Xhom Hiyori

"Minoru" drawn by Worm

Mister Analyst

"Future Foundation's golden boy"

Unnamed sibling (deceased)

Kyo Haku [Lovefriend] (alive)

Love [close friend] (alive)

*"It's... possible that some of the things you think are lies are part of the truth - and that some of the lies that you saw are the truth. So... what will it be? Will you be disappointed if nothing changes?"*

— Xhom, during a conversation with Love.

**Xhom Hiyori (??? ひより**) is an antagonist of Danganronpa: Guessing Game and is a participant of the Towa Incident Killing Game. The killing game is not tied to a real Danganronpa game, however, it is instead featured on Quotev (@postdespair), and therefore, hosted online. His title is Ultimate Analyst. His real name is **Minoru Hiyori (柊和 實)**.

## History

### Early life

Minoru lived a relatively normal life during the aftermath of the tragedy, his father being from hispanic decent and his mother being Japanese. He was the eldest of two children, his sibling being one that he cared greatly for. As a child, Minoru suffered from several illnesses which often left him weak, resulting in his extreme distaste for feeling helpless.

### Primary Events

**[CW: DEATH & S//C/D/L THOUGHTS/ACTIONS]**

The tragedy was far from over. During a raid between despair worshipers, Minoru and his family were grizzly attacked and killed for the sake of despair. He ended up cowering underneath a bed where he witnessed in quiet the deaths of his family. As the despairs left, he crawled out from underneath and attempted to gather his bearings.

He approached the despairs in a suicidal craze and compulsively lied to them, bringing himself up and telling them that he was the second coming of Junko Enoshima. Something that turned out to be very untrue, and also a reoccurring joke due to the circumstances of Udamae's talent. The despairs, seeming to enjoy Minoru's act, played along. Minoru later mentions that the despairs most likely knew that he was lying, but found it despairing to follow a false God. Perhaps even sensing Minoru's own despair.

**[END OF CW]**

For the majority of the time that Minoru was left without his family he lead the small group of despairs to wreck havoc on others. He used them in order to get to places he needed to go to due to his already weak nature. Eventually, he slipped away from them and was on the run from said despairs up until the end of the killing game.

It is also said, that because of these events, Minoru is terrified of despairs. Growing weak and shaky when around them.

## Talent

Minoru is recognized as the Ultimate Analyst by Makoto Naegi in an attempt to bring back Hope's Peak Academy. Alternatively, he is called the Super Highschool Level Analyst. His talent is often confused with Junko Enoshima's, and more importantly *Udamae's*. This tidbit is mentioned directly by *Yuuki Hyakuya* and *Kaname Zabatsu* (their identities unknown at the time) in a recording achieved by Kyo Haku. That of which, they both listened to through a broken *Shirokuma* bot, then lovingly dubbed *Infokuma*.

Minoru's talent is quite different from Udamae's, and in a sense- weaker than hers. This caused Minoru to be moderately cautious around her after she confided in him about her talent, though he tried not to be. It is implied that he was not cautious about the fact that her talent resembled Junko Enoshima's, but rather, alarmed that he might be weaker in comparison. Not long after this conversation, Minoru guessed *Udamae Hinansho* as a potential mastermind, intending to completely clear her name when his guess proved to be false.

As the Ultimate Analyst, Minoru specializes in determining whether or not someone is lying, he is able to learn from his environment and adapt accordingly. Minoru is shown to be able to quickly learn from any source material as long as he puts in the effort, resulting in a subpar understanding. Highly skilled in analyzing, determining, and watching other people's behavior. This results in a heightened ability to understand what their body language reveals, making Minoru an annoying opponent to face during everyday interactions.

His ability to analyze others is implied to be because of his extreme distrust of the world. Yet another mechanism that he can use to protect himself while being an otherwise weak, and "kill-able" person.

## Before the Killing Game

During the time that Minoru ran away from the despairs, he found himself at home in abandoned buildings. He continued to see corpses of innocents, eventually growing desensitized in order to protect himself. Minoru crossed paths with Chiyu Komatsuwhere he received a pen with a cutesy cat figurine on it and notebook which he used throughout the killing game to document his observations.

As Minoru continued to survive through his ability to analyze others and convince them to help, he was scouted by *Makoto Naegi* in his attempt to bring back Hope's Peak Academy. Minoru happily obliged despite having a sinking feeling that it would go terribly wrong, due to the simple fact that he'd be offered food, shelter, and a safe place to stay. An offer he couldn't afford to turn down in his position.

## Appearance

Minoru is a pale individual with bright teal eyes, dark curly hair, and a mischievous smile. He possesses a heart motif, seen throughout his design, including an ahoge shaped strangely like a heart.

His physique is skinny and moderately healthy. Though never mentioned directly, his hands are often cold, resulting in him warming them up on occasion. When he wants to appear cunning and sinister, his posture is rigid and full of confidence, although it's often an act. Otherwise, his posture is relaxed and his shoulders are slumped, he can often be seen hunched over his notebook or sitting in otherwise comfortable positions, those of which have an air of childishness.

Minoru was recently redesigned with the intent of making him seem much more like an antagonist, concluding with him being drawn with with sharper features. An interesting note is that as the game progresses, he begins to seem like a less imposing figure.

The cloak that he wears is fastened around his shoulders by a clip shaped like a heart, that when tugged, will cause his cloak to safely come free. It's implied that this is because he fears being strangled by the rest of the participants, and that it served as an extra safety measure during the tragedy as well. Otherwise, Minoru wears slightly heeled boots and a rather thick sweater in order to keep him warm. Although it doesnt do him many favors. Within the inside of the cloak, Minoru is able to keep several items on hand, as the inside is littered with secret pockets. Strangely, Minoru is never seen with the hood of his cloak pulled up.

## Personality

Minoru's fake persona, Xhom had a name chosen purely out of Minoru's love for irony, considering it to be a really fake looking name. He is disappointed when everyone is surprised by the lie he told. Kyo seems as equally amused by his choice when his name is revealed.

## Relationships

### Lovefriend

Concluding the killing game, Minoru and Kyo go on to consider each other their respective 'lovefriend.' Although they both seem to prefer this term, their relationship is much like that of two people who are actively dating. Both of them seem to be avoiding discussing if they are to consider each other "boyfriend" and "girlfriend."

They both are obscenely playful with each other, often teasing and pocking fun at each other for things theyve done in the past. They both seem to enjoy this playful banter.

It is canonical that shortly after exiting the killing game and moving in with Tessio and Kira, they share the dance that they had promised each other.

They should kiss.

### Kyo Haku

*"She's obviously a liar. Most likely knows that i'm lying to her as well. I wonder what game she's playing."*

During Minoru and Kyo's first interaction, Minoru immediately develops a moderate dislike of her character, due to his inability to properly read her due to her closed off nature. During this time, he considered himself to be Xhom, the persona he was using in order to survive. He portrays himself as twinkish and small, even going as far as to fidget with the ends of his cloak. Stuttering and acting as though he was nervous and defenseless. Their personalities immediately clashed, Kyo paying no mind to his antics and moving on with conversation as usual. This frustrated Minoru to a great amount, though he still kept up the act, apologizing over and over and appearing to be very saddened that he could not share his talent. His intent with this was to make others believe he didnt remember, by claiming he couldn't share. This, quite frankly, backfired. The way that Minoru acts seems to be heavily based off of Makoto Naegi, blabbering on about how the killing game isn't too bad and encouraging Kyo to keep her chin up. It is later, ironically, revealed that Kyo has an extreme dislike of people like Makoto. Once again, she pays no mind. Once Minoru leaves the conversation, he immediately switches off his ditzy persona once out of view. Appearing exhausted.

Their second meeting is out of chance and an indicator of what their dynamic would grow to be. Minoru bumps into her on the way to check out the electronics in the mall, hoping to find something fruitful. He exaggerates the pain caused by the act, and apologizes profusely. Kyo comments on this with distaste, to which Minoru only exaggerates his persona more, exclaiming a characterized, *"UuhwhhAH-!?"* Unaware that he'd have to put his persona back up so quickly, it is here when it's implied that Kyo sees his otherwise deadpan expression and confirms to herself that he is faking a persona. Minoru only catches onto this later into the interaction, making things particularly tense between the two. Here he lies to Kyo's face by stating, *"I have nothing against you, Miss!"*

After fully integrating themselves into the electronics department of the mall, they begin to harshly interrogate each other about their motives. Causing Minoru's persona to fall in a way that seems to genuinely fill Minoru with amusement and glee. It's implied that he's finally found someone exciting to compete against and is happy to have a new player on his chess board, further advancing his supposed game. He mocks Kyo's logic, attempting to get a rise out of her as a way to get her to reveal her true self. They both theorize about the events of the killing game in such a way where each comment seems biting. Minoru talks down to Kyo several times, calling her thought process once, *"a rather interesting conclusion to jump to,"* and directly stating, *"you don't make sense."* During this sudden dynamic shift, Minoru intertwines both truths and lies in order to make the moment apparently more interesting. However, it can be debated that this action shows yet another coping mechanism kicking in for him. In his internal dialogue, Minoru states that she's tiring, and that if he could avoid her from then on, he would. Seeming to imply that he knows that this wont be the last time they meet on *"peaceful terms."* It is after this interaction that Minoru decides to fully drop the persona of *Xhom* around her specifically, knowing it would no longer have an effect. Kyo does the same in turn, making it a mutual exchange. It should be noted that they both share a strange sense of mutual trust after this, particularly because they both know each other to be antagonistic in personality, and therefore no longer hiding behind their respective personas.

After the second chapter's guessing event, Kyo, after ominously telling him not to believe everything that he sees tomorrow, reveals herself as the second antagonist. Managing to get into hacking into Yuuki's system and showing the class a surveillance camera video of the despairs taking over the mall. Kyo emerges from within the room nearby, casually introducing her talent as being hacking, and pocking fun at Minoru. She then reveals both his true talent to which Minoru, slightly panicked, fakes a breakdown. Intending to make Kyo seem much worse than he is. Though not a vital moment, as Minoru takes it back, his resentment only grows further. Before this, he jokingly calls Kyo, "Mistress" in an attempt to get on her nerves and catch her off guard. Though, it also hints at their relationship being one where Minoru offers himself as a pawn to the greater "chess player." After this occurrence, Minoru is no longer able to stay quiet about his talent.

In chapter three, Minoru fakes his death along with the death of Bunnou Hinode in order to follow Shirokuma into the building's walls without interference. He messes with the original crime scene and attempts to trick Kyo through her own camera system, proving unsuccessful, but buying him time. During the point that Minoru is traversing the walls and learning how to navigate on his own accord, intending to use the walls to his advantage, Kyo and Love cover for him. He is surprised by this after his return, seemingly unable to believe that they would do that for him without having reason to. He expresses a certain type of concern, relaying the fact that he could've been the blackened. When he comes back to the trial, he introduces himself as Minoru Hyakuya, telling a half-truth and revealing his true first name. Shortly after, he is caught in his lie and finally introduces himself as Minoru Hiyori. Although Kyo doesnt respond directly to this claim, she kisses him after the trials end. It should be noted this kiss is implied to be out of annoyance and anger, Kyo believing that it would be something more shocking than being punched in the gut. She then asks him to clarify what that had all been about, mocking him for pretending to be Hyakuya and states, *"I should reveal to you, too! My name's actually Rei Kirigiri. I'm Naegi's daughter. We should go out!"* Which could be interpreted as flirting, mockery, or a mixture of both. When Minoru is kissed he acts purely out of surprise, and doesnt take it to mean anything other than what Kyo initially intended. After this, Minoru appears to be concerned and worried that Kyo is starting to care about him, noting her reaction and becoming confused that she was even upset to begin with. It's at this point that he reluctantly feels as if he's cared for, failing to push away both Love and Kyo again. Minoru realizes that this sense of stability is overall very nice, considering that he could trust them to cover for him should the situation arise. Hiyori inevitably gets close to both of them concluding the trial. Their combined stubbornness simply causes Minoru to give up.

During the second chapter's guessing event, Minoru picks up *Infokuma*, far more interested in it than the event. He begrudgingly approaches Kyo for help with it in chapter four**,** in order for them to mutually receive information out of it. This is when they begin to truly work together to uncover secrets. Discovering that their ability to work together proves to be more fruitful than both of them working alone.

After working on it for quite some time, Kyo approaches Minoru in his room in order to play the recording she uncovered. After they both quietly listen to a conversation between the host and the mastermind, Minoru rises to a stand and quickly sets Infokuma to explode near the mall's walls. This being a direct violation of the rules, but resulting in a small hole being created which allowed them all to see a glimpse of the outside. His punishment, *Defuse that Angerkuma!* consists of three cloaked figures lined up in front of him, his goal being to correctly determine which one would shoot. Minoru fails to do this, as if to add insult to injury, and is shot in the shoulder. Kyo catches up and manages to see Minoru's punishment, immediately growing concerned and even more so annoyed. Kyo is shown here to empathize with him due to her own experience with getting shot. She helps him up and treats his wound. making for the first moment in which Minoru properly lets down his guard, possibly due to being in shock and dazed from the injury. Though, it's also possible that he realizes Kyo could easily take advantage of his injury, but chooses not to, instead nursing him back to health. The moment is private and oddly intimate. Kyo goes on to say that he should've waited at least a little longer since the recording had only just finished, to which Minoru confides in her that if he had waited any longer hed psyche himself out of doing it, being greatly adverse to pain. After Kyo treats his wound, Minoru expresses genuine thankfulness which Kyo doesnt know how to respond to, confused as to why she even helped or cared. Before departing, Minoru dashes forwards and gives her a tight hug, thanking her again and rushing off before she can react. He seems slightly flustered as he leaves, shutting himself in his room to recover.

It is also during chapter four that the no sleep motive is presented to the cast and a dance is held that they all must attend afterwards. Although dates to the dance were not required, Kyo asked Minoru to accompany her, which Minoru thinks nothing of. At the dance, they share a sleepy conversation which Minoru at first directs towards throwing blatant misgivings about the party, but then directs the conversation to getting to know Kyo a bit more. They promise each other a dance, and attempt to dance to the music at the party, holding hands and swaying idly back and forth as neither of them claim to know how to. Their dance however, is interrupted by Riku and Ayano's exit and Love suddenly following after the two, which they both are unable to notice due to being both drowsy and distracted by each other.

During the investigation period, Kyo and Minoru are given a secret laptop by Shirokuma, that of which they both unlock to find even more information about the killing game. They both determine that there are four despairs, Love being one of them. Shortly after they look through the laptop, they lean against each other and take a dazed nap before the trial begins, choosing to ignore the truth about who the case's blackened is. Minoru only becomes aware of this after Kyo immediately tells him that when reviewing the video footage she saw Love commit the crime. Minoru takes great comfort in this, leaning his head on her shoulder and Kyo leaning her head on his. As the trial draws to its conclusion, Love offering an explanation for their unwilling crime, Kyo begins to act. During her speech, she locks eyes with Minoru, willing him to help her by communicating through gaze alone. She throws herself at Yuuki, attempting to pin her down and prevent her from moving and executing Love. During this, Minoru thinks to himself that she really isn't as heartless as she claims to be, amused at her inability to perceive herself. As they help Love escape, setting off a chain reaction, Minoru becomes frustrated with his inability to help further. After Love is caught and set to be executed, feeling helpless, he begins to cry out of frustration, unable to properly handle his emotions. After the trials conclusion, Minoru and Kyo have a conversation as they walk back to their rooms to mourn. Minoru wipes away his tears and asks her if she's alright. Kyo expresses similar concern and Minoru explains that he only cried because he was frustrated, which indicates his honesty. Kyo insists that her act was futile and built on nothing while Minoru vehemently disagrees. Stating his own perspective which is heavily influenced by his status as the ultimate analyst. He argues that her plan brought everyone together and taught them that they could defy the killing game if they all tried hard enough, overall, reinforcing the idea that what she did was important and that it mattered in the grand scheme of things. They comfort each other over their loss of a close friend.

All in all, chapter four seems to signify the deep sense of care that they hold for each other, although they both may be confused when it comes to deciphering their own feelings.

In chapter five, when Kyo, Minoru, and Ghost are elected as the *class presidents* - set to be executed in a certain amount of time. Minoru reaches a breaking point and sets up an elaborate plan to kill Yuuki Hyakuya (then known as Kei), with the belief that if the host died the killing game would end. It's implied that his interference is due to his concern for Kyo, considering how the class presidents hadn't bonded well enough with anyone else for the others to commit murder. After this event he considers his classmates particularly foolish for endangering the two students who were the most invested in finding out the truths of the game. Scolding them for believing that anything Shirokuma presented could possibly be good.

Not intending to truly die, Minoru sets up an elaborate rube goldberg machine. He closely observes Yuuki's schedule, as human beings are creatures of habit, and sets it to go off on the day the class president's are meant to be executed. Unable to bid farewell to Kyo, he escapes into the walls in order to find help should his plan fail. During this time, he encounters dolls of the participants, and immediately after vows not to tell Kyo about what he saw.

After exiting the Killing Game and bringing back Yuuki Hyakuya, cured of despair, and Chisafusa Tachibana. He is quick to participate in the trial and even quicker to shut down Kayda's insistence that Kyo is the mastermind. Though holding no evidence, this is largely in part to the trust and care that he developed for her once the killing game grew to a close. Although Minoru suggests cutting Kyo's palm once more to verify that she's not a despair, he seems to be very against it, preferring to explain away any remaining suspicion. This is implied to be because he does not wish to hurt someone that he cares about, even in such a small degree.

As the curtains fall to a close, Minoru and Kyo share a final moment together, facing towards a rising sun. Minoru chooses to wrap his arms around her neck, pulling her into a sleepy and admittedly loving, hug. Due to his state of exhaustion after not catching a glimpse of sleep after leaving the killing game, he laughs and mumbles that he accepts being her lovefriend, although in a rather indirect fashion. He expresses in internally that he doesn't know exactly what she means, and mentions that even analysts are unable to know everything. Kyo hugs back, and pulls away first, though she mentions internally that hugging was nice. After pulling away first, she takes his hands in her own, stating "we" after wondering what will become of both of their futures. Implying that they are now acting as a couple. Kyo finally wraps an arm around his shoulder and rests her head atop his, signifying both new beginnings but also mutual comfort with each other. As neither of them particularly seemed to enjoy touch up until that moment.

#### Love Hotels

Both Kyo and Minoru participated in each others love hotels, allowing both of them to understand each other better based on the results and situations presented.

During chapter one, Kyo attempted to complete *Xhom's* love hotel, proving to be a hotel that couldn't be won no matter what the circumstances would be. Xhom is a highly guarded and sinister person, believing in purely a game of chess that subtracts the significance of human lives, including his own. Though he does not show this, acting in an exaggerated and childish manner. Since Kyo's participation was out of the intent to gather information, Xhom offered it in his love hotel.

Xhom's love hotel presents the scenario in which him and his ideal are in the fifth chapter of the killing game. Xhom offers a game of chess, speaking in such a way where his chess metaphors presented themselves as clues. Here, he states that if he loses, Kyo is able to do whatever she wants with him, with Kyo offering the same deal. Xhom compares the chess game the two are playing to the one that he's playing in the killing game. Then hinting that in order to "win" the killing game he's going to be sacrificing himself to end it. After a moment of slightly tense conversation he pretends as if he knows his ideal isnt truly the person sitting in front of him. He asks if Kyo "killed him" and seems to imply that he knows that she killed someone for his sake. He storms out of the room shortly thereafter, only managing to state, *"But there's only one thing i've ever  truly desired - you'd know what that is, right...?"* Hinting at *Minoru's* love hotel. Kyo completely fails this hotel, unable to really learn much about the antagonist.

Only later, after Kyo has begun to truly care for Minoru, does she try and do his love hotel a second time. This love hotel truly is Minoru's, making it much tamer and sweeter, although very rough in the beginning. Minoru displays his fears and anxieties pertaining to letting people get close to him, trembling and speaking about how it would only get the people he cared for hurt, judging himself as someone who is unlikely to survive. He acknowledges that he doesnt act like "everyone else" and commits morally grey acts which can be seen as wrong. Kyo, however, is able to quickly calm him down, resulting in Minoru expressing that he loves her due to the trust he has in her. Kyo's dialogue within his hotel seems to be truthful. She later brings it up as the killing game comes to a close.

Minoru only partakes in Kyo's love hotel after he's gotten to know her quite a bit. Attempting to do his very best in order to guarantee a good night's rest for Kyo, who he knows stays up often and doesn't get as nearly as much sleep as she should. Although Minoru initially struggles in the love hotel, he quickly adapts to the emotional and analytical side of it. Conversing with Kyo about what love really is fluently, and what the meaning of life truly is. He prematurely confesses his love to her and takes it back with a quick lie after she appears unhappy, however, Kyo later reflects on it and says that she loves him too.

### Love

"*Initially I saw them as a bother- which is kind of funny to think about now. They're quite kind but willing to be 'manipulated' and it concerns me. In some ways i'm reminded of myself. Our conversation about facial expressions was purely them wanting to help me... but I can't find myself able to trust them."*

Much like Minoru's other relationships, Hiyori's first couple of meetings with Love were full of animosity. While continuing to be Xhom, Minoru acted much like a defenseless and harmless person, resulting in Love being vaguely intrigued by his behavior. Though it became apparent early on to Love that Minoru was not who he said he was.

Their friendship is easily one of the more complicated ones. With them dancing around each other, seemingly in such a way where neither of them are able to properly connect to each others feelings. Before they grew close, Love viewed Minoru with a certain sense of admiration, that of which Minoru looked away from. It's implied that Minoru didn't know what to think of it, and desired the exact opposite of admiration, throwing him off.

Love proposes the idea of being Minoru's pawn, to which Minoru lies and says he'll do so. Later, Minoru reveals that he lied about this, if only to get that strange disconnect to end. Love unfortunately, takes that lie to be true, and takes their role seriously. Minoru attempting to truly get to know them, this misunderstanding in their roles causes a significant gap in their understanding of each other. Although Minoru wishes to be Love's friend, or at least, get to known them better... he backtracks on this continuously. Scolding himself for wanting to make friends out of want, rather than using them as playing pieces.

During the earlier chapters, Minoru and Love attempt to help each other, although it goes rather backwards. Minoru seems to believe that there's an inherent issue with naming someone else, and then proposes a nickname for them, attempting to detach himself from the role of the chess player specifically when it came to them. He nicknames Love "Ve-san," since Love states that they've only ever known the letters in their name. Here, Love encourages Minoru to think more about his coping mechanisms and tells him that its okay to laugh. Minoru seems to become slightly on guard because of this, although he forcefully attempts to lower it and be honest. Unfortunately, this comes off as manipulative and shallow. Minoru unable to properly figure out his own boundaries acts like a much more animated version of himself.

After Minoru fakes his death during chapter three, Love seems to be overcome with grief. Seemingly confessing their romantic affections towards Minoru, which turn out to be platonic ones. Love being unable to discern one from the other. Once Minoru returns to the trial and is faced with the reality that Love cares about him, he tries to treat them with far more kindness. Trying to get to know them for who they are. Although the process is slow for both of them, it is mainly Minoru's misgivings that cause them both difficulty. Those misgivings are completely unfounded, though created by Minoru's inability to read Love, and Love's ability to keep their intentions hidden. Love punches Minoru for hurting Riku's feelings (and possibly their own). Minoru attempts to encourage both of them to distance themselves so that they don't get hurt. This is ignored by both parties, making Minoru give up when it comes to halfheartedly pushing them away.

After the trials end, Kyo Haku and Love confront Minoru and ask him for the information he has to give. As Minoru and Kyo talk about the killing game, Love abruptly dismisses themself, claiming that they aren't smart enough to join in on the conversation. After they leave, Minoru expresses his concern and newfound care which he lets himself feel.

During chapter four, when Minoru is punished for breaking the rules and therefore, shot. Love pays him a visit and brings him several assortments of tea. Minoru is obviously grateful for this and laughs off Love's concerns, although Love acts much like a concerned parent, which Minoru points out. They have a melancholic chat, Minoru's dialogue and thought process becoming highly analytical, while Love plays along with what he has to say, being confused. Minoru is unaware of this. Minoru then asks what Love wants to do once they get out of the killing game. To which they confide in each other their goals, Love comments about their love for Akira. That of which Minoru accidentally insults. Either way, they seem to enjoy each other's company and respect each other as friends. Minoru seems happy to be cared for as a friend.

After chapter four's murder takes place, Minoru quickly realizes that Love is the blackened. He attempts to make things easier for them, solving a trial as he normally would. He is gentle, yet forceful, when talking to them. Seeming to set his feelings aside. Soon after locking eyes with Kyo, he tells them to run and helps them get into the mall's walls which he had traversed a chapter ago. Minoru asks one last favor of them, that being that they live. He joins the effort to restrain Yuuki, started by Kyo, and becomes increasingly frustrated that he's unable to do more to help them. Minoru begins to cry, unbeknownst to himself, and enters a state of grief early on.

After Love is dragged back into the trial and executed. Minoru finds it difficult to recover, brushing off grief with frustration, although its a mix of the two. Minoru blames himself for being unable to give Love more direction, and takes to heart what Yuuki said about giving them false hope and making them suffer longer than they had to. Something which he personally believes to be crueler than anything else. Though he attempts to seen unaffected by her words, as it would've given her the reaction she desired.

Minoru once again, runs into the walls during chapter five, this time leaving the killing game in its entirety. During this time, it is said that Minoru realized that the blackeneds of each chapter were very much alive. Minoru meets up with Chisafusa Tachibana and Yuuki Hyakuya (cured of despair) and demands to meet with Love during his momentary stay at Future Foundation. After this, it is theorized that Minoru launched himself at Love for an embrace and that Love spun Minoru around, sharing a sweet moment together before Minoru's eventual return during the last chapter of the killing game.

### Akira Chinen

*"Greatly insulted him upon our first meeting. It... didn't go well (ノ∇ヽ) Doesn't seem to care about much - or doesn't let himself care...? Relaxed, almost to the point of apathy. Comment about seeing his parent's die seemed to insult him the most."*

Although Minoru and Akira had a rocky relationship at first, with Minoru clearly insulting Akira in order to get a rise out of him. Their relationship stabilized after Love's death. Minoru saw how it had affected Akira and decided to visit him and make sure that he was okay. Akira, who had shut himself off in his room, allowed Minoru to enter and they conversed about drawing. That being a gateway which allowed both of them to express their emotions to one other before *Minoru mysteriously went missing*.

After the Killing Game, it's implied that Minoru and Akira go to each other for advice or to chat when neither of them feel like they can communicate with any of the other survivors.

### Kayda Mioda

*"I'll play my role and she'll play hers. I hope that i'll be able to create enough distance to proceed. Don't trust."*

Simply put, Minoru did not like Kayda much if at all, and the theme persisted well after the killing game's end. Though they both pursued opposing roles in the killing game, him being her antagonist, Minoru was unable to sympathize with, what he would call, "emotional outbursts." He considered those to be a weak point and chastised her inability to think logically when the group needed her.

#### Love Hotel

Minoru purchased a love hotel key in order to enter Kayda's love hotel. Though his intent was not out of kindness, he did his best to guarantee the protagonist a good night's rest. Much to his shock, he ended up learning about Kayda's low image of self worth and apparent hatred for her father, who Minoru imagined was part of a cult. In his attempt to sympathize, Kayda misinterpreted his words and attempted to offer herself to him, something which he immediately turned down, clarifying that he meant the time they spent together. Of course, Minoru was attempting to play Kayda's ideal, and received a B+ grade.

### Ayano Amari

*"Nervous, shy, hesitant. Seems to believe in Bunnou's actions no matter what happens. Was able to discern that I wasn't who I said I was. Seems to doubt their opinions, though."*

 Minoru spoke to Ayano in an attempt to make a first acquaintance, viewing them as an easy target to take under his wing and use as a pawn in the future. Ayano however, seemed to have misgivings about him and it cost Minoru much more effort than he could care to give. Though halfheartedly part of a trio with them and Bunnou, Minoru seemed mostly unaffected by their succeeding deaths.

### Ayumu Takahashi

*"I'd like to say that I didn't see that coming. A big threat and unlikely to survive - almost wish he had stuck around longer to show us all the end of that facade."*

Though Minoru and Ayumu did not form a relationship or a bond, Minoru had been moderately cautious about the other simply due to a "hunch." He found Ayumu's murder of Ayumi and cannibalism to be interesting, and even amusing. Overall, Minoru remained pleasantly surprised by the trial, seeing as it satisfied his like of creative murders and faked personalities.

### Bunnou Hinode

*Seemed to be kind, but also under a lot of pressure. I feel sympathetic towards him - wish we could've spoken more before his death."*

Minoru did not form a close bond with Bunnou, simply serving as the missing link to a friendship group of three, Minoru found him to be a pleasant person to be around. Keeping Bunnou in the back of his mind. Their relationship did not go past that much, other than the ironic fact that Bunnou and Minoru were both victims during the third chapter of the killing game. Minoru's death being completely faked.

### Kaname Zabatsu

*"We haven't spoken. Doesn't seem to be an agreeable person to be around and doesn't seem to like me very much ^^; Quick to lash out upon realizing I had lied - but she was right. Easy to squash down. I'm unwilling to underestimate her."*

Though Kaname and Minoru did not speak until the fifth chapter of the killing game, Minoru and Kaname held a strained bond. That is partly due to Minoru's avoidance and mild dislike. He attempted to suck up to her, which did not prove to be very fruitful. Kaname was greatly insulted by Minoru pretending to be the mysterious *Hyakuya*, which raised his suspicions about her.

### Kizana Akemi

*"Acts in a cat-like manner as a coping mechanism! Doesn't pay attention to her surroundings much... as much as I want to use her I cant bring myself to. She reminds me too much of... myself? Will avoid until further notice... although her company is nice."*

Minoru cared for Kizana in part due to Kizana's naivety and cheerful nature. Though their friendship did not expand more, they had a meaningful conversation about putting on personas for others to enjoy. That of which caused Kizana to cry, surprising Minoru. What surprised him the most however, was being wrapped into a hug by her. He did his best to comfortingly hold her as she cried, resulting in an innate feeling of mutual trust.

He is also the one responsible for calling out Kizana for the murder she committed during chapter three, her victim being Bunnou Hinode. He caught her fleeing the scene, and snapped a picture with his polaroid camera. During her final moments, it's noted that Minoru simply offers a typical farewell, though jarring, it's theorized that this is because Minoru is attempting to create distance one final time to keep himself going.

### Riku Takahashi

"*My roommate. Tried to cover for me when I feigned illness by acting like as if he was sick as well. Couldve been a good ally had I not squashed that notion. I dont want him to endanger himself if first impressions are of any value.*"

### Shinko Maeda

"A*pologies wont do anything. Was useful.*"

### Udamae Hinansho

"*Despair...? Derives pleasure from pain - and didn't hide it, yet- she argues that both her smile and mine are different. Wonder why...? Gave her information on despairs to see what would happen. Seems to pity or dislike me, cant tell which.*"

Although Minoru and Udamae don't share many interactions together. Udamae seems to have an extreme dislike of Minoru's outlook and actions, comparing him to Junko Enoshima and thinking that he was even worse than she initially thought. Udamae later attempts to talk Minoru out of his bad behavior, **WIPPP !!! LOOK HERE LOOOK LOOK**

### Yuuki Hyakuya

"*The traitor. Seems to gain feelings of despair if the game doesn't succeed. Helps during trials... I wonder why? Not as big of a threat as she seems... kinda like a moderator?*"

host

### Shirokuma

"*A polite little bear, I shouldn't care about him but he's kinda cutesy.*"

hodld

## Quotes

### Chapter One

* "My name's Xhom! Last I remember I was here to buy a uniform for... errm- sorry! Forgot to ask... are you both alright?"
* "I'm... not really good at reading people. But you seem reliable, Miss Haku! If I find anything i'll tell you right away (\*´∇｀\*)!!" (Lie)
* "Truth be told... I know that the best way to hide is holding no expression and refusing to show reactions. But..! Laughs and smiles help fix things."
* "Cleavers dont usually *slice* through things, huh? If you still have it, we can test it out - but i'm sure you know they're mainly for *chopping and hacking away at things*, riiiiight?~"
* "No! No! You misunderstood. I saw most of what happened - but not everything - do you understand what I mean..? Ah, but you don't believe me, do you Miss? *That's great!!!* Because you shouldn't. People who want to be proven innocent - people who don't want to be suspected - they'll fight for it! They'll make sure their alibi is set while telling the truth... or they'll *lie*."
* *"Trusting people is something that shouldn't be done in a killing game."*
* "Cruel...? Haha~ how could *that* be considered *cruel?* Emotion isnt worth *anything*, especially in a place like this." (Love, scolding Minoru for his acts)
* "The point of chess isn't to win... it's to play because you think the other person is worthy of it."

### Chapter Two

* "*Castles...?* Ahh... come oooon, you clearly know chess terms - otherwise you couldn't have claimed that I called you a bishop."

* "So I guess I could say I lost this time. *Hehe*, can't say that it wasn't exciting! I enjoyed it a lot...!"

* "*Hmm~ hmm...~*"
* "It's stupid - I refuse to call myself or take the title of 'Ultimate Analyst'. *Really*... it's just a hobby."
* "A-Ah! So you... you want me to be your fail safe, is that it...? If you believe that's something you should do then... go ahead. But you should know that this is a very dangerous three way game."
* "*An analyst of any sort wouldn't be able to be a symbol of hope...*"
* "*I'll trust you.* *Ahaha*..... apologies - but it just doesnt seem like something you'd do - so I *can* trust that."
* "Hey.... when you get into a fight with someone... what happens to both parties?" (Giving Seiko a clue about Rumiko's death)

### Chapter Three

* "Ki~za~na-saaaan, you don't have to act all of the time, *i'll protect you.*"
* "But... it's good to stop the act every once in a while, right?"
* "*What you did was cool...!* And... *appreciated*. I was hoping someone would intervene"
* "There's only so many times we can... *threaten*, lie, theorize, antagonize. ~*Juuuuust kidding!*"
* "Heyyy...what even makes me so interesting? Nothing's particularly interesting about a *lie* is there...? Though! I suppose you could argue that in every lie there's a truth..!"
* "You can't assume that I wont *feel* if I do manipulate someone else... It's harder than it seems - y'know... to continue to view everything as a game of chess no matter what...."
* "*一Sorry I'm late!* I was... busy. Haha- *oops...?*" (Minoru's first words upon appearing at the trial, after faking his death.)
* "*Minoru Hyakuya*; Future Foundation. It's... nice to finally meet you all." (Lie)
* "You're all *really* close to the answer - i'm sure it's been said before! Just not... right when it comes to what happened"

### Chapter Four

* "*Shirokumaa~* isn't a very innocent bear, he encouraged Bunnou to go to the bathhouse knowing it'd kickstart something - and I dont think Kei is going to take us both wandering around basically outside of the game well..."
* "'Strictly prohibited' seems like a *death* punishment to me - rule breaking is another thing entirely..."
* "Ahh, calling you the mastermind over something like that- if they did they'd lack a couple of brain cells, huh?"
* "No accomplishments either...? Usually people want to *do things* - but I can understand if not. My goal has always been to... improve, or help - I guess. I haven't been doing well on that front."

* "Die miserably huh.... don't believe we'll give up so quickly, alright!!! It'll be okay."
* "Let's... figure this out, together."
* "If you hadn't done that first I wouldn't have gone along with it - and neither would anyone else. You pulled the trigger一 I think... that's what makes it worth it, too." (To Kyo, in the aftermath of the trial, encouraging her.)

### Chapter Five

* "It's... not poisoned. I can try if if you're suspicious of that sorta thing - but that'd be a tedious process, don't you think?"
* "Truth is, I don't know how to feel. Losing Love hurt more than I expected it to - everyone is coping in near terrible ways so I... *一So I'm doing my best to help other people.*"
* "How do we know you're not lying about what you said, just now? Because... you knoowwww, if this game is hosted in such a way where we're *not* supposed to win... i'd think that lying to the participants is a very, *very,* nice way to get them to run around chasing a *lie.*"
* "With the right reason - *anyone* could kill someone else.... even if that person happens to be a friend. Spare me that hopeful dialogue, (\*´∇｀\*) please!"
* "Did you use your *talent* for that? Wwwwww... there's no need to! You know...! Talents are like... a bonus- I guess. In any case it's a solid plan..."
* "This game *is* a lie, and if there's anyone that I can *trust* to keep on disproving a lie it's you."

### Chapter Six

* "Hey... *everyone...!* I went to get help."
* "You wouldn't mind if I cut your palm, riiight, Kyo? But we dont need to do that, huh!"
* "Love said... that they're proud of all of us and that they'll see us all soon."
* "Huh? Ah- I care about you too!"
* "Your... *lovefriend...?* Where did you hear that from? Was it Kanji? But - ah, if... that's a word you want to use... then, sure, i'm glad you're my lovefriend too, Kyo."

## Trivia

* Minoru (實) meaning truth, or sincerity. Hiyori (柊和) meaning calm. A direct juxtaposition to Minoru's very nature. His name makes for a rather ironic name reveal after he drops the alias of *Xhom*.
	+ *The name 'Xhom' is a nod to admin Worm's old oorp name, 'Zom'. It's also very hard to translate into Japanese dear god. 'Xhom' is also a reference the admin Worm's old character, Quib Lysander. Who also lied about his name with one that was obviously fabricated.*
* Minoru is FtM, though this is never mentioned in the RPG, it is heavily implied.
* Gained indirect ownership of Riku's iguana, *Jade*. Though it's unknown as to what Minoru ended up doing with her. It's implied that she ended up being his pocket companion. He, funnily enough, panicked over not knowing how to take care of her.
	+ *Minoru later renamed Jade to Riku, after her owner.*
* Minoru almost gave the murder recap during chapter three, seeing as how Kayda was heavily mourning the loss of her partner, Bunnou.
	+ *This was encouraged by Love, who referenced Byakuya Togami near the end of the trial. Simply stating, "Get em, Minoru."*
* Minoru's rube goldberg machine murder plan was inspired by the events of Danganronpa V3's first chapter.
* Due to the fact that Minoru met Chiyu Komatsu prior to the killing game, he mimics his behavior once in homage to his personality.
* Minoru possesses ownership of several pictures of the blackeneds and victims during the killing game, all taken with a polaroid camera by him and stored in his notebook for further reference.
* Minoru canonically partakes in the act of wearing a maid apron, given to him him by Kyo Haku.