Angel of Death
Disclaimer: I do not own Assassination Classroom
Chapter 52
It was now the beginning of September and the students went back to the daily grind of school as the last days of the August holidays, came to a close. The deadline to kill Korosensei was six months, half of a year left.
"It's been awhile, Class E" The class turned to see the Virtuosos Five...minus their leader of course, as Tomoya was the one speaking. "Well I'm sure the second semester will be tough for you, too"
"Try to not to be too discouraged" Natsuhiko then laughed as they walked away. "Gishishishishi"
"The Five from the get go, huh?" Hinata asked.
"Our vacation just ended, but I already have a bad feeling..." Hiroto said. "And what's with those stupid grinning faces?"
"They looked so frustrated during the closing ceremony for the first semester, too" Kimura said as they class just turned their attention to the ceremony.
"Now then, I have one last announcement for everyone before this ceremony ends" Teppei announced. "Starting today, Class 3A will be adding a new member to their ranks. Until yesterday, he was in class E"
The students of class E were shocked at the news. "However, with his diligent efforts, he has received excellent grades, and has earned the permission to return to the main school building"
"Now, go tell them" Gakushu said handing said former class E student the note.
"Well then, let us hear his words of joy!"
"Kotaro Takebayashi!"
Class E was sent further into shock.
Nagataka's eye twitched, not at Kotaro leaving but something else. "Why do I have this feeling like people expected me up there?" He thought to himself.
"I have spent over three months with class E" He said. "Simply put, that environment was hell"
Kotaro's words shocked the class even further, and the more he speech went the more shocked, angry and heartbroken they became.
"My classmates had no drive, even the teachers had given up on us. I realized the price I paid for my slacking" Kotaro continued. "I want to go back to the main school building, for that, I studied as if my life depended on it. I even changed my attitude towards everyday life"
"From the bottom of my heart, I'm overjoyed that I'm able to return. I will work hard so that I will never fall into class E again. That is all" Kotaro then bowed as it was awkwardly silent before one person started clapping from the stage.
"Welcome back, Kotaro" Gakushu said as the only one clapping, and then, the rest of the main school building started to clap and cheer.
Nagataka looked at the students clapping. They were only clapping because he was no longer a class E or due to Gakushu...either way, he was disgusted at the main school students, but he couldn't understand trash.
Later school continued as normal. "WHAT'S WITH THAT GUY?!" Hiroto yelled to the heavens as his fist connected with the chalkboard. "I CAN'T BELIEVE HE EVEN THREW AWAY A CHANCE AT TEN BILLION YEN TO DITCH US!"
"And he even said this place was hell!" Kimura reminded.
"Even if he was forced to say that, that's just wrong" Hinata added.
"It is true that Kotaro's grades suddenly improved, but I believe that's only because he was taught by Korosensei in class E" Megu said from her desk. "If he even forgot that much, then I can't look at him the same way"
"ANYWAY, WE CAN'T JUST SIT STILL AFTER HE SAID ALL THAT!" Hiroto shouted. "I'M GONNA GO SAY SOMETHING TO HIM AFTER SCHOOL!"
"You're not going anywhere Hiroto" Nagataka said as they all turned to him, he had his arms crossed and eyes closed before opening his eyes as Hiroto spoke.
"Why the hell not?! You heard what he said!"
"I did, but you're not going to talk with him" Nagataka told Hiroto. "Why? You're too angry, if you want to talk to him calm down. If you talk to him while still angry, you'll end up doing something you will regret"
"And your not angry?" Hiroto asked. "You don't care if he just abandoned you?!"
"I'm not angry but I am a little disappointed" Nagataka said. "But, don't you think that this is a bit to...odd that he was accepted into Class A now?"
"Nagataka, what are you saying?" Nagisa asked.
"I don't believe Kotaro wasn't just chosen because of his grades. Sure his grades got him into Class A but I believe there is another reason for it" He said. "But...you'd do the same thing too if you where in his position"
"I'd stay here..." Hiroto started.
"Because of the bounty" Nagataka cut off and finished for Hiroto, which shut him up. "Let's just say I killed the octopus and claimed the bounty for myself but you were offered a spot in class A or B, C even D, would you take that? Of course you would"
"...Look at us" Nagataka said. "We're arguing among ourselves, maybe this is just another possible reason that placed Kotaro in Class A" He muttered mainly to himself.
"...Have you heard of the Takebayashi family?" Nagataka asked, a few nodded. "To those who don't know, the Takebayashi's have been well known doctors in Tokyo, can you see where I'm heading with this?"
"How did you know this Nagataka?" Nagisa asked.
"My doctor worked with one of them for a short time, and when I mean worked, I mean in the same building" Nagataka said. "One of them works in this town's hospital, so some should have known"
Before anything else could happen, Irina or Bitch-sensei walked in. "Get to your seats" She said. "Your lessons are starting"
The students all went to their seats, leaving the conversation for later.
Meanwhile Karasuma was talking with Kotaro.
"I respect the choice you've made. I also trust you, and i'll watch you through the memory erasure procedures and such" Karasuma said to Kotaro. "However, even if you are in a new class, be sure that you never disclose anything about the assassination"
"I know that already" Kotaro said as he pushed up his glasses. "Do I look that dimwitted?"
"Kotaro Takebayashi, during the assassination training, he did give it his all, but he had the worst results" The agent thought as he watched Kotaro leave. "That goes for studies as well. You could say he crammed too much, his approach was bad"
"He simply does not know the trick to studying" Korosensei said as he was making something at mach speed. "He was attending five to six cram schools, but that actually resulted in a negative outcome. I feel like he's the type that can improve his grades if he can master the right amount to study"
"In order for Kotaro to get by with a minimal amount of studying, I will first study the maximum amount, and then I will find an ideal method of studying that will accommodate him" He said as he finished a book called Kotaro Takebayashi's Study Program...it was a big book...Korosensei rubbed his feelers together. "My hands are shaking with excitement, I will quickly nurture him within three months"
"Mind if I do something about those fingers cracking?" Karasuma asked with a twitching eye. "So this is the outcome of nurturing him, how ironic"
Sometime later the yellow ball with noodle arms and legs was standing in Gakuho's office.
"I do this all the time" Gakuho said. "I approach a student giving their all, and then I inquire them about leaving class E, as with every other year, Kotaro Takebayashi accepted with a simple yes"
"Did you watch the assembly?" The chairman asked as Korosensei remained silent. "The entire student body understood what I was trying to teach them. Your reward is proportional to your efforts, the weak can become strong"
"Korosensei, is there something wrong with what I'm teaching them?"
Said creature sighed as he approached the window. "...No" He said while sliding the window open. "There isn't"
As Korosensei flew out the window, Gakuho could only grin.
It was the end of the school day as Kotaro left from the main building as class E was waiting for him. "Hey Kotaro" Yuma said getting his attention. "Care to explain? Why didn't you discuss this with us Kotaro?"
"There's a reason for this right?" Manami asked. "You helped us out so much during our summer vacation trip! And didn't we have fun together during the regular school year too?"
"The ten billion bounty" Karma decided to speak next. "Depending on how we kill him, it seems like they're going to raise it even more" He said. "I guess you don't need your share, Kotaro. How selfless of you~"
"...One billion at best" Kotaro spoke up. "I would never be able to get the ten billion bounty on my own. Even if I was to help to successfully kill him in a group, the help I'd be able to provide...would probably be worth about one billion yen"
"My family has been running a hospital for generations, even my two older brothers are in the Todai Medical Department" He said. "A billion yen is something my family could earn by working"
"It's a house with the motto of, 'of course you could do it', being incapable I'm not treated as part of the family. Even if I got my hands on a billion yen, my family would never accept me" He pushed up his glasses. "Good for you, the good-for-nothing of the family had his life saved by luck and that would be that. I was able to report my grades to my parents for the first time yesterday. That I received the top class grades, and that I could leave class E"
"You worked hard, you were able to hang on by a thread" Kotaro repeated the words of his father. "Just to hear those words, I had to suffer through so much studying...for me, even more so than the end of the world, of ten billion yen, it's much more important that I'm accepted by my family. I know that I'm a traitor, and that I'm being ungrateful. I pray that your assassination goes well"
As Kotaro leaved, the class just watched with sorrow expressions, they knew how Kotaro was feeling. Nagisa was about to say something but was stopped by Yukiko. "Yukiko?"
"Give it up, Nagisa" She said. "Parent's chains...they bind you to an extremely painful place and don't let go. So...don't try to forcefully pull him away"
A lot of students had the same exact curse that Kotaro had.
"...It was a pleasure to work with you Kotaro" Nagataka said. "I wish you the best"
"...Thanks..." Kotaro stopped briefly before continuing as the class just watched as Nagataka wheeled away, with only Karma noticing and following.
"Are you okay?" Karma asked.
"...A lot of our classmates have a similar relationship with there parents huh" Nagataka said making Karma raise an eyebrow and looked over his shoulders, the looks of understanding on his classmate's faces.
"Yeah..."
Karma looked back at Nagataka. "...It makes me glad for the first time...that I'm an orphan..."
Nagataka's eyes looked away with a somewhat strained smile.
Karma opted to not say anything as they left, he recalled when Korosensei said that he had sent report cards to their parents...Nagataka's reaction to it was quite clear.
"If most parents are like that...then I rather not have parents..." Karma heard Nagataka as they continued to their respective homes.
Unknown to all of them, Korosensei was watching from the top of a nearby building.
The next day, the class had this depressing atmosphere as Kotaro's empty seat was pretty much the reason for the depressing atmosphere, reminding the class of their position within the school.
"Kotaro tossed class E to the side of his own will, and moved to class A" Karasuma thought as he looked in from window in the hallway. "Seeing this surely jogged their memories that they're nothing more than second string players in this school"
"Doesn't this actually work out for the better, Karasuma-sensei?" The voice of Gakuho echoed. "Now, they can concentrate on living solely for the assassination"
"My education...makes sense in all aspects" Karasuma's eye twitched as he recalled Gakuho's smirk with really irked him.
Then Korosensei entered the classroom. "Good morning" He said as he was burnt to a crisp again.
"Why are you black all of a sudden, Korosensei?" Sosuke asked.
"I quickly went to Africa to get a tan" He said. "Incidentally, I went for a drive with the Maasai people and even exchanged email addresses"
"I can't tell if that trip was low tech or high tech" The class thought.
"With this, sensei is now a perfect ninja!" He boasted. "Even if I move within a group of people, I won't attract any attention"
"YOU'D ATTRACT ATTENTION IN A SCARY WAY!" The class shouted.
"..Why get a dark tan when you can camouflage yourself invisible?!" Nagataka thought with his head in his hand.
"First of all, what for?!" Hinata asked.
"Obviously for Kotaro's aftercare" The teacher said.
"Aftercare?" Taiga asked as the wannabe ninja nodded.
"Seeing as how he left of his own will, we can't hold him back" Korosensei said. "However, sensei has a responsibility to look, whether ot not he is able to adjust to his new environment. Of course, this is only sensei's job, all of you, please go about your days as usual"
"For me, more so than the end of the world, or ten billion yen, it's much more important that I'm accepted by my family" The class recalled Kotaro's words.
"Usual?" Nagataka asked. "So you mean poke our heads were they don't belong?"
Korosensei looked up to see Nagataka and the class with similar smiles. "Maybe we should go check out the situation a bit, too" Hiroto said. "Assassination included, that Otaku's a dangerous guy"
"Besides he was a fellow member in our attempt to kill the same target" Sugino added.
"There's no helping that he left, but I don't want him to turn into a creep from the chairman's brainwashing" Hinano said.
Korosensei nodded with a larger than normal smile, feeling pride from his students. "A bond formed by killing intent"
Meanwhile in Class A, Kotaro was watching how fast the teacher was writing and erasing the lesson on the board...but...
"In class E...we covered this in the first semester..." Kotaro thought of it. "On top of that, this is recklessly inefficent. Triangular functions are easier to understand if you break down the main points. He blabs on while he's the blackboard writing and erasing, writing and erasing"
"The convenience for the students is completely ignored, this is a class meant to screen out those who can't keep up" Kotaro's thoughts then travelled back to a time with Korosensei.
Flashback
"I watched the anime that you recommended, 'Ore no Imouto ga Totsuzen Hiroshima-Fan ni Natta no wa Kareshi no Eikyou ni Chigai Nai Ken ni Tsuite', and it was enjoyable"
Also known as 'Regarding the incident of how there's no doubt that my little sister became a Hiroshima fan due to her boyfriend's influence', the story featured three characters. The donut lover, Kikuchi, little sister of flames, Tsunemi and planning on studying abroad, Maeda.
"It felt like they mined every single moe material they could from it, didn't it?" Kotaro asked.
"Yes, I never expected her to become a beautiful little female baseball player" Korosensei said. "On that note, I have turned the solution to the addition theorem that you were having trouble with into a parody of the second season's opening theme!"
"The second season...you really know your stuff, Korosensei"
"Nurufufufu, do you think I could perform my work as a teacher without knowing my student's 2D preferences? Now, let us sing and learn! The cut-in part for your favourite Ono-chan has a very crucial point incorporated into it"
Korosensei then began to sing, which almost made Kotaro's ears to explode and bleed. Korosensei...was bad at singing...yet the drawing song was alright though...
Weakness thirty-nine, tone-deafness.
...He can't sing except for one song...
Flashback End
"Because it was so unbelievably bad, that was tough to learn in its own way" He thought as the day ended as he looked over to his classmates that left. "My classmates from Class A if you can study, and you aren't in class E, they'll treat you completely normally but, like the old me, they're constantly being chased by studies"
"The lax ones are the few who are capable. It's a world of difference from class E" Kotaro thought before recalling one time with a fellow classmate.
Flashback
"Fufufu, looks like you taken a liking to my favourite spot, Ryoma"
"Ha?! Get outta here!" Said person replied. "I came out of curiosity because you asked me to come! Just because you have some spare time from that octopus's lessons doesn't mean you can pick up a useless hobby!"
"Master, would you like to take a commemorative picture together?" A maid asked causing Ryoma to do a 180.
"Ah, well since I'm here"
Kotaro looked up to see Korosensei dressed as a maid with cat ears peeking around a corner. He then wrote in his book before dashing away.
Flashback End
"A teacher who randomly and avariciously studies information on his students" He thought. "Ryoma's the same. It seemed as if he was trying to look over me in his own way"
Kotaro stopped as he looked over to the bushes. "...There's something there..."
"Looks like he's doing pretty well" Megu said.
"Doesn't he actually look more sociable now?" Hiroto asked.
"That's why I told you to just leave that four-eyes alone" Ryoma said, he was a big softie at heart.
"...He clearly sees us" Nagataka said before looking at Korosensei. "Oi, Erosensei, you're sticking out like a sore thumb"
The class were wearing grass camouflage on their heads.
"It's the camouflage technique Karasuma-sensei taught us, but the flora near Class E and the main building are different, so if the person who is being watched sees it, it's unnecessarily suspicious"
"Specially the glossy, black object!"
"...Yeah...he can definitely see us..." The class murmured. "You're definitely sticking out sensei"
"...Maybe I should of gotten the flora here rather than near the classroom..." The teacher muttered.
"That's not the problem though..."
"Why are they still trying to watch me?" Kotaro wondered. "In class E, I'm useless at assassinations. In terms of the main building, it's the same as being unable to study. I have no skill that makes me needed and coming here to see me, even after I moved to class A...what point is there in studying me any further?"
"Even his complexion looks good" Yuma said from the bushes.
"I, on the other hand...what did I return to the main building to learn, again?"
"How is it, Kotaro? Have you grown accustomed to the class?" Gakushu asked as he approached Kotaro.
"Somewhat"
"This is sudden but, the board chairman is calling for you" He told the otaku. "You, the hero who overcame adversity...it seems like you're needed"
Kotaro was now in the chairman's office with Gakushu.
"You probably shouldn't touch the items around here" He said. "Once, there was a guy who broke the chairman's most treasured possession. It seems like he was sent to Class E immediately and I heard...the rumor was that it was on purpose"
Kotaro looked over to the chairman's son. "Wouldn't that not matter to you?"
"Hahaha, no way" The son laughed. "The chairman, even when dealing with his own son, doesn't hold back. You have to keep your guard up against him, each and every day"
"Gakushu Asano, I don't understand him either. While they are father and son, and in the same school, I've never seen him and the chairman talk amicably" He thought. "If I was capable as him, I'm sure my family would gladly accept me"
"My I've kept you two waiting!" Gakuho said as he walked in. "Well, have a seat"
"Looks like they've gone into the chairman's office" Korosensei said.
"Damn, we can't see inside because of the curtains" Sugino muttered.
"Tomorrow is the date I opened the private school. It was the predecessor to this school" Gakuho informed Kotaro. "In commemoration of the anniversary of the establishment, we hold an assembly here"
"There, once again, I would like you to present a speech before the entire school"
"A speech?"
"Right. As you are a huge success of my education, I'd like to support you" Gakuho continued. "I'm sure your family will be happy as well"
"My family..."
"Gakushu, is the script complete?"
"Yes" His son said as he handed his father the script for the speech.
"Let's see...well, I suppose this will do" The father said. "Take a look, Kotaro"
As Kotaro read the speech, his eyes widened.
"This...This speech? In front of everyone?"
"You have yet to escape from being weak. This is a ceremony for you to step up" The chairman said as he loomed over Kotaro and pushed his glasses back up. "Become strong, Kotaro. If you're not strong, you're family won't look at you"
As the chairman said this, Kotaro could feel what the chairman was doing. Bloodlust, brainwashing through bloodlust. Bloodlust that took on the form of a centipede.
"I saw the many depraved ways of my classmates in class E" Kotaro read. "Students who were dazed by lewd relations with multiple partners, violent students, obese students who had no reason to live, other than to eat, students who dirtied their hands in perverted actions, students burdened by appalling communication issues. They don't have the ability to return to the main building but, as a fellow student of Kunugigaoka, even if slightly, I would like to rehabilitate them"
"And so, I have a request of everyone. In order for me to monitor, manage every aspect of their lives, please give me your approval to start a Class E Reeducation Committee"
"If you read that at the school assembly, I'll prepare a new role in the student body for you, of Management Committee Chairman" The chairman said.
"I rehabilitated all my classmates in an entire class" Gakushu said. "Forget about middle school, this achievement would even echo out until high school. It'll even catch the eyes on a recommendation for a first rate university"
"This, is a ritual for you to be reborn as one of the strong" Gakuho said. "By ruling over your former friends, you will acquire the air of the strong"
"Strong...strong, like my family. Like them...strong" Kotaro then stood up and walked to the door. "...I'll do it"
The chairman only smirked before smiling. "That's a good decision, Kotaro" The chairman smiled. "Head back and carefully memorize the script"
"Gakushu" Kotaro said as he stopped near the door. "This is the view you've always had from on top, isn't it?"
"I suppose" Gakushu thought. "A guy like you doesn't deserve to speak the words of a ruler, you damn bookworm. Even I haven't set foot on the summit of rule"
As Kotaro walked home, he saw Korosensei peeking from the corner. "I'm going to call the police, Korosensei" He told the octopus.
"NYAH! H-HOW DID YOU SEE ME UNDER THE COVER OF DARKNESS?!"
Weakness forty, he sucks at hiding.
"What could you need with me?" Kotaro asked as he pushed up his glasses. "Now that I no longer have any connection with killing..."
Suddenly Kotaro's appearance was replaced. He no longer had his glasses and his hairstyle was completely different. If one were to see him, they wouldn't even know that it was Kotaro and someone else.
He looked pretty cool.
"This isn't me" Kotaro said as he looked at a mirror.
"It's 'Visual Kei' make up" Korosensei said. "I tried killing your unique otaku character"
Korosensei then began to revert Kotaro back to how he looked before. "Kotaro, you're free to refrain from killing me if you wish but, you know, to kill is an action which overflows in everyday life" He said. "In actuality, the more you try to have your family accept you...the more you try to kill your unrestrained self"
"But if its you, eventually there will surely come a day when you can kill the cursed you inside. You have that much strength within you" The sunburnt ninja said as he walked away. "Please don't fret, and slowly aim for the chance to kill it. If you need consultation, I will come in the cover of darkness, at any time"
The next day, Kotaro was standing up ready to give his speech.
"Haa?" Went Kirara.
"Another speech from Kotaro?" Rio asked.
"Apprehension" Chiba said causing Sugino to look at him.
"Eh?"
"I can sense bloodlust from Kotaro" Chiba said. "Something...I feel like something important is about to be totally destroyed"
"Please listen to what I would like to do" Kotaro said as both Gakuho and Gakushu watched on.
"Now, this is your first step towards becoming strong Kotaro Takebayashi" Gakuho thought as he watched from a laptop in his office.
"In Class E in which I stayed...is a gathering of weak people" Kotaro started. "Because they lack what we call academic strength, they receive discriminatory treatment from everyone in the main building"
As Kotaro started off his speech, Korosensei was on the roof, still keeping his sunburnt skin as he watched the speech...like a ninja.
"But for me, that class E, is almost as comfortable to be in as a maid cafe"
As he said this, it shocked everyone.
"I was lying...because I wanted to be strong, because I wanted to be accepted but, even though was the most useless among class E, and betrayed them on top of that, my classmates still came to see how I was doing, many times" He said. "Sensei, even for a student like me, who had no knack for studying, he tried every method possible and schemed to teach me. I, who was unaccepted by my family, and all of you, was treated as an equal by everyone of class E"
"Remove him from the stage" Gakuho said to a teacher.
"Ah, yes!" But the teacher wouldn't be able to get there in time as the students of class E all had smiles on their faces.
"All of you, who are aiming to become distinctly strong and be accepted by society...I believe you are right, and I respect you but, for a little while longer, I'm fine with being weak" Kotaro said as he moved the paper which actually had something valuable under it. "While bearing with weakness, and enjoying weakness, I will return to my life of aiming for the necks of the strong"
"Have you lost it, you damn pawn?!" Gakushu angrily asked as he walked on stage. "Take it back and apologize, Kotaro! If you don't..."
Suddenly Gakushu stopped as he saw Kotaro pull out something that belonged to his father.
Kotaro pulled out a fancy and expensive looking award. It was a Commendation Best Educational Manager Award for Gakuho Asano. "I swiped this from the chairman's room" He said. "It's like a shield which commends a private school's best manager"
"When did he take that?!" Both father and son thought. Gakushu had more expression than his father though.
"The chairman is truly a strong person. All his actions are rational" Kotaro said as he pulled out a wooden blade that was used by class E, unlike the anti sensei knives, it had a circle guard and at the end of the blade it was curved like a hook.
Kotaro then swung the blade destroying the award, shocking everyone including the chairman himself, getting some reaction.
"According to Gakushu, in the past, another student who did this same thing or something like that" He said.
"Thinking rationally, based on precedent, I'd say it's off to class E, for me as well" Kotaro said and he's eyes could be seen through the seemingly always reflective lenses.
"Hold it" Gakushu said grabbing Kotaro's shoulders. "There really is no saving you, is there? And here we went through all this trouble to give you the chance to become strong"
"Strong?" Kotaro asked. "It looked like a group of people who were just scared. You, and everyone else" He said while walking away causing Gakushu to clinch his teeth in rage as he glared at Kotaro walking away as Gakuho was not impressed at all and had a terrifying look.
"There's a huge basketball or something stuck up there" One student said.
"No way, so scary..." Another said as Korosensei sweated...maybe his ninja camouflage...wasn't as good as he thought...
After the assembly class E were listening to Karasuma as he was going to add a new element to the assassination.
"Beginning this second semester, we will include a new element to our assassinations. One of which, will be explosives" Karasuma said to the class.
"E-Explosives?!"
"Its power which won't go off in the open air, is very appealing from an assassination standpoint, but the dangerous way in which Ryoma and the others tried to use it, is strictly forbidden" Karasuma said as he held a pile of books. "For that purpose, I want one of you to completely learn the safe handling procedures of explosives"
"My permission and the supervision of that one person will be the conditions for when we use the explosives. Now, who's willing to learn it?"
"That book is too thick!" Sumire thought.
"No way, who'd want to study enough for national qualifications?" Sosuke thought.
"This isn't knowledge that would help with studies, but well, even this might come in handy at some point" Kotaru said as he took the books.
"Can you memorize it, Kotaro?" Karasuma asked as the class smiled.
"Yes" Kotaro pushed up his glasses as Korosensei and Nagataka were watching from the window. "If I turn it into a parody song of the second season's op, I'll get it done right away"
Nagataka and Korosensei smiled as they watched as Kotaro walked back holding the books. "Welcome back, Jotaro"
Kotaro looked towards the window as he pushed his glassed up. "It's good to be back, Oda"
Another chapter down.
