In collaberation with Armchair General, who did most of the writing on this chapter.

With Kazuma's Faustian bargains struck with the Chinese Master, his training in kenpo was underway. The next day after school, Kazuma could be found standing in the classic Horse Stance, sweat pouring off of him as he tried to not falter. Akisame stood nearby, a riding crop in one hand, resting over his shoulder, while with the other he held a book.

Watching to make sure that Kazuma didn't falter, he glanced down at the textbook before asking, "In Dante's Inferno, what was the ninth level of hell reserved for?" He asked, gently correcting the position of one of Kazuma's knees. He wasn't a complete monster, after all.

While Akisame and Kazuma went through physical and scholarly remediation, Kensei had a pen and paper in hand, writing a letter to his family back home.

To my beloved wife, children, and disciples,

I know my absence has been trying for all of you, but I ask that you show patience for some time. I feel I might have found my personal successor, here in the land of the rising sun. The boy is nothing spectacular now, but I feel a kinship with the boy I cannot properly put into words. I will be staying here at Ryouzanpaku until his high school education is complete, and he can hopefully return to China with me.

My dear daughter Renka, I know you are likely infuriated with my absence and feel that I have abandoned you and my disciples. I hope the promise of my own knowledge having grown while living with fellow masters and the desire to share it with all of you one day will calm you down. Until then, though, I absolutely prohibit you from coming to Japan. You are not to come here to bug my new disciple and discover his worthiness, nor are you to attempt to enroll yourself in his school in order to keep a closer eye on him. I will be most annoyed if you do such and will have no recourse but to take you home myself.

I apologize for cutting our conversation short, but it is almost time for young Kazuma's lessons and I must prepare.

Love, Kensei Ma

Smirking as he wrapped up the letter and put it into an envelope for delivery, Kensei truly felt like a genius. He really did see more than a touch of himself in the young man and potential, based solely on his evasive abilities if nothing else.

That wasn't entirely why he was so invested in him though. In reality, he recognized the pen name "Panty Farmer" when he'd snooped through the teen's belongings. Specifically, his student was one of his favorite light novel writers. Sure, they weren't quite as explicit and scandalous as some of the stories he followed, but they always made him smile and laugh, at the very least. The obvious (to most) ploy to pull his daughter over to Japan was slightly more complicated. As he'd said, he could sense a kinship with Kazuma, and Renka was exactly like her mother, full of fire and unwilling to tolerate weakness. While he loved his wife, it was tiring and part of why he'd taken his vacation. The point being though, that was the kind of woman that would likely bring out the true potential of his new pupil, and he was willing to play dirty to accomplish it!

Standing up, he cleaned the dirty from himself after kneeling before clapping his hands. "I think that's enough Akisame, don't you? All conditioning and no techniques is sure to drive even the most devoted of students a hair mad."

Akisame nodded, a slight smile on his face as Kazuma collapsed, boneless to the ground, breathing heavily. "He actually did surprisingly well for his first true day of conditioning. No complaining, answered questions when he could, admitted when he didn't know. I might have to steal and teach him myself someday." Akisame paused for a moment before relenting, looking mildly sheepish. "Well, if we exclude when he died during the cardio portion for a moment."

"God, please no. If it wasn't for the fact your torture and Miu talking to me was the closest thing to positive reinforcement I've gotten in years, I'd have run by now," came the weak, rasping breath of Kazuma as his chest heaved to pump air into his body.

Kensei let out a light chuckle, producing a water bottle from his sleeves. "Here, boy, drink some water. Make sure to only sip or you'll make yourself sick."

Kazuma snatched the bottle, flinching in pain at the movement. He listened to the Chinese master's advice though, drinking the bottle slowly as he could. Kazuma had seen enough to know already that the masters were all mildly insane, and even stronger.

Once Kazuma had caught his breath, Kensei nodded, taking a few steps away before assuming a stance. "Today, we're going to keep it simple. We're going to slowly go through a few different kata, and I want you to repeat them. This is usually done as a warm-up and as part of warming up, but since you haven't learned them yet, they will be the focus. Now, repeat after me." Kensei then started going through a kata, the short master flowing from motion to motion almost as if part of a dance. "Any questions so far?" He asked, still going through the motions, having looped back to the beginning.

"Why not just stretch normally?" Kazuma asked, attempting to mimic the stance as Kensei reset, waiting on his student.

Kensei smiled, happy for such a question. Normally, his students were all already in such awe at being taught by him they questioned nothing. "A few reasons! Lets not discount tradition and bonding, for this is normally done by entire groups of students to limber up and practice, but it has benefits beyond that as well. It helps your body remember the motions, making you more able to use them in an actual fight when you speed up, and additionally helping workout your entire body when done slowly. For example-"

Kensei stopped, correcting Kazuma's positioning slightly before stepping back. "Hold that for thirty seconds. Feel as your muscles burn and strain to hold the position." It hadn't even been ten seconds and Kazuma could already feel his arms and core in particular felt like they were on fire. His legs would likely be right there too, but he stopped feeling them shortly after standing back up.

Kazuma nodded, not wanting to disrupt his precarious balance as he counted to thirty. "I understand, Ma-sensei." While this was torturous to him, there was a secret he wasn't willing to admit. He was enjoying it. At home, it was always; Why aren't your grades better, why are you always playing video games, don't you have any friends, why can't you be more like your little brother, etc, etc. Here? The people actually seemed to want him to succeed instead of just tearing him down. Sure, it was only his first real day, but it was such a stark contrast he couldn't help but appreciate and enjoy it. Not that he'd let them know that.

"Good! Then I want you to start every day by doing these kata and once you get here after school, after you've properly learned them. They'll help you properly wake up and start your day in the morning, and help you limber up before training here."

The mention of coming by after school ignited a spark of recognition inside of Kazuma's head. "Ma Sensei, would it be possible for us to not do training on Wednesdays? I have a prior arrangement with my friend Niijima on those," Kazuma explained, still trying to finish the first kata with Kensei's assistance.

The master nodded, "That should be fine. I don't want you abandoning your social life after all. It will also give your body time to recover, so do make sure to not stress yourself on those days." Kensei looked from side to side, making sure nobody was nearby or within earshot before clearing his throat. "Now, I must bring up your… other hobby."

Kazuma paled, almost losing focus and his progress, were it not for Kensei, gently correcting him. "Uh, what about it?"

"Where do you find your inspiration for some of your characters? They are quite hilarious!" Kensei said, letting out a laugh he'd been holding in.

At that, Kazuma entirely lost his balance and concentration, falling to the ground. "That was your question?! Wait, you've read my stories?"

"Boy, I am one of your biggest fans. I'm 'Ero-Phoenix'!" Ma proclaimed proudly, puffing up his chest.

Kazuma wracked his brain for a moment before pointing an accusatory finger at the old man. "You're the asshole who called me an obvious virgin!"

"Correction, I said, 'While it's obvious the writer has never known the touch of a woman, his writing is still quite enjoyable.'" Kensei looked like the cat that had eaten the canary, no regret to be seen.

"Same thing!"

"It is because of your stories though, I thought you might finally be the true successor I have been searching for. While I am known around the world for my kenpo, I have also invented other… techniques that most would not be suited for," Kensei elaborated, putting his hands behind his back.

"Oh? Like what? What is so special about me that I could do these techniques and others couldn't?" Kazuma challenged, feeling more than a bit annoyed at being manipulated.

"Oh, it isn't a matter of ability, my boy, but of personality. See, the techniques I refer to aren't precisely of the traditional mindset and would be looked down upon by most." At this, he pulled a hand from behind his back, revealing a very familiar pair of boxers.

Kazuma was confused before checking himself, realizing he was now going commando. "The hell old man?"

"Now, now, Kazuma, no need to get angry. It was but a mild demonstration of what this technique can do." Kensei waited eagerly, hoping his pupil would put two and two together to find the true power of this technique.

"Technique?! Technique!? All you did was steal… my… oh…" Kazuma was suddenly kneeling before Kensei, bowing deeply so his head was on the ground. "I APOLOGIZE FOR EVER QUESTIONING YOU!"

Kensei's ego swelled as he found his intuition correct, the young man so eager to learn his prized technique. "Come now, Panty Farmer, once your kenpo training is complete today, we will begin teaching you my prized Panty Stealing technique."

"YES MA-SENSEI!"

Kensei wiped a stray tear from his eye, pride and joy swelling within his heart. Why couldn't his own sons be more like this?

One week later, in China

Standing before an assembly of students, a blue haired beauty stood trembling in rage. Her mother had just finished reading her father's letter to them all and she was beyond angry. Not only had her father taken on another student, he'd FORBIDDEN her from doing something. Who was he to tell her anything when he couldn't even be home for her? She'd show him!

"Mom! I'm going to Japan!"

Kazuma was sprawled forward on his desk, his spirit nearly as broken as his body.

Niijima took a seat beside his friend, a malicious grin on his face. "Still haven't given up, I see?"

With a titanic effort, Kazuma lifted and tilted his face to look in the general direction of the demon, glaring at him.

"Ooo, I'm soooo scared. What are you going to do, fall asleep at me?" Niijima challenged, prodding the exhausted disciple.

Kazuma let out a groan, finally managing to sit up. "For your information, I was dead yesterday! Twice! Not only did that judo maniac kill me with his insane training, but Shigure caught us- never mind. The point is, Akisame had to revive me twice! My heart stopped and everything!"

"Oh ho, so someone caught you trying to steal their panties, did they? Don't look at me like that, I heard about what happened in the girl's bathroom on the second floor! It had to be you! So, have you stolen Miu's?"

"For your information, no, and if you say a word of that to her, you'll be breathing out of your belly button I'll shove your head so far up your ass! Besides, if I did, Miu would destroy me."

Nijiima cackled, nodding towards the mentioned blonde. "So the class princess can stand up for herself then?"

Kazuma gave his friend a stern look, all joking set aside for the moment. "Nijiima, I want you to write this down in your information. If Miu ever got really pissed off, nobody in this school could stop her. It wouldn't even be close, and she would kick everyone's asses."

Nijiima stole a glance at the girl, humming in thought. "Even the Ragnarok members?" That seemingly sparked a thought in the evil student's brain, bringing his smile back. "By the way, are we still going to the Sumo Stable tonight?"

Kazuma nodded, letting out a yawn. "Obviously. I need a way to make money to pay for the dojo anyway. You have your money ready?"

Nijiima nodded, sliding an orange envelope out from his bag before putting it back. "Half of our winning from every week we've gone since you came back to school. A few more weeks of letting it ride like this and I can truly begin growing my demonic army!"

"Yeah, yeah. Just make sure you keep giving me my cut and I'll keep going with you."

Nodding along, the demon straightened up as the class started. "Just keep being my good luck charm and you have a deal, friend."

Both of them froze as Nijiima used the 'F' word, both of them feeling mildly disgusted. "We agree to never speak of this again?" Kazuma offered, seeing Nijiima turning green at his own words.

"Deal."

As the bell rang, their teacher started handing back tests from the day prior. Kazuma took his, having to almost do a double take at the grade at the top. "Well, fuck me."

"What, did you manage to fail another test?" Nijiima asked out of the corner of his mouth, not wanting to draw attention.

"Worse. Akisame's training and studying is working" he explained as he tilted the paper, showing off the 98% at the top.

"Alright! Tonight's fighters are incredibly lopsided so it's going to be an absolute bloodbath. Who do you feel is going to win?" Nijiima asked Kazuma as they walked towards the lot where the fights were scheduled to take place. Kazuma was looking over the list of names, a pen in hand as he circled names that felt 'right.' He had no information beyond their names, the demon not wanting Kazuma's luck to have any interference by things like 'common sense' or 'reasoning.' When he was done, he handed it back with only three names circled. "That's it?"

Kazuma shrugged, letting out another yawn. "The others felt unsteady. Those three feel solid."

Nijiima cross referenced the list with his odds for the night before cackling evilly. One of the fights was an absolute lopsided mess, with Kazuma's option the underdog by over ten to one odds. The kid was going against Thor of all people. Admittedly, it was to survive for an entire round match, not a 'knock Thor out' kind of match, so it was doable. "Excellent, my lackey. With this, you should be able to pay to further your training for at least another year!"

"And I can finally pick up that new eroge that came out last week!"

"And when exactly will you find time to play said game?"

Kazuma was struck silent, stopping in his tracks as he realized he hadn't touched a video game in over a week now. "Maybe this training isn't worth it after all."

"Nonsense! Keep it up and soon enough you'll be able to be the first of my generals!" Nijiima continued leading the way towards the fights, the duo trekking deep into the industrial district until they found the correct lot. "Alright, remember, I place the bets, and then we stay quiet. We don't need anyone getting suspicious about our betting habits."

Kazuma nodded before going off to the side to find a decent place to watch from. It wasn't that he enjoyed the fights, per say, but they paid and if he was betting on them, he'd be an idiot to not at least pay some attention. It was looking like a usual turn out for the weekly fight-club. Niijima's information had told them that they, probably, fought a lot more than the advertised once a week, but those he was certain weren't for profit. Those fights were more likely for initiation, training, and punishments of the gang. Kazuma mentally scoffed at the idea of being dumb enough to piss off a street gang with an enforcer even half the size of Thor, who he knew wasn't even the strongest in the gang.

"Alright, our bets are in place. You ready to make some money?"

"You mean to sit here and look pretty while you abuse my luck?"

Nijiima waved the accusation off, watching the first two fighters get into the ring. They didn't have a bet on this one, so it wasn't terribly important, but he could always search for potential recruits. "Don't be silly, I don't need you to look pretty."

While in the past Kazuma had found the fights entertaining, now they were just dull. The kids fighting were just unimpressive. He knew, logically, he probably couldn't even beat them with the small amount of training he'd had, but it was still very bland to watch.. So, he started trolling through his phone, looking for anything interesting going on. One thing he'd started doing was following martial arts news and social media, curious about the culture and everything behind the world he'd started to slide into. Sure, he was but a neophyte, but Ma-Sensei had made it clear he wanted Kazuma to become something great, someday. It wasn't like that belief in him was enough to motivate him, or something silly like that.

"Huh, that's kind of cool." Kazuma said to himself as he trolled through his feed.

Nijiima spared a side eye, not wanting to look away from the fight. Their first two bets had already paid off and Thor was entering the ring, so he really didn't want to miss their big cash cow. "What?"

"Takanohana Koji is in town visiting family," Kazuma answered, not really elaborating further.

Nijiima looked away from the fight, curious. "And who and what is that?"

"If I remember correctly, the only living yokozuna of native Japanese birth. Huge name in the sumo community." Kazuma explained, showing the demon the article he was reading. "And a yokozuna is basically a sumo champ. It's all Mongolians now."

Nijiima read over it, smiling as the fight below started. "Oh? It says he's doing a meet and greet not too far from here."

Kazuma and Nijiima shared a look, nodding to each other before Kazuma turned to the pit, cupping his hands. "Chiaki! Takanohana Koji is doing a meet and greet about six blocks from here!" He shouted down into the arena, hoping his words would have the desired effect.

Thor stopped mid slap, having been about to push his opponent into the wall and likely end the fight. He turned around with stars in his eyes, looking for the world like an excited child, despite his massive frame. "The yokozuna of Japan is here?! Quick, get me out of here! I can't miss this! Where are my shoes? My clothes? I can't meet him with blood on myself!" Thor had entirely forgotten about the fight, exiting the pit without even thinking about his match as he rushed to get to the promised meet and greet. "Where is the meet and greet?" He asked, grabbing Kazuma under one of his massive arms and demanding directions.

Kazuma double checked his phone before pointing towards downtown. "There is a small sumo dojo that he is visiting. It says he is friends with the owner."

"Edmin's?" Thor asked, picking up speed, jostling the ragdolling teen under his arms.

"Yeah," was as much as Kazuma could get out, doing his best to not bite his tongue from the running juggernaut.

As the two disappeared into the night, Nijiima greedily rubbed his hands together, going to the fight coordinator. "So, I believe that is a disqualification by ring out?" Nijiima asked, causing the bookie to gulp deeply at the obscene amount of money he'd have to pay out now.

Nijiima, Kazuma, and Miu were walking together towards Ryozanpaku, this the first time Miu and Nijiima have really interacted. Already, Miu wasn't terribly impressed.

"You should have seen the bookie, Kazuma. He looked like he was about to wet himself at the thought of having to explain how much money he was forced to pay me when Thor ran out of the arena like that." Nijiima was still gloating at their ill-gotten gains, the demon having been scheming and planning on how to spend the money the entire night.

"I mean, I feel like I did alright. Thor was so thankful for helping him meet his idol, he took me for ramen afterwards and we spent the time swapping stories. Guys surprisingly chill." Kazuma was fairly excited himself. His cut was so much larger than he'd been expecting. He hadn't known just how bad the odds were on the bet he'd placed or the potential payout.

Miu giggled, finding the two friends' banter cute. Sure, they weren't exactly normal, but they meshed so well it was too funny. "Well, I'm a bit disappointed you were betting on street fights, but I'm glad you won." Miu turned around to walk backward, looking straight at Kazuma. "So, how's your training been going? Kensei told me I should ask you myself."

Kazuma shrugged, thankfully having become mostly used to Miu's attention after hanging out with her so often recently. "Well, I think. Akisame only killed me twice last time, so I have that going for me. Beyond that, Ma-sensei says I'd be ready to start sparring in a few weeks, probably." What he didn't mention at all was all of the 'wasted' time in the two training their secret techniques.

Miu clapped her hands, looking more excited. "Great! That means we'll get to practice together, Kazuma!"

Kazuma suddenly felt dread and doom overtake him, the idea of fighting Miu sounding more like a punishment than anything else. That wasn't what he should have been worried about, though.

"Kazuma? Kazuma Satou?" A woman's voice came from on top of a building beside the road.

The trio looked up, the silhouette of the speaker hard to make out with the sun directly behind her. She jumped down, landing before them. Once she stood, she was a hair shorter than Kazuma, but that wasn't what he focused on. His eyes were locked on just about everything else. She was wearing a modified qipao that showed a lot more leg than was probably normal and was almost as stacked as Miu. The fact she had blue hair- "Are you Ma-Sensei's daughter, Renka?" Kazuma asked, recognizing the girl after a moment of appreciation.

"Yes! I have come to Japan to force you to quit so he can finally come home!" Renka proclaimed, pointing an accusatory finger at the disciple, glaring at him.

Kazuma could only sigh in defeat, knowing that last night had gone far too well.

"-and that's why I would like permission to visit Japan. A death that keeps getting reversed with disturbing consistency, and the presence of the world's Demon King." Aqua finished explaining to upper management, the elder goddess awaiting their judgment.

Aqua usually didn't go out of her way to do extra work, but one Kazuma Satou had been scheduled to die over a month ago and hadn't shown up. That in of itself wasn't that uncommon and would usually be ignored. The larger issue was that a human that had told her of Nijiima's presence in the same district combined with the anomaly having died over two dozen times in the last week.

Upper management finished their silent debate, having talked among themselves without Aqua being able to hear. "We have heard your request and give our leave to follow through with your plan. There is a shrine near your targets you can enter Japan from. You are to keep tabs on the anomaly and the budding Demon King. This is the first time we've had a potential King who might not be unilaterally evil, so we'd like you to see if he can be properly directed for the betterment of that world. If not, you are allowed to do as you deem fit. Keep in mind magic doesn't commonly exist in Japan or the world at large, so try to not be too blatant in using your abilities. Are we clear, Aqua?"

"Crystal! I'll go pack my stuff and go right away!" Aqua then dashed off, eager to have a new duty to accomplish after what felt like eons of death reception.

After a moment of silence, one of the celestial bodies questioned the room at large. "Do you think we should have reminded her to not spread her religion to the world? Or that she wouldn't be able to come home until the Satou issue was fully resolved?"

A deep, booming voice answered, sounding amused. "Surely, even she can't be that dumb, right? And she should be fine, solving the Satou issue should only take her a day at most."

A motherly, tender voice spoke next, sounding worried. "We are still talking about Aqua, right?"

The deeper voice, after pausing in silence for a moment, let out a deep sigh. "Right. Promote somebody from junior goddess to fill her role until she gets back."

There were murmurs of agreement as their will was done.

Odin was, perhaps not happy, but proud of the group he'd built for himself. Ragnarok was, admittedly, just a bunch of school students, but already he had more than a half dozen disciple level martial artists that were worth more than a dozen normal fighters each. He was certain that all of them would one day be full masters in their own right, but that day was far off. Today, he had the day-to-day issues to handle.

The meeting had been largely routine, each explaining the progress of their own personal projects and assignments. There was just one exception. "Thor, what of you? Were last night's profits from your stable good?"

Thor had been completely zoned out. He had in his hands a polaroid. In it was Yokozuna Koji smiling with himself and Kazuma. He had entirely forgotten that he'd still had the smaller teen under his arm when the picture had been taken. The master sumo had even been kind enough to sign it for him. "Huh, what was that Odin?"

Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Odin repeated himself. "I asked how the profits of last night were."

Thor looked ashamed, rubbing his neck before clearing his throat. "Uh, about that. We lost around five hundred thousand last night..."

There was an angry outburst from some of the members at that, primarily Loki who was reliant on said funding for his schemes. Odin waved a hand cutting them off, motioning for Thor to explain himself.

Thor had the decency to look ashamed as he explained. "Well, I was fighting a no-name. He was to be made an example of, so his winning wasn't really expected, at all. The odds were so bad against him that only one guy bet on him, but they bet ten thousand."

"Wait, you lost?!" Odin shouted, furious that one of his Fists had lost to a nobody.

"On a technicality! I found out mid fight my idol was only a few blocks away and I might have… accidentally left the pit in my rush to make sure I got to meet them?"

Odin could already feel the headache from this fuck up coming on. "You left in the middle of a fight, to meet your idol?"

"Yeah! Satou found out while I was fighting that Master Koji was at Edmin's and shouted it out to me," Thor explained.

"Satou… Loki, why does that name sound familiar?" Odin asked, turning to his shadiest member.

Loki pulled out his phone, looking through his notes before finding it. "Satou Kazuma, friend of Haruo Nijiima. They're on our watch list after winning a few too many times on the public betting nights. Seems they might have gone a step too far this time, eh boss?"

"Indeed." Odin turned back to Thor, making his displeasure clear. "You are to go and retrieve the money those two 'won' and make it clear they are no longer welcome at our fights. Is that clear?"

Thor bowed, looking pained. "I'm sorry, but I must refuse." Odin was about to rebuke the large man, but held his tongue for a moment. "Even if his intentions weren't pure, Satou allowed me to meet one of my heroes and one of the best sumos of all time." The fact that the hero in question was a great martial artist did diffuse some of the building anger that had been growing in Odin, so he let him continue. "Would it be too impudent of me to ask you to allow another fist to handle this matter?"

Odin hummed in thought, considering the request. It wasn't a particularly hard or troublesome request, so after a moment he accented. "Very well. Valkyrie, consider this your first mission as a fist. You are to track down Kazuma Satou and Harou Nijiima, and teach them both a lesson."

A red haired girl with a barret, town shirt and jeans smiled before nodding. "Understood Odin. It shall be done."

Odin allowed himself to relax, knowing that the issue would be handled now that his fist had been deployed.