Arc 2: The Youkai Civil War

Episode 7: New Members

When Koori Chikage entered the class first thing in the morning, she saw a very unusual sight. Takashima Yuuna immediately slumped down on her desk the moment she put down her bags. The usually energetic girl looked so tired like she had been put through a grinder. Behind the redhead, her other friend, Hyoudou Issei, is also letting out a tired groan while burying his face in his arms.

"How unusual for you two to be so tired first thing in the morning. Did something happen yesterday?"

Chikage asked as she put down her bag on the seat beside Yuuna. In truth she already knew why they are so tired. It has been a month since their encounter with the oni and both Issei and Yuuna have been training like crazy everyday to prepare themselves to face the supernatural world. They were put into many kinds of rigorous training to quickly get them up to speed by Masaomi and so far they have performed incredibly well.

Masaomi had his work cut out for him. He didn't need to teach them how to fight from scratch thanks to their martial arts training from Yuuna's father and therefore, he only needed to help them fight on supernatural level. With both of them already trained to a degree, it is a simple matter.

Issei had mainly been learning how to use his sacred gear which is his main weapon. Like she suspected, he is indeed the current Sekiryuutei. Thanks to his sacred gear, he doesn't need much help in regards to fighting on supernatural level and only needed some pointers and basic training for now to increase his basic stats.

Yuuna though doesn't have any sacred gear and therefore is the one Masaomi focused on more because she doesn't have the advantage Issei is enjoying. Though she did overheard Masaomi saying that Yuuna has a lot of energy and with lots of training and refinement can give her a potent touki. Not a surprise since she really is a big bundle of energy.

Right now, she is being taught how to control her internal energy to give her some minor power boost, a basic enhancement for supernatural martial artists. While she is not ready for a real fight like last time, she would actually be able to do some harm to lower level creatures now. But she will need a weapon to make it decisive because it will be quite some time until she can naturally develop her strength to superhuman level.

How did Chikage knew all this? She always has a clone following and watching over them hidden from view. With her skill in stealth and the nature of her existence as well as her sacred gear, she is nearly impossible to detect. And even if she is detected, she can simply dispel her clones. Shichinin Misaki, her personal power is really convenient.

But of course, officially, she shouldn't know all that so that is why she asked Issei.

"Training. Man, Masaomi sensei really didn't hold back his punches last night. I mean, usually he let us get a hit in or two."

"I know. He's faster than usual last night. Uuu~. I can still feel that bump on my head."

…well, sometimes she thinks that keeping tabs on Issei and Yuuna is useless because they will definitely tell her everything if she asks. While Issei could keep his mouth shut, Yuuna is the type who simply cannot lie to someone she consider a friend and Issei will always follow Yuuna's lead. The only thing actually preventing her from simply participating in those training sessions is the fact that she doesn't want to be closer than necessary to anyone else from the club, though that might change in the future once she received further order from their leader.

"Why don't you two just quit then if the training is so hard?"

Chikage asked half jokingly. While she already knew what Yuuna's answer will be, she asked not just because it's a normal question that would be asked by an introverted normal girl but she would take any chance to somehow persuade at least Yuuna to quit training and return to a normal life uninvolved with the supernatural.

While it can no longer be helped with Issei since he is the Sekiryuutei, Yuuna is another matter entirely. She doesn't have to be involved in their world and the dangers it possess. Even if she cannot do anything to keep Issei away from the supernatural world due to his sacred gear, she at least wants to spare Yuuna from the true horrors of their world.

"No! We can't give up just because things are hard. Remember the hero club five tenets, Gun-chan! You'll likely to succeed if you try!"

Yuuna's answer is expected and while Issei simply sighs in the background, she noticed the boy nodding in agreement. Obviously such half-hearted attempt to discourage Yuuna won't work. But, she will definitely do it. She will do everything in her capability to protect her two friends. Because even in this fake life, she like to believe that at least their friendship are real.

Ten minutes passed and the bell rang. The teacher came in to start the lesson. As usual it needs the teacher to get their attention by knocking on the table with his eraser before anything can start. The teacher cleared his throat before speaking.

"Ehh, before we start, I would like to announce that we are having two new transfer students."

The teacher said. Everyone began murmuring excitedly. You don't get a transfer student everyday after all. Chikage though is not interested at all. She look back and saw that neither is Issei, though whether it is because he is genuinely not interested or simply too tired to care is up for debate. Obviously though, Yuuna is the most excited of the three of them. As expected of the girl. She had regained all her lost energy in an instant once something exciting happen.

Once the class calmed down, the teacher told the transfer students to come in. The door slides open and two people entered. One is a blonde girl with long hair who looks like a nice and polite girl while the other, shorter one has short brown hair with two buns looking cocky and energetic. The first to introduce herself is the blonde girl who politely bowed first.

"My name is Iyojima Anzu, please take care of me."

The blonde girl now identified as Iyojima Anzu made a short and proper introduction. With her turn done, the next one to introduce herself is…

"The name is Doi Tamako but everyone can call me Tama! Let's have a fun year!"

…the other girl is as loud as Chikage had expected. Well, it doesn't matter to her. They will just be more background noises around the classroom to her. It's not like she has to interact with them on a daily basis or something. With that thought in mind, Chikage tuned out the rest of the introduction as she look outside the window. One of her Sichinin Misaki clones is currently out there so maybe she could use their shared vision to kill some time.

-Noon-

"So what do you think this is about?"

Issei asked Yuuna as he, Yuuna and Chikage walk together to their clubroom. The two of them received a message from Wakaba and Harutora earlier telling them to come and so they did and naturally Chikage is following them.

"I don't know. It's rare for Wakaba-chan to call us like this. Maybe a request? What do you think, Gun-chan?"

Yuuna asked Chikage who is walking two steps behind them, not really interested in whatever it is Wakaba called them for but went anyway while she plays on her phone.

"I don't know. Nobody even texted me anyway."

Replied Chikage making Yuuna chuckled nervously, thinking that Chikage is feeling left out. Issei knew better. Besides, Harutora and Wakaba knew that if they called both of them, Chikage will also come by association. It's easy to understand the grouping of the Hero club once you know a bit about the members.

The Hero club was originally formed by Yuuna who wanted to make a club to help people by doing community service and other favors. Obviously, she would drag her two friends, Chikage and Issei, to form this club. Naturally, the two are reluctant at first, especially Chikage. While Issei's reluctance is more because he doesn't want to do more work than he has too, Chikage doesn't like interacting with people very much. Unfortunately for them, they always easily cave in to Yuuna and no, it's not because of the puppy dog eye technique. Yuuna never pulled that. They just simply find it hard to refuse her.

At first, Issei wanted to call the club as 'community service club' since that is basically what they are doing. But Yuuna thought that it's not cool so they try to come up with other names. They went through some ideas like the cleaning service club and helper club but nothing clicks… until Chikage who had been silent up until then proposes 'the Hero club'. Yuuna likes it a lot so that became the name. On an unofficial note, the reason why she proposed that is because she jokingly thought that since they are doing better things than what the Hero faction does at the moment, why not call themselves heroes as well?

And so the club was established after they went to Masaomi-sensei who was still a new teacher at that time and got him to become their advisor. And that was how the club was established by the three of them originally. And then came the other four with Wakaba and Kunou dragging Harutora with them.

Now here they are in present day. Thinking back on their time together, they have went through a lot in their time as the Hero club. There was that play to entertain grade school children where Issei played as a demon lord and there was helping out the cultural festival last year and helping out the shopping district during an event. They have done a lot of things together.

"Maybe it's about the athletic meet? It's in two weeks, right?"

Yuuna recalled. Chikage and Issei can't really say yes but they can't say no either.

"We'll know when we get there."

Chikage told her friend. Their clubroom is already in sight anyway. The three of them slid open the door and stopped at the enterance. Issei and Chikage blinked when they saw a more crowded clubroom while Yuuna who is behind them could not see anything.

"Gun-chan, Ise-kun, why are you two blocking the door?"

Prompted by Yuuna's voice, Issei and Chikage entered the clubroom and took their usual seat. Meaning Issei and Yuuna sat together across Wakaba and Harutora while Chikage took the window seat.

"So… why are the transfer students here and who is that?"

Issei bluntly asked Harutora while pointing at the three new girls, two being the transfer students who introduced themselves to his class earlier and the last one is a girl with long black hair tied in a ponytail who appears to be older than them, most likely a senior then.

"Ohh them? Utano-nee thought that we would need some help and she finally can squeeze out someone for us."

So they were sent by Shiratori Utano. That makes sense. They would need a bit more manpower to help in their objective. Issei and Yuuna's eyes went to the new transfer students from their class. Anzu became nervous from their stare and begin fidgeting while Tama is grinning.

"So the two of you are Issei and Yuuna, the Sekiryuutei and his partner? I've heard a few things about you two. As I have said before, my name is Tama. I'm an onmyouji just like Wakaba there. I'm partnered with Anzu. She's a miko."

Tama said while pointing her thumb at Anzu beside her.

"Once more, I am Iyojima Anzu. I am still a trainee but I hope I can be of use to everyone. I hope we can get along, Hyoudou-san, Takashima-san, Koori-san."

Anzu addressed the three founders of the club, even Chikage who at least acknowledge her with a nod when she said her name. Then Yuuna and Issei turn their attention to the older black haired girl who proceed to introduce herself.

"My name is Himejima Akeno. Shiratori-senpai have asked me to help all of you. Let's get along well, ufufu."

Issei didn't know why but Akeno's laugh at the end made him shiver as if there is something sinister concealed behind it but he shook it off as his imagination. If he had noticed Harutora and Wakaba also shivering at the same time, he wouldn't have dismissed it so easily. With Akeno's introduction done, Harutora spoke.

"Well, these are the help Utano-nee could spare us. Both Iyojima and Doi are still in training but they are good so instead of continuing their formal training, Uta-nee thought that it would be better to simply complete their training with us while also getting some field experience. Himejima-senpai though is a fully trained miko and Uta-nee's personal student and she will be the one to complete their training."

Issei nodded in acknowledgement. So they got themselves three more helping hand from Utano. That is good. They haven't made any progress with their mission so more help is appreciated. Issei was about to address Yuuna about the new members but when he look to his side, she's already gone.

"Wai! New members! Let's get along Himejima-senpai, Anzu-chan, Tama-chan!"

As expected, Yuuna is excitedly greeting all three of them like chirstmas has come early this year. Akeno look taken aback by Yuuna, which Issei can understand if one is not used to her while Anzu has a nervous smile but Tamako is grinning widely and she seems like she would get along with her.

"New members huh?"

Chikage muttered as she look out the window. Things are going to get even more hectic, especially considering what is to come. She closed her eyes for a while. Indeed, things are going to be hectic in a while.

-Unknown area outside Tokyo-

Chikage, or at least one of the Sichinin Misaki clone, look over the assembled army with dispassionate eyes. She is clad in her hooded white robe and red kimono dress as well as her mask. She is currently outside Tokyo with the oni forces that had been assembled by Ibaraki Douji. It is a force of around six thousand, an impressive number under a singular commander in this age at least and more are coming.

"Six thousand have come. An impressive number for this age but… back in the past, this is considered small. During the old age all supernatural forces fought in tens of thousands at the very least and it is considered a small skirmish and what is considered a large battle would involve millions of us. How the mighty have fallen indeed."

Chikage heard Ibaraki Douji speaking beside her while overlooking his army with a strange expression that is different from his usual ice cold normal attitude or beast-like ferocity during battle. The last living legendary oni then turn to her.

"In order to allow my army into Tokyo, we need to destroy the ward stones. Is everyone in position to destroy the stones?"

Ibaraki asked. During their initial attack, they did not just aim for the wardstones in a hit-and-run tactic but also aim to plant their people inside Tokyo in case the initial attack failed, which they expected to. Chikage sighs but nodded in confirmation.

"Everyone is in place but we should wait for a bit until everyone is fully ready. We only have one chance to pull this off so it is best if we are all fully prepared."

Ibaraki acknowledged Chikage's logic. While he wanted to assault Tokyo and kill Utano as quickly as possible, he had learned patience in his long life. Like Chikage said, they only have one chance to pull this off. It is best if they don't waste it. Then his eyes went to the sword by his waist.

The Doujigiri Yasutsuna, the sword that killed Shuten Douji. He can feel the familiar youki of Shuten pulsating inside the blade. The demonic sword is emanating the youki of the legendary oni.

He will need to master the sword first before he is ready to face Utano. Even if she is a human, he will not underestimate the strongest of the Sandai Miko. It was that mistake that took the life of many legendary creatures in the past. He will not make that same mistake.

"Tell the Shuzen assassins to get ready then. I want Tokyo to fall before the month ends. The civil war will end this year."

I thought I was going to work on Book 1 first but apparently my brain got another idea. This is the beginning of arc 2 which is the Youkai Civil War arc. Originally, I had no intention to include Tamako and Anzu who are part of the original Hero team in NoWaYu but I decided to put them in anyway just to complete the set. That and I finally introduce Akeno here as part of the Hero club and Utano's apprentice. Akeno is in her third year of middle school with the rest being second year and Kunou being the only first year. There is no change to Akeno's background. She is still a half fallen angel but some part of her history is changed which would lead her to joining the Shinto faction and becoming a real miko instead a questionable devil miko.

This chapter introduces the full number of the Hero Club which now has a total of 10 members. Quite a lot but I will say this now because it will be apparent when Book 1 went to Issei's side anyway. Not all of them will survive the Youkai Civil War. Also, as can be seen, Chikage is working with the enemy. While Zero's story follows the exploit of the Hero club as a whole, Chikage's side will be seen quite a lot because she is a key character. The protagonists of ES Zero are Issei, Yuuna, and Chikage after all.

Now, Ibaraki Douji is amassing an army and prepared for war. They have people inside Tokyo that plans to take down the daikekkai. Things will get crazier for the Hero club and much more stressful for Chikage. Anyway, for a small explanation so people won't get confused when they see characters from other series appearing. The world of ES is a massive crossover with many different series with DxD as central world after all so it can be a bit hard to digest. For ES Zero that focuses on Japan though, the main series used as inspiration and reference other than DxD are Fate series, Tokyo Ravens, Nurarihyon no Mago, Rosario + Vampire, and Nogi Wakaba wa Yuusha de aru. Don't try to think too much about it though. I just need materials since the DxD world is quite focused on the Three Factions.