Can Cats Eat Octopus? Chapter 5
AN: The new chapter is already up and out and I'm already working on the 6th chapter! Can you say productive?! Or no social life… Anyways, I actually really wanted to the next couple of chapters as soon as possible for you guys!
They were honestly the hardest chapters I have ever written before! I wanted at first Neko's first day of school to be just one chapter, but then I realized a lot is going to happen and I can't just cram it all into one chapter. Plus I don't want to make chapter 5 more the 20 thousand words long! That would be a record! So I just decided to make them two separate chapters! They were a lot of fun and a lot of pain! Hope you enjoy!
Remember that I don't own Assassination Classroom, it belongs to Yusei Matsui! I only own this fanfiction and my OCs. Thank you for reading!
/
The lighting from the window behind Principal Asano's desk was all he needed in his dark office to read the file before him. It was opened to the newest student that will be joining his school on truly short notice.
Paper clipped to the top was a picture of the new student with her small smile almost beaming off the photograph. Her bright red eyes staring right back at him with her pink and orange hair underneath a black beanie. In her school picture she wore the normal school uniform of his prep school as well. He remembered hearing from the photographer that she had refused to take off the hat on her head.
This new student, Neko Hoshiko her name was apparently, was very strange as was her mother. The woman with silver like hair came into his office only a few days after he sent the letter accepting her child into his school. She claimed her name was Marina Hoshiko.
He knew the moment when Marina stepped into his office, she had this no-nonsense demeanor about her. That she meant business here. He could tell because he always walked into a room with that same demeanor. When she spoke, he couldn't help but notice a sort of accent in her Japanese even if she sounded extremely fluent. Her foreign first name concluded to him she was born not in Japan.
The principal did appreciate though that she got straight to the point. The young woman told him that her daughter must be watched constantly and that she must keep any of her hats on for "specific reasons". He didn't quite understand why she was making an emphasis on these things. But to appease her, Gakuho assured that him and all other staff members will keep an eye on her child as she is now a student for the future.
And after all, it was not a common occurrence that he accepted a student into his school so late. Especially with what was going on behind the scenes in a specific old school building nearby.
Principal Asano reread the new student file in his hand and looked at the Midterm test scores she had gotten in each subject. English 98/100. Japanese 98/100 as well. Civics 92/100. Science 85/100. Then finally Math 80/100. There was a lot of room for improvement, but that's why he suggested her joining this school.
Even his faculty staff was very invested in the mysterious "24th Student" as they began calling her in the meetings. No child from outside the school has scored that high. Especially with how he personally taught the students new material last minute, to keep Class E in their place.
When given her records by her mother, there was nothing. Neko Hoshiko had no background in excelled schooling. She was apparently homeschooled her whole life and just now wanted to get into a better education. Though the older woman did say in their meeting that she was born and raised in Russia, that explained her accent better, so she taught her harder than any other school would at home. If that is true.
This pair was something he's never seen, in a parent and student sort of way. He has seen stranger.
Although the principal's reading was cut short by a knock on his office door. Closing the file then setting it down, he called out to whoever it was, but was sure on who it may be. "Come in."
Opening the door, speak of the devil and she shall appear, was the "24th Student" herself. Neko Hoshiko stepped into his office, being instructed by his assistant that was giving her a small tour of the school before her meeting with him. As per Gakuho's request.
She said a small thank you to his assistant before walking further inside looking around almost curiously. Principal Asano began to put on his best smile, standing up from his chair to greet the new student. His assistant stepping inside as well closing the door behind him and going to the right side of his desk.
"Miss Hoshiko, it's quite a pleasure to finally meet you." He said to the pink haired girl who wore her the same outfit exactly from her picture.
She looked back at him giving a polite smile. Her red eyes holding so much brightness and life. It nearly reminded him of his late student Rikuto Ikeda.
The sudden thought and memory of his old student caused the taller man to nearly drop his smile and facade. But Neko didn't seem to have noticed as she spoke in a respectful tone giving a small bow as a greeting, "mine too, Principal Asano. I can't thank you enough for this opportunity you're giving me with accepting me into your school."
She sounded as though she was fighting back the excitement and thrill in her voice. He was told Marina that she was determined to go here, but was she seriously this excited to join? It was almost a shame to think that his school's teaching methods might dwindle that optimism down. But he was here to teach strong students for the real world.
"Of course," he began, "as I mentioned, you took the challenge of scoring in the top 25 in my school, and I never go back on my word." Sitting back down in his chair, with a wave of his hand, his assistant grabbed the girl's file opening it. He pulled out her new school ID and schedule.
When his assistant stepped to Neko handing her the items, she put the school bag she was holding into one arm to take them. She looked at them before perking her head up when Asano's assistant talked to her next. "It's always been a criterion that all our top students in Class A get in the top 50 of all subjects with their education. We were all impressed here to see your name on the board!"
He was easily expressing his happiness that there will be another student to keep in the status quo of the school as well.
The young teenager let out a small laugh but arched her eyebrows almost confused and bashful. "Really? Wow then I really am glad I tried as hard as I did. Thank you both so much!"
"Although that is true," Gakuho continued, "that is the bare minimum, we though cannot let you into that high of a class here just yet. I will have no doubt that you could climb your way there before the year ends. There are some things I wanted to discuss with you first."
She hummed confused blinking at him, "what is it?"
"Well first off I would like to ask you if you could change your hair to a more natural color. It appears you have dyed it partially and I'm sure we both would not want to distract you and the other students of their studies." He advised looking at the bright orange streaks that could even stand out to the taffy pink hair. "Also, since beginning so late in the year, I believe it will be best to have you start off in Class 3-C. It's a good starting class for you and if you wish to take the challenge- "
"May I stop you right there Mr. Asano?" He turned serious immediately when the girl just suddenly interrupted him.
It was like suddenly there was a different girl right in front of him. She still smiled at them both, but there was something wrong with it. Her eyes stopped gleaming brightly, and if he didn't know any better, her pupils had a strange oval slant to them. Nearly cat like.
"I actually think I know the perfect class for me to be in." Her tone shifted to a less cheerful demeanor, to that nearly of being detached. Neko even handed back the stuff his assistant gave her to pull out from her bag what looked like a very worn-out journal. It seemed to have papers, colored tabs, and stickie notes in between its pages.
The girl opened it to a specific page then pulled out a paper, "let's see... Ah yes, Class 3-E, that sounds like a perfect fit for me!" She sounded so optimistic, yet the look and shifts she was giving didn't seem like it.
He looked into her eyes, leaning more onto his desk folding his hands under his chin. Just what was this girl he's never met thinking? What does she know of Class E? Perhaps she did have more of the aura her mother expressed.
"Uh well Ms. Neko, Class E is actually for the lowest of the school. Surely someone with your scores would not belong there! It is full of juvenile delinquency and kids who are not really permitted to graduate! They could barely make it to the lowest of high schools if even tried." His assistant tried to reason, but her red eyes darted to him like a bullet. No longer like rubies. They dimmed more at his words to almost like a pool of blood.
Like she specifically was offended by how he described the students of Class E.
"Such vulgar words to describe the children who you are supposed to be in charge of and make sure they excel in an education with." Her smile dropping at her own words.
The principal began to explain then to her, "well you see Ms. Hoshiko, that is how we run things here. Having a smaller percentage that is treated lowly inspires the rest of the percentage to aim higher. That way they do not risk being mocked and looked down upon as well."
"But there is still a percentage that still are." She snapped back.
Who was this girl and why did it seem like she was the one challenging him now? Principal Gakuho watched as she flips through the pages of her notebook once more. "Let's see... an unfair system treating and teaching children to mock and bully those who place in a less fortunate environment. I mean seriously, by your school website the E Class is in the old school building in the hills. Imagine how the heat and cold effect their health. All this trauma and neglect by a school, in a time like this with the moon blowing up, oh that is sure to definitely give your school the best press!"
Her words had back it's cheery tone to it, but it was so played off as innocent, it sounded fake. "'... help the ones who make it, earn a place in the world strongly after they graduate.' Those were your exact words when you accepted me to this lovely school. Were they not?"
The atmosphere changed heavily around them. Gakuho and his assistant could both feel it as she stood there. He knew he had the higher power though, "well then Miss Neko, if that is how you feel, perhaps our schools isn't for- "
She was quick to snap up at the idea of not going here, "Oh no, no, no I do want to be here! It's just all these findings and imagine what an investigation of the school could do by the board." He could almost feel his shoulders tense a little remembering the creature that was currently teaching the lowest class in the hill behind his window. "Then again you could probably pay them of... So maybe a news report or press! Anybody will eat any story up with how the world is now. Especially something about the children of our future. Teenage depression is on a high rate as of late according to many studies. Especially the suicide rate."
Those last words struck him hard in his core, that he almost flinched at her dark gaze to him. Like she knew what she was saying would get to him. The memory of his dear late student Ikeda came back once more to his head. But this time as the picture in his funeral.
This young girl was practically blackmailing him. He was a little impressed if he had to say so himself, expecting more of this from his own son. Not a teenage girl that just showed with manipulation tactics suddenly. He could easily handle whatever she threw at him with his own control and reputation. But her dark red eyes told him she planned for anything and everything.
So, with a small sigh and chuckle, he looked her dead in the eyes, "alright. Then what is it you want?"
Neko slammed her journal shut, a big smile forming back on her face. This one seemed a lot happier and not as fake. With even her eyes shining brightly once more. "To be in Class 3-E please!"
…
I walked out of Principal Asano's office with my head up high. My papers in between my chest and journal still in my arms. My school bag still hanging off my at the crease of my elbow.
My legs went passed the principal's assistant who held the door open for me to leave. When I stepped out then headed down the hallway for a bit, I made sure I could hear the door closing back.
Peaking my head behind me to confirm this, then looking around the empty hallway since classes have already started, I saw the coast was clear. To immediately scream in my head and lean my back against the wall exhausted!
'Holy cow I cannot believe that actually worked!' I internally screamed, feeling all the fear with panic mixed in during that whole meeting leave my body! It took all my willpower not to shake like a leaf when that guy stared at me! When I first looked at him, I seriously thought he was a movie villain!
My legs still feel like concrete under me, but I'm trying to stand here not wanting to get my new school uniform dirty.
'When he began seeming like he wasn't going to let me go to Class E at first, I knew I had to go with Plan B. This school has a high reputation, I really hoped he would fear losing that more than just some girl joining the lowest class... I do feel a little bad about what I said,' pulling my notebook partially away to pull out the paper that was on the cover. My smile grew as I nearly giggled at the Transfer slip in my hands.
"But it was all worth it." I stared at the page in between my fingers reading the words on it.
'Transfer Notice, Hoshiko Neko,' right at the top of the page with the principal's handwriting stated below, 'due to circumstances, will be in Class 3-E for the year. Signed, Principal Asano Gakuho.'
Behind the paper was a map on how to get to the old school building. The red line led me to the back of the school, to up the mountain and an X marked where the old school building should be.
I got up from off the wall and began to walk down the hall to follow where the red line should begin leading me. My eyes just kept staring at my transfer notice though wondering if this wasn't real? That I was going to wake up to my alarm clock telling me to get ready for work sometime soon, but this was still real!
My new name was confirmation of that too! For some reason Mom insisted on having me go by a new last name, 'Hoshiko' and not 'Zvezda'. I'm guessing because it was easier to say. And she had to make some new documents with that name. She's weird and high maintenance but I'll take it!
Heck I would probably change my whole name if she told me to if I still got to go to this school! She doesn't know though that I'm not going to one of the better classes, that I'm going to the lowest class. And I told Principal Asano to not tell her either. Still holding my blackmail if he did. I knew that if she found out I asked to be put in the class, then she would get definitely suspicious and probably force me out of the school.
And I've work too hard to get here!
My ears though dropped down under the beanie when thinking about all the things I'm keeping from Mother. But I know that she wouldn't understand this. The only person who I told and know is Akane and Usagi.
Well kind of Akane.
I thought briefly about my friend then my family while beginning my ascendent up the mountain. Luckily there seemed to be a clear path that was used a lot leading me up the hike.
When I walked, nature was all around me, it felt honestly nice. Reminded me when my family used to live in the countryside. It gave me some peace to think of everything I had to do before I came here after founding out that I was accepted. First, I had to quit my job at the grocery store close by. I felt bad telling my manager, Takeshi, and Yua. But my Maid Cafe job paid more and was farther away so that way nobody at school could recognize me. But I did lessen my work hours to not overwhelm me. Even Mother gave me the idea to lessen them.
But on my last day at the grocery store, we had a small going away party in the break room for a bit! Yua made me a small going away cake for me with Takeshi giving me a new beanie as a present! I though of course made a promise to see them again. I mean after all; their work was literally by the train station I go home on! So, I'll probably see them a lot after school.
Oh, second thing I had to do before coming here was follow even more rules from my mom! I had to not show any students my ears, which was practically a given, she didn't need to remind me of that. I also must keep my grades up high and prove to her that this will help my future. Then I must keep my family a secret, so no showing or telling people where they live and especially that we all aren't completely human.
I don't know why she made me promise all that when I've been doing that for so long now since I moved out. And, how big is this mountain?!
It feels like I've been walking for half an hour by now!
Leaning against a tree, panting, and taking a breath, 'I think I would rather do the early morning shipment shift for a week then this! At least I'm not walking uphill in a dark gray blazer and a beanie made for winter in the springtime.
What I wouldn't give to take off my headwear and have my ears feel even a small breeze. Or climb a tree and feel it more like back in my old home to cool me down! I said that this mountain was peaceful but not while I'm dying from exhaustion!
Smacking both my cheeks to get blood rushing more in my face, "come on Neko! You're not gonna let a mountain kill you now! If these kids can walk up, it every day, then so can you! Now get up there!"
I have no idea who I was yelling to, not like anyone else is going to hear me scream in the woods. But it did give me enough motivation to keep going up!
When I made it to the rest of the way however, that motivation died. Like my body.
"My legs! They're dying!" I groaned sitting on the grass against a post that signaled where I was. Still panting I turned to look at the building. My destination of Class E, the old school building.
My head leaned back to look at the clouds sighing in relief and exhaustion. I finally made it.
Wait, where do I go from here?
'Crud I honestly didn't think that I would actually make it this far!' I thought biting my pointed index fingernail. 'Sure, I tried my hardest to and now that I'm here what do I do?! Who do I talk to?! Do they even know I'm coming? Oh, sweet caviar that would be even worse if I just walked into the class without talking to any teacher!'
I could feel my panic shooting up at that thought! 'And what do I say to Karma if he is in this class?! Will he think it's a huge coincidence that a girl he's met twice just randomly shows up to his class, or would he be weirded out by it?! Oh man what if he isn't here at all, and I just did all this for nothing!'
Those thoughts have been in my head all week, but now that the day came it felt like a dream but a nightmare at the same time! Maybe running down the mountain would be a lot quicker than getting up here.
I was seriously considering that thought till my head and ears snapped over to the sound of footsteps coming my way. Coming from the entrance of the building was a tall adult man with black spiky hair and wearing a suit.
He was coming my way and looking right at me, so I'm gonna assume he's a teacher here.
Standing back up, I dusted the back of my skirt and thighs looking back at the man. He looked familiar... I think I saw his picture when researching the school under the list of staff members. He was listed as I believe the homeroom teacher of Class E. He for some reason stuck out when listing the staff, probably because he looks the youngest, or so serious compared to all the others.
Guess for kids they deem as juveniles they need someone that looks so serious and like a drill sergeant to be their homeroom teacher.
When he made it close enough to me, I shifted my feet wondering what to say first. Though he beat me to it, "are you the new transfer student?"
This guy sounded so serious and stoic, yet he looks cool at the same time. But I really don't know if I want to say something to make him upset! Or maybe he doesn't get upset? Let's hope the latter.
"Uh, yeah?" Was all I could answer at the moment, before realizing I should probably introduce myself! I bowed respectfully holding my stuff close to me, "I'm Neko Zv- " I really need to get used to this new name, "Hoshiko! Neko Hoshiko. It's nice to meet you." I stood back up straight and held out my transfer slip to him to prove that I was the student Principal Asano probably called about.
The tall man nodded as a sort of greeting then took the paper from my hands, "it's nice to meet you as well. My name is Tadaomi Karasuma, the principal has informed me about your transferring. Before we can introduce you to the class though, there are few things we must tell you about." The man I will probably be calling Mr. Karasuma told me like it was of the upmost importance.
Me transferring must've changed a lot of things plus I am joining the year at such a strange time. So, I shouldn't rush into getting into the class just yet! After all I am officially here now.
Smiling then nodding next, "okay, thank you."
Mr. Karasuma turned around and began walking back to the old school building. His footsteps were slower however so I can follow and walk behind him.
When we went inside, it was an old building that's for sure. The wood was cracked and creaked under our footsteps as he led me down the hallway. I couldn't smell an AC unit so I'm fairly sure this building gets stuffy and humid in the heat. Great that's something I get to look forward to.
'Remain positive Neko! Remember you chose this, so no complaining!' I inwardly reminded myself as I kept walking. Yet I noticed posters and papers along the walls with some strange words on them like "kill" or "assassinate" …
Okay what did I seriously get myself into?! Oh gosh maybe these are bad Juvenile delinquents! Is Karma just the tip of the iceberg of crazy here?!
"Hoshiko." I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard Mr. Karasuma speak.
"Yes?!" I answered all too loudly.
The dark-haired man had stopped so I did as well while his body turned around to face me. He didn't seem to notice, or probably just didn't care, that my eyes were bugging out of my head, and I was very jumpy.
"Class E has a secret that needs to be kept on the down low. Since your transfer here was unexpected, we'll have to make it quick but let you know all that needs to be said." He strictly informed me which made me gulp.
'A secret? What kind of secret is that? Trust me though, I think I can keep one more secret. Shouldn't be too big of a problem.'
My head nod was all I needed to say to agree with him continue. Though he seemed to pause as if trying to think of the right thing to say or begin with.
"Well, I'll just say this, I'm sure that you know that the moon blew up unexpectedly a couple of months ago."
Alright yeah, I knew that, but what does that have to do with anything? "I must tell you that I'm an agent of the Ministry of Defense and after the moon blowing up, we met with the culprit."
At those words, I felt like they were unreal! So, this guy is not a teacher but some kind of secret agent?! Okay I guess that makes the appearance a lot more sense. But what the heck does he mean 'the culprit that blew up the moon?! I know I'm a weird creature, but what kind of creature can do that?! Sounds like it's not human! Was it really aliens?! Dang looks like I owe Usagi and Ushi 20 bucks...
I guess my complete silence and confused look was a telling to Mr. Karasuma as he just sighed and turned to the door that we were standing in front of. Looking up I noticed the sign above us said 'Faculty Room'. Just as he opened the sliding door, I looked up ahead again. And let me just say, I couldn't describe how on earth I felt staring at the thing inside the room…
Standing on the other side was this tall, weird, yellow tentacle looking creature that had a huge smile on its large round head! This thing had these two dots on their face that must be its eyes! And the tentacles that were coming out of the sleeves of the black, red and purple dress must be its arms. With a few thicker ones at the bottom like feet. In the center front of the form was a large tie with a crescent moon on it. To put it simply, the creature looked like a giant yellow sunny octopus with a dress and tie!
'And I thought I was strange looking!'
"Hello! You must be the new transfer student! It's so good to meet you, I must say it was a shock to hear we'll be getting someone new, but I hope you like it here in Class E!" The thing suddenly said in a male voice, and in one second, he was on the other side of the room, the next he right in front of me holding my hands up towering over me. I would say happily, but his mouth and grin never moved!
"Uh... What is this thing?!" I asked back to Mr. Karasuma looking at him as his face showed more emotion, with just frustration.
"Awe please don't call me 'thing'. My name is Koro Sensei, and I will be your homeroom teacher!"
"Oh sorry... I'm Neko Hoshiko..." I awkwardly apologized and told to Koro Sensei... Strange name, but okay. He's a teacher, I guess.
My ears heard Mr. Karasuma sigh again before speaking, "this is who blew up the moon. And he plans to do the same to Earth by next year."
At that blunt statement, my hands flinched back away from the octopus creature terrified! Is he serious?! This thing wants to blow up the earth just like the moon?! A large giant yellow smiley cephalopod?!
Koro Sensei saw my terrified expression and I could hear him chuckle, "oh don't worry I swore to the Ministry of Defense I wouldn't harm any of you students, and since you're now a student you fall under that clause too. Plus, you have plenty of time till I do blow up the planet. Perhaps you'll kill me before then, though I highly doubt~." His face began to change colors like a mood ring, but he just had green stripes on.
Wait what did he just say? "Kill? What does he..."?
"That's another of Class E's secret. To not only keep hidden who he is, but he has offered to teach here before he destroys the planet. So, the students here must also try to kill him." I watched he reached from his suit jacket pocket to pull out a strange looking knife and hand it to me. I cautiously took it, but feeling it in my hand, it felt rubbery and flexible. I even began jiggling it to watch it flap around back and forth. "This along with guns loaded with special pellets you will use to kill him."
"This thing can harm you? Is it made from some kind of special alien matter?" I asked still flapping it for fun at this point.
"'Alien'?! I am not an alien, why do people keep thinking that?!" Maybe cause you look like one? But if he's not an alien..., is he a hybrid? Like me and my friends?!
My thoughts really wanted to ask him that with so many questions, but I can't reveal what I am either. My ears shifted under my hat to pin back wondering what do I do in this situation? I came here just for a guy, not to become some kind of assassin or hero and save the earth. I don't want to hurt anyone, let alone kill somebody! Was learning all this worth it?
My hand was then stopped on its continuous movement by a yellow two finger tentacle on my wrist. It broke me out of my deep thinking while Koro Sensei took the knife from my hand with his other tentacle holding a handkerchief as to not touch it. Guess that proves it is harmful for him.
"I know that this is a lot to take in, Hoshiko. I assure you though that you will not be the only one trying to kill me. After all, your whole class will be as well! You can work with them and come up with an assassination attempt together." I looked back up at the teacher in front of me while he put the knife on the desk behind him. Before holding that same hand back up with one finger raised. "But if it's easier for you, for now think of us as teacher and student. Rather than assassin and target. Just until you get comfortable with it all."
His words really did make me feel better. He must be good at his job then! "Okay. Thank you, Koro Sensei!" I said gratefully with a smile back on my face. "Oh, and just to make things easier," especially for me because I'm not used to it, "I don't mind if everyone calls me Neko, please."
"Of course, Neko my dear!" He added a strange nickname at the end, but it made me laugh. "Now that you've met the amazing me and Mr. Karasuma, and have been told of everything, I think it's best we introduce you to the rest of the class! Wouldn't you agree?"
My stomach immediately flipped and twisted! That's right, I do still need to meet everybody! I need to confirm if this is Karma's class. "Sure!"
Mr. Karasuma and Koro Sensei walked out of the faculty room with me once again following them down the hall. With their backs facing away from me, I sneakily reached up into my beanie to rub one of my ears to try calming my nerves down. This was it, am I even ready to meet so many people! This is my first time being introduced to a big group, or even being in a class!
'Oh gosh what if it's like how those teen American movies Koara and I like to watch! Where there are mean girls that judge you and get hit by a bus! Or everyone breaks out into songs, and you must choose between sports and arts! Wait this is middle school, not high school.'
"About time you got here! I do not want to watch those brats when it's not my class period!" A sudden female voice said, making me cover my head back up completely then peaking a little over the men's shoulders to see a beautiful tall blonde woman stomping her heels towards us! She was pretty and sort of reminded me a little of Mother with her physique, but I'm fairly sure mom is way older than her.
Koro Sensei laughed at the frustrated woman and teased, "but I thought you liked teaching the students new skills."
"Not math! I'm an assassin and only teaching English, not number problems!" Woah hold up this woman is a real assassin?! They hired an assassin to kill him?! Either she's really bad at her job, or he really is unkillable.
"I mean you could use some math lessons as well~." Koro Sensei kept teasing the woman who did not like that comment, as she pulled out one of those rubber knives. Then started swiping and swinging it at him quickly! She was fast but the octopus was much faster! Dodging her like it was nothing!
They kept going at it for only a few seconds till Mr. Karasuma stepped in and took the knife away from the blonde with his brows knitted together. "That's enough, both of you." He said sternly, almost like a father disciplining two children.
The woman groaned while the octopus laughed, and I couldn't help but laugh at the silliness! Mr. Karasuma reminded me more definitely of my mom. With what just happened making me think back of all the times my friends and I would get into fights, attacking each other like the animals we were. It was all tongue and cheek fun, but there was occasional wants to hurt the other and wrestle like luchadores!
My laughing must've reminded the three educators that I was still there as all eyes turned to me. Karasuma sighed almost ashamed by his colleagues, while the woman looked at me with her eyebrows knitted from not frustration like the former but confused and curiosity. I immediately stopped laughing and tried to stop smiling.
"Uh sorry about that..." I apologized with a nervous chuckle.
"It's alright. Neko this is your foreign language teacher, Irina Jelavić. While she is a professional assassin, she is hired to also teach you and the class English." Mr. Karasuma introduced her to me.
"Just call me 'Irina', and do not call me the nickname those other brats gave me, or I swear!"
"Oh okay! That's fine with me because I like your name! It means 'peace' in Russian, and I think your last name means 'child of'..." I tried to remember the little Russian my mom taught us, but it was too confusing, and I don't use it, so I don't really know Russian. Just the interesting bits like the naming process and a few words.
My ears flattened quickly when I realized what I just said! They're probably thinking, 'how does a little Japanese girl know Russian?'! And looking back up their faces, Ms. Irina had that face, Mr. Karasuma gave me I think just his permanent serious face but there was a sweat drop and an eyebrow raised, and Koro Sensei just still looked the same.
"Uh, my mom knows Russian?" I awkwardly tried to answer holding my stuff closer to my chest, shifting my legs. My shoulders tensed hoping they believed that and didn't ask any more questions.
There was a little pause before Koro Sensei spoke enthusiastically, "you're a great fit for the class Neko!"
My shoulders relaxed hearing him say just that while I released my breath. Dang okay keeping my family a secret might be harder than I thought. 'Also says the girl who willingly opened up to a strange boy you just met.' I hate my inner thoughts sometimes!
"Now wait right here," Koro Sensei continued when we made it to the classroom door. I could hear talking and it sounded like the whole class was discussing with each other. "I'll go prepare the class and then I'll call you in."
After saying that, he opened the door and walked in but closed it right after. "Good morning children, sorry for all the craziness around," I could hear him clearly, and it seemed that the minute he walked into the classroom quieted down. They seemed well behaved enough. But when all those voices talked, I couldn't distinct any of them as Karma.
I stood against the wall next to the door thinking.
'Maybe he really isn't in the class... Oh gosh did I really do all this for nothing? And now I'm going to have to walk into a classroom with more than 20 people! I mean I guess it's not too bad of a thing since that means nobody in this class, except maybe Takebayashi, know who I am. And I don't really talk with him at work, so I should be okay! Just don't show my ears... Don't reveal what I am and my family.' I kept reminding myself those important factors like Mother said.
"The students are kind," Mr. Karasuma said next to me with Ms. Irina at his side watching me. "There's no need be nervous."
I gave the best forced fang grin I could. I was grateful that he seemed concerned that I was nervous about being in a new setting. "Thank you, Mr. Karasuma."
'I just wish that were the only reason I was nervous...' I tried to resist the urge to reach up and touch my ears, so I settled with gnawing on my nail while listening to Koro Sensei still talk to the class.
"Well, I have big news to tell you, you're getting a new student!"
The class began talking again but it was mostly mumbling, there was a definite, "what?!"
"Are they an assassin?!" A louder voice questioned, which made me both laugh and nervously sweat drop, looking back at Karasuma and Irina especially. Would they bring in an actual teenage assassin here?! I mean they did bring in a professional grown up one as a teacher, and an agent.
"Now now, pipe down. From what I know of no, she is not an assassin, not that I would be afraid if she was~," I don't even need to see that octopus thing to know he probably had that mood ring of a face going, "she just transferred here by the principal himself. If you all have questions for her, you can ask her soon. Let's all just please make her feel welcomed here in our little Class 3-E! Now without further ado, miss Neko, please come in and introduce yourself."
Hearing my name being called even though I was listening to the whole thing, made me want to jump out of my skin! 'Okay, that's my cue! Come on feet, move it! It's too late to run back down that mountain!
Don't show your fear. Showing fear shows you have something to hide. This is another normal day.' I told myself like how my mom and couple of my friends would say.
Taking one final deep breath to calm my anxious body and mind, with another last check on my beanie. I went to the sliding entrance door to open, then began to step inside my new classroom. Every step I took felt heavier each time, but I walked towards Koro Sensei who stood up front and center at the wooden podium. From my peripheral vision I could see the students of Class E staring at me. I didn't look at them till I was a little bit, but not too close, next to Koro Sensei.
Then I turned to face everybody, their eyes all on me and let me tell you, everyone looked like a colorful character. My eyes tried to quickly scan at them all, hoping to find red in this large group. Ironically, I spotted it immediately in the back of the classroom.
I locked on to familiar orange eyes that even if they were so far away, that complete feeling and heart pounding made all doubts I had earlier disappear. Karma was here! And he sure didn't seem like a hallucination, especially when he looked right back at me.
I could tell by his leaned posture, he was relaxing, until we made eye contact and recognized the girl who hung out with him not that long ago. It made me want to chuckle at seeing a new emotion on his face, I believe it was shock or disbelief with his eyes partially wide and his posture was no longer slacking.
Realizing I was staring too long, I cleared my throat and looked at all the other students staring at me quickly. I did notice Takebayashi closer to the front and his eyes felt like they were staring at me hard as well, even if I couldn't see them behind his glasses. I also noticed that Nagisa girl with blue hair farther to the right.
Then respectfully bowing to all of them, I greeted, "Hello. My name is Neko Hoshiko, but please just call me Neko. I know that my sudden transferring here has probably made you guys surprised, but don't worry, I won't be in your way. It's a pleasure to meet all of you. I look forward to being in this class."
I lifted my body back up just as Koro Sensei spoke once again, "alright students, I'm sure you're excited to get to know your new classmate, so you may ask questions- "
Just as he said that some students hands shot up in the air! It even surprised me that jumped a little before being bombarded with questions coming from all around the classroom!
"How old are you?" A girl asked with long brown hair in a ponytail up with a red scrunchie and pretty purple eyes.
"Are you a hired assassin?" A boy with shaggy orange hair and eyes seated in front of Nagisa asked.
"Why are you in Class E?" Another girl sitting in a seat right in front of me asked also in front of the ponytail girl. She had orange hair as well, yet curlier and short, with green eyes.
"Is that your natural hair color?! It's so cool! It reminds of this main male character from one of my favorite Shonen manga!" I really hope I can learn names soon, but a girl asked sitting in the back but right next to a window. Her hair was short too but straight and had a reddish-purple tint to it.
"Are you single?!" This time a guy stood straight up in his seat to ask his question. His suddenness is what spooked me more, though wasn't that hard to not go unnoticed. His hair seemed to be the shortest of the boys.
"You all are so rude, let me finish first!" Koro Sensei lectured them and to the others who also had their hands raised but didn't say anything. It made me laugh especially when he waved his tentacles around like arms upset. "I was going to say you may ask her questions during your free time or lunch! We still have class we need to do!"
My eyes glanced back at the students who slowly lowered their hands looking upset at the octopus's statement. Even the boy who had stood up to ask his question about my relationship status outwardly groaned in dismay.
I glanced back at Karma still staring back at me before Koro Sensei spoke to me turning my attention back on him. "Well, I'm sure they won't focus till they're satisfied, so tell them a little about yourself please Neko."
I could feel my ears flatten trying not to even think about them. "Uh well, okay..." I guess I could just answer their questions.
So, looking at everyone that asked something first to answer their specific question,
"Okay well, I'm 14, turning 15 in October." I told ponytail girl, then looked at orange boy rubbing the back of my neck, "no I am not an assassin, I just found out about him literally like fifteen minutes ago and still don't know how I feel about killing a large octopus yet." I told honestly earning a chuckle from Koro Sensei.
Moving my eyes to look at green eyed girl in front of me, it took all my will power to not glance back at my real reason for joining, so I came up with a quick excuse I thought of, "I'm here because the principal and I knew that this would be a better class for me. Even though he failed to mention about the whole assassination business going on here." I half truthfully told in a joking manner.
She nodded and I caught a few other students from the corner of my eye seem to believe it as well chuckling also at my playful tone. I looked back at the Shonen girl in the back happily with my cheeks a little warm. I'm glad she thought my hair was cool. Subconsciously grabbing a chunk of it over my shoulder to play with, I answered, "well the pink is natural, but I recently touched up the orange since I've been dying it this color for a year now." I explained then answered the last question to short haired boy that looked like he was anticipating my answer big time, simply saying, "and yes I am single."
That made the boy quite happy, even going so far as to whisper "yes," for some reason. I mean I'm a junior high student now, I think dating relationships should be the lowest priority at the moment!
"Now then class, you can ask your newest student more questions during lunch, it's still first period!" Koro Sensei told them, and they all gave a collective 'okay' before his attention was once again turned back on me. "Now then Neko," suddenly in less than a second, he was gone and then right back in front of me with a gust of wind that I and some of the other students had to shield ourselves! "I have placed your new desk over there!"
He pointed sounding excitedly over to the back of the class where a desk, I was sure wasn't there before, sat! And what made my heart want to bust out of my chest like that scary alien movie with the creature bursting out that gave me nightmares for a month! The desk was right next to Karma!
Convenient!
"You will be sitting in between Terasaka, Karma, and behind Hazama! Can you all please raise your hands to show her who you are." The teacher instructed while a dark short haired girl slowly raised her hand halfway. Her gloomy appearance made me want to gulp hoping she was kinder than she looked. I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, even if that cover looks scary. I'm just gonna assume she's Hazama.
Then I could subtly hear an annoyed "tch- "from the buffer looking boy on the other side of the desk I would be seated in. His hair was spiky brown up top, but the sides looked to be dyed blonde, with his posture having a lot more attitude to it in a way. Where he sat in his seat, he was sideways, and elbow firmly planted on his desk. Now he looks like a school delinquent!
I didn't need though Karma to raise his hand, as we both knew we were familiar with each other already. Moving my locked legs to loosen them, I walked through the rows of seats with my items still held tightly in my arms. I could feel eyes still on me while I made it past the red head and turned to my seat right next to him.
He was looking right at me as I could feel his stare the most on me while I placed my stuff down next to the old wooden desk. Pulling out the chair before sitting in it and switching my journal to a fresh school notebook in my bag. Once I sat down, I made eye contact right back at Karma feeling my heart pound harder in my ribs.
He wasn't smiling, nor had that laze look I saw when we hung out. It was more serious and unsure. 'I just wish I could hear what he is thinking or know what he was feeling. Hopefully, he isn't too freaked out by the "coincidence" of me just joining his class suddenly.'
But that thought didn't stop me from smiling kindly as best I could. My chest soared with pride now feeling this to be real. I was here! I made it!
I turned my head back to face the front of the classroom, catching a few more students still watching me. They turned their heads to the front as well when Koro Sensei began to teach like the teacher he was supposed to be.
This class was a lot different than I thought it would be, but I did all this to get here and there's no turning back now.
Pulling my beanie down once more, I noticed that inside the desk was a small gun and one of those green knives used to kill Koro Sensei. The gun was probably loaded with that special ammo Mr. Karasuma told me about.
This was a lot more then I signed up for, yet still being able to see and be close to the boy in the corner of my eye. I didn't stop my small smile slowly forming on my lips. I can hopefully get some answers as to why I feel like this. And if Koro Sensei is a hybrid being like me, maybe I can get some questions answered from him as well. Though there was one more thought that I just remembered. I'm now in the class.
I apparently have to kill the teacher who was starting a math equation while still hiding my own personal secrets. I made it, but seriously. What do I do now?!
Internally I groaned! 'I'm in, how do I deal with being in school, when I've never been to school before?! I need to learn here now to stay, and not just stalk a boy! I really should've planned out my first day a lot better!'