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After making sure that Mizore was comfortable and that her new friends would stay with her, Tsukune slipped out of the infirmary. Shizuka was waiting for him in the hallway, her arms crossed, her tail motionless. The usual warmth in her golden eyes had been replaced by something harder, a controlled fury that had not yet found its target.
He led her to an empty classroom at her suggestion, the door clicking shut behind them. The room was dark, the only light coming from the moon filtering through the windows. Desks were pushed against the walls, and a faint layer of dust covered the chalkboard.
"Aono‑kun, I understand that you didn't want to reveal all the gory details while the girls were inside, but now, you can tell me everything," Shizuka said. Her voice was quiet, but there was an edge to it that Tsukune had never heard before.
He did not hesitate. He told her about Okuto's attack, about Mizore's desperate fight as he observed it with his Vampire Familiars, about his own intervention. He described the Kraken's words, the threats, the confession. And then he pulled out his phone.
"I had the inspiration of recording his confession," he said, unlocking the screen. "I have all the dirt he spewed here, but it still needs confirmation."
He held out the phone to her. "Here, if you want, you can listen. I trust you would not do anything foolish with this information and stir the hornet nest."
Shizuka took the phone, her fingers trembling slightly. She pressed play, and Okuto's desperate, pathetic voice filled the empty classroom.
"Mizuki Ueshiba. The Student Council member. He wants her for himself. He has been obsessed with her since the start of the year…"
The recording continued. Shizuka's expression did not change, but her Yoki began to leak from her body, a cold pressure that made the windows rattle. By the time Okuto's voice faded, her claws had extended, scraping against the wooden desk.
"A teacher," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "A teacher did this. And to think that a Student Council member got so arrogant that they believe they can order around a teacher to do his dirty work."
"Why things have turned out so badly. I remember back when I got hired at the Academy that things weren't like this." continued Shizuka, her head shaking in disappointment.
She set the phone down on the desk, her hand still resting on it. Her golden eyes lifted to meet Tsukune's. "Hahh, what a mess. You really did it this time Aono-kun. You killed that trash Okuto. But this still means the same thing. You killed a teacher."
It was not a question.
Tsukune met her gaze without flinching. "There's no denying this time, Sensei. I killed him. He will not hurt anyone ever again."
Shizuka was silent for a moment. Her tail, which had been still, began to twitch. "Do you understand what that means, Aono‑kun? This is not like Saizo Komiya. That was a student, and the Headmaster was able to smooth things over with the family. But Okuto was a faculty member. He had colleagues, connections, people who will ask questions."
"I am aware."
"Are you?" Her voice rose, just a fraction. "The Headmaster will not let this go easily. You killed one of his employees. Even if that employee was a monster that deserved to die, there will be consequences. Rules are rules, you could be expelled or … worse."
She stopped, her throat working. Her ears were flat against her head.
Tsukune let the silence stretch, then spoke. "Interesting that you mention Saizo Komiya now, sensei."
Shizuka blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean?"
"Isn't that quite accusatory?" Tsukune's voice was calm, almost conversational, but his brown eyes had hardened. "You just admitted that the faculty knew I killed Saizo. You knew. Stein‑sensei knew. Probably others too. And none of you said anything. None of you did anything. You just let the Headmaster sweep it under the rug."
Shizuka's ears flattened further. Her jaw tightened, and for a moment, she looked like she wanted to look away. But she held his gaze.
"You are right," she said quietly. "We knew about this incident. Stein‑sensei confirmed your scent at the scene but the Headmaster ordered us to keep quiet. He said he will handle it himself, and soon the stir you created had died."
"And you just accepted that? I mean not to sound hypocritical, but that Saizo guy was a younger version of that bastard Okuto" Tsukune's voice was still calm, but there was a weight to it now. "Still, it doesn't change an important fact. You let such behavior of the students slide. Just like you let Okuto own predatory actions on innocent girls slide. "
Shizuka flinched as if struck. Her tail went rigid, and her claws, which had retracted, extended again, digging into the desk.
"That is not fair," she whispered.
"No, it is not." Tsukune stepped closer. "But is it true?"
The silence stretched between them, and it felt uncomfortable. Shizuka's breath came in short, uneven gasps. Her eyes glistened, and for a moment, Tsukune thought she might cry. But she did not. She was a Nekomata, a predator, and predators did not cry in front of their prey.
"Yes," she said finally, her voice barely audible. "It is true. We knew. We looked the other way. Because it was easier. Because we are monsters, and monsters are selfish. We tell ourselves that we are protecting the students, that we are maintaining order. But really, we are just protecting ourselves."
She slumped against the desk, her head bowed. "So you teachers do know what happens in the Academy. If you guys knew about Saizo, then this also means you knew about Okuto, right?" Tsukune pressed, though his voice had softened. "Does this mean you knew about the missing girls too?"
Shizuka's shoulders shook. "I have my own suspiciouns, but the other teachers don't want to get dragged into a mess, so they tend to stay out of it. Since no students rallied to come out forward, or filled a complaint there were no disciplinary actions taken on Okuto."
"He is a slimy person, that Okuto was careful not to leave evidence. From what I learned later on from the files of the missed girls, those who disappeared were always loners, outcasts, students who would not be missed."
She looked up at him, her eyes starting to wet. "I am not saying all of this to make excuses for my innaction. We failed them as adults. I as a teacher have failed my students."
Tsukune was silent for a long moment. He had suspected as much. The faculty's inaction, the Headmaster's cover‑ups, the quiet corruption that festered beneath the Academy's polished surface. It was not surprising. It was just disappointing.
"I figured as much," he said finally. "Monsters are still monsters, even when they wear teacher uniforms and try to cosplay as humans."
Shizuka did not argue. She just nodded, her ears still flat.
"But again, Aono‑kun, I am worried about you." She straightened, her tail beginning to sway again. "The Headmaster will not let you go easy this time. You need to be prepared."
"I am more than ready for another meeting with Mikogami‑san." Tsukune's voice was calm, steady. "I think I will not let things simmer too much with a senseless investigation. I will confess my sins to him. Everything. This time, I also got my own cards that I am sure he will not ignore."
"I will lay it all at his feet and see what he does."
Shizuka's eyes widened. "That is dangerous. You do not know how he will react."
"No, I do not." Tsukune shrugged. "But hiding will not make the problem go away. I will schedule a meeting with Headmaster Mikogami tomorrow. We will see what he thinks about a teacher preying on his students, using their essence to sustain his needs. We will see what he thinks about the corruption of the Student Council that now has control over teachers."
Shizuka was silent for a long moment. Then she sighed, a heavy, defeated sound. "You are right. I have been a coward. Sometimes it is easier to comply with the Status‑Quo and avoid getting dragged into a political mess. It's easier to enjoy your 'peace' and 'quiet' while it lasts."
Her tail resumed its gentle sway. "I will support you. Whatever happens, I will stand with you."
Tsukune's expression softened. "Thank you, Sensei."
She nodded, then reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. "But before you meet with the Headmaster, there is something I want to offer you. A way to grow stronger. A way to protect yourself and those you care about."
Tsukune raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"Senjutsu." Shizuka's golden eyes glowed in the dim light. "The sacred arts of the Nekomata Clan. The ability to sense and manipulate the life force of the world around you. It is not something I teach lightly. In fact, I only taught my Senjutsu to one stray black cat. You would be the second person I teach this to."
"But you have proven yourself worthy."
Tsukune's heart rate spiked. Senjutsu. The art that allowed a user to detect and control the life-energy around oneself. Using it, one can strengthen both their internal and external bodies, sense killing intent of others, even manipulate the flow of nature itself. And of course, as an avid anime watcher, he was not dense about the potential of this energy source. In the hands of a vampire, it could be devastating.
"You would teach me?"
"I would." Shizuka's lips curved into a small, sad smile. "But I will not go easy on you. If you want to learn, you must be prepared to suffer. I am a strict teacher, Aono‑kun."
Tsukune could not help the grin that spread across his face. "I would not have it any other way."
"Good." She squeezed his shoulder, then released him. "Then we will begin as soon as this mess is resolved. Do not disappoint me."
"I will try not to."
She walked toward the door, then paused, her hand on the frame. "Aono‑kun."
"Yes?"
"Thank you. For telling me the truth. For trusting me." She looked back at him, and for a moment, he saw the fierce mother cat beneath the gentle teacher. "Whatever happens tomorrow, I will have your back."
Then she was gone, her footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.
Tsukune stood alone in the dark classroom, staring at the door. He pulled out his phone and started scrolling through his list of network informants, the network he had been building since the beginning of the school year.
He tapped open a message thread with Tamao Ichinose.
[Tsukune: Tamao‑senpai. I need your help. Coordinate with your girls. Gather information on some particular figures. Any dirt is good dirt. I am looking into the Student Council and the Disciplinary Committee. Names to follow: Mizuki Ueshiba (Council Member), Hitomi Ishigami (Art Teacher), Takeda Shun (Geography Teacher), Imamura Keiji (Music Teacher) and any upper‑echelon Committee members you have heard about.]
He paused, then added: [Be careful. These people are dangerous. If you find anything, do not confront them, just report back to me.]
He sent the message and moved to the next thread. Bunta, Gorou, and Kazemaru. The Idiot Trio as he liked to name them since the beginning had their uses, and their ears were always open.
[Tsukune: Open your ears. I need information on teachers and students. Anyone connected to the Student Council or the Disciplinary Committee. Rumors, whispers, anything, if you hear something, tell me immediately. Do not be obvious about it or you'll risk getting caught.]
He knew they would comply since they were too deeply entangled with him now to ever refuse. Besides, they enjoyed their privileges he granted them, meaning more pocket money that they could use to buy games or spend at the cafeteria.
Next, he scrolled to Toma Sakura. The theater club president was flamboyant, obsessive, and surprisingly well connected.
[Tsukune: Toma‑senpai. If you encounter any problems with the Student Council or the Disciplinary Committee, do not hesitate to tell me. I will help. Also, if you hear anything interesting about certain people, let me know. Consider it a favor between friends.]
He did not expect an immediate reply, but Toma was usually quick to respond to anything that involved Tsukune.
He also added another message to Toma to appease him.
[Tsukune: I will visit your Club next week if schedules align with yours. Just tell me what plays you have in mind and let me read the scenario before I agree on what to play.]
Finally, he opened a message thread with Chizuru Minamoto. The Kitsune handmaiden had resources and connections that the others could only dream of. If anyone knew where the bodies were buried, literally or figuratively, it was her.
[Tsukune: Chizuru‑senpai. I need information. Mizuki Ueshiba. Hitomi Ishigami. The Disciplinary Committee's upper echelon. Any dirt you have, I want it. Also, keep your ears open for anything involving the Student Council. I am planning something big, and I need to know who will stand with us and who will crumble.]
He paused, then added: [I will owe you a favor. A real one.]
Her reply came almost instantly.
[Chizuru: Oh? My Tsukune‑kun is finally ready to play politics? I am intrigued. I will see what I can find. But you know my price. A date. A real one. With no interruptions between us.]
Tsukune smiled despite himself. [Deal.]
He pocketed the phone and leaned against the desk, staring at the moon through the window. The list was growing, but soon he would have his answers. And once he was ready, he would bring everything to light using his most devastating weapon.
The Newspaper Club.
He pushed off the desk and walked toward the door. The hallway was empty, the silence broken only by the distant sound of the Academy settling into the night. He had a meeting to schedule, a Headmaster to confront, and a war to prepare for.
But for now, he needed to check on Mizore. She had been through enough, and she deserved to wake up to a friendly face.
He walked toward the infirmary, his footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. The moon was high, casting pale light through the windows. Somewhere, a clock chimed the hour.
Tomorrow would be a long day. But he was ready.
He had to be.
Yet, as he was lost in his thoughts, for all the greatness of his Vampire Hearing and Senses, there were moments where he didn't bother with the outside world, and now it led to him missing the sound of some light footsteps until it was too late.
A body collided with his, soft and warm, and he stumbled back, catching the person before they could fall. The scent of vanilla and something floral filled his senses, and he looked down to see Chisato Hasegawa pressed against his chest, her green eyes wide behind her round red glasses.
"Ah, Aono‑kun," she said, her voice breathy. "I did not intend to eavesdrop. I was called late after my schedule, and I could not help myself. The infirmary was quiet, and I heard voices. You know, women tend to get curious about mysteries."
Tsukune steadied her, keeping his hands on her shoulders until she found her balance. "You heard everything?"
Chisato did not deny it. She looked up at him, her expression unreadable. "I heard enough, and if you ask me, that is a lot of weight on your shoulders."
She tilted her head, studying him. "Also, you are a strange boy, Aono Tsukune."
"It is not the first time I have been told," Tsukune replied, his voice dry. He took his time to look at Chisato, his crimson eyes briefly tracing the generous curves of her figure, the way her lab coat stretched across her chest, the neat line of her hip.
He kept his expression neutral, betraying none of the hormonal chaos that stirred beneath the surface. He had learned to control his reactions, though the effort was sometimes considerable to suppress an erection.
Chisato caught the flicker of his gaze and smiled, a slow, knowing curve that made her green eyes glitter behind her glasses.
She smiled, her expression softening the sharp lines of her face. "If you need my counsel or my assistance with this situation, know that you can count on me. I may not be a teacher here permanently, but I have lived long enough to recognize when a storm is coming. And you, Aono‑kun, are the eye of that storm."
Tsukune took a step back, putting a respectful distance between them. "I appreciate the offer, Hasegawa‑sensei. But I do not want to drag you into my mess. You are already caught in the middle of enough chaos being the doctor of this Academy."
"Ara, ara~" Chisato's voice dropped into a playful tone, and she stepped closer, her hip brushing against his. "It is cute that you worry for me. But I have survived worse, my dear student."
She reached up and tapped his chest with one finger, just below his collarbone. "You are not the only one with secrets, Tsukune‑kun."
"Chaos is where I thrive." She adjusted her glasses, the playful glint in her eyes never fading. "But I understand. You do not trust me yet to come find my council. Sigh, I feel neglected by you Tsukune-kun, and I do miss your presence in my infirmary."
She turned to walk away, then paused, looking back at him over her shoulder. The light caught the curve of her hip, the sway of her hair. Her voice dropped to something softer, almost intimate.
"However, when you are ready to trust me, I will be here. With tea. And perhaps some advice that might come in handy when handling so many troublesome girls."
Then she was gone, disappearing into the shadows of the hallway, her heels clicking a fading rhythm on the polished floor.
Tsukune watched her go, his expression unreadable.
He still did not fully trust Chisato. Her power was too mysterious, her origins too obscure since, in his mind, she should not exist in this universe he was now part of. But it was undeniable that she had offered her help without strings attached.
She also had not told Shizuka or anyone else about the powers of the Necrosword or even the Blood Bug he had left in Gin to keep him true to his Blood Oath.
He had a feeling when seeing her that she might have noticed his origins as a former human, a possessor of a Longinus, since Chisato, if you removed the sexy nurse/doctor image she wore while in the Academy, was a goddess with divine powers.
Nonetheless, she had not betrayed him, which counted for many brownie points.
'Urgh, it's frustrating. I cannot make out what her intent is.'
'Is she getting obsessed with me as she had done with Basara?'
'I cannot tell, but the more I interact with her, the closer she seems to be getting to me.'
'Eventually, I need to check on that path too.'
---
He did not sleep that night.
The dormitory was quiet, the other students lost in their dreams. But Tsukune sat at his desk, the phone glowing in his hand, reviewing the recording again and again. He wrote down every name, every detail, every scrap of information Okuto had spilled in his desperation.
Mizuki Ueshiba. A water snake yokai. Student Council member. Obsessed with Mizore since the start of the year. Wanted to use her to evolve to S‑tier, which meant that Yokai weren't restricted to the assigned Class the system gives them and could either hide their powers or grow stronger.
His list grew longer, and his anger grew with it.
By the time the sun began to rise, he had a full dossier. He saved the recording to multiple devices, encrypted them, and sent copies to Chizuru (as promised), to Tamao (who had lost mermaids to Okuto's hunger), and to a secure folder that only he could access.
Then he leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling.
'Tomorrow, I will meet Mikogami and confront him about his Yokai Academy and what he plans for me.'
'Tomorrow, everything changes with a paradigm shift.'
Meanwhile, in another place of the Academy, precisely the Student Council Room the atmosphere was gloomy.
The Student Council room was dark, lit only by the pale glow of the moon filtering through the tall windows. Mizuki Ueshiba sat behind his desk, his fingers steepled, his jade eyes fixed on the phone in front of him. The screen glowed with unanswered calls.
Okuto was not responding.
His jaw tightened. The Kraken had been reliable for years, a useful tool that had disposed of countless problems. But now, silence. Usually silence in this world of theirs meant only one thing, death.
The door opened.
Mizuki did not look up. He did not need to. The presence that entered was unmistakable, a weight of Yoki that pressed against his scales like the deep ocean.
Hokuto Kaneshiro walked into the room with his usual unhurried grace. He was a tall figure, standing almost a foot above most students, and even seated, Mizuki felt the difference in stature. Hokuto's dark hair was neatly combed, and his dark brown eyes, hidden behind thin glasses, were cold and calculating.
He wore a black variant of the Yokai Academy uniform, the fabric immaculate, the lines sharp. A silver pendant hung around his neck, a tiny skull etched into the metal, catching the moonlight with each step. On his left arm, strapped just above the elbow, was a Holy Lock, a device meant to seal a monster's power.
However, unlike Moka's pristine Rosario, Hokuto's lock was damaged, nearly all of its links shattered, barely holding together.
His eyes, cold and calculating, swept over the room before settling on Mizuki. There was no warmth in them, only a quiet, assessing intelligence that missed nothing.
"You have made a mess, Ueshiba."
Mizuki's hands curled into fists. "I am aware."
Hokuto stopped in front of the desk. He did not sit. He simply stood there, looking down at Mizuki with an expression that was almost pitying. "You were supposed to be discreet. Patient. Instead, you sent that brute to force the Yuki‑onna, and now he is dead."
Mizuki's eyes narrowed. "You do not know that."
"I know that his Yoki signature has vanished from the Academy." Hokuto's voice was flat, devoid of emotion. "I know that the blood dome near the forest was detected by my sources. And I know that Aono Tsukune was seen walking out of the forest carrying that Yuki-onna." He tilted his head. "Coincidence?"
Mizuki's jaw tightened. "You think a first‑year killed a Kraken?"
Hokuto's expression did not change. "Isn't it obvious? The disappearance of the Orc we planned to recruit was caused by him. He managed to defeat Tamao Ichinose in her own territory. He defeated Gin Morioka while he was at his best. And now the question of whether he killed that stupid Kraken feels unrequired."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "You were not present at the Council Room when he visited to give us the paperwork for his club. But I was. He did not falter to Kusabi's Yoki pressure. Which means he should be around S‑Class in terms of strength."
Mizuki's scales paled. "S‑Class? Him? I don't believe it for one second."
"Believe it or not, I know what I've seen."
"If such a person is not capable of killing your octopus pet, then we are deluding ourselves." Hokuto's eyes glittered behind his glasses. "You underestimated him by letting your obsession with the Yuki‑onna cloud your judgment."
He turned and walked toward the window, his silhouette sharp against the moonlight. "You could target Tamao Ichinose if you want to reach greater power. Her essence is also water‑type. Sacrificing the whole Swimming Club would be a bonus too, only if you planned better."
Mizuki rose from his chair, his scales shimmering. "I have served the Student Council faithfully. I have done everything you asked. I have eliminated threats, silenced witnesses, and kept the faculty in line. One mistake does not erase years of loyalty."
Hokuto did not flinch. "One mistake can unravel years of work. The factions within the Academy are waiting for an excuse to tear each other apart. And you have just handed Aono Tsukune a weapon against us."
"What weapon?"
"A piece of a truth." Hokuto turned and walked toward the window, his silhouette sharp against the moonlight. "If he has evidence, which I think he is smart enough to push your octopus in spilling some dirt on you or of what he knows about our operations, he'll begin moving in being a nuisance to us."
"Our plans will be delayed by years."
Mizuki's fists trembled. "Then let me fix it. Let me eliminate him."
"No." Hokuto's voice was final. "You have done enough damage. For now, you better watch for your actions. When the time comes, you will follow my orders without question."
He turned back to face Mizuki, his expression cold. "Do not fail me again, Ueshiba. The next time, I will not be so forgiving."
He walked toward the door, then paused, his hand on the frame. "And Ueshiba?"
"Yes?"
"For your sake, and as your friend, I tell you for the last time. Stay away from the Yuki‑onna. She is no longer an easy target for you."
The door clicked shut behind him.
Mizuki stood alone in the dark room, his jade eyes blazing. His phone glowed with Okuto's unanswered calls, and his mind raced with thoughts of vengeance.
"Aono Tsukune."
He whispered the name like a curse.
"So it was you who got in my way to greatness."
"You will pay for this. If I don't take something precious from you, you'll think I am easily bullied."
The moon slid behind a cloud, and the room was swallowed by shadows.
---
There were discussions happening even in the Headmaster's office where the clock struck midnight.
Tenmei Mikogami sat behind his desk, his fingers steepled, his expression unreadable. He wore his usual exorcist outfit, the black robes stark against the pale light of the moon, while many holy locks seemed to be bound around his limbs. His silver hair, tied in a low ponytail, caught the glow, and his eyes, cold and detached to the mundane world, seemed to look through the walls of the Academy.
Across from him, in a high‑backed chair, sat an older gentleman dressed in chauffeur attire. A distinct cap, reminiscent of the Victorian Era British Empire, rested on his head, and his eyes, sharp and knowing, missed nothing. He swirled a glass of amber liquid, the ice clinking softly.
This was Nurarihyon. The supreme commander of the Hyakki Yakō. The unseen hand that guided the Yokai Academy from the shadows and, above all else, the Ruler of the East Yokai Faction and owner of this Dimension Pocket the Academy resided in.
"Nurari‑san," Mikogami said, his voice low, "you would not believe the progress that child has made in such a short span of time. He has even managed to defeat that Kraken leech and showed signs of reaching closer to S‑Class Yoki."
Nurarihyon took a slow sip of his drink. "Ohh, that is indeed surprisingly good news. But why did that boy have to fight against a 'teacher' of your Academy? I thought you stopped allowing those ants to step over your head."
Mikogami's lips curved into a thin smile. "Just a bunch of monkeys dancing around. The goal remains the same. We need to nurture the ultimate Demon Lord that would be a match for the Super Devils of Pandemonium."
"Even if there are certain sacrifices, they do not matter when the greater good of our people is at stake."
Nurarihyon set down his glass. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes held a glint of amusement. "It is true that the need to tilt the balance and get to an equal footing with the other races is pressing. This old man cannot keep up with the years. The burdens get heavier with age. Even the Gods of the Shinto Pantheon get more overbearing, demanding more tribute from us."
He paused, his gaze drifting to the window, to the moon hanging low in the sky. "If it was not for the alliance we made with Yasaka and Orochi, we would be losing too many vital resources to their greed."
Mikogami nodded. "Which is why we need him. Aono Tsukune. He is not just a weapon that could be used to destroy the equilibrium. We can nurture him to become the flagbearer and next Demon Lord of our Yokai Races."
"A symbol that the Yokai can still produce greatness."
Nurarihyon was silent for a long moment. Then he picked up his glass and drained it. "Let us hope he survives the coming storm. I got notified that Issa Shuzen is keen on visiting the Academy to check on his daughter."
Mikogami let out a low, amused chuckle. It was not a cruel sound, but one of genuine, almost exasperated fondness. "Ah, Issa. That man. For all his reputation as the fearsome head of the Shuzen clan, one of the most powerful vampire houses in the East, he is at heart such a weak fool when it comes to his daughters."
He shook his head, his silver hair swaying. "He even allows his second wife to do as she wishes with his Vampire Clan. The political intrigues, the power struggles, the endless scheming of his court, he ignores it all. He buries himself in paperwork and pretends not to notice the vultures circling."
Nurarihyon raised an eyebrow. "You speak harshly of a man who could crush most of your faculty with a flick of his wrist."
"I speak my truth," Mikogami replied, his voice softening. "Can you blame him? Since the passing of Akasha, he has been a shell of the warrior he once was. The fire in him went out. The only connection he has left with Akasha is through their daughter, Moka. She is the last living piece of his beloved, and he clings to that memory with desperate, trembling hands."
"She did an unnecessary act of self‑sacrifice, sealing herself in the Rosario you crafted to suppress the influence of that parasite lurking in her essence," Nurarihyon observed. "You, Fuhai and Akasha were capable of killing Alucard on your own. But again, she has a weak heart when it comes to cutting that bond she had with her former mentor and sire. She could not bring herself to end him, so she chose to imprison herself instead to give a chance to her mentor."
Mikogami nodded slowly. "Akasha was always too compassionate for her own good. A Vampire Queen with the soul of a Saintess. She admired Alucard once, as a creator loves his creation, and that love blinded her to the monster he had become."
Nurarihyon leaned in his chair, his gaze distant. "But we are not here to mourn the past. We are here to shape the future. Tell me, Tenmei, have you noticed any mutations inside Tsukune? Any signs that he might be corrupted by Alucard?"
Mikogami's expression grew thoughtful. "I sensed for a brief moment an episode of his essence escaping out, and I was ready to seal him using the prepared Holy Lock. But surprisingly, it was unnecessary. That boy managed to suppress Alucard on his own."
Nurarihyon's eyes widened, just a fraction. "On his own? Without any external aid?"
"None. His willpower alone was enough to push back the darkness." Mikogami's voice carried a note of genuine admiration. "I have seen many strong souls in my long life, Nurari‑san. But to resist a fragment of Alucard's consciousness at such an early stage of his vampiric evolution, I can only say that is extraordinary."
Nurarihyon stroked his chin, his fingers tracing the weathered lines of his face. "Huhu, that might be the influence of the Annihilation Maker that he has been blessed with by Yahweh's Sacred Gear System. The Longinus are not merely weapons without a reason, they are extensions of the soul. Perhaps the Sacred Gear recognized the threat and reinforced his spirit."
"Indeed, it might be just that," Mikogami agreed. "However, I have to mention, Nurari‑san, he needs additional guidance in how to use his Sacred Gear. From what I have observed, he has only tapped into the branch of Annihilation Maker that was reserved for 'Creation.' He summons monsters, artifacts, even weapons. But there is another side to that power."
Nurarihyon leaned forward, his interest piqued. "What can you expect, Tenmei? It is easier to create than to destroy. The boy is young, and his instincts lean toward protection, not annihilation."
"Rumors have it that this Sacred Gear contains the essence of a particular Creation God that Yahweh managed to snatch from the Dimensional Gap, right before the Dragon God, Great Red."
Mikogami's eyebrows rose. "Is that so? And what is the source of such a rumor? I am ancient myself, but this is new to me too."
Nurarihyon chuckled, a low, rasping sound. "Heh, you might call yourself ancient, but compared to this old me, you are still nothing but a young man. This information I got is from one of the architects of the Sacred Gear System, the Fallen Angel Governor, Azazel. He has spent centuries studying the Longinus, and even he does not know exactly the full extent of the powers this particular creation of Yahweh possesses, since he was not one to shape the Longinus series."
"Azazel believes that Annihilation Maker is not merely a tool for summoning monsters, but it is instead a key. A fragment of a divine creator's essence, stolen from the Dimensional Gap and bound to a human. If Tsukune can unlock that potential, he could reshape reality itself. Which is the reason why Annihilation Maker is said to have the potential to be an Apocalyptic-type Sacred Gear."
Mikogami was silent for a moment, processing the implications. Then he spoke, his voice measured. "Say, Nurari‑san… would we need the assistance of that crow in helping Tsukune adapt perfectly to his Sacred Gear?"
Nurarihyon picked up his glass, twirling the remaining liquid. "The world is full of uncertainties and variables, Tenmei. We cannot fully predict the future. But I would not close that window."
"Azazel is unpredictable, ambitious, and his motives are his own. But his knowledge is unmatched. If anyone can teach Tsukune to master Annihilation Maker, it is him."
He set the glass down with a soft clink. "However, inviting a Fallen Angel into our affairs is like inviting a fox into the henhouse. We must be cautious. We must ensure that Tsukune's loyalty remains with us, not with the Grigori."
Mikogami nodded slowly. "Then we will wait. Let the boy grow. Let him prove himself further. When the time is right, we will introduce him to Azazel if required. Of course, on our terms."
Nurarihyon rose from his chair, his chauffeur's coat settling around him. "The night grows old, and this old man needs his rest. Keep me informed, Tenmei. And do not let the boy die. He is too valuable to waste."
He walked toward the door, then paused, his hand on the frame. "One more thing. Do not interfer too much with this playground you have made to foster growth in potential warriors to our Race. Pressure is what creates diamonds. If Tsukune is to become our symbol, he must at least be capable of clearing the rot from within this Academy."
Mikogami inclined his head. "I understand."
Nurarihyon disappeared into the shadows, his footsteps fading into the silence.
Mikogami sat alone in his office, staring at the moon. The passage of time pressed against his shoulders, and for a moment, he allowed himself to feel the exhaustion he never showed.
"Aono Tsukune," he whispered to the empty room. "Do not disappoint us."
The clock struck midnight, and the shadows deepened.