A Problem Devil, Born

by SecretArtLotus

Ending the Tyranny of the Three-Headed Dragon by himself, thus saving the Underworld from total destruction, what happened to our Hero, Sakamaki Izayoi? Making a promise he once made to a family, will he keep it? A Gathering of Young Devils is approaching, what will unfold in the party? Will 'he' attend the Gathering? Marrying Rias, will he still be able protect her last?

56. Chapter 56: A Trip To Kyoto!

Hello, everyone. This is your author in-progress, ArtLotus. I am here to bring you the newest chapter of A Problem Devil, Born~

Daily Question:

I have been asked questions by a few and I will answer it. No worries. I've read your questions time to time.

Enigma95: I absolutely and certain that it is Azi Dahaka that is stronger than Great Red. I have been discussed about that certain topic with my friend who is knowledgeable about HDXD and Mondaiji-tachi Power Levels. About Izayoi being in the Rating Game with Rias against Sona…It is simply because his participation is needed somewhat. If he didn't participate in the first Rating Game, he would not have a chance to encounter Sairaorg in the next one. I understand there are a lot of loopholes about this, but that is how I see it. And also, Izayoi can participate about any Rating Game with Rias since he's been given permission already by Sirzechs. I think I have already clarified this in the previous chapters before. The early ones.

PersonaQeminod1: I understand that you are so excited about wanting to know about the gender of Izayoi and Rias's baby. But I am not certain how the process of birth for Devils. Do they have to wait 9 months before they could give birth like regular humans? If you know about this, please PM me.

Because to me, the only part that is hard for Devils is having babies not the duration of when the baby is in the womb. But that is just me.

End of Daily Answer

Without further ado, I present to you, A Problem Devil, Born~

Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!

---

Chapter 56: A Trip to Kyoto!

Underworld

Gremory Territory

Gremory Mansion

Afternoon

"I would like to establish a Norse magic school in Gremory Territory and start a business training new valkyries out of devil females."

Rossweisse described her plans for the future whilst everyone listened in on her. Everyone plus Irina, Asuka and Sala were present to commemorate the completion of Rias Gremory's peerage. Now, everyone was sitting in the dining room while having tea. Surrounding the dining room were Gremory servants.

"You have very ambitious plans for the future, Rossweisse-san." Venelana commented as Rossweisse replied back with a smile and nod of appreciation.

"Thank you, Venelana-sama. I appreciate it." Venelana nodded at this before turning towards Irina sitting next to the silver haired valkyrie. "How is your visit to our humble abode, Irina-san? We hope you feel at ease." She said to her as Irina sip her tea and put it back on the saucer before she replies to Venelana.

"As an angel, I never thought I would visit the home of the Upper-Class Devils. It is a supreme honour! This must be the grace of the Lord and…Maou-sama!" Irina exclaimed in happiness which everyone could see.

"Hahaha. Rossweisse-san seems very interested in devil industries. As the head of the Gremory Family, I will look forward to your contributions." Zeoticus laughed openly as Venelana sipped her tea, put down her cup and changed the subject.

"By the way. Asuka and all you second years will be going on a school trip soon, am I right? I hear you're going to Kyoto in Japan?" She asked Asuka who sat in between Sala and Akeno.

"Yes, Venelana-sama. We'll be leaving immediately after this." Asuka answered with a nod.

"That's good. We hope you have a nice trip over there."

"Thank you." Venelana smiled at Asuka before Zeoticus turns to his daughter.

"Rias."

"Yes, Otou-sama?" Rias asked curiously as Zeoticus smiled and crosses his arms.

"Your mother and I watched the Athletics Day between the Three Great Powers through the live broadcast."

"Did you really?" Rias asked watching her father nodded before she smiles apologetically. "We're sorry, Otou-sama. It must be embarrassing for you to watch." She stated as Zeoticus waves his hand in dismissal.

"No. It's not as embarrassing as you think it is."

"Huh?"

"It's entertaining." Venelana answered as Rias turns to her mother. "The all-out battle between the Three Great Powers was entertaining to see. All three factions really did their best in the sports events."

"They really did. It is not an understatement to say it was a war." Rias added with amusement in her tone.

"Yes." Venelana agreed. "Especially it was more interesting to watch when your husband got to be on the Angels side." She chuckles at the end. "Sirzechs did not look too good about it."

"Unfortunately, it is his fault that we lost our ace." Rias stifle a laugh.

"I have to say watching Izayoi going up against those monsters in the Obstacle Race was undeniably good. So are the Calvary Battle and the Decisive Baton Relay. I have to admit those were the most fun for us to watch especially Sirzechs and Azazel fighting against Izayoi in the Decisive Baton Relay. I believe everyone was watching intently at the fight?" Zeoticus asked as Rias nodded.

"Yes. Everyone was watching that moment. Who wouldn't?" She said before everyone at the dining table heard the sound of laughter coming from the entrance of the dining room. They all watched as Izayoi walked inside along with Millicas who walked alongside him and was laughing at the moment.

"Hello, everyone." Millicas greeted once he stopped laughing. "Sorry we're late."

"No. Did you have fun in the library?"

"Yes. Izayoi onii-sama and I were reading a few books about the Rating Games."

"The Rating Games?"

"Mostly ones about the Special Rules in a Rating Game; Dice Figure Game and Scramble Flag Game." Izayoi answered. "I am interested to the former."

"Dice Figure Game, Izayoi-kun?" Rias answered with a raise of her brow.

"Yeah. It depends mostly on luck if you get to roll the dice and get the most value numbers. Depends on that value number, you'll get to choose whatever piece you wish as long as it is within the range of the value.

"That's right." Rias nodded with a smile. "It depends on the value number you'll get on the dices. That's the most important. If not, you'll have to make due with what you have." She explained as Izayoi nodded in agreement.

"…So what did I miss?" The blonde asked.

"It's not a lot. Do you want to hear about the current topic we're talking about?"

"Which is?"

"The Athletics Day between the Three Great Powers."

"That? I'm all ears." Izayoi answered with a nonchalant smile as everyone smiles at him.

---

Time Skip

"Don't forget to bring back souvenirs, Ojou-sama." Izayoi smiles nonchalantly at Asuka who hinted a small smile. The two were walking side by side with the others along the hall towards the entrance of the house to go home.

"Why would I give you a souvenir, Izayoi-kun? I don't think you deserve a souvenir." She claimed. "I might give Rias a souvenir. Maybe you should share it with her instead. It'll lessen the cost."

"You're stingy, Ojou-sama."

"Am not." Asuka answered strictly before Izayoi stops followed by the others as Sirzechs was meeting with someone at the moment. They were both standing in the middle of the hallway used particularly for when Sirzechs returned. As Sirzechs stops talking to the guest, he looks at them and smiles. Meanwhile, the guest which was Sairaorg Bael turns to meet everyone.

"Looking good, Izayoi and Rias." Sairaorg greeted with a smile settled for Izayoi who smiles nonchalantly.

"Yes, it is great that you came to greet us. You look wonderful, Sairaorg. But let me apologise for my delayed greeting. Onii-sama, welcome back. We heard you returned home and came to greet you."

"Don't sweat the formalities, it makes me uncomfortable. Thank you all."

"Onii-sama, Sairaorg came because…?"

"Yes, he came expressly to deliver some fruit, a specialty from Bael Territory. How thoughtful of our cousin. We were talking about how Rias and Izayoi should visit the Bael Household to express our gratitude some time." Sirzechs explained before he changed topics. "We were also talking about a few things for the next match, Rias. He has no special requests about the rules, except that all the complicated restrictions be lifted from the rules of combat."

"….Sairaorg, that is to say, no matter how many uncertain elements there are on our side, you will accept them all. Is that what you mean?" Rias asked with a serious look as Sairaorg smiled fearlessly.

"That is correct. Whether the vampire stops time, or the Red Dragon Emperor who reads thoughts and blows girls' clothes away, I will take them all on. If I cannot handle your all-out attacks, how can I call myself the heir of the Bael Family?"

"That is true." Izayoi agreed with a nod as Sairaorg nods at him. Just then, Sirzechs made a suggestion.

"Yes, there is no better opportunity than this chance encounter. Sairaorg once said you wanted to spar with Izayoi. Is that correct?"

"That's right. I did say that before." Sairaorg nodded at Sirzechs who turns to Izayoi.

"Then just a friendly match. Don't you want to experience such a match just before the true battle begins?" Sirzechs asked as Sairaorg looks over at Izayoi and walks to stand in front of him. Their heights differ as Izayoi's eye levels upon Sairaorg's nose.

"What do you say, Izayoi? I am bound to know your strength in battle soon. This will be something I would want to experience foremost. If you do not mind." Sairaorg showed a smile showing teeth.

Smiling up at Sairaorg, Izayoi shrugs off his shoulders before smirking.

"I don't mind. But I hope you're not regretting your decision any sooner."

"Shall we take this to the basement?" Sirzechs asked with a wide smile as everyone followed him towards the basement of the Gremory Castle. In the basement, there was a vast training hall, easily large enough to hose the entire Kuoh Academy stadium.

Once everyone was there, Sirzechs handed Millicas over to Grayfia who took him some place to wait. Then, everyone settled on standing at the side lines of the training hall whilst both Izayoi and Sairaorg stood across from each other.

The latter of which discarded his noble attire, leaving just a grey shirt. But upon discarding the attire, his body could be seen; muscular and extremely sturdy. The muscles on his shoulders and back were bulging.

"You know. Just before we start." Izayoi spoke as Sairaorg stared at him. "I'd like to know if you're giving it all despite this is a mock battle." He said as Sairaorg stifle a laugh.

"…Do not worry. I wouldn't be casting seals over myself if you were my opponent, Izayoi. I know now that doing just that would not help me one bit." Sairaorg explained as he crosses his arms over his chest. "But I am questioning about your own, if you're giving it all in this." As a respond, Izayoi shrugs his shoulders with a nonchalant smile.

"I don't know. You can guess if I'm putting everything I've got into this. But I doubt you wouldn't want that, Sairaorg." Izayoi looks at his opponent. "Tell you what; I'll give my all in just one blow. What about that?" He asked raising a finger with a smile as everyone stared at the blonde in surprise. "You can land whatever punches you've got but I'll end it in one."

"Why are you putting such a handicap on yourself, Izayoi?"

"It'll make the fight entertaining for me and the spectators at least. Anyway, you wanted me to give it my all and I'd say I give it in one blow. You should think about that very carefully." Izayoi smirked.

"….I understand what you're saying." Sairaorg said before showing a smile. "Oh well. If it will get you to show me your true strength, I'm all up for it." He stated as he takes a fighting stance while Izayoi kept standing.

"So who's going first—" Just before the blonde finishes, Sairaorg appears in front of his eyes, aimed to strike. "Huh." Izayoi kept smirking before a series of punches came upon him but the blonde took it all.

After a while, Sairarog jumps back to land a good distance across the blonde before he accessed the damage he'd done.

"What…?" He murmured as he looks at Izayoi. The Kuoh Academy uniform adorned by the blonde held rips and tears due to the punches landed. But amidst the shredded uniform, there were no visible wound such as blood or bruises on the blonde.

"You really did some work." Izayoi commented as he smiles nonchalantly at Sairaorg. He then brushes his hand over his chest before he discarded his uniform to the side, leaving only his yellow shirt. "Don't worry. My sense of touch isn't working. I still felt your punches." Izayoi explained putting his fist on his hips. "…But was that all?"

A wide smile appears over Sairaorg's face as he heard the words from the blonde. He shakes his head before responding. "No. That's only the beginning." Just as he finishes, he vanishes.

Looking around the training hall, the blonde glances back before he blocked the punch aimed at his head with his right arm. The force in between the collision causes a burst of wind to spread across the vast training hall and carved deep scars across the walls while everyone could feel it instantaneously.

"I have three weapons. Strongly built body, fast legs and martial arts." Sairaorg explained to Izayoi before he quickly vanishes. "Here I come!" A shout resounded throughout the training hall as Izayoi turns around to meet Sairaorg's kick which hits the side of his right shoulder. At the action, Izayoi kept smirking and Sairaorg frowned before jumping back to stand at his previous position.

Brushing the side of his shoulder where the kick landed, there were no pained expression visible on Izayoi's face as he brushes his shoulder and patting it a few times.

"…Is that all you got in a kick? Not to offend you or anything of the sort, but your weapons are not giving such an effect." He explained nonchalantly.

"If anyone heard you said that, they'll think you're bluffing." Sairaorg explained as Izayoi smiles. "But I believe it. Sakamaki Izayoi, you're not the type of person to bluff." He spoke to the blonde with a smile. "From now on, all I have to do is to prove to you that I can do much more!" He let out a battle cry before he instantly appears Izayoi and delivers multiple punches to the blonde who freely took it once again. Meanwhile, everyone standing near the side lines watches the fight with mixed expressions on their faces. Some exhibits worry, concern for the blonde who was freely taking all of the hits from Sairaorg, while the others focused extensively on the blonde without expressing any worry.

Amidst punching his opponent left and right with his bare fists, Sairaorg observed the blonde's reaction to the rough hits. He noted whenever his punches connected, his opponent did not move at all from the backlash. He also noted that the blonde did not react to counter or block any of his punches as of yet, which cause suspicions to rose inside him. As suspicions arose, Sairaorg cannot help the excitement bubbling inside him to wait for the time the blonde retaliate. At the thought, Sairaorg's punches pump his energy to increase the strength of his punches while his fists were going at a faster pace than before.

The action did not unnoticed by the spectators.

"It looks like Sairaorg is getting impatient and absorbed in the fight." Sirzechs commented with a smile.

"Why's that?" Issei asked raising his eyebrow in confusion.

"He can't wait to experience Izayoi-kun's punch later. He changed his pace so that he might be experiencing it sooner." Rias answered much to everyone's surprise. "He's battle driven at this point." She added before watching the ground shakes whenever Sairaorg deliver one punch after another.

"Is he really excited to experience something like that?" Rossweisse asked with a look of shock.

"That is how he is. He's a battle maniac." Rias answered before everyone continued watching the fight.

"Come, Sakamaki Izayoi! Give me! Show me what you've got!" Sairaorg grinned whilst punching. "Show me…the punch that decimated your enemies! Show me, your strength that you used against the Three-Headed Dragon!" He shouted at the top of his lungs as he pulls back his fist and punches directly at Izayoi's forehead, causing a deep scar to carve upon the floor behind them.

"Heh. Do you want to taste that? Sorry but you're not at that level." Sairaorg watches a wide smirk spread across Izayoi's lips before blood gurgles up in his throat as a fist was buried in his stomach. The moment slowly turned into slow motion as Sairaorg looks down at the blonde who had punched directly at his stomach without him ever seeing the action. Suddenly, time turned normally and Sairaorg flies backwards to instantly crashes through the wall behind.

In the side lines, Sirzechs offered a smile at the scene along with Rias whilst the others looked impressed and felt joy.

Then, Sairaorg appears all of a sudden across Izayoi as everyone looks at him before watching him curled down on the floor and hurled blood from his throat. Everyone watches a large pool of blood gathering beneath Sairaorg's knees. They then looked at the inviting smile upon his lips before Sairaorg attempting to stand up but stagger along the way. When he stood up perfectly, he stagger side to side before his sights set to the blonde in front of him. Everyone looked to his eyes and was astounded to seeing his eyeballs were white.

"His unconscious…" Kiba murmured upon looking at Sairaorg.

"Is he standing by his will only?" Xenovia asked with surprise etched on her face along with the others.

Silence overcomes the vast training hall area before Sairaorg fell backwards onto the ground with a thud.

"…Did I use too much?" Izayoi questioned himself with a fist on his hips as he looked down at the unconscious Sairaorg. "I thought he could withstand it. I did very little on that one, you know."

"Did you?" Sirzechs asked in amusement as Izayoi turns to him and smiles nonchalantly while showing teeth.

"Yeah."

"Amazing…" Rossweisse commented in awe along with the others.

"He beat him by only using a punch." Issei spoke.

"What do you expect, partner? If he could defeat Sirzechs and Great Red on top of that, this battle driven maniac did not have a chance. But I am impressed that he could stand up by his will only." Ddraig commented.

"Show off." Asuka smiled with a cross of her arms as Izayoi looks at her.

"I don't think I showed a lot."

"Show off." Asuka said as Izayoi only grins.

"So what are we going to do with him now?" Izayoi questioned as he turns to Sirzechs who looks at the unconscious Sairaorg.

"We'll prepare a guest room for him to rest for now. We don't know how long he'll be staying since we don't know how much damage you've caused, Izayoi. But I can be pretty certain it'll be quite some time before he can stand up properly." Sirzechs turns an amusing eye towards Izayoi. "In the meantime," Sirzechs turns towards Asia in question. "Asia Argento, might I ask for your help?" He gestures his hand towards the unconscious Sairaorg.

"Y-Yes, Sirzechs-sama!" Asia nodded to his request.

"Issei, can you company Asia?" Rias asked the brunette who nods before following after Asia approaching Sairaorg.

Watching as Asia got to work healing Sairaorg, Izayoi looks at Akeno approaching him with a folded white shirt. Looking down at himself, he noted his shirt held rips and holes. Chuckling at himself, he rips his shirt with one pull of his hand before accepting the shirt Akeno handed off.

"Are you okay, Izayoi-kun?" Rias asked walking over to him as the blonde wears the shirt over his head.

"Yeah. Why do you ask?" A smile plays over his lips.

"We're not sure if you suffered a concussion to the head. That's why we're asking you that question." Asuka added smiling.

"Thanks for that, Ojou-sama. But I feel perfectly fine." Izayoi waved his hand in dismissal. "Anyway, aren't you gonna go on a trip to Kyoto pretty soon?" He asked.

"It's not until tomorrow morning. I already packed."

"...Can I expect a souvenir soon? It is the least you could for your senior, right?"

"I don't think so. I don't know what you'd like as a souvenir, so I don't think I should be bothered to buy anything."

"What a response." A chuckle escaped the blonde's mouth.

"Thank you."

---

Time Skip

"I don't see why I can't come along. There's nothing going on over at the school anyways." Izayoi stated with his hands pocketed as he stood next to Rias in front of the bullet train platform. Both of them were the only ones seeing their Second-Year Juniors off. The others such as Sala, Akeno, Koneko and Gasper were attending normal classes at the moment and were not allowed to fall behind on the classes.

Every Second-Year students were wearing individual's clothes, including Asuka and the others who wore street clothes. The order of which had been commissioned from teacher for students to wear during the school trip.

"You're not a Second Year Student, are you?" Asuka asked lifting an amused eyebrow as Irina giggled next to her while Asia smiles besides her.

"Very funny, Ojou-sama. It's common to involve age." Izayoi smiled as Rias smiles at him before she looks at her servants and showed them something like a card.

"Here, this is a pass for each of you."

Everyone took ahold of the said card as Kiba looked down at the card in his hand.

"This is the legendary…?" Kiba spoke up before glancing up at Rias who nods.

"Yes, this is required for Devils to enjoy Kyoto, the so-called 'free bus pass'. The shrines and temples over there are normally taboo for Devils however Devils can move freely using this pass which was issued by Onmyoji and Youkai from the Kyoto office in charge of affairs there." Rias explained before she continued. "We used the same kind of pass last year. As long as there is a legitimate reason, they will issue passes even to Devils. Gremory's servants, Sitri's servants and Heaven's messenger. Do you realise how fortunate it is to have certain forces backing you all?" Rias offered them a smile. "Just keep it in your skirt or pocket in your uniform and you will be able to enter the famous sights there. Enjoy your sightseeing there."

"That's fortunate for you." Asuka smiled at Asia who nodded at her before turning to Rias.

"Thank you, Rias onee-sama!" Asia thanked along with Issei.

"This is fortunate for us. Thank you, Buchou."

"Thank you, Buchou. We'll use it well." Xenovia told as she and the others pocketed their cards.

"Oh. One other thing." This time it was Izayoi who spoke up. Everyone look up at him in question. "Since you'll be going to Kyoto, you'll be encountering some problems along the way."

"Problems?" Xenovia asked in curiosity.

"Yes. If you encountered that sort of thing, do not hesitate to call us. I mean it." Izayoi smiled nonchalantly. "You don't have to worry about bothering us. Who will be bothered anyway? So, are we clear?" After the blonde finishes, Rias nodded along in agreement before she spoke up to the others.

"Izayoi-kun is right. If you encounter any sort and I mean, any, do not hesitate to call upon us." Rias emphasised as everyone nodded at the two of them.

"Is there something wrong in Kyoto, Izayoi-senpai? Rias onee-sama?" Asia questioned in slight concern as Rias smiled at her.

"It is nothing. But I just worry about my dear servants going there." Rias answered.

"It's the job of a senior to look out for their spoiled juniors, right?" Izayoi shrugged his shoulders with a nonchalant smile.

"Spoiled? What do you mean by 'spoiled'?" Asuka asked feeling offensive.

"I mean just that, Ojou-sama." Izayoi answered chuckling as Asuka glares at him before she glances at the corner of her eye to see her classmate motioning her hand inside the train.

"Oh. I got to go." Asuka told everyone as she grabbed the handle of her luggage. Just as she went ahead, she looks at Izayoi over her shoulder. "If I'm lucky, I'll buy something." She told the blonde who playfully smiles at her.

"If you're lucky enough." Izayoi replied as Asuka looks at him before she goes towards the front of the train where her class gathered.

Then, Asia's mobile phone rang.

"Hello, Kiryuu-san? Yes, Xenovia-san and Irina-san are together with me." Asia said to Kiryuu before she nodded at her mobile and hang up the phone. She then bows her head to Rias. "We are going, Rias onee-sama."

"Then we should get going."

"Yes, we should."

"Take care." Rias told them with a smile.

"Then it's about time I should go as well. I will bring souvenirs back." Kiba said before bowing his head to Rias and Izayoi. After that, he turned towards where his class gathered in the train. As each one of them had gone inside the train, both Izayoi and Rias waved their juniors farewell when the bullet train started moving.

When the train had left the station, Rias smiles at where the train disappeared.

"What do you think they'll encounter?"

Rias asked with a small frown of concern for her servants.

"It's definitely gonna be them. Anyway, Kunou might be meeting them soon and she will ask for their help on finding Yasaka."

"Do you think it's the Khaos Brigade?"

"It might potentially be. But we're facing something else of Khaos Brigade's standards." Just as the blonde finishes, a moment of silence engulfed the atmosphere before Rias glances at her husband yawning. "Hm?"

Izayoi peeks out of his right eye to see his wife pinching his cheek gently with a gentle smile on her face.

"Shall we go? Unfortunately, we have our own trip to attend to."

"…Unfortunately." A few chuckles shared between the married couple before they left the station.

---

It was 20 minutes after the train had left the station, and Asuka sat on the right side overlooking the familiar sights. After a moment, Asuka glances at the corner of her eye to see a few of her classmates sitting next to her, fast asleep. Smiling at their peaceful faces, she retreat her view towards the outside world through the window. Without anything in mind to do at the moment, she kept staring out at the window. As she kept staring, her mind drifted off towards the topic of herself. Truthfully, she had witnessed all kinds of supernatural things in her life when she begun schooling at Kuoh Academy. For somebody like her that has abnormal abilities, she felt she belonged where she could be herself without showing any restraints. Together with Izayoi, she thought back at the two of them. She obviously knew something was a bit odd that she coincidentally met him and later on, knew his abilities which are out of human bounds. To better understand the thought in her mind, she felt the two of them belonged in this world of supernatural. But she also felt like they were out of place somehow. Suddenly, her mind briefly wondered if the both of them should visit Little Garden; a world where you could test your capabilities and thus learn anew about yourself. After she had spent time with Sala, the two were sometimes engaging in the topic of Little Garden. With that, she also learned little by little about the world that was out of this world compare to the Underworld she'd visited a few times. After she had been learning the information concerning Little Garden, she can honestly say that Little Garden was definitely one thing she wanted to visit again.

"Go die, ecchi trio!"

"So disgusting on the train!"

Asuka was briefly snapped out of her thoughts as she briefly glance at the loud voices coming from the next coach before she returns back to viewing the sights through the window. Sighing, Asuka decided to rest and she turns her head around. She then closes her eyes to sleep.

---

"We are arriving at Kyoto presently." An announcement was made through the audio speakers within each of the cargo of the train.

"Asuka-san~ Asuka-san~"

"Hm?" Asuka opens her eyes to see her class monitor nudging her shoulder to wake her.

"Have a good rest? We'll be arriving Kyoto in a few minutes. Please be ready to get your luggage." The female class monitor smiled at her before she resumed on waking up the other girls which were asleep.

Smiling at the kind class monitor, Asuka yawns behind her hand before resuming getting her luggage.

A few minutes pass and the bullet train stops at the station. All of the Second-Year students got off the train before gasping in awe of the station in Kyoto.

Walking near her classmates, Asuka eventually stops near the vending machine with the rest of her class gathering there as well. Her class monitor stops in front of the class and smiled.

"Welcome to Kyoto, everyone. Is everyone accountant for?" She asked as everyone started to take note of their classmates.

"Yes!" Everyone answered after a while as the class monitor nodded before continuing.

"If everyone is here, we will begin to head towards the allocated location which is near the station. If you have your ticket with you, go to the ticket checkpoint." As everyone begin filing out through the ticket checkpoint including the class monitor, Asuka begin glancing around to find the rest of her friends. After a while, she spotted Asia on her right along with Xenovia and Irina, Asuka smiles before continuing to head through the ticket checkpoint.

After the ticket checkpoint, the class monitor guided the rest of the class towards the allocated hotel near the station. The walk was a few minutes from the station to the hotel which was a relief to some students.

Looking up at the massive high class hotel, Asuka stared upon the name displayed proudly, 'Kyoto Sirzechs Hotel'. Smiling amusingly at the name, she then caught something with a glance of her eye. There was a hotel under construction nearby and the name of the hotel is, 'Kyoto Serafall Hotel'.

"The Great Satans' names are all influential it seems." Asuka deduced before resuming walking towards the massive high class hotel with her class and the other classes which were evidently following behind. After showing their student identification to the attendants at the entrance, they were given detailed instructions to the lobby.

"I can't believe we'll be living in this hotel." Asuka smiled at her classmate awed look at the luxurious décor of the lobby. "Have you seen anything like this before?"

"Amazing…Is it really fine for the entirety of the Second-Year students to live in such a hotel…?" Matsuda asked. Seeing this was not an ordinary place, his opinion was very sensible.

"Yeah, it's amazing, but compared to Buchou's house, it's still a bit lacking." Xenovia expressed calmly as Asia and Issei nodded at her, agreeing with her opinion.

As everyone had entered the vast and spacious lobby, they were gathered in one spot. When the meeting time arrived, each class began to take roll call to confirm their numbers. After roll calling, everyone sat down on the floor to listen to the teacher's announcement. As each teacher announced for their students, it was Rossweisse's turn. Everyone perked up to what she says.

"There is a 100 yen shop in the underground shopping centre of Kyoto. If you need anything, please go there. You can never be too careful with your pocket money. If you start being a big spender in your student's years, you will grow up into an unreliable adult. Money is what makes the world flow. If you buy everything you want, you will run out of money soon. So please, settle for the 100 yen shop—the 100 yen shop is Japan's treasure." Rossweisse finished her announcement before another teacher came up and made the final clarifications.

"Please take note of the above points. After putting away your luggage in your rooms, it is free activities until 5pm. But please don't wander too far away. It is best to stick to the area around the Kyoto railway station. Please remind yourself to be back in your rooms by 5:30."

"Yes." The entire second year student body replied.

Thus, everyone started took their luggage after various reminders from the teachers and received keys from the attendants at the lobby entrance.

"Asuka-san!" A shout resounded through Asuka's ear as she turns around to spot Asia walking towards her with both Irina and Xenovia. "Are you going to your room?" Nodding at her question, Irina gestured to them.

"Let's go to each of our room. That way, it'll be easier to invite each one of us. Is that okay?"

"Yes, and since our rooms are allocated at the girls floor, our rooms are nowhere far. It'll be best to remember each of our room." Xenovia explained.

"Okay." Asuka answered before the four of them left towards the girls' floor.

As the four of them arrived on the said floor, they quickly scout for their rooms. After a while of scouting, Asia and Xenovia had found their room—which they shared.

"So you'll be sharing with Xenovia, Asia. That'll be easier, right?"

"Yes. If I have to sleep alone, I wouldn't be able to sleep." Asia admitted.

"That's okay, Asia. I'm here." Xenovia smiled at her as Asia nodded before returning her own smile.

"So since they've found their own room, we have to find ours, Irina." Asuka turns to Irina who nodded. After Asia and Xenovia puts their luggage inside their room, they quickly joined both Asuka and Irina on finding their rooms. As they accessed the numbers on each door, it was but a moment that they've found Asuka's room—which she shares with Irina.

"You have the same room number as mine, Asuka!" Irina said in happiness as Asuka smiled at her.

"Yes. Is it really that of a coincidence though?" Asuka asked whilst glancing at the door.

"Oh. Have you already found your rooms?" Rossweisse appeared to the four girls who looked at her. "I was about to inform all four of you about your allocated rooms you will be sharing. Rias-san had stated that it is better for two of you to share a room together."

"That's considerate of her." Asuka nodded in appreciation.

"Rossweisse-san, did Issei-san found his own room?"

"He did. Unfortunately, it is not up to his standards."

"What do you mean?"

"His room will be acting as a meeting room for us to group." At the statement, the four girls looked at each other in slight confusion.

"Why is that, Rossweisse-san?" Asuka questioned. "Isn't this trip supposed to be us relaxing rather than…?"

"Yes, it is. But I don't know the details yet. Although, if anything happens in Kyoto, we must first secure a place to carry out discussions. That is why the room is assigned to Issei-san who was the odd one out."

"We understand." Asuka nodded along with the three others.

"It's good that you understand. Anyway, I have to go meet the other teachers, so your free time starts now. Keep in mind to not wander far away, and also do not always be mesmerised by Kyoto. If you want to buy souvenirs, I reckon the 100 yen shop ." Rossweisse smiled at the end as the four girls returned her smile with theirs. "I'll see you four at 5:30. Alright?" She stated before she walked away.

After she disappeared from their sight, Asuka looked to the others with a small frown. "It's just as Izayoi-kun said. Something will be happening soon." Asuka said to them.

"But how? And when?" Xenovia added to their confusion. "Who?"

"Rossweisse-san doesn't know the details as much as we do. But it's pretty clear that we'll be encountering some problems along the way in Kyoto."

"Then we have to prepare." Irina stated as the three others nodded.

"And since our free time starts now, we should very much start exploring." Asuka stated to the others. "Let's go, Irina. We have to put our luggage first." With that, both Asuka and Irina entered their room together, putting their luggage down safely before gathering with Asia and Xenovia outside. Locking the door with her key, Asuka looks at the three. "Shall we ladies?"

"We shall."

---

Time Skip

Fushimi Inari

After getting off at Inari Station which was a one stop away from Kyoto station, Asuka and the others were able to see the inviting road to Fushimi Inari. Plus, Issei, Matsuda, Motohama and Kiryuu decided to tag along with them since they were too wanted to visit Fushimi Inari.

"Look Asia, Irina. These shops have many interesting things to sell." Xenovia pointed out.

All these cute foxes!" Asia exclaimed cutely.

"Do I have enough spare cash to buy souvenirs here?" Irina asked.

"If you don't, I can lend a couple." Asuka offered with a understand smile.

"Really? But wouldn't that be unfair for you, Asuka-san?"

"It's perfectly fine."

As the four girls begin chatting away at the Kyoto atmosphere of the shops nearby, Matsuda aimed his camera at them to photograph. But before he could, Kiryuu had blocked his camera.

"Kiryuu, go away! I'm trying to a snap of their picture! The backdrop of the Kyoto scenery with the four girls, it's best to take a picture and you're blocking it!"

"What about me?" Kiryuu narrowed her eyes in protest.

Passing through the last torii, there was a huge door. On each side was a sculpture of a fox.

"These are…" Asuka murmured looking at the sculptures.

"Yes, exorcism statues. Normally they would have a presence that repelled existences like Devils, but thanks to the passes, there's no trouble." Xenovia explained looking at the stone statues with Asuka.

"Are we really under surveillance?" Issei asked out of curiosity, having felt watched when he got off the Inari station.

"We devils and angels are foreign creatures to the authorities here. Though we notified them beforehand, surveillance is still necessary." Xenovia explained as she and the others started their journey passing through the main entrance. Without any issue, they reached the main hall. Continuing from there, they found the stairs leading up to the Inari Mountain. Thus, they begin their trek through the thousand torii towards climbing the mountain.

"Smile!" Irina said smiling as she adjusted the aim of the camera in her hands before she snaps a picture of Asia, Asuka and Xenovia standing in front of a torii followed by the numerous torii behind. The four of them begin taking pictures as they climbed through the mountain.

"…Wa…Wait for me…W-Why are you all so energetic…?" Motohama asked as he sluggishly climbed the stairs after 10 minutes in.

"Hey, hey, Motohama. This is shameful. Even Asia-chan and the rest are fine." Matsuda sighed at his friend whilst standing a couple of steps above.

After that, everyone decided to rest at the rest stop halfway through the journey. Matsuda was fanning Motohama who was out of breath at the moment.

"Smile for the camera." Asuka spoke positioning her camera in her hands before snapping the picture. She then let it down as Asia, Irina, Xenovia and Kiryuu walked towards her to view the taken picture.

"The mountainside behind us was a good idea, Asuka-san." Kiryuu complimented her as Asuka smiles at her.

"Thank you, Kiryuu-san. We can't ignore the beautiful scenery that is provided to us, hence why we should take pictures of it."

"If that is so, I suggest you get in one of the pictures, Asuka-san. I'll handle your camera gently." Kiryuu assured extending her hand towards Asuka who looks at her before giving her camera at her and followed the others to stand in front of the mountainside. As the four girls lined up next to each other, Kiryuu nodded at them. "Alright, say cheese!" As Kiryuu snapped the picture, Issei came around behind her.

"Sorry but I'm going to head up first." He reminded the five of them before he goes off towards climbing the mountain. Just as he disappeared, Asia looked towards where he went before she looked to the others.

"Will Issei-san be alright?" She asked in concern.

"He'll be alright." Xenovia assured. "He can handle himself, Asia."

"But he can't handle the situation we're in now." Asuka answered as the others looked at her. "There's no telling what he'll encounter up there. We can't predict enemies we haven't encountered yet."

"Then we should go." Asia stated as Asuka nodded.

"Kiryuu-san, we'll be going up as well. Can you keep my camera until we come back?" Asuka asked Kiryuu who looked over at her.

"Huh? Alright. Go right ahead. Don't worry, your camera will be fine." She assured before motioning her hand forth.

"Thank you, Kiryuu-san." Asia thanked before she and the others raced up towards the mountain.

"Maybe everyone's getting excited on climbing the mountain today." Kiryuu suspected with a shrug of her shoulder before she proceeded to take pictures of the scenery around her.

Whilst Asuka and the others climbed the mountain, Asuka perked up as she looked up ahead, sensing new presences nearby and were surrounding Issei.

"They have arrived." Asuka informed the three others who looked at her before they speed up their pace. Just as they arrived at the top of the mountain where an old shrine stood at the centre of the mountain, they also arrived at the scene were Issei stood across a little girl with fox features alongside priests with crow features. The brunette was readied to battle as he summoned his Boosted Gear over his left arm.

"Irina, let's go." Xenovia told her as they both raced ahead of Asuka and Asia to help Issei.

When the Karasu-Tengu adorned priests outfit begin attacking Issei, both Xenovia and Irina arrived in front of the brunette just in time to block their attack with the wooden swords they bought from the stores at the rest stop earlier.

"Xenovia? Irina?" Surprised by their sudden arrival, Issei relaxes himself before both Xenovia and Irina pushes the staffs of the Karasu-Tengu priests and stood in front of Issei. Then, Asia hurried over to the three to check upon Issei.

"Issei-san, are you alright?"

"Y-Yes. I'm fine. They appeared out of nowhere."

"…Is that so, you all are the ones who…my mother! Unforgivable! Unclean devils! You have tainted this sacred place! I will not forgive you!"

"Now, now. We can't fight over this, right? It's not nice to start war without a reason." Asuka smiled at Kunou as she stood in front of the others. "Issei-san, for what reason they attacked you?"

"They thought I had her mother."

"So you think we're the ones who abducted her in the first place?" Asuka turned towards Kunou.

"You can't deceive my eyes!"

"Please forgive us but we do not know your mother personally and we are not the ones who abducted her as you thought." Asuka said before she gestured Asia forward. "Asia, show them the card." She said to her as Asia nodded and proceeded to show Kunou and the Karasu-Tengu priests the card Rias gave. The card was etched with the Gremory crest.

"Kunou-sama, that pass..." One of the Karasu-Tengu exclaimed. "They're from the Gremory Family."

"Gremory Family?" Kunou exclaimed in surprise. "Rias Gremory onee-sama's family?" She asked before looking up at Asia and the others.

"Yes. We're Rias Gremory's servants." Xenovia answered with a nod. "We're not the ones who abduct your mother."

"Please believe us. We do not know of such thing." Asia added with a shake of her head whilst pleading.

"If you're Rias onee-sama's servants then…where's Otou-sama?" Kunou asked cutely in curiosity. Her angry expression she displayed a while ago diminishes in place of the cute expression.

"Otou-sama?" Xenovia asked before looking at the others in confusion.

"Who is your Otou-sama?" Irina asked. But just before Kunou could answer, a familiar presence appears behind Kunou and the Karasu-Tengu priests'.

"Kunou, you can't wander around and just accused of someone abducting your mother. That's not what I taught you now, is it? You have to properly analyse things furthermore before you could question it."

"Shiroyasha?" Asuka asked in surprise as she sees the white haired loli in a kimono standing behind Kunou. Immediately, the Karasu-Tengu priests turn their bodies around and bow their heads at her presence.

"Shiroyasha-sama!"

"…I forgot, Shiroyasha-sama. I'm sorry…" Kunou apologised to her with a guilty look. "They're not from Kyoto, so I assumed…" She murmured in shame as she pouts while Shiroyasha smiled down at her.

"I understand you missed your mother but this is not the way. Besides that, it will only prolong your search if you do not think accurately."

"…I understand, Shiroyasha-sama."

"You're in your learning state, princess. Don't worry." Shiroyasha smiled down at her before she looks up at Asuka and the others. "So you're all here, heh? I assumed you're all on a trip?"

"We're on a school trip." Asuka answered. "Only the Second-Year student body."

"Alright. Sorry for this kind of misunderstanding introduction in this lovely day. You were after all here to relax and enjoy."

"Shiroyasha, about that…What is currently going on?" Asuka questioned seriously as Shiroyasha looks at her and let out her fan to cover her smile.

"You'll soon be informed that from your authorities. It is better if you informed that kid beforehand. He might hold the clue as to why this is happening."

"Kid? Do you mean—" Just before Asuka finishes, Shiroyasha and Kunou plus the Karasu-Tengu priests disappeared within a gust of wind.

"Shiroyasha-sama is with them…What is going on, Asuka-san?" Asia asked her while Asuka held a perplexed expression on her face.

"I don't know. But I reckon we will be informed of the details later on. Anyway, we should informed Izayoi-kun and Rias for now."

"But we can't bother them." Issei reasoned as he, Xenovia and Irina walk up to them.

"But it is reasonable for them to know. Specifically, Rias. She does know things in Kyoto. She might know what is happening right now, especially Izayoi-kun at this matter." Asuka said with narrowed eyes.

"Izayoi-senpai? Does he know what's going on?" Asia asked in curiosity as Issei nodded along.

"It is what Shiroyasha specifically had stated." Asuka said before she turns to them. "Anyway, we should go back and inform the both of them once we get back to the hotel."

"Alright."

---

Time Skip

—It was the first night in the trip.

The Second-Year students had dinner at the hotel along with the teachers. It was a luxurious feast of Kyoto cuisine which was delicious and uncommonly tasty. After dinner, everyone dismisses back to each of their rooms. But both Asuka and Irina had gone with Xenovia and Asia to their room to discuss what happened earlier.

"After that, we toured around Fushimi Inari before going back. The others did not suspect anything, right?" Asuka asked sitting upon Asia's bed with Asia while Irina sat together with Xenovia on her bed.

"No. They were perplexed but they didn't question anything." Xenovia stated.

"Once we returned, we reported to both Azazel-sensei and Rossweisse-sensei." Irina said. "That's a good action right?"

"Right. They didn't deliberately attack us. They did it for a reason of abduction."

"Azazel-sensei said we shouldn't because it would cause unnecessary worries for both Rias and Izayoi-kun, so should we still…?"

"We should. We didn't tell them everything about what happened. We just told them we got attacked. That's all. But we should still report to both Izayoi-kun and Rias." Asuka explained.

"That's true!" Irina nodded with an understanding nod followed by Xenovia and Asia.

"Anyway, Izayoi-kun has already told us to report anything that happened in Kyoto. I heard that we wouldn't as much bothered the two of them." Asuka held an amused smile.

"Yes." Asia nodded with a smile. Then, a knocking sound resounded from the door and the four of them looked towards it. "You can come inside." Asia said over to the door that is opened by none other than Rossweisse.

"Sorry to disturb your time, girls. But Asuka-san said that this is related to the attack earlier?" Rossweisse asked after closing the door.

"Yes, it is. But before we get into that, can we contact someone, Rossweisse-sensei?" Asuka asked with a small smile as Rossweisse looked at her in slight curiosity.

---

Time Skip

"Does Izayoi-kun know about this event prior?" Rossweisse asked Asuka as she sat next to Irina and Xenovia.

"He might hold the key as to why this is happening. Shiroyasha had said it herself." Asuka answered much to Rossweisse's surprise of hearing the name.

"Shiroyasha-sama?"

Asuka nodded at her before answering. "The thing is…We didn't tell you and Azazel everything that happened. We hope you understand, Rossweisse-sensei."

"Why is that? It is proper to inform me and Azazel-sensei anything." A small frown made visible on Rossweisse's face.

"Yes, but we would like to talk about this with you more than Azazel."

"Is it because you can't report this to either Rias or Izayoi-kun?"

"Well, it's because it is better for women to understand women, you see?"

"…I see. What is it that you didn't tell?"

"We told you that we've been attacked but it unintentionally."

"The attack was unintentionally? But how could they attack all of you? Do they know who you are?"

"They didn't at first. But after we showed them this pass." Asuka gestured Asia who held up the card Rias gave her, up towards Rossweisse who looked at the card in surprise. "They recognised the Gremory crest and one of them knew Rias Gremory."

"They knew Rias?"

"Yes. It was but a little girl with fox appendages."

"A fox youkai." Irina emphasised as Rossweisse looked at her. "She knew Rias like she really knows her. She even called her onee-sama."

"After that, Shiroyasha-sama appears at her side." Xenovia added to the discussion as Rossweisse lifted her eyebrow.

"She managed to calm the situation overall. As to why she is here in Kyoto, we don't know…But she knows something we don't and that is what drives the little girl to find her mother. You see, the little girl suspected us to abduct her mother at first before her followers attacked Issei in the first place." Asuka explained the recount to Rossweisse who nods in acknowledgement. "And then, she told us that Izayoi might know the answer."

"Does he really know as to why her mother is abducted?"

"That is why we asked for your permission, if we could contact both him and Rias."

"…Alright." Rossweisse nodded before she proceeded to summon a magic circle over in between the two beds. Everyone watches as Rias appears as a hologram over the magic circle. She adorned a white nightgown whilst wearing a pair of spectacles over her eyes. "Rias?"

"Yes?" Rias asked as she smiles at Rossweisse and the others gathered in front of her. "Is there anything wrong? How are you? Did you have fun for your first day in Kyoto?"

"Yes, we did, Buchou." Xenovia smiled.

"We had a lot of fun! We already brought a few souvenirs here and there." Irina stated.

"That's good. What about you, Asia? Asuka?" Rias turned her attention towards the pair.

"We took pictures together over the beautiful sceneries." Asuka answered as Asia nodded along.

"The sceneries were significantly beautiful to enjoy in daytime."

"That is great. I hope to join you but alas I am preoccupied." Rias explained smiling sympathetically. Before long, she looks at everyone. "So what seems to be the matter? You can't possibly call to tell me that, right?"

"We're here to inform you of an event that transpired in Kyoto." Rossweisse answered before she gestured her hand to Asuka. "Asuka and the others experienced it first-hand." At this, Rias frowned upon hearing the news.

"What happened?"

"We were attacked on top of the mountain at Fushimi Inari." Asuka answered. "Issei encountered them first before we arrived. He said that he was about to return before they show themselves."

"What do you mean by 'they'? Who attacked you? Did anyone got hurt?"

"Nobody got hurt." Asuka informed with a shake of her head. "…The one who attacked us was…a little girl."

"A little girl?"

"The little girl was a fox youkai in a priestess uniform. She was accompanied by Karasu-Tengu priests." Asuka answered recalling about the appearance of the girl along with her followers. "…Do you know her, Rias? Because she knows you. She knows your name just by seeing your family crest etched on the pass you gave." At this, Asia showed Rias the card. "I understand we do not have enough information but this is all we could surmise for now."

"…Did that little girl accused you of kidnapping her mother?" Rias spoke out as everyone looked shocked as either one of them did not mention that piece of information to her.

"…How do you know, Rias-Buchou?" Xenovia murmured into asking the red head who looked at them with sadness clouding over her eyes. The small frown she displayed deepens.

"Do you know her by any chance?" Irina questioned.

"…She's the daughter of Yasaka, the Nine-Tailed Fox that governs the entirety of Kyoto. Her name is Kunou." Rias introduced as everyone was rendered speechless. "We do not know each other, we knew each other." She added with a small smile. "We spent time together. That is also why she knew my family crest. I showed her."

"When?"

"That…" Rias hesitated on answering. "…I don't think it is up to me to answer nor it is the exact time to tell."

"Why is that?"

"I'll tell you all about that later on." Everyone watches as Izayoi appears behind Rias. He adorns a white tee along with black shorts. Grabbing onto both ends of the towel hanging on his neck, the blonde looked at everyone with a nonchalant smile. "Don't worry, I'll tell you about it. Unfortunately, this is not the time that's all."

"…So you do know what is going on in Kyoto? Why is it happening to us recently?"

"Not exactly."

"What do you mean? Shiroyasha told me you know."

"Shiroyasha?"

"Yes, she's here in Kyoto." Asuka replied before she went on. "…Tell us, Izayoi-kun. What is happening in Kyoto?"

"…It is as Rias said; Kunou's mother, Yasaka has been kidnapped. That is why her daughter is out searching for her. The reason why she would attacked you out of nowhere may be because you're not from Kyoto to begin with, so she'll investigate about you and might accused you right away of kidnapping her mother if she didn't investigate deeply first, about your arrival. Since Yasaka ruled over Kyoto, she would no doubt be the one to inform the officials of your presences to Kyoto."

"So since she's been kidnapped, she can't…That's why they didn't recognise all of you." Asuka pointed out to Asia and the others.

"Yes, that might be the case." Rias nodded. "It is not until Asia showed them the pass that they've begun to recognise you're from the Gremory Family." Rias explained as everyone nodded in understanding.

"B-But how can her mother be kidnapped?" Asia asked. Her question arose the same questions arose from everyone's mind.. "That's horrible!"

"I am to blame." Rias said as everyone looked at her in surprise. "I didn't know she would be kidnapped at that time. I had the power to stop them but…I was too late." She admitted as angry tears started shedding from the corner of her eyes.

"Rias onee-sama." Asia frowned upon looking at the tears shed by the red head.

"It's not her fault." Rias look up at the hand grasping her left shoulder reassuringly before she looks up at her husband smiling at her. "We didn't expect anything to happen that night." Izayoi admitted turning to everyone. "Anyway, the real perpetuators are still in Kyoto and they still have her. That's the only thing you need to know for now."

"What?" Asuka asked as the others were surprised to hear the statement.

"They can't leave Kyoto as much as they want to." Izayoi smiled at them as Rias smiles at him before she brushes her tears away with her thumb.

"Anyway, this is all we can do to help ease your worries, I'm afraid." Rias said as she smiled at everyone.

"We understand, Rias. We apologise if we disturb your time."

"No, what you did was good. You did the right thing to inform us about this. But I hope we could be of any better help than answering questions."

"It's perfectly fine. We understand your predicament also." Asuka offered a smile.

"I guess this is where we'll bid our goodbyes...I wish you all the best." Rias bid as Izayoi smiles at them.

. "…Though you're there on a trip, you might as well ready yourselves. Because this ain't an ordinary school trip."

---

Watching as the magic circle disappears after bidding farewell to Rias and Izayoi, Asia looked at the others before speaking out.

"So what are we going to do?"

"We might as well enjoy our trip." Asuka answered. "There's nothing we can do at this point. We have to wait."

"That's right. The perpetuators wouldn't show in front of our doors. But they're still in Kyoto." Irina stated.

"That is why we have to wait. We might be encountering them later on. I am certain they must have sensed us coming once we arrived in Kyoto right from the beginning." Rossweisse said to them. "As Izayoi-kun said, we must be prepared at all cost. There's no denying we would find ourselves in battle sooner or later."

"Yes. But until then, we should relax, no?" Asuka smiled at the end of her sentence. At this, everyone smiled at her before Rossweisse's eyes widen in realisation.

"Oh no!"

"What is it, Rossweisse-sensei?" Asia asked.

"I have to stop Issei-san from peeping on the girls bathroom!" Rossweisse answered before she rushes out from the room and swiftly heads towards the floor where Issei's room is.

"We might as well help." Xenovia said as she followed Rossweisse along with Irina. Meanwhile, Asuka looks at Asia before the two of them followed closely behind.

---

Time Skip

Once both Asuka and Asia arrived at the floor via stairs, they witness Issei standing across Rossweisse, arguing.

"By the way, even if you get past me, there are the second year Sitri girls guarding against you. As a final resort, we will even let Saji awaken the Dragon King to obstruct you—No matter what, you will not peek into the girl's bathroom!" Rossweisse said adamantly.

"Come on! Cut me some slack! If you don't loosen up, you will never get a boyfriend!" Issei yelled in slight frustration.

"Boy, boy, boy, boyfriend is irrelevant! After, after all I am still the virgin former valkyrie! I also want to do erotic things with my handsome boyfriend with a promising future!"

"Yes, boyfriend is irrelevant. Issei-san, she already has a boyfriend!" Asia yelled at the brunette who glances behind him in surprise.

"What? She has? Who?" Issei asked.

"Izayoi-senpai!" Before long, Issei lifted an eyebrow at Rossweisse.

"You want to do erotic things with Izayoi-senpai in the future?"

"Eh?!" Rossweisse's face instantly turned red.

"I'll support you, Rossweisse-sensei! You will no doubt be forever happy, but in return—Let me peek into the girls' bathroom this once!"

Issei yelled at her.

"F-Forever happy with Izayoi-kun?!" Rossweisse exclaimed stuttering with her redden face. "Th-That's—!"

"There's no time! I have to do 'that'!" Issei thought to himself before he closes the distance across Rossweisse and swiftly takes off his top sports uniform and throws it forward.

"What?" Rossweisse begin to snap into realisation and she used wind magic to blow away the clothing—but an opening was created instantly towards her. At that moment, Issei stretched his hand to touch her.

"Issei-san's going to!" Asia gasped in surprise before Asuka extended her hand forward at Issei.

Her eyes glowed red as Asuka commanded. "Stop right there, pervert!" Just as she commanded, Issei rigidly stop. His hand inches away from touching Rossweisse.

"What?" Issei asked glancing wildly. "I can't move!"

"I command you to walk around the lobby until after the girls are finished bathing! There will be no peeping for you today, Hyoudou Issei!" Asuka commanded as Issei started moving and swiftly head towards downstairs to the lobby.

"W-Wait! Why can't I control my body?!"

A smirk played on Asuka's lips as the brunette asked the question.

"That's what you get."

"Huh? Wait! Wait!" Issei yelled climbing downstairs as his shouting echoed from downstairs. "I was only doing what was necessary! Please! Help me!"

"How did you do that, Asuka-san?" Rossweisse asked walking over to stand in front of her.

"Yes, I never saw such ability before!" Irina exclaimed with awe. "It was truly incredible!"

"Controlling someone and binding their will to your command. Impressive, Asuka-san." Xenovia complimented as Asuka smiles at everyone.

"I was born with such ability." Asuka admitted as everyone looked surprise before she was praised furthermore by them.

"That's amazing!" Irina exclaimed.

"Truly. You have an amazing ability, Asuka-san. With this, we will never have to safeguard the girls' bathroom and let the girls relax from now." Rossweisse complimented before sighing in relief.

"Am I interrupting?"

"Azazel-sensei." Asia called as the others looked upon his arrival.

"I saw the Red Dragon Emperor walking down the stairs without his will bending regularly to him."

"That's what he gets for being a pervert at these times." Asuka spoke as Azazel laughed.

"—True to that. Anyhow, I came here to tell you, we've been summoned to the nearby Japanese restaurant."

"By who?" Xenovia asked as Azazel smiles.

"You shall see in a moment."

---

Time Skip

—After that, everyone including Kiba quietly slipped out the hotel and followed Azazel to a restaurant on the street corner.

"…The 'Dairaku' restaurant…What are the odds?" Kiba commented before he and everyone followed Azazel inside. Passing through the path filled with Japanese atmosphere, they arrived to a single room. —As the door opens, Serafall was quietly waiting, sitting in the seiza posture and adorning a glamorous kimono.

"Hello, everyone! Rias-chan's servants and the Red Dragon Emperor. It's been a while!"

Serafall greeted everyone with enthusiasm and joy.

"Oh, it's Hyoudou and you guys. Welcome." Saji greeted with a small smile.

"You're here too, Saji?" Issei asked looking at him and the second year Sitri girls sitting nearby him.

"Be seated. The food here is really good! Especially the chicken dishes, they're quite exquisite!"

As everyone begin sitting, they've tried eating a piece and were looking at each other in slight confusion, feeling like they had to eat again without feeling the dinner they ate a while back.

"So, why has Leviathan-sama come to this kind of place?" Issei questioned to his curiosity as Serafall made a kiraboshi pose.

"I came here to secure the cooperation of the Kyoto youkai forces." She said before she smiled at everyone. "In reality, I've been staying here for quite some time to…" At the end of her sentence, Serafall frowned.

"What is it that you came here to do, Leviathan-sama?" Irina asked the Great Satan who looks at her before sympathetically smiling.

"I came to help someone." At the answer, Asuka exchanged glances with Asia, Xenovia, Irina and Rossweisse. She then raised her hand, catching Serafall's attention and the rest inside the room.

"Could it be you're helping someone find her mother?"

"Huh?" Serafall looks at Asuka in total surprise. "Wait, how did you know that?" She asked dumfounded.

"Sorry to surprise you so suddenly, Leviathan-sama. As to why I knew, Izayoi-kun told us about it."

"Izayoi-kun? Is he here?" A wide smile stretches across Serafall's face at the mention of the blonde's name.

"Unfortunately, no."

"Ooh…" Serafall pouted cutely.

"But we contacted him and we got the gist of what is going on in Kyoto." Asuka then turns to Azazel. "Sorry Azazel-sensei, but we can't hide our curiosity. Although, we had Rossweisse's permission to contact both Izayoi and Rias."

Smiling at her and the others, Azazel shrugs his shoulder. "If those two knows what's going on, I doubt I should stop you from finding out on your own. But it seemed Leviathan-sama is not much in the dark too. You're in the same boat as both Izayoi and Rias, right? You know what's going on." Azazel glances at Serafall who smiles sheepishly before she looks at Asuka and the others.

"Did he tell you what happened?"

"Not all of it. But he said he'll tell us about it later." Asuka affirmed before she continued. "Aside from that, the ones who kidnapped Kunou's mother, Yasaka…Who are they?"

"…It's most likely Khaos Brigade."

"Wait, wait. What are we talking about?" Issei voiced out.

"I apologise if I may seem to interfere but I do not think I fully understand." Kiba apologised.

"Oops. Sorry." Serafall smiles at them before proceeding to tell them. "The Kyoto youkai's leader, the Kyuubi was abducted the night before the Young Devils Gathering."

Recalling the young girl's words from the day's event clearly in his mind, Issei voices out.

"So her mother's been abducted…"

"Yes, unfortunately."

"You, you guys. What kind of trouble have you got mixed up in again?" Saji asked as his eyes begin to twitch slightly.

"Sorry Saji-kun. But this trouble has already been trouble for so long, and I think it's about time we settled it now." At the end, Serafall exclaimed in full seriousness which was uncommon for her and everyone were surprised by the exchange of her mood. "With that, I will continue operating with the Kyoto youkai."

"Understood. I will act alone. Really, these terrorists already are bringing trouble from day one and all the way to Kyoto. And taking care of these kids for the trip isn't already tiring enough. How vexing."

"Um…What are we going to do…?" Issei voiced out.

"You should enjoy your trip in the meantime." Azazel replied to the brunette.

"Huh? But…"

"If anything happens, I will call you guys. However, you're the one spending the precious school trip. Shouldn't you enjoy of what's left?" Azazel offered a smile and Serafall nodded along.

"It's alright. We'll be doing the hard stuff for now. You should go enjoy your time in Kyoto. Although I have some work to do, but I will also enjoy a little bit of Kyoto!" Serafall said feeling she should contribute to the search of her friend more than enjoying herself in Kyoto. "Yasaka-sama, I will never give up!" She thought to herself in determination.

---

Time Skip

Morning

"Ready? Let's go!" Kiryuu stood in front of everyone as she pointed at the bus station ahead of her.

"Yes!" Issei, Matsuda and Motohama all yelled in response as they lined up with the other students that had already queued.

"Let's go, girls." Kiryuu said to Asia, Asuka, Xenovia and Irina as they all followed ahead of the boys and lined up also to climb onto the bus after they had already bought a one-day buss pass at the Kyoto station.

—Once getting on the bus, they were well on their way towards Kiyomizu-dera. As they went, the group saw new sceneries through the windows. Before long, they arrived to Kiyomizu-dera. The group and the other students climbed off the bus before they tour around.

The group searches around to find the sloped path up to Kiyomizu-dera. After a moment of searching, they found the sloped path and ventured forth.

"I heard this was called the Three Year Slope. If you fall over here, it means you will die in three years, eh?" Kiryuu spoke to the group.

"Huh?!" Asia looked terrified and clings onto Issei's left arm.

"Are you alright, Xenovia?" Asuka asked as she watches Xenovia grasped both of her and Irina's hand as they climbed the sloped path.

"…The Japanese sure put some scary spells in their sloped paths." At this, both Irina and Asuka shares smiles at Xenovia's cute obliviousness.

At the end of the sloped path, the group arrived to look up at the massive gates—Niou Gates before they passed through and ventured forward towards Kiyomizu-dera. The group split apart as they head towards different areas.

Asia, Irina and Xenovia were fascinated by the pagans near the temple and were commenting about it.

"Look, Asia! This temple gathers the essence of pagan culture!"

"Yes, yes! You can feel its history from its appearance!"

"Cheers to pagans!"

Watching them on the side lines, Issei sweat drop at their comments which were inappropriate. Though he cannot stop them from commenting about it from his position, he cannot help but felt something watching behind his head, giving a slight shiver to his spine. Composing himself, the brunette left the church trio to head towards the stage of the Kiyomizu-dera.

"…This is high." Issei commented looking down from the ledge of the stage to see the height, where he once seen in television at one time.

"There seems to be many who fell down and were saved." The brunette overlooking the stage turns to see Kiryuu standing next to him. Turning back towards the 13m fall down below, the brunette wondered.

"Did people fall from here?" With that thought unanswered, the brunette went off towards a different area and met up with the others. Walking through the temple, the brunette could see within the temple, there was a small shrine used for praying for passing grades and love wishes. There he goes up towards the shrine, the same time Asia did.

"Hyoudou, why don't you try the love compatibility prediction with Asia?" Kiryuu urged him from behind as Issei steals a glance at Asia standing next to him. The two then drew a love prediction together and Issei read the prediction out loud.

"It says highly favourable and auspicious. Looks like we are very compatible, Asia." The brunette summed up the whole prediction and he turns to Asia, noticing her face turned red and she looked very happy! Also, he noticed she held the fortune telling stick with great affection and was shedding tears out of her eyes. At the sight, the brunette started getting embarrassed.

"This is great."

"Truly wonderful."

"I feel a bit relieved."

"You two are really compatible. That prediction is true." Asuka nodded along with Xenovia, Irina and Kiryuu who nodded their heads approvingly. Hearing their comments, Issei's face turned red from embarrassment but despite his embarrassing state, he let out a smile at seeing Asia's radiant smile in front of him.

"…Are we being left out?"

"Don't cry, Matsuda. Let us simply beat up Issei when we get back to the hotel." Motohama assured as he and Matsuda sulked gloomily at a dark corner.

After that, the group decided to make a quick round of the temple before buying souvenirs and then headed towards the bus station.

"The next stop is Ginkaku-Ji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion. If we don't hurry, time is going to fly away in the blink of an eye." Kiryuu explained to everyone as she led the way. Meanwhile, everyone nodded accordingly as they agreed to her estimation.

---

Time Skip

"It's not actually silver?!"

Xenovia gaped at the sight of the temple Ginkaku-Ji.

"Why is she so surprise?" Asuka contemplated as she looks at the Xenovia whose mouth gaped open at the ancient temple. "Originally, it was supposed to be finished with silver but the construction was never really finished."

"Really?" Kiryuu inquire as Asuka nodded. "Have you heard the rumours? Such as the death of the monk Ashikaga who was involved in building the temple, or because the Bakufu government ran out of money at the time."

"No, I don't. But isn't the former true? The monk Ashikaga was involved in the construction of the temple back in the late 1490."

"That's interesting…" Kiryuu nodded in acknowledgement. "Did you read about that one?"

"Yes. It's been a while since I've read about it but I still kept little information inside my mind."

"You're really good, Asuka-san."

"Thank you. Anyway, we should tour around since we just got here."

"Yeah." Kiryuu nodded.

"Come along, Asia." Asuka encouraged as Asia looks at her before she followed whilst accompanying the disappointed Xenovia by her side together with Irina who comforted her.

Time Skip

—After touring around Ginkaku-Ji for a couple of times, everyone then sets off towards their next destination, Kinkaku-Ji. As they arrived at the sight of the ancient golden temple, Xenovia was the first one to voice out her opinion.

"Gold! This time it's really is gold! It's really gooooold!"

Her face full of radiance as Xenovia gazes upon the golden ancient temple with extreme happiness.

Comparing the sight of Kinkaku-Ji in televisions and seeing it up-close, it was truly different in every way. Everyone nearby snapped their cameras of the ancient temple whilst gazing in astonishment at the temple, that is shining and displayed brightly in golden.

Smiling up at the Kinkaku-Ji, Asuka snaps a picture of temple close-up before she looks at the near-perfect picture in her camera.

"Asuka-san, we're going to tour around." Asia walks over Asuka and smiles at her.

"Yes. Hang on." She said as she aimed her camera to snap a photo of Asia beside the ancient golden temple. But before she could, Issei just happens to walk into her aim and she motioned him forward. "Issei, would you please stand next to Asia?" She called out as Issei looks at her.

"…Y-Yes, alright!" Issei walked over and stood next to Asia who blushes and smiles up at him while Issei smiled sheepishly at her.

"Picture perfect." Asuka commented snapping the picture a couple of times before motioning the couple to see it. When they gathered nearby her, she could see Asia's face beaming up while Issei looks happy at the picture.

"This is…a great picture, Asuka-san!" Asia complimented.

"Yes, thanks for taking the picture, Asuka-san." Issei added in appreciation.

"I'll send the pictures after the trip, alright? Would you like to put in a frame? Or…?"

"Huh?" Asia looked surprise before her cheeks envelope in red. "Asuka-san, that's too…You shouldn't have!"

"Well, I want to." Asuka answered earnestly.

"Um…" Asia glances at Issei who blushes at the offer of their picture being put in a frame. "What do you think, Issei-san?"

"If it's alright with you, Asia. I mean, we like the picture after all. We could put the picture in our room—my room!" He said as Asia blushes at the slight mistake before she turns to the amused-looking Asuka.

"…We would love it if Asuka-san did just that."

"Thank you, Asia, Issei."

---

Time Skip

"Ah, pervert! Hentai!"

A female voice sounded out loud as the woman held her chest away from a man who was being stopped by some staff.

"B-Breasts! Give me breasts!"

A distance away, both Matsuda and Motohama watched the scene inside the tea stall and sighed disapprovingly.

"Another molester. Now that it's mentioned, the television news this morning also reported about them. There was one at the Senshoji Shrine too. And at the railway station yesterday. There seems to be rather too many molesters."

To Matsuda's words, Motohama pushed his glasses and protested.

"What are you talking about? You're the one who attacked me on the bullet train yesterday."

"No, how should I explain it? At that time I must have been groggy in my sleep, but I suddenly felt an urge to touch nipples. What was going on, that feeling?"

Matsuda tilted his head, puzzled. Meanwhile, Motohama nodded his head sagely.

"This is youth."

He declared as Matsuda nodded along.

"The mistakes of youth."

Standing a good distance from the duo, Issei shakes his head at his friends before he looks around. His sights stopped at Asia who was chatting with Asuka. They seemed to be engulfed in their conversation since they really like to chat about it. The brunette then blush all of a sudden at the events of Asia kissing him behind the gymnasium on Sports Day in Kuoh Academy. His eyes lull in pleasure at the recount, feeling the lips pressing against him was long-lasting. Then, the brunette snapped out of his stupor to rub off the drool evident sliding down his lips. Issei looks back at the teahouse, and strangely saw Matsuda, Motohama and Kiryuu fast asleep.

"Huh?" He questioned before he turns towards Asia and Asuka. Both of them were wide awake and were looking around in confusion. Issei looks around to see the normal tourists fast asleep on the ground and more animal eared guys appeared in his sight. Looking towards Xenovia who was with Irina, the blue haired girl glared at the waitress with a scary expression.

Quickly extracting the short holy blade from her bag given from Kiba, Xenovia readied her stance while Issei was about to summon his gauntlet.

"Please wait."

A familiar voice shakes everyone as they all look over at Rossweisse who appeared in front of them, stopping their actions.

"Rossweisse-san! Why are you here?" Issei asked the silver haired Valkyrie.

"Yes, I was called by Azazel-senzei to welcome you guys."

"Called by sensei? What happened?"

"A ceasefire. Or in other words, the misunderstanding has been cleared. The Kyuubi's daughter wants to apologise to you all properly." At the moment, an animal-eared lady approached and bowed her head deeply.

"I am the fox youkai who serves the monarch of the Kyuubi. We are most sorry for last time. Please come with us, as our princess would like to apologise to you all."

"Come to where?" Asia asked as she and Asuka walked over towards them.

"To the inner Capital where we Kyoto youkai live. Maou-sama and the Fallen Angel Governor are already there."

Meanwhile in Kuoh Academy…

Sitting on a patch of grass underneath the shade of a tree nearby at the track field, the blonde adorned the Kuoh Academy uniform stared out into the open with a deep look. Not a moment too soon, a voice made its appearance.

"Can I ask why you're out here?" Sala voices out in curiosity standing behind Izayoi.

"Since this place's quiet and silent, it would be one of the places to think deeply about something, no?"

"I cannot say it is false." Sala responded as she looks out and felt the soft breeze blowing at her face. "If I may, what are you thinking about that needs deep concentration?"

"—I'm thinking of skipping a worth day of school to go somewhere. What do you think?" The blonde let out an easy smile at the topic as Sala looks down at him.

"It is quite strange that you would be thinking something like that despite everything that happened."

"Yeah, strange isn't it? But I can't lie if that's what I want to do."

"What urged you to think about that?"

"Our second year juniors are not going to have an enjoyable school trip. That's what the urge is." He answered which confuses Sala and she started questioning in her mind about his answer.

Deciding to question about that later, Sala looks at Izayoi and then begin thinking about the other world. Her gaze moved towards the blue skies, which resembles the skies in the other world. The thought of the other world settling in her mind, causes worry for the sole safety of her siblings, her community and the current state of the world, Little Garden.

"…Although I would like to question this overall situation but I can sum up that this is good area to relax. Am I right?" Akeno appeared next to Sala who looks at her. Right behind Akeno, Rias came walking forward to smile at Sala.

"Recess is over. We should go back to our class." Rias reminded.

"I forgot." Sala admitted. "I was about to remind Izayoi-dono about that." She pointed out.

"You were distracted?" Akeno asked with a hint of amusement in her tone as Sala was about to answer but Izayoi had gotten up and faces the three girls.

"Let's go." He said before yawning. "Ah~ I regret that I didn't take the time to sleep through recess." He grumbled with slight annoyance as Akeno smiles.

"Maybe you should prioritize your sleep more. Although it is amusing to watch, but you can't sleep in class on multiple occasions, Izayoi-kun."

"Amusing to watch, eh? Izayoi replied with a small smirk as Akeno nods with Rias stifling a laugh and Sala hinting a smile. Then, the four seniors continued their way towards their class.

Meanwhile in Kyoto...

—It was only but a few seconds that everyone was astounded and speechless beyond belief as they stepped into—what could be described as another world. Mirroring those in Edo period, ancient horses were lined up, and strange creatures revealed their faces from the doors, windows and passageways. The said creatures were none other than Kyoto youkai.

It was only through a secluded torii at Kinkaku-Ji that they were all here in this different world. As the group walked whilst being led by the fox eared lady, the youkai all around them were watching them in curiosity.

As the group was being led through the dark place, the only light source to illuminate the dark was nothing but a lamp moving along the road in front of us.

"Wooshashasha!"

Issei steps back in fright as the said lantern suddenly showed eyes and a mouth and begin laughing. Meanwhile, the girls stifle a laugh at the brunette.

"My apologies. The youkai here love to play pranks...Though I suppose none of them are able to pose a threat to you all..."

The fox lady apologized as they walked.

"This is the world of the youkai?" Issei voiced out as the fox lady replied.

"Yes. This is the place where most Kyoto youkai live. I remember you Devils have used bounded fields in the Rating Game. So why don't you think of this place space as something created in a similar way. We call this place the 'backstreets' or the 'Inner Capital' and other names. Of course, just like Devils, there are those who live out there on the surface of Kyoto."

"...Are they human?"

"No, I've heard they're devils."

"Devils eh? How rare to see them here."

"Is that pretty foreign girl a Devil too? And that rich-looking girl?"

"A dragon, that must be a Dragon's presence. Devils and dragons..."

There were numerous gossips going around about the new arrival as the group continued walking.

"Are they the same kind as Izayoi-sama?" At that certain question, Asuka lifted an eyebrow in curiosity and confusion.

"That might be true. Izayoi-sama smelled like a human but he's not an ordinary one."

"Yeah. He beat those three tailed foxes along with that weasel youkai."

"Speaking of which, is he alright? His wounds were pretty bad that time."

"Yeah. At this time too when Yasaka-sama is abducted...I wonder how he's feeling."

"He must certainly be upset."

"Yes."

Hearing the gossips that started out, the group cannot help but question the name mentioned.

"Are they speaking about Izayoi-kun?" Irina whispered to Xenovia and Rossweisse.

"I don't know. This is confusing." Xenovia replied with a shake of her head.

"Are they talking about Izayoi-senpai, Asuka-san?" Asia whispered next to Asuka who only shakes her head.

"I can't say." With that, the group continued passing through several rows of residences before entering a forest with a river flowing through it. They then ventured deeper before coming across a massive red torii. Before them was a huge mansion, giving off a feeling of ancient majesty.

And standing in front of the red torii were Azazel and Serafall.

"Oh, you have arrived."

"Hello again, everyone!"

Between the two was Kunou in a fancy feathery kimono and she looks waiting at the group's arrival.

"Kunou-sama, I have brought everyone here." The fox lady reported before disappearing in a burst of fire. After that, Kunou stepped forward and begin speaking.

"I am Kunou, the daughter of Izayoi and Yasaka, the administrator of the youkai living in Inner and Outer Kyoto." She introduced herself as everyone was taken by surprise at her self-introduction. But neither one of them would have the heart to question about it and instead continue watching Kunou who bows her head. "I am really sorry for last time. Attacking you without investigating deeply. Please forgive me." At this, the group smiled down at her.

"It's fine. Isn't it great that the misunderstanding is cleared? I don't mind as long as we get to enjoy our trip in Kyoto without further incident." Xenovia was the first to respond before Irina starting to speak.

"Yes. A heart of forgiveness is very important for angels. I have no grudge against princess-sama."

"Yes. Peace is every important." Asia followed up.

"So that's how we feel. I'm alright too." Issei added whilst scratching his face.

"Then pardon us for not identifying you as well, Kunou-sama." Asuka curtsied as Kunou lifted her head up. "We should have recognized you before anything else."

"No, no. It's okay. I should be the one who apologizes to you all."

"All of us are fine with it, including myself. Although we should be a bit responsible for not recognizing who you are at first."

"I do not mind, thank you. Anyway, it is thanks to you. You, bringing the pass belonged to Rias onee-sama that made me stop to think for a moment before realizing who you are. It is also due to my inexperience that led me accusing you from the beginning. I apologize once again." Kunou bowed her head again.

"We forgive you, Kunou-sama. Please lift your head. There's no need for you to do such things with us commoners." Asuka said with a soft smile as Kunou lifted her head to look at her.

"Thank you." Kunou smiled widely before frowning, which caused everyone to look at her. "...Though I am very sorry for my mistake...but please...Please lend me your strength to find my mother!" Kunou pleaded as everyone stared at her.

---

Yasaka's Temple

"Once the various factions decided to ally, this kind of thing has been happening quite frequently. Last time with Odin, Loki came, right? This time, the enemies are the terrorists."

Azazel complained unhappily with a deep frown smeared his face. He and everyone were currently sitting inside the great hall. Next to him was Serafall followed by Asuka, Asia, Issei and so on. Across from them were Kunou alongside the fox lady and a long nosed old man. The old man was the leader of the Tengu and was a friend to Yasaka in great times. Currently he was deeply worried for the kidnapped Yasaka and her daughter Kunou.

"Governor-dono, Maou-dono, could you help us find a way to save Yasaka-hime? No matter what, we pledge our full cooperation." The old man Tengu said as Serafall nodded.

"Yes. We understand." She stated before she touch onto a different subject. "I also would like to apologize for the absence of Izayoi-kun in this delicate matter. He is not of fault here. In his absence, I will pledge myself in his place to find Yasaka-sama." She explained as the long nosed old man nodded sagely.

"I fully understand."

"Otou-sama is not here?" Kunou voiced out into the open as everyone looks at her in surprise.

"Sorry, Kunou-chan."

"Oh..." Kunou frowned before smiling. "I understand Otou-sama is busy these days. It shouldn't be an issue right now, right?" She asked before glancing up at Serafall.

"You shouldn't hide your true feelings, Kunou. I, and everyone could see you're upset about hearing that." Everyone turned towards the door shifting open at their right to see Shiroyasha walking through the back entrance of the great hall. She then proceeded to walk over to the place next to Kunou and sit next to her.

"...I thought Otou-sama would come to save Okaa-sama himself." Kunou admitted looking down with a sad frown as Shiroyasha smiles down at the fox princess.

"I'm sure you do." Kunou brushes her eyes with her right sleeve. "Unfortunately, he's not here. But in his place, you have everyone to help. Ain't that right?" Shiroyasha spoke as Kunou looks up at everyone and she was greeted with smiles. "Anyway, that father of yours wouldn't miss out to save your mother." Kunou turned to Shiroyasha who withdraws her fan. "He's determined to punish the culprits after all."

"Yes! You shouldn't be discouraged, Kunou-chan! He'll be here!" Serafall added as Kunou turned to her before smiling.

"Thank you!" Kunou thanked to the both of them, fully believing her father would come to save her mother.

"In relation to that, here's a portrait of Yasaka-hime." The old man Tengu picked up the portrait upon the pillow next to him and put it before everyone. Everyone leans forward to see the portrait and they were speechless.

"I-Is that Izayoi-senpai?" Asia asked in surprise.

"Apprarently so." Asuka added as she and the others looked at the portrait that showed Izayoi standing next to Yasaka who leans the side of her head to his chest. Yasaka adorned in a gracious kimono which speaks volume of her majesty, the same could be said with Izayoi who adorned a majestic kimono. Both of them were smiling at the picture.

"Izayoi-kun married to this busty onee-sama?" Issei thought in shock, looking at the voluptuous breasts Yasaka have. "Wait, when did he get married to her? Isn't he married to Buchou?" The brunette was having a mental fight between the subjects.

"This was taken prior to her disappearance." The old man Tengu said. "Anyway, from what we can be certain of is that the kidnappers are still in Kyoto."

"We've heard about that but I am not certain what the reason behind is." Asuka voiced out as Azazel explained.

"The reasons behind it; the flow of ki in all the regions of Kyoto is still stable. The nine-tailed fox is an existence responsible for maintaining the balance of ki flowing from the different areas of this land. Kyoto itself can be considered a large scale force field. If the Kyuubi left this land or was killed, then Kyoto will undergo dramatic changes. Since there and signs of that, it means Yasaka-hime is still fine, and the kidnappers are likely still around." At his explanation, the others nod in understanding. "Anyway, Leviathan-sama has ordered Devils familiar with Kyoto investigate in detail and be mobilized."

"Yes." Serafall nodded before Azazel looks at the others.

"It seems this time you guys will likely be involved due to the lack of manpower. Especially since you experienced in fighting strong beings, and we will need your power against this faction, the Hero Faction. It is a shame, but please be prepared for the worst. I will be responsible for contacting Kiba and the Sitri servants who are not here. Before that, please continue to enjoy your trip while be aware of your surroundings. We might also need you in an emergency."

"Please lend your power to find my mother...Please lend your power." Kunou said with a bow of her head as everyone nodded at her while the fox lady and old man Tengu smiled at Kunou along with Shiroyasha.

"Even though you have a long way to go, you have the basics down." Shiroyasha thought. "Anyway, the kid better come or I'll be really disappointed in him." She shakes her head at the thought, whilst wondering of a certain blonde.

---

Time Skip

Morning

Sakamaki Residence

"Izayoi-kun?"

Akeno looked over the blonde sitting on the edge of the roof. She lifted an eyebrow at his action before she slowly approaches him. Once she stood behind him, she looks down at him. She watches as he stares out into the open. His hair sometimes flows with the wind whilst he stares at the open air ahead of him.

"…Everyone's waiting for you, Izayoi-kun." Akeno spoke to him after a moment of silence. "…What got you thinking up here?"

"…Mostly stuff in my mind." Akeno watches his back moves as he spoke.

"Can I ask what stuff you were thinking?" Akeno asked before she was met by silence. "…It's okay. I understand." She nods with an approving nod but she cannot help the slight disappointment flash across her face before it disappears.

"…Can I get some time off school?" At the sudden question, it took Akeno by surprise but she remained calm.

"…Yes, you can. No one is questioning your intention but they will ask for your purpose on doing so."

"Aside from that, I can do whatever I want right?"

"Yes."

"…I'm gonna take some time off from school. Tell it to Rias and the others."

"Where are you going, Izayoi-kun?" Akeno questioned with a small frown.

"Somewhere. I'll be gone for some time." Izayoi explained before standing up and turns around and climbs down the edge to the roof. He then takes his bag pack leaning against the ledge and then faces Akeno before smiling at her. "Take care of the house until then, alright?" He asked before he clasp Akeno's right hand and squeeze it gently, causing her to squeeze back ever so gently. After that, the blonde pulls his hand back and walked passed her.

A few seconds right after, Akeno turns around only to meet with an empty roof. The blonde gone from sight.

---

Time Skip

"What? Izayoi-kun's gone?"

Rias asked standing in front of Akeno who returned from the roof and both were currently standing in the entrance hall.

"He said he's taking some time off from school. But he didn't say where he would go."

"Did you stop him?"

"…I can't." Akeno answered. "I tried to. But I can't voice it out. Izayoi-kun seems indifferent earlier."

"Indifferent?" Rias questioned with a raised eyebrow as Akeno nodded.

"He acted quite different today compare to his usual self." Akeno frowned as she answers while Rias stares at her before she looks sideways in a thoughtful look.

"Izayoi-kun, where are you going? Why did you go?"

To Be Continued…

---

This will be short but I sincerely hope you like of how the story is going. I understand the plotline of HDXD Vol.9 and I am trying to approach differently than the Light Novel which told Issei's view of point. So, please be satisfied with what I created. Leave a Review of what you think about this chapter nonetheless. Because I personally love how Izayoi totally beat the living life out of Sairaorg with just a punch!

Click the Favorite and Following button if you don't before. That is it for me. Oh, if you have any question you want to ask about in this chapter, feel free to PM or Review about it. It will help me lessen your confusions hopefully.

Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!