Reptoholic: Thanks. Glad you enjoy it.
kaijin36: Yeah, I do think that the Elders underestimate Sona and her dream.
ShadowUzumaki55: Yeah, I do like how Kazu turns the tables on the elders by just stating what could happen in the future. Sairaorg's talk with Rias was probably overdo but it slipped my mind till now to put it in. Rhea is in action in this chapter and will be showing something new that I intend for the other dragonesses to be able to do.
desdelor97: Thanks. Glad you enjoy this.
InfinityIseDream: Well, you don't have to read this if you don't want to.
Stratos263: Thanks. I haven't realised decided about Seekvaira more cause I'm not sure how I would include her in a more permanent basis if I included her in the harem for Kazu.
FateBurn: Thanks.
Raidentensho: I will admit I didn't think about what part of Kazu made him a dragon but its probably his heart. While Half Dimension isn't in this chapter he probably has unlocked it by now and I'll try and work it into one of the upcoming fights. I agree that Fairy Tail references would probably show up in regards to breath attacks and some techniques I'll probably incorporate into Kazu's style. As for Akitsu, I figure she's probably more likely being a Yuki-Onna if I do include her into things. I haven't watched Buso Renkin but may look into it as Matsu is a skilled creator with the right materials.
BlueBlade87: Fair enough. I may still have Saji's Absorption Line develop like in the anime as it would work with the Dragon Slayer Magic I intend to have him recreate as his own style. Well, I imagine there's some sort of core of holy power in them just the amount of energy differs between something like Excalibur and the cheap lightsaber knock offs exorcists like Freed use and it naturally regenerates somehow. Matsu probably at least knows enough to replicate it as Blade Blacksmith's swords so while any she makes isn't going to be the level of the famous holy swords it'll work well. Plus I figure she might use some of Kazu's holy energy into it give it a little boost. Saji and Issei training with Tannin is what I think as the start of them working to catch up along with their chosen magic styles and while they probably won't catch up with Kazu soon, I'd like to think that they both might get to the level of being rivals to him. I will see if I can work Excalibur Morgan into Yuuto's arsenal of swords although looking it up I'm tempted to figure out a means that it could be Yuuto's evolved Holy-demonic sword or something.
burstroc: Kazu will have the original Juggernaut Drive but I wouldn't rule out altered forms from showing up although I have none designed at the moment.
Guest-Questioner: As I've mentioned above, intend to have Absorption Line develop into the form in the anime during the Loki fight. I will probably have both Saji and Issei give lasting expressions somehow during their fight with Kazu although not sure how at the moment.
HeroOfLuone: Gasper will learn Za Warudo but won't be introduced by Kazu although he does give his own suggestion for an additional add on that I thought would work seeing as Gasper never takes advantage of freezing anyone and casting a lot of magic aimed at where they are frozen.
OechsnerC: Glad you enjoyed it.
thehearne97: I will admit I do enjoy working on those scenes myself although I probably lean more towards fight scenes at times. Thanks for the ideas. I am intending to have Half Dimension show up in the recent future of this fic and probably will be a result of the training in his chapter although a part of me thinks from what you say about Michael's explanation that Kazu may have possibly invoked it already in his ZPB: Revised given its got a pull at nearby magic to help him absorb it but I will go look into Mass Effect 2's biotics. With Jeanne, I haven't really given it much thought but agree that she's most likely a reincarnation of the original who went crazy or was manipulated through magic by Cao Cao. With Karasuba, that is how I'd imagine their relationship as well. With the dragon form, I intend to at least have her show it at some point but Rhea will show a 'battle form' in this chapter which is the top power of the dragonesses without going into their dragon forms which Seraphina has learnt through her own training. Thanks, I know I'm probably not the best writer but I do enjoy messing with this 'verse because it practically has all mythology and pantheons involved and Kazu's presence is very much something that changes things beyond the Gremory group as he didn't start tied to them like Issei is in canon and I wanted to include the Shinto and Yokai Factions more seeing as it is based in Japan.
Mishima Kotarou: Yeah. I figured seeing as he's not really shown much and Saji expresses his idiotic dream of getting Sona pregnant in canon - in the fact that it could be construed in so many wrong ways - that it should show more often how dense Saji can be in this one.
Currahee506: Here's some more.
Doctor Lecter Sith: Yeah, I think I accidentally spread around a bit of Issei's usual idiocy to Saji and Zeoticus. As for Kazu's argument with the Elders, I did enjoy writing that as it make so much sense for them to want to better the other devils and yet everything I pointed out could happen.
Be: Thanks. Yeah, you're right as before the Treaty only Matsu and the small group outside of the ORC knew about Kazu being Metatron's host. As for who knew about Heaven's Judgement, Heaven knew about it - original angels that is - and probably higher ups of the church to know what they are looking for in a future host for it. Yeah, the leaders of Grigori probably knew about it but the few past hosts have probably interacted with both Heaven and Grigori a little.
Dr Wells: Yeah, I figure greed is fairly strong with Gremorys and so being denied something makes them sulk in the corner or try and work to somehow make it happen still. Especially given how Rias acts in canon with Issei at times.
Guest: Thanks.
DdriagTrueEmperor9: Yeah, they are contradictory for a group about that as I figure that either Falbium isn't doing his job or there's a lot more battles going on 'off screen' so to speak that means that the Maou need to rely on the young devils at times to bolster their forces. Yeah, it doesn't make sense for them to look down on Sona's dream when it helps better all devils and enjoyed writing Kazu's rebuttal to it all. Kazu's training is going to be something fierce although I'll only be showing small bits of it.
cain221: Thanks, I do enjoy trying to pull bits in that I think would fit into this world.
...
"" - Speech
'' - Thought
[] - Sacred Gear
[] - Albion
{} - Metatron
...
A crater formed as Kazuhiko and Rhea met, dark grey [Asteroid] flames met black flames as fists collided. Karasuba smiling from where she sat on a nearby boulder and watched. The last few days had been fun for the older dragoness as the spars had lasted hours with herself switching out with Rhea to keep Kazuhiko on his toes. Karasuba used Shirohime to help better the brunet in using his angel weapons while Rhea worked on his hand-to-hand combat.
They had both started to teach him how to access his dragon magic as well and Kazuhiko had taken to using it in combination with his various flames so he would be using demonic-dragon or holy-dragon flames and had strengthened his [Vongola Flames] and [Heavenly Flames]. Although at the moment Kazuhiko had trouble balancing the two types of energy at the same time and resulted in several explosions.
"Dragon Shot: Comet!" Kazuhiko called as he thrust his hand at the charging Rhea, the laser-like beam of pale blue lightning, [Comet] flames, moving fast enough to force the violet haired dragoness to stamp a foot into the ground an make a spire erupt to take the hit for her.
Rhea grinned as she took a deep breathe before blasting out a large ball of lava at Kazuhiko from her mouth which he countered with a wave of [Rain Flames], weakening and slowing them down enough for him to a blast of [Aurora Flames] to make the lava part around him.
"Oh, you're doing it. How's it going?" Azazel greeted as he landed near to Karasuba, jumping in surprise at both Rhea and Kazuhiko throwing fireballs at him.
"Hey!" Azazel protested as he threw up a barrier to block the attacks, Kazuhiko looking sheepish as Rhea grumbled annoyed at being interrupted.
"Brought you some food, Kazu." Azazel spoke, holding up a bentos box in his hands as a smirk grew on his lips as Kazuhiko's stomach gave a loud grumble as he replied "Thanks."
"You should thank those two girls of yours. They made it." Azazel spoke as he handed it over to the brunet, watching as he sat down on the boulder next to Karasuba and started to dig in.
"This is great!" Kazuhiko spoke between bites of a rice ball.
"There's also one from Astrid in there as well. You should eat that too. Since she didn't want to be left out of the cooking competition. But hahaha, you've gotten a bit of a good face in the several days that I haven't seen you." Azazel spoke while patting Kazuhiko's shoulder, getting a surprised look as Kazuhiko as he asked "Astrid-san made one?"
"I think she's feeling threatened by Rhea..." Azazel spoke with a shrug, Rhea snorting a laugh as she stole a rice ball herself from the bento to eat as Karasuba replied "She had some chances herself to make a proper move on Kazu from what I've been told."
"It's not like I'm going to have my wicked way with him out here, old crow. I'd prefer to at least have a good bed for such a thing if I was inclined." Rhea added with a chuckle, Azazel rolling his eyes to ignore the younger of the two dragonesses.
"Anyway, you've also been including basic training, right?" Azazel asked, flicking through the training diary Kazuhiko had and getting a nod from the brunet before continuing "Then, it's fine. If you don't do this much, your body won't be able to keep up when you fully unlock Albion's [Balance Breaker] and will even help you hold Metatron's on for longer. This is probably the only area that you are lacking compared to Vali seeing as you're already developed your magic and physical strength with your previous training."
Azazel spared a glance to Kazuhiko before asking "I take it Albion explained [Juggernaut Drive] to you, after what Vali tried to do?"
"Yeah..." Kazuhiko spoke with a nod, "I'm surprised that something like that exists in the Sacred Gear."
"It's only in those that have a magical being sealed within them. [Balance Breaker] is still the ultimate and final form of Sacred Gears." Azazel started to explain, "It's a peculiar restraint that's applied on those with magical beings inside, [Divine Dividing] and [Boosted Gear] are examples of that although those two are the only ones known for having [Juggernaut Drive]."
"Those ones are strongly restrained, taking out power while in that state making sure that the host can use it. In the case of the [Heavenly Dragon] gears that restraint can be temporarily released to unleash the sealed power and that is what makes up [Juggernaut Drive]. It can temporarily give someone the power to rival that of God, but the risk is also huge. It greatly shaves off one's lifespan and it also makes one lose their sense of reason." Azazel continued, Kazuhiko nodding in understanding as he asked "So, the user would run out of control until they died?"
"Yeah, to a violent degree. One would destroy all of their surroundings and even start to destroy oneself before finally stopping. It's impossible to master that power in actual combat, but... Vali can handle it for several minutes by consuming an enormous amount of magic power - he should be able to do so anyway. You could probably do the same thing as well given your level of magic power. Anyway, since Ddraig was impatient back then, I guess that it still has its dangers. Naturally. It's not my place to say this as one who uses an artificial Sacred Gear in a Burst state, but the way to use a power that throws away one's future like that is essentially different from the way to use the Sacred Gear's power. It's an accursed method of fighting that just uses the power of people that are transformed into the dead. You should absolutely never copy it." Azazel explained, sorrow in his eyes as Metatron spoke up {With other magical beings like myself its referred to as [Breakdown of the Beast] but still is much the same as the [Juggernaut Drive] due to how dangerous it is.}
"That's right." Azazel nodded in agreement.
"So the current Sekiryuutei can handle [Juggernaut Drive], huh?" Karasuba mused with a battle hunger grin on her lips, "That would be interesting to face against... I don't think it will make much difference between you, Kazu-kun, and that kid. Even if they say that the first to awaken that power is certain to surpass the other."
"Seems like a silly way to determine a winner if it relies on one getting [Juggernaut Drive] first." Rhea retorted with Kazuhiko's nod of agreement.
"Well, let's just change the topic for now." Azazel spoke up, sounding more formal then before as Kazuhiko raised an eyebrow and asked "Yes?"
"How do you think of Akeno?" Azazel asked, Kazuhiko blinking in surprise at the question as he shrugged "I think that she's a good person..."
"That's not what I meant..." Azazel started, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes as he interrupted "I know what you mean, Azazel, and just cause I made peace with her doesn't mean you have to worry about me jumping her. After all, she wanted to prove herself to Sera-chan first..."
"Really...?" Azazel spoke surprised, Kazuhiko nodding as he added "Means you or her father don't have to worry over her for now."
"But how do you really feel about her?" Azazel asked, Kazuhiko frowning as he answered "Well, like I said, she's a good girl but she did have a part in what happened to me as well and while I can sorta relate to what happened in regards to her parents and can be compassionate towards her... It still doesn't outweigh her meddling in my life. I already gave her my forgiveness but understand that she wants to prove herself good enough to Sera-chan before making any attempt. Although I don't get why we can't just remain friends."
"I see. Baraqiel will be relieved to hear that as he was worried about Akeno would get hurt if she pursued you." Azazel spoke with a relieved smile, Kazuhiko shrugging as he replied "She still might but she knows the risks now about it."
"Well, leaving that aside, I'm very concerned about Akeno. Though to Baraqiel and Akeno, it may be none of my business." Azazel spoke with a sigh, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes as Karasuba asked curiously "Are you always this meddlesome, Governor? First the training of my student's group and then the daughter of one of your colleagues."
"I'm just an ordinary Fallen Angel with free time." Azazel answered with a nonchalant shrug, "Though it's also due to the fact I raised the Sekiryuutei."
"In any case, I was thinking of perhaps entrusting Akeno's safety to you but I suppose you are already doing that." Azazel spoke with a shrug, Kazuhiko arching an eyebrow as he asked "Oh?"
"The thing is, Kazu, you are a rarity amongst men, you know?" Azazel started to explain, Kazuhiko looking confused at him as the Governor continued "You are a genuinely kind, honest and righteous young man. Who doesn't even think of taking advantage of a woman and even able to save those who have wronged you before. You aren't arrogant and lack prejudices and stick with your morals. On top of all that, you don't let your power go to your head and with everything else it makes you like the perfect gentleman for girls around you."
"I suppose I get what you're saying..." Kazuhiko spoke, Azazel smiling as he added "That's why I'm relieved. You're not the sort to deceive her or giving her false hope as you are honest about your emotions."
"That makes sense." Kazuhiko muttered with a sigh, shaking his head for a moment before asking "You didn't come here just to talk to me about Akeno-san, so what happened?"
"Ah, well its Koneko..." Azazel answered, Kazuhiko raising an eyebrow as he asked "What's wrong with Koneko-chan?"
"There's nothing that can be done about it. She's impatient... or rather, she feels doubt in her power." Azazel explained as he let out a breathe before adding "She overdid the training that I gave her. This morning she collapsed."
"What?" Kazuhiko asked shocked, Azazel nodding as he explained "Asia can treat injuries but she can't do anything about physical strength. Overworking in particular certainly hurts one's physical strength and has adverse effects. Because the time left until the game is limited, that's dangerous."
Kazuhiko nodded in understanding as Matsu had explained it to him while he had been training with her although he often had stopped before possibly reaching such a state himself. It hadn't happened with his training with Karasuba the first time and even now with Rhea's addition they didn't really hit that limit for him.
"Now then, we should go, Kazu. I was told to take you back just this once. You'll return to the Gremory annex only once. Karasuba, Rhea, he'll be going back for a little while. I'll return him tomorrow morning."
Kazuhiko grimaced slightly at hearing that, he had agreed to take dancing lessons with Rias' mother after both Seraphina and Kalawarner had given him puppy dog eyes when it was brought up.
"Fine... I'll had back to my place for now." Karasuba spoke with a disappointed sigh, as Shirohime flew to coil itself around Kazuhiko's neck. Rhea crossed her arms underneath her large chest and pouted sexily as she retort "You better be here tomorrow morning otherwise..."
"I'll be here." Kazuhiko interrupted her, Karasuba and Azazel looking amused at the pair as the brunet activated [Divine Dividing] and shot into the air. Azazel shook his head as he let out a laugh, taking flight after his student.
...
"Yes, that's it. Turn here." Venelana spoke as she and Kazuhiko danced around an annex. It had took him a while to get use to it but Venelana had been patient with him and helped put him at ease while teaching him the steps.
"Shall we take a short break?" Venelana asked as they ended their current routine, a waltz if Kazuhiko remembered correctly. The Draphalem gave a nod before moving to lean against the wall as he asked "I suppose that Kiba and Gasper-kun has already done this sort of thing."
"That's correct, although Gasper-san being a member of a distinguished vampire family he already knew the etiquette. Kiba Yuuto went through lessons much like these ones." Venelana answered simply, Kazuhiko nodding as he asked "How is Koneko-san?"
"It was just ordinary overworking, so she should recover slowly if she rests her body for one or two days." Venelana answered, taking a moment to ponder on if Kazuhiko could help the [Rook] like he had started to help Akeno before continuing "That girl is doing her best to face her own existence and power right now. I'm sure you noticed her unusual behaviour recently. It's a difficult problem that she would have to deal with even if your acceptance of your unique heritage didn't bring it to the fore. However, she won't be able to advance forwards if she doesn't find the answer herself."
"Her existence and power, huh?" Kazuhiko muttered to himself, Venelana signalled to a table in the corner as she spoke up "If you'll take a seat, I'll tell you a little seeing as you haven't been part of Rias' group for long."
Kazuhiko accepted as he moved to take a seat at the table, Venelana sitting opposite him as she started "There were two cat sisters who were always together. When they played, when they ate, when they slept. With their parents dead, they had no home to return to and no one to rely on, the two cats struggled to live day to day while depending on each other."
"One day, the two of them were picked up by a certain devil. The older sister became a part of his group and so the younger sister was also able to live with them. Having finally obtained a decent life, the two of them believed that they could pass time very happily." Venelana continued as she poured them both a cup of tea, Kazuhiko accepting it and taking a sip as the brunette took a pause in her story to take a drink herself.
"However, something unusual happened and it appeared that the elder cat sister achieved rapid growth after gaining power. Her hidden talent suddenly began to overflow from becoming a reincarnated devil. That cat was of a species that naturally excels in Youjutsu. Furthermore, she bloomed in magic talent as well, and even invoked Senjutsu that was said only the last of the sages could use." Venelana explained, taking another sip, "It seemed that the elder cat sister, having surpassed her master in a short time, was swallowed by power and was transformed into a wicked existence that only sought blood and battle. With her increase in power not stopping, the elder cat sister killed the devil that was her master in the end and degenerated into an 'exiled devil'. Moreover, she changed into one of the most dangerous among the 'exiled devils'. One that completely annihilated all the pursuit squads... The younger cat sister remained behind."
"That doesn't make sense..." Kazuhiko spoke up, Venelana raising an eyebrow as he explained "Why would the elder cat leave her sister behind after all they had been through growing up? Unless she thought it would be safer for her then being hunted like she is. Why would she risk the peaceful life she and her sister had to kill her master if all she wanted was blood and battle? That could easily be sought in the Rating Games. Plus, if she went mad with power then sooner or later one of the pursuit squads would have been able to out outsmart her if she 'degenerated' like you said. No, there's more to this story about why she killed her master, Venelana-san, and no one bothered to look into it with such a simple answer of 'oh, she went stray.'."
Venelana's mouth moved as she tried to form words, in a way it made sense now that she re-examined things from Kazuhiko's point of view. If Koneko and her sister had only had each other to rely on why would the sister leave without taking Koneko with her. Koneko's sister had accepted devildom for Koneko and obvious took her duties seriously so even if she had gotten mad with power she would have taken Koneko with her unless it was safer for her to stay. No, there obviously was more to the story as Koneko's sister killing her master didn't make sense just because she wanted battle or went mad with her power.
'Maybe she didn't want them hunting Koneko down and having to be constantly on the run.' Venelana thought with a grimace at the sense it made and what the elders had tried to do as well.
"What happened to the younger sister?" Kazuhiko asked, getting an unpleasant feeling as Venelana answered "The devils questioned her as a liability there and thought it best to deal with her now then risk the chance she ran out of control in the future. It was Sirzechs who saved that cat that was planned to be disposed of. Sirzechs persuaded the high-class devils that the younger cat sister was innocent. As a result, the situation was settled by having Sirzechs watch over her and he left her in the care of Rias who helped her recover her emotions little by little. Rias then gave that cat a name... Koneko."
"She shouldn't have been considered a liability in the first place seeing as she was innocent." Kazuhiko spoke as he shook his head, "Imagine what the older sister would do if she found out that they had killed her little sister. I imagine she would have showed the full extent of her power against them and returned for revenge. That's not to mention what the Yokai could have done if they found out an innocent was killed just cause they thought her dangerous due to her sister and a power they probably didn't understand."
Venelana sipped at her tea in thought as Kazuhiko added "Plus calling her Koneko Toujou is like just calling her a cat and castle and that doesn't really show her a good view that Rias has for her."
Venelana grudgingly nodded in agreement as she looked over the young man and asked "What are you going to do?"
"Ask Matsu-san to look into it. Hopefully the files show some inconsistencies or gaps that can be used to at least re-open the investigation." Kazuhiko answered with a shrug, frowning at his cup of tea before he added "Maybe if I run into Koneko-san's sister I can get her side of the story as well."
Venelana nodded in understanding, surprised he would risk facing the 'Black Cat' Kuroka just to find out the truth.
...
"Kazu!" Seraphina called at spotting Kazuhiko, rushing into his arms and eagerly kissing him which the brunet returned eagerly before speaking "Hey, Sera-chan."
"What are you doing back here?" She asked curiously, Kazuhiko smile growing slightly as he answered "I had to come back for my dance lesson with Gremory-san."
The Draphalem twisted the bluenette dragoness on the spot before pulling her into a tight hug once more as Seraphina beamed happily before nuzzling his neck with a hum "That's great. I've missed your scent, Kazu. It doesn't compare to the shirt we've been using."
"Oh? I have been sweating a lot." Kazuhiko replied offhandedly, Seraphina shaking her head as she explained "Both me and Kala-chan have missed you. We had to put a shirt on a body pillow to get to sleep."
"I'll have to see to it that you get this one when I shower later on." Kazuhiko replied, earning himself another kiss from the beauty in his arms before he asked "Do you know where Matsu-san is?"
Seraphina nodded in response, directing Kazuhiko to follow her by their linked hands as she answered "She's was working with Gasper-kun last I heard. Why?"
"I need to talk to her about something that happened in Koneko's past." Kaziuhiko explained, Seraphina nodding as they started walking, "Something about what happened to her older sister doesn't make sense."
As Seraphina listened to Kazuhiko explain what had happened to Koneko before she found herself agreeing with him that there was more to the story. A few minutes later saw the pair enter the courtyard that Matsu had set up for Gasper's training, the perverted demigod lying on a lounger with a laptop on her lap while Gasper was panting and trying to work on freezing the three flying drones around him.
"Z-Za W-Wārudo!" Gasper stammered out as he activated [Forbidden Balor View] to try and freeze his targets only to slump disappointed at only getting one of them.
"Hey Kazu-tan, Sera-tan. What bring you here?" Matsu asked with a smile, Gasper jumped in surprise and turning to see the pair as Kazuhiko spoke "I need you to check on something for me. How are you doing, Gasper-kun?"
"I-I'm doing alright, Kazu-senpai. M-Matsu-san is trying to teach me to use something called [The World]." Gasper explained, Kazuhiko giving an knowing look to the bespectacled young woman who shrugged with a grin "It makes sense for him to adapt Dio's Stand to his Sacred Gear plus having a verbal trigger should help him learn to control it better."
"That makes sense." Seraphina commented as they approached, Matsu turning back to Gasper as she replied "Don't mind them, Gasp-tan. Just keep practising and you'll bound to get better."
Gasper nodded resolutely, turning back to the drones to try using his Sacred Gear once more as Matsu turned back to the couple and asked "What do you want me to look into?"
"Koneko-chan's backstory, if that's alright. She had an older sister who went stray but something doesn't check out about what Gremory-san told me about what happened." Kazuhiko explained, recanting the story once more. Not even halfway through the telling Matsu started typing away on her laptop.
"I should have recognised Neko-chan's features but it didn't slip into place until now." Matsu spoke, bringing up a picture of a raven haired, buxom young woman wearing a kimono and sporting cat ears and two tails as she added "This is Kuroka. She's a SS class Stray devil known as the 'Black Cat'. The info on her stray report which is nothing more then a glorified bounty sheet says she went made from using Senjutsu."
"So that's the power Koneko-chan refuses to use." Seraphina spoke softly, Kazuhiko frowning in thought as he asked "Can you look up any reports about the investigation they must have done to be able to label her as a stray with good reason."
"I'll look into it." Matsu replied with a nod, Seraphina and Kazuhiko turning as they heard Rias called "Kazu-kun, what are you doing here?"
"Your Okaa-san wanted me back here for dance lessons. How's Koneko-chan doing?" Kazuhiko explained, Rias looking complicated as she replied "Follow me."
With a nod and a last kiss to Seraphina, Kazuhiko followed after his [King] but not before pointing out to Matsu "How about having him take some cues from Hit in Dragonball Super?"
Matsu grinned eagerly as she watched Kazuhiko leave to talk to Koneko.
...
Kazuhiko entered Koneko's room after Rias had finished talking to her. His eyes spotting Akeno as he looked around the wide room for a moment before turning towards the bedroom to see Koneko lying down on the bed with cat ears and tail on full display. A soft smile formed on his lips at seeing how adorable she was as Akeno spoke up "Kazu-kun, this is..."
"Don't worry. I've already heard the general story." Kazuhiko interrupted, taking a moment to walk to the side and quickly check she hadn't got any injuries before asking "Hey, how's your body?"
"What did you come here for?" Koneko asked in a mutter with her eyes half open towards him. Kazuhiko raising an eyebrow as he asked his own question "Is it not okay for me to worry about my Kohai?"
Koneko didn't give him an answer as Kazuhiko continued "I heard about what happened, Koneko-chan, and its no good if you don't take care of your body. I might not have the right to talk with the training I've been through already but we all have our own limits to work to."
"...I want to..." Koneko mumbled quietly, Kazuhiko blinking as he asked "What was that?"
"I want to become strong. Like Yuuto-senpai, Xenovia-senpai, Akeno-san and also you, Kazu-senpai." Koneko started as she looked straight at him with tears in her eyes, "I want to make my spirit and body strong. Gya-kun is also becoming strong. I don't have a light power like Mittelt-san either... At this rate, I'll become useless. Even though I'm a [Rook], I'm the... weakest... I hate being useless..."
"...But, I don't want to use the power sleeping inside of me... my Nekomata power... If I use it, I... just like my Nee-sama... I don't want that... I absolutely don't want use such a thing..." Koneko added on, large tears shedding from her eyes.
"There's more ways to become strong then brute strength, Koneko-chan." Kazuhiko replied with a sigh, drawing Koneko's attention as he continued "You can learn more martial art styles to use and keep opponents off guard or learn a bit of magic to use in a tight spot or to support others. Plus, just cause your Nee-sama had fell to such power doesn't mean that you would after all there must have been hundreds of Nekoshou before you and her that could wield the power safely."
Kazuhiko didn't want to get the white haired girl's hopes up just cause he had suspicions about what had happened to cause her sister to stray. Koneko's eyes had grown wide as she thought on what Kazuhiko had said, Akeno moving to rest a hand on his shoulder as she spoke "Kazu-kun, please leave the rest to us."
"Alright..." Kazuhiko replied with a nod, "Just look after yourselves."
{I think with this they'll both be able to start to heal properly.} Metatron spoke with a warm smile as Kazuhiko left the room after getting nods from the pair before Metatron added as if just remembered it {Oh, there is also something else I should tell you. You've unlocked another weapon.}
"What is it?" Kazuhiko asked curiously, Metatron smiling as she answered {[Arael].}
'How?' Kazuhiko thought surprised as Metatron explained {It was unlocked due to your expanding magic system and creating new magic.}
'I suppose I'll have to learn to use it in amongst the rest of the training.' Kazuhiko thought as he made a move back to his own room at the manor before adding 'Why'd it unlock now of all times, Metatron? I mean its somewhat awkward that I suddenly got a new weapon in the middle of training.'
{Well, it should have unlocked when you originally created the holy flames but from the looks on it. [Arael] waited till you were as good with them as the [Vongola Flames] you wield.} Metatron explained with a frown before Albion asked [I didn't think the weapons had any sentience?]
{They don't beyond the requirements for unlocking.} Metatron answered, frowning in thought before she added {I'll have to do a check but I think one of my past hosts may have stepped in to hold off on it unlocking before.}
Kazuhiko's eyes widened at hearing that, wondering why a past host had awakened and decided to step in till now as he walked.
...
"Hiyah!" Kazuhiko shouted as he swung one of his twin Scimitars: [Israfel] against Karasuba's copies, with Shirohime's help. The pair appeared on equal grounds at first glance but Kazuhiko's laboured breathing showed that he was starting to tire against the dragoness. The brunet jumped back coating both blades with [Storm Flames] and released a cross slash nimbly dodged as she changed Shirohime into a copy of [Zeruel] before blasting a giant ball of flames.
[Aurora Flames] covered one of Kazuhiko's blades which he used to split the fireball in half as he dashed backwards once more as he called "[Arael]!"
[Arael] took the form of twelve doves made out of white crystal, their originally silver eyes glowing the same pale blue as Kazuhiko's [Comet Flames] as they all started to spit out bullets of the holy flame from their beaks. Karasuba dodged or swatted away the bullets aimed at her, the odd one landing a glancing blow on her body.
"Is this your best!" Karasuba called eagerly, Kazuhiko focusing as four groups of three doves started to circle tightly till they resembled circles in front of him before beams of [Comet Flames] shot at her. Kazuhiko smirked as he created a ball of [Cloud Flames] in his hand, pleased he had discovered one advantage of [Arael] in that while it allowed him to enhance the magic he used through them he could also use a different flame then the one they were firing although he had to keep both in mind.
"Dragon Shot: Storm!" Kazuhiko shouted, the crystal doves flying off as the beam of red flames shot forwards in a destructive display of rare power. Karasuba took the blast head on by covering herself in her flames.
From the sidelines, Rhea leered as she watched the two spar, her thighs rubbing together to little relief as she thought lecherously 'I don't care what Uncle Tannin said about me not being ready, I am so going to get him as my mate.'
Karasuba exploded out of the beam as she took to the air on her large set of dragon wings. The birds of [Arael] swooped towards her as the beam faded, quickly firing arrows of [Meteor Flames] at Karasuba who only had sight burns on her outfit. Shirohime changed with the voicing of the new weapon from Karasuba, "Gaghiel!"
The grey haired woman twirled the naginata expertly for a moment as she dove towards Kazuhiko, weaving between the arrows fired at her as Kazuhiko called "[Ramiel]!"
Karasuba's eyes widened momentarily as Kazuhiko drew back the drawstring and fired a bolt of holy-lightning at her which was blocked by the naginata and forcing her back into the air slightly. Several more bolts firing at her soon after as Karasuba retorted eagerly as she dodged them "This is great! Now, you're getting my blood boiling."
"[Zeruel]!" Kazuhiko shouted, his gauntlets and greaves appearing as he quickly activated [Divine Dividing] on his back so he could dash at her. The pair traded punches and kicks in mid-air with Kazuhiko being on the losing end as the last kick sent him flying into a large boulder.
Rhea noticed the nod from Karasuba as she let Shirohime change into its normal form as she charged, the violette grinning as she launched herself towards Kazuhiko as well.
"What the!?" Kazuhiko blurted in surprise as he brought both of his arms up to block the two attacks, [Lightning Flames] covering both arms on reflex even as he winced in pain.
"This is the last day of our training..." Rhea started with a smirk, Karasuba grinning as she added "And we have no intention of letting you get away without proving yourself worthy."
Kazuhiko took a breathe so he could focus, flaring his aura to push the pair back several steps before launching himself towards Rhea. He traded a few punches with her before having to block Karasuba's heavy punch that sent him flying.
It had been a dozen feet before he had righted himself with aid of his [Sacred Gear], a quick surge of [Sun Flames] covering his body to heal any wounds he had before he fired an [Dragon Shot: Meteor] at where the two had been. Rhea and Karasuba both dodged the beam, firing back their own dragonic flames only to have them blocked by an circular shield of [Asteroid Flames] flaring up in front of him. Karasuba used her speed to appear behind Kazuhiko, drawing his attention off the shield as he barely ducked under the roundhouse kick aimed for his head.
[Seems like they truly are serious now, partner.] Albion mused solemnly as Kazuhiko took to the air to avoid Rhea's hammer blow aimed for his groin and Karasuba's attempt to stamp on his leg.
'Albion, a little help?' Kazuhiko mentally called as he created [Rain Flames] in his hands before calling out "Fire Pillar: Rain!"
[Vanishing Dragon Scale Mail] Albion called as he activated the limited form of Kazuhiko's dragonic [Balance Breaker], encasing him in armour as he shot forwards to meet the two dragonesses flying up to meet him. Kazuhiko's diving kick slammed into Rhea's stomach, sending her crashing back into the forest below them as Kazuhiko turned to lash out a punch which was blocked by Karasuba.
[Divide!] Kazuhiko felt better now he had recovered some of his power, swiftly following after Karasuba to try and take advantage of her being weakened only for Metatron to shout {Behind you!}
Kazuhiko glanced back only to dash to the side to avoid the beam of darkness that had shot through the place he had once been. His eyes wide at seeing Rhea's new appearance as she floated in front of him. Her biker outfit had been replaced by a skin tight, strapless leotard made out dark violet scales the same shade as her hair and behind her swished a long dragon tail. Her legs up to her thighs were also covered in dark violet scales with three sharp, silver claws acting as toes on each foot. This was also the same for her arms albeit she had retained her human hands and her fingernails were gleaming silver. The same scales travelled up the sides of her neck and partly covered her cheeks, drawing attention to her reptilian-slitted pupils.
"To think I'd show you this form of mine, Kaz~" Rhea purred eagerly, flaring her power as Kazuhiko asked shocked "What the...?"
"This form is one all full humanoid dragons can take. It's most commonly considered our [Battle Form] as it allows us to tap into our full powers without taking on our [Dragon Form]. I'm surprised your little mate hasn't shown you this but I suppose she's a hatchling compared to me." Rhea explained with a condescending smile that make Kazuhiko growl at her for bad talking about Seraphina.
[Watch out!] Albion shouted, Kazuhiko turning to get a punch in the head from a grinning Karasuba, sending him flying as she retorted "Don't forget about me."
Adjusting his wings, Kazuhiko stopped his flight as he thrust both hands towards the pair as he shot back "Cloud Dragon!"
The dragon surged forwards from Kazuhiko's hands, multiplying as it charged at the two dragonesses to overwhelm them. An explosion of flames pushed them back before Karasuba and Rhea dodged the remaining ones as they flew at Kazuhko, firing their own dragonic flames at him.
"Zero Point Breakthrough: Revised!" Kazuhiko called as he threw out his hands to absorb the magic, Karasuba appearing behind him to kick his back and into the attacks and breaking his concentration. The explosion from the attacks scorched parts of his armour, Albion breaking the dented back plate from Karasuba's kick to replace it, as Kazuhiko turned to block Rhea's fist.
His own lashed out at Rhea's stomach, winding her slightly as Kazuhiko activated his Dragonic Sacred Gear [Divide! Divide!]
Kazuhiko's next punch sent the violette back several feet before he had to ascend to avoid Karauba's fist aimed at his centre before countering with an axe kick which was caught easily. Karasuba's grip on Kazuhiko's leg tightened as the brunet tried to free himself.
[Divide! Divide!] His armour called, Karasuba slamming a ball of flames into his chest plate moments later to shatter it to Kazuhiko's shock before an explosion consumed his body.
"This armour is weak. You're supposed to be a Heavenly Dragon, Kazu." Karasuba spoke seriously as she flung Kazuhiko away, his body covered in scorch marks as he stabilized his flight.
'Albion... I need the armour reformed.' Kazuhiko thought as he coughed up some blood, his eyes keeping watch as Rhea and Karasuba started to build up flames together.
[I'd like to help but that last attack by Karasuba knocked you out of [Balance Breaker] all together.] Albion replied apologetically, Kazuhiko's eyes widening in shock as he mentally cursed before Karasuba called "If you dodge this you're little mates are going to die."
Kazuhiko's eyes narrowed at hearing that, wondering what she meant as he observed the giant ball of flames the two dragonesses had launched at him as Metatron explained {Behind you is Gremory Manor, Kazu-kun.}
Kazuhiko's eyes never left the house sized ball of flames as they widened, throwing his hands out on instinct to stop it from moving forwards any further as [Sky Flames] flared from [Divine Dividing] to try and slow down the attack and his hands to protect them from the attack. He forgot about any other means he had to stop this ball of flaming death as he gritted his teeth and tried to ignore the pain and heat of the flames overpowered his own as he mentally urged himself on, 'Come on! You can stop this...'
The flames continued to push against him, his forearms sinking in halfway as he let out a roar of pain as he flared his [Sky Flames] and tried to take control of the fireball. Kazuhiko didn't notice as his eyes shone orange and a small flicker of flames started on his forehead before his elbows sunk into the flames as he started to roar loudly "I won't let you hurt them!"
[Balance Break!] His wings roared loudly, Kazuhiko not noticing as his Scale Mail started to reform fully as Albion called [Balance Breaker: Vanishing Dragon Scale Mail!]
[Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide!] The armour called out, Kazuhiko's eyes widening as he saw the flames half with each call as his arms dropped to his sides numb despite the energy he had just absorbed.
"I...I..." Kazuhiko muttered surprised before his armour shattered once more, flames extinguishing as well, to show his heavy burnt arms and his eyes had returned to normal before finding tiredness overwhelming before Karasuba and Rhea caught him.
"It's good that you finally unlocked it." Karasuba spoke pleased, Rhea grinning happily as she added quietly into his ear "Good job, Kazu-kun."
With that Kazuhiko lost consciousness due to his exhaustion, his Sacred Gear dispelling in the same instant.
...
Kazuhiko shifted uncomfortably after he landed outside of the Gremory's main residence with Rhea, who spoke "I'm going to be attending the Maou-sponsored party with Uncle so let's meet again there, Kazu."
"Yeah, that would be nice." Kazuhiko replied with a smile, trying to ignore how the violette's eyes would wander down to his body on occasion. The ending of his training had been a bit easier once he's properly unlocked [Divine Dividing's] Scale Mail although he had still had to use [Sun Flames] and [Star Flames] to repair his body and clothes. He had gotten a growth spurt during the last part of training, making him about five foot nine tall, and he'd lost the last of his baby fat making him more like a professional swimmer in build which showed due to Rhea and Karasuba having fully burnt off the top half of his jersey early on, leaving him topless now. Also the multiple uses of [Sun Flames] had resulted in his hair growing out and so ended up with Rhea taking charge of restyling it so that while it was still medium length, the outer bangs of his hair fell down to mouth level in two fangs while the other bangs now formed a tuft that brushed the top of his nose and formed a noticeable M shape while the back was in choppy downward spikes.
"Great. Those sorts of parties can get really boring if you don't know anyone." Rhea spoke with a eager grin, taking to the air as Kazuhiko waved and called "See you tomorrow then."
[Looks like another tie to a [Dragon King] has been forged] Albion spoke amused, Kazuhiko blushing as Metatron giggled a retort {Behave Albion.}
"Hey Kazu-kun." Kiba greeted, his jersey in tatters as he added "...You've gotten a good body."
"Do you have to fuel the nightmare Yaoi?" Kazuhiko retorted with an annoyed look, Kiba looking sheepish as he shrugged and replied "I didn't realise we had the same body-type that has difficulty putting on flesh."
"Oh, Kiba and K-Kazu?" Xenovia spoke as she arrived, bandages covering all over and her cheeks red as she looked at Kazuhiko.
"Are you alright, Xenovia?" Kazuhiko asked curiously and concerned, Xenovia looking over her appearance again as she spoke "Yeah. I became like this because I trained, got injured and bandaged myself, and then trained, got injured and bandaged myself again."
"What was the sword that Matsu-san had you train with then?" Kazuhiko asked, Xenovia pulling the out a familiar blue-hilted sword as he blurted out "The Master Sword. Seriously!?"
Kazuhiko gaped at the [Blade of Evil's Bane] that Xenovia was holding as the bluenette asked "You know this sword?"
Kiba stifled a chuckle at Kazuhiko's reaction as he replied "It's a sword known for smiting evil. I'll explain the rest later."
"That's good then." Xenovia spoke with a nod, sheathing the sword once more behind her as they heard someone else approaching. Asia and Astrid came out of the castle gate, speaking up as she saw them "Kazu-san! Kiba-san and Xenovia-san too!"
"Welcome back." Astrid greeted with a bow and a bright blush over her cheeks at seeing Kazuhiko.
"Asia, Astrid-san, it's been a while." Kazuhiko replied with a smile, the smaller blonde's face turning red as she blurted out "K-Kazu-san! P-Please get dressed!"
"This isn't any worse then when we were at the pool Asia-san." Kazuhiko replied with a raised eyebrow to the shorter blonde and signalling to the fact he had the full length jersey bottoms still on despite their frayed look and trainers.
"Ara, it seems everyone from the group that went out has returned." Rias replied as she appeared, Seraphina walking alongside her before she rushed to embrace her boyfriend.
"Kazu-kun." Seraphina called as she hugged him, enjoying how solid he felt as Kazuhiko replied "Hey Sera-chan. Sorry about the smell."
"It's fine, Kazu-kun. I've missed you." Seraphina murmured into his chest, Kazuhiko's arms wrapping around her as he replied "I missed you both too."
"I did to, hubby. You certainly have become very solid." Kalawarner spoke as she embraced him from behind and taking the time to prod at his muscles. Kazuhiko blushed slightly as the fallen angel's hands dipped to brush against the top of his jersey bottoms as she hummed appreciatively.
"Now then, everyone. Please come in. Once you've taken a shower and changed clothes, we'll meet to report the outcome of our training." Rias spoke, everyone trailing behind her as they entered the estate.
...
Settling into a lounge in the peerage's wing of the manor, Kazuhiko had slumped into a sofa between Kalawarner and Seraphina having had a shower and changed into a, now, not so baggy dark orange hoodie and a pair of tight jeans. He had listened to Kiba and Xenovia explain what they did for training and was a little annoyed they had a mountain cottage and a villa respectively nearby while he had lived in the wild, having to hunt for his food and slept outside.
"Is there a reason why I had to live like a survivalist show during this training...?" Kazuhiko asked Azazel annoyed, only receiving a nod in return as he replied "It was decided by myself and Karasuba that the best way to help you achieve [Balance Breaker] was to have you train while not being at full strength, having you fully rested may have helped your training overall but would have made it harder for you to be pushed to that limit which [Balance Breaker] lay beyond."
Kazuhiko stared in disbelief before sighing as he spoke "Suppose that makes sense in a weird way."
"Did you manage to attain [Balance Breaker], Kazu-tan?" Matsu asked curiously, Kazuhiko nodding as he replied "Yeah, it happened near the end of training so I ended up using the last days to work on my techniques."
"How long does both of them last for?" Azazel asked, Albion speaking up [From the training both mine and Metatron's can last for about twelve hours each now.]
"That's great." Azazel spoke happily. From there the meeting continued on about how Mittelt, Gasper, Koneko, Akeno and Rias had all improved and worked on the suggestions that Kazuhiko had brought up. Kalawarner, Seraphina and Asia also chipped in with results of their own training as well.
"This report meeting can end here then. Tomorrow is the party so you're all dismissed for today." Azazel spoke at the end of the meeting with a pleased smile on his face, leaving the group to split up and enjoy the rest of the relaxing day.
...
Kazuhiko, Seraphina and Kalawarner enjoyed the afternoon to themselves. The former deciding to catch up on a game he was playing while Seraphina was watching from the spot she sat in between his legs, enjoying his arms around her as she lay back against his chest while Kalawarner lay in a sheer dressing gown with a copy of the Karma Sutra in her hands as she mumbled words to herself.
"Do you know why Kala-chan's got that?" Kazuhiko asked quietly, Seraphina shuddering from his warm breathe in her ear before she answered "I think she's been looking for new positions for us to try later, Kaz."
Kazuhiko stifled a groan as the bluenette in his lap wiggled her hips, countering back with a kiss just behind her ear making her stiffen.
Before things could heat up any further a knock on the door ruined it. Kazuhiko handed the controller to Seraphina before easily lifted her up to put her on the seat next to him before going to answer the door.
"Oh, hey Matsu-san, Astrid-san?" Kazuhiko greeted, confused at the white sundress the blonde was looking uncomfortable wearing as Matsu walked past him and explained "Ast-tan has been helping me look through the records about what you asked so you now owe her a date."
"Ah, Okay then. Please come in then, Astrid-san." Kazuhiko spoke confused before understanding dawned in his eyes as he let Astrid in. The blonde had a bright blush adorning her cheeks as she entered and receiving a nod of thanks from Kazuhiko as she spoke "It's been an interesting task to assist Matsu-san on, Kazuhiko-sama. You don't need to do such a thing."
"It's alright, Astrid-san. So, I assume you found out something?" Kazuhiko asked them both as he closed the door, watching Astrid move to sit next to Kalawarner with a darker blush at the book in the fallen's hands.
"Oh yes." Matsu explained, opening up her laptop once she had sat down, Seraphina pausing the game as the others moved to look at the screen.
"So, Kuroka's [King] was Leonardo Marchosias." Matsu started, bringing up a picture of a blonde young man wearing wire rimmed glasses as she continued "He's well known as being a scientist who worked to strengthen his servants. Had a whole library of books and notes in his office about enhancement magics."
"Well, amongst the books and notes Ast-tan found this ritual." Matsu spoke, bringing up a ritual circle as she continued "Now, this only has one primary function and so couldn't be used for anything else and that function is using blood to incorporate powers into the caster which kills the owner of the blood."
"So that's why Kuroka killed him." Kazuhiko spoke as he realised, "He was planning to sacrifice Koneko-san to give himself Senjutsu..."
"That is the most likely conclusion, Kazu-sama." Astrid spoke up, Matsu nodding as she continued "The devils didn't do more then question the other servants and none of them knew anything about his plan."
"So they just assumed Kuroka did it due to her going power hungry and crazy." Kalawarner mused, Matsu nodding as Seraphina commented "That's horrible. Do you think the ritual notes would be enough to reopen the investigation?"
"Probably if we can get Kuroka to come into be questioned about what happened. It would depend on if we can get the Maou to listen to us." Kazuhiko answered with a frown, the others nodding in agreement before the brunet asked "What about the original investigation?"
"There wasn't one aside a few interviews with the other servants who were, frankly, idiots." Matsu answered to the trio's shock, Kazuhiko's eyebrow twitching in anger.
...
Author's Note
Well, here's the next chapter. First thing I'd like to point out is that what caused Kuroka to kill her king is something inspired by Kuroka's explanation in Nephalem of Gremory and Kazu's points at Venelana's story are stuff that seems off from his point of view. Yes, Gasper starts to learn The World thanks to Matsu and Kazu's suggestion of Hit is more to possibly have Gasper be able to cast a dozen spells in the brief time freeze and then just spam the enemy with them but probably won't become a thing if I do it until much later on due to Gasper's personality. I did take the idea for how Kazu finally unlocks his Balance Breaker from the fight between Beerus and Goku in Battle of the Gods and the dragon battle form is something I intend to have both Seraphina and Astrid show as things go along - Seraphina having learned to tap into hers during her own training here. Arael I figured to introduce here as it gives Kazu the time to learn to use it and is based off the Orbitars from Kid Icarus: Uprising although have more freedom of movement, plus Kazu doesn't have too many weapons where the magic side is important to them like Ramiel and Sahaquiel.
Can't think of much else to put into this so I'll end it by saying I hope you enjoy this chapter.