NOVEL NEXT Chapter 32: Report
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction based on multiple existing anime/manga series. The characters and settings used in this story belong to their respective owners and creators, and no copyright infringement is intended. This story is purely for entertainment purposes and is not intended to infringe upon any existing intellectual property. I do not own any of the original works that inspired this fanfiction, and I fully support the original creators and their works.
-Story Start-
Nestled within the walls of the Ranoa Magic Academy was the Student Council Room.
A room that has little difference from any other room in the whole Academy.
No fancy decorations - A window, some tables and chairs, a teapot, and a relatively inexpensive sofa.
On those tables were numerous papers scribbled with assorted reports, complaints, and... Gossip unrelated to School Matters?
Moving on...
The lack of decoration is an odd prospect - Considering the status and influence of said room.
One would assume it would have been decorated lavishly to embolden the claim of its power.
That is what the Principal would have gone with.
Yet, the Principal's hands are tied in this matter - The choice of embellishment in regards to the Student Council Room is up to the Council itself.
And, the Council chose not to flaunt its power, influence, or monetary advantages.
They decided to keep it simple and modest, a reflection of their dedication to practicality over opulence.
However, "They" is inaccurate in this context.
All of the Student Council's moves are dictated by one sole individual - The Student Council President.
Ariel Anemoi Asura - Second Princess Of The Asura Kingdom, 4th Year Normal Student in this fine Academy as well as its proud and blessed Student Council President.
This young lady's looks are beyond praise:
Long and smooth cascading blonde hair, enchanting blue eyes, and a modest yet generous figure.
She is, without a doubt, a dazzling young woman whose mere glance may seduce even the strongest-willed men.
Regardless.
Currently, Ariel is writing a letter to a prospective ally.
Thus, under the light of the sun that beamed at her through the window, Ariel's visage looked picturesque as she peacefully wrote - Her countenance soft yet concentrated on the task of writing.
Eventually, the sunlight started to blind her, much to her annoyance so she got up to cover the window with the curtains.
On her way to the window, a single knock on the door stopped her in her tracks.
Turning to the door, a practiced smile etched onto her face and her much-rehearsed voice called out to the visitor, "Enter, Luke!"
At her words, the door creaked open, revealing the resolute figure of Luke as he approached Ariel.
Bowing as courtesy and etiquette dictate, Ariel absentmindedly reciprocates Luke's gesture by courtesying herself.
She gazed into his eyes, and saw a familiar glint - He had something to report to her.
Something important.
Nodding, she gestured to the table and chairs - Both of them walking there and taking a seat.
Placing her arms on the table, she had a smirk on her face.
Her pleasant voice came out as smooth as always, yet held a teasing tone, "What's the matter, Luke? Did a girl finally reject you? Do you want me to comfort you~?"
Huffing through his nose, he shook his head, "Ariel-sama, you know that could never happen." His words came out with the utmost certainty.
He cut to the chase, "But that's not what I'm here to talk about. I came to report you about Gojo Satoru as you had ordered."
Her teasing smirk was exchanged into a moderately surprised one at Luke's words, placing a finger on her lip, "Oh? He's here already? That's unusual... The reports suggest he spends his time when traveling."
'I'd expected a few days before he actually enrolls. Though I can see the logic in his decision to do so now.' Ariel reflects on her mistaken prediction.
Expressing his curiosity, Luke called out to her, "Should I contact him and invite him here? He should be on his way to enroll with Principal Georg. I could converse with him when he's do-"
Placing a hand in front of Luke, Ariel smiles once more, "That won't be necessary. To get Gojo Satoru on our side will require us to carefully observe him. I've concluded that he has ignored all letters sent to his residence in the Holy Land Of Swords. Except for the one inviting him here. He, much like Rudeus, appears to be entirely uninterested in picking sides or in politics."
'An odd thing for someone as powerful as him. Individuals uninterested in those are usually hermits... Like Perugius-sama.' Ariel analyzed.
Shaking her head, her smile still confident she concludes her statement, "We'll discuss this further when we learn more. For now, act naturally, and don't antagonize him if you can help it."
Nodding at her and bowing with his hand, Luke agrees, "Yes, Ariel-sama."
He then lifts his gaze at her, a question lingering in his eyes, "Does that mean he is similar to Rudeus in that regard? Do I have to simply follow the same policy you dictated towards Rudeus with that man?"
Humming for a moment, Ariel presents her response, a weak smile on her face, one that she can only show to her closest friends and allies, her tone holds a hint of fear "Truthfully, I am uncertain about that. He is more powerful than Rudeus. And worse - He is much more unpredictable. He is extremely whimsical and spontaneous, his reported acts and pauses have little to no logic. He lacks purpose besides amusing himself, is what I can conclude. The only indication of some kind of purpose is his arrival here, and even that could be one of his whims."
Shaking her head with a sigh, she complained bitterly in her mind, 'Why only those who are lacking in ambition cross my path? It's infinitely more irksome to persuade them.'
'On the bright side, he isn't unnecessarily cruel or cold-hearted - Evident by the slaves he rescued from those slavers he had butchered nearly a month ago.' Ariel noted this as well internally.
Regardless, the odds didn't look stacked up for Gojo Satoru as a prospective ally for the Second Princess of Asura.
A fact, Luke made sure to point out.
A few moments of contemplative silence pass, and Luke responds, his eyes narrowed in concern, "Then... Isn't it risky to recruit him to our cause, Ariel-sama? I don't recall anything drastic happening that would warrant such desperation."
Humming, Luke continued more cautiously, "Although not as allegedly powerful, if we're considering prospective powerful allies, Rudeus seems like a much better alternative. if Sylphiette manages to seduce him by the time they are back, it might even be a guarantee..."
Once again, Ariel cut off Luke's words with a hand.
Shaking her head, a thin smile on her face she states firmly and yet gently, "I will not be using Sylphy's love for my own gain."
Luke's eyes widened momentarily at Ariel's gentle yet piercing words and he apologized, his face cringing, "M-My apologies, I overstepped. She's my close friend as well."
Ariel waved it off, a vicious smirk taking hold of her expression, "It's fine, Luke. I can't lie that the very same thought crossed my mind once or twice..."
Tilting her head, Ariel mentions something she had caught earlier, "Do tell me Luke, what caused you to warm up to Rudeus?"
Luke shook his head sharply, responding, "I haven't. I don't trust him and I still believe he is a bad influence on Sylphiette. That hasn't changed. My personal bias should hold no sway in your decisions and your struggle for the throne. I might not find his personality agreeable and his achievements exaggerated - He is nonetheless a comprehendible and powerful card to play should we get him on our side..."
Finishing it off with a repeat offer, "I can still find him a big-breasted wife to tie him to our side, he is a Greyrat after all."
Ariel sweatdropped as she lifted her hands in a placating gesture, "That won't be necessary, yet."
'That depends on if Sylphy fails.'
Luke simply shrugged at that.
Coughing, Ariel's expression turned serious. "We've strayed from our main topic. What you said earlier has merit, which is why I'm suggesting observing and learning more about Gojo Satoru. You are aware that efforts to recruit him will also be making their way here, right? We cannot allow that to happen. If he is not to join my struggle, that is fine. But he cannot join any other side. That would spell my loss."
Observing Luke's expression tighten at her statement, she added, "Now, I doubt this would warrant more assassins coming my way, so calm down."
As Luke absorbed his lady's words, a sensual smirk appeared on her face as her tone became suggestive, and a "brilliant idea" crossed her mind, "Maybe, I'll just seduce him myself~"
'I wonder what kind of expression someone like him will make when...' Her thoughts went in a rather obscene direction.
Luke's expression paled, "Surely you're jesting right? Ariel-sama?" His tone was uneasy.
Seeing his amusing reaction, Ariel giggled.
Only causing Luke to get more worried.
Eventually, as to not torment Luke too much, Ariel placated him, "But yes, I was jesting. When it comes to women or perhaps direct approaches from women, Gojo Satoru seems to expertly weave out of seduction." She elaborated.
A thoughtful expression came across Luke as he nodded, "Hmm... You're right, that means that method wouldn't work."
A sultry smirk took hold of Ariel's expression, "Maybe men would work? What do you say, Luke?"
Luke's formerly pale expression regained its pale texture immediately, as he gulped in nervousness.
For the first time in a while - He questioned his loyalty.
And whether or not this was hopefully a joke.
She giggled once more, "I should be glad that at the very least he came here. Leaving hints for the Principal was well worth the taxing effort it took."
Shaking off his prior nervousness and unease, Luke offered a nod of sympathy, his tone had an undertone of gratitude for the change of topic, "...He loves his lectures."
Thus, they shared a moment of bonding, credited to the mutual suffering at the hands of a short bald man who was incredibly fond of his own voice.
--------------------------
The Academy's Men's Dorms.
Frankly speaking, the rooms that composed the dorms were no different in terms of levels of comfort and accommodation than the average Inn in Sharia.
Down to even the Magic Resistant Brick that outlined the rooms.
However, the exception to the rule was of course:
The Special Student Suite - Provided to each Special Student respectively upon enrolling.
Twice the size, comfier beds, a better view as they were located on the topmost floor of the building, and best of all...
Weekly cleaning by staff!
Thus, our focus shifted to the hallway that held all the Special Student Suites.
It was empty.
The explanation was rather straightforward - Classes were in session, and no current known Special Student is renowned for sleeping in.
At the end of the hall, to the right, was a recently vacant Special Student Suite.
Why recently vacant?
Oh, if it isn't Gojo Satoru!
"Uwa, Creepy..." Satoru had a cringing expression.
Why was he cringing?
Because...
On his brand new bed, were multiple folded uniforms.
Dressing himself in a pair, he had discovered something rather eery - They all fit him like a glove, not even the slightest flaw in the size and fit.
He hummed in curiosity at the prospect, "Is this magic? This is way too accurate." He wondered innocently, sliding his shades for a quick glimpse - Putting an end to that idiotic assumption.
No, Satoru.
This was not magic.
Little did Satoru know - Through his multiple travels into tailor shops or stands at every chance he got to sample some clothing... His sizes and preferences were gossiped and freely spread around by merchants and tailors.
Gojo Satoru, a Great Power who has an excessive interest in clothing and his own looks was good for business and advertisement, after all.
This, Satoru did know, but he just didn't care.
What he did care about was...
A self-gratifying smirk crawled onto Satoru's face as he glanced at his uniform-adorned reflection.
Of course...
Shrugging and accepting the creepy knowledge of his sizes without trouble, Satoru's shaded eyes wandered around his room, "Hmm... Should I go learn some magic now?"
He wasn't in a rush, and his options were vast.
Here's how they appeared in his mind:
(1) Attend a class and figure out where to get started, then visit Nanahoshi, maybe.
(2) Explore the academy.
(3) Explore the town.
(4) ...Train.
Oh, and there's always the secret option 5 that applies to all of the above - Mess around.
To Be Continued!
-Author Note Start-
I was feeling extremely goofy, so I wrote this.
Didn't want to write a purely goofy chapter, so I advanced the plot a bit.
The next chapters should be similar-natured - Only with an important thingy happening.
Which was hinted at previously, so if you wanna figure it out you can go re-read lol.
Now then... What do you think Satoru chose to do now that he's been officially unleashed upon the Academy?
As for you guys curious about Satoru's inner opinions, especially about the chunky info exchange with Nanahoshi - They are purposefully vague or unstated, I am trying more of a show don't tell, type of thing.
And a portion of his charm comes from you not really knowing what he's thinking so I'll keep at it.
You can really try and figure it out for yourselves meanwhile :P
Also, in terms of the location of Satoru's room...
All I can say is that I am one evil and cruel bastard.
But meh, I'm having fun.
Also, Hitogami's been rather quiet since Chapter 8. Wonder what he's been doing.
If ya guys like what you're reading - I'd appreciate you posting a review! (Constructive so I know what to do better, I think we've gone far enough where you can find things that truly bother you and are consistent mistakes/bothersome stuff in my writing)
Also, it gets my mood up and motivates writing!
Anyways! Most importantly! Did I portray Teen Gojo well in this chapter? Not that much was happening but I'd appreciate feedback on this anyway! As this is the most critical part of the fic! Woohoo! Feedback! Yes!