Welcome to the next chapter of DxD – The Last Amagiri, but before starting. Let's answer some reviews:
altair95: Thanks, it is still their summer vacation. Neither of them should be allowed to play normal sports since they are a living cheat code. More information about Lingqi's lineage has been revealed, directed at her maternal side. Kensei and Ravel had their moment. The biggest reveal of all was Serena, the daughter of Shemhazai and his Devil wife, unnamed, who views Claire as her idol. Yes, she will be attending their middle school and living in the Akamine Residence.
Summer Continues
On Hagun Island, which acts as the main base for Yami, there was an alternate space produced, acting as the lab belonging to one of their newest members. There was a vast number of cultivation tanks filled with a mysterious purple fluid and contained numerous creatures, most of whom being the numerous Mazoku produced from the children and teenagers from the Amagiri Clan. Each Mazoku's appearance varied from creature to creature, none of their appearance diverged from being a demonic humanoid. At the moment, none of them were active, instead being asleep down to their captured souls.
"Oh, you poor children."
None of the creatures and Mazoku were alone, there was a man whose appearance was almost obscured, due to the darkened spots there. Placing his hand on one of the cultivation tanks, the man spoke almost as if he sensed the tortured souls contained in the artificial demons. No, it seemed as if he could sense their souls and the level of pain each of them were in.
"Your bodies became subjected to forcible alterations that went against your original structures through multiple forbidden techniques. Such a distortion in the body and even the soul, even if the body is strong, simply existing is torment."
As the man spoke, there was sympathy in his voice speaking about the Mazoku.
"So, I see you're examining our greatest success thus far."
A familiar voice caught his attention, causing the man to sigh in response.
"If by success, you mean making demonic creatures from the bodies and souls of human children, who feel pain from simply living," the man spoke in response to Arata, who walked in the same direction as the man. "If I didn't know any better, it does seem as if you hated these children and their clan in general."
"I wouldn't say that I hated them, but at the same time, I can't say I liked them either. All I wanted them to do was one important task, but that came to be impossible for them. There's nothing in Japan that I care about anymore. So, if none of them could do the thing I wanted them to do, then they could at least let me take advantage of their irregular traits in the end."
Arata pointed out, feeling indifferent from seeing and speaking about the Mazoku in the cultivation tanks.
"I can guess that includes the people working alongside you too."
The man surmised, not turning to face Arata.
"Who knows," Arata spoke, not giving a definite answer to him. "But, in the long run, after we use one another to meet one another's end goals. Jun wants to start another rebellion in China, no different from mine. Lancelot is, well he isn't in the right mind at the moment. Malik wants to fight against the people who would end up coming to defeat us. And Kurohime is simply on the run and has no other place to hide. And what about the doctor, who's here to create the ultimate body, Doctor Enomoto?"
"It's as you say, I want to create the ultimate body, perfect down to every single corner of its genetics and exhibit the greatest potential of evolution," the man, Doctor Enomoto didn't appear to react to Arata and instead focused on his goals, which he felt passionate about. "But, these Mazoku as you refer to them are far from following that ideal."
"You're not wrong, but these things are meant to be monsters and soldiers for the return of the Primordial God. I could care less about the conditions of their souls as long as they're strong enough to aid in the fight against the Shinto Gods. Yami hasn't even reached the point of being able to fight one God, let alone and entire faction," Arata said, placing a hand on one of the cultivation tanks. "Well, not that I plan on being fitted against them all in the next couple of days or weeks. For that, I need Amatsu-Mikaboshi to regain much of his original powers, which is what we've been doing until now. But, the success of that is the ultimate body, which is what you want to make successful. Isn't that right, Doctor Enomoto?"
"…."
Doctor Enomoto didn't utter a single word, feeling almost as if Arata was taunting him. He didn't share much, if any respect for the young man, however, the resources Yami provided were too essential for him.
"I wouldn't sound so threatening or arrogant, if I were you. I put a lot of effort into fixing the Mazoku because of your reckless use of ancient and forbidden techniques and spells to mutate them. You caused a severe imbalance in their body and soul, making them unstable and incapable of drawing out their full potential," Doctor Enomoto said as he stared at them. "These cultivation tanks are full of a special mutagen which elicits reactions in a being's natural adaptation. As much as I hate the process, the 'base materials' seem to be blessed with the ideal genetics. The children, teenagers, and adults from this clan seem to have the uncanny ability to adapt to things related to the supernatural more than most Humans and Special Power users, even in this state."
"Yeah, it's one of the reasons that Amatsu-Mikaboshi suggested this. Well, it wouldn't work much on the adults, who had more of a resistance. But, I believe their corpses could make good research material and possibly be used in the future, right? Besides, there's no soul in the corpses, so there shouldn't be an issue compared to the teens and teens," again Doctor Enomoto didn't utter a word, ignoring Arata's obvious taunt. "Sometimes there's a lot of sacrifices needed to get the results you desire."
"I don't think that someone without much care about their future can talk about things being worth sacrificing."
"Hahaha, you're right about that," Arata replied, shrugging his shoulders. "But, what did you sacrifice for this?"
"If you're done attempting to taunt me. If you want me to complete the process for the ultimate body, then you're attempts at sparking a reaction from me are intervening."
"Just wanted to see how the good doctor is doing. And I also wanted to see where your loyalties and feelings lie in this organization of ours."
"As someone mentioned before, there are no loyalties among this group, simply people acting for their self-interests. I was reaching a limit to what I needed to achieve and your group was the closest thing that I could find in terms of providing suitable enough research material."
"Alright, then that's all I wanted to hear. Just remember that we're on a trip that can't be left untraveled without a much-needed price being paid."
Those were the last words that Arata stated before teleportation outside of the area using a shadow, something which caused him to sigh. It was obvious enough that the last comment was meant more as a threat.
"He truly is an arrogant and contemptible person."
Doctor Enomoto stated, raising his hand in the air and causing a tablet on a research table to appear in his hand through telekinesis. On it, there was information detailing the statuses of the creatures in the cultivation tanks, in addition to other information stored on it. But, then Arata's words echoed in his head about sacrifice, but then the thoughts were silenced.
"There's nothing else that matters aside from accomplishing the dream that I sought after for all this time."
Determined, Doctor Enomoto placed all his focus on his work and nothing more.
In this space alone, the creatures that were a part of the experiments that he conducted in the process of creating the ultimate life-form. It was true that the doctor had conducted experiments on monsters and even Humans, but none of them could be compared to of what was done to make the Mazoku.
Meanwhile, in Kibou Town, most notable in one of the Kibou Alliance's training dimensions, Claire found herself in front of one of their newest provisional members. In front of her was Serena, who was dressed in training attire and breathing out. From her hands, she manifested light, which then took the form of multiple chakrams around her, and sent them towards Claire. Using her more honed reflexes, she avoided the initial attacks without trying, then sensed them coming back.
Not minding the returning attack, Claire found herself sidestepping the returning chakrams and then proceeded to dodge each one as they passed. She looked to find that Serena was still controlling each of the light chakrams from her current position. As the two sparred with one another, Claire examined Serena's style of fighting which she expected was honed in Grigori.
"Serena looks to be more comfortable as a long-ranged technique-type but has the features of a wizard-type," an analytical thought entered Claire's mind. "I can imagine that she has been trained to focus on refining her fighting style in Grigori to be capable of handling herself in close-ranged combat too. Serena has been also focusing on the distance between myself and hers."
As Claire thought about that, she avoided the chakrams for the last time, then positioned her fingers like finger pistols. She gathered and focused demonic powers into her fingers, and then proceeded to shoot down the light chakrams with precision. Claire didn't miss a single shot in shooting the light weapons down, with fluid motions. Seeing such a feat caused Serena to look on in surprise and mesmerized from witnessing such a feat in front of her.
"She used basic demonic bullets, not it wasn't even that, it was a single demonic blast from her fingertips. Those chakrams weren't filled with a little bit of light, I used a lot of light and focused them into the weapons. So, there's no way that normal demonic bullets can break them," Serena thought about Claire's actions. "Such a delicate manipulation of demonic power and such fluid motions from something simple as a finger gun. So, amazing~!"
Claire looked to find Serena looking at her with admiration, almost as if she were a puppy wagging their tails with happiness building up within herself.
"So cute."
Claire thought, finding herself staring at Serena with a smile.
"Alright, let's kick it up a notch."
Holding out her hand, Claire produced flames using demonic powers, then released them towards her. Reacting to it, Serena produced water, acting as a wall between herself and flaming attacks sent at her, acting more as a barrier rather than a counterattack. Serena was well aware that her demonic power was much greater than hers, which was the reason she acted tactically. In response to the flames touching the water wall, steam was created, causing them to be gathered in a mist.
Taking that chance, Serena started masking her presence as much as possible, deciding not to use her demonic or light powers. It was obvious that Claire and the others could sense the presence of others more than most, so using powers could make it easier to track her. As Claire expected, Serena received all possible training to ensure she was prepared for different situations. She moved without making a single sound, recalling the position Claire was in beforehand.
During this, Serena noticed movements inside of the mist, then noticed chains made of demonic power wrapping around her.
"Huh," Serena looked surprised as she was pulled straight in the direction of wherever the source originated from. "Ah!"
As soon as Serena came from outside of the mist, she looked to find that Claire was grabbing onto the chains while pulling her outside of the mist.
"What strength?!"
Serena could tell from the strength behind the chains, demonic power aside, Claire pulled her with such strength that it caused her body to be immediately lifted into the air. She looked to see that there was a unique change in Claire's eyes and stared at the colorful nine tomoe around her pupils. Claire found herself smiling as she stared at the young girl in the air, then yanked the chain down.
"Urgh."
Serena was pulled without being able to fight back, finding herself bringing out her fallen angel wings, and then sending a lot of demonic power into them. She then shot out multiple black feathers infused with demonic power straight at Claire. In response to that, Claire found herself surprised about the sudden tactic, something which would be a possibility for a half-Fallen Angel. Despite being far from her, Serena caused the demonic power infused into the black feathers to produce different elements.
"Good tactic."
Claire said smiling, forming a barrier from demonic power, but then noticed Serena using that chance to use ice-based demonic power to freeze the chains. She focused most on the chains around her and then shattered them with light powers. She used her wings to keep herself from falling to the ground, then landed on the ground with a light manifesting around her hands.
"Alright, that's enough."
Claire said, appearing right in front of Serena, who seemed prepared to fight again.
"Hah," not going against that, Serena found herself immediately sitting on the ground and breathing out. "You're a real veteran when it comes to combat, Onee-sama. I couldn't find a single notable issue in your fighting style and movements. I might've also inherited my father's quirk about examining and critiquing things whenever I have the chance. But, I find myself mesmerized whenever I see Onee-sama fight in the recordings and in person, you have gotten even better than before."
"Well, that's good to hear that someone likes the way I fight."
Claire stated, smiling then proceeded to rub the top of Serena's head.
"Heh."
Serena found herself smiling and laughing as Claire showed that sign of affection.
Claire couldn't help finding the entire thing cute, seeing as she was having the first time experience of being the idol and "older sister" of someone else. It reminded her more and more about the kind of person she was the person who looked up to Kensei. But, being the person who someone else could look up to was one of the best sensations together. For the longest time, Claire was someone no one from the Underworld or Church wanted to exist, because of their biased beliefs. But, finding someone similar to herself was an experience that no one aside from Claire could understand.
"Well, there's no reason to go all out when it comes to sparring matches. Nonetheless, you did a good job, I could tell you took your training seriously."
"Yes, I thought that it would be fair that I work as hard as the people doing their best to train me. Besides, I know that a lot of people might not be okay with the fact that I exist," Serena stated, finding herself showing far more of a realization about the nature of her existence. "I know that some people might not want a half-breed like me to exist. But, I won't let those people dictate my existence. I'll live with both the halves that make me up, showing off that I'm an amazing person because of who I am."
"Yeah, that's a good dream."
Claire stated, finding herself smiling at Serena.
Elsewhere, Claire and Serena noticed there was a shockwave from another area, causing them to almost jump as a result of the tremor. Glancing in the same direction as the source, Claire found herself sighing at the incident as if knowing where it originated from.
"As usual, those four are going all out against one another. I guess that it's not that surprising seeing as the four of them wanted to see their progress."
Claire stated, finding herself looking in the direction where the shockwaves were being produced.
"Uh, so this happens a lot," Serena said, surprised about the different presences she was feeling. "I heard that the Numbers were people said to be stronger than that of High-Class Devils, but Father mentioned their strength was incapable of being quantified by even that. I can tell that fighting against Ultimate-Class Devils wasn't outside of the current scope of their prowess, but sensing their strengths now makes me believe that's not up to debate. I'd heard a lot about the Kibou Alliance all the time in Grigori, but seeing them now is almost like a dream."
"Yeah, we built this place so that we could protect ourselves from threats. At the same time, there were people in the group who wanted to make their dreams come true. And there are also people out there, who're suffering as a result of the same people who hurt us before."
"It's such a wonderful place. I can't believe that I'm a part of it now."
"Well, it's not a dream. You're here."
Claire said, placing a hand on Serena's head, who smiled at the thought of that.
For the longest time, Serena was almost a shut-in, living in and being protected by Grigori from the moment she was born. She learned about a lot of things in there about the Human and Supernatural World and different factions, but it didn't change the fact that Serena wanted to experience it all for herself. Claire and Serena sensed the presence of other people in the training dimension sparring against one another.
In the sky, there was Ravel who was flying using her flame bird wings, then found herself unleashing flames right at Layla. In response to that, the Human found herself producing a large amount of ice, it wasn't a part of Layla's Sacred Gear, rather it was an ability gained over the summer. In that instance, the Phenex's flames melted the ice, causing them to turn into water. Not deterred, Layla pointed her hand at the water, causing it to freeze again, then turned water into ice blades that went straight for the Phenex girl.
"Huh?"
Ravel moved to the side in the air not expecting the water to turn back into ice and then controlled like that. In that instance, Layla started creating ice blades around her, then fired them off at the young girl, who felt herself wondering what the girl would do. Ravel kept dodging them, most didn't make contact, but one of them ended up wounding Ravel. Of course, the wound didn't last long as Ravel's small wound emitted flames, then closed up, as if it was never there.
"As I would expect from a Phenex's Immortality," Lena stated, wearing a smile, thinking about the sparring match that had been continuing for a couple of minutes. "I just learned to produce and control ice, but I haven't gotten a proper handle on using it without my Sacred Gear to add onto it. But, that's the reason that I'm fighting against a person with a superior element."
"It was impressive that you could develop that in the first place Layla-sama without relying on your Sacred Gear," Ravel stated, wearing a faint smile on her face. "I haven't met someone who could accomplish such a thing since their ice often becomes controllable after melting."
"Alright, let's keep going then!"
Layla found herself uttering out loud wearing a smile as the air around her started getting colder.
"Alright, then let's go!"
Ravel replied, causing her flames to burst forth from her body.
In an uneven fight between the flames of a phoenix and the ice of a human, if it included the combat skills that Layla honed throughout her life, then Ravel would have less of an advantage. However, before the summer break ended, she'd needed to hone her Ice Manipulation up against someone with a superior element.
Elsewhere, Lingqi was running forward without hesitation, in front of her, there were numerous monsters created through Alice's Annihilation Maker. Their shapes and types varied, but differing from before the monsters looked a little bit more monstrous. Before Alice would focus on making some monsters more humanoid, but proceeding with the incident, she started making them more monstrous, durable, and powerful.
Despite being faced with a High-Tier Longinus, Lingqi wasn't deterred, she simply kept running forward without a hint of hesitation. Going to the first one, she aimed a strong kick at the first monster, causing it to grunt a little bit, and then it was launched backward into the other ones. As the other ones approached her, Lingqi aimed punches and kicks that produced notable sounds as the monsters were knocked back into the other ones.
Shine!
Among the four monsters surrounding Lingqi, they opened their mouths, and then a blast was released from them, all of which sailed towards the martial artist. Reacting to that, she vaulted on the monster in front of her, and elbowed it in the back, forcing it to the ground. As such, this allowed Lingqi to avoid the four blasts fired off at her, without a single one grazing her. Her elbow was still pressed up against the monster's back, sending Qi throughout the monster's body, causing it to explode from the inside out.
"I must admit, these monsters are much harder than before, Alice."
Lingqi spoke, finding herself looking to find Alice sitting down on top of her Dragon monsters in the air.
"None of the monsters I had before could do a single thing against Arata. So, over this monster, I began focusing on the more 'monstrous' aspect instead of the 'artistic' aspect. But, I still don't mean that I'm letting go of my honed imagination, which is still the most important thing for it," Alice replied, finding herself thinking about the things that she couldn't achieve with her means of Annihilation Maker. "Also, I began watching a lot of classic and modern monster movies. I want to know if I could produce something as big and strong as Godzilla."
"Well, if so, then I wouldn't mind wanting to fight it first."
Lingqi spoke, finding herself looking forward to fighting against a monster like that.
After that, the fight continued with Lingqi still knocking back the monsters, soon focusing on using Haki, sending the monsters around her backward. Each monster was much hardier than the ones from the last summer, who could be broken from Lingqi's previous punches and kicks. It went to show the amount of effort that Alice put into creating them and the progress she made. There was a chance that these were monsters most tailored for tanking damage from opponents.
"Alright, let's kick this up a notch!"
At that declaration, Lingqi found herself manifesting Shimon Mouko, then smashed one of them in the face and caused them to be knocked backward. It wasn't that alone, but the weapons changed as claws were released from the gauntlets and greaves, granting Lingqi slashing weapons. Rather than punching and kicking them, she proceeded to slash each of them using the cutting weapons on her hands and feet. Despite this being a new feature, Lingqi became rather adept at using them in her fighting style, almost reflecting her mastery of Byakko Kenpo's first technique and awakening via Tiger Qi.
In the middle of the surrounding monsters, Lingqi found herself unleashing slashes from the claws on her hands and feet. Each one slashed the monster's durable hides, scarring their bodies and dismembering some of them, but the number of monsters remained. Seeing this, Lingqi found herself moving backward from them, then proceeded to gain some distance from the monsters.
"Alright, I haven't tested this one out before. But, let's see it!"
Lingqi declared, finding herself standing in a position similar to a tiger preparing to pounce on their prey, and then found herself relaxing.
She honed and mastered the martial arts she had learned thus far throughout the summer break, viewing that as the sole means of improving the Byakko Kenpo and making it truly hers. In particular, Lingqi came to see that one of them Jeet Kune Do was the closest to her ideal. Based on the principles of that martial art, from the martial arts she learned, Lingqi cast aside all the unessential parts of the martial arts and added in the best traits among them. As such, she improved her Byakko Kenpo using that idea, the first technique that she created was the one she was in the process of implementing.
"…."
Lingqi breathed as she prepared herself, her claws dug into the ground and a white aura started to radiate from her entire body. It was a brilliant white aura produced from her channeling Tiger Qi, releasing a presence that was felt by Alice and the surrounding people.
"Byakko Kenpo, Shinkyaku…."
Lingqi was in the process of calling out the technique, but then that seemed almost inaudible compared to what had come about. She vanished from sight as she performed a headlong charge toward the surrounding monsters and what followed was….
Booooooom!
Amid that insane almost instantaneous speed, Lingqi produced a sonic boom as she approached all the monsters, destroying the ground, with internal and external damage to the monsters caught in the pouncing tigress' path.
"Iyah!"
It reached Alice, who ended up being knocked off of the Dragon, who felt the impact of the sonic boom. It might have been lessened, but the people who weren't fighting found themselves hearing it moments later. Alice found herself falling to the ground, with one of her monsters cushioning the fall.
"Ouch."
Alice called out, finding herself feeling some pain from the attack.
"Uh, I'm sorry, Alice."
Lingqi immediately said, appearing in front of Alice.
"Why did you do that," Alice whined, but Lingqi could somewhat hear that she was faking hurt feelings. "I thought that this was supposed to be a sparring match, but you somehow weaponized a sonic boom."
"Sorry, I thought about that move during a training session with Hisui and wanted to see how it worked against a durable target. I can still see that there's a lot that I need to work out before using that in an actual fight," Lingqi started scratching the back of her head, then noticed something. "You're wounded."
"Oh this," Alice noted holding up her arm, which had a big cut with blood leaking out of it. "It would be there long."
Just then, as expected the wound soon started closing up without Alice being worried about being wounded at all then it finally closed. Lingqi was surprised to have witnessed this up close but was aware of the fact that those monster cells infused into Alice's body were doing things such as this.
"So, you're capable of regenerating, because of those cells now?"
"Yeah, but it's simple cuts. Based on what Hisui's mother said the monster cells are spread and acting similar to normal cells. So, anything could cause them to continue spreading and accelerate their division, similar to a person's normal cells."
"So, things like taking damage can aggravate and cause them to increase in number. So, did Hinata ever give you a general time limit to when you would end up turning."
"Hm, she said that it would be hard to predict given our dangerous lifestyle. But, under normal circumstances, the time Hinata gave me is about a month and I'll be a Half-Monster. And me turning into a Humanoid Monster might be a little unpredictable."
"You don't mind turning into a Humanoid Monster, do you?"
Lingqi asked, causing Alice to sit legs crossed.
"Not really, I mean I didn't have much attachment to being a Human. Besides, this way, I can still walk beside the two people who accepted me despite being a walking talking monster maker of annihilation. Even as a Human, I am still a monster to the people who don't know me and just see Annihilation Maker."
"Ah, I can imagine that. But, just because that'll change who you are, it won't change who you are," Lingqi pointed out, holding out a hand to Alice. "Meaning, as a Human or Monster, you'll always be Alice Evangelista. I mean, my grandfather turned into a literal tiger once and it didn't change who he was."
"Thanks."
In response to hearing that, Alice smiled and took hold of Lingqi's hand, who then assisted her back to her feet.
"Whoa, what was that?"
In that instance, the two heard a familiar voice calling out to them.
"Oh, that was…oh."
Lingqi turned to find Kensei, Zane, Maria, and Hisui standing behind them wearing a confused expression on their face. Her confusion came from the fact that the four were in the worst possible condition compared to the others training there. Each of their training uniforms was disheveled, their hair was in the same condition and covered in what looked to be smoke.
"Wow, you four did not hold back against one another."
Lingqi found herself uttering while noticing the result of their current condition. But, despite that it seemed as if it were a regular thing between them. Based on the things she heard after joining the Kibou Alliance herself, Lingqi heard that the Numbers almost always go all out against one another. However, that almost spoke volumes about the amount of trust and faith that the two have in one another, in particular in their strength and skills.
"Yeah, Maria wanted to test out her Sacred Arts and the Sub-Species of Blade Blacksmith. Both of them were an awesome new ability, she also wanted to test out the Ki manipulation that she started learning. Plus, Maria's physical abilities have gotten much better after training with Vasco Strada."
Kensei replied, finding himself thinking back to the previous battle.
"I can see that Hisui has gotten much better in regards to her martial arts. I heard that she started training more with Lingqi, and I can see that in the results. Also, Hisui mentioned that she was in the process of looking out for an ability for herself."
Zane added, finding himself adjusting his artificial arm.
"Hm, I'd wanted to experience the new techniques of Kensei's Tougen Amagiri-ryuu myself and the other abilities he gained from training in Shiamano. I must admit that a lot of those techniques might've taken me out if it were before the summer break."
Maria admitted, still holding onto one of the newest modeled swords in her hands.
"And Zane's firepower and magical attacks have gotten much better compared to before. I almost had a hard time attempting to dodge all of that."
Hisui stated, finding herself placing both hands on her hips.
Each of the four Numbers found himself impressed by the progress made by their fellow members, each one had a smile on their face. At the same time, there were golden sparkles that manifested around the people inside that area, causing them to steadily feel better, and whatever injuries the people shared started to fade. For people, such as Ravel and Hisui, neither of them was touched by the golden sparkles.
"Same as usual, I swear the four of you never change."
Abigail could be seen floating down in between them, unveiling a total of ten angel wings, showcasing enough of a progression to become a Seraph herself. In response to that, she noticed the four of them started to look a little bit flustered about that comment from Abigail. As usual, the one person who had so much control over the four Numbers whose strength could fight or defeat Ultimate-Class Devils was the person the four considered to be an older sister to them.
"Well, whatever. I guess that's the reason that I adore the four of you so much," Abigail pointed out, finding herself with her usual compassionate smile. "I gained a better amount of mastery of my healing powers. And I'd learned about the medical techniques taught in Heaven too. So, I'll fight alongside and heal you no matter what."
Hearing the compassionate tone from Abigail was something that caused even Lingqi, who was still somewhat new in comparison to find and feel the compassion in the older woman's tone. It was almost as if she was getting a hug from her older sister herself.
"Well, about what happened, Lingqi hit me with a sonic boom."
Alice found herself uttering while moving to Kensei and wrapping her arms around him, almost as if she were in the process of whining and tattle-telling. It was something that almost caused Lingqi's face to scrunch up out of surprise, while Zane and the others found themselves almost laughing from the suddenness of that.
"Ah, so that explains that."
Kensei pointed out, finding himself 'consoling' Alice by petting her on top of her head.
"Wow, didn't expect that there would be someone who would intentionally break the sound barrier for an attack," an inquisitive tone came from Zane. "Being able to abruptly accelerate in an instance to break the sound barrier is a complicated thing to achieve. But, the shockwave it produces can cause some serious damage to the people and general surroundings."
"Yeah, I just thought that it could be a good technique against some durable foes. I thought about that technique, Shinsoku that Kensei taught me that can accelerate my speed. Kensei and I talked about some variations for the technique and I thought about this one. But, this technique is still in need of both some major improvements and adjustments before using it in an actual fight."
Lingqi pointed out, causing them to wonder about her mindset.
"And of course, someone like our Ken Ken would think about something like that."
Hisui stated, wearing a smile on her face and causing Lingqi to smile.
"Well, that's just the start. I have other techniques that I have in mind and hope that I'll be able to test them out," a confident tone came from Lingqi's mouth as she clenched her fist. "There are also some techniques that Kensei and I came up with together."
"Oh, so combination techniques?"
Maria asked, finding herself interested in that.
"Hm, I heard about that over the summer break. I cannot wait to see what this ends up being, seeing as these are techniques from the Dragon and Tiger Duo."
Hisui replied, finding herself looking forward to seeing a combination of techniques between Kensei and Lingqi, both of whom are their strongest martial artists.
During this, the group looked to see flames, blue and red could be seen slamming against one another in the air, and the people watching could sense it originated from two people. Kunou came from the smoke, stepping backward as blue flames manifested in her hands, and Akari rushed straight at her with flames in her hands. Her red flames were shaped like a blade, not still having the formless properties of flames. Kunou had long since gotten used to fighting against opponents in close range, having learned martial arts.
Akari honed her swordplay, footstep, swings, breathing, and control improved greatly in comparison to before the summer break. Her attacks that were simply strong before gained the kind of finesse that one would see from a Technique-type, but Akari didn't lose herself as a Power-type.
"…hah."
Akari breathed out, finding herself swinging around her flaming sword with strength behind them.
In response to that, Kunou found herself producing barriers produced through Youjutsu to block the slashes from the flaming sword. She was a Wizard-Support Type, but learned the Amagiri-ryuu from Kensei, in addition to their spells and martial arts. Kunou learned about defending herself in close-quarters combat and so, learning to defend herself from Akari's attacks wasn't an issue.
It was the first time that Akari fought against a Wizard-type, who could defend themselves in this skillful manner and without injury. As a Provisional Member, she and Naoto went on low-ranking missions against supernatural creatures and special power users, meant for the younger members not prepared for serious high-level missions. After blocking the last attack from Akari, from Kunou's nine tails, blue flames manifested from them, and then all of them were released at her.
"As expected from the longtime member of the Sword Team."
Akari found herself admiring Kunou, who was acting adeptly in the middle of close-ranged combat despite being a Wizard-Support Type. Reacting to the attacks, she entered a defensive stance, causing the flame sword to lose that form and burst into flames, which surrounded her to defend herself from the Kitsunebi. As soon as those flames reshaped into a sword, Akari looked confident.
"Alright, let's continue with this," Akari started, but then found herself running straight into what seemed to be a see-through wall. "Huh?!"
Akari came to realize that she was surrounded by a barrier manifested by the technique Kunou employed with masterful skill. Each attempt at attacking the barrier from the inside resulted in the flames losing their powers as if the power contained in them were absorbed. No matter the kind of attack employed by her, Akari couldn't find a single dent in the barrier.
"…"
"Akari-chan."
Kunou found herself staring straight at the miffed expression seen on Akari's face, almost as if there were some words she didn't want to admit. Akari started learning that there were some times that she needed to say a couple of words as a sign of maturity.
"…I surrender."
She didn't want to, but Akari ended up surrendering.
It was enough to cause Kunou to remove the barrier surrounding her, while Akari sat down legs crossed and with a pout on her face. After seeing that, the Kyuubi Princess walked up to the pouting young girl and then sat down in front of her.
"You did great Akari-chan."
"Yeah, but I didn't win."
"Well, Kunou has more experience than Akari-chan. If it were Kunou before meeting Ken-can, then there was more of a chance that Kunou would've lost."
"It doesn't change the fact that I didn't win."
Akari stated, finding herself still pouting, something which caused Kunou to smile and rest her chin on her hand.
"Kunou believes that Akari-chan does have potential, everyone believes that Akari-chan can become as strong as she wants to be. But, does Akari-chan believe that winning every battle she fights would result in reaching her potential?"
"…no, I guess not."
Akari replied.
"Ken-chan and Hahaue once told Kunou that failure doesn't mean the same as being incompetent. It instead means that there's still so much that Akari-chan can learn. If Akari-chan kept winning whatever fight she was in, then it'd mean there wouldn't be much that Akari-chan could learn any more. And does that sound like something that you would want for yourself?"
"No."
In response to Kunou's comment, Akari found herself giving a more honest response with more maturity. For the people who knew Akari, they were aware that she was someone who loved learning and training about fighting. A trait that caused her to desire to go out on more missions and assignments to reach her potential. So, thinking about being incapable of doing those two things she relished in, would be the same as Akari losing herself.
"Then, perk up, okay?"
Kunou asked, finding herself placing a comforting head on top of Akari's head.
Despite being seen as childish from time to time, Kunou did have the kindness and maturity, which was the most ideal for a future Queen.
In another location, Naoto found himself taking a defensive measure against his opponent, who happened to be a Wizard-Power type. It was Lena who stood in the same position wearing an intense air as she stared down the calculating swordsman. He looked forward with a somewhat worried look at the Dark Elf stared him down with no care in the world.
"I don't know that much about Lena-san. But, she's Zane-san's main partner and someone who assists him when it comes to magical research," Naoto thought as he looked at Lena, who hadn't taken her eyes off him. "But, her fighting style doesn't match her demeanor."
"You were just thinking that my fighting style doesn't match my demeanor, weren't you?"
Lena asked, causing Naoto to flinch.
"…I'm sorry."
Naoto replied, bowing his head.
"That's fine. It wouldn't be the first time that someone thought that," Lena replied, almost surprised that Naoto in this situation was honest. "Zane was surprised when I demonstrated what kind of magical style that I use. But, in combat, I'd rather end things as fast as possible instead of drawing out a battle if I don't have to. The people who were a part of the Valkyrie Squad and others called me a Non-Standard Dark Elf. Also, there's something that a lot of people don't know about Dark Elves."
In that instance, Lena started to manifest different elements around herself, ranging from fire, ice, lightning, wind, and earth. She then proceeded to unleash them all at Naoto without hesitation, who proceeded to avoid them all, seeing as the magic power behind them wasn't something he could deflect or tank. His Dragon Eyes made it all the more possible to read the power contained in them.
"Elves are noted as being more technical and advanced when it comes to using magic, even among the members of the Norse Faction. But, in regards to that, Dark Elves are noted as often having been born with greater power whenever it comes to using offensive magic. I mean, aside from possibly the High Elves."
Lena explained as she continued releasing a large amount of offensive magic straight at Naoto without being the slightest bit hesitant.
"Alright."
Naoto started reading the situation in front of them while avoiding the magic attacks released at him. After the second time he stepped forward, he channeled spiritual power into the practice sword in his hand, produced with techniques originating from the Amagiri Clan. He unleashed a slash straight at Lena, who didn't appear to be the slightest bit worried as she produced a magical barrier. It resulted in the slash smashing against the barrier, but it caused some reaction in the barrier.
"Oh."
Differing from Kunou, Lena wasn't much of a barrier technique user, it had power behind it, but that didn't mean it couldn't be broken. But, there was a reaction that showed the slash attack from Naoto caused it to reverberate, a showcase of the power within it. He kept moving around as Lena kept unleashing magic at him, without allowing one of them to reach him.
"She hasn't let me get near her and simply kept releasing magic attacks without hesitation. Despite seeming to focus on offensive power, Lena-san has control of that power too. All my attempts at getting close to her resulted in her unleashing an onslaught of magic at close range. She has more experience than I do. So, thinking that it'll be possible to catch her off guard is wishful thinking. So…."
In that instance, Naoto found himself entering a Gedan-no-kamae, one of the stances taught in Kendo, which was one focused on defense, deflecting blows, and finding a chance to strike. He was talented as a swordsman, with no difference from his older brother. But, Naoto was someone who was building up his swordsmanship from the ground up. He learned Kendo, focused on each instruction given to him during club meetings, and practiced each stance numerous times on end until it became ingrained in him.
That didn't change once Naoto started learning swordsmanship from his father and older brother, both of whom had their real experiences and lessons. But, that didn't change the fact that Naoto Uesugi was Naoto Uesugi, who didn't want to be like Tetsuo Uesugi or Kensei Amagiri.
"Sharpen your focus. Grip your sword and look forward," Naoto uttered that mantra in his head, and then his Dragon Eyes shined with greater brilliance. "And go!"
At that, Naoto started to stride forward without hesitation, as Lena responded to his newfound confidence while unleashing a magic attack at him. In response to that, Naoto didn't stop moving but used side steps to avoid the spells. He didn't want to risk attempting to brush the spells aside using the sword, even if it was imbued with his aura, considering the power behind them. At the same time, Naoto didn't want to waste strength or stamina on a task that might be impossible otherwise.
"…."
He poured spiritual power and dragon aura into the wooden sword, causing a deep blue aura to radiate from it. It didn't take long to appear in front of Lena, who decided to respond to Naoto's confidence and determination. He then thrust his sword forward with the intent of going for a straightforward stab. In response to that, it came to Lena unleashed a blast of magic at close range. As soon as the two attacks collided against one another, the result was Naoto being blasted backward.
"Ugh!"
Naoto groaned in pain as he landed on his back.
"That was a good attempt. It might've been reckless charging in like that, but you measured what was happening in front of you, then acted accordingly," for one of the first times, Lena was wearing a genuine smile as she praised Naoto for his effort. "It was a good attempt that would've worked on me at some other point. So, you've scored some points as a provisional member."
"…." hearing those words caused Naoto to stand up and bow his head. "Thank you!"
The members of the Kibou Alliance were looking more and more into the development of the current provisional members, who showed such promise as of late. Among them was Naoto, and Akari, with the addition of Serena, who was left under their care by the Vice Governor General. Akari, in particular, showed promise in manifesting flames without her Sacred Gear activated. But, much to Naoto's shame, he couldn't find much about what his ability could be. However, he was advised that some abilities don't manifest without the right conditions, in addition to the fact that Lingqi herself was still discovering what hers was.
No matter, it was coming to the end of the training session for the Kibou Alliance members, who included those provisional members too. After taking a hot bath in the group's large bath, of course, divided between genders, it ended with them returning home and resting.
Returning to the Amagiri Residence, after sending Naoto, Akari, and Serena home, Kensei and the others walked through the front door. Minako wasn't there considering that she needed to prepare for the summer festival that would be approaching. As soon as the group entered the house, they were met by a surprising visitor, whom neither of them was expecting.
"Hahaue!"
Kunou called out, approaching her mother who was sitting down on the couch with a happy smile.
"Hello, Kunou, Kensei-kun, Claire-san, Alice-san, and Lingqi-san."
Yasaka greeted them back.
"Yasaka-san, you could've told us that you were coming here."
Kensei pointed out, causing Yasaka to wave her hand.
"Oh, you don't need to be so formal about that, Honey~"
In response to Yasaka's beautiful and mature voice, Kensei almost felt his heart skip a beat as his cheeks turned a deep shade of red. It was something that caused all the women around him to feel as if in terms of anything, Yasaka had them all beat as a mature and experienced woman.
Though, for most of them, despite Yasaka looking and sounding like her usual self, there was something different compared to the previous times she'd visited. Noticing this, Ravel found herself doing her usual duties as both a responsible and efficient manager.
"I'll go prepare some tea and snacks."
Ravel said, finding herself heading into the kitchen to prepare things.
Noticing the air, made Claire, Alice, and Lingqi wonder whether or not they should be there in the first place. But, sensing their skepticism, Yasaka found herself raising her hand in the air.
"Please, there's no need to be worried. The thing that I'm about to say is something involving your group too. It might not be official, but I am someone who loves Kensei-kun too. I mean, aside from Lingqi-san."
At that comment from Yasaka, the people there decided to sit down on the couch too. It didn't take long for Ravel to finish preparations for the tea and snacks, which she rightly handed out to the people there. It was quiet as the people there proceeded to drink their tea and some of the snacks. Among them, Yasaka was the one who took a lot more time to repair herself before speaking.
"Kensei-kun, do you remember the thing that I told you before your group left for the summer training?"
"Yes, you said there was something you wanted to talk about."
Kensei replied, recalling the time that Yasaka said those words to him, and sounded as if she needed time to prep herself before speaking about this.
A breath escaped from Yasaka's mouth before placing the teacup back on the table, then found herself looking at Kunou with a determined look.
"I'm sure you remember the incident where the people referred to themselves as the Ordinals attacking this town before the summer," at the mention of that, there was a notable reaction from the people who experienced pain in that incident. "I don't want to bring up such an incident, but there…."
"No, that's fine, Yasaka. We're aware that you wouldn't mention that without a reason."
"Thank you, Kensei-kun," Yasaka said, smiling and feeling herself becoming calmer. "But, I wanted to bring up the part where the person, Arata stated that he planned on attaining the ultimate body."
"Ugh, how could I forget that cocky-ass comment."
Kensei's face shifted into an irksome expression, thinking back to Arata's words to him:
"I'll gain the ultimate body that'll be strong enough to tame the divinity that I've received. And with that, I'll become the vessel of a primordial god, who'll become a transcendental being. Before all that I'll prove to him and everyone that I'm far superior to you."
"Well, this wasn't a serious battle for us in the first place. I consider this an introduction to the Ordinals and Amatsu-Mikaboshi. So, use this time to make preparations, because the next time after I've obtained the ultimate body, I'll show you what it means to have a god's divinity and flames. So, let's see what you'll do then, Kensei Amagiri."
Each of them remembered those words from Arata, but neither of them was aware of the meaning of who'd be the main to bestow the "Ultimate Body" onto him. But, it was then that Kunou thought back to the time that her mother and Hinata reached hearing that claim. Recalling that made her worried about what Yasaka felt so strongly about this incident.
"Hinata-san and I are aware of who Arata was referring to when he mentioned that someone intended on giving him the 'ultimate body'."
Yasaka revealed, causing the people in front of her to appear surprised about that. Seeing as getting the 'ultimate body' wasn't a claim that seemed to be a joke or threat to Arata, rather than something which he had been banking on to complete Amatsu-Mikaboshi's resurrection.
"Who is it?"
Kensei asked, not sounding aggressive about it, but rather curious.
"He is the same as Hinata-san, a talented doctor, a medical practitioner who has mastered Senjutsu comparable to her. If not more consider how much time has passed since then and the amount of things that he started to explore in regards to what his final goal became. He pursued the same goal as those who would become known as immortal as a means of discovering the ideal and perfect body. His reasons for it at the same sounded as if it was with the best intentions, but it started becoming an obsession," Yasaka started, wearing a blank look on her face before continuing. "He's named Kazuo Enomoto. And he's Kunou's father."
[…!]
At that reveal, the people in the room looked surprised about that reveal, seeing as this person was somehow working with Arata.
"Kunou's father…."
Kunou couldn't hide the surprise on her face about that reveal.
Noticing that Yasaka's expression started to falter in response to seeing the kind of expression that her daughter made upon hearing her father's name. It was a bad way to hear about your father for the first time and hear that he might be somehow involved with the people out to get their people. And worse than that, that same person is working with the person who aided in murdering the Amagiri Clan and ruined the life of someone she loved.
"…Kunou."
Claire called out her name softly, placing a comforting hand on top of Kunou's clenched hands.
"Yasaka, if you don't mind, we could…."
"No, Ken-chan, Kunou won't run from this," Kunou stated, thinking back to the same words that she said to Akari, and how mature they were. "Hahaue, please continue."
"Alright, Kunou," Yasaka almost felt proud about her daughter's mental growth here, not expecting that she would be capable of handling this. It almost made Yasaka say as a mother that she underestimated her daughter, but at the same time, no one could blame her for being worried. "During the time we were together, Kazuo acted as Urakyoto's doctor who was at beck and call. He was someone that everyone liked and referred to as an irreplaceable aid. During his time there, he often talked about means of removing fears of poisons and even diseases from the Human World."
"It sounds like a good dream. But, the means behind it might not have been the most ethical."
Lingqi noted as Yasaka nodded her head.
"His methods involved the same means that a Senjutsu practitioner and other people from factions such as your faction managed to achieve bodies no different from supernatural beings."
"An ascension, huh," Lingqi stated, with Kensei and the others realizing the same thing. "But, that method is often solely limited to those who undergo rigorous training, physical, mental, and spiritual. The methods might deter, but it always comes down to gaining a better understanding of Qi. Even for my grandfather, the method took him decades of cultivation to complete an ascension and there happened to be a tribulation too."
"A tribulation, like a trial? What kind?"
Claire asked.
"He said he got struck by a lot of lightning as a trial that wrecked the mountain he was on at the time."
Lingqi replied.
"Oh, so that does happen."
Kensei said, with Lingqi nodding her head.
"Sometimes. It showed how strong Grandpa became at the time and it was his final trial. In terms of Humans, for one of them to become Gods or Immortals, it takes some major achievement to prove themselves worthy of it."
At their back and forth concerning the means behind the ascension, Yasaka noted her head in response to that.
"He started studying the means of how the people from before became immortals and sought that as the basis for creating the ultimate body. An Artificial Ascension caused through external means, which removes the amount of time needed under normal circumstances."
"But, how? It isn't as if reaching an ascension is easy in the first place, it takes a lot of training to come close to achieving one."
"Kazuo once said he learned a technique among Senjutsu, which could let him stimulate the natural process of evolution in living beings. He didn't go into much detail about it, and it wasn't until that even where he left that I even found out what that ability happened to be."
"An incident?"
Alice found herself asking out loud, something that caused Yasaka to give a faint pause.
"In the climax of Kazuo's desire to create the ultimate body, he started to experiment on and even induce evolution in particularly dangerous Youkai. Despite saying that they were supposed to have been immobile at the time, they woke up and wrecked and attacked Urakyoto. But, in the end, it took the Amagiri Clan back then to be the ones to end them. It was known what their weaknesses were, but Kazuo ended up making them resistant to those weaknesses. And in the end, Kazuo left and was never heard from again."
As Yasaka finished informing them of Kazuo Enomoto, who happened to be Kunou's father, the people could tell that there seemed to be more to it than that. But, it looked as if there were some things that Yasaka didn't want to talk about regarding who her former husband was. It reminded Kensei of the time before the time he and the others went training when Yasaka looked a bit disheartened about this happening.
"Kunou."
"Yes, Hahaue?"
Kunou found herself looking at her mother, who still looked a little disheartened about that.
"Do you hate me for not talking to you about this until now," Yasaka asked, her expression faltering more into that of a mother rather than a Queen. "It wouldn't be the first time you asked about who your father was and all those times I couldn't do anything aside from say nothing."
"Do I hate Hahaue," Kunou asked, standing up and walking up to the disheartened Yasaka, then surprisingly enough wrapped her arms around her in a hug. "Of course, I don't hate Hahaue, I could never hate Hahaue! Hahaue raised Kunou! Hahaue taught Kunou! Hahaue scolded Kunou! Hahaue has done so much for Kunou that Kunou couldn't talk about them with words alone! Kunou's father is just someone who left and made Hahaue sad! But, he doesn't matter anymore, because Hahaue and Kunou belong to Ken-chan!"
"Kunou."
Yasaka felt herself becoming emotional in that instance, not minding the fact that she even said that she and she belonged to Kensei. It was a confession that sparked a humourous reaction from those listening throughout the entire thing. However, there was an additional laugh that didn't belong to the people standing inside of the room, originating from upstairs.
"Hahaha, I don't think that I've ever heard such a confession from someone before," it was revealed to have been Hinata, who was walking downstairs. "I guess that Kensei-kun truly intends on having some oyakodon."
"Hah, I wasn't expecting that Hinata-san would be here too."
"Oh, I'm sure you wouldn't have expected me. I came with Yasaka here, but I kept my presence hidden so that not even you would be able to sense me," Hinata had stated, coming downstairs, and then sitting down on the couch beside Yasaka. "I knew that Yasaka wanted to talk to you all about Enomoto and came here as an aid. If it's him, then he might be close to finding out about initiating an Artificial Ascension, more so if Yami is supporting him too."
"Yeah, he was someone gifted in Senjutsu and medical techniques. I almost wasn't all that surprised when Kunou started picking up Senjutsu at a fast pace too."
Yasaka pointed out, finding herself placing a hand on top of her daughter's head.
"Well, whatever is happening with Enomoto, it doesn't change the fact that your group won't stop him. Even if he's Kunou-chan's father, he's still attempting to give a dangerous person the 'ultimate body'."
Hinata added something that caused Yasaka to nod her head strongly.
"You're right, no matter his intentions, he needs to be stopped."
"And that's what'll we'll be doing as soon as we can. I don't know what his reasons were, but doing something like that to his wife and child isn't something that I can let go of."
Kensei admitted as he gave a strong and confident look, becoming irritated after seeing the kind of reaction from Yasaka, who was struggling to speak about this.
"…Kensei-kun."
Yasaka found herself feeling the love behind those words.
"Ah, just the kind of reaction that I would expect from Kensei Amagiri," Hinata said, then proceeded to reach into her pockets. "And that brings me to the thing that I wanted to show off aside from providing emotional support."
In that instance, Hinata retrieved two tickets from her pockets, and then showed them off to the people around them, wearing a bright smile.
"Tickets to a water park?"
Claire found herself asking.
"Since you guys still have some time before the end of the summer. And since Yasaka here is still in need of a lot of emotional love and support," Hinata stated, but then continued before either could finish their thoughts on the manner. "How about Kensei-kun and Yasaka here go on a private little trip together."
""Huh?""
Said people looked surprised about the suddenness of that.
A/N: And there goes the next chapter of DxD – The Last Amagiri, well, this is the continuation of their summer, as the training for some of the provisional members was shown. But, I think that the biggest surprise was even the reveal of Yasaka's former husband and Kunou's father, even if it's non-canon. First, it showed him working on the Mazoku, which he considered an unneeded creation as he and Arata had their conversation. It was revealed that he wanted to create the ultimate body by using an Artificial Ascension. And in the end, it looks as if Kensei and Yasaka are going on a private trip.
I hope that you liked the chapter, until next time.
P.S. I wish all the readers and everyone else a Merry Chistmas and a Happy Holidays.
Kensei's Harem: Alice, Claire, Hisui, Kunou, Yasaka, Lu Lingqi, Sarah, Minako, Koneko, Kuroka, Ravel, Amaterasu, Brynhildr, Rossweisse, Ophis, Misaki.
