Go Out With A Smile
Ansatsu Kyoushitsu
Assassination Classroom
Original Character
Summary: Oichi Chika is a part of Class 3E, the so called End class. Isolated from the rest of the school, Class 3E spend their days learning both academic and assassination. The target of their assassination? Koro-sensei, an octopus like creature who will destroy the Earth in the period of 1 year. That is if they fail to kill him before then. Everyday Chika write the daily events of class 3E into her diary...
Warnings: Contain OCs, typos, grammar errors (English is not my first language, I'm so sorry)
Note: Title may change
Disclaimers: I do not own Ansatsu Kyoushitsu
Chapter 26
August 31st 20XX
Dear Diary,
This entry will be a rather short one, since Chika is very tired. Chika will give you a quick recap of today. The first half of the day was spent with Chika cleaning up the apartment. After Chika took out the trash, the mysterious caller called our phone again. Something is different this time. Chika can hear his heavy breathing... Chika is so scared she holed up in her bedroom. Chika accidentally fell asleep at some point, because the next thing Chika knew, Toshiko-nee is already home. She was confused by Chika's mannerism. Somehow she came to a conclusion that Chika is having a... Private fun behind closed doors.
Ahem
Toshiko-nee proceed to dress Chika up in yukata. It's summer festival remember? Chika's classmates praised Chika's overall appearance last night. Toshiko-nee was so pleased to know that the others like her work. The festival itself was fun. Chika bought so many snacks and listened to others chatting. Chika won a Korrilakuma large plush from a shooting game. Now Kuma-chan will have someone to keep him company while Chika is gone. Chika even saw a glimpse of ChibaxHayami. A story about them is coming right up!
The night would almost be perfect if it's not for one thing... Chika got hit by high schoolers. No, Diary. Not a physical hit but... You know... Flirt? Pick up? That kind of 'hitting'. Chika is still not sure how to feel about it. Thankfully the boys interfered before anything else happened. Takebayashi-san, Akabane-san, Isogai-san and Maehara-san. It's a scene straight out of a manga. We regrouped with the others, just in time for the fireworks
It was beautiful.
Chika can't quite describe the feeling she had at that time... Chika felt... Alive.
The group took pictures afterward to commemorate the event. We parted ways to return home. Chika bought candy animals for Toshiko-nee. She is so amused when she saw Korillakuma-chan. Kuma-chan and Kori-chan. Next Chika will look for Kiiroitori. Toshiko-nee helped Chika take off the yukata.
It's time for Chika to go to bed. School is starting tomorrow after all. Chika wonder what kind of craziness that will happen tomorrow...
Good night, Diary
Chika had enough sweets last night at the festival. So for breakfast today she made sandwiches. It has lots of vegetables to balance the carbohydrate she consumed last night. It feels a little bit weird to wear her uniform again after so long. Toshiko-nee has ironed it the other day as thanks for her cleaning up the entire apartment. After putting it on, it really feels like school is starting. A new semester. A ceremony will be held in the main building to officially open the second semester. Which means they are going to see the Five Virtuoso. At least Chika don't have to see Board Chairman. He prefers to watch over the events unfolding from his laptop. That's good. Chika don't know how to act around him after... The invitation. She didn't tell anyone. Not to her sister or anyone from Class E. Only Diary. She tell her diary everything.
Saying her goodbyes to Toshiko-nee, Chika head downstairs. The weather channel forecast that it will be a sunny day today. That's one good thing at least. The class will drop off their bags in the old school building first before heading to the main building. That means another round of scaling the mountain. It's basically a stroll to the current Class E but the heat is still annoying. Her bus arrived on time like always. Chika take her seat right behind the driver. Perhaps she should change her bus route. The stalker may have memorise her current route. She could meet up with others if she change bus route. Sugino-san and Shiota-san always go together. Too bad Hara-san's and Fuwa-san's houses are so far away from hers. It will be embarrassing to ask the boys. Koro-sensei will sees it as shipping material. Going home with a boy... Chika can't imagine herself doing that. Asking Koro-sensei is out of the question as well. He won't mind to pick her up every now and then but everyday..? He will know that something is up.
There is no way for the stalker to follow her up to the mountain... With all the wild animals and traps laying around... That's it! Traps! Chika will put more traps! Even if it doesn't catch Koro-sensei, it will catch the stalker! The stalker is still human after all! When it happen, Chika will take care of him without getting the class involved. That way they can focus their energy on assassination rather than worrying about her. Oh, she need to talk about Sugaya-san and Mimura-san about that... She'll do it after school.
The journey to school is uneventful. The first person Chika encounter is Kanzaki-san. After exchange greeting, they spend the rest of the journey in silence. But it's not an uncomfortable silence. Though Chika did spent the rest of the time trying to come up with conversation. She saw Kanzaki-san reading novels before... Novels that she also read... Chika is mustering her courage to ask Kanzaki-san when Sugino-san called out for them. Shiota-san is with him, as always. The four of them walked together. Shiota-san give her a knowing smile when Sugino-san strike up a conversation with Kanzaki-san. One of her favourite pairings, going to school together. Chika so gonna tell diary later. From there, members of Class E start to show up. Kurahashi-san, Kimura-san, Yada-san, Maehara-san, Isogai-san, Kataoka-san. They meet up with the rest of Class E at the mountain. Koro-sensei greeted them in front of the school gate (it's just a crumbling pillar). Nakamura-san and Mimura-san tried to stab him while they greet 'Good morning'. Only in Class E.
As soon as they put their bags on their table, Class E begin their descend. They talk about everything, mostly the one-on-one trips Koro-sensei took them. Fuwa-san was taken to Korea, where their manhwa are getting popular. Koro-sensei brought Hara-san to Polynesia. Their cuisine is one of a kind apparently. Sugaya-san was taken to Paris to visit the Lourve. Mimura-san to Hollywood. Koro-sensei offered to take Sugino-san to the Koshien but he declined. He want to go there by baseball. So Koro-sensei brought him to the Dodger Stadium instead. Hazama-san expressed her great pleasure of watching a play of Titus Adronicus in London. Muramatsu visibly sweat in discomfort.
Class E enters the hall building just in time before the assembly. They are on their way to their designated spot when a group of students stop them. Chika expected the two guys from Class D who keep bothering Shiota-san. Or her former classmates. Instead, they are greeted by the Five Virtuoso minus Asano-san.
"It's been a while Class E," Seo grinned widely. He give them a condescending look like usual... But there's something more... "I'm sure the second semester will be tough for you too." Behind him, Koyama is laughing that weird laugh of his. Before they walk away, Sakakibara-san winked at Kanzaki-san. She shifts nervously while Sugino-san openly glares at him. It didn't escape Chika when she noticed Sakakibara-san's gaze linger on her for a few seconds before he look away. Maybe he heard about Asano-san meeting her back then before the final exam..? Those two are rather closer compared to the rest of the student council members.
They opening ceremony is started by a speech from the headmaster, welcoming them back from summer vacation. The student council took over from there. Teppei give various announcements, mostly any competition that Kunugigaoka won over the summer. The girls' basketball team won first place in the prefecture championship. The baseball team won first place in regional tournament. Sugino-san clapped especially loud at the news.
"...Now then, I have one last announcement for everyone before this ceremony ends," Teppei leaned closer to the microphone. "Starting today, Class 3-A will be adding a new member to their ranks. Until yesterday, he was in Class E."
Wait... Don't tell me...
"However, with his diligent efforts, he has received excellent grades, and has earned permission to return to the main school building. Let us hear his words of joy!" A figure walk up the stage... Everyone around her gasps in surprise. "Takebayashi Koutarou-kun!"
Everyone looks on in disbelief. Takebayashi-san took Teppei's place at the podium. The hall falls silent as Takebayashi-san adjust the microphone. "I have spent over 3 months with Class E." He starts, "Simply put, that environment was hell."
What
"My classmates had no drive. Even the teachers had given up on us. I realised the price I paid for my slacking. I want to go back to the main school building. For that, I studied as if my life depended on it. I even changed my attitude towards my everyday life. From the bottom of my heart, I'm overjoyed that I'm able to return. I will work hard so that I will never fall into Class E again. That is all." Takebayashi-san bows to the audience. Everyone stares at him in shock. And then someone claps. Soon everyone followed. The sound of clapping fills the hall. The only ones not clapping are the members of Class E. Even Karasuma-sensei look on in shock.
Takebayashi-san's departure didn't bode well for everyone. As soon as they get back to the old school building, Maehara-san exploded. He bangs his fist to the black board. Kimura-san and Okano-san start to complain about him. Okuda-san is looking really uncomfortable. She did worked together with him to take care of the sick during their last mission. Sitting next to her, Akabane-san is watching everyone with a serious look. Koro-sensei already took off to the main building as soon as Isogai-san fill him in. No doubt to confront Board Chairman about it. Chika wonder if he will tell their teacher about her. She doubts it. Board Chairman wouldn't want to tell the world about being refused.
With the tension being this thick, there is no way for Chika to pull Sugaya-san and Mimura-san to the side and talk. It will be very insensitive of her. Class started once Koro-sensei returned. However, most of the class is unable to focus. Takebayashi-san weighs heavily in their mind. Even Koro-sensei is affected. He slipped up more than once when doing his usual tricks that he use for teaching. Thankfully Karasuma-sensei is acting normal during PE... The same goes to Bitchirina-sensei too. She doesn't seem to be that bothered by Takebayashi, but she didn't tell the class to just get over it. Chika like to think that she is giving them space to think it over. She should talk to Toshiko-nee about it. Speaking of talking... The majority of the class agreed to confront Takebayashi-san after school. As soon as the bell rings, everyone rushed out the building.
They wait for Takebayashi-san on the other side of the main building where he would definitely pass. It's safer that way and less spectators. Soon enough, Takebayashi-san shows up. He didn't seem surprised to see the whole class waiting for him. Maehara-san looks like he's about to blow up but Isogai-san swoop in before he can do anything.
"Takebayashi... Care to explain? Why didn't you discuss this with us?" Isogai-san calmly asks.
"There's a reason for this right?!" Okuda-san stepped up. She looked so frantic. She is one of the students who took Takebayashi-san's leave the hardest. "You helped out so much during our summer vacation trip! And didn't we all have fun together during the regular school year too?!"
"It's mostly maids though," Mimura-san mutters under his breath. Chika remembers their former classmate taught the class everything there is to know about maid. How to draw it, how a proper 'moe' maid should act (Ritsu ended up cosplaying as a maid), and even the best maid cafes in the city. Terasaka visited one, if what Koro-sensei said during summer vacation is right.
"The ten billion bounty," Akabane-san studies Takebayashi-san carefully. "Depending on how we kill him, it seems like they're going to raise it more. I guess you don't need your share, Takebayashi. How selfless of you~" His tone sounds teasing but the expression on his face is not.
Takebayashi-san didn't immediately reply back. He adjust his glasses before speaking, looking at them evenly. "One billion Yen at least... I would never be able to get 10 billion on my own... Even if I was able to successfully kill him in a group, the help I'd be able to provide... Would probably be worth one billion Yen. My family has been running a hospital for generations. Even my two older brothers are in Tokyo University Medical Department... A billion Yen is something my family can earn by working."
Chika remembered being taken care of by Dr. Takebayashi Shotaro... He must be Takebayashi-san's older brother. Sho means firstborn.
"It's a house with the motto of, 'Of course you could do it.' Being incapable, I'm not treated as part of the family. Even if I got my hand on billions of Yen, my family would never accept me. 'Good for you,' 'The good-for-nothing of the family has his life saved by luck.' ...And that would be that." Everyone has gone quiet listening to Takebayashi-san's words. "I was able to report my grades to my parents for the first time yesterday. That I received the top class grades, and that I could leave Class E. 'You worked hard. You were able to hang on by a thread.' Just to hear those words, I had to suffer through so much studying!" He clenched his fists. "For me, even more so than the end of the world, or the ten billion yen bounty, it's much more important that I'm accepted by my family."
Family...
"I know that I am a traitor, and that I'm being ungrateful. I pray that your assassination goes well," Takebayashi-san turn around and walk away.
Shiota-san about to chase after him but Kanzaki-san stopped him. "Family's chains... They bind you to an extremely painful place and don't let go. So... Don't try to forcefully pull him away..."
"Chika-chan? Is there something wrong with our dinner tonight?" Toshiko-nee asks.
Chika look up from her plate. Tonight's dinner is paella. Where should she start? Too many ingredients? The ingredients don't mix well with others? The amount of rice is too small so her sister make it up with adding more ingredients? Chika really need to go grocery shopping. She didn't say any of these things of course.
"...Something happened at school today," Chika put down her spoon. Should she tell her..? It will definitely bring up unpleasant memories. "It's not something good."
Toshiko-nee's hand reach out for hers. "Tell me," She give her hand a squeeze. Chika told her everything. From Takebayashi-san's speech during the ceremony to when the class confronted him. Minus the assassination part of course. Toshiko-nee listened to her store attentively, never interrupting once. "...Wow. That is something!" She said after Chika finishes her story. "Takebayashi... We used to go to Takebayashi Hospital... Remember?" Toshiko-nee give her a small smile. Chika nodded. "This is a small world...,"
"...What do you think I should do, Nee-san?"
"...I'd say you should let him know that whatever happens after this, you have his back. His story is so similar to ours that I can't help but relate... It's scary how many people in this world that are like our parents...," She pauses. Chika can tell from the look in her eyes that her older sister is having flashbacks. "Nevertheless, we can't exactly meddle with other family affairs. But to know that you have someone to support you no matter what... That is something that most people tend to forget. Even when we make mistakes... Even if we think no one can or should help us... Just remember that someone will always look at you, even if you don't know it. This is also how you know who is really there for you and who's not."
"...Yes, Nee-san."
Toshiko-nee squeezes her hand, "What are you going to do, Chika-chan?"
"...I..."
The atmosphere in the class is so gloomy. The tension maybe gone, but it is still just as heavy as yesterday . Everyone keep glancing at the empty seat where Takebayashi-san once occupied. Something feels missing. Class E is incomplete without Takebayashi-san. Even Ritsu is frowning. Everyone is looking downcast. It reminded Chika when they first came to this school building. When they are cast aside. When they are labelled as failures. If this is what Board Chairman aiming for, to break their spirit, he succeeded.
The door slides open, revealing a tan black Koro-sensei. "Good morning, class!" He greets them cheerfully.
"Why are you black all of the sudden, Koro-sensei?" Maehara-san voiced out the question in everyone's mind.
"I quickly went to Africa to get a tan. Incidentally, I went for a drive with the Maasai people and even exchanged email addresses. With this, Sensei is now a perfect ninja! Even if I move within a group of people, I won't attract any attention!"
A pitch black Koro-sensei in the middle of a crowd in broad daylight... That sounds like something coming out from a thriller/horror story.
"Why did you do that, Koro-sensei?" Okano-san asks.
"Obviously for Takebayashi-kun's after care," Koro-sensei answered, "Seeing as he left on his own will, we can't hold him back. However, Sensei has a responsibility to find out, wether or not he is able to adjust to his new environment. Of course, this is only Sensei's job. All of you, please go about your days as usual."
Everyone is silent for a moment before Maehara-san suddenly speak up, "Maybe we should go check out the situation a bit too. Assassination included, that otaku is a dangerous guy." It was Maehara-san who is the most vocal about his displeasure of Takebayashi-san's leaving... Now he is the first to show his concern... It's heartwarming.
Sugino-san joined in, "Besides, he was a fellow member in our attempt to kill the same target."
"There's no helping that he left but I don't want Take-chan to get brainwashed by Board Chairman," Kurahashi-san said nervously.
Just remember that someone will always look at you, even if you don't know it. This is also how you know who is really there for you and who's not.
'Toshiko-nee... You're right...'
Class E went to the main building as fast as they can. When they reach their destination, classes are already underway. The group sneak their way around, careful not to get caught but the security cameras. They hide behind the bushes outside of Class A. Just to be safe, everyone is wearing a leaf hat they made during PE. Karasuma-sensei taught them various camouflage techniques, including how to make ghillie suit. Obviously ghillie suits would be too heavy to carry, so they have to settle with 'hats'. Class A is having math when they arrived. The teacher keep on writing on blackboard and lecturing. His speed is impressive. As soon as he finishes writing a piece, he erased another. The students are trying to keep up, furiously writing on their notebook. The subject on hand is trigonometry... Something Class E already covered in the first semester.
This is the elite Class A..? It's more like a race than a lesson. Koro-sensei clicks his tongue in disapproval. For Koro-sensei who do everything in his power to teach them (no matter how absurd it is), Class A's teachers is just plain bad. The students' convenience is completely ignored. If you can't keep up, you will be demoted to a lower class. That is what she's aiming for all these years? What a joke. Chika is glad that she turned down Board Chairman's offer. If she's in Class A... She will be in the same class as Asano-san. That would be awkward.
"Looks like he's doing pretty well," Kataoka-san smiled in relief.
"Doesn't he actually look more sociable now?" Maehara-san let out a sigh.
"Keh," Terasaka picks his nose. "That's why I told you to just leave that Four-Eyes alone."
"Even his complexion looks good," Isogai-san pointed out.
Takebayashi-san walked up to the window. Kurahashi-san waves at him. He didn't wave back but he keep looking at their direction. It would be suspicious if he waves back. It might alert Asano-san. It's game over once Asano-san sees Koro-sensei, even if he think his current skin colour will help him go unnoticed. Everyone ducked when Asano-san come to view. So close!
"Sensei, let's go back," Chika tugged Koro-sensei's sleeve. "There's one more period left before lunch time. That is how long we need to reach the old school building. If we don't get out of here before lunch, it will be weird if someone saw Class E in the main building."
"Hm... You're right Oichi-san," Koro-sensei nodded in agreement. "All right everyone! Time to go back!"
Chika glanced one last time at Takebayashi-san's direction. He is talking to Asano-san. She hope Takebayashi-san put his defences up. Asano-san might ask him about Class E.
Takebayashi POV
I carefully put the plate inside my bag, making sure that no one saw me doing it either. The classroom is almost empty. I zipped up my bag. What I did earlier was risky, stealing from the Board Chairman's office. But what was written on the paper... It seems I have a lot to think about tonight. There is a lot I must consider. I don't feel like going straight home. Perhaps a visit to the library will ease my mind a bit. Everything taught to the class today is something I already learnt in Class E. It doesn't feel right to go home after learning virtually nothing at school.
It's been a while since I last go to the library. Kunugigaoka have excellent collection of study materials. The library is massive. With my Class A student status, I can get a spot right away. The perks of being one of the elite... But is it really worth it? I already betrayed my classmates in Class E... Yet they still came to check up on me... My feet brought me to the library as I think. As usual, there is a lot of people inside. A line is formed in front of the receptionist desk. Most of them are students who are making reservation. It's the first week of the new semester. Lots of people are racing to get good dates before the other already take it. You must use your time slots wisely. Kunugigaoka give out a lot of tests in a month. One must figure out which subject that needs more effort and which ones are not.
"Takebayashi-san?"
I turned around. The one who just called my name is Oichi. As usual, she have a stoic look on her face. I can't help but wonder just how much of Rei Ayanami she has in her... She already has the emotionless and quiet demeanour part right. Her blue hair is so long... I imagined that she will look like Hatsune Miku or Hestia if she tie them up in twin tails. Oichi also used to frequent our family's hospital. Not to mention... I sort of know her mother...
"Oichi," I nodded at her. "Are you here to reserve a spot?"
"Yes."
"I see."
We fell to silence. The paper inside my pocket feels like burning. The lies Asano-kun wrote to disparage Class E... Oichi fell to none of the categories listed in that speech.
"The charm works," She suddenly said.
"Pardon?"
"Your Gakugyo-joju. We bought charms together back in Kyoto."
Oh right. The charm. I guess it did work. Oichi remembers that... "If my memory serves me right, you bought a Kaiun." Oichi nodded. We lapsed to silence again. This time I decide to be the one to break it. "How are you, Oichi?"
"I'm fine. Everyone is worried about you."
"I know. I saw you guys earlier...," I adjust my glasses. "You guys don't have to do that for me... Sensei I understand but you guys..."
"We did it from our own volition," Oichi paused, "I'm glad that you're doing well."
That might change soon enough. "Can I ask you a few things, Oichi? One is a personal question," She nodded. "Maybe we should move first...," I pointed to the corner. She followed me there without any complaints. "...Do you think I'm making the right decision?" I asked straight away once we are safe from earshot.
"It doesn't matter what I think. It's your decision," Oichi shot bluntly. "I however, will try my best to understand and show you support in any way I can." I blinked in surprise. I did not see that coming. Not from Oichi. "...We grew up in similar circumstances, Takebayashi-san. I once witnessed how deadly pressures can be, and how careless words completely destroyed someone. I almost lost the person I love once because of that. There is no way I let it befall to someone I know. Just know that you got an ally in me, Takebayashi-san." She put a hand on her chest. Her gaze unflinching.
"...How did you do it?"
"Pardon?"
"How do you withstand pressure from your family? How did you pick yourself up after that?"
"I moved out from my home."
Again, I did not expect that. I faltered for a moment. "W-What?"
"My parents are toxic to me. So I moved out from our home. I now lives with my older sibling, who give me a safe and healthy environment," She said all these things so easily. "I don't recommend you to move out, unless you found a shelter or someone that can take care of you."
"Aren't your parents worried?"
"They never did anything to chase after me or get in contact with me afterwards. We haven't seen each other in months. As far as I know, I might as well be dead to them," Oichi said neutrally. I gaped at her. That is extreme. "Again, I don't recommend you to follow my example."
I don't think I have the guts to do that. You really can't underestimate the quiet ones. They tend to give you many surprises. "...Oichi-sensei really did not try to reach you...?" Will my family react the same way if I run away from home? They already excluded me...
"Sensei?" Oichi whispers.
Oh right. She did not know. "...Your mother teach at one of the cram schools I attend to." I still need to think if I really should quit going to so many cram schools.
"Oh... How is she?"
"She is as strict as ever... Although... I heard the rumours..."
"It's true," Oichi fired away before I can continue. So it's true. Oichi-sensei is getting a divorce. This is must be why Oichi (the daughter) dropped to Class E. Partially at least. I wonder if Oichi got the same treatment from her family like mine... "Takebayashi-san. Please be careful in Class A," She leans closer towards me. Whatever it is she about to say, it got cut off by a new voice.
"Oichi-san, I did not expect to see you here."
The two of us turned around at the same time. A few feet away from us stands Asano-kun and Sakakibara-kun. They look almost amused. Asano-kun look at my way first before he looked at Oichi. Oichi stares back neutrally. There's something in the air that I couldn't quite put my finger on.
"Asano-san. Sakakibara-san. Good afternoon," She nodded at the two aces. Sakakibara-kun, who is standing behind Asano-kun, waves at her. Asano-kun and Oichi-san continue to lock gazes. "And now I will take my leave."
"So soon? Aren't you here because you're worried for Takebayashi-kun?"
"Yes and we are in the middle of talking. Please give us some space for a little longer."
"Whatever it is you want to talk about. You can do it in front of us," Asano-kun folded his arms. "It's not like Class E have anything to hide right?" His eyes glinted dangerously.
What is he hinting...? I glanced at Oichi's direction. She didn't seem to react at what Asano-kun just said. The atmosphere have turned weird. Sakakibara-kun stays quiet, watching the two.
"We are in the middle of a serious, private discussion. It has little to do with Class E. Takebayashi-san. If you wish to continue this conversation, we can do it over the phone. I think I'll take my leave now." Oichi hoists her bag.
Asano-kun stopped her before Oichi can take another step, "I apologise for our intrusion. We didn't mean to interrupt you two."
"Apology accepted. Now, I really need to return home. I'm glad I am able to catch up with you, Takebayashi-san. Be careful," She give me a meaningful look. Oichi sidesteps Asano-kun. He stares at her retreating form until she is out of view. Sakakibara-kun is carefully watching him. When he turn around to face me, I noticed there's an odd look in his eyes. I wonder if something happened between those two.
He give me a smile, "Takebayashi-kun, why don't you join us?"
"No, thank you," Oichi's warning still weighs in my mind. "I'm going to make my reservation and leave afterward. Thank you for the offer though."
"It's no problem. I'm sure you have a lot of work need to be done tonight," Asano-kun give me a look. The speech. I need to figure out what to do soon. "I'll be going first," He nodded to Sakakibara-kun. His friend waves at him.
I waited until Asano-kun is out of sight before turning to Sakakibara-kun. "I don't mean to be noisy but... Did Asano-kun and Oichi...?"
"I have no clue," Sakakibara-kun sighed. "That was intense, isn't it? Those two didn't start out like this... Then one day, bam, there's this odd tension between them. I have a guess or two about those two... But whatever it is going on between them, it's not for me to pry." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Anyway, I better catch up with the other guys. See you around, Takebayashi."
I watched him leave. My mind is full of many things. My family, Board Chairman's offer, Oichi's words, our similar ordeal...
'Asano-kun... Oichi... The three of us have more in common that meets in the eye... Still... What was that between those two?'
Today is the anniversary of the first private school Board Chairman established. Everyone gathered once more at the main building to commemorate the event, including Class E. Koro-sensei is here too. He sticks onto the ceiling like lizard. Chika wonder how in the world no one notices him when he's pitch black and large. To be honest... Chika rather not be back in this hall so soon after the last ceremony but what choice do they have? Her classmates share her lack of enthusiasm. After a speech from the headmaster, Takebayashi-san appeared on stage. They instantly knew that something is going on. Is he going to make speeches every time they have a ceremony? Chika don't like to hear Class E being badmouthed by a former comrade. It's just not right. After everything they've been through together...
"Apprehension," Chiba-san suddenly said, grabbing the attention around him, "I can sense bloodlust from Takebayashi. Something... I feel like something important is about to be destroyed..."
"Please... Listen to what I have to say...," Takebayashi-san begins. Chika hold her breath. "The class E in which I stayed... Is a gathering of weak people. Because they lack what we call academic strength, they receive discriminatory treatment from everyone in the main building. But for me, that class E, is almost as comfortable in as a maid cafe."
What?
Takebayashi-san is smiling. Then what the bloodlust is for...?
"...I was lying. Because I wanted to be strong. Because I wanted to be accepted. But, even though I was the most useless among class E, and betrayed them on top of that, my classmates still came to see how I was doing. Sensei, even for a student like me, who had no knack for studying, he tried every method possible and schemed to teach me. I, who was unaccepted by my family, and all of you, was treated as an equal by everyone of Class E. All of you, who are aiming to become distinctly strong, and be accepted by society... I believe you are right, and I respect you. But, for a little while longer, I'm fine with being weak. While bearing weakness, and enjoying weakness, I will return to my life of aiming for the necks of the strong."
He pulled out a plate from nowhere. It is clear and rectangular. Chika recognised it as one of the awards displayed in Board Chairman's office. When did Takebayashi-san get it?
"I swiped this from the Chairman's office. It's like a shield which commends a private school's best manager. The chairman is truly a strong person. All his actions are rational." Takebayashi-san pulls out another object... The wooden knife they used in Assassination badminton game?
PRANG
Everyone gasps in surprise when Takebayashi-san swung down the knife, shattering the plate.
"According to Asano-kun, in the past another student who did this same thing was sent to Class E. Thinking rationally, based on precedent, I'd say it's off to Class E for me as well," Takebayashi-san give the audience one last smile before walking away.
Chika turned to Muramatsu who stands next to her. He look back at her in unease. Did what they think just happened really happened?
...
Everyone wait for Takebayashi on the other side of the building. It's different from last time. This time, they are welcoming a comrade they thought are lost for good. The star for today shows up with his bag. He smiled at them, as if already expecting them to wait for him here. Instead of glares and yells, he is greeted by laughters and hugs.
"God damn Takebayashi! Who would have thought you got it in you?!" Maehara slapped his back in enthusiasm. "I changed my mind about you!"
"You were so cool up there, Take-chan!" Kurahashi-san cheers.
Terasaka sling an arm around Takebayashi. He grind his fist to his head. "Did you see the look on those snobs' faces? You got them good, Four Eyes."
"That took a great deal of courage, Takebayashi-kun," Koro-sensei shows up behind them. "Sensei is proud of you, and happy for you to come back!" He pull Takebayashi into a tight hug. Great, now he's crying. Black slime sticks onto Takebayashi's face. "Nyunyah!" He pulls back before he about to get stabbed. "Takebayashi-kun! Sensei is having a moment!"
Everyone laughs at his antics. Oichi walked up to the bespectacled boy and hand him her handkerchief. "Welcome back, Takebayashi-kun."
He accepts it. "Thank you, Oichi. Wait- what did you just call me?" He abruptly turn around.
"Takebayashi-kun."
Takebayashi-kun's jaw dropped, so is everyone else. Well, almost everyone. Akabane-san just look amused. Koro-sensei let out an excited squeal. Great, now he thinks she have something for Takebayashi-kun. Regardless of what he and her classmates thinks, Chika is happy for Takebayashi-kun to return. And he did look really cool earlier.
This chapter takes place from chapter 77 - 79.
Takebayashi segment is one of my favourite part in this series.
Got a little tidbit about Chika's parents~ And a scene with Asano and Ren~
Use of suffix is a big deal in Japan. 'San' is more to politeness while 'Kun' is used when you acknowledge someone. Chika decided to call Tekabayashi with '-kun' because by shattering that plate, he stood up against Board Chairman and everyone in the main building. As someone who is scared to Board Chairman, what Takebayashi did is mind blowing. She's so impressed she change the way she calls him.
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