//------------------------------// // Week 1 Tuesday: Welcome to the Club! // Story: Assassination Club // by Tythen //------------------------------// Nagisa's Notes Fluttershy Blue-Eyed, Pink-Haired, Yellow-Skinned. Student of Canterlot High School 1. As her name implies, she is quite shy when meeting new people. A little bit timid to boot. But brave and persistent when pushed back 2. Adores animals and music 3. Her kindness knows no bounds 4. Always sees the light reason behind every dark concern. "Attention Students. This is your Principal speaking. Starting today, the Special Tutorship Club is now established. This will be the start of making the new supplementary tutor groups to combat the drop in grades. This club will be run by Nagisa Shiota, the new teacher from yesterday. It will begin during lunchtime, and further information such as future meetings and attendances can be found out in the class. It is highly recommended that you check it out. After all, Mr Shiota seems to be giving it his all. So if you want to do it for yourself, also do it for him." For once, Fluttershy had never felt so excited when it came to her first extra-curricular club. It was a shame though, that her actual friends decided not to come with her to study together. "But you guys, it's more fun to spend time together!" Fluttershy replied, "after all, we aren't going to stay in High School forever!" "Eh. Ah understand you mean very well, and ah also think that takin' initiative is important an all, but you know ah've got a lot of other concerns outside of School and... Ah don' think ah have enough time to fit in extra tutoring." Applejack answered, "Nah, not really interested. Working base minimum works for me!" Rainbow added, "Well, I haven't seen any of my grades dropping, so I think I'm doing just fine." Rarity answered, "Same here..." Twilight scratched her head, "despite moving schools, exams here doesn't seem that bad at all!" "Don't worry about it! At least tell us how it went! If it goes bad, you always have us for studying!!!" Pinkie Pie remarked, "Sure thing. Then take care now." Fluttershy waved good-bye as she ran down the hallway. The 6 girls looked at each other with baffled looks, "How interesting... You think she's still in trouble with the New Teacher?" Sunset asked, "I'm pretty sure there's a good plot reason behind it! Who knows?" Pinkie replied, "some of us might end up joining too!" Meanwhile, Nagisa stared outside the classroom windows, wearing a new set of clothes consisting of a white button-up shirt, long grey well-ironed trousers, and his deep blue waistcoat, taking in the Equestrian skies while talking to one of his cherished friends. "Yeah! It's brilliant. You know, all of us should actually take a trip to Equestria. I mean, Karma and I only visited one area of Equestria, so it would be great to see the actual mainland!" "What about the new school that you've joined?" The phone responded, "Little bit of a rocky start, but I've managed to sink into the school system. Now I'm the adviser/supervisor/organiser of an Extracurricular club!" "You must have some influence on the teachers to pull that off. Great as always Nagisa!" "Actually, I'd daresay more that it's the students influencing me. One particular got me to take on the extra work. Which reminds me, the first club meeting will be happening soon. " "Isn't that precious. Well then, I hope you've got your plans set for your future in Equestria." "Bye!" Nagisa replied as he hung up. Taking a deep breath, he quickly sorted out the notes, instructions and rules regarding the establishment and maintenance of a club. With some last-minute reading, he has covered all he needed, ready for the sound of approaching feet. "Sensei!" A Pink-haired girl walked into the room with a wide warm smile, "good afternoon!" "Fluttershy!" Nagisa bowed in response, "and I see you've brought a partner too!" He turned to the bright orange-skinned boy, "nice to meet you uh..." "Flash Sentry," Flash returned with a bow of his own, "nice to meet you in person, Sir. Or, should I call you sensei like Fluttershy does?" "I'm fine with any nickname, as long as it suits you!" Nagisa smiled, "Very well. Thank you Sir," Flash replied, "So I heard that you're a part of the reason for CHS' falling grades?" Nagisa asked, Flash sighed, "and something that I wish to change as well. I hope that I would come here without being reminded of my plight." "Don't worry," Nagisa replied, "you've definitely come to the right place, and I'm here to help you as the organiser and teacher of the Special Tutorship Club!" "Is that the name you're going to stay with? Rather lame if you ask me..." Another voice came from behind, the voice of a dark-grey skinned and whitish-haired male. "And I believe you are Thunderlane." Nagisa looked towards the third student with a little gulp, "I've heard a lot about you." "You got a problem with that?" Thunderlane arched his eye, "Not until I hear it straight from the horse's mouth, or see it from the eagle's eye." Nagisa peacefully replied, "Starting from here on, I'll make sure you're going through what you need, not your fellow students or teachers." "Sounds promising." Thunderlane scoffed, "but it's going to take more than that to get me to work." "May all of you take a seat? Perhaps closer to the front for a start?" Nagisa suggested, closing the classroom door. Flash and Fluttershy sat directly in front of their new Tutor, while Thunderlane decided to sit at the far back of the classroom. Nagisa noted the seating position for a later time and continued. "Is this going to be everyone for now? I kind of expected about ten or so students. No offence, but do Equestrian students normally turn up late?" "Let me give you some advice teach." Thunderlane spoke up, "whatever the staff tells you about the students, they mean it but we don't. All the Vice-Principal gave you were half-truths. We're not as much interested in any of the subjects taught but ones that are easy or interesting for us." "I believe I can be witness to this." Flash nodded, "No matter where in the school, I can always hear numerous gossip regarding almost all subjects in school. Especially those regarding Foreign Languages, English, Maths, and Wisdom, Life and Faith (WLF) or more known as Religious Studies. This school was founded and formed from a unity of the major faiths of the four Goddesses after all." "Let's just say that not everyone is happy with a certain something, okay?" Thunderlane spoke again, "and some do have guilt trips when gossip gets out you know." "Really, that apathetic? Wow..." Nagisa hung his head in shame, "so much for having the challenge to build a strong working environment." "Don't worry sir," Fluttershy encouraged, "Since this is the start of the week, we do spread the word regarding the effectiveness of the class. If you do exceptionally, then the club will be encouraged more, and students will pour in. Who knows? Maybe you can establish a separate tuition program for the school, you'd gain a whole lot more than the average payroll!" "Woah Woah Woah... I may need money like everyone else in the world, but only just to survive. I'm here to help students learn, not to get rich from doing it." "Now that is certainly interesting..." Thunderlane smirked, "a teacher who puts students first than himself. It's cute and nice, I'll admit it. But that mindset isn't going to last for long." "It won't get me down." Nagisa chuckled, "I've uh... Managed to find some ways around it." "Well, Sensei? We are waiting." Fluttershy asked, "Since this is our first day here, I'd like each and every one of us to properly introduce ourselves, is it okay if we can huddle together as a group?" Thunderlane moaned, "I'm not moving. Too much effort." "Okay then," Nagisa sighed, "anywhere is fine. In that case, let me reintroduce myself if you forgot yesterday. My name is Nagisa Shiota, from Neighpon. Aside from being a new member of the Languages Department, I am now officially the organiser and supervisor of the Special Tuition Club. You may call me by any nickname you wish. Sir, Sensei (which is Neighponese for teacher), or... Teach." "Then... Perhaps you don't mind if I call you Ms Shiota?" Fluttershy asked with the most innocent and sweetest smile. Nagisa corrected with a twinge of fear, "... Okay then, anything BUT calling me a woman." "Where did that come from Fluttershy?" Flash asked, "It's a secret! Better if you found out for yourself." Fluttershy giggled, "Anyways, I'd be happy to give a brief description of what Neighpon is like. Geography, city and country-life, style, and so on. Or, I can talk a little bit more about my personal life, and how I managed to become a teacher! To keep things brief, I was inspired by my own teacher when I was in Junior High School, he's the kindest, nicest, and most determined teacher to help us discover our own fates, interest, and whatnot. Goes by the name of Ko-" "Hey Teach?" Thunderlane butted in, "we're not kids you know. Can you skip the niceties and credentials and do what you were paid to do?" "Thunderlane," Nagisa explained, "that's exactly what I'm trying to do. In order to teach you guys to be ready for your future lives, it's essential that we get to properly know one another. That way, we can teach each other important things in life. Besides, this is a tutoring class, not your usual lessons. Here, you bring what you have concerns about, rather than learn something new, and that's where I come in to help you. That's what this club is all about!" "Really now???" Thunderlane snapped, standing up in a challenge, "Then let me make this clear, I didn't come here to make friends. Copy? I came here to learn, snappily if I must add too." "Then you can always walk out the door." Nagisa answered, his tone no longer cheerful, jerking a thumb at the door, "However, it's also going to earn the ire of your concerned teachers as well. But I care, and I heavily implore you to stay. So that I will be able to design a way for you to learn and study without expending too much of your energy!" "Listen Thunderlane," Flash added, "I share some sentiments with you regarding the progress of learning over socialising, but who says they can't go together? Learning and studying as a group, answering each other's problems and questions. You can answer not only questions regarding education but many other things in the world that you are struggling with. Less effort from studying and things get done faster." "Can it 'Brad'!" Thunderlane retorted, "Getting lectured by you is the last thing I want to hear! You're just an everyday student with nothing to gain or lose!" "Mock my pride, personality and life for all I care!" Flash stood up, slamming his desk on the way, "But for the sake of Mr Shiota and everyone who comes here, get a grip on your damn self!" "Hey! Can you two stop fighting?" Fluttershy butted in with a loud bellow, silencing both the boys "Both of you have faults that I can point out! But now is not the time to throw words at each other! We all came for a reason, so let's stick to it!" "That would be a good idea..." Nagisa added, "especially when there's bound to be a few new people coming up right now!" Accurately predicted, a knocking came from the door once again. "Come in!" Nagisa spoke, and from the door came two students that everyone would not have expected. "Mr Shiota?" A black spiky-haired boy with whitish-blue entered the class. Followed by a white-haired, teal-coloured girl; Both wearing special sports uniforms that signify their position within the school. "Sorry, we're late. We explained a lot to our Captain." "No way," Flash gasped, his previous anger completely lost. "Soarin, and Fleetfoot?" "Two of the three flagship members of the Wonderbolts." Thunderlane whistled, "something big must be going on for one of CHS' cream of the crop to come here." "Y-Yes." Fleetfoot, the girl, sighed in embarrassment, "I know it's really uncommon to see us here, but because of our sporting efforts and dedication, the two of us are also falling on our grades, and we'd need all the help we can get." "I see. Soarin..." Nagisa looked at the boy, "... And Fleetfoot!" Then towards the girl, and scribbled down a few notes. "It's nice to meet you. And welcome aboard." "Mr Shiota, if it's okay if you can do us a favour..." Soarin replied, "Is it alright that you try not to tell anyone that we're coming to tutor-class?" Fleetfoot finished, Nagisa easily recognised what was at stake for them. As Thunderlane had said, the 'Wonderbolts' must be big stuff in this school, or the only big thing when it comes to sports. Although he always remembered not to take stereotypes seriously, it is hard when such secrets between being sportsmen are those who desperately need to learn are a part of that same stereotype. Simply so, it can cause quite a conflict and a question of their reputation for those of Equestrian schools. Making sure that he was still in a foreign country, Nagisa decided to take it slowly. "No one must know of your presence here. Duly noted." Nagisa wrote a few more notes, "But... Are you sure you must keep such a big secret? Everyone knows they'll eventually have to work hard on their academics, even the sports stars. Stardom never lasts forever. But regardless, your secrets are safe with me." "Oh! Thank you, Mr Shiota!" Fleetfoot sighed with relief, Nagisa turned to the other three students, "Fluttershy, Flash and Thunderlane, can you keep the part of the bargain too?" "It shouldn't be that big, so I'll do it." Fluttershy nodded sincerely, "Yes Sir, and to both of you too." Flash saluted the two Wonderbolts, "Meh. I don't really care at all. You can expect my lips sealed for most of the time." Thunderlane answered. "Thank you, everyone. Now that we have more people, I would still like to introduce myself properly. So is it alright with you Thunderlane, that we can share? We can always learn something new about the world and the many people that live in it!" "Hmph..." Thunderlane grunted, "Fine..." "Wonderful!" Nagisa clapped his hands, turning back to the Wonderbolts, "now if you guys can find a seat..." Nagisa continued his rite of self-introductions; His junior-high-school life, and his previous years of experience. One by one, the students were able to listen and were brave enough to introduce themselves. Fluttershy was the first to speak, followed by Flash Sentry. Fleetfoot and Soarin were able to say a few words about their experiences and what they aim to achieve coming here and eventually, it caused Thunderlane of all people to speak about his activities and hobbies. All the students began to slowly have an understanding for one another; while it was a plethora of information for Nagisa. Secretly, he observed and watched every student carefully and perceptively when it was their turn to speak. "Well then," Nagisa spoke as he peeked at the time, "Looks like it's time for you guys to enjoy the rest of your lunch outside. If possible I'd like to schedule the next day that we can meet." Soarin replied, "Go ahead, Mr Shiota. If it's going to be early, Fleetfoot and I are happy to make it." "Is that so? Then okay, because I intend to have a proper class meeting tomorrow morning at 7:00. And once again, if you really can't make it due to sleeping habits, that's completely fine. This is probably just a one-off. Main times of this club will definitely occur around Lunchtime." Looking at Thunderlane, the kid got the message and rolled his eyes, "Catch you next time Teach." He groaned as he walked out the door. "Thanks for making this Club, Mr Shiota." Fleetfoot thanked, "I'm actually happy to see something like this established, especially by you!" "Thank you." Nagisa replied, waving goodbye to the leaving students, "you two practice hard in sports now!" Nagisa smiled to himself. Five students for the first day. Unfortunately, that was not even a tenth of the many students attending the school, but it's a club, it could do for now. "Sensei?" Fluttershy approached Nagisa, with Flash following behind. "Flash has something to talk to you about." "Something between him and me?" Nagisa asked, "I wanted to talk about this with you." Flash spoke up, "Ever since Fluttershy introduced me here, hearing your name reminded me of something. Even more so when you talked about your High School Teacher. His name was Korosensei right?" "JUNIOR High School." Nagisa corrected, "What I am going to say is considered confidential information till today. Is it okay for us to speak privately Fluttershy?" Flash asked. Fluttershy winced at the request. Did Flash find out about Nagisa? About him being an... Assassin? Fluttershy, making sure that she 'knows' about the situation, refused to budge. "No... Because I know what's going on. He told me." Fluttershy responded, Hearing those words, Flash turned to face the teacher with an arched eyebrow, as if telepathically speaking 'is this true?' As if he could read minds, Nagisa nodded seriously. Flash looked at Fluttershy and nodded back. "Okay then." Flash accepted, "I'll take your word for it." He turned back to Nagisa, "Korosensei. He's the creature that destroyed 70% of the moon, and possibly the Earth in a certain time period. He met his end at the hands of a group of students a Neighponese Junior High School, which is a class that he teaches. You were one of the students yes?" Nagisa simply shrugged, "I am. But it's a different story on our side." "That goes with a lot of events in our world." Flash answered, "forgive me for assuming, but to be taught by the very creature that was marked for death, lest he destroys the world. As a teacher... Did you have regrets killing him?" "Yes." Nagisa looked down in sadness, "I can tell you, he was everything but someone who wanted to destroy the world. Even more so when we found out he wasn't the problem behind the moon's destruction." "Another cause, I understand. I won't press any further then." Flash replied with satisfaction. "Hey, how DO you know about all this? As you said, this is confidential information, even you wouldn't hear about this since you're living in Equestria." It was Nagisa's turn to ask questions. It was rather surprising that Flash decided to answer. "My family has served Equestria in the army for a long time. When I was still young, my father was part of a great platoon. Everyone constantly kept in touch, but a lot of the soldiers in that same platoon lost their devotion to their country after the endless bloodshed, and 'retired' to devote all their training for money." "Bounty Hunters? And your Father is one of them?" Nagisa gulped, "Endless requests from his once-honourable comrades wanted his and others' skills for a joint assault against Korosensei and a share of that reward. My dad, still sworn to his family and country, refused them all." "Honourable man indeed Flash." Fluttershy complimented, "Thanks, I'm sure he'll be glad to hear it now that he's watching over us." Flash weakly smiled, "Oh..." Fluttershy gulped, "I'm so sorry..." "Last I heard, he and the remnants of the platoon made a last stand against the enemy. Whether it was all for naught, the army never replied." "Flash Sentry." Nagisa focused the attention on him, "What do you plan to do after your Father's Passing?" Flash replied, "Pick up where he left off, but not in the war. Rather, I want to make sure this same honour is carried throughout wherever the world goes." "You know Flash? I don't think Thunderlane could be any more wrong. Fatherless son of a military man, and a chivalrous High Schooler." Nagisa placed a hand on Flash's shoulder "I can't think of anything more admirable than that." "... Thanks, Sir. I'm happy that you've come to teach in Equestria." Flash looked back with a warm smile, followed by a hearty and respectful salute. "We can talk more about this tomorrow morning. And guess what, don't let everyone think that such behaviour is 'generic'. This sort of behaviour is important just like any other existing in this world, maybe a little bit more because of the positivity it brings." Nagisa reminded. Flash left the room feeling more confident than before and took the time to ponder about it on the school porch. Fluttershy, worrying for her colleague, decided to go check on him. "Well?" Fluttershy asked, "Did you get the answers you need?" "Yeah," Flash answered, "Clears out a lot of issues with family and personal information." "But..." Fluttershy prompted, "Alright then. I feel like even if Nagisa is a teacher with assassination skills, I just don't believe he'd come here just to teach, he's got another reason too." "Really Flash? Must you always get suspicious of our teacher?" "If it makes things any better, I can say for sure that his priorities are definitely on teaching." "Yeah, that definitely sounds better!" Fluttershy laughed, Way after school, everyone headed back home for the day. Nagisa had his eyes peeled upon the news channel upon a TV in an apartment located relatively close to the school. It highlighted a new incident that occurred somewhere just around after school hours. Details of a certain crazed maniac beat up various pedestrians and streetwalkers. Nagisa had heard the warning all too well yesterday when he was first introduced to the school. The talk regarding many hostile incidents happening around the neighbourhood. It appears that today's victims on the news were four badly wounded teenagers from Canterlot High School, two days before that warning. Anger and vengeance flared in his eyes and slammed his fist on the table. As a teacher, he will make sure that his students, club or class, will be protected from harm. He grabbed his trusty schedule planner and scribbled down a few plans. He knows what he's going to tutor his class early in the morning and at lunchtime. "That's right Fluttershy." Nagisa muttered to himself, "It's my choice. I hope you still have that trust in me."