The story of the Lion and the Mouse
Contrary to popular belief, when the lion saw it's prey... it didn't strike straight away. Instead, the lion took a closer look and saw the mouse isolated from it's peers, just like the lion was. All it took was a friendly approach and all of a sudden, the iddy biddy mouse and the powerful lion were almost inseparable.
The lion was rough and strong, it had fun proving it's position in the food chain. It would badly beat up the other animals in the chain but never kill or eat. It was a moral code not to kill or eat anything. Anything that's still alive that is. Even with this brute-like nature, the lion was cunning and smart. Almost unprecedentedly so. It struck the mouse with awe at how it could come up with such diabolical plans while also always impressing it's 'superiors'.
The mouse used that word lightly. It knew the lion could hurt and overthrow them at any point, but this lion didn't want to leave the place where it was at the top. So while it started trouble and fights, it never broke any major rules. The lion was scared of no one and did whatever it wanted... the mouse admired that and wished it had the will to do so.
The lion feared nothing... or at least it thought so. It had such immense strength, so what could hurt it? While it was waiting for the mouse one day, the mouse snuck up on him and for the first time... the lion felt like it could die. The venom and diseases it held in its bites could strike down anyone if it so wished. The lion may win in a fight... but the mouse could kill it. Seeing as a one off though, the lion stayed.
.
.
.
The Lion found the mouse stood in a pool of blood surrounded by victims.
"One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Six! Seven! Eight!"
The sounds of exercise echoing across the field on a sunny afternoon could be heard in the outdoors of Class 3-E. In their blue and cyan PE outfits, the students were practicing swinging their knives in different directions. Their feet were planted firmly on the floor in a stance to hold their ground.
In front of the students stood the newly appointed Mr Karasuma. Gone was his smart looking blazer, only leaving him in the white button up shirt paired with a black tie and some grey work pants. To his right stood Koro-Sensei, instead of his usual teaching getup was an oversized sports shirt just saying his name on it.
"Wield your knives properly from all eight directions, now."
Karasuma yelled out to the kids since some of them were getting a bit unfocused. It wasn't in a mean spirited way, he just wanted them to stay on task. Seeing them pick themselves back up to a good standard, he started talking to the target without looking at him.
"From now on, I'm in charge of phys ed."
"That makes me a little lonely..."
Koro-Sensei's face turned down slightly with his smile not being as prominent as normal. This didn't faze Karasuma in the slightest though.
"Didn't I tell you to make yourself scarce during this period? Go play in the sandbox or something."
As he gestured to it with his thumb over his shoulder, Koro-Sensei was already there... that didn't stop him from sulking though as he patted a pile of sand.
"You're so mean, Mr Karasuma. Why, my students happen to like my gym classes!"
Upon hearing this, most the students stopped to chime in. Only a few of them continuing their swings as the sweat dripped from their hair. Sugaya was the first to allow his thoughts to come out though.
"Liar. Your physical abilities are just too different."
At the mention of this, the class remembered as Koro-Sensei would do exercises at mach 20 and hold the classroom to the same standard. It was certainly one of the classes of all time.
"You're just too far out."
"I'd like a human teacher for gym, thanks."
Koro-Sensei somehow looked even more dejected then before as he went to balancing rocks on top of each other. Seeing as their reminiscence was done, Karasuma decided to resume the lesson for those who paused.
"Okay, let's get back to work."
Though before most got back to work, Maehara questioned him.
"But Mr Karasuma, is there any point to all this training? And should we be doing it right in front of our target?"
At least one of those is a decent question
Nagisa mused to himself as he and Kayano stopped swinging their knives and paid attention to what was seemingly going to be an explanation and lecture.
"It's the same in assassination as in studying: Drill the basics and they'll serve you well."
The same huh...? So I can apply this to studying...?
"Isogai, Maehara, step forward. Try hitting me with those knives."
That was certainly a declaration to the class. Two of the more physically fit boys just hitting him. Maybe winning was out of the question, but to those who weren't experienced It seemed like credential suicide.
"Are you sure?"
"As a team?"
Without even missing a beat, Karasuma nodded and spoke back to the duo.
"Those knives won't hurt us humans. If they give me so much as a scratch, you can go home for the day."
He loosened his tie as that prize lingered in the air for the duo. One would likely use that time to continue being a womanizing scumbag, the other could use it to spend more time at his job.
"Uh... well, er... okay, then."
They got into motion as Isogai immediately charged Karasuma with a slash. The government agent though nearly effortless dodged to the side at near super-human speeds.
"Come on."
Karasuma provoked as Maehara charged at him, only to have his arm grabbed and softly push to the side like he was nothing more then an infant. As he recuperated, Isogai caught up as they both took their turns slashing at him and sometimes doing so at the same time. All of it was in vain though as Karasuma near effortlessly shook them off and kept them at an arms distance.
"As you see, with a little knowledge, even I can handle the knives of two amateurs."
Even I? Ha! Karasuma really is something... he's in a different league.
Both the boys charged again, but their arms wielding the knives were grabbed as they were thrown to the floor.
"If you can't hit me, your chance of hitting him at Mach 20 is slim to none. See? While we were sparring, he built Osaka Castle in the sandbox, changed clothes, and is brewing up some tea!"
It was certainly infuriating to see... but the lesson had been drilled into those who were unsure a few minutes ago. Karasuma pulled both the boys up as he wrapped up the lecture.
"Once the whole class is capable of hitting me, your chance of success will increase by leaps and bounds."
Karasuma redid his tie up to his neck and then faced the rest of the student body before continuing.
"During gym class, I'll be teaching you stabbing, shooting, and all the assassination basics. That's all for today."
"Thank you!"
All the students bowed as they finished the lesson, admittedly actually quite thankful for the demonstration. Though all except the target were unaware of the presence watching them from the top of the stairs to the classrooms.
The bell then went for class as the students were making their way back to the building. Nagisa and Sugino at the front. Recently, Nagisa had actually found Sugino to be tolerable. Sure he was loud, but he was actually creative in his ways to kill Koro-Sensei. Plus, he was good practice for training. Though he wasn't that smart so Nagisa couldn't use him for that.
"A quiz in sixth period, eh?"
"Wouldn't have to do so if we hit Mr Karasuma. Though his moves were too polished."
He mused out loud with small admiration before he looked at the top of the stairs. Even if Koro-Sensei could see his face right now, his emotion was unreadable. Since he didn't speak, the devil at the top of the stairs did.
"Hey, Nagisa. It's been a while."
Something taking away from this boys intimidating presence though was the carton of juice he was holding in his hands. After a few more moments, Nagisa finally spoke.
"Karma... you're back!"
A moment of eye contact was flashed to Nagisa as now the entire classes attention was on the new boy. It took a moment but Nagisa soon gave a smile back as Karma's attention was taken to the target. He seemingly trudged down the staircase while being quite unbothered of the sight as he walked through the student body.
"Huh! So that's the infamous Koro-Sensei? Whoa, he really does look like an octopus."
Karma didn't stop until he was a few feet in front of Koro-Sensei. His right hand in his pocket and the other holding his juice box. His entire demeanor displayed a casual, laid back, even friendly attitude.
Only I know though... he's like me. He's not an amateur.
"Karma Akabane... is it? I'd heard your suspension was up today. But you shouldn't be tardy on your first day back."
Koro-Sensei's face turned purple with a darker shade of said color appearing on his face in the shape of an X. Karma only offered a seemingly nervous laugh before responding.
"It's hard to get back into the swing of things. Feel free to call me by my first name. Nice to meet you, Teach!"
"Likewise. Lets make this a fun year."
As they went to shake hand an tentacle though... the tentacle exploded out of no where. He quickly threw his juice box slightly to the right of Koro-Sensei's head as a knife dripped from the sleeve of his left hand. He tried to slash at Koro-Sensei but it was narrowly avoided as he put some distance between the two.
"Wow. You really are fast... and those knives really do work. I sliced one up really fine and stuck the pieces on. But to be caught by such a simple move, and to jump back all that way... what are you, a scaredy cat?"
Karma hasn't changed... he hurt Koro-Sensei even quicker then I did.
A genuine smile trudged onto Nagisa's lips as Karma began to close the distance. Before he did, Koro-Sensei's tentacle regenerated.
"I heard they call you 'Koro-Sensei' because you're unkillable."
The moment Karma got right in front of the octopus, said target stepped back a bit. To make up for this though, Karma leant forwards right up close to him.
"But what's this? Are you a pushover after all?"
His teachers face was rapidly turning red as Nagisa watched in amazement.
Karma always was better at me in being verbal.. was it wise to make his intentions known so soon though?
Before he could answer himself, Kayano walked up to Nagisa kind of curious.
"Nagisa, what kind of person is this Karma?"
Right... she only recently came here. Don't spill too much.
"Well... we were in the same class our first and second years, but then his continued violent behavior earned him an expulsion. And those sorts of students end up here in the E class, too. But... here he might just be a star student."
"What do you mean?"
"When it comes to melee weapons and foul play, Karma's got us all beat."
Even me. But I have my strengths.
That stayed unsaid though as Karma walked away from Koro-Sensei. Karma was clearly satisfied at his work as the students then went to go and do their test.
The soft sound of squishing could be heard through Class 3-E as they were trying to do their tests in silence. Koro-Sensei was at the front of the classroom pressing his fist against the wall again and again.
"What's Koro-Sensei been doing all this time?"
"Is he... punching the wall?"
"I think so--Karma's smack talking must have made him mad."
"But his tentacles are too soft to damage the walls."
Koro Sensei Weak Points #5: His punches are soft.
However, not everyone was happy to just listen to this with the circumstances of their tests being a pressing issue.
"Ugh--enough! Quit with the squishing! We're trying to take a quiz here!"
At this, Koro-Sensei immediately started sweating as the students looked over to his happy go lucky expression.
"P-Pardon me!"
The back of the class was a lot more casual then the front. Especially the back row. Terasaka was slacking on his test because he didn't want to do it, though Karma wasn't due to his own reasons.
"Hey, Karma, you sure about this? That monster is pissed."
"This is all on you, man! Sure you're not better off holin' up at home?"
Terasaka and his gang spoke to Karma. The lion who could rule over the class if he wanted to, but would rather someone else do the ground work. With his calm demeanor, not even worried slightly about the resident bully, he spoke to them.
"You'd be pissed, too, Terasaka, if someone's started to try and kill you. Not like when a certain someone apparently messed up and wet himself."
Admittedly, Karma didn't know the ins and outs of the assassination attempts. He'd only been told the rough ideas.
A spray and pray method that didn't work, a toy grenade that messed up, tying him to a tree... only Nagisa has managed to hit a decent blow. I'll have to ask him about it later.
Of course, Karma wasn't aware of how Terasaka and Nagisa's attempts were linked in a way. The class didn't want to figure out what'd happen if he did. Slamming his fist on the desk, Terasaka's teasing attitude turned to one of annoyance and being flustered.
"I did not wet myself! You cruisin' for a bruisin', pal?!"
"You there! No loud noises during a test! Why, that could even be considered cheating!"
Not noticing the irony in how he was telling his students off, Koro-Sensei carelessly told off the students at the back. Karma put on his good boy facade though and spoke back.
"Sorry, Koro-Sensei. I've already finished, so I'll just sit here quietly and eat my gelato."
Out of seemingly no where, Karma had pulled out a pink gelato. Of course Koro-Sensei didn't catch on instantly.
"Not during class, you won't!"
A moment of quiet passed as the octopus stared at the ice cream for a moment, trying to discern where he'd seen it before.
"T-That's the gelato I brought back from Italy yesterday!"
The students immediately paled knowing that their test wouldn't be silent. They'd get distracted, because of Karma yes... but also because of the mutant octopus teaching them.
"Oh, sorry! It was just chilling in the staff room."
"'Sorry' won't cut it! I had to fly through the coldest stratosphere to keep that from melting, too!"
That predatory look in Karmas eyes then appeared as he took a lick of the gelato, seemingly not caring about Koro-Sensei's bright red face.
"Huh... So, whaddya gonna do about it? Hit me?"
The way he said it with so much force... yet with such an unamused expression on his face, it sent shivers down most peoples spines. Nagisa stopped taking his test to turn around and saw the Karma he was familiar with.
The way he can just come out with these things.. I truly envy it. He's abusing Koro-Sensei's weak points arguably better then anyone else.
Koro-Sensei started to walk towards Karma as he spoke.
"I will not! I'll just have what's left! Come now, hand it o--"
BOOM
As Koro-Sensei reached near Karmas desk, the sound of his tentacles exploding could be heard.
"Anti-me BBs!"
The floor near Karma was covered with them as Koro-Sensei's face turned back to it's usual yellow.
BANG BANG BANG BANG
During his confusion, Karma tried to shoot Koro-Sensei several times until his clip was empty. All the while a soft yet unmistakable psychotic laugh left his lips.
"Gotcha again!"
Nagisa had to think on if he wanted to join the gunfire with Karma... however this didn't look like an assassination attempt. This just looked like something to piss off Koro-Sensei. Something Nagisa wasn't really good at. As Koro-Sensei tried to regenerate, Karma walked towards him without a shred of fear.
"I'll just keep using the same old tricks. Even if it interferes with class. If you don't like it, kill me."
He let that hang in the air for a moment as it cut through everyone like a knife... Karma had this way of making it seem like thats what he truly wanted. Though most just knew it was him making a line Koro-Sensei couldn't cross. But still...
The lack of care this boy has for his own life...
Koro-Sensei mused as Karma smashed the gelato against his teaching outfit and let it drop.
"But the second you do... no one'll see you as a teacher anymore. You'll just be a murderous monster. You, the teacher, will be killed like me."
His eyes stared into Koro-Sensei's as he made his bloodlust known. Like Nagisa's outside that one time, it was almost like a pure red aura of utter malice towards what Koro-Sensei stood for. The other students couldn't help but shiver and sweat drop at the sight... besides the green and blue haired duo. The latter staring in pure admiration and the former had their foreign controller enjoy it in pure amusement. Karma then threw his test to Koro-Sensei's tentacle as he walked past, letting his targeted bloodlust fade.
"Here's my quiz. Probably got 'em all right. See ya, Teach. Let's play some more tomorrow."
And like that, he left the classroom. He didn't own the place, but he made damn well sure everyone knew he could if he truly wanted to. As Nagisa finished the last question, he couldn't help but softly smile to himself.
Karma has always been extremely quick-witted. Like here. He saw there was a line Koro-Sensei couldn't cross without losing his 'teacherness,' and the tactics he uses make him toe that line. He has the smarts to see the heart of the matter, and the skill to manipulate just about anyone, but he uses them to clash with people out of his own bloodlust. He's sanguinary... just like me.
Koro-Sensei soared through the skys at Mach 20, thoughts of the new boy circling his mind.
"Honestly... Now he's forced me to go buy more gelato. He's smart and tough, but as he says, if I'm going to stay a teacher, I'm not allowed to kill or hurt him."
As he clutched the fully marked and perfectly scored test in his tentacles, he pondered on what to do.
"What concerns me... how carelessly he makes those threats to his own life. It's almost like he truly doesn't care if he lives or dies. And that's not even the most worrying thing. So... How to deal with him, then?"
Nagisa and Sugino had walked down to the Kunugigaoka station when they parted ways.
"See ya, Nagisa!"
"Yep! See you tomorrow!"
The class 3-D students waited for Sugino to leave before they turned their attention to the short bluenette a few feet in front of them.
"Hey, look! It's Nagisa! Right at home down in the E Class."
"He'll never make it back to our class like that."
Who said I want to? Especially when I'm living a true fantasy.
"Plus, Akabane's back in E Class now that his suspension's over!l
"Really!? I would seriously rather die then wind up there."
It took Nagisa a lot of willpower to not take him up on the offer, however a certain lion beat him to it as a wine bottle was smashed right above their head.
"Really? You'd rather die? Like... now?"
The broken glass bottle was now pointed at the D Class students who were shaking in pure fear. Karma's waves of bloodlust acting up again, wrapping itself around their neck and threatening to suffocate them there.
"A-Akabane!"
"I'm g-good thanks!"
And they ran off before Karma could truly do any harm. He dropped the bottle, not caring if it smashed as he turned to face Nagisa.
"Like I'd actually do it! With such great toys to play with, who wants another suspension?"
His eyes met Nagisa as he spoke, closing the distance as Nagisa understood the message.
He knows I'd clean up his mess if he actually did... he has strings attached to my throat and yet, I really couldn't care.
"Karma..."
Before he could call Karma out though, the devil in front of him decided to speak instead. He wasn't so blind after all, he knew Nagisa knew.
"So listen, Nagisa, there's something I wanted to ask you."
Karma was cooking up some ideas... and honestly, Nagisa was more then happy to help. Not out of a place of love, but comradely.
"I understand you know a few things about Koro-Sensei."
"Uh, well, I've been taking notes."
Nagisa scanned himself through the station lines as they started to wait for the train.
"Does he get mad if you call him an octopus?"
Always one for the petty things first... rile him up, make him flustered, then strike.
"An octopus? On the contrary, I think. His self-portrait is an octopus, and he picks the octopus character in games. And when he was digging around in the sandbox... he made an Octopus Trap joke. So if he's making jokes like that, I'd say the octopus thing is kind of his trademark."
"Hmm. That gives me a little idea."
Nagisa knew that tone of voice... and he imagined he knew what face Karma was making.
He's pretty close to the train tracks...
"What are you up to now, Karma?"
"I'm satisfied, is all."
He's actually... feeling for once?
Karma turned around while still standing near the edge. He faced Nagisa with a look of pure bliss before continuing to speak.
"I was wondering what I'd so if he were just some monster, but turns out he's an actual teacher. And I get to kill an actual teacher... I mean, since the last one up and died on me."
His hair and blazer blew as the train passed at high speeds behind him, Nagisa looking in understanding. He never really cared for the metaphorical and psychological torture Karma put people through. It was interesting to watch, but he was doubtful he could do it himself.
That's why I'm a helper, because I can't do both. I'm just a tool, not an actual gift.
A moment of silence passed between the two of them as the train was long gone. Not that it mattered, it wasn't theirs anyways.
A dreamscape of pure haze, almost nothing could be made out. The faces of the two beings were dusted and in a mirage, while their bodies were all contorted out of proportion.
"Why are you at my house?"
The voices were mumbled too, making it impossible for it to be told apart. It wasn't even clear who was speaking between the two beings.
"Huh...? We know each other. I'm _."
"We both know you're not _."
.
.
.
"The whelp is perceptive. In that case we'll state our business."
And suddenly, what the figures spoke about became unintelligible to the onlooker.
When morning came, Nagisa didn't remember much more of the dream. Not that he remembered a lot to begin with. He'd been having weird dreams a lot lately... was it triggered by Karma? Not likely, he only came back yesterday. Koro-Sensei? Perhaps, it was a weird circumstance. Maybe it was from the strange familiarity he had with his teacher. Nagisa thought Koro-Sensei was quite similar to the boy, almost in an unprecedented understanding between the twos bloodlust.
"... What was the dream about?"
The classroom stinks...
Not anyones fault but Karma's of course. He'd decided to truly outdo himself and leave the exposed and rotting remains of an octopus out on the desk to demoralize the students and Koro-Sensei by extension. He went to lengths beyond what was expected. One would expect a simple knife in a dead one from a shop. While the latter part was true, Karma had seen to personally ripping out some of the organs and letting its guts dangle out down the desk.
The door slid open as Koro-Sensei ducked his head under and then walked in before turning to face the students.
"Good morning! Hm...?"
All the students had negative expressions on their faces. Some were just slightly disturbed, some felt like they'd be sick. All except for a red head at the back who caused the accident and a mouse at the front who kept his look unreadable...
"What's wrong, cla--"
And then the teacher saw it... the disemboweled octopus laying on his desk.
So that was the putrid smell I smelled from the hallways...
Koro-Sensei mused to himself, sighing slightly as he already had an inkling as to who caused it. Though he didn't have to wait long for clarification.
"Whoops! My bad! I mistook it for you and killed it instead. Perhaps I went a little rough~ I have to go all out to kill you though right? Tell ya what, teach. Since it was my mistake, bring it here-- I'll dispose of it."
Karma's casual expression remained even with the disgusting sight and horrific smell filling the classroom. A small match of glares filled Karma and Koro-Sensei, who picked up the octopus in a way that it's fluids wouldn't spill onto the floor.
"All right, Karma."
The one hand that wasn't propping up Karma's head from the desk was lazily behind his desk, holding an Anti Koro-Sensei knife. He knew it wouldn't kill the teacher. Something so simple could never.
But that's fine... I don't need to kill your body right now-- I'll start by slowly killing your soul.
Just as Koro-Sensei was about to get within striking distance, his tentacles - Minus the ones that held the octopus - turned into drills that started spinning at rapid speeds. Then a sonic boom followed by a cloud of dust filled the room. Within a moment, Koro-Sensei was back with what looked to be several items in his tentacles. There was a missile, some tempura bits, some flour, some sauce, some bonito flakes and that only covered some of it.
"Allow me to show you, Karma: the might of these drill tentacles and the firepower of this missile I filched from the Self-Defense Force!"
The fire on the end of the missile turned on at full blast as Karma looked in light shock and awe. The rest of the class knowing what he could do already still enjoyed watching. Especially Nagisa.
Right... Karma doesn't know... hell, even most people here don't know. But Koro-Sensei clearly has experience. He knows what he's talking about, and that's why we're struggling. More so then him moving at Mach 20.
"I'm not about to let my assassin get away scot-free."
Koro-Sensei spoke out while seeming to cook something up with all the ingredients and the firepower of the missile he had. Soon, a small meal of what looked to be akin to Takoyaki was made as Karma found one in his mouth. The red headed boy immediately spit it out in both annoyance...
Was that mistrust...? Not aimed at me... but at the food?
Thoughts ran through Koro-Sensei's head as he continued his lecture by holding the small filling of his custom meal in front of Karma.
"I could tell by your facial complexion that you hadn't eaten breakfast. I whipped these octopus balls up at Mach speed. They'll put you well on your way to being nice and healthy. Open wide!"
Karma's fist blocked his mouth as he looked on in what seemed to be disgust more then annoyance. After realizing Karma wouldn't budge, his teacher continued to talk.
"Karma... what I do is tend things, take care of them. Things like assassins' rusty blades. So keep killing me in earnest all day today. Every time you do, I'll take care of you."
When the 'octopus balls' - As Koro-Sensei called them - were put away, Karma removed his fist and looked towards his teacher with a challenging sort of glare.
"By the end of the day, your body and mind will be polished to sparkling."
And then, the bell for first period started with that challenge of war being declared.
First period was Math. Koro-Sensei was writing on the chalkboard and trying to explain the level of Maths they were doing.
"As you see, this number is left over, no matter what you do. If this indivisibility is getting you down, then have I got the method for you!"
As he lectured, he felt Karma's eyes burning holes into the back of his head. Yet, the lion didn't seem worried at all. It wanted to keep pushing boundaries and try to make disruptions for the teacher to stumble his way though.
Destroy his spirit...
Karma reached into the inside of his blazer and pulled out one of the guns on him, getting ready to fire.
"I'll write it on the blackboard. Everyone try solving it together."
BANG!
The anti Koro-Sensei BB fired... but not from where Karma was. The gun was in Koro-Sensei's hand and the bullet had hit some random wall across the classroom.
"Oh, Karma? It takes too long for the fired BB to hit, I'm afraid."
Karma had only realized his gun was gone once Koro-Sensei spoke. Replacing it... was some nails that were girlishly decorated in artistic fashion for the one trying to subtly control the class.
"And since I had plenty of time, I gave you a little nail art."
Karma's eyebrows twitched as he clenched his fingers into his palm, breaking the skin but not quite drawing blood. All of this was observed.
There was no disruptions until Fourth Period which was Home Economics. Everyone was cooking with each person sporting a different apron and hat up top to prevent hairs getting in the food. Koro-Sensei walked over to Fuwa to check how she was doing.
"Well? How'd you two do, Fuwa?"
"Mmm, I dunno... it has this kind of sharp tang to it."
"Let me try."
Just as Koro-Sensei was about to try a bit, Karma - Who wasn't wearing any sort of apron - walked over to his partner.
"Well, why don't you start over? Toss that batch out, and--"
Karmas fist hit the bottom of the dish, sending it flying into the air about to be ruined. During this, the young assassin swung towards Koro-Sensei with his green knife. However in the brink of an eye, Karma was now wearing a dark pink chef hat and a pink apron with a massive heart in the middle.
"You forgot your apron, Karma. Don't worry about the soup. I sucked it all up in midair with a dropper. Oh, and added sugar while I was at it."
Fuwa tried a mouthful as she gasped and looked up with a fulfilled expression.
"It's much milder!"
"How adorable! You and Karma both~"
With a faint blush on his face, Karma ripped off the hat as he gritted his teeth from the amused glances of Terasaka's gang. All of this was observed.
The next disruption attempt came in fifth period, Japanese. Koro-Sensei was walking around the room, reading an extract from a text.
"It was an ideal spot for the red frog. Why didn't it try to cross there? Even as I was thinking this--"
The moment Karmas knife came out his blazers sleeve for an attempt, Koro-Sensei's tentacle was at the boys forehead and hand.
"The red frog, having failed again, was making its way back. I was starting to get bored with it."
As he read out loud, the teacher made direct eye contact with Karma who's hair was being parted and combed at that moment.
"Picking up some stones from the road, I began throwing them at the sandbar. I was not trying to hit the red frog..."
All of this was observed.
Classes had ended as Karma bit on his nail. He was sat on a large branch hovering over the edge of a massive cliffside. If he slipped even slightly, he'd fall to his death.
"Somehow, we always come back here."
Karma hadn't even heard the mouse approach him, yet he wasn't surprised in the slightest. The bluenette had just spoken to him and paid him no mind that he was so close to possible death.
"Try not to sweat it. We'll do it together, like we have before. Once Koro-Sensei has his eye on you, you can't kill him by yourself, no matter the method."
A silence passed between them as Karma stayed facing away from Nagisa and facing towards the endless drop below him.
"You didn't tell me he was experienced."
"I never said you could do it alone."
A silence passed between the two as the wind blew a strong gust through them, shaking the branch slightly as it did. He turned his head over his shoulder to match a gaze with Nagisa.
"What's that say about your faith in your partner then?"
Almost looking offended, Nagisa gasped and shook his head.
"You know that's not the case. If I didn't have faith in you, I wouldn't be your cleaner would I?"
That side to Nagisa... confident, yet prideful to hell. But also endlessly loyal. It's only when it's us.
"If you had faith in me, you wouldn't of been sent down to E-Class."
Karma's voice was eerily cold, and the distance between them expanded ten-fold. Nagisa fell still as his hair covered his eyes. Fists shaking as Karma stood up to properly face him, yet still planted firmly on the branch that wasn't even as wide as him.
"... I didn't mean to--"
"Oh, you didn't mean to mess up your only job?! The main thing that makes US, US?!"
Karma's voice rose as suddenly... Nagisa felt a lot smaller. That red wave of malice emanated off Karma like he was a volcano waiting to erupt. He didn't give Nagisa a chance to continue.
"Your job is meant to be a cleaner and backup. So how the fuck did you k--"
Nagisa found his own blue wave of bloodlust before that sentence could finish.
"YOU DONT UNDERSTAND WHAT HAPPENED!!"
"OF COURSE!! HOW COULD I UNDERSTAND HOW HIS CHEST WAS PUNCTURED 12 FUCKING TIMES?!"
Karmas wave of malice spiked as his voice flared in a way that made Nagisa shiver in fear... it reminded him of another from his home life... he hated when Karma directed it onto him. Nagisa's eyes slowly hazed as he felt pressure on them building. Just when it looked like his red wave of malice was about to challenge Nagisas... it just vanished as he turned his head up.
"You're right, Nagisa... Clearly, I don't. I don't understand anything. I don't understand how that happened, or why I had to take most the fall, or why I can't even kill something as simple as a teacher anymore."
An uncomfortable silence filled the area as the distance between them fixed itself. Nagisa took a moment as he sniffed away a few tears that had been threatening to spill out.
"He isn't like other teachers... we can both see that."
"... Teachers, eh...?"
Their moment of was interrupted though by Karmas memories taking the handles.
"Akabane, you're right! Though you are combative, with your share of behavioral issues... As long as you're in the right, I'll be on your side!"
"Yeah, no. I want to do it."
Karma stared back towards the large fall between the branch and the floor.
He... wants to do what?
"Karma?"
The sound of slithering could be heard as both boys turned their gaze to their teacher. Seeing the state... he still felt remnants of bloodlust and malice.
These boys... only Nagisa is in a highly emotional state... but Karma... he isn't showing any.
"I've certainly taken good care of you today, haven't I?"
Koro-Sensei stood the same distance away from Nagisa that Nagisa stood away from Karma. Admittedly... he didn't like how Karma was on that branch.
"You can still try to kill me, you know. The strength and technique is definitely there. Be warned though, I'll make sure to polish you up even shinier."
Karma looked blankly at the octopus. For one so good at reading people... it was shameful to admit.
I... can't read what's going on in that boys head. He's smiling with me for the first time ever... yet he clearly isn't happy.
"Just to make sure... you are a teacher, correct?"
Nagisa eyed up Karma from the side... and Karma eyed up Nagisa.
"Yes."
"And you would, say, risk your life to protect your students?"
Several red flags flashed in Koro-Sensei's mind as he noticed Karmas dangerous gaze was fixated on Nagisa.
He... wouldn't scoop to threatening or even hurting the others... would he? No. Don't show fear, it'll escalate the situation.
"Of course-- what kind of teacher would I be if I didn't?"
"Okay, good. Then I can kill you."
Karma pulled the gun out his blazer and aimed it towards the teacher. A gust of wind heavily blew as he spoke once more.
"Hey, Nagisa... can you promise you'll clean up after me?"
Nagisa's eyes searched Karma's for a moment as they then widened. Koro-Sensei was clueless, but with all that Nagisa knew...
That's what he meant... he wants to do two birds with one stone. He wants to do that as well.
"I promise, Karma."
A smile flashed on Karma's face as he then fell backwards with zero hesitation.
"For sure... it'll work."
For the first time... Karma actually was happy. Both the boys felt it as he fell. His eyes was sharp and fierce like that of a lion, trained onto anything that was yellow which would pass his vision. If Koro-Sensei came to help, he'd be shot either after, during or before he was saved. And if he didn't, both his life as a teacher...
And my grim existence will finally be over.
As he continued to fall, several visions and flashes filled Karma's mind and made him audibly laugh out loud.
"Oh man... everything actually is flashing before my eyes!"
"Is he okay?"
The lion was busy punching the dead corpse in the face again and again. He couldn't let his other take the fall... at least if the lion took brunt of the blame, he could slither around worst case scenario. He'd happily go to the bottom of the barrel to make sure the mouse didn't go to prison after all.
"He should be... I made sure to knock him out cold and wound him a bit. Why? Whats your idea?"
"... we're setting up a scene. The 3-E boy was being attacked first. Then, I came in and managed to defend the boy who got assaulted. While the assaulter would be heavily injured, I wouldn't have killed him. Luckily, the person you-"
"Don't say it... I may throw up..."
"The assaulter that has passed had asthma. We can make it look like he suffered a fatal asthma attack after my beatdown on him. That way, neither of us should get expelled but merely sent to E class. Hopefully only me."
Only the lion had gotten suspended and sent to E-Class... he wasn't aware of how the mouse was here. It certainly wasn't bad grades... but...
"I'm in the right here. What's wrong with saving a bullied student?"
"No _ _ _ _ _ _ _. No matter how you look at it, even if there wasn't a death... you're in the wrong. Is your head on straight? Where do you get off on causing the death of the best student in Year 3?"
"No--sir, wait-- I didn't kill him..."
"No, but you sided with the E Class and hurt someone with a bright future which led to his death. This is on my head! Frankly, I don't understand why the principal didn't expel you!"
The lion had been promised trust... he knew that trust would be broken a while ago. But it still hurt to see the betrayal in action.
"Your grades are the only thing you've got. They're why I always looked the other way! But once you start hurting my career, it's a different story."
The lion's teacher was dead. He no longer existed. Instead was a miserable hollow of a man.
"Your transfer has been put in place and confirmed. Congratulations, _ _ _ _ _ _ _. You'll be starting your third year in the E Class."
He let the lion down. That teacher spent the rest of the school year in the hospital... not from the lions own fault though.
The lion never really cared how it happened, but it was like divine justice.
Koro-Sensei! I'll kill you with our efforts! Because no one except us understands!! Now, which death do you choose?
Koro-Sensei dashed down at Mach speeds, pushing himself as he started to spring a tentacle made web. He then went t--
BANG
"W-wha--"
He looked up and noticed that Nagisa was shooting anti Koro-Sensei BBs down from the cliff-edge. An unreadable expression on his face as he was holding two pistols and was shooting with almost perfect proficiency.
Is Nagisa... using this as a chance to finish me? Or Karma...?
Koro-Sensei was a teacher first, he sprung the web again and took several BB shots, gasping as each time, a line from the web was taken. Soon, Karma fell into the half complete web. Only half of him was hanging on... the half that wasn't holding the gun.
BANG BANG
Two gunshots rang out at the same time from nearly 200 meters apart. Both exploding the parts of the web that held Karma as his descent to the floor continued while he picked up speed.
Distance left until impact... 400 meters.
"Karma!!"
Koro-Sensei was getting desperate and Karma was getting closer to possible impact. The floor was getting closer, but even closer were the several branches from the trees. He'd have to take a gambit with both students so dedicated to this.
And I can't shed my skin for another week... think!
And then the idea came to him. It was dangerous... but he had to make the web while being above Karma. So he did. The moment he did, there was a BANG towards his head which got between the eyes.
Luckily... they don't know that my brain isn't my weak spot... It still hurts though!!
Every BB that went through Koro-Sensei was a surge of pain and made him shudder. However, just moments before Karma was about to hit the branches... he fell into the web. He tried getting up... he couldn't. He tried shooting the web... his clip was empty. Then he looked up and saw that Koro-Sensei had several missing bits of his body. His left tentacle was gone, several gaps in his head were present, and yellow liquid was squirting out everywhere.
If I don't hurry, I won't be able to regenerate.
BANG BANG BANG
As perfect as Nagisa was... 350 meters away with only duel pistols, even he could only hit so many shots. Some missed, and while Koro-Sensei was still getting hurt, he wasn't as worried because Karma was safe. Immediately, he wrapped Karma up in the web like a present sac and flew up to where Nagisa was. He threw the web a few feet away and stood at the edge of the cliff himself.
"... out of ammo Nagisa?"
BANG
"... I am now."
A sigh of relief came from Koro-Sensei as Nagisa tried shooting, but nothing came out. That assassination attempt that nearly worked... failed. Getting his breath back and starting to regenerate, Koro-Sensei spoke.
"Karma...? Splendid job on the premeditated assassination starring yourself, with Nagisa as supporting cast."
Both Karma and Nagisa couldn't meet Koro-Sensei's gaze... or their own for that matter.
"Nagisa abused the fact that I couldn't save you at the speed of sound, due to your body possibly breaking, and used that to hone in his shots. As did you! I couldn't slow down either though... honestly, the fact that you both hit me is amazing!"
And heavy cause for concern... what have these two gone through?
"Even when I tried getting sticky at first, you saw through it and shot the webs for extra time."
Karma sighed and wiped some excess fluid off of him from Koro-Sensei's wounds.
"Damn...! What can't these tentacles do?!"
"As long as you both had bullets, I couldn't do it. So I had to bare the forefront of them and hope for the best. Luckily, it paid out... but, Karma. Letting you die was never an option. Whether it's just you going for a leap, or you have the entire class as backup. I will catch you. Students don't die on my watch..."
The sun came out a bit more as that was said to the lion. His eyes widened as Koro-Sensei ruined the serious moment.
"Just because I said that though... I'll have to give you extra homework if you bring anyone else with you!! That was scary!!"
A deadpanned look was earned from both teens before Karma sighed and dropped his gun in defeat.
A shame... he wont die. And he can't be killed. Not the teacher part of him, anyways.
"Also, Karma... I believe you have someone you need to apologize to."
Karma looked confused before turning to Nagisa. The blue haired boy was shaking.
"You may not have seen it... but every time he fired a BB at me, tears left his eyes. This could have been traumatic for him, if it wasn't already. Yet he did it, because it would of been your final wish if it had worked."
Karma sighed as he ruffled Nagisa's hair and pulled him into a one armed hug.
"... I'm not good at apologies, but... for what it's worth Nagisa... I'm sorry. I wont leave you behind."
To the onlooker, that was a promise to not do it again, however... to Nagisa, that was something which meant more then anyone could imagine.
"Karma... for someone so smart... you're an idiot."
A comfortable silence passed between them all as Nagisa whispered to only Karma.
"At least let me join you next time... it's unfair for one of us to just leave the other. We're a team."
A smile, a genuine one, found its way onto Karma's lips as he nodded. Silently promising to do so. Letting out a sigh of relief, Nagisa then spoke again.
"For being so reckless, Karma, you sure were calm. I don't think I could of managed that."
"Eh, no biggie. As far as I can figure it, that would've been our best chance at killing him."
Deciding to defuse the situation a bit more, Koro-Sensei spoke with green stripes on his head.
"Oh? Out of ideas already? I have plenty of grooming tools to use in retaliation. You're kind of a pushover yourself, aren't you?!"
Karma parted from Nagisa and turned his gaze towards his teacher. Something between disgust and fondness in his eyes.
"I'm feeling murderous, all right..."
But this time it's different somehow.
Karma drew his finger across his neck and looked Koro-Sensei dead in the eyes.
"Oh, I'll kill you--maybe even tomorrow."
Koro-Sensei's face turned into the correct symbol before facing Nagisa.
"A healthy, refreshing bloodlust... looks like you don't need any more TLC."
"Be careful Karma, I may steal that kill from under your nose~"
Nagisa playfully teased in retaliation, earning a nod from Koro-Sensei and an insulting headpat from Karma.
"That checks out... you are short as hell~ well, let's head on back, Nagisa. We can eat on the way, my treat."
Karma spoke as he walked past Koro-Sensei, holding his teachers purse in his hands earning a gasp from Koro-Sensei.
"HEY! That's my purse!"
"Then don't leave it in the staff room unattended!"
"Give it back!"
"Take it!"
During it all, Nagisa smiled fondly, slowly catching up as he mused to himself.
Perhaps I should have saved some bullets...
The purse was thrown back to their teacher and was opened... though it was empty.
"But... it's empty!"
Karma fidgeted his hands in his pockets, making sure Koro-Sensei heard the rustling of his yen.
"There wasn't much in there. Call it a donation."
And that sent Koro-Sensei into a spiraling depression since pay day was still several days away.
"You hypocritical delinquent!"
Karma and Nagisa were sat in a booth at a burger joint. Both having split Koro-Sensei's money between them and planning to use every penny. That suggestion belonging to Karma after all.
". . . You're still somehow not as evil as her."
Nagisa playfully remarked. On other days, even mentioning her would send him spiraling. But today, and to his best friend... it was different. A scoff came from the red headed boy as he played it off casually.
"Oh please, I'm as kind as you get~ besides... even Gakuho doesn't reach her level of evil. Speaking of... has she gotten worse since you were sent to E Class?"
Right, they hadn't been face to face in a while. She forbid them from seeing each other and Nagisa was never truthful in messages in case she checked them. Both of them knew that but there wasn't really any workaround as unfortunate as it was.
"To be honest... it's not as bad as I expected it to be. Theres only been two major blow outs. The first when I broke the E Class news to her, and the second was when Terasaka burned my uniform."
A confused looked passed over Karmas face as he made eye contact with Nagisa.
"How'd he do that? Did he press a hot iron to you or something?"
"Pffft, we both know he couldn't touch me. It was because of our assassination attempt."
The world stood still for a moment as Karmas eyes grew that predatory gaze again.
"... 'Our'?"