Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Japan, Tokyo 09:30

KORO-SENSEI DANCE STUDIO

"Okay, we're rolling," The cameraman said.

"Oh, are we recording?" The overweight dance instructor fiddled with his mic, with his overlarge gloved hands. "I'm so sorry, my mic—"

The name Koro-sensei: Dance instructor appeared at the side.

"It's fine," the presenter said off-camera. "Sato, can you...?"

"Sure." The production assistant quickly adjusted the dance instructor's mic by clipping it to his short tie.

"I'm so sorry!" His pale peachy skin flushed pink, and his small nose on his strangely round head nearly fell off. "Oh, my nose! Sorry."

"Is it okay?" Sato asked, smiling.

"Yes, thank you!" Koro-sensei replied as the woman left. "Can we cut the beginning?"

"Yes, that's fine." The presenter shuffled his cards. "Okay, let's just start from the top alright?"

Koro-sensei nodded quickly. "Yes, of course!!"

"Okay....okay let's go." The presenter smiled.

Koro-sensei cleared his throat. "I'm Koro-sensei the director of the dance studio— damn it." His nose and brown wig fell off.

"For God's sake..." A cameraman at the back muttered.

"I'm sorry, I have a condition!" Koro-sensei cried.

"Cut!" The presenter yelled. "Please can we retake that...?"

A large dance studio was shown with ten children aged seven to eight dressed in dance gear, with some of the boys in t-shirts.

Nakamura, Kayano, and Kanzaki were stretching near the corner while Karma and Gakushuu were fighting to use a dance bar on the side even though there was plenty of room. Terasaka was flexing his developing muscles while Hazama was recording on her phone.

While the parents were gathered in the viewing area that was separated by glass.

"You know, I've been coming here for...four years?" Hazama's mother, Emica, voiced over. "It's a family really, you have your good days..." The screen shifted to Hazama's mother fiddling with her hair while a little Hazama was sat next to her in the confession room. "And your bad ones. You know? You just take it as it comes."

"And, drink lots of wine when you get home," Hazama said dryly.

Her mom gave a choked laughed. "O-oh, honey." She ruffled her daughter's hair hard. "We...we don't do that."

Back on the dance floor, Gakushuu and Karma had started fighting, hitting each other.

"Boys, that's enough!" Mr Asano snapped, separating the two.

"Some of us are more involved than other parents," Mr Asano, Gakushuu's dad said in a voice-over. "Karma's parents for example, just drop him off. They're not really involved."

Karma yelled when Terasaka's dad, Haruto, had to lift him up while he was kicking and screaming.

"So it's very much a team effort," Mr Asano said pleasantly while in the confession room with a little Gakushuu by his side completing homework. "Which is needed, since we live very busy lives. I for one run a school so I'm constantly busy, so I completely understand that not everyone can be as organised and proactive as myself."

Back in the studio, Terasaka's dad was trying to sneak a beer while the camera zoomed in on him.

"It's definitely hard, you know?" Terasaka's dad sighed. "Especially for the dad's and mom's who are really trying to be there." He patted his son on the back. "We just want them to succeed, and it's hard...especially when some parents don't pull their weight."

The screen showed Nakamura and Kanzaki giggling together with Nakamura trying to jump on her.

"I'm not a judgmental person," Mrs Nakamura said, frowning.

"Yeah, you are." Little Nakamura grinned.

Her mom looked at her. "Rio... no, I'm not."

Nakamura laughed, bouncing in her seat. "Yeah, but with Karma's parents you said—"

"No, I didn't," her mom said firmly. "I didn't—"

"Yes, you did—"

The camera cut to Kanzaki's dad braiding her hair while glaring at Nakamura's mom.

"Yeah, my parents are busy." Karma rocked back and forth in his seat in the confessional room. "So they're not here a lot, which is fine. I don't really care, anyway. Plus it means I get to do what I want!"

Karma was shown on camera sneaking Wasabi into Gakushuu's water bottle.

"It is hard sometimes," Kayano's sister, Aguri Yukimura, said sheepishly. "Not everyone gets along."

Kayano raised an eyebrow, the text near her saying Kaede Kayano (Stage name), Real Name Akari Yukimura.

"Especially the dads," Little Kayano said firmly, sitting next to her sister. "Mr Asano is kind of a control freak."

"Akari!" Her sister scolded.

The scene shifted to Mr Asano having an argument with the Assistant Director, Mr Karasuma. "I reserved that parking space—"

"You can't reserve parking spaces here, that's only for the staff," Karasuma tried to explain levelly. "I can't ask people to move—"

"Gakushuu is the first one here every morning," Mr Asano stressed. "I need to be able to drive close enough to the studio—"

"There's plenty of other spaces—"

"No, there are not," Mr Asano said firmly. "I already reported this—"

"I'm ex-special forces, so when people ask if this job is difficult," Karasuma said from his office. "I would say, no." He took a long sip of his coffee while he stared at the camera with a dead look. "But would I choose going back into a warzone instead of dealing with the parents? Yes, absolutely."

"All the children here are special," Koro-sensei said warmly, stepping into the studio. "And seeing the kids happy and realising their talent is all I want."

"Morning everyone!" Koro-sensei greeted, wearing a t-shirt with the dance studio logo on it.

"Morning, sir!" His students bowed respectfully before most of them started messing around, shoving each other playfully again.

"Hi, everyone!" Hiromi walked into the room holding a shy Nagisa's hand. The feel-good music stopped. "I'm sorry we're late, traffic was horrible!"

Nakamura's mom sighed in the confession room. "Oh, god..."

"Go stand by the others," Hiromi ushered her son to go over to where the others were.

"Shiota is..." Hazama's mom sighed, brushing some hair out of her face. "She's really passionate about Nagisa's dance training, which I do respect...BUT..."

"Hello, everyone," Hiromi greeted sweetly as she came to sit down with the other parents.

"Hi..." The replies were forced smiles and overly sweet tones.

"How are you?" Yukimura asked lightly.

"Shiota is just...a lot," Mrs Nakamura said bluntly. "You never really know what's going to set her off, but..., you just know it's going to happen."

Hiromi was shown in the confession room, petting little Nagisa's head. "I know the other moms and dads do have a problem with me." She loosened the ties on Nagisa's hair. "I know I'm very passionate and emotional, which not everyone understands, especially towards my child. I'm very protective."

"How was everyone's weekend?" Hiromi asked pleasantly while looking through her purse.

"It was nice," Yukimura said.

"Yeah, really nice," Nakamura nodded.

"Gakushuu won another martial arts competition," Mr Asano said lightly.

"Oh, wow, really?" Hiromi smiled politely. "That's so nice. Good for him."

Mr Asano chuckled. "Yes. To be honest, though, we've been more preoccupied with the commercial he's signed up for."

"Commercial?" Kanzaki's dad looked impressed. "Where?"

"Just a local one, for now, I don't want him distracted from school," Mr Asano replied pleasantly.

Meanwhile, Hiromi's smile wavered.

"You know, I have nothing against Asano or his family." Hiromi adjusted her blue hair in the confession room. "I think Gakushuu is a great kid, but...you know, I just don't like braggers, it's really obnoxious, in my opinion."

Nagisa was shown laughing while practising mirroring moves with Karma.

"My mom doesn't really like the other parents," Nagisa said shyly while Kayano was putting his hair in pigtails in the confession room. "She says they don't like her so... um... it's kind of awkward...especially with Asano because my mom really doesn't like them..."

"Okay, everyone!" Koro-sensei clapped, as his students sat down. "I was very proud of what we achieved in the last competition. You children were amazing, I just think we need to fine-tune that second blade?"

A lot of the parents exchanged confused looks while Yukimura clapped.

"Do I sometimes think Koro-sensei's teaching is weird? And do I think it's strange that he looks like an octopus disguised as a human?" Kanzaki's dad, Koharu, said while he was trying to detangle some gum out of his daughter's hair. "Yes, absolutely, he was definitely not my first pick, uh, but he's the best and I want my daughter to be the best."

Little Kanzaki smiled warmly at the camera. "He's really nice too."

Her dad sighed. "Honey, that's not how you get anywhere in life."

"So, in preparation for the next competition, I've shuffled the pyramid around," Koro-sensei said, as Karasuma wheeled over a blackboard with a pyramid diagram showing the students pictures blocked out.

"And top of the pyramid is...." He slowly unveiled the photo as the others watched nervously. "Gakushuu!" Koro-sensei clapped. "Good job!"

Gakushuu looked smug while Karma stuck his tongue out.

The camera zoomed in on Hiromi's outraged face.

"Is this competition just a joke now?" Hiromi questioned in the confession room. "Do I think Gakushuu is a terrible dancer? Of course not! But is Nagisa better? Yes."

"Is this a joke?" Hiromi whispered, looking around at the other parents to agree.

"Is it a shock other parents are jealous?" Mr Asano raised an eyebrow, patting his son's head while the eight-year-old was fiddling with his latest medal. "Of course not. My son's talented, this is expected."

"I'm a winner," Gakushuu said seriously, causing his dad to chuckle and pat his head. "If they're jealous, it's because they're losers."

Later on, the children were practising their choreography.

"5,  6, 7, 8!" Koro-sensei clapped to the beat. "Follow-along, children!"

"Ah!" Kanzaki started crying when Nakamura accidentally whacked her in the face.

The camera zoomed in on the parents quickly as they sprung into action.

"Kanzaki!" the girl's father rushed over while Koro-sensei hurriedly turned the music off.

"Oh, no!" Mrs Nakamura sighed, standing up. "Okay, it's okay!"

"Why does she always have to be so rough?" Hiromi muttered to Hazama's mom.

"Nakamura isn't exactly what you'd call ladylike," Hazama's mom commented in the confessional room. "She's one of the boys, which is fine, but not all the girls are up for that."

"Sorry!" Nakamura looked upset when she saw Kanzaki crying and clutching her eye. "I didn't mean to!"

"It's fine." Kanzaki's dad looked annoyed, picking his daughter up.

"I'm so sorry," Mrs Nakamura tried to placate.

"It's fine," Kanzaki's dad said in annoyance.

"Is this the first time this has happened?" Kanzaki's dad said in the confessional room. "No, honestly it's not, which is concerning."

The camera tried to sneak a view at Kanzaki and her dad in the cloakroom with the girl's father putting an ice-pack on her eye. "It's okay, sweetie."

"Kanzaki is sensitive," the girl's father said firmly. "She doesn't like to play rough. She's fragile."

Contradictory to that, a scene showed Kanzaki laughing and wrestling with Nakamura, giggling when Nakamura put her in a headlock.

"I don't like seeing her hurt," Kanzaki's dad continued, frowning. "So,  I am anxious when Nakamura does try to play with her because I'm concerned."

Mrs Nakamura looked annoyed, in the confession room. "Honestly, I don't understand why the parents have to make a big deal out of it – Rio is very tough, and she likes to play. They're kids, not dolls, they're not going to break. It's not really a big deal."

Kanzaki's dad was shown having some heated words with Koro-sensei who was trying to placate him.

The scene shifted to Hiromi approaching Koro-sensei while the instructor was trying to glue his nose back on.

"Hi?" She smiled sweetly

Koro-sensei jumped and nearly dropped his nose when he turned around. "Oh, hi?"

Hiromi crossed her arms and stepped closer. "Um, are we able to talk about Nagisa for a second?"

"Of course, yes," Koro-sensei said quickly.

"Do I think Nagisa's mother is overbearing?" Koro-sensei sighed, sitting in the confessional room. "While I think she means well, there is some...unwanted anger in how she goes about getting her way."

Back in Koro-sensei's office the two of them sat down.

"Yes, um, honestly I'm concerned," Hiromi said, causing the camera to zoom in on Koro-sensei's face.

"About what?"

"I'm wondering if Nagisa is getting the attention he needs." She smiled tightly. "He has talent and... is it being shown properly?"

"...Well, I understand," Koro-sensei tried to speak.

"Because, I know there are other dancers here, and I'm not trying to take attention away from them," Hiromi talked over him. "But, this is the second time you haven't put him on the top for the pyramid."

"I do understand, but Nagisa is still new—"

"He has the talent!" Hiromi's voice rose.

"Nagisa has the talent, but not the confidence," Koro-sensei tried to explain in the confessional room. "Every time he's in the spotlight he freezes up."

The scene showed Nagisa and Karma reading comic books together while eating their lunch.

"What I'm trying to do is bring him out of his shell so he can perform," Koro-sensei voiced over. "Ms Shiota can't keep pushing for me to put Nagisa in the spotlight when he isn't ready."

The camera shifted to outside where the parents were drinking coffee and chatting during the lunch break.

Suddenly everything shifted when Hiromi came storming out of Koro-sensei's office. "I am done!"

"Ms Shiota!"

The other parents and kids looked over in surprise.

"No!" Hiromi grabbed her bag. "I am done with this bull****!"

"There's no need to swear in front of the kids," Hazama's mom sighed, shaking her head. "Like I just don't understand this woman."

"Nagisa, get your things!" Hiromi screeched, storming over to her son.

"Shiota, calm down!" Mrs Nakamura sighed, rolling her eyes. "Really?"

"Mom?" Nagisa was in shock as he was dragged off by his mother.

"We're in the middle of rehearsal!" Karasuma said in disbelief.

"Yeah, well, I'm done!" Hiromi yelled, dragging Nagisa out with her. "WE'RE DONE!"

The door slammed as the students and parents were left exchanging shocked and unsure looks, the camera zooming in and out of their faces.

The next day, Hiromi showed up dragging Nagisa behind her.

The parents looked over, exchanging shrewd looks.

"Were we surprised she came back?" Mrs Nakamura raised an eyebrow in the confession room. "I mean she does this nearly every month so..."

"My mom gets angry a lot," Nagisa said, frowning while in the confessional room on his own. "Even though there's not really a reason..."

Hiromi fussed over Nagisa, fixing his hair before pushing him towards the other students.

"Sometimes, I can come across as aggressive," Hiromi said while sitting in the confessional room. "But, a lot of it just comes from wanting the best for my child, and if people have an issue with that, it's more their problem than mine."

The camera shifted to Mr Asano watching Gakushuu practice the dance moves, and then call him over. "Gakushuu, come here."

Gakushuu grimaced and apprehensively went over to his father who gripped his hands tightly and gave him a stern look while speaking in a low voice.

"I thought I told you to go over these moves last night?"

"I did," his son mumbled while the mics picked up the sound. "My stomach just hurts—"

"Ah." His father held up a finger to silence him. "Winners don't complain."

"Some people think I push too much," Mr Asano said evenly while Little Gakushuu was next to him reading a maths textbook in the confessional room. "But, it's not wrong to want perfection. Children need goals in life." He looked at his son pointedly. "Because...?"

Gakushuu sighed, tired. "So they can be winners..."

"Exactly," Mr Asano said brightly, patting his son on the head. "Diamonds are made through pressure, and that's the same approach I take to parenting."

The camera zoomed in on Gakushuu face as the boy shot the camera a dead and sarcastic look.

The scene shifted to Gakushuu being consoled by Terasaka's dad and Ms Yukimura.

"Aw, are you not feeling well, sweetie?" Yukimura bent down to his level while Gakushuu rubbed his eyes tiredly.

"My stomach hurts..." Gakushuu mumbled, ducking his head.

"It's okay." Yukimura pulled him into a hug while Terasaka's dad rubbed the boy's back. "Let's go tell Koro-sensei, okay?"

The scene shifted to Koro-sensei trying to talk to Mr Asano privately. "I think Asano needs to go home."

"I'll call you back." Mr Asano ended the call he was on and looked annoyed. "Why?"

"He said his stomach hurts, so I think he might be sick," Koro-sensei said placatingly.

"Is he vomiting?"

"I'm sorry?" Koro-sensei looked confused.

"He can still dance," Mr Asano said stubbornly. "If he can stand and perform, then he's not sick."

"You can't coddle children." Mr Asano looked annoyed, in the confessional room alone. "Kids complain that they're sick all the time, a majority of the time it's nothing – my son has a busy schedule, I'm not going to drop everything just because he has a stomach-ache that'll be gone in an hour."

Later on, Gakushuu was crying in the cloakroom while Nakamura and Kanzaki were rubbing his back.

"What's wrong?" Nagisa asked as he and the other children were gathered around.

"My stomach really hurts," Gakushuu clutched his stomach, while sitting on a bench.

"Did you eat something bad?" Terasaka asked, looking down.

"I didn't do anything!" Karma said quickly.

Kayano frowned. "Should we call an ambulance?"

Mr Karasuma sighed when he saw them. "I'm calling the ambulance."

"Our parents aren't really good at calling ambulances or taking us to the hospital when we're injured," Hazama said bluntly while she was in the confessional room. "So we figured we should probably call the ambulance in case Asano died."

The scene shifted to the ambulance pulling up outside the building, surprising the adults.

"So suddenly this ambulance pulls up out of nowhere," Hazama's mom exclaimed while re-applying her lipstick. "And we're all shocked and wondering just what's happening."

The paramedics came in and spoke with Mr Karasuma, before heading to the cloakroom.

Mr Asano looked annoyed at first and started arguing with the paramedics.

"Things had escalated over a stomach-ache." Mr Asano sighed, shaking his head. "My son isn't fragile, if there was something serious, then, of course, I'd take the right action."

The paramedics spoke in low voices, checking Gakushuu over while Mr Asano, Koro-sensei and Karasuma watched over.

"It looks like it's his appendix," the short-haired paramedic diagnosed, causing Mr Asano's eyes to widen. "We're going to have to take him to the hospital."

"Oh, no!" Koro-sensei looked worried.

"Oh..." Mr Asano looked around warily when he saw the other parents watching and casting him judgemental looks.

"Was I surprised?" Hiromi looked smug in the confession room. "I have been saying since day one that Asano is going to drive his son to exhaustion." She shook her head. "If that was Nagisa, I would have had him at the hospital as soon as he said something was wrong."

"Mom, I have a headache." Nagisa tugged on his mom's sleeve while the parents watched Mr Asano and his son go into the ambulance.

"Not now." Hiromi slapped his hand away.

The scene shifted to the kids visiting Gakushuu in the hospital with a bunch of handmade cards.

"Hi!" Koro-sensei greeted while Gakushuu was sitting in bed reading.

The boy looked embarrassed when his friends gathered around the hospital bed.

"Do you have a scar?" Karma asked, trying to lift the sheets.

"Karma!" Koro-sensei chided, tapping the boy's hand.

"Where is your appendix!?" Nakamura jumped up and down, her hair flailing. "I wanna see!"

Gakushuu wrinkled his nose. "No!"

"We made you a card." Nagisa presented the big card with all of their dance class drawn on the cover with it saying 'Get well soon Asano' on the front.

"Thanks..." Gakushuu's cheeks flushed, taking the card.

Koro-sensei chuckled. "Okay, everyone, don't forget to give Asano a hug so he can get better. But be careful!

"Okay!" The kids chimed, jumping on Gakushuu's bed.

"Hey!" Gakushuu tried to push them away as he was eloped in a hug. "Leave me alone!"

Some of the parents that were watching took some pictures.

"Aw!" Yukimura recorded it on her phone.

"You know, at the end of the day, they're just kids," Yukimura voiced over. "And, even with all the drama, we're really just a family."

"It's so sweet," Hiromi said, while Mr Asano smiled politely. "...It's really a shame Gakushuu won't be able to compete. He was doing so well on the pyramid..."

A record scratched.

A flash of frustration appeared on Mr Asano's face. "Excuse me?"

Her eyes narrowed. "Well, the boy is in the hospital?"

"He's already making a recovery," Mr Asano replied lightly, raising an eyebrow. "Considering the competition is two months away, I don't see an issue."

Hiromi's pleasantness evaporated. "Um, I do. Considering as this could mean the competition is on the line and I'm sure others on the team could take his place... Nagisa has been doing very well lately."

"Oh, come on..." Terasaka's dad snuck a sip of beer in the background.

"My son is in the hospital, and you think now's the time to shove him out of the spotlight?" Mr Asano exclaimed.

"I'm thinking about what's best for him and the team!" Hiromi snapped defensively.

In the background, Mr Karasuma buried his face in his palm. "For f*** sake..."

The scene faded as Hiromi and Mr Asano's argument grew more heated, and Mr Karasuma and Yukimura had to step in, while Koro-sensei was trying to distract the children by clapping to a song.

"Running a dance studio is hard," Koro-sensei's voiced over. "But the rewards are worth it, and as long as the children are happy, I'm happy." He was shown in the confessional room. "That's why I love teaching them."

"That's really amazing," the presenter said. "Now...what about the allegations made that you're secretly an octopus masquerading as a teacher?"

Koro-sensei froze, turning stark white. "...Come again?"

There was a shift of paper. "Uh, it was made by an anonymous source called 'Shiro'? They claimed you are really an octopus and not even a qualified dance teacher at that."

Koro-sensei was completely silent for a solid minute until he panicked. "It's a lie!" He was flustered, flailing. "I'm perfectly qualified!" He wrestled to take his mic off. "Can we stop filming please?" He knocked over the camera from flailing so much. "I'm perfectly human! THIS IS DISCRIMINATION—"

The broadcast cut off and went straight to the credits, showing photos of the kids practising their dance moves, along with a few photos of them eating ice cream together and playing games while their parents could be seen arguing in the background.

Chapter Text

KORO-SENSEI DANCE STUDIO

Japan, Tokyo 05:30

Saturday

Karasuma had a coffee in his hand as he stood outside the door of the studio. “I’m used to military time so I tend to get here early to get ahead of the students that come in early.”

“Do students often come this early?” the cameraman asked.

Karasuma shot him a look as if it should be obvious. “Most of them.” He looked over at the parking lot as he opened the door. “The Akabane’s tend to drop off Karma early.” He switched on the lights. “And Asano tends to be here first, but since Gakushuu’s been in the hospital…”

“So is Asano not coming in at all?”

Karasuma looked annoyed. “Oh, he’ll be in.” He turned on some more lights and heaters in the hallways as they moved through the studio. “The world would need to be ending for these kids to miss a practice session – dance is taken seriously here.”

He opened the office door and turned light on, greeting the camera to a sight of Koro-sensei passed out on the floor with a blanket of candy wrappers and crisp packets surrounding him.

“For God’s sake…” Karasuma buried his face in his hand and leaned against the door.

There was a pause as the camera zoomed in on the Koro-sensei wig as it fell off.

“Okay, that’s enough!” Karasuma covered the camera with his hand.

“Hey!” The cameraman yelled as he was shoved out of the office.

“Things have been pretty hard over the last four weeks,” Koro-sensei was shown in the confession room wearing sunshades and with stubble on his cheeks. “I’ve had to keep a low profile since the…since the article was released.”

“…You mean the one claiming you’re an octopus in disguise and all your qualifications are fake?” The presenter said dryly.

“It’s slander!” Koro-sensei cried, his shades popping off as he sobbed. “I’m perfectly qualified! I practically invented the wiggle dance!”

“…I don’t think you did.”

Koro-sensei looked angry, flailing his tentacles. “It’s all slander! I’m perfectly human!” His nose dropped off again. “AH!”

“Uh, what should we do?” The cameraman whispered while Koro-sensei was ranting.

The presenter sighed. “Just cut to the kids.”

ASANO RESIDENCE

Japan, Tokyo 05:45

Saturday

“We have a very set routine in the house,” Mr Asano voiced over. “It’s important a child has that if they want to be successful.”

In the large kitchen, Gakushuu was sitting at the table dressed in his hoodie and dance shorts while his dad was by the counter making some kind of protein shake.

“So obviously that had to be adjusted when Gakushuuu had to have his operation because of the appendicitis,” Mr Asano said in the confession room while little Gakushuu was sitting next to him, a scowl on the boy’s face. “Especially in the dietary area – clearly something went wrong, so we’ve completely removed caffeine, sugar and…” He glanced at his son. “What else?”

“…Everything that tastes good,” Gakushuu replied sourly.

Mr Asano chuckled and patted his head. “He’s joking.” He smiled pleasantly. “Basically everything that’s processed and remotely unhealthy has been removed from his diet.”

Gakushuu glared at the green protein shake when it was placed on the table.

“There we are.” Mr Asano smiled and patted him on the head. “Drink up!”

Gakushuu stared at the shake blankly, before scowling at the camera when it zoomed in on his face.

“Do you like your new diet?” The presenter asked the boy when he was alone in the confessional room.”

There was a pause as Gakushuu gave him an unimpressed look. “…I want a chocolate bar.”

The scene shifted to another household.

HAZAMA RESIDENCE

Japan, Tokyo 05:55

Saturday

Kirari Hazama’s mother, Emica, smiled as she prepared her daughter’s bento box. “I love just making her lunches special.” She flipped back her dark, well-primmed hair. “I think it really teaches her the importance of presentation, and just taking pride in work really.”

The camera zoomed in on the mass of trophies decorating the wall, with photos of Hazama and her mother at competitions on the mantlepiece.

She dotted about the kitchen getting Hazama’s dance kit ready. “My daughter Kirari has been dancing since she was four years old.” She placed the dance kit on the sofa. “And honestly, I think it’s brought us closer together over the years – it’s the real bond we share, and that’s the most important part for me.”

Hazama’s mom turned on the light of her daughter’s messy room where the girl was sleeping under the covers.

“Wake up!” Hazama’s mom snapped, ripping the covers off.

“UGH!!” Hazama groaned, burrowing into her pillow.

“You’re going to be late!” Her mom tried to yank her off the bed by the ankles.

“I don’t care!” Hazama started kicking.

“Get up!” Her mom screamed, trying to pull her out of bed.

Hazama clung onto the bedpost. “NO!”

“So what’s your favourite part about dancing?” The presenter asked Hazama when she was alone in the confession room.

Hazama’s expression was dead. “I don’t.”

“…I’m sorry?”

Hazama raised an eyebrow. “I don’t like dancing.”

“Oh…” There was a long pause for a while. “…Well, what do you like?”

“Necromancy,” she replied flippantly, smirking when the camera zoomed in on her face.

SHIOTA RESIDENCE

Japan, Tokyo 06:00

Saturday

“Nagisa, hurry up!” Hiromi was rushing around the house.

“I can’t find my t-shirt,” Nagisa mumbled, looking around his room worriedly. “The one with the logo—”

“LOOK IN THE LAUNDRY BASKET!” Hiromi screeched from the kitchen.

“It’s a little stressful in the morning,” Hiromi gave a strained smile while in the confessional room with Nagisa. “Nagisa can be just a little disorganised!” She forced a laugh and patted his head. “Luckil, he has his mommy to keep things on track!”

The two of them were stood by the front door, ready to go with their coats on. “…Where are the keys?” Hiromi started to panic when she realised she didn’t have them. “DAMN IT, WHERE ARE THE KEYS!?” She wrestled her shoes off and started to search the house while Nagisa stayed standing by the door.

“Not many people really understand the struggles of being a single parent,” Hiromi said while stroking Nagisa’s head. “Especially when it comes to commitments like dance,” she said, sighing. “Nagisa’s a star, and that’s something my ex-husband never really understood.” She chuckled while Nagisa grimaced. “But, those are sacrifices I’m willing to make so Nagisa can shine!”

“Morning everyone!” Hiromi greeted when she walked into the studio where Kanzaki, Karma, and Gakushuu were already gathered practising. “Oh!” Her smile wavered when she saw Mr Asano talking with Kanzaki’s dad and Mrs Hazama. “Gakushuu, you’re back!” She cooed, pinching the boy’s cheeks when Nagisa walked over to them. “Aw, did you make a full recovery?”

Gakushuu grimaced when his cheeks were pinched. “Yeah…”

The camera zoomed in on Mr Asano narrowing his eyes at Hiromi.

“Are you disappointed that Gakushuu won’t be able to perform in the competition?” The presenter asked.

“Of course, at first, I was disappointed,” Mr Asano said while Gakushuu was chewing on a stick of celery. “But, obviously there are just some unfortunate circumstances that can’t be controlled.” His smile tightened. “Even though Gakushuu is perfectly capable of competing.”

Gakushuu raised an eyebrow and cast his dad a glance.

The scene shifted to Mr Asano and Gakushuu at the doctor’s office.

“He’s going to need two months at least to recover,” the doctor said, adjusting her glasses. “He really shouldn’t be doing any strenuous activity.”

Mr Asano glanced at his son who was sitting down on the examination table. “…Can the recovery be condensed into two weeks?”

The doctor nearly choked. “What?!”

“Obviously, I wouldn’t risk Gakushuu’s safety and health,” Mr Asano insisted, while Gakushuu chewed on a carrot. “But, others just don’t realise how strong he is.” He looked at his son. “In fact, he once broke his ankle and recovered in…?”

“Two days,” Gakushuu replied flatly.

“Exactly.” Mr Asano patted him on the head.

The camera caught Mr Asano and Koro-sensei having an argument in the hallway. “He’s perfectly fine.”

“The doctor said he needs at least two months!” Koro-sensei argued. “He shouldn’t even be training!”

“He’s perfectly fine,” Mr Asano repeated, scoffing. “There’s no need to take him off the pyramid.”

“He had an operation!”

The scene shifted to Gakushuu sneaking into Koro-sensei’s office while the cameraman followed.

“Yeah, my dad’s doing that thing where he’s in denial,” Gakushuu explained while hunting through Koro-sensei’s desk in the office. “So it’ll be a pretty big fallout when he faces the truth.”

“Oh… why? What will happen?” The cameraman asked warily as the boy stuffed a bag of Doritos and a carton of non-organic orange juice in his shorts.

Gakushuu shrugged, stealing a chocolate bar. “I dunno,” he said with a mouthful of chocolate. “Last time something like this happened, he tried to drive the car into a lake.”

“What?!”

“Insurance covered it though, so it was fine.”

The scene changed back to the studio with all the children gathered.

“Alright, children!” Koro-sensei addressed the class while they were gathered. “Now, I would like us to give a nice welcome to Asano, who’s come back from his recovery!”

The children clapped, Gakushuu scowled when Karma tried to shove a chilli in his ear.

“Now, we’ve had to make adjustments to the pyramid since Asano can’t compete fully,” Koro-sensei said, bringing the blackboard into view. “Also, I want you to know, Asano, that you’re still a part of our team, so you can come cheer us on at the competition!”

“Yay,” Gakushuu replied dryly.

Koro-sensei ignored the sarcasm. “From what I’ve seen this past month, I’ve been very proud of all the hard work you’ve put in, but there was a special someone who really proved themselves this month!”

Kayano nudged Nagisa who blushed and ducked his head.

“So, without further ado…!” Koro-sensei unveiled Nagisa’s photo at the top of the pyramid. “Nagisa, you’re in the centre!”

The other children clapped and cheered.

The camera zoomed in on Hiromi’s smug face, earning a glare from the other parents.

“We all knew it was going to be Nagisa,” Mrs Nakamura sighed, shaking her head. “Hiromi has been smug about it since Asano got injured.”

“Honestly, I’m happy for Nagisa,” Terasaka’s dad said in the confessional room. “But, I’m just worried about the kid freezing on stage, especially with his mom there.”

Hiromi clapped loudly. “Good job, sweetie!”

Hiromi was grinning. “I mean, the choice was obvious at the end of the day.” She hugged Nagisa tightly, making the boy smile. “My little Nagisa is a born star.” Her smile was smug. “Of course, some parents were jealous – although, that’s to be expected.”

The camera zoomed in on Mr Asano’s face twitching.

There was silence in the confessional room while Gakushuu quietly chewed on a straw.

“…So, how do you feel about Nagisa being top of the pyramid?” The presenter asked cautiously.

Mr Asano smiled brightly. “Oh, I couldn’t be happier.” He chuckled lightly. “Honestly, I can’t think of anyone more deserving. I’m very happy for them.”

Gakushuu stopped chewing his straw and cast a shrewd look at his dad.

The scene shifted to later in the evening, with Mr Asano parking his car further away from the studio in an empty car park as the camera zoomed in across from the street.

Mr Asano then got out of the car with his son, a crowbar in hand, and then proceeded to smash the front-view mirror. The man smashed his expensive car with the crowbar, thrashing the tires and yelling curses while he did so.

The camera zoomed in on Gakushuu, who was standing by the side while drinking some orange juice, as he calmly watched his dad smash up the car.

“Yeah, so my dad ruined the car again,” Gakushuu said, while in the confessional room alone, eating a bag of cheesy Doritos he’d stolen. “He kind of gets really upset when I lose or something goes wrong.”

“And, does that upset you?” The presenter asked gently. “That your dad is so obsessed with winning?”

“Well, it did at first because sometimes he’d lock me outside the house.” He shrugged and ate some more Doritos. “But, now I don’t really care because I like seeing him lose his sh**.”

Gakushuu drank his juice as he curiously watched his dad drive the crowbar through the back window and then collapse on the ground with his head in his hands.

“The competition is nearly here,” Koro-sensei voiced over. “So, I need to make sure the children are really putting their all into this – I had to adapt the dance routine to suit Nagisa’s skills, but this actually might work in our favour.” He chuckled nervously. “This is a big competition! So let’s try our best, please.” He turned away anxiously. “Or your sensei might die from shame…”

“What?” Nakamura frowned, looking confused along with the other children.

“Nothing!” Koro-sensei said quickly. “Let’s all get in position!”

Nagisa was practicing in the studio with the others, leading the centre.

“Nagisa, legs! Higher!” Karasuma yelled.

Nagisa stumbled when he tried to move faster.

“It’s definitely more pressure being in the spotlight,” Nagisa said while in the confessional room alone. “But, I really wanna make my mom and Koro-sensei proud.” He smiled hesitantly. “So, I’m gonna try my best!”

Meanwhile, the parents were watching from the stands.

“Has he even had chance to practice?” Mrs Hazama asked, filing her nails.

Hiromi’s eyes narrowed. “Yes.” She straightened up. “He’s been practicing every day in fact.”

Hazama’s mom raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

Hiromi’s eye twitched.

“I really don’t appreciate the comments from a lot of the parents,” Hiromi said, scowling. “I understand they’re jealous, but it’s really unprofessional, and actually just downright childish.”

“Yes.” Hiromi pretended to look through her bag. “By the way, how often has Hazama been practicing?”

The camera zoom in on Mrs Hazama’s narrowed eyes as Yukimura awkwardly moved out of the frame.

“Every day,” Hazama’s mom replied tightly.

“Huh.” Hiromi looked at Hazama who had a dead expression on her as she followed the others and did a flip in the air. “Well…” She smiled. “I think she’s very good at gymnastics at least.” She shrugged. “Have you thought of having her try that out?”

The tone shifted as Mrs Hazama’s gaze turned deadly.

“At least?” Hazama’s mom snapped, looking enraged. “Just what is she trying to say?! My daughter is a better dancer than her son will ever be!”

“Oh.” Hazama mom’s smile tightened. “Well, I suppose she is acrobatic.” Her smile was overly sweet. “It’s her confidence, really.” She flipped her hair back. “She doesn’t shy away from the spotlight.”

Hiromi’s eyes narrowed, as a dark look cast over her face. “Excuse me? What did you say?”

Terasaka’s dad buried his face in his hand. “Ah, f***.”

“I’m just saying, you know, between us moms, Nagisa isn’t exactly confident,” Mrs Hazama continued, shrugging. “And, this is his biggest competition to date.”

“I’m not trying to be cruel,” Mrs Hazama said bluntly in the confessional room. “I’m just being honest, because someone needs to explain to Hiromi that her child just isn’t a born performer, and she needs to accept that.”

“I didn’t realise my child was suddenly your business, Emica,” Hiromi replied, narrowing her eyes.

“Um!” Yukimura tried to intervene. “Maybe we shouldn’t talk about this near the children—?”

“Well, I think someone needs to say it since Nagisa is going to be centre stage,” Mrs Hazama replied coldly. “And, frankly since you don’t have an issue voicing your—”

“Okay, I’m going to stop you there!” Hiromi snapped, starting to go red in the face. “I don’t know what your problem is, but Nagisa is a born performer, and I am here EVERY DAY unlike—!”

“No.” Mrs Hazama’s gaze sparked with rage. “Don’t even go there, because at least I actually care about my daughter!”

The scene cut to Mrs Nakamura sighing. “Oh, no…”

Hiromi’s face turned bright red as a dark look overwhelmed her.

“HOW DARE YOU!!!”

The screeching cut through the music and made the children and Koro-sensei jumped.

Nagisa looked over at where the parents were worriedly.

Karasuma sighed, rubbing his eyes. “Not again…”

Hazama sighed, standing next to Nagisa. “Well, this should be interesting.”

Nagisa grimaced. “I don’t know if interesting is the right word—"

“I have had it up to here with your attitude! We’re all putting the work in. We’re all showing up!” Mrs Hazama shouted. “You’re not better than any of us!”

“Well…” Hiromi struggled to speak. “But… I am better than your trash hair extensions, that’s for sure!”

Hazama sighed. “Oh, boy…”

“WHAT DID YOU SAY!” Mrs Hazama turned red in the face, causing the kids to nearly fall back by the force of the blow.

“My mom gets really sensitive about her hair, because she has a bald patch she covers up,” Hazama told them while alone in the confessional room. “That’s why sometimes she wears wigs – but I’m not supposed to tell people that.”

“Ladies, please!” Koro-sensei tried to intervene.

“STAY OUT OF THIS!” They screamed at him, knocking his wig and nose off.

“Are you kidding me?!” Mrs Hazama looked livid in the confession room. “Just who does this b*** think she is?” She scoffed. “My hair is trash? Has she even looked in a mirror? Because last time I checked, blue wasn’t flattering!”

“I’m not putting up with this!” Mrs Hazama snapped, grabbing her bag. “Kirari, get your things!”

“Oh, come on…” Mr Kanzaki muttered while Mr Asano looked amused.

“Oh, you are such a drama queen!” Hiromi shouted. “We don’t even need you here!” She looked around at the parents to agree with her, but they stared at her blankly.

“You’re crazy!” Mrs Hazama screamed, rushing out of the viewing room. “Kirari, I said, get your things!”

Hazama sighed and slowly went to go grab her bag.

“Oh, boohoo!” Hiromi yelled, scoffing. “You’re such a child! You’re such a child!”

“I am not a doormat,” Hiromi said firmly while in the confessional room. “And, I will not be spoken to with disrespect.”

Mrs Hazama grabbed her daughter and dragged her out of the studio. “Get the camera out of my face!” She pushed passed the cameraman. “Move!”

The parents and children were gathered outside of a large bus with luggage.

“It’s finally competition time!” Koro-sensei rubbed his gloved hands together excitedly. “We’re going to be taking the bus to Kanagawa dance competition!” He told them. “I insist on everyone taking the bus since we’re all cheering each other on!”

The scene showed Hiromi and Hazama glaring at each other as they got out of their cars and marched towards the bus, trying to out-pace each other as they threw each other dirty looks.

“So…” Yukimura looked sheepish while in the confessional room with Nakamura’s mom. “Things have been a little awkward since Ms Shiota and Mrs Hazama’s fight…”

“We’re going to be on that bus for three hours,” Mrs Nakamura said dryly. “I wouldn’t be surprised if not all of us make it to the hotel.”

“Dad, what are you doing?” Terasaka asked when he saw his and Kanzaki’s dad sneak some alcohol into a carry-on bag.

“Ssh!” His dad shushed him. “It’s a three-hour journey, son.”

“Yukiko, don’t run off!” Mr Kanzaki snapped when he saw his daughter giggling as she was chased by Nakamura around the parking lot. “Girls!”

Mrs Nakamura rolled her eyes and snuck a swig of something from her pink ‘Best Mom’ flask.

Hiromi huffed, holding Nagisa’s hand as she walked passed Mrs Hazama on the bus.

Mr Asano stepped out of his new car and popped the boot with the keys as Gakushuu got out.

“Hey! Nice car, Asano,” Mr Kanzaki looked impressed by the new car.

“Thank you.” Mr Asano smiled pleasantly while Gakushuu grabbed his luggage. “I traded in the old one.”

“Yeah, for scrap parts,” Gakushuu muttered as he pulled his case towards the bus.

“I really like the bus, because I think it’s an opportunity for us to be closer together!” Koro-sensei said brightly in the confessional room.

The parents hurried on the bus, with Hiromi yanking Nagisa back when he tried to run off and sit next to Karma. “I think it’s best you sat next to mommy, honey.” She looked around pointedly. “We’re going to have so much fun.”

“But, mom…” Nagisa scowled while Karma stuck his tongue out at the woman when she wasn’t looking.

Mrs Hazama glared at Hiromi as she passed her while Hazama looked bored.

“Alright, everyone!” Koro-sensei was at the front of the bus as the doors closed. “Let’s do a headcount!” He took out a register. “When I say your name, announce you’re here loud and clear!”

“Can he not just count us?” Mr Kanzaki muttered while Mrs Hazama rolled her eyes from the seat behind him.

“Karma Akabane!”

“Here.” Karma was playing on his game console.

“Mr Asano!”

Mr Asano sighed, forcing his smile to stay. “Here.”

“Gakushuu Asano!”

“Here, sir!” Gakushuu replied, opening a textbook.

“Why do the parents need a register?” Mr Kanzaki questioned in the confessional room. “There are only seven adults here!”

Koro-sensei kept going through the register. “Mr Kanzaki!”

Kanzaki’s dad sighed, slumping in his seat.

“Daddy, you have to say ‘here’,” Kanzaki told him, frowning as she hugged her pink bunny close. “Otherwise, he’ll get worried.”

“Mr Kanzaki!” Koro-sensei looked around the bus anxiously. “HAS HE BEEN LEFT BEHIND?!”

Mr Karasuma sighed, plugging his earphones in.

“Oh, god…” Mr Kanzaki groaned, running a hand down his face. “Here…”

“EVERYONE OFF THE BUS!” Koro-sensei was flustered, not having heard him. “WE HAVE TO DO A MAN-HUNT—”

“I’M HERE, DAMN IT!” Mr Kanzaki shouted, sitting up.

Koro-sensei instantly relaxed, sighing in relief. “Oh, what a relief!” He ticked the name off the registered. “Now, who’s next?”

A lot of the parents groaned in exasperation.

Yukimura giggled when Koro-sensei leaned over and whispered a joke near her ear from behind the seat. Kayano who was sitting next to her looked annoyed and pulled her headphones tighter over her ears.

The other parents were looking over curiously.

“Hm.” Mrs Hazama huffed. “Well, I guess it won’t be a surprise if Kayano gets top of the pyramid next week…”

Mr Kanzaki shook his head. “They’re being so obvious about it as well, in front of the children.”

“Obvious about what?” Kanzaki asked, looking up from her colouring book.

“Nothing, sweetie,” he reassured, smiling as he patted her on the head. “Just going back to colouring.”

“Do you and Koro-sensei have a relationship?” The presenter asked.

“What?!” Ms Yukimura blushed bright pink, covering her mouth. “Of course not!” She tried to look serious while her little sister looked unimpressed. “Our relationship is perfectly professional!”

The camera zoomed in on Kayano giving the camera a pointed look.

The scene shifted to the bus showing Ms Yukimura feeding Koro-sensei some crisps. “Here comes the flying saucer!” she cooed while Koro-sensei yapped up the crisp.

Hiromi tried to comb Nagisa’s hair. “I don’t understand how you even got sand in it?”

Nagisa’s cheeks flushed, looking down as his mom tried to style his hair.

“I brought some lovely accessories!” Hiromi looked happy, taking out some butterfly clips and glittery pins. “You’re going to look wonderful!”

Nagisa grimaced when he saw them, earning a concerned look from Karma from the seat nearby.

“…My mom really likes girly things,” Nagisa muttered while sitting next to Karma in the confessional room. “Um… that’s why she likes dance.”

“Yeah, Nagisa looks good crossdressing,” Karma said, kicking his feet back.

“No, I don’t!” Nagisa looked embarrassed. “Shut up, Karma!”

Karma grinned, pinching his cheeks. “But, it’s true! Look, I have photos!”

“No!” Nagisa tried to tackle him when he pulled out his phone.

The camera zoomed in on Karma’s eyes narrowing when Hiromi tried to pin some glitter clips in Nagisa’s hair.

“Wow!” Nakamura ran into the dressing room in excitement as the others followed after in dragging their cases. “It’s big!” She laughed and spun around with Kanzaki.

“Okay, girls, settle down,” Mr Kanzaki said, frowning as he unpacked the portable beauty station. “We need to get ready!”

“Come on, people! Let’s go!” Koro-sensei encouraged as he, the parents, Yukimura, and Karasuma carried in the equipment for getting ready.

“I like getting ready the most!” Kayano exclaimed, grinning. “We get to wear our costumes! It’s like being a low-budget movie star!”

Yukimura chuckled. “All the parents help out getting everyone ready, so it’s a little hectic.”

The parents were running around after the children, getting them dressed in their costumes, the girls in glittery silver leotards while the boys were in black leotards with shorts and less glitter.

“Karma, stay still.” Koro-sensei sighed as he tried to style the redhead’s hair, earning a glare from the boy.

“How come he has to wear my costume!?” Gakushuu complained, glaring at Karma when the boy stuck his tongue out.

“We’re all a team here, Asano.” Koro-sensei sighed, patting Gakushuu on the head. “That means we share costumes when others need it.”

Gakushuu scowled, glaring at his teacher.

“Every time Karma’s parents don’t buy him a costume, he has to borrow mine!” Gakushuu complained while in the confessional room alone. “And, he always makes a mess on it!”

“Where are the hairpins!?” Mr Kanzaki stressed, trying to get Kanzaki ready, as Mrs Nakamura got in the way helping sew some more sequins on their leotards.

“Does anyone have a spare curling iron!?” Mrs Hazama snapped.

“Let me check the bag!” Yukimura went rummaging in the said bag.

Hiromi swore under her breath as she tried to adjust Nagisa’s costume by the shorts part of his leotard. “Hold still, Nagisa!”

“I am…” Nagisa frowned, wincing when the needle nipped his skin. “Ow!”

Hiromi looked frustrated. “Fine then, have it loose!” She put the needle away and went to grab the hair accessories but couldn’t find them. “Uh, where are…?” She started upheaving the vanity, trying to find them. “Who-who has Nagisa’s hairpins!?”

The music shifted to something tense as the parents turned around in confusion.

The camera zoomed in on Karma’s face.

“…I didn’t steal them,” Karma said defensively. “I just hid them because Nagisa didn’t like them…”

“What are you talking about?” Mrs Nakamura looked annoyed, styling her daughter’s hair. “They’re probably just in your suitcase.”

“No, they’re not, they’re not in my suitcase, Nakamura!” Hiromi snapped, narrowing her gaze. “I took them out of my bag five minutes ago, and put them on THIS vanity.” She pointed at her vanity. “And, now they’re gone! Where are they?”

Nagisa frowned. “Mom, maybe they’re just—?”

“Not now!” she hissed, before crossing her arms, looking accusingly at the parents. “Well?”

“Well, what?” Mr Terasaka looked annoyed. “They’re probably just lying around somewhere—”

“No, they’re not!” Hiromi dumped her bag on the vanity, looking at them accusingly. “You know, I paid a lot of money for them.” She glanced at Hazama’s mom. “They’re valuable. They were the last in stock.”

“They’re hairpins.” Mrs Nakamura swore, rolling her eyes while in the confessional room. “I can buy a pack from 99 yen store!”

“If you wanted to borrow them, you could have just asked,” Hiromi exclaimed. “I wouldn’t have held it against you, but to take them! Without permission? That’s just childish!”

“For God’s sake!” Mrs Hazama stopped curling her daughter’s hair. “No one’s taken your tacky hairpins!”

Hiromi’s expression turned livid. “Excuse me?!”

“This woman seriously has the audacity to call me tacky?!” Hiromi scoffed, shaking her head. “When her daughter dresses like some weird vampire child half the time?!”

“Ladies!” Koro-sensei quickly stood in-between them. “The competition is in fifteen minutes, can’t we just put our differences aside—?”

“Give me back my hairpins!” Hiromi shouted, marching over to Mrs Hazama while the woman brandished the curling iron. “I know you have them!”

In the background, Mr Asano rolled his eye and snuck out of the dressing room.

“You’re crazy!” Mrs Hazama shot back while Hiromi kept yelling, holding up the hot curlers threateningly. “Back the hell away from me!!”

Mr Karasuma hastily got in between them as well, as he and Koro-sensei kept the two women back.

“Ms Shiota, calm the hell down!” Mr Terasaka shouted.

“Stop it!” Nagisa watched worriedly as his eyes filled in tears and he burst out crying, before running out of the room while the camera tried to follow him.

“Nagisa!” Ms Yukimura yelled after him while everyone else was trying to keep the two moms apart as they were fighting.

“I don’t like seeing my mom fight!” Nagisa rubbed his eyes, hiccupping. “I wish she’d just stop!”

The scene shifted as the cameraman tried to zoom in on Nagisa who was crying and hiding near a corner.

The other children snuck out of the dressing room while the adults were still busy arguing.

“Nagisa?” Nakamura found him first, trying to hide behind a large plant pot.

The camera-man snuck closer as the children gathered around the blue-haired boy.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Kayano said gently, pulling her friend into a hug.

“Parents are just stupid,” Terasaka said, frowning.

“And, your mom’s crazy,” Gakushuu said bluntly, earning a hit from Nakamura. “Ow!”

Karma’s brow furrowed, sitting down next to Nagisa and Kayano. “You okay?”

Nagisa sniffled, shaking his head as he rubbed his eyes. “No…”

“You want some chocolate?” Gakushuu pulled out a chocolate bar from his hoodie he’d been hiding.

“No.” Nagisa shook his head, drying away his tears. “I don’t know if I can win.”

“Yes, you can,” Kanzaki said, frowning. “You’re really talented.”

Nagisa fidgeted. “But, if I mess up, my mom will b-be mad and Koro-sensei will be upset…”

“Koro-sensei won’t be upset,” Kayano replied gently. “He doesn’t get mad at us when we lose – remember when Asano messed up on stage last year?”

Gakushuu blushed. “I didn’t mess up! There was tape on the stage!”

“…But, what about my mom?” Nagisa mumbled.

The other children were quiet for a moment.

“Well… I don’t know, but if you ask me, Koro-sensei’s opinion is more important,” Nakamura said.

“Yeah, he’s our dance teacher,” Kanzaki said, nodding. “If he isn’t disappointed, then who cares about anything else?”

Nagisa rubbed his eyes, looking at them hesitantly. “I guess that’s true…”

“Yeah! So come on! We gotta dance like professionals so we don’t let him down!” Terasaka said fiercely.

“Yeah!” The other children agreed.

Nagisa smiled feebly. “Yeah! Let’s do it!”

“We can get ready ourselves since our parents are busy,” Kanzaki said, showing the bag of make-up and brushes she’d taken.

“Even if I’m upset and scared, I don’t want to let Koro-sensei down,” Nagisa said more confidently in the confession room. “So, I’m just gonna do it! Even if I might mess up!”

Meanwhile, things had started to finally calm down in the dressing room.

“Alright, everyone go to separate corners!” Karasuma ordered as the women finally stopped yelling.

Hiromi huffed, pushing some hair out of her face. “I’m charging you for this!”

Mrs Hazama’s eyes flashed. “For the last time, I didn’t—”

Mr Asano cleared his throat, having returned with a Starbuck Coffee in hand. “…Is anyone, I mean anyone, aware that the children are missing?”

There was a pause as the adults looked around and realised their children were gone.

Koro-sensei screamed. “WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN?!”

“Hurry up, Asano!” Nakamura hissed as they were about to be called on stage.

Gakushuu glared at her, trying to apply glitter onto Kayano’s cheeks with a brush. “This is an art form, Nakamura!”

“And, now announcing the…” The announcer paused, squinting to read the name of the dance. “Slither…slither dance?”

“That’s us!” Kanzaki looked excited as the rest of the children braced themselves.

Gakushuu stuffed the make-up in a bag. “Hurry up!” He pushed Nagisa ahead when the boy hesitated. “We have a competition to win!”

Nagisa smiled a little when he looked over his shoulder at the boy who glared back.

“For the record, it’s not like we’re all friends,” Gakushuu said stubbornly while in the confessional room. “They’re my teammates, and that’s all to it.”

Nagisa ran onto stage with his teammates and did a cartwheel as they all got into position.

Meanwhile, the parents were rushing around the hallway, looking for their children.

“Where are they?!” Koro-sensei sobbed.

“Kai!” Karasuma looked at the other cameraman who had been following the children around and was now on a break eating sushi, the huge camera by his side. “Have you seen the kids?”

“Hm?” He wiped some rice off his upper lip. “Uh, yeah, they’re onstage.”

“Then, why didn’t you tell us?!” Mr Kanzaki snapped.

Kai the cameraman shrugged, eating his sushi.

The parents and teachers hurried off to the stage area where the children were doing their act.

Koro-sensei sighed in relief when he saw them dancing. “Oh, thank goodness!” He hurried over to their assigned seats as the children did their dance number, not a step out of place. “They’re wonderful!” His eyes sparkled with pride as they moved around on stage perfectly.

Nagisa grinned, lifting his legs properly and transitioning into each move smoothly as everything flowed naturally.

“I like dancing because it’s like everything else doesn’t matter,” Nagisa said brightly, smiling, as he was in the confessional room alone. “The lights are really bright so it’s like I’m in a whole different world!”

Hiromi watched her son dance with a small look of awe, staying quiet as she was sitting next to Koro-sensei. The audience clapped when the dance number finished, causing Hiromi to smile slightly. “He’s…” She sighed, a rare, warm look passing over her face. “He’s a good dancer.”

“Mom!” Nakamura was grinning as the kids rushed to join their parents in the audience. “Did you see us?”

Mrs Nakamura chuckled and lifted her daughter onto her lap. “Yes, I did, honey.” She tapped her nose. “And you were beautiful!”

Nagisa looked at his mom warily as he approached.

“Well, done, my boy!” Koro-sensei surprised him when he lifted him up. “You were wonderful!”

Nagisa’s eyes lit up, grinning. “Really?”

“Yes, you were,” Hiromi said awkwardly, smiling as she pulled him onto her lap.”…But, next time if you run off, mommy will be really mad!”

“Uh…” Nagisa looked nervous again.

The different teams were gathered together, wearing their different dance studio hoodies and jackets as the trophies were presented on stage.

“Third place goes to Candy Apple Sugar Rush!” The announcer announced, causing the audience to clap as the team member took the trophy.

Koro-sensei was biting his gloves anxiously as he was sitting in the audience with the rest of the parents.

“Announcements are so nerve-wracking!” Koro-sensei exclaimed, chewing his gloves. “Every dance coach feels the same. I’ve seen more than one cry even.”

“…You mean like you did last year?” the presenter questioned.

Koro-sensei tensed. “What?”

“Last year – when Asano tripped in his solo and got second place?”

A photo of Koro-sensei sobbing in the audience was shown, while Mr Asano was dragging his son off in the background.

“…Uh….” Koro-sensei’s face turned white, a blank look appearing. “…Are you sure that’s me?”

“Who else would it be?!” The presenter exclaimed.

“And first place goes to…” The man chuckled, reading the card. “The Slither Slither dance!”

The audience erupted in cheers as Nagisa and the rest of the team jumped up excitedly, grabbing the large, golden, trophy.

“I knew they would win,” Mrs Hazama said flippantly, examining her nails. “Honestly, I don’t even understand why everyone was so stressed. You’ve just got to believe in your kids.”

Nagisa grinned as he stood with his teammates, holding the trophy, as the award presenter turned to him.

“And. what’s your name, young man?”

“Nagisa Shiota,” he replied, smiling like the sun was shining down on them.

“And, which dance studio do you belong to?”

“KORO-SENSEI DANCE ACADEMY!” Nagisa and his team all replied loudly.

“I’M SO PROUD!” Koro-sensei started bawling, causing Karasuma to sigh as the tears were sprayed on him.

“So beautiful…” Yukimura wiped a tear away while Mr Terasaka was sobbing as he proudly recorded with is phone.

Later, as they were all getting on the bus again, Nagisa proudly carried his trophy. “Mom, can I sit with Karma?”

Hiromi sighed, glancing at the redhead who was sitting on his own. “Alright then.”

“Thanks!” Her son grinned and ran off to sit next to his friend.

Hiromi hesitated when she passed Mrs Hazama, before sitting in the seat opposite. “…Emica.”

Mrs Hazama narrowed her eyes while her daughter glanced at them both warily, before hopping off the seat to sit somewhere else. “Hiromi.”

“It’s always awkward when the children see the parents not getting along,” Hiromi said, sighing. “You know, I’m very forgiving, and even though Hazama did cause a lot of the strife… I’m willing to be the bigger person and make amends.”

“The children did an amazing job,” Hiromi said lightly.

“Yes, they did.” Mrs Hazama forced a smile. “Nagisa was great.”

“Hazama was wonderful as well,” Hiromi replied pleasantly.

“Honestly, Shiota is lucky I’m even speaking with her,” Mrs Hazama commented. “But, I’m the better person here, so I know I have to let it go.”

The two mothers exchanged fake smiles.

“The first competition of the season was a real confidence booster for everyone,” Koro-sensei voiced over as the children were training in the studio. “So, I really want to up the game for the next one!” He chuckled. “Which means I’ve enlisted help from the best of the best!”

“Ah, f***!” A shrill voice from outside made a lot of the parents and children look over at the door. “Oh, come on!”

Karasuma looked over curiously when a blonde woman wearing sunglasses and a leopard print outfit which barely covered her huge chest, struggled to get the door open.

“Christ!” The woman swore as she tried to drag two purple suitcases into the studio, only for it to get stuck in the door. “ARE YOU SH***ING ME?!”

Mr Kanzaki nearly choked on his drink, looking alarmed.

“Uh…” Karasuma raised an eyebrow while the children laughed.

“Uh, who is that?” Mrs Hazama questioned, looking confused along with the other stunned parents.

“I don’t know, but I like the view,” Mr Terasaka muttered, coughing into his drink, as he stared at the woman’s massive cleavage.

“Pfft!” The blonde woman huffed, the door slamming shut behind her as she dragged her bags in. “Finally!” She took off her sunshades, revealing bright blue eyes. “What does a girl have to pay to get some good hospitality around here?!”

The name Ms Irina Jelavic appeared on the screen. 

Chapter Text

Japan, Tokyo 10:30

KORO-SENSEI DANCE STUDIO

“Previously on Koro-sensei Dance studio.” Koro-sensei’s voice sounded deep.

The footage showed Irina Jelavic struggling to pull her case through the door. “Ah, f***!”

The camera zoomed in on the parents' shocked faces.

“Okay, so what is happening?” Mrs Hazama exclaimed as a dramatic tune played in the confessional room. “Who is this woman? Why is she swearing? And why does she sound Russian?”

Mr Asano frowned while in the confessional room with her. “Her clothing choices were questionable.”

“Christ!” The footage showed Irina kicking her case as it got stuck. “ARE YOU SH***ING ME?!”

Hiromi’s jaw dropped as she exchanged a look with the parents in horror.

“That’s when I knew.” Hiromi was clutching Nagisa tight in the confessional room. “I knew she was going to jeopardise everything we’d built here.”

Nagisa squirmed in her hold. “Mom, I can’t breathe—”

“Not now, honey.” She hugged him tighter. “Mommy’s talking about how you’re in danger!”

“Pfft!” The blonde woman huffed, the door slamming shut behind her as she dragged her bags in. “Finally!” She took off her sunshades, revealing bright blue eyes. “Who does a girl have to pay to get some good hospitality around here!?”

The parents were staring at her in alarm.

“I think this is the thing that nearly broke us as a group,” Mrs Nakamura said in the confessional room. “I mean, not me personally, but the other parents went f***ing crazy.”

A blonde woman with a generous amount of cleavage was in the confessional room with the producer. “Can I smoke in here?”

The name Irina Jelavic popped up on the screen.

“Uh, no, not really actually,” the producer replied. “So, what convinced you to join Koro-sensei’s dance studio?”

She sighed, leaning back in the chair. “Look, I owed the perv a favour, and I wanted a change of scenery.”

“I see.” The producer nodded. “And have you ever taught children before?”

“Nope.” Irina was filing her nails.

“Oh…” The producer sounded confused. “Do you like children?”

“No.”

“Ah…” The producer cleared his throat. “Well, how would you respond to claims that you actually had to leave because you lost your instructor licence in your home country after killing—?”

“Okay, I’m done.” She stood up and tore the mic off her blazer, knocking over the cameraman.

“Wait!”

Later, Irina was outside smoking in the parking lot.

“Alright for the record, I didn’t murder anyone.” Irina voiced over. “It was manslaughter. A complete accident.”

Newspapers showed headlines of, ‘The Bitch of Ballet kills rival in chandelier attack.’

Irina scoffed. “And if I was going to kill someone intentionally, I’d use my car and just forget to put on  the handbrake.” She sounded annoyed. “Why would I use a chandelier – do you know how hard those are to actually rig up? It’s not a cartoon!”

Later Koro-sensei was shown standing next to Irina in front of the children. “Settle down, children, we have an exciting new addition to our team!” He clapped his gloved tentacles. “Ms Irina Jelavic used to be a famous ballet dancer, and has been nice enough to help teach here.”

“Used to be!?” She snapped.

“Yes!” Koro-sensei smiled brightly. “So, let’s give her a warm welcome.”

Irina looked annoyed when the children stared at her. “Hi…”

The parents were watching warily.

“What is she wearing?” Mrs Hazama whispered, subtitles appearing below.

Mrs Nakamura squinted, staring at Irina’s purple, leopard-print, leotard. “I don’t know, it’s like the 80’s vomited up on her cocaine and animal prints.”

Mr Terasaka covered his mouth quickly to hide his laughter.

“The new instructor is… interesting,” Mr Kanzaki said in the confessional room with his daughter.

 “Her outfits are pretty!” Kanzaki smiled as she played with her stuffed bunny. “My dad liked them so much he kept staring at her.”

Mr Kanzaki gave a nervous laugh. “Hahaha. No, I wasn’t staring… I was just…wondering where she got them from.”

“So, you can wear them, daddy?”

“No!” Mr Kanzaki blushed and looked around anxiously as the camera zoomed in. “Can you cut that out?”

“Now, I’ll leave you in her gentle hands,” Koro-sensei told the children while Irina was filing her nails. “Ms Irina?”

“What?” she already sounded irritated. “Uh, okay fine.”  She looked at the kids. “Hi… kids.”

The children stared at her blankly for a moment before Nakamura raised her hand.

“Are you Russian?” she asked.

Irina groaned. “No, but close.”

Karma raised his hand. “Why is your name Ms b****?”

The children gasped, while the parents choked, and Karasuma sighed.

“Karma said a bad word!” Nakamura pointed, laughing.

“Karma!” Koro-sensei chided. “We don’t use those words when—"

Irina glared at Karma, who smirked back. “What did you say, you little sh*t!”

The parents gasped.

“Did she just swear at a child!?” Mr Kanzaki exclaimed, looking outraged.

Karasuma groaned and buried his face in his hand.

“Okay, so suddenly this woman starts screaming profanity at Karma,” Hiromi said, looking appalled. “Who’s a child by the way, if everyone else forgot!” She stressed. “It was completely unprofessional.”

“I’m sorry, but did you just swear at a child?” Hiromi shook her head in disbelief.

Irina shrugged. “He called me a b****, so now we’re even.”

“What is wrong with you?” Mrs Hazama looked shocked. “That’s abuse.”

Irina started to grow annoyed. “How was that abuse?”

“It just isn’t appropriate,” Hiromi said firmly.

Irina rolled her eyes. “Are you kidding me?”

“Okay, what is wrong with these parents?” Irina complained in the confessional room.

“Hey! Don’t you dare roll your eyes at me?” Hiromi snapped, she glanced at the other parents. “She’s rolling her eyes at me!”

“Oh, no, let’s not fight!” Aguri quickly tried to calm things down.

“Alright! Let’s all just calm down!” Koro-sensei tried to intervene but the women were already face to face. “Children, why don’t we sing our happy song— Ms Aguri, why don’t you lead us!?”

“Uh…” Aguri was busy trying to keep the two women apart.

“You need to back off, lady,” Irina said, raising a hand when Hiromi got too close.

“Okay, enough!” Karasuma quickly stood inbetween them. “Ms Shiota, please return to your seat. Ms Irina, you can’t swear in front of the kids.”

Irina raised an eyebrow at him while Hiromi huffed.

Koro-sensei laughed apprehensively. “Now, now, let’s all just put this behind us and continue with the lesson, shall we?”

Hiromi scowled, crossing her arms. “Fine.” She walked back over to the other parents.

Irina glared at her, huffing. “Whatever.”

“Of course I expected the first introductions to be tense,” Koro-sensei said in the confessional room. “And, I know the parents can be quite stand-offish, but I had a feeling tensions would ease up once they saw her teach!”

“Come on, kids! Legs up!” Irina blew her whistle, performing the dance number for the kids to follow. “Move your body, be flexible!”

Kayano seemed to have the number down better and was faster than the others. “I’m doing it!”

Irina looked impressed. “Not bad.”

Asano looked over jealousy and danced in front of Kayano, shoving her out of the way. “I did it first!”

“Ow!” Kayano glared at him from the ground.

Irina raised an eyebrow. “Uh, right, sure whatever.” She turned back to the other students, making Asano frown and Mr Asano look annoyed. “Okay, come on, elbows up, people!”

Nagisa’s brow furrowed in concentration, trying to twirl and perform the move but his body wasn’t cooperating. “Ugh!” He tripped and fell onto the matt.

Irina rolled her eyes, blowing her whistle. “I said graceful, come on, kid!”

Nagisa blushed. “Sorry, Ms Jelavic…”

Hiromi glared from the stands. “Did you see that?”

Mrs Hazama trimmed her nails. “Nagisa falling? Yes, we did.” She raised an eyebrow. “We all saw it.”

Hiromi glared daggers at the woman. “She yelled at my child.”

“I think she’s just normally loud,” Mr Terasaka said, shrugging.

“That isn’t an excuse!” Hiromi raised her voice.

Irina blew the whistle again. “Hey! You mind being quiet over there?” she yelled at the parents, surprising the kids. “We’re trying to do a lesson!”

Hiromi’s cheeks flushed while the children giggled, making her temper worse. “That’s it.” She grabbed her bag and stood up. “Nagisa, grab your things, we’re leaving.”

Nagisa’s smile dropped. “But, mom—”

“No buts!” She marched over to the dance floor. “I don’t pay to be disrespected like this.”

Irina crossed her arms. “You’re the one interrupting my lesson.” She stopped Nagisa from leaving, placing a hand on his head. “Hey, I didn’t dismiss you, kid.”

“Does this lady really think she can get off interrupting my lesson and pulling my students out?” Irina exclaimed in the confessional room. “Do I look like I get paid to put up with this bull***t!?”

Hiromi felt a rise of indignation. “I just said we’re leaving.” She looked down at her son. “Nagisa, come here.”

Nagisa looked between his mom and Irina apprehensively. “Um…”

Irina stood in front of the boy, arms crossed. “And I said I didn’t dismiss him yet.”

Hiromi bristled and tried to grab her son. “Nagisa, come here!”

Irina blocked her, shoving the boy further behind her. “Back off, lady!”

Hiromi’s eyes filled with rage, trying to shove Irina out of the way. “Give me my child!”

“Did you just shove me!?”

The other parents and children watched it all unfold with wrapt attention.

“Things escalated fairly quickly from that point,” Mr Asano said in the confessional room. “As usual, Hiromi was being… opinionated.”

“I’m not even touching you!” Hiromi exclaimed, shoving Irina’s shoulder. “You’re the one who’s come into our studio—”

“Unfortunately, Ms Jelavic was equally, if not more, opinionated,” Mr Asano continued casually.

Irina whipped out a small gun. “I said back off, b****!”

The children screamed and hid behind Koro-sensei while the parents looked shocked. “LADIES, STOP!”

“Put the gun down!” Karasuma shouted, trying to approach.

“The gun was unnecessary,” Mr Asano sighed, disappointed. “I was convinced it wasn’t even real since it would have been hard to get into the country, but well…”

Hiromi looked shocked for a second, before glaring accusingly. “Do you even have a permit for that!?”

Mr Asano shrugged. “Regardless, you would assume that since a gun had been pulled Hiromi would have backed off…”

“You b***!” Hiromi looked offended and lunged at her, causing everyone to shout and scream.

“How crazy do you have to be to attack someone holding a gun?” Mr Terasaka said in the confessional room. “I don’t understand why she would do that.”

“Get off, you crazy b****!” Irina tried to shove Hiromi off her as the woman yanked her hair.

“Mom!” Nagisa looked frightened as Koro-sensei ushered the children away.

“Cool!” Karma and Hazama looked excited.

“ENOUGH!” Karasuma disarmed Irina and set both the women onto the floor.

Mrs Nakamura gave a low whistle while in the confessional room. “Now, that is a man.”

Mrs Hazama blushed. “Just how many muscles is he hiding underneath that suit?”

Karasuma emptied the gun of bullets. “There are kids here! What is wrong with you!?” he shouted at Irina.

The blonde woman flinched, looking alarmed that he was speaking to her like that. “I…I…”

“I’m calling the police!” Hiromi shouted, taking out her phone.

Irina’s gaze snapped towards her. “Don’t you dare!” She lunged at the woman, grabbing her legs. “You f*****g b****!”

“Get off me!” Hiromi kicked her.

Karasuma ran a hand down his face in despair while the other parents watched in shock.

“Honestly, I was surprised no one got shot,” Mr Terasaka said.

“Would you feel bad if Hiromi had gotten shot?” The producer asked.

Mr Terasaka was silent. “…Like fatally or…?”

The producer asked the same question to the next parent.

“Does it make me a bad person if I say no?” Mrs Nakamura gave a strained laugh. “Like, just maybe a flesh wound or something…”

The producer asked the next parent.

Mr Asano stared at him blankly. “…I’d consider it character building.”

“…But, what if it was fatal?”

Mr Asano just sipped his coffee. “Well, life is unpredictable.”

“Ladies, please!” Koro-sensei tore the two women apart, causing Hiromi to knock into the cameraman for the third time.

Japan, Tokyo 07:30

KORO-SENSEI DANCE STUDIO

The next day Irina was shown smoking outside the studio while Koro-sensei peeked through the window.

“So, yesterday didn’t go exactly as planned,” Koro-sensei said while in the confessional room. “But, everyone has a bump or two on their first day.” He gave a strained laugh. “But rest assured, after that gun incident we managed to clear things up.”

“Shouldn’t she be facing criminal charges for bringing a gun into the building?” the producer asked. “And attempted murder?”

“Haha…. Well, technically, but she has signed a contract to help prevent something like that happening again,” Koro-sensei said nervously.

“A contract with who?”

Koro-sensei just laughed. “Anyway, it’s all under the rug and I’m sure the parent will up to her.”

“So you feel the parents like her?”

Koro-sensei was sweating. “Well, obviously there’s some hiccups expected, but I’m sure we can handle it!”

Hiromi glared at Irina as the woman was instructing the children to properly pirouettes in their new shoes.

“These shoes are weird!” Terasaka complained, trying to balance and holding onto the railing.

Asano rolled his eyes, remaining perfectly balanced. “You’re just ungraceful.”

Terasaka scowled, blushing. “Shut up!” He pushed Asano. “You’re ungraceful!”

“Ow!” Asano scowled when he landed on his butt, causing the other children to laugh.

Mr Asano narrowed his eyes. “Can you control your son?”

Mr Terasaka shrugged. “Hey, they’re just playing!”

“HEY!” Irina snapped, making the two boys jump. “Stop messing around, you little brats, we have work to do!” She pointed at Terasaka. “Help him up!”

Terasaka gulped and quickly helped Asano back to his feet. “Sorry…”

Asano huffed and crossed his arms.

“Hurry up!” Irina clapped her hands loudly. “Let’s get a move on, people! This competition isn’t going to win itself!”

The two boys quickly hurried back into position with the other children.

The other parents didn’t look pleased.

“I don’t like how she yells at the children.” Hiromi wrinkled her nose, combing Nagisa’s hair in the confessional room. “She’s so demanding.”

Nagisa frowned. “But she’s funny.”

Hiromi scowled, tugging on his hair. “No, she isn’t, sweetie. She nearly killed me!”

 “Why is she even allowed to teach?” Hiromi gossiped with the other parents while Irina was teaching. “She brought a gun in and tried to kill me!”

“She’s foreign though, maybe carrying guns is just normal for her?” Mrs Hazama commented.

Aguri looked uncomfortable. “Um, I don’t think that’s—”

“Look, even I have to agree with Hiromi here,” Mr Kanzaki commented, grimacing when she smiled. “How can we trust this woman when she endangered our children? We need to do something.”

Mrs Nakamura sighed. “…I guess we should.”

“Exactly.” Hiromi stood up. “Koro-sensei! Mr Karasuma!” she yelled over the music, interrupting the lesson. “Can we have a word?”

Koro-sensei gulped while Mr Karasuma sighed.

“I don’t care if she’s the best ballet instructor there is,” Hiromi said, brushing Nagisa’s long hair harder, making the boy wince. “I won’t have my beautiful child’s wellbeing threatened by that woman!”

“Ow!” Nagisa winced when she tugged too hard. “Mom, that hurt.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, be quiet, Nagisa.”

Hiromi slammed a list on Mr Karasuma’s desk. “We want her removed immediately!”

“She endangered our children,” Mr Kanzaki exclaimed.

“And, my life!” Hiromi snapped

“And, she so rude,” Mrs Hazama commented.

Mrs Nakamura frowned. “And, isn’t she a murderer? How is she allowed to work with children again?”

Koro-sensei looked put on the spot while Mr Karasuma sighed.

“All valid concerns!” The octopus exclaimed, waving his tentacles. “And, I understand she can come across rather prickly—”

“She tried to kill me!” Hiromi snapped, making Koro-sensei jump. “If you don’t remove her straight away, we’ll all pull our children out of this dance school immediately!”

A lot of the parents voiced their agreement while Aguri looked unsure.

Meanwhile, in the dance studio, the children could hear their parents yelling, distracting them from their lesson.

“Uh, oh.” Kayano frowned, staring at the door.

Nagisa wrung his hands. “They sound really angry…”

“Yeah, but your mom’s always angry,” Nakamura commented, shrugging.

Nagisa looked embarrassed. “No, she’s not.”

Karma shrugged, sipping his strawberry milkshake. “They all sound angry.”

“Pfft, yeah, because Ms Jelavic brought a gun,” Asano said, discreetly trying to eat a chocolate bar since his father wasn’t around.

Hazama shrugged. “I thought it was funny.”

Irina was busy trying to demonstrate the dance moves. “Legs up, kids.” She lifted her leg high, resting her hand on the bar. “Remember, it’s all about that – ARE YOU BRATS EVEN LISTENING TO ME!?”

The kids ignored her and stared at the staff room door where their parents were still yelling.

“Do you think they’ll make Koro-sensei cry again?” Kayano asked.

Terasaka scoffed. “Probably.”

“Hey!” Irina marched over to them. “Stop ignoring me!”

The children looked up while she glared at them petulantly.

“Oh, right, you’re still here,” Asano remarked.

“Sorry, Ms Jelavic, we were just listening to our parents,” Kanzaki said, frowning.

“OR SO HELP ME I’LL SUE!” Hiromi’s voice shook the walls, making the kids jump. “AND NEVER SET FOOT IN THIS PLACE AGAIN!”

“Jesus Christ,” Irina muttered. “What is wrong with you people? It was just one gun, it’s not like it was an assault rifle.”

Nagisa grimaced and shifted on the spot. “Mom’s gonna make me go home again.”

“What if they make us stop coming to lessons?” Kanzaki started to get upset, rubbing her eyes.

Nakamura tried to comfort her. “They better not or we’ll run away!”

“But, I don’t wanna run away,” Nagisa mumbled miserably.

“Why not?” Asano replied dryly. “I would if my dad hadn’t put a tracker in my arm.”

“Wait, what?” Nagisa did a doubletake.

Irina grimaced as she watched the kids get more upset. “Oh, come on…”

“THAT WOMAN IS A DANGER TO SOCIETY!” Mr Kanzaki was yelling now.

Irina scoffed, crossing her arms. “What a bunch of assholes.” She glanced at Kanzaki who was crying and Nagisa who was close to tears as well. “Damn it.”

“Look, I’m not saying I like those brats but it wasn’t great seeing them upset,” Irina confessed, scowling. “Besides, their parents were being assholes and it was pissing me off.” She shrugged. “So I did what anyone would do. Kidnap the little monsters and take them for ice-cream.”

“Okay! Get in the car!” Irina opened up the car door to her Porsche.

“But, there’s not enough room,” Nagisa argued.

She rolled her eyes. “You’re small, ain’t ya? Cram in! Shortest brats on the floor.” She shoved him into the backseat. “Come on, get a move on, people.”

The rest of the children piled into the car.

“Yeah! We’re going on an adventure!” Nakamura cheered in the backseat while Nagisa and Kayano were stuck on the floor.

Asano and Karma fought each other to sit at the front.

“I was first!” Asano tried to shove Karma.

Karma put him in a headlock. “Too bad!”

“Alright, cut it out you two.” Irina grabbed them both by the collar. “You can go in the boot.”

“What!?” Asano stared at her in alarm. “But—”

Irina shoved the two boys into the closed boot and then shut the boot door. “You’ll be fine.”

“Are there drugs in here!?” Asano shouted from inside the boot.

She got in her car and sat at the front. “Okay, let’s go.”

“Um, can we sit at the front?” Nagisa asked from where he was cramped on the seat floor.

“Sorry, kid.” Irina applied fresh lipstick. “I need somewhere to dump my handbag.” She placed her handbag on the front seat.

“How is that fair!?” Kayano yelled.

Irina ignored them, putting away her lipstick. “Okay, kids, let’s go get some ice cream!”

“YEAH!” The kids cheered as she started the car, reversed out of the parking space and then left the studio.

“Okay, okay, settle down!” Mr Karasuma finally managed to calm the parents down while Koro-sensei was crying in a corner. “We hear and understand your concerns.” He sighed. “And, I’ll see to it that Ms Jelavic is removed.”

Hiromi looked pleased. “Thank you for being understanding about this.” She looked sympathetic. “I know you had good intentions, and I can see that, but this was just a step in the wrong direction.” She gestured to the other parents. “Hopefully, you’ll listen more to our concerns, since we are paying for the best for our children.”

Mr Karasuma sighed and opened the door. “Let me talk to her privately.”

“Yes, of course.” Mrs Hazama took out her phone to record. He gave her a look. “What? I’m just checking my messages.”

Mr Karasuma and the parents returned to the dance studio only to find it empty.

“What the…?” Mr Karasuma looked around in alarm.

“Where are the children!?” Aguri shouted.

Mr Terasaka noticed a note taped to the dance mirror. “Hey, there’s a note.” He frowned, reading it. “It says, hey, I took your kids for ice cream. Be back whenever…”

There was a pause as the parents all exchanged a look.

“SHE KIDNAPPED THE CHILDREN!” Hiromi screamed, clutching her head in horror.

The rest of the parents dissolved into a panic.

“Let me just call her…” Mr Karasuma sighed and reached inside his pocket to grab his phone.

Which is when he realised his wallet was missing.  

Chapter Text

Tokyo, 12:45

KORO-SENSEI DANCE STUDIO

“SHE KIDNAPPED THE CHILDREN!” Hiromi screamed, clutching her head in horror.

The rest of the parents dissolved into a panic.

“The children were gone!” Mrs Hazama was panicked. “It was everyone’s worst nightmare! We didn’t know where the kids were or if they were alive.”

“What if ice cream is slang for drugs?” Hiromi choked.

“Or worse, it's actual ice cream.” Mr Asano grimaced. “That will completely derail Gakushuu’s diet.”

“Just think of the calories!” Mrs Hazama was sobbing. “SHE’S POISONING OUR CHILDREN!”

“Alright, everyone calm down.” Karasuma tried to speak.

“How are we supposed to calm down?” Hiromi snapped indigently. “Our children have been kidnapped by a murderer!”

“She was proven innocent.” Koro-sensei tried to interject.

“I swear, if something happens my Yukiko, I’ll take you to court!” Mr Kanzaki looked livid.

A lot of the parents chorused in agreement.

Koro-sensei was sweating in the background.

“I can’t handle another court case!” Koro-sensei was sobbing. “I can barely survive on the salary I have now!”

“…Is that why there were claims, from an anonymous source called Shiro, that you were reported for eating out of the supermarket trash bins yesterday?”

“Ah!” Koro-sensei looked embarrassed. “IT’S ALL SLANDER!”

“Okay, you little runts, pick what you want.” Irina was in front of the ice counter with Hazama, Kanzaki, Nagisa, Kayano, Nakamura, and Terasaka all pressing their faces to the glass of the counter.

The ice-cream parlour was bright and colourful, with tv-screens along the wall showing different children’s cartoons with bunnies, and a ball pit near the far corner.

“Can we have anything!?” Nakamura was giddy.

Irina smirked, flashing Karasuma’s credit card. “You bet!”

“YAY!” The children cheered.

Irina looked smug.

“See, all these parents think looking after kids is a special skill,” Irina said in the confessional room. “But the truth is, looking after the little brats is easy, you just have to not be so uptight all the time.”

Back in the ice-cream parlour, Nagisa tugged on Irina’s leggings while the woman was paying. “Ms Jelavic, you left Karma and Asano in the trunk.”

Irina froze while paying for the ice cream. “Oh, shit!”

She rushed out of the ice-cream parlour and then ran towards her car, while the kids watched from the entranceway of the ice-cream parlour.

Irina swore under her breath as she opened the trunk, causing Karma and Asano to spill out, looking half dead.

Back in the confessional room, Irina crossed her arms. “What? Everyone forgets their kids in the car.” She shrugged. “My ballet teacher once forgot about me for a week in a cave and I turned out fine!”

“…What?” The producer sounded confused.

Meanwhile, at the dance studio, all the parents were panicking, except Mr Asano who was missing.

“We need to call the police!” Mr Terasaka insisted.

“Let’s all just calm down first!” Koro-sensei tried to placate.

Mr Kanzaki started to look like a nervous wreck. “Don’t tell me to calm down! My precious baby girl is missing!”

Karasuma sighed. “She’s only taken them for ice cream—”

“Probably in some drug den,” Hiromi sounded shrill. “Who knows where she’s taken them!”

Aguri looked conflicted. “I’m sure it’s not that bad…” She grimaced. “I just wish she would have spoken to us first.”

Mrs Nakamura drank from her flask. “What are we going to do!”

“Are you all quite done?” Mr Asano had fetched himself a Starbucks coffee.

The teachers and parents all turned to him in surprise.

“…Did you go out and get coffee?” Mr Terasaka looked alarmed.

Mr Asano sipped his coffee. “Yes, and while I waiting in line I managed to locate the children.”

There was a pause as they all gawked at him.

“But how!?” Mr Kanzaki questioned.

Mr Asano was texting on his phone. “I installed a tracker in Gakushuu’s arm a few months ago.”

They all stared at him in alarm.

“Wait, what?” Mr Terasaka looked horrified.

Mr Asano raised an eyebrow. “It’s called foresight.”

Back in the confessional room, the producer shifted uneasily. “Um… why did you put a tracker in your son’s arm?”

Mr Asano remained unbothered, texting out an email on his phone. “Gakushuu likes to try to wander off, it’s all just a cry for attention.” He chuckled. “Children do like to make a fuss every now and then.”

A scene showed the Asano residence at night, with Gakushuu trying to climb over the large wall. Dressed in a thick hoodie and with a Transformer’s backpack on.

The light from the second-floor bedroom window suddenly turned on. “GAKUSHUU!” Mr Asano opened the window and yelled at his son. “GET BACK INSIDE THIS INSTANT!”

Gakushuu quickly jumped down the wall and ran away in the opposite direction of the house.

Irina drank a strawberry milkshake while the kids were sat in a booth eating their large ice cream sundaes.

Hazama was eating black ice cream, teasing Terasaka as she bared and charcoal stain teeth. “RAWR!”

“Hey, knock it off.” Terasaka pushed her away.

“Thank you for getting us Ice-cream, Ms Jelavic,” Kanzaki said warmly, bubblegum blue ice cream coating her cheeks.

“Yeah!” Nakamura devoured her banana sundae. “This is awesome!”

Nagisa smiled brightly, eating his ice cream happily. “Thank you!”

Irina tried not to smile. “Yeah, whatever.” She huffed, turning away as she drank her milkshake.

Asano ate his chocolate ice cream like he was starving. “Can we have more?”

Irina shrugged, tossing the credit card onto the table. “Yeah, sure. Go crazy.”

“Cool!” Karma grabbed the credit card before Asano could.

“Hey!” Asano chased after him as Karma ran towards the counter.

“Can we have pudding next?” Kayano asked, eating her strawberries off the ice cream.

Irina shrugged. “Yeah, sure.”

“I wanna go in the ball pit!” Nakamura said, grabbing Kanaki’s hand. “Come on, Yukiko!”

“Alright, just don’t die.” Irina leaned back in the chair.

The two girls giggled and ran towards the ball pit.

“I wanna go to!” Kayano got off her chair.

Terasaka grinned and slipped off his seat. “Am gonna be a shark and drag people under!” He ran towards the ball pit, with Hazama close behind.

Nagisa stayed behind to eat his ice cream, smiling as he watched his friends play in the ball pit.

“I like Ms Jelevic.” Nagisa was in the confessional room, smiling. “We hardly ever get to hang out like normal, cause we’re always dancing, so this is nice!”

Karma and Asano came back carrying two very large bowls of four-tiered ice cream with sprinkles and cookies on top.

“Weren’t  you concerned about the parents' reactions?” The producer asked in the confessional booth.

Irina was filing her nails. “Look, the way I see it those people are crazy.” She shrugged. “And, you just can’t reason with crazy people so there was no point asking for permission,” she argued. “Besides, I don’t see the big deal of letting the kids be kids.”

Irina was finishing off her milkshake when Hiromi burst through the door with the other parents in tow.

“Stop right there!” she pointed at Irina accusingly.

Nagisa’s smile dropped, shrinking in his seat. “Mom.”

“Ah, shit,” Irina swore, looking mildly irritated. “Don’t you people have a life?”

“Gakushuu!” Mr Asano snapped when he saw his son eating ice cream. “Stop eating that this instant.”

The small Asano froze mid-bite like a rabbit caught in the headlights. “Uh…”

“Yukiko!” Mr Kanzaki looked around frantically. “Where are you!?”

Kanzaki grimaced, hiding in the ball pit while the other children looked anxious.

“Uh, what is going on here?” The manager of the ice-cream parlour came out, looking confused along with the other customers.

“She kidnapped our children,” Hiromi said brazenly and marched towards the table where Irina and the kids were. “Nagisa, come here. We’re leaving.”

Irina’s gaze narrowed, and gesture for Nagisa to stay put. “He hasn’t finished his ice cream yet.”

Hiromi bristled, coming to the table along with the other parents. “Do you have any idea of how many laws you’ve broken?”

Irina raised an eyebrow. “What? Taking some kids out for ice cream?”

“You kidnapped our children!” Mr Kanzaki snapped.

Irina rolled her eyes. “Last time I checked, they came willingly.”

“Yeah, stop being mean to Ms Bitch,” Karma defended.

Irina looked smug. “Thank  – HEY WAIT A SECOND!”

“Ms Jelavic didn’t kidnap us, mom,” Nagisa said nervously, frowning. “We wanted to go with her and….” He tensed and trailed off when Hiromi’s expression darkened. “Um…”

“Uh, oh.” Mrs Nakamura sighed, giving the camera a look in the confessional room. “We all knew that look.”

Irina tilted her head slightly as Hiromi looked like she’d explode. “…Are you okay—"

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY CHILD!” Hiromi screamed at her, shaking the building.

“Uhhhh.” Mr Terasaka looked tired, leaning back in the chair. “Here we go…”

“EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL YOU TURNED UP!”

Hiromi’s voice could be heard from outside, just as Karasuma and Koro-sensei were pulling up into the parking lot.

“Oh, dear.” Koro-sensei sighed as he heard the yelling.

“JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!” Hiromi’s face was bright red, screaming at Irina who was shocked. “You prance around like a sl** and corrupt our children!”

Irina recovered from her shock. “What did you just call me!?” She got to her feet, squaring up to. “You hag!”

“You know what I said!” Hiromi yelled back.

Nagisa was covering his ears, starting to cry. “Stop it!”

Karma scowled and grabbed his friend’s arm. “Come on.”

Nagisa wiped his eyes and quietly ran off with Karma and Asano towards the ball pit.

“Everyone please calm down,” Koro-sensei pleaded, trying to separate the two women.

“SHE’S THE ONE WHO STARTED YELLING!” Irina pointed at her accusingly.

“I’m going to have to ask you all to leave,” the manager tried to intervene.

“Gladly!” Mrs Nakamura looked around. “Kids! We’re leaving.”

“Yes, Hazama, grab your things!”

There was a pause as the children didn’t respond.

“…Kids?”

The parents and teachers looked over at the ball pit but the children were gone.

“…Ah, shit,” Irina swore when they realised.

“WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN!?” Koro-sensei screamed.

A few blocks away the kids were walking along a highway while one cameraman tried to follow them.

“Maybe we should hitchhike?” Kanzaki suggested as she jumped over a crack in the path.

“Let’s got to Kyoto!” Terasaka suggested.

“Which way are we going anyway?” Hazama asked as they looked around.

“Kids, you need to go back,” the cameraman said.

The children all stopped and looked at him in surprise.

“Wait, you can talk?” Karma questioned.

The cameraman sighed, taking out his phone. “That’s it I’m calling Mr Karasuma—”

A black SUV car suddenly pulled up along the pavement with a screech.

“What the hell!?” The cameraman zoomed in on the car as the large doors slid open, revealing a strange man dressed in all white like a strange ninja. A boy with white hair was sitting by his side playing video games.

“Hello, children!” the man in white said pleasantly. “Are you lost?”

“Who are you?” Nagisa questioned in alarm.

“My name’s Shiro, I run a dance studio not far from here,” the man called Shiro said pleasantly. “Why don’t you hop in and I can show you it and then we can call your parents?”

“Isn’t that kind of creepy?” Nakamura said.

Shiro chuckled. “Not at all.” He patted the boy next to him on the head. “Itona here is a student of mine, and he’s looking to make new friends.”

Itona briefly looked up from his video game and gave them a quick look over, dismissive.

“We’re not supposed to go in cars with creepy strangers,” Asano commented, frowning.

“Yeah!” The kids chorused.

“Are you sure?” Shiro held up a bag of sweets. “I have pudding.” He took out some pots of pudding. “And ice cream!”

“PUDDING!” Both Kayano, Asano, and Terasaka’s eyes lit up.

 “Let me in!” Kayano ran towards the car.

“No, me first!” Terasaka tried to push her away.

“Kayano, no!” Nagisa ran after her.

“Give me that pudding!” Asano tried to grab the bag from Shiro.

“Kids, no!” The cameraman tried to grab them while still carrying his heavy camera.

The kids were all yanked into the car by Shiro and two women in suits.

“Hey! Get off me!” The cameraman was pulled into the car with the children. “You people are crazy!”

“Shut up!” One of the women held a cloth of chloroform over his face. “Drive!” She yelled at the driver at the front.

The car drove off down the highway.

Chapter Text

Tokyo, 12:45

The Ice-cream parlour

“WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN!?” Koro-sensei screamed, dramatic music playing in the background.

“We were facing a crisis,” Mrs Nakamura said in the confessional room. “The kids were gone… again.”

“Alright, no one panic!” Koro-sensei yelled, panicking. “NO ONE PANIC!”

“Will, you please leave,” the ice-cream parlour manager begged.

The parents ignored him, panicking.

“How did they even leave without us noticing!?” Mrs Hazama questioned.

Mr Asano sighed and looked at his phone. “I’m trying to track them but their location keeps changing.”

“What!? How?” Mr Kanzaki tried to see. “Why are they moving!? Are they in a car?” He paled. “Oh God, they’re in a car!”

“THEY’VE BEEN KIDNAPPED!” Hiromi shrieked, scaring the customers who were gawking at the parents.

“What are we gonna do!?” Mr Terasaka yelled.

“Oh, Kayano!” Aguri was nearly crying. “What if they’re hurt?”

Koro-sensei was sobbing on the floor. “THIS IS ALL MY FAULT!”

Meanwhile, Mr Karasuma and Ms Irina were watching from the sidelines.

“Jesus Christ,” Irina swore, staring at the hysterical adults. “Is it always like this?”

Karasuma sighed, taking out his phone. “Yes.” Then his brow furrowed. “Wait, it looks like one of the camera crew was with them. He’s texting me.” He dialed a number. “I’ll call him.” Then he shot an irritated look at the parents. “Will everyone calm down—”

“MY BABY HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED!” Hiromi was hysterical, face a blotchy red. “DON’T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!”

Karasumi winced at the noise and walked further away to take the call while Koro-sensei was sobbing on the floor with Ms Yukimura trying to comfort him.

“This is every teacher’s nightmare!” Koro-sensei said in the confessional room. “Having your students go missing like this!” He cried, holding up a string of photos of his students smiling and holding trophies and medals. “I’VE FAILED THEM AS AN EDUCATOR!” He sobbed loudly, fake nose dropping off. “I DON’T DESERVE TO BE ALIVE!”

The camera crew backed away slightly as his tears got everywhere.

“Oh, gosh.” Ms Yukimura looked worried while the parents were panicking. “The kids must be terrified.” Then suddenly her phone pinged. “Huh?” her eyes widened. “Everyone! I know where they are!”

Everyone stopped and looked over at her. “What!?”

Tokyo, 13:10

Shiro’s Dance Studio,

“Wow!” Kayano’s eyes sparkled when she saw the table full of pudding in front of them. “PUDDING!”

Asano was drooling. “Dibs on the chocolate with strawberries on top!” He ran towards the table.

“No way!” Kayano tried to drag him back, fighting to get the first dibs.

“Are we really allowed to eat it all?” Kanzaki questioned, apprehensive along with the other children.

“I don’t know.” Nagisa looked around the expensive dance studio, the dessert table was near the coffee machine, which was next to the entrance to the gym which had different exercise equipment, but the rest of the room was a giant dance studio hall which was a lot bigger than the one at Koro-sensei’s. “Um, guys…” He looked back at Kayano and Asano who were fighting over the pudding. “I don’t think we should eat any—”

“Hey!” A very large man, who had an oddly similar haircut to Terasaka barged in with more cake. “Who wants more cake?!”

The children backed away slightly in surprise when they saw the new man.

“Who are you?” Karma asked, frowning.

The man grinned. “I’m the assistant dance couch, Takaoka!” He rubbed his belly. “But I mainly supply the cake!” He chuckled and presented two large cream cakes to Kayano and Asano. “Go ahead!”

“Finally!” Kayano grabbed the cake and started eating.

Asano hesitated but then took the cake as well, eating it quickly.

“I’ve never heard of a dance studio giving out free cake,” Hazama questioned.

“Kind of seems counterproductive,” Nakamura commented.

Takaoka chuckled, the sound loud and burley. “Nonsense! Everyone deserves a treat!” Then he sent them a sly wink. “And I won’t snitch if you kids sneak extra.”

That set some of them on ease a little and the small teasing, but Karma stilled eyed the man warily.

“Can we leave already?” Karma crossed his arms. “I wanna go back to Koro-sensei’s.”

Nagisa frowned a little. “Yeah, our parents will be worried.”

Takaoka looked disappointed, smile tensing. “Oh, come on, you kids only just got here!” He grabbed Nagisa and Kanzaki’s hands suddenly. “Come on! How about a tour!”

Nagisa grew uncomfortable. “But…”

Kanzaki tried to tug her hand free. “Um, but—”

Takaoka dragged them along. “We’ve got everything here!” He started to give the tour. “Not only do we have a gym with the most state of the art equipment, but check out that air conditioning!”

“Only I’m allowed to hold Kanzaki’s hand!” Nakamura objected, trying to shove the man from Kanzaki while the girl blushed.

Takaoka just laughed and let go of Kanzaki’s hand to ruffle Nakamura’s hair. “Wow, aren’t you a jealous one!” His grin was sharp. “How about some more cake!” He steered them to another dessert table.

Terasaka, Kayano, and Asano hurried over, grabbing as much dessert as they could.

Nakamura exchanged a look with Kanzaki before they both ran to grab cake with Hazama while Nagisa and Karma lingered behind.

 “And there’s the man of the hour, Shiro!” Takaoka waved ahead.

Nagisa and the other children stopped as Shiro approached with a bored-looking Itona by his side; the white-haired boy was decked out in a white hoodie which said Elite Shiro’s Dance Academy in large, gold, obnoxious letters.

“Hello, children,” Shiro greeted them brightly. “I’m so glad you’re giving my studio a look.”

“You kidnapped us,” Terasaka commented.

Shiro chuckled, patting the boy on the head. “Such an exaggeration.” He gestured to the large studio. “This is merely an Open Studio Day of sorts.”

“Like college?” Asano questioned, wiping the remnants of cake from his cheeks.

“Yes! Just like college.” Shiro seemed cheery. “Rest assured your parents will be here soon to pick you up.”

“Really?” Nagisa looked up in surprise.

“Of course!” Takaoka exclaimed. “We can’t have them worrying after all.”

Nagisa frowned. “Um, but won’t they be mad you took us?”

Shiro chuckled. “I’m sure they’ll under—“

A second later their teachers and parent pushed through the doors.

“ALRIGHT HAND THE BRATS OVER!” Ms Irina shouted, waving her fist while Mr Karasuma was trying to hold her back.

“YOU KIDNAPPING CREEP!”

Hiromi pushed past her. “NAGISA! Mommy’s here, baby!”

“Finally!” Nakamura grabbed Kanzaki’s hand. “Mom! They have free food!” she yelled while Asano quickly hid a pastry in his hoodie pocket.

That seemed to make the parents look more horrified.

“Kirari, don’t eat that!” Mrs Hazama smacked the pastry out of her daughter’s hand. “It’s empty calories!”

Hiromi hurried over to Nagisa. “Sweetie, mommy was so worried.” She patted his head and looked relieved.

“Children!” Koro-sensei sobbed in relief when he saw them.

Karma perked up. “About time!” He ran over to their teacher.

“Takaoka?” Mr Karasuma looked surprised to see the man. “Do you work here?”

Takaoka’s smile was sharp. “You bet!” His cheerfulness seemed forced. “Once I found out you’d decided to get into the business I just had to give it a look.”

Mr Karasuma frowned. “Why would—?”

“Ah, welcome!” Shiro seemed unfazed by their entrance, Takaoka coming to stand next to him. “I’m so glad you were all able to make it!”

The parents glared at him. “You kidnapped our children!” Mr Kanzaki snapped.

Shiro chuckled. “Kidnapped? Hardly,” he replied. “Would a kidnapper inform the parent of their children’s location?”

Mr Terasaka hummed. “That’s a good point.”

“He still kidnapped the kids,” Yukimura said, eyeing the man warily.

“I’m not normally one to distrust people,” Ms Yukimura said while in the confessional room. “But I don’t trust that man.” She shook her head. “I can’t explain it but it’s like he reminds me of a bad boyfriend I had…”

“What makes you think that?” the producer asked.

Ms Yukimura hummed, tapping her chin. “Hm, it’s just a feeling…”

Then Kayano was shown on-screen eating pudding in the confessional room. “I’m 99% sure Shiro is my sister’s ex-fiancé.”

“What makes you so sure?” the producer asked.

Kayano looked at him like he was an idiot. “He has a photo of her in his office and a photo of Koro-sensei’s face he uses as a dartboard.

Shiro’s office was shown as described, with a photo of Ms Yukimura and her former fiancé in a photo together. Then the camera zoomed in on the wall which had Koro-sensei’s photo with darts pinned into it.  

“Ah, Ms Yukimura!” Shiro brightly greeted her. “I’d never kidnap children! In fact, I rescued these children from the roadside.” He cast the parents a look. “Heaven knows how they ended up there without adult supervision.”

The adults looked sheepish.

“Why did you take them? And how do you know who we are?” Mrs Nakamura said, frowning. “And, how did you have Ms Yukimura’s number?”

“I mean the whole thing is a lot of red flags,” Mrs Nakamura said in the confessional room. “Like I understand that marketing can be unorthodox but this is a little strange? And why does he have that creepy kid with him? Like where are that kid’s parents? We were just full of so many questions.”

“I understand this is all very sudden,” Shiro said, nodding. “And perhaps I was overeager, but I assure you my intentions are pure.” He gestured to the studio. “My studio is the best in the country,” he said while Itona handed out flyers to the confused parents. “With a four-star rating.”

“Four stars!” Koro-sensei looked worried as the atmosphere shifted from suspicion to curiosity.

“Four stars for these prices?” Hiromi looked through the flyer. “That’s a bargain.”

“It includes a 10% discount at the local health clinic,” Mrs Hazama whispered to her too loudly.

“And check out the coupons on dance gear,” Mr Kanzaki murmured, looking through the brochure. “Can you imagine the savings alone on dance shoes?”

“I could finally afford that new motorcycle,” Mr Terasaka whispered, eyes sparkling.

“With the first three months of lessons at 30% off when bought in bundle!” Shiro said brightly.

Hiromi gasped. “30% off…”

“Mom.” Nagisa frowned, tugging on her skirt.

She batted his hand away. “Not now, sweetie, mommy’s thinking.” She frowned, glancing at Shiro and then Koro-sensei who looked nervous while standing next to Mr Karasuma and Ms Irina. “…Savings are all well and good, but this is the first time I’ve never even properly heard of your academy.” She crossed her arms. “What are your qualifications or background for teaching?”

“Agreed.” Mr Asano was eyeing the brochure shrewdly while holding his son’s hand so the boy couldn’t sneak away to steal more sweets. “Koro-sensei may be a disaster, and walking embarrassment—”

“I’M STANDING RIGHT HERE!” Koro-sense yelled in the background.

“—But he’s still built a reputation of turning out winning dance students,” Mr Asano continued without lightly. “He’s regarded as the best, and I only let the best teach my child.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Hiromi said, agreeing for once. “We’ve barely even heard of you.”

“And, it’s a lot of nerve trying to coach our kids like this,” Mr Terasaka commented.

Shiro nodded. “Yes, of course, I understand completely…” Then he clapped his hands, dimming the lights. “Which is why I prepared a short video.”

“Wait, what?”

Cheery music started to play along with overdramatic special effects as a commercial was shown on the large flatscreen TVs mounted to the wall.

“SHIRO’S DANCE STUDIO!” A loud voice yelled as the title of the dance studio appeared on the screen. “A STATE OF THE ART DANCE FACILITY TO MOLD YOUR TALENT!”

Flashy photos of the dance studio appeared.

“Nice effects,” Mr Terasaka muttered.

“It’s so flashy!” Yukimura looked impressed.

“Hello!” Shiro appeared on screen, footage of the shiny dance studio behind him. “I’m Shiro, owner and lead dance teacher at this studio!”

“My studio is for students with the utmost talent!” Shiro spoke while footage of Itona played in the background. “Where the elite thrive!”

Itona was shown performing at a flashy dance show in central Tokyo. “Our classes are small so we cater specifically to each student so they can reach their full potential!”

Itona performed with a group of nameless children, footage showing them making pyramids, and performing complicated dance numbers.

Hiromi’s eyes glinted, watching. “Impressive…”

Nagisa looked up worriedly.

Koro-sensei’s dance studio was shown in a bad light. “Unlike like some studios which have low brow teachers…” An image of Koro-sensei passed out after eating junk food was shown.

 “THAT WAS ONE TIME!” Koro-sensei yelled in the background.

“Or dangerous criminals!” Footage showed Ms Irina yelling at a reporter ad brandishing a gun.

Mr Karasuma shot Ms Irina a look.

“What?” She became defensive. “It was one time!”

The next set of the footage showed Ms Irina beating up a reporter with her high heeled shoe, yelling at the man as she kicked him.

Everyone in the studio looked at her, making Ms Irina scowl. “What!? He had it coming!”

“Our studio is full of professionals fully equipped to teach students with the utmost tender and care!”

Takaoka appeared, smiling and giving a thumbs up at the camera, holding a protein shake. “Hey!” He showed a platter of food. “At Shiro Dance Studio, we’re a family! So there’s no need to worry about packing lunches! We’ll feed your kids!” Desserts were shown. “We have everything here, from cheat day desserts…” Then lots of fresh vegetables were shown along with protein shakes. “To fully healthy lunches to keep the little types full of greens!”

Mr Asano hummed, growing intrigued while his son scowled.

“So, what are you waiting for?” Shiro appeared next to him with a disinterested Itona by his side. “Call now and book your place to secure your child an excellent future!”

The commercial ended abruptly, the lights turning back on.

“So, are there any questions?” Shiro asked.

The parents started to exchange looks.

“This guy was really pulling out all the stops,” Mrs Nakamura said in the confessional room. “I mean, it was hard not to be impressed.”

“The video was a real selling point,” Mr Terasaka commented. “And the discount? Come on. I’d be crazy not to consider it.”

Mrs Hazama shrugged, sitting alone in the confessional room. “I mean, honestly after the day we’d all had, it would be insane not to consider it,” she said, unapologetically. “Koro-sensei let a criminal near our children—she brought a gun! And then she kidnaps them?” She sounded exasperated. “It got me thinking is that the type of environment I want my daughter learning in?”

Mr Karasuma watched grimly as the parents stayed quiet in the studio.

“It became obvious quickly that the parents were close to turning,” Mr Karasuma said while in the confessional room. “We had to say something.”

He nudged Koro-sensei, signalling for him to say something.

“Huh?” Koro-sensei looked at him and then the students. “Right.” He nodded in determination. “I think that’s quite enough showboating!” He spoke up, waving the brochure in distaste, garnering everyone’s attention. “You may think a flashy commercial and discounted coupons— is that 25% off on Boba!?” He paused when he saw the offer.

Mr Karasuma cleared his throat. “Uh, hm…”

“Oh, right.” Koro-sensei tossed the brochure. “But, at MY academy our talent and spirit is our pride and joy. He patted Karma and Kayano on the head. “And that’s something you can’t put a price on.”

“We pay you a set price every month in tuition,” Mr Kanzaki pointed out dryly.

“The prices are listed on the website,” Kanzaki said innocently.

“And you’re always complaining your poor because you haven’t raised your prices in two years,” Karma said.

“Uh, I mean, well it’s something you CAN put a price on, but it…” Koro-sensei stumbled growing frazzled. “Um…”

“Is ging somewhere with this?” Mr Nakamura whispered.

Mr Terasaka shrugged. “I have no idea.”

“I think we’ve all had a really long day!” Ms Yukimura quickly stepped in. “How about going home!” She brought her little sister close. “The kids must be exhausted.”

“I’m not tired,” Kayano replied, making her big sister smile awkwardly.

“Yes, of course, I understand,” Shiro said cheerfully. “But please, do take these complimentary baskets for all the trouble of coming down here.”

The parents were surprised as they were handed gift baskets full of wine, food, and snacks.

“Oh, wow, I’ve been looking for this cheese since forever,” Mrs Nakamura said, taking one of the cheeses out.

Mrs Hazama stared at the basket. “Oh, my, is this Rose is my favourite!” She smiled sweetly. “How did you know!”

Shiro chuckled, tapping his nose. “A good businessman knows his audience.”

“Clearly.” Mr Asano looked impressed when he took a sprits spray bottle from his basket, the label on the bottle saying ‘effective parenting’.

Meanwhile, Koro-sensei was nervous. “He’s stealing my clients!”

“Yeah, well you made it pretty easy,” Ms Irina commented as she filed her nails.

“YOU’RE THE ONE WHO BROUGHT A GUN INTO CLASS!” Koro-sensei argued back.

“It wasn’t like I was actually going to shoot anyone!” Ms Irina yelled back.

“You nearly killed me!” Hiromi shouted, and then scowled. “Hm.” She looked at the brochure. “I’m going home. There’s a lot to think about.”

“But, mom…” Nagisa frowned, growing more worried.

His mom ignored him and held his hand. “Come on, sweetie, we’re going home.”

“We are too,” Mrs Hazama huffed, dragging her daughter along with her. “Thank you for the gift.” She shot Shiro a smile. “It’s lovely.”

“Come on, Kanzaki,” Mr Kanzaki dragged his daughter away from Nakamura. “All that sugar's probably ruined your dinner,” he said, glaring at ms Irina on the way out.

Ms Irina rolled her eyes. “Oh, please…”

Mr Asano passed Shiro a business card. “We’ll be in touch.” Then he yanked his son away from the dessert table. “Gakushuu, no.” He sprayed his child with the sprits bottle, causing his son to hiss and recoil like a cat when the water hit him. “Bad!”

His son glared at him. “I was just looking!”

Koro-sensei watched as the parents all slowly started to leave, not looking very please with him.

Meanwhile, Shiro looked smug.

Tokyo, 07:00

Koro-sense Dance Studio

Koro-sensei sighed, coming to work the next morning with a fresh Starbucks coffee in hand.

“Yesterday was rough,” Koro-sensei said in the confessional room. “Having a rival dance studio trying to poach your student is just the nature of the industry.”

“And aren’t you concerned that the parents will take Shiro’s offer?” The producer asked.

“Of course, but I have faith they’ll recognise real quality teaching!” Koro-sensei said.

“…Uh, huh.” The producer didn’t sound convinced.

Koro-sensei seemed optimistic as he stepped into the studio. “Good morning student—oh…”

Karma and Kayano were the only students in the studio, with Ms Yukimura sitting in the otherwise empty seating area off by the side.

Chapter Text

 “PREVIOUSLY ON KORO—HEY!”

There was noise in the background like someone was wresting a mic from someone.

“Give me that!”

“Hey! Who are you!?”

There was a thud like someone had been hit over the head.

Then a remixed version of the music played.

“PREVIOUSLY ON SHIRO’S DANCE ACADEMY!” Takaoka’s cheery voice boomed.

“Someone call the police!” The voice of the producer came from the background.

SHIRO’S DANCE STUDIO

Tokyo, 08:00

“Today is the start of a new era,” Shiro was very cheerful as he was in his very fancy office in the studio.

Mr Asano came in with his son behind him, and then instantly had to grab the boy’s hand when he made a move towards the dessert table across the room. “Can someone remove the desserts?!”

“Naturally the parents chose the best teacher for their children,” Shiro said smugly.

Mr Kanzaki and Mrs Nakamura came in with Yukiko and Rio trailing behind. They headed to the table where the coffee was; Mr Asano was already standing there drinking a coffee while Gakushuu miserably stood by his side eating a carrot.

Nagisa was dragged into the studio by his mother. “But, mom, why do we have to change dance studios?”

“Quiet, sweetie,” Hiromi hissed, going through the automatic doors; the rest of the parents and kids (except for Karma, Kayano, and Ms Yukimura) were already there. “Mommy just wants you to be taught by the best of the best, and this nice Shiro man is much better than Koro-sensei.”

Nagisa frowned, looking around the studio warily. “But—”

“Don’t squabble, dear,” his mother chided through a tight smile, coming over to the other parents. “So, I take it everyone else realised they were making the right decision as well?”

Mrs Nakamura smiled warily. “Well, I’m just here to see how it goes, I mean Koro-sensei was still good…”

“But, not the best.” Mr Asano quipped, walking over with Gakushuu in tow. “And if we aren’t paying for the best, we’re just wasting our time.”

“I have to agree.” Mr Kanzaki sighed, brushing his daughter’s hair while the girl was sitting on the floor with a frown on her face, Rio sharing the same look with her friend. “It’s what’s best for the kids.”

The kids they were speaking of all exchanged an irritated glare.

“I don’t like Mr Shiro, I want to go back to Koro-sensei,” Rio told the film crew stubbornly while sitting with Kanzaki in the confession room.

“I miss the old studio,” Kanzaki mumbled. “Mr Shiro seems creepy!”

“Now come on girls,” Takaoka said from behind the camera, giving a forced laugh. “That’s not very nice –“

Rio glared at him. “I don’t care, you’re creepy too! I want Mr Karasuma back!”

Takaoka’s light laugh stopped, voice darkening. “Listen you little—”

Rio got out of her seat and threw a dance shoe at him. “Creep!”

“Ow!”

Rio grabbed Kanzaki’s hand and ran off as the camera toppled over.

Takaoka’s shadow was seen from outside his office behind a thin curtain, with a muffled noise of him swearing and yelling coming from the room.

Gakushuu stood outside the door while eating a muffin. “So, I’m pretty sure Mr Takaoka is mentally unstable and has a grudge against Mr Karasuma.”

“Uh, what makes you say that?” One of the camera crew asked nervously.

Just then the shadow of Takaoka could be seen trying to strangle a mannequin head that looked oddly similar to Mr Karasuma’s spiked haircut.

Gakushuu glanced at the curtain as Takaoka stabbed the mannequin head repeatedly while screaming, ripping the spikey wig off. “…Just an educated guess.”

“Parents, if I could have your attention, please.” Shiro spoke to the parents pleasantly, clapping his hands to get their attention. “While the children have their warm-up,  would you please head to the other room to relax?”

“The other room?” Hiromi frowned, crossing her arms. “Why? We always watch our children’s warm-ups.”

“You can’t just expect us to leave?” Mr Kanzaki didn’t look pleased either.

Hiromi nodded along, crossing her arms. “They’re our babies.”

“Shiro isn’t a mother, so he doesn’t really understand how protective we are with our children,” Hiromi said in the interview room, frowning. “Does he really expect us to just abandon our children, with a stranger?” She scoffed. “I’m sorry, but that’s just ridiculous.”

“Oh, no you’re perfectly welcomed to stay here, of course!” Shiro said quickly, raising his hands. “But if you’d like I’ve had the caterer prepare a free lunch and Columbian coffee in the lounge next door.”

That changed the tone of things.

“Ooh.” Mrs Nakamura exchanged an impressed look with Mrs Hazama. “Free coffee and lunch?”

“Very impressive.” Hiromi’s eyes sparkled, heading to the other room. “Now this is getting your money’s worth.”

“Obviously it’d be insane to say no to that offer,” Hiromi said back in the interview room, chuckling. “I mean Columbian coffee? How could we say no?”

“…But what about the kids?” The cameraman questioned.

“Hm? What about them?” She frowned, confused for a second. “They can’t have coffee, they’re babies.”

“No, I meant—"

“Have they got those nice shrimp dips?” Mr Terasaka eagerly headed over as well.

“Yes, yes, very good.” Shiro ushered them into the other room, closing the door.  “Now, children—oh, Asano… you’re still here.”

Mr Asano lingered behind, texting on his phone, drinking his takeout coffee from where the parent seating area was. “Hm.”

“The free coffee—”

“I already have coffee.” Mr Asano didn’t look up from his phone.

There was an awkward little pause…

“…Well, have it your way.” Shiro cleared his throat. “Alright, children, line up!” Shiro instructed all the children sunnily as they reluctantly lined up on the dance mat with Itona. “Let’s start with some warm-up exercises which Mr Takaoka will kindly lead us in.”

Itona suddenly raised his hand. “Shiro?”

“Yes, Itona?” Shiro asked pleasantly while Takaoka stood there with a whistle and an almost sadistic smile.

“I need the bathroom.”

Shiro gave a forced chuckle. “Well, we’re about to do warm-ups—"

Itona stood up and didn’t wait to be excused, heading into the boys' bathroom.

The other children looked a little confused, but Shiro looked like he was trying to brush it off.

“Well, I’m sure he won’t be too long!” Shiro gave another strained laugh.

“Itona tends to be a free spirit kind of child,” Shiro told the camera while in the interview room. “A true genius in dance – I was lucky to find him.” He explained, sounding quite smug. “He has such a passion for dance, a calling to it.”

The scene changed to Itona sitting in the interview room playing a videogame.

“So, do you like dancing?” The interviewer asked.

Itona’s gaze stayed glued to the screen in his hand. “I don’t really care – I just like the free food Shiro gives me.”

“Uh…”

Takaoka blew a whistle in the studio where the kids were all lined up. “Alright, kids, let’s get lined up!”

“I’ll leave you children in Mr Takaoka’s caring hands,” Shiro said brightly, heading into the other room where the parents were happily eating and sipping coffee.

The kids all exchanged unsure looks.

“Come on, kids, line up!” Takaoka smiled very wide. “Let’s start with laps around the studio!”

The kids groaned, shoulders sagging.

“No fair…” Rio complained.

“Can’t we just do stretches?” Kanzaki asked.

Takaoka blew the whistle again, very loud, enough to split their ears. “Enough yapping! More running!” He kept blowing the whistle, making them cringe and cover their ears. “Go!”

The kids started running.

“You know the biggest mistake people make with kids?” Takaoka addressed the camera in the confession room, lounging in the chair. “They coddle them. They don’t push them to their limits – see that’s Karasuma’s problem, he’s just teaching these kids to be losers.” He grinned, jerking his thumb at himself. “I’m gonna be the one to make them winners.”

Nagisa panted as he struggled to keep running. “This… this is hard!”

“Yeah, my legs hurt!” Kanzaki complained as they all ran another lap.

“I hate this!” Terasaka whined.

Gakushuu was the only one who wasn’t out of breath. “Pfft.” He rolled his eyes and ran ahead.

“I don’t get why they’re complaining,” Gakushuu said in the interview room, munching on a flapjack. “I have to do runs like this all the time with my dad at 5AM.”

“What?” The cameraman sounded worried.

The scene cut to all the kids but Gakushuu passed out on the dance mats.

Takaoka’s smile was practically glowing. “Okay! Now that bit of the warm-up is done, let’s move on to push-ups!”

“Urgh!”

“No way!” Rio huffed, standing up. “This is the worst.” She grabbed Kanzaki’s hand. “Come on, Yukiko, let’s go get my mom.”

Takaoka’s smile cracked. “Hey, hold on now!” He moved fast and blocked the door. “You can’t just leave—HAHA—warm-ups aren’t finished yet!”

Rio and Kanzaki frowned and backed away as Takaoka towered over them. “But—”

“HAHA—get back in line!” he shouted at them, face morphing into a storm.

The girls screamed and ran back to the group.

“Hey, what’s your problem?” Terasaka yelled.

“I’ll place a curse on you,” Hazama threatened darkly.

“Kids.” Takaoka chuckled, and stalked over to them. “You wanna be winners don’t you?”

“Not if we’re too tired to dance,” Nagisa mumbled, frowning. “Mr Karasuma always says—”

“Well, Mr Karasuma isn’t here, is he?!” Takaoka’s voice boomed, making the kids huddle together. “So, let’s get back to getting that blood pumping!” He blew the whistle again. “Push-ups!”

KORO-SENSEI’S DANCE STUDIO

Tokyo, 11:00

“Losing the other students has been difficult,” Koro-sensei narrated as Karma and Kayano were awkwardly dancing in the studio, the choreography like an incomplete set. “It has meant some things with the choreography will need to change… but I’m sure we’ll be able to get new students practically running through the door!”

A tumbleweed outside wafted through the sparse car park.

“Okay, children! Let’s take a break,” Koro-sensei clapped.

“We’ve barely done anything,” Karma complained frowning as he and Kayano came to a halt. “This is boring.”

“Yeah, I wanna dance with someone else.” Kayano frowned, sitting down on the mat. “When is Nagisa and the others coming back?”

“Uh…” Koro-sensei sweated. “Well…” He fidgeted on the spot. “I’m sure the other children will be back sooner than you think!” He forced a laugh. “Uh…now, why don’t you do a few practice runs with Ms Irina while I… go fill out some paperwork!”

Karma and Kayano both exchanged a puzzled look as Koro-sensei grabbed Karasuma by the arm and then dragged him out of the studio.

“Where are they going?” Kayano asked her sister.

Yukimura gave a nervous laugh while Irina just shrugged.

“Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands,” Koro-sensei said while hiding in the bushes in the car park outside of Shiro’s dance studio.

“…How exactly is this going to get your students back?” Karasuma questioned, standing next to the bushed.

“I’m surveying the area!” Koro-sensei whispered too loudly. “The key to victory is scoping out the enemy's territory.” He took out some binoculars. “Shiro can give the parents all the fancy coffee and gift baskets he wants, but the novelty fades quickly!”

Karasuma pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.

“Aren’t you concerned about the parents joining Shiro’s studio?” The cameraman asked Karasuma from behind the bushes.

Karasuma was texting on his phone. “Not particularly.”

“Oh, why?”

Karasuma paused and just gave him a blank look like it was obvious why.

Meanwhile, the parents were enjoying the catering Shiro put on for them.

“Hm, now this is service,” Hiromi said, sipping her coffee. “You know is it too much to ask for people to go that extra mile for their clients.”

Ms Nakamura shrugged, eating some shrimp. “It is nice… but, I don’t know.” She frowned, glancing at Shiro who was watching them from the door. “The whole thing seems kind of… off.”

“I know what you mean,” Mr Kanzaki murmured, staring at his non-alcoholic beer. “Something doesn’t seem right…”

Hiromi rolled her eyes. “Now, you’re just being paranoid.” She drank her coffee, but then paused, frowning into the cup. “Wait a second…”

Meanwhile, in the studio, the kids were busy doing push-ups.

“Come on, hop to it!” Takaoka snapped, blowing the whistle.

“I can’t feel my arms!” Kanzaki whispered.

“Me neither.” Hazama collapsed on the mat. “I feel death.”

“How come that Itona guy gets out of this?” Terasaka complained.

“When are we going to get back to dancing?” Rio was struggling to lift her arms.

Nagisa was out of breath. “I’m tired.”

Gakushuu rolled his eyes as he kept doing push-ups. “You guys are so lame.”

Rio glared at him. “Hey, why isn’t your dad stopping him?”

Gakushuu looked confused by that. “Why would he?”

“My dad says suffering makes winners,” Gakushuu said in the interview room. “The other kids just don’t get that, because Koro-sensei’s too nice.”

The cameraman discreetly wandered over to Mr Asano who was texting on his phone and drinking his coffee. “Uh… aren’t you going to do something?”

Mr Asano didn’t even look up and just kept sipping his coffee.

Meanwhile, back with the parents in the other room, the buffet was nearly gone as Mrs Hazama stuffed her bag with the free food.

Shiro’s phone rang in his pocket briefly. “Yes?” he answered it. “Hm, I see, well it’s not unexpected – no don’t call the police, I’ll handle it.” He made his way to the back door.

“Something about this isn’t right,” Hiromi murmured, eyeing Shiro as he left the room.

“Shiro is arrogant if he thinks a fancy spread is enough to fool me,” Hiromi said smugly in the interview room, crossing her arms. “I know exactly what he’s doing, and what he’s hiding.”

 “It’s a discount spread,” Hiromi whispered to Mr Kanzaki and Mrs Nakamura. “The dips are out of date.”

Mr Kanzaki spat out the fried shrimp into a napkin. “Oh, God.”

“I knew it,” Mrs Nakamura whispered.

“Store and spa discounts, along with 20% off the first 6 months tuition? I knew it was too good to be true,” Hiromi said confidently in the interview room. “And the expired dips were just the start of the deception.”

“Oh, god.” Mrs Nakamura looked at the spa discount card. “The discounts are only valid on Mondays and Tuesdays? Opening hours 9 to 5?”

“What?” Mrs Hazama snatched the discount card. “Is this a joke?”

“This sicko,” Mr Terasaka looked disgusted.

“How is he getting away with this?” Mrs Nakamura whispered.

“I need to sit down,” Mr Kanzaki clutched his chest as he practically fell into the lounge chair.

Takaoka’s whistle was ear-piercing as the kids were straining to keep exercising.   “Come on, keep that momentum!”

“This guy is crazy,” Terasaka whispered to Nagisa who was struggling with the push-ups.

“What was that?” Takaoka snapped, looming over the two boys. “You think this is a joke?”

“What? No.” Nagisa shook his head, collapsing on the floor. “We weren’t—”

Takaoka blew the whistle in his face, making him flinch. “EXCUSES!” He looked like a man on a mission. “I want everyone to give me fifty laps! GO! GO!”

“Uh, Mr Takaoka?” Kanzaki spoke up, getting back to her feet.

“Yukiko, what are you doing?” Rio whispered, trying to push her behind her.

“Someone has to say something,” Kanzaki said, standing her ground as she looked up at Takaoka. “Mr Takaoka, sir,  please can we take a break? I’m tired.”

“Tired?” Takaoka gave a booming laugh that didn’t sound good. “You’re tired?” He kept laughing, unnerving the kids more. “Well, little lady, if the cameras weren’t running daddy would be giving you a lesson you won’t forget.”

“Uh, what?” The cameraman questioned.

“This is stupid! We never had to do any of this stuff with Mr K and Kore-sensei!” Rio yelled.

“Yeah, I want my dad,” Terasaka complained.

“Me too,” Kanzaki grew more upset.

Takaoka’s smile dropped off, expression darkening. “Listen you little sh***.” Kanzaki and the other children were taken aback. “I don’t give a left Butt cheeks how tired you are, don’t you f***ing speak to me like that or I’ll bury you in the f***ing parking lot with your cheap sh*** unitards.”

Mr Asano glanced up and raised an eyebrow while in the corner of the camera, Nagisa edged away from the group.

“You think I wanted to be stuck in this sh**hole trying to teach you two left feet morons how to twirl?” Takaoka hissed venomously while the kids just stared. “I was in the f***ing army, you ungrateful sh**s.” The kids backed away a little as he grew angrier. “You think this is hard? Oh, we haven’t even begun—”

A dance studio light fell on him, knocking him out.

There was a pause as everyone stared at the unconscious man.

Nagisa discreetly stepped out of view of the camera as it panned to the cut rope.

Itona came out of the bathroom eating a bag of crisps.

***

Meanwhile, just outside of the studio by the bushes, Koro-sensei was trying to spy through the windows, but they were tinted.

“What kind of dance studio uses tinted windows?” Koro-sensei hissed, trying to see through the window. “What are they hiding?”

Karasuma sipped his coffee behind him, shaking his head.

“I was wondering when you’d start snooping again,” Shiro’s voice interrupted them, appearing near the entrance to the car park. “Come to try to whisk away my clients.”

“They were mine first!” Koro-sensei yelled petulantly, getting bright red in his round face. “You lured them in with cheap discounts and, and garden salads!”

“It’s more hors D'oeuvres but fair enough,” Shiro remarked dryly. “Regardless, you are trespassing on my property, and I’d rather not cause a scene by calling the police, so if you could leave—”

“Not until I make sure my students are okay!” Koro-sensei said heatedly, towering over the man who was as calm as could be. “I know you’re up to something, you can’t pull the wool over my eyes!”

“I’m offended you’d accuse me of such deception,” Shiro replied lightly before his tone suddenly shifted to something darker. “Considering you’re the one who stole from me.”

“What?” Koro-sensei was confused for a second.  

“You took everything from me,” Shiro’s voice was low and cold, the music turning tense. “Everything. And the worst thing is you’re so arrogant about it, you flaunt it.”

“Uh…” Koro-sensei looked confused for a second.

Shiro’s eyes practically glowed red under his white hood. “I will end you and destroy everything you hold dear—"

Then there was a crash from inside the studio, making them all freeze.

“What was that?” Karasuma put away his phone.

“MY STUDENTS!” Koro-sensei cried and raced to the front door, pushing passed Shiro.

The cameraman hurried after, the camera shaking as it tried to keep up and followed the octopus disguised as a teacher into the studio.

“What’s going on?” Karasuma questioned, not far behind as they went into the studio and saw Takaoka on the floor and the kids gathered around. Mr Asano was curiously peering down at Takaoka like he was checking if the man was still alive. “Takaoka?”

“What happened? Children are you alright!?” Koro-sensei quickly started doting on the kids, lifting Kanzaki up to examine her for any bruises, and then doing the same for Rio, Hazama, Terasaka, and Asano. “Where’s Nagisa?”

“Oh, I’m fine.” Nagisa was standing at the back of the studio next to Itona who was still eating those crips.

“The light fell on him,” Itona told them blandly. “I think he’s alive.”

Hazama kicked Takaoka who gave a groan. “Yeah, he’s alive.”

“Huh. He’s surprisingly durable,” Mr Asano commented, almost perplexed that the man was still alive. “Must be the extra padding.”

“What padding?” Rio questioned.

“How did the light even fall on him?” Karasuma was looking up at the ceiling.

“Uh…” Nagisa looked nervous.

Itona shrugged. “Shiro’s cheap.”

“What?” Shiro snapped.

“I knew it!” Koro-sensei was vindicated. “I knew this place was a cheap imitation!”

“This studio is state of the art!” Shiro argued, offended. “Not a penny was spared—”

Then the door from the other room burst open. “Shiro!” Hiromi’s voice was shrill, the other parents behind her. “How dare you!”

“You fraud!” Mrs Hazama yelled, holding up the vouchers.

“Oh, what now?” Shiro sounded ready to tear them to pieces.

“This isn’t even Columbian coffee!” Hiromi threw the coffee to the ground, splattering it on the dance and getting on Shiro’s white outfit.

“Careful!” Shiro stepped back, the coffee stains blotching the hem of his robe. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to keep white clean!”

“Save it for the judge!” Mr Terasaka yelled.

“What judge?” his son questioned.

“Oh, there is no judge, it’s just an expression, son,” Mr Terasaka told him gently, patting his shoulder.

“What are you all talking about?” Shiro snapped.

“We’re talking about the fact your discounts are barely usable,” Mrs Nakamura replied, holding up one of the coupons. “25% movie tickets, on a Monday between 8am to 1pm? Pfft, when am I going to have time for that – some of us work!”

“Why don’t you just book the time off?” Shiro’s voice was testy.

The parents scoffed, staring at him in disbelief.

“Oh, yeah, why don’t I just cash in all my vacation days as well, huh?” Mr Kanzaki mocked.

“And we ran the calculations on that 30% off on lessons for 3 months – after the trial period we end up paying nearly twice as much as we would if we stayed at Koro-sensei’s,” Hiromi said, crossing her arms.

“Exactly!” Koro-sensei mirrored her pose.

Shiro gave a strained chuckle. “Parents, please.” He raised his hands. “I understand your frustration that these bargains may not be as…extravagant as you believed, but are they really as important as your children’s success?” He gestured to their children who were standing next to Takaoka’s unconscious body.

That made them pause and look like they were second-guessing.

“Well…I suppose that’s true.” Mrs Hazama folded her arms. “The kids’ should be learning from the best.”

“B-but, my school is the best!” Koro-sensei argued but was ignored.

Shiro placed a hand on his chest. “I apologise if my generosity came across as disingenuous—”

“The salsa sips were expired and the coffee tasted like it was from a 7Eleven,” Mr Kanzaki interrupted dryly.

“All of which I can do nothing but apologise for with the promise to be better,” Shiro placated. “But, let’s focus on what’s really important. The children.” He gestured again to the kids who were glaring at him. “Again, don’t they deserve the best dance instructor?”

“Well, yes, but…” Hiromi’s brow furrowed, sharing a look with the other parents.

Karasuma sighed and then texted on his phone, wandering off camera.

“No, don’t fall for it!” Koro-sensei pleaded, on his hands (tentacles) and knees (tentacles).

Mr Asano’s phone suddenly buzzed like he’d gotten a text message, scrutinising the screen.

“Maybe we are overreacting,” Mrs Nakamura said, shifting on the spot.

“But, mom, we don’t wanna stay here!” Rio yelled, scowling. “We wanna go back to Koro-sensei!”

“Rio, sweetie…” Mrs Nakamura sighed. “Not now, we’re trying to discuss what’s best for you.”

“But shouldn’t we have a say—?” Nagisa tried to speak.

Hiromi groaned. “Nagisa, darling, I am trying to negotiate your future, please be quiet.”

“Exactly. Exactly.” Shiro nodded, seeming quite pleased. “Now, why don’t we grab some real Columbian coffee and—"

“Hold on a second.” Mr Asano interrupted, expression stern as he held up his phone. “According to this, none of these teachers even have a qualification in dance.”

The music shifted to something scandalous.

“What?” Hiromi gasped.

“Takaoka only has a PE teacher qualification….” Mr Asano looked disgusted. “…that expired a month ago.”

“Oh, my god.” Mrs Hazama covered her mouth.

“What kind of back alley place are you running here!?” Mr Kanzaki quickly grabbed his daughter. “My daughter might as well be learning dance in a school gym!”

Hiromi wasn’t coping well. “Is this even a real dance school!?”

“Of course it is!” Shiro started to lose his temper. “Look, this is all just a big misunderstanding!”

“So Takaoka doesn’t just have a PE teacher qualification that expired last month?” Mrs Hazama challenged.

Shiro hesitated, giving a strained chuckle. “…It’s being renewed next week—”

The parents exploded again in outrage while the kids all exchanged pleased smiles, looking happy for the first time since they came to the studio.

“I can put up with a lot of things,” Mr Asano said in the interview room while little Asano was miserably eating a carrot. “The potty mouth and bad language, the excessive exercise, all necessary for grooming winners.” He half-shrugged. “But poor teaching qualifications?” The camera zoomed in on him. “That crosses a line.”

“Nagisa, come here! We’re leaving this cesspool!” Hiromi beckoned her son to her side.

“I agree.” Mr Asano grabbed his son’s hand. “Come along, son.” He wrinkled his nose as grabbed his son’s dance bag. “I can practically smell the failure in this room.”

“I think that’s just Takaoka,” Gakushuu commented dryly as they headed out of the door.

The rest of the parents left as well, despite Shiro trying to stop them.

“You can’t just go – you signed a contract – the buffet!” Shiro shouted after them.

“Oh, please, I can get better from a drive-through,” Mrs Hazama commented, leading her daughter out of the studio.

“No, wait!” Shiro yelled while Itona casually pulled out his handheld game console and started playing a game.

Koro-sensei had a spring in his step as he followed the parents outside.

Karasuma smiled briefly as he sipped a fresh cup of coffee.

“So… did you send Asano the text?” The cameraman asked in the interview room.

Mr Karasuma just stared at him blankly and drank his coffee.

“Does this mean we can go back to Koro-sensei’s studio?” Kanzaki asked her dad, hopeful once they were outside in the parking lot.

“Well, we never said that…” Hiromi said, trying to fix Nagisa’s hair like it was dishevelled. “Koro-sensei still has his faults.”

“And, there are still much better studios out there, even if they are a bit of a distance,” Mr Asano commented, placing his hands on his son’s shoulders.

“Oh, come on!” Koro-sensei pleaded with them. “The studio isn’t the same without you all!” He clapped his hands together in a prayer. “I’ll do anything, please!”

“Ugh…” Hiromi sighed, irritated.

“Well, the kids did like the old school,” Mrs Nakamura said, sharing a look with Terasaka’s dad. “And, it would be a shame breaking them up if they all went to separate studios…”

“Yeah, little tykes are friends,” Mr Terasaka patted his son on the back, making the boy smile.

“Please, just come back,” Koro-sensei pleaded. “I’ll lower tuition, anything!”

Hiromi scoffed. “It’s not about the money.”

“I’ll give you 15% off for a whole year,” Koro-sensei proposed.

“Make it 25% and we have a deal,” she replied without hesitation.

“Deal!”

“Okay, well that settles that then,” Mr Terasaka seemed happy with that. “I guess I’ll see you all tomorrow.”

“Bright and early,” Mr Asano was already leading his son to the car.

“Wait, you can’t just go!” Shiro yelled from the doorway.

“Ugh, was a sad little man.” Hiromi rolled her eyes. “Come on, Nagisa, let’s go home.”

“Say goodbye, girls,” Mrs Nakamura told her daughter who waved at Kanzaki.

“Bye, Yukiko!”

“Bye!” Kanzaki smiled at Rio as she followed her dad to the car. “Dad, can we get ice-cream?”

“Only low fat, princess,” her dad replied, patting her head. “Dad’s stomach still feels funny from the cheap coffee Mr Shiro gave us.”

“No, you can’t do this!” Shiro raged, the camera zooming in on his despair. “You!” He pointed at Koro-sensei in vengeance. “You’ll reap this day, guinea pig, you’ll reap this day!”

Koro-sensei meanwhile barely heard him as he was on cloud nine. “I have my students back!”

KORO-SENSEI’S DANCE STUDIO

Tokyo, 09:00

Everything in Koro-sensei’s studio seemed back to normal as the sun was shining outside.

“Koro-sensei’s dance studio isn’t just a place of learning,” Koro-sensei narrated. “It’s a place where students can make friends.”

Nagisa laughed, practising cartwheels with Kayano and Karma in the dance studio.

“Support each other.”

Terasaka was sneaking Asano a chocolate flapjack while Mr Asano was busy in the background taking a call.

“Learn from one another.”

Hazama was showing Kanzaki and Rio a book which had ‘Dark Magic & curses for Dummies’ on the cover.

“Even though we can have disagreements.”

Hiromi tried to sit next to Mrs Nakamura, but Mrs Hazama stole her seat with a smile.

“We’re all just still a family, trying to do our best.”

In the staff room, Mr Karasuma was typing on his laptop while Irina was sitting in the spare chair opposite filing her nails.

“So, welcome to Koro-sensei’s dance—”

“Why are you filming in here?” Irina interrupted.

The camera zoomed out, showing Koro-sensei with a mic, sitting in the next seat in the corner of the staff room.

“It is distracting.” Karasuma stopped typing and gave him a look. “Can’t you do that somewhere else?”

“I’m capturing an atmosphere!” Koro-sensei objected.

Irina rolled her eyes and examined her nails. “Why can’t you just do it in that interview room with that presenter guy?” Then she frowned and looked around. “Hey, wait, what did happen to that guy?”

That made all three of them pause.

Meanwhile, in the interview room, the room was empty, quiet, until a bang was heard and the normal interviewer escaped from a supply locker behind the seats.

“Oh, god!” The man fell to the floor, handcuffed and wrapped in a blanket. “Help!” He yelled, dark hair sweaty and stuck to his forehead.

The cameraman who had left the camera on the tripod came into the frame with a paper bag take-out in hand. “Uh…”

The screen cut to black as the credits rolled.