Hi guys, it's always me, Zack, and here's the chapter!
As always, before reading the chapter, I remember that this chapter has also been translated with the use of Google Translate, so I am sorry if there are * PALESI * grammatical errors ... in any case, in a few days I will make an announcement for the next fanfics, whether they are one-shot or regular stories!
To get some information, go to read my account profile, I wrote the basic information ^^. Anyway, I wish you a good read and see you at the end of the chapter for the current reviews and statistics of the story, Enjoy !
Chapter 4: Let's Train for the Rating Game!
[D-Tecnolife] (Bleach OP 2)
By UVERworld
Ienai itami kanashimi de
kizutsuita kimi yo
(On the roof of Kuoh High School there are red chess pieces, together with the badge from Shinigami Daigo. The camera begins to approach the pieces and the Badge, while they take the form of Ichigo and the members of the ORC)
Kise nai kako mo seoi atti ikou
Ikiru koto wo nagedasa nai de
(The camera then begins to pass through the group, framing their faces while they are intent on observing the sky, then framing Rias who observes the sky, then raises his hand towards it, melancholy)
WOOOOOOOAH!
(The camera heads towards the sky, while the story logo appears (Bleach's logo with the phrase "DxD" written in Bleach's font under it), and then disappears)
Tsunai from kimi no te wo
*Instrumental*
(The faces of Raiser, Grayfia and the masked figure appear, only to disappear in a white light)
Itsuka ushinatte shimau no ka na
(The camera frames the house / villa in which the protagonists reside while training)
Usurete yuku egao to kimi wo mamoritai kara
(The camera moves to the woods next to the house, showing Ichigo and ORC members as they train)
Hibiku boku wo yobu koe sae kare
(At one point, while Ichigo trained with Yuuto and Koneko and Rias trained with Akeno and Asia, Issei moved away, hiding behind a tree while barely holding back tears)
Toki ni sou kaze ni kaki kisare tatte
Kimi wo mitsuke dasu
(An earthquake shakes the area and, after our heroes got up, the scene had changed, they show that pillars of rock rise from behind the house and on each of them are the members of Raiser's peerage and the masked figure but, at some point, the figure pulls a katana from his side and, with great speed, collides with the Zangetsu of Ichigo, breaking the ground and raising it, dividing Rias and the others into small groups of 2)
Ienai itami kanashimi de
kizutsuita kimi
(Issei begins to run ahead of himself with Yuuto and, after calling the Red Dragon Gauntlet, hits a member of Raiser's peerage, then touches two other enemies (females of course) and, snapping his fingers successively, activates the Dress Break, stripping her opponents, while Yuuto fights against Raiser's knight)
Mou warae nai nante
Hito kirai nante kotoba sou iwa nai de
(Akeno and Asia launch lightning, healing and barriers while fighting against the Queen and Bishop of Raiser)
Mie nai mirai ni okoru koto
Subete ni imi ga aru kara
(Rias and Koneko, meanwhile, fight against Raiser. Koneko tries to hit his opponent with his right fist, but is kicked away by Raiser. Rias, as soon as Koneko is kicked off, heads towards Raiser while preparing a crimson sphere of destructive energy but, as long as he could attack him, Raiser smiled at her and, hitting her in the abdomen, he pushed her away, then loaded and launched a fireball)
Ima wa are mama de ii
Kitto kidukeru toki ga kuru darou
(To block Raiser's attack comes Issei who, with his arm with the Gauntlet raised, blocks the blow and then smiles slightly, ready for the challenge against the Phoenix)
WOOOOOOOAAAAAH!
You and me, two are spoken
(Meanwhile, in the tiny "arena" created by the clash between the masked man's katana and Zangetsu, Ichigo and the man are continuing to fight and, after yet another clash between the two blades, Ichigo attacks the figure with a powerful Getsuga Tensho)
WOOOOOOOAAAAH!
itsuka wakari aeru kara
(Above the fighting zone, the camera frames a laughing figure while watching the Rating Game)
Ichigo was looking at Rias with a confused look, not understanding anything about the situation. He needed a summary: First point ... Rias have black wings like a ... devil, from what he seemed, but after Yoruichi revealed his true identity long ago, a pair of wings were not a problem for Ichigo, he had already seen the absurd; Second point ... what the hell were those words and what do they mean? Peerage? Sacred Gear?
"So Ichigo? Do you accept the offer to become a member of my Peerage? " Rias approached Ichigo, watching him as he waited patiently for an answer. "Wait a minute Rias, explain to me why you call my sword" Sacred Gear "and what do you mean by" get into my Pee-what's his name? " Ichigo asked as he raised his hands, trying to ask for explanations.
"... Eeeeh?" Rias sighed and, massaging his head lightly, sat down. "Okay ... listen to Ichigo, millennia ago God created artifacts as part of his system for performing miracles on Earth. They were artifacts that, after merging with the user, gave special abilities or powers ... that's what "Sacred Gear" are, understand? " Rias was watching Ichigo who, for his part, nodded, making the Gremory heir girl smile.
"Perfect, now the Peerage ... you know chess right?" Rias asked, receiving a "Yes" from Ichigo. "Very well, then it's easier to explain it to you: After the Great War, Beelzebub created these objects or-" While explaining, Rias made a chess piece appear in his hand: a red King "-I Evil Pieces. These chess-based pieces are commonly given to high-class pure-blooded Devils, so that they can gather their servants and beyond, allow you to make a person a "Reincarnated Devil", or can be reborn as a low-class Devil. In summary: A Peerage is a group of Devils who have one Evil Piece each. I am the King, Yuuto is a Knight and Koneko is a Rook. "
Ichigo stood with folded arms, reasoning about the explanation and, while he closed his eyes, asked "Mh mh I understand, so in practice you wanted to bring me back to life like a Devil, right? "Right, then do you accept?" Rias joined hands in hope, praying Ichigo for a yes ... which did not happen, since Ichigo took the table and threw it into the air shouting "OBVIO CHE NO!" (On the table appears a sheet that reads: "Use it only for comic interludes"), wonderful Yuuto and Koneko who looked surprised at the scene and then prepared to fight if needed. After the table fell to the ground, breaking, Ichigo got up and, returning with folded arms, observed the three. "I'm sorry, I won't throw my humanity into the Abyss just for you. To hell with the Sacred Gears and the Evil Pieces, I don't accept the offer! " Ichigo shouted with conviction, even though inside he knew it was a half lie ... after all, his Hollow could be considered a "Devil", couldn't he?
Rias sighed as Yuuto approached Ichigo smiling slightly. "We understand your choice, but at least could you help us from time to time?" He asked, offering him a hand that was held by Ichigo. "Of course, you are also good enough with the sword from what I saw" He affirmed and then looked at the window ... and noticed the timetable "Heck, it's very late, I have to go!" Ichigo hurried to get his school bag, but then turned and, smiling slightly, greeted the three members of the ORC with a wave of the hand "See you guys tomorrow". After that, Ichigo took his leave.
Rias sighed and stood up, heading for her desk as Koneko approached her. "Ichigo-senpai ... will you join us ...?" He asked in his usual stoic voice, while Rias shook his head. "He is very determined ... perhaps more determined than Issei." As soon as he said that, the door of the clubhouse opened, while Issei's voice was heard saying "We have arrived!".
A few minutes later ...
'Reincarnated Devil uh ... in a way, it reminds me of Hollowfication' Ichigo thought remembering "the other guy" as he walked through the streets of the neighborhood, letting the last rays of the sun hit his orange hair, leaving Ichigo with the feeling of when he returned home after school ... yes, he was missing Karakura Town.
While Ichigo continued to walk, the young Shinigami noticed a man intently looking at the window of a liquor store with great interest: The man is tall, giving the impression of being twenty years old, his build is normal, he has black hair with a golden fringe and also has a black goatee. He is dressed in a long reddish V-neck coat with a wide open high collar that opens to the hem. The long coat also appears to have two black belts around the waist and four black bands on each arm, two of the bands on the wrist and the other two near the elbow. Finally, the man wears gray trousers and brown shoes.
Ichigo paid no attention to the man and, as he passed him, the man turned to look at the orange-haired young man. "Aren't you too much for our world, boy?" Ichigo's eyes widened, impressed, and then stopped and turned to the man who, oddly enough, smiled. "Y-you ... how do you know?" Ichigo raised a hand to his pocket, preparing to take a Soul Candy but, as the movement began, the man quickly raised his hands. "Slow down slow down! I'm not looking for fighting, it's just that your energy is clearly foreign to this world, here- "The man smiled slightly, holding out a hand to Ichigo. "- The name's Azazel, nice to meet you," said Azazel as Ichigo watched him suspiciously. "... Kurosaki Ichigo" He said, as he stood with his arms folded, without shaking hands with Azazel who, on the other hand, laughed slightly as he retracted it. "You can trust me, don't worry, after all I think you're here to eliminate the" Hole Masked ", right?".
"Hole Masked?" Ichigo asked, never having heard that name, although he was suspecting he was talking about the Hollows. "They are mysterious masked monsters that have a hole in their chest, hence their temporary name." Azazel said but, before he could say anything, Ichigo stopped him, "I bet you want to ask me a favor to eliminate those monsters, right?". "Well, I can't say otherwise ... well, I just wanted to ask you if you would be available to help me in the future. How about Kurosaki? " A smiling Azazel said as he observed Ichigo who, on the other hand, was reasoning about it.
'The sooner I finish, the better ... actually ... "" Okay, I'll help you in the future, "said the young Shinigami-Daigo, letting Azazel pat him on the shoulder, slightly annoying him. "Perfect Ichigo! Then I will contact you when I need your help, and now I'm going, I have a delivery to receive in a few minutes, see you next time! " He said as he walked away, leaving Ichigo alone. "Azazel knows where I come from ..." Ichigo murmured as he walked away too, heading home.
Meanwhile, a few hours later at the Hyoudou home ...
'Come on Rias, you can do it ...' thought the young Gremory heir as he approached Issei Hyoudou's door, ready to enter Issei's room. He couldn't wait any longer after he got the news, he had to find a solution before the worst could happen! As she approached the door handle of the room, a noise made her stop.
'It is late at night, nobody should be awake' thought the crimson-haired young woman who, moving away from the door, headed towards the source of the noise coming from the bathroom. Every step he took increased the tension and, after arriving at the door, Rias opened it to notice ... nothing, the room was empty. The young girl sighed, she was stressed because of that news. Closing the door, Rias turned ... to then be blocked by a mysterious figure so that she could not move her arms while a hand blocked her mouth! Rias tried to free himself from the hold, but the figure was much stronger than Rias.
"Shhhhh… Rias Gremory, I need you to see me only in the eyes ..." said the figure as she calmly leaned in front of Rias's face who, on the contrary, was shocked. The figure, every second that passed, became much closer and Rias, unable to free himself, had to surrender while a strange purple light coming from the figure blinded her sight, making her instinctively close her eyes. When she opened it again, Rias was standing in front of the door leading to Issei's room, ready to open it.
'Come on Rias, you can do it ...' thought the young Gremory heir as he opened the door, ready to wake Issei up.
The next morning, Kuoh High School ...
The sound of bells marks the beginning of the lunch break and, for Ichigo, it was a new challenge: to escape from the "harpies" of his class who tried to offer him their bento. Fortunately, Koneko thought about his rescue, who, by chance crossing him through the school corridors, took him with him to the ORC headquarters.
"W-Wait Koneko! Slows!" Ichigo's pleadings were futile as Koneko continued his run. "Help us, Ichigo-senpai ... Rias-senpai ... is in trouble," he said and, while the two were approaching, Ichigo looked at Koneko with a questioning look. "What do you mean Koneko?" He asked, letting Koneko shake his head. "I don't know ... but please, help us." Ichigo nodded, accepting the request. "Of course, after all we are friends aren't we?"
Koneko said a stoic yes and, a few minutes later, the two arrived and entered the clubhouse, finding the following things: The first is the absurd number of girls present, the second is that strange waitress with silver-haired and silver eyes together with that blond-haired guy who is attached to Rias like a leech and the third ... well, Issei who's going to fight a girl (armed with a martial artist's stick then) with blue hair and light brown eyes: I her hair is paired with four short ponytails, with two of the four facing up and the remaining two facing down. The front of her hair features a split fringe that crosses her forehead, with a side fringe that frames her face while her dress consists of a white haori with a red obi.
The girl was about to attack Issei with a stick but, before anyone could do anything, Ichigo had placed himself between the two, blocking the girl's stick and Issei's fist with his hands, silencing the room.
The girl was about to attack Issei with a stick but, before anyone could do anything, Ichigo had placed himself between the two, blocking the girl's stick and Issei's fist with his hands, silencing the room.
"I-Ichigo ...?" Rias and Yuuto said at the same time, wondering how he got there, while Akeno and the others were shocked by his speed, enough that he seemed to have disappeared. Ichigo gave no weight to anything and, pushing the two back, released Issei and the girl.
'What-what?!' Issei thought, amazed by that performance, and then backed away towards Akeno and the others. "Akeno-senpai, is that guy the same as that day?" The pedestrian asked, letting Akeno nod his head. "Yeah, but it looks like Rias, Yuuto and Koneko already know him ...". Koneko, meanwhile, approached Yuuto, observing the situation. "...It's fast". He said, looking at Ichigo. "It's much faster than a Knight, it's safe."
"What the heck is going on?" Ichigo's voice was serious compared to yesterday's and, as he cracked his knuckles, he watched those present. "Hoi Hoi Rias, who the hell is that human?" The blond-haired man pointed to Ichigo as he watched Rias who, oddly enough for the situation, smiled slightly as he turned to the waitress. "Gryfia-san, is that rule valid?" He asked, leaving everyone present banned (Ichigo included).
'Rule? What he is talking about' It was the general thought of those present, but the doubts were eliminated by the woman called Gryfia who, slightly bowing her head in respect, spoke. "Certainly Ojou-sama, if he has decided that he is his Associate, so be it."
"Are you sure Rias? I don't think he's strong enough to be worthy of receiving that title." The man laughed slightly, causing a general laugh at the girls behind him, but they were quiet when Rias chuckled too. "Sure Riser? You don't know Kurosaki Ichigo's strength, so don't think about winning." "Kurosaki ...? Pffft-AHAHAHA! What a sweet strawberry with orange hair then!"
(I remember that the name of Ichigo can mean three things:" 1 "and" 5 ";" Guardian "and finally, as Riser said, his name can mean" Strawberry ")
"Hoi bastard, do you want to die ?!" Ichigo thundered but did not have time to take a step that Yuuto stopped him by placing a hand on his shoulder. "Wait Ichigo, let Rias-buchou solve everything," Rias' Knight said, letting Ichigo, after sighing, stop, letting the man called Riser smile presumptuously, trying to anger Ichigo again.
Rias sighed, then clapped "Enough. Gryfia, can you explain the Rating Game and the rule of the Associate in Kurosaki? He is new in" our "world" he asked, observing the waitress who bowed slightly. "Certainly Ojou-sama." Gryfia turned to Ichigo, watching him. "You finally let me participate in the discussion, can I know who you are and what you need to explain to me?" said young Shinigami sarcastically.
"Mr. Kurosaki, I am the maid of the Gremory family, Gryfia, and the man next to the Ojou-sama is-" Before it could finish, Raiser looked at Ichigo with superiority. "Riser Phoenix, promised spouse of Rias Gremory, remember well human!". As Riser introduced himself, Rias bowed his head, ashamed of the situation. "Tch ..." Ichigo clenched his fist when he heard the presentation and saw Rias bow his head.
Gryfia made a fake light cough, drawing Ichigo's attention. "As Riser-sama said, here's who we are. Unfortunately Ojou-sama does not accept the current situation and, to resolve it, they will compete in a demonic game: The Rating Game." Ichigo nodded as he watched and listened to Gryfia continuing the explanation. "The Rating Game is a challenge between two Devils with a Peerage. This challenge is used to measure the strength of a Devil and, in case of victory or defeat, the challenge will be reflected in their social position in the Underworld. The challenge is a battle strategy between the King and his pieces. The members of the Peerage are the same as the chess, that is Tower, Knight, Queen, Bishop and Pawn. The maximum number of players in an evaluation game is 16 and, as in chess, the players lose when their King loses. "
"Understood, in practice it's a method to avoid wars but at the same time, it's a war itself to become the stronger Devil, right? So what is an Associate? He didn't name him" asked Ichigo, letting Gryfia nod with the head. "Basically yes, it is as she said, but there is an extra rule for those who are not part of a Peerage but want to help the Devil and the name of that person is, in fact," Associate ". If a person participates to the Rating Game as associated, the Rating Game provides the following rules:
1) Each Peerage must have an Associate as many as the opponents. In this case, Riser-sama will have to find an Associate who will fight with him.
2) An Associate can enter the battle only 5 minutes after the start of the Rating Game and if at least one Peerage has lost two pieces, however, the Associate can eliminate all the opposing pieces without restrictions. After 10 minutes from the start of the Rating Game, however, the Associate can only fight against the King and the enemy Associate, thus preventing the elimination of other pieces. "
"Perfect, then-" Ichigo turned to Rias after Gryfia finished the explanation. "-I agree to become your Associate, Rias Gremory." The young Shinigami said, making Rias and Yuuto smile, aware of Ichigo's strength. Riser, on the other hand, held back the urge to spit on the ground, annoyed by the choice, in short ... a human who participates in the Rating Game?! It was an insult to tradition!
"Okay human, if you want to participate, go ahead. I'll kill you with my own hands," Riser said, observing Ichigo as he turned, summoning under his feet (And those of his Harem / Peerage) a Magic Circle of Teleportation, same thing Gryfaia. "See you in 10 days my dear Rias ... prepare to lose at the Rating Game, you will become my bride, I promise! And you, Pawn of Rias, don't you dare touch my bride with a finger!" He threatened Raiser, and then disappeared into hot flames which, after a few moments, disappeared, taking Riser, his Peerage and Gryfaia away.
"Finally he's gone!" Ichigo sighed, while Issei tried to change the subject. "Buchou, who is he?" Pawn asked, pointing to Ichigo. "Oh yes, I didn't tell you about it yesterday. Ichigo, they are Issei, Asia and Akeno, respectively Pawn, Bishop and Queen. Guys, he is- "Rias was about to introduce Ichigo when she was silenced by Ichigo. "I'm Kurosaki Ichigo, nice to meet you."
Before Issei and the others could say something, Yuuto stepped in. "Let's postpone these things until later, we have 10 days to train, you know?" He said, slightly diminishing the general mood of the members, while Ichigo nodded. "Yuuto is right, we have to prepare for the game." Yuuto smiled slightly, noting in this sentence all the fighting experience of Ichigo. "Ichigo, do you want to help us? We can improve each other like this. " He proposed the Knight, offering a hand to the young Shinigami, while Koneko (Always with his stoic voice because "canonical characterization") approached. "... Ichigo-senpai, please."
Ichigo smiled slightly and then shook Yuuto's hand. "Certainly I will help you train, after all we are friends, right?". At the sight of this, the group smiled slightly as Rias clapped his hands. "Let's finish today's club activities. Akeno, come with me. All the others: Get ready, we will leave at dawn towards our training center! ".
"Yes!" They all said raising their fists to the sky, emotionally charged for the next 10 days.
Hours later, Kurosaki's House ...
Ichigo was lying on his bed, intent on observing the night sky from his window, trying to fall asleep. He had prepared the bare essentials for training: Spare clothes, Soul Candy, a small supply of food and ingredients and other things. While looking at the starry sky, Ichigo couldn't help but smile slightly when he remembered the night he left to save Rukia, especially the way Urahara-san had sent him the message ... luckily his father or her her sisters weren't in the room that time, it looked like a murder scene.
Eventually, albeit slowly, Ichigo's eyelids became heavy and, after a few minutes, the young Shinigami fell asleep, "cradled" by the breeze coming from the window.
When Ichigo opened his eyes, he was in his inner world made up of purple skyscrapers and an infinite sky, in the company of the spirit of his Zanpakuto, the old Zangetsu, standing on a flag pole.
Ichigo observed the spirit, curious as to why he was there. "Old Zangetsu, what happens?" He asked, while observing the spirit which, with his usual serious face, began to approach his user. "Ichigo, don't you feel this presence?" The spirit asked, letting Ichigo look at him confusedly. "Yet? You have been asking me this question since yesterday!". Zangetsu watched Ichigo, then slightly shake his head. "I understand ... at least I'm happy."
"Happy…? What do you mean?" Ichigo observed Zangetsu curiously, wondering what he was talking about. "Thanks to those guys, your new friends, you're finally moving back, stopping the rain." Ichigo's eyes widened at revelation, remembering when Zangetsu told him his name.
Clenching his fist, Ichigo slammed it into Zangetsu's chest, smiling slightly. "Move forward and never stop, right?". Zangetsu grinned slightly as he watched Ichigo's gesture. "That's right ... remember it, and you can protect what is dear to you."Zangetsu affirmed as he looked up at the infinite sky that stood above the two.
"I think dawn has come. Good luck Ichigo." Zangetsu started to fade away, while Ichigo nodded, vanishing too. "Yeah, see you later Zangetsu."
A few moments later ...
Ichigo slowly opened his eyes while something was repeatedly (albeit with medium intervals) touching his right cheek, emitting the "... Poke" sound each time.
'Poke ...?' Ichigo asked himself, who, with his vision blurred because of sleep, turned to the source of those gestures.
"... Oss, Ichigo-senpai". After a few moments, Ichigo saw who the source was and, as soon as he noticed it, the young Shinigami got up from the bed shouting "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE ?!" as he watched Koneko standing by Ichigo's bed.
"... We are leaving, the others are down. You have 5 minutes. " The young silver-haired Rook said as she started to leave the room, leaving Ichigo alone. With a sigh, Ichigo got out of bed and, going towards the wardrobe, began to dress, complaining in a low voice.
Meanwhile, outside the home ...
Rias and the rest of the club were waiting outside the house as they chatted with each other, each with their backpacks.
When the door opened, the group shifted their gaze to it, noticing only Koneko coming out. "Is awake?" Rias asked looking at his Rook who nodded positively.
"Perfect," said Rias as he moved a lock of hair behind his ear, leaving some pervert excited ...
Koneko (Unfortunately for Issei) had seen the scene, in fact he hit Issei in the stomach with a kick, letting him collapse on the ground. "... Die perverted." He said, making the group laugh slightly, preventing him from hearing the "Help meee ..." murmured by Issei.
A few minutes later, the main door of the house opened and Ichigo came out of it, and while holding the medium-sized backpack in his left hand, he locked the door and finally turned to greet the club members. "Ossu!". He said simply with a slight smile.
"It took you time eh? What can I do without my fellow swordsman? " Yuuto joked, making Ichigo laugh. "Enough now, it's time to leave!" Rias clapped his hands, announcing the departure and, as soon as he finished speaking, everyone raised their fists to the sky and walked. "YES!".
A few hours later, in the mountains near Kuoh Town ...
"Anf ... Anf ... Hey buchou, how long is it? We have been walking for hours! " Issei was walking heavily and, now without strength, stopped by sitting on a large rocky boulder. "Two more hours to go, hold on a little longer." The charming crimson-haired girl said as she stepped up smoothly and, which shocked Issei, without shedding a drop of sweat.
Before Issei could leave, Ichigo, Yuuto and Koneko passed him as they unwittingly wore backpacks much heavier than Issei's, which annoyed him. "We go on, see you later!" Ichigo and Yuuto said as Koneko looked at Issei with a hopeless look. "... We go on." Issei angrily observed Koneko "Tch! Don't fuck me! " Issei shouted as he got up in a hurry and started running, passing Ichigo and the others.
Two hours later…
"We have arrived!" Rias exclaimed as he watched the entrance to a small two-story villa as the rest of the group stopped. Rias turned to the group with a slight smile and then raised a finger. "Go get changed because then we start training immediately!" He said, and then entered the cottage together with Akeno, Asia and Koneko.
Issei, as soon as he saw that they were alone, began to secretly head towards the house and, more precisely, the room where the girls are changing. 'I can do it, I can do it!' The perverted young man thought but, as soon as he was near the room, someone hit him in the head, sending him to the ground.
"OUCH!" Issei got up from the ground rubbing his head, then turning to the person who hit him, or Ichigo. "BECAUSE?" Issei shouted while watching Ichigo who, sighing, put a hand on his shoulder. "I'll be straightforward ... no peek" he said and then turned to Yuuto who, in the meantime, had already changed. Issei tried to say something, but finally sighed and, heading towards the next room, began to change into his tracksuit. "... That punch hurt..."
A few minutes later ...
The group of friends started training: Ichigo was training Yuuto, trying to improve his sword skills; Koneko (At Ichigo's suggestion) was chasing Issei with the intent to hit him, trying to improve the boy's stamina and the agility of the lolita; Asia was training in magic thanks to Akeno and finally Rias was starting to study strategies to defeat Riser's Peerage.
Ichigo, in his Shinigami form, was watching Yuuto and, tightly gripping Zangetsu's hilt, warned himself. "Hey Yuuto, are you ready to train?" He said as Yuuto prepared, warning himself with the wooden sword. "Always ready Ichigo!". The two waited a few seconds remaining in position, then snapped and collided their weapons with each other noisily, beginning a very lively sparring.
Meanwhile, Issei continued to escape Koneko's powerful (and deadly) blows. "STOPSTOPSTOPSTOP! PLEASE KONEKO-CHAAAAAN !" Pleaded Issei as he ran, passing Koneko a few meters, albeit only a little. "... Ichigo-senpai suggested this training to improve your agility ... now stand still and get hit" said young Rook, trying to hit Issei with a right jab. "IF I HAVE TO IMPROVE MY AGILITY I CAN'T STOP !" Issei shouted in vain, continuing to run away from Koneko.
"Ara Ara ~, those two are having fun huh?" Akeno said giggling slightly, observing Koneko and Issei, then moving her gaze to Asia. "How is it going?". The Queen asked the Bishop, noting that the aforementioned Bishop was concentrating, shaping energy in her hands. "Pretty well, Akeno-san, if we continue like this I will be able to use faster treatments and-" Young Asia unfortunately interrupted her concentration, making the energy disappear from her hands. "Nooooo."
Rias, while he was holding some papers on which tactics were written, smiled slightly as he watched everyone training with commitment from the window.
'Tomorrow I will also help, after all the person who needs more help is Issei' thought the young Rias, while speculating the possible trainings to do the next day.
The training continued until late in the evening and, after a healthy bath (Saved by Ichigo since Issei wanted to peek at the girls), the group began to have dinner, eating the dishes cooked by Ichigo and Akeno and, according to Issei, in the kitchen they were an incredible couple, even if Ichigo didn't believe it too much ... after all the cook in his family was Yuzu, not him.
The group ate and enjoyed themselves until the stars were completely visible and, after putting the kitchen and dining room back on purpose, the groups split up: The males in one room and the females in the other, finally falling asleep, ready for the next days.
Two days later...
The last afternoon lights illuminated Ichigo's face while, with his eyes closed, he was sitting under a tree, intent on meditating to speak with Zangetsu who, in fact, was on his user's legs. While Ichigo meditated while, on the other side of the area near the villa, the others were training hard: Yuuto trained with Koneko to improve both his strength and his agility, while Koneko tried to be able to become stronger against an opponent faster than her, her only weakness; Akeno, Asia and Rias instead were training in magic while Issei ... was doing a special training here.
The day before, in fact, he had done a training session with each member of the club: He fought Yuuto and Ichigo to test his sword skills (Result ... bad); Together with Koneko he made several clashes of pure physical strength (Result ... forget it); with Rias, however, he was climbing the mountain with various physical exercises such as jogging or abs (Bad result); finally, together with Akeno and Asia, he tried to train with magic but, the only thing he got was ... peel potatoes. You got it right, peel potatoes.
And right now, while everyone else was out training, Issei stayed in the kitchen peeling potatoes and, ashamed of the situation, took a quick look at his hand, observing the various patches and bruises that were scattered not only on the arm, but all'over the body, even on his face.
'I am useless ... everyone is training and I instead ... fur potatoes ... I am ashamed of myself ...' Issei mentally said to himself, then shaking hands, barely holding back the shameful tears ...
A few hours later ...
Was Issei turning over and over in his futon while he was at the mercy of a nightmare ... or a dream ...?
...
Issei opened his eyes, finding himself in a completely empty and dark space. "Where ... Where am I?" He murmured in a low voice, when he turned around, sensing a strange sensation ... followed by a roar.
"GRAAAWWH"
"WOAH!" Issei shouted when he saw that figure: He looked like an immense dragon with western features, with red scales and golden tips all'over his body and, finally, a pair of emerald green eyes.
The dragon watched Issei for a few seconds, then opened its jaws, ready to emit flames. "WAIT WAIT WAIIIIIT !" Issei raised his hands, trying to stop the beast which, pointing its jaws towards the young man, emitted scarlet flames that struck Issei but, instead of burning him, they were ... healing him? 'Wait ... these flames-' The young boy looked at his healing hands.
"We can finally talk, Issei ..." The dragon roared as he observed Issei who, instead, was surprised. "Finally ...? Who are you?". Young Pawn asked pointing to the dragon who ... laughed? "Who am I? Isn't it obvious? I am-" The dragon was about to show up but, just before he could say his name, the place began to shatter like glass, shocking Issei and making the dragon impatient. "Tch ... it seems that the time has not come. Until next time, Issei Hyoudou" said the dragon, disappearing. "WAIT UP! WHAT THE HELL-" Issei raised a hand to the dragon but, before he could continue, his conscience vanished…
...
Issei jumped up from the futon, panting heavily, and then looked at his hand. "A ... a dream?" He wondered, but before he could fall asleep again, a strange blue light from the window intrigued him. "Uh ..." Coming out of the futon, Issei headed for the window, watching Ichigo who was throwing the same technique into the sky that he used against the monster several days ago. Issei continued to observe Ichigo's training, then clenched his fist and left the room, heading towards Ichigo.
Being able to descend without making the slightest noise, Issei left the house and headed for Ichigo who, meanwhile, was sitting on the ground with his back facing Zangetsu stuck on the ground, intent on drinking a bottle of water. "I-Ichigo-san" Issei called Ichigo who turned to him, smiling slightly. "Yo Issei! Can not you sleep?" Asked the Shinigami, watching his companion who approached and sat down next to him. "Yeah ... I can't sleep ... I can't be strong ... please Ichigo-san, help me get stronger! I want to be as strong as you! "
Ichigo observed Issei, surprised. Sighing, the Shinigami looked up at the starry sky. "You know ... you remind me ... I, with all my strength, am afraid" he said, shocking Issei. "Fear…?". "Exactly, fear. Fear of not being able to protect the people I love ... ".
Meanwhile, in hell: Riser Phoenix Palace ...
Riser could not believe his sight ... as many as four guards had been killed before his eyes ... by the hand of a single individual! Riser was observing the individual with a slight fear in his heart: The individual was dressed in a completely white Shihakushō and, above it, wore white clothes all too similar to those worn by the Arrancar (Note: This last sentence served just to make it clear what clothes he wears, not that Riser knows the Arrancars); Her hair is slightly shoulder-length, straight and black while her face is hidden by a completely white mask and without details, except for the completely black eyes of the mask and finally at her side there was a katana inside a scabbard. White.
The individual watched Riser silently, then slowly approached him. "Oi Oi, stop!" Riser said as he raised a hand, ready to hit him with his fire. The figure did not seem to care, in fact he kept walking until ... he bowed before Riser! 'What the hell ... ?!' Riser thought as the figure, for the first time, spoke ...
"Please Riser-Sama ... let me become your Associate! Let me fight Kurosaki Ichigo!"
To be continued ...
[Life is Like a Boat] (Bleach ED1)
By Rie fu
Nobody knows who I really am
I never felt this empty before
(Ichigo is lying on an immense lawn, intent on observing the night sky with all the stars, while a cheek lines his face)
And if I ever need someone to come along
Who's gonna comfort me, and keep me strong?
(All the stars in the sky begin to illuminate the sky more and more, and from them the memories of Ichigo begin to appear when he was in his world, during his life as a Shinigami)
Tabi wa mada tsuzuiteku
Odayakana hi mo
(The memories begin to fade, and then leave room for the figures of the ORC members in this order: Rias who, moving a lock of hair from his face. Was teasing Issei, helped by Akeno and Asia, while Koneko and Kiba instead, they relaxed normally)
Tsuki wa mata atarashii shuuki de
Rope or terashidasu
(Ichigo closed his eyes, while the image of Rukia who gave him the powers jumped into his mind. Ichigo opened his eyes, then got up from the lawn when he heard someone call him)
Inori or sasagete
Atarashii hi o matsu
(Ichigo turned to the voice, noting that the ORC members were calling him, waving their hands)
Asayaka ni hikaru umi
They are hate made
(Ichigo was surprised first, then sighed and smiled, starting to run towards them. At the point where he was before, his Shinigami-Daigo badge can be seen).
Preview of the next chapter:
Rias: "It's the tenth day ... are we all ready?"
Riser: "I won't give you any orders, I'll give you permission to unleash you"
Ichigo: "Who-You who are you ?!"
?: "Your despair!"
The next chapter of Bleach: DxD…" The Rating Game begins! "Zero" is coming! " will be released on March 25, 2020! Stay tuned!
"I understand ... in that case ... BAN-KAI! TENSA ZANGETSU! "
And here I am again! So, did you like the chapter? I couldn't wait to introduce the villain that I developed thanks to a dear friend of mine (If you have doubts about his clothing, imagine that of Aizen during his rebellion) and heck, I can't wait to go on with the story! However, thanks to Ichigo, the canon of the first season will change slightly, but leaving this out ... 15 REVIEWS, 4800 VIEWS, 47 FOLLOWERS AND 29 FAVORITES ! GUYS, THANK YOU SO MUCH !
Ever since I started making this story, I haven't imagined such a hit for just the first ** 3 ** chapters. Anyway, are you ready? It's time for reviews! Let's start immediately:
- Guest-Questioner: Following Bleach's canon, Ichigo obviously helps Rias and the others, I can't change the character written and drawn by Tite Kubo-sensei either. Anyway, I know that Ichigo is VERY op compared to other characters * but *, given that this story is set months before the fullbringer arc, Ichigo is still the simple hollowficated Shinigami that we all know. Then I'm trying to see if I will implement the Shinto faction, not because I don't want to do it, but because I have many ideas that will cause a mega narrative plot for future followers (of which the second will be the most problematic to write).
- Pablo Galvez: Wait to see the next chapters :3
It seems that I have responded to the new reviews, now ... well, it's time to give official news for four things:
1- OH MY GOD BLEACH FACE AGAIN AAAAAAAAAAA ! I'm so hyped ! I can't wait to see the March 21st live!
2- With the change of the openings it became clear that we are entering the season's clue, and get ready: There are 9 other openings :3
3- I'm planning 2 Gundam fanfictions, both crossover. The first is an almost finished one-shot, and is based on Unicorn Gundam's seventh OVA (Fans will understand) while the second is a crossover between Gundam Char Counter attack and Code Geass, which will enter production in a few weeks (Since Italy is in quarantine, I have a lot of time to spend) ... ah yes, I have another fanfic about Code Geass in mind, but this one needs more work before receiving new info (On my profile I have put some information but I'll have to change it).
4- In three chapters I will finally present the partner who will be Ichigo's love story and, since I feel good, I propose a challenge: Write me your ideas in private and, who will guess the ship, will have a "lore prize", or will be part of the plot thanks to an OC developed by me and the winner!
Well, it seems that I have said everything, so I salute you. Here Zack, see you next time!
See ya!