The atmosphere is weird as the three of them arrive. Korosensei leads Aguri and Akari into the building, ducking in under the doorway as he does. Aguri does the same- just barely able to avoid smacking her head.

There's this uncomfortable, troubling sort of feeling in her chest as she takes a look around. She swears she recognizes the faint scent of sawdust, but when she gazes down the worn-down halls she's in an unfamiliar place.

They hurry to the classroom. There, the students are waiting for them, huddled in an anxious sort of crowd.

...They look like they've been waiting for a while now.

"You're here!" One shouts, giving a wave.

"We were beginning to worry you'd never show up."

"If you'd been even ten minutes later we would have had the legal right to ditch, y'know."

A few kids snicker at the halfhearted joke, but their focus is undeniably locked on Aguri. Frowning, they say

"I see Yukimura-sensei is here, too."

"How was last night?"

"Is everything alright?"

"And what about Kayano?" A bespectacled girl asks. "Are you feeling any better?"

"You've still got a lot to explain to us," a blond boy says. "All three of you. What was with that?"

Aguri blinks, head starting to spin. They're being relatively polite… not talking over each other or anything, but their voices still pierce her mind. Their questions are a lot to take in, especially all at once.

Dizzy and overwhelmed, she staggers back.

Korosensei reaches a hand out, preventing her from stumbling back over onto the ground. Then, looking over at the students, he says.

"All will be explained with time. But please, first allow Aguri to take a seat. I'm sure she's a little more than overwhelmed right now."

And instantly, the students quiet down.

"Of… course," one says, stepping back. "Sorry."

"No need," Korosensei replies. "You've done nothing wrong. We've just got to take things one step at a time right now."

And with that, he leads Aguri over to the teacher's desk. There, he pulls out a swivel chair and helps her ease herself down onto it.

"Be careful," he says. "Yes. Just like that."

The students don't talk, but they certainly stare. Aguri can feel their concerned gaze on the back of her neck. She turns around to face them, but most don't meet her eye.

Some are looking at Akari… shifting uncomfortably. Others are sending a sideways glance towards Korosensei. But the majority have their eyes pointed just slightly to the left or right of her… trying to take her in, but too polite to look directly.

There's this guilty glint to their eyes- like they feel they've done something wrong. The thought makes Aguri sad. Confronting them with her presence at all makes her feel sad. Maybe she shouldn't have come here in the first place.

Korosensei speaks before she can think it through too much further. Stepping away from her side, he asks:

"Are Irina and Karasuma-sensei here? I'd like them to be present while we discuss."

"I… dunno," one of the students replies. "I've been trying to get in contact with them, but-"

"I don't think they're in the building."

"Being late isn't like Karasuma-sensei."

"Do you think something's wrong?"

"Oh, I sincerely doubt that," Korosensei reassures. "They've just probably been informed about what's going on and are making preparations as necessary."

"Without us telling them?"

"Well, it's likely some of what happened was reported to the government."

Aguri spaces out. Ears ringing, she stops making out what the students are saying. Instead, she simply stares at them… eyes half-lidded.

They look so familiar, and yet like strangers. She's still struggling to recall their names. It makes her feel bad. These were people who were depending on her, weren't they?

Akari takes a step closer, but she only half notices. She's too focused on the classroom. The atmosphere of that is weird, too.

She… knows she's been here before. It looks exactly the same as it did before she left. And yet there's something irrevocably different. What is it? Was… was something just moved? Or… is it something more? What's with the strange black box in the back of the room. Was that always there?

She's entirely fixated on a nearby bookcase when the door flies open with a shout.

"WHAT DID YOU DO!?"

Her whole body goes stiff. A slam resounds throughout the classroom. Eyes wide- breath a gasp… Aguri doesn't even bother to look towards the doorway. Instead, fast as she can, she lunges from her seat and ducks behind Korosensei. She covers her head with her hands and braces- panicked- for the inevitable.

It doesn't come. Korosensei tenses, slightly… but relaxes just as soon. Holding a hand out in front of him, he says "...Ah, Karasuma-sensei. It's just you. You scared me for a second there."

"No," the man replies. "We're not doing this today."

His footsteps are a cacophony as he storms across the room. Drawing in closer and closer, he speaks up in an angry voice.

"Usually I try to accommodate whatever nonsense you're up to. But I got the report from my supervisors." He growls, pulling Korosensei in by the tie. "Is it really true you stole a bunch of government supplies last night!? And did you seriously bring the students along!?"

His outrage is palpable. Voice trembling, he demands an explanation.

And Aguri dreads him getting one. Something tells her she is in a lot of danger the moment this person finds out she exists.

"Yes," Korosensei says, surprisingly composed. "I did bring the students along. That said, however, none of them were seriously injured. And even more importantly…" he pauses. "'Supplies' isn't exactly the right word for what I took."

With that, he steps just slightly to the side. Carefully holding a hand out, he says "Karasuma: meet Aguri. Aguri: meet Karasuma."

Aguri suddenly feels horribly defenseless. Betrayed and alone- every cell in her body screams for her to run, but it's too late. The man's already seen her. And so instead, she settles for flinching back.

To her surprise, he flinches, too.

"...WHAT!?"

Aguri can barely bring herself to look, but when she forces her gaze up towards the stranger she locks eyes with a frightening looking and formally dressed black-haired man. He stares down at her with a stunned expression- the sheer disbelief painted plainly across his face.

"Karasuma: meet Aguri. Aguri: meet Karasuma," Korosensei repeats. "Karasuma-sensei here is a coworker of mine," he explains. "And Aguri is in no way supplies. She is what we stole last night. We in no way intended to harm anyone- but when we learned that Shiro was keeping an innocent person hostage we had to do something. I hope that the government will be able to understand."

"Person… hostage," Karasuma murmurs, staring down at Aguri. The cogs in his brain seem to be churning a thousand miles a minute.

"Person hostage," Korosensei reiterates. "She's been there for the past five months."

"And so… she's like you."

Karasuma wastes no time. He whirls around, freeing Aguri of his petrifying gaze… and instantly, he storms back towards the door.

"Excuse me. I've got some people to get in contact with."

Korosensei doesn't let him. Moving at supersonic speed, he flies over to the doorway, blockading Karasuma with his body.

"Wait just one moment," he says. "I understand that you're panicked, but I'd strongly prefer to explain what happened to the class as a whole. Can you wait for Irina to arrive and for me to share my side of the story before you leave? It's not something I think I'm capable of saying twice."

Karasuma freezes up. Aguri can't make out his expression, but she watches his posture tense and his hand slowly drift down towards his pocket. He reaches into it and makes a swing in a single swift motion- blade cutting the air.

It doesn't strike Korosensei, of course. He dodges out of the way, equally as swift. All the same, he removes himself from the doorframe, letting out a slightly panicked squeak.

"I'd prefer you don't barricade me," Karasuma replies, thoroughly unamused. "It's my job to take care of these sorts of matters. Why on earth didn't you inform me last night?"

"It was a very stressful situation! You have to understand! By the time we were out of there we-"

"You should have gotten in contact with me before going in there at all!"

Aguri flinches. Karasuma's attention is entirely diverted from her, but all the same his tone sends shivers down her spine. Akari must notice just how unsettled she is, because she hurries to Aguri's side... filling the space that Korosensei'd left open.

"Don't worry," she whispers. "That's just Karasuma. He won't really hurt you. He's just… anal." Her expression hardens as he continues to yell. "That, and annoying."

She takes a step forward, still mindful to not leave Aguri's side. She cups her mouth with her hands and speaks up, voice a yell.

"Hey! Shut up already!" She says. "Can't you see you're scaring her!?"

Now that earns Korosensei and Karasuma's attention.

"Leave or don't leave- I don't really care. But stop fucking fighting. She just got out of an insanely traumatic experience, and if you don't cut the crap I'm gonna have to cut you. This is childish!"

She's trembling with rage. Aguri reaches out to comfort her, some of her own fear fading, but she doesn't get the chance. Korosensei speaks up before she can.

"...Kayano's… right," he says. "This is not the time or place for this. All the same: I'm asking you as a friend to just hear me out. Wait until Irina arrives and then I'll tell you everything. You'll have a much better story to report to your supervisors that way, anyways. Right now you're going off of bare-bones information. Sit down. Take a breath. It will all make sense in time."

Karasuma's fist clenches and unclenches, but all the same, he sits down. Arms firmly crossed, he says "Very well then," but he hardly seems swayed by Korosensei's words. It's Akari he's staring at like a deer in the headlights: not afraid, but utterly confused.

"I expect the full truth. And if it comes out that any of the students were injured then I will see through to it that you are punished appropriately."

"Of… course," Korosensei replies, face paling slightly. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

The students exchange a quiet glance… but their focus quickly shifts from Korosensei. Most of them have their eyes locked on Akari. They're skeptical... angry, even- in regards to her sudden outburst.

'Oh,' they seem to think, silently. 'And so you really are like that.'

...None of them speak.

"Thank you for your understanding, Karasuma-sensei," Korosensei says with a bow. "I promise I won't let you down. And I'm sure Irina-sensei will arrive at any moment." He straightens himself up. "Why don't the two of you introduce yourselves in the meantime? It doesn't have to be anything formal, but your names, at least, would be good."

And with that, Karasuma's gaze returns to Aguri. Those frightening eyes make their way towards her, and she feels her blood run cold. Suddenly- it's like she needs to defend herself… justify why she's allowed to be here at all.

"I- I can go first," she says. "I mean, I suppose it's only fair. You must be wondering a lot about why I…- who I'm supposed to- nevermind. What I'm trying to say is- ah- I'm- I'm Aguri Yukimura. I'm 25 years old and I teach…- taught - here at this school. My baby sister is…-" she drifts off. "Well, you probably don't care about any of that."

"Sorry," she says, heart catching in her throat. "You can- you can go now. Ignore me."

She feels her cheeks flush. Humiliated and mortified, she realizes she'd just been repeating her mantra. What is wrong with her? And does she not… not remember the name of the school? Is she even 25? Or has her birthday passed? What… what day is it again? Oh god. Oh god.

Karasuma gives her a long, incredulous look. And when he finally responds, it's in a blank tone.

"...Karasuma," he says. "Tadaomi Karasuma. Worker under the Ministry of Defense."

He doesn't hold his hand out for so much as a handshake. Then again, Aguri's not sure she'd take the offer even if he did.

It's not long after they've acquainted themselves that a blonde woman finally comes parading in through the door. Her gaze locked firmly on Kararuma, she groans, cups her hands and shouts:

"I thought I told you to wait up for me! My feet are sensitive!"

"I had more important things to worry about at the moment," Karasuma responds, rubbing at his temple.

"Yeah. Yeah. I know," the woman dismissively says, giving a huff. "You had to cuss out the octopus. How'd that go, anyways? Don't tell me I missed all of it. That's half of the entertainment I have." She pauses. "What'd he even do, anyways? Indecent exposure for the third time this week? Or did he just-..." she drifts off, eyes drifting Aguri's way, and then going wide. "The shit?"

Aguri flinches slightly, startled by the sudden attention... but she tries her best to divert any conversation before it can really start.

"Uh… hi," she says, giving an awkward wave. "I'm Aguri Yukim-"

"I wasn't told there was another target!" The woman interrupts, jabbing an accusatory finger Karasuma's way.

"NEITHER WAS I!" He hisses, clutching at his forehead. "This is a bit new to all of us!"

"Now, now:" Korosensei says, stepping between them. "Aguri isn't a target. Please: allow me to explain. I've been waiting for you, Miss Irina. You may want to sit down. This is going to be a long story."

Irina hesitates, but does as told. Cupping her cheek in her hand, she grumbles something about wanting to be paid extra if she does double the work and makes her way over to a stray seat.

Karasuma does the same. Careful to seat himself far from her, he plops down and crosses his arms.

"Alright," he says. "Then it's about time you start talking."

"I'll explain everything I need to as well," Akari says, stepping up to the blackboard beside Korosensei. "I never wanted to share any of this, but if it'll make the story easier for Aguri to understand then so be it."

Karasuma cocks an eyebrow, stumped, but all around unamused. 'Irina,' on the other hand, seems more curious. She stares at Korosensei with hungry, arrogant eyes… more than ready to eat up whatever gossip they throw her way.

Looking at her closer, she's clearly foreign. She speaks with an accent, and her skin's a ghost white. Nevertheless, she's clearly a beautiful young woman… and perhaps even eager to show it off. She's in surprisingly revealing clothes for the setting she's in.

Aguri doesn't get too much time to dissect her. Korosensei motions for her to join the two of them. Aguri gives pause… hesitant to be seen anymore than she already has, but then again she has a feeling that all eyes will be on her either way. She joins him and Akari in the center of the class… giving another awkward wave as he steps up and begins to explain.

"This is Aguri. She's a friend of mine from a very long time ago. And up until recently I thought she was dead."

She zones out through most of his story. She doesn't mean to. She tries her best to pay attention: she really does, but she's far more focused on the sensation of all eyes on her… and something tells her this is a story she's already mostly heard, anyways.

A story about a selfish, miserable assassin... and an inhumane experiment.

It's the sort of story that makes the students' eyes go wide. But as he talks about befriending Aguri and the way she gave him a new lease on life their expressions go sad. They can all see what's coming next. All the same… even Aguri frowns as he describes her death.

(As he describes laying her to rest and setting out, heartbroken, to fulfil her last wish.)

Akari goes next. She talks about her side of the story… what horrible things she saw at the lab that night, and the news of Aguri's demise. She describes how it devastated her… but how that devastation quickly turned to rage. How she implanted herself with tentacles, and how she enrolled in the class, hidden, to make Korosensei pay for what she'd believed he'd done.

(How, while Aguri was suffering, her sister'd been suffering the same.)

The thought makes her sick. It's devastating enough that she'd already had to go through what she did… but Akari suffering, too, while she did? It's incomprehensible. Not only had she been unable to protect her sister… but her stupidity- her recklessness is what had ended up putting her in so much danger in the first place.

(She remembers just how warm Akari had felt last night.

...She could have died.)

They ask her if she'd like to speak next… say she's the last side of the story, but Aguri feels a lump in her throat. She remembers the anger that Akari described… the heartbreak that Korosensei somehow dedicated himself to. She stares across the classroom at a set of 28 terrified eyes… avoids the way that Karasuma and Irina look at her and decides that she can't- doesn't want to share.

She won't remember how that felt.

"It's okay if you don't feel comfortable doing so," Korosensei reiterates, noting her silence. "It would be nice to hear what happened, of course… but I understand if you're not ready for that. You've been through a lot, and the last thing I'd want is to force you to relive that."

"Mmm," Aguri replies, awkwardly fiddling with her hands. "That would… be appreciated. I don't think I'd give a very good story, anyways." She pauses. "...Sorry."

"Don't be," Korosensei responds. "I'm sure Kayano and I have already painted enough of a picture. Ultimately, you don't need to share what happened. All the students need to know is that you are indeed their previous teacher, and that you were taken in in the same way that I was."

'Taken in,' he says like it's some sort of euphemism. He doesn't even know the half of it. She feels guilty not even saying why Yanagisawa turned on her, but she simply can't will herself. If Korosensei learned that he did this to her because she refused to hurt him then he might blame himself. That, or Akari might start hating him again. That's the last thing she'd want.

(And besides, she's the only person here worth hating, isn't she? This was coming for her, anyways. Even if Yanagisawa hadn't gotten mad at her over that it would have been something else. She's annoying! Of course she brought him to the end of his rope.)

Thankfully, the students don't seem to push. Murmuring amongst themselves, they look shocked and horrified.

"That's… that's terrible," a black-haired girl murmurs, covering her mouth with her hands.

"And so you mean that's where you were all this time?"

"Principal Asano told us that you quit."

"I can't believe that Korosensei was also a person..."

"He's always been really silly and vague about his past."

"But that sounds terrible!"

"I can't believe that he was an assassin!"

"And that Kayano-chan was suffering all of this time…"

Their uneasiness is palpable. They're staring at Aguri more now… some even unable to look away. Others are honed in on Korosensei: dismayed, sympathetic, and betrayed all at once. 'Irina' and 'Karasuma' shift in their seats. Karasuma reaches out for his phone and types something down at lightning-fast speed. Little beads of sweat are dripping down his forehead.

But of all the people in the class, it's Nagisa who says what they're really all thinking.

"...Does this mean that we're gonna have to assassinate Yukimura-sensei, too?"

Akari bolts forward in an instant. Voice shaking with rage, she says "Of course fucking not!"'

Nagisa jumps, eyes wide. Holding his hands up in front of him he says "That- that wasn't an endorsement, for the record. I suppose I'm just… worried."

"I mean… we couldn't even, right?" The bespectacled girl replies. "She's just a person."

"But so is Korosensei," An orange haired girl replies. "I mean… what have we even been doing?"

"We just didn't know up until now!"

"Why on earth didn't he tell us sooner!?"

"...Oh gosh. I think I'm going to be sick."

A low, uncomfortable murmur rings out across the class. Some students cover their face with their hands. Others, ashamed, look away. But a final small group looks more resolute than anything. And as a red-haired boy near the back of class kicks his seat back, he asks.

"Do we even have a choice?"

"'Scuse me?"

"Do we even have a choice?" He reiterates. "I'm not sure how many of you were listening- but Korosensei just said he didn't actually blow up the moon. He said that a mouse did. Whether we kill him or not he's dead meat either way. And she's probably the same. If we don't take them out, then it could be us that die."

"That's… that's so callous!"

"He's right though, isn't he!?"

"She didn't ask for any of this!"

"And neither did we!"

"I don't want to have to kill an innocent person!"

"And I don't want to have to die!"

"Class," Korosensei says, raising a finger. "While you're right about the inevitability of my impending doom… I implore you not to argue about it. I already accepted my fate months ago. And as sad as it is… the happiest way I could possibly go is being taken out by you all. Do not let my departure cause discord among you."

"Then… as for Aguri, it's too early to discuss such things. She just got out of her entrapment. It is entirely possible her situation could be different from mine. Please, do not panic. This is something we as a class and the government still need to discuss before we come to any definitive conclusions."

At the mention of the government they all look back at Karasuma. But when he doesn't look up at them their heads shoot back towards Korosensei… and then towards Aguri. Their eyes plead for some sort of answer… and Aguri feels terrible putting this weight on them. They're facing an uncertain future, aren't they? And it's one that she brought upon them. They were having fun before she arrived. But her escape… it brought terrible things to light, and suddenly they're panicked.

"Can I… borrow one of your knives?"

"P… pardon!?"

"Sitting on your desks," she specifies, pointing. "They're 'anti-sensei,' right? Karasuma tried to use one on Korosensei earlier. I'd like to borrow one for just a second. I have… um- a disclaimer to make..."

"Well… just be careful, okay?" A black-haired boy says, hesitantly holding out his plastic green blade. "This'll probably really hurt you to touch."

But to his surprise, she takes the weapon without issue.

"This… thing you're discussing may be pretty hard, actually."

The students stare as if waiting for something to happen. Slowly, Karasuma's head finally perks up- and his brows furrow, skeptical… but even so, Aguri doesn't twitch. Holding the blade up, she says.

"Killing me may very well not be possible. My… ex-fiance discovered that when he was still experimenting on me. Almost nothing can hurt me."

She presses the blade to a tentacle, but it's only with heavy pressure that it actually starts to buckle. The hard-pressed cut only leaves so much as a small scratch… one that quickly starts to heal.

(She doesn't feel the pain at all)

"Are you… are you sure that's not a dud?" Another student asks, holding up their own knife. "Here! Try mine!"

But it earns the same result. Aguri, again, takes the weapon It can barely even scathe her.

"Woah…" the students whisper, eyes wide.

Some seem thankful... like she's alleviated the pressure ever-building up on their shoulders. But others seem scared - and some, just confused.

"...Korosensei was never able to do anything like that."

"And so that means that… she's stronger?"

"No! She's invincible!"

Even Korosensei doesn't look like he quite knows what to think. Staring straight at her, he urges her to place the knife down.

"You've more than made your point. I believe there's no reason to injure yourself further."

Karasuma's reaction, on the other hand, is much less calm. He bolts to his feet and says that he needs to go. Now.

"I've got to get in contact with my supervisors immediately," he whispers, shouldering past desks. "Excuse me."

This time Korosensei doesn't attempt to stop him. He simply gives him a nod and reassures "Do what you must."

There's this look of panic penciled on his face as he leaves. Eyes wide, shoulders tense... his body's rigid with stress.

Aguri bites her lip. She thinks she feels bad. Sure, Karasuma wasn't very nice to her, but he was probably just doing his job. She hopes she hasn't scared him too badly. She didn't mean to stress him out… he'd have found out one way or another soon enough, but all the same, she just made his job a lot harder, didn't she?

(A monster appearing at his doorstep, and an undefeatable one, at that: heralding the end of the world in one year.

...And far worse than Korosensei ever could.)

Still, she doesn't regret it. She'd feel bad not being honest from the start, and again: it was kind of inevitable he found out, anyways. She just hopes this was able to ease some of the anxiety for the students. If she's going to die, then it won't be by their hands.

(At least… she hopes not.)

Some part of her- blankly, wonders if she should have revealed her one true weakness to Karasuma… but the thought makes her sick. She'd barely even remembered it until now- what her body does when she's struck, and… she doesn't think it's something she's capable of sharing- not even with Korosensei. Imagining sharing it with Karasuma: the man who had shouted at her just now… it's unfathomable.

She hopes that doesn't make her selfish. She hopes that doesn't mean she's putting the world in danger. She's sure she'll be dead by the end of the year, either way. That's just the one way she doesn't want to go.

Korosensei must notice her staring at the doorway, because he places a hand on her shoulder. She jolts, slightly, at the touch… but relaxes just as soon as she hears him speak.

"Don't mind him," he says. "He's just got a lot to discuss at the moment. I'm sure he'll warm up to you as things become more clear with time."

"...Now," he continues, turning to the students. "I hope you all can calm down as well. While I'm sure this is very stressful I'm also sure you can see that the situation is a lot more nuanced than any of us can comprehend. Let's not jump to conclusions until Karasuma's had a chance to have his say."

Slowly, the students nod. Aguri still feels weird, especially having her life in that guy's hands... but she reminds herself that if Korosensei trusts him he's probably a good person. And besides... what she's trusting him with isn't so much as her life, but rather her sentence.

"For now, we should try to return to our usual schedule," Korosensei says. "Of course… it's unprecedented, but there's no telling how long Karasuma-sensei could take. You've still all got an education to worry about. Why don't we start on your morning math work? Show Yukimura-sensei just how skilled you've become?"

There's a halfhearted murmur. Some of the students even start to move- pulling books from their desks. But another stands, raising a hand.

"Oi. We're still forgetting something, aren't we?" He asks, pointing a finger at Akari. "We've got to talk about last night."

"Oh shit," another student replies, shaking her head. "You're completely right. I forgot!"

"Sugino! Yada! How are you feeling?"

"And Kayano… how are you off tentacles?"

Every eye in the room is locked on Akari. She seems intimidated for a second, stepping back towards Aguri… but soon regains her composure. Straightening herself up, she returns to that same cross, bitter demeanor.

"Fine," she says curtly. "I'm fine."

"Us too," A boy says, raising a hand. "Or at least I am. Yada?"

"Yep," 'Yada' replies. "Me too. Korosensei fixed me up good as new. Can't even tell I was hurt."

"Well… that's good," Korosensei replies. "But I was not even aware you all wanted to talk about this at the moment. Why didn't you bring it up in front of Karasuma?"

"Bring what up?" a snide voice asks.

And every student jumps… at least until they realize it's not Karasuma speaking. They shoot the blonde woman at the back of class an unamused look, saying:

"It's really none of your business."

"Yeah. This is actually something kind of personal, Bitch-sensei."

"Why don't you just… like… go out there and hound him? You know you kinda want to."

"Give us some privacy for once."

It's alarmingly aggressive. The kids don't sound particularly malicious- but 'Bitch-sensei?' Aguri's stunned. They never even talked to her that way! Is that really the way they're okay with behaving in front of this new teacher?

"Thanks… but no thanks," Irina responds, observing her nails and rolling her eyes. "Karasuma's a hot piece of ass, but even I'm not keen on listening to a lecture… much less doing it to be your distraction. What are you little shits really up to? And why on earth don't you want him to know?"

Aguri's… actually curious about the same thing. Do they not intend to tell him about what happened to Akari? That sounds hard to hide. And what reason do they have? Do they not trust him, either?

"Like we're gonna tell you," A blond-haired boy sneers. "You're a snitch."

"Yeah. You do love to gossip…" Another girl murmurs.

"Sorry, Bitch-sensei, but this maybe isn't the best time for-"

"Do you hear this!?" Irina interrupts, throwing her hands in the air. "I can't believe they don't trust me! I am great at lying! Octopus! Tell them how not a snitch I am!"

"Well…" Korosensei replies, sheepish. "I'm not sure I should take any stance on that matter, but… that said, however: if you agree not to tell Karasuma then I believe we have every reason to believe your word. You are many things, Irina-sensei… but complacent is none of them."

"Exactly," Irina says with a satisfied huff. "So let me in on the deets. I won't share: I swear. I'm the cool teacher, remember?"

That earns a hesitant murmur, but nevertheless, the rest of the class continues to speak up.

"Alright. Alright," the first boy says, glowering. "Whatever. If it'll shut you up then, yeah, sure. You can stay. We don't exactly have time to waste. But as for the story, it's a lot less fun than you're anticipating. Turns out two of us got shot last night during our little rescue."

"Wait. Seriously?" Irina asks. "Holy shit!"

Aguri stares. 'Shot?' she thinks, stunned. She remembers hearing gunshots last night… but she wasn't aware that-

"Holy shit indeed," another boy replies, pushing up his glasses. "And then for why no-one shared earlier... I believe I have a guess. Namely that our 'beef' is not with you, Korosensei."

"Yeah," An orange-haired girl says. "...Exactly. Pretty much everything that could have gone wrong about that went wrong, but… it wasn't really your fault."

"It was hers," the first boy says, finger still trained firmly on Akari.

"And Karasuma-sensei wasn't gonna be able to punish her for that. He's only got holding power over you. But we didn't want that."

"You heard what he said… about getting you in trouble if any of us got hurt," the blond boy admits. "You could have lost your job."

"And because of someone else's mistake."

Akari's fist is clenched. A dark look on her face, her lips draw back into a snarl. Shaking with rage, she says "For the last time, it wasn't a mistake. I did what Korosensei wouldn't. And without me, my sister wouldn't even be standing in the classroom right n-"

"Woah," Korosensei says. "Let's slow down. I understand that you're all angry, but now's not the time to mindlessly argue. Please: go about this calmly. Use 'I' statements. And don't gang up on each other." He looks out over the classroom. "While we all made mistakes, I'm sure we're all sorry, as well."

"Why don't we start with letting the students who were shot speak?" He continues. "Then, we can progress from there. Remember: there's no need to shout over each other. As irresponsible as Kayano's actions were, they were coming from a place of hurt… and I know it's not too late for us to find an understanding."

"Oh," Sugino says, jolting. "You're asking us?"

"I… feel pretty fine, actually," Yada murmurs, curling her hair with her finger. "All of this attention is flattering- but also kind of weird." She gives an awkward laugh. "I mean… I'm not even that mad or anything."

"Yeah. Maybe it's just because the effects weren't too permanent or whatever… but I didn't really feel angry at Kayano for what happened," Sugino agrees. "Just… scared. And I dunno how much of that was because I was put in danger or just because she was acting so out of it. That's not how Kayano usually behaves… I know that for certain."

"Really?" The first boy asks. "You sure? Because I think she's still acting pretty the same right now. Listen to her!"

"Terasaka," Korosensei warns. "One person at a time."

Sugino flinches back a little. Looking… meek, but ultimately willing to stand up for himself, he says "I don't appreciate having words put in my mouth."

"Yeah, Terasaka," Yada says. "It's kind of weird that you're getting so worked up over this. You're not even the one who got shot."

"Well for one I still got pretty injured," Terasaka argues.

"And any of us could have gotten shot," a tough-looking boy points out. "It's not like Kayano singled you out. She put all of us in danger. And that's pretty fucked."

"Yeah. Just because you're not mad doesn't mean we shouldn't be. All of us were put in danger."

"And so what do you want us to do!?" A stern-looking girl shouts. "Just kick her out of class!?"

"Woah!" Nagisa says, slamming his palm down on the table. "We are not doing that!"

"And especially not like this!" the bespectacled girl shouts, covering her hands with her face. "Stop shouting!"

"Students!" Korosensei insists, voice firm. "Beha-"

"I'm saying I want an apology!"

"To who!? A bunch of people who aren't even mad at me!? Or to you!?" Akari glares. "Don't make me laugh! I'm not going to apologize for prioritizing my family over a bunch of strangers!"

"Woah! Woah! Woah!"

"STRANGERS!?"

Terasaka's pushed his chair to the side. Taken aback, a few students stare. One black-haired girl shakes her head… and even Irina's stopped looking amused. All hell has broken out.

As voices rise Aguri's head starts to spin. She can barely catch her breath. Some part of her is tempted to reach out and protect Akari— but another is horrified by her behavior. That's not the Akari she knows. There's no way she'd say such a thing to people who trusted her. Unless… her 'death' really turned her into such a sad and hateful person? She can't even bear the thought!

Sure, Akari's always been brave, but not like this!

"Woah! Woah!" Yada shouts. "She's acting ridiculous, but you've got to understand she thought she lost a sibling. I wouldn't be behaving like normal, either!"

"But she's back!" A blond-haired boy yaps, pointing a finger at Aguri. "That's not an excuse anymore!"

"I mean she's back..." Another girl argues. "But like th…- well! A lot of stuff has happened! It's been less than a day!"

"And she just got off of tentacles, too," A white-haired boy reminds. "Of course she's not acting like-"

"Like what? Not a huge dick? Because from what I remember you were back to acting like a civilized person the moment you got yours off."

"You had to be to get them off!"

"Our situations weren't exactly th-"

"Will you stop calling her names!? We're a class! This isn't how we're supposed to behave!"

"Well we're not supposed to put each other in danger, either, are we!?"

"I was protecting my sister!" Akari shrieks. "For the last fucking time: why don't you get that!? She's all I have! I wasn't going to lose her because you're all… you're all-" she drifts off, trembling. "Ridiculous."

A silence falls over the room. And before the shouting can begin once more Korosensei speaks up... voice strangely firm.

"I see now that you arguing is perhaps something unpreventable. And I understand where this discord is coming from. But if you're going to fight then at least give me a moment to escort Yukimura-sensei from the room. This is the last thing she needs to see upon her return." He stares out over the class, expression indecipherable. "I'll be back in just a minute. Please hold your anger in until then. When I'm back, I'll be more than happy to mediate."

And with that, he takes Aguri's hand. Every eye in the class returns to her… some looking guilty, but before he can begin to lead her out of there, Akari snatches up her other hand. She frowns deeply… trembling, slightly, as she speaks and tugs on Aguri's hand.

"No," she says. "Forget it. We'll just go. I get it. They hate me and don't want to be my friend anymore. I don't care. They're right: I screwed up. And I'm sorry. But I'll leave the class. I got what I needed back. And I don't want you guys stressing her out anymore just because I'm dumb and stubborn."

She wastes no time. Bowing her head, she tears Aguri from Korosensei's grasp and ushers her towards the doorway. It's as she's barely moved, however, that an unimpressed voice speaks up from the back of the class.

"That's all we wanted to hear, you know."

Akari freezes.

"Literally all we were asking for was a sorry," Terasaka says. "Not for you to 'choose' us over your sister or anything. I'm glad things worked out— really. But things could have gone a lot better… and I'd appreciate so much as an indication that you'd actually have even cared if we got hurt. A 'thank you.' A 'how are you feeling?' Anything. But instead of doing that you jammed your head further up your ass and called us a bunch of disposable strangers. Do you know how that feels?"

His tone's aggressive, but he's surprisingly collected. Nowhere near shouting in the way he was before… he just sounds more disappointed than anything. He gives her a harsh look, one arm crossed over the other.

Akari doesn't look back at him… simply stares through the doorway. Glancing briefly towards Aguri, then back towards the ground, she gives a deep frown.

"...You are," she says, before quickly backpedaling. "Not disposable, but… strangers. Or at least I am to you. You're right: you don't know me. And I don't belong here. This is the entire reason that I came here, and I got what I wanted. I should go."

"What sort of closure is that?"

"Hey! Wait! Hold up!"

"You think we don't know so much about you, but that's not true, is it?"

"Yeah! I bet we could drop a thousand things about you right now.

Akari's lip twitches.

"Like what?" She says. "I probably made it all up."

"Well… I know you like sweets," a black-haired girl says. "You were always sucking on a lollipop or sneaking some kind of pudding into class. You wouldn't have had to make that up for an act, would you?"

Akari pauses, shaking her head. Unimpressed, she says "...I didn't really like them before the tentacles."

"Okay then. What about the fact that you have a sister? We know that now."

"We know more about your personal life than we know about each other's."

"...What you went through sounds really messed up."

"That's different," Akari insists. "I only told you that because I had to. If I had my way, I'd never have shared anything at all."

"Well… yeah," The black-haired-girl responds. "But that doesn't matter, does it? If I had my way I'd never have shared the fact that I liked video games, but you still all know that about me now."

"We know you hate boobs," Yada pipes up. "Remember? You were always shouting about it. And you were… actually pretty mean to me about it? That was weird."

"Also a tentacle thing," Akari grumbles, rolling her eyes. "At least… mostly. And don't bring that up in front of my sister-"

"Okay. So we know that you at least still have standards."

"We also know that… you're a really good friend," a meek voice says, although soon shies back. "At least… you were to me. I know everyone's really mad at you, but… you helped me gain a lot of confidence. And you were always cheering me on. That wasn't influenced by the tentacles, was it?"

Akari pauses… glancing, just slightly, back over her shoulder.

"No."

"We know that you'll do anything for what you believe in," another student pipes up.

"Yeah. That bit's a little more than obvious by now."

"You're kind of insane."

"But- but not in a bad way!" Another's quick to rectify.

"Well…-"

"We know that you're stupid and rash," Terasaka huffs. "Maybe we didn't before now, but that's for certain."

"And we also know that you know you owe us a better apology than that," a girl to his front and right murmurs. "You're a smart girl, aren't you? Seriously... what are you doing leaving?"

"That's no way to make it up to us!"

"If anything that's kind of infuriating!"

"Yeah. We don't want you to run away. We just want you to realize what you did was wrong."

"...That how you treated us was wrong."

"And it's not like we're gonna ask you to get on your hands and knees or anything," Terasaka admits. "We've screwed up our fair share of times, too." He pauses. "'Course I'm not going to apologize, either… say I'm sorry for yelling at you and instantly forgive you or whatever. But I don't want you to go. Remember the time I almost got the class killed?"

"Was more embarrassed than I've ever been… letting a jackass like that take advantage of me," he continues. "But I didn't turn tail and run. That'd have been pathetic! Instead I faced up to what I'd done... and I like to think I made it up to you guys. Now are you gonna do the same? Or are you going to flee like a coward? Let us remember you this way forever?"

"At least say sorry!"

"If you really can't handle it that's okay," A black-haired-girl murmurs. "...I dunno what sort of bad memories this classroom brings back for you. But if you're going to leave at least let us say goodbye. Let us talk to you about what happened."

"...And let us tell you that you are our friend, too… whether you believe it or not."

A small murmur echoes around the classroom. But slowly… surely, a few students nod. 'Sugino' hurries to his feet.

"We've been hanging out with you all year," he says. "And… you don't have to see us as people you care about if you really don't want to. But we care about you, yeah? We pretty much couldn't not."

"Yeah," Nagisa adds on. "We've been through a lot together. And even if you think we're strangers, well…" He pauses. "We don't have to be. Not anymore."

Akari's quiet for a long moment… staring through the doorway. But slowly… as her classmates speak, she begins to shake. And one by one, tears spill down her face.

"I shouldn't have said that," she whispers, struggling for breath. "That you guys were strangers… that I couldn't trust you." She hiccups, wiping, desperately, at her eyes. "You helped me get her out of there. Even now you're being so nice to me."

"I'm sorry," she says with a whimper. "I'm sorry. You're right. That was dangerous and selfish. I just didn't know what else to do. I was so scared I was going to lose her, and I didn't know if I could put faith in you all. But that was no excuse to almost get you all killed. I don't know what I would have done if you were. I don't even know what my sister would think of me."

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I won't do it again. And thank you for having me for so long," she whispers with a sob. "I know I screwed up, but… you're right. I'd like to stay. And I'd like to not be strangers, even if I've kind of been one up until now."

She looks so small standing there crying. She still doesn't turn around… her shoulders shaking, but she bats at her eyes and lets out a pathetic sob. Aguri reaches out to her with a single hand- wishing, desperately, that there was something she could do… but ultimately she finds herself at a loss. What is it you can even say at a moment like this?

That's okay. Nagisa and the bespectacled girl waste no time. They rush from their seats and hurry to Akari's side… pat her shoulders and usher her, carefully, back over to her desk.

"Hey. Hey. It's okay," they say in quiet voices. "It's alright. You're gonna be fine."

Stumbling as she walks, Akari gives an uncertain… but slightly more confident nod.

Aguri lets out a sigh of relief. She's still heartbroken: it's evident that Akari's felt very alone these past few months. But the good news is… she hasn't been. And thank god she's had people looking out for her while Aguri was gone.

(Thank god she's lucky enough to have friends like these.)

Of course… a few students still shoot her uneasy looks as she totters their way, but no-one dares shout. Instead, cautious, they remind her that even if they really appreciate the apology, things might not go back to normal right away.

"You really scared us there," a blond-haired boy admits. "I thought I was going to die."

"I felt like I was going to die," Terasaka tacks on. "But… I didn't. And I'm glad you'd at least have cared if I did." He sighs. "Listen: you're not off the hook yet. But I'm glad to at least have gotten through to you. None of us wanted things to end like that, either."

"Of… course not," Akari says with a frown. "Again: I'm sorry."

And finally, Korosensei gets the chance to speak up.

"Ah…" he says. "I'm glad you all were able to work that out. I understand that there's still likely to be discord in the class, but please understand that that's okay and that I'll be here for you while we wait for it to pass. If anyone else still has complicated feelings about what happened, then know you are always welcome to talk to me… and that you are under no obligation to forgive or even interact with Kayano. Just don't pick on her or single her out. Understood?"

"Yeah," one of the students says. "Of course."

"And… I appreciate all of your concern in regards to looking out for me," Korosensei continues. "While I'm not sure I agree with not telling Karasuma-sensei at all, I'm flattered that you felt the need to protect me... and I agree that it was perhaps for the best not to have this conversation in front of him." He pauses. "That said, however: I'd hate to lie to him completely, and will likely let him know that there was an altercation of some sort. As important as it is that I stay by your side, it's also important to set a good example. And I will not lie to a man who's placed his trust in me."

"Of course, regardless of how he reacts I will not be leaving this classroom… nor do I anticipate him asking me to. He'll likely understand that I already know the scope of how I messed up. Despite his intimidating demeanor, Karasuma is an understanding man. We'll come to a conclusion that we can agree upon."

"Well… that's good," one of the students murmurs.

"But seriously... don't let him fire you, alright?"

"This class would be way too boring without you around."

"And hey! We'd be pretty mad if anyone ended up taking you out but us."

Now that earns a slightly uncomfortable reaction. All the same… the students don't argue, simply shift in their seats.

"Of course… all of this is going on the assumption that I'll get to talk to Karasuma-sensei before Irina does," Korosensei admits. "If she shares what she heard before I get the chance to explain my side of the story, then our situation might change."

"Pah!" Irina pipes up from the back of the class, one arm crossed over the other. "I already told you I wasn't going to snitch, didn't I? I'm not going back on that. I'm not that big of a bitch." She pauses. "And besides… your whole story was a lot more batshit than I ever could have anticipated. I wouldn't know where to begin with explaining that."

Collectively… the students let out a sigh of relief. And it's before Korosensei can thank her that they speak.

"Yeah. That makes sense," one of them admits. "You're a bitch for sure, but you're not his bitch."

"Fucking 'scuse me!?"

"You heard me."

"Don't make me go back on this, punk! I've still got a chance to, you know!"

"Oh, you wouldn't," another student scoffs. "Now you're far too dedicated to proving that you're not a snitch to even consider it! We've got you right in our trap!"

"Like hell you do!"

Korosensei sighs. He must notice Aguri staring- bewildered… because he tiptoes over to her side. He bows his head… exhausted, and apologizes for all of the commotion.

"Usually I'm able to control the students better," He reassures. "Something like what just happened with your sister is unprecedented for this classroom. But… they're under a lot of stress right now, and I hope you can understand. They'll simmer down with time."

Aguri blinks, but nods.

"Of… course," she murmurs. "Don't worry. I get it."

She'd be stressed, too. Hell… she is.

She still feels a little bad for barging in here at all. If the students didn't have to know about her situation then there's no doubt that they'd be living happier lives. All the same, she hopes Korosensei's right when he says that they'll recover.

(Because it's her. She's the stress, and the classroom didn't fight like this before.)

"And I know you do. Still… it feels best to explain," Korosensei says. "I'm sure this is all a lot to take in."

"Yeah," Aguri says, quiet. "But… it's whatever. I'll survive."

The last thing she needs is to stress him out right now, too.

Korosensei's quiet, like he doubts that somehow- but he doesn't voice his concerns. Instead, still smiling, he says that he's sure things will become a lot more clear once Karasuma's returned.

"Then we can talk with him about the incident. That, and learn what the government plans to do about our… situation. That, at the very least, should take some of the ambiguity away, and we'll better know what to anticipate in our future."

Aguri shifts, slightly. She's pretty sure the government is just going to want her dead like they want Korosensei… but she doesn't say that. Instead, not wanting to be a cause for concern, she nods.

"How long do you think he'll be?" She asks, glancing at the doorway. "It's been a while now."

"I'm hardly sure," Korosensei admits. "I'm sure he has a lot of important things to discuss. Would you like me to check up on him?"'

"No," Aguri replies. "You should probably get started on class. The kids are riled up enough as is." She pauses… drifts off.

She can only imagine that Karasuma is discussing some pretty frightening stuff right now: the fate of planet earth and all. It makes her anxious. She knows he has to be disclosing her story… telling the government all about what it is she's done. How are they going to react? Will they feel sympathy for her… or will they be disgusted, too?

She already knows the answer… and some part of her doesn't want to think about it. But another part of her's antsy, and as she imagines Karasuma imparting all she's been through, a knot forms in her stomach.

Her thoughts start to race.

"Why don't… I go and grab him, actually?" She murmurs. "Make sure he doesn't need any further details. In hindsight… we were a little vague."

Korosensei stares, jolting slightly. Confused, he says "Are you sure? I can talk to him if you'd like."

"No, no. It's fine," Aguri responds. "I can get him. I'd like to apologize for my behavior earlier, anyways."

"Well… if you're certain," Korosensei replies. "I'll try to get class started in the meantime. And when the two of you return we can buckle down on math. Sound good?"

"Yeah," Aguri says. "Sounds good." She takes a step forward… drags herself towards the doorway. "I'll only be one second. See you soon."

"See you soon," Korosensei repeats, giving her a halfhearted smile. "And just shout if you need anything, alright?"

"Of course," Aguri responds, giving a nod. And with that, she's gone. She spends thirty seconds fiddling with the door before finally wrenching it open. And out in the hallway… she begins the search for Karasuma.

She meant what she said to Korosensei about wanting to apologize to him for her erratic behavior, but that's not the only reason she's looking for Karasuma. More than anything she just wants to hear what it is he's saying right now... if it's about her. The thought of not knowing drives her insane. Surely her verdict's been passed. And so… what is it?

(It's death, right? They're going to kill her. They've got to kill her. It's death.)

The teacher's lounge door is open. Astray... just a crack. Aguri creeps towards it, careful not to make a sound, and listens in for the voice inside.

Sure enough, there it is. Karasuma paces in a tight circle, not noticing Aguri as she presses herself up against the outside wall. He's got a phone to his ear… and nods, diligently, as he listens to the person on the other end of the line.

Aguri can't quite make them out. It's not like he has it on speaker. All the same, it's not them that she really needs to hear, and Karasuma's words are loud and clear.

"And so you're sure..." he says, voice strained. "He's really missing?"

An indecipherable murmur comes through from the other end of the line… and Karasuma flinches, brow furrowed

"No hotel records?"

Murmur.

"No paper trail?"

Murmur.

"Not even a medical record? You've got to be kidding me! From the way they described it he should be hospitalized. He can't just have disappeared into thin air!"

Murmurmurmurmurmur.

"Yes, I'm sure they're not making it up. I saw it myself. There's another one... one with more risk factors than two of the first ones combined. And it's just some poor lady!" he throws his hands in the air. Pauses… listens. "No- I don't know who she is. No - I've only heard the name up until now. I didn't think that-"

Aguri thinks she hears the words "legally dead."

They're talking about her.

But if she's 'it…' if she's ' some poor lady,' then who's 'him?' Who on earth is missing?

...It's Yanagisawa. It has to be. He's already made his escape. She'd known all along that this would happen- but all the same, it forms a knot in her stomach. He's out there somewhere… and at any moment he can come back for her. The government can't protect her and she certainly can't protect herself. He's in the shadows! And no-one will be able to punish him for what he's done. No-one will be able to keep him away from her.

(She's already as good as doomed!)

She feels her hands shake… takes a step back.

'Punish him?' she thinks, blinking back tears. For what? Saving her life? Ungrateful bitch! She deserves whatever it is that's coming to her!

She can barely make out Karasuma's words. She thinks she hears something about searching the lab… but it's hazy. She can't bring herself to care. Why did she come out here again? Surely she knew this is what she'd hear.

(Did she… did she want to be scared?)

She considers running… turning tail and telling Korosensei she couldn't find Karasuma or whatever. But she hesitates for a moment… and what she hears next shocks her out of her stupor.

"No, we're not working with him again!" he snarls, fist clenched. "We only agreed to cooperate with him in the first place because he said he wouldn't make any more of those things! He undeniably broke contract… and now we're in even more danger than before. The minute we find him we've got to take care of things. This cannot be allowed to happen again."

'Again,' he says… and Aguri's whole body shakes.

'Cooperate.' 'Contract.'

'Things.'

That's her… isn't it? He's talking about her and Korosensei. They're the danger. And so Karasuma isn't intent on hunting Yanagisawa down because he hurt her. He's intent on hunting Yanagisawa down because he saved her.

(Because he made her this.)

And that means that… the government… Karasuma- they already knew. They already knew what Yanagisawa had done to Korosensei… and they were just okay with it!? They were working with him! With Yanagisawa- who had done that to him in the first place. Why? Were they really okay with killing him like that!? Giving funds to the man who made him a monster?

(Giving funds to the man who was making Aguri a monster right under their nose?)

And to think that…- to think that this man has the audacity to call Korosensei a 'thing.'

...She doesn't mind hearing it about herself. Not really. She's already accepted that she's pretty much worthless. But hearing Korosensei referred to that way? It makes her want to cry. He is such a kind person. He's the one who got her out of there. He's pretty much all she has! And Karasuma's calling him that!?

How… how dare he?

She knows she doesn't have the right to get mad… she kind of came out here searching for bad news. But all the same, she expected a death sentence, not a declaration of personal dislike… and Karasuma's words sting. It's not his fault she overheard, of course, but… she regrets her decision.

She shouldn't have come here.

Karasuma hangs up soon after. Saying a few final short words, he shakes his head and pockets his phone. He doesn't leave right away, however... simply stands there in that empty teacher's lounge and catches his breath.

For maybe a second he's panicked- angry. But that soon fades. And by the time he's stepped out of the room he's returned to that blank expression… this frightening nothingness. He locks eyes with Aguri, startled.

"Ah," he says. "You're here."

"Yeah," Aguri says, looking away. "Sorry, I just showed up. Korosensei and I wanted to know if you needed any further clarification on anything. I know we were kind of vague."

Karasuma's quiet for a long moment… but soon shakes his head.

"No," he says. "I think I got everything I needed. I just got off the phone with my supervisor."

"That's good," Aguri responds. "Did you talk about anything important?" She pauses. "...I thought I heard something about Yanagisawa."

"Oh," Karasuma says. "I was not aware you were listening in."

"A-ah!" Aguri squeaks. "Well- I didn't mean to- I wasn't listening in. I just heard his name." Another long pause. She takes a step back. "Is it true he's missing?"

"Yes," Karasuma responds. "...Something like that."

He steps past Aguri... and for a second she expects him to lunge. But ultimately he sidesteps her without an issue. And waving a hand, he motions for her to follow.

"Come on," he says. "I think it's best we get back to class."

Aguri lets out a small, sputtery sigh of relief. All the same… she doesn't let the tension in her chest release. Sure, Karasuma didn't strike her, but Yanagisawa wasn't angry at first, either.

(He simply watched her from the back of her college classes as she tried to ignore the sharklike gaze now on her neck.)

Karasuma shoots her a sideways glance. Staring for a long moment, then motioning once more, he reiterates that he thinks they should really be going back.

Aguri hurries after. She'd like not to waste any more of this man's patience than she already has.

He seems uncomfortable as she sticks close… but he doesn't speak. He doesn't even mention what she's sure he knows she heard. Instead they walk in silence… and he frowns; doesn't look her way. He's got one hand firmly nestled in his pocket.

Some part of Aguri is tempted to apologize for making his job harder… scaring him or making him want to shout. But ultimately she doesn't have the guts. She doesn't know this person… and even if she did it wouldn't feel genuine. It's not like she can blame him for not liking her. She wouldn't like her, either.

(She just hopes that if it comes down to it he can focus on her now instead of Korosensei. He's the one who doesn't deserve it.)

The two of them re-enter the classroom. The kids look over and Korosensei gives a wave. It's before any of them can speak, however, that Karasuma makes his announcement.

"We're to head to the nearest research faculty immediately."

"P-pardon?" One of the students asks. "We just got started on class! You can't seriously tell us that we're going to-"

"You're under no obligation to come," Karasuma quickly responds. "I'm simply talking to the octopus and her. The government would like to observe you."

Korosensei pauses. Creeping Aguri's way he says "I believe none of us are under any obligation to do anything. Would you like to explain?"

"Direct orders," Karasuma responds. "Headquarters aren't going to take my word for it: they'd like to see her themselves. And yes, this is a requirement." He crosses his arms. "You were obligated to let us analyze your DNA before we allowed you to teach here… and the same applies to her. If she'd like to stay then she'd best be coming with. Technically I can take her alone, but I was under the assumption that you'd-"

"Absolutely not," Korosensei responds, face flashing black for just a split second. "If she's going anywhere then it's with me."

"That's what I thought," Karasuma says, unimpressed. "Come with, then. Irina can watch the class. This shouldn't take long."

"Are you kidding me?" One of the students whispers.

"Her in charge?"

"This is bound to be amusing at the very least."

Aguri, meanwhile… feels a shudder down her spine. Are they talking about… taking her to a lab? Woah! Woah! She never agreed to be analyzed- observed. She can't go back there again! She creeps closer to Korosensei- clings to his arm.

'Please,' she thinks, desperate . 'Pleasepleaseplease. Don't let them take me back there.'

"Listen," Korosensei says. "I'll make you a deal. We'll go, and I'll come with. But give us the school day first, at least. I can't leave the kids alone."

"Still right here," Irina says, irritated.

"I understand why this is urgent," Korosensei continues, paying her no mind. "But so is their education. Allow me to do my job and then I will comply. I will help Aguri be looked over. That said, however, I also want your word that this is not a trap… and that there will be ways for us to escape if need be. We are agreeing to observation and analysis: nothing more. The same thing I went through. I do not want to see a hand laid on her. And if these conditions are not met, we will not come."

"Nor will we come if she's not okay with it in the first place," he admits. "These are the conditions I need, but ultimately the decision is hers. If she's not comfortable being poked and prodded at, then you cannot force our hand. We are the ones with the superpowers here."

"I'm not sure about that," Karasuma replies, lip twitching. "We can still revoke your license at any time."

"No: you cannot. Asano can revoke my license at any time. You have no bearing on that decision."

"Unless we stop paying the hush money."

"And have this get out to the world? You wouldn't dare."

Korosensei's still got that ever-present smile on his face, but suddenly there's something sinister about it. Every bit as composed as he was back when he was a human, his scenario is not a request… it's a demand. And as he wraps an arm defensively around Aguri's shoulder, his posture is tense.

"W-woah!" Aguri says, bowing her head. "There's no need to fight over me- really. The last thing I'd want to cause for you all is trouble. " She bites her lip… scratches at her arm. "I'll admit that I really don't want to go and that… this whole thing scares me, but if Korosensei can be there then it's okay, I guess. You've just got to promise to… to honor his conditions, alright? This is… very difficult for me." A pause. "Sorry."

Quite frankly, the very notion makes her knees shake. But she's also got a feeling she can't say no. As intimidating as Korosensei is- Karasuma is right… she could be a danger to the whole wide world... and the government deserves to make sure it's safe for her to be around the students before she does anything rash. That, and it hurts her to see Korosensei return to this state. He seemed to be getting along with Karasuma earlier. She doesn't want to be the one to ruin that.

"You have nothing to apologize for," Korosensei reassures, pulling her in close. "...Now, Karasuma: will you agree to our terms, or do we need to negotiate further?"

Karasuma gives pause, staring Korosensei down. It's not looking into Korosensei's beady eyes, however, that finally makes him speak up. It's after staring at Aguri for a long, tense moment, that he finally says, "Fine."

"I'm still not happy about this," he continues. "But… it's apparent you're not going to budge. I'll let my supervisors know you've at least agreed in part. And… I'll see what I can do about your accommodations. Is this good?"

"More than," Korosensei replies, soon returning to his casual demeanor. "I'll make sure to repay you for this in the future, Karasuma," he says with a heavy sigh. "I promise."

"...Very well then," Karasuma says, seemingly unimpressed. "Either way, I'll be stepping out now. I've still got some conversations to have. I'll remain outside for the rest of class. Let me know when gym period's begun. Until then I'm occupied."

"Of course," Korosensei says. "Although before you go, I probably have one more thing you should share with your supervisors. Something we- er- had to decide to share as a class."

"And what exactly is that?"

"Um- it's sort of embarrassi- you've got to promise not to be mad at me if I say, alright?"

"What?"

"You've got to promise not to be mad at me!" Korosensei says, voice a yelp. "You've already been so understanding and cool about everything else! I don't know what I'd do if you retroactively took back your agreement with Aguri because of this!"

"I'm not going to- goddamn it, octopus! Just spit it out, already!"

"Okaaaaayyyyy!" Korosensei wails. "But seriously! You've got to swear to me, alright!? Or otherwise I'll make all the students turn against you!"

"The students what?"

"Turn against you! Because I'm their super cool and favorite teacher and they'll be mad if you get me in troubleeeee!"

It'd almost be funny if it weren't so sad. Just a moment ago Korosensei was composed… calculating and malicious, and now he's pleading like a child!? Aguri's not sure what to think.

"Okay! Okay! Okay! I promise! Now just tell me what it is already!"

"I mayyyyy have… accidentally… um-" Korosensei's voice drops to a whisper as he leans in to Karasuma's ear. And quickly, Karasuma's brow furrows.

"But… no-one was permanently harmed?"

"Of course not," Korosensei replies. "I took care of the situation as soon as I could. All the same, I thought it would be for the best you knew."

"...Thank you," Karasuma replies, voice strained. "I'll make sure to pass on the news."

And with that, he turns. Korosensei reaches a hand out, asking once-more if he's not mad… but Karasuma doesn't respond. Simply gives him one last stressed, angry look, and shuts the door behind him.

Korosensei doesn't follow after. He wilts, fiddling with his hands as he shoots the door a nervous glance. Irina laughs from the back of class, pointing a finger, amused, at him.

"And so you really are in trouble," she snickers. "The kids were right. You probably shouldn't have shared that."

"I had tooooo!" Korosensei whimpers, covering his face with his hands. "Can you imagine if it had come out later? He'd be pissed I lied to him! I couldn't risk that. And besides, I said it myself: I had to set a good example for the students."

"Your conniving, government secret, murder-for-hire students? Likely story."

"Hey, hey," one of the students says, standing. He walks over to pat Korosensei on the back, frowning. "Don't get too anxious yet. I'm sure Karasuma-sensei won't actually fire you."

"Yeah," another student agrees. "He wouldn't do that. He's probably just worried about us."

"We did get pretty roughed up, after all."

"But we're their only surefire way to kill you. The government isn't gonna let go of that."

"I know, I know," Korosensei responds, shaking his head. "But all the same… I embarrassed myself so badly! Do you think Karasuma's going to think lesser of me as a teacher now because of it?"

"Well… I'm not very sure he's ever thought of you highly as a teacher at all."

"AAAAAAAHHH! That's worse, somehow!"

Thankfully, despite Korosensei's wailing… the class soon calms down. And as it does, one of the students is brave enough to say what Aguri's been thinking. Raising a hand, she admits that it was actually pretty cool that Korosensei stuck up for Aguri earlier.

"I wouldn't have had the guts to say no to Karasuma-sensei personally. I can't believe you actually got him to agree to wait."

"Yeah," another student replies. "Now that you mention it… that is pretty incredible. I didn't know you had that sort of backbone in you, sensei."

"Well," Korosensei says, seeming to perk up instantly at the slightest hint of praise. "I don't usually like to be argumentative… but it was for an important cause. I wasn't going to let him make Aguri do anything she didn't want to do." He pauses. "Not that I think he would have, for the record. Scary as he is, Karasuma is a good man."

"Well… yeah, of course," a student replies. "But he's got orders to follow."

"I hope you weren't too shaken up, Yukimura-sensei."

"No…" Aguri says, shaking her head. "I'm sure you're right. But all the same… thank you. Seriously." She gives Korosensei a relieved look. "The students are right. I can't express how thankful I am that you stood up for me. I really wasn't ready to go back to that place yet."

"Hey now," Korosensei replies. "...Don't worry. You won't be going back to that place at all. The government is just going to look over you. Like I said: I won't cooperate unless there's some sort of form of escape. You know I wouldn't do anything that would put you in danger."

Briefly, memories of disembowelment rise to the forefront of Aguri's mind... but she quickly shakes them off. Reminding herself that that wasn't Korosensei's fault, she instead treasures his warm words, and steps closer to her old friend. He smiles, and almost steps closer himself, at least until he thinks better of it.

"Anyways," he says, pulling away. "I believe it's time we get started on class for real. Does anyone remember what page we left off on?"

And with that, things go back to some sort of normal. Aguri creeps to the back of class… not wanting to interrupt. And thinks that, although frightened, she trusts this person to keep her safe at the very least.