Sakumaru

Sakumaru is the het ship between Sakura Ogami and Nekomaru Nidai from the Danganronpa fandom.

Canon
Nekomaru and Sakura have never met, due to being from different games. but, they have a event together in Ultimate Talent Development Plan, and a few In Danganronpa S. Also, both of them are quite similar. They are very dedicated in their athletic talents with high aspirations, making both highly muscular.

In Ultimate Talent Development Plan, Nekomaru asks Sakura if she has finished training. Sakura asks if he was watching, he says it’s his job to check-in on others. They then talk a little and Nekomaru says that Sakura has gotten stronger, as a compliment. Soon after, Nekomaru says that he’ll help Sakura get stronger. Since Nekomaru is the Ultimate Team Manager, it is implied that he would coach her. There is also a seasonal event where Nekomaru gives Sakura his signature massage, which is jokingly referred to as 'it', leaving room for people to speculate on it. Sakura also has a seasonal mode regarding diet plans, and that an athlete must have a plan that is both healthy, and one that brings them joy.

Danganronpa S brings more interactions between the two. Sakura’s event with just Nekomaru, they appear to be training. Sakura apologizes for taking up his time, while Nekomaru tells her to not worry about that. They then talk about Akane, and Sakura says that Nekomaru truly is a Manager of his core. Nekomaru then tells Sakura to fight him again for sparring practice.

Fanon
Sakumaru is quite unpopular, and not many people know about the ship, making it a rare-pair. It also has very little fanart. Sakumaru currently only has over 2 works on AO3. Other people may prefer Akanidai for Nekomaru, and Sakuraoi for Sakura. The ship sailed mainly due to them being so similar, and their events in Danganronpa S and Ultimate Talent Development Plan. Shippers imagine them being very close friends and picture wholesome training bonding.

Fandom
FAN FICTION

Trivia

 * Both characters died during the fourth chapter in their respective games, and affected someone very close to them.