[It opens to a wet, spitting noise, followed by a bleak chuckle.]

Emotions... honesty? That's what you guys are saying, huh? It's supposed to be as easy as that? [a beat.] Tch... I don't usually do the story thing, b-but I guess... this is gonna be my only chance, so here goes nothing.

[Ichimatsu draws a slow, deep breath; or one that tries to be deep, but seems to drag along the way, stuttering through his airway like a broken windshutter.]

Once there was a bunch of shitty, useless brothers. Six of 'em. All they did was bother everyone and t-take up space. Annoying, loud, selfish, meddlesome... that was all of them in a nutshell.

... except the fourth son. The others were just a pain in the ass to deal with, but the fourth one... wasn't even that. He was just a sad, unburnable piece of trash with no will to live. And you know what? He didn't need the others. He was better off without 'em. They just... held him b-back... and he didn't miss 'em at all.

[A violent, retching cough, followed by a few seconds of silence; then he clears his throat, as if nothing had happened.]

And they're pr... obably better off, too. That's the sort of happy ending this cursed family can look forward to. Them, and any of the fourth brother's new friends... who make it out of this.

[He pauses, as if waiting for another quick retribution, but this time... nothing. He gives a soft and wheezing huff of laughter.]

... but enough about those guys. If we're gonna talk like it's easy... like we're better than all the jerks who died here before... why don't you tell me about all the stuff you won't acknowledge? I'll be the one who takes your shit to the grave for you.

Heh... or maybe I'll j-just see you there. We're just the same as them in the end, right?

You know, this isn't so bad. It could have been so much worse! So really, in a way, this can still be fortunate.

But, we should have expected something like this the very first day! It was quite an inevitable outcome. But, since we have quite interesting people, it isn't without hope!

Yes, Hope is the key, isn't it? It's said that emotions have a key here, and I am certain that as long as Hope is held o to an answer will be found. Of course there is always simply accepting things as they are, and bringing Hope to others with the arrangement you will leave behind.

A small reminder, that you existed... leaving a beautiful colorful mark on the world.

Thinking of it that way I'm almost excited and cant wait.

[To those familiar with Komaeda's voice he doesnt sound much different than usual, however his breathing is definitely more labored and words more breathy than usual.]