A/N: Thank you all who left a review, and added this story to their favorites and follow lists. And a special thanks to The Apocryphal One for her reviews, and also pointing out the issues I had in various chapters, which have been taken care of to allow for what I hope will be a better reading experience, so thank you very much once again.
She has written one of the best Chiaki and Hajime stories I have seen called Extra Life, so if you are interested, I recommend checking it out.
Moving on in, this chapter a lot is going on or being set up for the next chapter. I won't say any more, and I'll save it for the end of the chapter.
I hope you guys like the cover image I put up for this story, not quite what I had in mind but you do what you got to do with what you got.
"Dialog from a flashback and the person reading something in their mind"
Thoughts (unless used to emphasize a word in a sentence)
Chapter 19
Keeping Secrets
The next day it was an uneventful day for Class 77-B, not counting the usual from the class's more eccentric students, but there was perhaps one oddity worthy of note. Mahiru of all people was asked a highly unusual question about someone from probably the last person she would've expected.
"You want to ask me about Natsumi?"
Nagito nodded his head, "Yes but I understand if it's an unpleasant question."
The Ultimate Lucky Student knew that unpleasant was probably an understatement. Nagito wasn't aware of all the details, other than what was shared around class at the time, which was that Mahiru's best friend Sato had attempted to murder Fuyuhiko's sister in a misguided effort to protect her from Natsumi. Ever since they attended Light Forest Institute during their middle school days, Mahiru and Natsumi clashed against one another. Natsumi had joined the photography club of their middle school where the former became jealous of Mahiru resulting in the latter being the target of harassment coupled with threats.
Natsumi never made good on these threats.
When Mahiru was selected to attend Hope's Peak Academy and ended up in the same class as Natsumi's older brother things between them only got worse. Things just escalated when Sato, Mahiru's best friend since middle school, got between Mahiru and Natsumi. Sato was unable to convince Natsumi to seize her harassment and threats against Mahiru, which only resulted in their clashes escalating into more heated confrontations that could turn violent at any time.
Nagito heard about a classmate who had tried to reason with Natsumi, although he seemed more successful reaching her. Unfortunately, it did little to halt the coming inevitable violent clashes that left Sato with scars on one arm from one such encounter with Natsumi during their time in middle school.
It's odd unless Natsumi wasn't taught to defend herself a fight like that should've ended badly for Sato, Nagito reasoned logically.
He suspected that Natsumi didn't instigate that fight and might've defended herself without seeking to kill Sato. Nagito suspected Natsumi knew that such actions could create some issues for her hindering her chances to be accepted at Hope's Peak Academy, although she likely made use of her family's connections to cause trouble for Mahiru it didn't seem that nothing severe or destructive had happened.
Of course, there were Sato's affections for Mahiru, Nagito thought.
Another fact Nagito learned was that Sato harbored romantic feelings for Mahiru which to her becoming increasingly determined to protect from Natsumi. That determination, which Nagito assumed, turned into an obsession to protect Mahiru no matter what. Sato probably became increasingly paranoid with Natsumi's threats, although it didn't appear that Natsumi never made good on them.
Thus leading to their last clash that nearly ended with Natsumi's death, but someone happened upon the scene interfering long enough for security to become involved. Natsumi was hospitalized for a conclusion after Sato knocked her out with a flower vase in the music room where the confrontation took place. Nagito learned that Sato had summoned Natsumi to meet with her to talk her out of harassing Mahiru further, but in reality, she was planning to murder Natsumi to protect Mahiru.
Such foolishness, Nagito contemplated.
Nagito believed that Sato's plan to kill Natsumi would've only resulted in her demise as well because anyone who read a novel or saw a movie with gangsters wouldn't have allowed Sato to get away with her murder. Her family likely believed in an eye for an eye, so once they find out Sato was responsible they would've killed her, or worse Mahiru as well if she was somehow involved. The loss of a talented individual like Mahiru wouldn't be accepted to Nagito.
Sato wasn't even a great stepping stone, Nagito concluded as he felt the talentless were only meant to serve as stepping stones for those with talent.
However, if Nagito wanted to get the information about Natsumi he knew it would be best if he didn't say that to Mahiru. He knew Fuyuhiko would've been better to ask about his sister, but he was aware of the fact that Fuyuhiko wouldn't share such information willingly, mainly since he avoided discussions about his family. Nagito assumes part of it was because there were things that went on with Fuyuhiko's family that couldn't be talked about; understandable given the Kuzuryu Family is the most feared Yakuza Clan in Area 11.
I am sure asking questions about Natsumi out of the blue like this would've made Fuyuhiko suspicious, Nagito reasoned internally.
A suspicious Fuyuhiko could become a problem for Zero, which he wanted to avoid. On the other, if Natsumi joined then Nagito, then it would pave the way for Fuyuhiko to side with the Black Knights and by extension the Kuzuryu Family.
Natsumi is talentless, Nagito thought.
However, she was a talentless person with good connections that made her a more useful stepping stone for Zero.
If I am lucky, she could be a useful catalyst for Fuyuhiko and the rest of his family becoming allies of Zero, Nagito thought feeling hopeful.
Of course, that was the best outcome he could hope for.
"What's there to say she was a spoiled and terrible person who didn't think twice about using her family influence to make life hell for everyone who crossed her," Mahiru answered bluntly.
"I see," Nagito said before pointing out, "her relationship with Fuyuhiko was quite different."
"So I have heard," Mahiru noted, but she wasn't aware of too many details of it.
Conversely, Mahiru was thankful that Fuyuhiko was more reasonable than his sister, which was helpful because after the incident Fuyuhiko had informed her that his father was having Natsumi pulled out of the Reserve Course. Fuyuhiko revealed that despite Natsumi was nearly a victim of a murder the fact remained that Hope's Peak Academy was aware of Natsumi using her family's connection to harass one of their Ultimate Students indirectly instigating the incident. The fact Fuyuhiko's father told them Hope's Peak was using their relationships with the local government and the Britannian Homeland to put some pressure on the Kuzuryu Family as a warning.
"My crazy sister was deemed too much of a loose cannon,so my dad pulled her out before putting her under house arrest. It was to avoid destroying the relationships our family needs to survive," Fuyuhiko explained previously to Mahiru roughly a year ago when they spoke after Sato was executed.
Fuyuhiko explained to Mahiru that the Kuzuryu Family has connections with not only persuasive Britannian Crime Families, but has ties with those in the highest positions of the Britannian Government. These ties have been critical for the survival of their legitimate and illegal businesses and by extension their family. The personality traits the leaders of the family once admired about Natsumi were seen as a liability who lacked restraint when it was called for. Fuyuhiko parents weren't accurately picture perfect for restraining themselves giving the violent clashes they have, Fuyuhiko admitted before adding that for the sake of the family one must know when to stand down.
Mahiru wondered what kind of pressure was put on the Kuzuryu Family to have caused such a response given what Fuyuhiko told her.
"I don't know the full details other than they are close like siblings," Mahiru replied before telling Nagito about what happened to Natsumi after Sato was executed for attempting to murder her.
"I see," Nagito answered, "I guess that's it for my questions. Thanks, Mahiru."
Mahiru watched Nagito get up before leaving the classroom for presumably the rest of the day since it was late afternoon. Usually, Mahiru didn't like talking about Natsumi because events surrounding her led to Sato death. Even through Mahiru never wanted Natsumi murdered, also if it was for her sake and Sato's own actions led to her being executed when her attempt failed.
However, because Nagito of all people was asking and given how condescending he was to those without talent, it seemed very unusual.
It's over a year since it happened so why is he asking now, Mahiru wondered.
Mahiru began recalling that recently Nagito has been acting stranger than usual. He was an oddball already, especially given how eccentric most of her class was because he has been sleeping in class when he was typically more active with them. Adding to it was the fact Nagito has been leaving the classroom as soon as possible, which only added to Mahiru's concerns.
The sudden questions about Natsumi were enough to convince her that something was amiss with Nagito.
Rising from her seat, Mahiru caught Fuyuhiko as he was about to leave with Peko.
"Hey, Fuyuhiko you got a second?"
"What is," Fuyuhiko asked.
"This might sound a little weird, but I thought you should know," Mahiru explained. "I just had Nagito ask me questions about Natsumi, is there something going?"
"Nagito was asking you about my sister," Fuyuhiko said, although he disliked it when people asked him or even poke their nose in his personal matters his expression indicated confusion and curiosity instead of anger.
Mahiru was thankful that besides her, Fuyuhiko and Peko were the only other members of their class who were more level-headed than the rest of their eccentric classmates besides perhaps Chiaki.
"I know it's weird, especially it was Nagito asking about something that happened a year ago."
"Yeah that does sound strange even for Nagito," Fuyuhiko said in agreement.
"Ever since the Sports Festival Nagito has been acting weirder than normal, from sleeping in class and leaving as soon as he could," Mahiru said, which Fuyuhiko had also noticed.
Fuyuhiko wasn't the most sociable member of their class, but he wasn't unaware of what was happening around him. He found Nagito too much of an oddball to really want to converse with, but like Mahiru, he had noticed what seemed to be a sudden change. He was usually the most active participant in their class regardless of what events transpired, although his talks about and mentioning hope did annoy more than a few people. He still took part in their class, but his sleeping in class coupled with leaving as soon as possible was more than enough to indicate that something was amiss.
Now questions about his own sister were enough of a concern for the Ultimate Yakuza to investigate the matter.
"Maybe we should follow up on it, and find out what Nagito is up to," Fuyuhiko said deciding that they needed to see what their classmate was doing.
Around the same time, Lelouch was walking down the hall by himself moments before he heard Makoto call out to him.
"Hey Lelouch," Makoto said approaching Lelouch from behind.
Lelouch turned around to address his fellow classmate, "Makoto, can I help you with something."
"Yeah, Sayaka hasn't been in class today," Makoto said with obvious concern on his face. "You haven't heard anything by any chance because you told our teacher that Sayaka contacted you this morning?"
"I checked in with her a little while ago after she called me," Lelouch explained while recalling that before arriving at the hospital that Nunnally had given Sayaka his cell phone number. "She was badly shaken from finding out what her friends had endured."
"I can imagine," Makoto commented, "but you knew about it right?"
"Yes, because we ran into each other yesterday," Lelouch answered before proceeding to tell Makoto of what happened.
He explained to Makoto how he, Junko, and his sister Nunnally met Sayaka at the Grand Opening of the Clovisland Pool. Before leaving Sayaka had offered to take Nunnally to meet her friends because Lelouch's sister was a big fan of their group. Sayaka intended it as a means of repaying Lelouch for his intervention against Sayaka's manager before they began attending school. Milly and his maid, Sayoko, offered to go with Nunnally turning it into a girl's night out.
Junko and Lelouch were spending the evening hanging out until they got the phone call from Sayoko informing them that Sayaka's idol group members were hospitalized.
As they talked, the two had walked past the main school building locked in conversation.
"They were in bad shape, and if I had to wager, I think they must've been during it for months. It's based on the fact they had been rendered invalid by Refrain, and that only happens after months of usage," Lelouch explained to Makoto who was nothing short of horrified.
It was one thing to learn about it on the news, but to hear it from someone who saw them and a grieving Sayaka had more of an impact and weight to it. Like Lelouch before him, Makoto wondered if Refrain was used to make them more compliant or as a means of coping with the abuse, or both.
Makoto didn't know what he could say, but he could only imagine what Sayaka was going through.
"Do you think Sayaka will be alright? Considering how you saw her last?"
Lelouch contemplated his answer before replying, "To answer that probably not. Sayaka will recover, but this incident will leave its mark on her for a very long time. Of course, that is not even considering the fact her friends are facing twenty years in prison. So far it hasn't affected her career thanks to her fans showing sympathy and support, but given the toxic nature of the Entertainment Industry of Area 11, she'll be at risk of potentially ending up like her friends. Something Sayaka likely fears right now, but I doubt she would give up a career she and her friends have sacrificed so much for even if her friends were the ones to suffer the most horrific sacrifices."
Makoto was speechless, but yet he couldn't understand how anyone would continue to stay in an industry where could end up working in a brothel house if you were a woman and Japanese, although Makoto feared it was probably a lot worse than what he assumed.
"And the guy who put them through that was just allowed to WALK!"
Lelouch paused for a moment and took a deep breath, "I am afraid so."
Disbelief mixed with anger filled Makoto's features, but Lelouch heard something he didn't expect.
"I hope the Black Knights get him."
Carefully considering his response Lelouch answered, "So do I."
"I know the police were corrupt, but this is just worse when watching them ignore a guy being mugged by Britannian gangsters in front of their cruiser."
"Let me guess the man being mugged was Japanese," Lelouch asked which Makoto confirmed with a nod. "Well the Black Knights saved some friends of mine who were among the hostages, so maybe with time, they'll get the man who put Sayaka's friends through that hell. It's just a matter of tracking him down I suppose."
Makoto was relieved to hear that Lelouch didn't mind him being a fan of the Black Knights nor hoping for the fact that he was wishing they would get the man responsible for putting Sayaka's friends through a horrible ordeal.
"Makoto," Lelouch began, "by some chance did someone give you the third degree about the Black Knights?"
"How did you know?"
"Call it a lucky guess, but Suzaku and I had a disagreement on the subject earlier while studying in the library."
Earlier that morning a tired Lelouch was struggling to stay awake, but in hindsight, he realized the library wasn't the best place to go to study. Lelouch wondered if someplace a little noisier like the music room might've been more helpful for him to stay awake.
Suzaku was with him, and the two began talking about the Black Knights especially when Lelouch inquired to events surrounding the Hotel Takeover not too long ago wondering if he was involved in that. Suzaku confirmed that he was after Lelouch revealed he had to return home to calm Nunnally who began panicking upon discovering her friends Shirley, Nina, and Milly were among the hostages.
Their conversation was friendly enough, but near its end.
"Well, I am just grateful the Black Knights managed to save them. I don't want to think how I could've calmed Nunnally down if something had happened to them."
Suzaku was quiet for a moment before closing a book he was reading as the two sat at the same table together. "If they wanted to catch criminals, they could've joined the police force. Why don't they, I wonder?"
"They probably don't think the cops are up to the job. I tend to agree," Lelouch replied without hesitation, but of course, there was the fact the police was corrupt too.
"The police may not be that effective right now, but they could invoke change from within."
"Yeah, and in the process, they get all tangled up in red tape and bureaucracy."
"If they had done everything in their power to change things that might hold water. As long as they don't, then all of its just self-righteous posturings," Suzaku said arguing back to Lelouch's slight surprise and confusion.
"Self-righteous?"
"And what constitutes evil in their eyes? What standards are they using? It's nothing but self-satisfying gratification."
Lelouch's eye began twitching in annoyance.
"At least they don't let criminals walk if they pay off the right people. You heard about what happened to Sayaka's friends' right?"
"You mean the members of Sweet Orchid?"
Lelouch nodded before continuing, "Did you know the police had more than enough evidence on the guy for an arrest and a conviction before he was let go and the case was dismissed?"
"What," Suzaku exclaimed, which didn't surprise Lelouch because he noticed during the morning news that information about the involvement of the assistant to Sayaka's manager was conveniently omitted. The death of Sayaka's manager, Mr. Sinclair was announced having been found at the scene.
"I am not surprised," Lelouch said, "because they didn't mention it this morning. According to the chief of security here the police had evidence that's the assistant to Sayaka's manager was the one who press-ganged Sayaka's friends into the twisted depravity they were forced to endure."
Suzaku was caught off guard by that revelation.
"So what did Suzaku say?"
Lelouch sighed, "Suzaku had little to offer as a counter-argument. I told him what I had learned from the chief of security and Sayaka herself."
Makoto was angry, but at the same time, he wasn't surprised.
Much like Lelouch, he couldn't understand how there was any chance of changing the country of Britannia from within because Makoto had seen glimpses of how corrupt it was. Makoto suspected if the police were corrupt then he couldn't even begin to imagine how bad it was in the military and the government.
His anger diminished into annoyance when he remembered his argument against the Ultimate Moral Compass.
"I think Kiyotaka is too inflexible, or that's the impression I get when talking to him," Makoto commented.
"Is it because of how he tries to force his own values onto others?" Lelouch asked although he suspected this to be the case.
"Yeah, which probably why he is always shouting like those drill sergeants you see in those movies."
"I think the issue is that he is so fixated on becoming an ideal student that he hasn't developed proper social skills. Maybe the friendship he has started with Suzaku might help him," Lelouch said as he had noticed Suzaku and Kiyotaka having become close friends since they began attending Hope's Peak Academy together.
"You mean that maybe Kiyotaka shouldn't be yelling to get his point across all the time," Makoto asked with an amused smile seeing a chance to lighten the mood a little.
Lelouch smirked at the humor, "yes maybe that alone could be more helpful for him."
"So where are you going, Lelouch?"
"I was looking for Kyoko."
"Kyoko," Makoto asked, "why are you looking for her?"
"I was hoping she could help me with an issue I am facing."
It happened sometime after Lelouch and Suzaku parted ways in the library after their argument. Lelouch was hesitant to ask another favor from Seiko, but after some internal debate, he decided to ask her if she would be interested in helping Sayaka's friends. However, Lelouch wondered if it might be better to leave them as they were for now. It wasn't to be cruel by any means, but Lelouch was deeply concerned about their mental state once they recovered. He feared the psychological damage would be a lot worse than Lelouch could expect which might drive them to suicide or be mentally unsound from the trauma.
I'll ask Seiko first, and if needed I'll ask someone for a second opinion, but that depends if she can cure Sayaka's friends of Refrain's adverse side effects.
Lelouch felt confident that Seiko had the skills needed to perform such a task, but it was merely a question of how long she would need.
My only lingering concern is what will happen to Sayaka's friends because I doubt the trauma they suffered on top of the fact they'll likely be spending twenty years in prison will not go over well for them, Lelouch thought. Lelouch feared whatever mental breakdown that might occur could affect Sayaka, which a part of him felt that she had been through enough.
For Lelouch, it seemed that every choice before him in this matter didn't lead to a better outcome.
Lelouch reached the chemistry lab, but upon entirely he was stopped by Sonosuke who had managed to get behind him holding a kunai to his neck.
"Who the hell are you?" Sonosuke demanded to a surprised Lelouch, who wasn't expecting to be greeted like this upon entering the chemistry lab.
"He's one of the first year students, Lelouch Lamperouge; I have been making some helpful remedies for him," Seiko answered timidly as she had been in the middle of a conversation with Ruruka, who was standing in front of her with a chemistry lad set behind Seiko.
"Oh so a customer then," Ruruka said before gesturing for Sonosuke to release him.
"Your friend seems to be rather paranoid," Lelouch commented after Sonosuke released him.
Sonosuke silently rejoined his girlfriend before Ruruka explained, "oh don't worry he is more worried about me than anything else. I do apologize he does tend to go overboard sometimes."
With a smile, Ruruka offered a delicious pasty to her boyfriend who happily accepted it before consuming it.
"Anyway we were just finishing up here, so thanks, Seiko," Ruruka said happily before holding out a bottle filled with a green glowing liquid labeled Regenerator. "Come on honey!"
Ruruka cheerfully departed with Sonosuke following in tow leaving a depressed Seiko.
Once the two were gone Lelouch approached the depressed young woman with a look of concern on his face because it was apparent that whatever Ruruka was given it was evident that Seiko didn't give it willingly.
"I know this might not be a good time to ask, but are you alright?"
Seiko was silent for a moment before she shook her head followed by tears coming from her eyes. Lelouch was surprised and concerned when Seiko seemingly broke down crying in front of him, and without explicitly thinking about it Seiko placed her hands on Lelouch's shoulders as her head was hung down in sadness and frustration.
"No," Seiko answered in-between sobs. "Ruruka always asks for favors at the worst time, and now I have nothing to present for the exams the day in four days."
Lelouch was concerned for Seiko, so he decided to ask, "Has this been going on for a long time?"
"She is always asking for favors since we were children," Seiko admitted tearfully, but the years of pent-up frustration began to show as well. "I couldn't eat her sweets because I was allergic to them because when I ate one, I nearly died and spent a week at the hospital."
"So as a means to compensate for being unable to eat the sweets Ruruka made you tried to help her in whatever way you could," Lelouch said seeing where it all began. "I don't understand why trying to eat one of her candies is so important? Did you know you were allergic?"
"Yes, but I tried anyway because Ruruka doesn't trust anyone who doesn't eat her sweets."
Lelouch was suspicious, primarily since he was wondering why Ruruka wanted one of Seiko's concoctions.
"What kind of talent does she have?"
"She is the Ultimate Confectioner, and she has been using some of my creations to improve her own sweets," Seiko answered causing Lelouch to feel even more concerned. "Her boyfriend is the Ultimate Blacksmith by the way if you were wondering."
Seiko began to finally calm down, but Lelouch felt this was something he should intervene partly because someone making sweets and spiking them with some Seiko's creations couldn't be right.
Maybe this can be my way of repaying Seiko, Lelouch thought.
"Anyway did you need something Lelouch," Seiko asked, but she jumped away shyly when she realized she was not only very close to him Seiko was holding onto his shoulders tightly. Seiko's face turned into a cute shade of pink as a result of embarrassment.
Lelouch decided against commenting because it was probably best for Seiko to vent anyway.
"I hate having to ask something of you again, especially given what just happened. You heard about what happened to one of my classmates, Sayaka Maizono's group right?"
Seiko nodded.
"One of the conditions they are suffering from is a result of the drug refrain, which I think it was something they used or was forced upon them to make them more compliant or both."
It didn't take long to realize what Lelouch had come to her about, "I see so you want to know if I could help cure the after-effects of refrain's usage that renders a victim invalid?"
"Yes, but I am not sure if it would be a good idea since they would remember all of the horrible things done to them." Lelouch admitted with concern before adding, "but they are going to be spending twenty years in prison, and I doubt they'll wait for them to recover. I am worried they might be taken advantage of while in prison if they remain like that."
"I see," Seiko said before entering a state of deep thought.
"I am sorry to be asking for you something like this given your troubles with Ruruka?"
"No," Seiko replied quickly, "unlike her request you want to help your friend."
"I do, but with your exam coming up I worry this might be a problem for you," Lelouch offered out of consideration. "Unless I think we could solve two problems that could help both of you."
"So Seiko agreed to help," Makoto asked.
"Yes and I am hoping the judges will accept it as a proper exam, but in the meantime, I am looking how I could maybe put a stop to Ruruka taking advantage of Seiko like that."
Makoto realized what Lelouch wanted to ask Kyoko for, "I get it you want Kyoko to investigate Ruruka?"
"That's right," Lelouch replied, "since the fact she is using Seiko's concoctions in her candy is something I find concerning."
"I know," Makoto said as he recalled seeing what Seiko's concoction had done for Lelouch on the track field a while back. "I hope this works out for both Sayaka and Seiko."
"So do I," Lelouch said before a thought crossed his mind.
I'll make sure of it.
Meanwhile, inside their shared apartment, Junko had chosen this time to confront her sister about her feelings for Lelouch. Unsurprisingly Mukuro tried to deny it of course, as the hardened soldier began crumbling under Junko's verbal assault.
"Maybe you shouldn't been sobbing in front of C.C," Junko scolded, but at the same time, she had cursed under breath that she had missed out on her own older sister being in such despair. "She told me just recently after you confessed you like Lelouch?"
"I," Mukuro struggled to say, but she was in too much shock to offer much of a counter-argument.
"Come on you knew where things were going idiot, so what happened between Lelouch and me was bound to happen. I got to experience him in ways you'll never get to know," Junko remarked cruelly while savoring her sister's despair.
Mukuro became silent, but Junko didn't stop her verbal abuse of her sister.
"You should've been more aggressive about it, but I suppose I should thank you for being considered for your little sister," Junko said before laughing.
Suddenly, without warning, Junko felt a hand seize her neck. Within seconds she was slammed against the wall as Junko's eyes went wide in shock as a furious Mukuro was now holding her against the wall by her neck. Junko's feet were dangling a few inches off the ground, but the look of utter shock was etched upon Junko Enoshima's face.
"I love him!" Mukuro snapped, although she was surprised by her own actions. Pure anger was driving her current movements, which were fueled by the years of constant abuse she had suffered at Junko's hands.
"Ok," Junko said struggling against Mukuro's iron grip, "let's calm down. I shouldn't have done that. In fact, I should compliment you on your choice. I was always worried you might fall for some poster boy of blind optimism and hope."
Junko felt Mukuro's grip beginning to tighten as the look within Mukuro's eyes was one of pure anger.
"Hold on Mukuro," Junko began but was left coughing for a moment, "do you think Lelouch will be ok with you killing me?"
"He might not be, but I know you'll kill him for despair at some point," Mukuro warned as her free hand drew a knife from its holster on Mukuro's belt.
"Would it shock you to hear that I have no desire to kill Lelouch," Junko said trying to placate her older sister. "Sure I would get some good despair out of it, but in the long term everything would be so boring because all of my plans will likely work out flawlessly without someone as chaotic and dangerous like him to keep things interesting."
"That could always change," Mukuro replied coldly.
"I won't argue that, but I am willing to make a deal with you. If you continue to help me and not kill me," Junko asked because she had no much at stake, although the despair from it all coming apart with her death was tempting she knew the resulting despair from the upcoming killing game would be far sweeter. "I'll work on convincing Lelouch to take you as a lover alongside me, and I'll even allow you to have him one on one with him."
Mukuro's cheeks turned a healthy shade of pink at the offer, although a part of her wanted Lelouch to love her and more. On the other hand, another part knew that Lelouch would never accept the idea of sleeping with another woman beside the one he had as a lover. Of course, there was the danger that Junko represented.
"We know convincing Lelouch to take a second lover will be impossible."
"True," Junko said in agreement, "but unlike the other women who might have an eye for him, you know about him being Zero and what he wants to do. You are his bodyguard for crying out loud on top of that. He won't be open to the idea tomorrow, but I am willing to work towards an arrangement that will benefit both of us. You'll have my word I won't kill Lelouch, because then what's to stop you from killing me?"
Mukuro quietly contemplated the offer, but after a few minutes, a reluctant Mukuro released her sister letting her drop to the ground.
Nothing further was said, but the look in Mukuro's eyes was enough to convey an unspoken message.
I'll kill you if you murder Lelouch.
Another reason that stayed Mukuro's hand from killing her sister was that to explain and justify her actions would mean revealing Junko as being the real leader behind Ultimate Despair and Monokuma which would also expose her own involvement. Mukuro feared the revelation would destroy any chance for a loving relationship with Lelouch, but if Junko attempted to kill Lelouch and Mukuro could save him then maybe it could provide an opportunity.
It was not something she wanted to actually contemplate, but Mukuro loved Lelouch dearly. A fact that had become apparent to her in recent days, although Lelouch was oblivious to the fact that Mukuro was in love with him because of their interactions and working together in the Black Knights.
"Heh this is such despair," Junko mused with a smile. "I never thought you would turn on me like this because of Lelouch. You must love him a lot to be willing to kill me for his sake."
Junko began laughing relishing the despair of the change her older sister from a doormat she could abuse becoming someone who was willing to kill her over Lelouch.
Of course, I just love Lelouch even more now for having indirectly caused this turn of events, Junko thought with a sly smile.
Two days later as the sun was setting below the horizon, Nagito was making his way to the Toyko Harbor where the Black Knights would be using one of the warehouses for recruitment. Zero had been annoyed when he had gathered information about Natsumi, fearing Nagito wasn't discreet enough, but he appreciated, and so he intended to meet Natsumi tonight in one of the warehouses on the harbor with Null by his side.
Given her status as the daughter of the head of the Kuzuryu Family, it was best if her recruitment interview was conducted separately while Ohgi and the rest would handle the other hopeful applicants. Or those Zero had deemed fit of joining the Black Knights after studying each applicant as carefully as possible to find those suitable or not spies.
Tonight should be interesting, Nagito thought with a smile.
Unknown to Nagito as he was walking down an alleyway Fuyuhiko and Peko were following close behind, but at a safe distance. Not only did the pair want Nagito to remain unaware of them, but they were concerned about becoming victims of his luck. Fuyuhiko and Peko weren't the superstitious types, but seeing the effects of Nagito's "luck" was more than enough to convince them to excise caution.
The one incident that convinced the two of how perilous Nagito's unique talent could be if they weren't careful was an incident involving one of their fellow classmates. Kazuichi was continually suffering from Nagito's luck, and the time he had suffered the most from the latter's talent was during Miss Yukizome's first day as their teacher. Miss Yukizome was determined to bring their class together after finding most of the students woefully absent in developing their talents, so she quite literally, with everyone else in tow, began hunting down and rounding up the class.
When they went off campus to find Nagito, the unfortunate Kazuichi was suddenly hit by a truck that had lost its right front tire before crashing into a guardrail, that Kazuichi had been sitting on, before the resulting impact send both into the air. It was an accident that should that defied logic because Fuyuhiko was sure that some of the laws of physic were broken.
This even made it more perplexing when the truck landed on top of a soda machine, radiator first, where Nagito was having trouble with a soda machine. Nagito received free soda because of the accident while Kazuichi miraculously avoided any serious injuries despite requiring first aid.
This was one reason why Fuyuhiko didn't attempt to ask Kazuichi for help by crafting them a way to follow Nagito at a much safer distance because the pair were worried that Nagito's luck would render whatever aid Kazuichi could offer useless or they would end up injured somehow. Fuyuhiko had considered asking Gundham for a hand asking if he had an animal that could help them follow Nagito, but he deemed the eccentric breeder too much of a liability given how loud he tended to be.
"So far so good," Fuyuhiko said cautiously, not wishing to jinx himself or Peko.
"I can't imagine any reason he would come here," Peko commented.
"Neither can I, especially this is a popular place where a lot of shady deals take place. So far I do not like where this is going," Fuyuhiko answered knowing the docks were a typical location for a lot of black market trading, drug dealers and others to trade and sell illegal items and more.
The two continued to shadow an unsuspecting Nagito as the latter reached the warehouse where Zero and Null would meet with Natsumi, having been granted permission to observe the meeting. Nagito was a little curious about Fuyuhiko's sister despite being a talentless person.
Nagito entered through a side entrance where he walked passed some shipping containers being stored in the warehouse the interview was taking place at. Near the heart of the mostly deserted warehouse was a wooden table with two chairs, one sat opposite of the other with the table in the middle.
Natsumi, wearing a white dress shirt with a black tie decorated with a yellow printed dragon on it. She wore a black skirt with matching black knee-high boots. Occupying the chair across from her was Zero who sat in front of the table with both hands held together.
She looks taller than Fuyuhiko, Nagito mused as he silently observed the meeting.
Standing behind Lelouch was Mukuro with both hands behind her back.
"I am curious about your motivations in joining my organization," Lelouch as Zero inquired.
I guess I missed the start, but luckily I just missed introductions it seems, Nagito thought.
"I can imagine given I am the daughter of the current head of the Kuzuryu Family."
"Yes that is one reason," Lelouch admitted. "Are the rest of your family aware of this if you don't mind me asking."
"Actually they aren't," Natsumi answered.
"I see," Zero replied, but Lelouch was intrigued.
Around the same time, Peko and Fuyuhiko approached the warehouse before entering through the rear entrance. They quietly opened the door before slipping inside, although Fuyuhiko had to pick the lock to get inside. The lock wasn't too difficult to unlock since he brought his lock pick kit along as a precaution along with a loaded pistol and extra magazines. The group kept to the walls of the warehouse, but the two heard voices before discovering a ladder leading up to a series of catwalks that ran above the stored shipping containers.
Peko and Fuyuhiko carefully ascended the ladder until both were on top of the catwalk that was interconnected with other bridges and platforms that ran along the rafters of the warehouse. They didn't see anyone else around, but the duo moved as quietly as possible Fuyuhiko and Peko moved closer to the sound of talking they were hearing.
Once they were in a position that allowed them a bird's eye view of the warehouse's center they saw Natsumi speaking to Zero.
Fuyuhiko's jaw went slack while Peko spotted Nagito off to the side of the person who they judged to be Zero's bodyguard. Using a hand gesture to point out where Nagito was the truth behind Nagito questioning Natsumi was apparent.
Is my sister trying to join the Black Knights? Fuyuhiko wondered, but his thoughts were interrupted by a loud crash towards the front of the warehouse.
Lelouch rose from his seat alongside Natsumi who stepped back from the chair after she stood up to observe the group of armed men who had just blown apart the warehouse doors. Mukuro was already drawing a pistol along with a combat knife as she assumed a combat stance but quickly gestured for Lelouch to take cover.
"Miss Kuzuryu, we should take cover before they begin shooting," Lelouch asked calmly while drawing his own handgun he kept on his person.
"No need to be formal with me," Natsumi answered back before pulling out a revolver hidden in her boot.
"Well, now we got Zero along with the Kuzuryu bitch. This is our lucky night," the leader of the attackers declared.
Much like the rest of his associates, he wore a black suit with a red tie, but while the personal appearances varied their leader had red hair that was cut short with glasses and signs of growing facial hair on his face. The leader of the attackers was a middle-aged man with green eyes and a well-built body.
"The bounty on Zero's head will bring in a lot of money for the boss while the daughter of Kuzuryu Clan's leader will fetch a good price unless her dad does what we say."
"Shit," Natsumi said recognizing who these men were, "these guys are members of the Britannian Mafia."
I am not sure what exactly is happening, but I suspect Cornelia's appointment as Viceroy coupled with the restricting of the government probably had a hand in events leading to this. Lelouch thought as he and Natsumi took cover behind a shipping container alongside Nagito while Mukuro began her attack firing several bullets at the attacking gangsters.
Mukuro and Lelouch counted at least twenty armed men, most of them were armed with military assault rifles and probably carried a pistol as a secondary weapon.
Ohgi and the others probably heard that explosion, so unless they are under attack, they should be mobilizing to assist.
If that was the case, then Lelouch could expect help within the next five minutes, but if they were occupied it would take longer. Judging from comments made by the man leading the attack it was likely Ohgi and the others were not under assault.
The armed mafia members began firing, but moving with an agility that seemed superhuman Mukuro was dodging the bullets of the mafia with ease. As she dashed from cargo container to another container, she fired off a round killing an armed mafia member with a single shot to the head. As Mukuro focused on dealing with the men by the entrance the back door was broken down, which Lelouch deduced was the sound they had just heard from the rear.
It wasn't long before Lelouch saw more armed men come into view as they were making their way to him, Natsumi and Nagito.
However, Peko leaped down, with her katana ready, before slashing open the throat of the unfortunate fool to be below her when she jumped. Before the slain gangster's allies could gun her down in retaliation, Peko retreated around the corner of a shipping container followed by Fuyuhiko shooting them from above. Natsumi was surprised to see her brother and Peko, but she pushed the thought aside to focus on killing the people trying to kidnap her and capture Zero. A sentiment Lelouch shared upon seeing the two, but he too focused on the most pressing issue before them.
Thanks to Mukuro teaching him how to handle a firearm before he was dragged into the First Killing Game, Lelouch was able to hit a decent number of enemies. Most of Lelouch's shots were usually a headshot or hit them near a vital spot that left his target open to for him to finish them off or either Peko or Natsumi would claim the kill.
Using a smoke grenade Mukuro blanketed an area of the warehouse's interior in smoke, but her mask possessed built-in inferred vision and flitters to handle the smoke covering the room so it wouldn't impede her. The armed mafia members had not come prepared to deal with a soldier of Mukuro's caliber because thanks to the covered provided by the smoke bomb Mukuro was moving through the smoke slashing open the throats of those unfortunate enough to be in her path.
By the time the smoke began to clear at least fifteen out of the twenty men storming the front were on the ground dead, but five remained along with their leader.
Not even giving them a chance to focus their efforts on her, Mukuro plunged her knife into the throat of the nearest gangster before using his body as a human shield to soak up the bullets fired at her. Once she was near enough to the remaining gangsters she threw the body with all of her might into the group of five before using her pistol to shoot the remaining members. However when she was down to two she ran out of bullets, so tossing the gun aside, Mukuro rushed in and delivered a bone breaking roundhouse kick that sent blood and teeth flying as the blow shattered the man's jaw.
Then before the armed gangster, she had just killed with a mighty blow to his head, Mukuro seized the leader and punched him in the face hard enough to knock him out. Mukuro decided to spare him so Lelouch could interrogate him later.
Outside the warehouse, the sound of Kallen's new Knightmare Frame could be heard as the red Glasgow arrived outside and began attacking the mafia's vehicles and anyone unfortunate enough to be in the line of fire. She was soon followed by Ohgi and the others who started laying down some suppressive fire before starting the mop-up of the enemy.
Meanwhile, Peko was proving why she was called the Ultimate Swordswoman, although her enemies were armed with guns they could not aim and shoot fast enough to land a blow. By the time the bullet left the chamber of their weapons, Peko was already moving to another location evading the shots fired at her. This was furthered help by the cover fire provided by Fuyuhiko, Lelouch, and Natsumi giving the enemy a choice to die by Peko's blade or the bullets of the others. Even though the fight happened within the span of what seemed to be minutes the floor of the warehouse was gradually covered in blood with corpses upon it.
Most of them died by a blade while others by a bullet with the occasional limb lying around because of Peko.
Thanks to Kallen and the other members of the Black Knights mopping up any lingering enemies outside the rest of the mafia was wiped out with their unconscious leader surviving. Mukuro hauled the unconscious man out before Lelouch followed by Natsumi, Nagito, Peko, and Fuyuhiko exited the warehouse once the last of the enemies were dealt with.
"Natsumi, what the hell were you thinking going out alone to join the Black Knights!?" Fuyuhiko snapped at his younger sister once the dust began to settle.
Natsumi seemed hesitant to answer, but Lelouch intervened.
"May I suggest we reconvene at a safer location before the police arrive," Lelouch offered. "Kallen I want you to torch the place to cover our tracks, and the rest of you I'll explain what happened once we relocate to a safer location for that kind of discussion."
Zero and the rest of the Black Knights with Peko, Natsumi, and Fuyuhiko in tow departed the area, despite Ohgi and the others wanting to know what had happened that brought in a large group of armed gangsters. Unfortunately for them, their answers had to wait, but Kallen wasted no time using her Knightmare Frame and its weapons to set the warehouse ablaze, which she accomplished after shoving in the vehicles belonging to the mafia into the warehouse to use as a makeshift explosive ordinance.
Or at least the vehicles that had not been destroyed in their counterattack, but with Mukuro's assistance the warehouse was put to the torch, and the Black Knights quickly left the area. On a more positive note, the group was being followed by their new members whom Ohgi and the others accepted into their ranks.
In another corner of Area 11, it was after-hours within the Viceroy's Palace. Guilford was joining General Dalton for what he believed would be a friendly evening of casual drinking with a friend after the latter said he had gotten his hands on some good alcohol. Given how busy they had been as of late Guilford gladly accepted the invitation meeting Dalton in his office in the administrative wing. Everyone else had gone home for the evening leaving the two comrades in arms alone in Dalton's office.
Unfortunately, their quiet night of sharing a drink together wasn't entirely devoid of business.
"A knight for Princess Euphemia?" Guildford asked before raising his glass to his lips to drink some of the amber liquid.
"Yes," Dalton answered as he refilled his glass. He continued to speak as amber liquid poured into his glass from a vintage whiskey bottle. "Given recent events, especially with what happened at the hotel, I believe Princess Euphemia should appoint a knight. She has secret agents and armed security personnel protecting her, but if she appoints a knight, then we could build a royal guard to go on top of that."
Guilford entered a state of deep thought, although he agreed with the idea he wondered why Dalton would bring it up.
Every member of the Royal Family has the right to appoint a protector to serve as their bodyguard, from which they could build a royal guard consisting of soldiers who served the royal family member and their knight exclusively to protect them. There weren't any restrictions on who could be appointed as a knight, but obliviously a highly skilled soldier was typically chosen. Regardless a member of the royal family reserved the right to chose with no else, not even the Emperor, could sway it.
"Have you suggested this to her highness?"
"Not yet," Dalton answered before taking a sip from his glass, "Actually I was hoping you could make the suggestion."
"Me," Guildford asked seemingly surprised.
"I don't wish to be misunderstood that I am trying to suggest one of my sons for the position. We both know they aren't the type who would that, but I am concerned my intentions will be misinterpreted," Dalton explained.
"I see," Guildford said before using one hand to adjust his glasses upon realizing Dalton intentions and why he had called him here in private.
No one close to Cornelia, who knew her well enough, would know she wasn't the type to play favorites. Euphemia wasn't like that either and the chances of her choosing one of Dalton's sons as her Knight was slim even though they had grown up under their adopted father becoming worthy knights in their own right. However, everyone might not see it that way and would assume Dalton was taking advantage of his position as Cornelia's right-hand man to press her younger sister into choosing one of his sons to be her knight.
Even if Euphemia didn't pick one of Dalton's sons the fact that he suggested she appoint a knight would cause some to believe that if Cornelia's subordinates could take advantage like that, it could cause people to lose faith in the chain of command and effect overall moral.
The damage to the reputations of Cornelia and Euphemia could be worse and have a more damaging impact on their efforts to stabilize Area 11.
Guilford realized it was a situation Dalton wanted to avoid even if he had more of Euphemia's best interests at heart than his own.
"You tricked me, General Dalton," Guildford said with an amused smiled, "you lured me here with good whiskey, and now I go back to a challenge."
Dalton smiled in turn because he knew Guildford was joking, but likewise, his younger colleague was impressed by his thoughtfulness and perception.
"Can you do it?" Dalton asked adopting a more serious expression.
Guildford drank the rest the whiskey in his glass, "Yes I can. I'll prepare a list of suitable candidates and suggest the idea with Princess Cornelia present to help provide the proper nudge in the right direction. However..."
Dalton raised an eyebrow.
"I cannot promise anything beyond that, because of my own experience."
"Haha, that's right Princess Cornelia named you her knight after that duel you two had," Dalton noticed while laughing at the fond memory.
"Yes and up to that point she insisted that she didn't need a knight," Guildford commented before adopting a more serious expression. "Joking aside I do agree that Princess Euphemia should appoint a knight, and soon because Ultimate Despair has been quiet lately."
"I agree, but there are other threats as well."
Guildford nodded his head.
Ultimate Despair and the Black Knights were the most dangerous terrorist groups in Area 11 with the JLF beginning to diminish regarding influence and support. However, there were internal dangers from competing members of royalty and the noble houses supporting them. After all competition between the members of the royal family was encouraged because usually the last one left standing is the one most worthy to inherit the throne as the next ruler of Britannia. With this in mind, Dalton and Guilford have been concerned about dealing with potential threats from those groups who would instead seize a chance to eliminate Euphemia and maybe even Cornelia as contenders for the throne.
"Princess Cornelia and I will be leaving tomorrow for Kyushu to deal with a base operated by the JLF we have learned about in the region, but at the same time, we intend to crush the supply chain for the drug refrain that has been entering the country through the Kyushu route from the Chinese Federation. We believe this is where weapons have been slipping into the country as well too," Guilford said before putting the glass down.
"I'll stay behind and keep an eye on Princess Euphemia, but I don't think I need to say this Gil but be careful out there."
"You too," Guilford replied with a smile.
Inside the crumbling ruins of Shinjuku Ghetto, Lelouch and the Black Knights had relocated to an old bomb shelter that had been converted into a base. It was suitable for their needs at the moment, and the underground passageways were large enough to use as temporary storage for weapons and Knightmare Frames. So far Kallen's new Glasgow, which Ohgi had managed to get his hands on, was the only Knightmare Frame they had.
It wasn't much beyond that, but it was a place that could work as a base for storing what they couldn't on their mobile headquarters and training the new recruits.
In one of the rooms, Lelouch was standing with Fuyuhiko while Mukuro stood behind the leader of the attack squad belonging to the Britannian Mafia. If Fuyuhiko hadn't insisted on being with Lelouch during the interrogation, he would've used his Geass on him by now, but before entering, he prepared something to cover its usage. All he needed was the right opportunity and to make it appear the man had given it up as a result of his cover method and the fact he had been worn down.
The move was risky, but hopefully, it won't come to that because he wanted to keep the usage of his Geass hidden as long as possible. Not to mention he didn't want to share that secret with anyone who wasn't part of the Black Knights.
"You better fucking talk," Fuyuhiko snapped before slamming a fist on the table, "how the hell did you fuckers know where my sister would be? Who ordered her kidnapping?"
Lelouch silently agreed that the Kuzuryu Family had a spy in their midst, although it seemed they weren't aware of Natsumi's intentions they knew she would be leaving and where she would be heading which only further supported that her family was left in the dark about joining the Black Knights. It was the only other explanation for how that many armed men had shown up at Natsumi's location with the intent of capturing her.
Zero nodded to Mukuro who knew a knife before stabbing the blade in-between the red-haired man's fingers after laying his right-hand flat on the surface. The mafia member was clearly terrified, but he continued to muster whatever defiance he could, likely aware of the fact there would be little reason to keep him alive if he told the truth.
"Your chances of surviving aren't good you know, because if you don't talk it just makes it a lot worse for you," Fuyuhiko warned.
Sensing an opportunity Lelouch turned to Fuyuhiko, "perhaps as a token of good faith between us I would be willing to hand this man over to your care. I am sure your family has more effective ways of getting information out of men like him."
It took Fuyuhiko a second to realize what Zero was trying to do before a dark smile appeared on his face.
"They sure do, and they'll likely begin with the fingers before cutting off the toes. Then they'll work their way up, but that's not the worst they can do. We'll use a blood transfusion to keep him alive as long as possible until we get everything out of him."
To further help and increase the mounting emotional distress Mukuro began stabbing the knife in-between the fingers of the man's left hand; it was a rinse and repeat process. She would stick the knife in-between a random digit before pulling it out and repeating the process.
Thankfully for Lelouch, this was enough to cause the man to break as he sweating profusely and the group would realize later that he had wet himself.
"Alright, I'll talk!"
"You better be telling the truth or else," Fuyuhiko warned.
"It was Saji Jūjika who told us. Our boss has been bribing him for info for months, and he told us he spotted the girl leaving and managed to track her to the warehouse on the docks," The red-headed gangster admitted fearfully. "He didn't know why, but he called us and told us it was a good chance to abduct her. He left before we arrived to avoid being seen so he could continue to spy on your family for us."
"That son of a bitch is my dad's trusted lieutenant," Fuyuhiko said with anger in his voice, although he was furious already.
"Then I'll leave this man in your hands."
"Huh," the gangster muttered before asking, "aren't you going to help me?"
Lelouch raised an eyebrow beneath his mask, "why?"
"Hey, aren't you people Knights of Justice," the man demanded, but it was likely out of panic and desperation.
"You opened fire on me and my subordinate as well as speak of turning me over to the Viceroy," Zero fired back. "Let's not forget that as part of the Britannian Mafia you have been engaged in acts of murder, arson, and general intimidation against those unable to pay your protection prices. We haven't even talked about how to sell people as slaves and playthings to others on the black market."
"I get the feeling this guy probably sold out some people to get where he is," Fuyuhiko commented with both arms folded across his chest.
"You are probably right," Lelouch said in agreement.
"Wait this guy is no different," The gangster said pointing at Fuyuhiko.
"True I am probably no better given what my family does, Fuyuhiko admitted. "But at least we don't sell people to be used in the sick games those nobles put them through like the rabbit hunts in Babel Tower."
"We may be Knights of Justice who will protect those who can't protect themselves," Zero commented, "but I intend to liberate Japan and transform it into an independent nation. To achieve that goal and my ultimate goal of bringing about Britannia's collapse I know making deals with some unsavory people will be necessary. We'll need weapons and supplies for the battles to come, so we'll need to go through such people. However, we won't go through the mafia for that."
The red-headed gangster was about to argue further, but Mukuro stopped him by slamming head down on the table to knock him unconscious.
"Are you serious about liberating Japan from Britannia," Fuyuhiko asked.
"I am, but I am aware it will be sometime before I have the resources and manpower necessary."
"Could you do it," Fuyuhiko inquired.
Fuyuhiko wasn't a fan of the Britannia ruling over Japan and was among those who were hopeful that the Japan Liberation Front would overthrow the occupation. He was angry with his father as a child for not supporting them or any of the resistance groups, but as he got older and time continued to pass Fuyuhiko saw why his father and, by extension, the Kuzuryu Family didn't support the resistance groups.
They wouldn't accomplish anything, and seven years passing only proved his father's point.
Of course, Cornelia becoming the new Viceroy showed that much of the advantage resistance groups like the JLF had in the past was due to her predecessor's incompetence. On that note, the change in Viceroys affected things for the Kuzuryu Family as Cornelia's efforts to clean up Area 11 both externally and internally. The family and its various businesses were in no immediate danger, but it was only a matter of time before things started to become difficult for them that could see them lose their place as the most dangerous Yakuza Clan of Area 11.
"With the right people and resources I can, but liberating Japan will be the easy part compared to keeping it that way," Lelouch admitted, but no matter what if he wanted revenge on his father and the empire he would have to find a way to make it work.
"If anyone else said that I might've called them crazy, but on the other hand you accomplished more than any other resistance group in barely two months compared to the seven years other groups had," Fuyuhiko pointed out.
"I wasn't expecting that convincing everyone would be easy."
"If you convince my father then maybe you might be a little closer to reaching that goal."
"I see," Lelouch said as he smiled under the mask, "I'll aim to impress them."
Lelouch decided to take it as a hopeful possibility he could win over the Kuzuryu Clan as allies in the future, although the evening didn't go as well as he would've preferred it less chaotic. Yet he suspected that Nagito's luck was a factor in events that unfolded this evening, but this only caused Lelouch's concerns about his unusual talent rebounding upon him to happen at some point.
"Well don't take it too seriously because it's not my call to make, but something to think about."
"I shall…"
Shortly after Peko, Fuyuhiko and Natsumi left with Ohgi, who was driving them to the Kuzuryu Clan Grounds with the lead gangster in tow via a car they had handy, although Lelouch was disappointed the Black Knights and the Kuzuryu Family didn't become allies because their connections would've helped accelerate his plans nicely. Lelouch wasn't expecting it to be that easy, but he took Fuyuhiko's last comment as an indication that he figuratively had his foot in the door.
If I can prove, I am far more capable than the JLF and show that I have the means to overthrow the Britannianoccupation will allow me to win them as allies.
His plans were not dependant on the Kuzuryu Clan forming an alliance with him, but Lelouch knew that the more potent allies he could gather the better his chances would be. Not to mention Lelouch wanted to obtain a more secure and reliable means to secure weapons and supplies for his organization since relying on the purchase of firearms from corrupt members of the military was too dangerous for Lelouch's comfort. The Kuzuryu Clan's black market connections would make for a much safer alternative if they could become allies.
However, I learned some invaluable information from Natsumi that has painted a clearer picture of what coaxed Hajime Hinata into becoming Hope's Peak Academy's test subject…
At the same time though it only wiped out any chance for him to feel guilty when he exposes the project to the public.
Lelouch was mulling over the information in his mind when a knock came on his door. He was inside their mobile headquarters on the second floor, but after hearing the knock on his door, he put his mask back on.
"Who is it?"
"It's me," Nagito replied.
"Come in," Lelouch said once he was sure his mask was secured.
Nagito entered the room with a perplexed expression.
"There was something I wanted to ask you, but why were you asking Natsumi questions about a Reserve Course Student?"
I suppose he overheard that, Lelouch thought, but at the same time he had mentioned to Natsumi not to bring up their discussion about Hajime to anyone else.
Lelouch was careful not to mention any details about the project, and the attack by the mafia had shut down any attempts by Natsumi to inquire about his reason for asking her. Trust wasn't the issue, but he worried if anyone knew Zero was investigating the Kamukura Project it might prompt the academy to not only begin a cover-up they would likely move their test subject to a new location.
The masked man was silent for a few moments before making a decision, "Nagito tell me what you know about Izuru Kamukura?"
"Oh," Nagito was surprised by the sudden question, "he was the founder of Hope's Peak Academy who held the title of Ultimate Hope due being a genius in possession of several talents."
"Has anyone held the title of Ultimate Hope since him?"
"No," Nagito replied, "at least none that I know of."
"When I had Clovis during Shinjuku Ghetto I questioned him about the nature of the girl he had captured. She didn't seem like much at first, but I discovered some interesting facts, and there was the fact he went as far as hiding her existence behind a cover story of her capsule being a poison gas bomb," Lelouch answered. "He has been secretly helping Hope's Peak Academy with a certain experiment."
"Experiment?"
Lelouch nodded before continuing, "I have done some investigating into this project, and I have learned that it is called the Izuru Kamukura Project or its official title is the Hope Cultivation Project."
Nagito seemed both intrigued and surprised that something like that was going on, "to attach the name of the academy's founder it must be something important."
"Yes, and the Reserve Course was established solely as a means to obtain funding for the project and finding lab rats."
Lelouch noticed that Nagito seemed confused at first, but soon realization dawned on him.
"I see, so the project was aiming to create a perfect genius worthy of the title Ultimate Hope out of an ordinary person?"
"Yes," Lelouch confirmed, "I don't know their exact reasons which could've been out of frustration to find someone of Izuru Kamukura's caliber or something else."
Lelouch personally suspected other factors, but he was confident it was likely greed and the idea of controlling such a genius who possessed a wide range of talents.
"So they created one out of one of the Reserve Course students?"
"Correct, but after talking to Natsumi, I believe they used the incident in which she was nearly killed by a fellow student to coax Hajime into signing up for it because his intervention saved Natsumi's life. It doomed Sato to execution, which they made it especially serve to guilt trip the young man into agreeing to the project," Lelouch said, which he had gathered from his discussion with Natsumi.
"I see, and so the Viceroy as part of whatever agreement they had assisted in covering it up."
"And silencing anyone who might bring unwanted attention like his parents," Lelouch revealed grimly.
Nagito began to see the full scope of the lengths the school was willing to go to create an Ultimate Hope, although he was on the fence about it he deduced the reason Zero was telling him this.
"Are you planning on seeing this Ultimate Hope they created?"
"Yes I do," Lelouch answered, "I have been making preparations for it. I intend to infiltrate Hope's Peak Academy with Null's help, and I am going to bring you and Kallen with me. I am also planning on having the woman I found in the capsule to come along too."
"Interesting," Nagito said grateful for the being part of the mission, "so what do you plan to do?"
"Well from the documents I acquired we can assume Hajime's original personality and thoughts were wiped out otherwise I can't imagine how they could keep him contained. Not to mention it will likely make him more compliant as well because they have effectively created a clockwork god."
"You are hoping he'll join us?"
"Ideally I would prefer that, but without meeting the results of their experiments, I can't be sure of anything. However, the danger Hajime could represent to my rebellion could be problematic if I leave Hajime in the academy's hands," Lelouch reasoned.
"I get it, so you are hoping my luck might tip the scales in your favor."
"Not exactly, but since we don't know what to expect its best we should be prepared for whatever happens. I am not sure if we could kill Hajime," Lelouch said as he wondered if the process that turned Hajime into an artificial super genius had done more than alter his mind.
The infiltration of Hope's Peak Academy would be dangerous, but Lelouch could no longer ignore their project, and he needed to actually meet the product of their efforts to determine how to best deal with it.
"We'll go tomorrow night after I have explained this to Ohgi and Kallen," Lelouch said. Although he would have to be sure to tell them not to mention this to anyone else because he feared, Tamaki especially might speak of this in the wrong place at the wrong time, so he reasoned that keeping the circle of those knew as small as possible for now.
This will be a risky mission, but without taking such risks my chances to succeed will diminish or doom my rebellion, Lelouch thought.
Monokuma Theater: (Killing Game Bachelor Edition Part 2)
Junko Enoshima was sitting behind the controls of the simulator while it was running, and was now observing day three of everyone's stay within the academy. Much like the first Killing Game, no one tried to murder anyone, so unsurprisingly Junko decided to motivate the women by introducing something new as a test.
Once everyone was gathered in the gym Monokuma made his announcement.
"You know I expected you girls would play the goody two shoe card, but Monokuma is always ready. So here is your motivation to kill someone," Monokuma announced while standing on the stage overlooking the female high school students. "I am calling it the First Blood Perk!"
"First Blood Perk," Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow.
"That's right, the first person to commit murder will be allowed to leave here alive. No trial and no strings attached, they just get to walk out of here while the rest you stay and continue the game," Monokuma answered.
"You seriously can't expect one of us to kill someone," Kotomi snapped defiantly.
"She's right," Suzuko said alongside her friend and fellow council member.
"You are fucking crazy!" Natsumi shouted while waving a fist in a threatening manner.
Despite the cries of defiance from the group Monokuma seemed unconcerned.
"Upupupu," Monokuma laughed before, "that reminds me there is one more motive to motivate you all."
"What now," Sayaka said feeling as if Kotomi and the others had tempted fate by their defiance.
"There is one more motive," Monokuma said before announcing, "If no one dies within the next forty-eight hours then I am going to have ALL of you killed."
"WHAT," Kotomi, Sayaka and a few of the others cried out, but others who didn't express their shock vocally showed it upon their faces.
"You heard me. If I don't have someone's corpse within forty-eight hours, then I am just going to have all of you killed, because it wouldn't be a Killing Game if no one killed someone."
Junko watched their varied reactions with a dark smile, wondering which simulated player would take advantage of the First Blood Perk.
A/N: Whew, a lot went down in this chapter. I was disappointed by the bit where Lelouch, Mukuro, Peko, Natsumi, and Fuyuhiko fought off an unexpected attack by the Britannian Mafia. I was going to make it a little more "interesting", but considering the opposition those gangsters were facing they had no chance in hell of winning.
Hopefully what I got planned next chapter will make up for it.
I'll have to bring in some more formidable opposition to set up a proper battle, which was why events at the hotel takeover were sadly very short. Mukuro alone is hard to take down in a straight up fight given what she faced during Danganronpa IF.
Speaking of Mukuro, although I was a little skeptical about the direction I went with during her conversation with Junko I thought this would be an excellent time to show how much her relationship with Lelouch has affected her. If Makoto merely smiling at her had such an effect then what would all the time she and Lelouch spent together would've done.
Natsumi won't be a one-hit wonder in this chapter, and there is the chat she and her brother are going to have in the next chapter to look forward to as well. They are going to talk about what she and Lelouch had discussed among other things.
Next chapter Lelouch and his small group will attempt to infiltrate Hope's Peak Academy to reach the subject of the Izuru Kamakura Project, but will it all go as planned? Hopefully, Nagito's luck won't backfire on Lelouch during the process.