SOPV: Hey everyone! This is SOPV here with a new update! I know it's been a while so I won't hold you for long! Anyway, I hope you all enjoy it! Ja Ne~

the composcreator: All I want to know is if Issei will be in this story

SOPV: Yes Issei will still be in this story, I never intended for him to be taken out of the picture in the first place.

Chapter 3: The Past and The Present

[Gremory Estate, Underworld]

Within the dining room of Gremory Estate was Sirzechs and his father Zeoticus, both currently sat in silence while staring down the green-haired man before them. It was not long before that silence ended, however.

"I must say, I didn't expect your arrival, Gerard." Zeoticus began with narrowed eyes, as he sipped his tea. "You could've at least notified us, we would've been better prepared."

"Now, now old friend! Don't be like that! It's not like I came purely for business you know." Gerard commented as he waved away such hostility flippantly. "I heard it had been Rias-Chan's birthday 2 days ago! I wish I could've made it on time but, unfortunately, I've had an influx of work."

"Here is your Tea, Foras-Sama," Grayfia announced stoically as she entered the room and laid the cup on the table. Gerard thanked her and said maid bowed before leaving them.

"Well now, how have you been Zeoticus? I haven't heard much from you since Rias turned 6." Gerard asked him.

"We've been fine overall Gerard," Zeoticus answered rather simply. Gerard simply shrugged it off before taking a sip.

"I must say Lucifer-Sama, your wife makes quite exceptional tea, you don't think she's considered ever opening her cafe, do you?" Gerard mentioned offhandedly. The Maou's hand gripped his teacup slightly at the light talk, he could not help the concern he had with this man's arrival. However, being the Satan he was, he managed to restrain himself from any outward aggression and composed himself. Sirzechs gave a forced smile as he chuckled lightly. "No, not that I know of really. I'll let her know of your suggestion, maybe she'll think about it."

"Now that the pleasantries are dealt with, let's get to the matter at hand won't we old friend?" Zeoticus cutting to the chase. In that exact instant, the atmosphere of the room suddenly changed. What was once a light-hearted conversation and friendly conversation now became an intense glare between the 3 men. Both members of the Gremory family's mana practically oozing out as they were coated in red energy. Still, with all this, the man remained calm taking one final sip of his tea before placing it on a plate.

"Come now Zeoticus, you of all people should know I'd never bring trouble to your family, willingly." Gerard scolded the Gremory Patriarch who reluctantly agreed, causing the mana build-up to fade slowly, the Satan's fading shortly after. "Much better. As you no doubt know there was an emergency meeting regarding the large mana spike from your estate. Many of the other clan heads have are rather concerned about this and I volunteered to find out about the situation. Your welcome by the way."

Zeoticus could only begrudgingly accept the answer he was given. Had Gerard not volunteered himself he had no doubt the other Clan Heads would've called for a full-blown investigation. At least this way, whatever outbursts they had prepared would be controlled. "I see, then you have my gratitude, Gerard."

"This is nothing, old friend." Gerard waved off flamboyantly. In an instant, the man's rather lax behavior faded from existence as he sat on his seat in a firmer pose. His eyes narrowing on the two redheads before him. "Now with that being said, am I correct in guessing that the maid who was playing with the kids is the source?"

[Rias's Bedroom, Gremory Estate]

Within Rias's bedroom of the estate were the women and children of Gremory Estate. As it was Rias and her peerage were currently huddled around a TV with remote controllers in their hands. Playing one of the many game her brother had bought for her birthday. Of course, that wasn't all that was in there given her love for Anime but that was beside the point. Sitting on Rias's bed watching the 3 girls play their games was Venelana Gremory and standing to her side were both Grayfia and Kiyoshu.

"Ahh! No fair Akeno! You attacked me while I was grabbing a snack!"

"Fufu, Too bad Rias, maybe next time you should pause the game~"

"I demand a rematch!"

"Sorry Rias but I think Koneko wants a turn~ Don't you Koneko?~"

*Nod*

"Koneko you traitor!"

"Sorry, Ojou-Sama! Looks like you'll have to wait!~"

"Grrr…"

Venelana giggled at the scene before her as her daughter bickered with her Queen. It was almost like watching two siblings arguing. Which made sense as she had instilled in Rias the Gremory way of treating peerage members. She also noticed the bobbing of the maid's shoulders beside her, it seems she wasn't the only one who found it amusing. Turning her head she glanced at the maid on her right. Kiyoshu's facial features were softened, still stoic to any who bothered to look, but for those who took the time to look closer, they could see the small signs of a smile.

It intrigued her how this woman besides her, had gone from a ruthless blade that slaughtered the Bifronze Heir and his underlings in the recording but became a stoic yet gentle and caring flower. The contrast to her at least was vast. When Kiyoshu had returned to the estate carrying a child about 2 years older than her own Rias with a conflicted and pleading expression. She had allowed the young Yuki-Onna to be treated in their infirmary. She was cut out of her thoughts when Rias walked up to Kiyoshu. Curious the Servant kneeled before her master.

"Is there something you need Goshujin-Sama?" Kiyoshu spoke in an almost blatant manner, if not for the slight tug on her lips.

The Gremory Heiress pouted at this. "Mou! Don't call me that Kiyo-Chan!"

"Very well master." Rias puffed up her cheeks at this, her reaction earning chuckles and laughter throughout the room.

"Can you tell us a little about yourself..?" Shocked Kiyoshu stared at her master blankly before responding. "You wish to know about me?"

Rias blushed at her response and nervously shifted her body around. "W-well...even though you're my Servant we.. don't know you. So I thought.." Kiyoshu frowned for a moment, it appears that her master has yet to see any of her memories. Then again perhaps it was for the best. Her story was not one for the light-hearted and her master though a devil had yet to be tainted. Though she knew it was inevitable, she would do what she could to keep her Master's innocent soul till she was ready.

Seeing the frown on the Avengers face, Rias looked downtrodden at that. Had she stepped on something bad? "I-If you don't want to then it's fine... I just thought..."

Kiyoshu chopped her master's head with her hand before she began to scold her master. "None of that Master, I am your blade, whatever your wish is my desire, so you need not worry for any refusals from me." Rias pouted again before Kiyoshu began to pet her head like a dog. A smile made it's way to the servants ace as she continued to pet the Gremory Heiress whose face was the same shade as her hair. " I was simply surprised you have yet to have 'those' dreams. I'm happy you haven't." With that, she took a seat at Rias's desk.

" Alright then, let's see how about I tell you a bit of my youth?" Receiving nods from all the children in the room, Venelana began to listen in as well. "Well then my tale begins on the island of Kyushu in Japan, during the Sengoku Period this is the first day I had met my soon to be father figure, Oda Nobunaga..."

- 2 Years before the Tachibana Incident-

[Dojo, Tachibana Castle]

Kyushu was a beautiful island, separated from the mainland. It's inhabitants the Tachibana Clan were safe from almost all conflict except for their scuffles with the rivaling clan of Shimazu. Within the great Tachibana castle in one of the many Dojo rooms of the castle, the strikes of wood against wood rang throughout the halls. Within this room were two people a younger Kiyoshu and an aged man wearing a grey Kimono with hakama pants within his hands much like the younger girl held a bokken. The man raised his wooden blade to block a strike to his side before countering with his strike towards her midsection.

Noticing this Kiyoshu stepped to the side and blocked the bokken with her own. She lowered her stance allowing the blade to fly over her as she moved forward, preparing to thrust her blade when her eyes caught the movement of the elderly man stepping back as he swiped the offending weapon to the floor and pinned it there with his foot. In a matter of mere moments, the bokken slid up her blade and was inches away from hitting her in the throat.

"Yield."

Kiyoshu bit her lip as she looked at the man with a pout before reluctantly dropping her blade. With that action the bokken retracted from her throat, letting her rub it as if she suffered phantom pain from the implication.

"You are certainly improving, my daughter," Kiyoshu whined as her father placed a hand on her head and scuffed her hair. She slapped away the hand as she gave her father an annoyed look.

"Not enough, I haven't even hit you once..."

Chuckling the man began to give his lecture. "Like I have told you many times my dear, It simply takes time. Even with all the training you've done over the year, you've yet to enter a real combat scenario, so you've yet to gather experience. Eventually, you'll be able to outmatch me, my dear, though hopefully, that day will not have to come." With that said another clan member opened the sliding door before speaking.

"Dosetsu-Sama! We have received word from Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Nobunaga's Retainer. He shall be here by nightfall." Hearing this Dosetsu expression sunk into a more serious one before nodding to him. The clan member then excused himself before exiting. Turning around the Tachibana Head smiled as he watched his daughter place the two wooden swords back on the rack. Walking over he then called out to her. "Kiyoshu!"

The Tachibana Heiress stiffened as she turned to face her father. "H-Hai!"

"Don't forget your Geisha lessons with Himeyoshi." He reminded her, getting a slightly reluctant nod from her. "I know you don't feel comfortable with the idea of being a Geisha; however, our clan has always held strong ties to the supernatural and as the next head of the clan, it is best if you do so as well my dear. I am simply looking out for you, after all, it is the Gods who blessed us with this peaceful land."

Hearing this the girl gave a firm nod and with that, her father left her to her own devices.

[Shimobaru Road, Kyushu]

Running out of the castle gates Kiyoshu made her way along the footpath greeting the gate guards as she ran past them. After a few minutes she finally stopped in front of a large Torii gate, looking down she noticed a rabbit basked in gold energy lying next to the gate. Running over she checked the creature for any signs of injuries and found the rabbit's leg to be injured as well as what looked like a bite wound on its body. Unsure of what to do she took the bunny with her past the gate.

Rushing up the stone steps she stopped as a building came into view. Shimobaru Shrine, one of many shrines on the island was the nearest to the Tachibana Castle. Its owner a close relative of hers. Looking around she noticed the person she was looking for nearby sweeping clean the stone grounds of the shrine was a middle-aged woman with black hair and her eyes were like a crimson red jewel and was draped in the attire of a Geisha. Smiling Kiyoshu gasped a mouthful of air before shouting.

"Shima-Chan!" Kiyoshu spoke as she ran up to the woman and barreled herself into the woman. The now known Shima had dropped her broom just in time so she could catch the incoming bullet that was her niece before she began to give the little girl a noogie "Mou~ Kiyo-Chan what have I told you about greeting people like that!" it was then she noticed the bundle in the Tachibana Heiress's arms. "Now what's that your carrying in your hands?"

Stepping back Kiyoshu unraveled her arms and revealed the golden bunny to her. "I found it at the footsteps of the shrine it looked hurt..." Shima's eyes widened at that before taking a serious look at the animal once more.

"You truly are a blessed child... This here Kiyo-Chan is a Gyokuto." The Geisha woman explained. "I'm certain you have heard of the 'rabbit on the moon'?" Kiyoshu nodded in confirmation. "Well, this rabbit is one of many which are represented by the moon, blessed by Tsukuyomi it is known for creating medicine and their speed. It looks hurt though... Will you care for it Kiyoshu?"

Kiyoshu stayed silent for a moment before she looked up at her with a firm gaze. "I will." With a smile, Shima then guided her to the shrine. Unaware of the Blue Bakeneko which was observing them.

[Tachibana Castle, Kyushu]

By nightfall, Kiyoshu and Shima had made their way back to the Tachibana Castle where Dosetsu stood patiently at the gate, as he waited for his daughter's return. Seeing them approaching Dosetsu allowed a smile to make it's way on his face as his daughter ran back to him happily before hugging his daughter. Looking up he gave Shima a grateful nod before they all headed inside.

"I trust her lessons are going well Shima?"

"Indeed they are Dosetsu-Sama," Shima responded. "She has been excelling as always. I feel like a messenger given the same message, having to keep telling you this."

"It is always good to hear progress, Shima," Dosetsu replied stoically as they walked along the path. "Especially when concerning my daughter." Nearing the building Dosetsu turned around at the sound of footsteps rapidly running towards them. It turned out to be one of the guards panting heavily as he ran up to his lord. "Speak!"

"Sir! Oda Nobunaga has arrived at the gate!" The guard panted heavily as he clutched at his knees desperately catching his breath. Dosetsu's face steeled at a moment's notice. "I see then, head to the castle and inform the servants to prepare his room and a feast. I will go meet with his persona-"

"There will be no need for that!" A cheerful voice interrupted him. Turning to face this new stranger they found a woman with almost identical black and red hair slightly shorter than them she wore a black military outfit and a black and red hat with the ornament of a rising sun. Draped over her shoulders was a red mantle. "A pleasure to meet you, Tachibana-San!"

"And you are?" Wary of this person Dosetsu was about to draw his blade when two other men approached. One was a man with brown eyes and black hair in a ponytail, wearing black and red samurai armor. The other a man with wild white hair and blue eyes. he also was adorned in similar armor.

"Nobunaga-Sama! You shouldn't leave so quickly without a guard!"

"You don't need to be that serious Tokugawa, we are here to gain their support, and Dosetsu had already agreed to this. We are simply here to discuss terms. So there will be no need for such protection!"

"Saru! Tanuki! That's enough of your squabbles!" The woman's tone of voice turned into a sharp blade as she glared at them both. "Honestly you two have been at it since the start of this trip!"

"Don't be so casual about this Hideyoshi! This is our lord you speak of! If anything that is even more reason to have guards!"

"You're..?" He looked at the short woman in disbelief.

"Umu! Indeed I am!~ None other than Nobunaga Oda!" The woman declared gleefully before her eyes once more turned sharp. "Now shall we discuss things inside?"

Kiyoshu looked at the woman in awe, from what she remembered from passerby's and the fellow guards. This was the woman who had begun uniting the states of Japan under one rule. She never knew that in 2 years. This person would become her father figure.

"That was the first time I had met Oda Nobunaga, my savior, and foster father."

"Oda Nobunaga was a girl?!"

"What was he like?"

She chuckled slightly at their shocked responses. "Yes the great Demon King of Seventh Heaven was indeed a woman, Tou-San was an eccentric person. Able to see value in things many take for granted, she had no regrets over what happened and was an avid dreamer to put it lightly. Her goal to unite Japan under one banner was set in stone. She was willing to do anything to make it happen even martyring herself." She paused for a moment as if reminiscing on something before continuing. " There was a saying she once told me. 'Even if I am a fool I would take such with pride! 'For it is the 'smart ones' blinded by logic and reason who choose the small and predictable dreams, never truly creating change. While it is the 'fools' who dare to dream the impossible that can truly make an impact on this world'."

Rias as well as her two friends gazed at her with awe as they waited to hear more from the Servant when the door opened and Grayfia walked in. "Excuse my intrusion, Venelana-Sama. Kiyoshu-San, Maou-Sama has requested you're presenting." The children groaned before they eventually returned to their game. Kiyoshu smiled at their behavior and turned to leave when she heard her name.

"Kiyoshu!"

Immediately she turned around and addressed the one who called for her. "Yes, Venelana-Sama?"

"I am certain I already know your answer but I must ask." Venelana took a breath before turning to her with pleading eyes. "Will you keep my daughter safe and happy no matter the cost?"

Kiyoshu stared at the Matriarch for a moment, trying to discern her reason for questioning her before eventually giving her answer. "Yes, I'll do all I can to ensure my Master's safety and happiness, even with my life." Kiyoshu received a nod from the Matriarch before she turned her attention to the children. All while the Servant proceeded to exit. Koneko glanced at the door for a moment. Having no doubt heard the conversation before she turned to Rias who bit her lip. Barely noticeable she could see her King's eyes looking at the door and her mother. Seeing her distress, Koneko sighed before walking up to her master and laying her head in Rias's lap.

This seemingly worked as Rias's attention changed to the Nekoshou in her lap and began to pet her ears. Akeno sent a grateful smile to the rook and patted her head as well. This would keep her occupied for a while, they could talk about whatever that was later.

It also helped that the petting was nice.

[Hallway, Gremory Estate]

The two maids walked in silence for a few moments both having the expression of a plank of wood. This status quo remained till eventually, Grayfia spoke.

"Kiyoshu-San what is your view of us Devils?"

"Why the sudden questions Grayfia-San?"

"You are a human more specifically, one from the Sengoku Period, during the time the supernatural were still quite publicly known to most humans. I have met one such human myself when I had initially asked him he had thought we had come for his soul." The maid explained to her as they passed another of the Gremory servants who immediately bowed their heads before returning to their duties.

The Avenger stopped in her tracks. "You weren't there for his soul?"

"We have not used such dealings for a long time Kiyoshu-San." Grayfia deadpanned.

"Truthfully? I do not hate your kind, my master's family has proven to be more humane than the gods. That aside however I have yet to meet any other devil apart from the ones I slaughtered in the forest, and they could prove to be far different from the Gremory clan..." Kiyoshu admitted blatantly. "However I will protect my master along with this family, I always keep my word."

"I see..." Grayfia murmured as she opened the door to the dining room. Kiyoshu took this as a sign to walk through and bowed her head before proceeding, even so, she was still able to pick up the maid's words before the door closed. "Then I shall hold you to your word...Kiyoshu."

[Dining Hall, Gremory Estate]

Seeing the occupants, the Avenger's eyes surveyed them recognizing all but one of them, the green-haired man from the gate. Her eyes narrowed at him for a second before she turned to the Satan -currently slouching in his seat- and bowed. "You called for me Maou-Sama?"

Hearing his title, Sirzechs straightened himself before clearing his throat. "Ah Kiyoshu-San, I did call for you." With that, the Satan gestured towards their guest. "This here is Gerard Foras, the Patriarch of the Foras Clan."

Gerard smiled at the maid and raised himself from his seat and walked up to her before bowing. "A pleasure to meet you Tachibana-San, as you know I am Gerard Foras." Seeing this Kiyoshu placed one foot behind her before bowing herself.

"It is my pleasure to meet you Foras-Sama, is there something you need of me?"

"As a matter of fact I do, you see the council has sent me to investigate the power spike from the Gremory Estate, I'm guessing you're responsible?" Gerard inquired, to which Kiyoshu nodded her head in confirmation. He hummed to himself in amusement before he continued. "Well seeing as you are employed under the Gremory name I see no reason for suspicion."

"I feel as though there is a however here," Kiyoshu spoke blandly to him.

Smiling innocently Gerard mischievously commended her. "My, it seems your powers of perception are also well-founded." sitting up straight he then began to explain. "Of course your employment under the Gremory does not put aside the concerns of the council. You see many of the clans have expressed their worries regarding the sheer intensity of mana released a few days ago, and this must be settled to ease their minds. Apart from the demonstration you made within the Goertia Forest."

Kiyoshu and Sirzechs narrowed their eyes at that, Beezlebub had told the both of them when he arrived that the events of Goertia forest would be kept under wraps till the investigation was over. So how did he know of that? Steeling herself she nodded in acknowledgment.

"Very well, what must I do to prove my strength?"

A simple duel would suffice. Of course, you do need an opponent. Luckily I have already arranged that beforehand."

*Knock* *Knock*

"Come in," Zeoticus spoke as he sipped on his tea, his gaze focuses solely on the man before him, wondering what his intentions were. The door creaked open as Grayfia stepped into the room.

"Excuse my intrusion, Okita Souji has arrived Maou-Sama."

"Okita Souji?" Kiyoshu inquired, the name bringing a bad taste to her mouth, they couldn't be the same person right?

Walking through the door was a man taller than Grayfia and with platinum blonde hair kept short and neat his eyes a silver-gold. He was draped in a blue kimono and black hakama with a katana strapped to his hip. What fueled the Avengers hatred the most was the blue-green coat with white triangle patterns on the back. The proof of a warrior from the Shinsengumi.

"Okita-San?" Sirzechs questioned in confusion but also still happy to see an old face. It had been a long time since the Manslayer had been with them. After a while, most of his peerage had begun to seek their own journeys, something he had allowed them to do. "It's been a long time Okita-San how has life treated you.?"

"I have enjoyed every moment of exploring the world, seeing what it had in store for me Sirzech-Sama." Okita shared almost lazily before being clocked on the back of the head by Grayfia.

"Please remember to address the Maou appropriately. Okita-San." Grayfia scolded in a blank tone. Which made him laugh nervously before continuing.

"Anyway, Maou-Sama(Grayfia nodded in approval) Foras-Sama called for my presence here. Something about testing a new employee..?" He continued. Before any others could speak the mana in the room suddenly spiked around them. Looking at the source they found Kiyoshu standing before Okita and glaring at him.

"You are Okita Souji correct? The 'Manslayer', and vice-captain of the Shinsengumi?" She questioned him with narrow eyes. Her hands curled tightly into fists. Okita analyzed the woman before her. Despite her attire, she held herself like a warrior the grip. The made with her hands reminiscent of one on a blade and he could tell she had been disciplined to restrain her emotions, though they were barely contained. Seeing this he turned to his king for assistance only to get a shrug from the Maou. Sighing at this he answered her question truthfully

"I am, although the Shinsengumi has long since disbanded. Why do you ask?" Okita answered pointedly. Gnashing her teeth together, Kiyoshu's hair flowed in the air as mana built up in the room. Sensing this Zeoticus, Grayfia and Sirzechs stood up prepared for a battle. Okita stared her down with a cold, calculative gaze as his hand made its way to his sheathed blade. All while Gerard simply sipped from his cup and looked at the scene before him in amusement. 'How interesting, this level of Mana surpasses that of a High-Class Devils...'

The tension in the room was thick enough for a blade to cut through as the residents of the room pondered on the possibilities of their situation. What none of them thought would happen however was chuckling. It came from Kiyoshu herself and was mirthless, holding nothing but bitterness in its tone. All while a smile made its way onto her face.

"To think you would bear not only her name... but her appearance too... Truly the Gods have cursed me for forsaking them." She mused easing the tension in the room ever so slightly, that is until the smile fell off her face. Instead of a smile, there was a spiteful glare as her facade of a cheerful tone replaced with one full of hate as her eyes glimmered with power.

"I know you are of a different world from mine, I shouldn't fault you for the things your other had done. Perhaps you had reason to kill my lord, perhaps he even strayed from his dreams..." She began before flicking her shoulder cape back as she thrust her hand out. "Even so I cannot forgive you..!" with that she unsheathed her katana and aimed it straight at Sirzech's Knight before proclaiming.

"Therefore..! I, Kiyoshu Tachibana! Captain of the Oda-Bakufu, challenge you Okita Soji! Vice-Captain of the Shinsengumi...

...And killer of my father, Nobunaga Oda..."

Kiyoshu grunted as she tumbled across the arena, skidding across the dirt before eventually managing to land on her feet. In her kneeling position, she raised her left hand and touch at the open wound on her head, which dripped blood over her closed eye. She panted heavily as fatigue finally set in, her armor was shattered and her body was bruised and wounded. Looking towards her enemy, she realizes Okita himself was worse for wear.

"I must admit, you are worthy of your title of Manslayer, Okita-San." Kiyoshu commended the Shinsengumi Captain.

Okita smiled at that despite their current circumstances. "Your praise is appreciated Kiyoshu-San, with skill alone you have proven your title as 'Nobunaga's Guard Dog." With that his smile faded from his face as he entered a stance, raising his blade with both hands as Mana began to build within his body. "However perhaps we should finish this with a single strike!"

"So you will do me the honor of seeing your technique once more?" Kiyoshu grinned in anticipation as she also began to collect mana. Small amounts of rubble from the battle began to rise. Slowly Kiyoshu rose from her kneeling position before entering her own."I see, then I shall answer you in kind!"

With that, both samurai disappeared from their spot.

"One silent step..." Okita whispers as he took one step forward.

"Let flow the blood of my enemy.." Kiyoshu yells as she slowly walked forward as well, blood dripping onto her blade.

"Two steps infinite.."

"Their sins and misdeeds shall lead to their judgment..!"

"Three steps, a sword absolute..!"

"Somachi..!"

"Mumyo..!"

"Ichimei..!" .

"Sandanzuki!"

"Kogeki!"

[END]