"" - Speech
'' - Thought
{} - Sparda
[] - Ddraig
...
"Oryaaahh!" Yukio shouted as he swung his sword towards Sparda who blocked it with ease, both swords shattering from the clash and forcing them both to jump away from the other to pull a new sword. Yukio wasn't sure how he could pick out the true Amonusen unless he went through them all. His senses were giving off similar vibes from all of the remaining swords which still numbered in the hundreds around them.
{That's sword number 25} Sparda spoke relatively calm while Yukio panted. They'd been fighting for hours now and his whole body was covered in cuts and scratches from fighting Sparda yet he hadn't even managed a scratch of the Dark Knight.
{If you keep this up you're not going to ever be able to beat me} Sparda added as Yukio moved to grab another sword which had serrated teeth in its blade as he glanced around at the other swords, his opponent replacing the destroyed sword he held with a broad curved bladed one before he shot towards Yukio.
The silver haired young man managed to block the sword with his own but was pushed back a few feet by the force, his eyes widening at seeing his sword explode into pieces in his hands as Sparda spoke {Don't think that just arming yourself will help you…Use more then your eyes}
Yukio broke into a run, ducking under a slash from Sparda as he looked around for one of the swords to stand out to him only for Sparda to appear in front of him as he slashed down and shouted {Don't think you can take your eyes off me, boy!}
Yukio used his Sonido to disappear, reappearing on a nearby ledge as he pulled the broad sword Amonusen from the ground as he looked around, taking a quick sense of his surroundings before swinging his sword as Sparda appeared before him. The blades clashed with sparks flying between them, Yukio throwing his free hand towards Sparda's stomach only for his ancestor to jump back to avoid it.
"I can't sense any difference…" Yukio spoke to himself, charging towards Sparda and swung his sword which was easily deflected before Sparda kicked him into a large rock.
{Why are you still fighting?} Sparda asked, clamly walking towards Yukio as he struggled back to his feet, panting for breathe as he focused his gaze on him.
"…I…I'm doing this for Rias-sama…and my friends so I can… protect them" Yukio panted out, drawing the hook tipped Amonusen from nearby as he saw Sparda smirk in approval as Yukio shot off towards him.
{I was just about to call for a break but if you still want to fight…} Sparda started, trailing off as he blocked both of Yukio's swords with his own, the three of them shattering from the force as Yukio was flung backwards.
{Rest for now…I'll come back later so we can continue} Sparda spoke, Orihime flying down to a drained Yukio and starting to heal his wounds while Sparda moved to where Tannin lounged
"Your host is impressive to keep up with you for so long" The black dragon spoke, his gaze on Yukio as Sparda smirked
{He has always had an impressive amount of willpower no matter who his opponent is}
"Ah, yes I heard from the old crow about his fight with Albion's host and another of your grandson's…Even when he spars with me I can see he won't give up" Tannin replied with a smirk.
…
The next day saw Yukio and Sparda clashing swords again, the former's wounds healed but he still felt tired despite the eight hour rest he had been given, putting it down to Sparda's effect on his spiritual energy.
One thing he'd noticed since they'd started training was that his swordsmanship had improved again due to how seirous Sparda was attacking him. The other had been that the swords around them seemed to have dwindled in numbers due to the number he and Sparda had used.
{That's 81} Sparda spoke after he's split Yukio's sword, who soon pulled back to look around for another sword before his eyes widened at seeing a near identical Amonusen to the one he was use to using. He dove towards it as Sparda chased after him, grabbing it with one hand and swinging it back towards his opponent only for the blade to shatter instantly, his eyes widening in shock as Sparda spoke
{82…. That one was your reliance on me and Ddraig}
Yukio froze in shock at hearing that for a moment before seeing Sparda swing his sword at him. He knew he relied on both spirits to hold back his Hollow when he had trouble but he didn't think much about it till now.
'The Phenex Game, Kokabiel…Vali… I've always relied on Ddraig and Sparda to stop it or to help me break its control' Yukio thought, pulling another sword out from the ground as he swung it at Sparda, who backstepped to avoid it.
'Does that mean all these swords are my weaknesses?' Yukio thought to himself as he swung at Sparda again, the Dark Knight blocking it with his sword as he spoke with a smirk
{Seems you've realised the nature of these swords…but can you find the piece of your soul that was forged for battle} Yukio jumped back, taking a deep breath as he shot forwards again and swung down with his sword. Sparda dodged resulting in Yukio cleaving the boulder he had been in front of in half before throwing his sword and splitting Yukio's sword with it.
Sparda appeared before Yukio moments later, throwing a punch at the young Devil's chest and launchiong him into the canyon wall which caved in around him. Yukio taking a moment to pull himself out of it as he dropped back to his feet panting, moving to grab the nearest sword as he took a battle stance before Sparda.
The continued to fight, Tannin and now Azazel watching with amusement as the latter spoke "So this is how Shinigami achieve Bankai"
"Sparda said that each spirit develops a different method of testing if there host is ready…Sparda just wanted to see the determination Yukio has to grow stronger" Tannin replied as he watched the two swordsmen cross swords again and again.
"Still…Having to sustain Sparda in a materialized state by spirit energy alone is quite the strain on Yukio I would think" Azazel spoke with a smirk as Tannin replied
"Probably…He hasn't used any energy unless he had to, to avoid getting killed by Sparda"
…
The second day of fighting had been much like the first, Yukio just about managing to keep up with Sparda although it had been easier then the first day and there was fewer wounds for Orihime to heal at the end of it.
Yukio and Sparda started there third day early as the former could feel his Reiyoku was considerably drained which wasn't helped by Sparda making duplicates of himself appear which Yukio had to fight with.
Yukio dodged a slash from one Sparda only to have to block another pair attacking him without break as the silver haired teen used both of the swords he held to ward off his attackers.
'I can't believe he took it up another notch' Yukio thought as he gritted his teeth and felt a Sparda cut his left shoulder, the young man barely keeping hold on his sword as he slashed out at the trio of Sparda that surrounded him making them jump back.
He panted as he adjusted his grip on his left sword before charging at the nearest Sparda and launching out a barrage of slashes at him, the Dark Knight dodging a few before two other Sparda blocked the others with there Amonusens
Yukio barely managed to reverse his grip on both of his swords as three Amonusen was brought down on him, his two swords shattering into pieces as he was launched backwards by the attack
"Yukio-sama!" Orihime shouted, Yukio getting one hand onto the ground so he could flip back onto his feet before having to dodge a slash at his waist as he jumped back towards another Amonusen.
He managed to grab the rectangular bladed sword which had no edge, feeling something spark inside of him as he swung out at Sparda and destroyed the Amonusen the knight was holding but missing his smirk of approval as several other Spardas charged at him.
"Getsuga…" Yukio started, turning on his feet so he spun around on the spot as he added
"…Tensho!" A wave of red reiatsu shot out in a large circle, each Sparda blocking it with ther swords which soon were destroyed while Yukio's own was perfectly fine as he dropped to one knee panting deepily at having used his already drained spiritual power even more.
{You have reached your limit, Yukio… If we continue this there's a chance you can die} Sparda spoke, making a new sword appear in his hand as Yukio started to pull himself back to his feet as he asked
"How far are we off Bankai?"
{The only thing we're missing is a trigger and your Spiritual energy is too low to continue} Sparda answered, Yukio punching the ground annoyed as he panted while the other Sparda's and swords disappeared, leaving Yukio and the original Sparda before the latter disappeared from view as the other collapsed forwards onto the ground exhausted.
…
Yukio ducked under one of Tannin's attacks, thankful that Ddraig had told him about what had happened to his wings as he stretched his new larger red scaled dragon wings from out of his Scale Mail covered back.
"This is a lot easier to manuver with then those boosters" Yukio spoke with a smile, a day's rest and some healing had brought him back to be at least strong enough to spar with Tannin, even if his Spiritual energy hadn't fully recovered yet.
[Its just one of the things I've been working on after what you asked me to do] Ddraig replied with a smirk, Yukio quirking his eyebrows in curiosity before making himself dodge Tannin's next fireball.
'You mean getting a grasp on that?' Yukio mentally asked, Ddraig nodding in response.
"Don't get distracted" Tannin roared, Yukio smirking as he built up his spiritual energy in his right hand, pointing it at Tannin as he decided to power up
[Boost x10]
"Hado #33: Sōkatsui!" Yukio shouted, a giant ball of blue flames firing from his hand towards the Tannin.
"Hmph! So you've sent out something a little decent!" Tannin spoke with a grin, moving to catch it with his claws before vigoursly fired a breath from his mouth and made it fly away from them both and into the sky. The only damage from the attack was burns of Tannin's hands as he added
"Nice shot. Compared to when I first met you, your dragon power has definitely risen. Your physical strength is also nothing to criticize. You've also gotten to the point where you can continuously play with me for a whole day as well."
Yukio took a few deep breathes as he flew before Tannin, opening his helmet as he moved to gulp down some water from a canteen he had under his chest plate which disappeared to show he was topless due to his jersey being destroyed between Sparda and Tannin's training, his jersey bottoms were reduced to shorts and any unecceessary body fat had disappeared.
He'd survived on the mountain from between the plants and animals he and Orihime had found, cooked and eaten and Yukio dare thought he could survive on a mountain if he needed to. The upsides had been obvious to him as well, he'd grown use to using magic in a fight, fire mainly, and had a few techniques to show for it, his spiritual powers had grown, according to Sparda, as had his swordsmanship from the gruelling Bankai training, which he was still annoyed at not fully completing.
If he remembered rightly today was the 20th of August which meant that there was only five days till the battle with the Sitri family.
"You did well up till now as well. But, it's unfortunate that you didn't attain Bankai. It might have been possible if we could figure out your trigger. Your training ends tomorrow, but…it's probably impossible." Tannin spoke with a sigh, Yukio nodding in understanding as he tried to work out what Sparda meant about a trigger for his Bankai.
…
"Then, I'll be going now. I'm also attending the Maou-sponsored party. Let's meet again there, Hosokawa Yukio, Ddraig and Sparda" Tannin spoke from where they were outside the Gremory main residence, Yukio feeling lucky to get a ride back on Tannin even if it was a short trip.
"Yes. Thank you, ossan! See you at the party!" Yukio spoke friendly before Ddraig and Sparda added
[Thanks for the help, Tannin. We'll meet again.]
{It's a shame we couldn't attain it but thanks for the training, Tannin}
"Yeah, I also had fun. Since I got to work together with that Ddraig and Sparda. I've lived a long life. That's right, do you want to enter the party by riding on my back?"
"Really? Is that okay?" Yukio asked surprised, Tanning nodding as he replied
"Yeah, it's no problem. I'll take my group and come here on the day of the party. I'll contact the Gremorys later for more information. Then, I'll come here again tomorrow. Farewell!" Tannin flapped his wings before taking off into the sky, Yukio waving him off as Ddraig chuckled
[What an easy-going Dragon King.]
"I think he's a good person. When we first met, he was scary, but he's cool for a dragon!"
[Me and you are also dragons, you know?] Ddraig spoke up amused as Sparda added
{He's right you know those dragon wings aren't just for show}
"True… but I'm just have a Dragon in a Sacred Gear and one arm"
[Well, that's true.] Ddraig answered before a familiar voice from behind them drew there attention
"Hey, Yukio-kun" Yuuto spoke up, Yukio turning to see his jersey in tatters as well as the blonde added
"…You've gotten a good body." Yukio raised an eyebrow in worry as he replied
"You need a girlfriend, Yuuto, at least someone who can knock those weird comments out of you"
"H-How cruel. I just wanted to say that you built up your muscles nicely." Yuuto replied as Yukio rolled his eyes and muttered
"You…haven't changed."
"Well, because I have the body-type that has difficulty in putting on flesh. I'm jealous." Yuuto replied only making Yukio rub his head before another voice drew there attention
"Oh, Yukio and Kiba" Xenovia called, covered in bandages which looked to be ragged.
"What's happened to you…?" Yukio asked, Xenovia looking over herself before speaking
"Yeah. I became like this because I trained, got injured and bandaged myself, and then trained, got injured and bandaged myself again."
"You're like a real mummy woman…I'm glad I had Orihime with me to put me back together" Yukio spoke scratching his neck as Xenovia replied hotly
"How rude. I have no intention of being preserved forever, you know?"
"That's not what I meant" Yukio answered with a shake of his head, noticing that both of his fellow devils had denser auras then before as well as his senses having been improved.
"Yukio-san! Kiba-san, and Xenovia-san too!" Asia called running from the castle gate in her nun clothes, Georgia walking at a calm pace behind her as Yukio calling with a friendly smile
"Asia, Georgia-san, it's been a while."
"Y-Yukio-san! P-Please get dressed!"
"Y-Yukio-sama, please look more presentable" Asia panicked while Georgia blushed at seeing Yukio in just a pair of tattered shorts although he wondered how she could be embarrassed when he'd been nude with her before in the bath.
"Ara, it seems everyone from the group that went out has returned." Rias spoke as she appeared, Yukio smile growing at how he'd missed her as he greeted her
"Hey Rias-sama…"
"Yukio…You've become very robust, haven't you? Your chest is thicker." Rias spoke as she embraced him tightly, Yukio melting into her hold slightly as he hugged her back as she addressed everyone
"Now then, everyone. Please come in. Once you've taken a shower and changed clothes, we'll meet to report the outcome of our training."
…
Yukio was glad for the shower and change of clothes before everyone met up together in his room, not sure why but he didn't really mind. He'd listened to Yuuto and Xenovia give there recounts of there training before he spoke about his training with Tannin and Sparda.
It was obvious for him to say that the others had it easy as Yuuto and Xenovia had homes to stay in between there training while he had lived and survived outside.
"Azazel, why was I the only one living a cruel lifestyle…?" Yukio asked annoyed, Azazel shrugging his shoulders as he replied
"I was also just as surprised that you could survive on the mountain. I thought that you would run home midway. That you would begin to live normally on that mountain was also completely outside my expectations."
"WHAT!? What's with that…? I hunted, judged, baked and ate rabbit-looking animals and wild boar-looking animals native to the Underworld, you know…? I kept water in a water canteen after boiling and sterilizing it once on an iron pan I found on the mountain…" Yukio spoke angrily.
"That's why I was surprised. You're too sturdy. In some ways, you have surpassed devils." Azazel replied before Yukio countered
"I lived day after day by fighting a dragon on that mountain! Do you know how many times I was close to death!? Damn Sparda nearly killed me as well several times…Maou thank Orihime for healing my wounds because I probably would've died"
"Poor Yukio…You endured a lot, didn't you? Yes, Yukio… You became so sturdy…That mountain doesn't have a name, but I'll name it [Mt. Yukio] from now on." Rias spoke as she pulled his head to her chest and hugged him, Yukio's anger vanishing as he calmed
"No, even so, your physical strength seems to have improved considerably. With this, the time when you can wear the armor in Balance Breaker has probably improved but you weren't able to attain Bankai, right?"
"I need to find some sort of trigger for it" Yukio replied, moving his head just enough for his voice not to be muffled.
"Well, the possibility of you not attaining it was also within the range of my predictions. Yeah, you didn't receive any shock, Yukio. I mean, I don't know about Bankai but if it's anything like Balance Breaker you might need a dramatic change to bring it about. I thought that something would be changed in you through the survival lifestyle and by coming into contact with a Dragon King-class dragon, but the time wasn't enough. If it was at least for one more month, maybe… Well, it's fine. The report meeting ends here. Tomorrow is the party. You're all dismissed for today."
With that the meeting ended and Yukio sighed in as his survival training had official ended.
…
That night Yukio sighed to himself as he lay between Xenovia and Asia in the bed in his room, the latter already sound asleep. Xenovia seemed unable to sleep which he understood as being her first night sharing the same room with someone as Yukio asked "You still can't sleep?"
"…Yeah. When I think of it, I'm not used to sleeping with a man yet. Even if there isn't a sexual meaning to it…I'm tense…" Xenovia replied tensely, Yukio smiling understandingly as he replied
"Even I was worried and couldn't sleep the first time I slept together with Rias-sama and Asia. Having boys and girls of the same age sleep in the same room does that, you know?"
"I-I see. So this is natural, huh? But, Asia is amazing. She seems to be sleeping so peacefully." Xenovia spoke impressed as Yukio replied
"It's because Asia…is always sleeping with me and Rias-sama at home. She was embarrassed at the beginning, but now she's used to it. Having Asia lying down next to me gives me great peace of mind."
"…Yukio-san, please don't leave me…Munya…" Asia murmured in her sleep, Yukio resting a hand on her head as Xenovia spoke up quietly with a wry smile
"Fufufu, I understand the reason why Yukio and Buchou think that Asia is cute." Before Yukio knew it he'd dropped off to sleep soon followed by Xenovia.
…
The evening of the next day, Yukio was waiting around in the parlor, dressed in his summer uniform with his red coat over it. Tonight was the night of the party and so they had to give a good impression.
'I can't believe I slept for a half a day' Yukio thought to himself, Ddraig chuckling as he replied
[You built up a lot of fatigue from the training]
{And you needed to recover all your Spiritual energy as well} Sparda added as Yukio wondered where Kiba and Gasper had gone off somewhere while the maids had took the girls away.
"Hey Yu?" Saji called, Yukio smiling as he turned his attention to his friend and asked curiously
"Gen, why are you here?"
"Ah, Kaichou will be going to the meeting place along with Rias-senpai and I followed her here. So, Kaichou went to meet with senpai and after that I inevitably ended up wandering aimlessly around the mansion, until I arrived here." Saji explained moving to take the seat opposite him as Yukio smirked
"You mean you got lost?" Yukio asked as Saji scratched his neck sheepishly with a nod before turning serious as he spoke
"The game will be taking place very soon now."
"Yeah." Yukio replied with a nod, it would be weird for him to fight a friend but it would be interesting to see how Saji stood up against him as he spoke
"I trained."
"Me too. I was chased around by a dragon on a mountain every day." Yukio countered, noting the surprised look on Saji's face as he asked
" Damn you have a hard lifestyle…I also did an extremely hard menu"
"I had Azazel to blame for that" Yukio added, Saji scratching his cheek as he spoke
"Yu, do you remember the time when the young devils gathered a month ago?"
"Yeah… What about it?" Yukio asked curiously as Saji replied with a red face
"We were serious then….My dream is to become a teacher!"
"That's great, so what will you teach, Gen?" Yukio asked with a smile as Saji answered sincerely
"Kaichou is trying to establish a Rating Game specialty school in the Underworld. It isn't an ordinary school as its open for anyone and that accepts devils regardless of whether they are high-class or low-class, aristocrat or commoner. I heard from Kaichou that things like discrimination and traditions have been softened in the devil industry little by little, but there is still a part at the root of it all that refuses to accept these changes. That's why the current Rating Game school only accepts high-class devils from aristocratic families. The games have to be equal for everyone—. This is what the present Maou-samas have decided. Though it's equal, the path of the games is far for low-class devil commoners. That's strange, right? Though even a non-aristocratic devil may be promoted to a high-level devil depending on the method. The possibility shouldn't be zero!"
"She also told me that she wants to do something about that. That she wants to teach so that even low-class devils can participate in the games. That's why she'll make a school that anyone can enter in the Underworld! Kaichou is even studying in the human world as well for the sake of that! To give a chance to the ones who never got into the spotlight! Even if it's just by 1%! Even if it's almost zero! As long as it's not zero, one might be able to become a high-class devil! Yu! Even we believe in that possibility and try to become high-class devils, right?"
"Yes, that's exactly it." Yukio spoke with a smile and an approving nod, Saji raising his fist as he declared
"T-That's why, I will work as a teacher there. I'll study a lot, fight in a lot of games, and store up various things. I'll become a teacher who teaches about [Pawns] with that. Kaichou also said that she wants to help me. Even someone like me may be able to become a school teacher… But, if it's Kaichou, I can see a dream! I will stay by Kaichou's side and help her for life! Kaichou's dream is my dream!"
"Hehehe. I kept the fact that I became a devil secret from my mother, but even so she cried when I told her about my future dream. She seemed so proud of me when I said it."
"I'll help as much as I can Gen, you know that and I understand that Kaichou wanted the best for the young and lower devils" Yukio replied with a smile, Saji nodding in agreement as Yukio added
"I think that's a wonderful goal, Gen. Become a good teacher."
"Yeah, it's also for the sake of that goal that we have to beat you guys this time!" Saji spoke with a smirk, Yukio leering at him slightly as he spoke
"Ah, I see. Then, it's no good since we're the ones who are going to win!"
"No, it's us. Since we acted so stupidly before, we have to prove ourselves with our results." Saji countered with a smirk before both laughed together
"By the way, Gen" Yukio started, Saji looking at him curiously as he asked
"What is it?"
"How are things going with Kaichou?" Yukio asked amused at seeing Saji blushing and spluttering for a moment before replying
"Difficult…but I think I'm making a little progress" A comfortable silence fell over the pair as they waited for the others before Rias' voice spoke up from the doorway
"Yukio, sorry for making you wait. Ara, so Saji-kun came." Yukio turned only to be surprised at seeing all of the girls, including Georgia, had dressed up, even having makeup and there hair done as he found himself staring at them. They all looked like princesses and all were wearing western dresses.
Yukio looked surprised at seeing Gasper with them as he asked "Why are you also wearing a dress?"
"I wanted to wear a dress too." Gasper replied, Yukio rolling his eyes as he realised he should've saw this coming.
"Saji. Saji, what's wrong?" Sona asked the staring Saji, Yukio grinning as he moved to bob him on the head as he started
"Don't worry Kaichou, he's just surprised how…" Saji stopped him from continuing with a red face as he quickly spoke
"Its nothing, Kaichou, really nothing" He gave Yukio a short look which only made the silver haired Pawn chuckle as Sona sighed silently before speaking
"Thank you both for standing up for me and Yukio I forgive you over what happened with that Katsu at school but at least try and not destroy the school next time something happens" Yukio blushed embarrassed as the Rias and Akeno giggled, Saji chuckling as loud sounds of something flying in the garden along with a soft tremor in the ground.
A butler soon arrived and spoke to the group "Tannin-sama and his family have arrived."
Heading out into the garden, Yukio smiled at seeing Tannin with ten other dragons all about the same size.
"I came just as promised, Hosokawa Yukio" Tannin spoke, Yukio nodding as he replied
"Yeah! Thanks, Tannin-san!"
"While you all ride on my back, I'll place a special barrier around you. With that, your hair and clothes won't get messed up by the wind. Since those things are important to women." Tannin added turning to the others as Rias spoke with a smile
"Thank you, Tannin. We'll be relying on you until we get to the meeting place. The people of Sitri are also here, is that okay?"
"Ooh, Miss Rias. You're especially beautiful tonight. Please leave that matter to me." Tannin answered, bowing his head slightly to her as everyone got on, Yukio sitting atop of Tannin's head as they flew through the sky.
[For me to see this scenery from on top of a dragon. It's an experience that can't be described.] Ddraig spoke with a bitter smile
"Hahahaha, that is an interesting experience, Ddraig. However, there are only three mighty dragons that are still active left, including myself. No, since I was reborn as a devil, the only real ones remaining are Ophis and Tiamat. The rest have either been sealed, or have retired. Yu-Long and Midgardsormr never come out onto the surface anymore. And Ddraig, Albion, Fafnir and Vritra have been sealed into Sacred Gears. —In all ages, strong dragons have been suppressed. Strong dragons are a fearful existence, after all." Tannin spoke in a slightly lonely tone before Yukio asked
"Now that you mention it, why did you become a devil, Tannin-san?"
"One reason is that, in this era where there aren't any big battles anymore, I thought that I would get to fight various guys if I participated in the Rating Games. And there's another reason." Tannin replied seriously, Yukio looking curious as he asked
"Another reason?"
"…Do you know of a fruit called the dragon apple? It's an apple that dragons eat."
"I'm afraid not it's my first time hearing of it" Yukio replied before Tannin explained
"There is a certain race of dragons that can only live by eating that dragon apple. However, the ones that grew in the human world have become extinct because of sudden environmental changes. Now, that fruit only grows in the Underworld. But, dragons are hated in the Underworld. They're detested by both devils and fallen angels. There's no way they would give it away for nothing, right? —That's why, I became a devil and so the territory that grows the fruit was all made my territory. When you exceed a high-class devil, you can receive a part of the Underworld from the Maou. I had my eyes on there."
"So… those dragons that have food trouble live in your territory?" Yukio asked, wobbling as Tannin nodded before answering
"Yeah, thanks to that, they avoided becoming extinct. And I also performed research on how to artificially grow the dragon apple in my territory successfully. It's a special fruit, so the research takes time. Still, if it lets there be a future for that race, it's better to continue."
"You really are a nice dragon." Yukio spoke with a smile, Tannin laughing loudly as he retorted
"A nice dragon? Gahahahahahahahaha! That's the first time I've been told such a thing! Moreover, I'm greatly obliged to receive praise from the Sekiryuutei! However, boy. The desire for the continuation of one's race is the same among all living beings. It's the same, for humans, devils, and dragons. I only thought of saving my fellow dragons as well. That is what a dragon who has power does for dragons without any power."
"Amazing, I just want to protect those close to me… I guess I'll become High Class eventually given my abnormal power but I don't really have any plan as of yet for what I'll do when that happens"
"That kind of thing is fine while you're young and as long as you allow those around you to grow rather then rely on you as a crutch. However, Hosokawa Yukio, it will be wasteful if you don't live for yourself as well." Tannin spoke seriously, Yukio nodding understandingly as he enjoyed the rest of the ride.
Looking down at the city they were flying towards, Yukio could see the high-class high rise hotel that was being used for the meeting place, which was located in a wide clearing of a huge forest on the edge of the Gremory territory.
Tannin started to land on what looked to be a sports match field, spotlights instantly concentrating on him from below as Yukio chuckled as he thought it would look like something from a monster movie for those below.
"Then, we'll be going to the waiting space exclusively for large devils." Tannin spoke after everyone had gotten off of him, Rias and Yukio thanking him.
"Thank you, Tannin."
"Tannin-san, thanks!"
Tannin and the other dragons then flapped their wings again and moved towards another area of the party grounds while the group was led by hotel employees who had come in an expensive looking limousine, Yukio finding himself sitting between Rias and Asia while the Sitri group sat in the back of the limousine.
"There are also facilities located around the hotel, and the army is also standing by here. It is much stricter here than in the lower urban areas, you know?" Rias explained while fixing Yukio's collar before pulling a comb out of her expensive looking handbag and pulling the elastic band that held his ponytail together before setting the comb to work on his hair.
"Rias-sama, what about Azazel?" Yukio asked, giving a short glare back to Saji which did little to his laughing.
"It seems that he will head here after joining up with Onii-sama and the others on another route. Since they're really close friends, after all…" Rias replied, ignoring Yukio's open hand and instead putting both the comb and band away in her bag as Yukio frowned
"This is an official event so you need to look smart" Rias replied, Yukio sighing as he sat back in his seat before noticing her serious face as she continued
"Yukio, you couldn't hear because you were on Tannin's head, but just before, I declared war on Sona. —Saying that [we will beat you for the sake of our dream]… A school, A Rating Game School, for the sake of building that, Sona studied the school system of the human world while living as a student there. The schools of the human world, which anyone can enter, are important for Sona, after all."
"Rias-sama, Gen also said it. That he would [become a teacher]. His eyes were shining as he said it, so it's a serious goal to him as well…" Yukio spoke with a small smile as Rias countered with determination
"Even so, we will win. We have our own dreams and goals as well."
{Looks like you'll have to go all out} Sparda spoke up solemnly, Yukio giving him a mental nod as he thought back
'Yeah…I'll feel kinda bad if he doesn't achieve it but he'd hate it if I held back against him as well'
The limousine soon arrived at the hotel and everyone clambered out to be greeted by many of the employees. Akeno went to confirm the groups' arrival at the front desk while everyone headed towards the elevator.
"It seems the party is on the huge top floor. Yukio, if you're called out to by any people from distinguished families, make sure to greet them properly, okay?" Rias spoke, Yukio nodding as he asked curiously
"Alright but Rias-sama… Tonight's party was prepared by Maou-sama for the young devils, right?"
"That is the official stance. In truth, people won't get very excited even once we enter the room. This is an annual custom. If anything, it's more like a gathering for the members of all the distinguished families to meet. We, the next family heads, are just extras, while it's really a party for our fathers to enjoy themselves. In reality, they've made reservations at the nearby facilities until the fourth or fifth after-parties. Proof of that is that they arrived at the meeting place separately from us. They probably gathered together before the young people arrived and may have already finished their alcohol." Rias grumbled in response with a displeased face, Akeno and Kiba also sharing bitter smiles.
The elevator arrived moments at the floor of the party moments later and the group stepped out, entering into a gorgeous and expensive looking hall with a large crowd of Devils and rows of tables with food on them.
"Ooh." Everyone reacted in admiration at Rias' entrance, several of them commenting to her.
"Princess Rias. You've become more and more beautiful…"
"Sirzechs-sama must also be proud."
"Uuu, there's so many people…" Gasper spoke, sticking to Yukio's back, the silver haired young man chuckling silently as he looked around only to be surprised by his master's next words
"Yukio, we're making our rounds of greetings."
"W-Wait…What?" Yukio asked surprised.
[You have a legendary dragon inside of you…your famous cause of me…] Ddraig spoke smugly, Sparda rolling his eyes as he added
{You're also one my descendants and a Shinigami which are unusual to see in the Underworld even more so in one person so they want to greet you and get into your good books}
Yukio nodded understandingly before Rias started to pull him along as they circulated the floor, partly surprised at how gentlemanly he was acting thanks to Venelana's lessons.
"Ah, I'm so tired." Yukio sighed, dropping into a seat next to Asia and Gasper, looking around for his friends before spotting Shinji and Daisuke heading over with Saji, also spotting Rias and Akeno talking to some female devils a good distance away and Kiba surrounded by female devils.
"So how did you enjoy greeting everyone, Yu?" Shinji spoke with an amused smirk as Yukio sighed
"As long as I don't have to shake another hand I'll be fine…" Shinji chuckled in response, looking around to see Saji and Daisuke chatting away with a few other male Devils as Yukio's voice drew his attention
"Hey Shinji... I need to talk to you in private" Shinji nodded, noting the concerned look on Yukio face as they moved away from the crowds as the silver haired teen's face turned serious as he continued
"We've been friends since we were kid right…and I think things will get worse before before they get better with the Khaos Brigade around"
"Yeah…what's wrong Yukio?" Shinji asked concerned.
"If worse comes to the worse and I go out of control I want you to…" Yukio started to ask only for Shinji to interrupt him with a smile
"Don't worry I'll save you from your Hollow"
"I wasn't going to say that…" Yukio countered only for Daisuke to interrupt from behind him
"I ain't letting you die, Yu…"
"Neither am I. We'll both save you from it…" Shinji added, Yukio about to respond only for Daisuke to put his hand on his shoulder as he spoke
"We're friends right so we believe in you and you should believe in us as well and if you get in trouble we'll be there to help you"
"So what's your choice Yu?" Saji added, Yukio smiling to himself as he answered
"I guess I've got to believe in you guys like always"
"Yukio…" Yukio's eyes widened in shock, turning to see the members of gathering around him as Rias continued with a concerned look
"We all believe in you as well and I hope you believe in us too" His fellow servants nodded in agreement, concerned looks on there faces as Yukio smiled slightly as he spoke
"I do…" Yukio flushed embarrassed as his stomach grumbled, laughter breaking out amongst the group as the silver haired young man added
"I think I need to grab something to eat"
"I brought some food over, Yukio-sama" Georgia spoke with a embarrassed smile, the group heading back into the main hall and to there table as the group split off again to enjoy themselves.
After about ten minutes of eating for Yukio, he soon found himself being approached by Arisu and Ravel
"Seishinryuutei-sama!"
"I-It's been a while Sekiryuutei" The pair greeted him, Yukio smiling as he looked at the pair and spoke
"Phenex-sama, Arisu-sama…It's nice to see you again…How is your brother doing, Phenex-sama?" Arisu blushed at the formal greeting while Ravel sighed
"…Thanks to you, he's been in low spirits. It seems that his defeat and having Rias-sama stolen away by you was a great shock. Well, since he had always relied on his talent and got cocky because of it, it should have been a good lesson for him… Also I forgive you for what happened to me during the Ratings Game…"
"Well at least he should be able to learn from it…and you're pretty harsh about him...You were also part of his group, right?" Yukio replied, Arisu sitting down next to him as she watched the pair speak
"About that, I've currently finished trading, and I've now become my mother's servant. My mother traded away an unused piece she had in exchange for me. Since my mother said that she would trade me again when I found someone whose family I want to become part of, I'm essentially a free [Bishop] now. Since my mother doesn't participate in the games." Ravel explained, Yukio looking confused as he asked
"Trading?"
"Trading. According to the rules of the Rating Games, it's possible to exchange pieces between devils [Kings]. On the condition that they're the same kind of piece." Arisu explained with a smile, Yukio nodding as he understood what she meant before Ravel spoke up
"B-By the way, Sekiryuutei—"
"Seishinryuutei…" Arisu added, Ravel looking oddly at her as the former explained
"Yukio-sama uses Shinigami powers which involve Spiritual energy to use, right? So Yukio-sama should be called Seishinryuutei" Yukio nodded with a smile
"That's right, Spiritual energy is the basis of Shinigami techniques…although I'm still surprised the first time you called me that Arisu-sama and both of you should just called me Yukio. You're about the same age as me, right?"
"I-Is it really okay for me to call you by your name!?" Ravel asked slightly nervous as Arisu added embarrassed
"Sorry…I keep forgetting that Yukio-sama"
"*C-Cough*. T-Then, I'll oblige and call you Yukio-sama without reservation." Ravel spoke
"You don't have to speak so formally to me" Yukio spoke with a smile, Georgia frowning slightly as Ravel reddened and countered
"No, this is important!"
"Ravel-sama. Danna-sama's friend is calling for you." A familiar voice called out, Yukio finding himself looking at Isabella as another young woman next to her spoke
"Arisu-sama, Diadora-sama is calling for you"
"I understand. Yukio-sama, the next time we meet, would you like to have some tea with me? A-A-A-And if it's okay with you, would you like to have a homemade cake p-p-prepared by me?" Ravel spoke, suddenly raising the hem of her dress to curtsey as Yukio's eyes widened in shock as he stood up
{That is a fierce amount of them coming this way} Sparda spoke shocked.
"Yu! Dai!" Yukio shouted, surprising everyone one as the two looked seriouskly over to him and nodded. Loud thuds hitting against the walls and windows of the room before they smashed in and numerous Hollows stormed the room.
"Amonusen!" Yukio called, Ravel and Arisu screaming scared as the silver haired Pawn cleaved the lizard like Hollow in two easily as panic ran through the room.
"Stay down you lot, Georgia-san keep an eye on them" Yukio spoke, Georgia nodding as she replied
"Yes Yukio-sama" Yukio gave her a nod of thanks before using his Sonido to disappear and start to clear the room of Hollows along with the other Devils.
"Everyone get down!" Shinji shouted, the Devils who weren't fighting ducked down under chairs and tables before he started to fire off energy arrows at Hollows in the room.
"Roar, Zabimaru!" Daisuke shouted swinging his segmented sword towards a trio of Hollows who were about to attack some guests before speaking with a smirk at feeling Yukio standing behind him
"Well this is a party now, ain't it Yu!"
"Only you would like to fight Hollows…Underworld Creatures!" Yukio countered with a shake of his head before unleashing multiple energy insects which stormed towards several Hollows that were moving to attack Saji's back, the blonde Pawn giving him a thumbs up of thanks before going back to firing magic at another Hollow.
"Yu! We've got another group heading towards us from outside" Shinji shouted starting to fire off multiple arrows at them and picking off most of the slow ones, Yukio rushing over to him while dispatching Hollows with his cleaver shaped sword.
"Getsuga Tensho!" Yukio shouted swinging his sword towards them, once he'd reached the window, the large red Reiatsu slash surging outside and clearing most of the rest before Shinji finished them off.
"Looks like we got all of them" Daisuke spoke, walking over to them with a grin as Yukio sighed in relief while resting Amonusen on his shoulder out of habit.
"That's good but why would such a large group come here?"
"It's probably the amount of people here" Shinji spoke, dismissing his bow as he turned to the pair before he called over to Saji
"Is everyone alright?"
"Yeah…just a bit shaken up" Saji spoke as he approached them, Yukio finally dismissing Amonusen as he quickly swept his senses over the whole area before nodding to himself.
"Wait…Where's Koneko-san?" Yukio asked, looking around to see her missing, closing his eyes and focusing on picking up her energy signature.
"Come on, come on, come on…There!" Yukio spoke, his eyes opening as he turned to look at the forest outside as he turned to his friends
"Help the others fix everything…I'm going to see what caused her to leave"
"Right…" The trio spoke with nods, Yukio heading towards the edge of the window as Rias' voice spoke up from behind him
"What's wrong? Your expression changed"
"I sensed Koneko outside and I can't see her in here…She was following something I think" Yukio spoke seriously his eyes turning to where he was following Koneko's energy.
"I see, so you were worried. I understand, I'll go too." Rias replied with a smile, Yukio nodding as he spoke with his arm out towards her
"Come on…We best hurry" Rias blushed as she nodded, moving towards his side before finding Yukio's arm wrapped around her waist.
"Jeronimo!" Yukio called jumping out of the window, Rias gripping his uniform tightly as they fell towards the ground floor. The silver haired Pawn using his Sonido about halfway down so they would land on the ground safely.
"You enjoyed that way too much" Rias spoke annoyed, smoothing out her hair as they both started to walk towards where Yukio had sensed Koneko before Georgia spoke up from behind them, now wearing her maid outfit
"Yukio-sama, I'll coming too"
"Alright" Yukio spoke, Rias nodding in agreement as they continued walking.
"As I thought, Koneko-chan's behavior is abnormal." Rias spoke, Yukio summoning Amonusen and resting it on his back as he asked
"Yes. However, what was Koneko-san following all the way out here?" Rias thinking deeply over Yukio's question as they broke into a run at Yukio feeling something familiar nearby. They soon found the familiar places behind them and after several minutes of running Yukio pulled Rias into the shadow of a tree as he hid his aura.
Peeking out from there hiding place Yukio saw Koneko was restlessly turning her head around in the middle of the forest as if looking for something before stopping
"It's been a while, hasn't it?" An unfamiliar voice spoke up, appearing without making a noise was a woman in a black kimono and cat ears on her head, about to quietly ask Rias only for her to shush him.
"…You!" Koneko spoke, her whole body shaking violently in surprise.
"Hello, Shirone. It's me, your Onee-chan." The woman spoke, Koneko squeezing out her own words
"Kuroka-neesama…" Yukio's eyes widened in shock, at realising that woman was Koneko's older sister and the one who killed her master. Yukio's eyes turned to see a black cat snuggled up to Kuroka's feet as she spoke
"Onee-chan is very impressed that you came this far following after this black cat that sneaked into the party-nya."
"…Nee-sama. What is this about?" Koneko asked angrily, Kuroka just smiling as she responded
"Don't make such a scary face. I just had some minor business to take care of. I heard that the devils were holding a big party here, you know? That's why I was a little interested. Nyan " Kuroka waved her hand like a cat and winked cutely, Yukio wincing silently at Rias pinching his cheek while Georgia watched on
"Hahahaha, could it be that you're a member of the Gremory group?" A familiar voice spoke out, Bikou appearing and turning his gaze directly at where Yukio and Rias were hiding.
"Even if you erase your presence, it's useless. With people like me and Kuroka who know senjutsu, we can approximately detect you with just a slight variation in the flow of your spirit."
Yukio, Rias and Georgia stepped out of the shadows, Koneko looking surprised as she spoke "…Yukio-sempai, Buchou."
"Yo, damn monkey. Is Vali doing well?" Yukio asked with a smirk, Bikou laughing as he retorted
"Hahahaha, pretty much. As for you…Heh, so you've become a lot stronger, huh?" Yukio's eyes narrowing slightly as Bikou continued with a smile
"Didn't I tell you? I also have an interest in senjutsu, and I know the flow of your spirit to a degree. The volume of aura that covers you has risen since we last met."
"Rias-sama…I know this isn't the best time but what is senjutsu? I take its different from magic and the sorcery used by magicians?" Yukio asked, not taking his gaze off Bikuo and Kuroka as Rias sighed and explained
"Yes, senjutsu is different from magic and sorcery. The biggest difference is that senjutsu stresses the importance of something called chakra, the aura that is the great original power that flows into one's spirit, in other words one's life-force, and turns it into a constant current. It's a power that is both similar yet different from the magic of demons and the light power of angels. Its direct destructive power can't match that of magic or the power of light, but senjutsu can make use of the unknown part hidden within plants, animals and people. For example, if one learned senjutsu, it's said that they excel at reading the flow of someone's spirit, of their aura, and that they can also grasp the movements of a faraway target to a certain degree. Its most like the Spiritual energy you use…"
"We can also control the flow of spirit and can reinforce both the interior and exterior of our bodies, or disturb the spirits of all the surrounding trees, make them bloom, or make them wither-nyan . Senjutsu is a skill that manipulates the flow of life, after all. We can disturb our opponent's spirit, and inflict damage to their life-force by cutting it. Because the methods for repairing the disorder to one's life-force is limited for the magic of demons and the sorcery of magicians in comparison, this attack method almost always results in death-nyan " Kuroka added while winking, Yukio drawing Amonusen as he asked frankly
"Why are you here? Is this a terrorist attack?" The pair just smiled as Bikou spoke up to answer
"No, we didn't come down here for such a thing. It's just that a standby order has come out in the Underworld. Me and Kuroka are off-duty right now. When the order was given, Kuroka suggested visiting the devils' party. Since she likely wouldn't return easily, I came along with her too. Okay?"
"Bikou, who is this boy with incredible spirit energy?" Kuroka asked as she pointed at Yukio, who answered simply
"The Sekiryuutei." Kuroka's eyes widened in surprise as she spoke
"Really-nyan? Heh~. So this is the current Shinigami with a Hollow Sekiryuutei that easily repelled Vali before."
"Kuroka~, let's go back. Since we can't participate in that party anyway, it's a waste to stay here." Bikou spoke while yawning before Kuroka added
"Yes, let's return. But, I'll take Shirone with me-nyan. Since I didn't bring her with me that time "
"Arara, if you bring her back with you of your own accord, Vali might get angry, you know?" Bikou countered, Kuroka smiling widely with narrowed eyes as she replied
"When they know that the same power as mine flows within her, both Ophis and Vali will be convinced, right?"
"Well, that may be so." Bikou spoke calmly, Koneko shivering as Yukio stepped in front of her as he spoke firmly
"This girl is an important friend among us of the Gremory group. I won't allow you to take her away." Bikou and Kuroka laughed at Yukio before the former spoke
"No, no, that's very brave of you, but do you really intend to make me and Kuroka your opponents? This time, we'll leave immediately once we take this girl, so it'll be fine for you, right?"
Rias stepped forwards angry as she spoke "This child is my servant. I won't let you put even a single finger on her."
"Koneko-sama is an important member of the Gremory Household I won't let you take her" Georgia added as she moved forwards as well.
"Ara-ara-ara-ara, what are you saying-nya? She's my little sister. I have the right to love her. A high-class devil like you doesn't have that privilege." Kuroka spoke, the atmosphere changing around them as Rias and Kuroka glared at each other, the latter stopped first as she spoke with a large grin
"Since you're so troublesome, I'll kill you-nyan " Yukio frowned at the indescribable sensation that seized him, feeling as if he'd been transported to another space.
"…Kuroka, so you learned not only senjutsu, youjutsu and devil magic, but also the skill to control space?" Rias spoke while making a sour face, Kuroka soon to reply
"I didn't go as far as learning how to control time, but I have fairly picked up on how to control space. If I use the essentials of barrier techniques, it's relatively easy, after all. I covered this entire forest with a barrier and isolated it from the outside world-nyan. That's why even if we do flashy things here, it won't leak outside and devils from outside won't come in. You're going to get pleasantly killed here by us and say goodbye-nya "
Yukio's grin grew as he felt the familiar presence above them before a voice called out "When I received information that Miss Rias and Hosokawa Yukio had come to this forest and I quickly came to look, to think I would be sealed in by a barrier…"
"Tannin-san!" Yukio called happily.
"What an ominous aura. These visitors aren't suitable for this party." Tannin spoke, Bikou looked delighted at Tannin as he replied
"Oh, oh, oh! If it isn't the former-Dragon King [Blaze Meteor Dragon] Tannin! So you came! This is already a big problem, Kuroka! We have no choice but to fight now!"
"You seem happy, monkey-san. Very well. If we take down two necks that are above Dragon King class, Ophis will also be silent on the matter." Kuroka spoke as they both took fighting stances.
"Kintoun!" Bikou shouted, a gold cloud appearing at his feet which he used to flew off towards Tannin was as he added
"Nyoi-Bo!" A long staff appeared in Bikou's hands and he released it while aiming it at Tannin.
"Exteeeeeeend! Nyoi-Bo!" The staff extended to try and hit Tannin only to miss as the latter's speed.
"Once more!" Bikou called, moving his staff horizontally while still extended to chase after Tannin only to miss as Tannin dodged before blasting a large mass of fire back.
'Wow that's powerful' Yukio thought looking at the sky filled with fire before Ddraig spoke up
[No, Tannin was still holding back the power of his breath there.]
{It's because, if he unleashed his true breath, not only the party hall, but also us would disappear. He's thoughtful in his own way. Even with that, though, the number of people who can stop Tannin are limited.} Sparda added
"Ahaha! Not bad! Former-Dragon King!" Bikou laughed, his armour and clothes burning but his body seemed fine.
"Hmph! I was wondering what kind of person this Son Goku was! You seem quite happy to have received an attack from me, Tannin!" Tannin roared, Bikou grinning as he replied
"The name's Bikou! Nice to meet you, Dragon Boss!"
"Kukukuku. You talk like a true monkey. Do you really understand who you have made your opponent right now?"
"I'm also descended from a legendary demon, you know. I can't afford to lose so quickly."
"In any case, I'll be your opponent, monkey. Meanwhile, Miss Rias, Hosokawa Yukio and The Utlimate Queen's sister will defeat that cat. —They're the master of the Sekiryuutei and the Sekiryuutei, you know? You'll have to overcome them." Tannin called, Yukio smirking as he took a battle stance himself.
"Hahahah! You've really gone out big! I'm fine just by myself!" Bikou retorted, Tannin quick to reply
"Don't speak so arrogantly, monkey. You're just a single monkey. You won't be any trouble! Besides, what happened to the pig and demon sage? Did you break up with them?"
"You mean the descendants of Hakkai and Gojou? Hahahaha! They, including the people of my family, are all conservatives! Every last one of them is satisfied with the current state of things! However, I love things that are fun! That's why I happily accepted the invitation to join the [Khaos Brigade] and now act together with the Hakuryuukou Vali!" Bikou explained, Tannin frowning slightly as he spoke
"Hmph! Your temperament may be the closest to the first generation of Son Goku, but what are you scheming with the Hakuryuukou? According to rumour, only your unit is permitted to move separately from the rest! I also heard that you're the only team that didn't accept Ophis' [snake]!"
"If you'd like to know, beat me!" Bikou spoke cockily, Tannin roaring back
"Watch what you say, damn monkey! This place is the hell-like Underworld, called the [world of the dead]! Know that this is the best place for small fry like you people to repent!" With that Bikou and Tannin started to fight fiercely with each other in the air.
"Nyan " Kuroka spoke with a smile, a dark ominous aura around her body which Yukio could feel as it was completely evil mixed in with strong malice and killing intent as he flared his own Reiatsu aura, the red quickly covering his body as Koneko blurted
"…Nee-sama. I'll go with you. So please overlook these three people!"
"What are you saying—" Yukio started to speak, looking back to Koneko as Rias interrupted him
"What are saying!? Koneko! You're a servant of my group! I won't allow you to do as you please!" Rias tightly held Koneko who shook her head as she replied
"…It's no good. I understand best nee-sama's power. Nee-sama's power rivals that of an ultimate-class devil. For Buchou, Georgia-san and Yukio-sempai…Even with the power of a former-Dragon King, I don't think you can capture my sister who excels in both genjutsu and senjutsu…"
"No, even so, I absolutely won't hand you over to that person's side! To this nekomata that didn't try to help Koneko-chan who cried so much!" Rias spoke angrily while Kuroka smiled at her anger and replied
"It's because a youkai cannot help another youkai. However, this time, I simply want Shirone because I want another piece under my control. I can understand Shirone's power better than a red-haired onee-san like you, you know?" Koneko shook her heard in response
"…No…I don't need that kind of power…I don't need a dark power like that…I don't need a power that brings misfortune to people like that…" Koneko started to tremble and shed tears, Rias hugging her more tightly as she replied
"Kuroka…You who had been blinded by power left a wound on the heart of this girl that won't disappear for her whole life. After you killed your master and left, this child saw hell. When I first met her, there were no feelings left in her. Koneko was betrayed by you, who was her only family to her, lost a future to rely on, and was despised and abused by other devils, to the point where she was going to be disposed of…She saw many harsh things. That's why I will show her many fun things! This girl is Toujou Koneko, [Rook] of Rias Gremory's group! My important servant devil! I won't let you put even a single finger on her!" Koneko cried more at her words, Yukio smirking as Koneko shouted out
"…I don't want to go…I am Toujou Koneko. Kuroka-neesama, I don't want to go with you! I want to live with Rias-buchou! To live!"
After hearing that, Kuroka briefly showed a bitter smile before giving a derisive laugh that seemed to freeze Yukio's whole body as she muttered "Then, die."
A thin mist-like substance sprung out from Kuroka, gradually spreading towards the trio as Sparda shouted {Stop that mist now!}
Yukio's eyes widened for a moment before he called out "Hadō #58 Tenran!"
Holding Amonusen out before him, allowing it to levitate as Yukio hit one end making it spin in a circle before grabbing its hilt to stop it and unleashing a widening tornado like blast towards Kuroka which sucked up the mist as she frowned and dodged it.
{That mist is poison which works on Devils and Youkai…You won't be affected because of Ddraig} Sparda explained before Kuroka spoke up
"Hmmm….So you know about my poison mist but still some got past you" Yukio turned to see mist coming from behind them, his eyes widen in shock.
"—Ah." Rias called as she knelt down in pain, Georgia gasping surprised by the pain while Koneko dropping to her knees while covering her mouth as he added
"…This is."
"Hmm, so this mist doesn't work on you because you're the Sekiryuutei, huh? It's a poison mist which only works on devils and youkai-nyan. Because the poison is thin, one suffers a little while it spread throughout the body. I won't kill you quickly. I'll kill you all gradually-nyan " Kuroka spoke as she sat down on a high tree branch and looked down at them, Yukio glaring at her as Rias and Georgia started to fire magic bullets at her, hitting Kuroka only for her body to vanish.
"That was a good attack. But it's useless, useless. I can easily make a clone of myself with the essentials of genjutsu." Kuroka's voice echoed from through the forest, silhouettes appearing around them.
"…If you can't read the flow of spirit, you can't deal with genjutsu used by skilled practitioners." Koneko spoke, dropping onto her hands as Yukio closed his eyes and focused, his senses spreading over the battlefield only to find there were a fast moving signature moving around them.
"Getsuga Ten-!" Yukio called stopping his swing in mid movement as Sparda spoke up
{Blindly destroying the place isn't going to hit her…and your speed while fast isn't near her level…You need to attain Bankai now}
'But how can I do that…? We never got it through the training' Yukio mentally replied before Ddraig asked
[What had been the trigger for most of your power ups since we've started this?]
'Wanting to protect Rias-sama and everyone else…' Yukio replied, Ddraig snorting as he countered
[Don't start lying to yourself now! That reason has always been too vague for you]
"Arara, is Sekiryuutei-chan unable to keep track of me? But, I'm going to shoot-nyan " One of the Kuroka illusions spoke as it stuck its hand out and shot magic bullets at Rias, Koneko and Georgia.
"Guhah!" Yukio shouted as he took the attack for them in the chest, glad his Reiatsu dealt with most of the damage but there were still a few marks on his uniform.
"Yukio…" Rias spoke as she tried to move forwards but the pain stopped her as Yukio spoke with a small smile
"Rias-sama! Please don't move! The poison will spread through your body! Don't worry, an attack like this is noth—" He managed to block Kuroka's next attack barely with Amonusen, forced back slightly by it as Kuroka sneered at him
"So this is Vali's rival? Did you really drive away Vali?"
'I…' Yukio thought before Sparda spoke up
{Asia died once…}
[Rias cried once]
{Asia was broken}
[Rias was threatened]
{[Katsu attacked you without regard for either of them]}
'I'm doing this to protect my new family…those I love and free them from sorrow' Yukio mentally spoke, Sparda and Ddraig smirking together as Yukio raised his head to glare at one of the Kuroka clones.
'And I will not let it happen to Koneko now!' He mentally added as his reiatsu flared about wildly as he spoke
"…I won't let you touch Rias-sama, Koneko-san or Georgia-san!" Yukio deflected the next attack with his free hand, knocking it into a tree as he continued
"You may be Koneko-san's Onee-san, but…I won't forgive you for making Koneko-san cry…" Kuroka frowned in response as Koneko whispered
"…Yukio-sempai."
"Koneko-san…though I have a legendary dragon and devil lodged in my body, I can't do anything… If I had gotten stronger those times with Asia and Buchou, if I had displayed my power, they wouldn't have had such sorrowful experiences…—I'm a useless devil sometimes..."
"…Yukio-sempai isn't worthless…Did you know? Most of the previous Sekiryuuteis were people that drowned and lost their heads in their power…I think that they were swallowed by the enormous power they had…My nee-sama is the same…Even if one has power…if they don't have kindness…they'll definitely go out of control…Yukio-sempai is a gentle Sekiryuutei…Even with your dark side…You're surely the first among the previous ones to be a gentle Sekiryuutei. That's why—" Koneko replied smiling through the pain as she added
"Please become a gentle [Welsh Dragon]…" Yukio's smile grew slightly as if feeling a weight being lifted from him along with something else clicking as he turned to speak to Rias
"Rias-sama. I think I understand what I was lacking in myself to attain Bankai…I'm going to need your power to help me unlock it"
"…I understand! If you're fine with me, I'll lend you my power! So, what do I need to do?" Rias spoke with a nod, Yukio taking a deep breathe as he spoke softly
"Please let me kiss you…" Rias blushed in response, quickly nodding as she smiled and spoke
"…I understand…" Rias was turning pale from the poison and red from embarrassment as Yukio stabbed Amonusen into the ground and stepped towards her
"H-Hey! What are you doing in the middle of a battlefield!?" Tannin shouted astonished, Yukio smiling embarrassed as he replied
"Tannin-san. I need to reaffirm something in my mind…!"
"What are you saying!? What are you trying to do in the middle of a battlefield!?" Tannin shouted back, Yukio blushing more as he replied
"If I kiss her, the possibility that I will attain Bankai is high"
"So the training with me was a waste!? You truly are an idiot!" Tannin countered.
"Training wasn't a waste Tannin-san but I need to get rid of my doubt no matter how small it is" Yukio replied, Kuroka looking puzzled as she asked
"Hey, Bikou! Is that some kind of strategy? Rias Gremory intends to kiss with the Sekiryuutei."
"Don't ask me! The thought process of the Sekiryuutei is in a different dimension from us, you know!" Bikou shouted back, Yukio taking a deep breathe as he looking into Rias' blue-green eyes before slowly kissing her, her arms quickly moving to wrap around his neck while he held her waist. It lasted for a minute before they parted, Rias sighing happily as she opened her eyes to see his red eyes glowing softly as he smiled.
[About time you took the initiative with her] Ddraig roared out happily, Sparda smirking as he added
{There is no truer reason for strength then to defend those you love…Now is the time to unleash your Bankai}
Yukio gently moved a strand of Rias' hair behind her ear before gently releasing her as he spoke "Thank you…"
Turning around he tugged Amonusen from the ground with ease, holding it out directly in front of him in his left hand while clothe from the hilt wrapped around his forearm. He set his right hand on his left forearm, his reiatsu exploding out of him as his eyes turned serious as he yelled out "BAN-KAI!"
Yukio was soon engulfed in a large pillar of black energy the force from it blasting wind towards everyone around him as shocked looks filled the forest. Moments later a black bladed katana dispersed it to reveal Yukio in his Bankai form.
A long high collared black coat reached down to his ankles, separated at the waist into three ragged tails, the inner lining of it was a deep crimson in color and the front was held together by a large white X over his chest and a single button at his waist. Under it he wore a white high collar shirt which had the top two buttons undone. Thin fingerless gauntlets covered his hands with a large white X over each armguard while black slacks were tucked into knee high boots which had a white X over the shin guard. His new Amonusen was a sleek black bladed katana about four feet long with four leg-like protrusions from its guard while a small length of chain fell from out of the hilt of it. He seemed to stand slightly taller then before and his silver hair seemed to have suddenly grown an inch to frame his serious red eyes.
"Nyaha-ah. You don't seem any different Sekiryutei aside from the new outfit" Kuroka called out, Yukio smirking as he took a few steps forwards calmly.
{This is Tensa Amonusen…Its aims to increase your stats} Sparda explained with a smile.
"Really…?" He asked calmly, several feet between him and his fellow devils before he unleashed a quick blast of his reiatsu and formed a deep crater around him with ease and dispersing all of the remaining mist, Kuroka subconsciously taking a step back as Sparda spoke up again
{Why don't you try unleashing a Gestuga Tensho now?}
Yukio lifted his sword into the air, black outlined with red reiatsu pouring into his blade before he calmly called out "Getsuga Tensho"
The attack roared across the ground rending a large trench into the ground as it shot towards a mountain turning it into rubble in a matter of seconds as Tannin roared out happily
"Hahahaha! It's been a long time since I've seen that power! Hosokawa Yukio! An entire mountain far away from here completely vanished just now! Also, the barrier covering this area has been blown off as well! Fuhahahahaha! You attained Bankai at last! I see, I see! It's a surge of great power!"
"Ahahahaha!" Kuroka laughed as she looking at him as she added
"Ha! How interesting! Then, I'll also show you a mixed shot of youjutsu and senjutsu!" Two different powers were clad into her hands, Kuroka quickly shooting them at Yukio who continued to stand there and take them and not feeling any damage from the hits.
"Is that all?" Yukio asked with a small smirk, Kuroka's face turning to shock as she looked at him
"It didn't work!? No way. I built up a considerable amount of spiritual power!" Yukio shot towards her as he replied
"Don't get carried away!" Kuroka firing countless more attacks only for Yukio to cut through them with his new sword or dodging them, coming to a sudden stop before Kuroka with his sword inches from her nose as the surrounding air shook from the aftershocks of stopping his attack. Kuroka looked frightened by the halted attack as Yukio spoke
"Don't make my cute kouhai cry. If you aim at Koneko-san again, I won't stop my attack next time. You may be Koneko-san's onee-san, but you're my enemy!" When he pulled back his sword, Kuroka sprang back immediately to put some distance between them
"…You damn brat!" She cursed at him with fear in her eyes before Bikou laughed loudly
"Hyahahahahahahaha! This is really interesting! Now there are two dragon bosses! It'd be a lie to say I'm not enjoying this!" Twirling his Nyoi-Bo staff around, Bikou showed his intention to continue fighting. Yukio glanced back to see Rias, Georgia and Koneko slowly recovering from the poison mist as he turned back to Kuroka
"I'm not even using [Boosted Gear] yet" Yukio stated, Kuroka backing up slightly more as the devils noticed something strange going on only to be surprised as a tear in space appeared. Coming from out of it was two men, the first was a young man wearing a suit, glasses and held a powerful holy sword while the second was Katsu.
"That's far enough, Bikou, Kuroka. The devils have noticed." The glasses wearing man spoke calmly.
"You again…?" Yukio asked, Katsu smirking as he looked at Yukio, Rias slipping into a fighting stance at seeing him as Katsu started to speak
"I'm not here to fight…I'm just here to bring them back"
Bikou descended from the sky as he spoke "Aren't you Vali's attendant? And what are you doing here new guy?"
The man pushed up his glasses and spoke "Because Kuroka was being slow, I came to see. And even Bikou is here. Geez, what are you two doing?"
"Everyone, don't get near that guy! The thing he's holding in his hand is really troublesome!" Tannin shouted to Yukio and the others as he continued
"The holy king sword Collbrande. Also known as Caliburn. For Collbrande, called the beyond strongest holy sword, to be with the Hakuryuukou is…" Tannin bitterly laughed as he asked
"But, two swords? The one that's in a sheath is also a holy sword, isn't it?"
The young man pointed at the sheathed sword on his back at Tannin's questions as he answered "This is the final Excalibur that was recently found, the strongest of the seven Excaliburs. [Excalibur Ruler]."
"To be talking like that, you're pretty calm, aren't you?" Kuroka asked, the young man nodding as he replied
"Yes, the truth is that I also have a lot of interest in the comrades of these guys. Sekiryuutei-dono, could you please give my greetings to the holy demonic sword user and the holy sword Durandal user? I'd like to face them and yourself sometime as fellow swordsmen—you know?" Yukio frowned, holding his sword out before Katsu spoke up
"I was impressed at your speech with the higher ups"
"How do you know about that?" Yukio asked with a frown, Katsu chuckling as he replied
"I was there, exploring the underworld during my free time and picked up on your presence" Yukio looked surprised as he decided to ask
"So why did you join Vali's team?"
"I'm not with them, these guys just happen to be going the same way. Sometime after our fight and hearing your little speech I returned to my home…The House of Sparda…and just couldn't stop thinking what you said Yukio. You know the more I thought about them the more I saw the truth in your words and the people around me mostly cared for there pride and looked down at the dirtied blooded and treated their suboridantes like how I use to do" Katsu replied
"You know the shocking thing…I stood up for one of the lower class members and spoke out against the higher ups attitudes and while most agree they don't listen. I became frustrated and went on a journey to train myself to be able to fight you again for Amonusen and Yamato so I can steer the clan in a different direction."
"Afterwards I was approached by Vali and his team…Originally I refused to join but Vali challenged me to a fight with me joining if he won. I put up a good fight but ultimately lost but I still refuse to join them" Katsu added turning to leave with the others as he added
"Don't get the wrong idea…while I agree with you about how things in the Clan need to change I'm not going to give up regaining those swords from you so don't get yourself killed until we fight again"
"Now then, let's retreat." The holy sword user spoke, cutting another spatial tear with Collbrande before adding
"Goodbye, Sekiryuutei." With that the other three of Vali's team disappeared into the tear, Yukio relaxing once the tear disappeared. When they returned to the party, Arisu and Ravel embarrassingly thanked him for protecting them while Diadora giving him a half caring thanks himself for making Yukio frown before the event was cancelled because of the terrorist attack.
…
Author's Note
Hope you enjoy this chapter. Yukio finally gets his Bankai form which is a combination of Zangetsu's clothes and Ichigo's Bankai after the Fullbring Arc along with a few bits I thought would be cool to add.
Thanks for everyone's ideas and I will try and figure out how to add in a Fallen Angel or two probably before the Loki Arc also I'm thinking of including stuff from the Arrancar Arc as the idea of Grimmjow and Yukio duking it out sounds like it would be amazing to see. As for Lightwave's idea to include Tiamat as another power up for Yukio during that time I don't think it would be needed when he has Boosted Gear's doubling effect add on top of his Bankai power boost.
I wonder if anyone could tell me what sort of effect Yukio's blood would have on Saji as I'm not sure myself at the moment...and I will probably add a few bleach girls in as Shinigami Yukio will meet later on.