The room was quiet, save for the low murmur of the television in the background. I had spent the last few hours studying, doing my best to keep pace with the rigorous academic environment of the school. Though it wasn't my preferred way to spend time, I couldn't afford to lag behind—not in a class filled with brilliant minds, and not with my true goals always weighing on my mind.
I glanced at Johan, who was sitting across the room, casually watching the news while skimming through a book. His calm exterior was something of a constant, but I knew better than to take it at face value. Johan was always watching—observing with a sharpness that most people would never detect.
Suddenly, the soft background noise from the television changed. A breaking news banner flashed across the screen, and the anchor's voice took on a more serious tone.
"Breaking news from the Holy Britannian Empire," the anchor announced. "Prince Clovis la Britannia, the Third Prince of the Empire, was tragically assassinated last week. After extensive investigation, authorities have now identified a suspect in the murder."
My pulse quickened.
It can't be... I thought, my mind immediately turning to Koro-sensei. He was the one who had killed Clovis, as I overheard during his suspicious phone call. But how could they have possibly discovered his identity? He was inside the school, untouchable, and too fast for any human to catch. I fought to keep my expression neutral, though my heart raced.
Johan, always perceptive, glanced over at me. "Lelouch, what's the matter?" he asked, his voice as casual as ever, though his eyes bore into me.
I forced a calm smile, willing myself to relax. "Nothing," I replied. "I was just running through a difficult problem in my head and got distracted."
Johan didn't reply immediately, but his gaze lingered on me, scrutinizing. I couldn't let him suspect anything, not now. Not when so much was at stake.
The news continued.
"The suspect has been identified as Kururugi Suzaku, son of the late Prime Minister of Japan, Genbu Kururugi," the anchor revealed.
My body stiffened, and I barely managed to suppress a flinch. Suzaku? Suzaku had nothing to do with Clovis's death. The thought was ludicrous. Koro-sensei was the real killer—I knew that much. But now, they were framing Suzaku?
Johan caught my reaction immediately, his eyes narrowing with interest. "Kururugi Suzaku," he mused, leaning back in his seat. "Isn't he the son of the last Prime Minister of Japan? Genbu Kururugi, if I recall correctly."
I nodded, trying to mask the anxiety bubbling inside me. "Yes, that's right. His father led Japan before the war with Britannia."
Johan's curiosity deepened as he observed me. "It seems like you reacted quite strongly to the name. Do you two know each other?"
My mind raced, scrambling for an answer. "No," I said, quickly and perhaps too firmly. "We've never met. It's just... strange to hear his name come up in this context."
Johan raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. He had noticed something, though, and I could feel his curiosity sharpen, like a knife waiting to strike. But for now, he seemed content to let it go.
"The son of the last Prime Minister, accused of assassinating a Britannian prince," Johan continued, his voice thoughtful. "It's not entirely impossible. After all, Suzaku's father was killed during the war between Britannia and Japan. That would certainly give him a motive for revenge, wouldn't you say?"
I stiffened slightly. I couldn't deny it was a compelling narrative, but I knew Suzaku better than that. He wasn't a killer. Suzaku abhorred violence, even when it came to fighting the Britannians who had invaded his homeland. For him to assassinate Clovis? It was inconceivable.
"They're wrong," I muttered, my voice betraying a hint of frustration.
Johan's eyes flicked toward me, keen as ever. "Oh?"
I realized too late that I had spoken out of turn. "I mean," I quickly corrected, "it doesn't seem like something Suzaku would do. He's always been more idealistic. Assassination isn't his style."
Johan's smile was almost imperceptible. "Idealism doesn't always last in the face of real suffering. Even the most peaceful people can be driven to violence when the right pressure is applied."
I bit back a retort, knowing I couldn't afford to reveal how much I knew. Johan was probing, searching for something more, and I couldn't give him that. I had to remain distant, dispassionate.
The news anchor continued, detailing the so-called evidence. "Authorities claim they have found Kururugi Suzaku's fingerprints on the pistol used in the assassination. Investigators are building a case, and the motive is believed to stem from the death of his father during the conflict between Britannia and Japan."
I clenched my fists under the table. This is a setup. Suzaku had no reason to kill Clovis, and if he had been involved, I would have known. I had to protect Suzaku from this, but I couldn't let anyone here know what I was planning—especially not Johan.
"You seem unusually invested in this," Johan said, his tone light but laced with curiosity. "You're defending Kururugi quite strongly, Lelouch. Are you sure you don't know him?"
I forced a chuckle, feigning casual indifference. "Like I said, we've never met. It's just... unusual, that's all. The idea of someone like Suzaku committing an assassination doesn't sit right with me."
Johan tilted his head, studying me carefully. "Perhaps. But people change, especially under pressure. Revenge can be a powerful motivator."
I nodded slightly, but inside, I knew Suzaku hadn't killed Clovis. I couldn't tell Johan the truth—that it was our homeroom teacher, Koro-sensei, who had done it. That would only raise more questions, questions I wasn't ready to answer.
But the truth remained: Suzaku was innocent, and someone was framing him for this. The fingerprints, the motive—it was all too convenient. Suzaku was being used as a pawn in a much larger game, and I needed to figure out why. But I couldn't do it under Johan's watchful gaze. Not now.
As the news continued to detail Suzaku's supposed motives, I leaned back in my chair, forcing myself to appear calm. "I suppose we'll see how this plays out," I said evenly, watching the screen with narrowed eyes. "But I don't think we've heard the full story yet."
Johan smiled faintly. "No, I suppose we haven't."
There was a pause between us as we both turned our attention back to the television. But I could feel Johan's curiosity lingering, his interest piqued by my reactions. He was too clever, too perceptive. I would need to be more careful around him.
But my focus remained on Suzaku. He didn't deserve this, and I wasn't going to let them use him as a scapegoat. Not when I knew the real killer. And not when I still had my own plans to set in motion.
As the broadcast droned on, I couldn't help but think: This game is getting more dangerous by the day. And if I'm not careful, I'll lose control of the board.
I glanced at Johan once more, then returned my attention to the screen. The stakes were getting higher, and the players more unpredictable. But no matter what, I would make sure that I stayed ahead. Suzaku... I'll protect you from this, just like I promised. No matter what it takes.
I stared at the television, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Suzaku had been framed—there was no doubt about that. The evidence presented was too perfect, too convenient. Whoever orchestrated this wanted to ensure that Suzaku took the fall, and it wasn't just Britannia that was behind it. I knew this was a carefully crafted move in a much larger game. But who else was pulling the strings?
As the news continued, my phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me from my thoughts. I glanced at the screen to see an unexpected message from Koro-sensei:
"Meet me where we talked before. I'm waiting, Lelouch-kun!"
I frowned, thinking over the message. So, it's time. I had been expecting this—ever since our first conversation in that valley where Koro-sensei revealed he was behind Clovis's assassination. Now, it seemed he wanted me to give him an answer. But I had questions of my own.
Johan's eyes flicked toward me from his seat, his expression still as neutral as ever. "Going somewhere?" he asked casually, though his curiosity was palpable. Johan had a way of noticing the smallest of changes in someone's demeanor, and I knew my reaction to the message hadn't gone unnoticed.
"I forgot to buy something," I said smoothly, tucking the phone into my pocket. "I'll be back before curfew."
Johan simply smiled, his eyes following me as I gathered my things and headed for the door. "Of course. Don't stay out too late."
I walked out of the dormitory, feeling Johan's gaze linger on my back until I disappeared into the hallway. He was becoming more observant—too observant—but I had more pressing matters to deal with now. Koro-sensei was waiting, and I had no intention of keeping him for long.
The evening air was cool as I made my way to the secluded valley where I had first overheard Koro-sensei's phone call. As I approached, I saw him waiting, his distinctive appearance almost comically out of place against the backdrop of the trees and shadows.
"Ah, Lelouch-kun!" Koro-sensei greeted me in his usual upbeat, childish tone, waving energetically. "I'm so glad you came! I was beginning to wonder if you were going to stand me up. I even brought some snacks in case we'd need to wait a while. Oh, the gossip I could share while we waited!" He chuckled, the sound light and carefree.
I wasn't in the mood for his games, though. "I didn't come here for snacks or gossip, Koro-sensei," I said sharply, stepping closer. "I came for answers."
Koro-sensei's grin remained as wide as ever, but I noticed the slightest shift in his posture. He wasn't surprised by my direct approach. In fact, he seemed to expect it.
"Is this about your dear friend, Suzaku Kururugi?" Koro-sensei asked, his voice still light, though his tone shifted just a bit—more serious now. "You're wondering if I had a hand in him being blamed for the assassination of Clovis, aren't you?"
I crossed my arms, staring him down. "Did you?"
Koro-sensei shook his head, chuckling. "Nope! That wasn't me. As much as I enjoy shaking things up, blaming Kururugi Suzaku wasn't part of my plan." He twirled around for dramatic effect before leaning in slightly, his voice dropping conspiratorially. "You see, it's not just the Holy Britannian Empire that you need to worry about, Lelouch. There are plenty of corrupt politicians who would gladly kiss Britannia's feet if it meant protecting themselves. Suzaku Kururugi, with his background, was the perfect scapegoat for them. It's simple, really—he's the son of Japan's last Prime Minister, a symbol of resistance. Blame him, and they satisfy both the Empire and their own agenda."
I frowned. It made sense. Suzaku was the ideal fall guy—someone with ties to both sides of the conflict, caught in the middle. But that didn't mean I could leave it at that. "And you have no involvement in this?" I pressed.
Koro-sensei raised his hand as if taking an oath, his childish voice in full swing again. "Scout's honor, Lelouch-kun! I didn't lift a finger to set Suzaku up."
I watched him closely, trying to gauge whether he was telling the truth. As strange as Koro-sensei was, he hadn't lied to me before. His motives were still murky, but I had no reason to doubt him on this.
"Then who is behind it?" I asked.
Koro-sensei shrugged. "Who can say? Corruption runs deep in Britannia's occupied territories. Politicians, military leaders... they're all just waiting for the opportunity to save their own skins. Suzaku's an easy target."
I took a deep breath, calming myself. I had come for answers, and Koro-sensei was giving me at least some of them. But there was more I needed to know—about him, and about the organization he claimed to represent.
"I want to know more about your organization," I said, changing the subject. "What is it? What's your goal? And more importantly—what's your goal?"
Koro-sensei clapped his hands together, the motion exaggerated and almost childish. "Ah, straight to the point! I like that, Lelouch-kun!" He spun around in a little circle, clearly enjoying the drama of it all. "You see, our organization doesn't really have a name. We're not affiliated with any government or political group. We operate independently, without any of the usual restrictions. That way, we can move freely—eliminating threats to the world's balance before they can cause too much damage."
"And by threats, you mean people like my father," I stated, my eyes narrowing.
Koro-sensei's grin widened. "Exactly! The 98th Emperor of the Holy Britannian Empire is one of the greatest destabilizing forces in the world today. He and his empire are a constant threat to global peace. Which is why—" he paused for effect, pointing dramatically at me, "—I'm extending my invitation to you again, Lelouch-kun! Join us. Lead us. Together, we can put an end to your father's reign."
I stayed quiet for a moment, letting his words sink in. It was an enticing offer—an organization that operated outside the bounds of governments and political influence, a group dedicated to preventing global chaos. But before I made any decisions, I had to know why Koro-sensei wanted me.
"Why me?" I asked. "I'm not physically strong, I'm not an assassin like you, and I can't move at superhuman speed. What could I possibly contribute to your cause?"
Koro-sensei's tentacles wiggled in amusement. "Oh, Lelouch-kun, you underestimate yourself! Sure, you're not an assassin, but you don't need to be! You have something far more valuable—your mind. You're a strategist, a tactician. And more than that, you're a member of the Britannian royal family. You understand how they think better than anyone else. That gives you an advantage no one else has."
I considered his words carefully. He was right about one thing—I did know how my father and the rest of the Britannian elite operated. I could predict their moves, anticipate their strategies. That knowledge alone could prove invaluable in the fight against the Empire.
Finally, after a long pause, I gave my answer. "Very well," I said, my voice steady. "I'll lend you my help. But understand this—this is not just about your goals. I have my own plans. My father and the Holy Britannian Empire will fall, and when they do, I will create a world where Nunnally can live in peace."
Koro-sensei's eyes glinted with excitement, his tentacles curling in delight. "Oh, I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Lelouch-kun! Welcome aboard!"
I nodded, feeling the weight of the decision settle in. This partnership wasn't one I had taken lightly, but if working with Koro-sensei and his mysterious organization would help me achieve my goals, then so be it. This was just another step in the long, winding path toward my father's downfall.
As I turned to leave, Koro-sensei's voice called after me, still as upbeat as ever. "Don't worry, Lelouch-kun! Together, we'll topple kings, emperors, and entire empires! I can't wait to see what you come up with!"
Light Yagami's POV
That night was quiet, and I found myself back in my room, my study materials scattered across the desk in front of me. My eyes, however, weren't on the textbooks. They were fixed on the television. The news anchor's voice droned on about mundane updates until it shifted, the tone becoming darker, more somber.
"And now, in a controversial move, the public execution of Kururugi Suzaku, the man accused of assassinating Prince Clovis la Britannia, is set to be broadcast live across the world."
I tensed, the words searing into me. Suzaku Kururugi... the son of Japan's last Prime Minister, accused of assassinating a Britannian prince? It was absurd. Even though I had no connection to Suzaku, it was obvious that the young man was being used as a scapegoat by the politicians, eager to appease the Empire.
The execution was, no doubt, their way of apologizing to the Britannian Empire. They'd do anything to secure their positions and maintain the facade of peace. It was sickening—yet, I could do nothing but watch.
I leaned back in my chair, fists clenched, feeling the helplessness creep in. For all my intelligence, for all my sense of justice, I was powerless right now. I wanted to change the world, to correct these wrongs. But I couldn't—at least not yet.
The broadcast switched to the streets of Japan, where the procession for Suzaku's execution was underway. He was held captive, his face blank but his eyes betraying a quiet defiance. The streets were lined with Japanese citizens, many of them watching silently, while others had turned away, unwilling to witness what was about to happen.
The news announcer's voice filled the air again, tense and shaky. "The convoy carrying Suzaku Kururugi proceeds down the road, and the execution is set to take place shortly. This is, no doubt, an attempt by the politicians to mend ties with the Empire by publicly executing the man they claim was responsible for Prince Clovis's assassination."
I narrowed my eyes, feeling my pulse quicken. This is wrong. So wrong. I could feel it deep in my bones—the system was broken. It allowed for these kinds of travesties, for the powerful to manipulate justice as they saw fit.
The camera followed the convoy as it slowly moved through the streets. The mood was somber, tense. Then, something unexpected happened. The announcer's voice shifted, his tone rising with a hint of panic.
"It's—It's Prince Clovis' personal transport! And it's heading straight for the cavalcade!"
The camera zoomed in on a sleek, extravagant car speeding toward the convoy. The top section of the car burned away, revealing a figure standing atop it. My breath caught in my throat as I watched.
The man was clad in a tight, light purple suit with golden stripes, long wrapped sleeves, and a frilled white cravat. Draped over his shoulders was an enormous black cape lined with crimson spandex. His face was completely hidden behind a spiked, black-and-indigo mask, its intricate design resembling the stretched face of a bird's sigil.
Who... who is that? I wondered, leaning closer to the screen. My mind raced, trying to make sense of it. Who would be brave—or foolish—enough to do something like this in the middle of an execution broadcast?
The mysterious man stood tall atop the car, his presence commanding the attention of everyone watching. He extended his arms theatrically and announced in a deep, distorted voice, "I am Zero."
The name echoed through the broadcast like a thunderclap, and masked men dropped from above, surrounding the car. The tension in the air thickened, and I felt something stir inside me.
Zero? My first instinct was to dismiss him—a mere fool seeking fame, perhaps. But there was something about the way he carried himself, something commanding.
"Unperturbed, Zero snapped his fingers, and a large container was wheeled forward," the announcer said, his voice shaking. "Zero claims it contains poison gas, and he's threatening to release it, holding all of the Japanese citizens here hostage."
I couldn't believe my ears. Poison gas? A hostage situation? And yet, as I watched, I couldn't tear my eyes away. Who is this man? I thought, feeling a mixture of shock and admiration. Who would dare to stand against the Empire like this?
Zero's voice rang out again, firm and commanding. "I will exchange this gas for Kururugi Suzaku."
The politicians immediately refused, their voices harsh and unyielding, but I was only half-listening. My eyes were glued to the screen, watching Zero with a newfound interest. This isn't just about the gas, I realized. This is about more than Suzaku's life. This is a statement, a direct challenge to the Empire.
My hands clenched into fists as the broadcast continued. Zero stood tall, unfazed by the refusal, and declared to the stunned spectators, "I was the one who killed Prince Clovis."
The revelation hit me like a punch to the gut. He killed Clovis? The so-called envoy of peace? I had always believed Clovis's death was orchestrated for more selfish reasons than what the Empire claimed, but now hearing Zero admit to the murder in front of the entire world... it felt like the world itself had tilted off its axis.
The soldiers, recovering from their shock, raised their weapons, preparing to fire. But before they could act, Zero snapped his fingers once more. One of the masked men moved at an impossible speed, snatching Suzaku from the guards and bringing him to stand beside Zero.
Suzaku, his voice hoarse, demanded, "Who are you?"
But before Zero could answer, the politicians screamed for their capture, shouting orders to take them both down. Zero snapped his fingers again, and the container everyone believed contained poison gas burst open, releasing a thick cloud of smoke. Panic erupted as the crowd believed they were about to be poisoned—but nothing happened.
It was a bluff, I realized. He was toying with them the entire time.
The smoke cleared, revealing that Zero, his masked soldiers, and Suzaku had all vanished, leaving the bewildered authorities and onlookers to stare at the empty space where they had stood moments before.
I sat there, stunned. I had expected nothing more than a fool trying to gain attention, but Zero had pulled off something incredible. He had stood up to the Empire, called them out for their lies, and rescued Suzaku in the process.
This... this is justice.
As the broadcast came to an end, I found myself admiring Zero more than I had expected. He wasn't just a rebel—he was a symbol, a figurehead for something far greater than himself. He stood against a corrupt world, against a system designed to oppress.
And what was I doing? Sitting here, watching, powerless.
Koro-sensei's words from earlier rang in my mind, his playful tone masking the seriousness of his message. "The world will always be filled with injustice," he had said. "If you have time to give up or hold a grudge against that injustice, then use that time to enjoy battling those injustices instead."
I remembered another conversation, one with Lelouch: "In a world filled with injustice, you can either be a passive observer or an active participant."
My mind raced, thoughts swirling as I stared at the now-silent television. Zero had shown me something today. He had shown me that it was possible to fight back. He had shown me that justice could be taken into your own hands.
Maybe, I thought, my resolve hardening. Maybe I can do something about this world too.
The world I lived in was wrong. And maybe it was time to change that.