[Narration]
[It had taken a while, but Naoto's mind could not be deterred - and after combing both the school archives, public posts and even doing a little bit of hacking work - a very clear picture of the drug situation had emerged.

First, the drug itself - the lollipops which had caused a number of incidents in the school. That much had been clear since the beginning. Each report of strange behavior could be traced back to them.

Second, the method of delivery - by using innocent under-aged girls to sell them with the promise of money, the blame would be efficiently shifted, and keep most students and staff under and illusion of safety. It reminded her of door-to-door chocolate sale schemes of the past, and made her blood boil.

Third, the culprit - this one had taken more time, but she had a good idea of who the mastermind in all of this was - Warren, one of the students. However, she was still confused as to his true motive; was it simply a way for him to make money, or was there something even more sinister under this pretense...

...it would require a closer evaluation. Unfortunately, Naoto could not pass as one of the delivery girls - she was still under the guise of being male, and she was not around the same age that Warren seemed to pick them from.

However, in a strange stroke of luck, the detective came upon files which would aid her in this quest. It was a dangerous gamble, but then again, Naoto was no stranger to them. After all, she had willingly appeared on TV as to get captured last year.

It seemed this school had had its share of bizarre events too, including a situation once where many of the students and staff found themselves younger. Naoto had read all of the posts regarding it, reactions and how it had happened, and as strange as it was...it seemed like her best lead. There were still samples to be found in the assistant headmaster's desk, and it had been relatively easy to take them from him...the younger Hand was easy to distract. She had the bag in her hands, two year old stale cookies that hadn't seemed to deteriorate over time.

The final pieces - she needed an alibi. Thankfully hiding her identity had been a boon in this situation - once she would ingest the cookies, no one would know that the younger girl was her. Souji Seta just had to leave for a few weeks, and Naoto Shirogane to show up a few days later, pretend to stay here for a long while, perhaps have to leave again herself. New students came and left in every day, this would be no different.

The only problem is she might have to dress up the part more. Not exactly too thrilled, she would do what the job would require of her. This was, after all, an extremely dangerous situation and mission. But Naoto had always secretly enjoyed those.

But she would not take this for a game...far from it.

This time, there was a person she'd tell all of this. Especially considering the fact she would be younger - it might leave her more vulnerable (as much as she hated to admit it). After her post, she went off to his room...]

[Post - Public]
I apologize to my fellow students, but I must leave for a few weeks. There is an assignment waiting for me at my family's estate that requires my full attention, and unfortunately this means I may not return until the end of October, pending the investigation.

To my teachers; please send any homework assignments to my school address, and I will complete them within the allotted time. I apologize for any predicament this may cause, but rest assured everything will be done as you require it. I would rather not fall behind on my studies, despite the work.

[Action - Kanji's Room]
[There was a knock on the door.]

Kanji-kun? Are you here?

Alright, who among us is pissed off that our summer included a flood, a freakshow hotel, and a hostile takeover by a megalomaniacal robot bitch, only to bring us right back to the beginning of classes? I don't know about you, but that's not my idea of a good vacation.

That's why I'm throwing a party. Get drunk, be merry, all out of the kindness of my massive heart. Location and date to be determined. Dragmire, what's the status of that old party shack?

I've got some money burning a hole in my pocket, and the need to get desperately intoxicated. Bad decisions will be made. Everyone's invited, unless you're a fucking buzzkill, or under 19. Sorry babies, better luck next year.

( private to students under 19 )

...Hahaha, well good job everybody on...whatever the heck just happened there. It's all over now though, right? That's the good thing. We always seem to get through it when crazy stuff happens.

And that was really crazy...So we can relax extra hard.

[HE HAS NOTHING ELSE TO SAY ABOUT THAT...He is seen visually eating a yellow lollipop.]

Okay so, changin' the subject.

Any of ya seen these kinda lollipops? They're pretty good. Apparently people are sellin' 'em for some fundraiser or somethin'.

Well anyway, y'see a girl with blonde hair, likes to carry a doll 'round? Yeah, that's Mary, bumped into her a moment ago. She needs a lil' bit of a hand sellin' these, she's a bit short on funds.

I bought mine that I'm eatin' from her but I'm thinkin' maybe we all oughta help the kiddo out, dontcha think? Be a good n' neighborly sort and all.

[Stilll eating it.]

OH YEAH! Uh, and boxin' class will be happenin' in a bit for those who signed up! Buuuuuuuut it ain't too late if you're still interested!

( AFTER THIS POST, ACTION. AND OUTSIDE. DRUGS IN THE LOLLIS. )

[HELLO, network! What you see today appears to be a live video feed of the library, from the perspective of someone or something scooting along at a brisk pace...on the ceiling. The feed darts back and forth anxiously, as if whoever's holding the camera can't decide where to focus.]

Hello? Helloooooo? Is it working? Are we on?

[Yes. We're on. Good job, cheerful British voice.]

We're on! Brilliant. [Please hold for some "throat" clearing. This is a very official announcement, after all.] Greetings, hello, welcome...to the library.

Let me just--just give you the run-down, here, straight from your newly-appointed librarian. See all these books? Amazing, innit? Never seen so many books in my life. And guess what? You can borrow them! I know. Keep them for as long as you like, even, well--maybe not as long as you like, they've got...due dates. I'm told there are fines involved, so just keep that in mind. But still! Books! Could spend all day in here, really, if you wanted. Thinking of doing that myself, actually.

[The feed swings around a corner and starts zipping down a long line of shelves. For a split second, it twitches--and are those sparks?] Not that I've...really got a choice. Rails, and all.

But if you do feel like paying a visit, I am here to assist! Can't actually...help you take out the books, mind, I'm told there's someone else who handles that. Can however, help you find them. If you're interested.

[And the feed stops, very slowly panning from the bottom of a shelf...aaaaaaaall the way to the top.]

Yep.

Pretty exciting, books.

[Filtered from faculty, level 2. Fairly easily hackable.]

[Poised in front of the webcam is a boy who looks kind of pissed off. Oh boy, here comes a rant. And because he's angry, it will be peppered with some language.]

Yeah, so you guys know that new teacher, Glados-sensei or whatever?

DON'T TAKE HER CLASS.

I came in literally like three seconds late and the stupid bitch slapped me with a detention. God.

I wouldn't be so pissed if it was for something like me beating some kid up or something, but seriously...

[Private to Eli, level 3]

Hey uh... I need to talk to you.

What's a graduation, poyo?

( Private to Kanji )

[Chika was gone, and Sonny with her. Simple reason demanded that it was no big deal - they were just back on Mt. Silver, where he had been spending his days only a few months ago. It wasn't like they were separated forever. But as much as he tried not to be affected by their absence, the emptiness on the other side of his room cut into him every time he retired to his dorm.

There was nothing he could do to fix Red's feelings of inadequacy or Voile's sorrow - but there was someone to blame, this time.

If this Arbok was as tough as Chika said she was, then it was likely she'd be spending time at the stadium - so that was where he was looking to find her. He wasn't going in with the intention of starting a fight, but a hunch told him that was where it was going to go. So be it.]

[Kieran was a very busy deer this morning. With a little help from some obliging 'saurs, he has been informed as to how to make a network post.

The few people who got to know him might pick up that he's apparently trying out a new image -- the heavy winter jacket and shaggy long hair have been shed, his skin lost that pale hue apparently overnight, and he's got some decidedly feminine flowers decorating his hair. It's... uh... an interesting look.]

Today, spring begins! This day is a very important one to me, and I want very much to share it with everyone in this realm! Spring means a lot to my kind. This is the season when the fawns are born, and the life the cold silenced cautiously breaks the surface again. It's the end of the winter struggle, and even if we emerge from it humbled, we emerge victorious.

I wonder just how many of you are attuned to the spring? It's hard to guess what everyone's patron season is when you're not Sawsbucks, but I've been trying my best. The spring-hearted among you should be really happy today!

[A pause. Oh! Right! Not everyone comes from his backwoods little herd.]

Ah... I guess I should explain what I mean, huh? I really shouldn't say all of it, but I can say some. Being spring-hearted means a lot of very wonderful things! The spring-hearted among us are easily the most selfless. This is the season of a modest, patient conquest over adversity, not a calamitous war. Their season is one that marks an end to suffering, and generativity and rebirth. The spring-hearted are the nurturers, the ones who build the herd up, the bringers of peace... and most importantly, they're the bearers of hope. It's a very big honor to be spring-hearted, and even if you haven't had a season make its mark on you yet... if you ask me, there's no harm in trying to be a little spring-hearted, is there?

[Silence. Kieran sits there for a bit, staring blankly at the screen.]

...Um... I'm sorry. I don't quite know how to turn this off.

While I realize that I am a new student here on campus, I am rather disturbed to find out I have been signed on for the school's "Miss" Pageant Award that is taking place this Friday. I believed this was an occurrence that happened in Japanese High Schools and that a campus like Smash Academy would not be celebrating similarly.

Moreover, I do not own any piece of feminine clothing.

Has this happened before?

[After her second day teaching class, Katherine is sitting by herself in the cafeteria, staring blankly down at her phone. She looks slightly torn, but after a deep breath she presses a few buttons, shuts her phone and then goes back eating her lunch.]

[Private to Vincent]
Hey... We still need to talk. I'm sorry that I left in such a rush last Tuesday. I've thought some things over since then, and I'm ready to give it another try whenever you are. Just let me know.

[Private to Sable]
Hello, Sable. I was wondering if you would be interested in joining me for coffee later this afternoon.

[Private to Kanji]
Hey, Kanji. If you’re not too busy, would you mind contacting your friend for me? I could use some help for next week’s assignment.

[Private to Self, Unhackable]
( Case Details and Detective Power )
[/Private to self]

[Private to Mac, Phoenix Wright, Gold, Majima, Ganondorf, Sparkster, Goose, Knuckles, Blaze, Silver, (Each one for their own post addressed to them, this is not a group thing) Unhackable]
( Meeting Request )
[Private]

[Private to Ai Unhackable]
( Meeting Request )
[Private]

[Private to Caim, unhackable]
( Interview Request )
[Private]

[Private to Samus Aran, unhackable]
( Clues left by Caim )
[Private]

[Private to Kanji, Yu and Yosuke, unhackable, early morning]
( Asking for help )

[This also happens later when she has had a talk with Bob at Lunch]

( Bob is scary but awesome )
[Private]

[Public Post]
I would like your opinions on classes to take this semester as well as places to visit around the city. Students and teachers alike are welcome to do so.

I am also offering my services to tutor students that are failing behind in their classes. I have done this before if you'd like me to provide credentials.

Thank you.

[Katherine's still not sure what she's getting herself into--teaching fashion design at a fighting school. A very bizarre fighting school at that. She doesn't even know what to make of it yet. There is a very slight twinge of nervousness in the midst of her otherwise confident demeanor.

The video clicks on and she appears to be sitting outside.]

Good afternoon, faculty and students. My name is Katherine McBride and I am a new teacher here. I will be teaching a fashion design class and if anyone has questions about it, please don't hesitate to ask.

[She smiles—it’s forced, but it’s the best she can do for how awkward she feels! This camera thing is going to take some getting used to. Heck—this place is going to take some getting used to!]

In the meantime, could I trouble anyone to show me around? I just arrived here not too long ago.

[She's totally not lost. Well... okay. Maybe she is a little.]

It would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

[And with that, the feed ends.]

hey every1! names yosuke, nice 2 mEt u all!

u guyz no any kool placez 2 hang out? itd B gr8, thx!


[Yosuke's more talkative in person, honestly. He's just still busy putting things away.]

Greetings, students and teachers of Smash Academy.

My name is Souji Seta. I am an exchange student from a small faraway town that I have, strangely enough, not yet been able to find on the map the assistant headmaster gave me. Regardless, I hope you understand that am new to this area. I have come to study under the tutelage of the many faculty members and hope to expand my education. I have not met my roommate yet, but if anyone would be so kind as to please explain to me why there appears to be a section under his name marked 'species' that has Charizard written under it?

Most strange...

I am also interested in extracurricular activities that involve mechanical constructions. Are they available here? I need access to tools to fix my watch as it appears to be broken.

[Private to Kanji - Unhackable]
Until the investigation is over, I would require your complete assistance in not divulging my true public identity or gender to the rest of the faculty. I realize considering...everything that happened before that this might seem like a step backwards instead of forward, but I assure you that this time it is merely used an undercover disguise.

Thank you.

Oh yes I...uh...would you mind fixing a tear on one of my coats for me? I'm still rather new to the entire city and I haven't had much time to look for a tailor for proper repaired. It is enough that I have to try to fix my watch, and I am certain you could do a much more admirable job in repairing it.

Hello. My name is Yu Narukami. I'll be taking classes here, starting tomorrow.

It's nice to meet you all.

I don't know how long I'll be here, but I hope to make the best of my stay.

...Does anybody on the network know anything about watches? I think mine might be broken.

Does anyone know a good place in town to get a haircut?

[Snake is propped back in his chair, feet on the desk for his computer. He appears to be flipping through a file and folder. His tone is muffled as he's behind the folder. He doesn't bother to show much aside from the top of his head and the wisps of brown hair here and there.

...He looks like he just got out of bed. Evidently being proactive when Metal Gear isn't involved isn't one of his strong suits. Then again, all he was ever doing in Alaska was drinking and smoking while he tried to figure out what the hell the Patriots were up to. The man knows a healthy lifestyle when it slaps him one in the face.]

The name's Lieutenant Pliskin. This is for the students of Boxes 101. Come on time or don't come at all.

[He's real good with introductions.]

( [Private to EVA] )

[As soon as the webcam turns on and she's sure it's recording, Sami gives it a stiff, over-official salute.]

Commanding Officer Sami, reporting for duty!

... ... Just kidding. [She relaxes and lets out a sheepish laugh, then idly flips through some book-looking thing before she looks back at the camera.] So, uh... What's going on? I guess it'd be kind of silly to ask what I've missed since I was here last, 'cause it's a lot... But I finally got some spare time to visit. Haha, I'm surprised I didn't need a map. It's nice to be back.

I'm going to be taking a few classes here while I help out.