Line #99 Heartwarming/DuelingTriggerFinger


1	!Warning: Administrivia/SpoilersOff applies to moments pages. Read at your own risk.
2
3	[[AC:General]]
4	* The ShipTease moments between Hajime/Chiaki and Gundham/Sonia as per canon. Whenever such moments occur, expect lots and lots of [[{{Squee}} squeeing.]]
5	* Makoto and Komaru simply having fun and spending quality sibling bonding time together, something fans have always wanted to see more of in Danganronpa canon.
6	* Kaiba's [[PetTheDog positive interactions]] with Chihiro, Chiaki and Makoto in general. Seeing just how much the Danganronpa characters bring out his good side makes for one of the main highlights of this fic's crossover nature.
7
8	[[AC:Battle City Arc]]
9	* Chapter 4:
10	** Chiaki and Hajime briefly hold hands at the end of the chapter, indicating the strength of their bond. And if you understand Japanese culture well enough, possibly express romantic interest.
11	* Chapter 10:
12	** Even though he's a dick, Weevil getting comforted by Rex to show that they really are good buddies can bring a smile to your face.
13	* Chapter 11 has two big ones:
14	** The first is the fact that Sayaka is holding a charity drive for a deceased member of her idol group, Miho Nosaka, who fans of Season 0 will recognize.
15	** The other is when Makoto wins the event duel against her and her idol group, she's able to play out much of her first free time event from the actual game--before her group ruins it by teasing her--and leading to some very heartwarming ShipTease otherwise unseen in the series proper.
16	* Chapter 13:
17	** After their promised duel ends in a draw: Gundham gives Sonia Dunames Dark Witch, blushing all the while. It's adorable.
18	* Chapter 15:
19	** In a weird way, there is Celeste giving Chiaki a well-needed [[GetAHoldOfYourselfMan pep talk]] after the latter tears over remembering her past. While she does admit that it was to ensure that she and Chiaki duel on even grounds, as well as how she has no problem emotionally toying with people ''during'' a game; it is the gesture that still counts.
20	* Chapter 19:
21	** Hiyoko locks herself in the bathroom when Mahiru refuses to take her with her to go pick up Serenity from the hospital. ''[[TheDitz Akane]]'' of all people is the one to go check up on her to make sure she's all right. [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness Having one of her rare moments of competence and concern]] that actually seems to affect Hiyoko. But, of course, this being [[{{Tsundere}} Hiyoko]] she still treats Akane like crap. However, the narration makes it clear she's still moved by Akane's actions, even letting her guard down long enough to [[CryIntoChest cry into her chest]].
22	* Chapter 21:
23	** A minor but still noteworthy scene: Serenity, who is still blind at the time, is reassured by the presence of [[ProneToTears Mikan]] since Mikan has a [[ShrinkingViolet kind voice]] and [[TheMedic she's a nurse]]. When Mikan has to leave the scene in order to attend to Bakura's injuries, Serenity tells Mikan she'd like to meet her again to properly thank her when she can actually ''see'' her. Mahiru kindly says to Mikan that she made a friend and Mikan is practically overjoyed to the point of tears. The scene probably could've gone longer, but Bakura reminds everyone, by coughing, that he's losing blood and needs to see a doctor.
24	* Chapter 23:
25	** For anyone who ships Makoto with Mukuro, the latter commenting on how the former's hand is a warmth she's never known before likely falls into this category.
26	* Chapter 28:
27	** Amidst the tear-jerking scenes that show just how much her talent for gaming caused Chiaki to be distanced from others, including her parents, we get an all-too-familiar scene from canon from her perspective: That being the scene where she bumps into Hajime while playing her "Gala Omega" game which formed the strong friendship (and eventually romance) between them, followed by Chiaki connecting with the rest of her classmates resulting her reigniting her passion for gaming.
28	** This chapter continues laying down the ship fuel for Chiaki and Hajime. After Bakura sends Hajime to the Shadow Realm and forces Chiaki to play a game that will give any Danganronpa fan severe PTSD for [[NightmareFuel Despair Side]] [[TearJerker Episode 10]], what's her primary concern after she wakes up from passing out after she wins? Hajime. And upon seeing him okay, bolts from the ground and hugs him, and starts crying and sputtering gibberish while trying to tell him how scared she was. Heflebedebwe indeed, Chiaki. Heflebedebwe indeed.
29	* Chapter 29:
30	** Makoto asking Kaiba for an autograph. At first, Kaiba thinks it's out of pity since he heard Makoto complimenting Yugi, but Makoto's enthusiastic talking about how Kaiba inspired him to start dueling and is his hero proves him wrong. Touched, he readily agrees to the autograph.
31	** When Hajime arrives with a slumbering Chiaki on his back, ''Kaiba'' of all people immediately dashes over to Chiaki's side to check on her (albeit in his usual Kaiba manner).
32	** Not too long after Hajime and Nagito get into a rocky start, Ibuki, Gundham, and Sonia are quick to reassure Hajime that they do not think any less of him and immediately offer their hands of friendship to him.
33	* Chapter 32:
34	** Mahiru TakingTheBullet for Celeste just when it seems like Marik was going to send her to the Shadow Realm: Keep in mind that prior to this moment, the two girls barely know each other, much less even ''talked'' to one another. And yet here Mahiru comes protecting someone who is basically a total stranger to her from suffering a FateWorseThanDeath simply out of pure altruism. Never should it be denied that [[TeamMom Mahiru Koizumi]] is always looking out for others.
35	** And for that matter, the Pharoah declaring to Yami Marik that regardless of everything Celeste has done to them, in the end, he ''still'' considers her a friend and someone worth protecting from the latter's wrath. This declaration is enough to even move Celeste a little, triggering her [[TookALevelInKindness later levels of kindness]].
36	* Chapter 33:
37	** Mahiru suffering post-traumatic stress from being sent to the Shadow Realm is [[{{Understatement}} a bit]] [[NightmareFuel chilling]], but the reassurance from her friends, especially Serenity, that she's going to be all right brings a smile to one's face. Celeste jumping in and giving an IOweYouMyLife speech also helps.
38	* Chapter 34:
39	** The ending of this chapter brings us probably the cutest ship tease ever in regards to Gundham and Sonia. After winning back her Darklord Morningstar from Mai, Gundham enters the medical bay where Sonia lies comatose because of her duel with Marik. He then undoes the hand wraps on his left arm and caresses Sonia's face before immediately replacing the wraps. He then puts the card he won ''in her hand'' and clenches said hand around the card before leaving without a word to her, stating only to himself that he still wants to rule the world, but together, with Sonia. That feeling? That's the feeling of your heart-melting through your feet.
40	* Chapter 35:
41	** Mukuro watching Makoto's duel with Ishizu with genuine earnestness and joy: Never before has the Ultimate Soldier felt so happy with herself in her life.
42	*** After Makoto's victory over Ishizu, Mukuro then makes a note on her memo pad: "Congratulate Makoto Naegi on his Battle City Finals victory." If that doesn't make you dawww, I don't know what will.
43	* Chapter 37:
44	** The flashbacks at the beginning of the chapter give us such sweet moments of how Chiaki and Kaiba first met, and how a (sort off) friendship developed between the two:
45	*** Despite maintaining his aloof and stern personality; Kaiba finds himself enjoying their duels and is even softening up to Chiaki's kind and gentle demeanor, even giving her some words of encouragement in regard to her problems, showing her respect all throughout their interactions and even parting with her on good terms.
46	*** Chiaki on her end expresses genuine appreciation of Kaiba's efforts; giving him honest feedback, stating how his efforts are a mark of his determination and his love for the game. She also expresses understanding of his situation regarding his rivalry with Yugi - not as a way of being morally right, but because she was simply looking out for him. It says something when Kaiba does not react to her talks the way he does with Yugi and his friends.
47	*** By the end of these flashbacks, Kaiba even notes to himself that maybe his good side is not completely lost forever.
48	** As Kaiba hesitates to declare the finishing direct attack, in fear of Chiaki's safety; the rest of the spectators take notice and wonder what is holding Kaiba back, which leads Mokuba to reveal to them how Chiaki has had a positive effect on his brother along with how he speaks of her with a much more positive demeanor compared to others. This leads to Yugi stating that even if Kaiba may deny it, his heart has already considered Chiaki a friend.
49	** The last scene of the chapter will also make you melt: Chiaki wakes up, after getting direct attacked by Obelisk, to the sight of her suite, which she hasn't been in all tournament since she's been in medical, and finds Hajime waiting up for her to make sure she was all right. After she leaves, she admits to herself that she thought about asking him to cuddle with her, but thought it might be a bit much. It's, honest to god, absolutely adorable.
50
51	[[AC:Virtual World Arc]]
52	* Chapter 40:
53	** The ShipTease between Joey and Celeste continues here, with Celeste choosing Time Wizard as her deckmaster and even chiding herself on how much Joey has affected her.
54	* Chapter 44:
55	** Mai being protective of Komaru throughout their time in the virtual world and during their duel against Nezbit, Ms. CoolBigSis at her finest everyone.
56	** Throughout the duel, Ibuki and Komaru's admiration and respect for Mai touches her heart causing her to remember how she used to act before meeting Joey and the others and realizing how all these people around her are [[RestoredMyFaithInHumanity changing her views on friendships for the better]]. This leads to her engaging in a duel equivalent of a trust fall with Ibuki which helps lead towards their overall victory.
57	* Chapter 47:
58	** Noah's fierce exclamation that if the Big 5 ever think of hurting her, he'll delete them in seconds. Spoiled kid he may be, but there's no denying he does care about his OnlyFriend.
59	** Everybody reassures Miho they haven't forgotten about her in Chapter 47. They'd have every right to be mad at her after she kidnapped Tristan and tried to trap him forever, but they aren't--not even Joey, Tristan's closest friend, or ''Tristan himself''! They genuinely miss her, feel bad for what she's gone through, and promise her she has a place by their side. And when this makes her start crying? A ''massive'' group hug ensues. Awwwwwww!
60	* Chapter 48:
61	** When Noah pulls a SadisticChoice on Makoto, telling him who to choose among the heroes to be turned to stone; Joey ''immediately'' volunteers himself, placing his faith that Makoto will win.
62	*** And for that matter Mai TakingTheBullet for Joey and being petrified in his place, and Joey tells her never to do that again because she means too much to him.
63	** Kaiba feeling proud of Makoto after he defeats Noah and [[AffectionateGestureToTheHead ruffling his hair]] will definitely make your heart melt.
64	* Chapter 49:
65	** As Gundham and Marik's shadow game continues, Gundham feels himself reaching his limits as he starts doubting whether he can actually defeat Marik. Just then he hears Sonia's voice encouraging him to keep fighting, this gives Gundham a boost to his resolve as he takes his showdown with Marik to the next level.
66	** Upon seeing Izuru in the flesh, Chiaki starts going down the DespairEventHorizon thinking her talent drove Hajime away again like it did so many others. Fortunately, Nagito gets to her by telling her that if Izuru is still acknowledging Hajime's presence, then he could still be saved. This results in Chiaki getting her resolve back.
67	*** And on that matter, when the three-way duel between Chiaki, Nagito, and Izuru starts; Nagito surprises Chiaki by telling her he's not dueling with her simply so that he can foster her hope, but doing so as an equal.
68	* Chapter 50:
69	** When she's about to lose, Chiaki runs forward and hugs Izuru. She proceeds to sob into his chest that she knows Hajime's still in him and that she wants to save not just Hajime, but both of them. She begs him to let her, listing off all the things she wants them to do together. She then ends with a statement that it doesn't matter who he is, but that either way he's her friend. What's the next thing Izuru says? [[ILetYouWin "I end my turn."]]
70	** Also, Izuru returns her hug. He's very surprised, but he returns it. It's the [[Anime/Danganronpa3TheEndOfHopesPeakHighSchool "Izuru cries over her body]]" moment all over again but in a much happier context.
71	** Chiaki apologizes to Izuru when she's about to win and tells him she hopes they can meet again. Despite [[DeathOfPersonality everything]] his existence implied for Hajime, she holds no grudges and really meant what she said earlier in her speech.
72	** Chiaki and Hajime's reunion. She tackles him with a hug and then tries to tell him she loves him, but the de-synchronization of their avatars drowns her out. ...But he understands just fine, says them back, and [[AlmostKiss they almost kiss before waking up]].
73	** Hajime resolving not to throw away his future and just stay himself. He's finally become happy with who he is, and the best part is he didn't have to go through [[TraumaCongaLine all of canon]] to get to that point.
74
75	[[AC:Battle City Finals]]
76	* Chapter 56:
77	** Chiaki and Mikan checking up on Kaiba after his loss to Yugi. The former delivers an awesome GetAholdOfYourselfMan speech that pulls him out of his depression, reminding him that he has a lot more in his future than just beating a rival and that he has friends who care about him. The latter just wants to see if he's alright and if there's anything she can do to help, pulling him into a semi-CryIntoChest (he doesn't cry, but he does emotionally feel better). Then, when she asks again if she can do anything to help, he actually ''accepts'', and they go about putting his [[TantrumThrowing trashed room]] back in order.
78	* Chapter 57:
79	** During his duel with Marik, Hajime sustains so much mental and emotional damage he briefly falls into the Shadow Realm. While he's there, he starts hearing voices, encouraging him to get up and keep fighting. Sonia and Gundham, whose souls were trapped there, showed up to help their friend! Awww. But even better, Hajime hears a ''third'' voice, which confuses him because it sounds like his own. That heavily implies [[NotQuiteDead Izuru was helping him too]].
80	** Everybody waiting by Hajime's bedside for him to wake up, after his defeat of Marik. They're all just so ''happy''--even Yami holds no resentment over his destiny being lost, just remarking it'll be nice to have a stakes-free championship duel. Speaking of, since Hajime was out for hours, Yugi should have won by default, ''but'' Kaiba chose to make an exception for him.
81	** There's also something weirdly cute about Kaiba getting dozens of phone calls from parents, asking him to postpone the finale until the morning, so their kids can watch it.
82	* Chapter 58:
83	** Hajime reveals he's going to turn down the Kamukura Project offer since he's finally okay with being him. Since that will mean he has to go back to his old high school now that he can no longer pay for Hope's Peak's educational fees, Chiaki promptly offers to pay for his tuition out of her own savings.
84	** Yami apologizes to Hajime for his initial aloof and prideful behavior in regards to thinking only he was destined to defeat Marik. Hajime on his end simply takes it as water under the bridge as the two start things over.
85	** The entire fact that this duel is just one where both contestants are having fun. They're smiling, they're complimenting each other, it's just a good time. It's exactly what ''Yu-Gi-Oh!'' should be, which makes it even nicer that Yugi, for once, gets to have a championship duel that doesn't have the fate of the world riding on it.
86	** With the tournament now officially over, Mahiru and Ibuki pull everyone in for a group photo. Even Kaiba and Byakuya get tugged in, and though they try to look sulky, they're still considered ''part of the group''.
87	** Hajime and Chiaki cuddling together at the end of the chapter is bound to extract a few "awwwwws".
88	* Chapter 59:
89	** During their confrontation with the Steering Committee, when Kaiba adds to the idea of making the "Ultimate Duelist" title an annual thing (with Hajime being the one for Class 77), he also briefly mentions how Yugi would be a good candidate for the title for the next batch of students. Showing that despite his animosity and differing views; Kaiba does indeed hold a lot of respect for this greatest rival.
90	** Chiaki and Hajime finally share their first kiss, cementing their RelationshipUpgrade to OfficialCouple status.
91	* Chapter 60:
92	** The fact that Yugi [[ILetYouWin didn't play Kuriboh and let Joey win]]. To him, Joey had proved himself as a True Duelist.
93
94	[[AC:Orichalcos Arc]]
95	* Chapter 72:
96	** Chisa and Kyosuke being all lovey-dovey with one another upon Chisa and her group's arrival to America. It really does show that prior to the Tragedy that plagued their series in canon; Kyosuke was every bit of a kind and idealistic man that Chisa and Juzo know him for.
97	* Chapter 73:
98	** Despite the encounter being anything but heartwarming: There is Nagito genuinely praising Rebecca's talents, even considering her to be worthy of becoming an Ultimate.
99	* Chapter 77:
100	** Mukuro thinking fondly about Makoto, clearly having not forgotten her meeting with the boy and the warm feelings he made her feel. It is possible that this is what incited her to rescue Kaiba from his crashing airplane after hearing about how much Makoto idolized the young CEO.
101	** During his duel with Natsumi, Joey shows further what a true Ultimate Big Brother/Sibling he is by expressing his dedication towards his sister Serenity: Explaining the lengths he went through just to give Serenity a chance for a highly successful future that he never had for himself. He even admits that even if the two go down separate paths, even if he ends up doing nothing but collecting garbage while Serenity is heading a corporate office; he will always support her all the way.
102	* Chapter 78:
103	** Chisa continues to show mercy towards Hiyoko, hoping to reach out to her as well as deliberately delaying the duel to ensure the duel ends in a draw (so that neither one of them loses their soul). Many people (including some of Hiyoko's classmates) would have called it quits and given up on her by now, but not Chisa in spite of all the insults and opportunities Hiyoko throws at her. Just goes to show just how much Chisa really ''does'' look after her students as if they were her own children.
104
105	[[AC:Canada Nationals]]
106	* Chapter 88:
107	** Rex reveals that he is dueling to uphold Weevil's legacy. As despicable a guy like Weevil was, it is still nice to see that he did have people who cared about him after all.
108	** During Rex's flashback: We see that nobody is even willing to give Rex the time of day, nor even donate anything to his cause until Makoto of all people shows up to donate and give Rex his sympathies and words of encouragement. Even if it is still a faraway time before he realizes it: The Ultimate Hope has already been doing what he does best long beforehand.
109	** After Joey defeats Rex, Rex takes his defeat with a lot more [[GracefulLoser pride and grace]] with the two boys even chumming around afterwards. Seems like things really can change for the better.
110	* Chapter 89:
111	** As she's never played a game with truth or dare that didn't end once it was her turn, Mikan has a mental breakdown when she realizes just how much power she has at her disposal.[[labelnote:note]]In the previous arc, several of her classmates went [[WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity crazy with power]] and as someone who rarely has a chance to exhibit agency, she ends up getting overwhelmed[[/labelnote]]. This leads to Serenity giving her a CooldownHug and her and Hiyoko legitimately becoming friends with Hiyoko explaining [[LovingBully why she's always so rude to her]]. Mikan gives a gentle chop to Hiyoko's head and says they're even. Hiyoko not only takes it in stride but also asks if Mikan will help watch over her growth spurt. In short, a bond forms between them that was ''never'' there in canon.
112
113	[[AC:Despair Arc Part 1]]
114	* Chapter 93: Chiaki discovers she's pregnant. Hajime doesn't even need to think about it before agreeing to stay with (and marry) her.
115	* Chapter 94:
116	** Hajime gets a birthday present from each of his classmates in the main course. And that's not even getting into the fact that Kaiba helped Mikan pick out a gift for him, on the condition that Hajime ''never'' find out Kaiba pitched in.
117	** In the same chapter, Hajime admits to Peko that he's nervous about being a bad father. Peko assures him that she thinks he'll be a great father, before sheepishly asking if she can be the first to hold the baby. Chiaki (who was eavesdropping) that she will give the baby to her first.
118	* Chapter 98:
119	** While the thought was discussed in 94 when Hajime and Chiaki have their baby, they name it Izuru. Why? Because Izuru Kamukura was responsible for pushing them together.
120	** Much like they promised in chapter 94, the couple allows Peko to be the first to hold the baby. When it becomes clear Izuru isn't afraid of her, Peko starts crying TearsOfJoy.
121	* Chapter 100: While it's not stated outright, it's strongly implied Mikan talks to Kaiba on the phone during the chapter and while we don't hear her side of the conversation, Kaiba's reactions imply that the two are quite cordial with each other, which is a big win for ''both'' parties.
122
123	[[AC:Kaiba Corp Grand Prix]]
124	* Chapter 122:
125	** During Makoto's duel with Nagito, the former is up against a situation that seems next to impossible with Nagito holding 4 out of 5 pieces of Exodia and Makoto doesn't have a 1 turn answer to stop it. The whole audience is implied to be dead quiet...only for Mukuro to find her voice out of ''everyone'' that could be encouraging him and telling him to keep going. A touching reminder that it's not Makoto's own boundless hope that's a gem, but how contagious it is in others given how it furthers Mukuro's character development. Bonus points for Junko being stuck in the break room with the other tournament participants and being unable to stomp all over this happy moment.
126	* Chapter 124:
127	** Byakuya's acknowledgment of Bianca as his half-sister, given Byakuya's background can be seen as this.
128	* Chapter 131:
129	** After Makoto's emotionally-tensed duel against Celeste, and Chiaki's nightmarish pseudo-Shadow game against Junko, it makes for a very warm and fuzzy feeling seeing Makoto and Chiaki just having a straightforward friendly duel. No internal drama, no intense pressure to win despite both of them wanting to: It's just two of the nicest characters in the cast just enjoying themselves, having a blast, and being genuinely friendly towards one another. By the end of the duel, both individuals are laughing and crying out of joy, even with Chiaki's victory. The warm and fuzzy feelings is so much that it even gets Junko's skin crawling.

Context Heartwarming / DuelingTriggerFinger