Main installments: Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc | Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair | Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School | Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
Spin-offs: Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls | Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp
Per wiki policy, Spoilers Off applies here and all spoilers are unmarked. You Have Been Warned.
Even Hiyoko performs in the victim's memory.
- Despite the fact that he agrees that Teruteru wasn't justified in committing murder, when Teruteru's door is examined after Chapter 1, Hajime still makes a promise to his friend that he will find out what happened to the Hanamura Diner and come back one day to tell him.
- Similarly, while Mahiru never got along with Teruteru, and also agrees that his actions weren't justified, she knows perfectly well how he feels about his mother, since she believes that "your mom is your most important family." The cast might bicker and be driven to murder one another, but that doesn't mean they don't have sympathy for each other.
- Related to the above, everyone quickly realizes that the likely reason Byakuya died wasn't because Teruteru missed his intended target, Nagito, but because Byakuya shielded Nagito.
- While it doubles as a Tear Jerker, Peko asking the class to find in their hearts to forgive Fuyuhiko and then apologizing to them over her murder of Mahiru and asking Hajime to prevent anyone from dying so senselessly again shows that despite her saying earlier that the time she spent with the class was "nothing" that she genuinely did care about them enough to urge them to live on.
- In a weird way, Fuyuhiko's defending her or trying to deflect suspicion off of her in the class trial is this. He's willing to get himself killed to save her. And this is for a girl who is supposedly just his "tool". It's definitely clear that his feelings run deeper than that.
- Hiyoko, who is a pain in the ass to pretty much everyone sets up a memorial for Mahiru after the latter has been murdered and while initially it scares the class it soon becomes a welcome sight in the restaurant .
- Then in a bonus scene after her initial attempt flops, she arranges for Hajime to photograph another memorial service where she, Chiaki, and Ibuki perform in Koizumi's honor. Hajime also takes the moment to think about all those who have died so far — victims and killers alike.
- Despite everyone being justifiably not fond of Nagito, when he catches the Despair Disease in Chapter 3 and appears to be dying, the other students show genuine concern for him. He sadly never learns about it.
- Related to the above, Mikan shows why she's the Ultimate Nurse by tending to the ones afflicted, not even hesitating despite the large risk of being infected with it as well. It's implied she didn't sleep for 2 days while caring for the dying Nagito non-stop. Unfortunately this is how she gets the Despair Disease herself.
- Akane's happiness when Kazuichi gives her the miniature Mechamaru toy AKA "Minimaru". Made even sweeter that for the rest of Chapter 5 she carries him around with her, and he would at times shout out some phrases or words that correspond with whatever Akane is saying.
- Monomi's speech at the end of Chapter 5 right before her and Chiaki Nanami's execution; in the midst of several characters' crises concerning talent, worth, and self-sacrifice, it's the sweetest and most uplifting case of Be Yourself.Monomi: There’s no need to be a hero. You don't have to force yourself just to make people acknowledge you. When you do that, you end up blaming yourself, blaming other people...and feeling jealous of everyone... But still...it doesn't have to be like that. Even if people don't acknowledge you, you just have to be someone that you can be proud of! Cuz...you yourself are your biggest supporter! If you can learn to love yourself... That love will continue to support you for the rest of your life.
- And an earlier, brief moment in Chapter is her response to Nagito's Self-Deprecation and very scathing self-descriptions. While the students don't ever seem to know how to react to them due to their rather justified mistrust and dislike of Nagito, Monomi is perhaps the only character in the game not to let the character's personality and cruelty get to her — she responds by earnestly insisting that the things they say about themselves aren't true and that no human being is trash.
- When Monomi asks Chiaki where she got her kindness, Chiaki responds, "From my father, I guess...and my brother." The next chapter implies that this refers to Chihiro and Alter Ego.
- Even more heartwarming: The English translation has her say "our dad and our big brother". Chiaki is confirming that Monomi is her sister in every sense of the word! Aww!
- A bonus scene in the first chapter has more Heartwarming in Hindsight, as Chiaki invites Monomi to the girls' dessert-making party, and in the following CG they're sharing a plate in the background.
- The fact Makoto used the 11037 number as a code to save the remaining students, the number which Sayaka Maizono, the first victim in Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, used to save Makoto from being framed as the culprit in the first trial. Makoto explained to Hajime that the reason he set 11037 as the code was because a certain person left that number behind to save him from trouble, proving that despite the fact Sayaka took advantage of Makoto's kindness and tried to frame him in the beginning, Makoto believed Kyoko's theory and remembered her dearly as a friend.
- Not to mention that it's also a tribute to Leon Kuwata himself, since he was pushed into becoming the first murderer in the first game and seemed to get along okay with Makoto. Especially if the manga's turn of events was canonical and his fatal stabbing of Sayaka was actually completely accidental after all.
- The whole simulation redemption plan is really sweet. Sure, Usami was really corny and saccharine, but in the pre-Monokuma part of the game she tries so hard to make the students feel safe, treat them with kindness, and encourage them to have fun and make friends. That's the worst Ultimate Hope has for his worst enemies.
- It's even more heartwarming when you consider these are loyal followers of the person who forced him and 15 of his friends to kill each other, not to mention they're responsible for plenty of horrible things themselves during the Tragedy. Yet instead of letting them die or taking revenge himself, he instead chooses to give them a chance for a new start through the rehabilitation program. Even after everything he's been through, Makoto still sees the best in people.
- As Gundham lays dying at the end of his execution, his hamsters watching, all of his departed pets descend from the sky and carry him into Heaven. An animal lover's faith in his pets is rewarded.
- Made even more heartwarming by the fact that he thought he was going to hell. Although, perhaps for an Evil Overlord wannabe like him, that is Hell.
- Even Monokuma seems to respect Gundham afterward, raising his hand seemingly as either a respectful salute or a gesture of reassurance to the Devas of Destruction.
- In the Grape House in Chapter 4, you can see a statue of Sakura Ogami, though it is only labeled as "Ogre". Then you look at it and no one knows what or who it is supposed to be. This means that not only did the Future Foundation go out of their way to memorialize their dead friend in their rehabilitation program, but despite Monokuma vandalizing everything else on the islands (including turning Monomi's home into a haunted house), this statue alone is completely untouched.
- It's implied that Monokuma created the entire Funhouse himself, which means he's responsible for the statue, not the Future Foundation. Looks like he has some serious (if begrudging) Villain Respect for the one whose Heroic Sacrifice united everyone towards defeating him the first time.
- Gets even better with the killer in the chapter, oddly enough. It's all but outright stated that Gundham was aiming to kill Mechamaru to save everyone from starvation. Mechamaru could tell that he was aiming for his life but instead of running or calling for help: Mechamaru decided to treat it as a Duel to the Death which Gundham seems to reciprocate. In essence, they were agreeing to a mutual suicide pact (one via murder and the other via execution for said murder) to save their friends. Which is exactly what Sakura did in the first game: Killing herself to save her friends. It could be said that both Gundham and Mechamaru were carrying on her spirit.
- Related to the above, both Akane and Hajime vehemently swore that they would never forgive Mechamaru's killer. But after learning who that killer actually was and what the circumstances behind the killing actually were...they do forgive him.
- Chiaki stopping a weak and delirious Hajime from going into the Final Dead Room at Strawberry House, and gently telling him that she'll walk with him back to Grape House.
- Near the end of the game, much like how Hajime had a vision of Chiaki to help him break out of his despair, Fuyuhiko had a vision of Peko to help him break out of his.Fuyuhiko: I'm well aware it might be an act of suicide. There's no telling how this'll play out... But... [smiling] I... I heard her voice. In fact... I think it was the first time she ever yelled at me... Heh, I can't stand on my own two feet if she keeps treating me like a damn kid!
- While this also doubles as a Tear Jerker, the fact that none of the survivors can bring themselves to hate Chiaki for being The Mole, with Sonia even insisting that Chiaki is still their friend.
- Near the end of Chapter 6, Hajime is forced into a Sadistic Choice and goes into a Heroic BSoD. The person to break him out of it is the memory of Chiaki, who helps him move past his despair and stop playing Junko's game.
- Best said with his final statement.
Makoto: Hajime... everyone... thank you.Hajime: I'm not... the one you should be thanking. - In Island Mode, when you go on trips with your fellow students to various locations on Jabberwock Island, you'll be given different choices for what Hajime can invite them to do together; most of the time, any given option will net a positive response from some students and a negative one from others. However, if Hajime takes any of the girls to the amusement park, one possible option for things to do with them is asking if they want to hold hands. All eight girls—even Peko, whom Hajime is ultimately not able to romance in her route—have positive reactions to the suggestion, complete with each of them blushing and/or getting flustered. Peko, Sonia, Akane, and Hiyoko give a "good" response, and this is the "best possible" dialogue choice for Chiaki, Ibuki, Mikan, and Mahiru.
- Like in the previous game, the Island Mode endings often have characters coming to terms with their personal problems, especially when they weren't able to do so before they died. This includes Byakuya admitting to being the Ultimate Impostor and Peko deciding to help Fuyuhiko reach his goals as an equal, rather than a tool.
- Akane tells Hajime he helped her to realize that people need to connect in order to have the hope that makes them human. She also says being around Hajime makes her want to talk and act more girly.
- Byakuya confesses that he's actually the Ultimate Imposter but Hajime says he wants to understand him better and he doesn't have to disappear. The Imposter thanks him for making his existence absolute.
- Chiaki says she wants to learn different things from Hajime.
- Fuyuhiko says he's not going to run from anything anymore and that he and Hajime are together as blood brothers.
- Gundham wants Hajime to stay by his side as his slave/manservant/sacrifice/housekeeper/friend.Hajime: ...What was that last part?
- Hiyoko tells Hajime he reminds her of her dad and that she won't cry anymore so that she can protect him and Hajime.
- Ibuki considers that Hajime may be her destined one and if that's true, she'll never have to feel despair around people.
- Kazuichi says he never thought about the future and felt excited about it before he met Hajime and that Hajime will ride in everything he makes.
- Mahiru thanks Hajime for finding her and that she likes him and wants him to be by her side from now on.
- Mikan asks Hajime to stay with her forever after he promises to marry her.
- Nagito says that Hajime taught him hope was inside from the very beginning and asks Hajime to be his friend.
- Nekomaru says that Hajime is someone he can invest all of his passion into.
- Peko sees the worth in herself, not solely thinking of herself as a tool and thanks Hajime for being her first friend and says she'll rely on him.
- Sonia says she can't give up Hajime when she returns to her kingdom, calling him her hero, saying she believes in him and that he's more important to her than anything else and also talk more about their engagementnote .
- Teruteru says he wants Hajime to meet his mother and experience eating at the Hanamura Diner.
- Peko's execution, in a tear jerking way. She resolutely tells Monokuma before it begins that she refuses to feel the kind of despair at dying that he so wants from her, and he responds by saying everyone gives in to despair in the last moments of their life and that she'll be no different. Nearing the end of her execution, she legitimately believes she's committed the worst crime a samurai can commit in slaying her master, which makes it seem like Monokuma was right as she cradles a badly-bleeding Fuyuhiko in tears. Then in the next chapter, Chiaki surmises from Fuyuhiko's injuries that Peko must have put everything she had into keeping him safe while her body was being torn apart. Even until the very end, Peko never gave up on fulfilling her duty, holding onto the hope that he'd be safe no matter how unlikely it seemed: she proved Monokuma wrong.
- The whole notion that the six survivors of the original School Life of Mutual Killing ended up joining the Future Foundation. The Headmaster wanted them to go on to preserving hope for humanity's future, and despite everything that Enoshima did trying to break that hope, that's exactly what they did.
- Chiaki's room and the movie theater feature a Poster showing Komaru Naegi attacking a Monokuma with the Hacking Gun. Looks like Makoto wanted to include a reference to his sister's time in Towa Town.
- The epilogue hints that not only did the survivors make it out of the Neo World Program with all their memories, but that their comatose friends could be revived as well. It's a small chance, but the possibility is there.
- Thanks to Danganronpa 3 Side:Hope, this matter is put to rest. They're alive, they're awake and they're no longer Ultimate Despairs, all thanks to Hajime/Izuru
- Sonia and Gundham's relationship, especially considering their pasts. Sonia lived a very sheltered life in Novoselic and never had a close friend, while Gundham is socially awkward and Better with Non-Human Company, animals specifically. Both share an interest in the occult, with her asking to accompany him on a trip to an amusement park in hell. She's also the only person who manages to make him blush when complimenting his hamsters. Gundham refers to her as "the dark queen," saying she has great power yet to awaken. Considering this is Gundham, this is likely a massive compliment on his part. When Gundham is deemed the culprit in Chapter 4, Sonia refuses to believe it and even pleads with Monokuma to spare him, but Gundham convinces her to let go. His parting words about never giving up on life are also what inspire her to survive without any more killings.
- Fuyuhiko's entire redemption arc. The initially hostile and violent Fuyuhiko who wanted nothing to do with the class becomes one of the most reliable and selfless characters in the game. He starts going to breakfast and parties(something Peko urged him to go to in the first 2 chapters), he's far less flippant and instead directs his anger mainly at Monokuma and Nagito for harming his new friends, he is an extremely helpful member of the class even putting himself in harms way various times.
- During his fourth free time event we really see how much Fuyuhiko wants to atone. He tells Hajime when he escapes he wants to hold a funeral for both Peko and Mahiru and visit their graves alongside Natsumi's with Hajime which would "probably make them happy". After he talks about he wants to escape with everyone else and ensuring they survive so that Peko, Mahiru's and the others deaths weren't in vain.
- Despite his extremely poor relationship with Mahiru while she was alive it's genuinely heartwarming how he realises her final wish, that second chances are more important than revenge and that he uses his to become a better person. When scolding Kazuchi after he rudely asks Chiaki to help him capture Nagito he tells him "what a rude way to ask for help, Mahiru would have beaten you up for that" showing he looks back at her stern no nonsense attitude fondly despite how much it angered him in the first two chapters and in a way he did take over her role as the member of the group who ensured that everyone was ok but also made sure they weren't messing around.
- Finally Fuyuhiko getting along with the group and fighting against Monokuma with them to eventually take down Junko is something Peko would have been proud to see, she always knew despite his tough facade that deep down he had a kind heart and he really proved it.
- During his fourth free time event we really see how much Fuyuhiko wants to atone. He tells Hajime when he escapes he wants to hold a funeral for both Peko and Mahiru and visit their graves alongside Natsumi's with Hajime which would "probably make them happy". After he talks about he wants to escape with everyone else and ensuring they survive so that Peko, Mahiru's and the others deaths weren't in vain.
- The fact that Kazuichi of all people is the first person to legitimately suggest considering Monomi an ally in chapter 5, when up to that point every single character had constantly treated her as an enemy and an annoyance even as she put herself in danger to fight off the monobeasts keeping the students from opposing Monokuma.
- Ibuki trying, in her own way, to help Hajime remember his talent. Even though he doesn't, she still encourages him to be happy with who he is, since, with or without one, he's still the same person she likes spending time with.
- Similarly, in Chapter 5, Hajime has to explain that he was never a part of Hope's Peak's Primary Department, meaning that unlike everyone else, he doesn't have an Ultimate Talent. The reaction of the survivors (minus Nagito) could be summed up as "That's it? Who cares?".
Fuyuhiko: ...Is that all?
Kazuichi: What. That's it? Dude, don't ever scare me like that.
Chiaki: Cheer up, Hajime. It doesn't matter if you're from the Reserve Department.
Sonia: She is right! No matter what, you are our friend! - Despite having a stalker crush and being a bit shallow, there are some times that Kazuichi genuinely likes Sonia. He does call her “Miss Sonia” out of respect due to her status, would listen to her claims, and defend her if somebody accuse her of murder or doubts and would often demand that they apologize to her and threaten them.
- As big of a Jerkass as Hiyoko is, it's cute whenever she's genuinely moved to tears by Hajime's kindness and cries, and tries to pass it off as her usual Crocodile Tears.
- In chapter 2, Chiaki teaches Mikan to play a video game and battles against her, leaving Mikan overwhelmed with happiness that she got to play with a friend.
- Everyone currently alive riding the roller coaster in Chapter 4. After everything they've been through, they get a break and have a moment, however brief of actual enjoyment. The scene shows all of them (except Kazuichi as he gets motion sickness) legitimately having a fun time. Some even had so much fun they wanted another go.
- During Peko's Free Time events, Hajime helps her open up more emotionally by helping her learn to smile again. As he gets to know her, he develops feelings for her and is visibly heartbroken when she is oblivious towards the way he feels. Despite this, Peko still cares for Hajime very much, and after thanking him for helping her remember what is most important to her, he says that although he's a bit jealous of the person she wants to ask out (strongly implied to be Fuyuhiko), he's still okay with them being just friends. Although she does not feel the same way, it's sweet that Hajime cares for her enough to be a part of her life in any way he can and gives her help and tips with trying to ask the other person on a date.
- Gundham arguably gets one of the least mean-spirited executions in the game, to the point where Monokuma even salutes as he ascends to heaven. The fact of the killers in the franchise, he resorted to it for the least selfish motives makes this rather fitting.
- Sonia's final Free Time event has her break down in tears from a nightmare and over all the stress from everything and nearly collapsing, but Hajime catches her and holds and comforts her until she's back to normal. After this she talks about his resemblance to a legendary hero from her country and says that Hajime should marry her once everything is said and done, which Hajime reciprocates.
