In the morning that followed, Asia recounted her dream to Rias and Issei, the vivid details weaving a tapestry of enigma. Uncertain about the unfamiliar revelations, they urged Asia to share the vision once more.

"I don't know who they were or where they're from. Their language sounded harsh and rapid, with these throaty sounds that I've never encountered before," she mused, her tone infused with curiosity and perplexity.

"And you said something about murals?" Rias questions.

"I...I'm not sure, maybe they were just letters or random symbols, but yes, there were these random patterns, I'm not sure, but they kept swirling around me and I kept falling down repeatedly"

"And all this happened right after you were pulled to the moon" Issei questioned.

"Mmmhmh" she nodded.

Listening intently, Rias and Issei absorbed Asia's words, the weight of her experience evident. However, her narrative didn't conclude there. As Asia shifted nervously with her shirt, a resolute determination shone in her eyes.

"Also, uh...there's something I wanted to tell you." she continued, her fingers playing with her shirt's fabric in a fidgety motion.

"Whaaaaaaaaaaa...!" Rias and Issei's exclamations rang out, a mix of shock and disbelief in their voices.

At School

"That's why I... um... I just hope you'll let me join your club. I promise I won't let you down, okay?" Asia's voice quivered slightly as she addressed Katase and Murayama, her head bowed in earnest.

"Uhhhhh," they exchanged puzzled glances, caught off guard by Asia's unexpected request. Kendo was certainly not something they anticipated her showing interest in.

Issei, observing the scene, couldn't help but sigh. "Please take care of her?" he implored, a hint of resignation in his voice.

Smirking, Katase responded, "Oh, don't worry. Considering who she lives with, we'll make sure she's ready for anything."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Issei's indignation flared.

"You know exactly what it means, pervert," Katase shot back, her expression unyielding.

Amidst the playful banter, Asia offered a nervous laugh, a mixture of awkwardness and amusement in the air.

After School

Asia POV

Learning hours had concluded, signaling the onset of my initiation. Katase and Murayama led me to the practice area for Kendo.

Navigating the dimly lit corridors, I stepped into the space that bore witness to my Kendo journey. Here, my eyes met the commanding presence of a woman with raven hair and piercing black eyes, radiating an aura of stern authority.

"Hello, Sensei. I'm Asia Argento. It's a pleasure to meet you," I greeted tentatively.

From the accounts shared by Katase and Murayama, I gathered that Sensei Kaede Nakamura was a master of the art, and she held the title of Kyoshi 7-dan. "

An assessing silence hung in the air as her gaze lingered on me, analyzing.

"You appear...timid," her observation, though not intended to be harsh, struck a chord within me. And she was right.

In hushed tones, Katase and Murayama leaned in to whisper to her, their words too low for me to discern. As their message reached her ears, her expression shifted to one of urgency.

Swiftly, she grasped my shoulder, her features betraying her concern. "Asia, be prepared. After today, you'll emerge as a formidable force, a strong woman."

I perked up at her words, her conviction stirring a newfound determination within me. "Thank you. I won't disappoint you."

"Of course. I'm relying on that assurance. If only I had known you were associated with one of the infamous trio of perverts," her right fist clenched, the reference to Issei clear.

Naturally, she had reservations about that aspect. What else could one expect?

"You...you don't need to worry about that, Sensei. Issei isn't like that at all," I reassured her earnestly.

"We can't be entirely sure, can we?!" she retorted sharply, her words an edge of skepticism.

My heart raced at the intensity of the exchange, her demeanor holding a palpable weight.

"No, no, of course not," I stammered.

"Good to hear. From now on, know that you have my support!" Her words carried an air of finality.

Reflecting on this encounter, I wondered if my decision to join Kendo was indeed wise. Sensei's formidable presence had left me questioning whether I was truly prepared for what lay ahead.

2 Hours Later

Club activities had concluded, and so was school. It was time to go, and I was exhausted.

Sensei taught me how to hold the staff properly the shinai(bamboo sword) properly properly with the correct stance.

The stance was complicates and difficult to maintain.

.

"Now listen carefully Asia, the whole point of this is to facilitate the condition between the feet, hand, shinai, and most importantly, your spirit.

"Yes Sensei!"

"Now what you wanna do is keep both hands I'mfront of the body."

I do as she states.

"Make sure your left hand is gripping the bottom of your shinai hilt"

"Yes Sensei"

I shout, obeying her instructions.

"Raise the sword to the height of your throat"

"Yes Sensei!"

I obey.

"Keep your right foot forward with you left heel just slightly raised"

I obey.

"And finally, keep your body perfectly upright"

She says as she helps me with the position.

What followed after where two hours of learning how to execute practice swings(suburi).

As if that wasn't hard enough, I heard to yell 'men!' out loud with every swing. It was so embarrassing!

I had to do this for two hours straight.

.

Finally, it was over, and to say I was exhausted would be an understatement. Many of the girls showered me with praise, commending my stamina, a trait I owed to being a devil. Despite their kind words, my body felt like a heavy weight. My limbs were weak, my arms throbbed in pain from all the strenuous swinging. Thankfully, Issei was there to ferry me home on his bicycle.

Nightfall arrived, and despite my weariness, sleep eluded me. The ache in my bones from the rigorous training kept me tossing and turning, aggravated by my weakened limbs, making it challenging to find a comfortable position.

Can I truly become stronger if I struggle with this training? Will I forever be a...

No. I reprimanded myself, slapping my face lightly with both hands. You vowed to Rias and Issei that you would never refer to yourself that way again, remember? Come on, Asia, think.

And then, a realization struck me like a bolt of lightning.

When Rias resurrected me, I glimpsed moments when Raynare wielded my sacred gear. Inexplicably, it was as though not only my life but my consciousness was intertwined with its power. For a fleeting instant, I perceived Raynare activating my sacred gear upon herself.

If only I could...wait a minute.

...

Two hours after the training

"Stoooooop!" Sensei's voice resonated, signaling the conclusion of our session. We formed a line, drenched in sweat, the scent hanging thick in the dojo.

A collective chant filled the room, reverberating from the scroll displayed on the wall. The words etched there proclaimed:

"It takes one thousand years of sweat to forge the spirit, and ten thousand years of sweat to polish it. But a bout is decided in less than a second."

Following this, we assumed a meditation pose, embracing silence for a brief span.

...

The meditation held a peculiar quality. An unusual connection pulsed through me, enveloping every inch of my being. From my heartbeat to the coursing of my veins, I felt it all. It was as if threads of connection intertwined within me, binding everything together.

What if...

Rias POV

It was midnight, and I had just come out of the rest room when I saw a green light from Asia's room. I piqued, and what I saw was amazing.

Asia was meditation, and her sacred gear was active, it was emitting green ethereal light that covered her body from head to saw.

Her face seemed focus and...at peace. Heh, this girl sure is something isn't she.

End of POV

One Week Later

Seven days had passed, revealing Asia's unwavering determination. However, a complication arose.

"Hey, Asia, can you help me out with my training?" Issei's request caught Asia off guard. It was the weekend, and Asia had committed to training with Sensei even during her days off. The training sessions, from 9:00 to 15:00, were more intense than usual, but Asia's newfound stamina gave her confidence to tackle them.

Yet, Issei's plea tugged at her heartstrings. Loyalty and gratitude mingled within her, stemming from his act of saving her life. Add to that the undeniable fondness she had for him, and her decision became more complex.

"Come on, it'll just take a minute," Issei persisted, his words beckoning her.

Caught between her promise to Sensei and her feelings for Issei, Asia found herself compelled to concede.

12:00

Asia stood at the entrance of the Dojo, panting. The master was seated on a carpet sipping some coffee.

"Sensei...I."

"You're late"

The sense responded, her voice stern as usual. Asia bowed her head in regret.

"I'm sorry"

She says. The sensei could tell she was troubled.

"Come sit with me"

Asia looked up, confused. She went to seat right across the master, a small table separating them. The master took the traditional teapot and poured some tea into a cup an gave it to Asia to drink.

"Thank you, sensei. I'm sorry I was late. My friends needed my help with something, and I didn't want to disappoint them." Asia states, looking

"I understand the importance of friendship, but remember, my dear, your commitment to your training is just as important. In Kendo, we learn not only the way of the sword but also the way of life. Our choices reflect our dedication and discipline." The master responds as she sips tea, smiling kindly

"i know, sensei. I really want to improve and catch up with the others. I don't want to let you down."

The sensei places the cup down and looks at the girl.

"Let me share an old Japanese saying with you: "Ichigo ichie" – it means "one time, one meeting." In life, every encounter is unique and will never happen again in the same way. This applies to our training, our relationships, and our moments of decision."

"What do you mean, sensei?" Asia asks curiously to which the master smiles softly

"Your friends will understand if you explain your commitment to Kendo. Just as you value their requests, they should value your dreams and aspirations. Learning to say no when necessary is not about neglecting others, but about honoring your own journey and the promises you make."

"I see... I guess I've been putting their needs above mine without realizing it."

"Prioritizing yourself doesn't make you selfish, my dear. It's about respecting your time, your goals, and your responsibilities. When you devote yourself wholeheartedly to your passions, you'll inspire not only yourself but those around you." The sensei continued.

"You're right, sensei. I will talk to my friends and let them know about my training commitment." Asia says with a determined face.

"That's the spirit. Remember, I'm here to support you, both in Kendo and in life. We all face challenges, but it's how we respond that defines us. And with each step, you'll not only improve your Kendo but also grow as a person."

"Thank you, sensei. I'll work hard and learn to prioritize what truly matters." Asia continues.

Next Day

Asia POV

The clock marked 8:30, and I was getting ready to head to the dojo for my training when suddenly...

"Asia, come help me train," Issei's voice rang out.

Oh no, not again. I can't keep neglecting my commitment. I love Issei, but I have to focus on what's important.

Taking a deep breath, I braced myself.

"No," I said firmly, putting my foot down.

There was a brief silence, confusion painted across Issei's face. I needed to make him understand.

"Huh?" Issei's voice held his bewilderment.

I explained everything to him, sharing my weekend schedule and the dedication I had to my training. I had kept this from them, but now it was time to lay everything out.

After my explanation, I took another breath and approached Issei.

"I... I'm sorry, Issei. Right now, I need to focus on my training. I hope you understand."

"Of course, Asia. Do what you need to do. We're here for you," Issei replied, his voice reassuring.

I could sense a hint of disappointment from Issei, but this was the right choice for me.

As days turned into weeks, I found myself immersed in lessons and training sessions. While I knew I had made the right decision, a lingering sense of guilt remained for refusing Issei's request. Despite my efforts to hide it from the Kendo club, Rias and Issei could see through my façade. They knew it was time to talk.

They found me in my room, engrossed in a book. Rias approached me first.

"Hello, Asia. We need to have a chat," Rias said, her tone gentle but firm.

I looked up and saw Issei with her. My heart raced as I greeted him.

"Uh...hi," I stammered, the weight of my decision still heavy on my mind.

Rias and Issei exchanged a glance that conveyed understanding and approval. Rias stepped forward, wrapping me in an embrace that felt warm and reassuring.

"Asia, your decision was a brave one. You're learning to balance your own needs with those of your friends," Rias said, her words resonating with sincerity.

Issei joined the embrace, his grin infectious.

"Yeah, Asia. You're growing, and it's truly inspiring. And, you know, kind of cute," Issei added, his affectionate teasing bringing a smile to my lips.

As we shared the hug, a tear escaped my eye. It was a mix of relief and gratitude. This ordeal was behind us, and their support meant the world to me.

But there was another issue. How would Issei continue his training without my healing? Rias, ever insightful, had an answer. She pointed out that my constant healing might have hindered Issei's progress. The pain he endured during training was essential for his growth, building his resilience and strength. Furthermore, Koneko was a better fit for spotting him during training due to her experience and capabilities.

In the days that followed, I remained steadfast in my dedication to training. With Koneko's assistance, Issei's training became more effective and aligned with his growth.

My journey had only just begun, but my steps were infused with newfound courage and determination. The path of self-discovery was ahead, promising growth and empowerment. Within the heart of the Occult Research Club, I was carving out my legacy.

However, a new challenge loomed on the horizon.

Within the Occult Research Club headquarters, a man with fiery hair sat beside Rias on the couch, his fingers lightly grazing her leg. It was Riser Phenex, and he had come seeking his future bride. The tension in the room was palpable as Rias's peerage, including myself, bristled at his presence.