Chapter 11: Intense Underworld boot camp

(Issei POV)

ZZzzzz….

Blurp!

Aww….what happened? I remember almost drowning and being blinded by a pool of red. As I opened my eyes, I find myself lying on a massive king-sized bed with everyone from the Gremory peerage surrounding me. That aside, Rias and Akeno-san wasted no time and clung on to me the minute I woke up.

"Ise! Are you alright?"

"Don't do something so reckless next time! You could have drowned."

Cried both girls as they kept on hitting my chest with tears of concern flowing out. Perhaps my escaped plan was too much for them to handle.

"Sorry girls. I never meant to worry you. I'm alright now."

"Great that you're doing fine, Hyoudou Issei-kun."

Another gentle voice of a man came from the room door as it swung open. Soon, the man revealed himself as one who's in robes and has crimson hair. Judging by the uncanny resemblance to Rias, he must be the Maou Lucifer himself, Sirzechs-sama.

"Oni-sama? What are you doing here?"

"I heard from father that you have come home, so I've decided to see you."

"All of the council meetings have been settled, including Underworld affairs. So I've allowed Sirzechs-same to have his monthly visit with your peerage."

So said Grayfia-san who accompanied her master and wife during his visit.

"Grayfia told me you have found some new servants. It's an honor to finally meet you all in person."

Maou-sama give us a bow which we return as well. Sirzechs-sama then laid eyes on me with a serious expression.

"You there."

"Y-y…yes sir?!"

"I want your honest opinion, no matter how brutal it is."

Declared Sirzechs-sama as he pointed at me while I was stuttering like crazy.

"Are you satisfied with your life as Rias's servant?"

That was an unexpected question. Then again, it was him who reincarnated me into a devil the moment I left Kaa-san's womb and entered into reality. With my answer ready, I got of my bed and gave Maou-sama the most suitable reply I could think of.

"Yes I am sir! In fact, I couldn't thank you and her enough for my existence in this world. Please accept this humble servant's gratitude."

I dropped to my knees and kneeled to Sirzechs-sama while slamming my forehead against the floor. I read from books that this is how people show their utmost and sincere gratitude in feudal Japan. Of course, much to the shock of everyone, Rias then picked me up and hugged me tight so I would stop my painful display.

"Ise you dummy! Look at you, you're bleeding again."

"Ise-kun, me letting you live is because I've seen too many sufferings and sadness in this world. Thus, I couldn't stand and watch as your mother cried in sorrow when the doctor told your parents about the bad news. It's true that I was initially asked to retrieve the Red dragon emperor to the Alliance once we discovered its current possessor. However, the mere thought of your father losing either one of you really pains me."

"And so, you made me Rias's servant."

"Exactly. I figured that Rias could use a few friends to kept her cheerful and kind. Which is how you met her when she 1st started kindergarten."

"Oni-sama….Mou!"

"However your-highness, if I may ask, why wasn't told about the whole devil thing until a few months ago instead of the moment I could understand words?"

"To be honest Ise-kun. When I gave your parents that offer, they were indeed very skeptical. And so, I told them that you'll have a normal human life until we think the time is right for you to find out. And we thought that age 17 is the perfect time for the reveal."

"That makes more sense."

"At the end of the day, I'm glad that you've enjoyed you life as a devil and a part of our family. Also, it is I who should be thanking you for defending the peace of this world from the khaos brigade. Please assist my sister and keep her happy. She may be stubborn and spoiled sometimes, but she's still an important person in my life."

"Your wish is my command your highness. I swear loyalty to Rias-sama and to the alliance even after death."

"Ise…."

"Oh no need to be so formal Ise-kun. I know that you two are in a relationship. So is Akeno-chan as well I heard."

Akeno-san began to blush at Sirzechs-sama's comment.

"In fact, call me big bro. Ne Ise-kun? Call me Ane-chan?"

SMACK!

Without warning, Maou-sama was then slapped by a displeased Grayfia-san on the head.

"OW! That hurt Grayfia."

"One thing at a time Sirzechs-sama. Please know your place."

SWEAT….

So the great SIrzechs Lucifer, King of the devils and ruler of the underworld is just a big softy to his wife. The underworld is indeed a weird and hysterical place.

"Oh right, before I've forgotten, Azazel has arranged your training programs for you all. Please do show up early tomorrow at the Gremory fields. I'll take my leave for now."

As Sirzechs-sama and Grayfia-san teleported away from the room, everyone of us when back to our own rooms to rest for the night. Well, almost everyone…..

"Do you really have to sleep naked Rias?"

"It's somehow a habit of mine. Anyway, don't mind me."

This girl, not a single sense of decency. Then again, this other girl is not better….

"Ara ara, I can't sleep if Ise-kun isn't hugging me. Ne, please hold me tight."

Following in her best friend's footsteps, Akeno-san also striped down to her birthday suit and clung on to me as I occupied the middle of the bed with both onee-samas hugging one of my arms. Finally giving in, I allowed them to enjoy the comfort of my presence as we doze off to dreamland…..

(Timeskip)

It was dawn, and everyone was in their track suits as we're be assigned to our designated training grounds based on our skill sets and what we needed to work on. In front of us was Azazel in a lab coat and a white board with our schedule.

"Gather around my students. Here are your training routines."

What was stated on the board goes as followed:

1) Rias

-Mentor: Sirzechs and Venelena

-Lessons: Power of destruction, base endurance, magic.

2) Akeno

-Mentor: Azazel

-Lessons: Magic, light skills.

3) Koneko

-Mentor: Tannin

-Lessons: Physical and mental strength, base endurance.

4) Kiba & Xenovia

-Mentor: Souji Okita

-Lessons: Swordplay, base endurance.

5) Asia

-Mentor: Grayfia

-Lessons: Magic, first aid.

6) Issei

-Mentor: Tannin

-Lessons: Base endurance, way of the dragon, survival.

Hold on now, survival? Way of the dragon? I thought I was supposed to learn some other way to fight without my boosted gear.

"Sensei, what do you mean by way of the dragon? I'm still a devil you know."

"You'll find out soon enough."

"My magic could use some polishing. Where can I find Grayfia-san?"

"She must be in Sirzechs's room. You can meet her there Asia. Off you go."

"Hmm…you seemed unusually accepting Akeno. Have you made peace with the fallen angels?"

"I have, to a certain extend. I'll be in your care sensei."

"Glad to hear that. As for Knights, your mentor is at the fields. Hurry on now, don't keep him waiting."

"Race you to the training grounds Kiba."

"I'll wait for you."

"Oh ho. Here he comes."

WHOOSH!

Something colossal flew pass us and landed right behind sensei. A dragon! It seems to be sentient as it's clad in a loincloth and shoulder pads. Plus, he stands upright unlike most dragons that I'm familiar with.

"Issei, Koneko, this is Tannin. One of the five dragon kings. He'll be shaping you two up."

"Oi brat. I can't sense you passion for improvement. Are you find with being a weakling?"

"No sir! I can't call myself Rias Gremory's pawn if that's so!"

I could only give such an answer. That's right! The main reason I asked for this training session is to get stronger, for the sake of my friends, my family, and Rias….

"Very well brat. We'll be spending the week in the mountains. That would tone your meek bodies into weapons of war."

"Great. So are we going to stay here or shall we get going?"

"HAHAAHAHAHAH! I like you brat. That's the blazing passion I was looking for. Come on now, hope on my back."

As the both of us get on Tannin-ossan, I waved goodbye to my remaining comrades as we blasted off to our destination.

"So ossan, are you like the only dragon here in the underworld?"

"Not really, the mountains that we'll be training on is home to dragon refugees from the human world. And as a dragon king, it's my duty to look after them and make sure they don't cause any ruckus in the underworld."

"I see, that's very kind of you Ossan. Isn't he Koneko-chan?"

"….."

My kouhai seems to be extra quiet ever since we 1st arrived in the underworld. I wonder what's on her mind?

"Are you ok?"

"Huh? I'm fine Issei-senpai."

"Look, if there's anything you'd like to share with me, go ahead. I'd be more than happy to help."

"You're a kind person senpai. But there's nothing wrong with me. I promise."

I've decided to let it slide for now. Perhaps this session would reveal what's truly bothering Koneko-chan.

"Here we are."

As we finally landed, Tannin Ossan fired some flame shots at us without warning.

"Hey! What the hell!"

"You can start with some 3 hour running around the hills while dodging my attacks. Run now!"

And another flame shot was fired at our direction. With that, our reflexes kicked in and we began our strenuous workout.

(timeskip)

To say that Ossan's attacks were dangerous is an understatement. They were destructive! I have to admit thought that escaping death by a charging dragon wasn't a walk in the park. However, as time passes by, my body seems to loosen up and thus, I was able to recognize my surroundings a little better. Koneko-chan did well too. I suppose all that battle experience did give her a certain advantage.

"Excellent. Your agility and stamina has risen. We'll take a break for now, and then it's sparring time."

Ossan then flew away to his spot, leaving us to catch our breath and take some time off. All that parkour helped build up my leg muscles as well as my grip strength. As for Koneko-chan, she had that look when we're flying. As her senpai, I've decided to get to the bottom of this.

"You doing alright?"

"Yeah. I'm just tired, that's all."

"That's not what I meant."

Koneko-chan then slumped and leaned against my shoulder.

"Senpai, how did you deal with it?"

"Deal with what?"

"You used to be the weakest member of buchou's peerage. And yet, you don't seem to be bothered by it at all. How did you do that? Aren't you upset that you're not on par with everyone else?"

"To be honest, I was a little initially. But that's why I train. To get stronger. So I can protect everyone of you."

I then turned my attention to the scenery.

"But you know what? Being weak doesn't make you a useless member of the group. it just means you haven't found your potential."

"C-can I tell you a secret? So far only the original members of the ORC know about this."

"Well of course. Your secret will be safe with me."

"I am actually a nekomata. A cat youkai."

"Oho? Why didn't you tell me before?"

"Because I'm a disgrace to all nekomata kind."

Koneko-chan then hugged her legs in sadness. Is she like Akeno-san? Does she hate her bloodline as well?

"Nekomatas are able to use a technique called senjutsu. Thus, we are able to control the flow of a person's ki. However….Sniff….."

I think I know where this is going…

HUG.

"Senpai?"

"You don't have to tell me anymore. I understand…."

"Sniff….but how can I call myself buchou's rook if I…Sniff….. can't use senjutsu? Sniff…Apart from my strength, I'm completely useless!"

"Ssshhhh….It'll be alright Koneko-chan. We'll figure something out. There there…."

"Sniff….what am I going to do? Sniff….I want to be a reliable rook to buchou….and the rest of you…"

"Hmm….maybe Tannin Ossan knows something about senjutsu. We could ask him."

"ASK ME WHAT?"

Said the dragon who landed behind us.

"Now hold on for a moment Ossan. Before you blast us off, do you happen to know anything about senjutsu?"

"Well, we dragons are unfamiliar with it. But I know someone who does. Why do you ask brat?"

"1st of all, my name is Issei! Enough with the brat stuff. Secondly, Koneko-chan here is a nekomata who somehow couldn't perform senjutsu. We're hoping you might know someone to teach her."

"I see… For starters, there's only 1 being who is capable of teaching senjutsu. Unfortunately she's part of Azazel's elite squad so she may not have any free time for you."

Sensei's elite squad? Is there even such a group?

"So you're saying Azazel sensei has someone who could teach me senjutsu?"

"That's the theory. If you want, I can give you a ride to Azazel. I heard he's at the courtyard with one of your friends."

Oh right, he's training Akeno-san. perhaps a surprise visit wouldn't hurt.

"Alright then. Take us to sensei."

(Timeskip)

BZZZTTTT!

"It seems that a battle has occur here. These thunderstorms aren't natural."

"Look! Down there!"

From the top, we could see sensei and Akeno-san in a sparring match where light spears and thunder were exchanged. Unfortunately for us, most of Akeno-san's attacks resulted in unpredictable thunderstorms which made flying this much more chaotic for Ossan.

"Hang on tight! We're going to crash!"

As a safety measure, we went for an emergency landing which ended up slamming into sensei as he was in the way.

CRASH!

"Oww….why the hell is Tannin here?"

"Sorry sensei, we had to escape the storm you 2 created."

"ISE-KUN!"

HUG

Akeno-san literally, lit up as she tackled me to the floor.

"Hey there Akeno-san. how's your training?"

"Much more livelier, now that you're here."

"Actually…."

"Azazel sensei. Tannin sama said there's someone in your elite squad who could teach me senjutsu. Where can I find her?"

"Oh, you must be referring to Kuroka. Yep, she must be with Vali right now. I've assigned them to patrol the city. Why did you ask?"

Koneko-chan however, remained silent. Her eyes were wide open, as if she's seen a ghost.

"Koneko-chan, Koneko-chan! Snap out of it!"

"Ara ara, this is troublesome."

"What is it Akeno-san?"

"I assumed she told you that she's a nekomata yes?"

"Yeah."

"Well, this Kuroka here, is her sister."

….

"You have a sister!?"

"No I don't! She left me to rot after she found out I couldn't use senjutsu!"

Ow….another family problem.

"I could relate to her. I too hated my father for leaving me and mother when the villagers arrived."

Akeno-san puts on a displeased expression as she recalled the death of her mother. I'd like to help her reconcile with Barakiel-san, but Koneko-chan's situation is the main issue here.

"So what are you going to do?"

"I-I…. I DON'T KNOW!"

"Wait! Koneko-chan!"

Our rook just ran off as she let out tears of anguish. I wanted to chase after her but Akeno-san grabbed on to my shoulder saying otherwise.

"Let her be Ise-kun. She needs some time alone."

"But.."

"It'll be fine. She's just confused. That's all."

Sigh….Koneko-chan…I'll give you all the time you need. But if have decided, you know where to go.

"I guess we can all of the training for now. Hyoudou Issei. Make use of this break to the fullest. Be sure to come back to the mountains once you've dealt with the girl."

"No problem Ossan. Thanks for everything."

WHOOSH!

"YAWN! I should be heading out too. We'll stop here Akeno. In the meantime, Ise is all yours."

"Yahoo! Come on Ise! Let's take a walk around the city."

"Ok then Akeno. Lead the way."

And so, we decided to take a tour around Lilith, the capital of the Underworld.

"Perhaps this could be like our date. It's my 1st time so; I'll be in your care. Ufufu!"

"As you wish my princess."