Disclaimer: I do not own High school DxD
Chapter 5
His Steel Blue met those Aqua eyes.
Those eyes he came to hate.
He represented his past.
He represented his burden.
He represented everything he hated.
As both men stood across the field, their stances were rigid and peerless; no energy was wasted in any sort of unnecessary movement, as both of them waited for the commanding voice which dictates the start of their clash.
Gripped around their hands was a katana shaped wooden sword, a bokken, enhanced by devil magic; made strong enough to support this type of supernatural combat. Only a force equal to Middle-class devil or higher could shatter the strengthening spell.
The blonde carried loathing behind his steel eyes, while the one with silver hair carried anticipation.
Their stances while equally peerless and immaculate, were not the same; the knight of Gremory resembled a snake; relaxed and fluid while at the same time ready to attack, to deliver a powerful that would be too fast for the enemy to react.
The stance of the former exorcist was another thing on his own; his feet were planted on the floor, his form was steady and unmoving, ready to receive any attack and deal it back twice as hard – he was like a fortress.
Silence permeated the courtyard, as no one dared to mutter a word – that is until, like a pickaxe breaking ice, she muttered the words.
"Begin"
In less than a second Kiba jumped into action, closing the distance between them in milliseconds. He moved way too fast and way too swift for any normal human to react to, he was sure, there was no way his opponent could react to this attack.
When he was in front of the silver haired-one, he directed a strike to his exposed left side, to his left collarbone to be exact. The blade flew through the air in a swift motion of skill and speed, splitting the air in the process – his opponent; wouldn't be able to respond to it, in Kiba's mind there was no doubt that Katsuo couldn't match his speed.
Just when it was about to meet his collar bone…
A resounding sound shook the entire courtyard – it was the sound of wood striking wood.
With a quick swat Katsuo pushed away Kiba's sword, which was met by bewilderment etched into the face of a now unstable positioned Yuuto.
Twisting his body Katsuo directed his strength into one blow aimed to Kiba's exposed right side – thankfully the Gremory knight was able to quickly recompose himself from the shock and avoid a direct strike from the former exorcist.
That didn't mean he avoided taking damage.
As soon as he finished the motion of his swing, a huge gust of pressurized air was created from the aftershock of his attack; the updraft sent Kiba flying across the yard, swept the grass off the ground, shook the trees in the vicinity and blew the spectators of their feet.
And he remained at the focus of it; his form steady, his feet still planted in their original spot – releasing one long and heavy breath his focus shifted from the ground below him to the slouched from of Yuuto Kiba, who was stating getting up from his prone form.
The once neatly trimmed blonde hair became a messy mop and the face that was described as an immaculate porcelain sculpture was covered in dirt and displayed absolute hatred towards his enemy. Pushing himself to a standing position and wiping the dirt off the corner of his mouth, he steered at the aqua eyes he'd come to hate.
Yuuto Kiba now understood, he clearly had underestimated his opponent – it was just a spar and against a human no less, despite how much he disliked this certain human, he couldn't act in accord to his desires, not with his master around at least…
He wouldn't make that same mistake again.
Now fully standing he entered once again into his previous combat stance; but this time a red energy quickly gathered around his feet, as soon as it appeared, in less than millisecond…he vanished from sight, leaving only a vacuum where he once stood.
As for Katsuo his previous neutral face changed into shock, as he instinctively turned his head around and was met with the sight of the knight of Gremory preparing a sword thrust aimed at his head.
He jumped to the side, barely avoiding the strike and rolling a few times across the ground. He wasn't given time to recompose himself, as soon as he tried to locate Kiba in the battleground he was met, once again, with a tingling sensation running across his back.
A red flash on his left side was the only indication of his opponent.
Acting on instinct he swung his sword with all the strength he could muster.
Just like before a powerful shockwave blew his assailant off and destroyed the ground below, but this time a red flash bolted from the direction of his attack to the far side of the battleground.
Once again releasing a sigh, Katsuo entered into his battle stance and stared at the blonde swordsman across the field.
The same blue steel eyes met the aqua ones with the same intensity and killing intent as that time in the student council – only this time he wouldn't be hold back by Rias whims.
Without any hesitation the former exorcist swung his sword once again, sending another powerful draught of air that left destruction in his wake.
Perhaps if he was Issei or Koneko he wouldn't be able to escape that powerful gust of wind, both of them didn't have the speed necessary to outrun that approaching whirlwind. They would have met those powerful currents of air head on and hope for the best…
Thankfully he wasn't them.
In a red flash he vanished out of the way; bolting across the yard at Godspeed, he quickly closed the gap between him and the silver haired swordsman – Ready to meet him head on he prepared his blade.
Using his current momentum he aimed for an overhead strike, in a display of peerless technique his sword sliced through the distance and just like he expected…
His opponent responded with a strike of his own.
With uncontained raw strength Katsuo's sword met his creating a quick shockwave that shook the yard.
As their eyes met once again they understood – this was it, this was the fight they were waiting for, a fight to show who had the superior power, a fight to show who had the superior skill – a fight to test oneself against an equal.
Thus Blue Steel met Aqua once again – and their battle began.
Issei was sure about something…he was weak, he was the weakest of Rias' peerage, he already knew that since the battle against the stray Devil; he witness Koneko's surprising but undeniable superior strength, he witnessed Kiba's greatness in swordsmanship, he watched as Akeno's peerless magic torture the stray devil and most importantly he stared in awe as Rias unleashed her raw power of destruction.
He was aware of their abilities, and he was aware of his – he was a Longinus wielder, Sacred Gears capable of slaying Gods…but that concept seemed way to foreign and distant to him. He had close to none experience with his Longinus, during the fight against Raynare he could only boost a few times before his body giving up. Asia, despite her frail nature and peaceful demeanor, had way more expertise and mastery over her Sacred Gear than him.
In simple words he felt outclassed by everyone else.
And then there was Katsuo.
Issei considered him to be strong, he defeated Raynare after all, but he never considered him someone on the league of Kiba or Koneko and way too far to reach Rias' or Akeno's level, he was human after all.
In a sense Issei considered him a ceiling, a ceiling for his own growth.
After all if that guy could achieve that power as a human, what excuse did he have being a devil himself?
…All those perceptions changed when he watched Katsuo clashing blows against Kiba.
In that moment he understood the true gap that separated him from his group and how far the ceiling he had been staring at was.
This time he didn't feel outclassed – He was outclassed.
Every single of his strikes were massive in strength, with every swing powerful gust of winds were released, with every step the earth cracked beneath his feet. Every one of his moves was akin to a powerful canon while carrying the precision and swiftness of spear.
He watched as Kiba bolted around the battlefield at unconceivable speeds leaving only a vacuum and a red trail behind him. Ready to meet his target once again the knight readied his sword and in an instant appeared beside his opponent.
If any other swordsman were to be in Kiba's current position landing a direct body hit on Katsuo would seem easy, an open opponent could not retaliate to an unexpected attack in any normal circumstances…
If that would have been the case this battle would have ended a long time ago.
As if posed Katsuo twisted his body and, in the nick of time, parried Kiba's strike, deflecting it to his right side. Not wasting any time, the silver haired boy raised his sword and in an instant brought it down with the intensity of a sledge hammer.
Instead of worry or surprise plastered in Kiba's face the only discernible emotion on it was Intensity – fierce battle Intensity.
Just as Katsuo brought his sword down, Kiba disappeared. As expected Katsuo's blow released a great amount on pressurized wind that destroyed the earth and traveled across the backyard at great speed, only dissipating lightly at the outskirts of the forest.
Suddenly Kiba reappeared at Katsuo's left side ready to strike…just like before the former exorcist's body moved on instinct and responded in kind – as their strikes intercepted the sound of wood cracking rounding throughout the yard.
Issei couldn't help but watch in awe as Kiba and Katsuo clashed blades once again.
"It seems like we underestimated our resident exorcist" Rias said jokingly and with a hint of regret in her statement.
"Huh?" he couldn't help to say anything else, being brought out of his state of astonishment.
"Ara, ara. Are we regretting not making him part of our Peerage" the teasing intention in Akeno's voice was visible.
Rias paid no mind to it.
"I would lie if I said no" she responded.
"Ufufufu, still I would also be lying if I said I expected this from him, to match Kiba-kun…he would have made great Knight"
"Or a superb Rook"
To the surprise of many, mainly Issei, the next comment was made by the quiet white haired girl of the group.
"…Senpai is strong…"
Rias simply nodded in approval of Koneko's statement, soon after her face became more serious, dropping her previous more carefree demeanor.
"Still doesn't change the fact that the match is about to end" her statement was uttered with such confidence befitting only someone of her status.
"Huh, what do you mean Buchou, Katsuo hasn't taken any damage from Kiba"
At his comment Rias smiled, it was a smile akin to what a mother would give a child when trying to figure out math for the first time; she was glad and happy he tried to do it himself regardless of how incorrect the result would be.
"It's nice that you noticed and you are right – but look at him"
Issei's gaze focused on the form of the former exorcist; he was exactly the same as when his fight started, for the exceptions of a bit of dirt of his clothes and his hair slightly ruffled, he looked more like he went jogging for a while instead of someone who had been fighting for half an hour.
Kiba on the other hand was the total opposite; his clothes were dirtied and scratched, there was dirt all over his face, the once neat and perfect hair of the prince of Kuoh was reduced to a wild mess and his usually friendly face was now a scowl directed completely at his opponent, while bearing an increased breath.
All of this was irrelevant – Katsuo's fortress-like stance while remaining the same throughout the battle, lost some of his previous strength and firmness, his blows were becoming less powerful bit by bit, and his breath was becoming more ragged with every massive blow he delivered – Regardless of all this, the former exorcist lifted his blade, entered stance and prepared himself for clashing blades with his opponent, all with the same serious face as before.
"Did you notice?" his thoughts were broken by Rias, whose eyes hadn't moved from the battle ensuing "by the looks of it he tires himself more by attacking than by blocking damage from Yuuto"
Before he could respond or begin to process the information the voice of the priestess of Thunder interceded in the conversation.
"To be fair, they've been going at it for a while, it's only natural they start to tire"
Rias in response nodded.
"Exactly; and is a wonder that a Human could last this long…"
She had to cut her sentence short, as another of Katsuo's gales of wind travelled through the yard blowing everything in its path, only this time instead of blowing them out of their feet, the only collateral damage it did was rustle their hair.
It took an annoyed Rias Gremory just a few seconds to put her hair back into place for what she felt was the twentieth time.
As soon as she finished her endeavor, she resumed her previous talking point with Issei.
"…still…that doesn't change the reality of the situation – he is naturally weaker than Kiba"
'I cannot keep going like this'
He paired another attack aimed at his head, followed by him twisting his body at unnatural speeds and swatting aside another blow aimed at his back.
'Not without using…that'
His breath was fast and the foundations of his stance were starting to weaken; he stood his ground and raised his sword regardless
'At this rate I will only last a few more seconds'
He felt his heart beat increasing, his muscles ache and his lungs scraping for air, yet he entered in his stance.
'It has been years since I fought this way…it's a wonder I kept up so long'
He braced himself for another of Kiba's fast assaults – no longer distinguishing between the Yuuto running form and the afterimage left on his wake.
'However…I couldn't have asked for a better opponent'
His back tingled and in a second he felt the collective assault of multiple strikes approaching his body – left collarbone, right knee, midsection abdomen, frontal lobe and right bicep.
He couldn't replicate the Knight's speed.
'If I want to win…"
In one swift motion he intercepted three of five attacks with a single sword slash; the other two bypassed his defenses and hit their respective targets – left collarbone and midsection abdomen.
He was getting slower.
Gasp could be heard – this was the first time during their match that Kiba's strikes actually connected…no…this was the first time that any of their strikes connected.
This was first blood and Kiba had drawn it.
'No…I will win, I will win without using…his power…'
Not letting Kiba enjoy his minor victory, the former exorcist grabbed the wrist of the Knight of Gremory and pulled him. Once the distance between the two closed, without much remorse, Katsuo delivered a solid strike to the gut using the handle of his bokken. The attack was successful judging by Kiba's pained expression and it gave Katsuo what he needed – an opportunity window – drawing some of his massive strength the former exorcist aimed an upward strike to Kiba's torso.
It would have been the end of the match, if not for the Knight's reaction speed, with just a tiny movement he was able to avoid that attack just in the nick of time and, expecting the usual powerful gale of wind to be released, he bolted quickly to the side to avoid it.
However there was no updraft this time…while there was a clear shockwave, there wasn't any of those powerful whirlwinds released by his swing this time…his strength was diminishing.
'I've wasted too much stamina…at this rate I'll have only two more moves…'
Now both of them laid in the same manner, standing apart, panting while trying their best to enter their previous battle stance.
'If I can't match his speed I'll give him an easy target to hit'
Kiba's eyes, for the second time during their match, widened – this time Kiba's expression wasn't that of anger or ferocity…it was that of absolute confusion and surprise.
Before him stood Katsuo unyielding form…but this time something was off; instead of his blade raised high at head level, its tip was pointing front and both of his hands were tightly gripped around the handle, his feet stood planted like anchors to the ground, his muscles were tensed and his eyes were narrowed completely on the opponent before him – Yuuto Kiba.
To the spectators present this change wouldn't have much meaning; probably they would interpret it as him trying some sort of hidden sword technique, or in the case of others believing this was just some attempt just to show off.
But Yuuto understood.
'I've forced him out of his defense…either that or he is running out of stamina... Either way without his defense up, I can finally end this'
He quickly turned his head and stared at the devastation Katsuo's blows had created; from the huge craters to the broken trees to even the now grassless yard – all of it was created by the aftershocks of his attacks…the thought of one them landing directly…
'If got hit directly by something like that…I'm not sure I will be able to endure it…'
With a quick snarl Kiba entered his previous battle stance, as red energy gathered around his feet.
As for the silver haired boy…he held his breath as he drew strength from his little remaining stamina.
His hands tightened around the blade's handle.
His eyes focused on the opponent before him, as everything else disappeared from sight…and like a quick spark inside his head.
'…One…'
In a single heartbeat his breath left his body, as he used half of his remaining strength to kick the ground, causing it to crack behind his massive strength. The impact was enough to propel him throughout the yard at high speeds.
Kiba reacted immediately, jumping into action, or in his case running to it. He bolted directly at Katsuo's direction, sword raised and eyes focused on his target.
The ground cracked and the air roared at their power and speed.
Kiba's swing didn't carry that much strength behind it, but coupled with his insane speed and momentum one single precise strike would be enough to cause massive damage.
As for Katsuo; his speed wasn't able to match Kiba's but his strength more than made up for that fact. He didn't need one single precise hit – he just needed one hit…the problem was to land it.
Regardless of strengths and weaknesses – both of them decided to gamble the outcome on single one strike.
The remaining members of Rias' peerage gasped as the two fighters were set on a collision clash – everyone expected both of them to crash into one another causing a huge amount of collateral damage in the process.
So they braced themselves.
'His left guard is down'
The Knight of Gremory, with his sword readied and his mind focused, decided to strike expecting to land a clean hit – he had the speed advantage, the position advantage, the skill advantage…there was no way he could miss such an easy strike.
Everyone expected a powerful shockwave or a resounding clash…
That was until, instead of raising his sword ready to respond with a strike of his own, the former exorcist stabbed it directly in the ground just mere seconds before meeting Kiba – slowing his speed and evading Kiba's strike by mere centimeters.
Shock appeared on Kiba's face, as his previous concentration and his grip loosened for a split second. It was such his confusion that he wasn't able to process the fact he was now in front of his opponent with his guard down and no way of counterattacking.
In that split second the former exorcist planted his feet deep on the ground, reducing his speed to a halt, pulled his blade out of the ground gripping the handle with his last remaining strength – with all his might he swung his sword aimed directly at the devil before him letting out a war cry in the process.
"Two!"
The piece of wood cut straight to the air, misplacing the wind around it and creating a jet engine-like sound in the process.
Time slowed for the devil, as he stared at the wooden sword approaching with such might…
…he wouldn't lose.
…he refused to lose.
…he refused to lose against him.
…he refused to lose against it.
As if possessed by some outside force, Kiba's eyes shot wide open and without much thought extended one of his free arms; aiming it directly at Katsuo.
In just split seconds, a pristine black blade appeared of Kiba's hand only for it to leave it shortly after. The blade flew a short distance aimed directly at Katsuo's form; without much resistance the blade impacted his left shoulder…only to break into pieces shortly after.
But the damage was done – the impact redirected Katsuo's strike.
Instead of striking Kiba, the bokken met the ground with a resounding thunderclap and, as expected, a massive shockwave followed, leaving a huge crater and creating a massive whirlwind that sent everyone flying back and crashed head on with the forest – This was one comparable to the first time he perform that attack, the power and damage behind it was equal if not greater than the first time.
But it came with its drawback – as Katsuo's slouched form left a single tired breath, there was just one thing crossing his mind.
'…I'm…out…'
His body remained unmoving.
Not thinking it twice The Knight of Gremory jumped into action, ready to strike the tired form of his enemy and finally end their match.
But before Kiba could even attempt to strike him…
He dropped his weapon.
Kiba stopped dead in his tracks, the shock and confusion in his face were apparent…but those emotions changed quickly at the realization and were replaced by hate, pure hate.
"I give up" Katsuo's voice broke through the silence and drew everyone's attention at his form.
Taking a few seconds to stand upright, he shifted his focused and stared at the knight's angry visage.
"I give up, you win" he repeated once again, now his smirk was no longer obscured by his hair and clear for everyone to see – suddenly a few chuckles escaped his mouth that later transformed into an all out laugh "I must be pretty rusty if I could only last this long, great match nonetheless"
Kiba didn't respond – still shocked by his surrender.
The rest of the Gremory Peerage didn't mutter a single word either…though their reasons were others…
"After that I'm feeling super pumped. How about we go into a more intense exercise" he couldn't say much, as soon as he took one step his body collapsed on the ground leaving a resounding thud behind.
As for the devil before him the only think he could do was turn his head. When his eyes set on the sight before him, all his anger disappeared and could only stare entranced at the reason why his teammates hadn't muttered a word since the match ended.
Before them laid the once thick and wide forest split in half.
The tress were destroyed and the ground was completely degassed, all that it once was – was erased – it looked as if an almighty finger had craved a canyon in the forest…and all of this…was made with the shockwave of his attack.
In his shocked state he failed to notice – Katsuo's bokken broke into tiny splinters.
Night had already arrived after a long and arduous day of training with Rias and the members of her Peerage…Issei Hyoudou couldn't be more thankful for it!
After Kiba's and Katsuo' flashy display of power, and after dragging Katsuo's incredibly heavy lifeless body to his designated room, Rias decided to teach him some martial arts lessons…and by Rias teaching him he meant Rias ordering Koneko to beat the life out of him…
But that wasn't important now!
…what really plagued his mind right now was him – To be more exact his power; after his match against Kiba it couldn't be denied, that despite him being a human, he could be considered to be in the same league as Kiba and perhaps rivaled the likes of Akeno and Rias…and that bothered him.
But not for petty reasons like jealousy and competiveness…well maybe just a little.
But what he felt in that regards was sidelined to the real reason of his discomfort – Her.
The mere thought of her brought a foul taste to his mouth and made him clench his fist instinctively.
Katsuo was able to defeat Raynare and her accomplices; he was able to rescue Asia while he almost threw his life recklessly away. If he wanted to prove to himself that he was stronger than 'that bitch' he needed to surpass him.
He was his ceiling – and if he wanted to prove that he could protect Asia and be useful he would need to surpass that ceiling.
…but now…staring directly at the damage he caused…seeing the power he carried, despite his somewhat carefree personality – now in front of the canyon he craved with just one swing of his sword – Issei wasn't sure he could obtain that sort of power…he was the user of a Longinus, The [Boosted Gear], according to Rias he had the power to kill beings such as gods…if so then why, why did he felt so helpless in every confrontation; first in the Stray hunt, later with the Raynare incident and most recently during the meeting with Riser.
Why did the thought of him obtaining god-killing power seemed way too farfetched for him.
He wasn't sure if he could reach that level of power…however that didn't mean…
"I'll catch up to you and surpass you! Did you hear me you European prick face!"
…he wouldn't try.
"I'll make your feat look like child's play! Yeah, that is it! I'll have an attack that will destroy more than a forest…It'll destroy two!"
And so Issei Hyoudou loudly declared his drive and passion to improve and become stronger to…nobody specifically…since the rest of the Gremory group were relaxing inside of the manor and the former exorcist remained asleep in his room.
"…maybe that way the others can start relying on me…" he whispered in a completely opposite tone to his previous outspoken and bombastic declaration.
Without thinking it twice he turned around and headed directly to the Gremory manor in a mad sprint. Unbeknown to him a single window remained open in the house closing seconds after his declaration, as the image of a red mane retreated deeper into the room.
And thus their training camp officially began.
Aside from their first day, there weren't any over the top sparing matches or noteworthy things to comment about the following days, all of it mainly boiled down to Rias assigning everyone their roles during the following ten days of training, followed by routinely workout sessions with Issei and the rest of the Peerage.
While the training camp was supposed to help their team prepare themselves for the upcoming Rating game, it became clear to him that the reason for it was more centered around Issei than any other member of the Peerage, and with good reason.
Most of them were already capable enough, after his fight with Kiba that much was clear; Koneko seemed adept in martial arts, Kiba had his swordsmanship and Akeno was Rias' Queen and by extension her strongest piece. As for Rias herself, he didn't know much about her power but considering she was the King of her Peerage and a High-Class devil, she had to be at least stronger than her strongest subjects.
This left only Issei and Asia as the two most inexperienced members of the group.
But ruling Asia out of the equation, since her role was more fitted to support rather than offense, Issei was the one who clearly needed more training out of the two. So it made sense to focus on him.
But focusing only in strengthening the pervert instead of working on their team synergy didn't make much sense to him…
…but Rias was the one in charge here so he didn't have much say in what to do.
The days of training were specifically designed to teach Issei an aspect regarding his nature as a devil followed by strengthening those aspects, that and some basic training; the likes of strength, endurance, speed and basic martial arts.
Rias had relegated each member of her Peerage a specific task regarding Issei's training; Kiba was in charge of the pervert's speed and swordsmanship training, while Koneko took charge of close quarter combat and martial arts. Akeno was relegated to teaching him and Asia basic magic training…and for the looks of it he wasn't so good at it. Rias took it upon herself to increase Issei's motivation by offering him 'rewards' after training…he didn't know what she meant by that…and wasn't looking forward to knowing…
As for the silver haired exorcist – he made sure to train the pervert in his core strength and stamina; his training consisted of simple things as doing one hundredth pushups in the morning to more 'extreme' things like pushing a boulder up a hill a hundredth times at night.
Issei usually complained that his methods of training were inhumane, he didn't understood why, and he wasn't forcing anything that he hadn't done himself.
Regardless of the pervert complaining constantly, training Issei wasn't the only task Rias had assigned him. He also worked as a pseudo battle advisor for the Gremory Princess.
Rias had given him a pile of dossiers detailing some of her opposition in the coming Rating Game; it mentioned the likes of abilities, skills, strategies used patterns, danger priorities and among a dozen of other things – all of it, without disclosing the names of their enemies.
'I guess that Gremory-senpai wasn't kidding when she said that she would conceal some information' an exhausted sigh couldn't help but scape his lips, as that thought crossed his mind.
All of this led up to his current situation; after reading all of the dossiers and seeing Rias training plan he had just one question in mind.
'What exactly was her plan?'
He proceeded to lightly knock on her door and not seconds later he heard a female voice from inside.
"Come in"
As he made his way into her room, he almost had a heart attack. Before him was Rias Gremory sitting in her desk, reading some kind of papers, dressed in what he could only call 'alluring attire'; covering her modesty was a single piece of very thin pink underwear and covering her breast was a white towel that went around her neck, she also had her long red hair tied into a ponytail and was wearing a pair of glasses.
"Oh Katsuo, what a surprise, I sure didn't expect you early in the morning?" she said, as her gaze shifted from the papers to him.
"Ahem!"
Clearing his throat and focusing in the matters at hand he decided to address the Gremory Princess "Good morning to you too – I've already been through all of the dossiers you sent me and had a few personal pointers…and questions"
He really wished he could have hidden his blush better.
In return her only reaction was a nod of approval.
"I wanted to speak to you about the list of danger priorities; mainly speaking of the first and second pick. For what I got the second pick is the enemy Queen; adept in fire magic and explosions, carrying enough fire power to match you and Himejima-senpai in raw power. She hasn't been disqualified once in any of the Rating Game she had participated in and she is known for taking multiples members of the opposing team with large area of effect attacks, did I miss something?"
A shake of her head while bearing a neutral expression was her response.
"As for the first pick; the King, a High-class devil with high level Pyrokinesis and Immortality, hasn't lost a match in his carrier and is considered to be a prodigy. In raw power you rate him as being superior to every member of your Peerage – you included"
A heavy sigh left her mouth, as her attention was directed again to the silver haired boy before her "Yes, I've reviewed all his matches and analyzed all of their moves, I've taking measures against every other member of his Peerage…yet, even if we defeat every single member of the opposing team…even then, those two could end the match with little effort…"
He raised an eyebrow in confusion.
She not noticing this, or not caring for it, continued "My Peerage is small, it isn't even complete, while his is and they have battle experience behind them – his Queen could wipe more than half of my Peerage in a single attack, Akeno could match her in power but it would be a mutual knock out…or be left to the one with the better luck…As for him…there is no way to injure him…it doesn't matter how much damage we cause…he will simply regenerate from it…and none of us have enough power to trump his immortality…I've already thought about it and there isn't any other way I see possible"
He heard all of it, all of what she had to say. He heard the desperation in her voice, the same one she hides behind her normal cocky and prideful façade; now in front of her desperation, in front of her…he couldn't help but to let out a small chuckle, a small harmless, maybe a little prideful, chuckle.
She took it the wrong way "Is something funny" she said clearly annoyed at his antic, as her expression became stern.
"No, nothing, I just came to tell you that you haven't thought enough…or outside of the box to be precise" he said, an unusual pride creeping up his voice.
For the now confused look on her face, she clearly didn't understand what he meant.
"You have been thinking too much as a Devil, if you plan on winning this rating game with pure power alone you will inevitable lose – you are outnumbered and outgunned, you cannot face the opponent on equal terms or pretend to do so, in other words you have to play out of your comfort zone, and by extension theirs"
At first the message didn't sink in, her face remained in a stake of confusion and thought, but then as if on cue her eyes widened and her gaze came crashing in full shock at him.
"Here, I've resumed all the information you gave me and added my own insight plus my personal countermeasures for the more troublesome opponents" he concluded, handing her a folder with written papers inside it.
Without much to say the Gremory heiress took the folder and placed it on top on her desk.
"Anything else?" she asked, her previous shock completely gone.
"Well I wanted to know where Issei was, I looked for him early in the morning for our daily strength workout but didn't find him in his room…do you think he is bailing out of me…"
She raised a single eyebrow in confusion.
"Issei and Asia are having their magic training with Akeno, today he doesn't have to do any kind of strength training – I thought you knew…you've read the plan I made right?"
"…Is that so…sorry I guess I lost track of time" he responded with an awkward smile and an unsure laugh, as a single drop of sweat went through his forehead "Well I guess I'll have to work out alone…ha-ha…"
Before he could even make his way out Rias once again caught his attention "If you want something to do in the meantime, talk to Koneko, she told me she had something important to ask you"
Giving her a short nod of approval the room receded into silence, taking in a few seconds to gather his thoughts he decided to voice his biggest question.
"You are dedicating a lot on him…not that I oppose…but it seems weird. Why gamble all on the weakest member" his voice carried no discernible emotion, no happiness, no interest, no anger nor jealousy – it was just blank.
On the other side of the spectrum her face dropped; her dignified visage changed into what could only be described as a helpless little girl clinging to what little hope she had left.
"Because he is my only chance…to be free"
"I guess that you don't intend to tell me the why or how"
"…No…" her voice was quiet; a far cry from her usual tone, and her face carried a pained expression an unusual sight for him.
"…'Peerage-only' matters"
A slow nod was her only response.
Seeing no point into staying any longer, he made his way to the door not after releasing a long and heavy sigh. Taking the handle in his hand, he opened the door and as he was making his way out, he spoke; this time his words had emotion behind them and it was…embarrassment?
"By the way…you should wear less revealing clothing Senpai…you could catch a cold that way" he said not facing her, trying to hide his blush in the process.
"Impressive, you lasted a lot in comparison to Issei" a cheeky smile crept on her face, as Katsuo's face got redder, her previous sour mood gone in an instant.
Not wanting to be the victim of her antics any longer, the silver haired boy closed the door behind him leaving a resounding thud while hiding a deep embarrassed blush.
Now left all alone by herself Rias Gremory gave the folder in her desk a side glance before taking it in her hand and opening it, revealing its contents for her eyes to see…only to widen shortly after.
'A sphere
Think about it
A perfectly round sphere, shining brightly'
"Concentrate"
….This wasn't working.
"Concentrate!"
…Still nothing.
"Grrrr…Concentrate!"
Then…small flickers of energy formed around his hands, circling between themselves, creating briefly the shape of a tiny unstable sphere; it looked like a small pebble in his hands – he succeeded, he was able to manifest his magic…
"I DID IT!"
…only for it to disappear seconds after…
"WAS THAT ALL I HAD!" the desperation could be heard in the voice of a very frustrated Issei, as tears of blood began streaming down his face "I'VE TRIED FOR HOURS FOR THAT!"
…as for the other magic apprentice present.
"~I did it Issei-san~" said Asia in a cheerful manner, as she flashed Issei a smile so bright that made the sun look like a light bubble in comparison
In contrast to Issei who could only muster a small pebble for a fraction of second, Asia was able to create a huge sphere of energy, which now floated perfectly in her hands.
"I knew you might have a real knack for this, Asia-Chan" the priestess of thunder drew the attention of both students to her "Magic is all about imagination – Think of your specialty. If it's something you imagine all the time…"
Though Asia's admiration filled eyes were wide and glued to the woman in front of her, Issei's eyes were more…distorted…his mound was hanging low and his mind was in…
'…Akeno-san naked body…'
…in his own personal gutter.
"…did you catch that Issei-kun?"
Thankfully, his mind was brought out of it by Akeno herself.
"Was perhaps my Kohai ignoring me?" she said while giving Issei a faux hurt face "I hope you weren't thinking of anything naughty during my explanation"
Being brought back from his previous stupor, Issei tried to respond to the black-haired girl before him. However his response was cut short when Akeno made her way behind him and leaned over his sitting position pressing her ample chest on his back.
Needless to say Issei inner response to this was…
'AKENO-SAN OPPAI!'
…sadly the norm for him.
Paying no mind to Issei's bleeding nose and dumb expression, Akeno leaned closer to him getting her mouth dangerously close to his ear – she followed this by speaking softly to the pervert.
"Now follow my lead – Let the Aura that covers your body flow to its entirety in order to gather it, then…"
All of Akeno's advices fell into deaf ears, as Issei's entire concentration was focused on the nerves on his back rather than on the girl's words – looking closely to him…he seemed more like a corpse, as if all his bodily functions ceased only to focus on his back's nerves…
His moments of bliss was brought to an end when Akeno attempted to lift his left arm – at that moment there was one thing that crossed Issei's mind.
…
Pain; Pain shooting throughout his whole left arm, it wasn't a mind numbing pain, but rather an unpleasant discomfort. He instinctively took his throbbing arm back from the Akeno's arm.
"Ouch!"
Akeno was clearly surprise by his action, if her worried face was anything to come by.
"Are you okay?" she worriedly said, trying to position herself in order to inspect his arm more closely. However she was beaten by Asia, who in less than a second appeared before Issei and started using her sacred gear on his arm.
As for the pervert, who was still was clenching his teeth in discomfort; he tried to answer with the best of his abilities
."…Ouch…it's nothing; just a minor discomfort that appeared on my arm a few weeks back. I can keep training though"
While Akeno smiled at his antic, it didn't change the fact…
"Ara, ara. What else has our little pawn been hiding from us?"
…she was clearly mad
The pervert's face was filled with dread, the dread of an imminent doom. He tried to respond to her question but was cut shortly after.
"Should I tell Rias of this and let her reprimand you or should I do it myself?" a sadistic smile appeared on her face, as she finished her sentence
This was responded by Issei beginning to sweat more intensely, as the mental image of him being electrocuted to death surfacing on his mind.
Suddenly Akeno's sadistic demeanor dropped, her attitude doing a one eighty in a second and becoming more genuinely concerned for the boy before him.
"Next time be sure to tell us if something happens to you, you can trust on us" she concluded by giving the boy a heartfelt smile "You can take the day off training, better concentrate on healing that arm"
He didn't like the idea – he wanted to train, He needed to train! For his sake, for Buchou's sake!
"But –"
He wanted to protest but was cut short once again.
"No Buts" the priestess of thunder said sternly, using her index finger to add weight to her words "Go and rest; do so unless you want Rias to take disciplinary actions on you"
He sweated at the prospect and that was the only answer she needed.
"Good – Asia, would you kindly take care of him" she said offering a smile.
"I-I'll do my best!" the nun said with determination present in her face, as she began lifting Issei up.
Before the blonde nun could guide the pervert out of the room the loud sound of trees crashing with the ground took everyone's attention. The sound was unmistakable to Issei, after hearing it over and over while training with Katsuo that sound haunted his nightmares. Sweat started forming rapidly on his forehead at the mere thought of it.
A quick peek at the window was all they needed to answer their questions.
In the backyard stood the former exorcist holding a bokken in the same manner he used to in his fight against Kiba, beside him stood the ever apathetic Koneko, who by the looks of it was assenting with her head to whatever the silver haired boy was explaining to her.
What caught Issei's attention was the trail crated by about ten broken trees, all seemingly destroyed by him in one swing – the damage wasn't even in the same category as the destruction he caused on neither the church nor the canyon he craved with one swing…still…
'Looks like a steeped road to climb'
'It doesn't matter because one way or another, it looks like I'm going to die'
There wasn't any doubt in his mind, as he kept struggling to push his body upwards; with every push his bones cracked, his back already numb and his veins about to burst. The movement was made more out of instinct than by thought, as his body was at the point passing out.
And in his mind one thing was clear…he was gonna die.
"Come on Issei, there are only 300 more to go" the voice of Rias, brought him out of his near death state.
"I can't…keep going…Buchou…It's already been 6 hours" he said panting in between sentence; his body already numb after so much exhaustion.
"Yesterday was used to rest your body, so today we have to make for the hours lost of training, so now, give 300 pushups…unless you what Katsuo to take care of your training"
"…either way…I'm a dead man"
"Hey Ise; if you complete the sets I'm willing to give you a peek" the red haired girl said while leaning over the boulder, a cheeky smile creeping on her face despite Issei not being physically able to see it.
A burning inferno ignited in him filling him with power, as fire appeared on Issei eyes and with that came a sudden rush of energy.
"POWER!" he screamed at the top of his lungs, as his movements increased in velocity and intensity – the cracking sound of his body long forgotten.
'Even if my body is unable to continue nothing...Nothing will stop me from seeing the glory of paradise once again'
He wouldn't see the glory of paradise that day – Mainly because shortly after receiving his sudden boost of energy…he fainted…and ended up being crush by a giant boulder and by Rias Gremory.
Thankfully it already had been hours after that.
Night had already fallen and most of the current manor residents were either heading to bed or already asleep. Aside from Issei's training supervised by Rias all of the other members of the Gremory Peerage had dedicated their day to hone their specialized craft.
Kiba focused on repeatedly striking the strongest rock he could find until either the rock split or his sword broke – if the rock split he would find a stronger one, if the blade broke he would focus his energy on creating a sharper one; he repeated this process the whole day until nightfall.
Koneko training consisted of trying to destroy a tree without touching it while using weighed equipment, just using the shockwaves of her fist. At the end of the day 4 tree trunks ended up heavily dented and 2 trees ended up completely on the ground.
Asia kept training her magic with Akeno; the older female took upon herself to teach the nun how to give different shapes to her magic, the likes of bubbles and barriers. Hopefully so she could apply such knowledge to her sacred gear usage.
Rias focused on helping Issei train, while reviewing an array of battle strategies in preparation for the rating game.
And Katsuo, His training with Issei was relegated to Rias by her request, so he remained most of the time either on the field giving tips to Koneko, training alone or shut in his room reading the piles of papers Rias sent him.
Naturally after such intense training, most of them decided to rest and prepare themselves for another arduous work day tomorrow.
…
All of them…except for the self-proclaimed Harem King himself.
Despite having to run through the forest with a boulder strapped to his back and Rias Gremory sitting on it, later being crushed by both after doing over 300 pushups…he still decided to stay awake at night and contrary to common belief…he wasn't relieving himself with his magazines…tonight.
Right know he found himself sitting with his legs crossed in the center of his room; both hands in from of him, as if trying to hold on to something delicate. His brows were furrowed and his eyes were closed, sweat was starting to form on his forehead and his breath was controlled.
"Imagine the sphere"
Nothing happened.
"Imagine the sphere"
No result was apparent.
"…Imagine…"
Miniscule particles of energy began gathering on his hands.
"…"
The particles began circling around each other until they formed a silhouette; a circular but unstable circle came to life, flashing between existence and none existence.
His eyes shot open in realization, staring for a second at the energy circling in his hands; a small feeling of joy came to him, as he saw the result of his work. That feeling was quickly squandered when the sphere in his hand banished leaving nothing behind.
Tears began forming in his eyes.
He couldn't take it, after all this time, after all his effort, after all the sweat and blood he spilled – Why was he so weak? Why was he so useless?
"Damn it all!" he could help but shout and smash his bare fist with the solid ground, as one tear started going through his left check "Why can't I do anything?"
For seconds the clenching of his teeth was the only sound that filled the room.
...
"Can you keep it quiet? It's 3:00 am"
The sound of his door opening and the voice of a very familiar person brought his self-loathing to a halt.
"Issei, I know that today was hard but…if you want to treat yourself…please do it more quietly" the bored voice of a certain silver haired boy filled the room.
A quick hand swipe through his face was all he needed to clean the small tear going through his cheek – It didn't help him that his eyes were watery.
He shifted his head to face directly at the door and as expected there he was; his silver hair still messy, his aqua eyes half-closed, he was wearing a pair of boxers and a oversized white shirt, on his right hand were a folder full of some documents and in his left a cup of coffee.
"What do you want?" Issei responded brashly, not meting his eyes.
"I came to check up on you, you were pretty noise and the others won't get much sleep like that" the silver haired one responded; later an eyebrow rose in question and as he spoke his tone became more questioning "What were you doing exactly?"
"…that's none of your business" he said, his tone still brash.
At his response Katsuo couldn't help but release a defeated sigh, he proceeded to shift his body to make his way out of Issei's room and he would have gone and left the pervert boy behind him, had he not seen that defeated and hopeless look on his, a look that he had seen before, a look that had been on his own face – a look he could empathize with.
Saying no other words the former exorcist shifted his body once more and headed towards the frustrated devil, taking a seat near him while resting his back on the bed's skirt.
Surprise appeared on Issei's face, when he saw Katsuo lifting his left arm and placing the cup of coffee at eye level.
"Want a bit?" Katsuo offered.
Issei couldn't help but deadpan.
"...It's three in the morning…and you are drinking coffee"
A light chuckle escaped the silver haired boy's mouth.
"…I couldn't sleep…bad dreams and I had homework for Gremory-senpai to do" he concluded by lifting his other arm, showing his folder full of dossiers "so want some"
Issei finally gave in, lifting his own left to grasp the cup…but as he held it, a familiar pain shot through his arm. As he winced in pain, the cup met the ground, spilling its contents in the process.
The questioning voice of Katsuo distracted his mind from the pain.
"What's wrong with your arm?" an eyebrow was raised in questioning.
"Nothing; just some minor…heavy, heavy discomfort" he said while rubbing his throbbing hand, the normal pain he felt was off this time…now his hand felt like it was burning from inside.
"Since when"
"A few weeks back…" Issei responded, leaving a small silence in the process. A silence that didn't last long, as he himself broke through it with a defeated sigh "…It seems like I'm a failure at devil magic"
Taking a few minutes to gather his thoughts the silver haired one spoke…while trying to hold a laugh?
"Pfff…I guess your luck during your reincarnation was as bad as your luck with women"
Issei was...displeased? He thought? He clearly wasn't expecting that response, of that he was sure.
"Oi! What gives European Prick Face!" he screamed in outrage; waiting for more words of insight he let the room fall into silence once again "Oi…is that all I get…no secret tips on magic…no special method"
"How should I know…I can't do magic" Katsuo responded while giving a shrug.
"Weren't you the almighty guy with the skill of Kiba and the strength of Koneko, what's stopping you from knowing magic like Akeno?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"Were did you get that idea? – I'm skilled with the sword and strong, because that is all I know how to do" there was a hint of nostalgia in his voice as he said that, his following words and the longing in his eyes didn't do much to hide that fact "I'm way too far from being classified as almighty…one trick pony suits me more"
"Better being useful in one thing than being useless in all"
"Better being capable choosing different paths than being set into one"
"…Prick face…"
For the third time since the start of their conversation the room receded into silence…Both of them laid there; sitting on the floor and staring at different direction, as multiple thoughts plagued their mind.
Until with one word he broke the silence.
"Visualize"
"Huh?"
"Visualize your power – I don't know how devil magic works, but I know how to control inner strength, be it physical or astral – Visualize your power, give it a physical form in your mind, something malleable and easy to think about"
"…I'm not catching…"
"…I'll give you an example – My strength, I imagine it as tension, tension that flows through my body, and normally this tension is spread equally around my body. When I want to gather all that strength into a single part of my body…I imagine this tension focusing on my muscles, straining them to their upmost limit. If I apply too much of it my muscles break, if I don't then my techniques carry no power behind them – that way I can focus my strength output."
The words finally reached Issei, who placed a hand under his chin while his mind started processing the information as fast as he could.
"So I have to see my power as…tension around my body?" he frowned, something didn't sit right with that analogy, at least for him "Akeno-san said that magic is about imagination, about your specialty…and you say that I have to imagine my power as something malleable…"
Releasing a tired sigh Katsuo pated Issei's back.
"Why don't you sleep and think it over – I'm sure than in due time you will figure a way that suits you"
Apparently the pervert was so invested in his own thoughts that he didn't notice the gesture.
"…I'm not good at anything in particular, the only thing I've got to boast about is my collection of Opp-"
"Give it a rest"
Suddenly all clicked in his mind – pieces of a puzzle coming together all at once.
"…I Know!" the pervert's voice suddenly was filled with joy; his form gleamed with enthusiasm as he declared proudly "Boobs!"
He deadpanned.
"…"
That didn't stop Issei from rambling…with way too much enthusiasm.
"That is my power – that is my specialty, it has always been…Oppai!"
"… …" his face became dark – all hope already lost.
"And if boobs are my power then I'm a bra" Issei said while motioning to his chest, acting as if he was groping a pair of invisible breasts "All this time – I've been an A cup bra trying to handle a G cup Boobs, that is why my body gave out against Raynare, that's why I can't control my magic…I've had the wrong picture in my head all this time!"
His face couldn't get more neutral and emotionless, as a seemingly unrelated shadow loomed over his being…without any notice he decided to get up and start heading directly to the door.
"…I'm going…"
"Huh…Where are you going? I've finally figured your tip out" Issei asked in confusion.
"…to get my final coffee …I've lost all the will to live…" his words were tired and every step he took was slow and heavy.
As for the pervert, he had one major question.
"Oi! Wait, what I'm supposed to do with these?!" he asked while waiving Katsuo's folder like a mad man.
The pervert's words fell on deaf ears, for the depressed silver haired boy already made his way out the room and started heading straight to the kitchen. Still the perverted devil was so filled with joy and pride that, after the fact, he didn't mind. Taking the documents in his hands he headed straight to Rias' room.
His joy was such that he ignored the blazing inferno coursing through his left arm.
