro dead inside the morgue. During investigation, Kaede left the group and found a circular sawblade inside the classroom on the 5th floor, in which she injured herself. Upon returning to the morgue, she found Miu unconscious body on the floor.

During the trial, Kaede again found herself to be the suspect of Kanade again, since she did not respond to the explosion, a Monopad message was sent with Kaede's signature on it and she was found over the unconscious body of Miu. Through the discussion, it was proven that Kaede could not have been the one that attacked Miu because her hand would have left blood on the hammer. After a second investigation and discovering where the body was moved, the class trial resumed. As Sou refused to present evidence that he had found, Miu utilized her hammer until he gave in. After this, Kanade was able to surmise that Miu, in fact, hit herself with the hammer in the morgue, since no blood was on Sou. Kaede then explained how Miu committed the murder. After the voting, it was revealed with the motive that the person Miu wanted to leave with would also be executed as well, which turned out to be Rantaro. Kaede was filled with anger, asking why the students had to follow the rules if the Bear didn't.

Chapter 5
After Rantaro's "execution", Kaede was visibly destroyed. During the next morning, she spent a majority of her time inside the morgue. Akamatsu used this opportunity to say goodbye to Amami, as she didn't get the chance to, before Kanade and Aoi encourage helping her continue forward. During this time, Kaede again received swimming lessons from Aoi. The pianist proclaimed how she enjoyed Asahina's way of teaching from her heart, as it reminded her of why she became a pianist. They both agreed to continue being friends after they escaped.

Kaede would receive a message from Kanade, urging her to meet her at the 5th floor. As she arrived, Akamatsu found out that a previously locked door was broken into by Otonokoji. It was in fact the control room for Monokuma. The two explored the area and found a shut off button for Monokuma, which they pressed. While inside, Kaede noticed a bulletin board which listed the rules of the Killing game. One being "Do not falsely execute a student". Enraged by this, she requested Kanade's guitar case and smashed the disabled Monokuma, [ ] destroying it. Though Monokuma was quickly replaced by another one.

During the next morning Kaede confronted Monokuma of his breaking of the rules. He stated that if a headmaster broke a rule they would have to come to a compromise. This lead to the group gaining access to the Monokuma facility. During their exploration of the area both Sou and Hibiki mocked Kaede for the loss of her friend. Kaede found it difficult to hide her emotions. After this the group once again departed.

The next motive was then revealed to be "free actions". Meaning the action that you got you cannot do or you would be executed. In addition a reverse-free action was introduced which would kill everyone besides of the person that did it if they completed the action. Kaede's FA was to not be overly positive. Which she found difficult but did her best to do so. Kanade then came up with a plan to prevent the reverse action from being used. The group would split into groups and always have somebody with them to prevent the worst case scenario. She was paired off with Aoi which she agree to. Kaede only request was to be able to visit the morgue when she could.

Kaede then received a message from Monokuma requesting her to go to the room of Rantaro. As she did so she was shocked to find that Rantaro was in fact alive in the room. Overwhelmed with emotions she embraced him and said how thankful she was that he was all right. She then explained the new motive to him and how they were planning on dealing with it. Rantaro then agreed to join her group with Aoi. Due to Sou refusal to agree to Kanade's plan, Kaede decided to leave her group and pair off with Sou.

Despite this Kaede desperately wanted to talk to Rantaro alone and asked Aoi if she could watch Sou for her. Aoi agreed and Kaede got her chance. Kaede recounted her time together with Rantaro and how much he meant to her. She then confessed that she cared for him in ways differently then everyone else in the group. And much to her surprise he stated he felt the same way. The two shared a moment and then Kaede left with a smile to continue her agreement with Kanade.

She then made an attempt to try to understand Sou better, saying she did not view him as an enemy but as somebody forced to be in this game just like everyone else

He remarked that he didn't understand why she cared all of the sudden. Through other conversation Kaede surmise that she would in all likelihood never truly understand him. Despite this the two shared a few bear puns together as the day ended. Kaede woke up to a letter asking her to go to the go to the secret room. As she arrived she heard a noise but then noticed the head of Sou hanging inside the room, signifying the start of the fifth trial.

During the trial Kaede was able to convince the others that the body that they found was in fact fake and Sou was actually killed at the press. The key clue to the trial turned out to be the letter she had received as she believed it exonerated Rantaro from being the killer. However Rantaro would prove her incorrect admitting that he had in fact killed Sou. Kaede was devastated as she was going to lose Rantaro for a second time. He said she believed in her and the two embraced saying goodbye.￼

Chapter 6
Kaede got up early the next day and made her way to the auditorium. She then played the song she played when she first arrived in the room with Rantaro as a way to remember him. Kanade soon entered the room and Kaede reassured her of her own determination. Stating that she couldn't let the belief Rantaro had placed in her to go to waste.

Kaede then revealed a plan that she had thought of involving getting the key from Monokuma and using it on the door inside of the secret room seeing as it was the only area the group had yet to gain access to. Kaede then would call Monokuma as a distraction allowing Kanade the steal the key from him. The group then met up inside the restroom. Kaede and Kanade both believed it was best to give the key to Aoi, seeing as she was the fastest out of the three. They all made their way to the fifth floor individually. However it turned out the key was in fact fake. Kaede stated the group would just come up with another plan tomorrow and that Monokuma would never be able to rest.

She went to her dorm only to find a tap near her bedside. She played the tape, which revealed that in fact Sou had stabbed himself and Rantaro was not the guilty party. She would show this to the rest of the group in the morning and discuss a plan of what actions to take. As previously stated by Monokuma the headmaster would have to make a deal with them since he broke a rule. They agreed on receiving the master key from him and went off to confront him. After the deal was made Monokuma would execute himself, leaving the master key behind.

Kaede hold pick up the key and feel sentimental as she would previously called Rantaro the "Key" to the groups escape. The group then discuss where the best place to search was and went off to search the remainder of the school. With the key they were able to unlock the door inside the secret room. Which remained a locked however the group could smell the stench of death inside. Next they opened up a lab inside the Monokuma facility. Which had a strange message along the wall and pods which they could not see what was contained inside them. Finally they made their way to the old headmaster room and used the key to be able to operate panels. Kaede decided to hit the switch that was labeled "Cl-" as it seemed different from the others. They would have returned to the lab area inside the Monokuma facility defined that one of the pods were opened. This signified the start of the final trial.

Doing the trial with the help of Aoi, Kaede was able to convince the others that the video that they found was in fact real. Concluding that the message that they found "Multiply the hope of the future" in effect meant that all of the students were clones. And they all were the 400th versions of themselves. Through this revelation brought them no closer to finding the Mastermind. During the trial Kanade begin forgetting things Kaede and her had done together leading her to believe that Kanade was in fact the true mastermind who head switched out for the Kanade that they knew during the blackout inside the headmasters room. After voting was concluded it was revealed the group voted wrong and we're to be executed. However the execution was stopped by the original Rantaro.

The original Kanade then revealed to be in control of Hibiki, as she was in fact a robot. She then started a countdown from 30 minutes before the school would explode.

Epilogue
The remaining survivors quickly searched the school for means of escape. Eventually leading them to the Monokuma facility again. Aoi revealed that she had a key and the group used it to open a hatch to outside of the school. The original Rantaro said he would remain but both Kaede and Aoi forced him to escape with them.

Finally outside Kaede was in awe of finally being able to see the night sky again with her friends. The original rental then stated that he wanted to return to the school which of the group agreed to go with him. The group was surprised to see that the cloning facility had survived the explosion. The original Rantaro then said that he believed that the facility was still operational and they could bring back their lost friends. Kaede wholeheartedly agreed to help however she could. Before the other woke up again the original Rantaro he had some unfinished business. Kaede thanked him for all he did before he departed.

As their revived classmates woke up Kaede explained to all of them what had happened. She then couldn't help but hide her excitement to have Rantaro back again. And she reminded him of their promise and how she now could fulfill her end of the deal of searching for Rantaro sister with him. The two then departed the lab together holding hands bring an end to the 400th killing game.

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