Hope you enjoyed the omake from last time, I really find them funny. Side note, I am looking forward to really fleshing out Tsukune and his companions (and enemies) a lot more, so the pace may seem to be a bit slow as we get to the lead up of the first big fight, but it is precisely for that reason that I won't have to revert immediately to canon outcomes and things can be more flexible.
I've also started a discord to have a nice place to chat about anything random, my stories, your own stories, the source media for any of my stories, as well as games and lore around any of those media. Link to server is dis cord .gg/ mgAZ9GGuFG
Trolls and rude people will be booted and banned as this is supposed to be a fun place so let's keep it that way.
Previously:
The results of the dreaded test came out and the fallout followed quickly, with Tadashi and Yukari getting into an altercation outside the board of results, only for Moka and Tsukune to intervene with different objections. The group would then discuss the risks and merits of adding Yukari to the Newspaper Club, which would be a continual topic of discussion for the next few days. Tsukune would run into a mysterious individual named Kiria, concerning the group. In a big step towards life goals, Mizore and Kurumu would agree on terms of their relationship with Tsukune, leaving Tsukune only a bystander in the discussion, much to his embarrassment. Meanwhile, Tsukune would begin to worry that Moka was pulling away from the group, after leaving when the group were discussing their upcoming articles.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Techniques
Chapter 11 – Pointing fingers
'Hmm, an interview with me?' Asked Hokuto, once Tsukune and Mizore had explained their proposal.
'Yes please. I think it will help with changing the minds of others about the school. I was thinking about also speaking with the class representatives in later issues.' Said Tsukune.
'Quite an ambitious plan, Tsukune, and also quite likely to ruffle some feathers, are you sure you want to do this?' Asked Hokuto.
'I-I… Y-yes.' Said Tsukune, losing his nerve for just a moment.
'In that case, I would be happy to.' Said Hokuto.
-line break-
The next day in art class, Tsukune had been staring at Moka intently, to the point that Moka noticed the gaze.
'Is something wrong, Tsukune?' Asked Moka.
'I was just wondering what you got up to yesterday.' Admitted Tsukune.
'Oh, I guess I never told you, I was working with Ishigami-Sensei yesterday, I have been all week.' Said Moka.
'Oh, so when you leave the club, you were making artwork. I didn't know you liked art so much.' Said Tsukune, internally thinking he didn't know much about Moka in general, aside from her having had some pretty harsh feelings towards humans.
'Moka, do you want to do something together some time? Like something fun.' Suggested Tsukune.
'The Newspaper Club is really fun though.' Said Moka, causing Tsukune to sigh.
'I mean outside of that, it's like you're so busy these days.' Said Tsukune.
'What do you mean?' Asked Moka.
'Do you even like hanging out with us at all?' Asked Tsukune.
Moka looked like she wanted to say something but bit her tongue.
'Of course I do, I'm just working on something important now at the moment.' Said Moka evasively.
'So we're not important?' Questioned Tsukune.
'It's not like that, I'm just in the middle of something.' Said Moka.
'Okay, just let me know if you ever want to spend time with us.' Said Tsukune tiredly, before turning back to his canvas, missing Moka bite her lip apprehensively in the process.
'Ishigami-Sensei, I'm skipping gym class to spend time with you!' Said a girl from an open window, grabbing Tsukune's attention.
"Hmm, Ishigami-Sensei is really popular with all girls it seems, not just Moka… is Moka really blowing us off just to spend time with her?" Wondered Tsukune.
After class, Tsukune decided not to approach Moka again, deciding to just watch for now.
'You're staring, Tsukune.' Said Mizore, from behind Tsukune, partially hidden behind a wall, causing him to flinch at being snuck up on.
'Moka said she's been spending time with Ishigami-Sensei, that's why she hasn't been around so often.' Said Tsukune.
'Do you think she is having some illicit love affair?' Asked Mizore.
'What? No. I mean, why is she spending so much time with her? It's like we aren't even friends anymore.' Said Tsukune.
'That isn't necessarily a bad thing. Moka is a danger magnet.' Commented Mizore.
'I mean, you're right and I guess we really helped Moka out so she wouldn't be alone, but I thought she was starting to like us, even with me being what I am.' Said Tsukune, sounding disappointed.
'Best not to dwell on things too much, Tsukune, besides, we will see her in club activities later.' Said Mizore, causing Tsukune to sigh, with a small nod of agreement.
-line break-
'What do you mean Moka has been spending time with Ishigami-Sensei?' Asked Kurumu.
'She's been working with her all week. She wouldn't tell me anything else about it.' Said Tsukune.
'Well, I know she is really popular with girls, but that doesn't bother me anyway… as for Moka, I thought she only wanted to be friends with you to make up for getting you beat up. I mean, do you two do anything else in common? Besides, you haven't had any moment to make a connection with her, not like you and I have. Moka is just kind of there sometimes.' Said Kurumu.
'She does have a point, you even get along with Gin the best, but the fact that he doesn't try to peep on you also helps.' Said Mizore.
'See? You just haven't really had a chance to spend time with Moka. Wait, why are we trying to push you to spend more time with Moka, spend more time with me.' Whined Kurumu, grabbing Tsukune's arm and pressing it to her side, in a more subtle attempt to win his affection.
Mizore glanced at the interaction, before finding it of acceptable intimacy, before continuing on.
'You feel Moka is becoming distant because your friendship isn't strong enough yet. It is like Moka is the loner of our group.' Explained Mizore.
'Do you think she still feels guilty about what happened earlier in the year?' Asked Tsukune.
'She should, but I think after stopping Gin, that made things even to her. Since then, though, you two haven't interacted much, just that one time with the rosary.' Said Mizore.
'Yeah, that does remind me about what the Inner Moka said… I wonder if that is why Moka is acting like this.' Questioned Tsukune.
'What did you talk about with the other Moka anyway?' Asked Kurumu.
'Just how if I stay here, I will either die, survive unnoticed, or turn into a monster.' Said Tsukune.
'Those don't sound like very good options.' Said Mizore.
'Well, I think I'm surviving unnoticed at the moment.' Said Tsukune.
'I guess, but turning into a monster might be safer for you while you are here, after that though, it'd make things difficult for you out there.' Commented Kurumu.
'In all honesty, it seems you have a better time connecting with the Inner Moka than the outer one. Both of you are a bit more serious, the pink haired Moka is a bit too happy at times.' Said Mizore.
'I guess… but I mean, aren't they basically the same person?' Asked Tsukune.
'I don't know about that, while there can be a certain duality among monsters, the two Moka's seem too different, it is like two different people sharing a body and memories really.' Said Kurumu.
'Have you ever tried to go inside Moka's mind?' Asked Tsukune.
'No, why would I do that? Also, could you imagine running in to the other Moka.' Said Kurumu, giving a small shudder.
'Do you want to speak with the other Moka again?' Asked Mizore.
'I mean, I want to know what she thinks of us now, but I don't think that is a good enough reason, considering how much of a problem it is for her with the rosary, especially with what happened last time.' Said Tsukune, recalling Yukari's kidnapping occurred when Moka was at her most vulnerable.
'Anyway, when is Gin going to get here?' Asked Kurumu in a huff.
'Hold your horses, I'm here and I've got bad news. Another girl went missing today.' Said Gin, showing a picture of the girl who had recently been abducted.
'She looks familiar… that's the girl who snuck out of class to hang out with Ishigami-Sensei.' Said Tsukune, after a moment of thinking.
'Do you think she got kidnapped when sneaking out from class? Not being where you are supposed to be is a good way to put yourself at risk of being taken without anyone realising.' Said Mizore.
'Hmm, well maybe… I guess we didn't really consider teachers, or female teachers more specifically.' Said Gin.
'You don't really think a teacher would be kidnapping students, do you?' Asked Tsukune shocked.
'Well, like you said that day, it's not about them being teachers, they are monsters and monsters could be doing something that a normal teacher wouldn't do.' Pointed our Kurumu.
'So we can't even trust the teachers now…' Mumbled Tsukune unhappily.
'Well, now might be a good time to speak with the class representatives about the other girls. If we find out all the girls are linked to Ishigami-Sensei in some way, then we've got our top suspect.' Said Gin.
'Doesn't that mean we already know the next target then?' Pointed out Mizore.
'You mean Moka? I mean maybe, but you can't just kidnap Moka, she is like one of the highest profile students around, if she goes missing, half the school would have a heart attack.' Said Kurumu sourly.
'I think we need to speak with Moka either way, this is getting dangerous.' Said Tsukune, getting nods from the others.
-line break-
'Moka, do you have a minute to talk?' Asked Tsukune, spotting Moka in her desk, early for once.
'Oh, hello Tsukune, what did you want to talk about?' Asked Moka.
'Well, it has to do with the missing girls, we think we have a lead.' Said Tsukune.
'Really? That's great.' Said Moka.
'Yeah, but it is kind of a problem as well. You see, we think it might be Ishigami-Sensei and we think she might come after you next.' Said Tsukune.
'What? That's just silly, Ishigami-Sensei is an art teacher, not a kidnapper.' Said Moka with a small laugh.
'We asked around and it seems like most of the girls who got kidnapped all spent extra time with Ishigami-Sensei outside of normal school hours, like you are doing now Moka.' Said Tsukune.
'Don't worry Tsukune, I'm sure it's all a misunderstanding. I'll clear it up today, don't worry.' Said Moka.
-line break-
'So wait, you tell her that we think Ishigami-Sensei is kidnapping girls and her plan is to go meet her alone and confront her on it?' Questioned Gin in disbelief.
'She just wouldn't listen to me. It probably helps that we don't have any hard evidence, just some suspicions.' Reasoned Tsukune.
'I dunno, that seems like a bad move to me as well.' Said Kurumu.
'Although, if Moka disappears suddenly, that be pretty good evidence that Ishigami-Sensei is the one behind things.' Pointed out Mizore.
'Well we can't just let her be kidnapped!' Said Tsukune, only for Moka to enter the room.
'Oh, sorry I'm late, I just had a quick chat with Ishigami-Sensei.' Said Moka, confusing the others.
'And you're here…' Said Kurumu suspiciously.
'Of course, I told you she isn't a kidnapper. She told me that she is actually really worried about the other girls and thinks it actually is a teacher doing this.' Said Moka.
'That seems awfully convenient. You accuse her of being a kidnapper and she points us in the direction of the other teachers.' Commented Mizore, lolling her lollipop from side to side.
'Well, I guess it does give us something to do. It wouldn't be a bad idea to look into the teachers but doing it quietly might be a problem.' Said Gin.
'Not to mention, following teachers is going to be hard to do discreetly.' Said Tsukune.
'Either way, we either run all these leads down as soon as possible, or we need to decide to leave it out of the upcoming newspaper. I don't plan on reporting half-baked rumours without any evidence.' Said Gin.
'But we do have evidence, all the missing girls, even other people have noticed them.' Said Tsukune.
'Exactly, so that makes it old news. A newspaper is supposed to have the latest details, rehashing what everyone already knows isn't news.' Said Gin.
'I guess we could look into the classes of the girl who was just taken and look into her teachers. I think she said she skipped gym class to see Ishigami-Sensei so maybe we should check out the gym teacher first.' Suggested Tsukune.
'That's a great idea, I can do that.' Said Moka, surprising Tsukune.
'What do you mean, don't you have your project with Ishigami-Sensei?' Asked Tsukune.
'Well, I didn't just tell Ishigami-Sensei about the missing girls, I also told her how I was leaving club activities early, so she said for me to take the next few days off.' Revealed Moka.
'But I thought what you were doing was important.' Said Tsukune.
'Yes, it is, but all of you are important too, I-I'm sorry if it felt like I wasn't treating you all like that.' Said Moka.
'Moka… I'm sorry, I think I overstated things earlier, I was just worried that you didn't want to spend time with us anymore. Do you want us to go and speak with the gym teacher together?' Asked Tsukune.
'Sure.' Said Moka.
'I will come along too, as insurance.' Said Mizore.
'So you are leaving me with Gin-Senpai?' Exclaimed Kurumu.
'Of course not, go and pick up our newest recruit.' Said Mizore.
'Are the two of us really the best recruiters?' Questioned Kurumu.
'Well, Tsukune and Moka are already too divisive to recruit Yukari, the two of you are more neutral.' Said Mizore.
'Why don't you do it then?' Asked Kurumu.
'I'm a bit too cold to go around recruiting others, the two of you are more charismatic than me and I trust myself to protect Tsukune more than either of you.' Said Mizore.
'Fine, but I want a sleepover as payment!' Said Kurumu.
'I've never said you couldn't sleepover, assuming all you do is sleep.' Said Mizore, causing Kurumu to exclaim in happiness.
'Yahoo!' Cheered Kurumu.
'D-Did you just make a decision about me again without even speaking to me?' Asked Tsukune in disbelief.
'Of course, as I will be your first wife, it is my job to manage the others.' Said Mizore, causing Tsukune to sigh.
'I don't even have a say anymore.' Muttered Tsukune, only for Gin to grab him around the neck.
'A say! You've got two girls lining up for you, if we weren't friends, I'd tear your arm off… then beat you up with it for refusing.' Said Gin, before releasing Tsukune.
'Enough nonsense, we should go and speak with this gym teacher while we still have the time.' Said Mizore, getting a nod from Tsukune and Moka, causing Gin to release Tsukune.
'And how are we are supposed to find the loli anyway?' Asked Gin.
'Her classroom is a good bet. Besides, I thought you were an expert at peeping on girls.' Said Mizore.
'Girls, not kids. Wait a minute, I don't peep!' Protested Gin, but Mizore just waved him off and led Tsukune and Moka out of the room.
'So do you know who we are looking for, Mizore?' Asked Tsukune, as the bickering of Kurumu and Gin faded into the background.
'Yeah, there is only one gym teacher, Kotsubo-Sensei. In all honesty, he is also a pretty big alternative for the kidnapper. I hear he gets a bit physical with the female students a bit more, plus he seems to be pretty unprofessional in class. It doesn't surprise me that if a girl wanted to skip out on a class, they'd pick gym class.' Said Mizore.
'Then why have we been focusing so much on Ishigami-Sensei recently?' Asked Tsukune.
'Just because he is a suspect, doesn't mean he is the top suspect, while it is true one of the girls skipped gym class to spend time with Ishigami-Sensei, not all of them did, some like Moka met with her outside of school hours, so she is still the top suspect, but that doesn't mean it can't be someone else.' Explained Mizore.
'Hmm, Ishigami-Sensei seemed really troubled by it all, I don't think she is a kidnapper. She loves art and beauty.' Said Moka.
'Well, some art collectors in the human world would kidnap rare animals, sometimes even killing them to stuff them and preserve them forever… so I don't think a love of art makes her innocent.' Countered Tsukune.
'Both valid points, but we should track down our new lead first.' Said Mizore, before the trio arrived at the gymnasium.
'Hmm, maybe he isn't around.' Said Tsukune, finding he couldn't see anyone inside.
'No, someone is in there.' Said Mizore, narrowing her eyes.
'I think he is in that equipment room.' Said Moka, her eyesight sharper than her comrades, spotting a bit of colour.
'So what do we do now then, if he is kidnapping the girls, we would be in trouble confronting him, especially since he doesn't sound as nice as Ishigami-Sensei?' Questioned Tsukune.
'Well, I mean if he didn't do it, then he won't have anything to hide.' Said Moka simply.
'I don't think the two are mutually exclusive. Just because he may not be kidnapping students, doesn't mean he isn't up to something else… well, either way, standing here won't get us answers.' Said Mizore.
'That's it, let's just ask it like we are looking for answers instead of accusing him.' Said Tsukune, before he knocked against the gym door, causing the sound to echo.
A rather slim looking man in a short sleeve T-shirt emerged from the storage room, before quickly spotting the three visitors. Making his way across to the three, his gait belied no nervousness, it was as though he coolly slid towards them.
'Hmm, hello there, can I help you with anything? Have you come here for some help bulking up?' Asked Kotsubo-Sensei, looking directly at Tsukune.
'What? I didn't think I needed to bulk up.' Said Tsukune, causing the gym teacher to raise an eyebrow.
'With your frame, there is plenty of room to grow, especially if you have ladies with you.' Said Kotsubo, spotting the other two.
'Maybe another time, actually, we wanted to ask about one of your students.' Said Tsukune.
'Hmm, what about? Which student?' Asked Kotsubo, tensing up slightly.
Tsukune pulled out a picture of the most recent girl to go missing and Kotsubo relaxed instantly.
'Hmm, I think I recognise that I don't recognise that face very well.' Said Kotsubo.
'Sorry, she has been skipping your classes to spend time with Ishigami-Sensei. We already spoke to Ishigami-Sensei. She seemed to think a teacher might be behind her disappearance. We were wondering if she might have detention or have been expelled.' Lied Tsukune.
'Hmm, well, if I was giving someone detention, they'd be running laps behind me, and I can't expel anyone. Did Ishigami-Sensei give any details about who she thinks is behind this?' Asked Kotsubo.
'Not really, I just remembered she skipped gym class and wanted to know if you had noticed anything at all.' Said Tsukune, putting the picture away.
'Well, I know some of the other teachers have complained about Ririko-Sensei and her teaching methods, her afterschool sessions are intense if things are to be believed.' Said Kotsubo.
'Hmm, I see, thank you for the advice… and I'll see about coming for some advice on training another time.' Said Tsukune, getting an approving nod from Kotsubo, who went back to his business in the supply room.
'Tsukune, why are you going off to train with other monsters? You do realise getting caught out means the end of you, don't you?' Asked Mizore, once the group started walking away.
'Yeah, why are you wanting to bulk up anyway?' Asked Moka.
'Just something Tadashi suggested is all. Never mind that, let's go and speak with Ririko-Sensei next.' Suggested Tsukune.
'It might be getting a bit too late.' Said Mizore.
'I guess we can go look tomorrow.' Said Moka, with Tsukune agreeing, realising he had been outvoted.
'Okay, tomorrow then.' Said Tsukune.
-line break-
'What do you mean you want to speak with Ririko-Sensei?' Asked Kurumu, after the club had gotten together and debriefed on the day prior.
'What do you mean you couldn't find the witch yesterday?' Countered Mizore.
'Ririko-Sensei is my home room teacher, but she has got a really one-track mind. She would never kidnap a student; she cares about education way too much for that.' Said Kurumu, gesturing with both hands in a single direction.
'So if someone was slacking off, wouldn't she kidnap them?' Asked Tsukune.
'She would make them do after-hours classes, but they would definitely be showing up to all their classes, not going missing like these girls. Just trust me, I know when she is free so I can take you to her. Oh, and if you think you are so good, why don't you find the witch then, I can look after Tsukune this time.' Said Kurumu.
'Fine, but Moka is your chaperone and I'm sure she won't let you get away with anything.' Said Mizore, nodding to the pink-haired vampire.
'She's hiding I reckon.' Said Gin, trying to defend his lack of success with Kurumu yesterday.
'If you were the one looking, I don't doubt she is hiding, let me take the lead.' Said Mizore, causing Gin to scoff.
'Because you are better at spotting people than me? Trust me, she doesn't want to be found.' Scoffed Gin.
'Well we'll see after today.' Said Mizore.
'Let's go then, the sooner we speak to Ririko-Sensei, the sooner we can have some fun.' Said Kurumu, despite Mizore's cold glare.
'Tsukune will tell me if you did anything.' Said Mizore calmly, causing Kurumu to shrug.
'Not if he likes it.' Sang Kurumu, before Kurumu pushed Tsukune out the door.
'And what exactly is a chaperone?' Asked Moka.
'Just make sure you all stay on target.' Said Mizore, causing Moka to nod and quickly follow after the two.
'Gin, you need to train Tsukune more.' Said Mizore.
'Whoa, where is that coming from?' Asked Gin.
'Do I need to remind you what will happen if Tsukune is exposed. Training with Kotsubo-Sensei is an unnecessary risk.' Said Mizore.
'I mean yeah it is a risk, but not unnecessary. It might be good for him to toughen up a bit. We both know he is a soft target, but if he looked a bit more intimidating, it would help in the long run.' Said Gin.
'So why don't we dye his hair and giving him piercings?' Said Mizore dryly.
'I said make him look tough, not like a delinquent like that Saizou guy. We can't protect him for three years if he never fights back, not unless you want to try and convince the school that he is really some Yakuza-affiliated monster who gets us to do all his dirty work.' Said Gin.
'It would make for a good cover.' Pointed out Mizore.
'Only if everyone believes it.' Countered Gin.
Mizore bit down on her lollipop stick before standing up.
'Come on, let's go find that witch.' Said Mizore.
-line break-
'Miss Ririko-Sensei, can we come in?' Asked Kurumu, knocking on the door of a classroom.
'Kurumu Kurono, you came quite close to failing the latest test, have you come for some extra classes? Tsukune Aono, I don't think you did too well either I.' Said Ririko-Sensei, instantly making the other two nervous.
'N-Not at the moment, we actually want to speak with you about some students who have gone missing. For the Newspaper Club.' Said Kurumu.
'Oh, I see, please come in.' Said Ririko-Sensei, ushering the three in, with the group sitting down at a desk each.
'Yes, I have been troubled about the missing students as well. They are missing all of their classes and that is not good for their education, not at all.' Said Ririko-Sensei, appearing genuinely concerned.
'Ah, we agree, which is why we are trying to find them, we've been asking around and someone suggested we speak with you, but Kurumu says you are usually busy after hours.' Said Tsukune.
'Oh yes, I run intensive classes for students who are falling behind. Hmm, who suggested you speak with me?' Asked Ririko.
'It was another teacher. We've been asking around and it seems all of the teachers are starting to notice things and some of them even think it might be a teacher behind things.' Said Moka.
'Hmm, so someone is accusing me of causing students to miss classes, how insulting! There is nothing more important to me than a student's education. This whole institute relies on a good teacher-student relationship, without trust this entire institution would fall apart.' Said Ririko.
'I told them of course it couldn't be you because of what a dedicated teacher you are, but I was wondering if you might have a suggestion for who might be behind it.' Said Kurumu quickly.
'Oh, I bet it is that loathsome art teacher. Can you believe students have actually skipped my class to spend time with her? I ask you, when will an art class be useful in day-to-day life? Maths is by far the most important subject. Time, money, calculations, distances, people use maths every day without even realising it. It is essential!' Said Ririko quite passionately.
'So you think Ishigami-Sensei is behind this?' Asked Moka sadly.
'Of course, she is like a succubus to these students, no offense of course Kurumu. She lures my students away to become her playthings, heaven knows what she does with them.' Said Ririko.
'I see, sorry to have bothered you then, Ririko-Sensei.' Said Tsukune, before the three exited the classroom.
'Are you okay, Kurumu?' Asked Moka, once the group was outside.
'Yeah, I'm fine, succubi always get suspected when people go missing, but usually men, not girls.' Said Kurumu.
'So I guess even monsters can be prejudiced against other monsters.' Said Tsukune.
'Yeah… it's fine, I know Ririko-Sensei is just ranting now, she is actually really nice to her students, so I don't think she has anything against succubi, it's just one of those expressions, I guess. I'm sure there are plenty of human ones too.' Said Kurumu, causing Tsukune to nod.
'In any case, it is starting to look more and more like it is Ishigami-Sensei behind this.' Said Tsukune, with Kurumu nodding, as Moka bit her lip.
'Just let me have a talk with her, I'm sure she isn't doing this, she's been helping me so much. It can't be her.' Said Moka.
'Moka, this sounds like a big risk and I know it might seem like you know her, but going in there alone… you'd be defenceless if she tried something, especially if she really has managed to kidnap eight other girls. It would be really dangerous.' Said Tsukune.
'If you really want to, we could come with you, or be there as back up, but I doubt she'd admit to it anyway. It seems like all the teachers just point the finger at another teacher.' Commented Kurumu.
'You don't think it could be more than one, right?' Asked Tsukune.
'Like a Youkai conspiracy? If it has come to that, we are all in danger.' Said Kurumu.
'I guess we can just head back and try and plan our next course of action. I don't think we are going to get to the bottom of this before the deadline anyway.' Said Tsukune.
'I guess not, but maybe we could have a little get together tomorrow since its Saturday. Something to put us in good spirits for a change.' Suggested Moka.
'That sounds nice. After all these dead-ends, I'm feeling kind of drained. Err, poor word choice.' Said Kurumu.
'Yeah, it might be nice, plus, we need to see if the others actually found Yukari or not. We probably have enough for an issue now anyway.' Said Tsukune.
'Great, then we can all get together tomorrow and have some fun.' Said Moka, looking surprisingly enthusiastic.
-line break-
'So you couldn't find her either huh?' Asked Tsukune the next day, before morning class started.
'If I didn't know better, I'd think she got kidnapped, but she is still going to all of her classes according to my clones. She just seems to vanish after them.' Confessed Mizore.
'Do you think she is using magic?' Asked Tsukune.
'Probably.' Said Mizore, passing the lollipop from left to right.
'Do you think it is us, or is something else going on?' Asked Tsukune.
'I think something else is always going on.' Said Mizore.
'Morning!' Said Moka happily, entering the room, early for once.
'Morning Moka.' Said Tsukune, with Mizore giving a small nod.
'I'm really looking forward to things after class today, I've got something great to show you all.' Said Moka.
'Does that mean we are finally going to find out what you've been up to with Ishigami-Sensei?' Asked Tsukune, only for Moka to nod.
'Yep, it's a big secret though, so you'll have to wait.' Said Moka.
'I can't believe our first newspaper is almost done.' Said Tsukune.
'Well, we didn't manage to get to the bottom of the missing girls yet, but it is interesting enough even without that.' Said Mizore.
With that statement, the bell rang, and class got underway.
-line break-
'So, pointing fingers at me, are you?' Asked a masculine voice.
'It was an honest suggestion; it wouldn't be the first time you abducted a girl.' Replied a more feminine voice.
'And you haven't? I know all about your collection, shame you won't be able to add to it for a while now.' Said the masculine voice snidely.
'A good art collector knows how to wait for the opportunity to add the right pieces to their collection.' Said the feminine voice, before the two voices parted in opposite directions.
-line break-
'Well, what's the big surprise?' Asked Kurumu.
'Yeah, have you been working on something special for your Senpai, Moka?' Asked Gin.
The group had pushed a few chairs and desks together and placed some assorted snacks and drinks on top, with Moka currently standing at the front of the classroom, hiding something behind a large cloth.
'Well, I've been wanting to do something for a while now and this month's art theme was "What's important to you?" and it was really hard to get things just right. I had Ishigami-Sensei help me with a few things because I couldn't decide what I wanted to do in the end, and she gave the best advice. If one is not enough, make more. So, ta-da.' Said Moka, taking away the cloth which had hidden her surprise.
Underneath was a mural with the different members of the Newspaper Club in different poses and locations, forming a collage. It featured Gin with one of his rare serious expressions behind his desk on the left, Mizore hanging out of a ceiling vent at the top, Kurumu jumping in the air in joy to the right and Tsukune at the bottom, looking over a notepad with a small smile. In the centre of the four was a rolled-up Newspaper, with a picture of a fish on it.
'I also wanted to do something else so, Happy Birthday Tsukune.' Said Moka, taking a small frame from behind the large mural and presenting it to Tsukune with both hands.
'I know we didn't start off the best of friends, but you're actually my first friend and even though I know you were unsure of things, you gave me a chance. I really appreciate it and hope you want to keep being my friend. Sorry for all the secrecy.' Said Moka with a small blush.
Tsukune was momentarily stunned, before reaching forward and grasping the small frame. It was a portrait of Tsukune in his school uniform looking ahead, a small section of the academy behind him.
'Moka… how did you know about my birthday?' Asked Tsukune.
'Of course I knew. I mean, I had to check a few things without anyone else catching on, I did take a little peek at your records the last time you were in the nurse's office.' Admitted Moka, with a bashful expression.
'We've underestimated you, Moka, it seems you are after Tsukune after all, quite a formidable challenger too. Here I thought I was the only one who knew.' Said Mizore.
'Of course I wouldn't miss something as important as my Destined One's birthday. I made extra cookies for Tsukune, heart shaped ones, but no potion, I promise.' Said Kurumu, handing Tsukune a big bag of cookies.
'Geez, all of you trying to make me look bad, what kind of juniors are you? I got you a necklace of your own. Been meaning to give it to you a few days after our last battle, but stuff kept coming up.' Said Gin, giving Tsukune a small silver necklace with a wolf on it, similar to his own.
'Well Mizore, you're up next, unless you don't have anything up your sleeve.' Said Gin.
'Tsukune, I've been saving this present for fifteen years now, so I'd like you to close your eyes first.' Said Mizore, to which Tsukune complied.
Mizore then took her lollipop out of her mouth and placed a light kiss on Tsukune's lips, before pulling back, with Tsukune opening his eyes in surprise.
'That's my first kiss I gave you, Tsukune, make sure to look after it.' Said Mizore with a smile, before popping her lollipop back in.
'Does this mean we can start on foreplay now?' Asked Kurumu.
'Not today, that's my present.' Said Mizore, softly wrapping her hand around Tsukune's.
-line break-
'What is this rubbish?' Asked a smooth sounding individual.
'What? It's a little twist, don't you like it? It wasn't easy getting an advance copy you know.' Asked another more joking individual.
'Are we not on the same side here? What is the meaning of this?' Asked the first individual.
'You're too serious, you know that. Besides, a little conflict goes a long way, maybe it'll help clear the field.' Said the second individual.
'So… are you saying you want me to eliminate your pet project, after all this time?' Inquired the first individual, sounding mildly surprised.
'I think you might find it a bit hard, considering their friends and status.' Said the second individual.
'No one is beyond me, not even him.' Said the first individual, setting fire to something and throwing it towards the other individual.
As the object continued to burn, the light illuminated the object revealing it to be a newspaper and placed in the centre, surrounded by flames, was a picture of Hokuto with the headline, "Student President Speaks Up!" before being slowly consumed by the fire.
Omake Series: Hello There – part 2
The group of Moka, Mizore and Tsukune arrived at the gym. It was after Moka spotted Kotsubo-Sensei and the trio had entered into the gymnasium, that Tsukune spoke up.
'Hello there.' Said Tsukune, causing the shuffling in the gym to stop.
Kotsubo emerged from the storage room with four other monsters with him, who appeared to have been preparing for a workout.
'Student Representative Tsukune Aono, so good of you to join us. I applaud your bravery for approaching us voluntarily. Get him.' Said Kotsubo-Sensei to the others, who started to advance on the trio.
Tsukune took a step back and looked around, while Moka and Mizore braced themselves. Tsukune looked up and noticed something, before pulling on a rope nearby. Four bags of sand dropped down and hit the four monsters, three being struck on the head while the other was hit in the back. As the last conscious member of the quartet tried to get back up, Tsukune quickly approached and picked up one of the other sandbags, before dropping it on his head.
'I see, I will need to train you myself.' Said Kotsubo-Sensei.
'Your move.' Said Tsukune.
Kotsubo-Sensei unzipped his jumpsuit, before he started to transform, producing six extra tentacle arms, in addition to the two which had been present earlier on, before they too transformed into tentacles themselves. Kotsubo-Sensei started to spin all eight tentacles around menacingly, advancing on the group.
'Tentacles? I'm out, let's go.' Said Tsukune, throwing one of the bags of sand at Kotsubo-Sensei, after having untied the top of it, obscuring them from view as they escaped.
Kotsubo-Sensei let his tentacles disappear, before putting his jumpsuit back on.
'Making such a mess in a gym, so uncivilized.' Said Kotsubo-Sensei, before walking away.