The Knight of Mahora Academy

Period 18: Goodbye To Kyoto

And with that the UQ Holder anime comes to an end...in all...

Well, in the catalogue of Negima anime, it definitely deserves its spot at the top. Closest thing we've gotten to a faithful adaption. Jumbled and uneven and skipping a lot of great material, but closer than any other before it.

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

"Ahhhhhhhhhh~, feels so good~. Nothing beats a hot soak first thing in the morning. And nothing beats a hot soak in a hot spring first thing in the morning!" Yuna blissfully moaned as she did her best to fuse with the water of the bath and become a single, amorphous blob of mineral water. Sadly when that didn't work the energetic brunette shifted in the bath and stretched her arms back, letting her newly developed breasts bounce freely in the air, "This is heaven!"

"Yep, that looks like heaven." Makie spitefully muttered while glaring a little lower than Yuna's face.

"Definitely looks like we have several batches of heaven to witness around here." Ako added, equally as short as she looked at the patches of land Yuna, Akira, and Mana had seemed to purchase with their karma points. She in turned looked down at the plains she and Makie owned, "And I suppose by default this must be hell, right?"

"Yep," Makie dejectedly nodded, "Hell is flat."

"Um, I don't know what you two are muttering about over there, but there's a pretty thick miasma coming off your forms and sending chills down our bodies, so do you need some help?"

"Not from you and your unfair advantage."

"Okay, I'll just chalk that up as something I really don't wanna know." Yuna shrugged and leaned back against the stones of the bath, "Oh man, this field trip had to be the greatest thing we could have experienced in our last year. I feel like a middle schooler recounting her fond younger days."

Akira washed out her hair, "Yuna, you are a middle schooler. This trip only lasted a few days, not years."

"Let a girl have her delusions, Akira. Just let her have her fun."

The tall swimmer just rolled her eyes but still enjoyed the blissful sensation of the hot water releasing the tension from her muscles, "I will admit that this trip has been an utter delight. Even if there were some things about it that just seem…rather odd."

All eyes turned to the stone in the middle of the bath that had been cleaved cleanly in twain. Their confusion was raised not only by what could possible cut a stone so easily, but also by the small bandages that kept it together and the handwritten note that said 'Sorry' on top of it.

"Well besides that it's been a ton of fun." Ako smiled, "I think the trip to the the shrines was my favorite part."

"No way! The best part was going to USJ and riding all the rides!"

"I thought your favorite part would be getting to participate in the pillow fight, Yuna."

"Ugh, don't remind me." The brunette whined, "I still feel the soreness in my legs when I look at a pillow. That was just pure hell! And so not worth it without even getting a smooch from Negi-kun!"

"Right," Akira mumbled nervously with a chuckle before looking over at their silent group member, "How about you, Tatsumiya-San? Was there any part of this trip you were especially fond of?"

"Not particularly." The dark-skinned girl's deeper voice groaned as she poured some hot water over her head and washed the last of the bubbles out of her long black hair. She rubbed some soap along her arms, "I'm honestly a little exhausted of this trip in total. I'll be glad to get going back home."

"Boo~." Several of the girls echoed as Makie pouted, "That's no fun, Tatsumiya-San! There has to be something you enjoyed! Like how I enjoyed finally getting to grow a little closer with Negi-kun."

"Seriously, what happened that got you supposedly closer with Negi-kun? Because without any proof, for all we know you probably just lost your mind and became delusional. Which is a totally feasible possibility for you, Baka-Pink!"

"Nah-ah, a maiden can't reveal her secrets. Plus Negi-kun and Naruto-kun told me I can't tell anyone about mag..."

Yuna, Ako, and Akira all looked at her curiously while Mana froze in place and mechanically looked back at the acrobat in horror.

"Magazine. The magazine I specially bought with their help. Yep, that's what I said."

"Well that just sounds stupid."

Mana's shoulders sagged and she let out a long breath of relief after dodging the figurative bullet that was Makie Sasaki casually revealing the existence of magic in a hot springs conversation. How did she even know about it in the first place? Did Negi and that buffoon actually let it slip to her? Bad enough that Asakura was privy to the magic side-

Mana heard the sound of a camera shutter off to the side and simply sighed in annoyance. Speak the devil's name and it shall appear.

"Asakura! What the hell are you doing?!"

"What?" The cheeky journalist popped up from behind the bushes with her camera in hand and a grin on her face, "I'm the photographer for this field trip! Today's the last day so I have to take pictures of all the groups to commemorate our special Kyoto journey. It's my job."

"Your job doesn't entail that you take pictures of us in the bath! Just how much of a perverted old man are you?!"

"Okay, okay, my bad." Kazumi knocked herself on the head, "I won't take any more pictures of you gals in the wild."

"DELETE THE ONES YOU ALREADY TOOK!"

"I can't censor myself like that! I am a woman of integrity!"

"DAMN YOU ASAKURA!"

"BURN THEM, AND THE NEGATIVES!"

"A LADY IN THE BATH IS THE MOST SACRED OF PLACES! LIKE EVE IN THE GARDEN! YOU DON'T GO SNAPPING NUDES OF EVE!"

"ASAKURA, I SWEAR TO GOD IF THOSE GO INTO ROTATION BACK IN MAHORA WE WILL COOK YOUR ASS FOR A LIVE ROAST!"

Kazumi chuckled into the air and hopped away while the girls of Group 1 continued to chuck things at her. All except Mana, who just gave a tired sigh and shook her head. This was all going to be worth it once the whiskered jerk finally got around to paying her for last night's excursion.

It'll be even more worth it once she springs it on him that he'll be paying.

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

"Hahaha, what a haul, what a haul!" Kazumi happily cheered as she strolled through the halls of the hotel with a big smile on her face. After all the pictures and shots she took during the trip she should have enough material to keep her comfortably happy for a good long time. When she got back to the academy and if her pictures started going out for a reasonable fee, she was sure she was going to be set for school life!

A steamy (figuratively/literally) candid photo of the maidens of Group 1 in their blissful washing. The wonderful hotties of Group 2, herself included, gathered together for a snapshot while coincidentally in their undies, herself not included. The femme fatales of Group 3 pinning each other and force feeding their meat buns. The cuties of Group 4 gathered around the adorable surprised expressions of Fuuka and Fumika dressed up as geishas. It was all perfect.

Now she just needed the popular team of Group 6, with the adorable young teacher Negi Springfield and the oddball assistant Naruto Uzumaki. Of course they were nowhere to be found and so she couldn't take the group picture herself. Well, they were here until a few hours ago, but it wasn't the real them.

Kazumi got a text from the real Asuna that said they were staying over at Konoka's family home and had sent little substitutes to fill in for them without getting into trouble. To be honest she pretty much figured that out immediately when they started stripping off their clothes and giving everyone a peep show, including a very dazed looking Negi and blank-faced Naruto.

She wouldn't tell Group 6 about what happened and just chalk it up to everyone trying to enjoy the trip as much as possible. She also wouldn't tell them about all the pictures she took.

"Geez, where are they exactly? If they did something fun without me knowing I'm gonna be miffed."

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

"Uwwwaaaaahhhhhhhhh~."

That was the collective moan of content emanating from the five children sprawled out over the futons and blankets over the ground. They were supposed to be getting ready to leave and head back to the hotel, attempting to integrate seamlessly back into the field trip as if they hadn't participated in a heated battles against summoned monsters, demons, dolls, and gods just last night. They were getting ready for their last day in Kyoto before they realized just how comfortable their beds were and collapsed on top of them. They wordlessly agreed to just enjoy the comfort for five minutes before heading out.

That was half an hour ago.

"Are futons normally this comfy? I don't remember them being this comfy." Asuna murmured, "Konoka, is this, like, your family's secret super comfy futon recipe we're experiencing right now?"

"News to me." Konoka responded with a dreamy expression, "If that is true then I have to thank everyone I can for this miracle."

"I don't think it's actually that they're any different." Negi clarified, his cheek squished against a pillow as he teetered between consciousness and blissful sleep, "It's much more likely that after all the excitement, adrenaline, and fatigue we experienced from yesterday that our tiredness is finally starting to catch up with our bodies, so now-"

"Don't break the illusion, Negi. Just close your eyes and drift away."

"Okay~."

"Negi-sensei is right. After last night's intensity our bodies are trying to compensate for the exhaustion." Setsuna agreed and lifted herself up on her elbows despite her better judgement, "How are all of you feeling after yesterday?"

"Super tired~." Konoka simply answered.

"I feel like every part of my body is crying out from just moving." Asuna whined, "I'm pretty sure I've never felt this sore in my entire life! First time for everything I suppose."

"I don't think I can move at all." Negi groaned, "This was the first time I've expended so much magical power in one day. It's exhausting."

Setsuna looked over at the most damaged member of their party, "And you, Naruto-sensei?"

"I feel my heartbeat through every inch of my body and my bones feel like jelly. And that's only the start." The others flinched at their poultry complaints in comparison to their friend who had clearly pushed himself farther, "Although I'm used to it from training with Raka-Ji so it isn't all that bad. Although I should probably be hiding the bandages in case everyone starts asking what happened. Hey, where's my jacket?"

"I-I have it." Asuna mumbled.

"Well can I have it back?"

"N-Not yet."

"What?"

"I-I need to wash it! It has to be cleaned! There was a lot of dust and dirt and grime on it from all the fighting yesterday, s-so let me wash it first."

"It's really not a problem. Can I just have it back?"

"No."

"I need to cover my arms and chest."

"G-Get something else."

"I'm not getting something else when I have my jacket."

"J-Just let me clean it!"

"Why are you suddenly so tidy?!"

"Oh Naruto-kun, you silly goof," Konoka giggled to herself, "Asuna wants to wash it because it was covering her backside and lower body while she didn't have panties. She wants to make sure there aren't any-"

A hand clamped over Konoka's mouth and silenced her definitively while Asuna's face turned bright red from embarrassment. She looked over to Setsuna and saw the ponytailed girl look aside with a small pink hue on her cheeks.

Naruto palmed his face, "Look I appreciate the thought, but I really need it back. I promise I'll wash it when we get back, okay Asuna?"

The twin-tailed girl looked conflicted but blinked when she noticed what he said, "Did you just call me Asuna?"

"Yeah."

"Not Bells?"

"No."

"Did my ears go crazy?"

"Is it really that weird for me to call you by name?"

"No. Just don't expect me to stop calling you Whiskers."

"Didn't even cross my mind."

"Aww, Secchan, look, they're bonding." Konoka giggled and earned some frowns from the heterochromic girl and whiskered boy. The princess reached into her pocket to pull out her new Pactio card with a grin, "I can't believe I finally have one of these cards. Heheee, I'm so happy."

"Konoka-San, you have to be careful with that. That is an important contract that carries with it an artifact-"

"So I got this when I kissed Negi-kun, right? Which means Nodoka has one too, and since Asuna has a card too..." Asuna grumbled with a flush and ducked her head down in shame, "Hey, Secchan, I saw you had one too. Did you kiss Negi-kun as well?"

"U-Uh, not quite." The young swordswoman's face slowly started to burn with embarrassment as she fished out her card and held it up for the others to see, "I - um - I actually made my bond with N-Naruto-sensei." Konoka gasped in delight, "I-It was a very stressful situation! I had no choice but to kiss him!"

"Oh geez, glad to know you didn't put yourself out or anything."

"N-No! There was nothing wrong with kissing you specifically! I-I meant the kissing and Pactio in general!" Setsuna blushed and ducked her head, "P-Please forgive me."

"Apology accepted." Naruto turned over and laid on his belly and joined the others in their circle formation, "Speaking of Pactio, hand it over and I'll nullify it."

"Huh?"

"That thing counts pretty much as a binding contract between us to work together. You have way more important things to do than get contracted to me." He motioned for her to fork it up, "Hand it over and I'll cancel it."

"Oh, Naruto-kun." Konoka shook her head, "You take a young lady's first kiss and treat it like a written agreement. You have so much to learn young disciple."

"Hey, these are way more important than you're giving credit to them. Most people only have one person to Pactio with in a lifetime." Naruto countered, "Negi's the outlier because he's a kid and Chamo's the devil whispering on his shoulder."

Negi blubbered, "B-But you also have another Pactio card, Nii-San!l

"The person I made that with doesn't count as anything. No rules apply with that freak." Naruto said, "But if we keep that card-"

"Sensei." Naruto looked back at Setsuna and saw the hue on her cheeks as well as the determined look in her eyes, "You assisted me greatly during this trip. You worked alongside me and gave me courage and strength when I needed it and helped protect Ojou-sama when she needed it. I'm not sure how much assistance I can give you in the future...but you can rely on me if you wish." Setsuna declared, "So please...allow me to keep this card and give my support when it's needed."

Naruto stared back at the side-ponytailed girl in surprise before he felt a nudge on his shoulder. He looked over and saw the stern look on Asuna's face, "If you tell her no after that declaration I'm gonna sock you."

Naruto turned back to Setsuna with a small blush on his face, opening his mouth-

"WAKE UP PEONS!" The door to the room slammed open with serious force as Evangeline's surprisingly upbeat tone assaulted their ears, "IT'S TIME TO TRANSFORM AND ROLLOUT!"

...

"Did you just-"

"C'mon, up and at 'em! On your feet! Move your legs!" The little vampire excitedly clapped her hands and forced them to wake up from their stupor, "If you make me miss my chance to explore Kyoto then there is no punishment known to mortals that will quell my anger, but I know a few personal treatments that would make us even."

"We're up!"

The five youngsters popped up on their feet to avoid the vampire's disproportionate wrath. Naruto quickly looked around and noticed a lack of gruff little foxes anywhere to be seen, "Anyone know where Kyūbi went?"

"The mongrel." Eva rolled her eyes before stepping aside and giving them a better view of Chachamaru standing dutifully behind her. They all looked unimpressed by the fox lounging in her arms as her robotic fingers danced over his body and hit his perfect patterns precisely, "Hasn't left her arms all morning."

"I'd deny you, Bitch, but Robot Girl's hands are gifts from the heavens." Kyūbi groaned, "No point to leave." He hissed in pure anger when Naruto yanked him out of the green-haired girl's arms and tossed him into Konoka's, "Damn you to hell!"

"There, there, Kyūbi-chan."

"Oh it's not the same." Konoka pulled her hand back, "I didn't say stop."

"Um, Evangeline-San," Negi gained the vampire's attention, "Didn't you say last night that the headmaster was performing a special ceremony every two seconds so you can leave the campus without the repercussions of your curse."

"Your point, Boya?"

"Well doesn't that mean he's been doing it nonstop since last night?"

"Yep, and I said I would come back the moment you all were safe but then I realized this is the first fresh breath away from Mahora I've taken in fifteen years so he'll suck it up and work himself to the bone while I reap the rewards of my magnanimous act of kindness."

"..."

"You're a monster, Eva-chan."

"No, I'm the Dark Evangel. Look it up."

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

Konoemon Konoe's hands turned into blurs as he rapidly slammed his stamp down on the vacation papers to allow Eva her freedom. He expected her to come back after she saved everyone, but she still hadn't returned. He knew she hadn't died, and he had even received a call from his son-in-law when he had a second between stamping to hear they were all safe.

Which meant she hadn't returned of her own will, and he was forced to keep stamping because of it. He could stop but he wasn't sure what the consequences would be for a vampire a few hundreds of miles away to suddenly be out of her prison without permission. It would probably be very violent and painful, and that wasn't even considering what Evangeline would do when she got her hands on him. So he decided to treat her and allow her to keep her freedom for at least a day.

That was his mindset hours ago...and he hated himself for thinking that.

"My hands~." He cried as he stamped away, "I want to die!"

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

"Good morning, everyone." Eishun waved the youngsters over as they made their way through the streets of Kyoto. The elder swordsman smiled warmly at their arrival, "I'm glad to see you all up on your feet again."

"The beds were super comfortable, Konoe-San!" Haruna said with a smile before rubbing her neck, "But I still feel pretty stiff and sore for some reason. Maybe I just slept on it wrong."

The boys and girls privy to what happened last night nervously looked aside and tried to ignore the young mangaka's curious look as much as possible.

"Well, come along. We aren't going to get anywhere just standing in the street."

"Eishun-San!" Negi quickly jogged up to the older man's side, "Um, I wanted to ask you a question about Kotarou-kun. After last night..."

"I know, Naruto-kun informed me about his part in fighting alongside you all and rescuing Konoka. As such that has earned him some leniency and goodwill. He'll still need to experience a punishment, but it will be far less severe now that we know his character." Eishun smiled, "He's a good young man, but perhaps a little misguided."

"As long as he gets a chance to fight Negi, I'm sure he's fine with a punishment." Naruto added and chuckled at Negi's quiet whine. The young blond looked up at his former comrade, "Eishun-San, those others we fought...have you heard anything else about them?"

"We haven't located them yet. I've sent my agents out to scour Kyoto but there's no sign of them." Negi and Naruto shared a look as Eishun continued, "The ladies that came and assisted you last night told me that they lost track of the mercenary Tsukuyomi. That white-haired boy is going by the name of Fate Averruncus now and has been seen operating out of Istanbul. But that last boy is an enigma since we can't find any record of him."

"Sasuke Uchiha." Negi and Eishun looked over at the scarred blond as he stared ahead, "That's the name he gave me. I'll tell you both later, but I doubt you'll find anything about him."

They didn't see Kyūbi's eyes narrow at the mention of the name. Except for the vampire who noticed his reaction and raised her brow curiously. Now that was quite an interesting expression to show for someone who was apparently a total unknown.

"Whoa!"

"I didn't think there'd be a building back here."

"Geez, looks like a dump."

"This is it. Nagi Springfield's home and study."

"Um, can I retract what I just said?"

They group all stared up at the old building that was nearly overrun by overgrown plants along the outside. Despite the poor condition of the home, Negi could only stare at the observatory in awe. He found himself compelled to step up to the building and stand in front of its doors as he paused just short of stepping in.

"Here, allow me." Eishun stepped up beside the boy and opened the doors for them to walk in. Negi hesitantly stepped inside and then looked around the interior of the observatory, staring at all the books that lined the walls and the multiple levels leading up through the building. The young redhead couldn't find any words as Eishun stepped up to his side with a fond smile, "I've been cleaning it whenever I've had the chance. I'm not much of a gardener but I can do some spring cleaning every now and then. Everything in here is exactly how he left it."

"Whoa!" Negi was reminded that he wasn't here alone as the girls gawked and looked around the building in surprise, "Look how many books Negi-kun's father had! Secchan let's look around!"

"Y-Yes, Ojou-sama."

"Well, we wouldn't be the Library Exploration Club if we didn't have a look!" Haruna said with a grin as she ran in, Nodoka and Yue still marveling at the selection in front of them. Eva just rolled her eyes and stepped in while Chachamaru carried Kyūbi and followed after her.

"Aniki?"

"H-Huh?" Negi was brought out of his thoughts when Chamo tapped his cheek, "Oh, sorry Chamo-kun. I was just a little lost in my thoughts."

"You gonna be okay?"

"Oh I'm fine. It's just…" A strange smile took Negi's face as he looked around the interior of the building and all it had to offer, "I'm realizing this is the first time I've ever stood in the same place as my father did years ago. It's…I don't know how to describe what I'm feeling."

"Happy?"

"I'm happy to finally be here…" Negi gave his familiar a sad smile and shook his head, "But I doubt what I'm feeling is happiness."

Asuna watched Negi stand in the middle of the room from the corner of her eye. When he finally started walking and following Eishun's lead she went back to staring at the rows of books that climbed up the levels and to the ceiling. Of course they were all written in a language she couldn't read and probably never comprehend so she had the joy of just staring at the spines and guessing what they said.

"You're staring pretty hard at those books. You got some beef with them or something?" Asuna nearly jumped before she looked and saw Naruto had appeared by her side. She frowned at his joke before he joined her in her browsing, "So what's up?"

"Nothing, just looking at Negi's dad's collection." She looked around and marveled at just how many books he had in his home, "I guess I shouldn't really be surprised that Negi's dad had so many to read. Like father, like son."

"Oh not at all." Naruto chuckled and shook his head, "I doubt Nagi read even a tenth of these things. They were probably just gifts or books he planned to get around to reading but never actually did." Asuna looked surprised by his insight as he nodded, "Nagi was way more into the mindset of 'Learn as you do, not do as you learn'. Pretty much the exact opposite of Negi. If you took out their looks and based them solely on personality then you wouldn't be able to tell that they're father and son." Naruto nodded and looked to his companion. He blinked when he saw Asuna simply stare at him in silence, "What is it?"

"Huh?" Asuna blinked, coming out of her thoughts, "Sorry, I just forget sometimes how close you were with his dad. You know you could probably tell him what you told me and he'd keep asking you more and more questions about what he was like." Asuna looked back at the young Mage as he explored the observatory, "Maybe you should tell him more stories about his dad."

"Yeah, I've thought about it."

"You have?" She turned back to the taller blond as he looked over the bookshelf, "So why don't you?"

"The same reason he hasn't come up to me and asked; because it would hurt too much." The scarred blond responded quietly as Asuna looked between him and Negi. The young Welshman hadn't overheard them and she turned back to Naruto to let him continue, "Imagine me going up to Negi and telling him everything I know and remember about his dad when I was younger. How I looked up to him. How I remember what an idiot and completely selfish jerk he could be. How when he wanted he could be the coolest, most powerful man in the entire world, and how I wanted to be just like him. What does that sound like to you?"

It sounded like a boy idolizing his father.

"If I told him what it was like being with Nagi, it's like I'm rubbing in the childhood and relationship he never had. The one he's been striving for his whole life is one I got to have without even asking." Naruto showed a sad, self-deprecating smile as he ran a hand over the books, "He calls me 'Nii-San', but sometimes I'm worried that he might resent me for stealing that life away from him."

"Do you really think Negi would do something like that?"

"Not at all," Naruto responded with a shrug, "But then again can you imagine someone coming up to you and telling you they got to live a life with your parents that you always wanted and never had? I can't but that's exactly what Negi gets to feel every time I'm next to him."

Naruto got a slug in the arm for his worries. He looked over at Asuna's deep frown before pointing into his face, "Negi loves you like a brother, and that's why he calls you that. I don't have parents either so we might not know what Negi feels like right now, but I can bet he isn't harboring any deep hate or anger or whatever towards you. The kid's too sweet and stupid and childish for that. You don't want to feel guilty? Then just help him do what he wants to do."

"Well I know that." Naruto rolled his eyes and rubbed his arm, "He's looking for Nagi, so I'm gonna do whatever I can in my power to help him do that." Asuna nodded approvingly, glad to see there was at least one dumb guy in her life that knew what they needed to do. Now if only Negi was this easy to convince, "I always thought there was a chance Nagi was still alive, but the moment Negi told me he saw him was the moment I knew there was something I needed to do. He helped me when I was just a kid, and now it's my turn to help him. And if I can help make a scene where Negi can meet his father again...then it'll all be worth it."

"Hehehe," Naruto heard Asuna chuckle and looked down at the twin-tailed girl and her expression. When her blue and green eyes turned to him, he noticed their joy and amusement, "When I hear Negi fawn about his dad and you talk him up so much, it makes me think he must have been a really great guy. I hope I could meet him someday."

"Yeah. I think you two would get along really well." He said in a low whisper that quickly got her attention. He abandoned that mindset and flashed a smirk, "He was pretty young for his age so I'm not sure it would have fit your dandy fetish but who knows."

Asuna scowled as he laughed, but before she could rebuke him she noticed someone in the corner of her eye and looked up. Eishun was waving them over and signaling for them to come up to the next level. He was calling Konoka and Setsuna over as well as the teenagers came up to join him and Negi.

"What is it, Otou-sama?" Konoka asked before she and the others looked at the desk between Negi and Eishun. They spotted the picture on the tabletop of a group of men standing together on a grassy hill as Konoka gasped in shock, "Oh my god, Negi-kun your dad was so handsome! Ah, look at him he looks just like you!"

"It's remarkable. The likeness is uncanny, almost like clones and not just father and son." Setsuna agreed as she looked at the picture closely, "Eishun-sama, this man in black besides Negi-sensei's father-"

"That's me, very good Setsuna-kun. I was quite a youthful looking man in my younger days, but nothing compared to Nagi. Even as an adult he looked more like a teenager than a grown man." Eishun remarked as the girls marveled at the picture and Evangeline nodded in agreement, knowing that was one of his points she liked most. The older swordsman pointed down to the picture, "This is Nagi, that one is me, the man in the suit was named Gateau Kagura Vandenburg and the one in the robe is Albireo Imma. The big guy in the back is Jack Rakan, and the young-looking one in front is Filius Zect."

While the others marveled at the picture and tried to memorize the names Eishun listed, Naruto looked at the picture fondly and remembered the old times when the group were still together. Nagi boldly claiming something proudly and with certainty but was still so stupid they laughed at him. Albiero being a kind, caring, creepy, sketchy weirdo that the others would not so subtly warn him not to mimic. Eishun attempting his hardest to be the voice of reason but slowly falling into the madness. Rakan most likely being the source of that ridiculous madness. Gateau standing to the side, smoking his cigarette and trying to shield him from the craziness. He never got to meet Filius Zect but with the way they so fondly remembered and talked about him, he was surely a good man.

It had been so long since the members of Ala Rubra had been together like this. And now even if they did gather, it would never be a complete group again. Seeing how they were and how they are now…Naruto could only smile sadly at the lost opportunity.

"Nagi heard about the war happening in Mundus Magicus and decided he wasn't going to simply sit back and let it carry on. Like an idiot he decided he would stride into the fighting and do what he could, and like idiots we failed to stop him and got carried along for the ride. Along the way we met more idiots that refused to let this war continue, and fools that took after our examples and stood up to fight. You almost wouldn't believe some little nobody from the welsh countryside could change things so drastically, like something out of a fantasy novel, but that's what happened, and that's who Nagi was." Eishun said, tone soft and words happily reminiscent of the time with his comrades so long ago, "That's the effect he had on people."

"The last time I saw him was a little over ten years ago. After that...he just disappeared off the face of the earth. No one had any way to contact him. No one had any way to find him. He wasn't dead he was just...gone."

"He's not gone, Eishun-San, he's just lost right now. I'm not sure where, and I'm not sure how...but I'll find him." Negi muttered before looking around the home once more, "Being here and knowing what he was like...just let's me know I'm on the right path."

"Negi-kun."

The group looked at the young teacher in surprise at his level of conviction. Evangeline looked at the young redhead before sighing and shaking her head, exhausted by his whole-hearted declaration and his childish belief that he could actually succeed.

"Hey, you lot!" Haruna called out from the lower level, Nodoka and Yue by her side with Chachamaru still petting Kyūbi on the couch. The green-haired girl waved her phone in the air, "Asakura is demanding us to tell her where we are so she can take our group photo! What do I tell her?"

"Oh man, Asakura would totally make us wait somewhere so she can take the photo." Asuna mulled as she deflated at the idea, "Can you just tell her we'll take the photo instead-"

"She sent a text immediately after the first one saying she wouldn't accept us taking the picture."

"We're taking a picture and she can live with it. And tell her I'm the one who said it." Naruto sternly responded.

Haruna's eyes widened, "She says she begrudgingly accepts but it better be a great picture. Holy crap! You actually convinced Asakura not to take a picture! How'd you do that?! Do you have something on her? Something saucy to shut her mouth? Or did you fill her mouth with something else to shut her up~?}

"Paru, don't be gross. Everyone get together for the picture! That means you Eva-chan!"

"Why do I have to indulge in this buffoonery?"

"Cause you're here on the trip now. So shut up, get rid of the scowl, and try to look cute."

"What do you mean try? Unlike you haggard wenches I'm always perfect."

Negi let out a nervous chuckle as the girls started to argue with the vampire as she casually ignored them and flipped her hair over her shoulder. He made to follow before a cardboard tube was offered to him, "What's this?"

"It's something left by Nagi. It was the newest thing in this place, which is still about ten years old. I'm not sure what it is but it might be a clue to Nagi."

"O-Oh, thank you, Eishun-San."

"I wish you luck, Negi-kun, and I hope you find him wherever that moron might be." The older man stepped up to the young Mage and placed a hand on his shoulder, "No one has been able to find him since he disappeared but I have a feeling you might just do the impossible and find him. You have that look in your eyes just like he did...one where you see the impossible and just think of it as not done yet."

Negi's eyes watered as he took a shaky breath and nodded, "Thank you sir."

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

"Okay everyone! 3! 2! 1!"

"GOODBYE, KYOTO!"

"QUIET DOWN, ALL OF YOU!" Nitta barked and all the students quickly clammed up in the train station as the stern teacher waved his arm, "We aren't the only ones here today so the least you can all do is be courteous and show some manners!"

"Yes sir." The students all responded in unison as the train rung and signaled for them all to start coming in.

"Man, this trip was awesome! You could feel the essence of Japan permeate through every inch of this place!"

"I know what you mean! Did you see that cute little design by the entrances of the hotel? They looked like charms or something!"

"Wow! Kyoto is amazing!"

"The staff there here really goes through with the authenticity to make you feel like we were in ancient Japan again!"

"Makes sense."

"Vindication." Naruto sent a not so subtle look of pride towards Setsuna as the swordswoman frowned and conceded the point towards him. Turns out those Anti-Shikigami really were just considered as decorations in the end.

"Wh - McDowell? When did you get here? And Karakuri too!"

"What are you talking about sir? We were always here. We said good morning and night to you several times."

"Indeed sensei, we did do that."

"B-But-"

"You should be careful, Nitta-sensei, or people might think you're going senile."

Naruto chuckled as he made his way onto the train and heard the indignant babbling of Nitta as Eva made her way onboard. The moment he walked on he noticed a distinct lack of noise and cheering through the compartment. He looked around and noticed almost all of 3-A was sleeping or teetering on the edge of it. Heads rested on shoulders as they succumbed to the feeling of relaxation with finally being away from Kyoto, and the warmth of the sun beating down on them. He passed by the seats with Konoka resting on Setsuna's shoulder as the bodyguard rested in turn on her hair. They looked so comfy together that it looked like a portrait. He passed again and saw Negi sleeping against Asuna. He was sure the twin-tailed girl would have a problem with that if she knew, but she was already napping as well.

"Want to close your eyes?"

Naruto looked back at a smiling Shizuna before he shook his head, "Nah, I'm good. I'm sure I can at least last until we get back to Mahora. I was just glad to see everyone relax and take a break now."

"Well it was quite a draining experience for a lot of them. I'm sure the rest is much appreciated."

Naruto nodded and took a seat at the front as the train started to make its way out of the station. He was sat beside Chachamaru and Evangeline who quietly waited for their arrival back to Mahora. He looked down at Kyūbi blissfully getting his ears scratched before looking over at the little vampire, "Sad your vacation is over so quickly?"

"It's not a vacation, it was a release from prison. And the only reason I'm coming back is because Konoemon is sure to pass out soon and who knows what will happen to me then." The little blonde responded before scowling out the window, "The moment I see that school again I'm going to vomit, and I'm aiming it your way in spite."

"Does the little lady need a nap?"

"Does the dumbass require his scrotum?"

"Okay, that's a leap."

"That's what kinda mood I'm in now."

"Well alright then," Naruto stretched his arms and let a yawn slip out, "Guess I might actually take a nap and - OW!"

"Not yet." Eva said and released the bit of skin she squeezed and twisted on his arm. He massaged the pained area as the vampire leaned against the window, "The little mongrel recognized that boy's name, and you fought the white one with far more emotion than just the fact he was smacking the Boya and mutt around. You know them." Naruto didn't respond but Eva took that as an answer, "So tell me what you know."

"Is that all? I know quite a bit."

"I doubt that but no that's not all." Eva grinned viciously, "I want you to tell me everything you remember about Nagi."

"Just for your sake I'll tell you now that there's nothing I could say that would indulge your weird fantasies-"

"Shut. The fuck up. And get started."

"How can I get started if I shut the fuck up?"

"Chachamaru, if the next words out of his mouth aren't the start of a story, I want you to start ripping off appendages. Start with the smallest and limpest ones."

"Master, as part of my ethical programming I don't think-"

"Do it."

"Yes Master."

"Fine. Well, I guess what I remember first was having a bowl of ramen with an old man."

[[[[[[[[Omake: The Pain of Being Older and Reliable]]]]]]]]

"Hmmm." Negi walked back into his bedroom he shared with Asuna, Konoka, and Naruto with a confused expression. He saw his roommates sitting around the table with Setsuna coming to visit, Chamo and Kyūbi sitting on the tabletop as well.

"Welcome back, Negi-kun." Konoka greeted her little friend back.

"Greetings, Negi-sensei," Setsuna bowed her head, "I hope you don't mind but I have been invited to come and eat with you."

Negi didn't seem to notice her arrival and sat down, puzzled and tilting his head in deep thought.

"Hey." Asuna leaned in and flicked him in the forehead, "For an English gentleman you're being really rude."

"O-Oh, I'm sorry! W-Welcome, Setsuna-San! I didn't mean to ignore you or anything!"

"You look distracted." Naruto notes while Konoka poured everyone a cup of tea, "What's on your mind buddy?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't really focus at the moment." The young redhead shuffled in place and looked down with a conflicted expression about his dilemma, "Earlier when I was walking through the campus I heard some female students talking about something and I didn't understand what they were saying. But then they all started talking about it like it was a problem they all had. A-And I realized there is still a lot I don't know about my students' daily lives and their troubles. How can I be a teacher they can rely on if I don't even know what they struggle through?"

Asuna sighed wearingly, "Seriously, that's your worry? Sometimes I think you forget you're just a brat."

"Huh?"

"You know you can rely on us for help with stuff like that, right?"

"Please, Negi-sensei, ask us anything."

"That's right, let your big sisters and brother help you."

"E-Everyone." Negi's eyes filled with tears of joy while he looked at their confident, supportive expressions. He bowed his head, "Thank you so much!"

"No problem. So what's this issue they were talking about?"

"Oh, of course." Negi nodded while they started to sip from their tea-

"What is PMS?"

Naruto, Setsuna, and Asuna slammed their cups down as they spewed their drinks across the table. Konoka dropped her tray and stared ahead in complete silence. Kyūbi jumped awake after getting soaked with tea and Chamo looked up in shock and joy at Negi's simple inquiry. The little redhead tilted his head, "What's the matter?"

Asuna blushed furiously, "W-W-W-W-What are you doing asking us something like that?"

"Why? What's the matter?"

"Negi! You can't ask us something like that!" Asuna squawked, "T-That...thing is...it's really..." The twin-tailed girl struggled to voice her argument as she blushed and fidgeted in place before looking back, "Konoka?"

"Well Negi-kun you see..." The usually composed girl also blushed and shook her head, "I don't think I can do it."

"Allow me ladies!" Chamo announced in a chivalrous tone, "Aniki has gotta hear it from someone who understands the process. See Aniki that thing is more commonly known as the cycle of death-"

He didn't get any further as Asuna swung her palm across and spiked the ermine out the window. His scream grew further and further away before disappearing altogether with a twinkle in the sky. Everyone stared at the Chamo-shaped hole in the window in silence...

"N-N-Negi-sensei," Setsuna blubbered, the usually infallible warrior blushing like mad and stuttering like crazy as she tried to explain, "Y-Y-You see..." She bit her lip, "Naruto-sensei can explain!"

"Go Whiskers!"

"We're counting on you, Naruto-kun!"

"WHAT?!" The blond boy exclaimed before he saw all the looks from the girls begging him to take control of the conversation and lead it as far away from them. He could understand that the topic was uncomfortable and awkward for them but it was pretty bad for him too. He wanted to just tell Negi it wasn't a topic of conversation but the damn kid's natural curiosity wouldn't allow him to let it go. It was infuriating living with a child genius that could look up at you with the eyes of a sad puppy you blame yourself for kicking! He sighed and turned to face the younger man, "Well Negi, the first thing you need to know is PMS…is…an acronym!"

The girls palmed their faces as Negi nodded, "Yes Nii-San, I figured that out! But what does the acronym stand for?"

"It stands for…" Naruto paused, looked up in thought, and then shook his head, "I don't know but that's not the important part." The girls look pained by his explanation, or the lack thereof as the whiskered boy looked into the impressionable eyes of his young friend, "What matters is what it does. And what it does is…"

"Yes?"

"Well…" Naruto hesitated before looking over at the girls, "You know how girls are really sweet and kind and nice and stuff?"

"Uh-huh."

"Well they can't always be like that, and when they – y'know – that's their bodies getting rid of all the meanness inside them so that they can be nice again. But when they do, they get really angry and mean and snap at you. Have you ever noticed a girl being a little grumpy or short when you're around?"

"Well I think I remember a few times when Onee-chan was not feeling in a good mood and was very cross with me." Negi's eyes widened in realization, "So this PMS is when girls stop being nice and act mean?"

"Basically."

"Goodness. Wait, does that mean Evangeline-San is always PMSing?"

Kyūbi gasped for air and slammed his face against the tabletop in an effort to stop himself from bursting with laughter. Even Asuna and Naruto were struggling to keep their giggles in as Konoka hid her smile behind her hand and Setsuna just blushed from mortification. Naruto just answered with sealed lips and a furious nod.

"I see, and I shouldn't bring this topic up with other girls, correct?" They nodded, "Wow, the life of middle school girls is much more complex than I originally believed. Thank you everyone! I'll go try and help Evangeline-San and anyone else I find who might be in a sour mood!"

Negi went running out the room with his new knowledge in hand and a jump in his step. When he was gone all the girls turned and glared at Naruto for his misleading explanation.

"Hey! You all just sat there and let me continue! You had a chance to stop me and fix it! Whatever happens next is on all of us!"

"You know he's going to get killed by Eva-chan, and then she'll come for us, right?"

"And we'll all share the blame."

They quickly abandoned Naruto without a second thought.

"Well shit."

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

Done

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide of other chapters and real life shit.

Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see~.

The Kyoto Arc is over.

Fucking hell. Holy shit. Whatever other exclamation using mythology or religious factors I can imagine to convey my disbelief.

I almost never believed I would actually get here again. Do you remember that period where I didn't update for even a year? God damn! But we're finally done!

And now I'm done with this story forever! It was fun but finally being able to reach the finale was-

What? What was that? Festival? What's a magic world? What do you mean not even started?

Oh fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu-

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Thank You and Bye