Assassination Classroom follows Class 3-E’s mission to assassinate their superpowered teacher Koro-sensei before he destroys Earth, while he paradoxically nurtures their academic/personal growth.
The series explores themes of redemption, unconventional education, and finding strength through adversity.
These 25 quotes capture pivotal character moments and philosophical insights across its arcs.
Examined from another angle, your faults and weaknesses can be weapons
Episode 3 (Karma’s Time to Shine)
Nagisa Shiota
Early demonstration of Nagisa’s tactical mind, framing insecurities as assets during Karma’s first assassination attempt.
To win, one has to lose!
Episode 7 (Assembly Time)
Koro-sensei
Foundational lesson about growth through failure during the class’s first coordinated attack strategy.
The past you’ve lost will never come back… But we can learn from it
Manga Chapter 72 (Koro’s Past)
Koro-sensei
Reveals his tragic backstory as former assassin “The Reaper,” emphasizing redemption through teaching.
When backed into a corner, first assess your options
Episode 14 (Time to Graduate)
Koro-sensei
Guides students during Kyoto field trip crisis, showcasing adaptive problem-solving over brute force.
If there’s no one to accept you, I will
Manga Volume 1 (Assassination Classroom Begins!)
Koro-sensei
Early declaration of support that cements Class 3-E’s trust in their enigmatic teacher.
2D is just fine… Real women don’t need more dimensions
Manga Chapter 22 (Digital Perspectives)
Takebayashi Koutaro
Comic relief highlighting series’ theme of embracing unconventional strengths.
Strength can’t be determined by sight alone
Episode 19 (Koro-Sensei’s Secret)
Koro-sensei
Encourages overlooked students after revealing his Mach 20 speed secret.
Food tastes best when eaten together
Episode 38 (Island Time Part 2)
Takaoka Akira
Ironically spoken during Okinawa trip sabotage, contrasting camaraderie vs toxic rivalry.
The happiest teacher moment? Students answering with your own lessons
Manga Chapter 42 (Ultimate Defense)
Koro-sensei
Proud reaction to Nagisa using his tentacle compression technique against Itona.
To kill unrestrainedly… is what true elites do
Episode 24 (Grip of Greed)
Gakuho Asano
Villainous philosophy challenged by Class 3-E’s collaborative growth.
Even demons deserve redemption chances
Manga Chapter 294 (Final Lesson)
Nagisa Shiota
Post-battle reflection after sparing final antagonist, echoing Koro’s teachings.
Backup plans are the cornerstone of confidence
Episode 29 (Tentacle Trap)
Koro-sensei
Strategic advice during Nagisa/Karma’s anti-tentacle armor ambush.
If time to complain, use it to fight injustice instead
Manga Chapter 155 (Social Warfare)
Karma Akabane
Motivates class during school hierarchy rebellion arc.
School status means nothing – keep swimming forward
Episode 11 (Transfer Student Protocol)
Koro-sensei
Welcomes Itona after tentacle removal, symbolizing fresh starts.
A teacher’s job? Make students realize what’s impossible
Manga Volume 1 (Assassination Classroom Begins!)
Koro-sensei
Paradoxical teaching philosophy driving students’ creative assassination attempts.
Drunk on power, you forgot weaker perspectives
Episode 44 (The Strongest vs The Weakest)
Koro-sensei
Critiques Gakuho’s elitism during parent-teacher conference showdown.
Every connection nurtures us
Episode 50 (Final Battle Prelude)
Koro-sensei
Farewell speech before final exams, emphasizing found family bonds.
Kill me properly… with your own hands
Episode 47 (Last Day to Kill)
Koro-sensei
Heartbreaking graduation eve challenge, trusting students to end his life.
Weakness-turned-strength is true growth
Manga Chapter 89 (Kayano’s Resolve)
Kaede Kayano
Post-tentacle removal realization mirroring Koro’s redemption arc.
Elite minds must mind their balance
Episode 33 (Asano’s Gambit)
Gakuho Asano
Villainous wisdom later used against him during school-wide showdown.
Fun times end… so savor them
Episode 21 (Poolside Tactics)
Koro-sensei
Melancholic wisdom during summer training, foreshadowing his demise.
Crushing defeat teaches more than easy wins
Manga Chapter 58 (Defeat’s Lesson)
Koro-sensei
Explains brutal training methods after students’ failed mountain assault.
Assassination is education
Episode 8 (Bitch-Sensei Arrives)
Koro-sensei
Core philosophy stated during Irina’s introduction as combat instructor.
Names don’t define – actions do
Manga Chapter 101 (Identity Crisis)
Koro-sensei
Comforts Nagisa during maternal abuse arc about self-determination.
Goodbye… Koro-sensei
Episode 49 (Graduation Day)
Nagisa Shiota
Final heartbreaking line before delivering killing blow, voice trembling with grief.