Raidentensho: Thanks. Yeah, I figure given they can sense really well they could tell the usual signs of lyingbut with Bikou distracted by Tannin he couldn't focus all his attention onto Kuroka and Kazuhiko's fight so seeing them fight was good enough for him. I will have to incorporate Blaire more into things as at times I forget about her due to being Kazuhiko's familiar. I probably will try and make reference to Thor movies when Loki comes around but haven't played the latest God of War game.
Stratos263: That's true although I kinda gloss over the investigation a bit in this chapter.
FateBurn: Thanks. Kuroka should make things more interesting with how she gets involved with matters.
OechsnerC: Glad you enjoy it.
ShadowUzumaki55: Yeah, I figure Sirzechs would be convinced if the evidence was put in front of him and the glaring holes pointed out in what happened in regards to Kuroka and Koneko, especially as he only stepped in to save Koneko.
Glad you like the talk between Akeno and Sera and there's probably a few bits that get reused for Akeno's talk with Kazuhiko. Yeah, kinda agree that Kuroka would need to change her approach like Akeno to show she's more serious about wanting a relationship with Kazuhiko rather then just his kids.
thehearne97: Yeah, it will turn heads and agree with you that giving Kuoh to them would have been a small spiteful act to point at Cleria Belial.
dandyrr0403: Thank you. Kazuhiko taking inspiration from anime always seemed cool and saves him having to come up with too many attacks on his own. Glad you like what I did with Kuroka, it seemed only natural for them have to fake her capture as originally I was thinking of her acting as a spy for the alliance against the Khaos Brigade but now doubt she would do that. She will be in the harem although probably have to work a bit to convince Kazuhiko that she's serious for a relationship more then just bringing back Nekoshous. I'm hoping you enjoy Issei and Saji's fighting styles given it'll make an interesting fight between them and Kazuhiko
...
"" - Speech
'' - Thought
[] - Communications/ Sacred Gears
[] - Dragons
{} - Metatron
...
Kazuhiko, Seraphina, Rias, Koneko, Kuroka and Tannin walked back to the building that the party was being held in to see a mass of devils moving around to look for them.
"I can't wait to see their reactions to you having the cat with you." Tannin chortled in his miniature form as he flew alongside them. Kazuhiko chuckling in agreement despite having his arms trapped by Seraphina and Kuroka on either side.
"It's them!" A voice called, drawing the attention to the group before someone else shouted "The Black Cat, Kuroka!"
"Calm the fuck down!" Kazuhiko shouted before panic could spread, Seraphina stifling a giggle as Kuroka smirked playfully and Rias sighed as she asked "Where is Lucifer-sama?"
Grayfia stepped out of the crowd to answer "He's inside delaying his speech while the staff looked for you all. It seems you have the strangest luck, Kazuhiko-sama."
Kazuhiko looked sheepish as Grayfia looked to Kuroka who was hugging his arm tighter as she answered "I was subdued by Kazu-chin the moment he said the investigation was reopened."
"I can attest to that." Tannin spoke with a chuckle, "Even managed to deceive her ally to make it appear convincing."
Grayfia's eyes widened as she beckoned a member of staff over to her before quietly relaying orders to him and then sending him to call off the search before speaking the the group of young devils, Tannin and Kuroka, "If you'll follow me. We'll see about getting a secure location to begin the questioning."
"As long as Kazu-chin is there, I don't mind." Kuroka spoke with a smirk to the brunet who shrugged as he replied "I don't mind, Grayfia-san. If that's alright with Lucifer-sama."
"Me too." Koneko spoke up, drawing eyes to her as Grayfia nodded in understanding as she replied "If Sirzechs-sama allows it then it will be fine."
...
"What a blunder." Shemhazai spoke while he and Azazel were in the conference room within the Maou territory.
'That's an understatement... Kazu certainly doesn't do things by halves.' Azazel thought as he drank some tea, amused at what had happened as he hadn't expected any group let alone the former SS-class stray devil, Kuroka to appear with a comrade and the latter driven off by Kazuhiko and Tannin while the former was 'captured'. The governor of Grigori wouldn't never admit that he was cutting loose in a casino to turn Shemhazai and the Seraphs' anger onto himself for not being nearby to aid in what could have been more dangerous situation.
"The opponents were members of the [Khaos Brigade]'s independent special unit, the [Vali Team], consisting of Son Goku [Bikou], Nekoshou [Kuroka] and also the user of the holy king sword, Caliburn, [Arthur Pendragon]. That three people from a team of people endowed with tremendous power would come is... Also, the management ability of the devils it..." Shemhazai continued to report, turning into a scolding at how the devils hadn't done the investigation about Kuroka's actions properly in the first place and how the trio was allowed so close to the important event.
'To think that Kuroka was protecting her sister from her greedy, power stealing [King].' Azazel thought as he looked over Tannin, who was attending in his mini-dragon form, and the other seniors who were anticipating the battle between Rias and Sona wondering how it would go. The party had been cancelled due to the security risk and the situation of questioning Kuroka over what had happened in the past with Kazuhiko's new evidence being found was held in its place along with the debriefing about what had happened.
"I'm going to cheer for Miss Sona, since I trained Zirnitra and the Shard of Vritra. Kukuku, it'll be an interesting fight when they clash with the Hakuryuukou after seeing him fight, even if it was put on." Tannin chuckled eagerly before Ajuka Beelzebub spoke up "The knowledge that Azazel has brought seems to be bringing about a revolution in the Rating Games. If handled poorly, there may be a change within the high-ranked group within half a year."
"That would be good. Since the top ten haven't changed in the last ten-odd years. With this, it seems like we'll be able to see some interesting games." Sirzechs spoke with a smile, the tension in the room disappearing while he still thought on what he had learnt from Kuroka.
The room's door opened a few minutes later, everyone in the room dumbfounded at who was standing there.
"Hmm. So you youngsters can't greet an old man like me, huh?" The one eyed old man spoke. He had a long white beard that seemed to touch the floor and a single robe and old-looking hat with a walking staff in one hand although not there due to his age.
"...Odin." Michael greeted, Azazel taking note of the Valkyrie that had arrived with him as he called "Oh, oh, it's been a while, hasn't it, old geezer of the northern countryside?"
Odin rubbed his beard as he replied, "It's been a while, Fallen Angel brat. It seems you've become intimate with the people you fought with for so long, but... Are you still thinking of something crafty?"
"Hah! Unlike countryside gods that honour old-fashioned bonds according to conventional practices or whatever else, we young people have flexible thoughts. Rather than sticking to troublesome hostile ways of thinking, we place more value on growth and progress." Azazel replied with a grin, Odin retorting amused "That's a loser's mindset appropriate for the weak. After all, you're a gathering of brats that have lost their founding God and Maou."
"It's called becoming independent and standing on our own, geezer." Azazel shot back, Odin raising an eyebrow as he countered "Seeing a bunch of brats doing a play meeting like this, I can't help but laugh."
Sirzechs stood up and approached the Norse God as he greeted him, "It's been a long time, King God of the North, Odin-dono."
"Sirzechs. I came here on the invitation you gave me to watch the games. However, you've also had it hard. The descendant of the original Lucifer is now the Sekiryuutei. Moreover, he became a terrorist. The future of devils isn't going to be easy." Odin replied sarcastically, Sirzechs simply giving a smile as Odin turned his gaze onto Serafall and asked "By the way, Serafall. What's with that appearance?"
Serafall was dressed in a magical girl outfit, giving Odin a smile as she answered "Ara, Odin-sama! Don't you know? This is magical girl's outfit."
Serafall turned sideways and posed with a peace sign, Odin looking perversely at her butt and legs with a hand moving to his chin as he replied "Hmm. So this is what's popular among the young people these days. Not bad at all. Yes, yes, quite nice."
"Odin-sama, you mustn't do such indecent things! The reputation of Valhalla will cry!" The Valkyrie spoke up, Odin resisting to roll his eyes as he countered "Geez, you're so stuffy, Rossweisse. That's why you can't get any heroes as a boyfriend, not even that one you met while helping the dwarves. What was his name..."
"K-Kazuhiko... A-At any rate, I'm just an aged female warrior with a history of no boyfriends! I too want to have a boyfriend! Auu!" Rossweisse started to cry as she spoke, Azazel and the other leaders blinking at hearing Kazuhiko's name and that he was in the Norse Dwarf realm of Niðavellir.
"I'm sorry. This person is my current assistant. Although she's good-looking, she's too stuffy. She can't get a man either although I imagine you know where this Kazuhiko is?" Odin spoke, raising an eyebrow at the leaders as Rossweisse started at the name as Sirzechs answered "Kazuhiko-kun is my sister [Pawn] although I haven't heard of him travelling to other Pantheons."
"Hear that Rossweisse, you've got a second chance with that boy." Odin retorted amused to the blushing silvernette, who tried to stammer a counter as the old god turned back to Sirzechs and spoke "I heard about it. Sirzechs, Serafall, your family members are fighting each other, right? Geez, making your precious sisters face each other even though they're close friends. You people are so bad. You really are devils."
"If she can't break through this much, then her hopes for her future as a devil won't be born."
"It's already decided that my Sona-chan will win."
Sirzechs and Serafall answered respectively about their siblings, Odin taking an empty seat as he spoke brazenly "Now then. The matter of the [Khaos Brigade] is all well and good, but I have come to watch the Rating Game. When is the appointed date?"
Azazel shook his head in amusement at seeing that the matter about what had happened during the party was left for another day as talk settled onto the upcoming Rating Game. He chose to slip out of the room to take a break, resting on a sofa in the hallway as he rubbed his stiff shoulders.
Sirzechs slipped out a moment later, sitting down next to Azazel as he asked "Azazel, can I ask you one thing before the games starts?"
"What is it?" Azazel asked curiously, Sirzechs taking a breathe before asking "If you were facing Rias as an opponent, who would you definitely remove among the Gremory group?"
"Really?" Azazel asked with a raised eyebrow, "It's easily Kazuhiko, of course. Everyone in Rias' team wouldn't be able to handle him at full power even with the steps they've taken with his help to improve."
"I was afraid you'd say that." Sirzechs spoke with a sigh, Azazel looking at him curiously as he asked "Getting cold feet about the Draphalem?"
"Of course not... It just surprises me how strong he's gotten so quickly." Sirzechs answered, Azazel snorting as he retorted "Well it was bound to happen, the kid's a training nut as bad as your cousin at times. It'll be interesting to see if or how Sona tries to remove him from the game."
"And the response Rias and the others will have if she succeeds." Sirzechs added in thought.
...
Kazuhiko sighed as he settled into a seat in Azazel's room, feeling nervous at how Kuroka was happily talking to Kalawarner and Matsu while Blaire and Astrid spoke to Seraphina before he left his room with Matsu. He was at least relieved that Kuroka had said she would stay with Koneko so the two sisters could catch up.
The talk from after the attack by Kuroka and Bikou had lead to Kazuhiko getting a boost in reputation for holding his own against Kuroka, no matter how much she had held back, even convincing Kuroka to hand herself in and protecting Rias, Koneko and Seraphina at the time. Koneko had insisted of being in the room as the questioning had happened and Kazuhiko had found himself being cried on by the normally stoic girl as she learnt that her sister had been protecting her and he had quietly comforted her till Kuroka had finished and was cleared by Sirzechs and the other Maou.
Koneko planted herself on Kazuhiko's lap, her cheeks a little red at the surprised looks that she got while Xenovia happily took the space on the sofa on Kazuhiko's right. The others settled down in chairs to form a loose circle, Azazel clearing his throat before he spoke up "Rias, Sona Sitri knows about the Gremory group to some degree, right?"
Rias nodded as she answered "Yes, she understands us roughly. For example, she knows the main weapons of Kazu, Kiba, Akeno, Mittelt and Xenovia. Video recordings of our battle with the Phenex group were partly open to the public, after all. Furthermore, Gasper's Sacred Gear and Koneko-chan's background have also come to light and I wouldn't put it past her to look more into the magic Kazu uses."
"Well, she roughly know about you all then. So, how much do you know about her side?" Azazel asked curiously, Rias pondering as she answered "I know the abilities of Sona, of her [Queen] the vice-president, and several others of her servants. Though some of their abilities haven't been confirmed yet."
"So you're at a disadvantage in that regard. Well, such a thing is fine for a game or an actual battle. That is often the case in both the games and in actual battles. There are also cases of a Sacred Gear evolving and transforming during battle. You should pay careful attention. The number of your opponents is nine." Azazel replied sagely, Rias nodding as she listened seriously to him as he continued "Yes, one [King], one [Queen], one [Rook], one [Knight], two [Bishops] and three [Pawns], for a total of nine enemies. It seems she still doesn't have a full set of pieces yet, but it's only one more than us."
Matsu wheeled over a large white board and started to write something down as she spoke "Now, the Rating Game classifies players into different particular fighting-types. Power, Technique, Wizard and Support."
Matsu drew a large circle around each word to make her point as she continued "Personally, I'd focus more on classifying in more detail as normally one person doesn't stay in one area. Take Rias for example, she would normally be classed as a Wizard-type but she also counts as a Power-type due to the Power of Destruction. Akeno would be the same due to her holy-lightning."
Matsu wrote both of their names in the Wizard circle before putting arrows that pointed to the Power circle as she continued "Kiba is an obvious Technique-type due to using speed, technique and various swords to gain advantage in a fight while Xenovia is a Power-type who excels at speed to aim for a one-hit-certain-kill."
Matsu took a moment to check that they were following along with her after finishing writing Kiba and Xenovia's names down to see nodding and understanding looks.
"Gasper is a Support-type who is also closer to Technique-type while Mittelt is a Wizard-type and a Power-type with her light magic." Azazel chimed in, Matsu scribbling their names onto the board in the appropriate places as he added "Koneko is a Power-type as well but once you start learning Senjutsu you could become a Support-type."
"Now, Kazu-tan is the most unusual as at first glance he would be both a Technique-type and Wizard-type but can easily also be a Power-type with some of his attacks. He's also a Support-type as he can use his flames' traits to aid others like providing healing, repairing and enhancing other speed." Matsu spoke with a grin as she put Kazuhiko in the middle before drawing arrows to each circle.
"The things that Power-types have to be most careful of are counters. A troublesome class among the Technique-types who specialise in returning the opponent's power to their opponent plus their own power. There are even counter-types among the Sacred Gears and fighting those can have the situation turned around by a single counter blow." Azazel spoke up, Kazuhiko nodding in understanding at his point as Xenovia spoke up bravely "If there's a counter, I just have to overcome it with power."
"If you used that against me, Xenovia, I'd just absorb the power and use it against you." Kazuhiko spoke up, Xenovia looked at him surprised as Azazel nodded as he added "Kazu's right. He can use [Divine Dividing] or [Zero Point Breakthrough] to absorb your power and use it for himself and all you'd have done was tire yourself out, Xenovia."
"It's possible to overcome counters with just more power, but it's another story when your opponent is a genius like Kazu-tan in that field. Avoid attacking as much as possible is a better way as counter-users can't counter you then. They are also better to be faced by a spell-user like Akeno, technique-user like Kiba or Gasper with his special vampire abilities. Everything is about compatibility and while Power-types are simply strong its a big risk for them to fight against Technique-types." Matsu added to explain further to the former exorcist.
"Rias, if there are counter-users in Sona Sitri's group, they might aim at Kazu, you know? If a counter eats up his enormous power, it will be an instant out if they can use it against him. He probably has counter-measures or ideas to avoid such but you still need to come up with and refine some tactics for such an occasion." Azazel spoke to Rias who nodded in understanding as she added "They may also take the same road as Kazu and us with seeking ideas from anime to use..."
"True." Matsu and Azazel both agreed at hearing that before the former continued "I'd say that the chances of you guys winning in this game is over eighty percent. I figure you'll win but there's not really a certainty without more information about the Sitri Team. And the value of pieces isn't absolute either as like an actual game of chess, the value changes according to the situation on the board."
"I have lived a long time. In that time, I have seen a great variety of battles. That's why I will say this. I have seen guys win despite having less than a ten percent chance of victory. Do not take even a one-percent chance lightly. Don't believe that you'll definitely win. However, think that you want to win no matter what. This is the last advice I can give to you all in this training camp." Azazel spoke seriously to the group before the talk turned to tactics for the battle.
...
"Kazu-kun, can I talk to you?" Kazuhiko stopped walking back to his room at hearing Akeno's voice, turning to face the raven haired beauty as he replied "I suppose so. What about Akeno-san?"
"I'd like to explain it in private, in my room if that's alright?" Akeno asked as she glanced to Xenovia and Mittelt concerned as he Kazuhiko nodded "I suppose... I'll see you both in the morning girls."
"Night." Xenovia and Mittelt spoke as they went to the room they were sharing with Asia. Kazuhiko returned it before he was lead by Akeno into her room.
Akeno closed the door after Kazuhiko entered, leaning back against it as she took a calming breathe before speaking "I... I'd like for us to try dating, Kazu-kun."
"Really? Why?" Kazuhiko asked surprised, Akeno softly nodding as she answered "It's because you fully accept me. As a half Fallen Angel and as a person, not the idol the guys in school see me as or as Rias' [Queen]."
"I started to care for you since the Rating Game with Riser and I know it probably doesn't make much sense as you were doing it for your own reasons but watching you fight triggered something beyond my masochistic side." Akeno continued, slowly walking towards Kazuhiko with a nervous look on her face, "I know I was wrong to sneak into your room... but I wanted to test your resolve."
"Why would you want to do that?" Kazuhiko asked confused as he looked at Akeno, "To see if I was serious about Sera and Kala?"
"That's right." Akeno answered, "I wanted to be sure there was room in your heart for more then them as well. I know now that you do after seeing how you treat Xenovia, Ravel and Astrid."
Akeno rested a hand on Kazuhiko's chest over his heart as she continued "But I know I'm partly responsible for the wound on your heart that Raynare made and I'm sorry for that. I asked Sera for permission to make a move and was shocked to learn we are more similar due to one of our parents abandoning us. My father in my case but it cost me the life of my Kaa-san."
Kazuhiko grimaced at the reminder of his mother but was surprised that Akeno had experienced similar to himself albeit in a much worse manner as he still had his father. He took a few moments to think before starting to speak carefully "If we give this a try... It'll have to be slow steps you know. I...I'm not the sort to just jump into bed with someone."
"I know." Akeno spoke with a soft smile, hugging him tightly as she added "I won't even try and convince you to accept Rias either."
Akeno's smile grew as she felt Kazuhiko relax a bit more and knowing an unknown concern of the brunet's had been settled as he spoke "Alright, we can give it a shot."
Akeno grinned as she hugged Kazuhiko happily as she spoke "Thank you, thank you, thank you."
...
The next day saw everyone gathered near the huge magic circle underneath the Gremory Manor which would be used to take the peerage to the game area.
"Good luck." Seraphina spoke, giving Kazuhiko a kiss before Kalawarner gave her own good luck charm to him. Kazuhiko was dressed in a similar version to the uniform he'd wore during the Rating Game against Riser albeit it fit his new build and didn't have the holsters for his weapons and Shirohime was coiled under the collar of his shirt. The others aside from Xenovia were wearing their Kuoh Academy summer uniforms while she was wearing her exorcist uniform.
Kazuhiko stepped onto the magic circle where the rest of the peerage was and turned to face Rias' parents, Millicas, Azazel, Astrid, Asia, Seraphina, Kalawarner, Kuroka, Blaire and Matsu who were outside.
"Rias, you've won once before. Make sure to continue that streak." Zeoticus spoke up before Venelana added "Fight a battle that won't make you ashamed as the next head of the family. Everyone else as well, okay?"
"Do your best, Rias-neesama!" Millicas cheered.
"Well, I've taught you about things you needed to be informed about this time. All that's left is to exert yourselves and go all out." Azazel added before Matsu spoke "Remember what I said before Kazu-tan."
Sirzechs and Grayfia weren't there as they had to already move to a spectator's lounge for the exclusive VIPs which held the leaders of the three Biblical Factions but also had VIPs from other Pantheons invited. Azazel would be heading there after the Gremory group left and he had told them that the game between the sisters of two of the Maou would have a lot of attention.
The magic circle began to shine as Kazuhiko took a calming breathe, taking them away to the location of the Rating Game.
...
The Gremory group appeared in a clothes shop with yutakas and kimonos around them and a couple of changing rooms at the back. They looked around to try and recognise their surroundings before Kazuhiko thought 'This seems familiar to me...'
[They probably based this area off of some real place.] Albion spoke up, Kazuhiko nodding as he looked out of the windows to see several wooden stalls about as Rias commented "I didn't expect that the festival plaza in Kuoh Town would be the stage."
[Everyone, I, the [Queen] of the Lucifer group, Grayfia, will be carrying the role of arbiter in the [Rating Game] between the Gremory group and the Sitri group on this occasion.] Grayfia spoke through the announcement system in the whole area.
[In the name of my master, Sirzechs Lucifer, I will watch over the battle between these two families. It's a pleasure to be here. To get right to the main topic, the battlefield for today is the plaza for festivals within the town of Kuoh, near the school 'Kuoh Academy' that Rias-sama and Sona-sama attend, which has been prepared within a separate space as the game field.] Grayfia continued calmly, making Kazuhiko frown as he wondered why she didn't use the normal name for the place.
The 'Festival Plaza', as referred to by the residents of the town, was a fairly large open space that had dozens of wooden huts for people to rent and use during festivals that were held. There was only a few concrete buildings in the area and they were all on the outskirts and were either general stores, fast food restaurants or the formal wear shop that the Gremory group was standing in.
[Both groups have been transported to their respective 'bases'. Rias-sama's 'base' is within the Katsuragi's Kimonos store on the east of the plaza, while Sona-sama's 'base' is within the Miyato's general store on the west. In order for [Pawns] to promote, please go to your opponent's 'base'.] Grayfia continued, [This time, there will be special rules. Documents on this have been sent to each group, so please check them. A single bottle of the healing item 'Phoenix Tears' has been provided to each team. Furthermore, the time to strategize before the battle is thirty minutes. Contact with the opponent during this time is forbidden. The game is scheduled to start in thirty minutes. Then, let the strategy time begin.]
With that the group gathered around the check out counter as Rias started to speak "The battlefield is modelled on the plaza with a festival going on so its not just a simple outdoor battle."
The redhead had taken out a guide map that had been put under the counter, setting it on the counter so everyone could look at it as she continued "The rules this time states [Don't destroy the shops or plaza which has become the battlefield] and [No flying over the festival buildings]; in other words, we can't do any showy battles that could risk the former and can't not avoid the buildings by just taking to the air."
"...I see, so to me, the fuku-buchou, and Kazu-sama, this is a disadvantageous battlefield. We can't do attacks that affect a wide area." Xenovia spoke, Kazuhiko nodding as he clarified "From the ground we can't risk it but in the air we could as long as we avoid aiming at the ground. The second rule means we'll have to follow the layout of the plaza and the buildings if we take to the air."
"That really is troublesome. A battle of large mass attacks has been mostly sealed and we'll have to keep to the existing paths." Akeno spoke troubled as she put her hand on her cheek and sighed as she continued "Gasper-kun's eyes also won't be as effective. There are too many places to hide within the plaza with the stores about. Also all of the goods and products they have will have been exactly reproduced, so there is an overflowing amount of objects to obstruct his vision and Sona-sama is already in a store to begin with. There is also the possibility of surprise attack if we're not careful... It's troubling. This is a disadvantageous battlefield for our special characteristics because the Rias Gremory group's forte is to battle showily, we're completely sealed."
Rias shook her head as she replied "No, Gasper's eyes couldn't be used from the start. They put in a restriction on it here. [The user of Gasper Vladi's Sacred Gear is forbidden], it says. The reason is clear and simple. Since he sill can't perfectly control it yet. They judged that it would be problematic if the entire game was spoiled by his eyes going out of control. Giving him Kazu's blood is also prohibited. It seems that they've provided him with Sacred Gear-sealing glasses developed by Azazel. [Since it was made for Gasper's exclusive use, it won't have any particular bad influence on his body]... so it says here. Really, he likes to prepare."
"Also Kazu's [Heavenly Judgement] is forbidden as well." Rias added, "It's obvious they are worried this game won't be interesting with that power available to you, Kazu."
"It's fine." Kazuhiko waved her off, showing that he was wearing the sealing bangles Matsu had originally gave him as he added, "I can still use my [Heavenly Flames] but I wasn't going to use [Heavenly Judgement] anyway for this as it wouldn't have been too fair on Sona-sama's group."
"Then, will Gasper fight using magic and his vampire abilities?" Mittelt asked, Rias nodding as she answered "That's right. From the beginning, his time-stopping powers carried a lot of risk. The other side has not only the counter-types I mentioned before, but also Saji-kun, who possesses a Sacred Gear that absorbs the power of others, and Hyodo-kun, who possesses a Sacred Gear that can create new magic on the fly, so we don't know what kind of counterattacks they'll use. Like suppressing it with genjutsu. There are also other technique's to take away a person's vision. When talking about such things, it becomes impossible to use that power in either the games or actual battle. Using meticulous caution is only natural."
Gasper put on the glasses as Rias continued "The Rating Game isn't something you can win simply by having a lot of power. The battle situation changes completely according to the battlefield and the rules. Because this is a ground where even devils that lack strength can depend on wisdom and rise higher, it has become popular in the Underworld and among the other powers. The rules this time may be disadvantageous to us. However, if we can't make up for this, we won't be able to win and advance in the games from now on. 'Even a [Pawn] can take down the [King]'... this is not only a basic rule in chess, but also a proverb of the Rating Games. In other words, it implies that 'anyone can win with the proper method'."
Akeno smiled approvingly of Rias' words before Kazuhiko chimed in "Do you have to give this sort of lesson now? We are supposed to be planning for this game against Sona and I think we all understand that we have to hold back our power given the rules."
Rias flushed in realisation that she had been monologuing as she replied "I-I suppose your right, Kazu."
"Anyway, there's four main paths for the plaza. Two that go around the edges of the whole area and two straight paths that cross at the central open area. The left of the outer paths from where we are leads to a car park that has been included in the field and I imagine they put cars in there if they have reproduced all the merchandise and merchandise shelves for here." Rias spoke, signalling to the shop around them.
"Buchou, I'll go look at the car park since there's a path nearby." Kiba spoke up, raising his hand only for Kazuhiko to suggest "It'd be easier to just fly straight up and see what you can spot of it from here."
"Please do that instead, Yuuto." Rias spoke with a nod, Kiba nodding as he headed out quickly.
"Are the cars important somehow?" Xenovia asked honestly, Rias nodding as Akeno explained "If they drove a car around, it'd be serious, you know? Besides, we have to openly consider the possibility of that they'll use the car itself as a bomb. Though I don't think someone like Sona-sama would do something recklessly like the first idea."
"I suppose that is a valid worry." Kazuhiko spoke up, Rias nodding as she added "It's also possible for someone to rest and hide inside the cars. Now that I think about it, we haven't seen the inside of the staff room before. We should go check it... Plus if we lose any clothes we can use the stores that hold them as back ups and use some of the other stores to help arm ourselves if need be."
Rias frowned in thought as she considered what to do before speaking to Gasper "Gasper, please change into bats and fly to every location within the plaza. In the opening of the game, you'll inform us of the situation here in detail."
"R-Roger!" Gasper replied, slightly nervous but showing some fighting spirit as well as the strategy planning continued on after that.
"The game will be starting in fifteen minutes. We'll gather here again in ten minutes so everyone please remain on standby with your respective methods of relaxing until then." Rias spoke once the planning had ended, everyone breaking up to relax before the game started.
...
Kazuhiko sighed as he sat on the counter in the convenience store opposite the kimono shop they had appeared in, flicking through a magazine he had picked up while trying to think if anything in the store would help him.
"Kazu-kun, what are you doing?" Akeno asked curiously as she entered, Kazuhiko shrugging his shoulders as he answered "I was trying to think if anything in here would be useful to me."
"And the magazine?" Akeno asked amused, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes as got off the counter and answered "Just wanted to see if any good movies are coming out soon."
"Already preparing for our first date, huh?" Akeno teased with a pleased smile, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes before he was embraced tightly by her.
"A-Akeno-san, what's wrong?" Kazuhiko asked surprised, Akeno rubbing her face against his shoulder as she answered in a painful voice "... I'm getting courage from Kazu-kun."
Kazuhiko blinked in surprise at hearing that, returning her hug as she explained "I need the courage to fight... Because I might have to use the other power that flows inside me this time, I'm scared. I hate it, even with the new view you gave me. That's why, I'm getting courage from Kazu-kun beyond the characters you've pointed me towards to help me while we trained."
"It's fine to seek courage from others for such a thing and I'll help you however you need." Kazuhiko spoke softly, Akeno smiled brightly at hearing that as she asked "When I bring out my power of light, will you watch, Kazu-kun? If Kazu-kun is watching, I will be able to use it."
"I suppose I can do that. It's a rather small price to pay." Kazuhiko replied with a chuckle, Akeno tightening her hold on him as she murmured lowly "...I'm happy. If I'm together with Kazu, surely... You belong to Sera and Kala, but even so I will always... by your side..."
Kazuhiko frowned as he didn't catch what Akeno had said before she moved back, eyes moist and a soft smile on her lips as she leant upwards and forwards to close the gap between their faces.
"...Kazu-sempai, it's almost time to gather." Koneko spoke, surprising the pair as they stepped back from each other as Kazuhiko blurted "Koneko-chan!"
Koneko sighed with half-closed eyes as she looked at Kazuhiko, a dusting of pink on her cheeks as she looked away while Akeno spoke "Ara ara, Koneko-chan. You saw us. Ufufu. Kazu-kun, thank you. I'm already okay now."
"...Next time, for sure... with you." Akeno whispered once she was outside of the store, a soft smile on her lips as she looked back at the pair before headed back to the kimono store.
"...Please give me courage too, Sempai." Koneko spoke embarrassed as she grasped Kazuhiko's hand, making him blink in surprise for a moment before squeezing her hand back as he replied "Mah, mah... I suppose that's fine with me."
"Aren't you afraid of me, as a Nekomata?" Koneko asked with an anxious expression, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes as he countered "Let me ask a question in response Koneko-san. Were you afraid of me once you found out I was part Angel?"
"No, Sempai is nice. I could tell you wouldn't hurt us especially after what had happened." Koneko answered, Kazuhiko nodding as he added "That's your answer, Koneko-san. It's not what you are, its who you are that helps define you. Plus between me, your Nee-sama and the others, you're not going to lose yourself to that power."
"...I'll use my Nekomata power." Koneko spoke with a serious nod, "...I hate what Nee-sama had to do to protect me but as things are now, I may not be able to be useful to everyone like she could be. That's why. I'll use it."
"I'm sure your Nee-sama can help you become skilled with your Nekomata power in the future as well." Kazuhiko added, Koneko nodding as she murmured "...You really are a kind Hakuryuukou..."
Kazuhiko blinked as he wondered what Koneko had said before they headed back the meet with the others, the latter's cheeks a deep red.
...
The Gremory group had gathered as the start time approached, the announcement soon streaming through the area as Grayfia spoke [It is now time to begin. Furthermore, the time limit for this game will be a blitz-style of three hours. Then without further ado, game start.]
'A blitz game, huh?' Kazuhiko thought at hearing that, knowing the game would be a relatively quick one as it would rely on them fighting their opponents over some of the other types of games that he had learnt about.
"Your instructions are just as we agreed on before. Mittelt and Koneko, and Yuuto and Xenovia will split into two separate groups and take the outer paths. Yuuto and Xenovia, you'll take the one that has the car park. Gasper will transform into many bats and do surveillance and reporting inside the store. According to the condition of your progress. Me and Akeno will go by the route of Koneko's group. Kazu, you'll go down the middle path and act as a decoy seeing as Sona will probably expect us to follow after you due to your power." Rias explained to them, getting nods as they all fitted communication-use microphones into their ears as she added "Now then, my cute servant devils! Let's win this game."
""Yes!"" The group spoke together.
"Then, Xenovia, let's go."
"Yes, Kiba." Kiba and Xenovia spoke as they headed out first. Kiba had returned to say that there was cars in the car park and so it was agreed that the two [Knights] would use the more open space and try and draw attention of the enemy to them. Kazuhiko would be doing the same as he could use the open square of the plaza to face down whoever used that route and Saji and Issei would be aiming for him. Mittelt and Koneko taking the third path would mean that Sona overall had to split up her forces more and Rias and Akeno backing them up would mean they'd overwhelm whoever was guarding that route.
"Let's get going, Koneko-chan."
"Hai Mittelt." Mittelt and Koneko spoke up net as they left for the other path as Kazuhiko moved to leave as well as Rias and Akeno spoke up as well.
"Kazu, good luck."
"Ufufu, I can't wait to see you fight."
...
Kazuhiko walked casually down the middle towards the square, taking a breathe to keep himself calm as he thought, 'You've been oddly quiet Metatron, is everything alright?'
{Ah, yes. I'm fine. I just didn't want to distract you given the restrictions that have been put into effect for this game.} Metatron answered with a smile, Kazuhiko blinking as he thought back 'You wouldn't distract me, Metatron. You've been great help ever since the beginning.'
Albion letting out a chuckle as he added [She's been working on any idea as well.]
{Albion, I wanted that to be a secret.} Metatron scolded the dragon, Kazuhiko letting his gaze search around for any sign of his opponents before he stopped to grab a box of pocky from one of the stores to nibble on before he asked 'What is it?'
{I'd prefer not to say until I've finished working out everything.} Metatron answered, Kazuhiko nodding as he replied 'That's fine then. Just let me know if you need help testing it.'
[Looks like those two are already at the square.] Albion spoke with a smirk, Kazuhiko raising an eyebrow as he finally reached the square himself to see Issei and Saji standing there waiting for him.
"Well, you two are eager to fight me, aren't you?" Kazuhiko spoke with a smirk as he came to a stop a dozen feet away from the pair and checked them over. Both of their Sacred Gears were already active but while Issei's hadn't changed, Saji's had so it now resembled lizard-like armour that covered the backs of both hands and forearms and a pair covering the front of his legs and feet up to his knees.
"Yo Yuuki." Saji spoke with a smirk, the pair standing rather relaxed as Issei continued "We wanted to wait for you to show up before we showed off our new power we got from training all summer."
"Go right ahead then." Kazuhiko replied, activating [Divine Dividing] with but a thought as power flared from Issei and Saji before they both shouted "Limit Break!"
Kazuhiko's eyes widened as Issei's hair suddenly spiked upwards to defy gravity and turned a bright blonde that matched the flaring aura around his body while his eyes turned a bright green. Saji on the other hand had what Kazuhiko saw of his arms get covered in a dark purple scale like pattern that also reached up the sides of his neck and around his eyes while his canines lengthened slightly and eyes turned dragon-like. Both dragonic [Pawns] also seemed to gain a slight bulge in their muscles.
"[Super Saiyan] and [Dragon Force]?" Kazuhiko spoke impressed at the pair, Saji grinning as he replied "This spell lets us power up ourselves and our new fighting styles. So, how do you think your [Vongola Flames] will stand up to our powers now."
"Oh... That's very interesting." Kazuhiko replied, looking thoughtfully for a moment before a smirk formed as he added "I suppose that will work for a name for that spell I accidentally came up with during training as well."
"What?" Issei asked confused, himself and Saji stepping back at the suddent flare of [Sky Flames] around Kazuhiko as he spoke "Limit Break!"
Kazuhiko's eyes turned bright orange as a flame ignited on his forehead and a calm smile formed on his lips as he spoke "Let's see how [Hyper Dying Will Mode] stands against them then."
Both Saji and Issei glared at Kazuhiko and the fact he had been working on something similar to them and stolen the name they had came up with for the spell as they took their own fighting stances.
[One of Rias Gremory-sama's [Bishops], retired] The announcement came, distracting them from starting their fight as Saji grinned and retorted "Gasper was caught."
"We were contacted and told that Gasper-kun's Sacred Gear was sealed according to the rules along with your own [Heavenly Judgement]. As such, it was inevitable that he would use his vampire powers instead." Saji continued confidently.
"[He will change into bats and observe the situation within the area]. This is what Kaichou thought. So we utilised our base." Issei chipped in with a smirk of his own, Kazuhiko frowning as he spoke "You used something into the store."
"That's right." Saji picked up from there, "First, one of our members moves suspiciously at the Sitri base. Then, Gasper-kun who was doing surveillance would naturally be interested and follow them, you know?"
Kazuhiko shot forwards, aiming to take advantage of the pair monologuing to land a surprise attack only for Saji and Issei to jump in opposite directions the latter counterattacking with a shout of "Kamehameha!"
Kazuhiko took flight to avoid the beam of dragon energy, turning to see it flying towards Saji who thrust a gauntlet at it. The mouth opened and a suction noise came from the gauntlet as the beam of magic was taken into the Sacred Gear before Saji took a deep breathe and roared out "Fire Dragon's Roar!"
Kazuhiko dodged the black flames launched at him, as Issei continued explaining as he winglessly flew into the air at Kazuhiko, "Then, when we showed more suspicious behaviour, he would call the other bats he had launched and start to observe with several of them. When all the many bats had gathered, that's when it happened."
"If something happens to the bats when all of them are gathered, they revert back to Gasper's body." Saji spoke as he flew up behind Kazuhiko, making the brunet block and dodge the attacks of both opponents as he continued "Near the place where the bats had assembled was garlic, a vampire's greatest dislike."
"Our base is a convenience store..." Issei managed to pipe in before Kazuhiko landed a punch on his stomach, sending him flying back as Saji continued "So there is a large quantities of garlic left there. It was easy to catch Gasper with that."
Saji's confident smirk faltered as Kazuhiko suddenly appeared behind him swinging an axe kick down onto his back and launching him towards the ground.
"Destructo Disc!"
"Amaryllis: Storm!" Kazuhiko countered Issei's attack, firing the fireball at the disc of spinning energy and making them both explode once they hit each other. Issei flying at Kazuhiko as Saji swiftly tried to land a strike on his opponent's back.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Saji called, swinging the flaming fist only to be surprised at seeing Kazuhiko catch it in a [Asteroid Flame] covered fist as he also used his other fist to catch Issei's before retorting "You need to put your heads together if you wish to beat me."
With that, Kazuhiko swing them into each other and ended up knocking their heads together before landing a hammer blow that sent them tumbling towards the ground.
[It seems that Zirnitra has learned to absorb magic as well Vritra's host.] Albion commented to his host, Kazuhiko looking at the pair who were floating a dozen feet below him as Zirnitra spoke aloud [I did what happened between you and Ddraig, Albion, its just that I and the portion of Vritra are more compatible then the two Heavenly Dragons.]
"Seriously!?" Kazuhiko asked surprised, watching the pair power up and gather their magic for their attacks before doing the sames as he gathered [Rain Flames] into his hands as Albion commented [Impressive.]
...
Author's Note
I couldn't resist having them just walking back with Kuroka at the start of this and the leaders find out that Kazuhiko has been to the Norse dwarves from Rossweisse. Should be interesting to have her meet with Kazuhiko again. Akeno and Kazuhiko's talk has bits form her talk with Seraphina as I couldn't really think of a better way to explain bits.
I changed the setting for the Rating Game mainly due to needing more space for Kazuhiko vs Saji and Issei but tried to put in other rules to make it as difficult given they can't fly over the buildings. I'm pretty sure all of you have figured out that Dragonball Z is the basis of Issei's fighting style while Fairy Tail's Natsu is Saji's and his Sacred Gear has the form from the Loki fight in the anime. The Limit Break I came up with as a overall power up spell that just forms differently depending on the user so for Issei's its Super Saiyan while Saji has Dragon Force.
Hope you enjoy the chapter.