Minoru Saito

"Life is like an all-you-can-eat buffet, my friend! We've gotta taste every dish, savor every flavor, and always come back for seconds!"

- Minoru Saito

Minoru Saito (斎藤 実) is a student at Hope's Peak Academy's Class 2-C and a participant of the 'Killing School Cruise'. His title is Ultimate Competitive Eater (超高校級の「食いしん坊」lit. Super High School Level Gourmand).

Appearance
Minoru Saito is a young man with a larger-than-life presence, both in terms of his personality and his physical appearance. Standing at 5'8", he boasts a stocky build, which is the result of years of competitive eating and constant training. His muscular frame, however, is well-balanced by a layer of padding that gives him a reassuringly solid appearance. Despite his bulk, Minoru carries himself with a surprising amount of grace and agility, never letting his size slow him down or hinder his movements.

His facial features are friendly and approachable, with round cheeks and a wide, infectious grin that never seems to leave his face. His eyes are a warm, chocolate brown, always twinkling with mischief and excitement as he engages with others or takes on a new eating challenge. His messy, jet-black hair is kept in a medium-length style that often falls into his eyes, but he doesn't seem to mind, brushing it aside with a casual flick of his hand.

As for his clothing, Minoru favors comfortable, casual attire that allows him to move freely and accommodate his expanding waistline during his eating exploits. He typically wears a loose-fitting, short-sleeved button-up shirt with a food-themed pattern, paired with dark denim jeans and sturdy sneakers. His outfits are often accessorized with a colorful bandana tied around his neck or worn as a headband, a signature style choice that reflects his fun-loving, spirited nature.

Personality
Minoru Saito is an outgoing, enthusiastic, and charismatic individual with a passion for food and a fierce competitive spirit. As the Ultimate Competitive Eater, he has dedicated himself to mastering the art of consuming vast quantities of food in record time. Minoru's love for eating is infectious, and he often encourages those around him to try new dishes and flavors. He has a seemingly insatiable appetite, always on the lookout for his next culinary adventure.

Despite his boisterous and lively nature, Minoru is also a compassionate and empathetic individual. He is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and is a steadfast friend to those he cares about. His genuine concern for others often shines through, making him a well-liked and respected member of his class. Minoru has a strong sense of loyalty and will go to great lengths to support and defend his friends.

Minoru's competitive streak is not limited to eating contests; he enjoys challenging himself and others in various activities, both physical and intellectual. He is an avid fan of sports and games, often participating in friendly competitions with his classmates. His boundless energy and enthusiasm make him a natural leader, rallying others to join him in his pursuits. However, despite his competitive nature, Minoru remains a good sport, respecting his opponents and appreciating the thrill of the competition itself.

At times, Minoru's confidence can come across as cockiness, and his extroverted personality may be overwhelming for some. However, beneath his boisterous exterior lies a sensitive and introspective side. He is aware of his flaws and works hard to overcome them, constantly striving to become a better version of himself. This self-awareness and determination to improve are part of what makes Minoru such an engaging and well-rounded character.

Despite his love for food and competitive eating, Minoru also appreciates the art of cooking and is knowledgeable about various culinary techniques and ingredients. He enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, often creating unique and flavorful dishes to share with his friends. This aspect of his personality showcases his creativity and passion for food beyond simply consuming it.

In quieter moments, Minoru can be found reading about food culture, exploring new recipes, or watching culinary shows and documentaries. He is eager to learn and expand his knowledge, driven by a curiosity and appreciation for the diverse world of food

Early Life
Minoru Saito was born into a family facing severe financial hardships. His parents worked tirelessly to provide for him and his siblings, but their low-paying jobs left little for them to live on. As a result, Minoru and his family often went without basic necessities, such as adequate food and clothing. Growing up in these conditions, Minoru learned the value of perseverance and the importance of family bonds. He also previously attended Gourmand's Peak Academy.

From a young age, Minoru took on a protective role within his family, especially towards his younger siblings. He would often help his parents with chores and look after his brothers and sisters while they were at work. This sense of responsibility matured him quickly, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a determination to better his family's circumstances.

When Minoru was still a child, he discovered that he had an uncanny ability to consume vast quantities of food in a short amount of time. This talent seemed like a ray of hope for his family, who were struggling to make ends meet. Minoru realized that if he could harness his talent for competitive eating, he could potentially win prize money and help lift his family out of poverty.

Minoru's first foray into the world of competitive eating came when he entered a local eating contest at a community fair. Despite his young age, he managed to outeat all of his competitors, earning himself a small cash prize. This initial success ignited a passion within him, and he became determined to hone his skills and compete in larger, more prestigious events.

Over time, Minoru developed a rigorous training regimen, pushing himself to consume ever-increasing amounts of food. He would spend hours each day practicing various eating techniques, learning to control his gag reflex, and expanding his stomach capacity. His dedication and commitment to his training were truly remarkable, and he soon began to make a name for himself in the competitive eating world.

As Minoru's reputation grew, he attracted the attention of sponsors and talent scouts who saw potential in his unique abilities. With their support, he was able to travel to larger cities and compete in national eating competitions, taking home increasingly larger cash prizes. The money he earned went directly towards supporting his family, easing their financial burdens and allowing them to lead a more comfortable life.

While competitive eating brought Minoru financial success and a measure of fame, it also had its share of challenges. He faced criticism from those who viewed his talent as a frivolous pursuit or a waste of food. Additionally, he struggled with the physical toll that competitive eating took on his body. Despite these obstacles, Minoru remained steadfast in his determination to use his talent to support his family. During his teenage years, Minoru met a girl named Aina who quickly became his closest confidante and girlfriend. Their relationship blossomed, and she became a source of comfort and happiness for him amidst the pressures of his career. However, as time went on, they began to argue more frequently, driven apart by their differing goals and aspirations.

In an attempt to salvage their relationship, Minoru took a brief hiatus from competitive eating. He hoped that by stepping back from the demands of his career, he would be able to focus on his personal life and work through the issues he and Aina were facing. Unfortunately, their problems continued to escalate, and they eventually decided to end their relationship.

Despite the heartbreak of losing his girlfriend, Minoru decided to return to competitive eating with renewed vigor. He threw himself back into training and began competing in even more prestigious events. One such event was a high-profile eating competition held by a famous family. Minoru's victory in this competition brought him widespread recognition and solidified his status as a top competitive eater.

It wasn't long before Minoru's extraordinary talent caught the attention of Hope's Peak Academy. He was ecstatic to receive an invitation to attend the prestigious school, knowing that acceptance would provide him with an unparalleled education and further secure his family's financial future. Filled with a renewed sense of purpose, he prepared to leave his hometown and embark on this new chapter in his life.

Killing School Cruise
Tragically, Minoru's time at Hope's Peak Academy was cut short when he and his classmates found themselves trapped in the Killing School Cruise. Faced with the prospect of being cut off from the world and forced to participate in a deadly game, Minoru struggled to maintain his positive outlook on life. The isolation and uncertainty weighed heavily on him, and he became increasingly depressed as the situation unfolded.

As the Killing School Cruise began, Minoru tried to find a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. He participated in daily routines with his classmates, hoping to build a sense of camaraderie and trust among them. He believed that if they could work together, they might be able to find a way to escape the deadly game without resorting to violence.

During this time, Minoru formed close bonds with several of his classmates. He was particularly drawn to those who shared his optimistic outlook on life and his desire to find a peaceful solution to their predicament. They spent countless hours discussing potential escape plans and brainstorming ways to outsmart their captors.

The First Motive
Minoru's despair deepened when the first motive was revealed, showing the students the terrible things that had befallen their loved ones. For Minoru, this meant learning that his family was once again struggling financially, as they could no longer rely on the income from his eating competitions. The thought of his family suffering because of his absence weighed heavily on him, and he felt a growing sense of responsibility to save them.

In the days that followed the motive's unveiling, Minoru found himself grappling with the difficult decision of whether or not to kill in order to escape the game and save his family. He was torn between his desire to protect his loved ones and his inherent moral values, which told him that taking another person's life was wrong.

As he struggled with this decision, Minoru sought the counsel of his closest friends among his classmates. They provided a sounding board for his thoughts and feelings, offering him comfort and guidance as he grappled with the weight of his dilemma. Through these conversations, he began to realize that he couldn't bring himself to commit murder, even if it meant potentially saving his family. He held onto the hope that there was another way out, one that didn't involve resorting to violence.

As the first chapter of the Killing School Cruise unfolded, Minoru found solace in the company of his fellow students. He tried his best to maintain his cheerful demeanor and support them through their shared ordeal. However, unbeknownst to him, a trusted and seemingly friendly classmate had other plans.

With renewed determination, Minoru focused his efforts on finding a non-violent escape plan. He and his friends searched the ship for any clues or hidden passageways that might lead them to freedom. They spent countless hours poring over blueprints, examining every inch of the vessel, and even attempting to communicate with the outside world using makeshift radio equipment.

During this time, Minoru began to suspect that there was more to the Killing School Cruise than met the eye. He couldn't shake the feeling that someone among them was working with their captors, subtly manipulating events from behind the scenes. This suspicion made him increasingly paranoid, causing him to question the motives of even his closest friends.

Despite his growing paranoia, Minoru continued to work closely with his classmates in their quest for escape. He remained a central figure in their efforts, providing encouragement and support when morale was low. His unwavering determination to find a peaceful solution inspired those around him and kept the group focused on their goal.

Minoru's Fate
Unfortunately, Minoru's trust in his classmates would ultimately prove to be his downfall. A seemingly friendly and mature classmate, who had gained his trust, betrayed him and lured him into a deadly trap. In a tragic turn of events, Minoru became the first victim of the killing game, setting the stage for the horrifying events that would follow.

Minoru's Death
In the days leading up to his murder, Minoru had begun to suspect that there was more to the Killing School Cruise than met the eye. His growing paranoia led him to investigate various areas of the ship, searching for hidden clues and passageways. Unbeknownst to him, his seemingly friendly and mature classmate was monitoring his movements closely, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. During Rukako's party, the ship's storage room became the setting for a tragic event. As the party was in full swing, supplies began to run low, and Minoru volunteered to retrieve more from the storage room, hoping to maintain the festive atmosphere. His seemingly trustworthy classmate, who had been keeping a close eye on him, saw this as the perfect opportunity to execute their plan.

The storage room was dimly lit, filled with crates and various ship supplies, creating a claustrophobic and disorienting environment. As Minoru approached the room, his classmate managed to slip in behind him, unnoticed. They stealthily positioned themselves near a large, heavy crate on a high shelf, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.

As Minoru searched for the needed supplies, the lights in the entire building suddenly flickered and went out, plunging the storage room and the party area into darkness. In the ensuing confusion, his classmate took advantage of the situation and forcefully shoved the crate, causing it to topple from the shelf and crash down onto Minoru below.

The impact of the crate left Minoru with fatal injuries. He lay there, gasping for breath, as the pain and shock of the betrayal set in. In his final moments, he thought of his friends at the party and wished that he could have done more to protect them. As his vision blurred and the darkness closed in, he hoped that his death would somehow bring them closer to finding the truth and escaping the Killing School Cruise.

The Aftermath
Following Minoru's death, the ship was thrown into chaos. His fellow students were horrified to discover his lifeless body, crushed beneath the crate. The brutal reality of the Killing School Cruise had finally hit home, and the students were forced to confront the fact that one of their own was a killer.

As the investigation unfolded, the students pieced together the events leading up to Minoru's murder. They discovered the anonymous note that had lured him to the storage room and uncovered the truth about his classmate's betrayal. The trial that followed was emotionally charged, with many students grappling with feelings of grief, anger, and guilt.

In the end, the students successfully identified Minoru's killer, who was subsequently executed as per the rules of the Killing School Cruise. However, the damage had already been done. Minoru's death marked the beginning of a horrific series of events, as the killing game continued to claim the lives of more students.

Minoru's untimely demise served as a stark reminder of the brutal reality they faced and acted as a catalyst for the game to truly begin. His absence left a void in the lives of his classmates, who mourned the loss of their friend and the terrible circumstances that had led to his death. As the Killing School Cruise continued, the students were forced to confront their worst fears and navigate an increasingly dangerous and unpredictable environment, all while grappling with the memory of Minoru's tragic fate.

Research Lab
Minoru's Research Lab resembles a spacious, state-of-the-art kitchen and dining area. The kitchen is equipped with professional-grade appliances and an extensive array of cooking utensils, designed to accommodate a wide range of culinary techniques and styles. The dining area features a large, sturdy table that can easily hold an impressive spread of dishes, perfect for hosting food tasting events or competitive eating challenges.

The walls of the lab are adorned with various trophies, medals, and certificates from Minoru's past eating competitions, showcasing his impressive achievements. There are also shelves filled with cookbooks and culinary magazines, providing inspiration and knowledge on different cuisines from around the world. It is unlocked in Chapter 2 after he has passed.

Alternate Fate
The following is Minoru's execution had he killed someone

All-You-Can-Eat: Final Course
As the execution begins, a disoriented and frightened Minoru finds himself strapped to a conveyor belt inside a dark, industrial-style kitchen. Monokuma, dressed as a sinister chef, starts the conveyor belt, and Minoru begins to move through a series of stations, each designed to resemble a different stage of a competitive eating contest.

At the first station, an automated machine force-feeds Minoru a series of oversized and grotesque dishes, such as a massive burger, an enormous plate of spaghetti, and a colossal ice cream sundae. Despite his talent as a competitive eater, Minoru struggles to keep up with the relentless pace and sheer volume of the food being forced into his mouth.

The second station sees Minoru plunged into a gigantic bowl of soup, which he has to consume quickly to avoid drowning. As he gulps down the scalding liquid, he gasps for air and struggles to stay afloat.

At the third station, Minoru is confronted with a wall of food, each item spiked with dangerously hot peppers. As he consumes the fiery dishes, his mouth and throat burn, and he begins to choke and gasp for air.

Finally, the conveyor belt brings Minoru to the last station, where Monokuma awaits with a sadistic grin. In front of him is a massive cake, adorned with a grotesque caricature of Minoru's face. The cake is rigged with explosives, and as Monokuma gleefully lights the fuse, the terrified Minoru realizes that there is no escape.

As the explosives detonate, the cake and Minoru are both obliterated in a fiery, sugary explosion. The screen fades to black, and the Ultimate Competitive Eater's brutal execution comes to a bitter, ironic end.