Nature is blooming, the birds are singing, and the blue sky is clear of wintery clouds.

Spring, the season of new beginnings and rebirth, has arrived in town.

I've never liked that season in the past because I always suffered from severe hay fever each year. But now, I still have it but it isn't really harsher than the one I had, which is still a great thing in my book.

And I can't help but feel a connection to it and its meanings because of my special circumstances which I'm still puzzled about.

It's been already five years since my rebirth and even now, I'm still wondering why I was able to reincarnate, in another world nonetheless. Is it natural for people to be able to do so?

The only thing that pops up in my mind is the classic 'being reincarnated by a godly being' scenario that is often used in isekai plots. Well, it was either that or getting rushed over by a random truck, but since I died in my bed, I can only think it's the former.

But still, I just can't help but worry about my circumstances. Is there some kind of meaning to this? For what reasons was I reincarnated with my memories and sense of being intact? By who?

In any case, I just hope that there are none and that the whole reincarnation thing is just a miracle and I'm just overthinking it.

When speaking of spring in Japan, one must think of cherry blossoms and hanami. Well, I don't know about others but I do.

A Japanese traditional custom of seemingly enjoying the transient beauty of flowers by watching cherry blossoms or plum trees as I heard, but I personally think it's just an opportunity for people to hang out and have fun together under the trees and the agreeable weather of spring.

Well, I would be a liar if I say it's not a bad thing itself, but also a hypocrite since I'm currently doing it with my new family, playing catch with them in the neighboring park to our home.

"Alright, Sakuya. Show me what you got!"

Screaming at me with a grin on his face was my new biological father, Hyoudou Gorou.

From what I gathered of him during my five years in this world, he's an office worker, but I think that being a photographer is better suited for him for his passion to take pictures.

Anytime we would head out somewhere as a family, he would always have his camera on him, always ready to take something or all of us in the picture. I don't know how many albums he has filled up by now, but I'm pretty sure that it's more than a dozen. Just for that reason, I often call him Paparazzi in my mind. And aside from his hobby, he would always try to find some time in order to spend time with us, playing and entertaining us, even if he would come back exhausted from his job. He's a pretty good father in my book.

"Sakuya, do your best!"

Sitting by one of the park's cherry blossoms was my new mother, Hyoudou Miki.

As far as I can remember, I spent the majority of my new life by her side as she took care of my brother and I, being a full-time housewife. I don't know how taxing it must have been for her, but if there is something I know, it's that she always sported a kind and warm smile in our presence, no matter the kind of problems she faced.

Both of my new parents are good people, and there are no words for how grateful I am to them. Maybe it's because they are the complete opposite of my past family, I've quite warmed up to them, much more than I expected.

I like them. So, until the day I part with them once I become independent as an adult, I'll try to not create any problems for them. That's the least I can do for them and the only way I know to show them my appreciation for how much they've done to me since my birth.

"Hey, Sakuya! Throw the ball at me!"

Standing a few meters from Gorou was my new little brother, Hyoudou Issei.

Having a sibling is kind of a new experience for me, so I was a bit curious about how my life with him would be, and I can say it was pretty fun. Well, aside from the time when he would cry nonstop when we were toddlers, I have to say that watching Issei and his antics was pretty amusing. And unlike the infamous and perverted highschool student I have memories of, Issei is as innocent as any normal child which I think is completely normal. If he was already the pervert I deem to be the equal of the likes of Jiraiya and Roshi from such a young age, it would be just creepy.

While I don't condemn his perverted behavior since I consider it normal for people to have lewd thoughts, which even I'm not an exception, I just hope that he can keep it to himself and not be overly open with his lecherous desires like I remember, shouting about his love for breasts in public and such.

How did he become a pervert in the first place? I know that they only addressed the subject in the light novel, but I don't exactly remember what it entailed. My guess would be that something happened when he went through puberty. Perhaps discovering a porn mag or something... Maybe if I keep an eye on him, I'll be able to change that aspect of him...

"Sakuya, what are you doing?! Throw the ball! Hurry, you slowpoke!"

While I was busy thinking about him, Issei shouted at me, trying to get my attention by waving his arms as he jumped around.

Alright, I won't do it. If anything, it sounds quite boring. I have other things I want to do in this new life so I don't want to waste my time over something like Issei's future behavior. Well, I guess I'll just have to hope for some kind of miracle to happen.

As I threw the baseball in Issei's direction, I couldn't help myself but to think about this world and especially, about my place in it.

High School DxD, an ecchi anime whose story plot is filled with as many dangers as there are exposed boobs. And seriously, I'm in danger.

If this timeline is the same as canon where Issei is the protagonist of this world, it would mean that he will become deeply involved with the affairs of the supernatural world. And because I'm his twin brother, therefore related to him, I will soon enough be dragged into the plot in some way, just like how my parents were when they got kidnapped by Rizevim for his sadistic games.

In a way, I'm not even a random mob, but a side character who's related to the protagonist.

In any case, ever since I've discovered that I've been reincarnated in a hellish world sugarcoated with fanservice, I've been thinking on what I should do.

First thing first, I thought of trying to get stronger in order to survive from future dangers, be it the plot or any stray events that aren't canon. I mean, I don't want to die. If I could choose the manner I would die, I want to die of old age, surrounded by my great-grandchildren.

For now, I still haven't planned yet how I will train. I don't think that any normal training could help me against anything that comes from the supernatural world so it's a bit troubling.

Unless the shonen tropes actually exist in this world and that by simply doing some hellish training, I would be able to break through human's limits, I don't know what to do. Well, I remember that DxD had the most stupid power-ups in the industry with Issei becoming stronger from just poking some nipples...

Anyway, that's something I'll have to figure out soon... The plot started when Issei was in his second year of highschool so I still have a whole twelve years to prepare myself, but the sooner the better, so I better start thinking as soon as possible.

Perhaps I should start training my body, doing martial arts and stuff...

I've also thought of trying to keep canon as I remember, but I quickly dismissed that idea. I've read enough fiction to know about the butterfly effect, and my presence as Issei's brother is enough to provoke some ripples. After all, I'm not meant to exist in the first place.

Either way, this is a matter of life and death to me so I better give it my all.

I've always wondered why eating out often tastes better than indoors, like during a picnic or a barbecue, or even during hanami like right now.

Well, I have no complaints about it. I have great food to eat, a great view to admire, and great weather to experience, so there is absolutely no problem. Except for the fact that we weren't the only families in the park today so it's a bit noisy around.

"Ise, don't just eat only meat. Eat some vegetables too, it's good for your health. You won't be able to grow taller if you don't eat them, you know?"

"Mmm… No! I don't like them! They're yucky!"

As I was eating, I glanced at Miki who was trying her best to persuade Issei to eat more healthily while the latter was acting like a child, which wasn't surprising given he's one.

"So, it's happening again." Gorou commented by my side while I wordlessly nodded. It's a common occurrence in our family during lunchtime so there was nothing surprising to see.

"You don't have any problems with vegetables, don't you?"

"No. I think I'm fine with anything." I'm not picky with my food. While I generally don't like bitter things or food with a strong odor, I can indulge them to an extent and I haven't tasted anything I would completely reject enough to throw up for now.

"I see. Well, as long as you can eat healthily and stay in good health, it's good enough for me." With a smile on his face, Gorou started to pat my head while I could only growl in embarrassment.

I may have the body of a child, but I'm still an adult mentally. Even now, I'm not used to getting pampered like this. I don't really dislike it, but it just feels weird.

"Sakuya! Ise!"

I blinked when I heard my name being called out loud, making me face the direction where it came from only to see a light-brown-haired young child running our way, followed by two adults walking behind her.

"Irina, you're here!" Issei exclaimed as he quickly jumped on his feet in excitement while I simply waved my hand as a greeting.

Irina Shidou. From what I remember, she's one of the main heroines and she's also part of Issei's supposed future harem.

We first met her as classmates in kindergarten and we quickly got along quite fast, mainly due to Irina's tomboyish personality as she blended in easily with the guys. And there is also the fact that her family were our neighbors, something which surprised me, allowing us to become playmates even outside of kindergarten at the suggestion of both of our parents.

I knew that her being Issei's childhood friend was a big part of her character, but I never thought that they would be involved with us that soon.

Taking my eyes off the girl who was speaking cheerfully with Issei, I looked at the two adults who joined us.

Shidou Touji and Hikari, Irina's parents.

After our parents became acquaintances, they quickly became close friends that our families would sometimes hang out with for special occasions. Just like Gorou and Miki, they are both kind people. When Issei and I would visit Irina's home to play with her or stay over, they would always bring snacks and juice to us and took care of us as if we were their own children.

If there is something I have to add about them, it's that they are both Christians which isn't that surprising to me since Irina was an exorcist when she was first introduced in the light novel, and it was mentioned that Touji was also one too.

When I first met them, Touji in particular, I was surprised but also delighted as I thought I would be able to learn some kind of secrets on how exorcists operated or trained in their spare time. But unfortunately, he never showed that side in his home. Well, it was to be expected, but it's a shame nonetheless.

Also, when I would go to their house to play with Irina or stay over, I tried to investigate their house in order to search for anything that could be useful to me, but much to my disappointment, I discovered nothing extraordinary. I thought that there would at least be some guns or beam light sabers the exorcists used. Or at least, I think it's what they used. Well, aside from a sword bigger than my body that was hung in the living room, I haven't found any weapons.

But I guess, on second thoughts, that it was a good thing since stealing them would have been bad for me as all clues would designate me as the culprit if they were to be found missing or stolen. And it could have worsened our relationship with the Shidou in the future. Ah but, I did find some bottles of holy water... or at least, it's what the label indicated. I was given an handful of them from Touji when I asked if I could have some, using all my acting skills in order to appear like a child who wanted a brand new toy.

I wonder if I offended him when I said that I just wanted some holy water because the name sounded like an item from a RPG.

But in all seriousness, I couldn't differentiate it from toilet bowl water so I can't tell if it's genuine or not.

In the end, there was nothing which could have helped me to get a head start in my plans.

"I hope we aren't too late?"

"Of course not, we were just waiting for you guys." Miki said, answering Touji's question while Gorou placed his hand on my head with a smile on his face.

"Well, except for those little gluttons." He said as he started to ruffle his hand, messing with my hair while I simply snorted and looked away, a little embarrassed and not wanting to face the other adults who were looking at me in amusement.

Well, sorry for being a glutton.

And as the Shidou joined us, the parents started to eat with each other and have fun while I was left with Issei and Irina, watching over them.

"So, what do you guys want to play after? Tag?"

"No, it's not that funny to play when it's only us."

"Hmm… Sakuya, do you have any ideas?"

"Do I have to play with you two?" I was quickly answered by nods from both children as they looked at me with anticipation.

Dang it, I just ate so I'm not really in the mood to do anything physical…

"We can play hide-and-seek or even kick the can," is what I started to say but I quickly shut my mouth when I saw the displeased expression on their face.

So it's not good, huh. And here I wanted to hide and relax a bit. However, the last thing I want is for those two to start making a commotion which would attract the attention of both our parents and the other persons present in the park, and end up with us being scolded.

Guess I'll have to think of a game they would like to play… Oh yeah, there was this one. Their favorite one.

"Or we can play our usual game of 'hero-play' if you want." At my words, Issei and Irina's eyes widened in excitement and I could swear that they were glittering with stars.

'Hero-play', a game which is essentially us imitating the characters from tokusatsu shows. In other words, it's just acting so I won't have to move my body that much. It's their favorite game so I was nearly sure that they would play this game if I brought it up.

However, there is a little downside to that game which is that we may attract the attention of others which can be a little embarrassing.. but it's okay. I'm a child doing childish things so it's normal… and I lived through worse!

"Then I will be the hero!"

"Eh! Why do you have to be the hero, Irina?! I wanted to be the hero too!"

"Sorry, Ise, but first come, first served."

"I won't accept it! I will be the hero!"

"No, me!"

"Me!"

""Me!"" As I watched Issei and Irina start to bicker, I let out a long sigh as I put both of my hands over my face.

Why must they fight over everything? Is it really important for you guys to be the hero? Being the villain can be good too… Yeah, that's a good idea.

"Alright, let's do it like this," I started to say, gaining both of their attention as I stood up from my seat. "I'm going to be the demon lord while you two are going to be the heroes against me, okay?"

"Both of us will be…" "the hero?"

As they muttered under their breaths, Issei and Irina started to stare at each other in silence, as if they were having some kind of telepathic discussion. I wonder how they are doing that. Well, it doesn't matter. At the very least, they aren't against the idea so I'm on the right track… Now, I'll just have to push them into action before they ask anything else. And if they have any problems… I'll ignore them!

"If you don't like it, then we will play another game."

As soon as I said that, the two children jumped on their feet, quickly shaking their heads sideways.

"No, it's fine! We will both be the heroes!"

"Yeah, so prepare yourself, Sakuya!"

Smiling at their enthusiasm, I simply beckoned them to approach me with my hand as I started to act like a final boss from a role-playing game.

"Is that so… then come and try to defeat me, heroes! For I am the Demon King Sakuya!"

It may be childish of me to partake in those children's games and hijinks with Issei and Irina, but I'm quite fond of it and I'm not ashamed to admit I'm having fun, even though it's a little embarrassing.

And if I keep thinking seriously about everything, be it the future and all, I feel like I could lose my mind.

To be honest, I want this moment of tranquility to continue forever.

Japan, the holy land where anime and manga were created.

I don't know if I should consider being born in the late '90s a curse or a boon as I can't rewatch all the shows I knew and liked in my previous life since they were all created after the 2000s. But on the other hand, I was able to discover many old but interesting anime and games that I have never seen. The first Final Fantasy, Live a Live, the original Gundam serie among many others.

At the very least, I can say that I won't be bored in my free time.

"Ise, you're too under-leveled. You should go back and train your characters a bit. Also, make them learn new spells like Slow and Haste. They can be quite useful."

"No, I don't wanna. It takes too long to level up and I just want to continue the story."

"Then don't start crying on me when you won't be able to pass the next boss like last time…"

"Don't say stupid things! I never cried! Look, we reached the boss. I'll show you that even if they aren't strong, as long as my party fights together, they will win!"

Issei, the power of friendship isn't that effective in an RPG… Well, if he loses against the boss, maybe Issei will learn a lesson from it and learn to become more patient in the future. While farming for experience is indeed annoying and takes a long time, it often comes with great benefits sometimes with no demerits.

I mean, the best way to clear a RPG is to take your time and train until you're overleveled. There is nothing better than destroying your enemies by giving them a one-sided beating.

"Sakuya, can you do me a favor?" I heard Miki say from behind us, making me turn in her direction to see that she was putting her shoes on.

"Yes?"

"Can you go to the shopping district and do some shopping for me? I forgot to buy a few ingredients that I'm lacking for dinner."

"Sure, I don't mind." I said as I stood up from my seat.

At first, I was a little surprised at Miki when she once told me to do some shopping for her with Issei when we were four.

However, I was quickly informed that it was some sort of rite for Japanese children to do since it seems that in Japan, children are expected to make the journey to school alone so they could learn how to take on challenges and difficulties from an early stage in life, quickly becoming independent and taking care of themselves at a younger age, which is something that would never happen or even pass through people's minds in my previous life's country.

Well, that just says how safe Japan seems to be from pedophiles and kidnappers. And it did help that we were followed by Gorou and Miki who were watching us from a distance, filming us all the way.

And this time, it looks like I will have to go alone. But I have to say, it feels good to be depended on.

"Here is a list of what you need to buy." Miki said as she gave me a piece of paper with a list written in hiragana which I can read, thanks to my studies during both my previous life and my time in kindergarten.

After confirming what I needed to buy with Miki and receiving a purse and bag, I walked to the front door and prepared myself to go out.

"Then, I'll be going."

"Alright. But be careful, okay? Be sure to check both sides of the road when you cross it and only do it when the lights are green. Don't follow strangers around, especially when they promise you sweets. You really love sweets so I'm a bit worried. Here, use this safety alarm if you are approached by some weirdos. And…"

As Miki started to speak without stopping, I couldn't help myself but give her a strained smile. It looks like I'll have to wait for a long moment before I can go.

It was hell I just ventured into. I'll never get used to shopping alone...

The moment I entered the area, every person's gaze in the shopping district just zero-ed into me as I walked around. It was quite uncomfortable, being the center of attention just like that.

Is a kid shopping alone that interesting to watch?

Well, I guess that would be an unusual scene, so it can't be helped if it attracts some attention, I guess. I mean, I think I would do the same if I saw a child alone walking around without their parents.

But I managed to buy what Miki needed so there is no need to think more about it. Everything is in the past now. Although, I wonder what kind of rewards I will get for this? Maybe a pudding, or some cookies. Even a cream puff would be great.

"Ah, it's Sakuya!"

Eh?

Interrupting me in my daydream, I was surprised to see Irina and her mother, Hikari, walking together in my direction.

Are they taking a stroll?

"Irina, Hikari-oba-san."

"What a coincidence to meet you here, Sakuya-chan. What are you doing here alone?"

"I was doing an errand for Okaa-san." I answered Hikari's question as I showed her the bag I carried on me. "I was just on my way back right now. What about you two?"

"You see, you see. We were going to the church to see Papa and cheer him up." Irina told me and I was quite surprised by her choice of words.

To cheer him up?

"Did something happen to Oji-san?" I hope it's not something serious like a disease or something...

"I don't know why but Papa has been super depressed since this morning. So Mama and me are going to see him cheer him up. Look, I even drew a picture for him." Irina said as she showed me the piece of paper she held in her hands, for me to see it.

It was a poor drawing, befitting that of a child, that's for sure. But I could easily tell that she drew herself and her family, the three of them smiling with their hands linked, and above them, there was even a message written.

'Please get better Papa', huh. It may be badly drawn, but it's a good drawing nonetheless.

"Yeah, it's pretty well made. I'm sure that Oji-san will be happy to see it." I told Irina my opinion as I started to pat her head which I always did when she has done something good.

"Ehehe... You think so." Irina smiled bashfully at my words, seemingly being happy at my praise. Despite her tomboyishness, she can be cute sometimes.

"Oh yeah, Sakuya. Why don't you come with us?"

"You can't ask him that, Irina."

"But Mama, I want to play with Sakuya…"

"Don't be selfish. Sakuya-chan is on an errand so we can't bother him."

"Ehh…" Irina let out a whine before she turned to me with moist eyes.

Sorry, Irina, but your puppy eyes won't work on me. I've been those eyes' targets for many years now, I got used to them so they won't work. They won't work… Yeah, I'm kidding. It's a critical hit.

"It's fine, I'll come with you." It's hard to refuse her when she's doing that kind of face.

"Really?!" At my words, Irina's expression brightened as she jumped before me in excitement while I nodded.

"Yeah." I said as I brought up my hand to her head and patted her once more, making her smile. Sometimes, she reminds me of a puppy.

"Are you sure about that, Sakuya-chan?"

"Yes, and I think Okaa-san would feel more relieved if she knew that I was with you two than walking back home alone."

"It's true." Hikari said as she started to get lost in her thoughts, putting her hand on her chin. "Let's go to the park then, there is a payphone there so we can give her a quick call to inform her."

"Yeah! Let's hurry, Sakuya." Irina said as she held my hand before she walked away with a bright smile on her face, dragging me with her while Hikari walked closely behind us.

And with that, after passing by the park in order to contact Miki through the payphone that I was with the Shidou, we all went in the direction of the church where Touji was supposed to be since it is his workplace.

It didn't take long for us to reach the place as we were already in the neighborhood when I met with Irina and Hikari.

"As expected, I'm not fond of that place." I muttered under my breath once I could see the church at a distance.

I already visited the church a few times in the past with the Shidou, mostly because I was often in their care, especially during the times my parents had to accompany Issei and had to stay at the hospital for various reasons, be it because of gastroenteritis or anything else. And if there is one thing I've learned from that visit, it's that I don't think I will be able to understand religion as a whole. I never understood the appeal of worshiping something like God. A being that nobody knows if it's real or not, but nonetheless, they will devote their time to pray for him and follow his supposed words and beliefs. I would never be able to do something like that for something that may not exist. Isn't that just a waste of time?

I know God exist since his presence is primordial for the plot with the angels and how he stopped Trihexa, albeit at the cost of his life but still... Well, I still respect their decision to worship and believe in him though. After all, it isn't that different from how children believe in Santa Claus and how they pray for him each Christmas for loads of presents, except they are all praying for salvation or something. Well, it's not like I care. It's not like it's my concern if they are praying to him or not. And isn't God dead in the first place, so it's not like their prayers will reach him anyway.

"I wonder where Papa is." Irina asked when we entered the church.

"Let's just ask someone…" I started to say before I blinked when I noticed that there was nobody present in the sanctuary. There were no believers, no priests or nuns. The place was just empty of life.

"That's weird… Let's go to the dormitory, there may be someone there." Hikari said as she walked away, with Irina and I following her to the church's annex building.

And after a few minutes of searching, we finally found someone, a young priest who seemed to be in his early twenties. But for some reason, he was wrapped in bandages.

"If you're searching for Father Shidou, he's in the graveyard with the others." Is what the young man told us when we asked for Touji's whereabouts.

Touji is in the graveyard? Has someone close to him passed away? A death anniversary? No, Hikari doesn't seem to know about it so that person must have died recently, I think.

And that priest, perhaps they were involved in some kind of accident and someone died in the aftermath… I hope they are alright. I don't know how they feel since I never had someone close to me die but I can't help but feel bad for them.

"Let's go join Touji-san." Hikari said as she looked at us with a sad expression on her face, something I had never seen before as she always had a smile on her face.

Is the deceased one of her acquaintances? A fellow devout? Or perhaps one of Touji's colleagues…? If it's the latter, then did something happen on the other side? I shoudn't be surprised since the church are still enemies with the devils and the fallens, but to think that there may be some skirmishes and potentially some nearby to Kuoh. Damn, I'm starting to get chills...

"Wa… Wait…" Before we could go to the graveyard, I heard Irina mutter along with my shirt being grabbed on. I looked at her to see that she seemed to be uncomfortable.

"Is there something wrong, Irina? Are you feeling well?" I asked her when I saw that her body was shaking.

Is she afraid of going to the graveyard? Well, she's a child so she might think that there may be ghosts or something.

"I need to go pee..." Ah, I was wrong…

"I guess we will have to join Touji-san later." Hikari said as she took Irina in her arms while I nodded.

"...why…"

Eh? What was that voice? A ghost? No, no. Why would there be a ghost in a holy place like the church? So, what was that?

"Sakuya-chan? Where are you going?" Hikari called me out but I ignored her as I walked in the direction where the voice came from, a little curious about the owner's identity.

As I continued to walk, I eventually came back to the sanctuary. And there I saw a woman on her knees, praying alone before the altar in the middle of the room. She had long and curly blonde hair which seemed to shine under the sunlight that went through the stained glass and wore a white dress over her fair skin.

Is she a nun from this church? No, she isn't wearing the uniform, whatever it's called. So maybe she's a believer?

"Was it right of us to trample over it? Was their love a heavy sin which needed to be judged?" I heard the woman speak as she continued to pray to the altar.

Love? Heavy sin? Is she talking about an affair? Or maybe some kind of forbidden love? Aside from having a few crushes on some anime characters when I was a brat, I've never really felt in love so I'm not that knowledgeable about the subject. Heck, my only knowledge of romance comes from shoujo mangas. Not the best thing to take references from…

"Why must we always fight? Why must peace be always out of our reach?"

Somehow, it turned kinda deep…

Well, I can think of a few reasons why people always fight such as people's ego.

There are many times when we don't want to accept our faults, mistakes, and wrongdoings when we should, especially when it was proven that we were in the wrong, which is even worse when the person itself possesses a 'always right' kind of attitude. And it's not like our ego was the only thing that can easily generate conflict, people's personality is another one too.

I'm pretty sure that there are many people in this world who enjoy hurting people through many means, be it murder, bullying, insult, or even rape others simply because they can and they take joy in it.

Fortunately, I haven't seen any of those kinds of people in this new life yet but I dread the time I would finally meet one.

Well, it's not like all of humanity is like that. I know that much. But sometimes, I can't help but think that everything bad that happened in our history, "It's because it's in our nature to fight because we're just stupid and selfish."

"Do you really think so?"

I was surprised when I heard someone speak to me, making me look up only to see that the woman who was praying was suddenly before my eyes.

Since when did she approach me? I didn't notice her move at all. And don't tell me I was thinking out loud the whole time… Now that's embarrassing.

But now that she was kneeling before me, I can't help but think that this woman is really beautiful.

I may be biased since she's my mother but while I do think that Miki is beautiful compared to other women I've seen in this world, hell, I feel like the people of this world are more beautiful compared to the people in my old one.

However, that person is in a league of her own. The top of the cream, I must say.

She seemed to be young, old enough to be either a high school student or a college one. But looking at her voluptuous figure which is accentuated by her white dress, I think it's more the latter. I don't think a teenager could have that kind of body. And her boobs are huge...

While I couldn't help but to admire her beauty, at the same time, I also felt a bit scared. Maybe it's her presence or the atmosphere surrounding her which screamed of purity, it just seemed… otherworldly. As if the person in front of me wasn't a human, given how beautiful she was.

"Do you really think that it's in our nature to fight?" While I was busy looking at her, she repeated herself again as she stared at me with her green eyes, and I could only nod at her question.

"People are narrow-minded, they always think that they're right and everyone else is wrong. They only consider what they think to know is the only and one truth of the world. However, we are all different. Cultures, beliefs, nationality, origins, point of view, opinions, personality, everything. Maybe it's because of those differences that people can't see each other eye to eye because people are afraid of the possibility that they were in the wrong while the other party was right. It would be the same as denying everything they believed in so far, what essentially composed their own little world. Nobody wants to admit that and aren't willing to change themselves and their beliefs, this is why people fight to prove that they aren't the ones who were wrong."

Once I gave my answer, a bitter smile appeared on my face. Even if I said all of this, I would be a hypocrite for talking trash about humanity when I'm not that different.

After letting out a deep sigh, I looked up to the woman to see her reaction, only for her to give me a melancholic smile.

"That's kind of sad…"

I don't know why but I have a feeling that she wasn't talking about my answer. Is she… talking about me?

But as I was thinking, the woman slowly stood up to her feet before she gave me a pat on her head.

"Thank you for answering my question. I hope the day that you may see people in a better way will come." She said as she started to walk in the direction of the exit while I could do nothing but to see her go away. But the moment she touched the front door, she stopped and glanced back in my direction.

"But are you really… ?" I heard her mutter under her breath as her voice resonated inside the empty sanctuary, but she stopped herself and shook her hand before she continued her walk towards the exit, leaving me confused by her words.

Am I really what?

While I was wondering about the meaning of her last words, I was soon after found by Irina and Hikari who quickly scolded me for leaving on my own. However, I didn't listen to her at all as my mind was preoccupied by the woman and her beauty.

Just who was that woman?

A few days later, I was surprised when the Shidou came to visit our house unannounced before telling us that they were going to move to England. It was so sudden, it was as if their decision to go just came from nowhere.

"Sorry for the trouble." Touji said to my parents as they helped the Shidou charge their luggage into Gorou's car who will also take them to the airport later on.

"No, don't worry about it."

"But we were surprised when you told us that you were moving away. How come you haven't told us before?"

"... It's because of my superior. They suddenly decided to transfer me to London a few days ago and we didn't really have the time to tell you."

This is what Touji told Gorou, but I can't help but think that there was another reason for this. Is it because his friend died so he wants to leave this town to not be reminded of him? I don't know.

Moreover, I was currently busy trying to comfort Irina who kept sobbing ever since we saw her with her parents when they came to visit us for what seemed to be the last time.

"But… but… I wanted to go to school with you two… you two birthday… playing with you two… don't want to go…" Irina kept saying between sobs while I was hugging her, trying to soothe her the same manner I remember how Gorou or Miki would soothe Issei when he would cry.

"Irina, cheer up. Here, I'll give you my treasure." Issei said as he showed Irina his treasure which was his favorite toy, a transforming belt from a tokusatsu show.

But our attempts were rather ineffective as Irina just continued to cry while clinging on to me, drenching my shirt with her tears and snots.

While I don't want to do this, I can't think of anything else…

"Irina, it's not like we will never see each other again, you know." I said to Irina who looked at me with her teary eyes and confused expression on her face.

"Eh? Bu… But I will be going away…"

"Yes, you will be going away. But it doesn't mean that you won't be able to come back to Kuoh once you grow up."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I don't think that we will move anywhere too, so we will keep living in this town for a long time. So, as long as you want to see us again and come back to Kuoh one day, we will be able to meet again."

"Then let's make a promise! Let's promise that we will definitely meet again!" Irina shouted as she brought up her pinky while I nodded as I did the same, linking our fingers together.

"If you break your promise, I will search you and make you swallow a thousand needles…" Irina whispered under her breath as she stared at me, and for unknown reasons, I felt a shiver run down my spine.

What was that? And why isn't there any light in Irina's eyes?

Once she finished with her vow, Irina turned to Issei and I blinked when I saw her expression go back to normal.

Was it just my imagination?

"Ise too."

"No! I don't want to swallow a thousand needles!"

And after one last banter between the two of them with me watching over them, a scene I'm sure that I will miss, Irina joined her parents as they all left with Gorou who took them to the airport with his car.

"Say, Sakuya. Do you think we will see Irina again ?" Issei asked as we both looked at the car and went away until it left our view.

"Maybe, I don't know."

Probably not... It was my honest opinion. While we made a promise with Irina, there is no certainty that she will ever remember it once she grows up. She's still a five years old child, and memories of childhood are often hazy, if not completely forgotten once we become adults.

This is why I didn't want to make that promise with her. Because if she doesn't remember it, that promise will just give me false hope of ever seeing her again. That's something I know from experience.

"Let's go back inside, you two. It's getting chilly." Miki told us as she went back inside our home with Issei who followed her just behind.

While I started to follow them, I looked back one more time in the direction where the car left, only to notice that the cherry blossoms in the park had already withered away.

I was once told that cherry blossoms often represent the impermanent nature of life.

That not only is the beauty of the flowers short and sweet, the trees themselves are also short-lived, just like how life can be enjoyable but not for the long term.

That everything that has a beginning also has an end.

I don't know what to think of this, but I wish I could prove that wrong.

That I can enjoy my life to its fullest for a long term.

That even if life is hard, I can keep going and smile.

That even if things end, it can begin anew just like how cherry blossoms will once bloom again in the future.

So, even if Irina just left us for England, I sincerely wish that we would meet up again in the future. Well, I know that she will come back in the future. However, if something were to happen to her that would deviate from canon…

No, I don't want to think about it. Let's just hope that she will be safe until the day we meet again.

God may be dead, but whoever is listening to me above… Please watch over her.

A/N: And that was the 2nd chapter of High School DxD - The Hallowed Blade.

Thank you all for the reviews.

I'm happy to see that there are some people who've read the original and are still interested in this amateurish story, or that they are newcomers among you guys. I don't know.

I don't know if I will be able to surpass the original or not, but I'll give it my best.

Until next time, bye.

sadmansakib3351: Thank you, reader, for reading it.

Stormbringer080302: It's a good suggestion, but unfortunately, I don't plan on changing that part. Sakuya having the same SG as the original is an important asset for most of the story.

Mpower0438: Sorry for the wait, I'm out of eroge to play so I'm back.

sanjiv121606: I don't remember the SI becoming a devil in the older version...