Special warning: somewhat graphic violence toward the chapter. You've been warned! ;-)
"As you know, next week is our two-night school trip to Kyoto. Not to put a damper on your enthusiasm, but you're still on duty," announced Karasuma.
"You mean we can assassinate him there?" wondered Okano.
"Precisely. Kyoto is far larger and more complex than this school, and you'll be moving in groups that he'll be following," explained their teacher. "It's an ideal location for snipers. The government has already arranged for sharpshooters to join you. If they succeed, they'll share in the ten billion yen based on the degree of their contribution. Be sure to pick assassination-friendly tour routes."
Ame snorted. Assassination-friendly? Never thought I'd hear that one day.
She couldn't say she wasn't excited, though. Planning a large-scale mission like this was bound to be fun!
"So, wanna team up?"
"Sure."
Rio and Ame bumped fists, exchanging grins.
"Oh, can we come with you?" then beamed Fuwa, turning to them. Hayami and Chiba were just behind her. "We need a bigger team."
"Err, sure?" The black-haired teen shrugged. "We still need at least someone else, though."
"Then would you mind if we joined your group?"
Okajima, Mimura, and Sugaya were now standing next to them.
Rio grinned at them. "I don't see why not. Come on, let's get started on the planning!"
The group of eight students settled around to form a circle, pulling out a few guidebooks and two maps. They then started checking out the activities offered and the different routes and options. A minute later or so, though, Korosensei suddenly reappeared in the classroom, holding numerous and extremely thick books with his tentacles.
"One for each of you!" he exclaimed cheerfully.
"What are they?" wondered Isogai.
"School trip guidebooks."
Using his Mach 20 speed, he suddenly passed them to all of the students. Ame's eyes widened as she almost fell out of her chair in surprise.
"That- that thing's heavy!" she gasped.
"It's like a dictionary!" protested Maehara.
"Every sightseeing spot illustrated, the top 100 souvenirs, and travel self-defense how-to's from square one to practical use! I stayed up all night making them!" explained excitedly the octopus. "The first edition comes with a papercraft model of Kinkakuji!"
"You're way too much into this," sweatdropped Ame.
The teacher kept on rambling about his creation, and the teen somehow managed to put it on her desk. It'd be a pain to bring home, but she couldn't help but be curious about its contents.
"Ne, Ame?" She turned to Rio. "What do you think of this route?"
The black-haired girl glanced at the map, before shaking her head.
"No good. It's a rather narrow street and extremely touristic, so it can get crowded pretty fast, and so the sniper won't be able to get him."
"Narrow?" blinked Fuwa, surprised. "How'd you know that?"
"Uh? I've been to Kyoto before. For—" A mission! "—work. It was fun, and I spent my day checking out the place."
"That's so cool!" exclaimed Okajima. "That means you already know good places, right?"
"Do you have a plan in mind?"
"What spot would be the best?"
The orange-eyed girl stared at her classmates, surprised. She hadn't expected them to be so… open. Sure, she had kind of opened the door herself when she gave the girls those key-chains, but still. Without really noticing it, a small smile stretched on her lips.
Maybe I'm still behind when it comes to academic stuff, but this… This, I can do.
"You see, there's this place that's just behind…"
.
.
Two days later, the group was still working on their plan when Ame's phone rang. The girl blinked in wonder. With the excitement from the last few days, she had completely forgotten about the Zodiac. Like, literally forgot about it. However, it had been a while since her last mission, so it was no wonder they finally called her. Ignoring her teammates' inquisitive stares, she got up and went in the hallway, before picking up.
"Yo."
"Hey! We've got a mission. Nothing big, but I'm sure you're feeling restless right now, so I've been saving it for you. Think you can make it or is your teacher around?"
Ame bit her lower lip, hesitating for the first time in her life. Yeah, she had been growing rather restless, but planning the assassination had taken her mind off of it and, honestly, she was having fun right now.
"Ame?"
"Actually, Hana… It's nice and all, but do you think… do you think someone else can take over?" She glanced back to her classmates, who had returned to the planning. "I'm rather busy right now."
"Sure…? Wow, never thought I'd see the day where you refused a mission."
That made the teen laugh. "Yeah, me neither."
"Well, it's fine. Though, think you can come over to Headquarters later?"
"Will do. See ya!"
"Later."
She hung up, putting the phone back into her pocket. Then, she returned into the room and went to sit with the group. As she sat down, Rio lifted an eyebrow.
"Aren't you leaving for your job? Korosensei isn't around, so it's your chance, you know?"
"I know, but I'm not going. I asked someone else to do it this time around," shrugged the orange-eyed teen, picking up a guidebook.
"Eh!?" The blonde's hand was suddenly on her forehead. "Are you okay? Are you sick?"
"R- Rio! Knock it off!"
"But you never refuse a job! You skip every time you get the chance! What's wrong with you today?"
"Nothing's wrong with me! I just…" She shook her head, looking away. "We're in the middle of planning. It wouldn't have been cool of me to just leave the work to you guys, even less since it was my idea in the first place."
At that, the other students exchanged small smiles. After hanging out with the girl for two days, they had come to understand that she wasn't just a girl who didn't care about her grades. She was laid back, yes, but also hard-to-work when something actually interested her, like the assassination they were now working on.
You're really changing, aren't you, Ame? Rio chuckled internally, returning to her own work. It's good. It suits you.
.
.
"So, what did you want me here for?"
"Well, hello to you too."
"I- Isana!"
Overjoyed, the teen propelled herself at the orange-haired woman. She caught the teen with a chuckle, not even flinching at the sudden added weight.
"How're you, little fox?"
"I'm great, and you?" Hugging her tightly, Ame then released her, beaming. "It's been months! I'm so happy you're back!"
"I've been made aware of the situation," replied the woman with a slight shrug. "I thought my skills could be put to better use here."
Isana, codenamed Tora, was the only official spy in the group. The green-eyed woman was once part of the most elite government spying group of Japan. One day, she was sent on a suicide mission with the rest of said group, which had been organized by the government itself to try and get rid of them. She was the only one who made it out alive. After what, she joined the Zodiac and started using her skills to spy on different events and happenings all around the world, though mainly in America, to keep an eye on things and update the group on whatever was happening. She was also the one who got in contact with most of their clients.
Isana sat on the couch, and Ame instantly joined her, snuggling against the strong woman. The two of them didn't see much of each other, what with the older member's position, but Ame always liked her. When the group realized that Ame would never be able to muster enough strength to deal real, hurtful blows, Isana took it on herself to teach to Ame how to escape instead. Most of the moves Ame knew had been taught to her by the spy, and the teen would never be able to show how truly grateful she was for those lessons.
"Anyway, why did Hana ask me to come over?" then inquired the teen. "Does it have something to do with the situation?"
"Yes. Hi, Isana!"
"Hi, Hana."
The two women fist-bumped, exchanging a grin. Then, Hana handed a paper to Ame, on which was the picture of a tall skinhead with a skull tattoo on his head.
"This is one of the dealers of the traitorous gang. After following the group's pattern for a while, we have come to the conclusion that he will be heading to Kyoto the same time you'll be going for your school-trip."
"Want me to find him?"
"We've already put a tracker on him," answered the red-haired woman, throwing the detector at the teen, who easily caught it. "Follow him and find where he gets the drug. Get pictures of any members he encounters, get some of the product if you can manage without putting yourself at risk so that we can confirm it's the same drug, that kind of stuff."
"Got it. I'll do what I can, though I'll probably be watched since we have to stay in groups," warned the girl, tucking away the detector.
"Don't go if there's a risk you might be seen by your classmates or something. Your teachers are already suspicious enough as it is," remarked Hana.
"I know, I know. I'll be careful. Say, do you think you'll be able to send me my pay while I'm there? I'd like to get some souvenirs for the kids."
"Sure thing. I'll tell Devit to take care of it."
"Thanks!" Beaming, the teen hugged both women one more time, before heading for the exit. "Anyway, I gotta go. I've got a distraction to plan."
"I'll drop by to see the kids before leaving again!" promised Isana.
"They'll love it! Thanks!"
A bounce in her step, Ame then left Headquarters. An assassination, a mission and a school trip all into one?
This is going to be fricking awesome!
.
.
"Ame-nee?"
The black-haired teen turned to her door, where a blue-haired girl was standing with pencils and notebooks in her hands. The girl looked down, shy.
"I- I know you're busy with school and stuff… But it's been a while since we practiced English together, and- and I was wondering if- if…"
"Oh, Amaya." Ame brought the girl in her arms, cursing herself internally. "Of course we can. My school work can wait, don't worry about it."
"We- we can do it later—"
"Nonsense. I'm never too busy for you or the others, okay?" Ame ruffled her hair, before grabbing her notebooks and placing them over the homework she had been working on. "Come on, let's get started. I needed a break anyway."
"R- right!"
.
.
A few days passed by, and it was finally time for the school trip. Ame kissed goodbye to the kids and her grandmother, before making her way to the train station. When she arrived there, most of her classmates were already present, waiting impatiently to get started. She quickly made her way to her group, exchanging bump-fists with all of them. After a few more minutes, the students from other classes started arriving and getting on the train.
Sugaya sighed in envy. "Whoa… The A through D classes are riding first-class!"
"We're the only ones in coach," pointed out Rio with a resigned smile. "Like always."
"Those are the rules at our school—and they were explained when you came here," pointed out the D-Class teacher, who had overheard them.
An annoying guy from the D-Class popped his head out of the wagon. "Students with exceptional grades get priority use of school funds!" he taunted.
His friend appeared too. "Oh dear—is that the stench of poverty I smell?"
"More like the stench of morons. Though, if you can smell yourself, its usually a sign that you should probably take a shower," deadpanned Ame.
The two boys gaped at her, startled, and the teacher glowered at her.
"That's no way to speak—"
"No way ta speak ta whom? Bullies?" replied the black-haired girl, lifting an eyebrow in mocking wonder. "Then again, I guess that ya care more about yer paychecks than yer students despite being a teacher, so you're obviously going ta side with them whatever I say."
"Wh- what kind of tone is that?" gasped the man, scandalized. "I could have you taken off this trip at this very instant—"
"What for? For bein' honest or for not lickin' yer damn boots?"
Rio then placed a hand on her shoulder, alarmed. "Ame, stop it! If you can't come, then—"
"Relax. Everything's under control," murmured the orange-eyed teen.
"Uh?"
"Do pardon me. Greetings, students!" As if on cue, Irina passed by the three douchebags and reached their group.
The teacher completely forgot about Ame's behavior, more focused on the ample chest of the woman that had just arrived. The two students were too stunned to utter a word. For the E-Class, though, it was another story. They were way too used to the pro assassin's presence by now to fall for her charms.
"Bitch-sensei, what's with the Hollywood starlet look?" wondered Maehara.
Irina simply chuckled, taking off her sunglasses. "It's a given for any assassin who uses her womanly wiles. A good woman doesn't neglect fashion just because she's traveling—"
"You stick out like a sore thumb. Go change." Karasuma suddenly showed up, not all that impressed by his co-worker's look either. "That's not what a teacher chaperone looks like."
"Don't be so strict, Karasuma!" protested the woman, grinning. "These brats are going on a grown-up trip—"
"Take it off. Now."
Ame slapped a hand over her mouth to muffle her snorts. Not only were they not subtle in the least, but the oh-so-dense Karasuma probably had no idea how what he said might sound when taken out of context.
Ah, watching those two is like watching a good old comedy show—
"Naoki!" The girl stiffened at being called out by the D-Class teacher. She truly had expected him to forget about her. The man walked up to her. "Don't think you're getting off the hook so easily! Talking back to a teacher and to students from higher classes will not be tolerated—"
"I wouldn't do it if I didn't have ta! But these guys basically insult us every chance they get with no provocation whatsoever!" Ame couldn't help it. Her accent came up whenever she was upset, it was something she picked up from Hana, whose own accent pierced through her words when she got angry. "Are ya saying that ya teach yer students ta let people walk all over 'em just 'cause they don't have da same abilities? Just 'cause they're different?"
"All for not saying you're absolute failures," seethed the teacher.
"We wouldn't have ta be failures if ya actually gave a damn 'bout us! Do yer damn job right for once in ya life and—"
A hand suddenly fell on top of her head, stopping her mid-rant. Startled, she looked up to Karasuma, who was staring at the teacher before us.
"Ka-Karasuma-san," the teacher greeted, taking a wary step back. "Your student has a- a horrible attitude, and she sh- should be punished for daring to use such a t- tone against a teacher. I should have her ex- expelled from the trip, but I- I feel lenient today, so I'll let- let it pass for now. Do- do ensure that is doesn't ha- happen again!"
Wow. Can't believe how much mental strength it took the guy to muster the courage to talk back to Karasuma-san.
"Thank you for your consideration," then nodded curtly the agent. "I will make sure she receives an adequate punishment."
"S- see that you do."
And on that note, the D-Class teacher quickly spun on his heels and disappeared into the wagon. Ame glared at the now closed doors, before sighing and looking back to her teacher, who had now let her go to face the rest of the class.
"Everyone, go inside now and take your seats!" he ordered, before glancing at her. "Naoki, come with me."
"R- right…"
Rio offered her a tentatively reassuring smile, but couldn't do much more. Karma merely high-fived her, and so did Maehara, Okajima, Sugino, and Fuwa. Obviously, the students were rather happy to have someone finally talk back, even if she was now going to face the consequences for her insubordination. Once everyone got settled and the train started moving, Ame exited the wagon with Karasuma. Leaning against the wall of the small hallway, she shoved her hands in her pockets and finally looked back to him.
"So? What's my punishment?" she drawled, resigned.
"There isn't any."
"… Eh?"
"You were right in defending yourself," he remarked, crossing his arms over your chest. "But it could have been delivered with more subtlety and talking back like you did with Ono-sensei isn't something I exactly approve of. Despite his attitude, he's still a teacher."
"More like a greedy asshole," mumbled the teen, lowering her eyes.
"A greedy asshole that could have you expelled from the school itself if he really wanted to," retorted the agent, making her flinch a little. "And you know that, which is why I fail to understand what drove you to act this way. I have never seen you lose control of the sort before. You may have an attitude, but you don't talk to Irina, the octopus, or me that way."
"You think that was me losing control?" snorted Ame, rubbing the back of her head. "Hell, you'll know when I actually lose control, trust me on that. As for why… Well, I respect you and Bitch-sensei and Korosensei. I might not really show it, but I do. Because, as I told you a while ago, you're different from the other teachers. Not because you're agents or assassins or super-creatures… but because you treat me—you treat us, as human beings. Like normal people with feelings. You don't look down on us like we're utter failures or scum or- or a waste of time like all the other teachers in this damn school." She finally looked back to him. "You respect us, and so I respect you. In fact, we all do. But Ono-sensei? All the others? They treat us like dirt under their shoes, and I'll be damned if I don't return the favor."
"… I understand. And, again, I can only agree. However, do not let your personal feelings hinder your actual mission." She straightened her back a little at that and bowed her head slightly, accepting his scolding. He had a point, after all. Had he not interfered when he did, she would have been expelled from the trip, and thus the assassination. "Next time around, try to be more subtle."
"… Wait. You're telling me I can insult them and talk back however I want, as long as they can't hold it against me?" she resumed, surprised.
"Subtlety is your strength, isn't it?" he mused, opening the door to the class's wagon. "I'm sure you'll find a way."
"… Thank you, Karasuma-san. For helping me out back then." She grinned at him at that. "You're a pretty cool guy, you know that?"
"I believe I've heard it once or twice before," he shrugged, as serious as ever.
She laughed at that, heading back inside. He may be rather strict, but he actually had a soft side too. In the end, he warmed up to his teaching duties just like Korosensei and Irina-sensei did.
Our class is so weird, she smiled, going to sit next to Rio.
A few groups were going over their assassination plans one last time. Others were throwing their knives at a target they hung on a wall. A few were playing marbles with anti-sensei bullets.
Really, really weird.
"Ame! So, what did Karasuma-san say?" wondered the blonde, curious.
"That as long as I'm subtle with it, I can insult the teachers however I want."
"… What?"
"Yeah, I know. Anyway, want to play a game of cards?"
"… Okay, sure. Whatever."
They started setting up the game. As Rio dealt the cards, Ame leaned back in her seat, letting her eyes wander on the fast-moving landscape outside.
Yeah, our class is weird. But… I truly wouldn't have it any other way.
"Maa, trying not to stand out when traveling sure is exhausting, right?"
Korosensei had ended up missing the departure and hanging on to the train until they reached the next station. Ame had facepalmed at the sheer ridiculousness of the situation. For a super-creature set to destroy the Earth, Korosensei sure could be stupid sometimes.
"Then don't bring such an enormous suitcase," pointed out Okajima.
"You already stand out enough," agreed Kurahashi.
"Isn't it iffy, a state secret being so obvious out in public?" added Rio.
Korosensei stiffened, and his fake nose fell. Ame facepalmed again.
"Well, his disguise obviously won't fool anyone," she grunted. "If worst comes to worst, we can say he's a mascot or something, can't we?"
"I don't know if that'd work…" mused Yada.
"Korosensei!" suddenly called Sugaya, sitting farther ahead. "Here!"
He threw something at Korosensei, who easily caught it. Ame leaned closer to see what it was, only to find wood shaped in the form of a nose.
"First, we'll fixe that droopy nose of yours," the boy chuckled.
Korosensei tentatively put it on, and the orange-eyed girl couldn't help but wonder how Sugaya had managed to get the size so well-adjusted.
"Wow! What a fantastic fit!" beamed the octopus.
"I carved it so it'll fit the roundness and spirit of your face," explained the gray-haired boy, a little smug. "Making stuff like that is a specialty of mine."
"That's amazing, Sugaya!" exclaimed Isogai.
"Crazy how something so small makes him look so much more natural!" added Mimura.
As the other students started praising the boy's talent, Ame then noticed Okuda, Kayano, and Kanzaki heading for the next wagon. Frowning a little, Ame discreetly checked her phone, on which the detector had been added. If the tracker was still on its target, then it meant the guy she was supposed to follow was on the train with them right now, and it didn't sit right with the teen to know about such a threat yet let the three girls go ahead, unaware of the potential danger. She doubted they'd come in contact with him, but…
"Hey, girls!" she called, jumping to her feet. They stopped as she joined them. "Where are you going?"
"We're going to get some drinks," answered Kanzaki, smiling softly. "Do you want anything?"
"Actually, I think I'll come with you. I need to stretch my legs," replied the orange-eyed teen.
"Then let's go!" pressed Kayano, grabbing her arm to pull her along. "Come on, come on!"
"Yes, yes."
The four girls thus left the wagon. Ame knew that they shouldn't run in her target if the said target hadn't moved from his seat since the last minute, but just being there with them to make sure everything turned out fine put her mind at ease. As they stepped out, though, they almost ran into a random guy. The three girls instantly apologized, moving ahead quicker, but Ame instantly caught the slight movement of the guy as he… grabbed Kanzaki's trip itinerary.
What is he doing?
Her three classmates didn't notice as, instead of stepping out with them, she slipped into the shadows near the door. As soon as the said door closed, three more guys stepped out, staring at the backs of her retreating friends.
"What school're they from?" wondered the first.
"Probably Kunugigaoka," answered the guy they had run into.
"Wow, so a whole bunch of super-smart lads and ladies, eh?" mused the second one.
"But that one didn't seem too special, did she?" added the third, staring at Kanzaki through the glass.
The guy they had run into then pulled out the itinerary he had just stolen and grinned a little.
"Say… how 'bout we show 'em a lesson in Kyoto?"
At that, his friends chuckled. Ame frowned, thinking fast. They had Kanzaki's group's route at hand, they knew where to find them very easily. Should she try taking it back? Or rather warn Kanzaki and the others?
No need to worry them. I can easily steal it back and give it back to Kanzaki, and say she dropped it or something.
So, as the four students started heading out, she silently fell in step with them. As she reached her target's back, she extended her hand to grab the itinerary, already ready to make a run for it. However, as soon as her fingers brushed against it, the guy spun around and roughly grabbed her wrist.
"Shit—"
"Thought you could take me by surprise, eh?" He grinned a little, leaning down on her as she tried to pull her wrist out of his grasp. "Thought I wouldn't notice? But I've been pickpocketing for much longer than you, sweetheart. I saw you as soon as we stepped outside—"
"Fuck off!"
She snapped her free hand up, harshly hitting him under the chin. Then, she brought her knee up in his stomach He bent over, but his grip only tightened. Gritting her teeth, the teen tried to hit him again, but he easily spun her around and trapped her in an arm-lock.
Ame possessed many abilities. She was agile and swift on her feet and she had stamina many pros would kill for. However, she wasn't as skilled when it came to sheer hand-to-hand fighting. With a weapon like a knife, she could handle herself without a problem—hell, she was extremely dangerous as soon as she got her hands on a weapon of any kind. Barehanded, though, her only way to win was to either tire out her opponent, land a sure strike or run away. And the more opponents there were, the lower her chances were in a head-on fight. Once caught… once caught, Ame couldn't do much, really. She had learned early how to escape bonds and handcuffs and stuff like that, but she always had great difficulties when it came to a match of sheer physical strength.
Damn it, what do I do? Think, think, think—
"What's going on, here?"
At the new voice, the four boys stiffened. Ame couldn't see who it was, considering the thugs were obstructing her view, but the distraction was all she needed. Giving a harsh kick to the guy's nuts, he finally loosened his grip and she managed to free herself. Slipping under his arms, she made a barrel on the floor and finally stopped moving at the feet of her impromptu savior. A hand appeared before her face, and she looked up… to Sakakibara Ren's smug expression.
"Need some help?" he mused.
She instantly slapped his hand away, scowling a little, and rose back to her feet. She then turned to the four guys, who were now glaring at the boy behind her.
"Stinkin' elite brats, thinkin' they're better than everyone else…" muttered darkly one, cracking his knuckles.
"How 'bout we beat that guy up and have some fun with the girlie, eh?" proposed another.
"I wouldn't suggest it. You might find yourself short on options if it comes to finding colleges otherwise, considering you'll end up in prison for aggression."
Ame froze, glancing behind her. When had that orange-haired guy come in? But the thugs seemed to understand that a train was too much of a public space for them to escape whatever consequences their actions would bring. So, scoffing, their leader turned around and started walking away.
"Come on, guys," he grunted.
Fast, too fast for the two boys from the A-Class to understand what had really happened, Ame suddenly darted forward. She managed to snatch the itinerary from the guy's hand, before jumping over two seats and landing back on her feet.
"Don't mess with my friends," she warned, venom seeping in her voice. "Or trust me: that'll be the last thing you'll do."
At the sheer coldness of her tone, the four thugs shivered, before quickly running with their tails between their legs. Once they were gone, Ame exhaled in relief. It had been a rather close call after all but, at least, she got the paper back.
Now they won't mess with Kanzaki and the others, at least…
"You shouldn't involve yourself with people like them." At the remark, she finally reported her attention on the other two. The orange-haired one was the one who spoke. "Even less considering the reputation you have already built for yourself, Naoki Ame."
"At least I have a reputation. Who're you?"
Sakakibara blinked a few times at her retort, obviously startled, before a few chuckles escaped him. The other boy's eyes, which had been so blank to begin with, were now somewhat lightened with interest.
"… Asano Gakushu."
"Oh." Understanding then dawned on her: "Wait, you're the principal's son?"
He nodded, somewhat arrogantly. Now that the girl knew to whom she was talking to, she would back down and bow like everyone else—
"Wow. And I thought I had it rough."
Asano blinked slowly, unsure if he had heard her right. Next to him, Sakakibara seemed torn between laughing in disbelief and gaping in horror.
"Anyway, I guess I should thank you guys for the help," she finally relented, running a hand through her hair. "Don't go thinking you're the shit just because you played heroes, though. Frankly, it was reckless. I could have taken care of it on my own."
"That's not what I saw when I walked in on the guy trapping you in an arm-lock," retorted the boy with the half-shaved head. "Can't you merely be grateful?"
"… Ooh. My knights in shining armor. I owe you my life. What could I ever do to repay you?" she stated in a flat tone.
Sakakibara sweatdropped at that. "Nevermind."
"That's what I thought."
On that note, she walked passed the two and started heading back to the E-Class wagon. As soon as she was gone, Asano's lips twitched into a small smile.
"You were right, Ren. She's interesting," he stated.
"Right? Though, what are you going to do about it?"
"For now? Just some background checks. I'm… curious."
.
.
While the A-through-D classes reached their luxury hotel, the E-Class was sent to a traditional inn. Ame couldn't say she disliked it, though. The place was calm and reminded her of their classroom, so it kind of fit. Not only could Korosensei move around freely and without his disguise, but they could talk of the assassination without fearing about eavesdroppers. Well, that and they wouldn't have to endure the other students' jeers.
As soon as they reached the inn they would be staying in, Korosensei slumped on the couch, his head deflating like a balloon. He looked kind of sick, to be honest.
"So he gets all sick and groggy on bullet trains and buses?" Nagisa wrote down that weakness in his notes.
"Are you all right? Why don't you lie down in your room?" proposed Okano, trying to stab him.
He avoided the hit and started sliding from right to left and left to right using his Mach 20 speed, avoiding the knives of Okano, Kataoka, and Isogai.
"No need to worry. I'll just pop back to Tokyo," replied their teacher.
"Uh?"
"I forgot my pillow."
"All that luggage and you still forgot something!?" protested Mimura.
Ame rolled her eyes. The more time they passed with Korosensei, and the more the super-creature reminded her of a human. Sure, the super-intelligence, the speed, and the appearance didn't match, but his reactions were extremely human-like.
And he said he was born and raised on Earth… Could this mean he was actually human before? Was that the project Yukimura-sensei was working on? Changing humans into monsters? I already guessed the government had a hand in his creation, but could he have started out as a normal human? I guess it would be a good weapon, though.
"Well, Kanzaki-san? Did you find the itinerary?"
At Kayano's question, Ame was pulled out of her thoughts and mentally slapped herself. She had been so caught up in watching out for the rest of the students on the rest of the way to Kyoto, she had completely forgotten about giving it back.
"You're so earnest, Kanzaki-san. I admire you putting that itinerary together all by yourself," remarked Korosensei, still slumped on the couch. "But never fear. As long as you have one of my handmade handbooks, everything will be fine."
"But I know I put it in my bag… Did I drop it somewhere?" frowned the girl.
"Yeah, you did." Kanzaki stared in surprised as Ame handed over the itinerary. "I found it on the ground when you guys left to get the drinks. Though, I completely forgot I had it until you mentioned it. Sorry about that."
"Th- thank you!" gasped the sweet girl, taking it back. "I didn't even notice!"
"Oh, is that why you didn't come with us after all?" realized Kayano.
"Aa. I saw it falling from her bag but once I picked it up, I realized you guys had disappeared from sight, so I simply went back to our wagon," easily lied the teen.
No need to worry them. They're safe. Let them enjoy their vacation.
The next day
A little past two in the afternoon
Ame was jumping from one roof to another, too fast for anyone to spot her. The tracker in hand, she was now following her target. She still hadn't seen him, but she knew she was getting closer, which only made her accelerate her pace.
Slipping away from the group had been easier than planned. After their assassination attempt failed, Korosensei went to find the next group. As soon as he was gone, Ame let the growing crowd separate the others from her, and she took off as soon as they disappeared from her line of sight. She had texted Rio a little later to reassure her and tell her she'd meet them back at the inn, not wanting the blonde to call at an inopportune moment and reveal her location.
Wait, he's here!
She could see him now, down the street. She stopped on the edge of the roof, laying low so that no one would notice her. From here on out, she'd have to tail him carefully, and leave enough distance between the two of them so as not to risk blowing her cover—
"Stop it!"
"L- let go!"
The black-haired girl almost fell off the roof at the familiar voices. Startled, she looked down in the alley below her and her eyes widened in horror. There were numerous boys wearing the same uniform as those she had faced in the train and she easily recognized the guy who had first stolen the itinerary. Along with his friends, he was dragging Kayano and Kanzaki into a van, and she could see farther down the alley the unconscious forms of Karma, Sugino, and Nagisa lying on the ground.
Fuck! What happened? How did they find them? What do I do?
Her target was moving again. If she let him slip away, she could kiss the mission goodbye. Just before her, though, the van started moving.
Ugh, damn it!
Without hesitating any longer, she started running after the van, jumping from roof to roof once again to keep up. She'd explain everything to Hana later. For now, she needed to save her friends.
"I called up our buddies. Got everything ready for a little commemorative photo shoot, too. Make as much noise as you want—no one will hear you here."
Ame slipped into the abandoned building and went to sit on one of the metal beams supporting the rooftop, just above the group of high-school guys and their two captives. She needed to stay hidden for now and gauge the situation carefully.
Eleven of them. Kayano and Kanzaki are tied up, they could be used as hostages.
"I thought I'd seen you somewhere before," remarked the leader of the group. "This is you, right? At Tokyo Arcade last summer?"
He showed her his phone. Kanzaki stiffened a little, making Ame narrow her eyes. Had the guy been stalking her all along?
"I told my buddy to let me know if he found me the right girl. Had plans to kidnap you, but then lost sight of you," explained casually the thug. "Who would have thought you were a student at that famous junior high?"
Not a lot of light, which means easy spots to hide in. A couch. Lots of space. The switch is in the back. Only one door.
"But look, I get it. The higher you are, the deeper you wanna fall." The dude suddenly leaned closer to her face, smirking cruelly. "Well, from now until nightfall, the Professor of Ruin will teach you all about that. Ah! And not even your little friend from back then will be able to protect you this time around!"
"F- friend?" Kayano dared to speak up for the first time.
"Yeah, that lil' bitch took back the itinerary I stole in the first place, back on the train," snorted bitterly the guy, backing away. "Damn girl slipped right through our fingers. Though, I guess it was a good thing I thought of having my guys take a picture of your route first, right?"
So that's how he found them? Damn it, I'm such an idiot…
The two girls below exchanged a glance. They clearly remembered Ame giving back the itinerary the day before, but she had told them Kanzaki dropped it…
Ame clenched her fists a little. That guy had played her, but she'd return the favor in kind. She didn't take well to people fooling her (she was the one who fooled people!) but, most of all, they attacked her classmates.
Her friends.
No. No, that wouldn't do at all.
I just need the right time…
Below, the thugs started scattering around the place, drinking and laughing. They were obviously waiting for their comrades to show up and start that damn photo shoot of theirs. However, that also meant they weren't paying attention to the two girls they had just kidnapped.
Now!
She threw her knife –an actual pocket knife, not a rubber one- at the light switch, instantly turning off the lights. Using the confusion to her advantage, she dropped on the couch just behind the two girls and, in a swift movement, cut their bindings with another of her knives. Not wasting any time, she then darted towards the leader. He cursed loudly as she landed on his back but, before he could do anything, she had wrapped her legs around him and managed to make him fall, before trapping him in a lock and placing her knife just against his neck. He instantly stopped moving, obviously sensing the danger he was now in.
At that exact moment, the light was turned on once more.
The girl tightened her grip on the guy. He was much taller and stronger, but she now had the advantage. When armed, she could deal a lot of damage. She had the best teacher, after all, in more ways than one. Those guys didn't stand a chance. And, right now, she had the upper hand, considering she had their leader taken hostage.
"O- oi!"
"It's that girl from the train!"
"What do we—"
"Move and I'll slice him open," warned coldly the teen, not in the mood for jokes. They instantly froze in place. "Good, good. Now, here's what's gonna happen: you let the two girls leave without making a fuss. Once they're gone, I'll free your friend and we can all settle this in a fair fight. What do you say about that?"
"F- fair fight?" snorted the guy she was holding down. "We're gonna trash you, little girl. We're eleven against you, and our friends are coming soon. You think you can take us on?"
She only pressed the blade a little more, and blood started trickling down his throat, effectively shutting him up.
"Oh, I know I can. So, deal?"
"… 'fine. Oi! Free the girls and let them go." He gritted his teeth. "We'll make that one make up for it."
"No need to free them. Kanzaki, Kayano!" she called to the two girls, who were now standing and unsure of what to do. "Leave this place and head straight back to where we pass the night. No detours, no coming back, got it?"
"But Naoki—"
"Now."
They seemed to understand that it wasn't the time to argue because they gave in after all. Hesitantly, they started heading for the door. None of the thugs made a move to grab them, and they finally reached the exit. As they stepped out, though, they couldn't help but shoot one last glance at Ame.
The girl simply smiled at them. "I'll be fine. I'll see you guys later."
Biting her lower lip, Kayano then grabbed Kanzaki and pulled her outside. The door closed behind them, and a heavy silence fell upon the group. After a minute or so, Ame suddenly released the guy and harshly kicked him in the back, making him roll aside as she rose back to her feet and faced the group, her knife spinning between her fingers.
"All right, boys. I did promise a fair fight, so here we are. All of you against good lil' me," she remarked, smiling sweetly.
"Get her," spat the leader, rubbing his somewhat bloody neck.
The more opponents there were, the lower her chances were in a head-on fight, so she always tried to avoid it. When someone threatened her friends, though, it was another matter entirely.
Let's get this show on the road!
Snarling, the thugs instantly ran at her. She dropped to the floor and sliced behind the knees of the nearest one, who let out a pained yell as he hit the floor. She then stabbed another in the shoulder, using the momentum to propel herself in the air and kick another in the face, knocking out a few teeth in the process. Landing back on her feet, she stabbed one's tight before slicing his face, making him fall. Avoiding the grasp of a fifth one, she grabbed his arm and followed his movement, making him stumble and fall. She instantly stabbed through his hand, effectively pinning him to the ground.
No longer having a weapon, she started simply avoiding the hits of the sixth one, who did have a knife. However, he was obviously an amateur with no prior training. Saved for his strong built, nothing advantaged him in that fight. She easily knocked the weapon out of his grasp, before picking it up and throwing it at the seventh guy. The knife embedded itself in his shoulder, but he didn't fall and pulled out it with a snarl, before running at her. At the last second, she dropped to the ground, and the guy ended stabbing the one she had just disarmed.
Adrenaline pumping through her veins, she started laughing as she kicked the seventh guy (the one who had just stabbed his friend) behind the knees, before grabbing the metal bar lying on the floor and hitting him behind the head with it, thus knocking him out. He'd probably have a concussion, but she truly couldn't have cared less. Moving on, she got the eighth one right in the face, breaking his nose and also knocking him out. The guy she had pinned to the floor a few seconds before came back to the charge with her knife in his bloody hand. Almost rolling her eyes, she blocked the blade with the metal bar before kicking him in the nuts. He howled in pain, and she used the opportunity to take back her weapon and stabbed him in the stomach, though she was careful not to hit any vital organ.
Only two thugs plus their leader were left. The whole fight had gone on for what, less than three minutes? Everything happened too fast for them to fully understand that they were losing until time came to a stop as their eighth member dropped. She then faced the three of them, a predatory grin on her face, a bloodied metal bar in one hand and an even bloodier knife in the other. There wasn't a speck of blood on her, though.
She was incredibly, almost morbidly clean.
"So, who's next?" she mused, her knife spinning again.
The ninth one ran at her screaming, himself wielding a baseball bat. Eyes wide, he tried to bash her skull… but she avoided the hit and harshly slammed the metal bar on his head, making him drop to the floor. Giving in to panic, the last thug tried to make a run for the door. Without hesitation, she threw her knife at him. It flew passed him and embedded itself in the door, a few centimeters away from his face. The poor sap instantly passed out from fright.
And now, the best for last~.
Chuckling, the teen then faced the leader. She dropped the metal bar and started slowly advancing towards him, her knife spinning once more. He couldn't tear his eyes away from it, frozen in place as she kept on getting closer. His heart was beating too fast, he couldn't think straight, he needed to stop her knife her knife take her damn knife—!
Gotcha.
Without warning… the teen dropped the knife. Stuck in a panicked mindset, the guy followed the falling blade with his eyes… and failed to see the Taser until she got him straight in the chest. His body shaken by numerous spasms, he collapsed on the dirty floor. His eyes rolling in their sockets, he then fainted.
"I told you, didn't I?" then mused the teen, staring down at him with a bitter smile. "I warned you not to mess with my friends."
She picked up his phone and, without hesitation, she broke it, making sure no information could be saved. Whatever he had on Kanzaki, he wouldn't get it again. Satisfied with her work, she then grinned somewhat evilly and pulled out her own phone, before taking a selfie with the beaten thugs. She chuckled at the picture before putting her phone away. Now, she simply needed to leave before—
"Holy shit."
Biting back a startled yelp, Ame spun around, only to find Karma, Sugino, and Nagisa gaping at her work. Behind them were Okuda, Kanzaki, and Kayano, the two last girls exhaling in relief when seeing she was fine.
"Ame-chan!" exclaimed the green-haired girl, running up to her. "Are you all right?"
"Uh? 'Course I am. Though, I think those guys might need to go to the hospital," replied the teen, shoving her hands in her pockets. "I was careful not to hit anything critical, didn't want to kill them either, but that should teach them not to mess with us again, at least."
"Isn't this a little overkill, though?" sweatdropped Nagisa.
"They were disgusting beings who were about to violate two of my friends," retorted Ame, a little colder now. "I could have done much worse if I had wanted to."
"Ri- right…"
As the teen said, there was a lot of blood, but nothing enough to kill any of them. They would simply hurt for a long, long while, but they did deserve it.
"How did you get here before us anyway?" then wondered Sugino, scratching the back of his head. "When we got here, we ran into Kanzaki and Kayano who were panicking and telling us you were facing the guys by yourself…"
"I was passing by when I saw you guys were in trouble," admitted the teen. "I simply followed the van here."
"But… earlier, that guy…" Kayano lowered her eyes, fiddling with her fingers. "He said that he stole the itinerary on the train, but that someone took it back from him… That was you, wasn't it?"
"… Aa."
"Why didn't you tell us, Naoki-san?" frowned slightly Kanzaki.
"I didn't want you guys to worry for nothing," sighed the girl. "I thought I had handled everything and that you'd be fine and I didn't want you guys to stress needlessly. I'm… sorry about that. I should have told you. Maybe if I did, then this wouldn't have happened—"
Kayano grabbed her hands, startling the girl, who looked back to her. The green-haired teen then beamed at her.
"You shouldn't apologize for wanting to help. Thank you, for saving us!"
"I… I just…"
"Aa. Thank you," added Kanzaki, now smiling softly.
"… Ain't nothin'," mumbled the girl, averting her gaze. The adrenaline was now slowly disappearing, leaving her in a somewhat dazed state. "Though I gotta say, that wasn't how I pictured our school-trip would go."
At that, the other students could only laugh. Ame was about to add something when, suddenly, the leader she thought she had knocked out earlier kicked her feet from under her. She yelped in surprise and barely reacted in time to stop his knife from stabbing her throat. Her hands were slippery, though, so he still managed to slice through her cheek before he was harshly pulled off of her and thrown farther away by none other than a slightly late Korosensei.
"Ame-chan!" Kayano helped her to sit, horrified. "Are you okay?"
"Y- yeah…" She cringed when feeling the blood now coating her face. The slice was rather deep, and it was burning. "Ouch…"
"Don't you dare… touch my students… with your filthy hands!" then growled Korosensei, thoroughly pissed.
The orange-eyed girl winced a little at the sight of the angry creature. She hadn't expected to for him to show up, though he obviously wanted to teach those thugs a lesson of his own.
"Students," he called, his voice now even. "Do step outside. I do not wish for you to assist to the incoming violence."
Well, at least he's honest, sweatdropped the teen.
Two hands suddenly slipped under her arms and she was lifted back on her feet. She blinked up at Karma, who patted her head with a grin.
"Good job, Ame."
"Let- let's get out of here!" then pressed Okuda, already at the door.
Nodding, the girl picked up the three knives lying on the floor, the one she had thrown earlier to turn off the lights, the other she had fought with, and the last one that belonged to one of her opponents. She was allowed a small prize for her victory, right? The students then quickly exited the abandoned building. Ame stared up at the orange sky in wonder. Had it really taken this long?
And I abandoned my mission too…
Glancing to the now free girls, though, she couldn't feel any regret over her decision. In the end, they were safe, and that was all that mattered.