Korosensei stops by her house a little past 9.

Akari's already getting ready to head out to the school when he raps on her door. She slinks over and peers through the peephole before sliding it open. Still skeptical, she asks what he wants.

"I just figured I should check up on you," he responds. "Make sure you're okay… offer you transportation. How have things been? Do you feel ready?"

Akari shoots him a tired look.

"Of course I do," she replies. "And I'm fine. You don't need to go fussing over me or anything."

She rubs at the back of her nape. It's more than clear the real reason he's here is the tentacles. He keeps shooting these nervous little glances at her… like he's afraid she's going to combust. It's ridiculous. She already said she's fine, alright? And it's not like she needs his virtue signalling.

She already knows he doesn't care about her safety. Not really.

(At least… she's pretty sure.)

Admittedly everything from the past 24 hours has her wondering what sort of person he really is… but she tries not to dwell on it. She's got more important things to worry about for now, and besides: whenever her mind drifts back to the claim that he'd been friends with Aguri she feels the tentacles pierce her mind. 'No.' They say. 'No. Of course not.' They won't let her fall for that. And so she won't let it eat at her, alright.

(She's fine.)

"That's good," Korosensei awkwardly replies. "I've been worried about you, you know."

"I know," Akari replies dryly.

The two of them fall quiet. Korosensei shoots a glance towards her wall clock, then back towards the ground.

"It's quiet here," he says. "Do you live alone? I didn't notice a car in the driveway."

"Mmm," Akari says, answering him but not eager to dump too many details. "Dad dipped after 'sis died."

"Aaaaahhhh…" Korosensei says. "That checks out, I suppose." He pauses. "What about Mom?"

Akari's lip twitches… and again she doubts that this man really knew Aguri. She shakes her head and gives a defeated shrug. "I live alone and I didn't mention her. What do you think?"

Korosensei's face pales as he knits at his hands awkwardly.

"I see," he says. "I'm sorry."

It's one of those empty, for-the-sake-of-it condolences.

Whatever. That's not what Korosensei should be apologizing for, anyways. Akari didn't know her mother. Her sister, on the other hand…-

She shoots Korosensei a glare.

Korosensei's quick to change the topic. Shifting from foot to foot he says "In any case… are you prepared to head out? I know this must be overwhelming, but…-"

"I'm ready," Akari says, deadly serious. "...I've been ready to head out since Itona first told me. No ifs or buts. I'm going to make that man pay for what he did to my sister."

Korosensei's quiet for a long moment. Tilting his head, he says "That's not what this is about, you know."

"I know," Akari says bluntly… but the anger seeps through into her tone. She knows this is about Aguri- of course she fucking does- but she wants revenge, too. Korosensei of all people doesn't get the right to redirect her anger. If anything he's probably just uncomfortable knowing she's mad at him, too.

"Well… that's good," Korosensei says awkwardly, not sure how to respond to that. "I hope you're not too scared. Something truly terrible happened to your sister, and while I believe we can face that, no-one could fault you for being afraid."

"I'm not," Akari insists. If anything she's a little irritated at the implication. Sure… her stomach churns when she thinks about her sister going through something like that, but that doesn't matter right now, alright? "If anything I'm just thankful she's alive."

Korosensei's quiet for a long moment.

"...As am I," he finally admits, voice strained.

Akari's lip twitches.

"I'm going to verify what you said, for the record," she admits. "The minute she's out of there I'm asking her if she actually knew you. If it turns out that you were lying about being her friend or killing her on 'accident' I won't hesitate. I will kill you. I hope you understand that, Sensei. Whether you help me rescue her or not, I'll-"

"No," Korosensei interjects. "I understand. Please don't feel the need to justify yourself to me." He pauses, turning. "All the same… I do believe you'll hear the same story from her you heard from me. I failed Aguri in many ways but the fact that we cared for each other is no lie. I'm relieved that she's alive, too."

"Now," he says. "Before we head out is there anything else you'd like to grab or talk about?"

"No," Akari says. "If anything I'm getting impatient."

Korosensei sighs. "Very well then… we should get going. I'd ask you one last time if you're truly prepared for this, but I don't believe I'd ever get any answer besides 'yes.' As scared as I am for you to embark on this journey… it's your right to come along, too."

"It was never up for question," Akari replies. "I was always going to come. The only uncertainty was if you'd be willing to, too." She frowns. "I'm going to keep an eye on you. Don't screw this up, Sensei. If you do I'm going to be really, really mad."

Korosensei opens his mouth to respond… but no words come out. Instead, he simply nods in acknowledgment and steps to the side.

"It's a half-hour's walk to the school. Would you like a ride there, or-?"

"No," Akari says, already reaching out for her jacket. "I can walk."

"Do you mind if I come with?" Korosensei asks, watching her as she steps out the door.

"Do whatever you'd like," Akari replies, latching it behind her. "I'm not your fucking mother."

Korosensei indeed follows after. He doesn't speak… but she can feel his gaze on the back of her neck. Akari rolls her eyes and picks up the pace. Who does he think he is, acting like she needs to be supervised? If anything she feels more in danger with him around.

Absentmindedly, she pulls up her hoodie. It's a surprisingly chilly day out for August, although she's not really sure if she's trying to shield herself from her Sensei or just from the cold. Maybe both. She just hates being stared at.

She thinks about her classmates as she makes her way down the street. She wonders how things will go... how many of them will have shown up for this 'important meeting' and how many of them will be willing to help out when they hear what it's about. Will they be willing to be brave like she so desperately hopes they will, or will they back out? She'd like to think better of them… earlier their plan had seemed so foolproof, but the closer they get to the hour of reckoning the more she feels her faith start to waver.

They aren't going to be prepared for any of this. Is two hours really enough to ready them? And what if they just don't care? She lets herself fall prey to the illusion sometimes, but she needs to remind herself that these aren't her real friends. These are people she's lying to. They aren't under any obligation to help her out… and the minute it comes out that she's been deceiving them they may very well just scorn her. They may never want to see her again.

...Whatever. See if she cares. It doesn't matter what they think of her. As long as she gets her sister out of there and gets her revenge then she'll be satisfied. They can scram after that for all she wants. This is the one thing she's asking of them. She hopes they'll at least give her that… but if they won't…-

She can handle this on her own.

Little beads of sweat are dripping down her forehead. It's funny after she just commented on how it's cold, but it makes sense. The tentacles get her heated both literally and metaphorically. No wonder she's sweating.

She still doesn't take the hood down. Not with the other sham trailing feet behind her.

He's still sending her these nervous little glances… pausing to speak, then deciding against it. It's maybe five minutes before he finally gets some actual words out. And when he does, there's a melancholy to his tone.

"She'll likely be different, you know," he says, trying his best to keep straight-faced. "Five months is a very long time. Please don't be surprised if your sister isn't how you remember her. She's gone through a very traumatizing thing."

"You think I don't know that?" Akari asks, kicking a rock to the side. "I'm prepared for things to be bad. It's not like I haven't already seen her change before."

...Sure, nothing like this has ever happened to her sister… but she's watched her wither away her whole life. Aguri'd gone from a genuinely happy person to someone who just pretended to be one. Watching that inevitable sadness is nothing new. And even if things are bound to have ramped up this time, Akari's resolved to love her regardless of what she finds. She's her only goddamn sister. She could be a shell of herself and Akari would still trade the world for her.

(Not that she'll… be a shell. Not a chance. Aguri's suffered, but she's strong. It won't be that bad. It won't. Akari tries not to let Korosensei's words unsettle her. He's trying to get into her head… that's all. The minute Aguri's out of there, well-

Things won't be perfect, but at least she'll have a place to heal.)

"Whatever we find… it'll be okay with me," she says. "She's still my sister, and that's all that matters. I'll be there for her. And I hope you will too, at least if you're a shred of the person you're saying you are."

"Of course I will-"

"Great. Then stop trying to worry me already, alright? I don't care how she's doing. I'll love her no matter what."

"I know that," Korosensei says. "And I'm not trying to worry you. I suppose I just want you to be prepared for…-" He pauses. "I know what it is she went through… and I know how it feels. It can change a person, and, well…-" He sighs. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around that."

He stares at the ground.

"I can't believe she's been alone all this time. I wish I could have done something."

For a second there Akari feels a pang of sympathy… she thinks they all wish they could have done something. But just as soon she banishes the thought. She reminds herself that Korosensei is not feeling the same thing she's feeling right now.

"We both do," she replies. "You're not special. And I'm not your therapist, either… so stop trying to 'wrap your head around things' to me, alright?"

Korosensei stares.

"I just thought maybe you'd also be struggling with…- worried about…- " He drifts off. "No. You're right. It's not your job to shoulder my fears. I apologize."

With that he shuts up. Akari gives him a satisfied nod. Quite frankly she's not interested in listening to him blabber right now. She still doesn't know who she can trust, and his words aren't helping her any.

She can't wait to hear Aguri's side of the story. That will be able to ease a lot of her fears. Then she'll know whether she's obligated to deal with this guy or not. Once it comes out for sure that he laid a finger on her she can stop putting up with this bullshit. She can turn on him- punish him for his crimes. But up until then…-

Well, she just has to remain strong.

Unless it comes out that Korosensei hadn't hurt Aguri at all. She knows it's not likely, but some part of her keeps wandering back to that. She resents that part of herself. She should know better than to be optimistic by now. The minute she hears what Aguri has to say she hopes she'll be able to put that side of her down.

She wonders how Korosensei met Aguri at all.

It had to be at the lab… right? That's the only way he'd be able to know about any of this. But what does that imply about him? Was he a person, too? The way he's talking about this certainly implies it... but Akari hadn't really thought about that up until now. With his unwavering smile and deformed body he'd always struck her as anything but human. And it's not like he'd acted like one, either. He's zany. W eird. Irrational. People in their right mind… they don't act like that.

(The tentacles suppress Akari's thoughts, and Korosensei murmurs 'She might be different.' Akari wonders how Aguri will act now, too.)

Maybe saying Korosensei 'was' human isn't right. He is. He just…

(She dwells on what she's so certain he's done.)

...He doesn't deserve to be one, that's all.

(That doesn't make her sister any less-)

"We're here."

And with that Akari's thoughts grind to a halt. She jerks her head upwards to stare at the mountain, and realizes unceremoniously that they've arrived. She turns to Korosensei and frowns.

"Great," she says. "In that case let's start the trek up. The others should already be waiting for us. If we hurry we can be there by nine-forty-five."

She doesn't wait for a response. Clearing her head and reminding herself to focus on the introspective stuff later, she makes her way into the forest. She doesn't get particularly far, however, before she hears Korosensei speak.

"Wait," he says. "Before we go."

Akari stops.

"What is it?"

"Are you sure I can't…-" He pauses. "Listen- this is the last time I'll pester you about this… but are you sure you don't want me to remove your tentacles? This is your last chance to do so before your classmates find out. And if you're afraid then it's not too late to back down."

For a second Akari considers it. But blood boiling, she shakes her head.

'Back down...?' what a joke. She's not planning to back down. She'll do whatever this takes.

"I'm not afraid," she says simply. "Now stop trying to change my mind. I told you I'm not considering anything until my sister's safe, remember?"

"I do," Korosensei says. "I just thought I'd ask. That said, however..." he begins to follow. "I will drop it for now. Just promise me you'll stay safe, Kayano. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you."

"I'll be fine," she replies, only half listening to him. And as they come across the crest of the mountain she sees her classmates gathered. It's now or never, she supposes.

...It's time to tell them what's going on.


"And that's the long and short of it."

Ultimately, the two of them tell the class only what they need to. They let them know first and foremost that they've been gathered because Korosensei and Kayano discovered that Shiro has been keeping a human hostage. They let them know second that this person was their teacher, third that Korosensei and Kayano knew her, and fourth that Kayano's not Kayano's real name.

"I am… not aware of all of the details, nor is it my place to disclose them, but I am under the impression that she… knew this person, knew I failed to protect her, and wanted revenge on me due to that. However neither of us knew that she was still alive, and now that that's come out the plan has changed."

They let them know fifth that they plan to rescue this person.

"None of you are obligated to come along… but now that the information's come out we at least wanted to offer."

That's about when chaos breaks out. Korosensei and Akari manage to keep the class quiet as they explain what happened… but as soon as there's a free moment they scramble for clarification.

"Wait… what!?"

"Kayano came here to kill you?"

"We all came here to kill you!"

"And what do you mean Shiro's got a lady locked in his basement!?"

"Yukimura-sensei!?"

"You thought she was dead?"

"We were told she quit!"

"Why didn't Kayano tell us about-? I thought she was- has she been lying to us all this time!?"

"A… a human experiment? That's terrible!"

"Does that mean Korosensei was also a…-"

"I think I feel sick."

It's only through Korosensei and Itona's combined efforts that they manage to calm the class down. Itona, holding his hands up, confirms everything the two of them said.

"I did indeed see that person in the lab. I was actually the first person to bring it up."

"As for your confusion," Korosensei adds on. "I'll explain the full story the minute she's out of there. Quite frankly it's something I never wanted to share… but seeing as how I'm in a position where I can no longer avoid it I'll do what I have to. However... it's a story with a lot of pain attached for me, and I'd prefer to tell it in front of everyone, Karasuma and Irina-sensei included. It's not the sort of thing I believe I can repeat twice."

He pauses. "Then as for Kayano… hopefully she will be willing to share as well. But all of that can wait. We have much more important things to be focusing on right now… namely securing Yukimura-san's safety. Again: none of you are under the obligation to come, and I'm aware I'm asking a lot of you… but if Kayano and I were to stage a rescue operation tonight would any of you be willing to assist? It would mean the world to me."

"Itona-kun and I have already decided we're coming along," Ritsu pipes up from his phone. "I'm going to help out with hacking, and Itona knows all of the lab's layout."

"That, and I'd just feel bad if I didn't," Itona admits. "I don't know if I'll be particularly helpful… but she seemed really desperate the last time I saw her. I have to do something." He turns towards the rest of class. "Do you guys intend to, too?"

Akari thinks she hears Korosensei saying something about how, 'again… he won't be mad if they aren't able to help,' but she can barely make it out. Looking at her stunned, frightened classmates, she feels her lip twitch… and she genuinely considers hurting them if they refuse. She knows it's ridiculous… they're just kids, and it's not like she'll need their help anyways. But the thought of them leaving such an innocent person alone to suffer makes her mad. They'd have to be out of their minds to refuse…- cowards… the opposite of the sort of people she thought they were: plain and simple.

Of course, she doesn't voice any of that. Instead, hands shaking, she parrots Korosensei and says that she'd 'really appreciate it if they helped her out.'

"This is… important to me," she murmurs. "Aguri was a person I loved a lot."

(Is. Aguri is a person she loves a lot.)

And yet… they hesitate. This is the sort of thing that's very real compared to anything they've ever faced before. This isn't duking it out with a larger-than-life educator octopus. This is a person they knew being kept hostage and tortured! It's scary! And as they all stare at her with uncertain eyes, Akari shifts in her oversized hoodie.

...Karma is the first person to step forward.

At first, it gives him pause, too. He'd probably never want to admit it, but Akari catches the flash of fear in his eyes. However, soon shaking it off... he stretches, raises a hand and says "Alright then. I'm in."

"Wait… seriously?" Terasaka asks. "You've never gone out of your way for anyone in your life."

"And it's not like this is really going out of my way," Karma retorts. "We've beaten Shiro a hundred times before… how much harder could it possibly be now? You should understand that better than anyone. And besides..." He pouts. "I just can't leave Kayano making that face. Don't get me wrong, I'm pissed off at her for lying to us, too, and I expect to hear the whole story, but…" He wrinkles his nose. "She just looks so pathetic and desperate. I'm not leaving someone floundering like that… her or this Yukimura person."

"Karma…" Korosensei murmurs, voice brimming with pride. "That's wonderful! You're one of the best allies we could possibly have by our side. There's no way I could thank you enough."

"Good Lord… don't go thanking me," Karma replies. "I'm just doing what's right. That's all. Believe it or not, I'm not some demon." He shoots Terasaka a snide look.

Akari opens her mouth to thank him, but doesn't get the chance. Someone else speaks up before she can possibly find the words.

"I… I'll come too!"

It's a meek voice- one from the back of the crowd. But as Okuda pushes through to make herself seen, she has a surprisingly brave face on.

"It's… horrible that science could be used to torture someone like that. But if Karma's coming along then I think I want to, too. I want to be able to help. Kayano is my friend… and even if I don't really understand everything that's going on, I don't want to wimp out either. I want to be able to help. I'm not sure how useful I'll really be, but if you'd have me, then…" She drifts off. "Well… I'll do my very best!"

Karma gives her a nod of approval. Korosensei smiles brightly and pats her shoulder.

"You're a valuable asset, Okuda… and I'm sure you'll be able to do much to help. We'd be more than happy to have you."

Akari stares as Okuda walks over to join the group. She's trying her best to suppress it… but her whole body's shaking. It's more than evident she's scared out of her mind. And so why…? Why-?

"...You didn't have to do this, you know," She whispers.

"I know," Okuda whispers back. "But I still wasn't going to leave you to face this alone. I don't think any of us would."

And then… most surprising of all, she gives Akari a comforting look. It's this pathetic little thing- barely straight-faced… but the courage shines through. Gaze gentle, Okuda tries her best to say 'things will be alright...' and somehow, for the first time all day, Akari actually believes it. Because even if her sister's in grave danger, the most cowardly person here is trying to tell her not to be afraid. And that…-

That means a lot.

From there on the rest of the class steps up. First, it's Nagisa… brave as ever... and then Kanzaki, saying she also couldn't leave her friend to fight this fight alone. Terasaka… saying that Karma's 'right for once in his life,' and Maehara… so convinced that they'll be able to 'take this guy down without a problem.'

No-one stays silent. Each and every one of her classmates speaks up -then meets her with those frightened, comforting eyes.

It takes all of Akari's willpower not to choke up.

She didn't expect this level of support. She'd assumed the worst of her classmates… thought they'd reject her, and even considered hurting them for it. But they didn't. They all want to help her sister out, just like she does… and some of them even want to do it just because they care about her. After almost half a year of treating them like disposable pawns that hits hard.

Takebayashi is the last to step forward. Nudging his glasses up the bridge of his nose, he declares "Well… I'm not going to be the odd one out." He pauses. "Don't get me wrong: I think this will be very dangerous… and I'm still a bit skeptical about 'Kayano's' intent, but… with all 29 of us I just can't see this going too wrong. I'll come along. We've tackled far worse."

"Exactly!" Fuwa proclaims. "This is gonna be nothing."

"We've already broken into Shiro's property," Yoshida points out. "Rescued Itona and everything. So it's not like we're not experienced."

"Yeah! We just gotta beat up the scientists… same as before," Nakamura says, maybe a little too excited.

"And then rehabilitate Yukimura-sensei," Muramatsu finishes, his hands on his hips. "We were able to cheer Itona up and rid him of his tentacles, yeah? Who's to say we can't do it again?"

"Yeah!"

"Yeah!"

Admittedly Akari's skeptical. She's sure it won't be that easy. But all the same, she just can't help but get caught up in the cheerful atmosphere. With so many powerful people coming along she feels less and less helpless. 'We're coming, Aguri,' she thinks, deadset. 'You don't have to wait much longer.'

"Now, let's not get cocky," Korosensei reminds them. "This is bound to be a very dangerous excursion... and that's why I expect you to be at your most humble. I don't know what I'd do with myself if one of you got careless and subsequently got hurt."

"Korosensei's got a point," Nagisa replies. "We've got to be smart about this."

"And so we're not just breaking in then, right?" Isogai asks. "We have a plan?"

"Are Bitch-sensei and Karasuma coming along? Or is this going to be just us?" Yada pipes up.

Now that makes everyone pause. Whispering amongst themselves, the class comes to the sudden realization that Kayano and Korosensei haven't brought up Irina and Karasuma at all.

"Where are they?"

"They are coming, right? They're super strong."

"This sort of seems like something the government should be handling, anyways."

"I'm afraid in this case it's not," Korosensei replies. "Kayano and I talked it over and we… ultimately came to the conclusion that it was best to exclude Irina and Karasuma-sensei from this excursion. Not only are they bound to get caught up in a lot more red tape than us, but I have reason to believe that the government is working with Shiro. I couldn't risk this information getting out to him."

"And so you mean that…" Kurahashi pauses. "...Karasuma-sensei would be okay with someone getting hurt like that?"

"Of course not!" Korosensei replies. "I sincerely doubt that. But all the same, that's not a risk I'm willing to take. We can communicate fully with Karasuma when this is all done. I'm sure things will be much more apparent after that."

"Damn…" Chiba murmurs, scratching his head. "And so we really are going into this alone."

"Wouldn't be the first time we've been woefully unprepared," Nakamura says, cracking a grin.

"Unprepared, however, we are not," Korosensei interjects. "Itona, Ritsu, Kayano and I have spent the afternoon poring over maps of Shiro's facility… and we have- at least I believe - devised the best possible way of getting in and out without causing any problems."

He flings a small stack of papers into each student's hands at supersonic speed… before subsequently rushing into the classroom and pulling a whiteboard out to place it down in front of them. In the blink of an eye he's got a map mapped out on it. The same map that they'll see if they glance down to the papers now in their grip.

"This is the layout of Shiro's laboratory," he explains. "We were able to deduce the exact location through information divulged by Itona and some personal experience of mine. Ritsu found floorplans buried in their database… and so I'm certain this is how things will be set up… which just leaves one question."

"Where Aguri is in this building. No one place is specifically labeled as a testing room, but I believe this and this to be the most likely locations," he continues, circling two rooms in bright red sharpie. "One is where Itona approximates he met her at, and the other is where I believe Shiro has done tests in before."

The class exchanges a curious glance, but they don't dwell on Korosensei's words for long. They've got more important things to focus on. A few of them scramble to take notes… Sugino gnawing on his pen as he glances up towards Korosensei then back down towards his papers.

"If we are able to make it to that room… we should be able to make it to Aguri and get her out." Korosensei explains. "There will no doubt be numerous guards positioned around the building, of course… but we will be prepared for those as well."

He shoves something else into the students hands'. Some of them let out a small gasp as they realize what they've been equipped with… at least until he clarifies.

"Chiba. Hayami. Kanzaki. Hazama. Isogai. I'm trusting you with sniper duty. These are top of the line tranquilizers. They will not put anyone in genuine danger, but they're enough to knock a person out in seconds. I'll be relying on you to take care of any guards outside as well as anyone we can strike from a distance. Do you think you can handle this?"

Chiba and Hayami exchange a surprised glance… looking towards the other three, but they soon nod.

"Of course," they say.

"Good," Korosensei replies. "I chose the five of you because I didn't want to put this particular pressure on any one group's shoulders. As for the rest of you…" He turns towards the rest of class. "I've equipped you with tasers. They won't be as effective at knocking people out as tranquilizers, but they should be able to immobilize our opponents without seriously wounding them."

The students whisper amongst themselves. Fiddling with their newfound weapons, they seem to be in awe.

"That is our goal, after all," Korosensei clarifies. "...To get in and get out without seriously harming anyone. That said, if it does come to it, your safety comes first. Feel free to punch, kick, taze and choke in any manner necessary to defend yourself. I'd never ask something so dangerous of you as to disregard your own wellbeing."

Akari fiddles with the taser in hand. Quite frankly she doesn't get why Korosensei wants to go about this pacifistically at all. Everyone in that lab had a part in hiding what happened to her sister… and if a few of them died on their little excursion then it wouldn't be any skin off her back. She supposes part of it might just be Korosensei wanting to shelter the class... protect them 'evils of the world' or whatever, but that contradicts itself. He barged into their classroom with the sole purpose of introducing them to murder. He wouldn't try to hide that from them now.

She doesn't get a chance to voice her concerns. Takebayashi speaks up before she could possibly get the chance.

"Okay," he says. "And so you've weaponized us… that's great. But a facility like this is bound to be monitored. What are you going to do about the cams? They see one guy get knocked out and they're already going to go into lockdown."

"And that's where you're forgetting our two-dimensional companion, my compatriot!" Korosensei replies. "Ritsu will take care of that."

"Mmhmm!" Ritsu says, voice a hum. "I've already worked my way into their system. I'm going to hack the security monitors to replay a feedback loop from yesterday. They won't suspect a thing."

Takebayashi strokes his chin.

"Fascinating," he says. "I love it."

"Of course, there's no way we can account for everything," Korosensei admits. "I still don't know the exact defenses set up inside of the building... and so we'll have to be crafty. After all, guards won't be our only worry. Shiro's bound to have Anti-sensei traps. And while I'd be able to disarm most other dangers, those are my one weakness. I'll be relying on you guys to get past those."

He steps forward. "It will be spontaneous. It will be on the fly. Much of this plan will be made up as we go... but I truly believe we can handle it. This is a very dangerous, real situation: the sort I wouldn't trust you with if I weren't completely confident you could keep yourselves safe. But I promise you, students, we will go into this, and we will win."

"That said," he continues. "I don't want you to be surprised about anything, and so there's one more detail we should account for before we head out. Kayano… would you be willing to share?"

Akari blinks. At first she doesn't process what he's talking about. But as she catches Itona and Ritsu staring it dawns on her.

'Ah… that's right,' she thinks. 'The tentacles.'

Some part of her still doesn't want to tell them. But reminding herself that the element of surprise is gone either way, she steels herself. It may be very well necessary to use these later. She doesn't want that to end up screwing up the plan just because it frightens one or two of her classmates. Korosensei's right. It's fundamental that they know. If she's going to lean on them… then she's got to reveal the ace up her sleeve as well.

Slowly… she unfurls her tentacles.

At first the class doesn't seem to fully process it. But as it dawns on them they let out a collective gasp. Mouths agape- eyes wide like saucers- they ask 'what!?'

"W… woah! Those are-"

"Isn't that dangerous?"

"Where did you get those?"

Akari shuts her eyes. Breathing in deep through her nose she composes a response. When she speaks up it's so cold it's almost robotic.

"Yes," she says. "These are tentacles. But I have them under control… and I'm under no obligation to explain to any of you. I already said earlier that I'm not telling my side of the story until Aguri's out of there… and she's not yet, is she? Clarification can wait. There are more important things to focus on." She pauses. "If you want to reject me that's fine. If you want to call me a liar then so be it. But just do this one thing for me first. After that you can lash out at me as much as you want. We've got a person to rescue, and I'm going to utilize every tool I can. If that scares you then you can just stay at home."

It's surprisingly more harsh than she intended… but all the same, she doesn't regret her words. Staring daggers at her classmates, she lets the tentacles writhe.

Korosensei steps in to do damage control. Voice strained, he says, "...Yes. Kayano has tentacles, it's true. I wasn't aware of it until this afternoon, but I swear something will be done about it once this is all through. My goal in informing you is not to frighten you, but rather to let you know that our collective goal is to prevent her from needing to use those at all. They are putting a massive strain on her body… and I would strongly prefer she doesn't utilize them. Please, keep an eye on her and make sure it doesn't come to that."

The class murmurs amongst themselves. As they whisper, however… the primary emotion seems to be confusion more than anything.

"Kayano…" Kanzaki says. "We wouldn't reject you for that."

"If anything we're just worried!" Sugino tacks on.

"We're not going to force you to explain," Megu replies. "...You're right that there are other things to focus on, but you've got to admit this is pretty unprecedented."

Okuda blinks. "Did Shiro experiment on you too?"

"Hey, hey, hey," Karma says. "You gotta listen to the girl, alright? She just said the Yukimura-sensei issue comes first. That said… however," he turns to Akari. "The feelings aren't all warm and lovey-dovey, okay? If you still refuse to explain after all of this is through then there will be an issue. Capeesh?"

Akari bites her lip. She hates being talked down to like that… but there's no use in arguing.

"Yeah," she says. "Kapeesh."

"Good. Then let's focus." Karma whirls around. "Yukimura-sensei. There's no more use in wasting time. Let's get going. Unless there's anything else you've got to share, teach?"

"...No," Korosensei says. "You're right. We should get going. I won't be utilizing my superspeed just in case they have sensors. It's a half-hour walk."

"Plenty of time to scheme," Nakamura says. "C'mon."

And with that… they're off! Akari's classmates are surprisingly nonchalant about her newly revealed bioweapons. She has a feeling they'll be more troubled when they learn the full story… but that doesn't particularly bother her. All that matters is that she gets Aguri out of there. And do that she will.

Because even as she retracts her tentacles back into her skin she feels the fire flow through her veins. And she knows for certain that she will set things right.

After all… pacifistic and stealthy, her classmates will rescue her sister. And with the hurt only she could harness, she'll kill her tormentor.

Tonight, Shiro dies.


Korosensei hears the class chatting as they make their way towards the laboratory. Most of it is hushed… and he's not particularly inclined to listen in, but he does make sure to thank them again for coming along.

"This doesn't just mean a lot to Kayano," he says, glancing over his shoulder and then back at them. "This is… important to me as well. I'm thankful for the help. I'll make sure to repay you all when this is done."

"Ehhhh," Nakamura says. "No need. As tempting as the idea of blackmailing you is, we're not just doing this for you. We're not even just doing this for Kayano, either. We're more or less obligated to help Yukimura-sensei out."

"Yeah," Megu says. "She was our teacher, after all."

"And we weren't exactly very nice to her," Okano tacks on. "I figure it's sort of the least we can do."

"Not very nice?" Korosensei asks, curious.

"Not in like. An intense way," Mimura's quick to clarify. "We didn't yell at her or anything, but…-" He drifts off.

"We were total shitheads," Maehara says with a laugh. "You could barely get us to focus at the start of the year there and you had superpowers. What was she supposed to do? We spent half our class time throwing crumpled paper balls at the back of her head."

"I hope that doesn't make us sound like bullies," Yoshida clarifies. "It wasn't, like, unprompt-" he pauses. "...We weren't just doing it for fun."

"Yeah. She had this weird attitude," Takebayashi explains. "Condescending, almost."

"...Made me feel bad about myself," Terasaka grumbles.

"But of course that doesn't mean that-" Takebayashi sputters. "I'm not saying she deserved any of what she's going through right now… or even how we treated her, but… yeah: that's the story."

"I hope she's not mad at us when she sees us again," Yada murmurs.

"No, no," Korosensei reassures. "I'm sure that won't matter."

Quite frankly he's sure her students being a little rowdy will be the last thing on her mind after what she's been through... but not wanting to dwell on that, he instead says "She told me a little bit about you all. She didn't seem resentful at all. In fact… it was more than clear she loved you a lot. There won't be any hard feelings."

"That's good," Yada replies. "I almost got scared for a second there."

She lets out a nervous laugh.

"Curious to hear how you met her," Hazama admits. "It's most peculiar… our past teacher knowing our current one."

"Yeah," Kimura says. "I've gotta admit I never would've guessed. You two just had really different vibes."

"That can be how you repay us, alright?" Nakamura says. "Not in cash or favors unless you're really desperate, but in the full story. We've been looking for ways to gossip about you for months now, you know."

In any other situation Korosensei would cover his face with his hands and murmur something about this being humiliating. But now's not the time… and so instead, shaking his head, he simply says "Very well then. I already said I'd tell you the truth."

A few of his students let out an awkward laugh… whispering amongst themselves about how they'll embarrass their teacher, but their hearts are hardly in it. Even if they're trying their best to behave as if things are normal, there's clearly a strange atmosphere to the air.

Some of the kids aren't even talking at all. They're far too concerned for Kayano, Aguri, or both. Okuda's hanging around the back of the group… a weirdness to her gait. Hayami and Chiba are silent- focused. And during a moment of quiet Nagisa pulls Korosensei aside, whispering in his ear as they cross the street.

"Does it hurt?" He asks, tone uneasy.

At first. Korosensei's not even sure who he's asking about… but as he follows Nagisa's gaze to meet Kayano at the front of the group, he sighs and gives a shrug.

"...I'm sure it does," he admits. "But please try not to worry. I'll take care of things. I swear."

Nagisa gives a nod, putting on his best brave face. But it's still more than clear the worry remains… and as he steps back to rejoin the rest of group four, all of them seem weary.

Korosensei notes that he's going to have a lot of work to do when all of this is through. This is no doubt scary for them. He has to make sure it doesn't leave any scars. They're brave and they're strong, but they're just kids, after all. This shouldn't have to be something for them to deal with.

(Maybe that's the real reason he feels the need to repay them.)

He's not given much time to dwell on it. Before they know it… they arrive. And as they look out over the pristine white building, Korosensei speaks up... his voice a whisper.

"Remember," he says. "Like I instructed."

They scramble to hide in nearby foliage. Watch, carefully, to observe any guards on patrol. Noting two, they tell Ritsu to hack the cams. Nodding, she gets right to work... before giving them a signal: security lights flashing purple as the snipers step forward.

Chiba and Hayami take the lead. Striking one in the throat he collapses in on his own weight. His companion attempts to alert someone, reaching out for a button on his lanyard, but he doesn't get the chance. Kanzaki and Isogai hit him right between the eyes… and dazed, he falls to the ground.

They waste no time. Scrambling over to the doorway Korosensei whispers "In! In!"

Itona crouches to swipe the lanyard from the guard's neck, and running it by the sensor he unlocks the door. He steps inside, where he's confronted by more people.

They, too, seem panicked and ready to strike… but Terasaka beats them to the punch. Tasing them with all the might he's got, he sends them toppling over.

"Thanks," Itona whispers, startled.

"'Course," Terasaka replies with a grin. "The tasers were my idea originally. I know what I'm doing."

Korosensei and the others hurry inside. As they do Korosensei reminds them to stick close and be careful. More guards or scientists could be anywhere… and the minute they're caught is the minute this mission goes wrong. They can't afford to mess this up.

Unceremoniously, Chiba and Hayami tranquilize the people that Terasaka tased, just in case. And then, wasting no time, they make their way down the hallway, the rest of the class in tow.

They walk fast… peeking 'round corners and firing off shots as they unlock doors. Things are going well. Ritsu lets them know that they're headed in the correct direction… and as they make their way past observation chambers and DNA analysis labs the class is feeling confident. They take care of any guards they spot from a distance, and even manage to tase a group of scientists from behind.

Kayano in particular is on her A-Game. It's not a surprise, seeing what's at stake… but it still leaves Korosensei impressed. She directs her classmates with a trained precision, and when they come across a particularly clustered group of scientists a little bit past the security room she downs four of them single-handedly. Korosensei watches, stunned, and perhaps a little too aware of just how much force there is behind her blow. She's utterly on edge, and her hands tremble with anger as she walks. He reminds himself to talk to her later... to make sure she's alright. Or at least, as close as she can be during a time like this.

Otherwise, however, their plan starts without a hitch. They're in good spirits… and still quiet, focused, and on-task when things start to go wrong. They've just passed a lab labeled Lab G, and after receiving the cue from Itona that they're on the right track, they're been hard at work unlocking the door. At least until they hear a 'shit,' from behind them… and turn to see a scientist staring at them with wide eyes.

They hurry to stop him in his tracks… fire off tranquilizers and rush in to strike him. But the first two tranquilizers just barely brush past his head, and the third ricochets off of his glasses. By the time the melee students are on him, he's already managed to grab at his lanyard. They send him tumbling to the ground, but not before he can slap the emergency button on his ID. And all at once, alarms begin to blare.

The students freeze. It's a deafening sound… high-pitched, and the sort that seems to make the whole lab shake. They stare, wide-eyed and terrified... but swiftly, Korosensei reaches out to grab them.

"Change of plans," he says, voice strained. "We've got to hurry. Stealth is out the window. Come on."

And before they can even get in a response he's off. Students clutched carefully in his tentacles he rockets down the halls. He can hear footsteps storming throughout the building… a shouting that's getting closer, but he tries his best to purge the panic from his mind. They're getting close. There's no giving up now. Aguri is depending on him, after all.

He skids to a stop just in front of their destination. And with that, only a single doorway stands between the students and their long lost teacher. They wait, anxiously, in front of it, as Korosensei instructs Ritsu to unlock the doors.

"We don't have much time," he says. "Hurry, please."

"I'm going as fast as I can!" She squeaks. "They're in lockdown mode! Just give me a minute, alright?"

Korosensei nods… trying his best not to seem frightened as he pulls the students in close. He does a headcount of them, just in case, repeating '27… 28…' over and over again in his mind. The building continues to quake… and right then and there he vows that he'll keep them safe no matter what. If he has to fight right now then so be it.

Any minute the guards are gonna storm… and they will not hesitate to harm his children. He never wanted to show a violent side to them… but if it comes down to it then he will do whatever it takes to make sure they remain unharmed. He can't believe he even decided to take them here in the first place. He thought it'd be fine! He thought they'd be safe! But remembering the atrocities that took place here… his whole body shakes.

'I will not lose you too,' he thinks, giving each of them a reassuring squeeze. 'Your teacher will protect you. I promise.'

Kayano looks equally on edge. But reaching out a tentacle to block her path Korosensei says "I will take care of this. There is no need to push yourself."

She's warm to the touch. Her blood literally boils. Sputtering for words, she starts to say, "How am I supposed to believe you about that!? We could all die h-" But she doesn't get to finish.

The doors behind them pop open with a hiss, and she stumbles in backwards. Korosensei wastes no time. He scoops the students up in his arms and hurries into the room. The door slams behind him with a clunk… and Ritsu shouts "Hurry, alright!? I don't know if I can hold them off for very long."

Korosensei nods… letting out a raggedy breath as he sets the students down. Despite himself, a wave of relief washes over his body. He's thankful he didn't have to fight in front of them. As far as he'd go to protect them, he never wants them to see that side of him.

That relief only lasts a mere moment. As they regain their bearings, the students look around the room… and slowly, they start to gasp.

At first… Korosensei tenses, perhaps worried that more guards had been waiting for them inside. But as his gaze drifts up and he beholds a thick glass plane, he feels his heart stop in his chest. There, inside of the observation chambers lies a person.

(It appears their guess had been correct after all.)

They're in a miserable state. With sickly grey skin and a deformed, twisted body, they're strapped to the operating table by their throat and arms. No part of them seems not to move… writhing, twitching and twisting as they lay there petrified. Bright red blood runs up their veins, apparent through their almost translucent skin… and tentacles spill off the operating table, splitting from their head and torso.

They don't turn their head their way as the students approach. Restrained far too tightly, or perhaps unable to hear them at all through the thick glass window, they remain staring up at the ceiling… lips drawn back into a frown- expression blank.

Korosensei doesn't want to believe his eyes. No… he won't. He can't! Malformed… terrified and broken, there's no way that that's… that's-

"AGURI!"

Kayano's voice is a shriek. Slamming herself against the window as she releases her tentacles, she lets out an inhuman, guttural sound. Wailing, shouting… tears streaming down her cheeks as her own veins go red, she hurls herself into the window harder - hard as she can... and cries out in a voice wracked with grief.

"It's her!" She howls, shout desperate and raw. "It's her. Oh my god. It's her! I know it is…-" She throws herself into the glass yet again, literally caterwauling. "GET MY SISTER OUT OF THERE!"

Korosensei wastes no time. Thrust from his panic, he turns to face the students.

"Ritsu! Open up the doors. Terasaka-! Yoshida…-" he pauses. "Try to restrain Kayano! Make sure she doesn't hurt herself! The rest of you…- keep guard!"

They nod and get to work. There's a faint buzzing as Ritsu hacks the system, and Kayano's screams pierce the air. Korosensei tries to turn to her, tell her that things will be alright- but it's no use… it may as well go in one ear and out the other. She writhes, tossing Terasaka and Yoshida to the side… and lets out an inhuman shriek as she rakes her nails down the glass.

"Aguri!" She shouts. "Aguri! It's okay! I'm coming! I WON'T LET THEM TAKE ME AWAY FROM YOU!"

The footsteps are getting closer. Korosensei thinks he hears gunshots down the halls. But as the doors shoot open and Terasaka crumples back against the wall, he knows he has to make a split-second decision.

He hurries into the room.

Aguri's restraints pop off with a hiss… but she doesn't motion to stand. With no time to waste, Korosensei scoops her up into his arms... ignoring her shell shocked "Wha-!?" He turns to leave the room, and for a brief moment, they lock eyes.

What he sees makes him freeze. Because undeniably… he recognizes it. Even with now-black sclera, he recognizes that golden gaze. And for a second… his hand goes limp. He chokes.

(It really is her.)

It's while they're standing there… still, that a voice speaks up. And as the doors on the other side of the room pop open, and a familiar face makes his entrance, Korosensei feels his vision go white.

"Horrific, isn't it?"

Korosensei's out of there in an instant. Aguri still in hand, he darts from the room… and just in time. A split second later it collapses in on itself, an explosion of Anti-sensei material and loose debris.

He hurries to count the students… notes that Kayano's still in a rage and that Terasaka's curled up on the floor. Chiba's aiming a tranquilizer at the new intruder… Karma's lip is curled back into a snarl. Okuda sputters for breath… Nagisa struggles to compose himself, and Korosensei feels himself let out a sigh of relief.

26… 27… 28.

All of them are accounted for. None of them were in the room- thank god.

And as such, with his biggest fear put to rest… he finally lets his gaze rise. There, he locks eyes with someone he knows all too well. Someone he hates, and someone he should have seen this coming from:

Shiro.

He's surprisingly composed for a situation like this. Fingers steepled, he stares down at Korosensei with narrowed eyes. He's in his usual white robes. He stands tall. And when he speaks up it's cold… calculating.

"Pity," he says. "And there I was hoping you'd die. I really should know better by now, shouldn't I?" He sighs, shaking his head. "Nevermind. I suppose it doesn't matter much, anyways. I'm sure you want to die, regardless, with what you've just had to see and all."

Guards are beginning to gather around him. They've got weapons aimed directly at Korosensei. The alarms continue to blare.

Korosensei's grip tightens on Aguri as he pulls her in closer to his chest. He reaches a tentacle out to put distance between the students and the opposition… his own eyes narrowing as he speaks.

"Yanagisawa," he says. "...And so it really is you."

He'd had a hunch from the way that Shiro spoke… but he'd never been certain up until today. He feels a chill run down his spine.

"Indeed. Did you truly think I'd simply leave you be after what you did to my life?"

He pauses.

"Did you truly think I'd simply leave you be after what you did to my future wife?"

Kayano steps forward as Korosensei steps back. Fists clenched… voice shaking, she says "You."

"Me," Shiro repeats, almost sardonically. "Pleased to see your brother-in-law?"

"You… you…-" She snarls. "YOU KNEW ALL THIS TIME... you allowed me to attend her funeral... you allowed me to plot my revenge. And she was... - she was here all along!?"

"Heartless, I know," Shiro says. "But you simply must try and see things from my perspective. I knew that the monster had to die… any possible chance of getting the job done could not be passed up. And besides…" He laughs. "I couldn't force a young girl like you to see your sister in this state."

"I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU!"

Kayano doesn't hesitate. She rushes at Shiro, tentacles brandished. She lashes at him with full force… a horrible cracking sound ringing out through the air like a whip made of flesh. Her attacks land in vain, however… as the first tentacle explodes the minute it touches his shoulder. The second he reaches out to grab with his fist; it, too, combusting, as he takes it in his hand and slams Kayano down onto the ground hard.

Korosensei darts between them. Aguri still in arms, he blocks Shiro off from Kayano… letting out a low, enraged growl.

"Don't touch her."

Shiro pays him no mind, however. Instead, voice a sneer, he says "Do remember that I have Anti-Sensei fabric. Mad as you are, I'm afraid you can't fight back. Now would you like to try that again? Or would you prefer not to end up riddled with bullet holes?"

He motions behind him. There the guards and scientists stand with very real weapons.

"The minute any of you move is the minute you die. Understood? And that includes you, Reaper. Attempt to escape, and I shoot them all."

Previously the kids had started to raise their weapons… but hearing that, they lower them. Standing stiff, they appear frightened in a way they haven't looked since they faced off against Takaoka.

(And all at once it finally seems to sink in. They're in real, genuine danger.)

Needless to say… Korosensei stops. He's pretty sure he could stop the bullets if it came down to it, but he does not want to take that risk. He needs to... - he needs to think this through before he makes any major decisions. But he's running out of time! What is he supposed to do? He'd never forgive himself if he were wrong-

Aguri's trembling in his grip. Incoherently hyperventilating, she doesn't seem to understand what's going on. Glancing up towards him, then back towards Shiro, she whispers "W… what's-? Akari?" She reaches up to cover her face with her hands. "No. There's no way-"

"I know you must have a plethora of questions," Shiro admits, stepping forward. "But I'm afraid I'll have to leave them unanswered. It's time you die, beast. And while I would have preferred to never had my research jeopardized like this… I must admit, it still feels most sweet to see you have fallen into my trap."

Closer. Ever closer. Slowly… he creeps towards Korosensei. Korosensei glances up, but the guns are still aimed at the kids, and he finds himself at a complete loss. If he wanted to he could get out of here in an instant. This is the exact same situation as his first escape. But if he can't make sure they get out of here alive then what's the point? He can't risk making the same mistakes a second time.

(Has he… has he really failed them!?)

"I apologize that you had to see this before you went," Shiro says insincerely. "I'm sure you'd have died much happier not knowing the state your whore was in. But life isn't exactly fair, is it? And I never wanted to see my fiance like this, either."

It takes all of Korosensei's willpower not to step back. He can see Kayano out of the corner of his eye… trembling with rage. He can hear the students whispering amongst themselves, faces a ghostly white.

"But I did what I had to. Surely you understand. I did what was necessary after you killed her," Shiro says, retrieving an Anti-sensei gun from his cloak pocket. He aims it straight at Korosensei's chest. "I did what was necessary because you harmed her. I saved her life! And do you know why, monster?"

"Because I care about her," he growls. "Unlike you. Unlike the beast who left her here alone… who let her get punished in his place. WHOSE FAULT THIS ALL IS IN THE FIRST PL-"

He doesn't get to finish.

Mid-sentence a crack resounds through the air. And as something bright red lunges towards him, the smell of sizzling meets Korosensei's nose.

"WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO FIGHT BACK!?"

And as he stumbles back, almost on instinct, Korosensei spots flames out of the corner of his eye; only to then come to the even more horrific realization that they're coming from Kayano. Her tentacles are alight.

She lets out a guttural scream, whipping them straight at Shiro. Of course… they combust the moment they touch his fabric… but so does it. Which is to say it - no… he - goes ablaze. The smell of burning flesh wafts throughout the laboratory as he's thrown back against the wall, and all at once, the gunfire resumes.

"KILL THEM!" He hears Shiro scream, voice wracked with pain. "SHOOT THEM ALREADY! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ALL OF YOU!?"

It's about then that Korosensei has to make another one of those split-second decisions. He knows Kayano is in grave danger… but listening to the incoherent screams- the hail of bullets clattering against the wall- he knows he has no time to waste. Kayano's body temperature- the danger she's putting herself in- all of that can wait. He has got to protect the rest of the class.

He rushes their way, blocking bullets as he does. Most of them are trying their best to take cover, but it's far too short of a time to react. He scoops them up one by one, just barely in time to prevent utter tragedy. He tries his best to keep a headcount… counting them out as he lifts them up into his arms.

1. 2. 3. That's Nagisa, Hazama, and Yada.

4. 5. 6. He's picked Kanzaki up by the scruff of her shirt, and has Maehara nestled under a tentacle. He picks Terasaka up off the ground, and tries not to think about his potentially broken bones.

7. 8. 9.

Hayami. Chiba. Isogai. Forget shooting tranquilizers. This is way above their pay grade.

And 9 becomes 10. 10 becomes 11. 11 becomes 12. Going maybe the fastest he's ever gone, Korosensei scoops his kids up into his arms. They're almost too heavy to carry… his limbs feel weak- but there's no faltering now.

20. 21. 2-

That's when he hears a scream.

At first he thinks it's simply out of fear. But as he sees blood spray through the air his face goes pale. W- who hasn't he gotten to, yet?

No. He knows that voice.

He rushes Sugino's way, snatching up his injured cells with one tentacle, and the boy with the other. From there on he manages to get hands on the others… whispering apologies the whole time.

"It'll be okay!" He tries to say. "Please don't panic. I'll take care of this, I swear."

...There's blood dripping down his shoulder.

Okay. Okay. Okay. That's 24… 25… 26. Ritsu doesn't have a body to worry about. Kayano is the only one left. He just has to get her off of Shiro and then out of here. That's all he has to worry about. That's all. That's all. That's all.

She's practically a ball of flame by now. It's hard to see through the smoke, but he thinks she's choking Shiro. The guards are aiming at her, but as far as he can tell she hasn't been hit. She deflects the regular bullets with her tentacles, and takes the Anti-Sensei BBs as they come. Her tentacles explode on impact, but regrow in the blink of an eye. She has to be using an ungodly amount of energy to keep things up like that.

If… if she continues she's going to kill herself.

"Kayano!" He screams, just barely darting past a shower of bullets. "Come on! We've got to get out of here!"

But if she hears him she certainly doesn't respond. Instead, fingers still clutched tightly 'round Shiro's throat, she throttles him back and forth and lets out a snarl. Strikes him again and again and again, voice a pained shriek.

"I'LL KILL YOU," she says. "I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU. DO YOU HEAR ME!? FOR WHAT YOU DID TO MY SISTER I'LL KILL YOU!"

"Kayano!"

He can hear her classmates starting to shout as well.

He tries his best to keep them safe… dodges the bullets he can and blocks the others with his body. The gunfire is interlaced with Anti-him BBs, and his skin combusts as he touches them, but he ignores the scorching pain. His safety doesn't matter right now. That's just an afterthought. First comes the students and Aguri. First comes the students and-

Another scream.

No. No. No. He can't keep this up. Try as he might, he is not equipped for a situation like this. Head pounding, heart aching, he shoots out to grab at another stream of blood. He can preserve their cells for now- stitch them up later, but his students should not be getting shot at. When he speaks up again, he's also screaming.

"KAYANO!" He says. "Your classmates are in danger! Please!"

But she's not listening. The level of violence only escalates, and Aguri hyperventilates in his arms. Half of the students are starting to panic. Korosensei thinks he hears crying.

What is he supposed to do!?

"The mines!" He hears one of the scientists shout as Kayano whips a guard back with a tentacle. "Someone activate the tentacle mines! This might be our only chance!"

Another scientist nods, and hurries to press a button on his phone. Korosensei tries to stop him, but it's no damn use. He just barely manages to avoid another hail of bullets. He can't be doing harm prevention on top of that!

The alarms start to get louder… and he sees a red sensor light up. All at once, something rushes towards Korosensei- bright white. He's impaled… twice in the shoulder, and once above his heart. However, he doesn't particularly care. Ignoring the overwhelming pain, he's just thankful none of them had hit the students.

A similar barrage races at Kayano. She attempts to deflect the first with her tentacle, but it's no use. It soars straight past her counterattack, lodging itself firmly in her leg.

She lets out a scream.

Just barely, she manages to dodge the others… using her supersonic speed to duck out of the way. Shiro, however, uses this opportunity against her. He throws a hard punch, striking her straight between the eyes… and as she yelps, he grabs her by the head and pins her to the ground.

Korosensei feels panic rise in his chest. These are not his tentacles… he's sure of that much. They're far too powerful. But what are they, then? Were they harvested from Aguri, or-?

No. He can't think about it. There are much more important things to focus on. He forces the tentacles out of his body and returns to dodging. He can worry about figuring out their source when he's out of here. For now he's just got to focus. He's got to get Kayano. He's got to get-

She lets out another yelp as Shiro strikes her across the face. But nowhere close to giving up herself, she lashes at him once more with her blazing tentacles, and lets out a furious roar.

Korosensei's half-tempted to just grab her… but there's this fire behind her eyes, and he's not certain she won't resist. She'd said she'd wanted to do this on her own terms… and she is not in her right mind. What if she refuses to leave until he's dead?

(And what if that ends up killing her? Killing one of her classmates?)

She has to be. That's why she's fighting back even now. Even injured, and bleeding, and pinned.

"Kayano!" Korosensei cries once more. But it's no use. She still doesn't respond. And he has to get out of here now. If he wastes another second Sugino and the other wounded student could die. What sort of teacher would he be if he allowed that to happen?

(What sort of friend would he be if he allowed Aguri's sister to die in front of her?)

No. No. No. He doesn't have any other options. He gets the rest of the kids to safety and then returns for Kayano. It should only take a split second. He just has to hope… pray that she can take care of herself.

But as he wills himself to turn, he opens his mouth one last time to shout. And before he can even speak, someone else beats him to it.

"AKARI!" Aguri shrieks, voice wracked with fear. "PLEASE!"

And all at once Kayano's head whips around.

Recognition seems to dawn in her eyes. Trembling madly- this almost wild expression on her face… she slaps Shiro off of her abruptly and rushes back to join the group.

Her tentacles are still alight, but Korosensei wastes no time. He grabs her by the collar and pulls her in close, then shatters the nearest window and makes a dive. It's a narrow fit, and his tentacles combust at the touch… but he's given no time to think about that. Instead, students held tightly to his chest, he runs. He runs as fast as he can… to anywhere he can think of. And mind racing… thoughts labored, he arrives at the E-Class mountain.