#drv3 chapter 3

( ꩜ ᯅ ꩜;)

Next Dining Hall Meeting:

According to Kokichi’s own words, it's implied that he initially revealed Maki’s talent and tried to isolate her from the group because he saw her as a potential threat. 

Keeping that in mind, I find it interesting how Kokichi didn't seem convinced yet somewhat intrigued by Kaito’s approach.

I can’t say for certain that Kokichi was already thinking that way at this point, but later on, he openly acknowledged that the change in Shuichi’s attitude was “all thanks to Kaito.” 

If we apply that to this situation, it’s possible that Kokichi might've wondered whether Kaito could achieve something similar with Maki… even though he strongly doubted it.

Also, judging by what Kokichi speculated after the dining hall meeting, he really did seem to be thinking about Kaito’s intentions—and whether they were truly as sincere as they appeared to be.

Happy birthday Korekiyo!!

All sorts of art and redraws! Thank you Kiyo for being in my life for almost two years now!

Truly this silly fictional character has been with me through a lot. I have realized my identity, became proud of who I am, cut my hair, fell in love, finally started going to therapy and seeking help!

It has truly been quite the rollercoaster. Thankfully, during those nights where I can’t sleep due to my overwhelming thoughts, I’ve always had Kiyo.

Take six full finished pieces for Kiyo’s birthday. As they have helped me find a community and embrace my own humanity!

(My autism latches onto this mf so hard it’s amazing)

Feeling kinda dizzy lol!

Warning: This post is based on my own perception and can be seen as speculative.

“Maki Roll,” a type of sushi, or “Harumaki,” Japanese spring rolls, are both nicknames with a thematic connection to food, which gives them a much more harmless and playful tone.

Not only does “Harumaki” contain parts of Maki’s first and last name—I can imagine that this was an additional reason why Kaito chose it.

It was meant to give her a sense of normalcy—to remind her that she isn’t the terrible person she believes herself to be. That she’s also someone who deserves to have friends and share nicknames with them.

It’s a sentimentality that initially irritates Maki, but one she later comes to accept and recognize for how much it meant to her.

However, in contrast to Kaito, Kokichi uses it to mock her with it.

When it comes to “Shumai,” I can imagine that it was also more of a calculated move on Kokichi's part, even if it initially might not seem that way.

The sprite Kokichi has in that scene is the one usually associated with him feigning or exaggerating irritation or anger, which might support the idea that he wasn’t being serious.

In addition, the nickname itself is thematically similar to Maki’s: “Shumai” refers to Chinese dumplings—another food reference. This could suggest that Kokichi had Maki’s nickname in mind when he came up with it.

And if I remember correctly, this moment was also the only time Kokichi ever referred to Shuichi that way, and he didn't even address him directly.

It was directed at Kaito, where the use of the nickname may also have been a deliberate tool to provoke him. To make it notable that he'd formed a certain closeness with Shuichi.

After all, a major theme in the latter half of the chapter was Kokichi's interference in Kaito and Shuichi's relationship and the doubt Kaito starts to grow the more Shuichi sides with him.

In fact, the similarities between Maki’s and Shuichi's nicknames might also come from a place where Kokichi wanted to take a jab at Kaito for giving Maki—the Ultimate Assassin—such a silly nickname.