Emiko Kaetsu

"Laughter is the best medicine, and I'm here to give you an overdose!"

- Emiko Kaetsu

Emiko Kaetsu (嘉悦 笑子) is a student at Hope's Peak Academy's Class 2-C and a participant of the 'Killing School Cruise'. Her title is Ultimate Clown (超高校級の「ピエロ」lit. Super High School Level Clown).

Appearance
Emiko Kaetsu is a petite girl, standing at a height of 5 feet. She has a vibrant and eye-catching appearance, thanks to her colorful attire and makeup. Emiko's hair is a striking shade of orange, styled into two puffy, voluminous pigtails on either side of her head, reminiscent of a classic clown's wig. Her bright blue eyes are accentuated with exaggerated eyelashes, and her cheeks are adorned with rosy red circles, adding a playful touch to her features.

In line with her Ultimate Clown talent, Emiko's wardrobe is an eclectic mix of bright colors and patterns. She often wears a baggy, polka-dot dress in a combination of red, blue, and yellow hues. The dress has a large white collar with a ruffled edge, and she pairs it with a pair of white gloves that reach up to her elbows. Around her waist, she sports a wide belt with an oversized buckle, giving her outfit a whimsical, cartoonish appearance.

To complete her look, Emiko wears mismatched knee-high socks, one striped and the other adorned with stars, and a pair of large, red clown shoes that squeak with each step she takes. She also carries a small, flower-shaped squirt gun that she uses to surprise her classmates with a harmless spray of water during conversations, staying true to her mischievous nature.

Personality
Emiko Kaetsu is a lively, energetic girl with an unyielding passion for making others laugh. As the Ultimate Clown, she is dedicated to bringing joy and amusement to the lives of those around her. Emiko is incredibly outgoing and sociable, often engaging her classmates in playful banter and entertaining them with her humorous antics. Despite her seemingly carefree demeanor, she is incredibly perceptive and sensitive to the feelings of others, often using her comedic skills to lift the spirits of her friends when they are feeling down.

Emiko's playful nature can sometimes be perceived as annoying by her more serious-minded classmates, but her intentions are always pure, and she genuinely cares about the well-being of her friends. She is aware of her eccentricities and is unapologetically herself, embracing her unique talent with pride. Emiko is an optimist who always looks for the silver lining in even the most dire of situations, and she uses humor as a way to cope with the challenges she faces.

Her enthusiasm for her talent sometimes causes her to overlook the severity of certain situations, making her appear somewhat naive or oblivious at times. However, when faced with a serious threat, Emiko can become fiercely protective of her friends and is more than capable of taking charge when needed. Her loyalty is unwavering, and she would go to great lengths to ensure the safety and happiness of her loved ones.

Beneath her cheerful exterior, Emiko harbors deep insecurities about her place in the world and the value of her talent. She often wonders if her abilities as a clown are enough to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, causing her to push herself to become even more skilled and entertaining. Despite her doubts, Emiko remains steadfast in her commitment to spreading joy and laughter, using her unique talent to bring light to the lives of those around her.

Early Life
Emiko was born into the vibrant and enchanting world of the circus, a place where wonder and excitement were a daily occurrence. Growing up surrounded by performers and artists, she was quickly captivated by the laughter and joy brought forth by the clowns. Her young heart was set on becoming one of them, dedicating her life to bringing happiness and amusement to others.

A funny male clown in the troupe noticed her fascination and took her under his wing, becoming a father figure to the young Emiko. She idolized him, seeing in him the embodiment of everything she hoped to become. She would often regale others with stories of her mentor's antics and express her desire to follow in his footsteps. This close bond with her father figure not only strengthened her resolve but also provided her with a sense of belonging and purpose.

Under the guidance of her mentor, Emiko began training with the other clowns in the troupe at Cirque Lumière Academy,. She was a quick learner, her passion for the craft evident in her determination and hard work. She practiced tirelessly, refining her skills and developing her own unique style. As the years went by, Emiko became an accomplished performer in her own right, her talent and dedication evident to all who watched her.

Emiko's world was suddenly turned upside down when a tragic accident during a performance left her father figure severely injured. The incident occurred during a high-wire act, in which her mentor lost his balance and fell to the ground, shattering several bones in the process. This unexpected event forced him to retire from the circus, leaving Emiko devastated and unsure of her future.

Despite her grief, Emiko understood that the show must go on. She took on the responsibility of becoming the head clown, a position previously held by her beloved mentor. Their final show together was a bittersweet farewell to their partnership, filled with laughter, tears, and a standing ovation from the audience. It was a testament to the deep bond they shared and the legacy that Emiko would carry on.

As the new head clown, Emiko flourished in her role, both mentally and physically. She found a particular passion for makeup, often helping others with their clown makeup and creating innovative designs to enhance their performances. Her creativity and eye for detail earned her a reputation as an exceptional artist, and her willingness to share her knowledge and skills endeared her to her fellow performers.

During this time, Emiko also developed close friendships with other members of the circus. She formed a special bond with the tightrope walkers, who taught her the importance of balance and grace. The strongmen showed her how to harness her physical strength and use it to her advantage. And the magicians shared their secrets, inspiring her to incorporate elements of illusion into her performances.

In the midst of her thriving career, Emiko received a letter of acceptance from Hope's Peak Academy, the prestigious school for the gifted. She was ecstatic at the prospect of attending such a renowned institution, but her joy was tempered by the knowledge that she would have to leave her beloved circus family behind. As she prepared for her departure, Emiko vowed to make them proud and carry the spirit of the circus with her wherever she went.

Just before Emiko was set to leave for Hope's Peak Academy, she found herself in trouble. In an attempt to protect a fellow troupe member from a dangerous situation, she inadvertently caused damage to the circus's property, resulting in her contract being terminated. Heartbroken, Emiko was forced to say goodbye to her circus family under less than ideal circumstances.

As Emiko embarked on her journey to Hope's Peak Academy, she carried with her the lessons and memories from her time in the circus. Though she left behind the colorful tents and the sound of laughter, Emiko's love for performance and her dedication

Killing School Cruise
Emiko boarded the Killing School Cruise with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Though she was initially unsure about the premise of the killing game, she couldn't help but feel a sense of adventure as they set sail. She quickly found herself making friends and acquaintances, eagerly exploring the ship and participating in various activities.

However, when the game officially started, Emiko's doubts grew stronger. She couldn't fathom the idea of her classmates actually killing each other and refused to believe that such a horrific event could happen. In an attempt to maintain a sense of normalcy, she continued to bring her bright and cheerful demeanor to every interaction, hoping to keep spirits high among her peers.

Monokuma's Display of Power
When the killing game began, Emiko couldn't believe that such a horrifying event could actually happen. She maintained her cheerful demeanor, thinking it was all an elaborate prank or some kind of test. Her doubt and disbelief eventually prompted Monokuma to prove just how much power he had over the students. Monokuma orchestrated a terrifying demonstration, showing the students the extent of the control he had over their lives and the ship. This shocking display sent waves of panic and fear throughout the group, making everyone realize the gravity of the situation.

While Emiko tried her best to stay positive during the killing game, she was plagued by the thought that she might never have the opportunity to make amends with her old circus troupe. The guilt of her past actions weighed heavily on her, and she was desperate to find a way to reconcile with them. Despite the overwhelming odds, Emiko continued to believe in the possibility of escape and reunion, clinging to hope even as the game grew darker and more dangerous.

Hope and Stress in the Killing Game
Throughout the killing game, Emiko clung to hope with unwavering determination. She believed that, despite the dire circumstances, they would find a way to escape together and return to their lives. However, the constant stress and anxiety of the situation took a toll on her mental and emotional well-being. She struggled to maintain her typically upbeat and optimistic persona, as the weight of their reality began to bear down on her.

As the killing game progressed, some of Emiko's classmates began to view her constant happiness and refusal to accept the dire situation as inappropriate and insensitive. They believed that she was not taking the situation seriously, and her optimism seemed to be out of touch with reality. This disapproval led many of her classmates to distance themselves from Emiko, isolating her from the rest of the group.

Emiko's Choice
Faced with the choice between losing a part of herself to fit in with her classmates or staying true to her lighthearted nature and remaining isolated, Emiko ultimately chose the latter. She felt that her optimistic and cheerful attitude was an integral part of her identity, and she refused to abandon it, even if it meant being ostracized by her peers.

Emiko's choice to remain optimistic and lighthearted in the face of such a terrifying situation led to a number of issues for her. The isolation from her classmates left her feeling lonely and unsupported, making it harder for her to cope with the emotional strain of the killing game. Additionally, her cheerful attitude made her an easy target for suspicion, as some of her classmates wondered if her happiness was a mask for darker intentions.

Despite her isolation from most of the group, Emiko did have one friend who remained loyal to her throughout the killing game. This friend understood Emiko's true nature and respected her decision to remain optimistic, even in the face of adversity. Together, they faced the challenges of the killing game, providing each other with much-needed support and encouragement.

Emiko's Fate
In a tragic turn of events, Emiko became one of the victims in a double murder during the third chapter of the killing game. She had accidentally witnessed Isana Samejima in the act of taking the life of another classmate and was subsequently targeted to eliminate any potential witnesses.

Emiko's Demise
Emiko, ever the hopeful and optimistic person, decided to create a small surprise event for her classmates to lift their spirits during the killing game. She spent her free time organizing and preparing, hoping to bring some light-hearted fun to the otherwise dire situation. Little did she know that her actions would lead her to a tragic end.

On the fateful night, Emiko went to the ship's prop room to gather some materials for her surprise event. The room was dimly lit, creating eerie shadows that danced around as she moved. She hummed to herself, trying to stay positive despite the oppressive atmosphere of the room.

As she searched for the perfect props, she stumbled upon Isana in the midst of their crime, strangling Nenka Hino. Shocked and terrified, Emiko let out a gasp, alerting Isana to her presence. Isana, realizing that they had been seen, knew they had no choice but to silence Emiko as well.

Panicking, Emiko tried to flee the scene, but Isana quickly grabbed a heavy stage prop and struck her on the back of the head, causing her to collapse to the floor. The blow was not enough to kill her, but it left her dazed and unable to escape.

Desperate to cover their tracks, Isana decided to make it look like an accident. They found a long, thick rope and tied one end to a heavy sandbag hanging from the ceiling. With Emiko still disoriented, they bound her wrists together with the other end of the rope, leaving her vulnerable and defenseless.

As Isana tied Emiko's wrists together with the rope, they didn't immediately release the sandbag, leaving her on the ground momentarily. Seizing this brief opportunity, Emiko dipped her finger in the pool of blood from the wound on her head. With her hands bound and her body trembling from fear and pain, she managed to write a cryptic clue on the floor using her own blood.

Satisfied with their work, Isana released the sandbag, causing it to fall to the ground and the rope to tighten around Emiko's wrists. The sudden force jerked her off the ground, suspending her in mid-air. Struggling to breathe and unable to free herself, Emiko eventually succumbed to asphyxiation.

The Investigation and Class Trial
As the investigation into the double murder began, Emiko's classmates found themselves grappling with the loss of two of their own. The discovery of her dying message proved to be a turning point in the case, providing the students with a vital piece of evidence to help them unravel the complex web of events that led to the tragic killings.

The students worked together, piecing together clues and testimonies to determine the truth behind the murders. Emiko's loyal friend played a particularly important role, driven by a desire to honor her memory and ensure that justice was served.

In the end, the students successfully identified the true killer, thanks in large part to Emiko's dying message. The revelation of the culprit's identity was met with shock and disbelief, as the students struggled to come to terms with the fact that one of their own had been responsible for the brutal murders.

As the class trial drew to a close, the students were forced to confront the harsh reality of their situation once more. The execution of the guilty party served as a grim reminder of the stakes of the killing game and the lengths to which some would go to ensure their own survival.

Emiko's Lasting Impact
Though Emiko's life was tragically cut short, her presence left a lasting impact on her classmates. Her unwavering hope and optimism, even in the darkest of times, served as an inspiration to those who knew her. Her actions during the killing game, and her final act of leaving a dying message, demonstrated the strength of her character and her commitment to helping her friends.

In the wake of her death, Emiko's memory lived on in the hearts of her classmates. They vowed to continue fighting, not only for their own survival but also in honor of Emiko and the other victims of the killing game. Emiko's legacy of hope, resilience, and optimism would continue to guide her friends as they faced the challenges ahead in their struggle to escape the Killing School Cruise.

The loss of Emiko forced her classmates to confront their own prejudices and assumptions about her seemingly inappropriate cheerfulness. As they mourned her death and grappled with the truth of her murder, many came to recognize the true depth of her character and the strength it took for her to remain hopeful and positive in the face of such adversity.

For some, this newfound understanding of Emiko's character led to personal growth and a reevaluation of their own actions and attitudes during the killing game. They began to question their initial dismissal of her optimism and to consider the importance of hope and unity in their fight for survival.

Research Lab
Emiko's Research Lab is designed like a vibrant, colorful circus tent, complete with a stage and a variety of props, costumes, and makeup supplies to help her develop her clowning skills. The lab features various equipment for practicing juggling, acrobatics, and other circus acts, as well as a sound system for playing music or practicing comedic routines. Emiko's lab also includes an extensive library of books, videos, and resources on the history and techniques of clowning, as well as a small, cozy seating area for studying or relaxing between performances. It is unlocked in Chapter 4 after Emiko has already passed.

Alternate Fate
The following is the execution if Emiko killed someone and was executed

The Final Clown Show
As the curtains draw open, Emiko is seen standing in the center of the stage, dressed in her clown outfit, complete with colorful makeup. She looks around, visibly distressed, realizing that she has become the main act in her own twisted execution.

The spotlight shines down on her as a sinister circus tune begins to play. Emiko is forced to perform a series of dangerous acts, each one becoming more treacherous than the last.

Emiko has to walk across a thin tightrope stretched high above a pit of sharpened spikes. With every step, the rope becomes increasingly wobbly, and the risk of falling to a gruesome demise intensifies. Her heart races, but she manages to reach the other side safely.

Next, Emiko is handed a set of juggling pins, each one covered in razor-sharp blades. She starts juggling, but the deadly pins begin to nick her hands and arms, causing her to wince in pain. As the speed and complexity of the juggling pattern increase, the injuries worsen, but she continues to juggle to avoid a more grisly fate.

Emiko is strapped to a large spinning wheel, her limbs outstretched. Monokuma, dressed as a knife thrower, hurls a series of knives towards her as the wheel spins rapidly. She winces as each blade narrowly misses her, the wind from their passing causing her hair to flutter.

Exhausted and injured, Emiko finds herself in front of a large cannon. She is forced to climb inside, and the cannon is pointed towards a small net far across the stage. Monokuma, now dressed as a ringmaster, lights the fuse with a wicked grin.

The cannon fires, and Emiko is launched across the tent, hurtling towards the net. She lands with a thud, the impact causing the net to give way, and she falls to the ground. A burst of confetti and streamers erupts around her, giving the illusion of a grand finale.

However, as the dust settles, it becomes clear that Emiko did not survive the fall. The audience of Monokuma bears erupts into applause, their cheers echoing hauntingly through the circus tent as the curtains draw closed on Emiko's final performance.