A/N: I don't own Highschool DxD, the Yakuza Franchise, or any songs mentioned in this chapter.
I am a man with many regrets, like any other person, but I take it in stride and accept me for who I am. Yet this situation is one that can only be a catch-22.
I feel my skull nearly cave in before falling to the ground, limp.
Is this how it feels like to fight Kazuma Kiryu? I hate it.
Now, how did I get into the situation I'm in right now? Well, to understand that, there will need to be an exposition.
I was killed, at 16.
Wait, not killed, I died, there better.
Regardless, I remember talking on my phone, but not much else. Not like anyone would miss me, I was fairly lonely, not for a lack of trying mind you.
Regardless, I'm dead. So why am I in a library?
"That can be answered simply," a man in a suit with glasses says. It's weird cause I can tell he has features, just not what they are, he's male with hair that alternates between style and color, same with his eyes and ears.
Can you read my mind?
"Yes, now let's make this quick. Your world is known as 'World Zero', it's a special type of world."
Special how?
The man smirks humorously, "In many ways, but its most special trait is that this world can be considered the 'Origin World', a world that is as normal as can be."
I felt compelled to think about all that's happened in 2020 alone and look at him with eyes that clearly said 'Really?'.
He chuckles again, "I understand, but 'normal' is how this world is described. Anyway, the second trait this world has is its spiritual core," he spreads his hand as he shows me the library.
Is that Naruto? Danmachi?
As I paid closer attention, I noticed that a lot of books and light novels are here.
Percy Jackson. How a Realist Hero Rebuilt a Kingdom.
There were even some Webnovels and games.
Azur Lane. The Lone Vigilante Issei.
Wait a fucking second.
That's a fanfic!
The man chuckles, "So you've noticed? Yes, this world is special in the fact that the people of this world are the creators of many. This type of world is called 'The Archives'. In this world, there are multiple branches of possibilities, and while other worlds are similar, this one has the most possibilities, maybe there was a nuclear war? What if magic was real and it was public knowledge?"
I nod in faux understanding.
He chuckles in understanding, "Don't worry, that's not important for you. Now you are going to be isekai'ed."
Huh?
"To the world of DxD."
Wait, stop!
"But, you won't be going powerless."
My confusion was obvious.
His smirk worries me, "Tell me, you know the Yakuza franchise, right?"
And that's how my day led to me getting my arm broken by Tanimura.
At first I admit I had to take a step outside, the fanboy in me yelling. I mean I'm going to be trained by some of the strongest people in the 'mundane' category of video games who are also awesome characters.
Then I remembered Heat moves existed and so did Hell's Gauntlet.
So here I am, training with Kazuma Kiryu, or a version of him, in a version of Kamurocho, or anywhere else the games took place.
The man who told me about this said that I would be here for around three years to the outside world but time here would speed up or slow depending on my progress.
Regardless, I'm not having a good time.
I hear a chuckle to my right as I see Akiyama laugh, "That was bad."
Tanimura and Shinada agree.
"Maybe the peanut gallery can stay quiet for once. Actually, why don't you guys try it?" I ask.
"Nope," they intoned in unison.
"Already did, wasn't fun." Akiyama said as the other two nodded in agreement.
"I think I've got a good idea on your skill level," I hear Kazuma's gruff voice ring out.
"Let me guess," I start, "Weak hits?" He nods, "Low stamina?" He shrugs, so I take that as an ok sign.
"Bad technique?" he shakes his head.
"No, that's actually where you're actually better, your evasions and blocks need work but it could be worse," considering I had some training in Tae, so it could be worse.
He offers me a hand and I grab it as he pulls me up.
"Am I better than Shinada?" I ask while brushing dust off me.
"Yes," Kazuma says without hesitation.
"Hey!" Shinada yells.
"But anyone who's trained is better than Shinada," Tanimura intoned as Akiyama laughed.
"What is this? 'Attack Shinada' day?"
"No," I start, "That's on Friday, today's tuesday so we attack whoever gives us an opening."
We all share a laugh as Shinada says, "In that case, wanna start learning weapons?"
I remember my trivia that Shinada is the only protagonist who can use weapons to an extremely proficient degree aside from Majima who is already a weapons master, "No, that's fine, I think I'll be fine."
"Go ahead," Kazuma says.
"Traitor!" I yell as I run away in hopes of prolonging the amount of time I don't feel pain.
"You can't run forever Vic," he yelled as he chased me.
Vic, my nickname for my real name, Victor. My last name was decided to be Ryunou.
Laughter followed my trail as I ran until I was off the floor, I looked to the right and saw a large arm connected to a large man whose face is stuck into a glare, "Hey Saejima, Majima."
Next to him was a man in a snakeskin jacket while his tattoo peeked from under it and no shirt while wearing an eyepatch with a snake on it and some gloves.
"C'mon kiddo, let's learn weapons with uncle Shinada and Majima," said Majima in his kansai accent.
"How about we don't?"
Of course, I went ignored.
I'm currently running.
Hard.
This is part of my conditioning for training, while I was fit enough in my own world, I needed to get better. My goal is to beat Taiga. Reason being is that he is my natural enemy when it comes to martial arts, specifically, his herculean strength, counters and openings don't mean much when he just doesn't feel them or react to them. Kazuma is my final goal.
So, here I am, running for my life, from Taiga.
When you're being chased by a six-foot man that can absolutely break you in two or three hits, you don't ask questions, you run.
Jabbing at the opening Shinada left he tries to retaliate but I weave under his sloppy punch and grab his torso before raising him and slamming him to the ground before I start raining blow after blow.
He quickly escapes by grabbing my shoulder and headbutt me as I stumble back and I feel a kick to my side. Before I retaliated with my own but he grabbed me and kneed me in the face.
Stumbling back but quickly finding my balance I follow with a hook that caught him off guard and an uppercut though he retaliated with a jab and a second one before following with a straight and forcing me to stumble back again as he hit my stomach with intertwined hands before attempting to tackle me but I stepped back and kicked both my feet up as it caught his chest and sent him flying to the wall as he slid down it and there was silence until he chuckled, "Good work kid."
I smiled a bright smile that day.
I opened my eyes to find myself in a forest while snow fell on top of me. Some of it got in my shirt and I jumped to my feet as I looked around in surprise.
Where am I?
"God damn it. Pinches maricones, onde me dejaron?!"
Why did I scream 'fucking gays' and to who? Well, to my mentors in combat. As payback, they were allowed to decide where I would be sent.
With a calming breath of cold air I look around to try and get a feeling of where I am.
I may have seen the anime but it's been a while since all the training was for three years with each day varying in how long they lasted.
All I remembered was that all the characters had big tits.
Wait, most characters have big tits.
Patting my pockets, I found a mp3 player with headphones(along with all my favorite songs, thank God) along with a wallet, ID, and some money. No phone though.
Fuck.
It's also snowing so its December.
By Gabriel's right tit am I… not cold?
I found a stream as I stared at my reflection and found a young adult with sharp features and relaxed brown eyes with hair that's brushed back as I wore a grey North Face sweater and a baggy white shirt under it. My pants were baggy and had a camo style with black sneakers and I had a silver watch on my right wrist.
I looked away from the dashing reflection and closed my eyes and manipulated the Heat in me as a calming blue glow came over me like a second skin.
There was something else as well, but I couldn't place it. My body felt sterner, and I felt healthier. Stronger.
"Let's just say, you'll be getting a few boons to fit in better."
Shaking myself out of the reverie I looked away and continued, following the stream as I put on the headphones and played music instead of walking in silence like some barbarian.
Listening to Nobody Speak by Run the Jewels and DJ Shadow, I kept walking.
The forest was lush and had a lot of greenery with snow crunching under my footsteps, so you could see my confusion when I saw an abandoned warehouse, reminding me of a horror movie setup.
Oh, there's the…
A familiar warmth covered my cheeks as I stared at the woman waiting in the doors of the creepy warehouse.
Did I mention she was naked? I feel like that's important. She also had smooth blonde hair that traveled down her shoulders and pale skin.
The term 'Stray Devil' passed through my head as it knocked me out of my stupor and I slapped my cheeks twice to snap myself out of it before hardening myself to what I may see on the inside.
Looking down as a certain reaction becomes apparent as I look at it with disappointment, "This is not what I meant by hardening. First Kuroinu and now this? The fuck's wrong with you?"
Without waiting for a response, whether it'd be my own consciousness or something else, I stared at the snow on the ground and at the falling snow as I know I'm going to regret what I'm going to do.
Gathering some snow in a snowball, I look down my pants to see the reason for the incredibly obvious bulge in my pants before muttering, "You made me do this."
"¡A la chingada madre!"
There is no such thing as happiness. Only pain.
Shaking my head to clear my head and prepare myself for what'll happen once I enter the warehouse.
With a clear mind and alert eyes I open the door and walk inside but stay near the entrance. The doors closed behind me as I looked around and remarked, "Oh no~, the doors closed from behind me, what am I going to do~?"
If you couldn't tell, that was sarcasm, right now the best thing to do is to keep my back against the wall. Limits the probability of a surprise attack and gives me the opportunity to try and gauge where everything is.
Crates are scattered around along with the windows on top being broken, letting some light fall in. Enough to see something but I couldn't pin it down as to what it was.
"Oh~, well aren't you quite the specimen~?"
Fucking hell, Lamia alert. She had the same attractive looks that I saw when she was outside except she had a long tail with green scales that went quite a distance. To all those interested in Lamias, I'm sorry but I don't see the appeal.
"S'up with you? You look like a…" I stared as I tried to find some way to compliment her but on closer inspection it was hard to hide my disgust. Not because of her looks but because of a feeling.
It's like anxiety with disgust as I finally come to the realization. Stray Devil, the horrible stench that I can smell from her and my surroundings.
No. Just no. I could see the hunger in her eyes, "Lovecraftian nightmare. Fuck off!"
"You little!" She charged at a speed that many would have trouble keeping up with.
I jabbed as I held back and sent her head, along with her body careening back.
I fought with a man that can leave afterimages of himself, you'd have to be far faster to catch me off guard.
I fought people who can break large boulders with ease and when weakened, you'd have to be stronger to do any damage.
I've taken hits from these people and survived.
I've taken hits from these people when they were at their peak and survived.
I'll leave how strong I am to your imagination but I can tell you one thing and one thing alone.
There's a reason I was able to leave the pocket dimension.
She reeled back as she roared but I wasn't done.
Jumping on her tail as she was thrashing around and got above her face as I threw a kick up and brought the opposite leg down in an axe kick as it hit her head solidly and it hit the floor with a loud crack.
I landed as I saw her twitch and I walked towards the area where I saw the mystery objects.
There was a beat before my eyes widen when I was finally able to see what the were, "What the fuck!?"
Is this what bodies smell like? What they look like? My heart pounds as I stumble back in horror and fear. Some had maggots in them, others had wide eyes while some had their eyes peacefully closed. I turned to all fours and dry heave.
"Ah humans, always so weak and morally obligated. They should learn to just lay down and die when an obviously superior being tells them to."
My brows shoot up as I feel something curl around my stomach before I'm pulled and sent flying to a wall, "Compared to us Devils, you lot are less than the angels, hell less than the fallen. At least they have uses, but your kind? Only lambs to the slaughter. We Devils are like gods compared to the other races. Moreso yours." She slithers up a crate as she says this while I try to catch my second wind.
I grit my teeth as I glare at the monster, "You? A god?"
I get to my feet as I breathe in deeply and exhale before I grin to her, to her confusion. That grin turns to chuckles before it goes up a notch into cackling, "What are you laughing about? Has your mind broken from the realization of the situation you're in."
Wiping a tear from my eyes, I calm down enough to respond, "Big words coming from such a small existence."
She's glaring at me, how cute! "Watch your tongue! Or I'll rip it out!"
With a calm tone I say the words, "Bet bitch."
And she was on me without a word as she appeared before me, "You're dead!"
"No you."
And with the holy words said, I countered. One second I was standing straight and suddenly she was sent flying with the indentation of a fist in her solar plexus.
I stayed like that with an extended arm while the other was tucked in for a few more seconds before I turned to my favored stance. With a fist near my jaw while the other was down in a boxing half guard.
I walked forward and relaxed when I noticed her groaning.
Passing by a Japanese katana I pick it up. Nothing worth seeing, just a mundane blade but it would get the job done.
I'm not my mentors, but I know a lost cause when I see one. Yet, why am I hesitant?
I inhale deeply and exhale before raising the blade and stab it down to the heart.
She died calmly at least, the victims on the other hand…
Clasping my hands in prayer, I started praying but in Spanish.
Spanish was always the language I did this in. It was the one I learnt it with so I'll stick with it.
I ended the prayer with, "Lo siento. Las que los hizo sufrir murió en paz, pero espero que su espíritu encuentre redención. No es mucho, pero lo más que pueda hacer es que sus mande los espíritus en paz. Que Dios-no que el Archangel Gabriel lo guíen y Michael los proteja."
Finishing it up, I looked around for some way to bury them or burn them when a voice interrupted my thoughts, "Estas lejos de tu hogar niño, que haces aqui?"
Turning around to see a man behind me that I don't recognize. There's something in the back of my mind nagging me that I should but it seems like I can't remember much from the anime. Some names come up blank and descriptions too. He was tall and looked like he was in his twenties with an average build, black hair with blonde bangs and a goatee.
All of this should have left me to see a playboy. I know people say that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but with most people what you see is what you get. But that thought changed the moment I gazed at his eyes. They were curious and excited, like how a bookworm stares at an interesting book. Though in this case the bookworm is an aged man that has great power.
He raised a hand in greeting, "Yo."
I quirk a brow and turn back to my search, "Yeah. Though it does make you wonder where I am for something like this," I nod to the body of the lamia, "to exist."
The stranger quirks a brow, "Kid, how do you not know where you are? Do you have amnesia?"
I snort, "No, I was in self-isolation for three years with six other guys for training. Then they decided to be assholes and drop me off in some random forest."
"Then let me be the first to welcome you to Japan."
I pause for a second and stare, "Ya serious?" He nods.
"No wonder, of course the Japs have something like that." I point at the corpse of the Lamia.
The stranger laughs, "You've got a strange sense of humor kid, you know that?"
I shrug, "When you live in fear of school shootings, become desensitized to news, and live in your own world to escape this one then you kind of develop a weird sense of humor."
His laugh turns a lot more sheepish, "Was-Was that a joke?"
I didn't answer as I stared him in the eye, "Good question."
We stare at each other in silence until he coughs into his fist, "Well, that was awkward. Anyway, who trained you?"
Staring at the sky, I try to find a way to describe them, "A dragon, a tiger, a phoenix, a tortoise, a demon, and a human trained me."
"Wait, really?"
I just grinned, "Yup, where I come from. They can shake buildings with a single punch and probably bring them down at full force."
Azazel tilts his head, "That doesn't sound too impressive."
"It is when they're all humans."
His eyes widened, "Wait, all of them?" I nod, "Wow. That's impressive. They've gotta be pretty good senjutsu users."
"What's senjutsu?"
I heard something break as his bangs shadows his eye, "Huh?"
"We don't use this 'senjutsu' you're talking about."
His eyes nearly pop out of his sockets before he relaxes, "Of course, you must use magic then."
"No we don't."
To say the man was surprised would be an understatement.
At some point he introduced himself as Azazel, "I've got it! Come stay with me!"
I stare at him with suspicion, "Azazel, I want you to know that I'm straight and nothing will change that."
Azazel laughed, "Good thing I'm only into the voluptuous type, if you know what I mean."
Nodding in agreement, I continued, "Then why?"
Azazel laughed, "Because you're interesting, is that good enough for you kiddo?"
I could only sigh before I continued staring at the bodies, "Victor Ryunou."
Azazel smiled, "That's the spirit Ryunou-kun." He got closer and extended a hand for me to grab.
Grasping at his extended hand I say, "Vic, or Victor. Not used to the Japanese way of saying things."
Azazel chuckled, "Alright, Vic."
"But first, let's give the dead something that resembles a proper farewell at least."
I could only stare at the ashes as they were sent upwards and the weapons stashed in the earth so none will bother them.
We were in a normal home as I walked in with Azazel, "Welcome, mi casa es tu casa. Literally in this case."
Quirking a brow I ask, "Why? Not like I have anything against it, mind you, but this is a pretty nice house."
Azazel grins as he strokes his goatee, "Well, this is one of them. I have a bunch around here but you'll be staying in this one for now. I'll drop by from time to time to check on you and maybe bring a few different objects or groceries, for now just relax and take a shower."
Taking off my shoes and my sweater as I tie it around my hips and enter the house as I see a living room with a TV and a kitchen farther away along with some stairs going to the rooms.
Staring at it for a bit, I turn to Azazel's smug grin as I give my own earnest smile, "Thanks."
He throws me something as I catch it, "Here, my phone number is on if you need me for something, go get some rest."
Pausing for a second I couldn't resist asking in a joking manner, "What are you? My sugar daddy?"
Azazel laughs as he rests on the couch, "Pft. No. You already know what I'm into." he stares into space with a perverted grin and grabbing motion.
"True." I went upstairs and lay on the bed as I waited for sleep to take me as I listened to Konichiwa(Chapter 2) by Elijah Nang.
I woke up to the sound of someone knocking on my door, "Hey Vic, you don't have any clothes, right? I'll leave some money so you can buy something and explore the city a bit."
In an attempt to formulate coherent thoughts aside from 'horny', 'hungry', and 'tired' I open my mouth but nothing comes out and I fall back on my pillow and I hear him chuckle before leaving.
With a groan, I got up as soon as he left before getting up and going downstairs and finding a black card with my name on it. Something bugs me at the back of my head but I ignore it as I put on my North Face sweater and head out to the nearest clothing store to find some baggy shirts and underwear along with baggy jeans.
It was weird, I kept getting weird looks from the staff before and after I brought out the card along with the customers.
Though that's probably because of my large stature and defined muscles.
Heading back to Azazel's home with bags of clothing around my arms while reminiscing about my training while listening to Young Jesus by Logic and Big Lenbo.
"UOOOOOOOOH!"
"¡A la chingada madre!"
I snorted as I remembered when Kiryu taught me how to drive and we raced while he was in a taxi.
I lost but it was a beautiful experience.
Looking to the sky, I swear I saw the image of Kiryu giving me a thumbs up.
I was finally in front of the house as I opened the door and noticed a few extras in the house, one was a teenager with blue eyes and silver hair with an intense look in his eyes as he stared at me and seemed to appraise me in the same way Kiryu would whenever we fight.
Next to him was a boy with short light-brown hair that reminded me of Shinada at first glance personality-wise but a lot more vulgar with a monkey-ish face.
Then there was the final one, a voluptuous girl with long black hair and split bangs and hazel-gold eyes with cat-like pupils that stared at me with interest with a black kimono, an ornately designed headband, the yellow belt-thing for kimonos and some golden beads. The way she was dressed forced me to look but I was able to look away with pure willpower as my face warmed up a bit.
Wait, those are cat ears and a tail. And that's a monkey tail.
There was only silence as both parties stared at each other until I said, "Azazel, this isn't a boarding house for troubled youth, right? Or an orphanage for supernatural teens?"
Azazel chuckles, "Why don't you sit down and find out, they'll be staying for a while."
My face must have been entertaining if the reactions I got was any indication, "Humans are naturally social creatures. I, on the other hand, am a creature of unknown origin that would rather be anywhere but any area of social interaction."
"Ah, so he's a NEET~nya." The black haired catgirl pipes in.
I could only slump and say, "I wish, then that'd mean I'd have the ability to stay still for more than an hour."
Monkey boy laughed, "He's pretty funny Azazel."
Giving a fake bow I say, "Thank you, I'll be here all week. Now if you'll excuse me I'll be upstairs."
I was going to put on my headphones and ignore them but was stopped as Azazel asked, "So, what did you buy?"
With a quirk of my brow I respond, "Shirts?"
"And?" He rolled his wrist to keep going.
"Socks. Jeans. Underwear?"
"What brand ~nya?" the black haired girl clarifies.
"I dunno, the kind you find in a department store?" All of them froze at this as they looked at me with incredulous eyes.
I continued my journey upstairs, "Wait! Vic, you know I got you a black card, right?"
I lean back out and ask, "Yeah, it's a black card. What about it?"
He seems incredulous until he sighs, "Forget about it."
Shrugging and putting on my headphones as I head to my room to place my clothes in the closet.
I separate some grey baggy jeans with a black t-shirt and some underwear so I can change into them after I take a shower.
Walking to the bathroom, I opened the door to find it empty as I stripped myself and shower to clean myself and then enter the bath.
Sighing as the warmth seeps into my bones and I relax. I look at my shoulder and notice the familiar drawing of red clouds and maple leaves as they fall and find similar clouds on my chest with the maple leaves but with the design of a skull on the left side near my heart and a fox mask on the right side.
Sighing as I stare at my irezumi and groan as I stretch and get out of the bath.
I change into a black t-shirt that reveals some of my collar bone and chest while the baggy jeans hide my muscular legs.
Opening the door,I'm startled by the black-haired girl as she is about to open the door as well. She looks at me with interest and curiosity.
I nod and walk by her and back into my room.
"So, what did you find Kuroka?"
Kuroka, the black haired catgirl, looked at the ceiling before saying, "He's half-dragon, but his blood is sealed so he stayed human. At most he would have been born stronger and faster than most, but those muscles~nya," she giggles perversely.
Bikou, the light-brown haired monkey youkai, gave his own two cents, "His ki reserves are larger than the average person's so he probably knows Senjutsu. It'd be interesting to see what he can do."
Azazel quickly shot that idea down, "As far as I know he was never taught Senjutsu by any of his mentors nor magic, so it can only be touki."
Vali, the silver-haired boy, was going to ask something but Azazel quickly raises his hand, "Look, look. Let's not do that now. The kid's probably tired. Besides, you can do that once he gets stronger and gains more experience fighting supernatural entities. He'll get plenty of that considering what's happening in a few months."
Vali stares at Azazel until he backs down, "Fine."
There was a beat before Vali asked the question, "So how do we unseal his draconic heritage?"
Azazel gave Vali an exasperated look before reluctantly giving Kuroka a curious one, "Dunno," she starts with a shrug, "I didn't see anything that would point to a magical seal so it's probably natural~nya. So maybe a certain emotion would forcibly unlock it. I'd need to get a better look at him before coming to a conclusion~nya."
I stare at the ceiling as I look on in boredom since I don't have anything to do while I'm here and I'm getting anxious.
Staring at the watch on my wrist and growl, "Fuck it."
I get out of my room as I walk downstairs with my sweater on and call out, "Azazel. I'm leaving. I'll be back later."
"Be back by dinner."
Quirking a brow I jokingly ask, "What are you, my mother? But sure."
I walk out of the house as I put on my headphones and play Party and Bullshit by The Notorious B.I.G.
I'm currently at the outskirts of the city as I unzip my sweater but don't take it off. I place the silver watch in my pockets and get to my hands as I prepare myself for push-ups.
1…
2,000
Getting up as I breathe out of light exertion before going to my back for sit-ups.
1…
100…
Falling to the floor, Shinada laughs at my pitiful effort, "Keep trying."
I groan out, "I can't Shinada, this is literally the first day, I can't do 1,000 sit-ups."
I lay there breathing hating life before growling and continue, using my hate to pull me forward, "That's the spirit Vic. Remember, always be aware of yourself, of your faults, strengths, weaknesses, and fight through them. Never give up or else life will only get worse and never better."
2,000
Breathing out of exertion as I resolve myself to challenge myself by going harder.
I crawled up as I got into my fighting stance and opened with a jab. A simple move but I did it again and again.
500
Once I finished the jabs with both arms I switched to hooks as I repeated it and did the same with kicks.
Finally, I saw that it was getting late as I got into my fighting stance and glared at an imaginary opponent, and started with a jab and followed with a second one before following with a straight and a hook and finishing with a body shot and grabbing their shoulder before kneeing their 'face'.
A second one followed as I opened with a side kick and followed with a spinning hook kick.
This kept going as I alternated my stances for the situation I made in my mind until I finally threw the last punch as I exhaled from exertion.
I relaxed before I looked at the sweat I accumulated up to the point that I had to take off my North Face.
Picking up my sweater I start my journey back home.
Though, I nearly knock down an old woman as she walks by, "Ah, sorry."
"Don't worry, my eyesights been going these past few years and I dropped my glasses a few days ago and I'm waiting for a replacement, my you're quite tall."
I chuckle, "Training does that to ya. Why don't I escort you back home?"
The old lady seems surprised, "I wouldn't want to bother ya sonny."
"I insist, it's no problem for me at all."
She seems to want to argue but relents, "Fine, take me to Mizuki Confections."
I walk into Mizuki Confections and find myself in a homey area with candy in different containers.
"Here's fine son, thank you again."
I smiled, "Of course ma'am. Any time."
I was about to leave when I heard her ask, "Wait, can I ask you something?"
With a slow nod, not seeing how this is developing despite seeing this same situation many times, I respond with, "Sure."
She inhales and exhales before looking at me straight in the eye, "Have you ever managed a business?"
…
"Huh?"
"And that's the story on how I became the manager of a confectionary shop in hopes of it becoming the top company of Kuoh and a safety net for the 'residents' of Kuoh."
There was only silence in the table as I regaled the tale of my quick promotion from street thug to manager of a confectionary shop.
"At least you're not a NEET anymore~nya." Kuroka spoke up.
The now-named Vali sarcastically spoke up, "Is that all?"
"No, actually, that's only the start."
"Oh, sorry, didn't see ya there."
I looked down as I noticed that I knocked down a teenager who had blonde hair in drills and blue eyes as well as wearing a purple Victorian dress and a jacket on top of it.
"Watch where you're going."
Oh, looks like I angered the little lady, "I was, you're just so short I barely noticed you."
"I'm what?"
"Short, but so is everyone else compared to me, so don't worry."
She seemed to accept it with a huff, "That said, what are you doing out here so late? Kuoh may not be a Kabukicho but there are its fair share of gangs around here."
She tilts her head, "Kabu-ki-cho?"
"Ah, you must be from Europe? Your Japanese is really good."
"A-ah, of course, it would be shameful if I couldn't hold a conversation."
I chuckled, "So, where are ya headed, little lady?"
She puffs as she glares at me, something that reminds me of a pup trying to act scary but failing to do so, "My name is Ravel Phenex, a proud member of the Phenex household. Rejoice for you have been graced by my presence."
I stared before being forced to turn to hide my snort while kneeling, "Of course, Rav- I mean little lady. It is this poor commoner's greatest honor to meet someone of such prestige."
She puffs out her sizable chest with a smirk, "Hmph, seems like someone finally knows their pla-," her eyes blink in realization as she notices the amused gazes being sent her way and my own chuckles, "Hey! Stop laughing, and call me Phenex-sama."
I get up chuckling, "Of course little lady-sama."
She pouts and stomps away while I chuckle.
With that attitude, she's bound to find herself in trouble, I should follow and make sure that doesn't happen.
"Wait, blonde?" I nod, "Haughty attitude?" Again, I nod, "Hair in drills?"
I groan, "Azazel, I'm fairly sure my description was accurate. She ain't the type you'd just miss out in a crowded street."
Azazel gained a thinking posture before saying, "Continue."
With a roll of my eyes I say, "Of course, your majesty."
I was right, the next time I found her she was cornered by a bunch of punks while she was trying to speak but the punks were making fun of her.
Finally, they grabbed her arm and tried to pull her but I stepped in and grabbed the punk's wrist before bending it downward, "I left you alone for five minutes and this is what I found little lady?"
"Who are you?" the punk groaned out before I shoved him away as he stumbled back.
With a roll of my shoulders and unzipping my sweater I said, "No one, just someone trying to be helpful."
"Well it's too late to back down ya bastard!"
Turning to the confused Ravel I say, "Step back, I'd rather not hit you by accident."
She nods and steps back with the forming crowd as I get into my stance and prepare myself for a fight.
The leader tries for a jab but I stop him with a side kick to his stomach and follow with a right hook and an uppercut as he falls back.
A second punk tried a haymaker but I jabbed at his nose and feinted a second jab before sending a hook to his head and followed with a straight and a knee to his gut before grabbing his head and headbutting him.
The third punk tried for a wide hook but I weaved under it and grabbed his collar before throwing him to a wall and spinning into an elbow as he fell unconscious.
The second punk and leader were still up but not for long.
They both charged but I stepped back and jumped into a spinning hook kick as my heel caught both of their jaws, knocking them out cold.
I stay in my stance for a bit before relaxing as the crowd disperses and I turn to the little lady, "You really should be careful with who you talk to."
Ravel breaks out of her stupor, "What was that?"
I tilt my head, "What was what?"
"Those moves, the way you moved, it doesn't remind me of any martial arts. What is it?"
I chuckle before responding, "That's your first time seeing a brawl little lady?"
"A brawl?"
"Yup, a street fight. Anything goes in these kinds of things. You'd be surprised at how creative people can be when it comes to hurting each other."
She seems confused but I continue, "Hey little lady, where are you going?"
Ravel seems resigned to the nickname, "I'm looking for Kuoh Academy. You wouldn't happen to know where it is?"
I look to the sky and point towards the building which I believe it is, "You mean that obviously Western looking school at the other side of town?"
"Huh? Where?" Ravel gets on her tiptoes to try and find it but can't seem to see it so I do the logical thing, "Kya!" I picked her up.
"Can you see it?" I ask with a teasing grin.
"Yes, I can, so put me down!"
I chuckle and do as she asks, "Of course little lady."
Ravel pouts with a blush as I chuckle until she sighs, "I'm sorry to ask you this after you've helped me, but…"
She seems to have trouble saying the words but I understand, "Sure, I'd love to."
Ravel seems to brighten but quickly hides it, "Thank you, you shall be rewarded for your kindness."
I shrug, "It's fine."
We head on over as I start up a conversation, "So, who do you think would win, a street brawler or a martial artist?"
Ravel seems surprised but thinks for a bit, "That's kind of vague, well, what martial art are we talking about? How much have they trained?"
"Good point," I relent before thinking, "Alright, let's go with Tae Kwon Do. Simple enough, they teach holds as well, as for strength? Same strength so, let's go with enough strength to break a brick, both of them. The fight is also in the street."
"Then it's simple," she smugly states, "The martial artist would."
I laugh at this poor child as I'm about to destroy her with facts and experience, "Street brawler, hands down."
"What? Why?" Ravel asks in the same way one would when asking why someone likes pineapple on pizza.
"Because, street brawlers know how it's like to be in a fight and have experience fighting in the street." I state.
"But Martial artists are refined, they have any mistakes made corrected and can practice without fear of injury." Ravel retorts with a confused look.
"It's that fear of injury that makes street brawlers better, they have to be creative and adapt to the situation because they know what will happen if they are hit and don't want it to happen." I argue with complete confidence.
"Martial artists are creative! They have to make sure their moves aren't simple enough to be read." Ravel refutes with a disbelieving voice.
"'Imagination is a weapon. Those who don't use it are the first ones to die.'" I quote.
"And I agree, I never said I didn't, but it's obvious that the graceful and disciplined martial artist would win."
"No, it's the experienced and ruthless brawler who would win."
This same debate kept going as we walked to Kuoh Academy.
"That said, I'm curious. Martial artist or brawler. Same strength. Who would win?"
Bikou said, "Martial artist."
Vali, Azazel, and Kuroka said, "Brawler/~nya."
The smugness in my gaze could have been an internet meme if I was in my old world.
Bikou just looked betrayed.
Ruval was worried.
It's been a while since Ravel left to explore the city and she hasn't come back.
He was about to take to the skies to look for her but she finally heard her voice.
Wait, is Ravel arguing?
"Street brawlers are called street brawlers for a reason, it's obvious they would win."
"But Martial Artists are experienced as well-."
"In spars, controlled environments with rules where the ref can interrupt if it gets too violent. The only refs in the street are the police and they take forever to act."
Ravel finally noticed Ruval as he stared at her escort. He was tall and Ruval could tell he was hiding muscles under the sweater and baggy clothing. He had brown hair that was slicked back and sharp features that showed his latin heritage along with the relaxed brown eyes and brown hair.
"Ah Ruval nii-san. You agree with me here, martial artists can beat a street brawler in a street fight, also they have the same strength that can break bricks and the martial artist knows Tae Kwon Do."
"C'mon man, help a brother out and agree, street brawlers would win."
So, either agree with my sister, who is totally wrong, or agree with a stranger.
Decisions, decisions.
Well, she'll have to learn at some point, "Brawlers obviously."
She looks horrified as the stranger smiles and extends his arms, "Ey, that's what up."
My hand was extended so you could see my surprise when he grabbed it and brought it in in a handshake I've seen Americans do in the States.
"Ah, sorry." He scratches the back of his head, "Forgot Japanese don't like to be so familiar."
Ruval laughs it off, "It's fine, we're not Japanese anyway. I'm Ruval Phenex, it's nice to meet you. Thank you for bringing my sister as well, I was getting worried and was about to go looking for her myself."
He was about to bow but the stranger stopped him, "I'm not Japanese either, name's Victor Ryunou but you can call me Vic or Victor. My last name is Japanese since I was raised by Japanese."
Rival nods but doesn't prod, "Well, thank you for your help Victor. If there's anything I can do, please tell me."
He seems to hold his chin but brightens, "Do you have a phone number?"
He nods and brings it out while Victor pats his pockets and stills, "Is something wrong?"
Victor blushes in embarrassment and scratches the back of his head, "Well, I kind of don't have my phone with me right now."
Ruval stares for a second and laughs, "Ah, don't worry, here."
He passes Victor a paper that has a weird design, kind of like a magic circle with what looks like a phoenix in the middle, it has the phone number on the bottom, "Call me when you get it, then we can talk about terms."
Victor takes the paper and bows, "Thanks, sorry for the trouble."
Ruval waves it off, "It's fine. Remember to call." He turns to Ravel who was pouting and refusing to meet my eyes and Victor's, "Ravel, did you forget your manners already?"
That seemed to knock her out of her stupor as she coughs into her fist and says, "Thank you for your help." With a blush.
Victor smiles, "It's fine, don't worry.
"And I left back home."
Bikou spoke up, "But that would have meant you'd have been here, like half an hour ago."
"Well I'm not finished, so shut up, sit your ass down and listen."
There was only silence until Azazel spoke up, "What else happened?"
"Well…" The other three leaned forward in interest.
I was walking down the street when I saw a ramen stall. I've ever had ramen before so I headed inside and was greeted by the owner, "Welcome! What would you like?"
Shrugging, I respond with, "Your suggestion, I'm still new to this."
"Alright, one Miso ramen with extra pork coming right up."
"Wait, you got ramen and didn't invite us?" Azazel asks, looking betrayed.
I shrug, "If only one serving of ramen was enough to fill me up I wouldn't even be here telling you this, now shut up and listen."
That was delicious.
"My compliments to the chef. That was delicious."
The chef smiles, "Thanks, it's good to know I've still-."
I hear a crack as I get up when I notice the chef's pained face, "Ay dio-estas-I mean, are you okay man?"
The chef seems confused for a moment but says, "Argh, my back. And right before dinner rush."
"Ah, shit. There any way I can help you?"
"Ah, so that's how it's gonna go~nya."
I nod at Kuroka before continuing my story.
He had this glint in his eyes when he said, "Well, can you man the store?"
I paused for a second, "Eh?"
"Look it's easy, the noodles are all prepared so all you have to do is leave the noodles for as long as they tell you to and drop it in a bowl. They pick out their own toppings."
"Well, why did you pick out mine then?"
"Because you didn't even know the taste of authentic ramen before you came in. I noticed from your expression. So, what do you say?"
I was reluctant, "Man, I don't know."
"I'll pay you."
That settled it.
I was angry ever since I left the school late at night, "Stupid parents for agreeing to the marriage, stupid Grayfia for letting them come."
I just left the meeting with Riser and he was as insufferable as ever. I'm heading to a ramen shop with my peerage, the Student Council, and Grayfia in tow.
"Milady, you already know your parents only have your best interest in mind." Grayfia said but I can tell she doesn't agree with this anymore than I do.
"I do Grayfia, I do. But did it really have to be with him?"
"Now, now, Rias looks like we're here." Akeno says.
The line was long but it was always pretty quick but today it was quicker and I noticed the old man was sitting in one of the stools.
Who's manning the stall?
Her answer was a young man who had brown hair and brown eyes and sharp features with relaxed eyes as he was biting his tongue in concentration.
"Oh my~." I heard Akeno say, and I could somewhat agree with that observation.
Thanks to the short sleeved shirt she could see defined muscles only found in body builders going up his arms yet they seemed lean and didn't give the airy feeling some of the muscles body builders have.
"Milady, those muscles aren't out of hobby, they have purpose."
I couldn't help but tease in a scandalized tone, "Grayfia, staring at another man when you're already married."
Grayfia didn't react and only said, "Preposterous."
I laughed at that but turned towards the owner of the small shop, "Hello Noah."
The now-named Noah smiles at the group and bows in respect when the young man manning the stall calls out, "If you can bow then your back is fine old man. Get your ass back in here."
"Ah, come on," Noah calls back while the young man continues working without missing a beat, "You wouldn't force an old man to work when his back is hurt."
"Yes, I would." The young man responds without missing a beat.
"C'mon Ryunou-san~."
"And I already told you, call me Victor."
Noah laughed before turning to us, "It's good to see you milady, you too Grayfia. Sona too."
Sona stepped up and bowed, "An honor, sir."
Noah was a devil of the Gremory family that was set to protect Rias and Sona if needed, but it was supposed to be a secret since both wanted to be independent.
As you can tell, it didn't last long. Noah was known for his use of shadow magic and martial prowess. But he was pretty obvious when he wasn't hiding.
Though Rias only noticed him after she got a good look at him.
"So, who is he?" Grayfia asked, pointing at Victor.
"Someone I hired-" "Emotionally blackmailed." "To work for me."
"Is he dangerous?" Grayfia asked.
Noah only laughed, "Very much so, the question is to who?"
Grayfia was instantly on guard, "How so?"
It may have been a while but Noah is a High-class devil who got there through power. For him to be wary is a cause for concern.
"He's strong. Extremely so."
I was confused, "Really?"
He grins, "If I'm correct he can give your rook a run for her money."
"Impossible!"
I notice the silence only interrupted by the stranger fixing the noodles.
I blush and apologize before sitting back down, "You know what Koneko is." I whisper while leaning in so the young man doesn't hear us, "You know what she can do."
He nods gravely, "I do, but the kid's holding back, constantly. Check it."
He showed us a strainer, "See this," he pointed at the handle as it looked like it was crushed, "the kid was anxious and put too much strength into his grip. Didn't breathe a certain way, didn't activate magic, nothing. Yet he did this without noticing."
I understood since the tools were reinforced to handle a lot of grip strength, "I just noticed, but he doesn't have his mana unlocked."
I was hit by another surprise when Koneko pulled the sleeve of my jacket, "Yes Koneko?"
"He has a lot of ki."
That one sentence shocked me, my peerage, and Sona, "What!?"
She nods, "He smells like a dragon."
Everyone joined in, "Eh~!?"
Noah scolded us for being loud and we apologized, we asked Koneko to explain.
"So is that all."
Koneko shakes her head, "It doesn't smell like a Sacred Gear, it smells more personal. Like it's a huge part of him and asleep as well."
Grayfia nodded in understanding, "So he's half-dragon? But what do you mean by asleep? Is it sealed?"
Koneko sat there for a bit and nodded in confirmation.
There was only silence until I asked, "Do you think he would be interested in joining a peerage?"
Noah interrupted us by laughing, "Milady, I'd heavily advise against that."
He turns to Victor who was giving the customer ramen before thanking the customer, "You know how dragons are. They don't like to submit."
I puffed my chest out, to Sona's and Koneko's jealous ire, "True, but in the end he is human, right?"
Noah raised a brow as his lips twitched to a smile, "Milady, you are correct, he is human but I've known him for around half an hour at least and let me tell you, the only thing you'll get from him is refusal and violent opposition, besides," Noah paused with a glint in his eyes, "Even if you could turn him into a devil, the only way that would happen is if he was dead beforehand."
I kept going until finally the students, and the maid were left.
I took a moment to stare in confusion before shrugging and taking their order and serving it up.
The whole thing before the final customers was stressing and I messed up on a few orders but I got paid.
I even thought up a new move.
For me to serve up the ramen I had to be precise, quick, and couldn't keep my attention on one sole thing. I had to control the crowd, I had to be decisive and creative.
In my mind's eye I imagined it. There were five enemies, the first was hit with a palm strike before he knew what was happening, the second blinked and he was in the air by a backfist, the third was sent spinning with a hook and extended a leg as it hit any enemies around him, the fourth was blindsided as I caught the back of his head with a spinning hook kick and the fifth could only stare as he was the last left before he hacked and fell to his knees since he was kicked in the throat before being sent flying back by a roundhouse kick.
I'll call it, Essence of Crowd Control.
I shook my head to get myself out of the stupor as I looked at the envelope Noah gave me once I changed back into my sweater, "Thanks Noah. You wouldn't mind if I came from time to time, would you?"
Noah chuckled and shook his head, "Nah, I don't mind. Are you leaving already?"
"Yeah, I have a guardian I have to get back to." I respond when I'm interrupted by a loud noise outside.
"Old man! Get out here!"
The other customers were startled as I walked out the door, "I'll check it out. Just stay inside for now."
Noah smirks as he peeks out the window, "Now, don't take your eyes off him. This is going to be interesting."
The students all crowded the windows to peek.
There was a crowd outside of gang members, some with bats or other weapons and some with bare fists.
"What's the big idea! You're crowding the road!"
"Well, this place is hurting our eyes! It needs to go!" There were yells of agreement as I stared at the wooden and, to my own sense of style, aesthetically pleasing storefront.
"Sorry, can't. I like this place."
"Well you can go down with it."
Considering I wasn't really trying, time seemed as normal when I blocked the punch sent my way as the rest circled me leaving five in the middle.
Perfect.
I pushed him away as he stumbled back and I unzipped my sweater and rolled my shoulders.
And I disappeared in a flash as I threw a palm strike to the man in front of me, I quickly followed with a backfist to the second punk and a hook to the third punk whose extended leg knocked out a few more while I threw a spinning hook kick to the back of the fourth's head before kicking upwards to the fifth's throat as he fell to his knees and threw a roundhouse that sent him back.
The crowd stepped back but quickly came back as I kicked a pipe up and parried a punk's bat and hit him with the middle of the pipe on his nose before using the bottom to hit his cheek and appearing beside him with the pipe extended like a blade as he fell.
Dropping the pipe I intercepted a charge with a side kick and followed by grabbing his shoulders and raising my knee to his jaw as he fell unconscious.
Grabbing another's collar I threw a hook to his jaw before bending him back and wrapping my arm around his neck and pulling up with a crack as he fell unconscious.
I finally got to my stance as I blocked a straight and threw it up, knocking the thug off balance and sending a barrage to his chest and ending with a palm strike.
Ducking a staff and grabbed it when it circled around before pulling and thrusting as it hit the thug's stomach, loosening his hold, and hitting my end of the staff down while kicking my knee up as the other end hit the thug's chin and I grabbed the staff while spinning and swinging to the thug's jaw.
I thrusted forward before spinning it around and then spinning with it as it knocked out a few more thugs and ending with a low sweep, caching three off balance as they fell and I raised the staff and hit each one individually, knocking them out.
There were only five left as they tried to run but I was inspired as I grabbed the slowest and spun him around, catching two off guard and knocking them out along with the thug I was swinging around.
The last two were scared as one fell to his ass and I grabbed the second one and set him over my shoulder and slinning him back as he landed on the punk, knocking both of them out.
Taking a moment to look around the carnage I created and nodded, "Good job me."
"Then I said goodbye to Noah. Walked back here. And here we are."
The others were surprised. Not only did he become a manager but he also helped one of the devil heirs, got the phone number of one, became the employee of a ramen building, fought off a crowd of thugs without being hurt or looking slightly exerted, and met all of the devils in Kuoh along with the Strongest Queen.
He literally completed more in a few hours than even some devils can do in two years.
The subject of their surprise though, "Mmm, this is pretty good, good job Azazel."
Azazel grinned, "Thanks."
Victor stretched, "Well, I'm going to take a shower and pass out. Night."
He went upstairs to pick up pajamas and headed to the bathroom where he showered and bathed before leaving and entering the room and fell on top of the bed.
I opened my eyes and groaned as I stared at the ceiling and checked my watch that was resting on the nightstand next to my bed. It was too early.
May as well start working out.
Having enough space to do smaller things like push ups or situps I started with push-ups.
Taking off my shirt I played some lo-fi on my phone as I started by clearing my thoughts.
1
I concentrated on the music as I relaxed and settled myself to the meditation technique Shinada taught me.
"Meditation?"
"Well," Shinada starts sheepishly, "It's not meditation per se, but it's similar to meditation, the goal of meditation is to become calm, you can do this by concentrating on one thing or on everything."
"So hyperfocus or airheadedness, gotcha."
Concentrating on the number of push-ups I'm doing as I continue and notice something. I could feel something. It wasn't something nice either, it wanted to hurt me for everything we have done.
If the world is this fucked then I'm so glad I didn't try this back in my own world.
The malice was everywhere so I didn't do anything with it. Instead I focused on the auras I felt.
One was jovial, it reminded me of Majima's Breaker style. But with an innocent undertone?
Another was more chaotic? It had two different ones, coexisting with one another. Both are similar in the fact that they seem to be restraining themselves but one was whiter and the other was darker if I were to explain it simply.
Finally, the last one downstairs was corrupted for a lack of a better term. It had a murky feel to it. But it didn't feel wrong, it felt comforting, like a father in a weird way.
Wait, weren't there three new people yesterday?
So, where's the third?
I mentally shrugged as I continued pushing my limit physically, missing the person who came in and left a note near my phone.
It was the middle of the day as I finished my push-ups and sit-ups as I panted from exertion.
I didn't know I was this strong!
I was surprised, but it takes way too long to work out. Should I get some weights? Maybe ask for a spar from one of the others three.
I get the feeling that that's a bad idea.
Coming out of the bathroom changed into baggy jeans and a green shirt instead. I forgot my phone and was heading over to get it when I noticed a note next to it.
It was a note from Kuroka to meet her in a clearing near the town so she can 'teach me how to not be stupid with new powers'.
…
Well, let's head to Mizuki Confections.
"Ah, are you ready? Vic-shachou?"
Shrugging as I sat in the second floor office I say, with no lack of resignation, "I guess, no time like the present."
She already explained to me how managing works so now all we have to do is open for business, "Well, let's start."
"That wasn't so bad, was it?"
"We're hella broke."
"Ah, you sure don't hold back."
"Because it's the truth, I mean look at this!"
I showed her the numbers but she looked away, I tried again with the same result.
I sat down and looked at her despondent, "She can't even see the reality of the situation."
She pouts, something that does not belong to an older woman lemme tell ya, "I'm not completely blind, but what can we do? We need money to improve the office, to advertise, staff, and furniture. Money we don't have."
"So, what do we do? Roll over and let this entire thing go over."
"No! Never! We can't!" She yelled with a surprising amount of passion.
I stared at her as she noticed what she did, "Kuoh Town is a very important place. Sadly, I can't disclose these reasons, but it's very important. Now if we let this dream die, all that my husband did was for nothing. I have to do this, for him and all the others who will suffer if this goes down."
I stare at her as she does the same resolutely until I sigh, "Nana, I won't let this place go under. I knew you wanted this to flourish but you never told me why, but now I think I understand. But what can we do? Will anyone even invest in us?"
She sits down and says, "Maybe we could take out a loan?"
"And enter debt to the evilest business in the world? Not happening."
"Well this is your responsibility, you figure it out. Aren't you friends with an oil baron or someone?"
"As if I-."
My eyes widen.
"My name is Ravel Phenex of the Phenex household."
"Call me when you get it. Then we can talk about terms."
"That's it!"
Nana jumps as I take out my phone and punch in the number in the weird paper Ruval gave me.
The tone rings a few times while I grit my teeth until I hear, "Hello, who is this?"
"Ah, Ruval, it's me Victor. I'm here about that favor. You're not busy right now?"
There was silence on the other side, "Ah, Vic right? No, I'm not busy, is this about what I owe you?"
I sheepishly chuckle, saying, "Yeah, sorry. I wish I didn't have to do this but I kind of need some help."
"Oh? How so?"
"Well, first, lemme ask. Is it true that you're from a rich family?"
There was a slight pause before he gave his response, "Yes, but I hope you don't mind me asking why?"
"It's cool, ya see…"
"And that's our situation. Look Ruval, I hate doing this, but this isn't something that I'm working on alone and any other option would only leave us worse off than before either in the future or right now. You're the only I can turn to on this, so what do you say?"
There was silence on the other side as I held my breath, "With a story like that, you can't expect me to say no? Besides, I still owe you for Ravel."
"Really? Yeah!" I celebrated but was interrupted by Ruval.
"I'll invest some money but on three conditions."
I was able to calm myself enough to ask, "What are the conditions?"
"First, your company can't be in the red. If I see a negative even once I'll have proper arrangements done on my end to counter them, remember this isn't a charity."
"Of course, and the second condition?"
"I want the company's Share Price Ranking to be within Kuoh's top 100 by the specified deadline."
"Price Ranking? What's that."
"It's what measures a company's values, the higher the share price the higher the ranking. And I want it in the top 100."
I nodded, "Gotcha, third condition?"
"You're not having any doubts?"
"I can't have doubts if I have the barest idea of what I'm doing. Now, the third condition."
Ruval laughs, "No doubts if you don't know what there is to be doubtful about, I'll contact you about the deadline later. Well, the third condition is simple, become the number one in Kuoh's Share Price Ranking. This one you can take as long as you want."
"Number one?" I ask incredulously.
"I want that little confectionery to be the crown jewel of Kuoh. Now, do you accept?"
I grinned to the sky, "Hella. You've got yourself a deal, Ruval."
He laughed, "Well, I'll go get the first portion of the investment ready for you. You're free to use it however you want."
"Thanks man, I really appreciate it."
"Keep in mind I'm expecting a return once your company is good and stable. Well, until later, see ya."
He hung up as I looked over to Nana, "We've got money."
She seemed to brighten up the room with her smile.
A few minutes later we found the money ready and willing.
Nana looked at me with stars in her eyes, "Well, what are we doing? Let's start investing!"
Being unable to hide my own smile we start talking on what we should invest in first.
It's currently about to become night time as I left the confectionery, we started making a nice profit. Not much but it's a start.
I headed to where Kuroka told me she is, only to be tackled before I entered the clearing, "Didn't anyone tell you it's rude to keep a woman waiting?"
"Yeah, but it's also rude to stare at someone while they're working out."
She hums, "Yes, about that workout."
I was in the process of getting up when I was slapped across the head, "What were you thinking? You're lucky I noticed you and you stopped before the malice got to you!"
"Jesus, you weigh, what 120 pounds, you've got a mean hook for someone your size."
"108 but that's irrelevant."
My eyes widen, "108 and you're that strong? This is bullshit!"
Her brow twitches, "You are bullshit. How did you even unlock touki?"
I got her off but am now distracted by her cat tails and ears, "Hey, I asked a question."
"The fuck's touki?"
Her voice is laced with disbelief, "By Satan. How?"
"What does touki look like?"
"It's like a second skin that you use to make yourself stronger by covering yourself with a second layer of Ki, your life energy."
My brows shoot up in recognition, "Oh, you must mean Extreme Heat Mode."
She shoots up at that, "I guess?"
I stand up as I close my eyes and a green aura envelops me, "This is touki, right?"
She stares at me, "That's touki?"
She seems as confused as I am, "Seems like both of us have a lot of explaining to do."
A/N: This, I had to take a step back since it took me a while from believing that I wrote this. The characters are fairly on point(in my opinion), the story flowed nicely, and it's this long. As for my explanation on Vic's strength, that is simple. I used the vs battle wiki to try and nail down a power level(turns out that Majima, Kiryu and Taiga can beat base Koneko in strength) and came up with a level where he has to constantly hold back from killing normal humans with a single hit.
Fun facts
Originally, Vic was gonna have the soul of Seiryuu and he would go to certain shrines in Kyoto to fight the lingering spirits of Genbu, Byakko, and Suzaku then I searched it up and found that it would not coincide with cannon.
The first draft of this story was 20 pages long, now it's 38.
The letter 'I' was used a lot.
I've yet to pick a harem so if you have any recommendations speak up. I'm conflicted with my choices but have narrowed them down to Akeno, Ravel, Koneko, Kuroka, and Rossweisse.
That should be all, I hope you enjoyed and don't be afraid to leave a review on how I can improve.
