The afternoon sun filtered through the classroom windows, casting long shadows across the rows of desks. I sat near the back, half-focused on Koro-sensei's animated lecture. My mind kept drifting back to the events of yesterday—the hidden alley, the phone call I overheard, and the unsettling realization that my cheerful, silly homeroom teacher was far more dangerous than he appeared.
Koro-sensei stood at the front of the class, his usual smile plastered on his face as he launched into a discussion on philosophy. Today's topic: just war theory. The irony wasn't lost on me, considering the current state of the world. The Holy Britannian Empire had already conquered a third of Japan, and the country had been in a state of constant resistance. The assassination of Clovis la Britannia, which I now knew was Koro-sensei's doing, had shattered the fragile truce, and the war was on the verge of reigniting.
"Now, students," Koro-sensei began, his voice brimming with enthusiasm as he gestured wildly with his arms, "let's talk about the concept of a 'just war.' A just war, in theory, is one fought for reasons that are morally acceptable, such as self-defense or protecting the innocent. But as we all know, reality is often much more complex!" He paused, turning his large, round eyes to the class, his gaze sweeping over us with a mischievous twinkle.
I felt a jolt of awareness when his gaze lingered on me for just a heartbeat longer than it did on the others. My back straightened reflexively, a cold prickle running down my spine. Did he know I had overheard his conversation yesterday? Was that playful smile masking something more sinister?
"Take, for example, the Holy Britannian Empire," Koro-sensei continued, his tone light and conversational. "The empire claims that its conquests bring order and progress. They argue that their actions are justified because they bring stability to the regions they conquer. But at what cost? When does the desire for control and power become an injustice in itself?"
The classroom was silent, the weight of his words settling over us like a heavy blanket. I could feel the tension, the unspoken thoughts swirling in the minds of my classmates. It was clear that Koro-sensei had a way of making these heavy topics both engaging and unsettling, and it was hard to tell where his true thoughts lay.
"Japan, on the other hand," he went on, "has been one of the longest-standing nations resisting the empire. Despite the overwhelming odds, they've managed to maintain their sovereignty. But with the assassination of Clovis, the peace envoy, the delicate balance is about to shatter, and the war will likely resume. A war that has already claimed countless lives. So, my dear students, I ask you: can any war truly be just?"
He leaned forward, letting the question hang in the air like a challenge. The silence stretched, each of us contemplating the implications of his words. I knew this topic all too well. Wars waged in the name of justice, but often fueled by greed and ambition. The empire was a perfect example of this hypocrisy.
When it became clear no one else would speak up, I decided to break the silence. "Wars are rarely just," I said, my voice calm but edged with the cynicism I had long harbored. "Even when they start with noble intentions, they inevitably devolve into battles for power, control, and survival. The victors write history, and they decide what is just."
Koro-sensei's smile widened as he listened, his head bobbing up and down in agreement. "Ah, Lelouch-kun, that's an excellent point! History is indeed written by the victors. And those who lose? Their stories are often forgotten, their perspectives erased. It makes you wonder if justice is ever truly served, or if it's just a convenient label we use to justify our actions."
He leaned in closer, his tone suddenly conspiratorial. "And speaking of actions, let me give you another quick assassination tip: never leave fingerprints behind! A clean job leaves no trail for others to follow. It's all about efficiency!" He finished with a wink, and the class erupted in nervous laughter. I forced myself to join in, though my thoughts were far from amused.
As the discussion continued, Koro-sensei seamlessly shifted between the seriousness of the topic and his usual silly antics. It was a bizarre contrast, watching him switch from discussing the ethics of war to giving assassination "tips" with the same enthusiasm as if he were teaching us how to bake a cake.
"For example," Koro-sensei went on, "if you're ever in a situation where you need to remove someone quietly—say, a rival in a tense political situation—it's important to use tools that won't be traced back to you. Poison, for instance, can be quite effective if used correctly. Just make sure you don't accidentally mix it up with your tea! That could lead to some rather unfortunate misunderstandings!" He chuckled, waving his hands around as if imagining the scenario.
The class erupted into another round of laughter, but I couldn't shake the unease building in my chest. Every time he made a joke about assassination, I was reminded of the call I overheard. His lightheartedness seemed almost like a cover—a way to disguise the fact that he had taken a life without hesitation. And every now and then, he would glance in my direction, his gaze lingering just a little too long, making me wonder if he was aware of my knowledge.
"The world will always be filled with injustice," Koro-sensei said, his tone suddenly serious again, the playful mask slipping just enough to reveal a hint of the darkness underneath. "If you have time to give up or hold a grudge against that injustice, then use that time to enjoy battling those injustices instead. Whether it's through words, actions, or even a good, old-fashioned revolution."
His words struck a chord within me, resonating with the anger and resentment I had buried deep inside. The world was unjust, and I had suffered because of it. But I wasn't just an observer; I was a player with my own plans to take down Britannia, to destroy the empire from within. Koro-sensei's philosophy, his casual acceptance of violence, was both a warning and a strange kind of encouragement.
Before I could dwell too long on the thought, Koro-sensei's phone rang, the cheerful ringtone shattering the heavy atmosphere. He pulled out his phone, glancing at the screen with a frown. "Ah, I apologize, class," he said, holding up the phone for emphasis. "It seems I have an urgent call to attend to. Please, take a few moments to ponder today's discussion. I'll be back shortly!"
With that, he bounced out of the classroom, his departure leaving an odd silence in his wake. The door clicked shut, and the room was filled with the low hum of murmured conversations. I glanced around, taking in the thoughtful expressions of my classmates.
"So, what do you think he meant?" Sora asked, turning to the rest of us. "About enjoying battling injustice?"
I leaned back in my chair, my gaze distant. "It's about taking control of your fate," I said, my tone thoughtful. "In a world filled with injustice, you can either be a passive observer or an active participant. Koro-sensei seems to believe that fighting against the injustices we face is not only necessary but something to be embraced. It's a way to take power back, even in a system that's designed to keep you down."
Light nodded slowly, his expression contemplative. "But there's a fine line between battling injustice and becoming the very thing you despise," he added. "That's where things get complicated. When does the fight for justice turn into a quest for revenge or power?"
Before anyone else could respond, the school's intercom system crackled to life, filling the room with the crackling sound of the principal's voice. "Attention, students. This is a reminder that the upcoming club activities exhibition for first-year students will take place in Gymnasium 1 at 5 PM today. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the various clubs available and to find where you might fit in. Attendance is encouraged, but not mandatory. That is all."
As the announcement ended, Johan turned to the rest of us with a curious smile. "Are any of you planning to join a club? It could be an interesting way to learn more about the school and the students here."
Light shrugged. "I might check it out if they have a tennis club or something similar. I'm not particularly inclined towards clubs, but it wouldn't hurt to look."
Sora shook his head, leaning back in his chair. "Shiro and I would prefer not to join any clubs if we can help it. We're not really into that sort of thing. Right, Shiro?" Shiro nodded quietly beside him, her eyes still fixed on the book she was reading.
"What about you, Lelouch?" Sora asked, turning to me. "Any interest in clubs?"
"I don't have anything specific in mind," I replied, keeping my tone casual. "But most likely, I won't join any clubs, especially if they're physically demanding. I have other priorities."
Ryuzaki, who had been listening silently, chimed in with a thoughtful expression. "It's possible we might be encouraged or even forced to join a club in the future, considering this school's focus on developing future leaders. Clubs can be a way to build social connections and leadership skills, which aligns with the school's goals."
He turned to Ayanokoji, who had remained quiet throughout the conversation. "What about you, Ayanokoji? Any thoughts on clubs?"
Ayanokoji shrugged, his expression neutral. "I don't have any strong opinions, but I'll probably go check it out. It's good to see what options are available. Anyone want to tag along?"
"I'll go," Light said, standing up and stretching. "But I have something to take care of first, so I'll meet you there later."
The rest of us nodded, each lost in our own thoughts. The idea of joining a club seemed trivial in the grand scheme of things, but it was clear that the school had its own reasons for pushing us in that direction. For now, I would observe, gather information, and plan my next move.
This is only the beginning, I reminded myself as I watched my classmates prepare to leave. And in this game, understanding your opponent is the first step to winning.
With the discussion over, and the club activities exhibition still an hour away, I decided to spend my free time productively. Even though the school provided detailed maps of the campus, I preferred to rely on my own observations. Maps could show the layout, but they didn't tell you everything. They didn't show where the security cameras were positioned, which areas were consistently crowded, or which places were always quiet. Knowing these details could be the difference between life and death, especially with an assassin like Koro-sensei nearby. If there ever came a time when I became a target, understanding the terrain could provide a crucial advantage.
I walked through the hallways, my eyes discreetly scanning the ceilings and corners for security cameras. There were more than I expected, which wasn't surprising for a school that prided itself on control and order. I noted their positions, as well as the patrol routes of the security staff. There were certain areas that were heavily monitored—near the principal's office, the main entrances, and the dormitories. Other places, like the far ends of the garden or the quiet alleys behind the gym, were less so.
As I continued my survey, a familiar voice called out, "Lelouch-kun!"
I turned to see Kushida-san, her ever-present smile brightening her face. She waved as she approached, and beside her was another girl with shoulder-length brown hair and a gentle demeanor.
"Kushida-san," I greeted, nodding politely. "How are you?"
"I'm good!" she chirped, her eyes sparkling. "I just finished talking to some of the girls in my class, and look who I bumped into! This is my friend from Class B, Honami Ichinose."
The girl beside her gave a small wave. "Nice to meet you. Please, call me Ichinose."
"Lelouch Lamperouge," I said, returning her smile with one of my own. "And you can call me Lelouch."
"Lelouch-kun," Kushida-san said playfully, "are you going to tell us what class you're in now?" She tilted her head, her eyes glinting with mischief.
I chuckled lightly, shrugging. "Let's just say I'm still getting used to everything. It's all a bit overwhelming, don't you think?"
Kushida-san pouted but didn't press further, thankfully. Honami-san looked between us with an amused expression, clearly catching on to the teasing. We chatted for a few more minutes, the conversation light and easy, before I excused myself, citing some things I needed to take care of.
"Well, it was nice meeting you, Ichinose-san," I said, giving her a polite nod. "I'm sure we'll see each other around."
"Likewise," she replied warmly. "Take care, Lelouch-kun."
As I walked away, I couldn't help but be wary. Kushida-san was friendly, almost too friendly, and I had to be careful not to let my guard down around her. Ichinose-san seemed pleasant enough, but I couldn't be sure of her intentions yet. Trust was a luxury I couldn't afford.
My feet led me back towards the quieter parts of the campus, my mind occupied with mapping out the rest of the area. I found myself near the alley where I had overheard Koro-sensei's conversation the day before. The urge to check it again tugged at me. Curiosity, that ever-present drive, was hard to resist.
Maybe just a quick look, I thought, glancing around to make sure no one was watching. I turned into the alley, moving silently, my senses alert. The shadows seemed to stretch further here, the light dimmer, as if the place itself held secrets.
As I approached the spot, I froze. Koro-sensei was there, standing in the same spot as before, his back to me. He seemed to be waiting for someone. My instincts screamed at me to turn back, to leave before he noticed me. But before I could move, Koro-sensei turned, his eyes locking onto mine with an unsettling speed. One moment he was standing by the wall, the next, he was right in front of me.
I barely suppressed a gasp, my mind reeling. How had he moved so fast? It was as if he had teleported. The space between us had vanished in an instant, and I hadn't even seen him move.
"Ah, Lelouch-kun!" Koro-sensei said cheerfully, his voice light and airy. "Fancy meeting you here again! Are you lost once more?" He tilted his head, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
I forced a smile, my heart pounding. "Just exploring the campus," I replied, keeping my voice steady. "There are a lot of places to see."
Koro-sensei's smile didn't waver, but his eyes held a knowing gleam. "Exploring, hmm? Well, since you're here, why don't we talk for a bit?" His tone was still friendly, but there was an edge to it that sent a chill down my spine. Before I could respond, his expression shifted, the smile fading into something far more serious.
"What is the 11th Prince of the Holy Britannian Empire, who was supposed to be dead, doing in a prestigious school in the very country his empire is trying to conquer?" he asked, his voice low and sharp, the cheerfulness gone. "Lelouch vi Britannia."
My blood ran cold. My mind raced, searching for an out, a way to deny the accusation, but Koro-sensei's eyes bore into mine, leaving no room for lies.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I said, forcing a casual tone. "I think you've got the wrong person."
Koro-sensei chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Oh, Lelouch-kun, there's no need to pretend. I know who you are. Lelouch vi Britannia, along with his sister, Nunnally, was sent to Japan to study after the death of their mother, Marianne vi Britannia. But it wasn't really to study, was it? You were exiled by your own empire, used as political hostages. And when the time came, you were declared dead, a convenient excuse for Britannia to wage war on Japan. Seven years later, rumors spread that the exiled prince was spotted in a chess gambling den, and now here you are, standing right in front of me."
I stood frozen, the weight of his words pressing down on me. He knew everything. There was no point in denying it any longer. My mind raced, searching for a way to turn this to my advantage, to use this knowledge against him.
"What does an assassin like you want with me?" I asked, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. "Why are you here, in a school like this?"
Koro-sensei's smile returned, playful and mischievous. "Oh, I have my reasons. Let's just say I'm here to eliminate the shadows of Britannia that loom over Japan. And you, Lelouch-kun, you're quite the interesting shadow yourself."
He leaned in closer, his eyes glinting with excitement. "How would you like to join my organization? We could help you get revenge on the empire that wronged you. But don't worry," he added with a wink, "I'm not expecting an answer right now. Take your time to think it over."
With that, he straightened up, his usual cheerfulness returning. "Well, I must be off! So many things to do, so little time! Until we meet again, Lelouch-kun!" And just like that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing alone in the alley.
I watched him go, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Koro-sensei had seen through me, had known my true identity from the start. He had offered me an alliance, a chance for revenge. But at what cost? What did he truly want, and could I trust him?
This is more than just a school, I realized, my resolve hardening. This is a battlefield, and every move matters. Koro-sensei may know who I am, but that doesn't mean he holds all the cards.
As I turned and walked back towards the main campus, I knew one thing for certain: the game had become more dangerous, the stakes higher. But I was ready. I would navigate this world of shadows and secrets, and I would emerge victorious.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji's POV
Clubs, I thought, making my way towards Gymnasium 1 for the club activities exhibition. The announcement had said it was optional, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to see what the school had to offer. Besides, it might be useful to get a sense of the extracurricular landscape. In a school like this, where so much emphasis was placed on building future leaders, the choice of club could say a lot about a person.
As I walked, I spotted a familiar figure ahead of me—the girl from the bus, the one who had confronted me yesterday. I hadn't thought much about our brief exchange at the time, but now, as I watched her walk alone, I realized something. I didn't even know her name.
Strange, I thought. She made an impression, yet I never bothered to ask.
I approached her, slipping into step beside her. "Hey," I said casually, turning my head to get a better look at her. Her long black hair swayed slightly as she walked, a braid tied with a pink bow falling over her shoulder. She had a slim figure, and her posture was upright, almost rigid, as if she was constantly on guard.
She glanced at me out of the corner of her eye, her expression stern. "What do you want?"
"I realized we never exchanged names," I said, keeping my tone neutral. "I'm Kiyotaka Ayanokoji. What's yours?"
She regarded me for a moment, her expression unreadable. "You may ask, but I don't have to answer," she said.
I raised an eyebrow, taken aback by her bluntness. "Fair enough," I said, hiding my amusement. "Well, if you're not too busy, would you like to come check out the club activities exhibition with me?"
She crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed by the offer. "Why would I want to do that?"
"Why not?" I countered, shrugging. "It might be good to see what the school has to offer. Besides, it's better to have someone to talk to while you look around."
She gave me a long, measured look, then shook her head. "I've been completely alone for the past nine years. So it's another three to me. It hardly matters."
Her words hung in the air, cold and detached. Nine years of solitude. I wondered what could have caused someone so young to adopt such an attitude. "That's a long time to be alone," I said, my voice softer. "Don't you ever feel lonely?"
"Being alone is not synonymous with being lonely," she replied coolly, crossing her arms. "I prefer it that way. You wouldn't understand."
"Maybe not," I admitted. "But I'm curious. What if I'm the same as you? Maybe I don't have friends either."
She smirked, a rare expression breaking through her usually stern demeanor. "Unlike you, I chose to be alone. You, on the other hand, probably don't have friends because you lack the social skills to make any."
I couldn't help but chuckle at her bluntness. "You might be right," I said, nodding in acknowledgment. "But doesn't that mean we're in the same boat? Two people without friends, checking out the clubs together."
She sighed, her expression softening just slightly. "You're persistent, I'll give you that. Fine, I'll come with you, if only to watch you fail at making friends."
"Fair enough," I replied, starting to walk again with her beside me.
We walked in silence towards the gymnasium, the only sound the soft echo of our footsteps. Despite her aloof demeanor, I sensed a quiet intensity in her, a strength that came from her solitude. She reminded me of a lone wolf—self-reliant, wary of others, and fiercely independent.
Inside the gym, the atmosphere was lively. Various club representatives were setting up tables and displays, banners hanging overhead, each club eager to attract new members. I could see the appeal; in a prestigious school like this, extracurricular activities were likely just as important as academics. The clubs here weren't just for fun—they were grooming grounds for the elite.
"This is quite the setup," I remarked, glancing at the array of booths. "They've spared no expense."
"It's a strategy," she said, her voice matter-of-fact. "The school wants to foster talent and ambition. Clubs are a way to channel that, to see who has the potential to lead and who doesn't."
I nodded, taking in the well-organized displays. Each booth was a testament to the school's resources, showcasing top-notch equipment and professional-looking banners. From sports clubs boasting national-level training facilities to academic societies with impressive research opportunities, there was no shortage of options.
We moved from booth to booth, listening to the enthusiastic pitches from club members. Some tried to entice us with promises of prestige and recognition, others with camaraderie and a sense of belonging. I watched her reactions, noting the slight roll of her eyes at the more impassioned speeches.
As we reached the end of the row, the atmosphere shifted. A hush fell over the crowd as a student took the stage, his presence commanding immediate attention. He was tall, with sharp features and an air of authority that set him apart from the others.
"Who's that?" I asked, leaning slightly towards my companion.
She stiffened beside me, her eyes suddenly wide and focused on the stage. Her usual composure seemed to crack for just a moment, a flicker of recognition flashing in her eyes. But she said nothing, her lips pressed tightly together, as if refusing to speak.
I glanced back at the stage. The student's voice was calm and confident. "Good afternoon, first-year students," he began, his gaze sweeping across the gym. "I am Manabu Horikita, the student council president. As you know, the student council plays a vital role in the governance of this school, and we are always looking for new members who can contribute to our mission."
His eyes lingered on each of us, as if weighing our potential. "The student council is not for the faint of heart," he continued. "We seek exceptional students, those who can demonstrate leadership, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. If you believe you have what it takes, we encourage you to apply. But be warned: only the best will be accepted."
With that, he stepped down from the stage, leaving a ripple of whispers in his wake. I glanced at my companion, but she remained silent, her face a mask of composure, yet her earlier demeanor was gone. I decided not to press further, sensing that this was not the time to probe.
Before I could think more on it, Light and Johan appeared, weaving through the crowd to join us. "Quite the show, huh?" Light said, his usual composed expression softened by a hint of a smile. "The student council president certainly knows how to make an impression."
"Indeed," Johan agreed, his eyes flicking to my companion with interest. I noticed her stiffen slightly, her gaze still following Manabu as he left the stage.
Light turned to me, a casual smile on his lips. "We were thinking of starting a group chat," he said. "A way for us to keep in touch, maybe discuss classes and other things. Would you like to join?"
I considered his offer for a moment before nodding. "Sounds good. It'll be useful to have a way to communicate outside of class."
He handed me his phone, and I input my contact information, noting the way Johan watched us with quiet interest. There was something about him that put me on edge, a sense that he was always observing, always analyzing.
"Welcome to the group," Light said, taking his phone back. "I think we'll find it beneficial."
I nodded, pocketing my phone. As the crowd began to disperse, I noticed my companion slipping away, her movements quick and quiet. She didn't look back, disappearing into the throng of students.
Interesting, I thought, watching her leave. She was an enigma, wrapped in a layer of solitude that was both a shield and a weapon. I couldn't help but wonder what drove her, what lay beneath that composed exterior. And her reaction to Manabu Horikita... there was more to that story, I was sure of it.
As the gymnasium emptied, I found myself standing alone with Light and Johan. The club exhibition was over, but the real work was just beginning. There were secrets in this school, currents running beneath the surface, and each of us was a piece in a game we had yet to fully understand.