Chapter 88: The Blackmail (1/3)
The Newspaper Club room remained quiet in the kind of focus that came only when a deadline loomed and everyone had their own piece of the puzzle to assemble. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting warm golden rectangles across the polished floor, and the scent of fresh ink and paper settled into the room like an old friend.
Tsukune sat at the head of the long table, his eyes scanning the latest mockup of the Gazette's special edition. The front page was dominated by a single headline, bold and uncompromising: "ART TEACHER EXPOSED: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCES."
Outer Moka sat beside him, her pink hair falling across her face as she leaned over the layout, her finger tracing the lines of text she had written. Her brow was furrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"Do you think this is too harsh?" she asked, her voice soft and uncertain. "I don't want to sound like I'm gloating over what happened to her. It just feels... wrong to celebrate someone's downfall, even if they deserved it."
Tsukune glanced at her, his expression softening. "It's not gloating, Moka-chan. It's reporting the truth. The students deserve to know what kind of monster was teaching them. If anything, you're being too gentle."
Outer bit her lip, her fingers hovering over the text. "I just... I keep thinking about those girls that got kidnapped. What they went through, I can't imagine the pain. I don't want to make their suffering into a spectacle."
"Then focus on the facts," Tsukune said, his voice gentle but firm. "The facts speak for themselves. You don't need to add anything to make it impactful."
Outer nodded slowly, her shoulders relaxing. "You're right, Tsukune-kun. I just needed to hear it from your mouth."
Gin Morioka sat at a nearby desk, his fingers flying across a keyboard as he organized the photo archives he had compiled over the years on an old computer (it was still the same old 2008, where technology had to catch up with what he was accustomed to). His usual lecherous demeanor was absent, replaced by an unexpected professionalism that had become his default since his defeat at Tsukune's hands, well, at least when it comes to the Club Activities.
Gin was still in his heart a lecherous dog, but he learned his lesson that it was better for him to just admire and never touch the flowers.
"About the picture for the article you mentioned, Aono-kun,"
"I've got about twenty different angles of Ishigami-sensei," he announced, his voice carrying a note of pride.
"Hmm? Let me see it then." replied Tsukune as he walked to where Gin was doing his magic while on the computer, and the pictures were all over the place.
"There's a lot."
"Now that I look at them myself, I think I got too excited. Inauguration day, the Clubs Festival, classroom shots, candid ones from the hallway. Can't be faulted for this lady, she was always posing for the camera."
"I guess she knew she was photogenic." said Gin in an awkward tone as he was looking up at Tsukune's crimson eyes that watched the computer screen without saying much.
Kurumu snorted from across the room, not looking up from her own work. "You're lucky you're being reformed, Gin-senpai. Otherwise, I'd have to report you to the Disciplinary Committee myself. I can think of a good few reasons why they'd lock you up if they ever got a hold of your photo collection."
Gin winced, his ears flattening against his skull. "I swear I deleted all the ecchi pics I took! Especially yours Kurumu-chan! I am a reformed man! I swear! These are all legitimate photos from the Club Festival and other extra-curricular activities that I was asked to be in to capture it on camera!"
"Sure, whatever you say, Dog Breath."
Yukari giggled, her witch's hat wobbling as she leaned over the creative writing section she was collaborating on with Mizore. The two of them had become an unlikely pair, the enthusiastic young witch and the quiet Yuki-onna, their dynamic a constant source of amusement for the rest of the club.
"I think this poem about the melting snow is beautiful," Yukari said, her voice bright with enthusiasm. "The imagery is so vivid. It makes me feel like I'm there, standing in the cold, watching the last of the winter thaw."
Mizore's cheeks flushed a a shy pink for a moment, her gaze fixed on the page. "Thank you, Yukari-chan. I wasn't sure if it would be good enough for the Gazette."
"Good enough? It's perfect! You're a natural poet, Mizore-san."
Kurumu, who had been working on her own contribution, finally looked up from her old laptop that Tsukune had managed to 'requisition' from Okuto Kotsubo's inventory and gave it to her as part of the inventory of the Newspaper Club.
She had been writing a piece on fashion trends in the Human World, a topic that had always fascinated her. The article was filled with her characteristic energy, along with her enthusiasm for fashion and sharp observation that made it one of the most popular sections of the Gazette since the grand project of Tsukune's presidency was launched.
She glanced across the room, her gaze landing on Tsukune who moved away from Gin after telling him what picture to focus on. He was still focused on the mockup, his brow furrowed, his fingers tapping absently against the table. There was something about the way he held himself, the quiet confidence and effortless charm radiating from him, that made her heart skip.
'He's so handsome when he's working,' she thought, a warmth bloomed in her chest, 'Not that he isn't handsome all the time, but I think I love Tsukune-kun more when he's focused on something… Maybe it is the energy of a working man that attracts my succubi brain to him.'
She rose from her seat, grabbing the cup of dark coffee she had brewed earlier. She crossed the room, and set it down beside him with a soft click.
"Here, Tsukune-kun. You look like you could use some caffeine."
Tsukune looked up, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Huhu, a Vampire on caffeine, what could go wrong? Thanks, Kurumu-chan. You're my 'devil' guardian."
She leaned against the table. "I have my moments. And speaking of moments, I need you to review my article before we finalize the layout. I don't want any embarrassing typos sneaking through since I am bad at grammar."
"Embarrassing typos? Should I leave them if I catch them?"
She swatted his arm playfully, laughing at his sarcastic tone. "Rude. I'll have you know I'm very good at expressing my thoughts. My fashion section from the last census with our subscribers was amongst the popular part of the Gazette."
"I know. That's why I keep you around."
The exchange was light, easy, the kind of banter that had become second nature between them. But beneath the surface, Kurumu could feel the familiar ache, the longing she had been carrying for so long. She wanted more than just playful teasing. She wanted to take things further, into something deeper.
But she pushed the thought aside, forcing a smile. 'Not yet. Not now. It seems that pinkhead hasn't confessed her feelings for Tsukune. What if he rejects me because he's waiting for that silly Moka.'
'Besides, he has so much on his plate already.'
---
The afternoon wore on, the sun slowly sinking toward the horizon as the club members continued their work. The Gazette was taking shape, the pages filling with articles, photos, and illustrations that would expose the truth of Hitomi Ishigami's crimes.
Yukari and Mizore had finished their collaboration, their work blending together poetry and prose would add a touch of normalcy to this otherwise grim edition. Gin had compiled his photos, selecting the most striking images for the front page. Outer Moka was also polishing her article in collaboration with Tsukune that was focused on Hitomi's actions. And Kurumu was also close to finishing her fashion piece after fixing the review he received from Tsukune about some clunky and awkward prose.
Meanwhile, Tsukune leaned back in his chair, surveying the assembled pages with a satisfied nod. "This is coming together nicely. We're about eighty percent done. A few more hours, and we'll be ready to print it tomorrow morning."
"We're relying on you again, Yukari-chan. Make sure you drink enough milk tonight to replenish your energy and mana."
"I'm not that tired that I need milk…"
"Still, it is good for your development, so never skip it."
"About time," Gin groaned, stretching his arms above his head. "My back is killing me."
"Old age, Dog Breath," Kurumu teased.
"I'm not that old…"
"Even so, it doesn't change the fact you're still a dog."
Gin bristled, but before he could respond, the door to the club room swung open. Shizuka Nekonome swept in, her arms laden with a tray of snacks, for once she had her eyes opened, warm with maternal affection.
"Meow~"
"Hello, my lovely little kittens!" she announced, her voice carrying the familiar lilt of a cat who had just caught a particularly satisfying mouse. "I thought you might need some energy after all this hard work!"
She set the tray down on the table, revealing an assortment of snacks that made Yukari's face fall.
"Raw fish? Again?" the young witch complained, her shoulders slumping. "Sensei, I know I'm a witch, but I'm not a eating cat food!"
Shizuka blinked, her expression the picture of innocence. "But raw fish is the best source of all the essential nutrients for growing bodies! It's full of omega-three fatty acids, protein, and calcium! You need all of those to reach your full potential!"
"We're not cats!" Yukari wailed, her hat wobbling as she threw her hands up in despair. "Why can't you ever bring normal snacks? Cookies? Cake? Even fruit would be better than raw fish!"
Shizuka tilted her head, her ears twitching with amusement. "But cookies are full of sugar, Yukari-chan. They'll rot your teeth. And cake is just empty calories. You need proper nutrition to grow big and strong!"
"I'd rather have a cavity than another piece of raw fish!"
Tsukune chuckled, shaking his head at the exchange. "I think what Yukari-chan is trying to say, Sensei, is that maybe we could have a change in snacks once in a while. Some of us aren't as dedicated to the feline lifestyle as you are."
Shizuka's ears perked up, her tail swishing with mock indignation. "I'll have you know, Tsukune-kun, that the feline lifestyle is the only lifestyle worth living. But I suppose I can compromise for adorable Yukari-chan. Next time, I'll bring something... different."
"You promise?" Yukari asked, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.
"I pinky promise!" Shizuka chirped, her voice bright and cheerful.
Shizuka's gaze swept across the room, her eyes briefly lingering on the Gazette mockup, before settling on Tsukune. "So, the story is true, then?"
"I'm afraid so," Tsukune replied, his voice carrying the weight of finality. "All of it."
"Hmm, I suspected something was off with that woman but not to this extent. I am glad that all of the missed girls are safe and sound." Shizuka sighed, shaking her head.
"The faculty was summoned today by the Headmaster. He's preparing to make an announcement about the victims and their reintegration into the Academy. And I suppose he'll have to answer some difficult questions about how a teacher like that slipped through the cracks."
"For that I am sure Mikogami-san has already prepared for. What concerns me is instead the reaction of the parents and how they might withdraw the girls from the Academy." Tsukune said. "And they have every right to do so, but the girls will have to return to the human world schooling system and be deprived of the opportunities the Yokai Academy might otherwise give them."
Shizuka nodded slowly, her expression turning unusually grave. "They do. But at least those girls are safe now. That's what matters."
She turned to face the rest of the group, her smile returning with practiced ease. "Anyway, I won't keep you from your work. Just wanted to check on my favorite students and make sure you're all doing okay."
"Thank you, Sensei," Outer Moka said, her voice soft. "We appreciate you checking on us."
Shizuka's gaze flicked to Kurumu, whose head was bowed over the latest draft of her fashion article, her hair falling, partially obscuring her face. The Nekomata paused, her ears twitching as she studied the Succubus for a moment longer than was strictly necessary.
"Kurumu-chan," she said, her voice carrying a hint of warmth. "I almost forgot."
Kurumu looked up, confusion flickering in her amethyst eyes. "Hmm? What is it, Sensei?"
"A letter arrived for you. It was dropped off in front of the classroom. I only found it there as I was about to step inside. I thought I should bring it to you directly, and strangely, there's no postage or return address."
Shizuka reached into her coat and pulled out a plain white envelope. "There you have it."
"Thank you, Sensei."
"For nothing, Kurumu-chan. I'll see you another time, then."
Kurumu blinked, taking the envelope with a puzzled expression. She turned it over in her hands, reading the script on the front: "To my beloved Kurumu-chan."
Suddenly she got goosebumps all over her body.
"Beloved?" she muttered, her brow furrowing with confusion. "Who would send me a love letter? Is this someone trying to be funny?"
She glanced around the room, and lucky no one noticed her reaction, as they were deep in their own work or engaged in conversation, Tsukune had moved to the far end of the table to discuss the layout with Outer Moka, his tone low and focused. It didn't seem like a prank from him.
'Maybe it's just some strange coincidence. Maybe someone's trying to be sweet and is too shy to speak to me openly.'
She tucked the envelope into her bag, telling herself she would read it later, when she was alone. But she was itching with curiosity to see the contents of this envelope that she struggled to ignore.
The next few minutes passed in a blur. Kurumu tried to focus on her article, but her eyes kept drifting to the corner of her desk where the envelope sat. The elegant handwriting seemed to mock her, telling her that someone had gone to the trouble of writing to her.
'It's probably just an admirer. There are plenty of those around, aren't there? I'm beautiful, popular, talented...'
Her jaw tightened.
'Though, you'd have to be brave to send a letter like this, knowing I might laugh in your face.'
She told herself it was nothing, a passing fancy from someone who didn't know any better. But the thought of a secret admirer made something flutter in her chest. It had been a long time since she'd felt the thrill of being chased.
'Still, after everything that's happened with the Gorgon and Tsukune-kun, I shouldn't be careless. Someone might want to target me to get revenge.'
She decided to read it during a break. She could slip outside, find a quiet corner, and satisfy her curiosity without anyone else watching. The others were busy with their own tasks anyway, she couldn't be the one to destroy all of the hard work with her problems.
A short while later, Kurumu made her way to the bathroom, clutching the envelope in her hands. She didn't know why she felt so secretive about it, but something told her she'd rather read its contents without an audience.
She locked the stall door and leaned against the cool tile, her fingers trembling as she tore open the envelope. Inside was a single sheet of paper, folded neatly, accompanied by a small stack of photographs that spilled out and scattered across her lap.
She looked down, and her blood ran cold.
The photos were of her. In various states of undress, some of them were so compromising that she felt her stomach lurch.
There were shots of her from the PE locker room, her uniform half-removed, her body exposed to the camera lens. There were shots of her from the dormitory or out of the bathroom, naked pics too.
All of those pictures, all of those moments she let her guard down, thinking she was safe, she never realized that she was stalked and worse, photographed without her consent.
It was Gin 2.0 all over again.
Her hands shook as she picked up the note, her eyes scanning the words with growing dread.
[If you don't want these pictures to become public, come alone to the Monster Tree in the main schoolyard. Tonight. Come alone, and no one else needs to know.]
She stared at the letter, the words swimming in front of her eyes.
'No... no, this can't be happening, I am being blackmailed…'
'Not to me... I'm supposed to be the one in control, the one who uses others.'
For a long moment, she didn't move, and couldn't move. The photos lay scattered on the floor, her privacy reduced to cheap, dirty paper.
'Who could have done this? Who would have taken these?'
Her thoughts spiraled, tumbling over each other as she spun through possibilities. An ex-lover? Who are you kidding, she was never in a relationship, a pure succubus maiden.
Could it be? One of the many men she had seduced with her Succubi powers and discarded over once she found true 'Love' in Tsukune?
'If these get out, everyone will see me as nothing but a body. Just like always.'
She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms and she was intent to resolve this blackmailing situation herself. If she could face rejection, loneliness, the crushing weight of her own family expectations in wanting an heir to the Succubi Race, she could face this too.
'I have to go. I have to face this person. If I don't, they'll win. They'll take everything from me, everything I've worked to get without using my succubi powers.'
She gathered the photos, tucking them back into the envelope, and slipped out of the bathroom.
Her expression was calm, measured, obviously it was just a mask she was wearing that betrayed nothing of the terror and rage churning inside her. As she passed by the newspaper club room, she peered inside, seeing the others still deep in their work, Tsukune included.
'I can't tell anyone, not even Tsukune. He'll think I'm still that bitchy Succubus that tried to make him her slave, the bitch that used everyone and discarded them whenever they got boring.'
She started walking, her steps purposeful, her mind racing.
'I'll handle this myself since I've grown in power and I am close to reaching A-tier.'
'I'm not a helpless girl that can't defend herself.'
.
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