The news talked all about it yesterday. A veteran robber with multiple criminal reports met justice for the crimes he committed. The TV mostly showed a recollection of what happened at the crime scene and was able to show a photo of the said robber, as well as the video of him being shoved throughout the prison hallways.
Nagisa's contribution was anonymously mentioned, as the news and the police interviews note that the man known as a 'foreigner' clapped his hands at the man, which somehow affected everyone watching, and that they could see that man running away from the scene after taking the robber down. Whilst the police and people were questioning how he was able to do something like that, he was commended for his attempted skills, notable examples being some of the cops, as well as the mother and daughter. To Nagisa however, that was the least of his problems. He did what he can effortlessly do when disarming someone.
Regardless, he returned to school this morning trying to hide from the others, in the case someone other than his classmates and students may recognise him. Rather, the only attention he got was the sweet faces of students and teachers welcoming him back to work. Even the Vice-Principal seemed to welcome him back with grace. With that, Nagisa was certain that no one was able to bother him with what had happened yesterday, but he was wrong...
Around the morning, he was substituting for a religious studies class today on learning about the Goddess of Friendship. He noticed that Flash and Thunderlane happen to be in the same class and seemed really responsive. After giving his guidelines about what their usual teacher expects of them to do, he decided to give the text of the Friendship Goddess a read. Hmm... It was certainly interesting, there are some stories that didn't stray so far from Neighponese folklore or culture themselves. Looking through it, these stories within wasn't so black and white as some may accuse of. Maybe he should get a copy in his own time, as well as the texts of other faiths, you're never too old to learn! Oh yeah, wasn't his former Professor Bitch also somewhat a follower of the Friendship Goddess too from what he heard?
"Hey excuse me," Nagisa spoke to the class, possibly doing something else apart from their requested work, "I'd like to know a bit more on what you learned." He pulled up the teacher's information, "can either of you tell me the message behind the story regarding the mustard seed tree?"
Contrary to his expectations, a couple of hands did rise. Flash and Thunderlane were one of them. He was about to pick either one of them until a student in front of him just stood up abruptly without any form of notice.
"O-Okay?" Nagisa looked towards the student who stood up,
"The Mustard Seed is one of the smallest seeds that grow up into the biggest tree where birds are able to flock to them." The student replied, "similarly, the Kingdom of the Goddess grows the same way. Small, unnoticeable and unimportant, yet it grows into something big over the course of time."
"I see," Nagisa answered, "is he right?" Flash and Thunderlane responded with nods.
"However..." The student continued, "this parable is complete and utter bullshit like the Goddess of Friendship because she does not exist as proven!" Most of the kids giggled and laughed, possibly even cheered. Flash and Thunderlane sighed in disappointment.
Nagisa's face turned into a frown, "Thanks for sharing your ethos then. Let me share mine in return." He stood up and walked towards the smart-ass student. Unbenknownst to the two, however, Nagisa's shadow began to grow and change... The other students now had their mind focused upon exactly that.
"Okay then," The student mockingly spoke,
"When it comes to believing, knowing or acknowledging anything, I would find the experience myself, seeing, hearing and feeling the actual thing, rather than just go by the notes of others, be it a scientific journal, governmental bill or divine law. The best information that you can receive is for your own self, no matter how painful, dangerous or long it is."
"So what?" The boy asked, mockingly turning his ear towards Nagisa. "You want me to kill myself? Hey everyone! The foreigner wants me to kill myself just to see if a Goddess exists!"
*CLAP*
A furious soundwave pierced through the student's open ear, changing his mocking expression to an expression of shock and pain. He jerked backwards with his hands upon his ears, as if he stood close to an aeroplane engine ready to take off.
"Argh!!!" The boy growled in pain,
"Don't be dumb, there are many other ways." Nagisa sighed, "Point is, be wary on what you say or do because even if you don't believe in things that guide actions, your 'own' actions will influence others in a way that may bite you in the ass in the long-term."
"Grr..." The student growled,
"And that's one thing Ladies and Gents." Nagisa added as the bell rang, "your words are like the serpent's tongue. Be careful about what you lash out against, especially regarding heavy and sensitive topics. Everyone is free to speak their opinions, but if you don't acknowledge the reasons and feelings of the other person, or you do and are just literally sliding it across the mud, or YOUR mud, then maybe think twice about saying it, because that's just crushing an ant underneath your foot. The ant did nothing to wrong you, so why kill it?" The class did not listen to him one bit, however, as all around the class had bent over with their hands cupped around their ears or head. The looks every male and female in this class was similar to the smart-ass male in this class: Full of pain and anguish.
"Oh no... Not again." Nagisa looked at his hands. As normal as they always were, they weren't able to generate a clap that loud. That's when he noticed the second thing lying on the floor; The shadow of himself... It wasn't his shadow anymore. It grew to some sort of giant being with a round face and a body completely covered or made of... Tentacles.
"I... I'm really sorry everyone!" Nagisa bowed repeatedly, "Please forgive me!" And ran out of the classroom with the fright of his life.
"Dammit!" Nagisa slammed his fist upon the walls of a bathroom. He looked up to the mirror, wondering what had changed about him. He released his tension, experiencing the pain of the force colliding on his hand. He looked at the area where he punched, not even a single scratch or dent.
"But how?" Nagisa looked as his hand, still throbbing from the pain. "That hasn't changed... So why did that change?"
"Hey, Nagisa?" A familiar voice knocked on the door.
"Python," Nagisa called back, "Can't you see I'm currently using the bathroom right now?"
"Taking a poop never sounds like punching a wall you know." Python replied, "something wrong?"
"Listen, I--"
"I heard all about it from your students." Python interrupted, "they're outside the staff room right now, eager to talk to you. You wanna face them? Or should I ask them to come another time?"
Nagisa sighed, to think that it would happen again today. Well, he's going to meet the class sooner or later, so he might as well discuss it now.
"Don't worry," Nagisa sighed as he opened the bathroom door, "I'll go find them, thanks for letting me know."
"No problem." Python waved as the Neighponese teacher headed towards the entrance.
Outside the Staff Room, Nagisa met the eyes of those who requested his presence, Thunderlane and Flash Sentry.
"You okay there teach?" Thunderlane asked,
"This coming from you???" Nagisa asked,
"I'll be honest, that shit you pulled off today and yesterday really did us over you know? I want to know what the hell happened to your clap but from the looks of things, you're clueless as I am right now."
"I've learnt about it from Thunderlane on the message board, then Coach and Madam elaborated further." Flash explained as he clapped his hands, "A way to send a drastic change in volume up close to a target that has his or her attention divided or distracted in order to disorient them. It's difficult to pull off, but the amount of time given through disorienting them is enough to land an instant blow."
"Pretty much," Thunderlane nodded, "but the thing is, and I'm sure you're thinking the same teach, is that your Clappy trick seems to have taken a few steroids. We were far away from you, and yet--"
"It affected you, and everyone in the class. I'm sorry." Nagisa answered then apologised,
"I take it you were prepared when you launch the Clap Stunner, so you don't really feel the concussions yourself right?" Flash asked,
"I dunno, I never really thought about it that deeply," Said Nagisa,
"Well, it felt like a freaking Dragon roared straight up at my face." Thunderlane described. "But a very small roar. If you actually put more effort into that, you could easily burst our eardrums."
"But I don't know how to control that!" Nagisa defended, "I've always known that I needed to make my clap as loud as possible for the target to hear as much as he can when he's distracted. Now that I can somehow clap louder, it makes things much more tricky you know?"
Flash threw in a frightening suggestion, "if you're an assassin, making your target's ears bleed is a big advantage to make them vulnerable. Perfect for a killing blow."
"Don't you dare talk about killing people." Nagisa glared, his bloodlust upon the Orange-skinned boy. Flash gulped, he's been through so many tough things in his life: Military Discipline, Parental Discipline, bullying, mocking, and loss of those that are important to him... Things like that would make him psychologically and mentally tough, but experiencing the 'Killer's Eye' of his Mr Shiota directly, he can't help but feel... Afraid and literally threatened that he can't fight back.
"Hey Teach?" Thunderlane pointed to the floor with trembling fingers, "your shadow's changing,"
"What?" Nagisa snapped out of focus and looked down. The shadow halted its transformation, then quickly reverted back to plain ol' Nagisa. Nevertheless, Nagisa saw it.
"I-I see..." Flash noted as he calmed down, "so the moment you get triggered, that's when your thing kicks in. Do you think that also affects your Clap Stunner too?"
"Actually," Nagisa glanced at his watch, "you guys need to hurry on to your next class. We'll discuss about it in our Club. Okay?"
"It's a date," Thunderlane accepted, "don't you miss it."
Once again, Nagisa decided to put on his hood as he walked through the cafeteria, ashamed of the conduct that he had performed and ashamed to face the students after that act. From the times where he looked up where he goes, almost one student or two tried to avoid his gaze or even stare antagonistically at him, making him hurrying his pace.
"Mr Shiota?" A soft tug on his clothes.
"Yes?" Nagisa quickly spun around to face Fluttershy.
"Normally you have your own lunch in the staff room, distracted by what happened today? Thunderlane and Flash messaged me about it."
"U-Uh well..." Nagisa sighed, "Yeah?"
"Why don't you sit with us?" Fluttershy offered, "The most important thing I haven't done is introduce you to my best friends."
"S-Sure," Nagisa replied, eager to shake off the glares of the students burned into his mind, "Thanks!" Meekly following the confident young girl, the two came to the table of many friends.
"I'm sure all of you know who Mr Shiota is," Fluttershy introduced, "Mr Shiota, knowing that you have met Pinkie, Sunset and I, here are the others you haven't met. Applejack..."
"Afternoon Sir," Applejack politely tipped her hat,
"Rarity..."
"Pleasure to meet you," Rarity greeted,
"Rainbow Dash..."
"Yo," Rainbow Dash casually raised her hand,
"... And Twilight Sparkle."
"Good Afternoon Mr Shiota," Twilight bowed,
"No need to bow," Nagisa replied, "not especially what I have gone through."
"We heard Sir," Applejack answered, "ya clapped the frights out of a class today."
"It's interesting really," Twilight replied, "I've never heard someone who is able to disorient everyone in a room with a clap, it must have been very loud to do so."
"It also involves the element of surprise." Fluttershy added, "if you have your attention somewhere else, then you're highly susceptible."
"Interesting! Still though, judging by how the average person claps, no matter how hard, it would have to be very close up, and affect only one person."
"Right on the nail Twilight." Nagisa nodded, "that's how it always went for me, at least it used to... Now, it seems to be on 'steroids' as Thunderlane aptly puts it."
"Well that's when I come in," Sunset started, "Since you've been keeping our secret, Fluttershy told us your secrets too."
"That's what having friends are for." Nagisa shrugged, not worried that the cat's out of the bag, at least to them.
"A Former assassin. Explains a lot of your behaviours, and definitely how Equestria affected you." Sunset shared her thoughts,
"So..." Nagisa remembered, "that place... I got some side effects from it?"
"Enhancing rather than inhibiting." Sunset elaborated, "your 'Killer's Eye' and your Clap Stunner, and not to mention a Snake Aura that Fleetfoot perceived from before. Is it of you being an assassin? Or at least your talent and potential?"
"Yeah, my former Junior High School Teachers mentioned the same thing." Nagisa nodded,
"Since you've gone through the training on the occupation on how to take a life, it just shows how much precious life is to you, and that it's not a trivial thing to be gambled away."
"But of course," Nagisa nodded,
"So you're triggered by Death Jokes and threats." Rainbow pointed out, "that goes for Coach Justice and Ms Yada too?"
"That goes without saying. Although they may not react like I do."
"Okay then. I think I have an inkling what's going on now." Sunset mentioned, "as you know in the pony dimension, we harness magic,"
"But aren't those the ponies with horns or wings and a horn that can do that?" Nagisa asked, "I believe I only had wings!"
"You're a Pegasus!?!?" Rainbow gasped in excitement, "so is my pony counterpart, and Fluttershy's too! High Five!!!" Nagisa returned it with a smile,
"A different type of magic. I'd say it's quite at par with how Rainbow and Fluttershy can show their magic."
"Wait, what?" Nagisa asked,
"You remember the incidents that happened in the school?" Rarity informed, "the girls that managed to pull through and solve everything, that's us. But... We did it in a way where the only reason is 'magic'."
"We didn't cast actual magic mind you." Rainbow replied, "Only Sunset was able to do that."
"But what does that have to do with me or magic?"
"The magic that resides within us is based on what and who we are!" Pinkie answered, "you see, I'm a party planner, and my job is to make everyone laugh and smile! That being said, I wasn't at my fullest and I wasn't trying so hard on Saturday, so I guess you didn't see the ears!"
"What ears?"
"Here!" Pinkie pulled her shirt to view, "you see this emblem?" Nagisa looked at a picture of three party balloons of distinct shapes. "From where Sunset comes from, this is our 'Cutie Mark', our talent! Kind of reflects me and what I do here, not even knowing if I must add!"
"A... Cutie Mark?" Nagisa confirmed,
"Yep!" Applejack nodded, "and we have our own 'Cutie Mark' too! It's on my shirt right here!" Applejack showed him a picture of three 3 red apples.
"Because you're an apple farmer, and you grow and nurture plenty of them." Nagisa deducted,
"Right on the nail!" Applejack gave a thumbs up, "should be simple though."
"You see," Twilight elaborated, "it's not just us, everyone in this School has their talent and cutie mark, or rather everyone in Equestria. Fluttershy has three pink butterflies, Rarity has three diamond gems, I have a six pointed star and other smaller stars, and so on!"
"Even Flash, Thunderlane and Soarin?" Nagisa's eyes widened,
"Twi did say everyone in Equestria, so of course all the students in the Club has them too!" Pinkie laughed, "the only ones I haven't seen that has cutie marks or emblems are--"
"Me, Yada and Kimura right?" Nagisa interrupted, "I can explain. For us, showing 'the world' our talent or mark isn't really something we'd like to do, call it a sense of being secretive or just being humble. Some of us like to remain anonymous, and some certain types of laws require doing so depending on what we do. As a teacher that went overboard to study, the only time when I would remain hidden is when I did something to embarrass myself or others. Like right now."
"So it really is something to do with your honour!" Rainbow moaned, "filling your stereotype there."
"I understand that the world thinks of us that way, but our honour is individually different. I guess we can call ourselves too self-centred and judging ourselves to our Nation's prosperity and long-standing legacy. And if we really think it to ourselves that we can't fit the bill, well--"
"Suicide." Fluttershy answered, "or Seppuku or Hara-Kiri as you call it."
"It doesn't sound nice, does it? I did indeed think of such things when I was still in High School." Nagisa confessed, "because of my short stature, my lack in strength, my feminine upbringing, I had every incentive to kill myself or at least die in a blaze of glory thanks to my weak will. But Korosensei showed us that our weakness is still an important part of us, our honour turned into strengths. In that way, I'm sure everyone in Class 3-E will never ever think of taking their life. After seeing Coach Kimura and Ms Yada, do you think they would kill themselves?"
"Of course not!" Rarity shook her head, "Ms Yada has made quite an influence on the students! Her knowledge and wisdom in business are important, especially for me since I plan to run a clothes boutique, and I don't mean to use her as a tool, she's also a very nice lady. As for the men well... It would be heart-breaking for them to see their eye candy dead..."
"She'll take that as a compliment, definitely."
"And Coach Justice?" Rainbow described, "he's a strict P.E. Teacher, even more so than most of the other P.E. Teachers. But that being said, the activities he planned are so tiring, but actually really fun. Not to mention that he's really a sweet person when an accident happens or when someone really can't keep up. That being said... I've never seen anything 'Justice' about him lately aside from his Special Forces Identity."
"Then there's your answer." Nagisa replied, "we love you, you love us. We're not going to kill ourselves. Plus, since you know much about assassins and how we value life, we'll fight for it till our very end against someone who wants our life taken, whether joking or not."
"That's really great to hear." Fluttershy smiled, placing her hand on his, "thank you for thinking of us."
"I'm afraid to say that this isn't over." Sunset replied, "you see... When you came to the Pony Dimension, you already had your Cutie Mark."
Nagisa's face turned pale, "... It better not be what I think it is."
"It's quite unique and exquisite." Sunset pulled out a picture, "perhaps I should show it first."
"Is it..." Nagisa stopped her hand, "A snake dressed in the skin of a dragon made from blue flames, that looks to be flying while carrying a few figures upon its back?"
"Wow!" Sunset exclaimed, "you knew your talent right down to its very description!" And revealed the said image that Nagisa knew all too well: The Neighponese Dragon-dressed Snake. Flying in the sky giving a few figures a ride.
"And it's definitely what I fear..." Nagisa replied, managing to piece everything together. "My Cutie Mark... A snake, known to be a silent killer, dressed as a Neighponese Dragon, all-powerful and benevolent. A very deceptive disguise, like an Assassin, would pull... I... I don't know if I should really call myself a teacher after that."
"Wait!" Pinkie interrupted, "what about the--"
"Sorry girls, I have to go." Nagisa stood up, bowed in apology, and ran out of the cafeteria, his face full of fear and sadness once again.
"DAMMIT!!!" Nagisa cursed again, punching the walls of his classroom. So it was magic... Rather his own magic that he somehow got exposed to when he crossed into that dimension, so much for his curiosity. He now knew it all.
The time when he saw the mother held hostage right in front of her child yesterday, as well as the serious threat from the robber... *CLAP*... It triggered.
Today when the boy decided to just say what he says without considering others actual thoughts, or rather assumed that everyone finds this folly, which isn't true since Flash and Thunderlane are good examples. Then going on to challenge him further even with death...*CLAP*... It triggered.
The warping shadow.
The Clap Stunner.
Now thinking it through considerably, the only thing that changed about him when going through the other dimension, was that his assassin side of him has become more prevalent, almost to the point where his Teacher side began to wane, who knows what other skills have enhanced? This came to a concluding decision for him,
"I... I can't teach them anymore." Nagisa said to himself, "I've just become too dangerous for the School."
A knock on the door. "Sir?"
Putting that mindset to one side, Nagisa headed towards the door and opened it to Fluttershy, Pinkie, Flash and the rest of the Club, with Yada and Kimura behind them.
"Isn't it time for our Tutor Class?" Flash asked,
Shoot! He forgot to let them know!
"Since you were with us at Lunchtime, I just communicated to the group that we should go on the 2nd Half, to see if you'd be there," Fluttershy explained,
"O-Okay then, come in please," Nagisa instructed, and they did so.
"Listen, everyone," Nagisa announced, "Ever since Yesterday, and what you've heard of today, I've been thinking that I'm getting too dangerous for the school."
"No." Big Mac eyes' widened, "don't tell me ya plannin' to leave!"
At that remark, all the students jumped up and began protesting, until Nagisa clapped normally for everyone to remain quiet.
"I know you're all a bunch of smart kids, so can anyone tell me why I'm thinking about this?" Nagisa asked,
"Nagisa..." Yada spoke,
"You worry that you are going to be harming the school students from your disciplinary techniques." Flash answered, "most common and cliche answer, but I don't blame you. The gravity of the job in educating future generations is that your teachings may impact their lives and the rest of the world in the future."
"Nagisa, please think this through," Kimura replied,
"Korosensei never harmed us, ever." Nagisa reasoned, "I just broke that. From what you've talked to me about Thunderlane, my Clap Stunner sounded like a Dragon's roar to you. I did it up close to the student. How painful would that feel to him?"
"Well... Pretty damn loud, but don't be too hard on yourself." Thunderlane comforted, "he deserved it."
"I'd like all of you to look at me once again," Nagisa instructed, "do you see me, right now, as a teacher, or an assassin? Take your time..."
"A teacher." The class said in unison.
"Don't tell me you planned this beforehand." Nagisa suspected,
"We would sir. Thanks to the message board, we're able to give messages to each other in an instant, just as how assassins can easily pass messages to each other through signals, and especially regarding the mark." Roseluck revealed,
"Mr Shiota!" Pinkie raised her hand, "when we showed you the cutie mark, you forgot one part of the description! You never told us what the small figures on the Dragon-Snake's back are!!!"
"But--"
"Please hear us out," Fluttershy interrupted, "we understand that the Snake in the flameskin of a dragon represents how powerful an assassin you really are. But the small figures you are giving a ride to? That's an important part, better yet the most important of your Cutie Mark! You are giving flight to those who are little, you are their guide, you are carrying the people to the skies and beyond what they can do. That, is the part of you being a teacher!"
Flitter chuckled, "you know, what I said about you yesterday was purely coincidental! I had never known your Cutie Mark/emblem would be like that!"
"But... I'm not sure if the skills I have right now are affecting that part!"
"Cross that bridge when you get to it. It's a part of you, so you can control it! I believe that!" Fluttershy encouraged,
"Point is sir," Soarin spoke, "It's okay that we stumble once or twice in our lives. No matter the task, responsibility, or the consequence. Failure happens to all of us, and don't make it a disappointment or a fear of your power. I'm sure you had many failed attempts at your assassinations right?"
Nagisa gasped in realisation, a memory sparking into his mind. The memory of the Island Assassination. The plan, the execution, the executors, and coming to terms with Korosensei's Last Resort... And especially the fight in the theatre hall, what Korosensei had said to Class 3-E's greatest sharpshooters, about failure. Nagisa looked to his students, in agreement with Soarin's reason, supporting him not to leave.
All of a sudden. Everything around Nagisa went pitch black, and he found himself standing in the middle of an endless plane of darkness.
But he was not alone...
Close to him, just as it was in the classroom. He could feel... Not see... Feel their presence. That feeling was able to paint an image on where they were, and how they feel. But more importantly, he could make out the coloured images of his students and colleagues, stains of darkness pulsating from their body. But in a way that the pulsating stains almost formed a linear pattern of a wave...
Wait a minute! That's right!
The Wavelength of Consciousness. How he can discern people's minds, reasons, intentions and expressions. He can read all of his students, whom are saying the same thing. Each and everyone has their reasons for why they came. To do better, to feel better, to be better. Now that he's given them the idea to leave, it shows that everyone is against it.
And just like his bloodlust shadow-shifting and Clap Stunner, that ability has also improved. Now an aura of colour envelops everyone around him, representing further emotions and moods. As all of the students are sad to hear about their teacher, their auras are thus shown in blue, not even Thunderlane's grouchy face can hide his true mind and feelings. He's got more than just the facial expressions and breathing for insight, he's got inner emotion as a helping hand too!
"I understand that you want to be humble about your talents," Redheart answered, "but it really doesn't hurt to show it on your clothes, because we're fine with showing ours."
"And Sensei?" Fleetfoot continued, "this is who you are, don't you ever change that. Our talents can be used to help or harm and do good or evil. Believe me, there has been plenty of examples and cases here. The same goes for you Sensei, I know of you NOT to harm others and we're bound to have accidents."
Nagisa inhaled and exhaled deeply, now brought back from his focus. Wow, the students of CHS surely have a bright future ahead of them, who knew that they are people who would never give up? That's something he should need throughout every day of his life.
"Students," Nagisa addressed, "you may be right. Looks like I have a long way to go being a teacher, but I won't achieve that if I go, so I'll stay."
"Yes! Hooray!" The class cheered, throwing out shouts of joy.
"You know," Kimura asked Yada, "what do you think my Cutie Mark is?"
"I dunno, I'm quite interested in my own mark myself!" Yada laughed,
"I just hope I can apologise to the boy I harmed. I hope he can forgive me." Nagisa replied, only to be followed by another knock.
"Yes?" Yada opened the door to reveal another familiar face,
"Is Mr Shiota here?" The boy spoke, it was that same male student in the Religious Studies class!
"Oh!" Nagisa approached the kid, "listen, I'm happy that you're here, I want to--" Nagisa paused as he autonomously and instinctively read the boy with his Wavelengths of Consciousness. An aura mixed that burned hues of blue, purple and red. Sadness, Surprise and Anger... And his face... His breathing... No... Don't tell me...
"Mr Shiota," The student spoke, "my opinion regarding the Friendship Goddess still stands... But let me apologise for being rude to you!!!" He bowed, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry for being so rude to you and to others!!! I'm doing this bowing to show that I mean it (and that you're Neighponese too)!"
"You don't have to be an arrogant man to display your beliefs." Nagisa replied, "and it doesn't mean you can't use some morals from religious or non-religious texts to form your own code, that's what religious studies are for. If I did you something wrong like hurt you, I would have apologised as well, but It's okay now. Water under the bridge."
"Thank you, sir!" The student replied and he powered off.
"Sir?" Flash asked, "are you alright?"
Nagisa turned back around, a really wide and calm smile upon his face as he trotted back to the teacher's desk, completely full of energy and moxie. "Yep. I'm definitely fine now. Rather, I definitely feel better than before. I'm now truly back in business!" he exclaimed, "Now how about we work on the plan to knock Thursday's Club Contest out of the Park!?!?"
"YEAH!!!!" The entire class jumped in the air, raising a fist of victory in response.