Chapter 4: The Newspaper and the Swimclub Part 1

Narration: "My name is Tsukune Aono, as you can see, I am still at Yokai Academy, a school exclusively for monsters. But I made so many new friends here, it is difficult for me to make the decision to leave. Right now, I am in Mrs. Nekonome's class working as hard as ever. Let's see what goes on today."

Classroom 193

In class, Mrs. Nekonome was teaching math to her students. Tsukune was struggling with his math problems, when he looked around the classroom, he saw that no one was having this problem. Gohan was silently doing math, when he suddenly felt a paper ball on his back, he looked behind as he saw Saizou Komiya.

"Gohan, which answer do you have for question 21?" Saizou asked.

"Saizou I explained it 5 times already in tutoring lessons, and we are not allowed to help each other," Gohan said.

"Argh, math is such a pain..." Saizou said when he leaned back in his chair.

Tsukune was stressing out.

"Oh, this feels like the exams all over again... What if I do... no that is not right either!" Tsukune thought.

He scratched his head trying to find the solution until Mrs. Nekonome spoke up to her class.

"Alright class, that would be all for now, you can put your textbooks away. I got something to tell you all, something everyone will love." Mrs. Nekonome said around the room.

Everyone closed their books and listened, Tsukune sighs out of relieving, finally out of his math struggle. He listened to what the teacher had to say.

"Yokai Academy has its yearly club gatherings at the schoolyard, each of you is able to pick which club you are going to join the rest of the year. If you can't find one, the teachers can always help you out on your decision. Good luck everyone!" Mrs. Nekonome explained.

Moka and Gohan were both very excited.

"A club? That sounds amazing, and a lot of fun!" Gohan said excitedly.

"Yes, I know, I can't wait to see what the school has to offer. What do you think Tsukune?" Moka asked.

Tsukune thought about which club he might want to join if there was one. The Soccer Club.

"That sounds really fun Moka, come on guys, let's check out what type of club there are," Tsukune said when he stood up.

"You guys certainly are excited about these clubs?" Kurumu said as she leaned her head on her right arm.

"Of course we are, it is something that keeps us busy. I never really had a problem with studying, but I need some after school activities you know!" Gohan explained.

"And it is something else than sitting in a classroom all the time. I am in." Tsukune said.

"If you want to do it, then I am in," Kurumu said.

The group of four left the classroom to go to the schoolyard and visit the different clubs.

Yokai Academy Schoolyard.

Gohan, Tsukune, Moka, and Kurumu were walking around the schoolyard. There they saw many booths with different clubs to join. So many, it was difficult to choose which club they wanted to join.

"Wow, look at all these stands," Tsukune said amazedly

"Yeah, we might have a problem picking a club, there is so much to choose from," Gohan said.

As they entered the different booths, they looked around. They saw the Photography booth as they walked up to the stand.

"Hey guys look at this, the Photography club, we might make some neat pictures," Gohan asked when he looked around the booth.

He grabbed a photo with a nice looking woman on it.

"What do you think?" Gohan asked around.

The group was very hesitant about the club, Tsukune scratched his head, Moka had her eyes closed as she thought for a couple seconds. Kurumu had her arms cross.

"Hmmm... photography?" Kurumu asked.

"Yeah why not?" Gohan asked when he grabbed the camera off the desk. "We can make pictures of nature," Gohan said as he focused on Moka. "We can make pictures of different situations and capture the moment..." He said as he focused on Tsukune. "And we can even take pictures of other people..." he said when he focused the camera on Kurumu. "Even ourselves! Awesome right?" he asked.

"We will keep this one in mind, sounds interesting, but we have to see what else they have to offer us. Let's keep going." Tsukune said.

Gohan puts the camera down and sighs.

"Alright, it is 3 against 1 anyways, sure let's look around some more," Gohan said.

The group them walked passed an acupuncture booth. They saw a mannequin with many needles in the dolls body. Gohan noticed the needles and got a bit shocked.

"Wow, would you look at that!" Gohan said when he stood still at the Acupuncture booth.

Tsukune, Moka, and Kurumu stood still.

"What's wrong Gohan?" Kurumu asked.

"Nothing it's just... this doll with all the needles sticking out kind of startled me," Gohan explained.

"That's the Acupuncture club. Are you afraid of needles or something?" Kurumu asked.

"Oh no, not me, but I was just thinking, this club would be a real nightmare for my dad if he was here," Gohan said.

"Your dad is afraid of needles? They are pretty harmless if you know how to use them." Moka said.

"Yeah, but it's just something he grew up with. He can fight the galactic space emperor on a dying planet for 5 minutes without fear or hesitation but is afraid of a tiny needle. Sounds just like dad." Gohan reminisced about the last for a second.

"Wait, your dad did what for 5 minutes, Gohan?" Tsukune asked.

"Oh it's nothing really, I was just saying stuff. Let's keep moving." Gohan said when he continued walking.

Tsukune looked kind of suspicious for a moment but decided to walk on with Moka and Kurumu.

After a couple minutes of walking and visiting booths, the group came across the swimming club.

Many boys were admiring the women of the swimming club wearing bikini's, especially its club leader and president, Tamao Ichinose.

"Hello everyone, I am Tamao Ichinose. Join me and my friends in the swimming club." Tamao introduced herself and the club.

The boys were glaring at the girls in bikinis like perverts, Tsukune looked at the club. Tamao saw him looking.

"Recently, the swimming club does not have any boys, so if you join now, you will get a lot of personal guidance from us." Tamao Ichinose said.

She gave a small wink at Tsukune, who got a bit jumpy.

"Well, the swimming club looks normal if you ask me, and fun too. What do you think?" Tsukune asked.

Moka was not having it as she gave him a suspicious look. "Well you see, I can't because water is..." Moka stuttered.

"It seems like your friend is not up to it." the president of the swimming club stated.

"No, we will join the swimming club!" Moka shouted immediately.

"Moka?" Tsukune asked.

"Kurumu, Gohan, we are all going to join the swimming club," Moka said around the group.

Gohan was actually pretty hesitant about it himself. "Hmm... no, I don't think the swimming club is something I will like," Gohan said.

"Why not? Don't you want to see me in a bikini?" Kurumu asked while hanging on his shoulder.

Gohan puts Kurumu's arm away. "No, it's just that I swam a lot for my mom when I was younger, and I did it on a daily basis. So for me, this swimming club is the same as being home. I want something different for a chance, something I have never done before. But hey, Kurumu, Tsukune, Moka, if you want to join the swimming club, then don't worry about me, I will entertain myself just fine." Gohan explained.

"Oh too bad, I was looking forward to it," Kurumu said disappointedly.

"Kurumu, don't let me spoil your fun, you can join the swimming club if you want, I will be fine, really," Gohan said understanding.

"If you won't join the swimming club, then I won't either. I don't want you to do something on your own, that's not fun. Moka, you can Tsukune can join the swimming club, Gohan and I will look for something else we can do." Kurumu said.

"Oh okay, if that is what you guy want, then it is fine by me, what about you Moka?" Tsukune asked.

"Yes, I think it is fine, this is the first time we actually split up, let's meet up as soon as we can," Moka said.

"It's a deal. Well, have fun in the swimming club, let's go Kurumu, maybe we can find something else." Gohan said when he went the other way.

"Alright," Kurumu said when she followed him.

Moka and Tsukune were left alone.

"Alright Moka, let's go, the swimming club is waiting for us," Tsukune said when he walked over to the president of the swimming club.

Moka was still not comfortable about the whole thing.

Yokai Schoolyard Club Booths

Meanwhile, Gohan and Kurumu walked around the different stands. Gohan was looking around to see what other clubs were there to join.

"Wow, who knew it was this difficult to find a club," Gohan said.

"We can still try the photography club, maybe you can take some neat private pictures of me?" Kurumu asked.

Then Mrs. Nekonome saw Gohan and Kurumu walking around the schoolyard and walked up to the two.

"Hey, you guys!" Mrs. Nekonome called them out.

Gohan and Kurumu saw their teacher.

"Oh, hello Mrs. Nekonome, what are you doing here?" Kurumu asked.

"I am still looking for a couple students to join the Newspaper club, do you know anyone who might be interested?" the teacher asked.

"The Newspaper club? You mean like school journalism?" Gohan asked.

"Of course, you report the students about the situations at school, take nice pictures for the paper and write an article with the content you gathered in the school newspaper. Sounds fun right?" Ms. Nekonome asked.

"Writing a newspaper? Journalism means giving interviews and gathering information? What do you think Kurumu? I kind of like that idea, I never did that before. Something you would like as well?" Gohan asked.

"I don't know..." Kurumu hesitated.

"Don't think about joining the newspaper club." an unknown voice sounded

Then a girl came walking out of nowhere and approached the teacher and the two students. Ms. Nekonome recognized the girl.

"Oh Keito, you came as well?" Ms. Nekonome asked.

"Keito?" Gohan repeated.

"Of course, I joined the Newspaper club, and I want competent colleagues, no amateurs like these two," Keito said.

Keito was a purple haired girl, with a sinister glare in her face and the school uniform on. She had her arms crossed as she stood across Gohan and Kurumu.

"Oh yeah? What do you know about the Newspaper Club?" Kurumu asked.

"I know how to write a good story, and I can make sure people keep reading the paper, unlike you two nerds who can't even write an essay." Keito insulted the two.

"What did you say! I'll make you regret that!" Kurumu shouted as she tried to approach her.

The two girls stared each other off, the purple haired girl then stopped the stare-off and puts her hands on her hips.

"Ms. Nekonome, do you really want these two rookies in the club?" Keito asked.

Gohan stepped up with confidence. "Rookies eh? I am sure that we can write a great story in the Newspaper. You might be surprised at what our potential really is." Gohan told her.

"Oh just be quiet you geek, no one was even talking to you," Keito said.

"Don't you want anyone else joining the club or something?" Gohan asked.

"Good guess, geek," Keito replied as she then points her index finger straight forward. "Look, how about I make you two a deal, if you can write a better article for the newspaper, then I will leave the newspaper club, but if people like my article more, you two leave the club. Deal?" Keito asked them.

Gohan stepped up to her with the same challenged expression as his father, knowing what he got himself into.

"You got a deal Keito, we will leave if the students find your article better than ours. Kurumu will help me, would you?" Gohan asked when he looked at Kurumu.

"Oh you can count on me, I would like to put this hussy in her place," Kurumu said.

"And it would be nice to have a rival journalist. It keeps me busy." Gohan said when he shook Keito's hand. "Be ready Keito, the game will start now," he said.

"Let's see who stays the journalist and who becomes the loser Gohan," Keito said with a menacing smile.

"And may the best reporter win," Gohan replied back.

"Which is me," Keito replied

"I really doubt that," Gohan replied confidently.

While Gohan and Keito were shaking hands with challenged expression, Ms. Nekonome was watching concerned at the two.

The Next Day, the Swimming Pool

Tsukune and Moka were at the pool. Tsukune was swimming as he got guidance from Tamao on how to swim the proper way. Moka was sitting far way from the pool, not trying to get wet by any cause.

"Then you put your arm straight, and then wipe the water away," Tamao explained.

She stood close behind Tsukune trying to teach him how to swim. Tsukune tried it out himself, but the swim instructor came closer and closer to him

"Uhm, hey..." Tsukune stuttered.

"Yes, something the matter?" Tamao asked.

"Nothing just... you are getting a bit too close," Tsukune explained blushing.

"Oh am I making you uncomfortable? Don't you worry about it." Tamao replied seductively.

Moka was watching the two with jealousy in her eyes, she couldn't do anything about it because she couldn't take the water.

*Bat flies out* "In case you didn't know it yet, Moka is a vampire, and water is a vampire's weakness due to its purifying abilities. When she wants to take a shower or wash her face, she neutralizes it first with some herbs so that it won't hurt her. Weeeeeee!"

Meanwhile, Tamao saw Moka glaring at her with an angered look and knew what she had to do.

"Alright, let's continue, give it one more try. Pull your arm like this and..." Tamao explained.

Suddenly she pushed her chest onto Tsukune's back. The softness of her breast made Tsukune blush even more.

"Soft..." Tsukune sounded.

Moka couldn't take it anymore and spoke up.

"Alright, that's enough! Tsukune you only joined this club to meet girls!" Moka said enraged.

"What? No, it is not what you think." Tsukune replied quickly.

"Don't you try to make it sound like you actually want to learn how to swim! I am out of here!" Moka shouted.

The vampire girl ran away from the pool, as Tsukune, tried to stop her. "Moka wait, it's not what you think!" Tsukune shouted.

Tamao held his arm trying to prevent him from leaving, but he felt guilty on how he treated Moka.

In a dark corner, Moka was waltzing next to the wall. The water made Moka weaker as she finally fell to the ground. Suddenly, her Rosarie started to light up red.

"Idiot, why did you get close to the pool. We share the same body your weakness is my weakness." Inner Moka spoke to her. "Don't let that jerk get you into the pool again, and don't press your luck. This is also my body so whatever you feel, I feel it as well," she spoke up to her Outer self.

Moka closed her eyes.

Yokai Hallways.

In the hallways, Gohan and Kurumu went to homeroom 193 to gather in the Newspaper club. Gohan puts his glasses on, Kurumu spoke up.

"Your glasses again?" Kurumu asked.

"Yes, I need them to read properly, and they are very functional," Gohan said when he and Kurumu arrived in homeroom 193.

Kurumu opened the door, they saw Ms. Nekonome, Keito and her two friends Kyoko and Maki sitting.

"Hello everyone." Gohan greeted everyone properly.

"We have been waiting long enough," Keito responded.

Gohan and Kurumu entered the classroom and sat down next to each other. Ms. Nekonome stood up from her chair.

"Welcome everyone to the Newspaper Club, before we start, I would like to introduce you to the club president, Ginei Morioka." Ms. Nekonome introduced the club president.

Ginei entered the classroom. He was a tall boy with short black hair and a red headband. The club president had his hands in his pocket and his eyes closed. He went to stand next to Ms. Nekonome and opened his eyes.

"Welcome everyone, as you know, this is the Newspaper club. We as journalists have the duty to report the students of Yokai academy about the latest news." Ginei said when he sat down on a chair.

"Alright, we are brainstorming now, I want everyone to give ideas on an article. I start with you Keito, what is your plan?" Ginei asked.

Kurumu quickly stood up. "Hey wait, we wanted to go first, we had a plan and..." Kurumu shouted as suddenly, Gohan held her shoulder and slowly puts her down on her chair.

"Uh-uh Kurumu, calm down, let's just listen to what she wants to write about, we might know more about her article," Gohan told Kurumu.

She calmed down and let Keito talk as she stood up from her chair and showed some pictures of clothing.

"My article is about the latest fashion of the monster world, I wrote down every bit of stylish clothing and makeup that has been trending that very moment. And with my excellent writing abilities, this will make the headline." Keito explained.

Ginei had his hand on his chin, thinking about her idea. He then looked at Kurumu who also had an idea.

"What is your name?" Ginei asked.

"Kurumu Kurono." Kurumu introduced herself.

"Alright, you were very excited to tell your article story, go ahead." Ginei said.

"Okay," Kurumu said when she stood up from her chair. "Gohan and I have been walking around the campus yesterday to come up with a great article. We thought we would write an article about the school cafeteria." Kurumu explained.

"The cafeteria? Hahaha, you rookies, leave that be, too boring and unoriginal..." the purple haired girl responded, however, Ginei silenced her by holding his hand in front of her. "Ginei?" she asked.

"Go on... I am aware of the situation." Ginei said.

Gohan stood up from his chair.

"As my partner already said, we want to do a story about the school cafeteria. It has been known that there are several students getting really sick after eating in the cafeteria yesterday. We want to do a report about the situation and find out why the students got sick. This could be a serious problem as well and we as journalists have the right to show the truth." Gohan finished his speech.

Ginei stood up from his chair as he first looked at Keito.

"Keito, your idea about fashion is a good idea and it would be really cool for the students to know about it. After all, it is something that has always been in the newspaper. " Ginei explained.

"So we are doing my article then?" Keito asked.

"Yes, we will. But still, Gohan and Kurumu's story about the cafeteria food is also really important. I have seen many students getting sick as well and writing a story about this is absolutely necessary." Ginei said.

"Thanks, Ginei." Gohan and Kurumu said at the same time.

"Whatever, remember our bet Gohan, we both write the article. If Ginei is not on our side, then I will do it by myself." Keito said when she crossed her arms.

"A bet? Someone care to explain what is going on between you two?" Ginei asked.

"Gohan and I have a bet that if the students like like article more than his, he and his friend will leave the newspaper club," Keito explained.

"Oh, I understand now, alright that changes everything. Keito, you can write your column about what you want, Gohan and Kurumu write about the cafeteria, and we put both the articles in the newspaper, the students decide which is better. I like the idea." Ginei said enjoyed as he stood up from his chair. "Alright guys, go out and write your articles. We will meet up later and discuss it." Ginei said when he left the classroom.

Keito approached Gohan and Kurumu. She mean mugged them both.

"Making a story about the cafeteria is too stupid, get a better one rookies," Keito said when she left the classroom as well.

Gohan had his hand on his chin

"She is hot-headed, but I like the competition she is giving us," Gohan said excitedly.

"Forget Keito, we need to focus on our story, let's first go to the school cafeteria and interview the lunch lady," Kurumu suggested.

"Good idea, let's go Kurumu. We are going to have a talk with the lunch lady." Gohan replied as he followed Kurumu out of the classroom

Swimming Club

Back in the swimming club, Tsukune was still being taught to swim from the swim teacher, Tamao Ichinose. He felt guilty about what happened between him and Moka.

"Alright, now stretch your leg like this..." Tamao explained.

Tsukune closed his eyes for a second and took some space from her.

"I am sorry, I can't do this, not without Moka," Tsukune said.

"Come on Tsukune, if Moka really cared, she would still be here, wouldn't she?" the swim teacher asked.

"I just need some time alone," Tsukune said when he got out of the pool and sat on the side.

From behind the fence, Yukari visited Tsukune at the swimming club.

"Hey, Tsukune!" Yukari shouted at him.

Tsukune heard Yukari calling him out from behind the fence. "Yukari?" Tsukune said as he walked over to the fence.

"Hey Tsukune, I just wanted to visit you and Moka. What is going on here? I thought Moka was here with you?" Yukari asked.

"She was, but she got angry with me, and she left the swimming club. But hey, weren't you supposed to be joining a club?" Tsukune asked.

"I want to, but they say that my class does not join the clubs yet, next year. But look, about Moka, maybe you should talk to her alone and find out what her problem is. Tell me Tsukune, why did you want to join the swimming club?" Yukari asked.

"Because I love swimming and..." Tsukune answered as Yukari interrupted the boy.

"Or is it because of her?" Yukari asked when she pointed at the swim teacher Tamao Ichinose.

Tsukune was quiet as Yukari let go of the fence. "Tsukune, you have to tell Moka the truth, she will appreciate fairness. I understand how she feels, joining a club only for girls and not to swim. Disrespectful." Yukari said disgustedly.

"You are right, what was wrong with me? I have to fix this." Tsukune said.

"Good luck," Yukari said as she left him alone.

School Cafeteria

Meanwhile, in the cafeteria, Gohan and Kurumu walked in as they looked around the room. The cafeteria was empty, the duo looked around and saw the lunch lady, Tamari Ishino, preparing the next lunch for recess.

"There she is Gohan, come on," Kurumu said when she walked forwards.

But Gohan held her arm as he stopped her from taking the next step.

"Hold on, do you have your notebook with you? Whatever she says, write it down, alright?" Gohan asked.

Kurumu went inside her pocket and grabbed her notebook and pencil. "I am well prepared, what about your questions? Did you write them down?" Kurumu asked him.

Gohan reached into his pocket and grabbed his questions ready to get asked. "All here and ready, let's begin," Gohan said.

The two journalists approached the lunch lady. She turned around and puts the cooking spoon down in the pot.

"Can I help you, kids?" Tamari asked.

"Mrs. Ishino, my name is Gohan, and this is my partner, Kurumu. We are journalists from the Yokai Gazette. We would like to talk to you about the food incident that happened yesterday." Gohan asked.

"Sure, no problem, I don't have anything to hide." the lunch lady said.

Gohan, Kurumu, and Tamari went to the seats, the two journalists sat next to each other and across the lunch lady. Gohan started.

"Now, Mrs. Ishino, we are going to ask you some questions, I hope you can answer them all. The school cafeteria starts their preparations for lunch at 11:30. My first question, which meal were you preparing for the students yesterday at around 11:30?" Gohan asked.

"Hmmm... that was Monday? I was preparing onion soup with peas and chopped carrots." the lunch lady answered.

Kurumu wrote down what Tamari answered and kept listening.

"I see..." Gohan said when he puts his hand on his chin. "Alright, the students started getting sick after they had lunch at 14:00 o'clock, what were you doing in those 2 and a half hours?" Gohan asked.

"I did what I usually did, I prepared lunch, that is all." the lunch lady answered.

"And you haven't noticed, heard or seen any suspicious activities around the cafeteria or in the kitchen? No other people around the food? Were there any students in the cafeteria while you were busy and aware of?" Gohan asked.

"Not that I know about? After I finished lunch around 13:00, the principal asked me to come to his office. He wanted to talk about certain new recipes for the students, that took 45 minutes. So I went to his office and left the kitchen. No one was in the cafeteria, I think, or someone must have snuck in." Tamari answered.

Kurumu took notes once again.

"Okay I understand, what about the soup? Did it look the same as when you left it?" Gohan asked.

"Now that you mention it, it smelled a little odd. I thought that smell was because I left it outside too long. But after the students got sick from my soup, I didn't know what I did wrong." Tamari said out of guilt.

Gohan looked at Kurumu as the two stood up.

"Mrs. Ishino, can you show us the pot you used to make that soup from yesterday?" Gohan asked.

"Of course, this way," Tamari answered.

The three went to the kitchen, Tamari grabbed the pot and showed it to them. Kurumu took some pictures around. The two then looked inside the pot and smelled it.

"Smells kind of weird, like it was something else... but then changed because of a major ingredient. Gohan, what do you think?" Kurumu asked curiously.

"Weird... the aroma gives a small scent of... makeup? Wait a second..." Gohan said as he looked at the lunch lady. "Mrs. Ishino, you wouldn't happen to drop makeup in the pot by accident, would you?" Gohan asked.

"No, I don't wear make-up at all, I don't like to paint my face. Maybe a student dropped it in my soup." Tamari answered.

"Thank you for your time Mrs. Ishino. We will continue our report on this matter." Gohan said.

"No problem kids," Tamari said as she left the two reporters alone

Gohan and Kurumu talked about the situation in the kitchen.

"Kurumu, can you show me the notes, I have to see something," Gohan asked.

"Here you go, I wrote everything down," Kurumu said as she showed the notebook.

"Let's see... onion soup with peas and chopped carrots, made lunch around 11:30, finished at 13:00, Mrs. Ishino was gone between 13:00 and 13:45 and makeup in the pot of soup. Someone must have snuck in the cafeteria and dropped it in the 45 minutes Mrs. Ishino was gone. We got ourselves a lead." Gohan said.

"We sure do, but first we have to find out how and why it happened, when we find the suspect, we can write an article about that in the Yokai Gazette," Kurumu said.

"We will, but that just gives me one question..." Gohan said questioned.

"What is it?" Kurumu asked.

"Where do we go from here?" Gohan asked.

"Isn't it obvious? We find out what kind of makeup was dropped in the soup and then trace it back to the suspect." Kurumu said.

"Ah yes, that's right, this pot is our only evidence. If we can find out what smell it is, we can ask the students if they know someone who wears it." Gohan said.

Kurumu grabbed the pot.

"Let's find out who did this, maybe if I smell the pot again..." Kurumu said when she smelled the pot. "Hmm... This is pretty difficult. The onion and peas smell is mostly mixed with it... I don't know what was in this pot." Kurumu said.

"We will gather some students and ask about the makeup," Gohan said.

Gohan and Kurumu took the pot with them and left the cafeteria, on their way to ask the students about the makeup wearing suspect.

To be continued...