"We should go. Kurumu and Yukari will be complaining again that I am monopolizing you."
I laughed. "Let them complain."
We walked together toward the school, the artificial morning sun warming our backs. The path was familiar now, every tree, every shadow, every cracked stone. I had walked this route hundreds of times and nothing surprised me, not even the wild beasts lurking in the Dark Forest.
Kurumu and Yukari were waiting by the main gate. Kurumu was fiddling through her phone, her tail swishing lazily beneath her skirt, only to revert it back as she saw us approaching, keeping to the Academy Rules of not revealing her 'Yokai' Identity.
Yukari was bouncing on her heels, her witch hat bobbing with each movement, she was anticipating something and when she saw me, her expression brightened like a lily flower opening to the sun.
"Tsukune‑san!" Yukari launched herself forward, her small arms wrapping around my midsection in a fierce hug. She pressed her face into my body, her hat brim bumping against my chest.
She had been doing this ever since I had taken care of the lizardmen who bullied her. At first, I had been awkward about it, unsure how to react to a twelve‑year‑old clinging to me like a life raft. But she needed the comfort, and I had learned to accept it. Now, it was just part of our morning routine.
And please, don't call any authorities, I am not sexually charged by small lolis and will not try to rizz Yukari-chan into giving herself to me. I find them just cute, akin to handling a little sister, and that is it. Well, maybe in the future when she grows older and her figure finally starts to bloom, I will fulfill her desires and accept her little heart, until then grow beautifully Yukari-chan.
?…?
That sounded so like a groomer!
Fuck me, I'll stop babbling like a fool.
"Good morning to you too, little witch." I patted her head, careful not to knock her hat off. "You are energetic today. Have you succeeded in creating another magical spell or cracked another magical mystery?"
"I am always energetic when I see you!" She pulled back just enough to look up at me, her eyes sparkling. "It is not that. I always wanted to be close with Tsukune‑san, since I love you this much!" She squeezed tighter. "But… I cannot lie. I had another nightmare last night. But then I remembered you were watching over me, and I felt safe."
Kurumu raised an eyebrow and turned to Outer Moka, who had just reached the gate. "You know, if I did not know that Tsukune had any self‑control, I would get jealous. She is adorable and annoying in equal measure."
Outer Moka smiled, a gentle, understanding expression. "She is young, Kurumu. And she has been through a lot. Let her have her moment."
"I am not saying she cannot have her moment. I am just saying she is lucky Tsukune is not a creep." Kurumu crossed her arms, her tail reappearing, twitching beneath her skirt. "If any other guy had a twelve‑year‑old throwing herself at him like that, it would be a scandal."
"Ignore her, Tsukune-san." Yukari tightened her hug. "She is just jealous because I get to hug you first."
"I am not jealous." Kurumu crossed her arms. "I just think you should ask before glomping someone."
Yukari pulled back just enough to look up at me, her eyes wide and glistening, the picture of innocent pleading. "Tsukune‑san does not mind. Do you?"
I sighed, but there was no frustration in it. "I do not mind," I said, gently prying her arms loose and setting her back on the ground. "But Kurumu has a point. Personal space is a thing. Even for friends."
Yukari pouted but stepped back, adjusting her hat. "Fine. But only because you asked nicely."
Kurumu snorted. "He did not ask nicely. He stated a fact, so better listen up, chibi."
"It sounded nice to me."
We walked toward the school building, the four of us falling into a loose formation. Kurumu and Outer Moka flanked me, while Yukari darted ahead, her small legs moving quickly to keep pace. Her hat bobbed with every step, and I caught myself smiling at the sight.
Who could hate on such a lovable girl? I guess it was the fault of the anime for bringing such a distorted version of Yukari who was nothing but a nuisance. Even in the Manga she was more enjoyable. And, here? She was an adorable little witch with her own quirks and interests.
Also, you might ask me, did I suffer any consequences right now based on what happened with the Lizardmen? No. But an investigation was launched by the Disciplinary Committee after attendance was reported to be missing for those particular reptiles.
I guessed that soon I would be summoned to the Teaching Staff Room to report what I knew of the missing students. Many had seen me cut off the class representative's arm, and I was a suspect. But compared to the last time I had been summoned into the Headmaster's office to give a statement, now I was confident. I did not have to lower my head too much, because I had logic and reason on my side. I could justify breaking the school's rules if it meant protecting someone under my care.
And honestly, I was ready to shove a mirror in their faces for being hypocritical and having double standards. Was I supposed to believe that Kuyo could imprison, detain, and kill any individual he found breaking the school rules based on his whims, but I could not take out some trash that threatened a child? The thought made my jaw tighten.
Bring it on. I did not care if I got expelled. It was fair to say that I had passed the tutorial stage of this game.
Yukari must have noticed the shift in my mood, because she fell back and hugged me again, pressing her face into my side. Her arms wrapped around my waist, and she clung to me like a small, persistent burr. Her hat brim dug into my ribs, but I did not complain.
"Tsukune‑san," she murmured, her voice small. "You are thinking about those lizardmen again, aren't you? What you did broke the Academy rules afterall. Are you going to be okay?"
I patted her head. "I will be fine. Do not worry. People are breaking the Academy rules here every minute and no one was expelled."
When the subject was brought up by Yukari, even Kurumu and Outer showed some worry. Kurumu's tail went still, and her usual playful expression faded into something more serious. Outer Moka's hand drifted to the rosary at her chest, her fingers tracing the familiar lines of the cross.
She remembered the last time I had been summoned into the Headmaster's office. The encounter with the old exorcist had left her unsettled, and the memory of that cold, judgmental gaze thrown at my direction still made her shiver.
"Tsukune," Outer said, her voice quiet. "If they call you in, be careful. The Disciplinary Committee is not like the Headmaster. They will not listen to reason or if you speak to them nicely."
"I know." I reached over and squeezed her hand. "But I am not the same person I was back then. I can handle it."
Kurumu stepped closer, her shoulder brushing mine. "And if they try anything stupid, we will raise hell. The whole Academy will know about their corruption in the next Gazette release."
I smiled. "I appreciate the sentiment. But let us hope it does not come to that."
Yukari looked up at me, her eyes wide. "Promise me you will be careful?"
"I promise."
She seemed satisfied and released me, skipping ahead again.
The targets were too insignificant to trigger a real storm. Three missing lizardmen, bullies with a history of harassment. Their disappearance would be noted, but not mourned. The Disciplinary Committee might posture, but they would not risk a full confrontation over such low‑tier nobodies.
No, they will get their fuse lit off only when I will shed light into the true corruption within the Yokai Academy. On how they bought the 'ignorance' of the teachers who don't even lift a finger to help those students being bullied to extortion and the edge of depression or self harm. On how a particular gang of troublemakers under a fake 'justice' cause have taken over the circles of students. On how the Student Council does nothing of substance but promise that change will come, eventually.
If light would be brought into those dark corners of the Academy, all hell will break lose. Until I have all my chess pieces in order, I will not recklessly confront them head-on. That would be a fool's errand, and me? I would like to think of myself as more savvy and strategic-headed when it comes to big moves.
Stepping into the building, I noticed more people greeting me now. A girl from Class 1‑C waved as she passed. Another girl from the Kendo Club, then the Archery Club, and many other 'victims' who claimed their justice were grateful for me and the Gazette.
A boy from the Pingpong club nodded in my direction. Word had spread, not just about the article, but about my role in bringing out this article and forcing the previous Club President to step down and now myself assuming that key role for the ecosystem of the Academy.
And not to forget Kazemaru, Gorou, and Bunta‑kun, who were not from the same classroom, came to check on me. They found me near the stairwell, their faces flushed from running.
"Boss!" Kazemaru adjusted his glasses, his breath coming in short gasps. "We have news. The Disciplinary Committee is moving. They have been shaking down clubs that have not paid their protection fees. The Gardening Club got hit yesterday. The Photography Club is next."
Gorou crossed his massive arms, his brow furrowed. "They are also asking questions about you, boss."
Bunta, the tanuki, wrung his hands. "It is nothing urgent yet, boss. Just feelers. But we thought you should know. My insider told me that they are thinking about making a visit to the Newspaper Club."
I nodded, filing the information away. "Alright boys, thank you for the info. Keep your ears open. Oh, and Bunta-kun, make sure to tell your insider to be careful. They will wonder how come I could react to their moves."
"But, let me know immediately if there is important news for me. And be careful yourself to not get targeted."
"Yes, boss." They nodded in unison, then scurried off.
Attending classes, I found myself operating on autopilot. I left a half chunk of my brain focused on the curriculum, enough to take notes and answer questions when called upon. My freed mind was hard at work, thinking about the possible creatures and monsters I could bring out from Yu‑Gi‑Oh and even other verses. My mastery over Annihilation Maker had grown, and my imagination was the only limit.
The Vampire archetype was nearly complete. The Skull Servant army was growing. The Dark Magician archetype was beginning to take shape in my shadow, waiting for the right moment to emerge. And there were others, glimpses of creatures, this could be said to be replicas, from myths and legends, from games and various anime and manga, from the depths of my own subconscious.
Classes blurred together.
When the final bell rang, I gathered my things and prepared for the last period, PE. Another soccer match. Another chance to burn off excess energy and pretend to be a normal human student for an hour.
But deep down, each of us, and in this case I am referring even to myself, were monsters. Many soccer balls could only suffer silently as they were blown apart by shots that carried too much force, too much of our hidden power.
I had learned to pull my kicks, to rein in my vampire strength, but sometimes, when the competitive instinct took over, a ball would rocket toward the goal with enough speed to leave a smoking trail.
The goalie, usually some poor D or E‑tier yokai, would dive out of the way rather than catch it.
I was about to turn the corner when Shizuka‑sensei's voice stopped me.
"Aono‑kun. A moment, please."
She was standing near the faculty office, her cat ears perked forward, her tail swaying. Her expression was serious, unusual for her. The usual warmth in her golden eyes was tempered with something else, something that looked like concern.
I walked over. "What is it, Sensei?"
Shizuka glanced around, checking that no other students were within earshot, then lowered her voice. "I need to discuss a student with you. A special case. She has not attended a single class since enrolment. The faculty is at a loss with what to do, and personally I would not want this particular girl to be expelled for not attending the Academy."
I frowned. "Why tell me? I am a student, not a guidance counselor."
"Because you have a way with… difficult cases." Her lips twitched, almost a smile. "And because she is a yokai you might find interesting. A Yuki‑onna. Ice woman."
My mind flashed to a familiar name and figure from the anime. A pale girl with long light purple hair, a quiet demeanor, and a habit of appearing in strange places stalking you. Mizore Shirayuki. "What is her name?"
"Shirayuki Mizore. She is a first‑year and has been assigned to the same class as you, Moka‑san, and Kurumu‑san. But she has been living in the dorms, avoiding everyone. For now, the Headmaster has given her special dispensation, but we cannot let her isolate herself forever."
"She is not a danger, Aono‑kun. She is just… scared. And lonely."
'Another stray cat being thrown into my face. Of course. At this point is Shizuka-sensei trying to set up my Harem or what?'
I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms. My hamster wheels started to turn, and I thought for a moment. "Have you tried enticing her? Telling her about something interesting happening at the Academy? And reassure her that attending classes is not mandatory. That her presence is a bonus, not a requirement."
Shizuka blinked, her ears perking forward. "That is… surprisingly thoughtful."
"The candy method works for anyone, sensei. Trust me. Even adults fall for that."
"I will try that approach. Thank you, Aono‑kun." She paused, then added, "And perhaps you could speak with the Headmaster about her. He might have more insight."
I raised an eyebrow. "Ehhh, why should I bother Headmaster Mikogami with such things? Besides, is this not something you teachers should do? Why push me into this?"
Shizuka fidgeted, her tail curling around her leg. "Honestly, Aono‑kun? I am also fearful of the Headmaster. What if I upset him and he uses some Exorcist spell on me? I do not want to be cast into the Underworld!"
I stared at her. "You are a teacher."
"I am also a Nekomata. A bad one at that. There is a difference."
"Is there?"
She swatted my arm, but there was no force behind it. "Do not be cheeky. The point is, you have a certain… touch. You turned Gin around. You even made Kurumu behave without pulling behind her the entire male students of first year. Well, mostly behave." Her tail swished. "You have a magic touch with handling sensitive moments. And you were successful at turning around lost causes. Gin is a great example. Since you beat some sense into him, the wolf cub has stopped bothering any girl with his antics."
I sighed. "I do not even know where to start, sensei. I am not allowed to approach the premise of the girls' dorms. The moment I step too close, Madame Vanga will appear and start swinging her broom."
Shizuka's ears twitched. "Ahh, right. I heard you sneaked inside the girls' dorm. What a bad boy."
"I have not! If not for that stupid dog being in heat, I would not have gotten dragged into that mess."
"Does this mean you will not help me with Shirayuki‑san?"
I was about to say no, to walk away, to let the teachers handle their own problems. But then I thought of Mizore, alone in her room, watching the world from a distance, too scared to step outside. I knew that feeling. I had lived it, in those first days when I was still human, that rejection was painful to the mind and depression could be the scythe of a Grim Reaper.
"..."
"Is she cute?" I asked.
Shizuka's smile widened. "Very beautiful."
I sighed again, a long, theatrical exhale that would make Toma-chan proud of me. "Fine. But I will not promise anything. Also, you need to make the first link. Do as I previously suggested."
"Ahh, you could also bring her some of the 'Gazette' new releases since I took over as president. Who knows, maybe she will get intrigued by the section reserved for 'Creative Writing'. I can say that I am proud of my weekly release for my novel."
"Right! This is another wonderful idea, Aono-kun!"
"As for your new addition to the Newspaper, I can only say that you're brimming with talent. The prose of this novel of yours was engaging, while the characters are vivid, and the plot twists keep me guessing every week."
"Praising me will not get me to do your bidding, sensei." I looked away, embarrassed by the genuine warmth in her voice.
She laughed, a soft, musical sound. "I am not trying to manipulate you. I am just being honest with my own thoughts." She reached out and patted my shoulder. "You are such a reliable boy, Aono-kun. If I was younger, I would have been smitten by you."
"I…"
"You can go. You still have classes to attend. I will try to make the arrangements as you suggested with Mizore‑san and see if I can change anything. And thank you. Truly."
She walked away, her tail swishing happily.
I stood there for a moment, staring at the empty hallway. A Yuki‑onna. Mizore Shirayuki. Another stray.
'Why do I keep doing this to myself?'
'No, the question is? Why do I even agree to this?'
'Well, who am I kidding? Since coming to this world, I have always wanted to meet Mizore. She's my second favourite after Inner.'
In the end after bidding farewell to Shizuka-sensei, while on the soccer pitch I was thinking about a particular icy beauty, and I wasn't referring to a cold personality, no, she was totally made out of snow and ice.
I didn't even react to the cheers of the girls as I scored a goal
Tsukune is writing a version of Lord of Mysteries for the creative writing section of the Gazette. I think he's doing a fanfic because I doubt he would 100% be remembering each line even with Vampire computational brainpower carrying him around nowdays.
On another matter of talking... We got MIZORE appearing! The Rosario + Vampire harem is finally complete... Well, do you guys want Ruby too?
Anyhow, for those who might not know, Mizore appears rather later in the manga (Book 1) compared to the Anime, it's like half-way to the Book 1. But I decided that this is a great time to have Mizore appear and start playing with the butterflies. I'll see how much the thread can bend before snapping. Maybe the Fates (Greek Goddesses) will take a liking to Tsukune and close their eyes once in a while.