Several months after Returning to his own world…

(Rias) Looks like we're going to be starting back at the school.

Rias Gremory was staring out of the window of the Occult Research Club, thinking about how to get out of her unfortunate arrangement. Her family had put her in an arranged marriage to another devil of equal social status in order to keep producing a bloodline of pure devils. The Underworld was currently in a state of decline due to falling birth rates of devils, even more so of Pure-Blooded devils, so her family had arranged for their family and another family to have their children marry in order to try and keep the bloodline pure and ongoing. The problem was that her betrothed to be, Riser Phenex, was a complete douchebag and treated her more like an object than a person. On top of that Rias wanted to choose the person who she would marry and this arrangement, while good for her family, went against her own desires. She understood she had a responsibility to her family and while proud to be a Gremory, the arrangement this time around was simply too cruel for her. Even though the families knew Riser's personality they still went ahead and arranged it anyway. So, as she had time before the engagement, Rias was working on finding a way to break off the marriage.

(Rias) I really don't want to think about those times. I was so desperate to get out of the arrangement that I was depressed and honestly a bit impulsive.

Riser wanted to comment but one look from his sister told him to keep his mouth shut.

(Da Vinci) An arranged marriage, huh? I know you guys talked about it a bit before, but was the situation really that bad? Considering you all seem to be fine with each other now.

The group made awkward faces, not sure how to answer but surprisingly it was Riser who spoke up.

(Riser) We're fine now, but that only happened after I was humbled. I was extremely arrogant before because I had never lost without doing so on purpose. I was from a noble family and had our family's power to regenerate from any damage like a phoenix, so I felt like no one else compared and that everything belonged to me. That was until a certain dragon boy came into the picture and beat the crap out of me during my wedding reception for all to see.

(Mythos) Deserved.

Riser looked annoyed at Mythos' comment but couldn't argue back. The FGO group understood the situation from the brief explanation.

As she was thinking, the sight of a person resting under a tree came into her view. The person in question was Kuoh Academy's mystery boy and notorious pervert, Issei Hyoudou. She went over what she knew about the boy in her mind. Issei was a normal student at Kuoh Academy, average grades, average looks (although to her she found him quite handsome but not overly so), and an all-around good personality. His only quirk was that he was an unrelenting pervert. He was known as a member of the infamous Perverted Trio along with Matsuda and Motahama and was known for getting into trouble with them for peeping on the kendo club. Most of the girls in school see him as the enemy of women, but Rias found him refreshingly honest. It wasn't as if other boys didn't have the same desires, considering how often she found her own assets stared at by other students. Issei simply didn't bother hiding it.

Rias' face turned into a frown as she thought of the incident. That all changed after the end of the final term of first year. One day Issei had simply disappeared without a trace. His parents called the police, and an investigation was done, but there was no evidence to figure out what happened to him. Rias herself along with her friend and rival Sona did some investigating in case it was something supernatural, but came up empty on their end. A couple months passed, and the police had given up the search and the Hyoudou's thought their son had become another victim of children who disappeared never to be found. That is until a 110 call came in and someone had found Issei in an alley with many cuts and bruises. He was quickly taken to the hospital and patched up by the doctors. Soon after the police arrived to question him about what had happened but were unable to get any information out of him. The doctors found that he had scar lines along his body and determined they were from some kind of surgery but unable to find out what the purpose was, even with x-ray scans. His parents brought him home and he spent a week recovering before he went back to attending school. His parents had to make arrangements with the school so that he could wear a shirt during school activities involving swimming, so as to not show the scars on his body. He also wore fingerless gloves at all times now and no one in school can seem to get him to explain why.

(Issei) I knew you were aware of my reputation, but I didn't think you were paying attention to me that closely.

(Rias) Well, it's my job to be informed about people in my territory. Although I wasn't this detailed about you. It's probably because you went missing in this world.

Issei accepted Rias' explanation with a nod. Ritsuka seemed to have a different question though.

(Ritsuka) What's this about you being an unrelenting pervert?

Some of the others laughed with Issei chuckling shyly.

(Issei) I've always been someone who has been honest with my desires and was never really afraid to say them, with a few exceptions. Naturally I would talk about my taste in women with my friends and well, you know how gossip in high school goes. That stuff spreads like the plague and most girls want you to have more tact than that.

(Akeno) Oh well, it's their loss and our gain. I'd rather have a man who was honest and upfront with what he wants rather than someone who danced around it all the time.

(Rias) It's also easy to misunderstand, since some people can't tell the difference between love and lust.

(Mash) I've been meaning to ask you, are you all going out with the same guy?

(Girls of the ORC) Yes.

(Sirzechs) Most of them are actually already engaged to him.

This news surprised the FGO group.

(Da Vinci) A real life harem in the modern day. You're a lucky man Issei.

Issei rubbed his head bashfully, but their talk was interrupted by a certain deity clearing his throat while looking in their direction. Everyone got the message and returned their attention to the screen.

Once he returned many of the students and faculty asked about what happened, but he more or less didn't give them an answer. Rias herself along with the Student Council President Sona went to greet him upon his return and noticed multiple changes with him. Unlike before he had become a bit calmer compared to his previously boisterous self. He had also become more fit from how he looked previously, not drastically so, but noticeable to the trained eye. When Rias had gone to greet him, unlike before where he would have been too flustered to talk to her, he had been kind and responsive, although Rias didn't miss how his eyes went to her breasts first before immediately returning to meet her gaze. The most important change however was noticed by both Rias and Sona. They could sense the power of a Sacred Gear in him, and it was powerful. They weren't able to tell what kind of Sacred Gear it was but the both of them had a feeling that it was the reason he had disappeared. This discovery caught their interest and they both wanted to recruit him into their respective peerages, but when they initially began to approach him, either with their other members or by themselves, they noticed that he somehow managed to avoid them. They weren't sure if it was because he knew something or if it was just coincidence, but it only added to the mystery.

She remembered how Sona had hypothesized that it may have been a devil that was responsible for his disappearance and that was why he was avoiding them, so they backed off of trying to recruit him for now. That didn't stop Rias from sending her Familiar to keep an eye on him however. Rias was shaken from her thoughts as the person in question had gotten up, apparently finished with his relaxation, and looked around only to meet Rias' gaze. He smiled and waved at her, which she returned, and then proceeded to walk off. As he walked off, Rias returned to her desk, continuing to mull over her impending engagement.

(Azazel) It seems that Issei has been keeping up with his training after leaving Chaldea. Being able to give you guys the runaround while keeping a low profile is no small task.

(Sona) It seems like he is aware of us too, even before we properly met. I wonder how our meeting will turn out now with a more even playing field.

Issei was walking back home, considering what his next move should be. He was well aware that something was following him and had been ever since his return from Chaldea. He had done his best to keep a low profile while gaining skill and power but honestly things had become quite troublesome for him. Although things are easier since he told his parents what happened and how he wanted to progress from there. He remembered the skeptical looks when he told them that he was summoned to another world and that magic was real. They considered calling the hospital again, until he showed them the Boosted Gear, that was a part of him, to them. Thankfully Ddraig was helpful in explaining both the truth of their world as well as what had happened to their son while he was away and that convinced them that he was telling the truth.

(Issei) Wait! I told my parents about what happened?! How did I manage to do that?! Kaa-san would have been a worried wreck.

From that point forward they helped Issei get whatever he needed to better prepare himself for the future since there was a chance of him being attacked at any time. The Hyoudou's didn't want to lose their son a second time, so they took whatever steps they needed to help him, though they were still worried for him and clearly wanted to do more. "I appreciate their willingness to help but there is only so much they can do," he said to himself as he walked home.

(Micheal) Seems like things worked out with them. They seem more determined to make sure they don't lose you again rather than trying to keep you safe.

(Da Vinci) This is what you meant earlier when you were talking about seeing what happened immediately after he returned, isn't it.

(Mythos) That's right. It would be just a short bit about people reacting to his return and him planning a course of action. I'll make sure to show it later.

I need to figure out what to do about the devils at school. If they're friendly maybe we could work something out, but they have the same family names as those of the 72 Demon God Pillars. I have to be cautious; it wouldn't be the first time a supposed friend betrayed me.

(Ritsuka) Wait, you guys are devils?

(Azazel) Not all of us, but most of us are. I'm a Fallen Angel, like we saw on screen earlier. Micheal and Irina over there are Angels. And most of the Devils are mixed with other races of supernatural beings.

(Da Vinci) So none of you are human?

(Issei) Not in this group, but most of us are formerly humans.

Issei thought back to Professor Lev and how he had been a plant in Chaldea the entire time. He wasn't that close to him personally, but others at Chaldea were, including the former Director Olga Animusphere, costing her her life.

She may not have been the kindest person, but she didn't deserve what happened to her. Issei remembered watching her die and the look of complete despair on her face. It still haunts him even after more than a year has passed since.

(Vali) Seems like he saw something that traumatized him.

(Ritsuka) It was definitely a terrible experience. Although it worked out for her later, if that's what you can call it.

Ritsuka's phrasing confused the DxD group while Mash and Da Vinci had downcast expressions.

He was brought out of his thoughts upon returning to his home. When he walked in the front door his mother greeted him. "Hi sweetie, how was school?" she asked cheerfully.

"It was fine. Nothing too exciting. How was your day Kaa-san?" He asked back cheerfully.

"Same old same old. Just cleaning the house and watching my shows. Dinner will be ready soon, so make sure to eat it before you go out tonight," she said with a grin. She didn't like the idea of her son going out at night, considering that was how he disappeared last time, but after they talked about how to move forward with what they know now, she conceded to her son's desires even if they made her worried.

(Issei) This is what I meant. Kaa-san can't stand violence. It took her some time just to muster up the courage to watch me in a rating game, and that's basically a competition in a controlled environment.

"I will Kaa-san. I have to wait for that little bat to go away before I can do anything anyways." He had made it no secret that he was being spied on by someone. He had considered not telling them so that they wouldn't worry, but ever since he came back his parents had been sharper about when something was wrong with him. So, he decided that there wouldn't be any secrets between them. This included Issei's "late nights out" that could possibly take a few days depending on what he is dealing with.

Well, let's see what I can find tonight. He thought absently anticipating tonight's excursion.

(Grayfia) This version of Issei is definitely no-nonsense. He seems to have everything planned out and cut off the internal issues by telling his family the truth from the beginning. Is this how you are Ritsuka-san?

(Ritsuka) Well, I wouldn't say I'm no-nonsense but when it comes to running our missions, I'm usually serious unless the situation is too ridiculous to do so.

The DxD crew were interested in what he meant by too ridiculous but decided to leave it for now.

The next day Issei and his friends were hanging out in the school yard watching the female track team do laps, paying especially close attention to the way their breasts bobbed up and down as they ran.

(Issei) You know, it's kinda nostalgic to see just me, Matsuda, and Motohama hanging out again. Not that I don't like spending time with you guys, but I guess my time with those two has fallen by the wayside a bit. Maybe I should plan something with them when we get back for old times sake.

(Asia) Why not invite them to the house?

(Issei) No way! They would go nuts if they learned you all lived with me. I know they were cool when they found out I was dating Rias but adding you all into the mix might be too much for them!

"Hey Issei, are you coming with us to the girl's changing room to peep? The kendo club is about to finish practice," Motohama asked while pushing up his glasses.

"Sorry guys but I have something to do today. Maybe next time," Issei said eyes still trained on the running beauties on the field.

The DxD crew stared in shock that Issei rejected going peeping with his friends while the FGO group were a little grossed out by his friends' suggestion.

(Koneko) Is that really Issei-senpai?

(Issei) I wanna say something, but I really don't have a defense for my earlier self.

Matsuda gave Issei a confused look. "What's up with you man? You haven't been out to peep with us in ages," he asked, baffled by how his friend had been acting for a while now. "You haven't come to watch any of the "special" videos we got either."

"Sorry, but well, I've had other things on my mind lately. There are things I need to take care of before-" he stopped himself from saying more, not wanting to get into it. His mind always traveled back to his kouhai Mash, who he promised he would return to.

The girls knew what was going on now based on Issei's expression.

(Irina) I see, that Issei is thinking about Mash-san. He's in love so other girls are no longer in his view.

The rest of the DxD girls nodded while Mash blushed heavily. Ritsuka had mixed feelings about watching this even if he knew this didn't apply to his Mash.

As Issei's mind wandered, Motohama suddenly rose to his feet, surprising the other two. "You Bastard! Don't tell me!" He exclaimed loudly. "Don't tell me you actually have a gi- GUHAA!" The frantic boy was interrupted with a punch to the gut. The commotion had gathered the attention of other students that were nearby.

Issei looked down at him, annoyed. "Don't let your imagination run wild. I have a hard enough time here without you creating strange misunderstandings. No, I don't have a girlfriend and I would appreciate you not making something up and creating chaos." He said with great irritation in his voice.

Issei wasn't stupid, he knew he had a bad reputation in the school for being a perv. It was kind of sad that that was the only thing he was being judged on because nobody bothered to try and get to know him. He only had a few friends in school, and they were the only ones who interacted with him amicably. Even though he cut back on his antics ever since he came back, he still got blamed because his friends would still get into trouble. It was a guilt by association situation for him, but he came to accept it, even if it irritated him.

(Rossweiss) Why does this Issei care about his reputation so much all of a sudden. Not that it's a bad thing but it seems like he became self-aware of his surroundings all of a sudden.

(Kuroka) So much so that he resorted to violence immediately to shut his friend up.

Unfortunately, even though he denied it the nearby students started talking amongst themselves about the accusation. "There's no way Hyoudou has a girlfriend." "Who would ever go out with a pervert like him?" "If he has a girlfriend, he probably blackmailed them." "Really? I feel sorry for them." And on, and on, the gossip spread like wildfire.

Issei frowned, agitated at what his friend started.

And there it goes. I'd have an easier time trying to befriend Tiamat or Goetia rather than stopping gossip in high school.

(Da Vinci) Damn. That bad, huh.

(Issei) It really is, especially when they're really invested in something.

He turned to his spectacled friend. "See what you did! Now there are going to be rumors about me being some malevolent blackmailer because of your carelessness!" He angrily stated at his friend who was now shaking in fear thinking he was gonna get hit again.

Instead, Issei grabbed his stuff and left for the day not looking forward to coming to school tomorrow to all the new rumors he would be bound to hear.

(Gasper) I feel bad for Issei-senpai.

(Issei) Thanks Gasper but looking back, I kinda deserved it.

(Rias) It's in the past now Ise. You have us now, so everything is fine.

Issei smiled at the others as they comforted him.

So I caved and decided to do the story in bold and leave the commentary as is. I believe you're all smart enough to figure out when Ddraig and others like him are talking, and if you can't you can read the original story. I'll fix the previous chapter another time. Anyways these rapid uploads is me testing how reliably I can work on these in case I need to upload a chapter in place of a regular one. Tell me what you all think. Also, the part when I talked about whether to do it chronologically or narratively was not a question for you guys. It was flavor text to feel more interactive between me and the characters. I look forward to the comments as always. : )