Hey loves! Thank you for your patience and your lovely reviews. This took long because I've been racking my brains trying to conclude it poignantly. Honestly, I also found it incredibly difficult to end this story due to sentimental reasons. This fic has been with me since forever, after all.
I'm still not 100% satisfied but I tried and hope it doesn't disappoint you. Like I mentioned last time, not much left in the story, but I still believe this is an important chapter. I didn't include any end notes because I wanted to keep it clean, but!
I will be uploading more information (about this fic and its future) and replies to any potential reactions to this chapter in the format of a new update on the 9th of December.
It's not a chapter. Just info and author notes. (Most probably)
But until then, I'll let it sink in that this is... officially... the ending :)
Thank you all again for the love, to all the readers, silent or not. You're all greatly appreciated. To those who reviewed:
Arrysa, Snowy - I am eternally grateful for your unconditional support. Ever since I started writing this fic again, you've been there for me and given me much needed motivation. If I could, I would kiss you T.T
Guest - thank you so much for writing. I still can't believe you and some other returned after such a long time but I'm so so glad that you like this story. I hope I don't break your heart too much.
Raystio - no worries, you aren't late :) There's no such thing as late here (coming from someone who went on hiatus for 5 years)
Now then. Onto the last chapter!
When Karma wakes up again in the morning, he's convinced it was all just a bad dream.
The sun shines too bright for a reality where Koro-sensei no longer exists. The birds on their campus sing just like they always do, cheerful melodies that falsely promise another day in class filled with laughter. Days that will never come again. After all, there's no more curriculum to learn and no teacher to explain it. Still, the world simply moves forth, unaware (or rather uncaring) of the hole torn in their hearts and Karma cannot for the love of him comprehend how that can be.
The yearbooks he and his classmates receive take away a little bit of that pain. The ridiculous illustrations and uncalled-for comments crack them up sometimes, give them a momentary relief, but most importantly - they are so typical of Koro-sensei that it feels as though they're extensions of him, gifted to each student. In a way, they represent his life, his consciousness, forever by their side.
So when everyone comes to, they no longer cry. Exhausted, missing a piece of their soul, yes, but they're not alone. Karma rubs the already dry tears out of his eyes, clutches those books to his chest and along with his friends step out to face the world.
Karasuma-sensei and Bitch-sensei wait for them outside. Both of them look ashen grey, not a single wink of sleep last night since they kept guard over the students. There's not much to say - not when the loss affected them too, not when the pain is still tangible in the air - so their exchange is kept short, reduced to the bare basics. They return to the class for the last time, listen to the man's speech - the government pulling back, the bounty belonging to class E, the convoluted future that awaits them. Then, it's their turn to reassure him. They ask to attend the graduation ceremony and at last, thank both of their teachers earnestly.
And Karma truly does feel grateful for them. Karasuma-sensei may have started off as an agent of the ministry, a mere pawn of the government, but he's grown to be something akin to a guardian to them. A pillar of strength. Bitch-sensei, no - Irina-sensei came across as an insensitive narcissist at first, she made a lot of mistakes in the beginning - no one would have ever believed that she'd ever win the students over. Yet now her soft smile soothes them and provides them with a gentle reminder that even if Koro-sensei is gone, the two of them remain.
They descend the mountain together. Some soldiers still occupy the area, either scavenging for any leftover traces of the incident or disassembling the last few camping bases, but apart from that, the path is clear. It's only now that Karma fully wakes up from the trance and remembers there's a world outside of their campus and people outside of his class. People who wait for him to call back.
He reaches for the phone, opening the last few unread messages. Not so surprisingly, they're all from Gakushuu, but before he can actually read them, he catches a glimpse of strawberry blond in person.
Not just that. He sees his mother's light hair too and behind her his father's tall build. Slowly, more people start to come into focus from across the fences, some of whom Karma recognizes - like Nagisa's mother, whose usual overbearing smile is replaced by open worry or Nakamura's older brother who despite usually keeping up a calm and dignified demeanour now paces back and forth.
Apparently, all of their families received the news, courtesy of Karasuma-sensei, and waited for their return.
The gates open. Like a tidal wave, they all rush to their children and embrace them frantically. The bubble bursts, the morning quiet dispelled and replaced by interrogations that soon after melt into sighs and cries.
Karma too lets himself be crushed by Gakushuu's arms and reciprocates the hug, slowly realizing just how desperately he needs to hold on to someone. Their parents stand by, each resting a hand on his back in silent compassion. Unlike usual, it's a welcome touch, chipping away at his desolation and heartache.
Karma closes his eyes and buries his face in Gakushuu's neck.
For this one wordless moment, he lets his family shield him from reality.
A few hours later, they all gather in the assembly hall of Kunugigaoka. Other students shoot them glances here and there, (at least they try to be inconspicuous about it) but other than that, no one mentions the whole ordeal and the graduation ceremony proceeds peacefully. Each class sits in its own designated area, silently waiting to be summoned to the podium.
Karma is among the first ones to be called forth since they follow the alphabetical order of surnames. He stands tall, wearing his uniform proudly for the first time in three years and walks up the stairs. On the other side stands Asano Gakuho with a black suit and navy tie, his presence no longer a debilitating threat.
He hands Karma the paper.
"Congratulations. This diploma signifies the end of one chapter, but also the beginning of another," his father declares. His lips stay parted for a few moments and it looks like he wants to say more, so Karma patiently waits.
However, Gakuho doesn't go through with it. He decides to leave that matter for later, when the whole school doesn't have their eyes on them and when there isn't a list of students waiting.
"I wholeheartedly pray for your success in the future," he settles on in the end.
Next up is Gakushuu. The exchange between them takes a bit longer, the chairman's voice a soft murmur the entire time. Karma doesn't hear it since he's already leaving the podium, but he walks slowly enough to catch sight of his brother's expression. Gakushuu's brows are arched in bafflement at first before he lowers his gaze bashfully, the corners of his eyes gleaming. It's an exceptionally delicate smile that finds its way onto his face, uncharacteristic of someone as untouchable as Gakushuu (or at least what he always portrayed himself as). Yet it suits him well. Happiness suits him well.
The rest goes by too fast. Even as the chairman and other members of the Board deliver their final congratulations, Karma doesn't fully register that this truly is the end. This is his final hour, his final moment as a member of class E. Even though he's not leaving the school, his classmates are... and he worries that soon, all traces of the last year will vanish as if they never existed, to begin with.
That idea sends painful pangs to his heart. One final applause later, when he's already on his way out of the hall, Karma unconsciously grabs onto both Nakamura and Nagisa to reassure himself they're still there. His friends send him a quizzical glance initially, unfamiliar with him seeking out physical contact. But they notice the apprehension, understand it too and they squeeze his hand back.
"We're still going to see each other. Maybe not every day, but we will stay in contact," Nagisa promises.
"Yeah! If you think you're gonna get rid of me that easily, then you're gravely mistaken. I have your phone number and I know where you live." Nakamura slaps him on the back violently, the smack audible from the other side of the hall.
"Jeez, are you trying to comfort me or kill me?" Karma chuckles and although his back stings like hell, he feels much lighter.
"Both? I am a trained assassin after all."
"You suck at it then! Ever heard of stealth? Efficiency? Have you learnt nothing the last year?"
They laugh it off and joke around a bit more, a mix of lighthearted threats flying left and right until they reach the entrance room. Already, the families and friends of graduates wait there, many holding flowers, gifts or balloons in their hands.
Nagisa is the first one to leave. Upon recovering from the shock of spotting both his mother and father together, he excuses himself and dashes away.
"Seems like your family isn't the only one getting fixed," Nakamura notes tenderly, looking on as the three make up in a tearful reunion. Karma only nods, the sentiment stirring in his chest so turbulently he doesn't trust himself to talk. He didn't know much of Nagisa's situation until recently but as a fellow child of divorce, he understands the loneliness as well as the pain of not being able to connect with his parents.
It's wonderful then, to hear that they want to try again. Karma truly wishes them the best, though a part of him feels a bit jealous. After all, the chances of him ever getting another chance at having a complete family will forever stay at zero.
Before he has time to let the gloom occupy him further, Nakamura gasps and interrupts his train of thought.
"Oh, speaking of the devil," the girl remarks, her gaze wandering somewhere behind Karma. He follows it and finds Gakushuu with both their parents by his side, headed straight towards them. The two adults seem to be discussing something together, but they turn at the strawberry blond enthusiastically now and then for feedback.
Witnessing the (in)famous chairman, the genius student council president and the mystery mother of the two top students waltzing so casually astounds not only Nakamura but also the rest of the school. For a moment, it's like all conversations quiet down in favour of observing them.
Nakamura gives Karma a last pat on the shoulder. "That's my cue to go," she smiles at him warmly, waving her goodbye, "and yours to shine. Take care, Karma. It's time for you to get your Happy Ending."
He barely gets to wave her back before his family reaches him. Gakushuu is the first one to speak up.
"Hey," he starts, tone cautious. "How are you feeling?"
A bit uncomfortable with the blatant concern, Karma plays it cool: "All peachy. And yourself? Hopefully my triumph didn't leave you too devasted, Second-place-kun."
The nickname is definitely not appreciated. Gakushuu glares daggers at him, face contorted into disgust and all previous consideration evaporating in a split second. From behind him, their mother laughs.
"Don't worry boys, you're both number ones in our hearts," she reassures them. Then she hands Karma a simple bouquet - a red gerbera daisy with a few baby breaths and green leaves laced around it. Now that he takes a second glimpse, Gakushuu's holding the same one behind his diploma.
"Congratulations, Karma. I can't believe you're already graduating," his mother says fondly. She plants a kiss on his cheek and brushes the hair out of his face, tearing up.
His father joins in. He gives him a small box with a red bow on it, locking eyes with Karma. It's only now that Gakuho finds the courage to tell his son what he intended to do on the podium.
Humbly, the man whispers: "As the principal... and your father... I'm proud of you. I'm aware that after many years of estrangement, it's difficult to believe and these words may not mean much to you. But I am truly so proud and honoured to have you as my son and I hope that one day... I'll be able to become a father you can be proud of."
Karma gawks for the longest time, unable to find a proper way to respond. He glances at his older brother for help, but Gakushuu simply smiles back, the expression similar to earlier during the ceremony. Maybe that's what the chairman told him too, back there.
So in the end, Karma decides to be honest with his feelings.
Estrangement is a generous way to put it, since during these ten years, indifference belonged to the category of milder emotions he harboured towards this man. Although Gakuho had never directly caused any harm to him (other than the whole custody fiasco), he's grown to detest the man simply for failing as a father and screwing Gakushuu's view of himself and the world.
Until recently, he considered that an undeniable and seemingly unchangeable fact. Even shortly after their family made up, Karma couldn't fully phantom opening up to this man, let alone calling him his father again and meaning it. He accepted the situation for his brother's sake mostly, setting aside his distaste because Gakushuu deserved to have a chance at building a relationship with their parents again. After everything he's had to endure and all the doubts about his own self-worth, Gakushuu needed to know that he was deserving of love.
But then weeks went by and his parents actually put an effort into implementing their promise. It was difficult to scorn and shut down a person when they showed up almost every day on campus to talk to him despite undoubtedly being busy, when he saw them struggle with coming up with topics that could connect them, yet never give up no matter how unreceptive Karma was.
Suddenly, the image of a demon that controlled everyone like puppets on strings gained more layers - and although the old one never disappeared, the past still existed, those new notions and perspectives started taking over. Asano Gakuho, a former tyrant who is now trying to mend the damage he's caused. A new, kinder future painting itself on top.
Karma doesn't know how to express that. He's unsure of how exactly these feelings translate to actions, whether it's not too early to trust something so optimistic. Yet even though it scares him, he recognizes this shift he's experiencing, this change in mindset regarding a teacher, an authority previously deserving of nothing but contempt. It's like he's back to the beginning of the school year, being caught by Koro-sensei at the bottom of a cliff, except this time he knows that the world isn't black and white...
and that sometimes, taking the leap of trust could lead to better, more beautiful moments in his life.
So he resolves that this leap just might be worth it.
"Thanks," he says, the quiver in his tone very obvious. "You're right. After so many years, trusting you and mother comes hard. We... we still have a long way to go."
His parents nod in understanding.
"But," Karma clears his throat, playing with the bow of the gift he received. "I want to try. I want to see where it takes us. It's difficult now but I hope that one day, I can call you mom and dad again."
He owes that to himself as well as Koro-sensei. To fulfil that one last wish of his dying teacher and work towards a happier future. Karma may never have a complete family in the true sense, but it doesn't mean he can't have it at all.
"Thank you," his father whispers, his voice breaking. "Thank you so much."
He pulls both Karma and Gakushuu into a hug before frantically wiping away the tears on his face. It's so bizarre to catch the Asano Gakuho sentimental, let alone in public, but it's a refreshing change and neither of the siblings minds it.
"Anyway, please, open your gifts!" Gakuho quickly recovers, beckoning to the two boxes he gave to his sons expectantly.
They don't waste any time. Untying the bow, they open the box to reveal a matching set of elegant fountain pens. The black barrel is adorned with intricate gold ornaments, reminiscent of delicate branches and leaves. Along those golden trails, petite flowers bloom. On Karma's pen, they shine a crimson red and on Gakushuu's, they glow a deep violet.
"Wow," Karma can't help but marvel at the pen. Upon closer inspection, he finds that there's something engraved on the centre band. He traces the letters.
"They're personalized," their father explains. "I hope you don't mind that I had your names engraved on them and changed the colours of the blossoms."
"No," Gakushuu breathes out in amazement. "They're beautiful."
At the same time, the sound of a shutter going off catches their attention. It comes from a camera that their mother holds, pointed at them.
"I thought we could take a few photographs to commemorate such an important day," she states with a chuckle. Then, she rummages through the bag on her shoulder and pulls out an apparatus that unfolds and expands until it almost reaches her height.
A tripod. Karma never knew that his mother owned one, or a camera, or that she knew how to use them.
Iori secures it and then places the device on top before adjusting the angle. She points around and navigates her sons and Gakuho to move to the center, before joining in herself.
"Alright, boys. Smile," she tells them.
And in that moment, the shutter snaps.
Later that day, when a few copies of that photo lay printed on the table, Karma snatches two of them. One for himself and one for Gakushuu. But before his brother receives it, Karma takes the liberty of adding a small something.
With the pen his father gave him, on the back of the picture their mother took, he writes a simple message:
From now on, it's us together against the world.
Sincerely,
the stranger who you can finally call your brother.
The ending