Chapter 6

(Thoughts)

'Important Words'

"Dialogue" -

Attacks, Boosted Gear

[Good Old Ddraig]

{The Albion}

*Magic Circle Communication. Among Others*

Chanting!


First Journey and Descendant.


—Kioto Station / Present Day.—


.

A hole made its appearance at the center of the rather empty Kyoto Train Station. It was pitch black and held a violet light, however, the silhouette of a figure could be distinguished inside of it.

A man appeared from the inside of the hole and started to look around.

The man had a deep brown hair that was closer to black and almost all bangs of his hair went to his right side, leaving his left one completely free.

In his forehead, a Mark could be seen. It was black in color with a tinge of red, shinning in a purple light. It gave off a demonic vibe that could scare anyone.

He wore an oxford-grey coat that held no eyelets nor a zipper, the only thing making it stay in place was a white string that came out of a pair of eyelets at the base of the neck. The string was tied up in a knot and rested on his chest.

The rest of the eyelets—normally used for the buttons, were stitched up and colored in a rather opaque red.

He also wore a form-fitting black t-shirt and pants of the same color.

To top it off; brown, knee-length boots could be seen, they held no laces and only a pair of red designs could be seen etched on them.

That man was Issei, he left his home as soon as he got his clothes, still being Friday in the morning, close to midday.

"Wow! Why is the station desolated?" - He asked to no one in particular.

Walking around he figured out the answer to his question.

A big sign that read; Under Maintenance could be seen near the wall which also held an old fashioned clock.

"I see... Is it good luck that there is no one here? I don't know. After all, my Hell Gate is capable of hiding my presence even from supernatural beings."

Ignoring the thought, he looked around the place.

A simple station with grey concrete floors and two rails for the trains. He could see some workers checking the rails and changing them for new ones.

The Kyoto train station was one that had the main building on top of the actual stations and that building was filled with stores, food, clothing among other things. While all stations and rail were down below, so it gave the impression of a subway.

Issei put his hands into his pockets and walked away. No one noticed him and soon, after walking around, he reached the staircase.

"What place should I check out first?" - He asked to himself while going up the stairs.

Since the maintenance was halfway done, the escalators were completely stopped just in case anyone of the people present upstairs thought the rail was open.

He reached the top part of the stairs and crossed the yellow tape that kept people away from the location.

After walking towards the right, he soon saw another pair of escalators but this ones fully functional.

They were far away from his location and not many people were walking in the hallway here. Well the rail was closed so they had nothing to do here.

While looking around, Issei continued his journey. After a couple of minutes of walking, he reached the escalators he first saw and stepped on them.

Reaching almost the entrance of the station, a sea of people appeared out of nowhere—right in front of him. They quickly moved in different directions while pushing each other around.

They were many people; young, old, male or female, local or tourists. But as soon as he reached the end of the escalators some of them looked at his direction, after all, it was odd to find someone climbing up those stairs.

The moment the normal humans laid their eyes on him they stopped moving. They froze.

The males were kind of frightened of him, his appearance gave him a bad boy feeling and the 'tattoo' on his forehead suited him perfectly.

The cold look on those really odd eyes gave them a bad feeling, they irradiated a feeling that said 'Don't mess with me' so like their instincts told them, they didn't mess with him.

The female population was quite different, it all started from a couple of women that casually looked at him, but soon their friends accompanying them saw the looks in their faces and looked at the general direction they were staring at. After that, many, if not all the women, were staring at him.

They all had two things in common; One was the blush on their cheeks whether large or small—that depended on the female. And second was that they just stood still, not moving.

The ones that were actually walking around the place noticed this and also curiously looked at the general direction, only for the same to happen managing to create a perfect Domino effect.

After a few moments, the majority of the female population stood still and just looked at him.

His bad boy look and presence attracted them, his clothing gave him a rather roguish vibe making him quite the man in their eyes.

His face, although it didn't look too handsome, it had sharp features that showed experience in life.

Issei was, of course, oblivious to all of this, he was just looking at the station.

(Wow! It looks rather good for a train station!) - Those were his thoughts, he was interested in the looks of the station.

The station was built to be open, so not much roof was seen. The light of the day peeked in between the steel girders and managed to fill the entire place with a brilliant glow.

A lot of glass could also be seen, it was either completely clear or tinted with a blue color.

The smooth floor gave the impression of a carpet and it's grey color looked quite clear, ridden from any impurities. Some lamps could be seen at the extremes of the same station, but they were turned off.

He could see, towards his right, another pathway leading inside with a couple of souvenir shops at both sides.

He looked in front of him and saw a big staircase with a single escalator at its right-hand side.

If he had to guess, he should be in the Esplanade that connects the shopping square inside the station with the shopping district, and the big staircases in front should be one of the many entrances and exits.

(Mmmm... Now that I think about it, for a normal station this is quite aesthetically pleasing.) - While nodding his head Issei walked upwards, ignoring the blushes from the ladies and the angry glares from the males.

Reaching halfway up, he turned his head towards the left and saw a building which entire facade was made out of glass.

(Those should be the offices of the workers here.) - Issei turned his head back and sped up.

Finally at the entrance of the station, he stared into the distance and inhaled a fresh breath of cold air.

"Haaa..." - He let out a small smile.

"I'm free! I'm finally free from those people!"

He looked at the bright blue sky that had a small visible ray of light. He then closed his eyes and momentarily felt the wind hit his face.

(Thank you.) - He didn't even know who he thanked but after that, he felt relieved.

"Where should I visit first?" - He looked around and started to walk in a random direction, now that he was here he didn't have to hurry.

He crossed the road while still pondering to himself his next destination.

(Which place I visited last time but didn't see it because of the attack on Kyoto?)

He walked around the place a bit more, seeing tall glass buildings and many people crossing the streets.

A lot of things could be done here but before he had any idea of what to do, a sound disturbed his thoughts.

*Grumble.*

Surprised by it, he blushed a little. - "Seems like I need to go eat something..."

He made his decision and turned towards the road. He now appeared to be quite a distance away from the station.

(It seems I got lost while I was walking.) - Surprised yet again by his luck, he looked at his surroundings.

Not many things could be seen aside from a couple of buildings, houses and restaurants that were quite close to one another.

Walking further inside the city without any fear, he strolled for a while.

"Haaa..." - He sighed in defeat, not a single restaurant he liked, he was disappointed.

"It appears that I'll have to go to the market and buy food there..." - He turned around and when he was walking away he heard something that caught his attention.

"Come on! Come on! It just opened! You know how much that place is filled, even if it looks bad on the outside!"

A young man with a normal Japanese hair said to his friend, both appear to be running and just casually ran past Issei.

"Yes, Yes, I know. Don't drag me! We're still on time, today is a good day not many adults or office workers go at this time of the day. We have around an hour more!"

The one that was dragged was a similarly aged teen. He had long black hair and wore a school uniform that looked exactly the same as his friend.

"I wonder what the specialty of the day will be?" - While drooling, the first young man talked to himself.

Looking closely, both had normal looking faces, the long haired one had brown eyes, while the other one black.

Since they wore a normal-looking uniform not much could be seen, but by Issei's guesses they shouldn't train anything in particular.

(Hmmm? So a specialty of the day restaurant that looks bad on the outside but the food is delicious... caught my interest!) - That place should have something appropiate for him to eat.

(Those two are normal humans and no aura of a supernatural being is stuck on them. They should be your average humans going to an ordinary restaurant.)

Issei turned around and slowly followed those two young men without them noticing, a small smirk was on his face.

"Don't disappoint me! After all, my breakfast and probably the meal of the day depend on you!" - He appeared to be talking to the both of them, but they were too far ahead to listen to him.

Crossing the corner both men talked to themselves.

"Hey did you see the guy back there?" - The long haired one asked his friend.

"Yes, he looked dangerous, and although I hate to admit it he's rather handsome. He should attract women by the dozens!" - The friend replied to his brown-eyed pal, a bit of envy in his voice.

"Yes, but something about him looked special, although we ran past him I could still tell he isn't normal!" - The brown-eyed young man talked to his friend.

They soon disregarded the man they just saw and quickly kept running, both of them didn't know that Issei heard everything.

(Look, dangerous? Me?) - He didn't believe them.

With a slow pace he followed the two humans.

For him, tracking them was extremely easy. After crossing many streets, turning corners and almost being hit by a truck, Issei reached the place in which he felt the presence of the two humans.

"Sumiredōri Shopping District?" - He read the sign that was on top of him, held by two wooden pillars blue in color.

It appeared the two humans brought him to a shopping district.

"Well if worst comes to worst I'll prepare my own food. I see the market over there and a convenience store on the other side, so sure, lets try." - He shrugged his shoulders and walked in, following the aura of the two students.

At the corner of the block he could see a normal and even below average restaurant. It had an awning red in color that appeared to be just cleaned off any grime and dust.

He saw a sign up there and read out loud.

"Shokujidokoro Yukihira? A family business? Those are always the best restaurants!"

Deciding the place he was going to eat at, he hoped he wasn't wrong and walked towards it, soon reaching the sliding wooden door.


—-Shokujidokoro Yukihira Family Restaurant / Inside.—-


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On the inside of the restaurant one could see a short, red-haired boy sprinting in between wooden tables.

He had a goofy look in his eyes which were golden in color and a smile on his face. A single scar was present on his left eyebrow, falling down until a little above his eyelid. Many different food plates were on his arms, too many in fact that there was the risk of dropping them.

Then a man screamed. - "A Beef Stew!"

The young red-haired turned his head and said.

"Coming right up!" - Then he walked towards the location of the man.

He left the stew in place and after a couple of moments, all of his arms were empty. He just smiled and got back into the kitchen, which was literally on the opposite side of the main door.

This place was small, a limited number of tables could be seen, maybe around eight or nine just enough for the young man to attend perfectly.

The old man in the kitchen was cooking the food the newly arrived clients asked for, a pair of boys that got lucky and reached this place on time.

He had long brown hair which is swept back save for a single group of bangs that hangs over his face down to his chin.

His eyes were sharper and more serious than the boy, which was standing in front of him, and were also golden in color. Meaning that they were both father and son. He had a slight beard on his chin and his body looked very well toned.

"Ojiaji, everything has been delivered only those two you're cooking for are left. After this, we shall have our duel!" - The boy pointed at his father with a challenging smirk on his face.

"Ohhh. You think you can win?" - The father turned his head while still cooking, a fierce light could be seen in his eyes.

"But of course!" - Not feeling intimidated he replied back.

"Fine, but who shall be the judge? Everyone here has already been one." - The father agreed but stated the problem they had.

They wanted, if possible, someone new. But that person wouldn't open the door and just appear out of nowhere.

"Right Ojiaji..." - While thinking he put his hand on his chin.

(If someone could appear... Now that would be a blessing!) - He was hoping for it, he even turned his head towards the door, his father did the same.

A couple of seconds later the door was opened, it appeared someone heard their prayers.

""Yes!"" - They both excitedly yelled, they even raised both hands.

The boy soon started to think what to cook, he didn't look at the man that just entered the restaurant. But his father certainly did, and what he saw scared him a bit.

He knew the one at the entrance of the restaurant wasn't a normal human being.

(This guy...) - The man looked at the dark brown-haired boy standing at the entrance.

Issei just closed the sliding door behind him and said.

"Excuse me, I heard this place has some delicious food. I would want to order." - His voice was sharp and warm, a really odd combination of tones that made everyone, except the red-haired boy, widen their eyes.

He used this tone of voice on strangers so that he didn't scare them off, after all, they hadn't done anything to him. His normal sharp and cold tone was for those he thought of as a threat.

Everyone inside was staring at the man standing at the door.

However, the thing that made everyone inhale a cold breath of air was the 'Tattoo' on the left side of his forehead. Black with a tinge of red and for them it looked like it shined with a violet light.

That shinning made everyone think that he just got it recently.

His eyes were the exact same color as his tattoo but, of course, without the violet light.

"Ahhh? Excuse me?" - Issei asked again this time tilting his head.

The young boy finally got back from his thoughts, and while looking at him with a smile he said.

"Sure, please sit here!" - He pointed at a stool near the kitchen.

The Dragon nodded and approached the stool, all eyes still on him.

(What exactly is wrong with this guy? I feel he's different in a sense.) - The old man on the kitchen thought to himself.

He has traveled all over the world and met many varieties of people, from extremely rich owners of companies, to Royalty and even normal office workers at the side of the road. But not once has he felt a presence such as the one the man approaching him had.

It was difficult to explain; it appeared dangerous and mysterious yet also like something was hidden...

Issei looked at the young boy in front of him, who was still smiling at him.

(Quite the young fella. He doesn't appear to be older that sixteen but capable of resisting my natural aura. Quite amazing.) - Issei was surprised by the young man, although a normal human, he seemed to have a pretty strong will and didn't judge a book by his cover.

(In the near future, he will be someone recognized by all.) - He made his guess which wasn't far off from the truth.

"What do you want to order?" - He heard the voice of the teen, Issei turned and looked directly at his eyes maintaining eye contact for a couple of seconds, yet not a single bit of surprise could be seen in them.

"Hmmm... About that...what is the specialty of the day?" - He asked back, the young boy smirked and answered. - "Chicken Egg, Tempura Don!"

Issei was convinced about the specialty and nodded his head, ordering that.

"Please wait for a minute." - The young man said to him, but then he turned around and asked.

"Ohh! May I ask you to be the judge of the duel between my father and I?"

The question surprised Issei, but the boy looked straight at him with hope in his eyes and that goofy smile made him nod.

"On one condition." - He lifted the index finger of his left hand up.

"What is it?" - The eyes of the boy turned serious, but seeing the mysterious man smile at the corner of his mouth, he relaxed.

"Only if the food is delicious!" - That comment made the young boy turn around, while walking at the kitchen he said to him.

"But of course!"

It appeared to be that the restaurant and the owners of it were quite interesting.

Issei sat there and closed his eyes, for everyone it appeared that he was taking a break.

After a couple of moments, the rest of the people inside the restaurant started to talk again, this time about the mysterious man sitting on the stool.

"Hey what do you think about him?" - Unreservedly, they asked among themselves in a voice they thought as low.

"I don't know. He looks odd and seems to be special in a sense but I can't see how..." - Two older office workers who were on their lunch breaks talked to themselves.

On the other side of the restaurant, two young women around their early twenties were also whispering between themselves.

"Don't you think he looks hot?" - A light brown-haired woman asked her friend, her eyes scanned the body from top to bottom of the one sitting at the stool.

"...If only he was more fit, he would be perfect!" - She said once again.

The man didn't look muscular and looked rather skinny, maybe he was midway in his physical activities and training?

"Yesss..." - The other woman whispered huskily. - "He looks like a bad boy and those eyes suit him perfectly, I would definitely do him!" - The long dark-haired woman said as she licked her lips, unknowingly causing Issei to sweat and think.

(Not another Kiryuu, please...)

It appeared to be that there were women that were also perverts outside of Kuoh.

The man inside the kitchen never took his eyes of the young man sitting on the stool, his son already took care of his order. He didn't do it because he felt something was weird with the guy in front of him.

Grabbing all of his courage, he went closer to him and with a friendly smile and tone he asked.

"You don't look from around here? Did you get lost?" - The tone was as friendly as he could manage.

Issei opened his eyes and looked into his, making the old-man discreetly sweat.

(What kind of eyes are those?!) - He screamed internally when he saw those pair of eyes clearly.

They looked like they were sinked in darkness, but the light they held was extremely firm and unwavering. They also transmitted a certain wisdom in life that amazed him.

(What did you go through?) - That look for a kid not even twenty was exceedingly rare. Not even him, that was reaching his forties and traveled around the world, had that look in his eyes.

"Yes, I'm new. I am travelling around the world and Kyoto is my first stop." - The Dragon answered the question with his sharp and warm voice, although the man looked at him weirdly it didn't hold any bad emotion, more like surprise and caution.

"I see! A traveler!" - At the mention of this the old man smiled even further.

"I also traveled around the world when I was younger, a great experience! I'm glad there's still someone that wants to do it!" - Remebering his younger days he rested his body on the kitchen bar, getting closer to Issei.

"You also traveled around the world?" - His interest peaked, he asked the old man.

"Yes...you see, I am a cook that studied at a rather prestigious academy, but in that place I once forgot what was the most important to me... So I decided to travel around the world and find it again." - He explained his story while making sure his son didn't hear him, after all, it was a secret.

"And you did?" - Issei felt sympathy for the man, he was more or less going through the same situation.

"Yes. I did. A woman was the one I found, I married her and had a child. The brat in the kitchen." - He pointed to his back where the teen from before was cooking with a smile on his face.

"That moment was the best in my life. No trophy. No power. No glory. I once gained or will ever gain will surpass the moment when she accepted to marry me." - The man had a nostalgic look in his eyes, but they were also filled with happiness.

"And what happened to her?"

"She passed away due to a sickness a couple of years ago." - He said in a calm voice.

"I'm sorry for your loss." - Issei expressed his apologies, getting a little smirk from the man.

"Don't worry, you didn't know about it."

Silence filled the place once again until surprisingly Issei broke it.

"Which country do you recommend me to visit?" - Since the man had experience and he seemed like he wasn't lying, Issei asked.

"Country!?" - He thought that he would ask inside of Japan! But he suddenly went worldwide! Did he have the money to travel around the globe?

Issei just nodded.

"Mmmm..." - He placed a hand on his chin. - "Which places across the globe have you already visited?" - He asked back to him.

"Romania." - Back during a Qlippoth attack he visited the land of the Vampires.

(Maybe I should visit it again, after all, I only went to the castles of the 'Carmilla' and 'Tepes' Faction.)

The man, amazed by the sudden mention of the country, started to think.

"Do you like the west part of the world?" - He had a couple of places in mind but he needed to ask the young man.

Issei only nodded.

"You should probably do it like this." - He stopped reclining himself against the kitchen bar and said.

"Go to Kuwait then by land travel all of Arabia, probably go to Jerusalem. Cross Iran, Iraq and Pakistan and then reach India. Once there, take a plane and fly to Germany and visit the countries around it. That's my recommendation!" - He told Issei.

(Sounds Good.) - Issei was convinced, maybe he should do it that way.

"Sorry for the wait! Here is your order!" - The teen came back with the plate and put it in front of Issei.

(Smells quite good!) - Issei didn't doubt for a second and went for the meal.

In his words—it was delicious, and it came from him that has eaten high-class food quite normally.

"Good food." - He said to the boy, only getting a slight smirk on his face.

"Happy to serve!" - The teen smirked while removing his white headband. And after a couple of minutes, the meal was gone.

"So would you be the judge?" - He asked with stars in his eyes.

"Sure." - If he could eat more delicious food without any extra cost that was fine by him.

"Great! Ojiaji, prepare to lose!"

The red-haired teen had a proud smirk that only lasted that long. Fifteen minutes later the same red-haired brat was on his knees in front of his father, crying and laughing bitterly.

He was destroyed during the cooking match.

"HaHaHaHa! That should be around your 500th loss!" - He laughed at his son, happy about the result.

"What are you saying, that's only the 489th time!" - He talked back to his father.

(...That doesn't make it any better...) - Issei thought while he finished the rice bowl.

"Thanks for the food." - He stood up from the stool, paid for his single plate and turned arround.

"Old man... Thanks for the advice, I might do it that way." - He, without turning back, said to the forty-year-old man.

"And you kid, don't give up." - Issei said while he looked over his shoulder. - "You have much more potential than you can imagine and soon enough you'll be better than your father, always remember that!" - His piercing eyes looking directly at the young man.

That look in the mysterious man's face won't be something he will forget.

Seeing the face of the young boy, Issei turned his head around and went for the door.

"What's your name?!" - The teen screamed at him. He wanted to remember the man with those piercing eyes which told him he would be better than his father.

Ise stopped opening the door midway, debating over what to do but soon he gave up.

(For you to actually make me say my name... Pretty good...) - He held a smirk.

"Hyoudou Issei! Don't forget it. One day I'll come back, and you better stand above from the place you're today! Don't make my words go to waste!" - He slammed the door open and left but before that he heard a voice.

"My name is Yukihira Souma! Better be back!" - Ise scoffed in amusement and left.

A couple of moments flew by, the clients inside were silent during the exchange of words between them

((Hyoudou Issei.))

Both father and son carved the name into memory, the strange man that irradiated danger and mystery. This was probably the most abnormal person they'll ever meet.

"Remeber Souma, people like that exist all over the world! Some are more special than others but like him, there are people that will make you want to try your best!" - The father recommended to his son and continued his cooking.

(All over the world, huh? I bet we'll meet again Issei, and at that moment I'll be better than what I am now!) - He made the promise to himself. Not knowing that soon he would go to a journey that will forever change him.


—-Scene Change / Outside Shopping District.—-


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(Quite the interesting guy...)

Issei continued his journey, he saw that according to the clock on a wall it was around 1 in the afternoon.

(Mmmm... I want to go to Fushimi-Inari. Before, I wasn't able to tour around it, but I think I'm far away maybe I should use my Hell Gate?) - He thought to himself as he went to look for a dark alley to use it.

Soon he reached one and activated his 'Hell Gate.'

He went into the black portal and soon disappeared from the place he was at.

A portal manifested itself in a different place, Issei calmly walked out of it. After seconds, he saw the temple he visited once before.

(Fushimi-Inari...) - He had a firm expression on his face. - (Thankfully, my Hell Gate is extremely useful for these type of situations.)

He appeared in the middle of a busy street, but thanks to the trait of his ability he wasn't noticed by anyone.

(Really...quite the beautiful place.)

He approached a big red Japanese gate, or Torii, that was at the entrance of the mountain.

Behind it, a big, ancient, Japanese-styled building was present also red in color.

It had the appearance of an even bigger gate which had many golden accents on its surface, giving off a refined look. It had an inclined roof that was light brown in color and also looked extremely beautiful.

This was the Main Gate of Fushimi-Inari. And above it one could see a huge collection of staircases and orange/red Torri.

Issei walked across the Main Gate and looked around, seeing two bronze statues at the side of the entrance near the main building.

They were of two foxes, one held a key in its mouth while the other a jewel.

(...Interesting...) - Issei thought to himself as he went to search for the best route upwards.

A sea of people followed him, but it looked like they were coincidentally headed towards the same direction.

A huge stone staircase could be seen a couple of steps away, massive amounts of Torri's adorning it, making the staircase have some kind of a roof because of them.

A few of the Torri were small enough for a man not over 1.80cm to walk through. While others went as high as the trees nearby.

The Red Dragon Emperor continued his walk, not paying attention to anyone fully concentrated in the scenery of the place.

Issei continued in as he saw how the road divided into two.

"Left." - He muttered and walked that way.

Some of the tourists behind him chose right, maybe because he looked rather threatening. Only a couple of woman were still following him, some even had their phones on their hands.

"Kyaaaa...!" - A woman screamed with a blush on her cheeks, it appeared that she took a picture of him.

(Give me a break.) - Ise gained a drop of sweat in the back of his neck.

After that little problem he decided to increase his pace, and using his absurd speed he left the woman behind.

"Huh? Where did he go?" - Some asked that to themselves as they looked around.

Ise reached the top of the mountain. A big, orange/red Torri was behind him, this bearing a similitude to the one at the entrance.

"What a view! The last time I came here we didn't manage to reach this high up." - The view here was magnificent so he went towards a rock and sat on it.

Many buildings tall and small could be seen, and hundreds of trees accompanying the streets were present. Because it was a good time of the year some Sakura trees still had their flowers.

Issei just sat there not having a single thought inside his head, but soon something caught his interest.

(Hmm?) - He turned around and saw two male figures dressed in apparently civilian clothing.

One seemed to be in his early thirties with a blue dress shirt and black pants with the same color of shoes. He as well had golden eyes and hair that seemed out of the ordinary.

The second man looked younger by a couple of years, around his mid-twenties. He also had the same golden hair but had blue eyes. He wore military pants green in color and a beige-colored t-shirt, black boots were on both of his legs.

A little out of the ordinary tourists but not that strange, at least for the majority of the normal people.

(Yōkai!) - Issei quickly noticed the true nature of their aura, but he couldn't figure out their species.

(Since we are in Fushimi-Inari, my guess is a Kitsune.)

Not wanting to get into problems, he quickly vanished from his sitting position. His speed so high it reached the realm of leaving after-images.

He then reappeared at the top of the Torii, his eyes never leaving the both of them. He forced his ears a little to try to hear what they were talking about.

"Man such a bummer, we can't go the party hosted by Amaterasu-sama!" - The gold-eyed Yōkai talked to his partner.

"You know why! We are far too low leveled for a party in which even Gods may attend!" - The military-wearing man rebutted the comment of the thirty-year-old.

(A party in which Gods may appear?)

Ise listened to their conversation, intrigued by their words. Wanting to know more he used his senses and scanned both of them without them noticing.

(Mid-Tier, Mid-Class Yōkai is more or less the level of the reserves of the older one. The other...) - Ise took his eyes from the older one and looked at the youngest. - (Low-Tier, High-Class Yōkai. It seems the younger generation is taking the lead.)

"Yes. But still! I would have loved to see a couple of Goddesses in the flesh!" - The older man commented with a perverted grin on his face.

((Is that the only reason you wish to go for?)) - Both Issei and the strict man thought the same thing.

"Haaa..." - The stict man let out a sigh filled with tiredness. Why his partner, although older, was more like a child?

"Oi. Oi. Come on, don't be like that." - He tried to console the younger one. - "We found a treasure that was lost since a couple of centuries ago, you should be happier!"

"I know, but still..." - Letting his feelings out, he sighed.

Soon, the younger man thought of another thing that had him rather confused.

"I don't know how they actually got the treasure. They told us they found it when they were doing damage repair back at Nasuno, but I believe something is off."

The older man was surprised. - "They didn't tell you?"

Thanks to being of a higher rank, thanks to his age, he got the true information behind the mystery of the treasure.

"You know!?"

"Shhh! Lower your voice." - He quickly covered his mouth and started to look around, not looking up were Ise was.

"Yes, I do. After all, I have a higher position than you even if you're stronger than me!"

"What are you waiting for, spill it out!" - The strict younger man left his personality aside and with stars in his eyes, he asked the man.

(Where did your strictness from a moment ago went to?) - Issei made the mental note.

"Fine, I'll tell you, but it needs to be in a private location." - He seriously commented, getting a nod from his partner.

The two of them started to walk around, their destination was the part of the mountain that wasn't open to the public. They went behind the gate they were currently at and soon crossed the line that separated the mountain in half.

(...Mmmm...) - Issei was interested. A treasure, the truth behind it, smells like an adventure! Something he rather liked.

"Fuck it!" - He decided to follow them.

A pair of sharp, pitch black wings made their appearance behind his back. They appeared to be detached from his back magically floating behind him.

He flapped them once and a second later, he vanished.

He was flying extremely fast, to the point that an airwall formed in his surroundings.

(Do not break the sound barrierrrr!) - If he did break it, then they will notice something was amiss.

After another flap of his wings, he once again saw the two Yōkai from before this time deep inside the small forest of the mountain.

The older man released his true form, a fluffy tail and a pair of sharp, pointy ears became visible at the top of his head.

Ise, seeing this, knew his guess was right. - (So he was indeed a Kitsune...)

Still in the air he used his Darkness to cover his left shoulder and right thigh, hidding his presence to the point that the old man couldn't detect it.

"We're alone, no one noticed us."

Issei smiled when the Yōkai mentioned this.

"Now, the reason of how we found a treasure!" - Both Ise and the younger man paid attention to this.

Ise casually landed on a thick tree branch near them to hear better, he did not want to miss this.

"It wasn't found on a ruin during the repair, it was found on someone." - The older man explained, getting an amazed look from the military dude and a nod of acceptance from Ise, he suspected that.

"After the destruction caused by the Beast we did go to do repair jobs, but what we didn't expect was for a strong Yōkai to be the province of Nasuno. That Yōkai had the treasure!"

"Who was the Yōkai?" - The strict guy asked his partner getting another nod from Ise, he also wanted to know about that.

"You won't believe it!"

(Just say it old man!) - Ise was getting tired of beating around the bush.

"Just say it!" - It seems he wasn't the only one.

"Fine. Fine. Yeesh, don't get your panties in a twist" - He said with sarcasm. - "It was found on a female Kitsune Yōkai."

His answer managed to get a deadpan look from his partner. - "And?" - He asked back.

"It was a Nine-Tailed Fox!" - That, was the information both, Ise and the twenty-year-old wanted to hear.

The first to react was the twenty-year-old.

"Wait! A Nine-Tailed Fox? If I'm not wrong the only Nine-Tailed Fox is Yasaka-sama..." - He muttered under his breath. - "Unless!"

The young man widened his eyes at the realization, he soon took some steps back in shock and fell down to the ground.

"Ha! Indeed!" - The older one smiled at the scene.

"A Nine-Tailed Fox that had red hair with a tinge of black, also known as a 'Kyuubi-No-Yōko!' Adescendant of one of the Three Most Evil Yōkai! A descendant of Tamamo-No-Mae!"

Issei was shocked. - (A descendant of Tamamo-No-Mae?! Weren't they exterminated!?) - Issei remembered reading about it.

"Weren't they eradicated a couple of hundreds of years ago?" - It seems the younger man thought the same.

"They were supposed to." - He nodded his head. - "But it seems a survivor escaped and continued the legacy."

"When we found her, she proved to be extremely strong! I was present when we had to take her down. It took an entire squadron of Ultimate-Class Yōkai just to subdue her!" - The man shuddered as he remembered that day.

"W-What h-happened to her?" - The man was scared. An entire squadron just to subdue her and not kill her, obviously they wanted something else from her.

"She was jailed here in Kyoto!"

Issei was happy about the info. - (Maybe I can offer her to join my team if I free her.) - He did his machinations.

"I don't know the exact location because they refused to give it out. After all, it would be quite dangerous if it's known." - His tone deadly serious. - "The only thing I know is that she's inside Arashiyama."

"The bamboo forest? Why there?"

"Beats me, I just casually heard it as my two superiors were talking."

(Arashiyama, huh.) - Issei was lost in thought.

That place was quite big it will take time to explore it all, and finding someone was even harder.

"Then what about the treasure?" - That question also piqued Ise's interest.

"I also don't know. They didn't tell me at all!" - The man was quite angry at the secrecy of his superiors.

(A treasure so important that they won't tell about it?) - Issei was kind of excited about it, now he knew his next destiny for travel. - (Arashiyama, here I come!)

He was about to leave when he heard another question, so he stopped midway.

"Then what about Yasaka-sama and Amaterasu-sama? Do they know about how they got the treasure?" - The man asked, he knew that if both of them knew about the descendant then she wouldn't be jailed.

"Of course not!" - He scoffed. - "Both of them are far too naive and will let her roam freely. They are even capable of offering her a high position, after all, she's quite strong and an extremely rare species of Yōkai. So the superiors made the story of casually finding it!"

"Good! A traitor should be executed!" - The young man raised his voice, getting a smirk from the old one.

(It appears that she's despised by the Yōkai even if she's just a descendant...) - Ise was disgusted by the look in both Yōkai's eyes.

"Tch! Trash!" - Issei muttered under his breath, debating whether to kill them or not.

He soon changed his mind. During this time period if anything were to happen, it will alert everyone and his newly formed plan will go down the drain.

He turned around and jumped high into the air, not letting them sense him at all.

When he reached a sufficient height he used his Darkness and formed his former pair of wings. He flapped them and vanished from the spot.

Freely flying in the sky Ise was focused on his thoughts.

(Where should I go?) - Arashiyama was huge so he didn't know where to land.

"Fuck it. Let luck be my guide!" - He increased his speed breaking the sound barrier.


—-Time Skip / 4 Hours Later.—-


.

"How big is this fucking place?!" - Issei screamed.

He spent more than four hours in the shitty Bamboo forest but aside from a few boars and squirrels, nothing else was seen! Not even a human being!

"You gotta be kidding with me! How am I supposed to find someone in this huge fucking place!?" - Cursing at the highest capacity of his lungs, he sat on a nearby rock.

He then laid down on it and watched the sky change from a clear blue to a deeper one, clouds covering the majority of it.

A few of the near by bamboo trees covered the extremes of his vision.

A couple of cherry blossoms and Japanese maples could be seen here and there. Some of their leaves falling to the ground because of the winds, making the grey and brown floor look livelier with their pinks and reds.

"Haaaa... When will I find something?" - Issei was still on the rock lamenting that he couldn't find anything.

He heard a noise behind him and stood up, he prepared his left arm to summon 'Rebellion' just in case of anything.

He looked at the origin of the sound and saw a couple of bamboo trees moving from one side to another.

"Come!" - Prepared for anything he said to the thing behind the trees.

But he only got disappointment.

"Oo-Aa!" - A small monkey not taller that his knee came from the top of the bamboo tree.

Ise only blinked in confusion and sensed the monkey, finding nothing wrong with it he released his guard.

"Haaaa..." - He sounded exhausted. - "A monkey of all things made me lose my cool..." -

His hand that was prepared to summon 'Rebellion' at any time, relaxed.

The monkey was looking directly at him not breaking visual contact.

"...weird monkey..." - He looked back at the monkey.

A moment after that, the monkey made noises and pointed its little hand towards Issei and back to himself continuously.

"What are you doing?" - Issei, confused, asked the monkey who's only response was to move his hand in that odd fashion even more.

"You want me to follow you?" - The monkey nodded and screamed even more, he jumped in his place to signify that he was excited.

(Follow a normal looking monkey into the depths of a forest what could go wrong...)

"Well, nothing better to do." - He just shrugged his shoulders and walked towards the monkey who looked even more excited. He continued to follow the monkey that was walking in a funny way.

After a couple of minutes maybe around half an hour, the monkey stopped and turned around jumping and squealing like crazy.

"So we're here." - He, someway or another, figured out what the monkey wanted to say.

The monkey jumped into a nearby tree and climbed it.

The vision without the monkey was that of a huge plain with many mossy rocks in different sizes. From a small pebble to an actual hill, many other monkeys were climbing the surrounding bamboo trees or playing with the stones and other monkeys.

"This is your home?" - Ise asked the monkey that was climbing a nearby tree.

The monkey only started to squeal in return.

"Quite a beautiful place you got here." - He complimented.

(I wonder if Mount Huaguo will be anything like this?) - He looked around as saw the many monkeys playing, sleeping or just staring at him.

"It seems they don't think of me as a threat. Quite weird." - He didn't understand why the monkeys looked at him with no fear in their eyes.

He also couldn't understand why were they so smart, at least, the one that brought him here was incredibly smart for a normal monkey.

The one that brought him here climbed down the tree and stood in front of him.

They held a staring contest in which, after a few moments, the monkey broke it and squealed. It appeared that he was accepted here.

"So does that means you accept me as a visitor?" - He asked the monkey, who only tilted his head.

(I guess I asked for too much...)

"Oo-Aa!" - The monkey then nodded his head.

(He understood me!?) - He was stunned at the nod of the monkey.

"I can't believe I'm going to do this..." - Remembering why he was here in the first place, he muttered to himself.

"Well, I literally have nothing to lose." - He steadied himself and looked directly into the monkey's eyes.

"I'm looking for someone, she's a fox with red and black tails. Have you seen her?"

It appeared that he finally lost the sanity he had left...

"Here goes nothing..." - Using his Darkness he manifested what he Hoped was a fox tail and a pair of ears to make the monkey understand.

Then he pointed at the red parts of his Darkness and said. - "Seen someone like that?"

The monkey finally understood and nodded with a dumb grin on his face.

"You have?!" - He was shocked!

The monkey nodded his head again.

"Would you take me to her?" - He asked the most important question.

The monkey, for the fourth time, nodded its little head. Then the monkey began to squeal and two other monkeys came to his side, they looked just like him, black in color but one looked a lot older.

He squealed at Issei and did the sign in which he pointed to himself and then at Ise.

"I'll follow you!" - Issei activated his Darkness and turning it into stains covering his left shoulder and thigh.

"Lead the way!" - Issei smirked.

The monkey squealed and the other two jumped up and down and into the threes. It seems his only guide here was a clever monkey.

The monkey came closer to him and pointed at Issei's shoulder. Knowing what the monkey meant, he let him stand on his shoulder.

"Where to?" - The black monkey pointed into a direction, Ise followed the finger.

A couple of minutes went by, Ise could only hear the trees moving maybe because of the other two that accompanied them. The monkey every now and then pointed at another direction, which Ise just followed in silence.

After another hour the sky was starting to darken, perhaps he had another hour or two before of light.

The monkey on his shoulder squealed and then jumped off of his shoulder.

Landing on the ground he turned to look at him and just pointed at a direction. In the distance, Issei could see a small mountain.

"That's the place?" - He asked the monkey which in turn only nodded.

Then he walked closer towards it, seeing that the monkey was not coming with him he tilted his head.

"Not coming?" - The black monkey only nodded its little head and waved his hand, maybe as a sign of goodbye.

Issei saw this and smiled, he then waved back at the monkey which turned its back to him and left while climbing a tree.

"Thank you, you were a great help."

Turning around Issei looked at the new destination, a mountain in the distance.

Walking a couple of meters he sensed something.

(Yōkai...) - He could sense the presence of them.

Walking even closer, he reached the end of the forest, only seeing a humongous mountain which covered a great part of the sky.

(2... 6... 10. All at least Low-Tier High-Class...) - He spotted only 10 Yōkai outside making guard.

(I shouldn't kill them, only knock them out. Less things to cover up.)

Walking closer to the left side where less guards were patrolling, he made prepared his move.

(An Amanojaku...)

It was a small Yōkai that made people wicked, in other words, it cursed them. It was small in shape and had the appearance of a small 'Oni' a meter tall.

At an incredible speed he approached the nearest guard.

He used his Darkness and covered only a small part of his left hand, then he hit the back of his neck, knocking him out.

(One down.) - He grabbed the unconscious body and silently let him fall onto the floor.

(Maybe I should make restraints just in case of anything.) - He used his Darkness again and made a couple of simple-looking ropes that tied him down to the ground, even one covered his mouth.

(Good! Even if he wakes up, he won't be capable of doing anything.)

He then went towards the second Yōkai. This one being a 'Baku' a spirit which devoured dreams and nightmares, it held no physical body and looked like a normal ghost.

(Mid-Tier High-Class, huh.) - Covering even more of his hand in his Darkness he went for it.

*BAAAM!*

Punching his face as hard as he could he once again succeeded.

(So my Darkness can even punch spirits and beings that have no physical body. Pretty good!) - He discovered something new about his Darkness.

Issei repeated the process on all eight remaining Yōkai. These ones were either normal red or blue Onis or Tengus. He then cuffed them like the first one and discreetly went inside the cave.

(Damn! This place has many different roads!)

He noticed how the cave divided itself into seven different roads, all looking exactly the same. They were all grey with a few stalactites hanging off the ceiling, rocks and puddles of water on the floor.

(I'll have to use my senses.) - He closed his eyes and let his Dragon senses kick in.

He felt the auras of many Yōkais, but one of them appeared to be on a separate location and it dwarfed everyone else inside this cave!

"Bingo." - He muttered as he felt the enormous reserves of magic of the last Yōkai.

(That's at least Top-Tier Ultimate-Class! Maybe even more!) - He couldn't hide the smile on his face. - (Before, maybe I could only fight it in my True-Queen form and that's just to match it!) - He gulped.

If he could get that trapped Yōkai to agree into becoming part of his team then he would have an extremely powerful ally!

"Time to move!"

The Dragon moved inwards, finding a couple of Yōkai here and there and of course, knocking them out and binding them.

"When will I reach the end?" - He muttered, annoyed at the length and depth of the cave.

After those words, Ise saw the end of the cave. It was a huge, grey, rock-wall with a single metal door at the bottom of it. The door was seemingly made out of lead and other metals, some he could identify as being magical in a way.

The black door looked thick and heavy, glimmering with a dull light. A couple of 'Onmyōdō' talismans were attached to the door and even the wall at the sides.

(That's...quite the defense for a single intern...) - Although he couldn't understand what those spells did, he could see they were extremely strong.

(Okaaay...that's the first problem.) - He took note of the door at the furthest ends. Then he looked at the ones guarding it.

(All are Top-Tier High-Class, bordering Ultimate-Class. The one at the entrance of the door is an Mid-Tier Ultimate-Class.) - Issei was a bit amazed by this set up. - (This many guards just for you... It seems they really do not want you to get out.)

He looked at his surroundings, finding the five Yōkai.

(Well, being sneaky is no longer an option. A fight will definitely break out. I will need to take them out as fast as possible.)

He made his plan and looked at all the Yōkai present, trying to figure out their species and weaknesses.

(We have an 'Enkō' similar to a turtle twice as hard.) - He furrowed his brows, annoyed at that. - (Two 'Furaribi' creatures composed entirely of flames. While other two are Kitsunes, including the Ultimate-Class.)

He was glad he learned about them during the past week, thanks to that he could more or less guess their abilities.

"Man, why are we standing guard here? We could just kill her and end all of this!" - The amphibian creature made the comment, his voice sounded raspy and old, like a rusty piece of steel.

"You know why!" - The voice sounded irritated. - "We have been tasked with the honor of guarding her and after the party hosted by Amaterasu-sama is finished, they will execute her!" - One flame spirit rebutted the comment.

He looked like a cluster of flames in human form but without a face, even his voice sounded like a normal human.

"I know, but still! We could have gone to the party!" - The turtle didn't give up and talked back.

"No one among us would be able to go." - The weakest Kitsune said calmingly with his arms crossed. - "Although they say its open, many strings are pulled behind the curtain to let only important people in."

He was a white, single-tailed Kitsune, it had the appearance of a human male in his thirties wearing black training gear and black boots, contrasting with the color of his ears and tail.

"True! HaHaH—"

Everyone looked at the direction in which they sensed something. A man was walking out of the darkness of the cave.

Just a look from him made everyone stay on guard.

(...This is bad...) - The Ultimate-Class got rid of his lax stance and focused on the man in question.

The man in front of them seemed to be absurdly dangerous, but by the level of magic reserves he was above the Low-Tier Ultimate-Class. However, that didn't scare them, rather it was the aura he irradiated. It was dark, endless and suffocating.

"Move." - The cold voice of the man was heard, making everyones' hair stand on end.

"Who are you?!" - The Ultimate-Class Kitsune had a drop of sweat on his brow.

"Move." - Was Ise's answer.

"Y-You look extremely young, but you have so much Magic Reserves. Who...no... W-What are y-you?" - The older Kitsune asked, trying to hide his nervousness.

(I see... You're scared of my reserves!) - Issei's eyes glimmered with a cold light.

(Well, for us Dragons our Magic Reserves are our Aura and we certainly have a lot of advantages compared to all of the other races.) - He thought as a matter of fact. - (The density and purity of it making us hit harder and use it more frequently. And once our Aura awakens and takes physical form the effect is hundreds of times as big! So I don't blame you for being scared.)

"Answer me!" - The Yōkai was getting desperate, in his hand a couple of Talismans could be seen, and his body was covered in Tōuki.

(Physical Fighter.) - Issei deduced.

"He won't talk so let's beat the information out of him!" - The turtle told his team members with a smirk, a blue aura surrounding him.

"Senjutsu?" - Ise asked, intrigued by the subtle aura.

"Indeed!" - The turtle proudly smirked. - "Senjutsu is the manipulation of Natural Energy in our surroundings. And some are even capable of manipulating the Life-Force of living beings!"

"So what?" - Ise tried to anger the turtle to get more information out of him, after all, no books on Senjutsu were recorded on the Library.

A vein popped out of the turtle's face. - "Shut up!"

"Although it's not comparable to the Senjutsu of the new Ambassador, mine is pretty good! I can manipulate all natural water!" - Spilling the beans, his teammates facepalmed at the comment of the turtle.

"New Ambassador?" - Issei asked back, that title rang a bell.

"Yes! Kuroka-sama the new Ambassador!" - His voice was filled with adulation.

"Her Senjutsu is so powerful that she's capable of manipulating all natural elements while some of us at much can manipulate one or two! She's also the future wife of the War Hero the Sekiryuutei, Hyoudou Issei!"

"HaHaHaHaHa!" - Ise laughed loudly, his voice warm.

(You're something else completely Kuroka! I really don't know what to say!) - Happy at the memory of the black kitten he laughed in delight.

The rest were shocked by the tone in his voice but didn't let their guards down.

"Thanks for the laugh. But I still need to accomplish my mission." - Issei stopped his laugh and changed into his serious mode. - "I'll say it one more time. Move." - He summoned his Darkness and coated both hands muttering. - "Rebellion..."

A small portal made its appearance in front of his hand, and a short, curved blade that looked more like a short sword came out of it.

Seeing the Yōkai still on guard Issei thought. - (You're looking for it!)

With a speed not perceivable by the naked eyes Issei sped forward. Like a blur of black light he went for the turtle.

But in an instant, the strongest Kitsune appeared in front of the turtle, his entire forearm covered by a thick layer of Touki.

*BAAAANNGGG!*

He blocked the swing from the blade, but it didn't stop the ground from denting in, nor his arm to get cut by the blade.

(How strong is this guy?!) - The force of impact made him almost kneel, that guy possessed ridiculous strength!

(I need to use my Talismans!)

Twisting his hand to parry the attack and let it slip off his arm, he created a small gap to use his 'Onmyōdō Arts'.

"Create a Flood of Water. Order!" - From the talisman in his hand, a huge wave of water came forth.

"Now this is interesting, but I need to end it fast. Sorry." - Issei held back an arrogant smirk.

Issei coated his Blade in his 'Hell Blaze' compressing them to fit the entire length of the blade.

"Kami-Chigiri!" - His voice was like that of an executioner.

Issei made a downwards slash and while swinging his blade, a huge mass of purple-black flames came from it in the shape of a curved slash.

*FSSSSS!*

The moment they touched the torrent of water coming for him, the flames completely evaporated it.

The fire continued its path not hindered by anything. The attack landed on every single Yōkai behind the Ultimate-Class, knocking them out to put it pretty.

This was a move he practiced since he discovered his 'Hell Blaze' and the more he compressed the flames around the edge of the blade, the stronger the power he will get.

"Although I held back, it still caused a lot of damage." - He said nonchalantly while resting the blade on his shoulder.

Among the Yōkai, only the Ultimate-Class was still standing, covered in burns and barely breathing, but still standing. It seemed that he took the most of the attack on purpose, and reduced the damage for his partners. However, the rest were still wounded and unconscious on the floor.

"Impressive! You actually survived." - He complimented the Yōkai.

"M-M-Monster..." - The Kitsune muttered while falling to his knees.

"Monster?" - He sounded amused. - "Sorry, but that at most would be capable of wounding a Mid-Tier Ultimate-Class, at least at that level. The thing is, you're too weak for being an Ultimate-Class!" - He answered without a shred of mercy, the Yōkai just fainted after hearing the words.

"Well time to go for the door." - The Dragon walked past the unconscious Yōkais and reached the thick door covered in Talismans.

"Quite the spells." - He praised with a bored look on his eyes.

"Now, how am I going to destroy these?" - He mumbled as he touched a slightly burnt Talisman.

(Ho? Perhaps that could work.)

Issei placed himself into an Iaido stance, with his blade on his hip. He coated short sword in his Darkness but without making his flames appear.

(My Darkness is capable of vaporizing anything it touches. If I compressed it and use it on my blade then...)

*SWOOOSHH!*

He swung his sword across the talisman while holding his Darkness on the edge of it. It was after a moment that the talisman separated into two in a diagonally way.

"Success!" - He raised his hand up in glee.

"Now I only have to do it a couple more times!"

After repeating the process the door was left alone, not a single talisman on it but a problem was still there.

"They locked and reinforced the metal of it. Tch!" - He clicked his tongue annoyed. - "I don't think they would have left the key with any of them. If they had, a lot more Yōkais would be stationed here."

Issei then looked at the lock of the door, glistening with a dull grey light.

(Looks thick and tough, but I don't care!)

He summoned his 'Hell Blaze' and surrounded his left hand with it until it covered his entire wrist.

*CLAAANGG!*

The echo of metal getting struck spread throughout the cave.

Ise had punched the lock with all of his might, successfully denting a big part of it. Following this, the flames surrounding his arm heated the metal to the point it glowed red, effectively melting it little by little.

The Drake pushed his hand inwards liquifying the entire lock. And soon, the door opened.

"Easier than I thought..."

He extinguished the flames on his arm and looked around the room.

Not a single jail cell was seen. Instead, a woman was shackled against the wall, lifted around six or seven meters into the air.

Her limbs were perfectly bounded by chains, while the shackles' surface was entirely covered in Talismans that were coloured in a yellow light.

"...Talismans reinforced with overlapping Senjutsu spells." - Issei knitted his brows, amazed by the security inside.

He went closer and saw that in the wall behind her even more Talismans were present, adding another layer of security.

All of them were arranged in the shape of a pentagram, each point of it perfectly aligned with her limbs and with her chest oriented towards the center of it.

(Are they really that desperate to keep her here?!) - She was the only one inside the entire jail! This seemed ridiculous!

Unfortunately, because there was no light, apart of the Onmyōdō spells inside this place, he couldn't really distinguish her appearance only her silhouette.

"Who... are... you?" - Her voice raspy, desperately in need of water.

"I'm the one that came to save you." - He answered her question.

"Why?" - She asked again, her red eyes could be seen in between the bangs of her hair that covered the entirety of her face.

"Because of two things." - He lifted to fingers.

"First." - He put down his index finger. - "Because I want you to be part of my team."

"And Second, because I hate how they talked about you!" - Issei's eyes glowed dangerously.

Ise was extremely angry. He never thought that just because of being the descendant of someone would they be treated so badly, chased throughout Japan as if a criminal.

The woman, on the other hand, was surprised by the tone of his voice, it was extremely odd. But more than that she could sense the feeling of anger he had at the mention of her treatment.

That piqued her interest.

"Why are you angry? Is not like you're being affected?" - She looked into those black and red eyes of his, slightly alarmed by them.

Issei, in exchange, saw those empty eyes of hers and was momentarily stumped, he knew those types of eyes...

How many times had he stared at those eyes in the mirror? How many times has he seen that empty look? That glare that showed that he gave up on everything?

Too many for his taste...

He stayed silent, trying to ignore the bad memories that he had. But, he refused to. He needed to be better, to face his past head-on and let it rest at last!

He promised to himself that for that to happen, he needed to help this woman. Forget everything else! If he couldn't help someone that had that look in their eyes! That expression on their face! Then, what was the point of getting out of that cave?!

Issei took a deep breath and steadied himself. His eyes filled with determination. He will help this woman! One way or another!

"It's simple." - He explained. - "The children do not carry the sins of the parents." - He stated while looking at her eyes.

"You're innocent and just because of being a descendant of Tamamo-No-Mae they treat you like a criminal? Like you're evil? What kind of bullshit is that?!"

The woman hid her extreme surprise by closing her eyes. Not once has someone called her innocent. Not once has someone been angry because of her. All of this was...new.

"They treat you like a plague, like some kind of bad omen. They leave you. Chase after you. Scorn and insult you, just because your related to someone?" - His voice filled with barely concealed fury. - "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!"

"Is being related to someone bad? Is it your fault that she did what she had to do? And even if what she did was wrong, have you ever thought why she did it?" - His words echoed inside her mind.

"All books, stories and information state that she did it because she was pure evil. Because she was a malicious spirit that wished for everything to end. But, is it true?"

This man's words made her widen her eyes, she never expected for someone to think like that. His words definitely struck a really deep place inside her heart, of that she was sure.

"If so, then what about the people that do "evil" things?" - He quoted his words. - "What about a mother that leaves her husband and takes her children with her? Is that wrong? Isn't leaving a kid without a father bad? Then why is it considered good when she does it and terrible when the man actually takes the kids? Why do people not look into it if it's the mother case? Why do they asume it's automatically good if she did it?"

"I'll tell you why, plain hypocrisy." - He scoffed while crossing his arms.

"What about the killing of a dictator? A terrorist? A rapist? A serial killer? Killing is indeed wrong but sometimes things need to be done, and a little talk won't cut it. More drastic measures are needed and even if it's wrong, if it's evil, it has to be done."

Issei walked from one side of the jail cell to the other. Constantly talking and moving around.

"There is no good person nor bad person in the world, because it's impossible to be entirely good to one or entirely bad to someone. So why do they assume that you're evil when they don't know you? Why do they speak like that behind your back when they don't even have the courage to get to know you?"

Issei was definitely angered by all of this. His entire speech was making the woman tremble with all of his words.

"What is right? What is wrong? In this mixed up world deciding what is right and wrong is not easy, and for some the definition is very different and even blurred." - He crossed both arms underneath his chest.

"Is it right to assume that because you're related to someone you're automatically evil? You're inherently bad?" - He stared at her with unyielding eyes.

"If so, then by that logic; if you're a Devil you're naturally bad? I mean, they are worldly renowned as the incarnations of evil." - He asked, mainly to himself.

"I can say by experience that there are indeed Devils that embody the very concept of "evil." - He quoted the last words again. - "But there are also many good Devils who help others and wish for their happiness over their own. Who wish for peace and not any more senseless slaughter."

"So, in the end, even beings that were supposed to be evil by nature. That were depicted to be the worst of the worst this world has to offer. And were written as wicked in the most famous book across History. Turned out to be good. Then, with what kind of right do we have to judge others because of their race, their relatives, ancestors or even their way of thinking?" - He smirked.

"If we were even wrong about that. About who exactly is evil. Then, what else were we wrong about?" - He paused for some brief seconds to let his words sink in.

"How about the other side of the coin? What about the good?" - He moved his left hand and placed it on his chin.

"Is being related to someone kind, courageous, gentle and just overall good makes you the good guy?" - Sarcasm flooded his voice. - "Does it make you the Hero saving the world? The knight slaying the Evil Dragon?"

"The answer is... No." - His voice was serious.

"I have met Descendants of Heroes. Angels, Humans and Dragons that were supposed to be Just, supposed to be kind but in the end, they all turned evil.- His words made her keep her silence.

"They kidnapped a mother and took her away from her daughter using her for cruel, ruthless experiments."

"They fell from their grace because of wishing to start a war and wanting to prove they were the best of all the races."

"They killed because of greed and envy, all for personal gain."

"They fell to their wrath and their pride causing destruction and chaos. Even slaughtering anything that stood in their path." - He narrated.

"The ones that were supposed to be good, that had Legends speaking volumes of their greatness. Of their kindness. Of their benevolence, did even more evil and atrocities than the so-called villains." - He shrugged his shoulders.

"By that, you should learn that you can't just go judging everyone by somebody else's rules. By their so-called appearances and their outside looks." - He was brutally honest.

The woman was awestruck by his words, she knew he was right!

Everything he said made sense, too much in fact. Even her, that all of her life has been hunted down like a dog, that has been called evil, abomination, aberration, knew that his words were right!

So in her heart and mind, a little bud of hope started to blossom. Maybe there are people that were different from the rest? This man in front of her was proving that to her right now.

"If you let yourself be controlled like that, you'll just become a puppet that can't make decisions of its own. You have to live with your own rules."

Issei then stopped walking around and walked as close as he could towards her.

"Don't let those words hurt you!" - He pointed at her. - "They are just side characters, people of no importance. Their words are just useless blabbering, dumb words from people that don't know what they're talking about."

"What matters is what you think about yourself. What you truly think you are. Are you a mindless beast that rampages everywhere it goes? Are you a saint that helps the poor and afflicted? It doesn't matter, because, in the end, you're the one that gives value, that gives meaning to your life."

Maybe all this talk touched a soft spot of his.

The woman was startled by all of this. She couldn't understand. Why was he saying all of this?! Why was he saying it to her!? What did he gain from it?!

Her mind was made a mess from everything she just experienced in such a small amount of time. So, in the end, using all of her strength, she yelled at him, asking for answers.

"Why?! Why are you saying these things?! How would you know I'm not evil like they say?! Why do you say that I'm not bad like they say?!" - She screamed at him, tears falling from her face.

"You are someone that's different from what they say. I know it since those eyes of yours are not those of a mindless beast wishing for chaos. Or those that went mad and wish for blood." - His voice was calm.

"You just have been alone for far too long on a world that rejects you. That's why I want you to have a sense of worth, I want you to see that not all the world has to offer is bad." - He further explained his words.

In the beginning, he only came for her to join his team, but the moment he saw those eyes of hers he changed his mind.

"Those eyes of yours hold no evil but they also don't hold anything to live for. They are the exact same eyes I used to have. And they disgust me!"

"I'm disgusted at my former self for giving up! For trying to end his life more than once, just because things were extremely bad! I will not let you end the same way as I did. I will not let you give up on your life, just like I once did!"

She simply widened her eyes, tears could be seen falling from them hitting the dull, grey floor of the cave. His words, his attitude, they definitely reached her.

"You are a just normal woman that has just been through too much."

Those words seemed to affect her much more than before.

"Worth is not what others tell you. Worth is what you think about yourself. If you think that, like they say, you're nothing, then you're nothing!" - He shrugged.

"Think about youself as peerless, as a match to no one, because if you think like that sooner or later you'll be like that! Do not compare yourself with others that's just an insult to yourself!"

Ise spoke about his wisdom in this life he has experienced. In the past he always compared himself to others; to Vali like a warrior and as a rival, to Saji as a human, to Kiba as a man, to Sairaorg as a Devil...

Because of that, he couldn't reach his full potential. Because of that he never focused on himself, always thinking in what others would say about himself and because of that he never made a path of his own.

That changed!

That changed that moment inside that cave. The moment the Pieces were slowly peeled off his body. That moment when he felt that he was gaining his freedom back!

He gained his senses back then and stopped caring about what others thought of him.

Because of their thoughts, of the ones they said they loved him, he suffered too much for far too long!

Right now he was walking the path he thinks is better. By knowing more, learning more and experiencing more, he will be better! And by being better, he would help people that just like him, have been through too much, just like the woman in front of him.

That's what he thinks, and he knows he's right. If someone tells him otherwise, then fuck them!

The female stayed silent, apparently, his words made her open her eyes.

"You want to help me?" - She cautiously asked.

"Of course!" - He answered back without hesitation.

"And what about that team of yours?" - She asked back.

"Oh...right, about that." - He suddenly scratched the back of his head.

"In the beginning, I thought only to ask you to join me, but after seeing you it changed. Let's say I would like to see those eyes with the light of life again." - He explained. - "So I'll help you even if you don't decide to join my team." - He answered as his black and red eyes shone brightly. Those eyes, although frightening, were enough proof for the girl.

(Maybe I could trust you. If you help me achieve it then not only would you gain my trust but—) - She kept the last part of her words to herself.

"Then I promise you that if you help me, I'll join your team! - (And more...)

That statement made Ise smile and say. - "What do you want me for? Milady!"

He joked to relax the ambient, the woman smiled at him.

"First, I want you to take me away from here! Free me from my prison!"

"Sure, consider it done." - He said with a confident smirk on his face.

"Second, I want you to help me get back a treasure that belonged for generations to my family!" - That peaked Ise's interest but still nodded.

"Okay. But what is that treasure?" - He asked while tilting his head.

"A treasure that was given to Tamamo-No-Mae by the bastard son of Emperor Toba!" - She told him.

"And that is?"

She smirked at the question.

"One of the three greatest treasures of Japan. Representing 'Movement', the 'Yasakani-No-Magatama!' "

"Whaaatt?!" - A long-lost treasure was always on the hands of Tamamo-No-Mae!

"How did she get that?! Wasn't it lost a long time ago?!"

She smirked at the look in his eyes. - (It seems that he's not only cold, wise and kind, but also goofy in a sense. Cute...)

"I'll tell you." - But before she could explain the story, Ise interrupted her.

"Wait. Before that, I should bring you down from that place." - He noticed how she was still hanging from the wall.

"You think you're capable?" - She taunted him. - "This chains are entirely composed from Onmyōdō Spells, quite strong ones at it. They are also reinforced by Senjutsu. Plus the spell behind me is designed to suppress my body and power." - She explained that the things holding her were quite the big deal.

Ise smirked. - "If I can't do at least that much, then I wouldn't have accepted your conditions." - He replied back at her.

"Rebellion!" - He intoned the name of the swords.

Four of the seven made their appearance, floating around him in a circle. The sight surprised the female, but before she could ask he whispered under his breath. - "Hell Blaze..."

The four swords got covered by purple-black flames.

He pointed his right hand forward and the four swords were launched as if shot from a gun. They turned into black missiles that held a huge amount of power.

*KINN! KIIN! KINN! KIIIN!*

They blades hit the four chains and cut through them as if made out of butter. Soon, they impaled the pentagram behind her and started to slowly burn it.

She was so surprised by this that she didn't notice the moment she started to fall.

Issei sped towards her and caught her before she hit the ground.

"Are you okay?" - He asked.

"My Hero!~" - She teased him a bit while placing a hand on her head, trying to be dramatic.

"Already teasing me woman?" - He was unaffected by her teasing, since he had experience in the field he grew accustomed to it.

"I have a name you know?" - She told him while turning her head that was still covered by her bangs, her voice still as raspy as before.

"And what may that name be?" - He smiled slightly when she saw her like that, it seems she was getting better faster than he thought.

"Oh?" - She was amused. - "Flirting with me already? Quite the player!~" - She tried to teased him again.

"Since we're going to be together for some time I guess we should know our names, better than calling you woman, right?" - He ignored her tease, managing to get a glare from her.

(I do not think I can't make you blush!) - She came up with a new goal inside of her head.

"I'll tell you my name first." - He said, maybe as a chivalrous sign.

"My name is Hyoudou Issei."

Those words made the woman widen her eyes. - "The Sekiryuutei!? What are you doing here?!"

She was surprised that the famous War Hero was here in the middle of nowhere! She was also stunned. Why did he seem so different than what they described him as?

(What exactly are you doing here?! Freeing a prisoner from an allied Faction!?) - She was thinking when she heard Ise's response.

"That's for me to know and you to figure out." - He teased back, a smirk on his face.

(Hmph! That won't be enough!) - She thought as she left his embrace and touched the floor with her legs. She was only wearing a badly damaged black dress that reached above her knees, but she wasn't able to stand-up for long before her legs gave in.

However, she was caught before she hit the ground. - "It seems you lost the feeling on your legs for being chained for too long."

"You seem entirely different than from what I heard." - She voiced her thoughts.

This shocked Ise momentarily, but smirked. - "HaHaHa. And how did they describe me as?" - Still holding her in a princess carry.

He then noticed how she had quite the big bust and white skin, a pity that her face was still covered by her hair and only her red eyes could be seen in between her bangs.

"As a kind but a dumb, perverted boy that didn't know much of the world!"

Taking a look at Ise, she giggled as she saw his eyebrow twitch.

"And how do you see me as?" - He was interested in how he looked right now.

"As a cold and serious man that has been through much, but also kind and... good." - She explained how she saw him as.

"Quite the difference right?"

"You have no idea!" - She quickly answered, her legs gaining the strength she lost.

Seeing this he let her go, she was finally able to stand up.

"I also do not sense a Sacred Gear within you so how could I be sure that you're the one you say you are?" - She raised her guard up, her voice sharpening and also turning colder.

"In the short time we've met you should already know what my character is like." - He told her back with his piercing eyes and cold voice.

For a moment she looked at him, scanning him from top to bottom trying to find any vestige of a lie, but she couldn't find a thing.

She then sighed. - "Haaaa..." - She sounded exhausted.

"Yes, you're right. You do not seem like someone that lies, too prideful for that." - She shrugged her shoulders and started to move around, trying to regain the feeling in her legs.

She quickly turned around and looked into his eyes, seemingly thinking about something.

"What happened by the way? I don't think the words of them were wrong, it's impossible for all not to notice how your character truly is."

"Let's say...life hasn't been kind to neither of us." - He told her while looking directly at her eyes.

(What's with those eyes? They seem so...dark when he mentioned it.) - She thought with intrigue and reached a conclusion. - "I see...you also suffered, huh?" - Issei just nodded his head.

Staying still she reached her hand towards her head. Then, she grabbed her hair and moved it from her face while starting to comb it.

After some time, she turned towards Ise which seemed to be thinking about who knows what.

"Well, I'll tell you my name as well!" - Lifting the tattered hems of her dress she replied. - "My name is Benikomichi Fuuki, a Kyuubi-No-Yōko!"

As she said that she spread her tails like a fan. Nine tails with red and black fur were all shinning in the darkness of the cave.

The red color was very striking, it looked more opaque and less bright but not less impacting, her ears were the same. But what took his breath away was her beauty. Even to him, that had lived with extreme beauties, he was still awestruck.

"HoHo." - She noticed the looks he was giving her. - "Perhaps, amazed by my beauty?~" - She asked him, while gifting him a sensuous smirk. But, she never expected his response.

"Of course." - He replied instantly without a hint of lust nor pervertness.

Hearing his words she shied away, turning her whole body around while hiding the blush on her cheeks. She thought he would be more... timid or reserved but it appeared that he was very direct and honest.

(Don't say it like thaaaatt!) - Screaming inside her head she tried to calm down, meanwhile, Ise was still amazed by her.

(She seems to be kind and has a good personality, with a few faults here and there, but no one is perfect.) - He shrugged. - (She's also an extremely beautiful woman, better looking than all women I have met... Quite the finding!)

Fuuki looked like a young woman not older than nineteen. She had pitch black hair approaching inky black like the dead of the night.

Her hair was extremely long to the point that it passed her waist, it was also tied by a large red ribbon at the end of it. A couple of bangs fell down to her face but they didn't mask her beauty at all.

Her eyes were an opaque red in color and looked like a pair of shinning rubies. She had a delicate face, white like pearl teeth and her skin was a milky white without a single blemish, it looked soft to the touch and just perfect in all aspects.

Her lips were kind of dry maybe because she was trapped in here, but still had a healty pink to them.

Her body was... exuberant. Every place that needed to be full was filled to the brim, whether her bust or her rear they were perfect. Her waist was tight and delicate, it gave her a sexy look just like a seductress in an ancient tale.

Her black dress had red accents and was held by two straps by the shoulders, they looked thin and exposed a large part of her shoulders and bust. It was frilled at the end of it and it made it look elegant and classy even though it was broken at some places.

"Hello?" - She spoke to him again.

"Sorry, lost in thought." - Issei quickly came back to himself when he heard her voice.

"Lets hear the story of the treasure, I'm interested!" - He told her with stars in his eyes.

(He can also be kind of childish with the things he takes interest in, huh? Noted!)

"Fine by me." - She positioned herself in a relaxed and carefree stance, and began to tell her story.

"You know about the story of Tamamo-No-Mae right?"

He only nodded.

"Let's say the reason she was chased all over Japan wasn't because of the illness of the Emperor." - She began explaining. - "Rather because of her beauty, she was given a treasure by Konoe, the bastard son of the emperor not noticing how Emperor Toba discovered this."

Ise was extremely interested in the story, after all, it could change History!

"Blinded by his greed, he abused and tormented Tamamo-No-Mae until she could no longer handle it. Left with no other choice, she cursed him and he fell terribly ill." - Ise only crossed his arms under his chest and listened intently.

"The sorcerers noticed this and asked for all physicians in the Empire to come and check the emperor, they miserably failed. The Sorcerers noticing their failure discovered that he was made ill by someone close to him!" - Issei nodded again, that part followed History to the letter.

"Then they made a ritual in which everyone was forced to participate, my ancestor included. She, during the ritual, was discovered to be a fox Yōkai but before she could explain, the shameless emperor went into a fury and started to attack her!" - A red aura covered Fuuki's body depicting fury and hatred.

"Left with no choice she vanished from the Emperor's home. The Emperor knew that she still had the treasure and deployed over 80,000 of his troops to search for her! The people thought that she was evil and that she wanted to usurp the throne and not a single person gave her a chance to explain her side of the story! So without any questions asked, they chased after her." - Much more aura was released from her, making the cave tremble slightly.

"She was chased and chased for years! Until she was found in the east, at Nasuno. But before being discovered, she married a Kitsune Yōkai that believed her side of the story leaving behind a child, that child was my mother." - She smiled sadly the aura surrounding her still vibrant and active.

"Little time after, Tamamo-No-Mae was killed by an archer of the Empire and her body was brought back to the Emperor. However, the treasure was left to my mother as a gift for her birth, so nothing was found on her."

She calmed herself down after sometime, Ise didn't mind her reaction at all rather it would be bad if she didn't feel a thing.

"The treasure was kept on her person. And after many years she grew and decided to stay in Nasuno and live her life there. Time passed as she lived her life there that was until she found a male that fell in love with her beauty. Being always alone and seeing someone treat her with kindness, she fell in love at first sight and in time they both had me." - She hid a sad smile from Issei as she turned her body and gave him her back.

"My father soon left because he only lusted after her beauty and already satisfied his desire while my mother was left alone, pregnant with me." - She bit her lips. - "She died while giving birth to me. Luckily, my cries were heard by an old human couple nearby which found me." - She had a small smile when she mentioned that couple.

"Only two things were with me; first was a diary which recorded everything about my Ancestor and my mother, the second was the treasure." - She explained with a calm tone of voice. - "And the Yasakani-No-Magatama was left with me in the shape of a bracelet.

"Years passed and I was raised in secret by the human couple, adopting their last name; 'Benikomichi'." - She was proud of that. - "After some time, they passed away due to age and I... was left alone." - Issei understood that emotion, being left alone by everyone you cared for... It felt terrible.

"I read my mother's diary and learned more about 'Senjutsu', 'Youjutsu' and 'Touki'. And since the treasure was with me I also learned how to use it. However, after some time I left it in Nasuno to honor my mother and grandmother and left to roam Japan." - She took a peak at Ise's eyes, yet nothing could be found in those piercing eyes.

"I traveled all over Japan and then heard about the Beast that destroyed a part of it. I went back to Nasuno and collected the treasure but I was discovered by some Yōkais and was ambushed. And as I continued to fight while being injured, they called for backup and captured me, the treasure was taken from me and I was left here... to wait for my execution."

She finished her explanation while looking at Ise, trying to find a trace of pity in his eyes or some emotion like that.

"...I see..." - Those were his only words.

Some minutes in silence passed went by, neither saying anything.

"Don't worry, we'll get the treasure back. And I promise you that you will be happier now, or at least, you won't be bored with me." - Issei broke the uncomfortable silence as he made his promise to her, shocking Fuuki even further.

Nodding, she simply said - "...Thank you." - She started to believe in him a little bit more.

"So where is the treasure at?" - He asked, hoping his guesses about the location were wrong.

"Thanks to the dumb guys guarding me, I figure out that it will be exposed this day on a ridiculously important party!"

(Fuck me! Just my luck!) - He was angered, he had his suspicions about the location but it really turned out to be at the party!

"Fine." - He made a promise, so as a man he should keep it.

"Are you sure? It's not a normal party—"

Interrupted by Ise, he said. - "Yes, Yes, I know about it. A party in which even Gods may appear, of course, the Japanese Shinto is a must."

His words made her widened her eyes. - "You knew?"

"Had my suspicions." - He answered in a flash, getting a small smile from her.

(A man of his word at least.) - She started to like him just a tiny bit more.

"Where is it at?" - He asked back

"According to the loud voice of the Yōkai outside, on 'Kyoto's Imperial Palace!'

(Of-fucking-course!) - A place guarded by many, a really safe location more so if Gods were going.

"Do you know anything more?" - He asked, trying to get as much information as he could.

"Yes, it will start today at Midnight and no invitation is needed!" - Aside from that, she knew nothing more.

"Good we have time to prepare, we should leave!" - He soon concluded. When he came here it was already late afternoon so he didn't know the time exactly.

"How so? The place is filled with Yōkai and when I leave, the cave has an alarm that will alert everyone." - She asked, kind of worried.

"Every Yōkai has been knocked out by me. About the alarm, is there something you can do? I can take us out of here but the alarm will still activate." - He could use his Darkness and take the both of them out of here but the problem was the alarm.

"Maybe I can... but I will need some time." - She told him while a hand was on her chin.

"How much?"

"Not sure." - Her voice held a hint of doubt, she wasn't exactly at her best right now.

However, since he had nothing to lose and he promised her, he decided to try it out. - "Fine, lets get out of here, you can check the alarm outside."

Walking side by side they approached the big, semi-broken lead door.

He just pushed it open and said while doing a bow he said. - "Ladies first."

She smirked and replied with a flirty tone. - "My, what a gentleman~" - And proudly walked out the door, Ise behind her.

Reaching the main entrance of the cave, she stopped.

"This is as far as I can go without activating the alarm." - She told Ise who nodded while putting his hands in his coat's pockets.

"Time to work. I hope I didn't get too rusty." - A feral grin adorned her face.

Soon after her aura increased and started to surround her body, it was an opaque red in color with a tint of gold and silver.

"Good aura." - Ise complemented, as a response he only got a wink from her.

"Lets start!" - Her aura increased even more, shaking the cavern.

Many magic circles with the shapes of hexagons appeared on her wrists, all of them were of different colors but shared a similarity. They had the 'Taijitu' symbol at the center.

They varied in color; from red to blue, to green, to white, to black and a myriad of other colors.

(What are they?) - Issei seemed interested in those hexagons.

"These circles are what we Yōkai use to manipulate Senjustu more effectively, the color represents the element. Since I'm pretty good at it I have all affinities including the rare light and dark affinities!" - The hexagons started to spin clockwise around her wrists.

"Different Yōkai have different attributes. While Youjutsu is based more on changing the flow of energy on the battlefield, that's why the illusions are that realistic. And Touki is just the excessive Life Force you have, it's useful for physical attacks, defense and any kind of enhancement but aside from that, it's not that good."

Issei finally understood more about those three mentioned powers. - "I see... Thank you."

"It was nothing." - After that she started to concentrate even more. The hexagons started to spin faster and a pale, whitish aura surrounded her.

(Touki!) - Having fought against Sairaorg he knew Touki pretty well. - (Does that mean she's capable of using Youjutsu as well?) - He started to think, if she could use the former two then the third shouldn't be a problem.

*CRAAACCKKKK!*

While in his thoughts he heard a sound, it was that of glass cracking and falling apart.

Looking at his surroundings he witnessed as space itself started to crack and many pieces began falling down to earth.

The effect lasted seconds, and before anyone noticed the place returned to what it once was.

"There... done!" - A little bit tired, Fuuki said to Ise which only nodded his head with a slight smile on the edge of his mouth.

"Good! Now we can leave."

"How will you do that?" - Interested she walked closer to him.

"Watch." - He responded as his Darkness started to cover a part of his left arm.

She was surprised, she didn't know what that stain was but she sensed how Issei's power increased exponentially.

(What is that?!) - She was shocked, never would have she thought that the little black spot would increase his overall strength by that much.

Ise ignored her surprised face and concentrated in using his Darkness.

"Hell Gate!" - He mumbled and in front of them a dark portal in the shape of a circle made its appearance, some purple lightning could be seen on its edges and frankly, it looked creepy.

"Lets go." - He said to her which didn't answer.

"What is that?"

"You can say it's like a magic circle but much stronger." - He synthesized the purpose of the 'Hell Gate.'

"Come, let's go before someone notices something's wrong." - He walked towards the portal and soon vanished.

"...It appears that I won't get bored while being around you."

She gathered her courage and went inside it, after she went through, the portal disappeared as if it never existed in the first place.


.

The portal appeared at the top of Fushimi-Inari, since it was already night time the location was already closed to the public.

A man appeared at the top of the mountain and just stood there looking at his surroundings. Next, a beautiful woman appeared next to him.

"That... was weird." - She commented as she went out the portal.

"Well, it does its job." - Ise talked back and shrugged.

Fuuki was just staring at every location the scenery had to offer, her eyes looked practically filled with sparkles.

(It seems that after being in that place for too long she missed the outside world.) - He stared at her for a while until she recovered.

He smirked. - "Looked enough?" - While teasing her a little, Ise smirked.

"Hmph!" - She blushed slightly and turned her head to the left.

(Quite the cute response.) - He discreetly smiled.

While placing a hand on her hip and looking at him, she asked. - "Where are we?"

"At the top of Fushimi-Inari." - He replied instantly.

She showed a surprised expression, interesting location they ended up in. - "I see... quite the useful ability you have." - She stood at his side and replied.

"It can also hide the presence of the ones that walk through it." - He added, only getting the twitch of her eyebrow as an answer, oh how he liked messing with her.

"Where is the imperial palace?" - He asked since last time he came he didn't go there.

"Weeeell, around North/East from here. I think..." - She made a more or less sign with her hand.

Issei deadpanned at her antics. - "We still have a lot of time left so don't sweat the small things. We should have around four hours by the position of the moon." - While looking at the moon she made her guess.

He decided to push the problem for later.

He walked towards the stone staircase and turned around to tell her. - "Well, want to get out of here?"

"Sure, I'd love to." - Fuuki tagged along and stood at his side.

Together, they walked all the way down to the Main Gate. Seeing the beautiful scenery and the light of some torches illuminating the path and the 'Torii'. They walked side by side enjoying the atmosphere.

Then Fuuki spoke to Ise. - "How are we going to get inside?"

The question was soon answered by Ise. - "Through the main door." - He replied back and soon, he explained his plan.

"I guess you can use Youjutsu?" - He asked her.

"That and Onmyōdō Arts" - She smiled with pride.

The comment made Ise think. - (You're capable of everything aren't you?)

"We'll get formally dressed, after that we will arrive at the entrance. Someone will ask us who we are, use your illusions to make him think we're someone else and confuse him. The moment we get inside we will search for the information we need, find the treasure and get out as fast as possible." - He plan was simple.

"And if we get found out?" - She questioned, worried about the possible outcome.

"We go for the treasure and fight our way out!" - His eyes sparked ever so slightly as he said that.

(I can work with that.) - She loved the simple plan. Easy to understand and to put into practice.

"After getting out of here we should change our clothes. Unless, you can cast an Illusion on us and make us wear formal clothing?" - He probed her with an amused smile.

She rolled her eyes and nodded. As she used her powers, a layer of mist covered them both from head to toe. After a solid minute the mist dispersed and left a perfectly suited Ise with his hair combed back.

He wore a formal, onyx-colored suit with a black suit-vest all accompanied with a crimson dress shirt. He also removed his tie and left the last button of his shirt open. The suit looked form-fitting and made him stand out from many, combined with his roguish looks and vibe, and he will catch many glances.

Fuuki, on the other hand, had her hair cascading like a waterfall down her back.

She wore a cocktail dress in an opaque red color and a few black accents. It was open at the side, letting her beautiful leg up to her thigh be seen. She wore a pair of black high-heels that raised her height to almost match Ise, which stood just a little above 1,85cm or 6 feet 1 inch.

"You are amazing." - He complimented her while moving around, checking the suit out.

She only smiled proudly, but a little blush adorned her cheeks making her look even more astounding than before.

"With this we're ready, but we still have a little bit of extra time." - He told her as he walked next to her.

"True, maybe we should do something?" - Her right fore-finger rested on her cheek.

Issei approached her and asked. - "What to have dinner?"

She was amazed by his courage. Nevertheless, she leaned forwards and towards his ear. "Already asking me for a date?~ Iseee~" - She whispered huskily as she licked her lips.

He remained the same, not a hint of shock on his face. - "Maybe we can get to know each other a little better." - He shrugged. - "Plus, I doubt we will eat anything during the party."

He offered his arm to the beauty as a chivalrous sign.

She took it and said. - "True. It sounds like a good idea."

Then both of them walked off from the mountain and left.

While still grabbing his arm she asked. - "What would you like to eat?"

He turned to look at her and responded. - "How about we celebrate that we got you out of jail."

"That sounds as if you bailed me out!"

"Technically, I did."

She hit him. - "Don't be a smartass." - Her face looked quite cute in Ise's eyes.

"Then lets eat, Milady!" - He bowed again to her, this time making her giggle.

"Lead the way. Ise~"

He happily lead her to a fancy-looking restaurant in which they ate 'Kyo-Kaiseki', elegant and expensive food here in Kyoto.

It consisted of local Kyoto cuisine presented in an extremely elegant design and had twelve courses. The plates were kind of small but because of the quantity it was rather filling.

They talked about random stuff; their likes, dislikes, food, music and the world traveling plan of Ise which grabbed the attention of the Fox. However, they did not delve deeper into each other lives.

Ise knew that she was giving him a chance to gain her trust, after all, they just met today. But he believed that after talking for quite some time they became a bit closer, maybe friends.

Both of them enjoyed the food and as soon as the clock said thirty minutes to midnight, they parted from the restaurant and walked towards the Imperial Palace, that thanks to the waiter who told them the direction.

The Palace wasn't that far away from the restaurant they were at so the walk wasn't long.

Shortly the building they were looking for made its appearance but it looked closed, empty and desolate. They knew something wasn't right.

"What do you think?" - Ise asked the Kyuubi as she looked at the direction.

"A barrier and an Illusion." - Those were her words.

"I see. A barrier for security and an illusion for fooling the normal humans."

"Quite smart. That should be correct." - She smiled at him, making Ise lift the corner of his mouth.

"Let's go!" - The woman was excited, she grabbed his arm and dragged him to a random direction.

After a couple of meters they passed the barrier.


.

The entire Palace was lit with bright lights and torches at its sides, the entire place was filled with voices an classical music.

"It seems people already arrived." - Ise told her as he looked at the huge line at the gate.

"It appears we need to lineup." - She crossed her arms and muttered clearly annoyed.

Issei only laughed. - "Ha! What are you saying? We're already on the list, there's no need for that!" - He winked at her.

She caught his indirect and also smirked.

Walking towards the big gate they approached the Yōkai in charge, it was a 'Karasu-tengu' a crow demon, it had the apperance of an old male figure and wore a classic and cheap-looking tuxedo.

"Who are you?" - He asked the moment he saw them.

The beauty at that moment did her magic. The man was looking straight at them with hidden anger and then, like magic, he changed his expression and very amicably remembered them.

"A great pleasure to see you again Miss, Mr. Benikomichi. Please, follow me! The party is about to begin."

The looked at each other smiled and said - ""Thank You.""

Following after him the Yōkai began speaking. - "Since you just arrived I'll give you a brief rundown."

They nodded their heads, right now the plan was going perfectly.

"The Seiryōden, Kogosho, Ogakumonjo and Otsunegoten is were the party will mainly be held. Right now we entered through the Okurumayose Gate and soon we'll reach the Seiryōden. Inside you're free to go to any of the locations I mentioned." - He bowed as he explained, the both of them just nodded their heads.

After those words they followed after him and while the Palace.

The roads were made out of gravel and pieces of stone, but the building in the distance looked impressive.

It looked like an ancient Japanese house, but everything looked brand new. The walls were painted in a pearly white while the inclined ceiling was black. A lot of wooden pillars could be seen supporting the ceiling, all painted red. A lot of the Palace was also red, of course, aside from the main buildings.

They stopped walking and the Karasu-Tengu opened the door in front of them. - "Have an excellent night!" - After saying that, he left.

They crossed the door and closed it soon after.

They were inside of a classic hall, like those in black and white movies. The entire room was humongous and many people wearing suits, tuxedos and dresses were here as well. Some were chatting amicably, others were trying to seduce women and the rest were present for business rather than pleasure.

The Hall was illuminated by many fancy oil lamps that hung from the walls giving it a traditional and refined look to all the venue.

"We need to figure out where the treasure is located." - Issei finally talked, he turned his head around and made eye-contact with the beauty that was grabbing his arm.

"Yes, lets separate and find the information we're looking for." - The woman agreed and proposed to him, Issei just nodded his head, also in agreement.

They decided, so as to not make anyone suspicious, to give each other their farewells as if they were a couple looking for their friends. Of course, all of it was for teasing the other but neither of them would agree to that.

As they separated from each other, Issei went towards the crowd of people and began walking around.

(Man this place is big and filled to the brim.) - He looked at his surroundings in which either a Yōkai or other beings were present.

Some Human Mages were also here and even High-Class Devils, Angels and Fallen were present. Seeing them, Issei was a bit surprised maybe, because they finally finished their work, they came to the party to find something relaxing to do. He couldn't think of another reason other than that.

He continued to walk with his hands in his pockets, occasionally replying a greeting with a nod of his head or a small smile.

A few sneaky glances from the female population were thrown at him, after all, he looked pretty good. His suit was well worn on him and although he still looked a little skinny, he was working on it.

His face was sharp and even cold, appearing indifferent. His black and red eyes scared a couple of people while to others just made them uncomfortable. His mark was proudly shinning in a low violet light at the left side of his forehead.

(How am I supposed to find the information I need while not making anyone suspicious nor revealing my identity?) - He was trying to find the answer to his question until he saw a place where he instinctively knew he could find the information he was looking for.

"The Bar." - He smirked.

The bar was simple-looking, pitch black shelves rested against the wall reaching all the way up to the ceiling. Many different bottles rested on the shelves behind the bar top, they had things he recognized like Whiskey, Vodka, Gin and Rum, to things he didn't know like Zambuca, Mezcal among others.

The bar top was a light wooden color that was recently polished and had many different glasses rested on top of it. A couple of men were drinking near the top of the bar and were either talking to their friends or waiting for their drinks

Issei walked closer and stopped looking around when he saw the bartender.

The bartender asked - "What would you like to drink?"

Issei was sweating on the inside, he didn't know drinks too well. He then remembered a movie he watched some time ago and said.

"A Negroni." - He replied calmly. He didn't know how it tasted but he needed to appear like he knew.

Then he approached the bartender, who was calmly preparing his drink, and started his conversation - "A rough night?"

The bartender smirked and said. - "Yeah, many people came here even a couple of Gods came to me for a drink. Scared the crap out of me!"

(So gods really did come, huh.) - He didn't like the sound of that.

"Wow, that sounds tough. Were they any good? Or were they rather bad?" - Issei was a little interested in the topic of the talk.

The Bartender thought of his answer for a second, he was a young man who appeared to be less than thirty and by his magical reserves it seemed that he was a human mage.

"They acted quite humbly not at all like one would think." - The bartender was stirring his drink and soon he gave it to him.

Issei received it with his hand and asked. - "Which Gods were they? It seems weird to me for them to act like that." - He then put the drink into his lips and drank from it.

(Please, don't be bad!) - He prayed inside his head as the liquid entered his mouth.

He widened his eyes, looked at the glass and simply stared at it with an indecipherable look in his eyes.

(Where were you my whole life!?) - It tasted quite good, the bittersweat flavor left on the mouth made you want more.

"About that..." - He sounded unsure. - "I believe they were Amaterasu-sama and Susanoo-sama. Other gods also came but I couldn't figure out who they were." - He told Ise while cleaning a glass.

(I see so more gods aside from the Shinto Pantheon.) - He drank another mouthful of his drink.

"And what about the so-called treasure? They did say it's something important, do you know about it?" - He asked the question he needed the answer most.

"Hmmm..." - The bartender was thoughtful. - "About that... I don't know they were quite zealous about the name, but I do know that it's inside the 'Shishinden!' " - He told Ise while lifting a finger up, his face had a satisfied smile.

"Oh?"- Issei was intrigued by his answer. - "So inside the ceremonial building, quite suiting." - He smiled as he finished his drink in a single movement.

He looked at his empty glass and said. - "Another one please." - The bartender only nodded his head.

A moment after he received the drink, bid his farewell and left the bar, now searching for the beauty that was accompanying him.

(Well, I already know in which place is located at, but I don't know how much security it has.) - He walked the same way he did when he first came here, his drink still on his hands.

(I need to find Fuuki and continue the plan.) - He kept walking but what he didn't expect was to find a couple of people he knew rather well.

(Well, that's just my luck!) - He thought as he saw a woman he knew talk among her friends.

She was a female with long black hair that was let down and a pair of violet eyes. She was wearing a short blue dress and was talking with some people he knew were extremely powerful, they appeared to be her friends.

(That's Serafall for you.) - He smirked as he watched the blue-dressed beauty.

At her side, a woman with beautiful red hair similar to a flame was giggling while covering her mouth, a glass of champagne on her left hand.

She looked like someone easy to talk with and was wearing a beautiful, form-fitting red dress with gold contrasts on it. Her sleeves were separated from her dress and they seemed to be like long silk-like gloves that reached her elbows.

She gave the impression of a refined, high-class lady while not being arrogant at all. Her dress reached just below her knees, showing a bit of her skin where gold, needle-like high heels covered her calves and her feet.

The other person talking with them was also a woman. She had silver-white hair while a crescent moon hair ornament was tying her glossy hair into a high ponytail that flowed gently down her back and just above her hips.

She had a beauty that was similar to a fairy, it was as if she would break with the slightest of touches. Like a crystal statue that one could only look at and sigh.

Her face was a creamy white with a healthy blush on her cheeks, her eyes appeared as two sapphire crystals and her long light blue dress ended in a frill and didn't expose even the slightest of skin. Her bust was big even with the dress covering it and the only skin she showed was that of her neck that was only adorned with a long, expensive-looking white necklace.

(...Goddesses.) - Issei noted. - (That amount of power, it's no mistake...) - He was a bit worried.

He decided to take his distance as his eyes never left the three women. He was trying to figure out what they were talking about but a figure behind them surprised him so much he almost popped his eyes from his skull.

(What are you doing here Vali?!)

A silver-haired youth was behind them, he wore a pure white suit with a light blue dress shirt and like him, he didn't have a tie.

His suit seemed to be of a single piece and at his feet, he had dark-brown, oxford dress shoes. His hair was the same as always he didn't change that at all, nevertheless, Issei noticed that he took the attention of quite the amount of the female population.

(Completely opposite from me.) - He smirked when he realized his own style and Vali's.


.

The youth appeared to be bored and had his eyes closed but something awoke him from his sleep.

{Vali. Someone is watching us.}

(Of course, Albion.) - He replied. (Many people are present and we're behind the three beauties over there so we would obviously catch the attention of the vast majority of people here.) - He mentally talked to the Dragon.

He then gave an exhausted sigh. - (Haaa... I can't believe I came here as their bodyguard, nothing will happen!)

He was insulting the one that gave him this mission. Mainly Azazel and the rest of the leaders.

{I don't think it's that simple Vali.} - Albion said to his partner.

(What do you mean?) - He asked, intrigued by the comment of the Dragon.

{I sense another Dragon here, and a strong one at it. I suppose he isn't here for a drink, after all, his presence is emanating caution as if he's excited or nervous about something.} - Maybe this party will end in a different way.

(If it's like that, then why are they so comfortable among themselves?) - Vali said while pointing at the women with his head, they were laughing and talking like nothing was out of the ordinary.

{Because, Dragons can sense other Dragons. It would prove difficult for them to find him if he doesn't want to be found by others.}

{But something about his Aura seems different as if he's hiding his true natural Aura and just showing a fake. What could he be hiding?} - Albion was interested in the Dragon.

Hearing the tone in his Partner's voice, Vali was curious. - (Where is he?) - He asked, prepared for anything.

{Some place around your ten, he's cautious so I cannot sense more.} - Albion told him, after all, he also wanted to know this Dragon.

Issei, on the other hand, kept starring at Vali.

"Just how did you get dragged into this?" - He was shocked that the Hakuryuuko actually agreed to attend the party.

"Well what happens, happens." - Prepared for anything, he muttered to himself while he shrugged his shoulders also taking a sip of his drink.

Soon after, Vali opened his eyes and stared at his general direction startling Ise. He swiftly moved to the side and covered himself with the silhouette of a huge guy in front of him.

He focused on hiding his aura to the most he could.

(That was close.) - He sweated. - (It seems Albion sensed me. Thats not good, they should know something is up but I doubt he will tell anyone. We need to end this plan quickly.) - While hiding himself even more Ise thought.

*Clang-Clang! Clang-Clang!*

The sound of a bell was heard, indicating midnight. The three women stopped their talk and looked at the clock.

"Ahh~ Not fun!" - Serafall pouted while looking at the clock on the wall.

"HuHuHu~ It seems it's time."- The red-haired woman spoke only for them to hear.

"Amaterasu, Serafall be more serious. We will announce something important!" - The silver-haired woman spoke, clearly reprimanding them.

"Artemis-chan please be a little less serious. It will make you look less old than you actually are~" - Amaterasu teased the Goddess named Artemis.

"Don't call me like that!" - She blushed all the way to her neck.

"HuHuHu!~" - Amaterasu only giggled.

"Time to go!~" - Serafall was excited like always. She approached the center of the hall in which all the guests were brought in from the other places of the party.

The doors at the sides were closed and Serafall was standing right at the center alongside the other Goddesses, a spotlight highlighted the location they were at.

"Thank you everyone for coming." - Amaterasu spoke in a clear dignified voice, leaving her carefree manner for once.

"We gathered all of you at this place to make an announcement!" - Artemis yelled in her serious and professional voice.

"It's about the World Class Rating Games!~" - Serafall still spoke like she always does.

Those news got the interest of Ise.

Soon, as they were talking about how grateful they were about their presence and their thanks for the support during the attack from the Beast, he saw Fuuki walking towards him, doing her best to hide from any Yōkai nearby.

As she walked in between the people she reached Issei's side.

"Found anything?" - By her tone, it appeared that she didn't find anything worth noting.

"Yes." - Those words caused her to breath in relief.

"Its located at the Shishinden but I don't know how much security is there. Also, other Gods aside from the Shinto Pantheon appear to be here." - He told her almost all his information, the drink in his hand was now gone after those last words.

"I see... What were you drinking?" - With an accusatory glare she asked him.

Issei didn't even sweat at her tone. - "Negroni, quite good!" - He smiled at the remembrance of his drink.

She instead facepalmed, he seemed too calm.

"Be a little more serious!" - She pinched his arm as revenge.

"Ouch! Okay, easy. I also found out that another annoying person is here." - He regained the serious glint in his eyes that she knew him for.

"Who?" - She was also serious, for someone to be considered annoying to him it seemed to be quite the strong person.

"The Hakuryuukou."

She widened her eyes. Also a War Hero equal to him, having fought many strong enemies and defeated all of them. His power is said to rival an actual Heavenly Dragon if not more!

"Isn't he as strong as you?" - She asked.

"Before, yes. But after my... let's say accident. I think he should be stronger, after all, the Boosted Gear is still rebooting and in my base form, I don't think I can defeat him if he decides to fight with everything he has."

He critically analyzed his strength and reached the conclusion that if Vali fought with his 'Empireo Juggernaut Overdrive' he wouldn't win, of course, his normal Balance Breaker was another story completely.

"Like that?" - She was worried, the reputation of the Hakuryuuko was nothing to scoff at.

"Don't worry, even if he gets serious, with both of us I think that we could defeat him."

(But if he uses his 'Dragon Lucifer Drive' then...) - He thought the last part.

Soon the words he wanted to hear were finally here.

"About the World Class Rating Game, for one to participate he needs to go to the Underworld to one of the many centers available and register." - Serafall was the one to talk.

Ise put all of his attention on her words even Fukki was the same.

"Once registered one will receive two things!" - She lifted two fingers up.

"One will be a case with 'Chess Pieces'. Those Pieces have the same effect as a normal Evil Pieces but they will not transform people into Devils. They will only gift the abilities of the Pieces seen in the Rating Game. A Knight will be faster, a Rook stronger, etc." - Serafall was explaining while looking around, Ise and Fuuki were still hidden behind the huge guy.

"And to make it more interesting will also have 'Mutation Pieces!' "- Her words made Issei speechless.

"So depending on ones' set they will be able to have more members on their team. A Mutated Piece is extremely rare so not many will be seen. Also, a Mutation Piece will be able to make a God-Class being into a part of the team just with that piece alone, in other words, if you have a 'Mutated Rook' just that piece will be sufficient to make the God-Class participate!"

Those words surprised everyone, neither Ise or Fuuki were exceptions. That way the game will be much more interesting to play and to watch.

"Second!" - She raised her second finger, making everyone pay attention to her.

"You will be given a phone with a sole app installed. That app is impossible to be downloaded and is only installed onto the phones given by the administrators of the centers. Everything will be done through the app. When opened, the app will load a small tutorial for you to understand how everything will work!"

Serafall finished her explanation and not a single voice was heard after that. Everyone was thinking about the news, but before anyone could ask something, she spoke once again.

"The tournament will officially start in less than three months! At that moment the exact, date, location and match will be posted on the app. Since this Monday, registration will be available and until the day before the first match is posted, anyone can register. The King and the name of the team must be decided at that moment!" - This time she visibly relaxed and let out a breath of air.

(It seems this will be more interesting but also more troublesome.) - Ise was thinking to himself, the bonus of the Mutation Pieces was pretty unexpected but what he did not like was. - (The Underworld, huh...)

He was worried about going to that place, after all, he didn't have good feelings about it.

(I'll worry about that later, now we need to get the treasure.) - He turned to look at the Kyuubi which was also thinking about something.

"We need to go to the place in which the treasure is located at. Worst comes to worst we use force and steal it." - He told the beauty which only nodded her head. They needed to get out of here, the longer they stayed, the more dangerous it was for them.

"I know the location." - She told Ise, he only smirked and followed after her.

"Let's end this." - He muttered to himself as he followed the beauty out of the crowd.

At the same time a loud voice coming off the spotlight was heard so they both turned their heads.

"Guests, about the treasure, it will be presented in less than an hour. So until then, please enjoy the night!~" - The red-haired woman talked to the guests about the treasure. They all just nodded.

Fuuki and Issei approached the exit door and opened it. After some twists and turns they reached the hallway they believed the treasure was located at, and it sure was.

They knew since many guards were stationed there, all of them Ultimate-Class. From Low-Tier to High-Tier, of course, some were even weaker than Top-Tier High-Class, but that was expected.

The reason for them being so weak despite being of that level was because the quantity of their magic reserves just reached the level of an Ultimate-Class and not the quality of one.

All of the guards stood there not moving a millimetre. Both of them watched them from the corner of the hallway their eyes scanning them.

"You think you could cast a powerfull Illusion over us for them not to notice?" - He asked to the beauty.

"An illusion strong enough to cheat Ultimate-Class? Yes, I can, but I don't know if they will notice the traces left during the Active state of the spell." - She was also thinking the same as him.

"Do it. Worse comes to worse we fight against them!" - Ise ordered while peaking at the guards.

Fuuki just nodded her head and started to concentrate. Mist appeared and covered their bodies from the bottom to the top and soon, they disappeared.

"Follow me and don't make a noise!" - The beauty grabbed his hand and started to walk in the direction of the guards. All were just looking at an empty hall.

After some long seconds, they reached an extremely close distance to the guards. The Kyuubi concentrated even more and Ise was on his guard in case of anything.

They reached the sides of the guards just an arm away from them and soon... went past them and crossed the other corner behind the guards.

After releasing a breath they didn't know they were holding, they turned their sights to the front of them. They saw nothing except a big wooden door that reached the ceiling.

Fuuki didn't let her guard down, she kept the illusion active in case of anything.

"Quite impressive." - Ise expressed his sincere praise since she managed to bring them here. The beauty just smiled but due to the compliment she had a discreet blush on her cheeks.

"The treasure should be behind the door." - She pointed over her shoulder as she looked at him.

"Do you think there's someone guarding the treasure behind the door?" - He was cautious, maybe a trap was placed behind the door.

As a response she released her nine tails alongside her ears and gently closed her eyes. A gentle aura surrounded her body, even Issei that was at her side wasn't able to feel the ripples of power at all.

After a couple of minutes she replied. - "I don't feel any living thing inside but a lot of energy signatures were found. Someone placed really powerful spells inside as a safety measure. They appear to be quite complex as well." - She narrowed her eyes, her tails flowing freely behind her.

Ise just stared at them waving from one side to another. - (They seem quite comfortable...) - His thoughts, as always, were on a different line but he still replied to her comment.

"Remove the illusion from both of us, right now we don't need it." - She did as asked and the same mist covered them.

"Next we should open the door, any spell you sense deactivate it immediately. I'll be your guard and in case something happens I'll be the bait, you just concentrate on getting the Yasakani-No-Magatama, I will buy as much time as I can if needed be." - He was serious about his plan.

She just nodded her head a little emotion seen in her eyes. - "Be careful." - She expressed her worry and Ise smiled back at her.

They reached the door and she carefully opened it.

"You'll be the only one inside. Stay there until you get it." - His voice was sharp and gentle. - "I'll stay here and whatever happens, don't come out!" - He ordered as a true leader should, she stared at his unwavering eyes and soon turned around and crossed the door.

She entered the room and Ise closed the door behind her, being the only one left outside.

(Let's hope for the best.) - He stood in front of the door and crossed his arms. He closed his eyes as he extended his senses to the point that the guards didn't notice.


—-30 Minutes Later.—-


.

Until this point everything was going perfect, according to Ise just another ten minutes and they will be able to get out of here.

(Come on. Come on.) - He was anxious. The spells seemed to be too complicated even for Fuuki but he believed in her, he only needed to wait.

Soon all his hopes were thrown down the drain.

He sensed how the guards were moving in a military fashion and two auras were coming closer, one of them he knew quite closely.

"In the end a fight is going to happen, huh..." - Ise muttered while preparing himself.

He activated his Darkness and covered his left arm and right thigh almost in their entirety.

After thinking for a little bit, Issei covered the left side of his face with his Darkness as well, it gave the appearance of his Mark' extending. - (Just in case.)

The entire left side of his face was covered while his right was covered by his hair, he hoped that with this he might be able to fool them.

Soon, the two figures crossed the corner of the Hallway with the guards behind them.

The first thing they saw was a figure standing in front of the door with his arms crossed, his eyes were similarly closed.

The ones coming from the corner were a beauty with red hair that emitted a hot and burning aura. And the other one was a silver-haired youth with a huge Aura.

(Now, I believe this is kind of ironic. You fighting against crime while I am doing a crime. How life twists and turns right, Vali...) - Issei was mocking his fate.

The male and female at the moment they saw the figure prepared themselves for a fight.

"Who are you?" - The beauty asked while looking at the man in front of her. The silver-haired youth was concentrating on him as well.

The figure slowly opened his eyes, the moment those eyes landed on them both felt a chill run down their spines.

His eyes were cold to the point that the Arctic seemed warm, they also were extremely sharp and heavy, and they felt as if a knife was against their throats.

(Just a glare made me feel like this!?) - Vali was shocked, no one has ever made him feel like this with only his eyes, only the Beast of the Apocalypse was capable.

"I asked, who are you?!" - The beauty was also startled by the look in his eyes. Trying to prove her point she increased her aura, flames covering her body.

"If I was you I wouldn't do that." - Issei coldly stated, his voice was the same as his eyes, cold and sharp but also emotionless.

(Need to gain time. I'll have to bluff!) - He had an idea an extremely crazy idea.

"Let us say that I planted a bomb in the middle of where your little party is going. It's directly connected to the aura of a God and if said God increases her aura then... Boom! A crater where the Imperial Palace once stood!" - His voice was arrogant and confident. - (Please work!) - But his thoughts were different.

The beauty paled and retracted her aura not taking any chances, the man seemed absolutely serious about his threat.

"Then, who exactly are you?" - The silver-haired youth asked.

"That's for me to know and you to figure out, Hakuryuuko." - Ise needed to gain as much time as he could, after all, he didn't know when would his bluff fail. If the Goddess decided to fight then it will end badly for both, Fuuki and him.

"What do you want?" - The Goddess asked him, discreetly trying to call for someone but before that.

"If you move from your position or decide to call for someone, I'll gladly detonate the bomb."

The Goddess was surprised he figured her intentions out, she bit her lip and stopped moving.

"About your question." - He looked into her eyes. - "I am searching for what's inside the door behind me." - Ise explained while pointing with his thumb at the door.

"You wish for the treasure terrorist?!" - She was angered.

(Being called like that actually hurts a bit.) - He thought but continued his play.

"Half correct." - He didn't explain more.

"Half?" - The youth asked him, preparing to catch any openings in his guard but neither him nor Albion could see them.

{Vali, this Aura... It's the Dragon we sensed back at the hall! But his Aura is still hidden, I think he's afraid of something.} - Albion mentally spoke to his partner.

(Afraid? Of what? The Goddess?) - He asked back, trying to find an answer.

{No, I don't think so. Look at him, he completely disregarded the Goddess and even threatened her. This means something else...} - Albion was trying to figure him out.

{Try to gain time the more we stand in front of him, the more I'll be able to know!}

(Sure.) - Vali replied and soon the answer to the former question he asked was answered.

"Indeed, the thing is." - His tone heavy. - "The means they used to acquire the treasure were not as they told you."

Issei didn't know who the Goddess was, the amount of deities in the Japanese Pantheon was no joke but since she was here to retrieve the treasure and also used flames he had a guess. And he hoped his guess was right.

"Amaterasu, you should try and ask your subordinates how did they actually got the Yasakani-No-Magatama." - He mentally prayed his guess about the Goddess was right.

Seeing her face change from anger to surprise and then to shock, he knew he was right. - (Bingo.) - He was happy.

"My subordinates?!" - She trusted her subordinates so the idea of them lying to her was absurd in her eyes.

"They wouldn't lie to me!" - She tried to refute.

"Are you sure? Sorry to pop your bubble, but they did." - His voice heartless. - "The method in which they gained the treasure is different from what they told you and the true reason behind who actually got it and why, is also wrong."

"What do you mean?" - Vali interrupted the man.

"Let's say that the possessor of the treasure was believed to be a criminal, and along with her family they were chased throughout Japan for decades by your subordinates, the Yōkai." - He was slightly angry when he mentioned that.

"An innocent who wasn't believed to be one!" - His voice had concealed fury.

"Amaterasu, you should worry more about the details, after all, that's where the Devil is hidden." - He was explaining but then Amaterasu screamed.

"Details? What do you mean!?" - She was getting desperate, her guards behind her were also looking weird as if something was making them uncomfortable.

(Do they know what he's talking about?)

"Meaning?" - He asked back. - "For that you should ask your Yōkai. And for the truth behind this, then you should ask the one that was the most affected by it!" - Ise raised his voice ending their conversation, he didn't want to talk about that more, it wasn't his place to talk about it.

(It seems that I'll need to fight.) - He was thinking and then he heard.

*Vanishing Dragon, Balance Breaker!*

The silver-haired youth changed into his suit of armor.

"I don't know who you are but I was tasked to protect this place and while I'm the one doing it, nothing will happen!" - Vali yelled at him.

"Quite the heroic spirit you got, huh." - Issei smirked and mocked him.

*RIIIPP!*

The sound of air ripping was heard and then Vali appeared in front of Ise with a fist cocked back.

He released his punch and hit him with all the strength his body he had. Ise coated his entire left arm in Darkness, decreasing the degree of coverage of the rest of his body, then he extended his palm planning to receive the punch.

*CRAACKK!*

The sound of metal creaking was heard. Ise just caught Vali's punch!

"Is that all you got?" - He had a smug grin on his face.

Meanwhile, Vali was surprised that his punch just got caught. This was definitely bad!

Once he caught his strike a huge amount of dust was released from the ground, making a huge cloud of smoke that covered all of the entrance behind him.

Ise slowly clenched his right hand, forming a fist. His legs were at separated and at the same level as his shoulders, and his fist was at his hip.

"My turn." - His eyes shone with mysterious light and he released his punch.

*BAAAAAMMMM!*

He hit Vali right at the center of his armor, the jewel and the chest part of his armor completely destroyed while Vali was sent flying straight towards Amaterasu.

*Blaaargh!* - Vali vomited blood mid-flight.

Amaterasu was trying to do something but Ise yelled. - "Move Goddess and people die!" - His voice as cold as he could make it.

He was seen walking from the huge cloud of dust. He walked slowly and his left arm slowly turned back to normal human flesh.

He walked closer and closer, right towards where Vali landed.

Soon Vali lifted himself up from the crater his landing made, the top part of his armor gone.

*Spit!* - He turned his head and spat blood.

(Damn! He's strong.) - Vali was still slightly dizzy from that blow.

{Take a hold of yourself. You let your guard down and paid for it. Now focus!} - Albion screamed inside his head.

"Yeah." - A battle hungry grin appeared on his face as his armor regenerated.

{He seems to be the close type fighter, take your distance and fight him where you have the advantage!}

Vali just nodded his head and flew from his position. Both of his hands had a big amount of demonic power, pure white in color.

"Take this!" - He screamed at Ise and smirked.

*BOOOOOMMMM!*

When the attack landed they heard a scoff and a huge explosion of light and power covered their sight, making the entire building tremble.

Vali was silent he didn't know if that actually did damage.

After the smoke dispersed a huge crater was before the door, but no one was in it.

"Where?!" - He screamed but soon he got his answer in the form of a kick that sent him flying through the wall.

*CRASHHHH!*

He smashed onto the ground, the gravel and stones outside were sent flying everywhere.

"Stay here, Goddess." - While walking past her, Issei said so that she doesn't think of anything.

Putting a single foot in the hole on the wall, Ise jumped and soon reached the big crater outside.

He didn't talk, he knew something like that would hardly affect Vali.

A white light was soon seen, it reached the sky and a white figure was inside it.

"Tch!" - Vali was angry at the fact that he got some damage from that kick.

{Try getting closer to use the Divine Dividing!}

(I doubt he will let me.) - From their little exchange he noticed how the man was extremely cautious of actually being hit by him.

Thinking of something Vali extended his hand, a blue magic circle appeared on it.

"...Lightning..." - He muttered and a huge blue lightning came from the circle, approaching Ise at a ridiculous speed.

*BOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!*

A huge explosion occurred.

"This time it hit." - He was sure of it, his eyes never left his opponent.

"Not bad." - A voice was heard and from the crater, a man jumped. His clothing were slightly burned and tattered but nothing more.

"That actually stung a bit." - He cracked his neck and looked at the armor of Vali.

(...Albion...) - He asked his Partner.

{Remeber! Us Dragons have a huge resistance against any type of magic!} - He told him.

"Then how about something more powerful!" - Vali smirked again and six magic circles appeared behind his back, they were deep blue in color and various demonic letters spun on their circumference.

Afterwards, six demonic bolts of thick lightning were shot from them.

Ise knitted his brows. - "Time to get serious."

Six spheres of his Darkness were formed on his surroundings and like Vali did, he shot at him.

The spheres went past the lightning bolts obviously aimed directly at Vali.

Seeing those spheres Albion screamed. - {Dodge!}

He did as told and twisted his body to the point that the spheres only knicked his armor. But what happened after they touched him surprised him.

The pieces of his shoulders and legs were completely vaporized as if they were not there to begin with.

"Power of Destruction?"

{No. It seems those spheres are flames compressed to the limit. They superheated your armor to the point it reached a melting point and then simply vaporized what was left of it!} - Albion was shocked by those flames.

{I don't know how hot they are but if they melted the armor in less than a second, then don't touch them! If they hit you won't receive burns, you will be turned into dust.} - He warned.

Vali looked back at the even bigger crater that was made by him, the man was with both arms crossed in the shape of an 'X' he had light burns all over his arms but nothing serious.

Looking back to the one that caused the crater, Ise narrowed his eyes even more. - (I can't let my Darkness heal me, at least, not yet.) - He stopped the healing process and began thinking.

" Hell Blaze! " - He muttered and on his left hand a purple-black flame materialized.

{Vali.} - "I know." - Seeing those flames both of them knew they were bad news.

"Catch!" - Ise threw the flames in his hand which then separated into six clusters and approached Vali in different directions.

Vali was on guard and avoided them with some trouble. His body made movements which seemed impossible but he was successful with his dodging.

"Hmph!" - He mocked him as he saw the flames pass him.

But suddenly a cluster of flames he dodged turned back aiming at his left-side! His left arm was struck with those vicious flames. Vali could feel the heat of the flames through his armor.

(Albion! Release the part of the armor that was hit!)

Albion did as told and the left part of his armor alongside his left pauldron fell to the ground with a heavy sound.

"What exactly are those flames?" - He asked in a loud voice. Looking at the flames from the corner of his eye.

(Damn it! I need more attacks in my repertoire, only that and a few more is what I got!)

Ise was angry but he thought of something, a crazy idea. - (There's no teacher like experience!)

"Time to use a bit more of power." - While saying that Ise coated his entire body in the maximum amount of Darkness he could use.

Vali and Albion, who were watching this, were stunned but Albion even more so!

{No! Something like that is impossible! He's far too young for that to actually happen to him!} - Albion was thinking about a certain possibility, one only Dragons had.

Ise then used his Darkness and formed a pair of wings. He flapped them and dissapeared from his position, his speed was fast to the point that Vali couldn't see him for a second.

"Fast!" - Vali raised his guard and instinctively blocked to his left, a hand coated in purple-black flames hit both of his arms.

*BAAAAANNNNNNGGGGG!*

Vali was shot down from the sky, like a missile he crashed on the ground.

The heat he felt was terrible and the strength behind the blow was even more so. Even while guarding against that attack he still felt the reverberations of the blow on his armor.

"What a monstrous strength! I can't feel my arms!" - He stood up while both of his arms were numb.

(Albion release the armor.) - Since he was hit by those flames he had to release the armor so to not burn to death. His gauntlets fell near him.

Taking a discreet look at the first piece of armor that was hit a little while ago, he could see how the flames were still raging.

"It seems those flames won't extinguish easily..." - He reached the conclusion.

The comment was heard by Ise who was still on the air, his wings behind his back.

(I knew this bastard was tough but receiving a full powered attack plus my flames and leaving only with that. Haaa... It seems I still have much to learn.) - Ise was trying to figure out a plan.

(I need something that punctures his defense, magical and physical...)

Thinking about a possible attack, he focused on his left hand. His Darkness squirmed all over his arm and soon took the shape of a spear. It looked like the old, classic spartan spear.

(Not enough! I need it to literally make a hole in him, like a drill!) - He had an idea so he made a spiral of energy come out off the tip of the spear.

"Stay there, I rather not have this thing go near me..." - Ise threw the spear.

*FOOOSHH!*

In the air the spiral of energy surrounded the spear-point and gave it a beautiful purple and black tail. It's speed betond ridiculous!

*Slash!* - Vali was shocked! He didn't see the spear at all! When he noticed, it already perforated his side!

"It seems harder to control than I thought." - Ise muttered and created another spear.

(I sacrificed the damage of the flames to make this spear, but instead of that, its speed is ridiculous! Plus the magical and physical penetration. What should I name it?)

(How about 'Drill?' I think like that I won't forget the name!) - Thinking useless stuff as always Ise was prepared to throw the second spear but was stopped.

The guards finally decided to intervene seeing that the guard of Ise was low.

The High-Tier Ultimate-Class Yōkai threw a couple of Onmyōdō Spells at him and screamed - """Punishment of the Deceased!"""

Three High-Tier Ultimate-Class Yōkai formed a pentagram of fire in the sky, Ise was floating below it and got hit by the pillar of flames, not knowing that because of this he got an idea.

*BOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!*

He was sent flying towards the ground, denting the earth.

"Hakuryuuko-sama. Are you okay?" - A Yōkai asked to him.

"Idiots! Don't let your eyes off him!" - He yelled at them.

*Riiip!* - Vali pulled the spear out from his side, blood dropping onto the gravel ground.

"HaHaHaHaHa!" - A maniacal laugh echoed all over the place. - "That actually did hurt!" - A voice was heard from the pillar flames, everyone turned to look at the source of it.

Someone came from the still burning pillar, the majority of his clothes were now gone. The skin on the right side of the face, his abdomen and his left legs was badly burnt, it looked like third degree burns.

Seeing him like that Vali relaxed a bit but the fatigue got him.

"That... should stop him... for a while..."

Looking at the wounds of his foe Vali smiled but he was breathing heavily, the punches and kicks alongside the first degree burns he received from his armour heating up actually did quite the damage.

(His punches and kicks may have cracked a bone, and the burns are annoying.) - He thought to himself.

The biggest wound was the one at his side, although the diameter of the hole was small, around the size of a big coin, he still felt the pain from it. Since the spear literally went through him, he had two holes at the side of his body.

(Damn it! It actually hurts!) - He complained inside his head and then he heard Albion's words.

{Vali, this guy... I believe he's hiding something... I think I know what it is, but it should be impossible!}

(What are you talking about Albion?) - Before he could get his answer he saw something unbelievable.

(Time to heal, I can't fight like this.) - Ise let his Darkness heal him. It started to coil around his left leg, going up and covering his right side and then his whole face.

Not even a couple of seconds went by when his wounds were completely gone as if he hadn't received any at all.

Everyone was amazed, no words came from their mouths, even Albion was the same. The idea inside his head was getting clearer and clearer, but he just wanted to deny it.

"I'll show you real flames!"

(Raging flames that have been compressed with intense heat. Let's try it!) - He thought and at the tip of the spear a small ember of a flame appeared.

"Flare up!" - He lifted his spear and pointed it at them. At tip of it, the small ember moved uncontrollably, emitting huge amounts of heat.

Then it happened.

Everything in front of Ise was swallowed by a huge tide of purple-black flames. The flames in a split seconds turned into a pillar that reached the heavens and everyone, aside of Vali who moved on instict, was swallowed by it.

The Yōkais, every single one of them, had burns covering most parts of their body, some more than others.

The Three High-Tier Ultimate-Class Yōkai that attacked him, received the full force of the impact and as a result they were barely breathing. They might even need treatment for a couple of months if they did not want those wounds to be permanent.

Vali was far away from that inferno of flames while using his wings and floating in the air.

(Damn it! I might need to use the Empireo Juggernaut Overdrive if things keep going like this!)

He was frustrated, he thought that the match would be more or less equal but he never expected for the guy to actually have so many powerful attacks!

"You're strong, I'll give you that." - Vali acknowledged him. - "But I'm stronger!" - He yelled, prepared to use one of his trump cards.

A silver-white aura covered his whole armour and the sky and the earth started to quake.

"I, the one to awaken...…"

Issei, who was below him, felt his hair stand on end when he heard that chant. Now, this was serious.

But Vali was forced to stop his chant when he heard an unnatural rumbling of thunder and sensed a sudden increase in energy at the distance.

Clouds formed on the sky covering the night sky and a single lighting blot split the sky and went straight towards Ise.

"Shit!" - He dodged the bolt since he knew that healing the damage from that attack would be annoying.

"Young Hakuryuuko, stop playing and fight seriously. He's no enemy to underestimate!"

A voice similar to the rumbling of thunder was heard and a tall man who looked in his late twenties with distinctive bull-like horns coming out of the sides of his head appeared at the side of Vali.

He had electric blue eyes the same color as his hair with a small beard on his chin. He was wearing a white robe with a black shirt underneath, and bloody red sandals on his feet.

"Susanoo-No-Mikoto." - Vali narrowed his eyes a bit.

Ise was only looking at the man present, the amount of power he emitted was absurd, even for him.

(The God of Storms!) - He mentally noted as he lifted his guard to the limit.

"Sister, are you alright? I came the moment I sensed a huge clash of aura, my guess would be from the young man in front of us and the Hakuryuuko." - He talked to the woman with red hair who, until now, was just a spectator.

"Brother!" - Her tone was full of relief. - "He's a terrorist! He planted a bomb and if I increase my aura it will blow!" - She screamed at him.

"Huh? What are you talking about? There's no bomb in the party! There's no bomb that works like that! You're too easy to trick!" - He screamed back at her.

(He figured it out, huh.) - Issei thought.

"Truly worthy of the God of not only Storms but also of Mischief. Figuring out my little plot that easily, but well it was thought on the spot." - He agreed with him since there was no point in keeping it up.

However, he was nervous, right now his opponents were not just Vali, but also two Gods. He didn't know how much more time he could buy.

(Fuuki, hurry!) - His mind went to the fox.

"Oh! It seems someone knows about my deeds!" - Susanoo sounded satisfied. - "Right, young dragon?" - He asked him back without taking his eyes from the Dragon.

"Thanks for the praise." - He calmly talked back.

"So all of this was a trick?!" - Amaterasu questioned.

""Yes."" - The dead look in both Susanoo and Ise was priceless.

"Then why did you said that?!" - She asked Ise.

"Because I needed you out of the play." - His answer made her speechless. - "Right now since I'm weak, I can't take on both of you." - He simply pointed at Vali and then at her.

The look in his sister's face made Susanoo giggle a little, she always had the best expressions.

He then turned to look at Ise and seriously asked. - "What do you want Dragon?"

"Me? From you?" - He sounded confused. - "Nothing." - He replied, after all, he wasn't interested in the treasure he's only helping Fuuki.

"Then why are you here?" - The God asked again, confusion written all over his face.

"I just came here to help someone." - He concentrated his Aura, forming a huge pillar the same color as an abyss. The atmosphere turned heavy and the ground underneath him as well as the clouds in the sky started to disappear.

Focusing again he summoned 'Rebellion.'

Seeing the odd blade in his left arm everyone stood on guard. Vali prepared himself to use the Overdrive again. The Gods were also the same, preparing for the worst.

"I... I am just the bait!" - His grin increased in size and focused his entire Aura, every piece of it, into his blade.

A pitch black flame stronger than never before materialized on the edge of it, and like a scabbard, it surrounded the entire length of the blade.

The heat it emanated was ridiculously high, rocks in his surroundings started to melt, heat waves could be seen in his surroundings, the structures behind them started to catch up in a blaze.

(What ridiculous heat! It almost the same as my sister's!) - The God was stunned by the power in those flames.

Amaterasu on the other side could see the fire in a more detailed version.

(Flames that won't extinguish once you're hit by them... Similar to my own in that regard but his are extremely dark, for him to use them he needs to remember about a horrible experience he went through. What a terrible price to pay...)

She looked at the flames and quickly analyzed them and although he was an enemy, she felt sorry for him. Those flames were beautiful but to use them it seemed he needed to pay a price.

(If he wasn't an enemy I would have trained him to use his flames without a cost.) - She was lamenting about how fate played her.

{Vali! Don't let that hit you!} - Albion broke him off his thoughts. - {Even with the Empireo Juggernaut Overdrive you would probably suffer unhealable wounds!} - His voice was deadly serious.

(Those flames hold that much power?!) - He was speechless at the power of those flames.

{Maybe those flames can seriously wound a God.} - Albion muttered his thoughts, Vali looked at Susanoo and saw the serious expression on his face, further proving Albion's point right.

(So they can hurt a God?) - He regained his bearing and asked.

{Yes, but they can't kill them. Still, they are capable of hurting them! An amazing feat!} - Albion was proud that one his race was capable of that much.

{It seems my guesses were right you did awaken your Aura hatchling. To gain that much strength... What kind of suffering did you go through?} - Albion thought to himself.

*Clang!* - The sound of metal made everyone pay attention to the man once again.

"Let's see how much damage this can give you!" - Ise said with a wicked grin, he shook his blade making a little ember of the flame hit the ground and instantly combusting all around it.

He flexed his muscles on all of his body and like a flash of lightning he reached the God of Storms.

Forcing his left arm to the limit he used every ounce of strength he had and screamed. - "Kami-Chigiri!"

He swung the blade in a diagonally fashion right onto the God.

A curved energy wave was released on top of the God. It was huge and outrageously powerful.

The God, not expecting that amount of power, crossed his arms at the height of his chest and covered himself in a blue aura that had white lightning on its surroundings.

*BAAAANNNNNGGGGGGGGG!*

"Brother!" - The woman screamed, surprised by the amount of power behind the attack.

The energy wave continued its track, burning everything on the ground, then it reached the Imperial Palace.

*SLIIIICEEEEE!*

Like a hot knife through butter the black and purple energy wave cut the entire Imperial Palace in a perfect half.

Meanwhile, Ise fell down on a knee and was breathing heavily. His demonic state was removed and only his Mark remained, clearly from overusing his Aura.

(Damn! ...That was ...tougher than I thought...) - Not even properly thinking he tried to calm his heavy breathing.

After that, he heard a voice coming out of the light blue wings of his rival.

{It seems you did it hatchling!} - Albion's voice sounded satisfied. His partner and the Goddess were surprised by the words of the Dragon.

With his head low Issei replied. - "Took you a while to figure out, Albion."

Issei managed to regain his breath but he could feel his left arm was broken because of the last attack.

(Well, that happens when you control huge amounts of power without experience. I should be happy my arm didn't blow up!) - He thought while trying to heal his arm.

{Amazing... You actually did it!} - While the lights of the Divine Diving wings blinked repetitively Albion said to him.

{With you hatchling! There are eleven Dragons that have awoken their Aura throughout History! An incredible feat! HaHaHa!} - Albion was extremely excited, maybe because his race was once again gaining strength.

Meanwhile, the Goddess and Vali went wide-eyed, they didn't understand what the Dragon was talking about.

{Hatchling, I am also sorry.} - Issei could see that Albion was sincere with his apology.

{For you to have awoken your Aura so early, you must have been through an experience that words cannot describe it...}

Albion knew the reasons for their Aura to activate. One was good, but took a long period of time, and the second one was terrible to the point you wouldn't want it, even for your worst enemy.

Issei laughed in silence at the words of Albion he was grateful that he felt that way, quite the good Dragon. However, their break didn't last long before a blue aura with white lightings was seen in the distance.

Susanoo appeared at the side of Amaterasu, this time with a wound on his body. It was a long cut going along his left arm and to his shoulder.

The one in his arm looked skin deep, not painful at all. But the one in his shoulder looked like it reached his left collarbone, blood was overflowing from the wound and its edges were charred black.

"Incredible! No one had managed to hurt me this badly in more than 600 years!" - He touched his wound with his right hand. - "Young Dragon you are the first to have done this feat." - Susanoo spoke with a calm voice even respect was seen in his eyes.

(Shit.) - Ise cursed, he had hoped that he would have stayed down for a little longer.

"Sister. The evacuation started the moment the flames covered his blade so no one got hurt! Also, they already evacuated the entire Palace so only us three and him are left." - The God talked to his sister as he felt a sudden burst of pain in his left shoulder.

(I can't fight the three of them. I still need to gain more time but the only path left is to reveal myself!) - He was doubting whether revealing himself or not.

"Young Dragon you have nowhere to go. Why not give yourself in?" - The Storm God tried to convince Ise.

"No one got hurt aside from the guards, but you let all live. I don't feel angry from my wound but rather intrigued, I want to know about the man that wounded me since the last 600 years!" - His speech was quite convincing.

"The young Hakuryuuko will be eager to fight you again, and The White Dragon Emperor himself feels proud about you. My sister was indeed tricked by you but she's kind and has a great heart. If she was able to forgive me, then she will forgive you if she hasn't done so already." - The God tried to convince Ise, truly worthy of the title of God of Storms and Mischief his words were as sweet as sugar.

(The only way to gain time is to reveal myself. No words spoken can elongate this!) - He finally reached the conclusion his head still low, he grabbed his knee with his other hand and soon started to lift himself upwards.

(I don't have enough energy to fight, that last attack took everything from me.) - He was mentally thinking about any possible solution.

(It seems my freedom lasted only for a day... but what a day!)

He stood from his position slowly revealing his face but a figure blocked his vision, of course, the other way was the same.

A beautiful woman stood in front of him, she had tears in her eyes.

Everything he went through was seen by her inside the room where the Yasakani-No-Magatama was located, the seals and spells took her a longer period of time than she thought but seeing him fight against the Hakuryuuko and defeating him, against the Yōkai and defeating them as well, plotting and tricking the Sun Goddess and injuring the God of Storms her heart felt warm, indescribable warmth that made her happy and safe.

(You were willing to sacrifice your everything and got so wounded because of me, a person you just met. If that's not worthy of my trust and even more, then I don't know what is!)

She was mentally thanking Ise for his sacrifice. Ever since they got out of her prison, she started to like the young man more and more.

From being the serious guy during important situations, to the jokey man that made her smile, to the teasing man that made her blush, to the man that told her about his dream of being free and travel around the world.

Her trust was already his ever since he spoke those words in the cave. Ever since he freed her and gave her a reason to keep on fighting.

What she was looking for, all of this time, was if he was worthy of her feelings. Being always alone ever since young, she longed for the company of her other half, one that was worthy of her emotions and heart and that didn't lust after her beauty.

She wished for someone to stay by her side even in the worst of moments, and after seeing all that has happened and still deciding to give up his everything, she tossed aside her doubts and came here to help, now she was certain of her decision.

(Hyoudou Issei, you just won my heart.) - She was crying because she was happy that the feelings she had were for such a splendid man.

(Now is my turn to make you fall for me.) - She was a decisive woman and now she had a goal.

"You got it?" - Issei asked the beauty that was giving him her back.

"Of course sweetie!~ Who do you think I am?~" - Her tone was flirty, that alone made Ise smile.

"I'm glad you have it back." - He truly was happy of that, she was sure of it.

"We need to leave." - Fuuki didn't lose for a moment the silhouettes of the Gods in front of her. She didn't feel scared, rather excited.

"I can't use my gate, that last attack took everything from me, just keeping myself like this is costing me a lot." - He explained his situation in a low voice.

"Who are you?" - The Storm God asked the woman. He was disappointed that she appeared, after all, the young Dragon was almost going to give himself in. - (Damn!) - He was annoyed, he held a lot of interest towards the Dragon even now the wound still hurt.

"Me? Sorry, I'm a nobody." - She teased but her voice was cold and cautious.

"I only came for our leader. See, recently he had an accident so he isn't in his best condition yet he still decided to come. Quite the man~" - She explained to the God as she licked her lips, managing to get a surprised look from the three.

(((Not in his best yet capable of wounding a God?!))) - Everyone thought the same.

At that moment Fuuki closed her distance with Ise and used her Senjutsu to help him recover some of his lost energy.

"That should help you stand up properly." - She was worried, he noticed that.

"Thanks, Fuuki." - Those words were whispered into her ear, making her slightly blush.

"You're, welcome!~" - She replied with a seductive voice that made even the God of Storms to hide his blush.

"Think you can take us out here?" - Issei was still the same piece of ice as always.

He used his former transformation and covered the side of his face, and thanks to his hair the other side was also covered. He finally could relax since they hadn't found out about his identity.

"You can't escape. I already sealed space itself no one will come or go without my permission!" - Amaterasu told them, the words of her brother still in her head.

She also felt interested in the young boy those flames of his were really similar to her own, for him to reach that mastery at such a young age it was incredible.

(Sorry, young man. But I won't let you escape~~) - She sensually licked her lips as she hid the interest in her eyes.

Her head was filled with thoughts about his capture and questioning, then her offer of protection and training him to be a possible future successor of her position. After all, the new generation was monstrous and now was the time to change rulers. And the young man was smart, cunning, courageous, but also devoted to his beliefs, she liked that.

"You're already plotting sister?" - The God of Storm recognized that look at any given time. It was the look she gave when she wanted someone at all costs. Till this day, it still scared him a little.

"Not~ at~ all~" - She replied while making a cute face.

(Young Dragon you just got the attention of someone you shouldn't have, I'm so sorry.) - He felt pity for the Dragon.

"So who are you, I did not sense your presence until now." - Vali at the side of them asked the woman.

"I'm a Yōkai!" - That tone reminded him about Lavinia but he could feel the chill in her voice.

"A Yōkai? Then why have I not heard about you?" - Amaterasu tilted her head, they had all the time in the world right now.

"Maybe because my entire family was chased by your subordinates ever since a couple of Centuries ago." - She titled her head cutely but her sharp and chilling voice caused her to stop.

Ise noticed this and placed a hand on her shoulder as a sign of support.

"Are you sure about this?" - He asked in a low voice, he knew what she wanted to do.

"Yes, I will no longer hide. I have to face my past and concentrate on my future." - She had a glow in her eyes something he loved to see.

(You finally have that light in your eyes...) - While thinking that he didn't notice how the last part was said while looking at him with glistening eyes.

(Ohhh, Iseee~) - Seeing his smile made her feel butterflies in her stomach.

"Chased?" - Her thoughts were interrupted by Amaterasu, she heard the same words from the young man a little while ago.

"Yes. Because no one cared about the other side of the story, my grandmother was chased all over the country and then killed." - Fuuki bit her lips drawing blood.

"Just because the people thought she was an evil being!" - Ise squished her shoulder tightly. - "Because of the greed of an Emperor she was chased and forced to live in the shadows, giving birth to a single little fox that depended entirely on herself in the cruel world."

Issei, seeing this, moved his hand from her shoulder and instead went for her own hand.

Feeling his warmth she smiled and gained courage. - "That fox was used by a man just because of her beauty and gave birth to another little fox. The mother died while giving birth and the little fox was left alone and picked by humans. They raised her like their own but in this country because of her nature, she was chased by her own kind and captured, about to be executed!"

The God of Storms was quiet, Vali as well. But the one that was most shocked was Amaterasu, she heard all that she went through thanks to her own kind and felt awful.

"Without any hope in sight she gave up in life, but was saved by a young Dragon that was looking for her. "I want you as a part of my team", "I want you to regain the light that your eyes should have". He told her those words and soon she believed them, she started to trust him and slowly she believed that she will be happy again."

Ise was slightly embarrassed when she mentioned his words, he told her that in the heat of the moment.

"That little fox was me and that story is the story of my life and the one of my family" - She was ready.

"I formally introduce myself." - She made a reverence.

"My name is Benikomichi Fuuki. Pure blood Yōkai and expert in all Japanese Arts; Senjustsu, Youjutsu, Touki, Onmyōdō Arts. Proudly descendant of the Kyuubi-No-Yōko, Tamamo-No-Mae! " - At those words her nine tails and ears became visible, red in color with a tinge of black.

Everyone widened their eyes in our shock! The descendants of the Kyuubi-No-Yōko were supposedly exterminated a long time ago!

(She's a Yōkai much stronger than Kuroka!) - Vali was thinking to himself.

(The last descendant of the original Kyuubi!) - Susanoo thought to himself clearly stunned by her words.

(S-S-She I-Is?!) - Amaterasu had no words, someone like her was extremely powerful and rare! She could be and incredible force on her Faction second to none, not to even Yasaka!

Fuuki felt a weight being lifted from her shoulders.

"You did great." - Ise comforted, his voice made her want to hear him more.

(Please~ Talk more~) - She was already blinded by her feelings.

"Incredible!" - Susanoo screamed. - "The last known descendant of her and possibly the strongest Yōkai!"

He was clearly excited, first the Dragon boy then the Descendant of Tamamo-No-Mae, treasures were appearing on their Faction! They wouldn't let them get away, this incident will be solved privately! He didn't want the rest to know about the treasures in front of them!

"Fukki, we should leave!" - Ise was feeling better.

"You can't escape, both my sister and I have already reinforced the space around us, nothing you do will take you out!" - Susanoo was confident, Amaterasu at his side was the same.

"We won't do anything, this will do it for us!" - Fuuki lifted her left wrist, on it, a bracelet was seen. It was extremely thin, black in color with only a couple of green Magatamas on it.

Seeing that thing both of the Gods lost their proud faces and instead was replaced with anxiety and shock.

"Break the boundary between worlds Yasakani-No-Magatama..."

Hearing the chant both Gods flew at them!

"Transfer!" - The bracelet shinned and then space started to twist and soon, it broke.

Seeing this, both Gods increased their speed. Ise and Fuuki, the moment space was ripped apart were already getting in, Fuuki even had the gall to say. - "Bye-Bye!~ A-chan~ Susa-chan~" - Mockery was clear in her voice.

Before they could reached them, the cracked space was closed and they got away, right under their noses.

"Damn it!" - Susanoo was angered, they actually had the Yasakani-No-Magatama with them! If he knew earlier then he wouldn't have played with them, they got played by two kids!

(Damn! Quite the youngsters.) - He calmed himself, his sister was pretty much the same.

"What will we do?" - He asked to his sister.

"Report it to the Factions, everything. That's our best move. We need to find them again and better get the help from the Factions." - She spoke to her brother getting only a nod of his head as a response.

"Hakuryuuko, we ask you to not say about our interest in them only what's necessary." - The Goddess bowed her head.

Vali meanwhile said - "Okay, you'll owe me one. I also don't want more work that's boring, and notifying about them will send me to the field to look for them, better for me." - Vali agreed as he also had his motives.

(Albion what were you exactly talking about with him?) - He remembered the conversation he heard between them.

{About that... It will take a while to explain.} - Albion knew that Vali wanted information about him.

(We have time after this.)

Vali was interested in the words from Albion, not once has he heard him like that. So proud, excited and happy, and not about himself but rather about his race.

"I'll leave, good luck!" - Since the two Gods lifted the sealing in the space he could finally get out of here, these wounds were killing him.

(Damn it! It will be annoying to explain.) - Vali left his destination the Underworld.


.

In another location, also inside of Japan, both Ise and Fuuki appeared out from a crack in space.

"Where did you sent us?" - He asked while looking around the Forest they were currently at. Seeing a comfortable-looking rock he went close to it and sat down.

"Nasuno, my home." - She replied while walking towards Ise and sitting next to him.

"Thank you for everything, it means a lot." - She told him while hugging his left arm.

Ise did not mind this and responded. - "I made a promise, didn't I?"

The smile in his face made her feel happy.

"After this, where are we going?~" - She wanted to go travel around the world with Ise.

Issei smirked, he knew that she obviously accepted coming with him and being part of his team, no words were neccesary.

"Romania may be a good option, I didn't see much of it the last time I went. So I would like to actually see the place." - Issei had his plans.

"I haven't been there before!~" - She was acting like a child, excited over everything.

"Its cold but the place has beautiful sceneries, you'll like it." - She nodded.

"We might need to go inside a house or something, we haven't slept and just now we faced a couple of Gods, rest is neccesary. You know a place?" - Ise stood up and helped Fuuki up as well.

"Yesss!~ I do know!~" - Her smile hinted at something.

"Then lead the way, Milady." - He joked with her once again but the response he got made him amazed.

"Come on Darling!~ We need to go home!~" - The beauty grabbed his entire arm and hugged him. Ise could feel certain attributes. Those words and actions made his heart skip a beat.

(Maybe at one moment, I, can love a woman again...) - Being dragged around he thought as he looked at the night sky filled with stars.

(Maybe I wasn't the one that helped you. But rather you helped me, Fuuki.) - He continued his thoughts and willingly moved in the direction she was dragging him at.

Fuuki was also thinking about her future, but mainly about her future with him. - (Thank you, Issei.)

She was happy to have met the Dragon.


End


.

(Edited. Corrected Grammatical and Punctuation mistakes... A Random Day Around March )

—-

Yes. Quite the story I wrote on this chapter. Next I will explain what happened after this on both sides, on Issei's and on the rest.

His next journey will be to Romania! I also need to make more chapters for his team (I won't give a single clue nor hint. I already know who they will be and I won't change them). So until then please wait, (Bows head.)

Also any comment on the chapter? How's the story going? the characters? I believe I'm doing fairly well. But still this is just the start. I still have work to do!

—-

Answers:

Freakofnature65: Thanks for the words man, but I'll like to present the character to all of you, that way it would be more impresive when the tournament starts.

heiwatosenso: He will treat them more professionally and a little cold, but nowhere near the level of the girls. The surprise they will get when they see him again, will be big. Thanks for the support.

JohnnyBoi: Thanks and don't worry those two will be with him I promise.

arinst2305: Thanks for the support man, I hope you liked thi new chapter.

adislt: The plan is something like that, civil conversations on his part, can't say more wouldn't want to spoil the story.

And for the team of Issei they will be completely new (in a sense), he will meet them in his journey across all the supernatural world, and they will be really strong.

About fay, kuroka and the rest, they will get their light but not as team members rather as, woman that have been waiting for Issei.

Ps; Sorry that your phone is small.

Laserbr0: Thanks for the words, I also think that was the best chapter. I think that although it was long it was pretty important. I'll try to make chapter more decent sized but I doubt it will be possible, after all many things need to be explained.

Yes it will be I have decided!

But the woman will be special, really special. I certainly hope all of tou will like them.

Mir19: Thanks for the support man and the answer is, Shit is going to hit the fan.

Tatsuyashiva4: Thanks man, but for now the team of issei is already set in stone, about relationships with someone close to the Hindu I'll say that you might be right about some guess of yours.

Both Ophis and Great Red, will appear really late in the series, now I need to focus on other things, but they will appear.

Gammagyro: For the first question I still do not have a clear answer, but I think they will move on but reconcile in a sense.

The Full Counter will appear later on but I still do not know which one, the Physical or the Magical.

He did get poisoned later on it will be explained, about the Holy Grail, I still don't know when Valerie will make her appearance.

Don't worry about the songs, some I didn't even knew, so you increased the size of my playlist, I'm grateful for that!

The lastest developments of Nanatsu no Taizai, I have read the manga up till last chapter, 291, so I'm trying my best to give Ise abilities that do not seem too overpowered.

The Wolf Paladin: Indeed, but the true explosion will be some time later, the chain reaction like always will begin small, later... it will be a different story. It will be fun to write about.

wahyubison: Thanks for the comment and yes the story will start to get more interesting from now on, but before I let Issei meet the girls again, there's somethings I have to do so its going to take a while.

About your guess, not bad you're right but who exactly it will be. I won't tell, but lets say a famous existence.

Mario (Guest): Thanks man, yeah about the length I just got inspired, I'm scared at the thought that further chapters will be equal if not superior in length, I hope I stabilize my range of words soon.

Czechus: Thanks for your words it means a lot. Having someone tell me that, really motivates me even more.

Thanks for reading and...

See You Later!