alabahmaman: Your Welcome.
FateBurn: Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Doctor Lecter Sith: Thanks, i'll keep the suggestion in mind.
Bob2121998: Thanks. Hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
Stratos263: Kazu's investigation will probably be fairly short given that Matsu is helping him out and with what'll happen in this chapter.
cain221: Thank, glad you enjoy reading this as I do enjoy writing this.
Wacko12: I have set up a poll for Akeno's situation and the results are not in your favour.
JeffersonStarshipBlack: I'll keep that in mind for the future. As for Rias and Akeno, I know its hypocritical of them to do that. As for the whole refuse to give up, I figure its more like finding intrigue in someone who doesn't fit in with the rest of the guys they've met or at school.
ShadowUzumaki55: Thanks. Yeah, Kazu looked at the whole thing in regards to what he woud have done which I think kinda fits with what Kuroka actions are given how he views family as being something to protect and always look after. Yeah, his training is tough and I figured Issei and Saji could do with Tannin's help more, plus Kazu was working towards Balance Breaker and I doubt that Tannin would use the method Rhea and Karasuba used.
Raidentensho: Thanks. I haven't thought of doing Triania with Kazu's Scale Mail due to his combination Balance Breaker with Metatron's Armour will probably happen in Kyoto instead and makes it seem a little redundant given that Kazu would be able to switch weapons at will and especially combined with the flames. I wasn't aware that they wee doing a DMC 5 but that does sound cool.
tsun: Thanks. i wanted to take the time to develop them in this seeing as the harem is different to canon and Kazu's personality also means he prefers to get to know them instead of having them jump him. Yeah, the dance lessons was partly to get Koneko's backstory but I can also see Kazu learning it for any events that he's at with Seraphina and the others to avoid making a fool of himself. True the elders don't care much about the low class but then they have to take notice when someone like Kazu points out their own safety is at risk if they ignore and refuse them the opportunity to get stronger.
BlueBlade87: That was the kind of vibe I wanted to give her in the whole 'take what she wants' manner that I figured would be very dragon like and only just recognising that Seraphina is the Alpha. Yeah, the combined Balance Breaker I'm planning to have appear in Kyoto but that's more due to not seeing much point of Triania for Kazu. I figured it made sense for Xenovia to have her own holy sword to use instead of Durandal and the Master Sword from Zelda just popped out as what she should have as for Jojo, I think I've seen one or two other fics who have had Gasper compared to Dio.
OechsnerC: Thank you.
thehearne97: Common sense is king in regards to how some people act in DxD. As for training with Tiamat, I do intend to have him move from learning from Karasuba to Tiamat at some point but haven't really worked out when that should happen. I haven't given much thought to a confrontation between Kazu and his biological mother partly due to not having any idea into why she would return or where I would fit such a thing in at the moment. I had read about Rias' fear of camels and couldn't believe it myself. I can see Kazu doing that once he learns about Rias' fear but he has to learn about it first.
As for the results of the poll its 81 to 35 in favour of Akeno being in the harem and this chapter will at least start to lay the ground work for it and hopefully explain bits of Akeno's actions from before. Will probably close the poll after this chapter is posted.
...
"" - Speech
'' - Thought
[] - Sacred Gears
[] - Albion/ Dragons
{} - Metatron
() - Phones/ other communication means
...
"Sorry for not being able to call you, Yasaka-san. It's been fairly busy here with training for the Rating Games." Kazuhiko spoke into his phone, Yasaka chuckling as she replied (It's fine. Kunou-chan is eager to see you in action during the Rating Games. The television here is already adapted to watch the broadcast from the Underworld. Kunou...!?)
(Hey, Kazu-san!) Kunou chirped into the phone, Kazuhiko chuckling as he replied "Hey Kunou-chan. I hear you're looking forwards to seeing the Rating Games."
(Yep... I want to see Kazu-san fight all cool like a hero.) Kunou answered, Kazuhiko chuckling as Yasaka giggled in the background. Shaking his head as he replied "I'll see what I can do about that, Kunou-chan."
(Yay!) Kunou cheered, Kazuhiko pulling the phone back from his ear as Seraphina and Kalawarner both chuckled behind him.
(You don't have to spoil her, Kazu-kun.) Yasaka spoke with a fond exasperation before Kazuhiko replied "It's fine, Yasaka-san. I best go, I've got to get ready for this party thing they are holding tonight and I need to talk to a friend before then to catch up."
(Alright then. Good luck, Kazu-kun.) Yasaka replied warmly before ending the call, Kazuhiko sighing as he looked around the bedroom. It was the day of the party for Kazuhiko was mostly filled with sleeping as after the discussion about Kuroka, Kalawarner and Seraphina had wanted to make up for their missed intimacy with him. It had resulted with him sleeping half of the morning away to recover most of his fatigue before he had gotten up. At the moment Kalawarner and Seraphina were finishing off a private breakfast they had delivered for the three of them.
"So, you're both going with the other girls to get dolled up." Kazuhiko asked curiously, getting nods as Seraphina explained "It's because this party is important for the devils and Gremory-san insisted we needed to look the part for going with you."
"Matsu-san even mentioned that she was getting a new uniform made for you to fit your growth." Kalawarner added with a saucy smile, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes at the innuendo included in it as he asked "Is it really needed? I mean I can still fit in my summer uniform, Kala?"
"Just give it a try, Kazu." Seraphina spoke with a smile, kissing him on the lips before Kalawarner had her own kiss with their brunet lover.
"I'll see you all later then." Kazuhiko spoke with a smile as he watched the pair leave, turning back to his phone and looking through for his friend's number to call.
...
Yu smiled as he sat in the recreation room that the Shinto Faction had in their base. There hadn't been much need for them to act beyond some typical stray activity around Tokyo and he had chance to indulge in some of the anime he had missed.
"So this is what Kazuhiko-san based his magic off of?" Miya asked, Yu nodding as they sat watching [Akame ga Kill] as he explained "Not this series but I doubt he'd find much use in Bols' Rubicante compared to someone like One Piece's Ace."
Miya nodded in understanding as she watched Esdeath unleash icy death. Yu had found it amusing that the lilac haired swordswoman had approached him about how Kazuhiko copied the [Vongola Flames] and had ended up watching a battle between Esdeath and some Danger Beasts and become interested. He had helped her a little with explaining what Kazuhiko had done and even how his (Yu's) Sacred Gear had [Sub Species] as a result of Kazuhiko. From there, Yu had showed her several other fights with characters who used ice magic while also pondering on if he could expand his own [Staring Blue] into other swords.
Yu blinked as his phone started to ring, answering it quickly as he spoke "Hello? Mikage Yu here."
(Hey Yu. It's Kaz. I figure I should catch you up with what's going on in the Underworld.) Kazuhiko replied, Yu smiling amused as he looked to Miya next to him who was focused on the screen as he spoke "Hey Kaz. How's hell?"
Miya turned to Yu at hearing that, the black haired swordsman turning his phone to loudspeaker as Kazuhiko answered (Surprisingly human-like cause of the reincarnated devils. They even have an artificial sun in the sky so they can adjust although the sky is purple and there's no oceans.)
"Seriously, there's no beaches there?" Yu asked surprised, Kazuhiko replying with a sigh (I didn't say that, most of them are artificially made on the banks of large lakes here. So what have you been up to?)
"Oh, just corrupting Miya like you did to me." Yu replied nonchalant before Miya spoke up "You've don't nothing of the sort."
(He means getting you into anime, Miya-san.) Kazuhiko clarified, Miya relaxing slightly as he asked (What have you been watching?)
"[Akame ga Kill], [RWBY], bits of [Bleach] and [Fairy Tail]." Yu explained, the pair hearing Kazuhiko hum in understanding as he spoke up (That's good if you're helping her to expand her ice magic, I expect.)
"That's the plan." Yu agreed, "She wanted to know how you developed your fire magic."
(Ah, fair enough. Just take your time with it Miya-san if you attempt to recreate some of it. It's harder then it looks.) Kazuhiko replied understandingly, Yu chuckling as he asked "So, what have you been up to?"
(Training for the most part. Had to deal with the elder devils who act as bad as the Purebloods from Harry Potter. Luckily, they are so short sighted I managed to talk circles around them about Kaichou's dream of a combat school and made it seem like we'd only focus on Heaven, Grigori, Greek, Shinto and Yokai Factions and would take the best for our families peerages in the future if they weren't going to accept low class devils there.) Kazuhiko answered amused, Yu and Miya chuckling at hearing that as the former retorted "Only you would start showing them how much they need the lower classes by pointing out their flaws in logic."
"Such a facility would help all factions with training up our young members and we could take note of those who have less auturistic reasons for attending." Miya spoke up thoughtfully.
(Well, tell your Tou-san, Yu, to expect a contact from the Sitri family at some point when Kaichou is starting to make plans for it. I said I'd help as well with it as well.) Kazuhiko spoke up, Yu nodding as he answered "I will."
(I better go. There's this party on tonight and I need to sort out what I'm doing.) Kazuhiko spoke with a sigh, Yu chuckling as he replied "Don't have too much fun without me, Kaz."
(I'll try not to as long as you stop calling me a playboy.) Kazuhiko countered, Yu snorting as he laughed "Not going to happen. Enjoy yourself then, Kaz."
With that the call ended between the two friends, Yu and Miya turning their gaze back to the television.
...
Ever since the start of their training in the Underworld, Akeno had found herself thinking back to her talk with Kazuhiko at her shrine. Her heart had felt lighter knowing that she still had a chance with the young man who didn't care she was half Fallen Angel but her mind had been busy and troubled at the fact she had to prove herself to Seraphina and by extension Kalawarner as they were the co-Alphas of the small harem. Even now as they stood in a large room getting dolled up for the party that evening, she had been trying to find the right moment to talk to Seraphina and express her honest desire to be with Kazuhiko.
"Is everything alright?" Seraphina asked curiously, Akeno jumping as she turned to face the bluenette who was standing next to her.
"Can I talk to you in private?" Akeno asked quietly, Seraphina looking thoughtfully before nodding. Akeno leading her out of the room and into an empty room opposite as Seraphina asked "What is it?"
"I want to ask about Kazu-kun..." Akeno started to say, Seraphina interrupting with a sigh as she filled in the gaps, "You want my approval to make a move on Kazu?"
"Yes." Akeno answered with a nod, "I know we haven't gotten on great and I am truly sorry for not trying to change Rias' mind about her plan to recruit him but I want to have a chance to be with the guy who accepted me fully despite not being able to myself."
"Look...Akeno...I don't think you and Rias really understands how you both hurt Kazu's heart. His mother abandoned him and his first girlfriend," Akeno could tell the disgust in Seraphina's voice and face at the word and reminder of who first owned that title with Kazuhiko, "murdered him. When he saved me, I could see he was having trouble in believing that any girl was really going to like him for him and not the power that he holds. Myself and Kalawarner had to worked hard to prove that wrong to him. What makes you think you can prove that to him as well?"
"Because I started to care for him since the Rating Game with Riser." Akeno started, shaking her head to avoid Seraphina interrupting as she continued "I know that doesn't really make much sense and that Kazu-kun did it for his own reasons but watching him fight ignited something in me and not cause of my masochistic side from being hit by that attack he used on Riser's peerage."
"What about when you sneaked into his bed?" Seraphina asked with a frown, "Were you out to seduce him then or...?"
"I wanted to test his resolve..." Akeno started embarrassed, trying to word it correctly, "...and I wanted to thank him for what he did to save Rias. Originally, I wanted an affair but with how he didn't stare at me like most of the guys at school do, I found myself wanting something more serious especially after learning about his mother."
"Good. If you were still after an affair, I'd have rejected you right now no matter how much you wanted to be with Kazu-kun." Seraphina spoke with a stern nod, Akeno relaxing slightly before the bluenette added "If, I let you make a move you'll have to tell Kazu-kun all of this as well and be clear about it as he misunderstood some of my teasing at times."
"Alright." Akeno spoke with a nod, watching as Seraphina worried her bottom lip in thought before turning to the ravenette as she spoke "You can have a chance but if I catch anything I don't like happening or he doesn't like then I'll make sure that no one finds your body."
"T-Thank you." Akeno spoke relieved and nervous, giving a bow to the dragoness before the pair moved back into the rooms the others were in so they could get ready.
...
Kazuhiko sighed as he rolled his shoulders as he stood in a black suit and tie with a white shirt with the Gremory emblem on an armband, wondering what Tannin would be like as he waited with Kiba for the girls before they left for the Sitri Manor where the former [Drgon King] would pick them up.
[No need to be worried about meeting Tannin. He respects those who work for their strength so you'll have his respect.] Albion spoke up, Kazuhiko relaxing slightly as Metatron added impishly {I imagine that Rhea's talked about you as well so that will help.}
Kazuhiko blushed slightly at hearing that, knowing that whatever Rhea had said to Tannin would probably end up with the former [Dragon King's] questioning him.
'At least Lucifer-sama has reopened the investigation about what happened to Kuroka.' Kazuhiko thought, recalling what Matsu had told him when she had watched him be fitted for his suit for the party.
"Maou Lucifer agreed to open the investigation after the information me and Ast-tan showed him. He was particularly annoyed that the whole thing had been done so badly and is insisting on one of his peerage taking charge of it as well. Things would be best if we could get Kuroka to come forward for questioning but..."
'We need to find her first and then convince her to come in for questioning.' Kazuhiko thought, having filled in the gaps himself earlier as well.
"Thinking about what Matsu-san told you earlier?" Seraphina asked, wearing an elegant blue dress that hugged her curves with thin straps tied behind her neck, her hair covering the fact it was backless. Kalawarner stood next to her in a revealing purple halter dress that showed off her cleavage while her long hair was pulled up in a stylish ponytail with a braid around it. Both were wearing heels, Seraphina's short while Kalawarner were high, and had light make up on.
"Yeah. You all look amazing." Kazuhiko spoke with a nod, glancing behind them to see Astrid blushing in a red body-con dress and Xenovia fiddling with the collar of her black wrap dress with a dark blue sash around her waist. Mittelt was dressed in a Gothic princess dress that looked oddly similar to her casual dress.
"Its a shame that its not safe for Asia-chan to come along." Kalawarner spoke with a sigh, Kazuhiko in agreement as there was a chance Diodora would try and make a move on Asia during the party and also know that she was in the Underworld. Luckily, Matsu had decided to keep the former nun entertained by watching Magical Girl anime.
Rias, Akeno, Koneko and Gasper soon after in red and white dresses respectively for the former pair while younger pair was in yellow with white frills and a pink dress respectively.
"Are we all going to the Sitri Manor or...?" Kazuhiko asked, Rias shaking her head as she answered "Sona and Tannin have agreed to make a stop here to pick us up."
[Looks like Tannin is here.] Albion mused as the sound of something massive flying over them with a soft tremor as he landed.
"Tannin-sama, his family, Sona Sitri and her peerage have arrived." A butler spoke after approaching, everyone moving to the garden to see the group.
...
"It's nice to meet you, Tannin-san." Kazuhiko spoke as he finally came face to face with Tannin. Tannin was a fifteen meters tall, gigantic western Dragon with humanoid build. With the exception of his lower body, specifically his belly, the inner portions of his long tail and legs, that are beige in colour, a majority of Tannin's body is covered in dark purple, draconic scales. Atop of his triangular head was two yellow horns and keen red eyes and sharp teeth while having yellow claws. He was wearing a loincloth and black armour pauldrons with other metallic accessories.
"I've been looking forwards to meeting with you. Rhea has told me good things about you, Shihoryuukou." Tannin replied as he looked down at Kazuhiko curiously, "I'd like to speak with you while we travel."
"Hey, Kazu." Rhea called, dropping down from off her uncle's back in a strapless black dress and pumps, "Don't worry about Uncle, he just wants to catch up with Albion."
"Hey Rhea and that's fine with me." Kazuhiko replied, Tannin turning to the others as he spoke "Like I explained to the Sitri, while you are all on my back, I'll place a special barrier around you to protect your hair and clothes from the wind. Since those things are important to women."
"Thank you Tannin. We'll be relying on you until we get to the meeting place." Rias replied as she stepped forwards, Tannin looking at the crimson haired heiress before speaking "Ooh, Miss Rias. You're especially beautiful tonight. Please leave that matter to me."
With that everyone got onto Tannin's back while Kazuhiko had settled themselves atop of Tannin's head as they took off.
[Its nice to watch this scenery like this... Not that I don't enjoy experiencing things like you do partner but...] Albion spoke up, Kazuhiko interrupting as he replied "It's fine. I know I normally speed around a lot faster."
"Hahaha... that sounds like an interesting experience, Albion. However, there are only three mighty dragons that are still active left, including myself. No, since I was reborn as a devil, the only real ones remaining are Ophis and Tiamat. The rest have either been sealed or have retired. Yu-Long and Midgardsormr never come out onto the surface anymore. And Albion, Ddraig, Fafnir, Vritra and even Zirnitra have been sealed into Sacred Gears. In all ages, strong dragons have been suppressed. Strong dragons are a fearful existence, after all, kinda like how some no doubt see your current situation, Draphalem: Yuuki Kazuhiko."
"Yeah, I had already figured that out before." Kazuhiko spoke with nod, looking down to Tannin as he asked "Rhea told me that you became a Devil to help your fellow dragons."
"That's one reason. Only a few places have been able to grow dragon apples. A certain race of dragons can only live by eating them and those that grew in the human world have become extinct due to the environmental changes. The Underworld and Familiar Forest are places that can grow them but dragons are hated in the Underworld, detested by both devils and fallen angels for the most place. I became a devil so that the territory I could grow the fruit was all made to be mine. When you exceed a high class devil, you can receive a part of the Underworld from the Maou. I had my eyes on there." Tannin explained, a smirk forming as he added "The other reason is that this era doesn't have big battles anymore and I thought that I would get to fight various guys if I participated in the Rating Games."
"I'd be happy to let a part of my territory be used to grow dragon apples when I reach High Class, Tannin-san." Kazuhiko spoke up, getting a raised eyebrow from the former Dragon King as he looked impressed.
"My niece was right, that you seek to help others especially after what happened at the Young Devil Gathering... Even though the dragons in my territory have avoided becoming extinct, I'm not against accepting help with growing more dragon apples, so I accept." Tannin replied, expressing his gratitude towards Kazuhiko for aiding with his fellow dragons.
"I also heard about how Miss Rias made you her servant and I am a bit shocked... This is the kind of thing I would expect from other Pillar Clans but not from someone of the Gremory Clan." Tannin spoke up, concern in his voice as Kazuhiko sighed as he replied "Yeah... I can understand why she did it all but... that's not really an excuse for what she did. It's not been helped by Lucifer-sama and Gremory-san trying things until recently to push us together."
"Well, it is natural that Lucifer-sama and Gremory-dono would try something like that. They are still devils after all and considering your power and what you are, you would be a great ally to any of the open-minded Clans to have as their heiress' fiancee." Tannin explained with a slight chuckle, "I wouldn't be surprised if Miss Sona doesn't make a play after you showed the Elders up for disparaging her dream."
"It was just daft of them to dismiss something that would strengthen devils as a whole just cause of their bigotry." Kazuhiko answered with a shrug, looking around at the scenery as they made their way to the meeting place.
...
The meeting place for the party was a high-class rise hotel that was located in a wide clearing within a huge area of forest which was on the edge of the Gremory territory. From where Kazuhiko was sitting atop of Tannin's head it looked like it could fit the whole of Kuoh Town into it. The other dragons amongst Tannin's group rested down with Tannin, lights concentrated on him from below as if lighting him up like in a monster movie.
"Then, we'll be going to the waiting space exclusively for large devils." Tannin started once everyone was off, his gaze shifting to Rhea as he added "Behave yourself, Rhea."
"You don't have to tell me that Oji-san." Rhea retorted with a frown. Issei and Saji stepping forwards along with Sona as they all thanked him.
"Ossan! Thanks!"
"Thanks, Ossan."
"Thank you, Tannin."
With that Tannin and his dragons took off and made to move towards another area of the party grounds while hotel employees came to pick up the joint Sitri and Gremory groups in expensive looking limousines.
Kazuhiko found himself sitting between Seraphina and Rhea while Kalawarner smirked amused from where she sat on the seats along the right side of the inside. Seraphina was fixing his collar for a moment as Rias explained "There are also facilities located around the hotel, and the army is also standing by here. It is much stricter here than in the lower urban areas, you know?"
"What about Azazel-san?" Kazuhiko asked curiously, Rias answering easily "It seems that he will head here after joining up with Onii-sama and the others on another route. Since they're really close friends, after all..."
Rias faced turned serious as she added "Kazu-kun, you couldn't hear because you were on Tannin's head, but just before, I declared war on Sona. Saying that 'we will beat you for the sake of our dream'. I know you agree with her dream but..."
"It'll be fine. If they intend to train up the future young devils they need to be strong enough to help them control their powers." Kazuhiko replied with a understanding nod, Rias nodding determined as she added "Even so, we will win. We have our own dreams and goals as well."
The limousine arrived at the hotel soon after, everyone stepping out to be welcomed by the numerous employees. The entered as a group and Akeno went to the front desk to confirm that they had arrived before making their way into the elevator.
"It seems the party is on the huge top floor. There'll be a lot of distinguished families there so..." Rias started, Kalawarner rolling her eyes as she retorted "We'll behave, Princess..."
"So, tonight's party was prepared by Maou-sama for us young devils, right?" Mittelt asked curiously, Rias nodding as she explained with a displeased face "That is the official stance. The truth, people won't get very excited even once we enter the room. This is an annual custom. If anything, it's more like a gathering for the members of all the distinguished families to meet. We, the next family heads, are just extras, while its really a party for our father's to enjoy themselves. In reality, they've made reservations at the nearby facilities until the fourth or fifth after-parties. Proof of that is that they arrived at the meeting place separately from us. They probably gathered together before the young people arrived and may have already finished their alcohol."
Kazuhiko glanced to see Akeno and Kiba also had bitter smiled on their face, realising that they as well as Rias were fed up about what this party would be like given what the previous years had happen by the adults.
Once the elevator reached the top they were lead towards the gorgeous, large hall which was filled with a crowd of devils and various delicious looking food alongside one wall in a buffet while from the ceiling hung a huge chandelier.
""Ooh."" Everyone started at seeing Rias' entrance, breathes of admiration as some spoke up.
"Princess Rias. You've become more and more beautiful..."
"Sirzechs-sama must also be proud."
Kazuhiko arched an eyebrow at everyone looking at Rias, wondering why she would make it seem like the adults wouldn't be excited to see her.
"Uuu, there's so many people..." Gasper spoke as he tightly stuck to Kazuhiko's back, who patted him on the head as he replied "You'll be fine, Gasper-kun."
"Kyaa! Look how handsome the Draphalem is in a suit."
"Ufufu, who knew he was good with children."
Kazuhiko blinked as he heard some women amongst the group comment about him, figuring that he should have expected it given his popularity.
"Kazu-kun, we should make our rounds of greetings first." Rias spoke up, reminding Kazuhiko that she had told him that most of the [High Class Devils] would want to meet and greet him as he replied with a silent sigh "Alright."
"We'll see you later." Seraphina spoke reassuringly, signalling to an empty table she and the others were intending to take before he followed after Rias.
...
"Ah, that was tiring." Kazuhiko spoke as he sat down on a chair in the corner of the floor along with Mittelt, Gasper, Seraphina, Astrid and Rhea. He glanced around to see where everyone was and picked up Rias and Akeno talking to other female devils, Kiba surrounded by female devils himself and Koneko over by the buffet with Xenovia and Kalawarner while Rhea was talking to some other devils as well.
"How are things so far for you all?" Kazuhiko asked, Mittelt frowning as she retorted "Just some perverts out for my cuteness or wanting to talk with Sera-san, Astrid-san or Rhea-san."
"I wouldn't worry, they soon backed off the moment we mentioned being with you." Rhea spoke with a smirk, Astrid blushing as Seraphina added "Not like any of us would give them more then a second look."
"Here's some food for you all." Kalawarner spoke as she and Xenovia returned with plates of extravagant food with them.
"Thanks Kala-chan, Xenovia-san." Kazuhiko replied, Xenovia and Kalawarner setting them down as the former spoke "It's nothing. This amount is inexpensive. Look, it's better for us to have a drink as well."
"Thank you." Kazuhiko spoke as he accepted a glass from the tray before the others got their own and they started to eat the food.
"Kazuhiko-sama." Ravel spoke as she approached, the brunet turning to see Ravel wearing a pink dress and a smile as he signalled to a empty seat as he replied "Hello Ravel-san. I've missed you being around."
Ravel blushed at hearing that, shaking her head as she replied "I have as well. I don't think I'll have time to sit down though."
"That's a shame." Kazuhiko replied, missing the amused looks Seraphina and Kalawarner shared as Ravel blushed and he asked "So, how is your brother?"
"Ah... He's been in low spirits. Since his release he's been having a great shock about learning you true power, Kazuhiko-sama, and what you have accomplished. It's been good for him though as once he recovers he'll know better then to rely on our talent solely." Ravel answered, her cheeks still glowing red as she added "Also my parents have been very pleased with my training with you."
"Ravel-sama, Danna-sama's friend is calling for you." Isabella spoke as she approached, her eyes roaming over Kazuhiko for a moment as Ravel spoke "I understand. Kazuhiko-sama, I look forwards to see how you compete in the Rating Game and... and to show you what fruit has bore from my own private training since returning home."
"I look forwards to it. Maybe we can have some of that delicious cake of yours then as well." Kazuhiko replied, Ravel nodding before she lifted the hem of her dress, curtsied and then left.
"Hello Yuuki Kazuhiko." Isabella spoke, Kazuhiko nodding as he replied "Hello, Isabella-san."
"It was a shame that we didn't cross fists during the Rating Game as your fight with Riser-sama was impressive and what Ravel-sama has said about you just adds to your achievements." Isabella spoke disappointed, Kazuhiko shaking his head as he replied "Maybe if there ever is a rematch you can find out."
"I would look forward to such a thing. Now then, please excuse me now. Please have a good time at the party." Isabella spoke, giving a wave before she left after Ravel.
"Fufufu, looks like another will soon join our numbers." Kalawarner spoke amused, twirling a glass of wine in her hand as Seraphina chuckled in agreement.
"Kazu-kun~"Kazehana called as she came over. A sultry smile was on her lips as she took a free seat as Kazuhiko replied "Hey Kazehana-san."
"Congratulations on achieving [Mid-Class] status. You looks rather different then the last time I saw you." Kazehana spoke with a pleased smile, Kazuhiko nodding as he replied "Thanks. I've been training with Rhea for a lot of my time here so..."
"Yep. That's all from me." Rhea smugly retorted, Kazehana chuckling as Astrid retorted "You did have Karasuba-san's help with training Kazuhiko-sama, Rhea-san, so you can't take all the credit."
"Kazu-senpai, you surprisingly have a lot of devil friends..." Gasper spoke with a look of admiration, Seraphina patting the blond Dhampir on the head as she added "At least they seem trustworthy as well."
"Yeah, I seem to have good fortune to avoid meeting bad devils for the most part." Kazuhiko replied with a nod, watching Kalawarner, Rhea and Kazehana get along while Astrid, Xenovia and Mittelt were also talking together.
"Kazu-kun..." Seraphina spoke up, drawing his gaze as she signalled to where Koneko was leaving the party room, "Something is wrong with Koneko-san."
"Girls, Gasper, please wait here. Sera-chan and I are going to check up on Koneko-san." Kazuhiko spoke to them, getting nods and worried looks before Xenovia spoke up "The Maou-sama's greeting will be starting soon."
"We'll be back before then, don't worry." Seraphina reassured as the pair got up and headed after the white haired [Rook], arriving at the elevator. They both boarded it before Rias slipped in as she asked "Are you worried about Koneko-chan as well?"
"Yes, I think she was following something. But what, I don't know." Seraphina answered, Kazuhiko frowning "Maybe its something that she recognises from before..."
"You think...?" Seraphina asked, Kazuhiko nodding thoughtfully while Rias looking confused as she asked "What is it?"
...
"Why didn't you tell me or Koneko about this?" Rias asked as the elevator arrived at the first floor, her mind reeling from learning what Kazuhiko knew about the situation regarding Koneko's past. Kazuhiko held his hands up as he replied "I don't know if its right or not and I didn't want to get her hopes up."
"With how poorly the first investigation went none of this would have came up if Kazu-kun didn't have Matsu-san go looking and all we have is circumstantial evidence unless Kuroka-san comes forward." Seraphina added as they left and set about searching for where Koneko had gone by asking the nearby devils.
They discovered that Koneko had went outside and so had went to the fountain outside as Rias' bat familiar and dozens of wyverns made out Kazuhiko's [Mist Flame] were sent searching for Koneko.
"I suppose that makes sense." Rias spoke with a sigh as they waited, frowning as she pondered aloud "So you think Kuroka is making her move to what? Take Koneko back with her or...?"
Rias was interrupted by her bat returning, nodding as she listened to its squeeks before she spoke "It seems it found her. The forest? So, she's gone to the forest surrounding the hotel?"
With that the trio took off towards the forest, following the bat.
...
The trio had been running for several minutes before they came to a stop in the shadow of a tree that Kazuhiko had pulled the Rias and Seraphina into. He leant out a little so he could look to see Koneko standing in a clearing, clearly looking restlessly as she turned her head back and forth as if looking for something. The trio of them were hiding their presence so as to not be noticed for whatever was going to happen.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?" An unfamiliar voice spoke. The owner was a woman who was wearing a black kimono that barely covered her decently. Atop of her head was a pair of cat ears and behind her two tails swished slowly.
"...You." Koneko spoke, her whole body shaking in violent surprise.
"Hello, Shirone. It's me, your Onee-chan." Kuroka spoke, Kazuhiko frowning as he realised that Shirone was Koneko's real name.
"Kuroka-neesama..." Koneko squeezed out in shock, conflicting emotions inside of her.
"Onee-chan is very impressed that you came this far following after this black cat that sneaked into the party-nya." Kuroka spoke with a pleased smile, Koneko looking angrily as she asked "...Nee-sama. What is this about?"
"Don't make such a scary face. I just had some minor business to take care of. I heard that the devils were holding a big party here, you know? That's why I was a little interested. Nyan." Kuroka replied with a smile, waving her hand like a cat and winking cutely.
"Hahahaha, could it be that you're a member of the Gremory group?" Bikou spoke as he came out from behind another tree. Kazuhiko frowned as he wondered what he was doing here and if Vali was around as Bikou turning his gaze into the direction the three of them were in.
"Even if you erase your presence, it's useless. With people like me and Kuroka who know Senjutsu, we can approximately detect you with just a slight variation in the flow of your spirit." Bikou spoke up, Kazuhiko, Rias and Seraphina stepping out much to Koneko's surprise as she spoke "...Buchou, Kazu-senpai, Sera-senpai."
"Yo, monkey. Is Vali doing well?" Kazuhiko asked, Bikou grinning as he replied "Hahahaha, pretty much. As for you... Heh, so you've become stronger, huh?"
"So your [Senjutsu] can tell my strength that easily, huh?" Kazuhiko asked, Bikou nodding as he answered "I know the flow of your spirit to a degree. The volume of aura that covers you has risen since the last time we met."
"What's [Senjutsu], Kazu?" Seraphina asked, Kazuhiko keeping his eyes on the pair in front of him as he explained "[Senjutsu] is the manipulation of [Chakra], basically the life force of every living thing around according to Matsu-san. Kinda like that of [Naruto] but with it they can read the flow of someone's spirit, heal or destroy something."
"We can also control the flow of spirit and can reinforce both the interior and exterior of our bodies or disturb the spirits of all surrounding trees, make them bloom, or make them wither-nya~. [Senjutsu] is a skill that manipulates the flow of life, after all. We can disturb our opponent's spirit and inflict damage to their life-force by cutting it. Because the methods for repairing the disorder to one's life-force is limited for the magic of devils and the sorcery of magicians in comparison, this attack method almost always results in death-nyan~" Kuroka added with a wink, Kazuhiko smirking slightly as he replied "Your oddly mentally competent for a Stray Devil, guess my hunch was right that you killed your [King] to protect Koneko-san was right?"
"Nyah?" Kuroka spoke surprised, narrowing her gaze on Kazuhiko as he continued "You know that the investigation has just been reopened about it after the details of the ritual was found. Lucifer-sama making sure its done properly and just your testimony would clear your name, Kuroka-san..."
"How can I trust you?" Kuroka asked with a frown, Koneko looking surprised as she asked "Onee-sama didn't go mad from power...?"
"No. It was to protect you..." Rias spoke soothingly as she embraced the white haired girl, Koneko looking to her askingly as she added "I only just found out about this myself, Koneko."
"The evidence that was found by Matsu-san and Astrid-san is circumstantial at best." Kazuhiko added, Kuroka looking curiously as she asked, pointing at Kazuhiko, "Bikou, who is this boy?"
"He's the Hakuryuukou." Bikou replied, making Kuroka's eyes widened as she spoke sultrily "Really-nyan? Heh, so this is the current Otaku-loving, Drapalem Hakuryuukou that repelled Vali before."
"Kuroka~ let's go back. Since we can't participate in that party anyway, it's a waste to stay here." Bikou spoke while yawning, Kuroka shaking her head as she replied "I still need to see if the Hakuryuukou is being truthful about clearing my name."
"Why would I lie about it with Koneko-san here?" Kazuhiko asked curiously, Kuroka pausing for a moment before replying with a seductive smile as she leant forwards to show off her cleavage "True... Let's make a deal. You give me Shirone and I'll turn myself into the Maou."
"No way. This girl is an important friend and servant. I won't allow you to take her away." Rias shouted seriously, Seraphina glaring at Kuroka as Kazuhiko shook his head and calmly replied "As long as Koneko-san is here you have a reason to turn yourself in for the Maou."
Kuroka pouted realising her attempt at seducing him hadn't worked. Loosening the top of her kimono a little more, Kuroka sauntered a little closer to the quartet before striking a seductive pose with her arms crossed under her bust and praised "Ara, you are smart Hakuryuukou."
"What would I get for turning myself in to you, Hakuryuukou?" Kuroka asked with a purr, glancing over Kazuhiko with a growing cat-like smile as she added "How about you make kitties with me?"
"What?" Kazuhiko spoke surprised, Seraphina glaring while Rias looked surprised herself and Koneko blurted out "Onee-sama!"
"So, you are going to turn yourself in...?" Seraphina asked curiously, pausing to the amusement of Bikou and Kuroka as she continued "If you'll be able to have children with Kazu-kun."
"Yep-nyah~" Kuroka answered with a grin, Kazuhiko looking to his girlfriend before sighing and speaking "We'll see what happens. I'm not going to have kids with a woman I don't love but it'll certainly make me more open to advances if you come in now to clear your name."
Kuroka's grin grew as she bounced lightly on her feet and realised she was a step closer to repopulating the Nekoshou as she turned to Bikou and about to speak only for her to be interrupted.
"When I received information that Miss Rias, Yuuki Kazuhiko and Miss Seraphina had come to this forest, I did not expect to find these two visitors here..." Tannin spoke as he flew overhead, Kazuhiko turning as he called out "Tannin-san! I've been trying to talk Kuroka into turning herself in!"
"Oh?" Tannin asked questioningly to Kazuhiko, "So the rumours of the Black Cat's investigation being re-opened..."
"That was thanks to some friends of mine finding some proper evidence to present to the Maou." Kazuhiko explained, Tannin nodding in understanding before Bikou spoke up, delighted to see the dragon "Oh, oh, oh! If it isn't the former-[Dragon King] 'Blaze Meteor Dragon' Tannin! So you came! This is a big problem, Kuroka! We have no choice but to fight now!"
"You seem happy, monkey-san." Kuroka replied while shaking her head as Bikou continued "Its cause if we take down two necks that are above [Dragon King] class, Ophis will also be silent on the matter."
Kazuhiko's eyes widened as Kuroka winked at him, Bikou not seeming to pay attention to the Nekoshou as she mouthed 'Play along.'
{She wants to hide the fact she's defecting from the [Khaos Brigade] as well.} Metatron spoke surprised, Kazuhiko giving her a brief nod which made her smile before a barrier popped up around them as he whispered to Rias, Koneko and Seraphina "She's trying to defect but wants Bikou kept unaware."
"...Kuroka, so you learned not only [Senjutsu], [Youjutsu] and [Devil Magic], but also the skill to control space?" Rias spoke with a sour face, Kuroka smiling cat-like as she explained "I didn't go as far as learning how to control time, but I have fairly picked up on how to control space. If I use the essentials of barrier techniques, it's relatively easy, after all. I covered this entire forest with a barrier and isolated it from the outside world-nyan. That's why even if we do flashy things here, it won't leak outside and devils from outside won't come in."
"Kintoun!" Bikou called, a gold cloud appeared at his feet and the both flew off into th sky where Tannin was as he called "Nyoi-Bo!"
A long staff appeared in Bikou's hands before he aimed it at Tannin as he commanded "Extend! Nyoi-Boi!"
The staff extended to try and hit Tannin but he dodged with speed that didn't fit his huge frame.
"Once more!" Bikou ordered, horizontally moving his staff while it was still extended and chasing after Tannin to try and strike him. Tannin dodged using his wings skilfully and rotated in midair, opening his mouth wide to launch a mass of fire at the Monkey Yokai and covering the sky with it.
'Woah...' Kazuhiko thought looking impressed at the power of Tannin as Albion commented [That's not even Tannin's whole power of his flame. He was holding back for our sakes.]
"Ahaha! Not bad! Former-[Dragon King]!" Bikou called, his armour and clothes burnt but he was otherwise fine as smoke came off his entire body.
"Hmph! I was wondering what kind of person this Son Goku was! You seem quite happy to have received an attack from me, Tannin!" Tannin mused as he gave chase after Bikou who shouted back "The name's BIkou! Nice to meet you, Dragon Boss!"
"Kukukukuku. You talk like a true monkey. Do you really understand who you have made your opponent right now?" Tannin spoke amused as Bikou countered "I'm also descended from a legendary demon, you know. I can't afford to lose so quickly."
"In any case, I'll be your opponent, monkey. Meanwhile, Miss Rias, Miss Seraphina and Yuuki Kazuhiko will defeat and detain that cat. They're the master of the Shihoryuukou, the niece of Tiamat and the Shihoryuukou, you know? You'll have to overcome them." Tannin retorted confidently, Bikou laughing as he spoke "Hahahaha! You've really gone out big! I'm fine just by myself!"
"Don't speak so arrogantly, monkey. You're just a single monkey. You won't be any trouble! Besides, what happened to the pig and demon sage? Did you break up with them?" Tannin asked curiously, Bikou grinning as he answered "You mean the descendants of Hakkai and Gojou? Hahahaha! They, including the people of my family, are all conservatives! Every last one of them is satisfied with the current state of things! However, I love things that are fun! That's why I happily accepted the invitation to join the [Khaos Brigade] and now act together with the Sekiryuutei, Vali."
"Hmph! Your temperament may be the closest to the first generation of Son Goku, but what are you scheming with the Sekiryuutei? According to rumour, only your unit is permitted to move separately from the rest! I also heard that you're the only team that didn't accept Ophis' [snake]!" Tannin spoke with a frown, Bikou smirking as he challenged "If you'd like to know, beat me!"
"Watch what you say, damn monkey! This place is the hell-like Underworld, called the [world of the dead]! Know that this is the best place for small fry like you people to repent!" Tannin roared, the pair starting to fight fiercely in the air.
"Nyan~ we should start our own show." Kuroka spoke with a bewitching smile while a dark, ominous aura came from her body as she glanced to Bikou as Koneko blurted "...Nee-sama. I'll go with you. So please overlook these three people!"
"What are you saying!? Koneko! You're a servant of my group! I won't allow you to do as you please!" Rias spoke shocked, tightly embracing Koneko in a realistic manner.
"...It's no good. I understand best nee-sama's power. Nee-sama's power rivals that of an [Ultimate Class] devil. For Buchou, Kazu-senpai and Sera-senpai... Even with the power of a former-[Dragon King]. I don't think you can capture my sister who excels in both [Genjutsu] and [Senjutsu]..." Koneko explained, shaking her head.
"Divine Dividing." Kazuhiko muttered as he slipped on his gloves, activating Albion's power as Rias spoke angrily "No, even so, I absolutely won't hand you over to that person's side! To this Nekomata that didn't try to help Koneko-chan who cried so much!"
'I think that's enough acting to ensure Kuroka's cover.' Kazuhiko thought as he stepped forwards as he spoke "Kuroka, if you won't come in willingly then I'll subdue you myself."
"Then die." Kuroka hissed, releasing a thin mist-like substance from her body at the quartet as Kazuhiko threw a ball of [Storm Flames] in intercept and destroy it. Kuroka pouting as she asked "How did you know that poison was in my mist?"
"I didn't." Kazuhiko replied thrusting a hand forwards as he incanted "Flame Arrow: Aurora!"
The thin beam of blue-green flames quickly spread into dozens of pointed thinner beam that all shot at where Kuroka was standing. The Nekoshou's body vanishing before dozens of versions appearing around them as they spoke "That was a good attack. But it's useless, useless. I can easily make a clone of myself with the essentials of [Genjutsu]."
"...If you can't read the flow of spirit, you can't deal with [Genjutsu] used by skilled practitioners." Koneko commented as they looked around, Kazuhiko smirking slightly as he replied "I'll have to show you a thing or two then, Koneko-san."
"Fortress Blaze: Cloud!" Kazuhiko called, wrapping the quartet in a dome of violet flames which blocked the destructive magic bullets that the group of Kuroka shot at them.
"Expand!" Kazuhiko called, making the dome grow outwards much to the surprise of the others . He stopped as it reached where the clones had appeared destroying them before the flames dispersed.
"Oh, very interesting-nyan." Kuroka mused, looking around at the destroyed trees and burnt ground before turning her focus onto Kazuhiko who retorted "I finally got around to building a list of techniques I could recreate from animes."
Kazuhiko's eyes scanned his surroundings to try and spot Kuroka, before dozens of magic circles appeared around him as he spoke "Longiflorum: Comet!"
Firing from each magic circle was a long spear shaped like the flower of the attack's namesake, each moving extremely fast due to the [Acceleration] factor the flame held. The sound of ripping came from one direction, signalling to them that was where Kuroka was as both Seraphina and Rias fired off bullets of their chosen power in that direction.
"Fire Barrage: Rain!" Kazuhiko called as he added his own attack to the mixture only for them to strike a barrier that Kuroka made.
"Nyahahahaha!" Kuroka laughed as her barrier blocked the trio of attacks. The obi of her outfit had been ripped by Kazuhiko's earlier attack, leaving the kimono to risk falling open as she continued to hold the barrier up, quirking her head to the side as Kazuhiko charged towards her.
"[Balance Break]" Kazuhiko called, activating Albion's Balance Breaker.
[Balance Breaker: Vanishing Dragon Scale Mail!] Albion roared as the white armour formed over Kazuhiko's body, boosting his speed as he charged at a surprised Kuroka. Kazuhiko's fist was covered in [Meteor Flames] as he threw a punch at the barrier, piercing through it with a shocking ease as the Nekoshou jumped back to avoid being caught by the simple attack.
"Don't think that fancy armour is going to help you! Let's see you handle a mixed shot of [Youjutsu] and [Senjutsu]." Kuroka shouted as she fired off dozens of magic bullets at Kazuhiko, her eyes going wide at seeing them strike his armour without leaving a scratch.
"Is that all?" Kazuhiko asked with a hidden smirk, Kuroka blurting out shocked "It didn't work!? No way. I built up a considerable amount of spiritual power!"
"My turn. Fire Pillar: Rain" Kazuhiko replied, firing a pillar of the blue flames at Kuroka and clipping her arm as she dodged. Her eyes widened slightly as she realised what the flames were doing, hiding her smirk as she continued to fire her mixed bullets at him in response as she shouted back "Don't get carried away!"
Gold [Solar Flames] wreathed Kazuhiko's [Scale Mail] before he disappeared from all senses, making Kuroka's eyes go wide as even her [Senjutsu] couldn't pick it up. The hairs on the back of her neck rose as she turned and Kazuhiko's fist struck her stomach, accidentally ripping the obi the rest of the way as she looked to cough up blood.
[Divide x5!] Albion roared, Kuroka wobbling at the sudden loss of power as Kazuhiko caught hold of her before slinging her over his shoulder in a fireman's carry.
"Kuroka!" Bikou shouted, Kazuhiko turning to see the Monkey Yokai diving towards him. The brunet pointed his free hand at him as he gathered an orb of [Cloud Flames] before speaking "Dragon Shot: Cloud!"
The beam of flames was shot at Bikou, his eyes widening out of shock and a small amount of fear as the single beam multiplied into a swarm of attacks that he had to focus solely on to dodge them all. Tannin gave off a fanged grin as the barrier was shattered by the powerful attack as he commented "You do know how to skilfully use your power, Shihoryuukou."
Seraphina and Rias took advantage of Bikou being distracted to fire off several beams of plasma and Power of Destruction at him to catch him off-guard as Kazuhiko moved towards them as a tear appeared in the space near him.
"That's far enough, Bikou. The devils have noticed." A blond haired young man who stepped out spoke. He was wearing a suit and glasses while holding a sword that was releasing a tremendous amount of holy aura.
{C-Caliburn} Metatron spoke shocked, Kazuhiko picking up on it as he spoke "Caliburn? That means he's related to King Arthur, right?"
"What?" Rias spoke shocked, the young man looking bemused as he spoke "That's correct. I should have expected that Metatron would recognise this blade."
"What about Kuroka, Arthur?" Bikou asked with a glare at Kazuhiko, the blond pushing his glasses up as he replied "I don't thing either of us could take her away from the Hakuryuukou in the current situation without the others getting involved or the devils arriving before then."
"The other sword is a holy sword as well, isn't it?" Tannin asked, the blond signalling to the sword sheathed on his back as he answered "This is the final Excalibur that was recently found, the strongest of the seven Excaliburs. [Excalibur Ruler]."
'[Excalibur Ruler]?' Kazuhiko thought surprised, warily eyeing the blond as Metatron spoke up {[Ruler] can control those it cuts, Kazu-kun, so be careful.}
"To be talking like that, you're pretty calm, Arthur, aren't you?" Bikou spoke with frown, Arthur nodding as he answered "Yes, the truth is that I also have a lot of interest in the comrades of these guys. Shihoryuukou-dono, could you please give my greetings to the holy-demonic sword user, the holy sword: Durandal user and Mikage Yu? I'd like to face them sometime as fellow swordsmen, you know?"
"I'll pass it on." Kazuhiko spoke tensely, Arthur turning to Bikou as he spoke "Now then, let's retreat."
With that, Arthur cut the air with Caliburn to create another spatial tear that was large enough for them to walk through.
"Goodbye, Hakuryuukou." Arthur spoke before he and Bikou left by going through the tear which soon closed itself up. The moment they were gone, Kazuhiko dismissed his [Balance Breaker] with a sigh of relief.
"Nyah~ you can put me down now Hakuryuukou, unless you seek to claim me now." Kuroka spoke up with a teasing grin, making the others jump as Kazuhiko let her down.
"Nee-sama!?" Koneko spoke surprised as Kuroka smiled to her sister as Seraphina realised, "You faked being beaten."
"Mmmhmm~" Kuroka hummed with a nod as she added "It was rather nice to have Kazu-chin's hands over me."
Rias and Koneko blushed as Seraphina rolled her eyes while Kazuhiko ran a hand through his bangs with an exasperated sigh as Kuroka smirked seductively at the brunet.
...
Author's Note
Here's the next chapter, hope you enjoyed it.
Where to start... Well, Miya is started to get corrupted by Yu and I haven't decided yet if I want to use Esdeath or Toshiro from Bleach for the style of Ice Magic she would develop. Although, also the same could be said with Yu and I am tempted to somehow work Byakuya's Shikai and Bankai into his Staring Blue: Mugen or not. The talk between Akeno and Seraphina is the start of working Akeno into the harem and hopefully have her aim for a more serious relationship compared to her usual 'affair' deal which would have been a turn off for Kazu due to what happened with his parents' relationship. Ravel's brief return brings the amusing shocks that Riser has gone through since his release and Kazehana also returns here during the party and I haven't really planned much in regards to bringing her into the story more at the moment so may have her move into Kuoh at some point.
The major change from canon is in how things go with Kuroka's arrival and is how I imagine things would turn out with learning that the investigation has been reopened due to Kazu, Matsu and Astrid's input and with the whole mock fight making her capture believable given that Bikou was there. It also leaves it open for Kuroka to return to the Vali Team depending on how I have things play out.