Season 3, Episode 4: Human Nature put to the test

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" You really are alike, the two of you. "

Karma turn around to his sensei. " Who is? "

" You and that first year student, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, I heard you two got in a quarrel. " Koro-sensei looked amused as he said that.

Karma didn't budge his mouth to say anything.

" It's good to find your equal aside Nagisa. As a new rival, I don't mind you two developing a friendship. "

Karma let out a harsh chuckle. " Equal? As if. "

" Hm? "

Karma didn't say anything as he squeeze the towel that's filled with ice tightly.

Koro-sensei widen his eyes in a new light, Karma, his student that's too difficult to put a leash on, wouldn't want to admit a stronpeer that he met in less than half a month.

He can see the fear washing away from the red-head as he walk away from him.

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The man sat on the bench with a smile as he sip on a can of soda.

To be able to see his old student brimming with a new light, it would be considered exciting of an assignment as he trains Karma to a new experience.

He's been watching him since there's really nothing he could do.

Promising a job of an observer and messenger, Ryushi Korogane or Koro-sensei his precious students calls him, he'd be more than happy to.

That's where he sees someone interesting.

A rather avarage looking student with the name of Ayanokoji Kiyotaka spiked his and his student's interest.

He then expect that Karma would someday be able to be on touch with him.

It's called fate.

In Ryushi's eyes, Kiyotaka is an epitome of an unstoppable machine, trained specifically to top others. A champion of this world.

Two champions meeting eachother.

He consider them both, Karma and Kiyotaka to be complex characters with a complex life.

Even as 'friends' now, they have to see themselves fit whether either of them is stronger than the other.

Kiyotaka is a silent and unobtrusive person, while Karma is his counterpart, loud and wild, willing to catch attention.

Like two sides of the same coin.

Like black and white.

Their two different people that sit well together no matter how far their personalities differ.

When looking at the two of them, it's like looking at the sun and moon. But he knows, that underneath that friendship, inside is a battle between two students.

That's how much they respect eachother.

It's pretty clear that annoying the hell out of Karma became Kiyotaka's guilty pleasure.

Even though the red-head send a blank look towards the male he can hear the angry twitch of his facial features on Karma's smile.

It doesn't seem much of a surprise if he kills anyone really, Kiyotaka would just be amused and it would annoy Karma even more.

Karma let out a stiff smile as weird sounds were coming out of his left palm when he clench his fist. It could be Kiyotaka's eyes but there's a tiny speck of red dripping out his skin.

He couldn't voice it out since the red-head already drifted his attention away from him.

As everyone were discussing things about Ryuuen, one of them look at him with doubt, the people around would't dare to commit such an act like having Ryuuen with them.

" I don't mind becoming the leader of the group that takes Ryuuen in. " Karma's classmate, Akito propose, he then turn to Ryuuen. " What are you up to? "

" That's simple, I'd like the reward that comes with getting 1st place in exchange. " The grinning Ryuuen answered before adding. " A lot of it. "

" What are you proposing exactly? You sure your not planning on dragging someone else down with you and take responsibility? "

" Unless you blatantly sabotage us, I won't do such a thing. The rules won't let me do that right? "

Hearing Akito's well reasoned arguement, the 1st years boys were able to form six groups even with various complications. Since there are uneven numbers Karma himself did a lottery and form with them.

Karma's group was then formed.

Although, there were more Class C students in the Class B group, it didn't matter for the rest as one class has more members than the other.

Keisei let out a sigh that sounds relieved. " We managed to avoid Ryuuen but it's still doubtful whether or not we'll get a good average score with this group. "

Kiyotaka didn't say anything as he gives off a gloomy vibe, probably thinking about avoiding Ishizaki and Albert since the rooftop incident.

" Oiiii, stop being such a downer Keisei-kun. " Karma scold before looking at Ishizaki.

Ishizaki from the current Class D group notice Karma's smile and averted his eyes.

Keisei continued. " Kouenji's also going to be a problem. I don't think he'll take this exam seriously like before. "

" Don't worry Keisei-kun, we're in the same class so if we lose we'll drag Goldie with us. " Karma said.

After a few moments the 2nd and 3rd year appear to be present. And among the 2nd years that are present, stands Nagumo Miyabe.

Nagumo observes the 1st years in Karma's direction, face lit with interest.

He complimented. " I thought you 1st years would take a bit more time, but this is surprisingly fast. Why don't we form large groups right away? "

" Nagumo senpai, isn't that supposed to happen tonight? " One student ask.

" That's because the school didn't think you'd be able to form your small groups right away, coincidentally, all school years just finished forming their small groups as well. It's best if we get a move on, right? " Nagumo ask.

He was right, the teachers didn't expect the first years to form their groups since usually they would be hesitant.

" Horikita-senpai, you don't mind, do you? " He ask Manabu Horikita who push up his glasses.

" Sure. That'd be convenient for us too. "

Nagumo let out a grin before looking back and forth at the students. " What to do? What if we decide things based on draft? Six representatives from amongst the 1st years play rock-paper-scissors at eachother and decide the order, based on turns they'll pick the 2nd and 3rd year small groups and like that, a big group with all 1st, 2nd and 3rd group is formed. "

" The 1st years don't know much. Doesn't sound that impartial. " Manabu spoke up.

A brief back and forth argument between Manabu and Nagumo made it impossible for the 1st years to interrupt.

" What about you 1st years? If you have any complaints about this methods then please speak up. " Nagumo motioned to them, seemingly sure the 1st years can't talk back to him.

" We have no complaints. " Class A's Matoba answered.

" I see. Then let's get started right away. " Nagumo gave a smile and joined up with the small group he formed himself.

The 2nd and 3rd years then split themselves into six groups, leaders from each of the five 1st year groups then step forward to discuss.

Watching them, Nagumo's expression soften almost like he were looking at a child.

" Now all that's left is that group over there. "

It was Karma's group's turn to do rock-paper-scissors, he saw Kiyotaka said something to Keisei who made a skeptical face as he raise his hand.

As a result of playing, Keisei became fourth in line to select a senior student group, while first in line is the Class A group led by Matoba, second is the Class C group led by Yosuke and Class D group led by Kaneda.

" You can discuss amongst yourselves which group you want to pick. " Nagumo said.

It's clear that everyone wants to have a chance to pick either Nagumo's group or Manabu's group.

Yosuke observed the seniors making sure he won't make a wrong choice for his group.

" Oi, Hirata. Are you really okay? Isn't that student council president's group better? " Ike whispered to Yosuke.

" Yeah, I think this is fine. Talented people can make a problem since they are looked up to in a big amount. Besides, the seniors from the group I chose aren't half bad either. " Yosuke confidently replied and nodded.

Karma's worry peaked at the trust Yosuke gives off.

After observing the group picking their seniors, Nagumo's group wasn't chosen yet and Karma wonder why but didn't bother to mind it.

" Are you okay with me picking? " Keisei ask to the others.

Karma pat his shoulder. " There's no problem it won't change anything drastically. "

Not that he thought it would. The other classes also agrees on making Keisei choose.

Keisei shake his shoulder making Karma retreat his hand. " Why is your palm painful? "

After a while, it was Keisei's turn to pick and chose the group Nagumo's in charge of much to Karma's enlightenment.

After that, six large groups were successfully formed.

Nagumo sent a smile towards Manabu. " Horikita-senpai, we coincidentally happen to be in different large groups. Shall we have a little competition. "

The older Horikita gave a sharp look at Nagumo.

Fujimaki, a senior walk forward. " Nagumo. How many times has it been? Cut it out already. You've been challenging Horikita just like this but this time around it's a large scale exam that involves 1st years too. We cannot afford to let you act as though this is your personal playground. "

" Why is that? " Nagumo ask at the buffer male. " Challenges are not considered taboo in the special exam's rule book. "

" We're talking about basic manners here. There are things you should and shouldn't do, that much is obvious. You've become the student council president but that doesn't mean you gained permission to do anything you want. "

" In that case, why don't you be my opponent as well, Fujimaki-senpai? " Nagumo continue to provoke him casually with hands under his pockets. " For the record, you are number two in the 3rd years' Class A. "

Before a few students could step forward, Manabu Horikita spoke up. " I've rejected your demands up till now. Do you know why? "

" Let's see. " Nagumo hummed in thought. " Is it because your friends are scared you might lose to me? But of course, that can't possibly be it. Out of all people I've seen so far, Horikita-senapi, your the best. You're not afraid of losing and you never even once thought you'd lose in the first place. "

A rival Nagumo deeply respected. Karma thought of Kiyotaka.

Manabu didn't look moved as Nagumo explain how he don't desire meaningless conflict.

" The conflict of desire drags others into it way too much. " Manabu said.

To which goes true to Nagumo who shows an unstoppable demand, his craving impossible to satisfy.

" What are you intending to compete with? "

The 3rd years were surprised to hear Manabu accepting Nagumo's challenge.

" Which one of us expel the most students. How does that sound? " Nagumo declared.

An uproar then followed from the 1st years and 3rd years. Karma can sense the surprise and gaping mouths seeping out from his groupmates.

" Stop joking. "

" I really think it'll be interesting but I'll refrain this time. If you want me to make a serious proposal then it'd be which group gets the higher average score. Simple enough? "

" I see. If that's the case then I don't mind accepting. " Manabu replied.

" Thank you. " Nagumo smiled. " I knew you'd accept, senpai. "

" However, this is a personal fight between you and me. Don't involve others. "

" Don't involve others, huh? But judging the manner of this special exam, encouraging someone to sabotage your enemy's group is one's strategy. "

Manabu said with a firmness. " You should only question your own group's unity. You shouldn't take advantage of your enemy group's to stir them up, even by mistake. "

" What do they mean. " Ishizaki ask Keisei who's beside him.

" It probably means you can't use dirty strategies like Ryuuen does. "

" I see.. "

The conversation between Nagumo and Manabu continued.

" If you won't humor the conditions I've set, then I have no intention of accepting. " The former president student council dismiss.

" So in order to win, I can't attack Horikita-senpai's pawns. I'm fine with that. " Nagumo surprisngly complied.

" Not just my group, I won't acknowledge any method that causes harm to the other students too. The moment I confirmed you've meddled somehow I will call off our competition. "

" As expected of you, senpai. " The other boldly laughs. " I understand. I seem to be the only one craving for this competition so i'm willing to humor a certain amount of conditions. Fair-and-square, let's see which one of us can score higher through group unity. Let this be a fight with just our prides on the line. "

The older Horikita gave neither affirmation or refutation.

.

.

.

That long opening performance ended and Karma's small group was called to a halt by Nagumo.

" Our seniors are gone but do you mind sparing some time? Because you guys don't seem like you've actually chosen your leader after all. " Nagumo pointed out as Keisei fell into a slight panic.

" Ehh, how could you tell? "

" When I told you all to play rock-paper-scissors, it was painfully clear how awkward his actions were. If a leader is chosen in your 1st year group then he should have stepped up right away. By the way, the other group back then also had a delayed reaction. I'd say the groups who didn't elect their leaders are the 3-4 class composite balanced groups. "

The delay did happen, Kiyotaka had to immediately push Keisei on the back to play rock-paper-scissors. If it be longer than their lack of leader would have been revealed.

Karma can see Keisei gulped before answering. " I believe it's fine to choose a leader afterwards though. "

" That's right. But we'd like to have a good grasp on who all the 1st year leaders are. "Nagumo explain. " I wanted to teach you that a leader is a role that should be assumed as quickly as possible. The longer you'll wait to choose, the longer it'll take for the leader to be aware of his position and the anxiety of it will weigh all the more on him. "

Karma seemed curious to what the senior suggest.

" So you want us to choose our leaders right here? " He ask on Keisei's behalf, who looked like he doesn't want to play this role either.

Nagumo nod. " It doesn't matter how you choose. Please just choose a leader right now. "

Since it is the student council president giving the instructions, even the delinquent-like Ishizaki and Albert were unable to object.

Everyone were silent and hesitant as they were being silently watched by Nagumo.

Karma smiled and balled his right fist infront of the others. " Since no one's gonna volunteer, let's go with rock-paper-scissors for this too? "

No one did refute.

Ishizaki finally followed together with nine people, Kiyotaka played along and did the same.

Until one student was left not extending his hand for rock-paper-scissors.

" Oi, Koenji. " Keisei calls out to Koenji, who's looking out the window a slight distance away not paying attention to anyone.

" Hey you, blondie. Get a move on. "

One of the 2nd years angrily yelled to which Kouenji finally realize he's being called and turned around.

" Fufufu. You're referring to the striking beauty of my hair, are you not? "

Karma can feel himself die inside. He doesn't need to miss his beloved senior-chan if Fuka's male version is in his team.

" What? "

The 2nd year looked taken back when the response was not about rock-paper-scissors but about his hair.

" Get serious, Kouenji. "

" What do you mean by serious? " Koenji ask back. " Is playing rock-paper-scissors your definition of serious? "

" Hey, 1st year.. Kouenji, right? Are you mocking us senior students? "

" Mocking you? No, I am not mocking anything. From the very beginning, I had no interest in you lot. You may relax. " If Kouenji were trying to say he's genuinely not mocking anyone it will definitely backfire by how casual it sounded. He's unintentionally starting a fight. " I will not play rock-paper-scissors. Because I have no interest in being the leader. "

Keisei tries to persuade the blonde but Kouenji showed no sign of caving.

" You may say some strange things, Boy. If there's no interest, then there's no reason to participate, is that not correct? "

Karma felt amused rather than annoyed. " That will defeat the purpose on this rock-paper-scissors game then. "

The others didn't seem to share the same feeling as Karma.

" That's not how the rule works. " Keisei said.

" The rule is that someone from within the group must become the leader. In that case, someone else just needs to be the leader. " Kouenji replied.

" Stop screwing around. You can't act selfishly like that here. " Ishizaki who once had beef with Ryuuen and Kouenji before flared up at him.

" Fufufu. Then why don't you go ahead and make me the leader of your group. " Kouenji said as he swipe his bangs.

Hearing that unexpected proposal, Ishizaki froze up.

" Then I'll have you be leader. You don't mind, right? "

" You're free to push that role on me. " Kouenji's next words shocked everyone present.

" I'll do whatever I've decided to do. However, if I have decided not to do something then there's no way I'll do it. I may even withdraw this exam. Even if that results in our average score falling below the borderline, even if it means dragging someone down. Okay? "

" ..That's.. if you do something like that, you're getting expelled! "

" Fu. Fu. Fu. Yes that would be the case. " Kouenji showed no fear of expulsion. " Even if I score zero thoughout the entirety of the exam, as long as you lot struggle hard then there's no risk of falling below the borderline. Just go ahead and do it without holding back. "

Kouenji swayed his hair back fabulously.

Others were disturbed hearing the blonde spouting nonsense.

" What a guy. Must have a screw loose up there. " Ishizaki muttered as he took a step back and nodded.

" Koeunji's clearly not thinking this is a difficult exam. " Karma let out a comment. " He must've lived a great life to be so confident. "

" Let's just calm down, he probably doesn't have the balls to score zero either way. "

It would seem they probably wanted to forcibly push the troublesome role of leader to Kouenji since the position is risky.

But if Kouenji really does score zero the only a disastrous outcome awaits.

" Stop it Ishizaki. You keep that up and you'll be the one dragged down. " Hashimoto, a Class A student, restrained Ishizaki.

Karma stared at the defender. According to Fuka, Hashimoto Masayoshi is the type to always sides with and places his bets on a winning team, in order to always stay on top.

He was shown to walk beside Sakayanagi but his royalty is towards no one but himself.

Another trump card, mabye?

" But.. shit, if getting your way by taking a hard line's allowed then I'm definitely not doing it either. "

" Well, I suppose so. "