(Welcome back guys. I'm starting the Kyoto arc now but certain things will be altered concerning certain points in the manga that I'm not following. Well enjoy the chapter.)
One morning Negi, Dustin, Mana, Kaede, and Zyphon were walking their way to campus, "Another day another class eh Negi?" Dustin asked.
"As always." He replied.
"Morning all." A voice said as they saw Rin with Eva and Chachamaru who bowed her head.
"Oh good morning Rin, Evangeline and Chachamaru." Negi greeted them.
"And how're you three doing this morning?" Dustin asked.
"Alright." Eva answered taking glances at Negi while blushing.
Mana noticed, "Evangeline are you blushing?"
Eva jumped before turning away hiding her blush, "I'm doing nothing of the sort Tatsumiya!"
Chachamaru spoke, "Is that why your face appears to be red master?"
"Shut up!"
Kaede looked back between Eva and Negi before realizing, "Of course, you were in love with Negi's father and seeing him reminds you of him right?"
Eva jumped again glaring at the two boys, "YOU TOLD THEM?! SO YOU TWO DID SEE MY DREAM!" she started strangling both of them while Dustin could bear with it while Negi was turning a little blue. She scoffed, "Whatever it doesn't matter since he's dead and all."
"Dead, I know my dad never said that to you." Dustin said catching her attention.
"Evangeline my father is still alive. I saw him." Negi said.
"Oh please, going to someone's gravestone isn't the same as actually meeting them boya." She replied.
"I'm telling the truth, the staff I have," he held his staff, "It was given to me from him six years ago. He's still alive out there and that's why I'm training so hard. So one day I can find him."
Eva hearing his story smiled, "He, he's alive?" and in a matter of moments she burst into laugher, "I knew it! I just knew it! Nagi really is too stupid to die anyway!" she laughed joyously.
"She seems particularly happy." Rin said to the girls.
"Indeed." Chachamaru agreed.
"I wish I had more clues on is whereabouts but unfortunately this staff is all I got to work with." Negi sighed.
Eva smirked, "There's Kyoto. He had a house there for a while, so you just might find a clue of where he went off to there."
"K-Kyoto? The famous Japanese city…eh…Where was it again?" Negi muttered. "But, I don't have any time off or the money needed to travel!" he groaned.
"Neither do I, and putting our savings together still wouldn't be enough." Dustin added.
Kaede turned to Mana and Chachamaru, "Girls you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"I'm thinking I think it too." Chachamaru agreed while Mana nodded leaving Rin confused.
Negi started feeling a pain on his arm and saw it was Evangeline nibbling it, "Stop that Evangeline!"
"Just a little payment for the information." Evangeline responded slyly only for Negi to yank his arm away from her.
Dustin turned to Zyphon, "Desperate ain't she?" and Zyphon nodded affirming.
Later on in class Negi and Dustin were delivering the news to the girls, "Everyone! Next week Class 3-A will be going on a school trip to Kyoto and Nara!" Negi announced to his class excitedly.
"Is everyone prepared?" Dustin asked
"YEAH!" The class cheered in their cheery moods.
"Bakas…" Yue muttered at their need to get excited over something so simple as a trip.
'They're all acting like primary schoolers…' Chisame thought in annoyance.
"There are a lot of people at our school, so the destination is always chosen from a list of places like Hawaii," Ayaka explained, "But since you and Dustin-sensei are here in Japan for the first time as Iincho I shall make sure the choice is, Kyoto."
"T-Thank you Iincho-san!" Negi said tearfully happy while taking her hand in gratefulness. "Kyoto sounds great!"
"Oh Negi-sensei seeing your happiness brings joy to my heart." Ayaka said love struck.
Asuna grumbled, "Little show off."
"Well ladies be looking forward to going to Kyoto, because I sure am!" Dustin smirked while giving a thumb's up.
"YEAH!" the girls cheered enthusiastically as Shizuna walked in.
"Negi-sensei, Dustin-sensei the headmaster is calling you." Shizuna said cheerfully.
"Alright then we're coming." Dustin answered.
"Please excuse us ladies, we'll be back momentarily." Negi explained as the two boys headed off to the Dean's office.
"EEH!" Negi screeched a minute later. "T-The school trip to Kyoto's been cancelled?"
"What the hell man?!" Dustin called.
"Hmm…You can't go to Kyoto, but how about Hawaii?" Konoemon asked as Negi literally blew away sadly.
Dustin thought about Hawaii seeing it's a nice place to vacation but remembered why they wanted to go to Kyoto, "Permission to say sir this is preposterous. Negi and I demand an explanation!" Dustin demanded.
"Easy boys, it's not cancelled yet…It's just that they don't want you there."
"They? The Kyoto Government Office, you mean?" Negi asked.
"No…um…How should I explain this…?" the dean mused. "It's the Kansai Magical Association. That's who they are."
"K-Kansai Magical Association?" Negi and Dustin asked together.
"Actually I'm one of the directors of the Kanto Magic Association," Konoemon explained seriously. "The Kanto and Kansai Magic Associations have had a shaky relationship for a long time now…"
"So, if you sent a mage teacher, they wouldn't take it well, right?" Dustin asked getting the picture.
"Precisely." The old man answered.
"EH! Does that mean the trip was cancelled because of me?" Negi cried out in despair.
"Hate to say it Aniki but it looks that way." Chamo answered bluntly.
"Chamo!"
"Now you two, keep listening," The dean cut in. "I want to stop the feud with mages in the west, so I'm sending you two on a special envoy. Negi you are to pass this letter on to the leader."
The old man handed him a letter with the Mahora class seal on it. "There may be danger along the way, but since the possible enemies are mages as well they'll probably leave normal people out of conflict. You are to provide backup Dustin-kun should any of the enemies be stronger than anticipated as well as be the class' personal guard should attack any of the students."
"Understood," Dustin said seriously.
"How about you Negi-kun? This task will not be easy and I don't think Dustin-kun will be able to protect you from every fight." Konoemon explained.
"Leave it to us headmaster!" Negi assured the old man.
"Hoh! It seems the recent incidents Evangeline's been talking about has increased your confidence a little," Konoemon chuckled. "But don't get cocky though."
"Wouldn't think of it sir." Negi replied.
"Good to hear. Oh and one more thing," he started seriously again, "Kyoto is where my granddaughter Konoka used to live…I assume Konoka hasn't learned about the existence of magic yet?"
"None whatsoever." Dustin answered.
"I don't particularly care either way, but her parents have different ideas. Please if possible could you make sure she doesn't find out?" Konoemon asked. "I'm sorry for the trouble."
"No trouble at all sir, Negi and I will handle things to the best of our abilities." Dustin assured.
"Excellent…Then the class trip will proceed as planned. I'm counting on you two."
"We won't fail you headmaster." Negi assured with Dustin nodding.
"Negi… the trip is back on!" Dustin cheered excitedly.
"I know. I'm so excited!" Negi cheered as the duo did their handshake.
Soon they were returning to class while Dustin spoke, "The girls are psyched, we're psyched, is there any reason not to be psyched?"
"Yes I know what you mean, I just hope that we don't run into too much trouble while we're there." Negi said in worry.
Dustin nudged his pal, "Come on Negi don't be so worried remember we're not alone. We got our partners."
Negi remembering that smiled, "Yes, and I'm sure they'll be able to provide additional assistance."
"Although it's gonna be sad though some of our students won't be joining us." Dustin realized.
"Yes Evangeline can't cross the barrier, Chachamaru stays at her side no matter what, and I worry Rin might expose her animal self at night." Negi added.
"Why didn't you mention Sayo? You know she's also bound to the school grounds."
"Actually Dustin I have a way to fix that for her." Negi smiled.
"Really?"
"Yes, but I'll tell you after class."
"Ok and I'll let Mana, Kaede, and Kasuga in on what's going on." Dustin said.
"Arigato."
Later that day as Dustin was explaining to his and Negi's partners at the dorms Negi stuck around talking with Sayo.
"WHAT?! YOU CAN REALLY HELP ME CROSS THROUGH THE SCHOOL AND JOIN YOU ALL ON THE TRIP?!" Sayo cried in excitement.
Negi smiled and nodded, "Yes Sayo, I figured out a way to help you."
"But how Negi-kun? I'm bound to the school grounds." The ghost said worried.
"Yes, but whatever is binding you here we can trick them."
"How?"
"With this." Negi pulled out a handmade voodoo like doll of Sayo.
"Is that me?" Sayo asked astounded by the detail of the doll.
"Yes Sayo it is."
"Wow, so detailed and life like. Did you make it?"
"Of course."
"Wow you're very good, but where'd you learn to sew?"
"From my sister of course, she felt I should know more than just magic." Negi rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"So how does it work?" Sayo asked.
"It's simple all you have to do is possess this Sayo doll and the magic I embedded within it will protect you allowing you cross the border of Mahora. Then when we're clear of it you can come out."
Sayo's eyes swelled up with tears of happiness before glomping Negi into an embrace, "Oh thank you Negi-kun, this means so much to me!"
Negi smiled embracing the ghost back, "I know Sayo. I know."
Later that night at the dorms Negi and Dustin were meeting with their partners in Kaede's dorm, "So you all understand the importance of this trip?" Negi asked.
"Yes, and I'll be ready to jump in and help when I can." Kaede assured.
"And so will I." Mana added while twirling a hand gun.
"And you Kasuga?" Dustin asked.
"Of course. During my free time I have been practicing with my spirit energy and I'll be able to fight along side you Dustin-kun like before." The nun explained.
"Perfect, now then we have some packing to do." Negi instructed as they all nodded before heading to their own dorm rooms.
Meanwhile at Eva's cottage Rin who was a raven due to the new moon perched on a table enjoying tea with Eva. Rin feeling humiliated dipped her beak into the cup sipping whatever her beak could take in.
"So then you're sure I'll be able to use the transformation spell on myself during the night?" Rin asked Eva.
"Correct, however I would insist you do it to yourself before the sun goes down and in secrecy otherwise the girls will be suspicious of you." Eva warned her.
"I understand. Oh Negi's going to be excited about me being able to come along with him!" Rin cheered before noticing Eva looking away in envy, "Sorry Evangeline, I know you can't leave the school due to the barrier and all."
"It's no big deal, I've been around for over a hundred years. I've have plenty of time to see all of the world." Eva replied.
"And my place is at my master's side." Chachamaru added.
"Well then anything I can get you both while I'm there?"
Eva looked back at her, "Why the offer?"
"As a thank you for letting me bunk here with you two." She replied
"Well I could use some Yatsuhashi." Eva said with a blush.
"And I would like some of their green tea if you please." Chachamaru added.
"Deal." Rin promised.
Three days later it was early that morning as Negi shot out of bed already dressed and ready to go, "It's the day! It's the day!"
Kaede woke up to his cheering, "You've been counting down the days ever since it was decided."
"I know, and it's finally here. Well I have to go and meet up with the other teachers, see you at the station." Negi said taking off with Chamo.
Kaede couldn't help but giggle at Negi's enthusiasm knowing that he's acting just like the kid he is. Outside the dorm he joined Dustin who had Zyphon at his side carrying his bag. The two walked heading for the station.
"Oh I'm really looking forward to this trip Dustin!" Negi said in excitement, "To think that we'll be going to Nara and Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, for five days… School trips are wonderful!"
"Don't get ahead of yourself Negi." Dustin calmed his excited friend.
"He's right Aniki," Chamo said kicking back on his friend's shoulder. "We've got that letter to deliver to the Kansai Magical Organization!"
"I know!" Negi said determinedly, "And, I'm going to go see my father's house as well. This trip will probably be the busiest I've been since I became a teacher!"
"Me too!" Dustin chuckled.
The two headed into the station only to be surprised to see some of their students already there as well as Shizuna and two other teachers.
"Wow! You all came early!" Negi laughed in delight.
"Guess they're more eager than we are." Dustin chuckled.
"Good morning Negi-sensei and Dustin-sensei." Shizuna greeted pleasantly.
"Morning Shizuna-sensei," They greeted her.
"And what a glorious morning it is." Zyphon added.
"Morning Negi/Dustin-sensei/kun!" The class greeted energetically.
"We couldn't wait any longer so we came early-aru!" Ku explained happily.
"Hope you two don't mind?" Chao asked.
"Not at all." Dustin replied as Negi and him continued to contain their excitement.
"Negi-kun looks like he was really looking forward to the trip." Makie giggled.
"He's like a primary schooler going on a school picnic," Akira agreed with a smile.
"Though Dustin-kun looks just as excited." Sakurako noticed.
"What'd ya bring pillows for?" Yuna asked Yue and Nodoka.
"I…I don't like changing pillows so…" Nodoka muttered when Yue said, "I can't sleep with any other pillows."
"They really are two of a kind," Ako said pleasantly.
"And using pillow buddies at that." Yuna added seeing the animal pillows the book duo were holding.
Dustin smiled at everyone enjoying themselves but froze before turning around feeling he was being watched. When he only saw more members of 3A he dismissed it but Zyphon could tell something up with his master, "What's wrong master Dustin?"
"Feels like I'm being watched." Dustin answered.
"Classes 3-A, 3-D, 3-H, 3-J and 3-S who are going to Kyoto…" Shizuna called above everyone professionally. "…Please head to your homeroom teacher for roll-call and to be divided into groups!"
"3-A is over here!" Negi called out to his girls.
"The JR Shinkansen 'Asama 506' will be departing shortly," an announcer announced over the speakers.
"Can I have three nikuman Satsuki?" Ako asked hungrily.
"Sure, here ya go." Satsuki said pleasantly.
"Satsuki sure knows how to make a profit," Kasuga said
"Yup," Kaede agreed, "Her cooking is delicious-de gozaru."
"How about you Dustin-kun?" Chao asked holding her own boxes of nikuman.
"Sure, I'm famished," Dustin said taking one.
"Negi-bouzu! You should have one too-aru!" Ku demanded. "You need to keep your energy up for the trip-aru!"
"T-Thanks Ku Fei-san, but I-I've already had onigiri for breakfast…" Negi said nervously.
"Yo! Negi-kun! Dustin-kun! Pose for a picture for me!" Kazumi called as she held her camera. Dustin smiled and game them a thumb's up while Negi did a peace sign.
"Wow! They look brothers." Natsumi said as she looked at the picture.
"So we get told that every chance someone gets." Dustin joked.
"Negi-sensei, I've rented out the whole green carriage, so let's take our time and relax in there…" Ayaka offered.
"Uh…Iincho-san! I've still got work to do…" Negi said nervously.
"Yeah, Iincho! Can't you keep the illegal child seduction to a minimum before lunch?" Yuna asked with a yawn.
"B-But…!" Ayaka cried out.
"Just let Negi be for a while, okay Iincho? Don't worry there'll be plenty of time for bonding at Kyoto." Dustin assured her.
"Very well sensei." Ayaka said in despair.
"Hey are you okay Ako?" Madoka asked noticing her pale face.
"Ako-san?" Negi asked and looked seeing the girl looking ready to barf, "Something the matter?"
"T-Too much nikuman…" Ako said quietly.
"I'll fetch ya some water Ako." Yuna said and ran to a vending machine.
"Geez, I can't believe you managed to get sick before we even left…" Akira said with a sigh and started to rub Ako's back.
"S-Sorry…"
"Don't worry about it, just feel better soon okay?" Negi said when Yuna returned with a bottle of water.
Mana approached, "Well boys are you all ready now that there's not turning back?"
"Of course." Negi assured.
"Always." Dustin added.
"By the way Dustin-kun, where's Zyphon?" Kasuga asked.
"He's following us from the air seeing the people here won't let an automaton his size on the train."
"Can he keep up, the train does move quickly." Mana said.
"Nothing to worry about." He replied.
"Negi-kun! Dustin-kun! Are you going to join us on free activity day?" Makie asked excitedly.
"Makie! Negi-sensei is taken…err…I mean he's busy that day," Ayaka interrupted. "But, you can have Dustin-sensei if you want."
"Yeah I'm free and equal loads of fun as Negi."
Haruna and her two best friends watched, "Man Negi-kun and Dustin-kun are as popular as ever. Maybe if we play our cards right we can get them to join us for our free activity day. You and Yue can have Negi-kun to yourselves Nodoka but Dustin-kun's mine." She smirked.
"Ha-Haruna what're you saying?" Nodoka stammered.
"You really shouldn't say such unnecessary things." Yue said taking a sip from her weird drink.
"Morning." Asuna greeted.
"Good morning!" Konoka greeted cheerfully.
"Morning girls." Negi greeted.
"Just about everyone's accounted for." Dustin said.
"Don't overlook me!" Rin came in holding the Sayo doll.
"Rin and Sayo check," Negi checked off his list, "Dustin what're the groups so far?"
"Let's see." Dustin began reading off the group number and names.
Group One: Narutaki Fuka and Fumika, Sakurako Shiina, Kugimiya Madoka and Kakizaki Misa.
Group Two: Yotsuba Satsuki, Kasuga Misora, Nagase Kaede, Hakase Satomi, Chao Lingshen and Ku Fei.
Group Three: Aisaka Sayo, Asakura Kazumi, Hasegawa Chisame, Murakami Natsumi, Naba Chizuru and Yukihiro Ayaka.
Group Four: Okochi Akira, Tatsumiya Mana, Izumi Ako, Akashi Yuna and Sasaki Makie.
Group Five: Miyazaki Nodoka, Saotome Haruna, Ayase Yue, Hikari Serenity, Kagurazaka Asuna and Konoe Konoka."
Negi suddenly realized something. "W-Wait…Shouldn't there be one more group?"
"Negi-sensei, Dustin-sensei," a voice called getting the two's attention. They turned around to see the members of the missing group, Sakurazaki Setsuna who was holding a very long bag and Zazie Rainyday standing there with a canary on her finger.
"Ah, Sakurazaki-san, Zazie-san," Negi said. "There you are."
"…"
"Morning Zazie, you look great this morning," Dustin noticed her bird, "I see you brought a little friend as well." she nodded.
Domino seeing the canary flew from Dustin's shoulder landing on Zazie's arm getting closer to the other bird acting flirtatiously while the canary blushed. Dustin sighed at his familiar's attempt at flirting with another bird.
Setsuna coughed quietly to get their attention back. "I am meant to be Group Six's leader," Setsuna explained, "But, Evangeline-san and Chachamaru-san are both absent, so group six is only really me and Zazie-san. What should we do Negi-sensei?"
"Eh…Ah…I see…That is a problem," Negi muttered thoughtfully. "I…I know! Why don't you two join another group?"
"Great idea Negi," Dustin began, "Let's see Sakurazaki-san can go to Asuna's group. Hey Iincho can ya squeeze Zazie in your group?"
"No problem." Asuna answered.
"I don't mind sensei," Ayaka assured.
"Eh…S-Se-chan…" Konoka said with a forced smile making Setsuna look stunned. "It looks like we are in the same group…"
Setsuna looked at her for a moment, but abruptly turned away. She walked away without hesitance or a second thought, "Well that was rude." Dustin whispered to Negi.
"Alright girls to your seats the train will be leaving soon." Shizuna announced and they all started heading for their seats.
Dustin seeing Domino hadn't left Zazie and her canary whistled for him, "Domino, here!"
Domino reluctantly flew back to his partner, "Oh man Dustin, that chicky was digging me!" he whispered.
"Control yourself." Dustin replied making his familiar cringe.
As the train took off Zyphon was flying above it and started following it, "Oh I certainly hope I don't run out of gas, or worse fly into a flock of migrating birds." he said as he followed the train from the sky making sure not to be too far up or he'd lose sight of it.
Meanwhile in the Shadow Master's domain one of his minions had finished explaining the situation involving Negi and Dustin, "What they're leaving?"
"Yes but not permanently," the shadow soldier explained, "Apparently they're on a class trip to Kyoto."
"Well, Kyoto," The Shadow Master said amusingly, "Now there's a veritable hive of activity."
"Shall we head out there as well?" the minion asked.
"That won't be necessary," his master answered, "After all there are other dangers in Kyoto for them to handle. We'll let the Kansai folk do our job for us." He snickered while kicking back on his throne.
(And that's the chapter, the gang is off for Kyoto and hopefully ready for whatever dangers that await their arrival. See you all next time.)