Chapter 87: Extorting the Academy Headmaster
The walk to the Headmaster's Office was quiet. The rescued girls followed behind Tsukune like a flock of lost ducklings, their footsteps soft against the polished stone floors of the Academy corridors.
All of the girls now wore the Academy uniform thanks to the Tengu girl, (Placeholder name), who had used her Youjutsu to conjure fresh sets of clothing for everyone. Tsukune had watched her work from the side and couldn't help but nod to himself, noting the precision of her magic and how easily it came to her to use Youjutsu. Being a A-tier Yokai, as she was a Crow Tengu made her stand out from the rest who were at a lower tier.
If we say that the human world is unfair, you will realize that the stuff people have to deal back in the human world is tame compared to how unfair the reality of being a stronger race supernatural creature. Making money is something you could achieve as long you had enough luck and put in the work, as for gaining supernatural power, there was also work involved, but genetics did the 90% carry.
Watching the Tengu Girl, Rin, Tsukune couldn't help but remember a particular girl from an anime/manga series that became more palpable to him thanks to Nonko's presence in his world.
'What was her name again? Karura? Hmm, must be that since it was the first thing that came to mind when thinking about that character.'
'Your first idea and thought usually stands to be the best amongst the other ideas.'
'Could this Rin girl be related by any chance with that Tengu Rich Lady, Karura Hiōgi? Or even that strange pervert, the Karate Tengu guy, Haji? It would be interesting if that Karura actually exists somewhere and waits for me to find her.'
'That's some food for thoughts.'
Tsukune led the way, his pace measured and deliberate. He could feel their eyes on his back, carrying a tangle of emotions he'd grown accustomed to sensing, gratitude, admiration, attraction, and beneath it all, a deep, gnawing uncertainty. When it came to those darker emotions, his Vampiric senses were far keener at picking them up, and instinctively he felt the predatory urge to exploit them.
He pushed the impulse aside with practiced ease. Being a "Hero" came with responsibilities, not just defeating the villain and being done with it.
The girls were fully trusting him now, which was both a comfort and a burden. This was the first time he'd experienced guiding traumatized victims through its aftermath, and their trust settled on him like a second skin, you could say familiar now, but still heavy.
He glanced back at them, offering a reassuring smile. "Almost there. Just a few more steps."
Komori, the petite Okiku who had broken down earlier, managed a small nod. Her eyes were still red-rimmed, but there was a spark of emotions in them he could read. Hope, perhaps, or maybe just the will to keep going. She clutched her cloak like a security blanket, her fingers white-knuckled against the fabric.
Rei, the fiery Otsuyu, walked with her head held high. She paced slightly as she walked, a nervous energy that she couldn't quite suppress. She had been the first to recover from the shock, her indignation at what had been done to her burning brighter than her fear.
Suzuki Rin brought up the rear, her sharp eyes missing nothing. She touched her hair absently when she was thinking, a habit Tsukune had noticed. She had taken charge of the others when he had been focused on the fight, and she had proven herself to be a natural leader.
Yamada Hana walked in the center of the group, her gaze fixed on the floor. She avoided eye contact with everyone, her shoulders hunched, her steps small and tentative. When she spoke, her voice was so quiet it was almost inaudible.
When they finally reached the heavy oak door, Tsukune paused. He could sense the presence of Yoki within, two distinct signatures that pulsed with demonic power. One was familiar, the cold, controlled energy of Tenmei Mikogami. The other was strange, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. He couldn't tell but compared to Mikogami it felt, older?
It was a strange way to put it, but this is how it felt to him, this second signature was also steady, with a dark intent woven through it, you could compare it also like the scent of aged whiskey lingering in the air.
'Could it be Touhou Fuhai? Am I already meeting another famous Dark Lord of the older generation? What Yokai race was he? Yeah, he was a Yaksha?'
'Tsk, at this time you have meetings? Talk about mystery.'
'Also, this is on you again, old man, for not taking care of your teachers.'
He raised his hand and knocked.
All conversation inside Mikogami's office fell silent. For a long moment, there was nothing but the faint crackle of the fireplace and the distant howl of the wind outside. Then, Mikogami's voice, indifferent and measured, carrying that unmistakable sense of authority, echoed through the heavy wood.
"Enter."
Tsukune glanced back at the girls, his expression softening. "Well, wish me luck."
"Fighting! Tsukune-san," Komori whispered, her voice carrying a fragile determination.
He pushed open the door and stepped inside. His eyes traced around the room, noticing that nothing has changed since his last visit here.
Behind the desk sat Tenmei Mikogami. He was dressed in his usual formal attire, the black exorcist's robe with subtle silver embroidery that caught the firelight while his posture was impeccable, his hands folded neatly on the desk before him. His face gave nothing away, his eyes fixed on Tsukune with that cold, analytical gaze that made lesser men squirm.
But it was the other figure in the room that caught Tsukune's attention.
'Ohh, it's the bus driver? Why would the old bus driver be here?'
The old man was seated in a high-backed chair near the fireplace, his rough hands resting on the head of a wooden cane. He was dressed in the kind of formal coat that belonged in a bygone century, mainly a high-collared coat with a cravat that seemed straight out of the 19th century.
When Tsukune made eye contact with this elder, it wasn't the clothing that stood out, but the fact that he couldn't sense any Yoki from him. Not even a drop. It was as if he was an ordinary old man, a remnant of an age when the world was younger and the rules were still being written.
His eyes were keen, sharp as a hawk's, studying the young man in a way that made Tsukune feel almost bare before this elder.
'Yeah, wasn't he called Nurari in the manga? And it just so happens that even in this alternate version of the Earth I once lived, the myths recorded by civilizations remained the same in this world.'
The conclusion strengthened in his mind as he quickly filled in the puzzle pieces. This elder should be none other than Nurarihyon, the Supreme Commander of the Yokai Forces. One of the legendary first Dark Lords who had shaped the supernatural world in the Japanese Territory. A being so ancient and powerful that his very existence was the stuff of legends.
Opening his System Window while trying to keep his eyes steady and not give anything away to these monsters, he did an inspection for this particular elder. The results confirmed his suspicions.
[Name: Nurarihyon]
[Threat Level: SSS+ (Nurarihyon/Supreme Commander)]
[Status: Unreadable]
Tsukune forced himself to remain calm, his expression neutral as he stepped further into the room. His heart was pounding, but he kept his breathing steady. He could feel Nurarihyon's gaze on him, weighing him, measuring him.
"Good evening, sir," Tsukune said, bowing his head slightly. "My apologies, I didn't know the Headmaster was in a meeting."
He turned to the old man, respect coloring his tone, a rare thing for him to show anyone outside his inner circle. "Hello, Driver-san. How is the bus doing? Is that tin can still running, have you came to ask for funds to buy a new bus? Do you want some help in pursuing Mikogami-san about it?"
Nurarihyon's lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. It was the smile of a man who had just seen something amusing, something that confirmed his suspicions.
"Hoho, we didn't have the pleasure of introducing each other. Just call me Nurari, boy."
Tsukune inclined his head. "Pleasure making acquaintance, sir. I am Aono Tsukune."
He paused, glancing between the two figures. "Hmmm, do I disturb, or shall I come at another time?"
Nurarihyon waved a dismissive hand, his smile widening. "You must have come for a reason this late in the night. Aono-kun, you can ignore this old man, and tell Mikogami what issue you have with him this time."
In fact, the reason Nurarihyon was here was to see Tsukune's progress since the incident with Okuto, and he wasn't let down, the young Vampire or former human as you wanted to think of Tsukune, was becoming inventive when it came to how he utilized his Sacred Gear, although still limited.
Nonetheless, he was making the best out of it by bringing out and creating those creatures to act as his minions.
His strategic mind was already scheming all sort of methods of placing Tsukune in the spot where he would be faced with high adversity that would force his Sacred Gear to also awaken the 'Annihilation' side of the mysterious and deadly Longinus that was on the watchlist of so many Factional Leaders, from the young and ambitious Sirzechs Gremory Lucifer who along with his close comrades who took the mantle of leaders of Pandemonium Hell wanted to make the Devils the strongest faction.
Then there was one of the former architects of the Sacred Gear System, the Fallen Angel Governor, Azazel who was on watch for Annihilation Maker. The last he heard, he managed to get his hands on two Longinus seeds, one was the Half-Blood Lucifer spawn who held Divine Dividing, while the second person was a young witch with the Absolute Demise.
The Vatican with the support of the Biblical Heaven's Faction had also Longinus seeds that put them in contention as one of the strongest factions.
Meanwhile, the Yokai, already fractured by petty squabbles and disunity, had no seed that held a Longinus, just some humans linked with the Yokais that had normal Sacred Gears in their possession.
Tsukune with his Annihilation Maker was the chance they needed to break the status quo and fight for the much needed resources they required to sustain a steady growth of their Yokai forces.
His growth and grooming into a Dark Lord was on his highest agenda and this was why he wanted to have more interactions with Tsukune. Once he was ready to receive a more direct teaching from him, that step would be far smoother than acting forcefully with a opinionated human boy such as Aono Tsukune.
The previous generation of special Yokais have not gave birth to a irregular, such as when he mentored Tenmei Mikogami, Touhou Fuhai and Akasha Bloodriver in becoming the new generation of Dark Lords to take his mantle as future leaders of the Yokai Race.
As cruel as it might sound, while powerful, capable of maintaining this Status Quo, they weren't enough to spark a resurgence, especially not now when Akasha has sacrificed herself to seal Alucard, one of the strongest Vampires in existence along with keeping watch over her only daughter's power growth.
His own grandson was another possibility since he inherited his powers, but Tsukune who was about to finish his transition as a true blooded Vampire, without degenerating into a Ghoul, along with his Longinus was a deadly combination that gave him the potential of becoming an irregular monster.
Tsukune became an invaluable asset to them, and like hell he would let other factions steal this unpolished gemstone from him.
"Ahh, there are many grievances," Tsukune said, his voice carrying a dry edge.
"Go on, you can tell this old man later."
Mikogami shot his superior a look that could only be described as "with what side are you on?" before turning his attention to Tsukune. His features remained still, the mask of cold professionalism firmly in place.
"I assume you have a reason for disturbing me at this hour, Aono-kun," he said, his voice flat. "Make it quick. I have other matters to attend to."
'Such as drinking with this old man? I don't think they are such impending matters to handle.'
'Maybe you just have not met your match when it comes to drinking. I should introduce you to a professional Oni that can wipe your entire collection of liquor.'
'Hahh, I better give him face since he's in the presence of his superior. No point on acting stubborn just to troll him.'
Tsukune met his gaze, refusing to be intimidated by Mikogami.
When the Kishin saw the look in Tsukune's eyes, something shifted in his expression. He had the urge to see how far the boy had really come, and because of that he couldn't help but instinctively release his Yoki.
The Yoki reached Tsukune in mere seconds, a suffocating weight that pressed against his senses, his muscles, his very soul. His knees buckled slightly, the force threatening to drive him to the floor. But he braced himself, his jaw set, his muscles screaming in protest.
Both Mikogami and Nurarihyon stared at Tsukune as he stood upright, checking the reaction of the Holy Lock on his wrist. It was radiating holy energy now, a golden-white glow that clashed with the demonic energy beginning to exude from Tsukune's body. The two forces met in a silent battle, and Tsukune could feel the strain of maintaining his balance.
'Should I remove the seal and transform? It kinda pisses me off that I am still tested even now when I got his "blessings."'
'I think it is a bad idea to try to show off in the face of those bunch of old monsters. Besides, wearing the Holy Lock for longer periods does truly show to be beneficial to me, since my Bloodline Purity and Bloodline Control is rising steadily without me even training them.'
'Mikogami didn't lie when he told me the true function of the Holy Lock. It's also quieter without hearing that cockroach's annoying voice in my head. He must be tired of being bonked in the head by the increasing squad of Kuribohs.'
Mikogami had seen enough. He was satisfied with the new growth Tsukune had shown; each time he saw this young Vampire, there was a tangible increase in his Yoki. The pressure receded, and Tsukune let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
'This much pressure comes from only a fragment of his power,' Tsukune realized, sweat beading on his brow. 'I better not push my luck.'
He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the present. "Sir, I have taken out Hitomi Ishigami, the Gorgon," he said, his voice steady despite the lingering pressure. "In the process I also uncovered a ploy of hers. She had kidnapped various girls who took interest in the Art Club to satisfy whatever desires she had, utilizing her power to petrify those girls, thus breaking one of the Academy Rules."
He paused.
"After my partners unveiled this mystery, Hitomi Ishigami decided to fight back and destroy all evidence of her actions. Thus we took appropriate measures to apprehend her, but things degenerated and we had to defend ourselves. In the process, we also were forced to cut the snake's head down."
His tone carried a note of finality.
"I apologize in advance for any problems I create with the teaching staff."
"Ahh, and I brought the kidnapped girls with me because how to handle the aftermath exceeds the authority you granted me."
Mikogami's features remained still, but Tsukune caught the faint flicker of interest in his eyes. Without a doubt he must have known what took place in the Art Club building using his Clairvoyance ability. However, now with Nurarihyon present, he was playing the part of the ignorant Headmaster, and Tsukune was happy to play along.
"The girls are waiting outside," Tsukune continued, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Also, Mikogami-san, there's one thing that keeps on bothering me. To reassure the other students of the Academy and also to maintain a clean image of the Academy, we need to make proper arrangements for the girls' reintegration."
He stepped closer, his voice dropping to something more serious.
"They've been through enough. They deserve to know that the institution they trusted will take care of them."
Mikogami leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "And what arrangements would those be?"
Tsukune's lips curved into a thin smile. "First, I want to see each of them get proper compensation. They lost months of their lives, some of them nearly a year. They missed exams, social interactions, the simple act of living. Their families thought they were dead. The Academy owes them more than a simple apology."
He let the silence stretch.
"Ahem, and now this is where I also introduce myself again."
"Sirs, I am Aono Tsukune, the representative of the victims until their legal guardians arrive."
Nurarihyon watched the show unfolding with great intrigue, his gaze flickering back and forth between Tsukune and Mikogami. Amusement flickered in his ancient gaze as he appreciated how this youngster had an uncanny ability to annoy the stubborn Kishin.
'Maybe I should visit more often when this kid is doing his cleanups just to watch Mikogami's reactions.'
'It has been decades since I had some fun.'
Tsukune continued, his voice sharpening with purpose. "As a representative of the victims, I demand compensation from the Academy. Specifically from you, Headmaster, who is also at fault for a faulty screening of the teaching staff. You allowed all sorts of monsters with no aptitudes as teachers to make a living out of such an honest profession."
He took another step forward.
"This is your responsibility to fix."
Mikogami's eyes narrowed, then he started to chuckle all of a sudden, a low, rumbling sound that seemed to catch even Tsukune off guard. "Compensation? I didn't know you were also a comic."
Tsukune's smile didn't waver. "You're trying to cosplay this Academy for a Human Academy, so it's only fair that the victims receive compensation. This is so things also get the silent treatment."
He advanced toward the desk. "If the girls are left empty-handed, I will make sure to reveal the entire truth to the Academy about this incident. Every detail. The students deserve to know what kind of monsters their teachers really are."
Mikogami stared at him for a long moment. The pressure of his Yoki intensified again, pressing against Tsukune's senses like a physical weight. But Tsukune held his ground, his crimson eyes meeting the Headmaster's gaze without flinching.
"I see," Mikogami said finally, his tone softening by the barest fraction. "And what compensation are you looking for on behalf of those victims of Hitomi Ishigami's actions?"
Tsukune's smile widened. "Simple. In their interests, I would seek for all of them an S-tier Essence Potion that could elevate those victims to the next tier of power. They lost time they could have spent training and gaining power. Give them the means to catch up."
Mikogami's expression shifted. "You want S-tier Essence Potions? For a group of students that might not have the potential of even reaching S-tier in their lifetime? That's unheard of in the Yokai World. Those potions are rare, valuable. They're not something I can just hand out like candy."
"Rare?" Tsukune tilted his head, his voice carrying a mocking edge. "Rare for the average Yokai, perhaps. But you're the Headmaster of the Yokai Academy, Tenmei Mikogami, one of the Dark Lords of the Yokai Faction. You have access to resources that would make lesser beings weep with envy. Don't pretend you don't."
He closed the distance, acting all buddy-buddy, but then using a lower voice he told Mikogami. "Besides, Headmaster, think of the alternative. If you refuse, I release everything to the Gazette. All of the spicy details. Ishigami's crimes, your negligence, the fact that you allowed a Gorgon to prey on your students for over a year. Do you really want that kind of scandal attached to your name?"
His voice dropped even lower.
"This is only if we consider the Yokai Academy. But the majority of the students would complain to their parents, and the news about how well-managed this Academy is will spread wide in the Yokai World."
He met Mikogami's gaze directly.
"You said previously to me that you want to foster the next generation of Yokai leaders. Good luck with that when the news spreads out."
Mikogami looked at Tsukune, his dark eyes boring into the young Vampire's soul. For a long moment, his face gave nothing away. Then, slowly, a thin smile spread across his lips.
"Who taught you to be so devious, kid?"
"Life circumstances, sir."
'Being stuck in CoD lobbies gives you enough toxicity for the next lifetimes.'
Mikogami's smile widened. "You are truly confident that you can tarnish my reputation. But have you ever thought of something?"
"Such as?"
"That I am already a monster in the eyes of the Yokai World? Who would dare to look down on me? If the older generation stops sending their children to my institution to shape them, then maybe I should just force their hands."
He chuckled, a dry, rasping sound.
"Huhu, you haven't thought that far into things, kid."
Tsukune met his gaze without blinking. "Well, at this point both of us can bluff and take a gamble. I am confident in my abilities and in my project. You can try to shut us down, but there's plenty of other avenues that can be exploited."
"My propaganda machine is well-oiled and ready to clash with words and ink. The parents of this Academy's students read my newspaper. If they start pulling their children out, your 'future leaders' project collapses. And we both don't want to know what happens when there's no Dark Lord that step up to take on the mantle of a faction losing the battle."
"This Academy needs to produce results to function properly."
Mikogami's fingers stopped drumming against the desk. For a fraction of a second, something flickered in his eyes. It was gone before Tsukune could name it, but it was there.
He still didn't want to part with any of his flasks. Especially not giving them to some ants that wouldn't be able to achieve much in their Yokai life.
Finally, as the silence stretched, Nurarihyon chuckled. The sound was dry and rasping, like dead leaves skittering across stone.
"Just give it to the boy, Tenmei. He is partly right to request compensation. This Academy is run by you, and at source it is your fault for allowing such incidents to take place by not checking your labors."
Mikogami shot his superior a look of pure exasperation. "With what side are you on, Nurari-san?"
Nurarihyon's smile widened. "The side of common sense. The boy has a point. You allowed that little snake to teach here without proper vetting. That reflects poorly on your leadership. If you try to brush this under the rug, it will only come back to bite you."
He paused, his old eyes glinting with amusement. "Besides, I want to see what the boy does with those potions. Who knows? There was never a seal to the powers of someone as long as they work hard and train. Even a Slime, if it trains for millennia on end, might be capable of eating a Dragon."
'Isn't that a contradiction with what I know about Yokai?'
He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Let's make this bet, Tenmei. Call it a long-term investment."
Mikogami sighed, then turned his gaze back to Tsukune. His features relented by the finest fraction.
"Fine," he said, his voice cold. "I will provide the compensation you've requested. But understand this, Aono-kun. Only this time I will let myself be extorted by you. Next time I will not be so generous."
Tsukune inclined his head. "Of course, Headmaster. I wouldn't dream of it."
'I will return back to try and extort you for my benefits. You know it, old man.'
"What about their accommodation and reintroduction into the Academy?" Tsukune asked.
"It shall be done," Mikogami replied, his voice carrying a note of finality.
"As for the missed spot of Hitomi Ishigami, the Art Teacher, I will have to recruit a new face for the Yokai Academy."
'Hopefully this one isn't some crazy bitch.'
"Anything else?" Mikogami asked, his tone suggesting he was ready for this conversation to end.
Tsukune paused. "Not about this incident. Instead, I wanted to notify you that I am planning on attacking the Disciplinary Committee. I've got all the materials I require to deal a heavy blow to their image and reputation. If me and Kuyo come to blows, I will not let it spill over to the innocent students of the Academy."
Mikogami's eyebrows rose. A small smile played at the corners of his mouth. "You are confident in defeating Kuyo Hono? He is one of the future leaders of the Yokai World. The Kitsunes have spent many resources in raising him to where he is."
"I am confident that I will not embarrass myself if we get to blows."
"I look forward to seeing that fight."
Mikogami's lips twitched, the barest hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Aono-kun, I hope you're ready to face all the attention from within and outside the Supernatural World. If you succeed and you take down Kuyo, many factions will be alerted by your rise."
"Don't worry, sir. I will handle them one step at a time."
His voice carried a quiet certainty.
"There's a great saying in the human world... 'Pressure makes diamonds', or 'hard times create strong men'. I would like to believe myself as a rough diamond that needs polishing."
He bowed his head slightly.
"Until next time, Mikogami-san, Nurari-san. I will leave the girls in your hands."
Tsukune turned to leave, stepping out of the office and closing the door behind him without looking back.
---
The corridor was quiet when he stepped out, with the rescued girls waiting just outside, their faces pale and anxious. They had heard nothing of the conversation, but they could sense the tension floating in the air like the miasma of doom.
When they saw Tsukune emerge, they rushed toward him.
"How did it go?"
"Is he angry?"
"Did he agree?"
"Are we in trouble?"
Tsukune held up a hand, silencing them with a warm smile. "Don't worry. Everything is fine."
He paused, then winked, a playful gesture that seemed to lift some of the tension from their shoulders.
"You'll be fine. The Headmaster has agreed to compensate you. S-tier Essence Potions, accommodations, and a smooth reintroduction to the Academy. You're in good hands."
The girls stared at him, their gazes flickering with disbelief. Then, slowly, smiles began to spread across their faces.
"Really? The Headmaster agreed just like that?"
"He must have been convinced by your charm," one of them said, her tone admiring.
Tsukune chuckled. "Let's just say I can be very persuasive when I want to be."
The girls laughed, the sound easing some of the tension still clinging to the air. They flocked around him, their earlier nervousness replaced by something lighter.
Then, from within the office, Mikogami's voice echoed through the heavy oak door.
"Girls. You may enter. We have much to discuss."
The girls exchanged looks, their earlier laughter fading. But Tsukune stepped forward.
"You heard him. Go on. Keep your heads up. And if he intimidates you, just tell him that I will smear his name all over the Academy and the Yokai World if he is a cheat."
He paused, his smile widening.
"Trust me. He'll listen your stories. He's actually quite the bored old man."
The girls hesitated for a moment. Then, one by one, they stepped forward, their heads held high, their gazes resolute. They had been through hell, but they had survived. And with Tsukune's support, they would thrive.
As the last of them disappeared through the door, Tsukune turned to leave. But before he could take more than a few steps, he paused, glancing back at the closed door.
"Ahh, and girls?" he called out, his voice carrying through the corridor. "Don't forget about my Newspaper Club if you want to join. We're always looking for talented new members."
He didn't wait for a response. He simply turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor.
Now it was time to prepare for the next phase of his plan.
'The Disciplinary Committee.' a cold smile spreading across his face. 'They won't know what hit them.'
He walked back into the night, and he stepped into the shadows as they folded around him like an old familiar friend. (A/N: Hello Darkness my old friend...)
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