Chapter 45: Meaning of Strength

I don't own DxD; I just use its characters and techniques. All credit goes to its creator. Same applies for anything that I used from other animes. Warning, other animes' techniques will appear.

Welcome to Chapter 45: Investigation. In this chapter the gang arrives in the vampire ninja village and goes on an information gathering session hoping to learn more about the Khaos Brigade's actions. Sadly they get more than they expected.

After a tedious trek the group finally arrives just outside the vampire ninja village at sundown. The group decides to camp outside for one more night. Although Seraphim is extremely eager to attack, Issei is a bit more cautious.

"We need to save the chief now! If we don't, who knows what Shalba will do!" Seraphim yells angrily.

"We know exactly what he will do. Shalba will try to gain the information he needs but will find that the chief is useless. Of course by now he'll have realized that. Most likely the only reason Shalba is still around is he's waiting for us." Issei says calmly which doesn't help Seraphim.

"You're hiding something, aren't you?" Seraphim says angrily.

"Seraphim, I'm hiding many things. But as for this situation here's the deal. Shalba is looking for the Holy Grail. It's a powerful Longinus that allows for immortality. Once he has it, he'll leave. Sadly, your chief has no idea where it is."

"Issei, how can you be certain he doesn't know the location?" Rias asks worried.

"Simple Rias. Thanks to all of our connections, the information network we have is top notch. Plus, Master confirmed the grail wasn't in this village when he and Azazel explored the first time they were here." Vali says surprised.

"Exactly. For now all we need to do is wait. Get some rest because we'll start our investigation tomorrow. It's the perfect time to do so because the main force will be busy."

"Uffufu, what's that supposed to mean?" Akeno says in her usual sultry voice.

"It means, my dear Akeno, that Oga and his squad will only come after school. They don't have the connections we do to skip school. So if we arrive while they aren't around we can investigate. Shalba is a pain in the ass, but even he can't get them out of school." Issei says smugly. "Now everyone get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us. I'll watch for issues so you all will be fine."

"Yes Sir!" everyone acknowledges the orders including a grumpy seraphim.

As Issei handled the watch he was amused by the scenery. Remembering his time with Azazel and his world tour before he eventually created the order, he realized a lot had changed.

"Umm...do you mind if we talk?" A voice said coming over to Issei. The young man was rather surprised at who had chosen to come see him.

"Seraphim, I never expected you would approach me seeking advice." Issei says amused.

"Well, I needed somebody to talk to, and you were awake." Seraphim says embarrassed.

"Very well, so what do you want to talk about?" Issei says amused.'

"What can I do to be stronger? I was with our king when he was attacked, but I was helpless. I watched as my king was taken right in front of me." Seraphim says upset.

"Oh, you took on the group. I take it you fought against a boy with a young baby on his back." Issei says amused.

"No, I fought against a young woman with black hair. She defeated me easily. Her name was Kunieda or something."

"I see. So what do you want to know?" Issei asks trying to get to the point.

"How can I become stronger? Strong enough so that I don't lose the people I care for." Seraphim asks in hope.

"That depends on you." Issei says scratching his head.

"What in the world do you mean?" Seraphim says angrily. She was hoping for a much better answer

"Everyone has their own reasons for being strong. Each person here has something they're fighting for. You need to determine what that is for you." Issei says calmly.

"Really? Even you?" Seraphim says surprised.

"Especially me. I am the savior after all. When I was a child I was told by a member of the church that I would be the one to bring peace to the supernatural world with my power. That's not exactly an easy thing to learn that young."

"So what did you do?" Seraphim asked.

"The next day I meditated and spoke with my dragon. We decided to start training the next day. I eventually met Azazel by accident, and that was that. With his help, I created the order and gathered members, and here we are today." Issei said comically.

"So what can I do to become stronger?" Seraphim asks begging for answers.

"As I told you, the only one who can answer that is you. Now get some rest, you have work to do in the morning." Issei says beginning to get annoyed.

"Of course. I just have one more question." Seraphim says before going to sleep.

"What is it?" Issei asks beginning to snap.

"Rias, what is her source of strength and is it connected to you?" Seraphim says curious.

"What in the world are you talking about?" Issei asks surprised. He hadn't expected Seraphim would ask about her.

"This whole time I've noticed Rias look at you with an oddly determined look." Seraphim says calmly.

"Simple, Rias is determined to prove she can grow strong without me." Issei says amused. "Now go to sleep."

"Fine, see you later." Seraphim says walking away annoyed.

As Issei sits reflecting on everything he can't help but chuckle at the state of things.

(Next Day)

The next day everyone departs the campsite and heads towards the village. Everyone is determined to stop Shalba, and since his main force will be away, the task of investigating the area is much easier.

"Alright everybody, across this ridge is the village. Once we arrive, we split into the groups that were arranged earlier. Your goal is investigation." Everybody acknowledges the order and heads into the village.

Group 1

"My, the village has changed." Issei says as he walks with his group.

"So you've been here before Issei?" Irina says curiously.

"We've been over this, Irina. I was here when I rescued a certain clueless idol who wanted to learn about the world." Issei says causing Bikou to snicker.

"Hey that's not fair... I wasn't an idol yet." Sarasvati says annoyed.

"Anyway guys, I can tell where Shalba is already." Bikou saying point to a large tower in the distance.

"So that's where he's torturing our chief." Sarasvati says upset.

"Yep, but for now we don't worry." Issei said as the group continues to investigate.

Group 2.

"Hmph! So you're saying the chief is in that tower?" Seraphim says angrily.

"That's right, but you aren't to do anything. Right now we're investigating. Keep talking to the villagers. Useful information will come eventually." Vali says annoyed with the vampire ninja.

"So Vali, what are you trying to figure out?" Rias says curious.

"I want information on the forces Shalba gathered." Vali says amused.

"I know you mentioned them earlier, but how much do you actually know about this Ishiyama group?" Rias asked curiously.

"Good grief, I thought we went over this." Vali says exhausted. "Here's what I know….."

Group 3

"Uffufu, so you're telling me a group of delinquents somehow associated with the supernatural without realizing it?" Akeno says as Le Fay had just explained the group to the rest of the gang. She had a small bit of data and said all she wanted. The Ishiyama group had become a topic of discussion for Group three as well.

"Yes, Akeno-san, that's correct. According to Master, Shalba sent his son to the human world. He attached himself to a human and they learned to work with each other. Apparently they've had many adventures in the supernatural world. Our goal is to learn more specific information about the ones that are here." Le fay says to the shocked group.

Group 4

Over in Group four, the main topic was again the Ishiyama group. "I bet Shalba never imagined his kid would be so attached to a human." Azazel laughed as he remembered the stuff Issei had told him. For some reason Issei only gave his group some of the information, but Azazel didn't reveal anything else.

"So Azazel sensei, what do you know about this Ishiyama group?" Murayama asked curious. Since Issei never really discussed data, this group was a mystery.

"I know a little bit about the group. The lead boy's name is Oga. He's powerful, not quite as powerful as Issei, but he's stronger than Rias, that much is for certain." Azazel says smiling.

"Impossible! He can't be that strong." Koneko says scared.

"Unfortunately, Master Azazel is telling the truth." Arthur says amused. "I once went by the area where Ishiyama is while running an errand for our leader. I sensed quite a few incredibly strong powers. If the ones I sensed are involved, this will be difficult." Arthur says interested.

Group 2

"Unfortunately it's not just the men that are powerful. Its rumored they've gathered a group known as the Red Tails to their side." Vali says as the group walks.

"No way." Katase says stunned. "My older sister was in a biker gang and she heard of them. It's a powerful group of all female fighters. Apparently their leader Aoi was even one of the leaders of a delinquent school gang."

'Could that have been the woman who defeated me before?' Seraphim thinks wondering about the black haired woman who she fought against during the invasion.

"Nyaa, you know something, don't you vampire girl?" Kuroka says amused.

"Yes, I believe I fought against this Aoi girl. She was indeed very powerful. I was no match despite my strength." Seraphim says amused.

"Nyaa, that's fine. It just means things will be fun." Kuroka says amused.

After the basic overview, the groups all talk to villagers to try to figure out what had happened. As Issei had originally expected, it appeared the Ishiyama gang fought against the vampire ninja warriors while Shalba confronted the King. The warriors were all defeated but, oddly enough, not killed. Shalba decided to spare them if for no other reason than his amusement. The gang has arrived at Seraphim and Sarasvati's house and sits down to eat and discuss what happened. It's a simple house like you would see in Japan.

(In the house)

Sarasvati had decided to cook for everybody, but since it was such a large group, Irina and Le Fay had volunteered to help. While they cooked Issei, Vali, Rias, and Akeno discussed what they had learned.

"So it was as we expected?" Issei said amused.

"That's right Master, so what's next?" Vali says amused.

"We wait. Shalba no doubt noticed us, but likely has decided to make an example of us to the villagers. So when his little goon squad returns, Shalba will act on his knowledge."

"I understand." Vali says amused.

"Alright everybody, food is ready." Sarasvasti says gathering the gang for food. Sarasvati has prepared a massive hotpot along with takoyaki and even some rice balls.

"This looks fantastic!" Bikou says thrilled.

"I agree. Saras, excellent work." Issei says smiling causing Sarasvati to blush. The group sits down to eat in a rare moment of piece.

(Shalba's Castle)

"I don't know anything!" The vampire ninja chief says angrily. He's been tortured a fair bit during the time Shalba has had him.

"I understand that. I'm only holding you until the rest of my group arrive." Shalba says amused. "Once they arrive, I'll go take care of the intruders. Then I'll be on my way."

"Lord Shalba, everyone will return in a few minutes." A woman with long blonde hair and a black dress says.

"Thank you Hilda. I'm actually surprised that Oga and his group went to school." Shalba says laughing.

"Aoi insisted they go. She suggested that even as delinquents, it's right to show up occasionally and remind everybody that they are the strongest in Ishiyama."

"Good, when they arrive, tell them to come see me."

(House)

The gang has just finished eating, so they have a moment to relax. During this time Rias sits contemplating something. Deciding the time has come to confirm her suspicions, she makes an odd move. "Issei, may I talk to you about something?" Rias asks calmly.

"Very well Rias, let's talk." Issei says amused at what the girl might offer. Although they've been around each other a lot, Rias hasn't had a chance to talk to Issei since the battle with Diodora. Issei of course assumed that his handling of that concerned her.

"What do you want to talk about, Rias?" Issei says harshly.

"I want to know why you brought me on this mission." Rias asks worried. Rias was well aware of Issei's strength and the strength of the order. She found it odd that he brought her along.

Issei was surprised about the question. Speaking calmly he explained the truth. "There are two reasons I brought you along. The first is because I felt you should see what type of work the order does. After all, you've never seen us in true mission form. The second was because I believed I could help you gain a new member. Luckily for me, it appears I was right."

"Who are you talking about?" Rias asks curiously.

"You'll find out soon enough." Issei says amused.

All of the sudden a massive surge of power is felt by the gang. "Nyaa! We've got some serious power coming for us."

"So they've arrived I take it." Vali says amused.

"That's right Vali. If I'm right, Shalba's true forces have just arrived from school." Issei says amused.

"Whoa whoa Master, when you said these guys were strong, you weren't kidding." Bikou says nervously. Having used his senjutsu like Kuroka, Bikou realizes that most of the people that just arrived have a significant amount of strength.

"Order of Draconis! I know you're in there. I simply wish to talk so come out peacefully or I start attacking." Shalba yells angrily.

"It seems we've been summoned." Issei says smugly. The entire gang walks out to find Shalba and a few people waiting for them. First was Shalba. Second was a young man with black hair named Oga, the naked baby on his back was also there. Third was Hilda, a woman with blonde hair and a black dress. Fourth was a young man with a Hawaiian shirt and a pompadour. Finally was a young woman with long black hair.

"Yo Shalba! Long time no see. By the way, sorry about Crusery and Katarea, but I had to kill them." Vali says smugly.

"These brats don't look like much, Lord Shalba. Why are we wasting our time?" The man with the pompadour says.

"Shut up Himekawa, they're far stronger then you realize." Oga says amused.

"Oga is right, I can tell that most of them would easily take you out." Aoi says smirking.

"Enough bickering you fools." Shalba says angrily. Turning to Issei and his team he makes a surprising proposal. "How about we settle this like warriors. A five on five showdown. The five of us versus five people you guys select. Win a majority of the fights and you win."

"Sounds like fun. So what are the stakes?" Issei says amused.

"Simple, you win we leave the village and the vampire ninja's get back their chief. You lose and we kill the chief but also we get your head, Draconis."

"Absolutely not! Why would we risk our leader over the chief." Irina says angrily. This draws an annoyed look from Seraphim and Sarasvati.

"Because, stupid little girl, if you don't accept, we'll kill the villagers." Hilda says with a smirk.

"Damn you! How dare you do this to my people." Seraphim says furiously.

"Very well I accept. So Shalba, where are we going to have this massive fight? I'm guessing this village doesn't have many places that can contain our levels of power." Issei says smugly.

Looking amused, Shalba acknowledges that fact. Even he would have to admit the clash between them would destroy half of the village. "Very well. I'll prepare a place in my castle, and you can rest assured, no traps will be there." Shalba says before leaving. "Come by tomorrow. It's only fair to give you time to strategize." Shalba taunts before leaving in a magic circle.

Back inside the house the time has come to discuss strategy. "Hmph! No traps he says, well that's an obvious lie." Rias says upset.

"I see no reason for him to set traps. Fortunately for us the teams are pretty much decided." Issei said amused.

"What do you mean?" Seraphim says angrily. Rias was also upset at the implication but held back.

"Put simply, Shalba and Oga will be fought by Vali and me. The only question is which of us fights Shalba." Issei says frankly.

"I'll let you have Shalba. I'm a better opponent for the boy who holds Shalba's kid." Vali says smirking.

"Fine by me. As for the last three; Arthur, unfortunately I'm gonna have you sit this one out. Irina, you'll be fighting the black haired girl, Aoi."

"Wait! Why not have Arthur fight her?" Irina says surprised. Aoi was clearly a powerful swordsman and Irina although strong wasn't as strong as Arthur.

"If that's how you feel fine I'll have Arthur do it." Issei says amused.

"Wait! wait! I'll do it! I'll do it!" Irina says quickly although she soon realizes that was a trap. "Damn! Why do I always fall for your traps?" Irina pouts.

"Because I know you better than anybody. Besides, if Arthur fought, it wouldn't be as fun to watch." Issei says with a grin on his face.

"So, what about the last two?" Rias asks curious.

"Himekawa belongs to Rias or Akeno, you ladies chose who fights her." Issei says smirking.

"So what about that Hilda woman?" Sarasvati says confused.

"Honestly, she's hard to figure out." Issei says amused.

"Master, what if you send Irina to fight Aoi and I will fight Hilda?" Arthur says to everyone's surprise.

"Interesting Arthur, you almost never volunteer to battle. Why do you think you should fight Hilda?" Issei says surprised.

"Her mannerisms are those of a swordsman. I know she wasn't carrying a blade on the surface. However, after many years, I can tell a swordsman when I see one. She is surely a swordsman, and a tougher one then Aoi." Arthur says surprising everybody.

"So wait, what are we supposed to do? Just sit and watch as you fight over the fate of our chief?" Seraphim says angrily.

"That's right, Seraphim. Because the fact remains if you could beat them, you wouldn't have come to me." Issei says annoyed. "Now that the matchups are decided, we wait. Shalba is a bastard, but there's no reason to get rash." Issei says annoyed once again.

(Next Day)

Issei and gang arrive at Shalba's castle to find them waiting. Once inside they go to a gigantic arena. The stadium like atmosphere shows that Shalba is as arrogant as they come. The crowd consists of quite a few devils that seem to be from Shalba's forces. Up top in his perch Shalba sits with his four fellow fighters.

"Quite gaudy, isn't it nee-sama?" Koneko says smirking.

"Yes, Shirone, it is." Kuroka says laughing.

"This looks like fun. I kinda wish I was fighting, but oh well." Bikou says a bit regretful.

Soon after Shalba arrives and makes a grand announcement. "As I promised everybody else will stay out of the fights. These five on five battles will now begin."

That's it for Chapter 45 Meaning of Strength. Hope you liked the Beelzebub cameos. Next chapter will start the battles and unlike the ones in the rating games these will be much longer. I felt I owe that much to you guys. Next chapter will start the battles. I hope you guys are ready.