It's been quite a while but I finally managed to write chapter 3! The storyline and how/when I wanted things to happen was giving me some issues- since Chizue is going to be more aware of her own feelings and a bit more perceptible then her classmates.

Happy reading!


Chapter 3 Lord of the flies

"As I stated before, the Europeans first arrived in Japan in 1543. The first Europeans to reach Japan were the Portuguese during their intensive maritime exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries, also known as the Portuguese discoveries."

Another yellow tentacle expanded beyond their apparent length and noted down the term and date on the impressive time line displayed on the old chalk board.

"The Europeans landed in the southern archipelago of Japan. This period of time is often entitled Nanban trade and stretched from the arrival of the Europeans in 1543 to the first Sakoku Seclusion Edicts of isolationism in 1614. During this period, the Europeans and Asians would engage in mercantilism. The resulting cultural exchange included the introduction of refined sugar, hand-held firearms, galleon-style shipbuilding, and Christianity to Japan."

A yellow tentacle enclosed the time period in a little box on the timeline in a different colour and a short list was added under the 'mercantilism' term along with a couple of fitting drawings next to each new merchandise that was added.

"The Sakoku of 1614 was set in place by the Tokugawa shogunate and only proscribed Christianity in Japan and ordered the expulsion of Christian priests. Then the Sakoku Edict of 1635 was set in place under which, for a period of over 220 years, relations and trade between Japan and other countries were severely limited. Nearly all foreign nationals were barred from entering Japan and common Japanese people were kept from leaving the country. The policy was enacted, once again, by the Tokugawa shogunate under Tokugawa Iemitsu."

A very detail picture of the third shōgun of the Tokugawa dynasty was drawn in mere seconds above the given name. Absently I noted that it was the exact same one as was depicted in our text books… Honestly, this teacher was absolutely ridiculous… Though, despite that, his lessons were surprisingly easy to follow.

We all had our doubts, my classmates and I, when this octopus slithered into our classroom on Tuesday morning. We didn't know anything about him, after all. So we were all rather thrown when it actually started teaching. It just seemed like such a stretch… To have that taunting yellow octopus- that apparently blew up the moon and essentially became the unstrikable bane of our existence- suddenly become our goofy new homeroom teacher… And a decent one at that…

I didn't know what to do with this. Those two different sides of him were simply too far apart, it made seeing him as a single person nearly impossible. I just couldn't comprehend why this doomsday creature wanted to teach a bunch of middle schoolers… What was it that made him settle his gaze on us, specifically? Was it because he felt like torturing a bunch of kids before he blew us up? But then why does he even bother to actually teach us anything? Like he's actually teaching us stuff that might be useful to know later on in life. Why does he bother playing along with all of this, if he knows that we're not going to be alive that far in the future?

"Sasaki-san?"

"Ah- yes!" I responded quickly after finally taking notice of being called out by our octopus teacher. A few people glanced back at me from their seats and I flushed even further.

"In what year did the shōguns get overthrown and were the emperors stationed back into their position of power?"

"1868?" I was pretty sure I was right about this one since we covered this topic during our second year, but it had still been quite a while ago, so…

"That is correct~!" Its body became red and a large circle appeared on its face in a darker shade. "However, Sasaki-san, I would like you to keep your attention on the lesson, alright?" It gently scolded me as it waved a piece of chalk in my direction, and then it turned back to the class. "I'm aware this might be a bit dull, seeing as you all already learned this information in prior years. Butit's essential to know this by heart."

I responded, along with a couple other students, with a small round of "Yes sensei…".

He was right, it was all a bit dull. But I understood why he insisted on teaching us this stuff before anything else. He'd explained this process quite well during our first lesson together. Stating that the first two years of middle school were used to teach the students the general idea for each subject and that the last was meant to expand on that. If we didn't understand the basics then how were we ever supposed to grasp anything that was built on that knowledge? Which was exactly why the octopus insisted on using this week- and possibly the next if necessary- to go over all the materials from prior years. That way, he could not only get to know us and see what subjects we were struggling with, but he'd also create the possibility to level everybody out so we could all get a good start on the third year.

I personally believed that it was as good as plan as any to get us all back on the right track. But on the off hand, wouldn't that also mean that we'd only be starting on our third year classes a month into our third year? Wouldn't that mean we'll get a major study backlog in comparison to the students at the main building?

"And then on July 29, 1858, Japan and the United States signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce which is also known as the Harris Treaty. The signing of this document opened numerous trade ports to foreigner traders in areas such as Edo, Kobe, Nagasaki, Niigata and Yokohama along Japan's coast."

I wrote down the names of the different areas that opened for numerous trading posts below the name of the treaty. I still vaguely remembered what the treaty implied and in what decade it was signed, so I knew I probably had some notes on it already at home. But I had to give it to the octopus, in a structure such as this, history actually seemed really clear.

Deciding that I would rather have the timeline itself in my notes, I quickly drew a line from one side of my notebook to the other and started adding the dates, terms and additional information around it. As I tried to keep an attentive ear on the teacher's lecture in the meantime.

The school bell signaled the end of Social studies at 10:50 and the ten minutes of intermission commenced. To my relief the octopus didn't immediately erase the timeline on the chalkboard but rather left it as it was for the time being. I was pleased find myself able to write it all down during the small break and shut my notebook with a sense of accomplishment.

The scrapping of a chair being shoved backwards and a flurry of movement snapped me out of my mussing, my eyes instantly shot towards the unexpected action. Maehara, a boy whom I wasn't very close too but knew as the player of the 3-E class, stumbled unstably in the passage between the desks as he made for another swipe with his artificial knife. The octopus faded out of sight just seconds before the knife made contact and reappeared at Maehara's side as the boy blinked and looked around in confusion- our sensei's face snickered its funny laugh as green strips once more decorated it's appearance. The knife was pulled out of the boy's hands with a dainty handkerchief just as Maehara seemed to come to the realization of what had transpired.

I could only stare in stupefaction as the absolutely ridiculous teacher started patting Maehara's head in approval, praising his assertiveness while mocking his lack in speed. A couple of my classmates were quick to step up and voice in their own amazement and approval of Maehara's actions.

Meanwhile, I felt like I was looking at the entirely too bizarre display through a sheet of film. My brain just couldn't seem to comprehend the fact that this boy- because he was just a boy- just… did that. I frowned at the thought and fixed my eyes back down onto my notebook. Did he not understand what he just tried to do? That had to be it right? Why else was he so easily capable of-

A round of laughter ran throughout the classroom from the little herd of students surrounding Maehara and I absently noted how it didn't sound quite as light as they probably intended it to be- there was still a nervousness hanging around my classmates and I found myself clinging to that hesitation. There was something very disturbing about how they seemed to handle this 'mission' that we were given by the government. It was as if an unsaid decision had been made by the group- one which they seemed to slowly but gradually grow into. And I, for one, wasn't entirely sure if I liked it.

I felt like I was suddenly sucked into 'Lord of the flies' and watched those young boys become more and more savage with every passing moment. Were we starting to lose their minds as well? Was I going to lose mine again also?

Balling my hands into fists under my desk, a familiar flair of indignation and disgust burn in the very depth of my chest and my resolve hardened. I would not break. I refused to. I didn't care if it angered my classmates or upset the godforsaken government. I was not going to lose myself to this infuriation quest to eliminate this ridiculous yellow weapon of mass destruction. No amount of money was worth that. And it wasn't like there was anyone in my life to which I was close to anyway. It had become crystal clear after I'd dropped down into the 3-E class that my family couldn't give more than a rats ass about me- and I seriously doubted anyone from the school, be it the students or the faculty, did either… So then why should I feel in anyway inclined to save them from this thing? Honestly, the only reason I was still here- the only reason why I didn't just pick the easy way out of this mess and get my mind erased- was because I wanted to survive this as wholly as I possibly could.

I ignored the sharp pain in my palms from where my nails digged into the skin. My eyes carelessly traveled up to sensei form from across the classroom- his back was facing me as he worked on erasing the timeline and began scribbling down some instructions for the next class on the blackboard.

I didn't hate him.

The realization came with a sadness and resignation. And I struggled with the idea that- despite him practically being the bullet that was to end my existence and those of many others… And despite him being little more than an annoyance at best… I couldn't bring myself to hate him to the point where I wanted him dead.

Something… Something about his person just didn't allow it.

"…Sasaki-san?"

Blinking, I came to realization that sensei had proceeded on with the next class and was now calling me- again- to have me pay attention. "Ah- yes!" I blurred out flustered and heard some of my classmates laugh at me as I got my desk in order. A little ways down, someone clicked their tongue in annoyance. I knew it was Terasaka. He had grown into the habit of doing so whenever something bothered him during class time… which was often.

"Do pay attention Sasaki-san. A proper assassin is always aware of their surroundings." The yellow octopus tutted at me with a slight flourish of the chalk in his tentacle hand.

I nod stiffly in response, now ready with a pencil in hand and a blank page in front of me. The impossible teacher went on introducing the next subject- Maths- and I sighed as I flipped my notebook to the back and wrote down his newest piece of advice. Finding it odd- though ever so helpful- that our target seemed to be so willing to assist his future killers in doing their part properly.


The first few days with our new sensei were strange but ultimately something I could grow used to. There was a routine in things which I, for obvious reasons, hadn't expected to be present. I had expected chaos to reign supreme, but the classroom of 3-E simply moved along the timetable as any other classroom did and for that I was thankful.

Karasuma-san really hadn't lied about us being able of proceeding our usual school lives when he offered insight on how to best handle our new situation. There was still plenty of things to talk about which wouldn't raise eyebrows at home… Not that that was something I really did nowadays but the fact still stood. Yet oddly enough, it made me feel itchy and although I appreciated the normality in between the assassination attempts, I couldn't help but dislike it.

About two-thirds of my classmates had taken part in an assassination attempt by now. I too had helped in the preparation for one- if so what reluctantly. I was thankful that none of my classmates had been perceptive enough to pick up on my overall discomfort about the whole thing… But as the end of the week neared, so did the looming appointment with Karasuma-san and I seriously doubted he wouldn't see right through me. His eyes were scarily sharp like that.

I felt beyond nervous as I tracked my usual way up the mountain, eyes moving frantically from the ground in front of me to the overhanging branches- I'd heard stories of Mimura and Okajima's encounter with a falling snake and wasn't in the slightest interested of having an similar encounter myself. My ear buds were still plugged in- silent as usual- as I worked on clearing my scrambled thoughts regarding my admittedly wobbly resolution.

I needed to stop sensei if I wanted to survive beyond the end of the school year… And I wanted to. I added that last bit on with a nod, because sometimes I needed to remind myself of that. But on the other hand, I just couldn't find a shrivel of desire in me that wanted to kill- or even hurt the damned octopus. I didn't understand why anyone would want to harm another person and to be completely honest- I just plain didn't want to have such understanding. But not doing anything wasn't good either because then I'd be at least partially responsible for the death of millions… And there was also Karasuma-san who I would have to look out for… The whole situation was just a mess and I once more found myself cursing the yellow octopus for putting me in such a position.

"Sasaki-san! Hold up!" A voice called from behind and I came to a reluctant stop with a sigh. Taking out the ear buds, I turned to see Isogai jogging up to me. Vaguely surprised, I sent him a slight smile in greeting whilst mentally wondering why he was taking the initiative to come and talk to me so early in the morning.

"Ohayo, Isogai-kun."

"Ohayo, Sasaki-san." Isogai replied back in kind as he fell in step next to me.

Curiously I eyed the boy from my peripheral vision as we walked on in silence. There was something almost palpable around him- something almost jittery. Was he nervous about walking up the mountain together? It made sense, I suppose. The two of us didn't exactly talk a lot outside of school. And even in the classroom we didn't circle around the same social groups…

"How come you're so early today?" Isogai's voice suddenly cut through her mussing, he sent her an inquisitive look. "Are you planning an assassination attempt?"

"No." I answered before I really thought about it. "I'm not, actually. I just-"

For a moment I struggled, unsure if I even wanted to have this conversation. "Our class has gone through a lot of changes in a very short time. I'm still adjusting I suppose… and yet everyone else seems like they just…" I waved my hand about uselessly, entirely uncertain on how to properly articulate how I wanted to end that sentence. Luckily, Isogai seemed to sort of understand what I was trying to say anyway.

He nod solemnly, "We did adapt rather quickly, I suppose… Given how weird our day to day has become."

"I guess, I'm mostly surprised at how- " I huffed out a breathe in frustration and rubbed at my brow. I send 3-E's anonymously assigned Ikemen a helpless look and decided to forgo whatever issues it could cause in the future and just asked what I really needed to know. "Why was it that my question was at the bottom of the list?"

"Your..?" Isogai echoed his confusion, giving me a frown.

"On the master list- the one we had Karasuma-san answer on the first day."

"Oh!" Isogai gave me an unsure look, though seemed willing enough to amuse me despite my odd question. "Kataoka-san and I already passed by most of our classmates before-"

"No, no. That's not what I meant." I cut in with a furrowed brow.

Isogai frowned his confusion. "Then what do you mean?"

"Why didn't anyone else bother to ask our sensei any questions? Pretty much all the other questions were about the assignment… Did- did seriously no one else struggle with the morality of this entire thing? I mean, if he were in pain, being the way he is now, I could sort of justify the assassination as a means to put a stop to-"

"That's why you wanted to- " Isogai's eyes went almost comically wide, "Sasaki-san, you do realize that if we don't stop him he'll kill all of us right?"

"Yeah, but-" I responded helplessly.

"It might be a little hard to comprehend- I mean, I found it really hard to grasp at first that humanity will go extinct if we- if we fail to-" He scratched his head momently his frustration and placed his other firmly on my shoulder, stopping the two of us in our track so he could give me a determined look. "What sensei did to the moon should have killed us already."

I know that.

"Sensei is a bad person. Someone who intends to hurt us again. Someone who intends to hurt our friends and family- and us if we don't succeed at doing this."

I felt myself deflate, "It isn't that I don't know that… I know that we have little to no choice in all of this… and logically I agree that he needs to be stopped and I want to help our class do so too." I turned away from Isogai's intent stare, "It's just that I can't help but feel disturbed with how lightly everyone seems to be treating this whole thing. Sensei is a horrible person, yes, but he's still a person nonetheless. And it doesn't help that everyone's constantly going on about how they hope to be the one to kill him so they can have the reward all to themselves... It just makes me wonder- and I admit that it's perhaps unfair- of what else they'll be willing to do if they were offered the right amount of money…" I shook my head and returned to look Isogai in the eye. "I don't think willfully ignoring our feeling on the matter or any other issues we might be having will make the process any easier… And honestly, if this first week is anything to go by then I worry that things will only become more messed up and stressful the longer we're working on this thing..."

Isogai didn't move for a minute or so, and I was glad to see that he considered what I had to say and was taking me seriously. I suppose it just showed that we made a good call making him our class representative. Isogai dropped his hand from my shoulder and gave me a kind- if so what tired- look. "You've really thought this through, huh?"

I hummed as I made to move again, the two of us went on walking up the mountain track in silent- Isogai seeming deep in thought and me not feeling the slightest inclined to pull him out of it. I realized then, as we precariously moved away from noisy depths and suspiciously moving bushes that I might just have struck the nail on its head with Isogai. The boy seemed to have settled down now in comparison to how he first jogged up to me earlier. As if he'd been keeping up a happy face to appease me- had he been doing that for all of us this entire time? Constantly assuring his classmates that we were doing the right thing by trying to assassinate our teacher?

'Sensei is a bad person. Someone who intends to hurt us again. Someone how intends to hurt our friends and family- and us if we don't succeed at doing this.' It had sounded rehearsed now that I thought about it. I send a side along glance at the boy next to me as he absently seemed to take in our surrounding. The usual smile on his face had been replaced with a blank stare.

Had he been telling himself that? Had he just been repeating it until it sounded right? Was that how he had intended to-? "How have you been holding up, Isogai-kun?"

"Huh?" Isogai blinked at me as if he'd just noticed that I was still present by his side. I raised my eyebrow at him in amusement. "You're here early too. You're not overworking yourself are you?"

Isogai let out a chuckle, "it's nothing more than usual. Kataoka-san and I have a really good plan figured out for this whole class representatives' thing, and she and I seem to work well together too, so it's actually been easier than last year..."

"And you've been well, with all of this added on too?" I inquired gently.

Movement in his cheek told me he'd set his jaw before he smiled at me, "It's been a little tough, I suppose… But I'm doing well enough. I know what I have to do to make everything okay again, and I just… I don't want to get distracted from that."

I nod at that, accepting his answer no matter how vaguely he said it- I had a pretty good idea of what he was talking about anyway. "That's fair… Say, did you need any help setting up the classroom? I'm assuming you didn't just come early for a chat."

"I didn't. I talked to Nakamura-san yesterday and she and Maehara-kun had the idea to have the entire class ambush the octopus during roll call- I just came early to make sure everyone has enough BB bullets so we're not without for a good while."

I nod again, "It pays to be prepared. Though next time you should probably just sent out a mass text and sleep in. We hold some of that responsibility too, you know… Also we can't exactly afford having one of our class representative look like they only had two hours of sleep the night before."

Isogai sighed sounding resigned, "I'll remember that for next time…"


And that was chapter 3!