Summer vacation had ended. Those idyllic yet tumultuous days spent battling his genocidal relatives had almost seemed like something of the distant past. A time he was glad was over.

Though, at times, Shin had wished it never did, if only to escape the awkwardness of the situation he had found himself in. Irina had enrolled in his and Issei's class. Her introduction, while it had the male students cheering, then booing at her introduction as Issei's girlfriend, was incredibly nerve-wracking. Despite that, she was still incredibly popular due to her cheery personality and objectively good looks.

A pang of guilt and pain shot through his chest when she was asked if she was also Shin's childhood friend only for her to flat out state that she had never met him before.

Shin had to admit that he had wholeheartedly deserved the cold treatment Irina had begun subjecting him to.

Even with Issei, Shin had no luck on that front. The man had taken every chance to avoid talking to Shin and during class assignments, Shin had no luck with Issei either. He sighed as he leaned against the wall.

Reconciling with his two childhood friends was going to be an incredibly difficult task.

"Juice?"

Shin looked up and saw Sophia leaning over him. The sun obscured her face slightly but made her white-silver hair shine.

"Thanks." Shin gratefully accepted her offer and popped a straw inside the box.

"So how's it going trying to get Issei and Irina to forgive you?" Sophia asked, sliding down to the grass next to him.

"You've seen it. I think I have my work cut out for me," he replied.

"Well, can you really blame them? The two were just trying to help," she replied.

"Yeah…"

"And what did you do? You trampled on their feelings."

"Okay, I think I-"

"First off, you pushed Issei away which probably hurt him more than Vali or Kokabiel ever did in a fight. The man is basically your brother and you called him worthless. What did you expect?"

"Sophia, I-"

"As for Irina, well, you basically called her a whore who's only here to be Issei's sidepiece-"

"I get it!" Shin said. He brought his knees up to his chest and hugged them.

Sophia felt a little guilty, seeing Shin in a depressed state. But then again, the boy had no one to blame but himself.

"I get it…," he whispered. "I hurt them badly… and all they wanted to do was help. I… I…"

He offered no excuse.

Sophia let out a sigh and leaned her head against the wall. "Well, I wouldn't give up if I were you. The two of you have known each other since you were literal babies, right? I think you can save your relationship with them."

"It's easy for you to say," Shin mumbled. "You never ruined your relationship with your best friends… Mmm?"

He looked up and saw Issei running from the kendo girls with Motohama and Matsuda.

"Oya? Look at that, there's your chance right there," Sophia said. "So why don't you go and- He's gone…."

She watched him sprinting in Issei's direction. Sophia smiled as she sipped her juice box.

Despite having a girlfriend and having more coming along the way (Koneko had confessed to him), peeping was still a pastime Issei indulged in if only for his friends. The incredibly alluring body of Rias and Irina taking his virginity had ruined his perception of perverse activities if only slightly. But, to Issei, it was hard to get aroused by peeping again.

Still, he wouldn't abandon his two friends until they too graduated to adulthood. It was a milestone he felt they should celebrate.

"Oi! Ise! Are they still after us!?" Motohama asked.

Issei looked over his shoulder, and his face paled.

Murayama looked like a demon out for blood. Rather than a shinai, she had a bokken in hand.

"Run faster, you idiots!" Issei yelled.

The two sprinted ahead of him, gaining their second wind.

As they were about to round a corner, Issei felt someone grab his collar and pull him to the side. He fell to the ground with a thud. Groaning in pain, Issei looked up to see who had grabbed him. His eyes widened in surprise, and he opened his mouth to say something.

However, Shin reacted quickly and slapped his hand over Issei's mouth. He put a finger up to his lips, signaling for Issei to be silent.

"Where did Ise go?"

Murayama's voice was heard from the other side.

"I don't know. He probably ran ahead of these two."

Katase.

"Tch… I swear if Shin hides him again, I don't care who his sister is. I'm beating him with my bokken too," Murayama sighed.

"Oi… Murayama…"

"I know, I know. Tch, let's go. Maybe he's further down the hallway."

Shin sighed in relief when he heard the two run off down the hall. He peeked his head out from where they were hiding to make sure they were gone. "Okay, it's clear. Oi, Ise, are you-"

Issei said nothing and shoved past him, almost knocking Shin to the side.

"Ise, wait. I want to talk to you about-"

"So now you want to talk?" Issei asked.

Shin almost flinched at the hostility in Issei's voice. Issei had his fist clenched and he had a look that drifted between sadness and frustration.

"You didn't think to contact us the entire time during summer break to talk and now… after Irina and I… you know what, never mind. Have fun with your life, Shin," Issei said, stalking off down the hallway.

Shin raised his hand half-heartedly to stop Issei but couldn't find it in him to go after him. His arm fell and his shoulder slumped.

"Man, this is some grade-A soap opera drama."

"Vivi." Shin looked up to see her manifesting in a translucent form.

Vivi hovered in the air, placing her head on her hands. "You know… he was right. You could have called. Your parents have contacts. Your older sister is friends with Serafall Leviathan of all people. There were a number of ways you could have called."

"Shut up. I know. I messed up. What do I do? How do I even start fixing this?" Shin asked.

"Well. I guess the first thing you can do is… apologize," Vivi said.

"I'm trying! But how can I apologize if the two avoid me whenever I try to!" Shin said in a frustrated manner.

"That's not an excuse. The three of you have a place where you can talk privately. School isn't the only place you can go to. You can also try asking Rias for help. Issei and Irina are part of the Occult Research Club so she can probably set you three up to have some alone time," Vivi suggested.

"Yeah…"

"So, how are things going on Irina's end? Any luck with her?" Vivi asked.

"No. It's the same thing except she's actually ignoring me every time I talk to her. At least, Issei says something to me. Irina is…"

Shin remembered the glare Irina had given him before walking away. Her reaction had hurt him the most. Unlike Issei, she had seemingly cut him out of her life and had no intention of every interacting with him ever again. He sighed and slid down to the floor.

"I really really fucked up," Shin lamented.

Vivi smiled sadly and sat down next to him. "Hang in there. Just take baby steps. Your friendship with them is stronger than this. This is just a temporary setback. As long as they can see that your efforts are sincere, I'm sure you'll get through to them."

"That's what Sophia said to," he replied.

"Well, at least one of you has a brain," she said. Vivi summoned a box of juice into her hand and began sipping. "Well, for now, while you think of ways to get them to forgive you or at least talk, we should start heading to the Occult Research Club. There's a meeting there that we have to be a part of."

"Huh? What about Onee-"

"You and I both know that Akane won't show up unless she wants to. Even Azazel can't make her come unless he wants to lose all his wings," Vivi said.

"Tch… the perks of being a Seven Star…," Shin said.

"Think about it this way. This will drive you forward even more. If your goal is to become a Seven Star and surpass your sister, then this should be a drive forward, right?"

"I… don't think skipping meetings is a good motivation for me to become stronger."

The moment Shin entered the room, the air had turned tense. Irina and Issei immediately moved to sit next to Yuuto and Koneko, leaving no room for him to sit next to either of them. Shin sighed and sat down on a chair next to Sophia, who tried not to say anything about the situation. Even Rias couldn't help but awkwardly stand on the sidelines, not knowing what to say to the childhood friend trio.

"Um, Ise, Irina, that sofa looks a little cramped. Are you sure one of you doesn't want to sit on the other couch-"

"It's fine, Prez. Koneko's small enough so that we have enough room," Issei said, cutting her off quickly.

"A- Are you sure? Shidou, are you comfortable being squished between-"

"I'm fine, Rias. You don't have to worry about me. I'm thin enough to fit in between Issei and Kiba," Irina said, crossing her legs.

A flicker of flames at the tips of her bangs and her ahoge caused Rias to stop pressing the matter altogether. The last thing Rias wanted was a full-blown fire burning down her clubroom and the entire old school building.

"President, I think you should… get on with the meeting?" Akeno suggested, trying to diffuse the situation.

"O- Oh. Um, okay. But… Azazel's not here yet so why don't we all talk about-"

"Sorry, I'm late, brats. I had to pick someone up because they forgot their way over here."

A flash of light caught their attention. Azazel appeared in the room, surprised by the silence he was met with. He looked around and noticed the tenseness in the air of the clubroom. He raised an eyebrow and looked over to Rias, who just made motions with her gaze between Issei, Shin, and Irina.

He nodded in understanding before straightening his collar. "Anyway, now that I'm here, I can introduce our guest and-"

"Mou, Azazel. Why did you leave me behind!? Did you know how many buildings I had to warp through just to find you?"

Another flash of light, this time flaming orange in color, appeared in the room.

"Y- You're-...!?" Irina gasped.

"So you were right after all, Sophia," Shin commented.

Uriel manifested in the room. Her twelve white and red wings were on full display and fluttering in an irritated fashion. She had a pout on her face.

"Well, Sis. you see-"

"You really left your Big Sis hanging like that!" Uriel slammed her fist on the back of his head, sending him to the ground.

"O- Oi! I have to fix that!" Rias exclaimed, feeling the building shake violently.

Azazel pulled his head out of the indentation on the floor and stood up, dusting himself off. He had a few cuts on his face along with a few forming bruises.

He… really is an Archangel, Shin thought, seeing how he had just shrugged off Uriel's freakishly brutal level of physical strength.

"Anyway, before my sister decides to immolate your town, let's get on with the meeting. But first, reintroductions are in order." Azazel gestured for Uriel to introduce herself.

She nodded and retracted her wings into her back. "Hi, everyone~! You all met me at the meeting! I'm Uriel. Starting today, I'll be Heaven's main representative in Kuoh. My brother, Yeshua, will drop by from time to time but you'll mostly have me! I look forward to working with all of you," Uriel said.

She bowed politely before them.

Normally, I wouldn't call you kids in here unless there was something coming up but this is big. And I mean, for this region, it's big big," Azazel said.

"How… big is this exactly?" Akeno asked, feeling slightly worried by his words.

"I'll get to that. This is two pieces of earth-shattering news that I feel you all need to hear. Well, let's get the first one out of the way. Do you remember Odin?" Azazel asked.

"Yeah, we met him at the Young Devil Gathering down in the Underworld," Issei said.

"Wait, you guys met Odin?" Shin asked.

"Yeah. He was a guest at the party invited by the Maou to watch the Rating Games between the up-and-coming devil youths. He watched the Rating Game between Rias and Sona," Sophia answered.

"Seems like you guys had an eventful summer vacation," Shin said.

"Ahem. Anyway, Odin has planned a trip here sometime in the future so please prepare yourselves. The damn geezer is planning to form an alliance with the Shinto Gods so be on your best damn behavior. I'm looking at you, Issei," Azazel said.

"Eh? What did I do?" Issei asked.

"Look, kid. This is the one time I don't want you to be a perv because… Tsukuyomi is going to come to town. And… I don't need you putting me on the shit list of the Shinto Gods for proposing Japan as the signing place," Azazel replied.

"Ara, Azazel. I think you're being a bit too hard on him. After all, Prince x Beast showed that Issei can be-"

"Oi, that goes for you two, Big Sis," Azazel said, cutting Uriel off.

Issei had an embarrassed look on his face when he heard the title come out of Uriel's mouth.

"Azazel, focus. Odin?" Rias said.

"Right. There's no date yet so you don't need to worry about it now. I'm just saying to expect a very important guest in the future. Er, two important guests," he said.

"Ok, what's the next piece of news. You said you had more news to tell us," Shin said.

"I'm getting there, kid. Just hold your horses. Let me explain to the other people in the room who aren't very familiar with your family history," Azazel said.

Shin blinked and looked at Azazel incredulously. His family history? What did that have to do with anything? He turned to Asia, wondering if she knew what he meant.

Asia had the same confused look on her face.

"Oi, Azazel, what the hell are you going on about?" Shin asked.

"Like I said, I called you in here for this exact reason so let me lay some background lore so the others can understand. You're all aware of the Five Principal Clans, right?" Azazel asked.

At the mention of their name, Akeno visibly stiffened. She gripped her arm and grimaced.

"Ah, I tend to forget since she doesn't make it obvious. Your Queen was a former member, right Tomato?" Azazel asked.

Rias narrowed her eyes. "Yes, she was. But she's not that anymore."

"What are… the Five Principal Clans?" Issei asked.

"They're the top Exorcist Families in Japan. They are the vessels of the Celestial Beasts and the lieutenants of the Chief Exorcist Clan, Tsuchimikado. Their names are Himejima, Doumon, Nakiri, Shinra, and Kushihashi," Shin explained.

"Eh? Himejima? Sensei, is that what you meant by Vice Prez being a former member?" he asked.

"Ah. Her and one of my Grigori agents. You should be familiar with him, right, Shin? After all, your older sister almost mutilated him and left his entire team broken and crippled for nearly a year even with Grigori tech," Azazel said.

Shin's face became stony. He did remember. The catalyst for the events leading up to his conflict with his older sister. The near-death he had suffered at the hands of Tobio Ikuse. The scar on his body tingled at the mention of the name.

"Tobio Ikuse," Shin said.

"You do remember. I remember it too. But enough about that," he said, changing the topic back to the original. "Like Shin said, the Five Principal Clans and Tsuchimikado are the top dogs of the Exorcist World in Japan. And… it just so happens that Shin's maternal family has personal beef with both Himejima and Tsuchimikado."

Akeno's eyes widened in surprise and she looked over to him.

He smiled at her in response as if to say that he would explain later. Shin then turned his gaze to Azazel. "Hmph, we do. But… that's all in the past."

"It's about to be," Azazel said.

"Mmm?"

Uriel smiled. "As of a few days ago, the Tsuchimikado Clan Head reached out to us. Minami Tsuchimikado is her name I believe. She wants to strengthen ties between the Furude Clan and the Three Factions was just a nice bonus. Killing two birds with one stone as it's said. Because of that, they're sending one of their own over here along with one of the heirs of the Five Principal Clans."

"That's right. So in a day or two, Minami's younger sister, Kanna Tsuchimikado, will arrive in Kuoh. That means no challenging her to a death match, Shin. I know enough of your family history to know that the hatred runs deep. Mind you… I was there in Kyoto when your ancestor, Ouka Furude, obliterated the city alongside the surrounding countryside," he said.

His eyebrow twitched. "Why would I challenge a girl I never met to a death match?" Shin asked.

"Wait a minute, you said one of the heirs? Do you know which clan? Himejima?" Akeno asked.

"No, see that's the thing. They sent us an heir that was both familiar with us and the Furude," Azazel said.

"It's from the Doumon Clan," Uriel said.

"Doumon…?" Issei asked.

"The Clan that serves as the vessel of the Black Tortoise, Genbu," Rias answered. "This is a lot of news you're dropping on us, Azazel. First, the Chief God of the Norse and now, the next Genbu along with a member of the Tsuchimikado Clan? I hope you're not thinking of running off."

"Run off? Where would I even go? I gave my job over to Shemhazai the moment I decided to become your chaperone-... er one of your chaperones," he said, correcting himself.

"That's right so please get along with them. We're facilitating their transfer into the school. Shin-kun, the young Tsuchimikado and Doumon are transferring into your class so we've had to make some accommodations to compensate for class size," Uriel said.

"Y- Yeah," Shin replied, wondering what any of that had to do with him.

All foreign dignitaries and possible alliance members was handled by the Alliance. Not him. He was not in any way or shape, a true member of the Alliance. He wasn't even sure he could even be a member. After all, his older sister was the Vermillion Star and his parents were former members of the Seven Stars.

"Um, sorry but what does this have to do with me? This seems like something Rias should be handling since she's actually a member of the Three Factions Alliance. And if they want to increase relations with the clan, they can just contact my family in Serikawa," Shin asked.

"Yeah, that's true. Why are we here, Old Man?" Sophia asked.

"I'm afraid you'll have to ask your older sister, Shin-chan," Uriel chirped. "She was the one who asked us to call you and Sophia here."

"Onee?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Welp, unless you kids got anything to say, that's all the news I have for you really. Now then, about your next Rating Game…"

Shin sighed as he climbed the stairs to the roof. Normally, students wouldn't be allowed on the roof but of course, no one followed this rule. Teachers never bothered to enforce it so people eating lunch on the roof was a common occurrence every day. He reached the top and opened the door, stepping outside.

The sun was setting. He had spent three hours listening to Rias and Azazel deliberate the next strategies they could use in their Rating Game. Their next game was apparently against Diodora Astaroth, whoever that was.

"Mmm? She called me up here and she's not even here," Shin said, sighing as he saw no sign of her.

His sister had texted him to meet her on the school roof after his meeting with the others was over. He sighed and was about to go down when he sensed a distinct feeling of ki on the school roof.

"Not here, you say?" Vivi asked, manifesting behind him.

"Yeah, she's here alright. Where is she?" Shin asked, closing the door.

"On the roof of the entryway. She's… I think she fell asleep meditating," Vivi replied.

Shin walked around the entrance building and climbed onto the AC unit. He hopped onto the roof and lo and behold, his older sister was seated in a lotus position with her eyes closed. Sakura was laid out on the ground in front of her. To anyone, it might have appeared as if she were in deep meditation but Shin knew his sister better than anyone.

"Oi, Onee! Wake up!" Shin said.

"Mmm? Ah? Shin-chan? You're finally here?" Akane asked, yawning as she opened her eyes.

"Onee, did you fall asleep while meditating?" Shin asked.

"No, I didn't. I was just in a deep trance. You wouldn't understand. This is… just a Musou-no-Onigari-Ryuu exercise," Akane said, standing up.

"Uhuh…"

"Anyway, I need to talk to you," Akane said, hopping down from the roof of the entryway.

"About?" Shin followed after her as she made her way over to the edge of the school's rooftop.

"Wait…" Shin narrowed his eyes. "Is this about the people coming from Kyoto?"

"Mmm~! That's right. Originally, I was supposed to take this assignment but… I figured it would be good for you to get back into the flow of things. Unfortunately, even if I wanted to, I can't take this assignment either. I'm going to be leaving in a few days," Akane said.

"Eh? An assignment- eh! Wait a minute, did you just say you were leaving!?" Shin asked.

"Hehh? Akane, you're leaving again? Is it another job?" Vivi asked.

"No, no, nothing of the sort. I have an important meeting to attend," Akane replied.

"A meeting?"

"Mmm! A Nebula is about to happen."

"!?"

"A Nebula..."

Shin and Vivi's eyes widened simultaneously in shock.

A Nebula was a term referring to a meeting between the Seven Stars. It rarely happened outside of choosing the next generation of Stars. The only other time it happened outside of the succession of Stars was a couple of years before his older sister was born.

The Cataclysm attempted by the Goddess of the Abyss, Yam. An event that Shin had very little knowledge of but knew his parents were involved in.

"Is… the Nebula about the Four Horsemen?" Shin asked.

"I would imagine so," Akane replied, looking out over the school grounds.

"Whatever they decide… I won't go through with it," Shin said.

"Don't worry about it. Nothing will happen to Akeno. Lord Brahma is going to be there to vote in her favor, after all," she replied.

"And the other Great Gods?"

"Well, we'll just have to see. But for now, after I leave, you're in charge of the newcomers," she replied, patting him on the shoulder.

"About that. Why are the Tsuchimikados sending someone over?" Shin asked.

"It's part of the reason why Grandmother was in Kyoto. She was discussing possible talks of an alliance and reintegration of the Furude Clan back into the Exorcist Families in Kyoto. Of course, our main base of operations will still be in Serikawa but it's more to end this centuries-old feud," Akane explained.

"So… why not just send them to Serikawa?" he asked.

"My, my, that's an idiotic way of thinking, Shin. If Sakurai had demanded for the head's sister to be sent to Serikawa, it might look like we're trying to take a political hostage," Vivi said.

"She's right. So Grandma did the next best thing," Akane said.

"Next best… thing?" Shin said.

Akane smiled and pointed at her younger brother.

"Mmm! You're taking on my job but your job is also double! Kanna Tsuchimikado is being sent to Kuoh to forge an alliance with the Furude Clan through you meaning…"

"Meaning…?"

"You two are being placed through a courtship period with marriage in mind."

"E- Eh? What!?"

[So? How has the train ride been so far?]

The girl smiled and leaned back in her seat. She brushed a finger through her red hair, moving a lock of it behind her ear. Her green eyes shimmered as the light from her laptop reflected off her eyes. On her laptop monitor, there was a woman with blue eyes and red hair, barely paying attention to the screen and going through a stack of papers.

"It's been fine so far. We only have a few more stops until we arrive at Kuoh Town," she said. "Though I kind of wish you didn't do this just as summer vacation was ending. I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye to all my friends."

[Ah, I apologize about that. It's just that this was a last-minute thing that Furude-dono and I came up with as a way to foster our relationship. I think it's time we ended this centuries-old feud so please help your Nee-chan~!]

The girl grimaced as she saw her sister begging on the screen.

"Onee-chan, you're the Clan Head. What if other people saw that? Please behave more appropriately," she replied.

[Geez, Kacchi, I get that you're mad but you don't need to take it out on your Big Sis. Why don't you go call your brother and rag on him instead?] her sister asked.

"Hah? Hokuto-niichan didn't do anything wrong. You're the one that sent me here, right, Renge?"

She looked to the peaceful girl sitting across from her. The girl had snow-white hair styled in a bobcut. She had a slightly round face and sky-blue eyes. The girl wore a monochromatic outfit, consisting of a grey button-up sweater over a black blouse with a grey skirt and black shoes. She exuded an aura of sophistication and even the way she sipped her drink oozed grace.

"Kanna is right, Lady Tsuchimikado. Though, I have no qualms of coming here as her retainer, I can't help but feel like she has a bit of resentment toward this," Renge replied.

[It can't be helped. The world is entering a new era and we'd be fools not to capitalize upon this. That's why you need to be the one to lead us into the future, Kanna. You'll break away from the sins of the older generation.] her sister said.

"Mmm, you're putting so much pressure on me here, Onee-chan," Kanna sighed. She reached into a bowl in front of her, grabbing some edamame, and popping it into her mouth. "But I guess… if it's for us, then I don't have too much of a problem with it."

[Ah! I knew I could count on you, Kacchi! Onee-chan is very happy!]

Kanna waved her off with an annoyed look on her face. "So? What do I have to do? Just be friends with this guy or something?"

[It's a bit more complicated than that.]

Kanna raised an eyebrow and turned her full attention to the computer.

[The person you'll be with… er, from what I heard there's been a change in who your escort will be. Originally, it was going to be the Vermillion Star-]

"Eh? The Vermillion Star? The Sword Saint herself!" Kanna said excitedly.

[It was. Let me finish. But it seems that we caught her at a bad time so she's… appointing someone else. And… it works out in our favor… sort of. Ayaka already went through with contacting me ahead and I think this will be better than what we initially had planned.] she replied.

"Eh? So… okay. What exactly is it that changed?" Kanna asked.

[This is now… going to be an omiai. So please, get along with him and try to date him with marriage in mind~!]

Kanna Tsuchimikado

The youngest daughter of the Tsuchimikado Clan and the descendant of Abe-no-Seimei.

From childhood, her life had been nothing more than expectations stacked upon expectations.

The life of a Miko is never easy. Yet, with faded memories of a boy, she pushes forward.

Until she can finally affirm herself and escape the shadows of her ancestors.

Welcome to the proper start of the Romania Arc of Azure! We'll have new characters introduced. Our main antagonist, War, will be making a proper appearance finally and not just through Praetors. Well, there will be Praetors but War will still be there. And by popular request... and by the plot, Issei is back! Issei and Irina! There's gonna be in that period of weirdness after you and your close friends get into that fight that almost ends your friendship so please bare with me as I try to write my way through this period. Ahahaha! Also more Horseman Lore and Ascendant Lore in this, along with some lore regarding the Seven Stars.

We also get to meet the rest of the Great Gods aside from Brahma in this arc so... yeah! Anyway, before I begin rambling, I'll just say see ya in the next chapters.