The Red Dragon of Golden Light

by Nosferatu869

In the time Issei spends with Tannin on the mountain, he realizes many things about himself. He cannot accomplish anything the way he is. He must change. He has failed before but this time is different. This time he will become a proper Sekiryuutei. But change is something that happens naturally. Change is growth. Forcing that change upon yourself can have certain...consequences.

6. Chapter 6: The Fool Vs The Ignorant

Alright Fags. Here's the next one. The big fight! Or at least a part of it. These volume chapters are fucking large so I'll see what I can do. At the most, it'll be split into 3 parts. Hopefully not tho.

Alright let's go. And I suggest you listen to some music in the Saji Vs. Ise fight. Maybe [The final decision we all must take - Evangelion OST] just something listen to while writing this.

And then something sad like [L's past - Death Note OST] towards the end of the fight.

.

P.S. No, I am not a homophobe, don't be a baby. I love (or hate) everybody.

---

-SCENE-

The night before the decisive battle with the Sitri family.

We gathered in Azazel's room and had our last meeting.

There had been the attack by Bikou and Kuroka, but the matter had been settled for the time being thanks to them being driven away by our group and Tannin, my Shishou. Things have already settled down concerning that incident now.

There was talk of Rias gaining an even higher assessment and value thanks to that battle. Since Vali's team was repelled. It seems that the points for these were high. Most of it was me though. Not sure if she told them that. Meh. Doesn't really matter.

In the end, we won quite easily. Thanks to me taking the full offensive against Kuroka, mentally and physically.

And above all else, what's most important to me, Koneko is safe.

—So, we were having a meeting. Right away, Azazel questioned me about the finer details of my Balance Breaker.

"Ise, I never asked during the report besides the basic information, but how's the state of your Balance Breaker exactly?"

"First, when I changed into Balance Breaker, it took time for the transformation to occur. The time until the transformation was displayed on my gauntlet's jewel. Moreover, when I had entered that waiting state, I couldn't use my Sacred Gear. Both doubling and transfer were impossible. Furthermore, I could only transform once per day, and even if I canceled the transformation before it ends, my Sacred Gear would be deprived of almost all its power. And above all, my timer was 1 minute."

Azazel nodded as I answered his question.

"Yeah, it's just like the data says. It's almost exactly the same as past Sekiryuutei. So how is all of that now? How long can you last in it?"

"Well first off, as [Shishou] said before, when I began training with the armour my timer decreased by 15 seconds in one day. By this point, I have fully eliminated the timer, so that's no problem. And as it is now, I can transform around 3 times a day, consecutively. By the 3rd time, I feel fatigued. If I stay in one transformation, I can last as long as 5 days. But once I do that, I would feel too tired to transform once again."

"I see. Indeed your growth is truly terrifying. Almost disgustingly paced. It even surpasses that of Vali's natural growth. Though, he is a natural prodigy, and you still haven't fully reached his tier. But if I had to guess, you are only a tier below him and you are closing in fast. If he doesn't also grow, then you will catch up. I was informed by Tannin that you are able to fight him one on one at around 60% power. How's that?"

"Yeah, that's true. Shishou was not very good at holding back, so I had to adapt very quickly to fighting with him using at least half of his power. Not to mention, taking the brunt of his physical hits and some of his weaker fire blasts."

"Is that so? Although, I imagine that isn't taking fully into account that you dodged many of his attacks and any attacks that did hit were almost too much for you to take. Of course, I'm not belittling your achievements. You still are much stronger than we would've expected, even if we considered that you would unlock Balance Breaker at all on that mountain."

"Yeah, I tried. In the end, Shishou is a monster."

"Haha! From what I've heard, you're the monster here. I'm sure Tannin thought similarly."

"Yeah, Yeah. Whatever. Call me a monster when I beat him. Or you…."

Hey, wait a minute... Azazel is a bit stronger than Shishou, right? But if he were to take one of Shishou's powerful meteors, he would disappear... So maybe they're close in terms of overall "strength"... But unlike Shishou, Azazel is my size... Which means... The best way to test my strength would be...

"...Neh, Azazel…. You feel like a fighting mood?"

"Rias, Sona Sitri knows about the Gremory group to some degree, right?"

—At Azazel's question, Rias nodded. Nobody acknowledged me.

"Oi, you ignoring me?!"

"Yes, she understands us roughly. For example: she knows of Ise, Kiba, Akeno, Asia and Xenovia's main weapons. Video recordings of our battle with the Phoenix group were partly open to the public, after all. Furthermore, Gasper's Sacred Gear and Koneko-chan's background have also come to light."

"Well, she knows roughly about all of you then. So, how much do you know about her side?"

"I know the abilities of Sona, of her [Queen] the vice-president, and of several others of her servants. Though some of their abilities haven't been confirmed yet."

"So you're at a disadvantage in that regard. Well, such a thing is fine for a game or an actual battle. That is often the case in both the games and in actual battles. There are also cases of a Sacred Gear evolving and transforming during battle. You should pay careful attention. The number of your opponents is eight."

Their conversation continued. I should kill you for ignoring me, damn governor..! Well, I probably can't... But I can definitely take your other arm, fucker!

—Ahem, anyway.

So there were eight opponents, huh. On our side, there were eight of us, including Rias, Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, Asia, Xenovia, Gasper and me. It was the same numbers…

Next, Azazel wrote something on a whiteboard he had prepared.

"The Rating Game classifies players into different particular fighting-types. Power, technique, wizard, support. Out of these, Rias is a Wizard-type. The type that is superior in magic in general, so to speak. Akeno is the same. Kiba is a Technique-type. He fights with speed and technique. Xenovia is a Power-type that excels in the area of speed. A player that aims for a one-hit-certain-kill. Asia and Gasper are Support-types. Also, if you classify them with even more detail, Asia is closer to a Wizard-type, while Gasper is closer to a Technique-type. Koneko is a Power-type. And lastly, Ise. You're also a Power-type. However, you're also good at being a Support-type as well. With your [Gift] power."

"Ah, I also have a couple other abilities that may work for the support role. I developed them on the mountain to expand the limits of my Sacred Gear."

Azazel's face lit up.

"Oh? Original abilities? Developed by you? Intriguing. What are they?"

Azazel asks me with some stars in his eyes. This guy really likes Sacred Gears, huh. Well….. Actually...

"No... You know what? I'll just keep those under wraps until the match. Any information they don't know is an advantage for us."

He raises a brow at my statement.

"Ise, that's ridiculous. No one's spying on us. If you have some sort of power that could help in devising a strategy then you should say it here and now. If anything, withholding that information from your group would put you at a disadvantage."

"Yeah… Sorry. You may think that, but Sona-Kaichou is a very smart person. I would imagine that she is going to be communicating with her group just like us. So, I would assume that they would immediately report any irregularities that weren't accounted for. Especially considering me. They'll adjust their strategy accordingly, on the fly. After all…. I'm probably their main target."

Yeah, it has to be me. If I were in a match with someone like me in the other team, I would definitely aim for his head. Whichever piece is the most crucial to the team's victory is the spot she would be aiming for. That is me. I am the most powerful.

[I am sure that is not the only reason you are the main target, partner.]

Not sure what you mean, but either way.

"A keen observation, Ise. But even so, if there is more that we can use to strategise then it would be best to reveal that here."

I can hear a couple of the other members whispering about their disbelief at the situation.

"Ise is having a discussion with Azazel-sensei about strategy…. I never thought I'd see the day."

"Y-Yeah…"

What the hell's that supposed to mean, Irina?! Xenovia?!

Actually, you don't surprise me, Xenovia. What the hell, Irina?!

"I understand what you're saying, Azazel. Sorry, but I have made up my mind. To fool your opponents, you have to fool your friends. You may be right, but I feel more confident in my own decision. I have my own plans. Either way, I'm already at a great enough advantage myself that both outcomes wouldn't cause any serious problems."

(Liar. It's because you're full of yourself.)

Azazel rubbed his forehead in frustration and sighed deeply.

"Ise—You— Haah….. At the very least, you must absolutely explain everything to me in detail after this meeting, in private. Something like this is serious. So if you think it's alright enough to keep your lips sealed, then I'll have to judge that for myself as well. I can't have you making any grave decisions that may hinder your group's success. So at the least explain it to me. Alright?"

Azazel says that as he points his whiteboard marker at me. He's probably more disappointed in not being able to hear what types of powers they are than anything.

But at times like this, how should I respond?

—(The Hyoudou Issei that I want to be is confident. He would assert his dominance.)

---

|Kiba POV|

We are currently in a room listening to Azazel-sensei's advice and strategizing. Or at least we were. Now we have a problem. Ise-kun is now practically arguing with Sensei about things…

"Uh-huh, yeah. Whatever. I'll take your opinion into consideration, but I'll decide whether the others find out or not. So chill out, right? Here I was thinking you were the lax "sensei", Azazel."

Ise-kun says that while putting his arms behind the couch and resting his feet on the coffee table…. Ise-kun that is not right! Do not act so uncouth, Buchou taught is better!

"Hm? What's with that act? Your attitude is very unrefined. Have you become a delinquent during your time with Tannin?"

Sensei is right. Ise-kun has changed a lot since he has trained. Ever since then he seems more…..pronounced…. That's something that i had used to describe him before, with Xenovia, but…..the more time passes the more I think that. He is so….different. I think. I mean, he is still the same kind Ise-kun we know, but…. Somehow... He is quicker to speak his mind. He shows some confidence that wasn't there before. His honesty is sometimes more brutal. He is more well spoken at times and more crudely spoken at others.

—There are even times where I just think he isn't being himself.

And now he is acting like...this. I don't know what to make of it. Maybe Sensei is right. Tannin-sama and Ise-kun seem to have become very close in their time together. Maybe Tannin-sama has influenced Ise-kun.

Now that I think about it…. I don't think Ise-kun has said something perverted since he's come back! No...there's no way. Maybe I just missed those moments. Yes... That has to be it. He did hug Asia-chan quite aggressively when he returned. There must be something to that. Maybe he's just learned to keep it inside..? In which case, amazing! I could never see such a thing happening..! If not, then I may be misunderstanding..?

But there also was that moment the other day... When Ise-kun had returned with Koneko-chan and Buchou, he pulled her to the side for a second and spoke with her. There wasn't much conversing. Mostly Ise-kun just speaking I believe. It only lasted around 30 seconds to a minute, but that wasn't the odd part. The odd part was the interaction itself. There was only a bit i could hear from my distance along with everyone. Though I may have been one of the only ones paying attention at the time, by the end everyone's attention was fixated on Ise-kun. What I remember hearing was:

("How do you feel Koneko? No pain anywhere, right?")

Koneko-chan shook her head.

("Ah…. Good…. I'm sorry about your Nee-san….")

Koneko-chan shook her head once more.

("No... Ise-senpai did what he had to do..")

…A short pause...

("I see…")

And then an odd noise.

Almost like a whimper?... A noise similar to one when someone is crying.

Ise-kun wasn't facing us. His back was facing our direction. Koneko-chan was looking up at him, facing us.

—Her expression slowly changed from her natural stoic face, to one of almost shock mixed with some sadness, as she looked up at him. Ise-kun's body seemed to be….quivering a bit?...

I thought I was just confused, but...

Then out of nowhere—

—Ise-kun had suddenly embraced Koneko-chan.

...I believe someone was talking to Buchou about the attack... But she was too focused on what was happening with those two, in the distance. So was everyone else...

I'm sure they didn't hear what I heard, so they were even more confused than I was. Even so, I didn't fully understand it.

Was Ise-kun really so worried about Koneko-chan? Surely, he cares deeply for his comrades, but...

...Why was he so….obvious about it?

Not to mention, the way Ise-kun has been addressing Koneko-chan since then is odd. The times I have caught him saying her name, he referred to her with no honorifics. He just says "Koneko"... At first, I thought I misheard, but he certainly wasn't using honorifics the next time I heard it...

..Since when did he call her so casually?

—In the end, that was all I understood from what had happened. Even now I don't understand. There may have been more that happened during that attack that I didn't know.

But, if they reported that they were in no real danger thanks to Ise-kun...then why was he so...?

—But right now, that's not the main concern. The main concern is what is happening between Sensei and Ise-kun. Something worrisome.

I do not think Sensei's previous words were appreciated by Ise-kun.

"Oi, watch what you say…. I don't want to hear things like that from such an irresponsible, lazy, fake Sensei."

Ise-kun says that with some venom in his tone, as if he felt insulted by Sensei's statement! Is he threatening Azazel-sensei?!

"[Watch what you say]? Those are my lines, brat. Don't bring shame to your "Shishou" by being so distasteful."

Sensei answers him in a strict tone! Surely, Sensei is right. Ise-kun is acting a bit rude. But, more than that, the fact that this is even happening is unreasonable. The regular Ise-kun wouldn't be this way...

At that moment, Ise-kun stood up— and stared Sensei down.

"...I will show you my strength…..right now…."

Ise-kun says that to Sensei straight in his face!

It is only now that I see Ise-kun close up to Azazel-sensei that I notice how much taller he's become. He used to be around 173cm. Near my height. Now he seems to be closer to 180cm! Maybe he isn't as tall as Azazel-sensei's 188cm, but he is much taller than before! What sort of growth did he go through?! His new height gives him an air of dominance that I didn't know he had.

He's staring down Sensei with a menacing look on his face. As if he wants to fight. Ise-kun is challenging Sensei?!

"Sit down, Ise. This is a time for discussion— Not for childish antics."

Sensei says that Ise-kun. He has a scary serious look on his face! This Sensei can truly be intimidating when he's not joking.

Crack

Ise-kun is cracking his fingers by contorting them in a creepy manner. —Ise-kun is not backing down?! He is really planning to fight Sensei?!

—Before the interaction could progress any further, someone interrupted them.

[That's enough, partner. Forget this happened, Governor.]

That voice— isn't that Ddraig, the Welsh Dragon!? That's right..! We had heard it once before, when he was conversing with Tannin-sama. The Welsh Dragon's spirit.

"Haaah?!"

Ise-kun responds to Ddraig with an irritated tone.

Ddraig does not respond. No, wait... I assume he said something to him only. That's because Ise-kun's facial expression gradually switches from agitation to conflicted.

...

"...My bad…."

Ise-kun sits back down on the couch with an upset and somewhat ashamed frown.

---

|Ise POV|

I sat back down on the couch defeatedly... What a pathetic outburst... I just ended up becoming angered when it sounded like Azazel was insulting Shishou, but... He wasn't even insulting him... I was the only one who thought that... Damn... Now I want to hide away in shame... I see now why Gasper hides in a box...

"Don't worry. I've already forgotten. Let's just focus on the important things."

Even after dealing with my stupidity, Azazel still waves it off considerately...

"So, here's what's next."

Sensei drew lines to form a cross, and wrote the names of the four types within each of the four quadrants of the cross, thereby making a chart on the whiteboard.

Our names were written on the chart according to location of type. I was located in the Power-type while being situated near Support. Kiba was located in Technique. Xenovia was in Power-type, and each of the other members was located somewhere else on the chart, thereby making a diagram illustration that was easy to understand

When I looked at it like this, weren't we a pretty balanced group? We didn't have a Wizard-type that was also situated near Power, though. There was no [magic warrior] in our group.

Azazel suddenly circled me, Xenovia, and Koneko in the Power-types and spoke.

"The things that Power-types have to be most careful of are—counters. A troublesome class among the Technique-types. That is the counter-type ability. There are counter-types even among the Sacred Gears, but when fighting an opponent who carries one, power-types like Ise, Koneko and Xenovia can have their situations turned around by a single counter blow. It's because counters return the opponent's power to them plus the power of the one who counters. When one is strong, it's natural for there to be damage just as strong."

"If there's a counter, I just have to overcome it with power."

"HmHm!"

I had stifle laughter with all my will. It still didn't go unnoticed by Xenovia who frowned at my reaction. I'm trying, believe me, I'm trying.

"What's with that, Ise?"

"Eh? Oh— Ah— Nothing. Just, you know... [If my ball keeps bouncing off the floor, then I just have to throw it harder]... Or something like that."

I couldn't help but respond to her with a wry smile. Azazel nodded with me.

"Ise's analogy is spot on. It's possible to overcome it with that, but it's another story when your opponent is a genius in that field. Avoid attacking as much as possible. It's better to face counter-users with the spell-user, Akeno, the technique-user, Kiba, or Gasper with his special vampire abilities. Everything is a matter of compatibility. Power-types are simply strong. But the risk is big for them when fighting against Technique-types."

Xenovia was silent to my and Azazel's responses.

"An example would be Kiba Vs. Ise. Ise, do you think you could win against Kiba?"

"Without a doubt."

...

...

Well, there I go again... Talking without even thinking...

I might as well get used to it.

"Ah— I mean— it would be close, kind of— but I would have the upper hand, probably, hehe..."

I laughed awkwardly. That may have stung Kiba's pride a bit...

"Mm. I think so too. Considering your growth and success in pushing back Vali's team, the way you described, I have to agree that you would most likely win. The point is, however, that initially, if you were only about half as strong as you are now, then you would most definitely lose. Kiba would simply take you down using his overwhelming speed before you could land any good attacks. Although, I haven't seen your speed for myself— but even so, at this point, I'll assume that your strength and defense would overwhelm his speed. If not, then maybe it would evenly balance the fight."

"I can't imagine Ise being faster than Kiba."

Xenovia comments honestly. I agreed earnestly.

"Well, I can't really see it either, but that depends on how much Kiba focused on increasing his speed to this point. If he hasn't at least doubled in speed, I could probably wipe the floor with him. If he hasn't sped up at all, then…."

I look away in worry. He had to have become faster... Yeah... This is Kiba. There's no way he ain't faster than me.

If he isn't...

"You seem really arrogant, Ise."

"Hm? It isn't arrogance. It's the truth."

Now Xenovia and I are bickering... But it's not arrogance though. It's true. I know the extent of my strength and speed. If Kiba hasn't doubled from when I last saw him, then...

—Azazel spoke to Rias.

"Rias, if there are counter-users in Sona Sitri's group, they might run into Ise, you know? If a counter eats up his enormous power, it will be an instant out. You need to come up with and refine some tactics for that."

"But, if the opponent is a female, the possibility of that is…low."

Huh? Rias, what do you mean? I wondered about that, but I soon knew the answer.

"…[Dress Break]. Since he's the enemy of most women, I don't think they'll want to fight him at all."

Koneko-chan's sharp words! Her old nickname for me! Wait, "most"?... Wasn't it different before?.. And why're you nodding, Rias?!

Speaking of which, haven't you relatively gone back to normal? I hope so.

Wait a minute, "Dress Break"? What're you—

.

.

.

.

"AAAAHH!"

I stood up and yelled in shock.

"Ise? What's wrong?"

Rias asked in concern.

"I FORGOT! DRESS BREAK! THE FIRST ABILITY I EVER TRAINED AND DEVELOPED MYSELF, AND I COMPLETELY FORGOT IT EXISTED! THE ONE THAT BROUGHT ME MY FIRST VICTORIES! THE ONE I MADE ASIA GO THROUGH SO MUCH CLOTHES JUST TO PERFECT! THE ONE I WAS DETERMINED TO MAKE SO POWERFUL THAT I COULD DO IT ONLY USING MY EYES!..."

I sat down lifelessly on the couch.

"Fufufu…. I forgot…... The ability I put time, effort, and pride into….has faded within my memories…. I'm not even sure I remember how to do it anymore….. I got to see Asia and Koneko's beautiful figures with it…..now it's gone…. Oh cruel irony…. You will never leave me, will you?"

I said that while having a sad smile and half opened eyes. I feel, and look, like I don't know who I am. I don't know who I am anymore. And neither do the others. They were all looking at me with bug eyes. They couldn't believe what they were hearing. "Ise forgot about Dress Break? Unthinkable.", that's what you're think, right? Well, look at me. This person is no longer even Hyoudou Issei...

(I guess you don't realise the cruel irony in your own words, huh.)

"By the way, Ise, the fact that you attained Balance Breaker was noticed by people nearby during the attack of Bikou and the others. Sona Sitri should also know about it. You should be thoroughly careful. Since the possibility of you being crushed before you transform into Balance Break is high."

Azazel words snap me back to reality.

"Huh? Oh, no way. That's not happening. As if. Unless her whole peerage can sneak up on me and one-hit-kill me, then there's no way they have a chance of defeating me. [Scale Mail] is getting activated the moment I encounter any of them anyway."

"I would suggest against that. The game could last longer than you think. It'd be better to conserve your energy to the fullest and save Balance Breaker for the most important points."

"Hah? Don't be ridiculous, Azazel. We're fighting to win. I'll take nothing aside from absolute victory. No mercy. I'm going all out from the get go. Especially if I see Saji. Didn't you hear what I said earlier? I told you I could last 5 days in it."

"Yes, I understand that, Ise. However, you need to take into account that you will be using a lot of energy during combat. Your endurance won't be as expansive after fighting."

"Oi, what the hell are you talking about? I just said— wait, don't tell me—... Did you think all I did was sit on my ass in my armour?! What're you fucking nuts?! There's no way that was happening! I was fighting the whole time in that state! I didn't fall asleep those times— I passed out! And I would randomly wake up in the middle of the night, when it was deactivating, so I could will it to stay on!"

I yelled straight as Azazel. What kind of shit is that?! He thinks I was just waiting for the armour to dissipate?! No way, I was fighting! Don't look down on me! He looks at me with a pleasantly surprised expression.

"Hoho! You were talking about your limit including combat? Now that's impressive! Even Vali can only last in the form over the span of many months if he doesn't consider battle. Which is a ridiculous notion considering who he is. Looks like I was mistaken then….. Interesting…. Your growth is abnormal…. I may have to take a look at your Sacred Gear."

"Don't get near me."

Azazel says that with a creepy smile on his face…. I wanted to fight him before, when I wasn't scared….but now I'm scared.

"Hoh? You were acting so cool before…. What's wrong now?"

"Ueeeeehhhhh! Sensei has a weird smile on his face! Senpai! I'm scared!"

"Stay back, Gyasuke! If you get close to him you will surely be kidnapped! Asia and Koneko too!"

"Eeeeeeeeeeek!"

Gasper immediately hid in his box.

"Good! Stay in there, Gasper..! Don't come out or else the "Scarecrow" will get you!"

"EEEEEEEEK!"

"Wha— Scarecrow?!"

"—Pfft!"

Azazel is baffled by the new nickname I just thought of on the spot. Gasper is even more terrified from within his box, meanwhile, Akeno almost burst out laughing and forcefully covered her mouth. She never really liked Azazel.

"Ise, that's rude. Be respectful. He is a "Scarecrow-Sensei"."

Rias says that with a smirk. Seeing even her join in on the joke forced me to laugh.

"HA!"

"What's a "Scarecrow-sensei"?.."

"Ise-kun is coming closer to fighting Sensei than before…"

"...Scarecrow-sensei…."

"Huuuaaaa…. Ise-san is brave, standing up to a scarecrow…"

Xenovia kept her eyebrows raised in confusion, Kiba is smiling awkwardly, Koneko repeats the name intrigue, and Asia is sheepishly observing. Haha! Fool! This is what you get! You won't live this down! I won't let you..!

Azazel closed his marker and said a final conclusion.

"I'd say that the chances of you guys winning in this game is over eighty percent. I do believe that you'll win, but—I don't believe you'll win "for sure". And the value of pieces isn't absolute either. Like an actual game of chess, the value changes according to the situation on the board."

So you're pretending that didn't happen, huh?

"I have lived a long time. In that time, I have seen a great variety of battles. That's why I will say this. —I have seen guys win despite having less than a ten percent chance of victory. Do not take even a one-percent chance lightly. Don't believe that you'll definitely win. However, think that you want to win no matter what. This is the last advice I can give to you all in this training camp."

That was the last advice Azazel gave us this time. He couldn't give us too much or it'd be unfair. Well, whatever. We'll win anyway. "Don't believe that you'll definitely win"? Ha. Sorry, but that's bullshit. That's what he should be saying to Sona's team. We'll definitely win.

It's time for me to start strategising, myself. Sorry guys, I have my own plans. And it relies on the very powers I told Azazel about in private, after the group meeting. He immediately understood why I had not revealed it before. And as punishment for hiding something so "compellingly fascinating" from him, he plans to take me back to Grigori after the match….. "Mandatory investigation".….. He almost took me back today, if not for his anticipation for seeing it in action during the match….

Anyway.

Everything I'm planning relies on these abilities.

[Target] [Store] [Eternal Store] [Boost] [Transfer]

—And [Divide].

We'll just have to see what you guys have planned, Sona, Saji.

---

Part 2

The day of the decisive battle—.

There was a huge magic circle underneath the Gremory castle for the exclusive use of transporting us to the game area.

Our group gathered on top of the magic circle, and prepared to transport to the game area, where the battle would soon be commencing.

Besides Asia and Xenovia, we were all wearing our Kuoh Academy summer uniforms. Asia was in her sister clothes, and Xenovia was wearing her bondage-like battle clothes that she had worn the first time we met. Both of them seemed to be full of fighting spirit. And the Sitri side also seemed to be wearing their Kuoh Academy uniforms.

Rias's father, mother, Millicas, and Azazel spoke from outside of the magic circle.

"Rias, you've lost once before. Win for sure this time."

"Fight a battle that won't make you ashamed as the next head of the family. Everyone else as well, okay?"

"Do your best, Rias-nee-sama!"

"Well, I've taught you about the things you needed to be informed about this time. All that's left is to exert yourselves and go all out."

Sirzechs and Grayfia weren't here, but they seemed to have already moved to a spectator's lounge for the exclusive use of VIPs. It was said that not only the leaders of the three great powers were present, but also VIPS from the other powers were invited. It seemed that Azazel would be heading there after this. I hope my Shishou is watching as well.

Our game was getting a lot of attention… As expected, among the promising young devils, the fight between the two little sisters of the Maous was being basked in attention…

A feeling of tension floated in the air, but the magic circle mercilessly began to shine.

—At last, the game had begun!

Shiiiiin!

...

The place we arrived at after jumping through the magic circle was—a place full of tables.

…This was a wide restaurant somewhere? When I thought that and looked at the surroundings, it seemed to be a dining floor, with fast-food restaurants surrounding the tables.

Was this also an exact replica of a real place, prepared in a space for our exclusive use? The power of devils was just as amazing as usual.

Huh? I feel like I've seen this place somewhere before… Things like the shop arrangement matched somewhere within my memories. I stepped out from this floor a bit and looked around the interior. There—was a vast shopping mall there.

Familiar stores were lined up within the interior, and there was a glass-ceilinged atrium! Light spilled down through the glass. This oblong shopping mall and this glass atrium! They were ones that I knew well!

"I didn't expect that the department store near Kuoh Academy would serve as the stage."

Rias said this as she came up next to me.

Yes, the game stage was the department store we often went to! At that time, we heard an announcement in the store.

[Everyone, I, the "Queen" of the Lucifer group, Grayfia, will be carrying the role of arbiter in the "Rating Game" between the Gremory group and the Sitri group on this occasion.]

Just like during the battle with Raiser, the announcer was Grayfia-san. But, wasn't her introduction slightly different from last time? That time she called herself a servant of the Gremory family, yet this time she clearly stated that she was part of the Lucifer group. Was it because the quality of the game was slightly different from last time…?

[In the name of my master, Sirzechs Lucifer, I will watch over the battle between these two families. It's a pleasure to be here. To get right to the main topic, the battlefield for today is the department store within the neighbourhood of the school "Kuoh Academy" that Rias-sama and Sona-sama attend, which has been prepared within a separate space as the game field.]

Since the game field was once more somewhere that we were familiar with, you would think that it would make things easy for us, but the same goes for the Sitri group as well. Since they've also come to this department store many times.

This department store which had become our battle stage was a two-storied building. It wasn't that big in terms of height.

However, it was a long shopping mall across its two floors and the atrium, so it was considerably large horizontally. The rooftop was a parking lot. Besides that, there was also a multi-storey parking garage elsewhere.

[Both groups have been transported to their respective "bases". Rias-sama's "base" is on the second floor of the east side, while Sona-sama's "base" is on the first floor of the west side. In order for "Pawns" to promote, please go to your opponent's "bases".]

...

Promotion?..

...

...

(—?!)

PROMOTION!

That's right! I completely forgot about promotion! All my time on the mountain and I had forgotten about promotion! Which means—!

—I've never tested my full strength.

...

...

—I feel an eager smile form on my face.

...Hehe. This game is just too unfair...

Our base and our enemies' base were on opposite ends of the department store. We were on the second floor's most eastern side. The opponents were on the first floor's most western side. Around our base, there was a pet shop, an arcade centre, a dining floor, a bookshop and a drugstore. On the first floor beneath our base, there was a branch store of a major second-hand bookshop company, and a sports-supplies shop.

Over on the opponent's side, there was a grocery shop, an electrical appliance store, a junk food shop, and a general goods store.

During the battle, each side would have to respectively head towards the other end of the department. That was simple and clear, but it wouldn't go like that.

[This time, there will be special rules. Documents on this have been sent to each group, so please check them. A single bottle of the healing item "Phoenix Tears" has been provided to each team. Furthermore, the time to strategize before the battle is thirty minutes. Contact with the opponent during this time is forbidden. The game is scheduled to start after thirty minutes. Then, let the strategy time begin.]

After the announcement, everyone quickly gathered together. We couldn't waste even one minute of this time. Though, I felt pretty relaxed.

"The battlefield is modelled on the department store near Kuoh Academy. So it's an indoor battle."

Rias said this while looking at a guide map of the department store's interior that was depicted on the dining floor's wall. There was also a personal diagram of the place divided into chess squares in Rias's hands. We had encamped ourselves in the aforementioned dining floor and were planning out our strategy.

An indoor battle! So the Rating Game has that kind of battlefield as well!

I thought about how each side had a base on this certainly wide battlefield, and how we would have to run around within this field. It was like that during the House of Phoenix battle as well.

Rather, the stage was the department store near our school. This was a place we often came to on our way back from school.
More than ninety percent of the students attending Kuoh Academy knew about the appearance of the store's interior. Me, Rias and Asia have also come here on our days off. Rias looked over the document with the special rule that had been sent to us.

"The rule this time states [Don't destroy the department store which has become the battlefield]; in other words, we can't do any showy battles."

Rias narrowed her eyes and seemed to be thinking about this rule.

"…I see, so to me, the fuku-buchou, and Ise, this is a disadvantageous battlefield. We can't do attacks that affect a wide area."

It was just as Xenovia said. By saying that it was an interior battle and furthermore that the building itself couldn't be destroyed, I couldn't use my Boosted Gear-raised Dragon Shot. The great fire attack that used doubled fire magic, which I obtained at great pains in the training with Tannin, was also impossible here. It would turn into a conflagration. Akeno also couldn't use her extra-large lightning attack by creating thunder clouds unless she was on the rooftop, right? It seemed that, if she didn't suppress her power, she could deal damage to the building as well.

Xenovia also wouldn't be able to unleash her holy slashing wave with Durandal either. Even at the best of times, it was a sword that gushed out a holy aura even in its drawn state, so it couldn't be recklessly swung in order to not break the rule.

"That really is troublesome. A battle of large mass attacks has been mostly sealed."

Akeno put a hand against her cheek with a troubled face. She gave her opinion after letting out a sigh.

"Gasper-kun's eyes also won't be as effective. There are too many places to hide within the department store. All the goods and products have also been exactly reproduced, so there is an overflowing amount of objects to obstruct his vision. There is also the possibility of surprise attack in the dark… It's troubling. This is a disadvantageous battlefield for our special characteristics. Because the Rias Gremory group's forte is to battle showily, we're completely sealed."

Haha! So I am restricted in this match! Interesting! That's good! I accept your challenge! Increase their chances! Make this as close a match as possible! I want to win with bloodstained teeth! I want a hard fought victory! Damn you, Ddraig! Damn you, Shishou! The two of you have shown me the excitement of winning by hardly scraping by! I curse you!

Rias shook her head at Akeno's words.

"No, Gasper's eyes couldn't be used from the start. They put in a restriction on it here. [The use of Gasper Vladi's Sacred Gear is forbidden], it says. The reason is clear and simple. Since he still can't perfectly control it yet. They judged that it would be problematic if the entire game was spoiled by his eyes going out of control. Giving him Ise's blood is also prohibited. It seemed that they've provided him with Sacred Gear-sealing glasses developed by Azazel. [Since it was made for Gasper's exclusive use, it won't have any particular bad influence on his body]—so it says here. Really, he likes to prepare."

What another problem! So Gasper's Sacred Gear couldn't be used. Now that you mention it, I heard that Gasper's training didn't go well in regards to his Sacred Gear. He made a lot of progress, but it seems it will still take quite a bit of time for Gasper to master his eyes. Besides, I doubt it would be good even if he simply unleashed it.

Yet somehow, I was feeling happy about this! Is there more?! Have I become sick?!

"Then, will Gasper fight using magic and his vampire abilities?"

Rias nodded at my question.

"That's right. From the beginning, his time-stopping power carried a lot of risk. The other side has not only the counter-types I mentioned before, but also Saji-kun, who possesses a Sacred Gear that absorbs the ability of others, so we don't know what kind of counterattacks they'll use. Like suppressing it with genjutsu. There are also other technique's to take away a person's vision. When talking about such things, it becomes impossible to use that power in either the games or actual battle. Using meticulous caution is only natural."

Vali also said the same thing as Rias. That if you know that the ability activates from the eyes, it's easy to deal with it. Rias continued. Ah, Gasper had put on the glasses right away.

"…The Rating Game isn't something you can win simply by having a lot of power. The battle situation changes completely according to the battlefield and rules. Because this is a ground where even devils that lack strength can depend on wisdom and rise higher, it has become popular in the Underworld and among the other powers. The rules this time may be disadvantageous to us. However, if we can't make up for this, we won't be able to win and advance in the games from now on. [Even a "Pawn" can take down the "King]—this is not only a basic rule in chess, but also a proverb of the Rating Games. In other words, it implies that [anyone can win with the proper method]."

Akeno also approved of Rias's words and nodded.

"That's right. There may be indoor battles like this on true battlefields as well from now on. If that were the case, we wouldn't be able to completely display our power like today. This may be a good opportunity for us. Today's battle is most suitable for getting used to indoor team battles."

Among the discussion, I spoke up.

"Looks like I'm at the greatest disadvantage."

I said that, but I'm still smirking.

"Yes. This time, things came completely opposite from what we expected. Although the battlefield and rules are decided randomly, this game may be close to being the worst for Ise. Your power is too enormous. According to the rule, destroying the building means an instant out. However, there's sure to be somewhere where you'll be able to use Balance Breaker. But please hold back your power as much as possible while fighting. Don't shoot your Dragon Shot as much as possible as well. The department store may be blown away. Please survive with just hand-to-hand fighting somehow… I'm sorry for asking such difficult things from you."

"Don't be. All these damn restrictions….. Winning despite them….is gonna feel really good…"

I hadn't really noticed their silence after my remark.

Now that I think about, Azazel also talked about it.

("Attaining Balance Breaker will certainly become a weapon for you. However, that's not something absolute in the games. There are devils with servants without Balance Breaker that manage to rise up, you know?")

Hmm…. I was telling him I would absolutely use [Scale Mail] immediately. Cruel irony strikes again. Well, I'll still use it against Saji, definitely. After this game, I may have to focus on increasing my strength without Balance Breaker. My base strength. The same way Sairaorg Bael does. Well, I doubt I could reach that level without [Scale Mail] anytime soon. Based on what I saw at the Devil's gathering, I'm closing in on him, but that's with Balance Breaker. So, increasing my base strength to reach his level is not happening for now. However, increasing my base strength will also increase my strength in Balance Breaker. So that'll work quite a bit.

Man. So much training is waiting for me once I win this game. And so are the Younglings.

Rias continued her strategy plan.

"Even if we attack, the atrium of this shopping mall is a problem. You can grasp the progress of the opponent from both the first and second floors. It's the same for the other side."

Rias said this while looking at the interior of the store. Akeno also expressed her opinion.

"I've considered an attack from the parking garage as well, but they would also be looking out for that too."

"Yes, it's the same for moving from the rooftop. Whether it be breaking through the centre, from the rooftop, or from the parking garage, we have to advance along these routes. Since we can't leave the department store itself."

"There should be cars in the parking garage as well. That's what I feel, after seeing that they reproduced even the merchandise and merchandise shelves. They may have copied the cars that were parked there."

The discussion between Rias and her [Queen] Akeno had somehow become really diligent. Yeah, this reconfirmed once again what the [Queen] was to the [King].

Kiba raised his hand and gave a proposal.

"Buchou, I'll go look at the rooftop and parking garage. Since there are stairs nearby, I'll go check them out."

Rias nodded.

"Please do, Yuuto."

Kiba immediately headed out at a quick pace.

"Are the cars important somehow?"

Xenovia asked Rias

"If they plunge into the store interior with a car, it'd be serious, you know? Besides, we have to openly consider the possibility that they'll use the car itself as a bomb. Though I don't think that someone like Sona would do something like recklessly driving inside the department store."

So said Rias. Ah, I see. She really is thorough about this. Everything on the battlefield can also become a weapon. When thought of like that, a car was a big weapon.

"You're really cautious."

"Naturally. I still feel like this isn't enough. It's also possible for someone to rest and hide inside cars. Now that I think about it, we haven't seen the inside of the staff room before. We should go check it… Even if we have Ise's [Dress Break], there are many clothes in brand stores within the mall… Since it's a department store, there are an endless number of things to consider."

Rias seemed to be considering even the minute details. She didn't want to overlook anything.

Rias then gave instructions to Gasper next.

"Gasper, please change into bats and fly to every location within the department store. In the opening of the game, you'll inform us of the situation within the department store in detail."

"R-Roger!"

Ooh, Gasper also had some fighting spirit. That's right, to him, this is his first game.

The strategy-planning continued on after that as well and we decided on even the minute tactics. Then, once half the time had passed since the strategy session started, we had solidified our plan.

Rias looked around at us and spoke.

"The game will be starting fifteen minutes from now. We'll gather here again in ten minutes. Everyone, please remain on standby with your respective methods of relaxing until then."

At Rias's words, we all broke up and walked away. However, Rias called out and stopped just me.

"Ise, since you attained Balance Breaker, the power of the eight [Pawn] pieces I placed in you have all been forcibly released."

Yes, it was just as she said. By attaining Balance Breaker, the power of the sealed pieces inside me had been released on the mountain.

"With this, you may be able to completely use Ddraig's power, but your body still can't handle it. Ddraig should also save power in order not to break your body. Be careful. If you make a mistake with the Sekiryuutei's power, the host's body will be destroyed."

"Yeah, Yeah. Don't worry about it. I've had this power long enough to know my limits. Thanks for the advice, [Hime-sama]."

I waved her off. She became bashful at my new "princess" nickname for her.

"H-H-Hime-sama?!"

They had finally been released. And now I can promote. One day, I'd like to be able to completely control Ddraig's power. From the start, my value as a [Pawn] was almost completely made of Ddraig's value. The power flowing inside me is Ddraig's power. Being able to control Ddraig's power is my true value. I have to keep that in mind.

After Rias recovered, she pouted and stomped away, entering a shop on the dining floor and began to pour herself some tea. So she was enjoying some tea until the time came. Gasper was eating donuts at a donuts shop.

Asia and Xenovia were talking about this and that in front of a hamburger shop. Kiba was rummaging through the drugstore beside the dining floor. I see, since it seems like medicines and the like were copied as well, he was trying to find things to take.

Everyone was trying to spend their time until the starting time with their own respective relaxing methods. So then, I as well—.

I left that place and entered the bookstore near the dining floor.

Gufufufu. Somehow, it was just like I thought! This bookstore was perfectly reproduced just like the rest of the mall! I went to the ecchi book corner, and looked for ero-books by myself inside the empty store! It's here, it's here! Amaziiiiiiiiiing! I could read all these ero-books as much as I liked! So there were also nice battlefields like this! Ah, which should I look at! Was this the feeling of a treasure hunter who had found an amazing amount of gold and silver treasure? I could pick and choose as I like! Ah, how I've missed being able to indulge in my perverted fantasies. I feel like I've become dull over this last month.

Now I can be a little of myself, I guess.

(—A little bit of Hyoudou Issei.)

Ah, if I could make a harem, I could do ecchi things every day and I wouldn't need these kinds of books. So now I remember why I wanted one, huh. My sex drive has been decimated with my time on the mountain. Speaking of harems…. I actually want to start recruiting soon…. And I think I know who should be my first members.

"Ise-kun. What are you doing? Ara-ara, you're reading very dirty-looking books. It's the remaining time before the decisive battle, you know."

Munyuuuuuu

I felt something with first rate softness on my back! It was breasts! Moreover, I remembered this sense of texture! And this voice! As I thought, it's Akeno! She was clinging to me from behind and was checking out what I was reading from the side.

"Akeno-san! This is..! I was just checking the extent to all the copied objects had been reproduced!"

That was a lame excuse, even for me. But Akeno didn't seem angry, and just kept her sweet smile.

"Ufufu. I'm not particularly angry at you for this. I don't despise you for it either. Rather, I'm relieved at how Ise-kun this is. You haven't been seeming like yourself lately, you know?"

"E-Ehehehe... Is that so?.."

(Because this Hyoudou Issei is weak, that's why.)

Then, Akeno looked at the book I was reading with a serious expression.

"…I see, so Ise-kun likes this kind of thing…"

For some reason, her eyes really seemed serious… As expected, is the ecchi onee-san also very interested in ecchi books?

"Akeno-san?"

While I was curious about her reaction, Akeno-san pointed at the actress photographed in the ero-book.

"Shall I wear something like this next time?"

The thing that Akeno-san was pointing at was—the cosplay costume for ecchi games that the actress wore! But, this was practically nude! The area covered by cloth is so small! You wouldn't be able to put on underwear either!

"S-Seriously?!"

I reflexively asked that. Is this for real?!

"Seriously. Ufufu. Since it's Ise-kun, it's special."

She replied with a smiling face! Amazing! Akeno will put on such an outfit! I had to seriously order this next time. I see, so ero-cosplay really existed…

This is bad. The imagination that I had lost was now returning to me. My delusions wouldn't stop. This was nice, and that was also nice too…

While I was having non-stop delusions like this, Akeno embraced me from behind even tighter.

"Akeno-san?"

"…I'm getting courage from Ise-kun."

Akeno had a painful voice. I was surprised at the sudden change.

But courage, huh? Now that I think of it, Rias had also said that she was getting courage by grasping my hand during the meeting between the three great powers.

"…I need the courage to fight… Because I might have to use the other power that flows inside me this time, I'm scared... I hate it. That's why, I'm getting courage from Ise-kun."

Akeno… So she's resolved to use the Fallen Angel power that she hates. It was a power, that she didn't wish for, flowed inside her. But, the circumstances that we were in here didn't permit that denial. —If she doesn't accept it, she can't advance forward.

—If you can't accept yourself, you can't advance forward. That is the truth.

(Hypocrite.)

"If you're fine with me, take as much courage as you want."

I grasped the hand of Akeno as she embraced me, and spoke while smiling. If Akeno could gather courage from someone like me, it was the best.

"..When I bring out my power of light, will you watch, Ise-kun? If Ise-kun is watching, I will be able to use it."

"Yes. If Akeno-san can display her power just by me watching, it's a small price to pay. I want to see the beautiful light Akeno-san can produce."

"…I'm happy. If I'm together with Ise, surely… You belong to Rias, but even so I will always… by your side…"

Akeno seemed to say something in a low voice... "Belong to Rias"? As a servant right? Somehow what you said— Didn't sound right to me.

Akeno moved away from my back. But, her eyes were moist. Suddenly, she brought her face close to mine this time..! Akeno's lips were—.

"…Ise-senpai, it's almost time to gather."

When mine and Akeno-san's lips were just about to touch, Koneko-chan unexpectedly appeared!

Uaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! We were seeeeeeeeeeeen! My Koneko has seen uuuuuussss! This is bad! This is bad! Just a little more and I would have seriously kissed Akeno! In front of Koneko! I don't know why, but the fact that it was Koneko seriously bothers me!

"K-Koneko! This is, umm!"

I tried to come up with an excuse while being flustered, but Koneko-chan just sighed with half-closed eyes.

"Ara-ara, Koneko-chan. You saw us. Ufufu. Ise-kun, thank you. I'm already okay now."

Akeno-san returned to her usual pleasantly smiling face, and tried to leave this place.

However—.

"…Next time, for sure… with you…"

She left behind some kind of whisper. Her expression as she left seemed regretful at having to part.

No, that could've been my mistake. Akeno was surely just trying to approach me in S-mode…..unless...

As I thought with uncertainty on that—Koneko grasped my hand

"—Koneko?"

I was surprised by Koneko's sudden action, so much that I called her by her name again on accident, but she spoke while blushing red.

"…Please give me courage too."

I see. This girl was also going to try using the power she had suppressed until now. Her hand was trembling. She was very scared. She feared that her nekomata power might swallow her up.

"Sure.. Whenever. Wherever... My Koneko."

I grasped her hand back with a smiling face. If Akeno and Koneko could obtain the courage to get over their problems by holding someone like me, it was a small price to pay.

Koneko blushed furiously in response to my action.

"…Ise-senpai, aren't you afraid of me, as a nekomata?"

Koneko asked me this with an anxious tone.

"No, not at all. Didn't I tell you I would never be afraid?"

Hearing that, she looked completely astonished. But, her face looked down.

"…Before the training began, I said something horrible to Ise-senpai."

Ah, so it's about the time I spoke care-freely and her got angry.

"You don't have to worry about that. I was also at fault then. Although I didn't know your circumstances, I—was an inconsiderate senpai."

"...That isn't true."

Koneko grasped my hand harder.

"…I'll use my nekomata power."

I was surprised by her determined declaration.

"…I hate what nee-sama became. But as things are now, I may not be able to be useful to everyone. That's why, I'll use it... And because I...have senpai..."

She had a resolved but sheepish look. So she overcame her problem when she met with her sister and declared that she would break off her relationship with her. I'm glad. In the end, it looks like I was able to help Koneko at that time.

...And she also helped me...

"Koneko, you'll surely overcome your nekomata power in the future and someday become a hell cat."

"…Hell cat?"

"Yes, it's written as "cat of the underworld" and read as hell cat! Like this!"

Though it was a method of encouragement even I wasn't sure about, I declared further.

"I'll declare this to Koneko too. Even if you run out of control with your nekomata power, I'll stop you. I want to use this Sekiryuutei power not only for myself, but for my friends too. And even if that scary onee-san comes again, I'll definitely save you. Since I'll blow away that nee-chan with a punch, you don't need to be scared."

(I'll eliminate her If I must.)

That was my best encouragement. Because I'm unfortunately an idiot, I couldn't give any smarter words than this. That's why, if it comes to it, I'll risk my life and save this girl. I'll make her happy... Because she is our Koneko... Because she's my Koneko...

"…You really are a gentle Sekiryuutei."

….

"Well…. I had a good motivator."

Koneko averts her gaze and blushes even more. So cute.

---

Part 3

It was time.

We had gathered at the dining floor and were waiting for the starting time. Then, an announcement streamed through the store.

[It is now time to begin. Furthermore, the time limit for this game will be a blitz-style of three hours. Then without further ado, game start.]

Game start!

Wait, blitz? So they decided that to give it a short time limit! So there were also cases like this! So this is why they gave us strategy time before this. It was because they change the rules every time, huh. The Rating Games are profound. Rias stood up from her seat and spoke with an expression filled with fighting spirit.

"Your instructions are just as we agreed on before. Ise and Koneko, and Yuuto and Xenovia will split into two separate groups. Ise and Koneko will advance through the store interior. Yuuto and Xenovia will advance forward via the parking garage. Gasper will transform into many bats and do surveillance and reporting inside the store. According to the condition of your progress, me, Akeno and Asia will go by the route of Ise's group."

We listened to Rias' instructions and we fitted communication-use microphones in all of our ears.

"Now then, my cute servant devils! We won't lose again! This time, we'll win!"

[Yes!]

Everyone was filled with fighting spirit. Naturally. We can't lose like that again. We'll win. For sure.

"Then, Xenovia, let's go."

"Yes, Kiba."

Kiba and Xenovia headed out first. They rushed out from the dining floor and headed down the path that connected to the parking garage. According to Kiba, it was confirmed that there were cars in the parking lot. However, they seemed to be mere imitations. So charging using the car was apparently impossible.

Now then, we were next to leave after Kiba and Xenovia.

"Koneko, let's go."

"Yes."

Me and Koneko left that place behind and headed out. Koneko had already told everyone that she would use her power.
Rias reading was this. She predicted that the enemy would read our movements as following. I would burst into the base while avoiding battle as much as possible. In order to promote myself to [Queen].

Except, I'm not going to be avoiding any battle.

The quick-witted Kiba and Xenovia would move together and go around back through the parking garage to the base. There they would disturb the enemy's formation and attract the attention of the enemy. In order to promote to [Queen], they would quickly distract and lead the enemy away from their base. When I became [Queen], everyone would temporarily pull out and then attack once again. Rias would also move out at this time.

In any case, making me the Sekiryuutei promote to [Queen] was considered most important—or so it would seem. Rias assumed that Sona would read us like this, and so did the opposite instead.

I was moving forward just as Sona would predict. They would also receive an attack. But, our true main offence was Kiba and Xenovia. It wasn't a diversion, but a genuine attack. Instead, I would be the feint.

Since the opponent would aim at me and send out several assassins, Rias predicted that the area around the [King] would be short-staffed. Of course, assassins would also be sent after the parking garage group, but we expected that it wasn't secured that much and would be assaulted by Kiba and Xenovia.

Meanwhile, we would aim at the [King] and claim checkmate.

But…. Such a simple-minded plan like this probably will not work... Something about it... As if my instincts are warning me. Telling me something is off. That something won't work... But if I truly think about it, it makes perfect sense. Why would any strategy that Rias comes up with work against Sona? Why wouldn't she expect such a straightforward plan? She knows Rias better than us. This is the number 1 thing she would expect, right? And if not, then it's number 2. And knowing Sona she's planned in advance for numbers 1, 2, & 3. Unless the strategy is a guaranteed success, there's probably no way we would be winning using something she could expect.

I mean come on, you're telling me Sona of all people is gonna leave herself under-protected with no other tricks up her sleeve? Something's gotta be wrong there. That's such a fatal flaw. So then let's assume she is understaffed. In this case, wouldn't she expect something like that to occur? She has less peerage members with unique abilities. The best advantage they have is the little information about them. So then, if Sona is going to be under-protected, then what would she do to counter that? She isn't going to sit there like a duck. She has to have planned more than that. Think, dammit! Remember what Shishou taught you!

….Um...

Ok... So let's just assume she has a plan for that. Because I'm still too dumb to figure it out. The number 1 thing that she should be aiming for is me. That is one thing that Rias is definitely right about. In that case, Sona has to have some kind of surefire way of taking me out. Someone with a special ability? It can't be the counter [Mirror Alice], can it? Who else in the peerage would have as great a chance? Saji? Maybe? But whatever it is, Sona is counting on it. Otherwise, it would be a massive oversight Sona couldn't afford to make. She would have absolutely no chance if I were to reach her. So after I'm done, then comes my group.

Unfortunately for Sona, I don't see her winning this match in any way. Even if I'm somehow gone, they'll have no chance. Because whatever it is she wants to use, I can guarantee that if it works, it won't work the way she wants it to. I won't go down until I win. Damn. Poor Saji though. Not a single one of them could expect what is coming.

I'll be bringing what they don't expect. What no one expects, but me, Azazel, and Ddraig.

And it'll be very unfair.

"Ise, good luck."

"Ise-san! Do your best! Don't lose!"

"Ufufu, I expect to see your cool side."

Rias, Asia and Akeno all had high expectations of me. Uooooh, my Asia! I have to show my good side! Wait, even if I fight, they'd only be able to see it later from the recorded videos… Ah, well…. Let's look good for Koneko too, since she's watching.

Me and Koneko advanced at a subtle pace that was neither quite running or walking.

Since sound echoed in the store interior, the opponent would be able to judge our distance from them if we ran. Moreover, the store interior was a horizontally long shopping mall that extended in a straight line towards both ends. We had no choice but to advance while concealing ourselves beneath cover. Well, even if we called it a big department store, it wouldn't take even ten minutes to walk from end to end. We moved while being attentive of that.

…Hmm. There were no enemies in sight. Five minutes had already passed since the game began, but because we were moving forward while being on alert, we'd only progressed through a quarter of the place. But I can definitely feel something in the distance. Closing in.

—You can't hide from me, but I can hide from you.

We appeared to be evading battle, while we were actually acting as a diversion. I could tell Koneko was a bit nervous. Meh, I wasn't.
Then, next to me, Koneko—grew cat ears on her head!?

Those ears moved with a "PIKO-PIKO"! What's more, she even grew a tail! What deadly cuteness! Strange. I was this excited? Even though I didn't have a loli-fetish, did I have a beast loli-fetish!? Koneko's nekomata-mode was deadly cute! I want to GLOMP her in a hug!

Koneko pointed somewhere far away with her finger and spoke.

"…They're moving. There are two people straight ahead moving towards us."

"Yeah. You can tell?"

"…Yes. Because I released a part of senjutsu in my current state, I can read the flow of spirit fairly well. Naturally, I can't grasp the fine details of it, but…. Senpai can tell as well?"

"Of course I can. Their "sleeping aura" or whatever, the aura that constantly surrounds one's body when not concealed, is acting freely and normally. They aren't at a level to be aware of it yet. Too easy to detect. The only opponent I can't detect is one with skill in Senjutsu like you, or those who are skilled in masking their aura— High levels like Shishou."

Are those cat ears like sensors? How incredibly handy.

This is the senjutsu which can read the spirit of one's entire surroundings. Thinking about it, nekomatas can understand everything that happens to a certain degree through smell, after all. Since she's a cat, her nose was better than devils like me with a human base. Although now, we may be at a similar level thanks to my training in honing my instincts.

"…How long until we meet up with those guys who are heading towards us?"

"…At this pace, most likely within ten minutes."

—Ten minutes, huh. It may not stay that way.

My strong point was—my simple physical strength that I prided myself on. I barely had any magic. Even if I increased my magic power with my Sacred Gear, I would have to use a great majority of my boosts on that alone to make it a decent level. And I can't use that power yet.

Koneko was looking at me seriously. Was it my imagination that her cheeks were red?

"…No. Ise-senpai wears a warrior's face when it's important. Even though you usually had a dopey face… It's changed..."

As I was touching my face with my hand—.

"—!"

Koneko suddenly looked up at the ceiling ahead of us.

"…Above!"

They're here! I got distracted by Koneko's beauty!

Stretching straight up to the ceiling was a rope—no, a line. Descending from the ceiling using that Tarzan-like rope was—.

"—Hyoudou! The first attack is ours!"

It was Saji! He prepared to attack me while positioning himself for a knee kick! Moreover, there was someone on Saji's back! Haha! So you've finally arrived, Saji!

I quickly guarded using my gauntlet as a shield.

Dogon!

The impact of the combined force of the momentum of their fall + the kick + the weight of two people was transmitted to my body through my gauntlet. Oddly enough, it wasn't that heavy. My stance shook from the force of the attack, but I easily recovered and I prepared to advance on the enemy in front of me.

"Yo, Hyoudou."

Saji had appeared. Next to him, the one who had been riding on his back was—a girl. A member of the student council, huh. I think she was a first-year student. She often acted together with Saji from behind him.

Saji's right arm—had a black snake wound around it several times. Its shape was different from before! There had just been a deformed lizard head there before. Did his Sacred Gear change? …Wait, there was a black snake wound around my gauntlet on my left arm as well, and it was connected to Saji's Sacred Gear. He must have put it on me when he attacked before.

There was also a line connecting to my right hand, but…it wasn't connected to Saji's Sacred Gear. Rather, it seemed to be tied to something far away. Was this line connected all the way to the enemy base? It was weird, but it didn't feel like my power was being sucked away.

(—?!)

Aha! I see!

This could be it! A possible strategy towards eliminating me!? Alright, I'll take care of it momentarily. But first, I wanna see what it does.

Saji noticed that I was looking at his Sacred Gear, and spoke while smiling bitterly.

"Well, I did some training. The result of that is this. So, when I had stuck a line in the ceiling and rose up in order to observe the store interior from above, I saw two people hiding under cover further away. Since you didn't notice me, I used that brief chance to do a Tarzan attack."

I see. So that's how you arrived here. Yeah, I understand somehow. Though, I would've noticed you if not for being lovestruck. If I had gotten here first, I would have done the same to you. I understand somehow.

You also think that, right? Hey, Saji.

We're similar, you and I. From head to toe, we're similar. When it comes to our lewdness, our earnestness towards our masters, our idiocy, and our tendency to plunge straight forward only.

We really are too similar. That's why I understood it right away. That you and I will fight today.

...But unfortunately...

— I have far surpassed the likes of you.

"I also trained. I spent almost all my summer vacation being crafted by a dragon. I have flown beyond you."

I'm practically above you!...

….

Sorry, Saji. I will beat you and advance forward. Winning today is what's most important for us.

I am close to Vali. He will aim at me at some point. At that time, he may cause harm to Asia, Koneko and the others.
For the sake of preventing that, I will become strong! I can't stop at a place like this! And I won't be stopped by any of you!

Yes, at that moment when I was filled up with fighting spirit. An unbelievable announcement reached the ears of me and Koneko-chan.

[One of Rias Gremory-sama's "Bishops", retired.]

At that moment—the images of Asia's death flashed back within my mind.

.

.

.

.

.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMMM!

[—?!]

I could feel my aura blown out of my body at full blast. Malice. Anyone in the mall would've felt it. Saji and Koneko step back unconsciously. Saji's kouhai falls on her bottom. I could easily interpret the fear in their eyes.

—.

I'LL KILL YOU! I'LL BURN YOU! I'LL ERASE YOU! I'LL DESTROY YOU!

I'LL ELIMINATE YOU!

—[Partner! The aura of that woman is intact!]

OOHM—!

My aura dissipates at the moment my brain received that message. Like a flame that was huffed out. Ddraig was heard by those around me. Maybe as a warning. I breathed heavily.

"Haaaah…. Hah…."

...What?.. What happened?.. My Asia?.. Where are you?

—I frantically looked around while seeing flashes of that scene in the church constantly. Slowly, I began to take in my surroundings.

"...Senpai?..."

—Koneko calls out to me, but does not approach. I snapped at her in shock.

"Koneko! Where's Asia?!"

[Ise! Ise! What's wrong?! Was that you?! What happened?!]

—I heard Rias's voice through the communication device. I exclaimed in worry.

"Rias! Where's Asia?!"

[Asia is with me..! But, Gasper was eliminated...]

"Ah—"

—I quickly realised it. The barrage of flashing images ceased.

...So it was Gasper…. I see…. Good…. No, wait... That's not right... It's not good... Yet, I..still feel relieved...

I feel unsteady on my feet. I almost lost myself there... All I could see was Asia. Her innocent face, but I felt like something was going to get rid of the image. Something was constantly happening to that image. And I freaked out. My imagination itself didn't even get a chance to show me something bad happening to her. Not besides memories, at least... What would happen if it did?

I look up. I see Saji. His body is shaking lightly and he's looking at me like a prey frozen in the face of his predator...

…

"So... You aimed for Gasper, huh?"

I spoke. I tried to snap Saji out of it, it worked. He shakes his head.

"Y-Yeah… H-Hehehe…. Weren't expecting that, huh?... Kaichou accounted for the fact that he couldn't use his Sacred Gear and assumed he would use only his vampire powers for surveillance…. So we lured him in with suspicious activity...and when he brought all of his Bats we got him with garlic and took him out….since our base was a grocery store…"

Saji speaks a bit hesitantly at first, but he is on guard. This guard is different from the one before I flared my aura though. The one before was one you would face your enemy with, this one is akin to preparing to run at the last moment.

"I see… Garlic, huh….. Ha…. What a joke…. I'll have build his tolerance when we get back…"

I spoke sort of tiredly. If I don't deal with whatever's going on inside me, at some point it's going to explode. I thought Koneko had gotten rid of it, but it seems that may have been a different thing she took care of.

—Enough. Regain your bearings…

Inhale—Exhale!

Alright... Let's do this.

"Saji. Let's begin..!"

I fixed into a power up stance. Saji flinched, but then got into a stance with a serious determined look. Good. Don't falter. Remember what you're fighting for. It's all you have.

[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!]

My body was covered in an explosion of red aura that formed into armour. Shit, that cracked the floor under me. Hopefully I don't demerited for that. I was now wearing the armour. The line on my left gauntlet meant for stealing my power was detached by the burst of energy. The one on my right is still there. It's alright. I'll take it off when this is over.

ZIP!

I appeared in front of Saji. He crossed his arms to block in shock. He's slow. I could aim for somewhere else easily. And I did.

DON!

I hit Saji on the side of his head with my forearm.

"AH—!"

Saji yelled, but not much came out. He wobbled unsteadily on his feet. The blow to his head must have done a lot to his balance. He looks like he almost passed out just from that hit. He comes back after a quick minute of me waiting. He shook his head to shake off the disorientation.

Saji fired a line at me from his right arm. Does he intend to suck away my power? Wait, i feel like— he's not aiming at me? I was on guard, but the line went passed me and attached itself to a certain store's light.

"Nimura! Put on the sunglasses we got at that store just before!"

Saji and Saji's kouhai took out sunglasses from their pockets and put them on. What were they—. Just as I wondered this, I immediately understood the meaning behind it.

Kah!

The store lighting issued a blazing light that was meant to burn me and Koneko's vision! Koneko and I couldn't open our eyes.

[They got you. He caused a burst of light for just an instant by connecting his line to the light and sending magic power into it.]

HA! Got me?!

Dogon!

"Wha—!?"

The thing that I caught in the palm of my hand is Saji's knee. I grab onto his leg and use it to lift his whole body above my head.

"Ah—!"

Once again, he tries to make a sound, but didn't have time. I slammed him back first onto my knee.

Crack!

"Ack—!"

Saji cried in a moment of pain, as I was mere a few notches of pressure from severing his spine on my knee. I drop his body on the floor. He scrambles in pain to get up.

"Did you think blinding me was enough to gain a hit?! I am the Sekiryuutei! I could find you in your nightmares!"

I roar that loudly at Saji who is below me.

"—If you take my eyes, then I'll hear you out! If you take my ears, then I'll sniff you out! If you take my nose, then I'll sense you out! If you mask your aura, then I'll guess you out! You won't have a chance! You don't have a chance!"

Bagan!

Saji fired a magic blast at my face! It wasn't strong, but it definitely wasn't weak! Didn't Saji have low demonic power like me? Clearly not as bad, but not good? I wipe the smoke from my face—

Don!

Saji tried to uppercut me. His attack was strong?! No! It was heavy! Not filled with power, but filled with [will]! He attacked me with all of his might! Now that's an attack!

He charges another magic blast at me, but I easily dodge.

Don!

The floor I was standing at before broke! I still haven't received any penalties. Which means, you can still break the floor, at least! Oh, thank goodness! I was holding back a lot! If I couldn't break the floor I would be at a big disadvantage with my power!

"…Not bad, Saji."

"Hyoudou. I'm serious. I'm going to seriously defeat you, the Sekiryuutei."

—Saji's eyes were filled with resolution. I could tell that his seriousness was tremendous. Good. Don't falter, even if you can't win.
Then, Saji raised his hand and tried to fire another magic blast.

Bagan!

He fired another high-volume mass of magic! The size of it wasn't considerable, though. Mostly like, he was following the rule that said that not to damage the building as much as possible.

But, the attack was powerful enough to take down an opponent like me without my armour! Not bad indeed!

DON!

I dodged, and the store I was standing at before was destroyed by the blast of magic! However, how did Saji create such an attack? I had heard that he had low magic like me. Yet, how was he able to release such power?

Wait—! No! Could it be..?!

At that moment, I opened my eyes widely. Because Saji's Sacred Gear had its line connected to his chest— to his heart.

—The source of Saji's continuous attacks was his life-force!?

"Saji! You! Are you converting your own life-force…into magic power!?"

"That's right. With my low magic, this is the only way for me to shoot powerful attacks. I convert my life-force into magic power using my Sacred Gear's ability. It's just as you see. I'm [risking my life], as it were."

"Do you intend to die?!"

Saji—smiled with a serious look.

"Yeah, I intend to die. I intend to beat you with the intention of dying. —Do you understand our frustration, having our dream laughed at! Do you understand our desperation as we believe in our dream? This battle is being broadcast across the entire Underworld. We have to show the seriousness of the Sitri group in front of those guys that laughed at us!"

Suddenly, I remembered that scene.

—Yes, this is similar to the time where I marched into the Church.

I didn't consider my own life and simply poured my first into rescuing Asia. I just thought of helping Asia, even if I died. This battle overlapped with that scene.

Saji, you're the same as me from back then.

But—

.

.

.

I failed...you know?

And you will—

.

.

.

.

Hehe….

"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA—

my laugh echoed through the mall

—HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Saji… You—

.

.

.

I looked up at Saji with a twisted and almost maniacal smile etched on my face.

(—Are exactly the same as me.)

—ARE WORTHY OF MY RIVALRY!"

[Jet!]

I launched towards Saji.

[Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost!]

DON!

"Bleck—!"

I hit Saji straight in the abdomen and he coughed blood.

DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON DON!

I unleashed a barrage of attacks onto Saji that he couldn't keep up with. I was no longer holding back my strength.

"Ah!—Ack—AHH!"

Saji can only let out wails of pain, followed by chunks of blood from his mouth. At his level, he could not block or dodge such fast and powerful attacks. I could feel different parts of his body breaking under my fists. His ribs cracked upon contact with my leg. Blood leaked from his head, and he most likely had a concussion.

—Then, I sent one last hit into Saji's stomach.

DOOOOONN!

"—!"

Despite his jaws opening from the shock of my attack, no sound came out of his mouth. Not even a wheeze of air, as if he had no air in his lungs either way.

He never stood a chance.

—And even still, he hasn't retired.

"Haaah! Hahaha!"

I let out a breath and a laugh.

Ahaha! Yes! Saji! You are worthy! I deem you worthy! Come at me! Get stronger! Fight me! Try to kill me! Give me everything you've got! Hahahahaha!

(What are you laughing at, sicko?)

….

Saji's on the ground holding his stomach. I hear something in the background.

"…I drove a fist clad with spirit energy into you. Since damage was also dealt to the blood vessels flowing inside you at the time, you won't be able to build up magic anymore. Furthermore, the damage also pierced through your insides… You can't move anymore."

The voice of Koneko. Saji's kouhai is on her knees. It looks like Koneko defeated the kouhai.

Azazel had said this before.

("Koneko's true fighting style, which mixes senjutsu and hand-to-hand combat, will certainly become a weapon. An attack that not only deals damage to the opponent's body, but also their blood vessels that circulate within their body will break the enemy's aura from its foundation. However, if she becomes consumed by power, she must stop using it immediately. Senjutsu can read and handle spirit energy, but it also takes in the malice and ill will that floats in the world. Koneko's sister became like that because she absorbed too much malice as well.")

This was Koneko's fist shot! She fired a blow filled with spirit energy. It dealt external damage, of course, but its main destructive power was—the damage it dealt within the body! It sent spirit energy that was charged within her fist into the opponent's body and dealt damage to their internal organs.

Even if the damage from the punch itself didn't penetrate, as long as the fired spirit energy destroyed their interior—the effect was enormous.

So I saw in some book. I wasn't trained in internal organs since I failed anatomy!

But, a punch that dealt damage to the interior! So this was the attack that Koneko-chan had sealed. If she uses it well, she may be the servant with the most effective attack among us.

"…Saji-senpai, I'm sorry."

After she let just those few words leak out, the kouhai shone and she disappeared from here. She had retired and been transferred away because she had sustained serious damage.

[One of Sona Sitri-sama's "Pawns", retired.]

We heard another announcement. With this, each team had lost one person. The fight is coming to its end.

"…I have become a hellcat. I won't lose!"

Koneko declares and her ears flicked cutely. So cute!

Now then, since Koneko has decided while looking cool, I have to exert myself as a senpai as well!

—Saji slowly gets up.

"I will help senpai."

"No, this is our fight. Don't interfere."

"But—"

"If you respect Saji to any extent, then don't interfere. And if you respect me, stand down."

"...Yes, senpai…."

"Thank you. We'll go shopping after this match for something nice together."

"...Y-Yes…."

Saji looks up at me through his bloodstained hair. His face was already leaking with blood. But— His eyes are filled with a strong fire. His expression is one of pure determination. I almost felt chills being looked at by his burning gaze.

—Despite being in an obviously weakened state, I felt as if I shouldn't underestimate him. That's how strongly his determination reached me.

...Alright then, let's get more serious...

[Jet!]

I charge him.

DON DON DON DON DON!

I let out another flurry of attacks too powerful for Saji to handle.

I became so focused on beating him that I wasn't aware of Saji's physical state.

DON!

Skiiiiiiiiiid!

Saji slides across the floor.

He gets up again slowly. His body now visibly shaking. I could not see his face— its view was being obstructed by blood, hair, and shadows.

—For some reason, I smiled.

"You still stand back up..!"

I charged him once more with the same grin on my face, feeling elated by being able to witness such unwavering determination.

DON DON DON DON DON!

More and more of my hits are landed on Saji mercilessly. I felt an emotion I had never felt before. The closest thing this feeling gets to are the fights with Tannin, but this was something more. I felt overjoyed at Saji's tenacity. —His will to stand. As if it was the greatest form of courage from a warrior or fighter that I could acknowledge. I was overjoyed by the fact that I was able to fight him.

What I had yet to discover - was that Saji's will to fight was even greater than I could have imagined...

DON!

BAM BAM BAM!

Saji bounces and slides across the floor to a stop. He unsteadily gets back up, his body shaking violently. His knees almost buckle under his own weight. He can hardly stand.

And even still—

"Oooooorrryyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Saji only let's out a war cry that I felt echoed through my being. And with the last of his energy, he runs towards me with his right fist cocked back.

I reciprocated and rushed towards him with the the same posture.

[Jet!]

I quickly dematerialized my mask to take the full brunt of his attack and—

—Our attacks connected with each other's faces simultaneously.

DON! —DON!

Our hits landed, successfully performing a cross-counter exchange. I was still smiling at how heavy and powerful Saji's punch was despite lacking any noticeable physical strength. It wasn't filled with brute strength, but with pure resolve. And I felt every bit of it shake him to the core of my very being. A true attack filled with heart.

...

...

Drip...

A small stream of blood leaks from the side of Saji's lip. He unsteadily backed up, almost losing balance. Swaying back, forth, and side to side.

DON!

I punched Saji in the face once more, and he flies away and lands on the floor a few metres away.

...

...

Silence.

Slide...

The sound of Saji's shoes scraping against the floor are the only sound that fill the area, as he slowly rises from the ground, weakly. He can no longer properly stand. His torso is almost fully hunched over. Arms loosely hanging down. Head down. Legs shaking. Fingers randomly twitching.

Yet, he doesn't stay down.

—.

"Ahahahaha! To believe you can stand after all of that— That was my full physical power, you know!? Are you fucking kidding?! You're amazing! This was a perfect fight! You didn't disappoint me at all, Saji! You don't know how happy you've made me! I guess I really am becoming a battle maniac, huh!?"

I spoke to Saji in pure satisfaction.

"...Senpai…."

Koneko called out to me, but I was too engrossed in the atmosphere to notice it. I began to approach Saji, no longer deeming him a threat.

—I was right.

"You know, Saji, you may not be near my level, but with a will like that— you can catch up soon enough! Say, you think we could get kaichou to approve of you training with Tannin?! That would be perfect! I could help out too, you know? I think you'd die if you were with Shishou alone. He doesn't hold back very well, haha!"

"...Senpai."

"Don't worry though. I'll start out with you first. Then, as you get stronger, you can move on to Tannin. Although, according to Ddraig and Tannin, I apparently have an unnatural growth rate. So I don't expect you to reach my level that quickly, but depending on how much time kaichou is willing to give us, we can get you above High-Class Devils! —Aw! I forgot that break is gonna be over! Damn! You think she'd let us do it on weekends?"

"—Senpai... He can no longer hear you…."

"Hah? What are you talking about? He's still standing right there. Don't underestimate my rivals, Hellcat-ch—"

—I froze upon placing my hand on Saji's shoulder.

.

.

.

I finally caught a glimpse of Saji's face underneath his hair, and looked into his eyes. He didn't look back up at me.

—His eyes were completely hollow.

...

Small white particles began to show up on his shoulders.

Saji—

.

.

.

.

.

—had long since lost consciousness.

Pariiiiiiin...

With a quiet, short sound, Saji disappeared.

[One of Sona Sitri-sama's "Pawns", retired.]

Then shortly after that—

[One of Rias Gremory-sama's "Knights", retired.]

"Xenovia-senpai…."

Koneko commented quietly.

...

I simply stood completely still in place, silent.

...

...

...

[Ascalon!]

Shiiiiiin!

A light appears from my left gauntlet. When the light died down, I was holding onto Ascalon.

Slice!

With one quick slice, I cut the line that Saji had left behind on my right arm. It dropped to the floor, some blood spilling out of it.

"...Senpai—"

—I swiftly turned around, and walked quietly away.

...

Koneko catches up and follows me after a few seconds.

---

Only ten minutes had passed since the match began.

---

END

---

Damn. This one was long too. Well it seems like this really only will be two parts I think. That should work just fine. Sorry this chapter was a bit late. Been caught up with finals. But don't worry they just ended so we should be good now. Anyway, if you listened to the music I suggested you might've gotten a kick from those scenes. I also skipped the fight with Koneko and also skipped the one with Kiba and Xenovia. Sorry, but I'm sure most don't want to bother with that. It's short anyway. Kiba will have his spotlight next chapter anyway. And as you can see, ain't no weak random line placed by Saji is gonna take out such a strong issei.

Read, Rate, Review, go crazy.

Stay frosty.