Naezono

### Tropes

* Childhood Friends — Subverted. Despite knowing each other from their time at Blackroot Junior High, they had never gotten the opportunity to become closely acquainted until attending Hope's Peak Academy.
* Cry into Chest — Sayaka does this while begging for Makoto to always be there for her.
* The Lost Lenore — Sayaka's death deeply impacted Makoto, and he vows to hold onto her memory for as long as he's alive.

*“No matter what happens, please always be there for me. I need you on my side...”*
— Sayaka begging for Makoto's support.

**Naezono** is the het ship between Makoto Naegi and Sayaka Maizono.

## Relationship in canon

Prior to entering Hope's Peak Academy, Makoto and Sayaka were both students at Blackroot Junior High. The two did not have a friendship with each other at the time, due to being in different classes, and having vastly different social standards. At one point during their first year, a crane had wandered into the school pond, but Makoto managed to lead it back into the forest. After this event, Sayaka had always wanted to find the opportunity to thank Makoto and get to know him better, but because she was always surrounded by other people, the two ended up graduating without saying a word to each other.

The two would eventually meet up again after they were both selected to attend Hope's Peak Academy as students of Class 78th. While little is known of their school life together, several class photos indicate that they became close friends with each other.

### *Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc*

Upon meeting each other in the main hall, Makoto is instantly smitten by Sayaka, and in his mind, compares her appearance to that of a doll. Makoto is suddenly caught off guard when Sayaka tells him that she isn't a doll, and that she's alive, and when he asks if she was able to hear his thoughts, she replied that she's psychic, before laughing and saying that she just has good intuition. Sayaka is then about to ask Makoto a question, but their conversation is interrupted by Kiyotaka Ishimaru, so she decides to bring it up with him at a later time.

After Makoto gets knocked out by Mondo Owada, he is brought to his dorm room to recover, and Sayaka decides to go check on him. After Makoto wakes up,

#### Free Time Events

In Sayaka's first Free Time Event, she tells Makoto how much having him by her side means to her, and that she hates how they had to meet again under such awful conditions. Makoto tells Sayaka that having her here is what "saved" him as well, and Sayaka thanks him for the flattery. Makoto then remarks in his mind that Sayaka's "mysterious smile" softens his heart. The two then reminisce about an event that happened when they were both in the first year of middle school, in which Makoto helped a crane find its way home after wandering into the school pond. Sayaka then states that she never imagined their current situation would be how she got her chance to finally thank Makoto, but is certain that he will help her find her way out of the school, just like he did with that crane. Makoto promises Sayaka that he will do his best, and that there isn't anything he wouldn't do to help her escape. Before the two part ways, Makoto remarks in his mind that the closer the two of them get, the stronger Sayaka's smile makes him feel, and that he was glad to feel this way.

In Sayaka's second Free Time Event, she asks Makoto if he has a girlfriend. This question catches Makoto off guard, but he clarifies to her that he doesn't have one. Sayaka then asks Makoto if he at least has a crush on someone, but Makoto asks her why she's asking him these questions. Sayaka answers that she was just curious, and that it's natural to be curious of your classmates when you're going through the same ordeal together. Sayaka then states that she and Makoto are *more* than just classmates, they're friends who've known each other since middle school, to which Makoto agrees. Sayaka pauses for a moment, and then asks Makoto if he's going to ask her if she has a boyfriend, to which Makoto responds that being as popular as she as she is, he wouldn't be surprised if she did have one. Sayaka then reveals that she doesn't have a boyfriend due to how busy she is, and Makoto asks if *she* has a crush on anyone. Sayaka blushes, and says there's someone she's interested in, while looking at Makoto in the eyes, an action that makes Makoto wonder if Sayaka is talking about him. Sayaka then tells Makoto that she needs to put her feelings aside, and that escaping from Hope's Peak is all that matters now. Sayaka pleads for Makoto to never turn her back on her, and Makoto promises that he won't. When Sayaka tells Makoto that she's really glad he's here with her, Makoto remarks in his head how their friendship is a source of courage for him, which makes him even more determined to ensure they both escape together. Sayaka then once again acts as though she can hear Makoto's thoughts, startling him, before clarifying that she just has really good intuition. The two agree to work together and do their best before parting ways.

### *Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School*

#### *Future Arc*

In Episode 11, Makoto hallucinates after watching a despair-inducing video that forces viewers to commit suicide. In his hallucination, Sayaka appears and calls him a liar, reminding him of the promise he made to help her escape from Hope's Peak Academy, and his failure to do so. She is then joined by the recently "deceased" Kyoko, and the rest of the victims of the Killing School Life, and tells Makoto that he should've died instead of them. After managing to get his hands on a knife, both Sayaka and Kyoko encourage Makoto to end his own life. He obliges, but is then stopped by Juzo Sakakura.

#### *Despair Arc*

In Episode 11, Makoto and Sayaka can be seen talking to each other while the rest of Class 78th is working to seal the school. As the two walk away, Junko Enoshima throws a wrench at Makoto's head, and he narrowly avoids being hit after slipping on a piece of paper and falling to the ground. Sayaka expresses concern for his well-being, but Makoto assures her that he's alright, and the two continue on their way.

### *Danganronpa 2.5: Nagito Komaeda and the World Vanquisher*

In Nagito Komaeda's illusionary world, Sayaka can be seen running down a path with toast in her mouth, when she accidentally bumps into Nagito, and falls to the ground. Makoto then appears, and helps her up, acting much more confident than his real-world counterpart, which impresses Sayaka. Later, the two can be seen happily walking together, with Sayaka holding onto Makoto's arm.

### *Ultimate Talent Development Plan*

**NOTE:** The following information comes from official *Danganronpa* media that is considered to be **non-canon**.
During one event, Sayaka approaches Makoto and asks him if he knows that the menu in the dining hall is going to change today. Makoto says he does, and that he was thinking of going down there to try it out. Sayaka says she was thinking of doing the same, and then asks Makoto if he would like to have lunch with her, to which he happily complies. After they finish their meal, Sayaka remarks how she's never eaten at a place that serves such high quality meals, and Makoto says he knows what she means. Sayaka then jokingly asks Makoto if he can tell her what she's thinking about, but Makoto says he can't. Sayaka then blushes before apologizing for teasing him, and then remarks that it's fun to spend time with him like normal students. Makoto says he feels the same way, and that he never thought he'd be able to spend time with her like this after middle school. Sayaka is glad that he feels the same way, and then says that she would *also* like to have lunch with him again some time. Makoto is startled by this, and Sayaka laughs before asking if she guessed what he was thinking. Makoto tells her she was right, and agrees to having lunch again with her in the future.

During another event, Sayaka is thinking about what to do after finishing her Christmas show performance, and decides to see if Makoto is still awake. Once they meet, Makoto asks Sayaka if she was waiting long, and Sayaka apologizes for calling him out at such a late hour. Makoto tells her not to worry about it, and that he wanted to talk to her about the concert, and is glad she invited him. Sayaka then thanks Makoto for attending her concert, and that seeing him from the stage greatly encouraged her. Makoto tells her that all of her fans were watching her with big smiles on their faces, including himself, and that he thought it was amazing how one person could have so much power. He then remarks that it's strange how the girl he was watching on stage is now standing in front of him right now, but Sayaka assures him that in spite of her being a pop star, she is still Makoto's classmate, and that even after they graduate, the two of them will always be close. Makoto tells her that he'll keep cheering her on, so that her dreams come true, and Sayaka takes that as a promise.

### *Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp*

**NOTE:** The following information comes from official *Danganronpa* media that is considered to be **non-canon**.
During one event, Sayaka greets Makoto and his younger sister, Komaru Naegi, and wishes them a good morning. Komaru suddenly becomes flustered, and thanks Sayaka for greeting her. Makoto becomes a little annoyed by his sister's behavior, and tells her that Sayaka will never feel at ease if she's always acting awkward around her. Sayaka then giggles and remarks on how well the two of them get along, and that she's a little jealous, because she's always wanted an older brother. Sayaka then compliments Makoto on his "brother mode," saying that he becomes a different person around Komaru, which makes Makoto embarrassed. Komaru continues to express amazement in Sayaka, and Makoto apologizes to Sayaka on his sister's behalf. Sayaka tells him not to worry, because the support of her fans is priceless to her.

In another event, Makoto contemplates on how he can unlock new potential in his talent, and decides to talk to Sayaka for help. The two meet at the Music Venue, where Makoto tells her that he can't believe he gets to see her on stage from so close up. Sayaka tells him to get excited, because her and several others have a lot of things planned. Makoto says he can't wait, and that he's a little jealous of people who can use their talents to collaborate. Sayaka tells him that he's able to follow any path that he wants, and isn't limited to only working with people whose talents compliment his own. Makoto says he never thought of it like that before, but seems to understand her point. Sayaka then blushes before asking if she was of any help to him, and a surprised Makoto asks how she knew he was looking for advice, to which she once again answers that she's psychic.

In another event, Sayaka arrives at the beach and apologizes for being late, and the sight of her wearing a bikini gets Makoto's attention. Kokichi Oma realizes this, and teases Makoto about it, who tries to deny it at first, but quickly admits to it. Kokichi then encourages Makoto to tell Sayaka what he thinks of her bikini, but Mukuro Ikusaba (disguised as her twin sister, Junko) tells Kokichi to knock it off. Once the two are alone together, Sayaka suggests that they try some shaved ice while they wait for everyone else to show up, and Makoto agrees. Later that day, as the two are preparing to head back, Sayaka tells Makoto that she had a lot of fun, and he says he did as well. Makoto then takes the opportunity to compliment Sayaka on her swimsuit, saying it looks lovely on her, which makes Sayaka blush, and she thanks him. Sayaka then says she was worried he wouldn't care about her swimsuit, because idols like her parade around in them all the time. Makoto tells her that he cares about more than just the swimsuit, but that it still looks great on her, and Sayaka is glad to hear that.

In Sayaka's final Special Event, she performs her new solo track, titled "Wishing on the Stars (Piano Version)." After her performance is over, Makoto tells her that she was amazing, and that he really enjoyed the mellow atmosphere. Makoto also tells Sayaka that she'll continue to inspire him, and he'll continue to support her.

## Fandom

### Origin and appeal

Due to their numerous interactions in the game's first chapter, along with the fact that both characters are heavily implied to share mutual feelings for one another, it was inevitable that Makoto and Sayaka would be shipped together. Fans find their interactions with each other throughout the first chapter of the first game to be adorable, with how Sayaka would often playfully joke with Makoto that she's psychic, and Makoto's flustered reactions. Fans also found it cute how Sayaka offered to be Makoto's "Ultimate Assistant," and would try her best to help him whenever possible.

The ship's biggest detractor comes from the revelation towards the end of the first Class Trial, where it's revealed that Sayaka had actually planned on committing her own murder, and may have intended to frame Makoto for it, suggesting that she may have never actually cared for him, and was just using his affection towards her for her own benefit. This possibility has made the ship rather divisive among the fandom.

### Popularity

Naezono is among the more popular shipping choices for both characters, especially on Sayaka's side, with its main rival being Leosaya. The ship is a little less popular on Makoto's side, losing in popularity to Naegami and Naegiri.

### Headcanons

* As suggested by Kyoko in the game itself, many fans of the ship believe that Sayaka wrote Leon's name on the wall to avert suspicion that Makoto had anything to do with her murder.
	+ While this is only presented as a possibility in the game, both the manga and stage play adaptations confirm that this was indeed Sayaka's true intent, as opposed to simply getting revenge on her killer.

## Variations

* **Leonaezono** — the ship between the two and Leon Kuwata.
* **Naegirizono** — the ship between the two and Kyoko Kirigiri.

## External links

### Fandom

#### Danganronpa Wiki

* Makoto's relationship with Sayaka
* Sayaka's relationship with Makoto

### Tumblr

* #naesaya
* #naezono

## Trivia

* Both characters' dorm rooms are located next to each other.