Greetings fellow readers, MasterW here.
A much more shorter chapter (And little late). I will see if I can publish more chapters per week, by making them shorter.
So, expect the chapter to be similar to this length or even shorter or longer.
Except fighting chapters, since I like to continue then until I get until a threshold.
Anyhow, new week started, so make sure to throw stones to this story. It inspires me to see my story up in the ranking
Without any further to do, enjoy!
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The morning sun shone brightly over the familiar school grounds as Yoshioka Akira walked through the gates at his usual steady pace.
His white hair caught the light, and his crimson eyes scanned the bustling students with quiet observation.
Even after everything that had happened, this mundane routine still felt strangely comforting.
As he entered the staff room, a familiar voice called out to him.
"Yoshioka-san! Good morning."
Hiratsuka Shizuka leaned against her desk with a cup of coffee between her fingers, giving him a relaxed smile.
"Good morning, Hiratsuka-sensei," Akira replied politely, nodding in greeting.
Shizuka exhaled a small puff of smoke before continuing. "I received word from the Nakano family. The quintuplets will be returning to school starting today. Their sister Yotsuba is out of danger and should be back in about a week."
Akira nodded. That was something he discussed with Nakano Maruo. A sudden return would have raised too many questions
"I heard from him as well, since two of his daughters are parts of my class, I managed to talk to him about it. I made sure his daughters get the materials they were missing during their off time"
Shizuka smirked. "You really think of everything, don't you?" She reached into her drawer and pulled out a small envelope "Also, the teachers are organizing a get-together after finals. I was supposed to give you the invitation"
Akira accepted the envelope with a small nod. He already knew attendance for these kinds of events was essentially mandatory. Especially in their working culture
Shizuka's smile widened, a playful glint in her eyes. "I'll be waiting for you there, so don't you dare skip it."
"I understand" Akira replied evenly.
Shizuka turned back to her desk with a satisfied hum, clearly in a good mood.
As Akira moved deeper into the staff room, another voice called out to him
"Yoshioka-sensei."
Kirisu Mafuyu stood by the photocopier, neatly organizing a stack of handouts. Her usual strict and elegant demeanor was present as always.
"Good morning, Kirisu-sensei," Akira greeted.
"How was your weekend?" she asked, making small talk as she continued working.
"It went well," he answered politely.
Kirisu gave a small nod. "I wanted to thank you. Ogata-san and Furuhashi-san have been doing remarkably well in their classes lately. It seems your supplementary lessons are paying off."
Akira shook his head slightly. "That is simply their own ability coming to light."
Kirisu paused, looking at him with a faint, knowing smile. "Still… I hope they learn to use their full abilities for what they should be doing."
Akira met her gaze calmly. "Life tends to move people toward their most adequate path, sooner or later."
Kirisu raised an elegant eyebrow. "So, you're saying they will one day focus on what they should be doing instead of what they want?"
He gave a minimal shrug. "Who is to say?"
She stared at him for a couple of seconds before releasing a small, rare giggle.
"You are always so mysterious, aren't you?"
Akira hummed softly. "I need to speak with the vice-principal before class. If you'll excuse me"
Kirisu nodded. "He should be in his office."
"Then, I will be going" Akira said as he walked away.
Mafuyu stared for a moment, her eyes drifting slightly downwards.
"Shizuka was right, it looks quite nice"
To what she was referring to, only she and Shizuka would know
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Meanwhile, in the corridors of the school.
Sakurajima Mai walked through the hallway with her usual grace, drawing admiring glances and whispers from the boys around her.
As a well-known model, she was used to the attention.
Every once in a while, she received confessions, some nervous, some overly confident.
She had grown tired of them long ago. Using her technique, she would often hide nearby and listen as the boys bragged to their friends about "scoring the model" or "getting a night with her" before graduation.
It sickened her. She was only for one man. Her Sensei
So, whenever the opportunity arose, she would discreetly use her cursed technique to hide their belongings and toss them into the garbage.
Watching them panic and search like headless chickens always brought her a small, petty satisfaction.
"Yo! Senpai!"
Mai turned at the cheerful voice and saw Nakano Ichika walking toward her with a bright smile.
Mai's expression turned slightly cautious. She still remembered how the oldest quintuplet had looked at Sensei that day in the hospital.
They fell into step together.
"I wanted to thank you again," Ichika said warmly. "For helping my sister. We really owe you and your teacher a lot"
"It was just a mission," Mai replied neutrally.
Ichika continued chatting casually. "By the way, I heard you're a model too! I do some modeling work as well. Last session they did my nails like this, I decided to keep them." She showed off her perfectly manicured nails with a playful flourish.
Mai hummed in acknowledgment. "I usually take the makeup done for me home. It's expensive."
Ichika's eyes sparkled. "I noticed! Your makeup always looks so high-end."
The conversation between the two flowed naturally for a bit before Ichika's tone shifted.
"So… about Yoshioka-sensei. I've heard a lot about the white-haired teacher. He seems to be the most respected, and popular, teacher in the school."
Mai perked up immediately, a hint of pride showing on her face.
Ichika noticed and smiled mischievously. "You like him, don't you?"
Mai didn't hesitate. "Yes."
Ichika stopped walking, surprised by the immediate and bold answer.
Mai took a couple more steps before turning back, looking Ichika straight in the eyes.
"I like him. I like him a lot. Not as a student… but as a woman. So, keep out of my way."
Thankfully, they were in a relatively empty part of the hallway, so no one else heard.
Ichika stared at her for a few seconds before a small, amused smile formed on her lips.
"Well… point for you, I guess"
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On another side of the school, a different kind of battle was quietly unfolding.
In the relatively quiet corner of the school library, Kageyama Shigeo sat at a large table alongside Yotsuya Miko, Niguredou Yuria, Yurikawa Hana, and Zaimozuka Yoshiteru.
Lala of course, wasn't in the school since she didn't have any papers to enter.
In the table, a single sheet of paper lay in the center
Everyone stared at Shigeo's latest test scores.
Then they slowly turned their heads toward the boy himself.
Shigeo was blushing furiously, sinking lower and lower into his seat as if trying to disappear under the table.
"Well… I mean, I didn't expect that," Miko said, trying to be gentle as she looked at the glaring red numbers.
"Wow, they're even lower than mine," Hana commented bluntly.
"I think I expected more from the first Special Grade in our group," Yuria added with a teasing smile.
Each comment landed like an invisible arrow straight into Shigeo's chest. He slumped forward, resting his forehead on the table with a quiet groan.
"I'm sorry… studying isn't really my forte."
"Nah, don't worry about it" Miko said, waving a hand. "Everyone's got their own strengths and weaknesses. What's surprising though…"
Everyone turned to look at Zaimozuka
Zaimozuka leaned back in his chair with a smug grin, his glasses flashing dramatically as he pushed them up with one finger. His own test scores were noticeably higher than everyone else's at the table. Not quite first place on the grade, but high enough to get him a top 20 spot.
"Hehehe~ Of course, the Great Zaimozuka can't be bothered with not being the best!"
"You could do without that attitude, you know?" Yuria deadpanned.
Hana clapped her hands together. "So, how about we make a study group after school? Sensei said we don't have any missions for the rest of the week, so we can focus on preparing for the final exams."
"I don't get why we even have to study," Yuria grumbled. "We're transferring to a school that doesn't need any of this."
"Sensei said that until we fully transfer, we have to behave like normal students," Miko reminded them.
"Normal students that could destroy a building without breaking a sweat," Yuria added dryly
"Or burn it down" Zaimozuka chimed in.
"Not helping!"
"Sorry."
Miko smiled softly, looking at her friends with a gentle expression.
"Look, I get what Sensei is trying to do. Before I discovered my ability… I remember how simple my life was. How easy and uncomplicated everything felt. I think Sensei wants us to hold onto some of that normalcy for as long as we can."
"Yeah… me too," Hana added quietly.
"So, let's do as much as we can while we still have the chance," Miko finished.
The group fell silent for a moment before Yuria nodded.
"Yeah, yeah. Let's get Kageyama-kun's grades up for finals."
Shigeo lifted his head, eyes a little watery but filled with gratitude.
"Thanks, guys… I really appreciate it."
Miko smiled warmly.
"That's what friends are for"
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Later that morning, Akira stood inside the newly appointed vice-principal's office, calmly handing over a neatly organized folder containing his transfer documents.
The vice-principal, a middle-aged man with neatly combed hair and a professional, slightly nervous demeanor, reviewed the papers with visible surprise.
"I'm sorry to hear you are transferring, Yoshioka-san" he said, adjusting his glasses. "But allow me to ask… I've never heard of Chiba Metropolitan Specialized Technical College."
"It is a relatively new institution," Akira replied in his usual polite and formal tone. "I know the principal there personally. Since the school is still in its early stages, they are in need of qualified faculty members"
"Yes, of course." The vice-principal nodded, though clear regret lingered in his expression. "That said, I'm grateful for the time you have spent here. Many teachers will be saddened by your departure, myself included."
"I am sorry, Vice-Principal, but it is my decision."
"Yes, of course." The man let out a small sigh and stamped the documents with a heavy seal. "I will forward this paperwork to the principal immediately."
"Thank you. I will be leaving now."
"Take care, Yoshioka-san. And thank you for everything you've done here."
Akira gave one final, respectful nod before turning and exiting the office with quiet steps.
The vice-principal stared at the closed door for a long moment after Akira left. Then, with practiced calmness, he reached for the desk phone and dialed a number.
After two rings, a voice answered on the other line.
"Please inform Momobami-sama there has been a situation."
He hung up without waiting for further response.
Of course, this newly appointed vice-principal…
Was a mole carefully planted by Momobami Kirara to keep watch on Yoshioka Akira
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Akira had just stepped out of the vice-principal's office when his phone vibrated in his pocket.
He pulled it out and saw Busujima Saeko's name on the screen. Without hesitation, he answered.
"Sensei, I'm sorry to interrupt you day" Saeko's voice came through, carrying a clear undertone of worry. "It's about Yami. She's sick. She developed a high fever last night and her breathing has been quite labored since this morning. She's resting now, but she doesn't look well. Since she is...well, not from this planet, I'm not sure what to do with her"
Akira continued walking down the quiet hallway, his expression remaining composed as always
He thought for a brief second before replying in his usual polite, measured tone.
"Bring her to school after classes end. I have the solution for it"
"Understood," Saeko answered immediately, relief evident in her voice. "I'll take care of her until then and bring her over once school is out"
"Good. Make sure she stays hydrated and rests as much as possible until you arrive. Do not push her to move if she feels too weak"
"Yes, Sensei. Thank you."
The call ended with a soft click.
Akira slipped the phone back into his pocket and continued walking toward his classroom. His crimson eyes narrowed slightly in quiet contemplation.
He has quite the idea on who can help her condition
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After the final bell rang and the school began to empty, Saeko arrived at the school carrying Yami on her shoulders with no visible effort.
The golden-haired girl's cheeks were flushed a deep red from the fever, and her body was wrapped in a thick blanket to shield her from the evening chill. Her breathing was noticeably labored, coming in shallow, strained bursts.
"I came as fast as I could," Saeko said as she entered. "Chiba High didn't have any missions today, and Nagino-sensei gave us the rest of the day off after yesterday's assignment"
Akira, who had been waiting inside, nodded once. He stepped forward and gently placed the back of his hand against Yami's forehead, checking her temperature. After a moment, he gave a small nod of confirmation.
"Bring her to the nurse's office with me," he said, already turning to walk down the hallway.
Saeko followed closely behind, carrying the sick girl as if she weighed nothing.
A few remaining students still lingering in the corridors cast curious glances at the sight, especially at the beautiful purple-haired girl effortlessly carrying another beautiful blonde girl
They reached the nurse's office. Akira knocked once before opening the door.
"Excuse me"
"Oh my~" A mature, seductive female voice answered immediately. "To think the famous Yoshioka-sensei would come visit my humble domain."
The owner of the voice was Mikado Ryouko, the school nurse. She had striking green eyes and long brownish-red hair, wearing a lab coat over a pink top that modestly revealed just enough cleavage, held together by a belt at her waist, paired with a black skirt. Her slender yet mature figure could easily make most men stare for hours.
"Mikado Ryouko," Akira greeted formally. "I apologize for the late formal introduction."
"Don't mind it at all," Mikado replied with a playful smile, leaning slightly forward on her desk. "I'm just glad I finally get to see the famous Adonis teacher up close. And I must say… you clearly didn't disappoint."
Saeko narrowed her eyes slightly at the blatant flirtation but remained silent.
"I have a situation I am sure you are capable of resolving," Akira continued, turning to Saeko. "Put her on a bed."
Saeko nodded and carefully laid Yami down on one of the clean beds.
Mikado's eyes widened with interest as she approached. "My, I've never seen these girls before. They aren't students here, are they?"
"No, they are not," Akira confirmed. "But I believe you can help me with Konjiki no Yami, the one lying on the bed"
Mikado tilted her head, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "I'm afraid I don't know what you want me to do, Yoshioka-sensei~"
Akira's crimson eyes sharpened. "Stop playing around. I know you are an alien, just like Yami."
The playful atmosphere in the room vanished instantly.
Mikado's expression turned serious. She stared at Akira for a long moment before letting out a soft sigh of surrender.
"Very well… you've got me"
"She is an alien as well?" Saeko asked, surprised.
"And you are certainly not a normal girl either," Mikado replied, glancing at Saeko with a knowing look. Mikado playing with her hair, revealing her pointy ears to the pair "I'm sure you could probably bend my spine with very little effort, seeing the sheer strength your body carries"
Mikado stood up and moved closer to Yami, gently checking her condition.
"Hmm. I've got to say… Tearju really messed up this time."
At the mention of that name, Yami's eyes widened. She weakly sat up despite her fever.
"How—?"
"I worked with her," Mikado answered before Yami could finish. "That's all I'm willing to say for now." She turned to Akira. "I don't have the proper tools here, but I can take her home with me and treat her properly."
"I would appreciate any help you can give her," Akira said.
Mikado smiled again, this time with clear interest. "As for you… I have a question. I'm willing to help, but first, you need to tell me, what part do you play in all of this? And what exactly are you? Because I'm damn sure you're not a normal human either."
Akira stared at her for a second before replying calmly
"I helped Yami walk away from the life she was leading. As for what I am…" His voice grew firmer. "I am a sorcerer. I manipulate cursed energy."
"Sorcerer… Cursed Energy…" Mikado murmured, deep in thought. "I've heard rumors of a race that can manipulate a special kind of energy, the Simurians. Are you somehow related to them?"
"Not quite. While sorcerers and Simurians both manipulate cursed energy, our values and origins are different."
Mikado stared at him for a long moment, processing everything he had just said.
"Makes me wonder… how did you even know all of this?" She expected a normal human to inquire about the information she gave, but he knew what she was referring to without any sort of explanation
"I am a well-traveled person," Akira replied, his tone carrying a clear note of finality. It was obvious he would say nothing more on the subject.
"Haa…" Mikado released a long sigh, clearly not satisfied but knowing better than to push further. She turned back to Yami, who had once again lain down on the bed, looking exhausted.
"I will be taking this girl home with me." She then turned to Akira with a teasing smile, leaning forward a little and deliberately showing a hint of cleavage. "You are also invited, if you'd like. I can make it worth your time~"
She leaned forward slightly, giving a deliberate show of cleavage.
Akira's expression remained unchanged.
"If there is any bill that needs to be paid, please contact me," Akira replied, handing her a card with his number. "But only for necessities."
"Sure, sure," Mikado said, taking the card with a playful wink.
"Thank you for your time, Doctor," Akira said, turning to leave.
Saeko stared at Yami for a couple of seconds before bowing politely to the nurse. "Thank you for helping her. Get well soon, Yami."
As Saeko followed Akira out of the nurse's office, Mikado watched them leave, her smile never fading.
"He really is a tough nut to crack," she murmured to herself. "And Shizuka-chan said he was difficult…"
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After leaving the nurse's office, Akira and Saeko walked side by side through the quiet hallway.
The afternoon light filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the polished floors.
Saeko moved a little closer to her teacher, not wanting to waste this rare moment of privacy.
Mai had spent the entire previous mission with him, now it was her turn.
"Sensei," she began, her voice calm but carrying a hint of determination. "I've been meaning to talk to you about something."
"Hmm?" Akira raised an eyebrow slightly, inviting her to continue.
"During the last mission, I met someone. An old man. Sakamoto-san called him… Takamura." Saeko's gaze was steady. "He was… just like me. We clashed blades a few times, and I could feel it. He had no cursed energy either. You once told me I was similar to Zen'in Toji, the last person with a complete Heavenly Restriction, but you never mentioned him."
Akira walked in silence for a couple of seconds, his crimson eyes thoughtful. Then he spoke.
"He is the same as Toji, and the same as you. His full name is Zen'in Takamura. He was from several generations before Toji, the first one to actually be documented with a Heavenly Restriction, before being stricken from every Zen'in record for committing a crime that led to his permanent exile."
Saeko's eyes narrowed with interest. "But you seem to know about him."
Akira merely nodded.
"So, he is like me and Zen'in Toji," Saeko murmured, processing the information. "That would explain it. Sakamoto said he is capable of slicing a tower with his blade. And…"
"You feel inadequate with your own power," Akira finished for her.
Saeko hummed in agreement, turning to face him fully. She clasped her hands behind her back. "What am I truly lacking?"
Akira stopped walking and turned to face her properly. His deep red eyes met hers without hesitation.
"You still think like a normal person. You still move like a normal person. I do not blame you for that, you have lived seventeen years as one. Adapting to an entirely new body is never easy. I am actually surprised you have not suffered severe body dysmorphia from the difference between your previous self and your current one. But until you fully accept the changes to your body and begin to see the world through your new set of senses, you will remain stuck with that same mentality."
Saeko stared into his crimson eyes for a long moment before nodding slowly.
"I will. Thank you, Sensei. As always."
Akira gave a small nod in return, and the two continued walking.
After a few steps, Saeko prompted another question.
"I've been wondering… my sword's name is Sandai Kitetsu (Third Generation Oni Piercer). So, that means there are two others?"
"Indeed. There are Nidai Kitetsu and Shodai Kitetsu."
"And I would assume you have those two as well."
Akira's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile. "I already know where this conversation is leading, and I will answer now. I can give you Nidai Kitetsu when you grow stronger."
"And Shodai Kitetsu?"
"That one is personally mine," Akira replied instantly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "And I shall never give it to anyone."
"I didn't know you were so possessive of your belongings, Sensei," Saeko commented, a teasing note in her voice.
"There are many things you don't know about me, Busujima-san."
"Well, there is plenty of time for us to get to know each other better, Sensei," Saeko replied softly.
The two continued walking until they reached the school gate.
"Thank you for the help, Sensei. I hope Yami recovers quickly. She's been quite the roommate during the time we've spent together."
"Hmm." Akira nodded. "Take care, Busujima-san."
"Sensei, before you go!" Saeko called out, making him pause and turn. "I was wondering… what crime did Zen'in Takamura commit for the Zen'in clan to strike him out of their history?"
Akira looked at her for a moment before answering.
"He killed the Zen'in Clan Head."
Saeko's eyes widened slightly, but she said nothing more. Akira gave her one final nod before walking away.
She stood there for a while, watching his retreating figure with a quiet, determined expression.