Chapter 3

Shinto Teito was a calm town before the Sekirei Game began, which led to many people trying to find a Sekirei and get them winged to their person so they could enjoy the benefits of a sugar momma.

However, it was challenging because the Sekirei had supernatural physical abilities that made others run away. However, the more persistent ones were more observant and waited for the right time to strike.

Just like the one who's forced-winged Yashima, the Hammer Sekirei, to his person.

"Come here, you bitch!" Tanigawa Junichi, Yashima's Ashikabi, said before Yashima meekly nodded her head before approaching a beaten-up person who was protecting another Sekirei, who was shivering in fear as she saw her Destined One defeated before they could kiss.

Yashima bit her lip before lifting her hammer above the soon-to-be Ashikabi's head. She looked at her fellow sister once more before apologizing.

"I'm sorry," Yashima shouted as she was about to bring down the hammer, quite literally, until someone stepped in.

"I'm afraid I can't allow that," a voice said, making the four-person group look around to find Issei Hyoudou standing at the end of the alley, waving at them with his right hand and his cell phone out on his left one.

"My apologies for interrupting your attempted murder, but I'm afraid I'm here to turn you both in for not only violating the rules of the Sekirei but also for breaking the law," Issei said in a calm tone which made Tanigawa growl at Issei before shouting him.

"Who do you think you are, kid? Go to your classes or something! I'm not breaking any of the damn rules of this stupid game!" Tanigawa shouted as Issei was silent before flipping open his phone, taking a picture of Tanigawa, and sending it to someone.

A few seconds later, the phone rang, and Issei answered it. He then spoke to the caller.

"Is he the guy?" Issei asked before nodding his head as if agreeing with the caller.

"Uh-huh. What about the Hammer Sekirei Yashima?" Issei asked as the caller replied to him, making Issei nod his head.

Yashima, Sekirei # 84.

The Hammer Sekirei.

Sekirei Type: Weapon User.

Yashima is a weapons specialist who fights using a hammer. She has enough strength to lift her massive hammer, swing it around, use it to block attacks, and generally fight at a rapid pace despite its weight. She also displays immense speed and enhanced reflexes. As with all other Sekirei, her Norito boosts her powers, which is somewhat impressive, but unfortunately, without her hammer, she's defenseless in fighting back against her enemies.

"Very well. Thank you, sir." Issei said before ending the call and pulling out a badge.

"My name is Issei Hyoudou. Ashikabi of the Disciplinary Squad, and we're here to bring both Tanigawa Junichi and Hammer Sekirei, Yashima, in for questioning, violating the rules, and attempted murder. If you come in peacefully, then we won't have to resort to force." Issei said, holding out his MBI badge and making Tanigawa scoff at him.

"Hah! You expect me to think that that crazy old fart on tv chose a kid to do his dirty work for him? What a laugh!" Tanigawa laughed before looking at Yashima. "Bitch! Get rid of him, or I'll make you pay."

Tanigawa ordered, stiffening Yashima's movements. She still nodded, obeying her Ashikabi's orders before lifting her hammer and bringing it down on Issei, who didn't even flinch.

"I'm sorry!" Yashima cried out before the hammer landed on her target, and then she heard a loud sound.

CLANG!

Yashima was shocked by this since she didn't see anything metal on Issei before the hammer began to move from underneath her. She then tried to pull her hammer back until the hammer's head, which was down where Issei stood, began to crack. The metal of the hammer began to bend inwards until the hammer's head was shattered into pieces.

"W-What?"

"What the hell? No human could catch the bitches hammer!" Tanigawa shouted in rage as Issei appeared with his right hand upwards and didn't look dazed by the hammer before cracking his neck.

"Now, can we discuss this like mild-mannered people, or do I have to get rough with you?" Issei asked as he snapped his fingers, only for Yashima to be pinned by Benitsubasa, who held her on the ground before leaning in her ear.

"Try anything, and I'll snap your neck," Benitsubasa said, causing Yashima's eyes to widen, recognizing the Crimson Sekirei, who was well known for being violent and aggressive in battles, before Tanigawa let out a yell as he was pinned to the wall with a sheet of ice. At the same time, Issei walked over to the down Sekirei, who was helping her Ashikabi up before smiling at them.

"You're safe now. Leave and be happy with each other," Issei said with a small smile, making the Sekirei thank Issei for saving her Ashikabi's life, as did the Ashikabi thank him. The two then left while Issei smiled at their retreating forms before turning back to Tanigawa. He pulled out his phone again and tapped the number he called before putting it on speaker.

"My boss wishes to speak to you," Issei said before holding the phone out for a hologram of Minaka Hiroto, who didn't look amused.

{So this is the violent delinquent who's been causing a stir in my game. Such a bad sport this one is, wouldn't you say Issei?} Minaka asked while both Yashima and Tanigawa were shocked to know that Issei Hyoudou actually knew Minaka Hiroto.

"Indeed he is. Do I have permission to execute this little Shit and cleanse the world of his filth?"

{...Is the girl still bound to him?}

"I'm afraid so."

{Then do it.}

"As you wish," Issei said before snapping his fingers, making Akitsu nod. She formed an ice sword in her hands and walked towards Tanigawa before Issei spoke to him.

"Any last words before Akitsu ends your life?" Issei asked as Tanigawa began to beg.

"W-Wait! I-Is it money you want? I can pay you double, but not triple, the amount Minaka is paying you!"

{Hah! Can you pay him even a tenth of what I'm paying him? Ahahah! Oh, it never ceases to amuse me how simple-minded people like you, Tanigawa Junichi, act when your pathetic, miserable lives are being threatened by someone superior to you in all ways.}

"Also, you enjoyed torturing other people with your Sekirei just so you can assert what little pride you have and punish Yashima, who follows your orders after the shit you put her through, such as force-winging her to your pathetic existence," Issei said before snapping his fingers as Akitsu sliced off the pig's head before it rolled on the ground.

Yashima's eyes widened as a white van pulled up to the alleyway before Issei began to speak to them.

"Clean this up. The Disciplinary Squad will take Yashima to MBI for medical treatment. She's out of the game." Issei said before the men nodded as Benitsubasa put some cuffs on her that weren't necessary since Yashima was weak without her hammer but didn't struggle as Benitsubasa and Akitsu led her to MBI while Issei was chatting with Minaka on the phone.

"How did he know about Yashima's location? You said you always monitored their location to ensure that the people who wing them adhere to the rules.

{Unfortunately, it is an annoying bug known as Seo Kaoru. An old 'friend' of my former colleague and friend Takehito Asama, but really he's just a freelancer who mooches off your landlady when he's low on money because Seo thought he was tough Shit, he can make good money.}

"So he took data from you while he worked at MBI?"

{Correct, and it's possible that idiot sold that information so he can make some quick cash. He's like a cockroach that's hard to find in a city, so if you find him, punch him for me since I would've fired his ass years ago if it wasn't for Takehito wanting to help his friend get a job and off the streets.}

"Gladly. This guy sounds like a douche, but mind giving me the information on any other Sekirei who he sold out so we can keep an eye on them?"

{Of course. Luckily, Akitsu was actually one of them, but since she's yours now, then that takes care of her. However, the other ones besides Yashima are Sekirei 11 and 12, Hikari and Hibiki, and the Raiden Twins, who can manipulate Lightning. They've already winged themselves to him.}

"Why would they do that?"

{Apparently, since he was their handler, they fell for him and thought he was 'manly' or some nonsense like that.}

"...You can't be serious."

{Deadly.}

"...Okay then. Who else besides them?"

{Sekirei 13, Amebane. He's a fist-type Sekirei, so be wary of him since he's a bit sadistic and gets a sick sense of pleasure from beating up women. I don't know what happened to this guy, but you do not want to show mercy to him, especially since he is very bloodthirsty. Not as much as Karasuba, but still a bit crazy.}

"Understandable. Judging by his profile, I'd say he almost reminds me of either Diadora or Freed. A sick freak who gets a kick out of controlling other women as if they're toys for them to take advantage of for their sick pleasure."

{Huh. Azazel told me about those two when you and your group dealt with them. The next one is someone who you are already familiar with since they live right next door to your home.}

"Oh yeah? Who?"

{Sekirei # 10, Uzume.}

Issei's eyes widened during the walk, and he bumped into a pole almost until Akitsu saved him.

"Thanks, Akitsu," Issei said, smiling. Akitsu led him the rest of the way before Issei spoke back to Minaka. So you're telling me that Uzume is a Sekirei?"

{I take it you didn't know?}

"I honestly thought she was just a cosplayer with all those costumes she wore yesterday."

{Oh, come now. Surely you sensed a lot of power within both Kazehana and Miya, yes? All of the residents of the Izumo Inn are Sekirei, who are very powerful, but Miya is the one Sekirei who is the strongest one out of all one hundred and eight Sekirei.}

"You kidding me, right?"

{Nope! So you don't seem to be so surprised, why is that?}

"When I first saw Miya, I could tell she had a lot of power within her, but I didn't seem to sense the others. I guess that Miya's aura overwhelmed their aura so that I couldn't sense theirs at the party."

{That makes sense since Miya used her aura around her home to ward off intruders and other Sekirei, which is why the Northern Area of Shinto Teito is a feared part of the city.}

"I see. Thank you for that bit of information. So what's the deal with Uzume?"

{Apparently, Uzume was actually working with another Ashikabi to eliminate a few others in exchange for her soon-to-be Ashikabi's medical treatment, but the girl lost her life before Uzume could wing her, so I'm afraid Uzume hasn't been able to react to anyone else.}

".. Shit. I know what that's like. Watching someone you love die right in front of you even after you tried so hard to save them." Issei said, thinking back to when he and Asia first met and the other times he fought tooth and nail to try and save her from Diadora kidnapping her before he thought she died and entered Juggernaut Drive, almost killing himself for the girl's life.

{Would you like the others?}

"Yes. Give them to me back at the main office. We're almost there anyway with Yashima." Issei said before ending the call.

Akitsu still enjoyed walking beside him, hugging his right arm and holding his hand on the same arm before Issei spoke to her.

"How is she?" Issei asked, making Akitsu smile before she replied to him.

"She seems to be submissive since she's not fighting back. Why is that?" Akitsu asked before Issei replied to her question.

"Stockholm Syndrome. She created feelings for her 'master' in order to survive being with that bastard. Now that he's dead, Yashima no longer has to play the role to survive. She'll need to mentally recover before even entering the game again, so we should make sure that she's taken care of before Minaka thinks of sending her back out. Issei said as they were coming up to MBI before the trio took Yashima to the medical department within the building.

Akitsu and Benitsubasa stayed outside the main office while Issei gave Minaka his report on Yashima's condition and her unfitness for the Sekirei Game.

"That is why I believe she should be given time to mentally and physically recover from this event so she can not only find someone who actually is her Destined One," Issei concluded. At the same time, Minaka looked over the report before nodding his head.

"I can see why you are asking for her to be given time to recover. Normally, physical cases can easily be taken care of, but for mental cases like these, it damages the Sekirei." Minaka said before stamping the approved stamp on the suggestion.

"I do have a question, however, about the winging process between Ashikabi and Sekirei. How does it work since if what you told me is that the bond between an Ashikabi and Sekirei is tied together, so why didn't Yashima suffer the consequences of her Ashikabi being killed?" Issei asked since he was told a bit about the winging process but didn't fully understand it.

"Ah. Now that's a different story," Minaka said before pulling out a remote from his desk and tapping the button to reveal a large flat-screen television that showed what looked like a slideshow.

"The winging process is easy to understand if explained correctly. So let's begin with how a Sekirei is terminated from the Sekirei Plan." Minaka said as he began his presentation.

"There are two ways to terminate a Sekirei: The first is through defeating them in physical combat by inflicting a sufficient amount and severity of damage, while the second option is for an opponent to touch the crest at the nape of their neck and recite their Norito," Minaka said as Issei began to watch the slideshow with the presentation.

"The crest then disappears, indicating termination. A Sekirei whose crest has disappeared cannot function. The severity of physical damage to a Sekirei is categorized into five levels, going from one to five, the former being the most benign and five being the most severe; Damage Level Five is effectively the actual death of the Sekirei." Minaka said, surprising Issei before the show continued.

"According to Takehito Asama, my old friend, as long as terminated Sekirei don't approach their 'Death' as living creatures, they can be put to sleep after special surgery depending on the level of termination. They are then taken to a specialized facility where their body is kept alive. But a living body does not mean the Sekirei isn't dead; the loss of their crest is equivalent to death for a Sekirei." Minaka said, shocking Issei as he saw the videos before the show continued.

"There are two ways to fix these "broken bonds": one involves being the last remaining Ashikabi and using the assembled Jinki. The second is a result of Sekirei # 108, Kusano. Her Norito is capable of healing the broken bond between Sekirei and reviving them." Minaka said as he ended the presentation before Issei asked.

"But that still doesn't explain how Yashima wasn't affected by the death of her Ashikabi."

"I'm getting there. Be patient." Minaka said before he continued. "Now, as for Yashima's situation, it actually has to do with the force winging that occurred between her and her former Ashikabi. For you see, if a force winging occurs, then there is a 75 percent chance that the bond between them will be so weak that it can be easily destroyed when either is defeated. And after looking at their relationship, it was guaranteed that Yashima would suffer no backlash from her Ashikabi being dead."

"But if they were able to make a strong bond?"

"Then it would be the same if we dealt with any other duo."

"I see. What will happen to Yashima now?"

"We'll keep an eye on her here and make sure she recovers from her injuries, but I may ask Azazel for some help since I have a feeling that she may need to go with him to recover for her mental health."

"That would make sense since she's definitely not going to want to reenter the game after this. May I still see her?"

"Of course, but only if she wants you to, since she might be a bit mad you killed her 'beloved' Destined One."

"Fair point," Issei said before Minaka pulled out a small folder and handed it to him.

"These are the Sekirei who were sold to the public. Most of them are good people, but a few bad birds are in the flock, so be wary of them. I trust you'll be able to handle them if they cause a problem?" Minaka asked.

"No problem. Plus, it'll be fun since it was actually nice being able to help someone after being out of action for a while now. I'm glad that Yashima will recover. Hopefully." Issei said before thanking Minaka; he then left the office to see Yashima waiting with the duo in her normal clothes before she looked at Issei and asked.

"Is he really dead?" Yashima asked with nervousness in her eyes and voice before Issei walked towards her and pulled her into a warm hug, making Yashima's eyes widen before Issei whispered into her ear.

"He's dead. He can no longer hurt you." Issei whispered, causing Yashima's eyes to water. She then began to cry into Issei's shirt while thanking him for saving her from the nightmare.

Issei didn't say anything else; he just patted her back and comforted the damaged soul. He could tell that if he had been saved back when Issei was still his naive, perverted self after Raynare killed him, then Issei was positive he could've become the same as Yashima.

A soul that was betrayed and hurt when all they desired was love and acceptance.

Akitsu looked at her and could tell that Yashima was similar in a way to the one who was once broken and was possibly forced to live a life without feeling love until her Ashikabi came in and saved her from that loneliness within her icy heart.

Issei and Yashima then separated before speaking to her.

"Somewhere out there is your Destined One, and I have faith you'll find them."

"Do you really mean that?"

"Yes. I do." Issei said before that she had a good feeling that Yashima would find someone who would love her and give her the warmth she deserved for the girl. She was nothing but sweet and kind, albeit a bit shy.

The Disciplinary Squad then left MBI, with Yashima thanking the three of them for saving her before saying a prayer to the creator of their species.

"Aphrodiel, the Weaver of Bonds, please look after Issei Hyoudou and his heart. He is a good man and saved me from a fate worse than death. Please watch over him and guide me to my true Destined One." Yashima said as she prayed to the name of their creator.

At Olympus.

Aphrodite smiled as she saw the Sekirei's soul before smirking at the name the Sekirei called her by due to her embodying the aspects of love and bonds, which were what made the Sekirei special, well that and their powers they were gifted.

Aphrodite then looked at the hearts of others before her eyes widened at the one whose heart was resonating with Yashima's own heart. The Goddess then smiled at them before connecting their hearts and waited for the two to meet.

"I wonder how the King of Shadows will react to seeing Yashima?" Aphrodite said, amused by the idea of the King having a Sekirei as a wife and Queen.

With said King of Shadows.

Santiago felt a warm sensation enter his heart while with Azazel before the Fallen Governor got off the phone with a friend of his from Shinto Teito.

"A Sekirei? Oh, of course, I'd be happy to take her in, but are you sure you're okay with this since it might mess with the game?" Azazel asked before hearing a response from his friend.

"Okay, I'll send my associate over to bring her over," Azazel said before ending the call and turning to Santiago. This caused the Shadow King to sigh, knowing Azazel wanted something.

"Yes?"

"I need a favor," Azazel said, causing Santiago to sigh. He knew this had to do with the call, but little did Santiago know he'd be getting four special girls from just one trip to the same town that the Diablo Dragon resided in for the game.

Now, back to the Diablo Dragon.

"Do you think she'll be fine, Issei-sama?" Akitsu asked before Issei replied to her.

"I have a feeling Yashima will be just fine and that she'll find her Destined One sooner than later. Call it a gut feeling." Issei said before Benitsubasa stopped in front of Issei as she readied herself for a fight.

"Hm? What is it Benitsubasa?"

"Someone's at our home. And whoever it is, they're not from the Izumo Inn." Benitsubasa said as she gritted her teeth before Issei calmed her down by patting her head.

"We don't pick fights first. We'll see who they are and what they want, and if they want to fight, then we'll give them one." Issei said before the trio continued to make their way to their home to see three people standing at the front.

The first was a woman with short, distinctly fringed, and spiked grey hair and violet eyes, who is usually seen wearing red half-moon glasses. She wore a long and elegant light purple outfit similar to a corset that has frills around the neck and under her large breasts and a belt secured around her waist. A side slit runs down her outfit from the thigh down. The loose covering of her hand has a purple strip running across it.

The second was a dark-skinned Sekirei with jet-black hair and violet eyes. To complete her black attire, she wore a bikini top beneath a small hooded shawl, a buckled sarong, a choker, wristbands, and leather knee-high, heeled boots.

Finally, the third one was a woman as well, but it was smaller since she was a short and petite female with short, slightly messy yet straight purple hair and olive green eyes. She wore a ruffled white blouse under a long black dress that framed the blouse and left a box-like cutout, exposing the blouse around her chest. Ribbons are a prominent part of her ensemble, and she wore several purple ones, including those on her hair and over her breasts level to her collarbone. She additionally wears dark heels and long white gloves that reach her elbows.

"Hello there. May I ask who you three are and why you're in front of my home?" Issei asked, appearing a bit stoic. He made sure his voice was cold to intimidate the intruders, who worked on the gray-haired librarian and small maid girl while the dark-skinned one smirked at him.

"Apologies for loitering, but might you be on the Disciplinary Squad Ashikabi, Issei Hyoudou?" The dark-skinned one asked while Issei raised a brow.

"You know me?"

"Hah! Know you? I've been trying to find you in the shadows all day after watching your introduction to the game." The dark-skinned woman said before pulling out a phone and showing a video of Issei training with Benitsubasa and Akitsu as well as the execution of Yashima's Ashikabi.

"Issei Hyoudou. The Disciplinary Squads Ashikabi has made his mark as the Ashikabi of the North due to his powerful duo of Sekirei and showing that he can match the superhuman Sekirei. Everyone has been commenting on how you're not human and the like." The woman said before giving Issei the phone, who was surprised by the video before reading some of the comments.

This guy is clashing with the Sekirei as if it's nothing. What does he do? Does he not skip leg day?

Also, that execution was flawless! The bastard deserved it since I knew that creep and wanted to help her but didn't know how without him sicking her on me as if she was some dog.

I'm surprised since he looks no older than twenty-one! How is he that strong?

Hah! I bet the Sekirei are going easy on him since a human cannot clash with Sekirei.

"Amusing," Issei said before giving the phone back to the woman. "I take it you have some business you wish to discuss with us?"

The dark-skinned woman smiled with glee as she nodded before introducing herself.

"Allow me to introduce myself. Sekirei # 57, Yahan, the Shadow Sekirei. It's a pleasure to meet you, Issei Hyoudou." Yahan said before the others introduced themselves.

"I am Sekirei # 101, Oriha, the Chakram Sekirei." Oriha said as she curtsied to introduce herself.

"And I am Sekirei # 22, Kochō. I'm not a fighter, but what I lack in muscle, I make up for in intelligence." Kochō said, fiddling with her glasses before Issei snapped his fingers as if recalling something.

"Now I remember where you are! I saw your file, and you are one of the only two who use technology to fight, right?" Issei asked, making Kochō smile as she nodded her head in response.

"Y-Yes! You are correct Hyoudou-sama. I wish to offer my services to you before my counterpart, Matsu, approaches you." Kochō said before Issei patted her head.

"Don't worry. I honestly didn't know about Matsu being a Sekirei until today, but I figured she couldn't leave the inn for another reason, so I'd be happy to have you on the team." Issei said with a smile, making Kochō feel happy after feeling the energy spike from when Issei released Akitsu from her chains.

Kocho did research and hacked into areas of the digital world that not even Matsu could access. This allowed her to learn more about Issei Hyoudou's life—his school life, family, where he grew up, friends, and quirks. She even found out that he was someone she had been following online for a while now.

The Red Dragon Emperor.

Due to Kochō not being part of the Disciplinary Squad, she was able to practice expanding her powers. When she saw a crimson figure enter the social media, she found out about the Red Dragon Emperor and his many battles as well as his TV show, which was very popular in children's shows.

Kochō was amazed by the personal interview of Issei Hyoudou and was so invested in him that she even donated some money to his show and appeared as an anonymous caller for the show when the Underworld press was speaking to the Gremory peerage individually about the after-effects of the war and how they're helping out with the loss that occurred in the factions.

So when Issei answered her call, his response was to help Kocho confirm her desires with Issei Hyoudou.

"Excuse me Issei Hyoudou. I've heard of your incredible feats, but are you worried about what's occurred after the war, with the damages and losses on all sides?"

Issei pondered this question before replying to the caller.

"You are not wrong. Many lives have been lost due to the war, and Trihexa was no easy opponent, unlike the many others I've defeated, and if I'm being honest, I was afraid I was going to die."

"But you're the Red Dragon Emperor. Doesn't that mean you aren't afraid of death?"

"What kind of question is that? Of course, I'm afraid of death. I've already died once when I was a human due to naïveté and arrogance to the supernatural world, but there's something that scares me more than death—the look on someone's face when they're filled with despair and fear. I know I'm a bit reckless, but I also know that if I didn't do what I did, then those children would be dead, along with their families. I also know many good people I know, such as Riser Phoenix, who gave his life to protect his little sister when she was about to be killed."

"I heard about that, but it wasn't your fault. Riser knew what he was doing and-"

"No, you don't understand. I knew what Riser was up to, and before he died, he told me to look out for Ravel. I know that his loss hit his family hard since I only knew Riser for a few years, but when we started as enemies, we became good friends, and he changed into a better man and King. What is my mantra? Living a life with no regrets. Yes, I know that I have power, but I'm not arrogant enough to think I'm invincible. That's why I live my life to the fullest, look forward to tomorrow, and wish to help the factions repair the damage and rebuild their homes so they can continue with their future and live a life with the ones they love."

"...Thank you, Hyoudou-sama. You confirmed that you are as I thought."

"I'm honored that you still wish for me on your team, and I promise to give it my all!" Kocho said with confidence, making Issei smile at her before letting the three girls into their home.

Yahan was a bit surprised to see that the house was very spacious and clean before sitting on the couch across from Issei, with Akitsu and Benitsubasa standing at their sides.

Oriha was amazed by the tidiness of the house before sitting on the couch next to Yahan while Kocho decided to stand up for the meeting/interview.

Issei leaned back in his chair before speaking to them.

"So tell me, what do you bring to the table? I already have an elemental user and a fist user who are very skilled and are getting better with the training I am providing for them. Kocho already has a secure position since having one of the two strategists is not only a good fit for my team, but she can also assist me as a second in command for strategies for the other Sekirei."

Issei said, making Kochō feel warm and confident that she could assist her Ashikabi and, even better, rub it in Matsu's face that she had the best Ashikabi of all while she remained stuck at the inn.

Yahan felt slightly intimidated by Issei's presence before swallowing her spit and began.

"Like I said before, my powers are shadows. My fighting technique revolves around stealth and strategic use of my surroundings. Using the shadows, I can teleport to any location and perform surprise attacks. However, my skills in unarmed combat are average among Sekirei, mostly fist type users, so to make up for this drawback, I use this." Yahan said as he summoned a curved dagger, which impressed Issei since it looked as though she could wield it in conjunction with her teleportation abilities. While using both her power and daggers, Yahan can easily overpower and confuse enemies.

"Hm. Impressive. You definitely fit the role of an assassin, but I have to ask, have you ever had any actual training when you were born?" Issei asked, making Yahan sheepishly twirl a piece of her hair in her left hand before replying to him.

"Unfortunately, no."

Issei was quiet at this before nodding.

"I see," Issei said before looking at Oriha. "And based on your title when introducing yourself, that makes you a weapon user, correct?"

Oriha's body stiffened as she was called on before nodding in response.

"T-That is correct. I don't have much experience fighting, and my skills are in far-ranged attacks," Oriha said before Issei closed his eyes as if he was thinking about something. After what felt like hours when it was really just a few minutes, Issei opened his eyes again.

"From what I understand, your situation is that you are not as powerful as a single-digit Sekirei and have tried to improve your skills, but it seems you don't truly know how to improve yourself. Is that what I'm hearing?" Issei asked before Oriha and Yahan nodded in response.

"Then I only have one thing to say to you three," Issei said before his eyes met theirs. Shall we seal this with a kiss?"

Yahan, Oriha, and Kocho were surprised by this before Issei explained his intent.

"The purpose of this interview was to see what kind of person you three were before learning of your abilities. I have yet to read the files on all of the Sekirei, so I do not know about their personalities, fighting styles, and such, which is why I wanted to see your true thoughts in my home. You can learn a lot more about a person when looking into their eyes and what a little fear can bring out. My apologies for that, but I had to make sure you weren't overstating your experience and abilities since I've seen people who were very arrogant in combat and boasted about their skills only for them to come up short in actual battle."

Issei said that the three Sekirei were amazed by this explanation before thinking he was someone like the legendary Sekirei Number One.

"So shall we seal this with a kiss?" Issei asked before Kocho went first. The librarian was nervous until their lips met, making Kocho moan. She felt weak under his aura, and her wings appeared to be light gray.

"By the blessing of my Ashikabi, the Obstruction that blocks my path will be cleared," Kocho said before collapsing in the chair because her knees felt like jelly after the kiss from her Ashikabi. Yahan was kissed next, and the dark-skinned beauty moaned because she was a bit enthusiastic in her kiss, using her tongue to invade his mouth.

"From the shadows of my Ashikabi, my Darkness shrouds all our enemies in our way. In the void between worlds, our bond is forged." Yahan said as she felt her shadow connect with her Ashikabi's own shadow.

However, she suffered the same fate as Kocho since her knees were jelly and soft as well. But unlike Kocho, who was panting with a red apple face, Yahan was smiling with a bit of tint in her cheeks.

"Fuck yeah. Now that was a kiss." Yahan said before she watched Issei gently kiss Oriha, who slipped her arms around his neck as if they were snakes before Oriha began to moan a bit as the chakrams began to float and spin as if resonating with their owner until the kiss ended.

"These flying gears represent my pledge. Cut away the enemies before my Akishabi." Oriha said before Issei asked Kocho about the phrases that they said after being winged.

"What are the phrases you and the other Sekirei say after being winged mean?"

"W-Well, in our culture, a winging process is actually similar to marriage, so in Sekirei terms, we are married now," Kocho said, making Issei's body stiffen before hearing that word until a cool embrace brought him back from entering that part of his mind.

Akitsu looked at Issei with concern and worry before kissing his lips, causing her wings to appear once more while Issei felt comforted by her presence.

"Thank you, Akitsu. I apologize for my reaction. I was just taken by surprise."

"It is understandable, Issei-sama."

"There's no need to call me Sama. We're a team, a family, and if what Kocho said is true about your culture, you're my wife as well, which makes us equals." Issei said, making Akitsu blush as she placed her head on his forehead. The two looked at each other once more until they shared a deep kiss that made all of the other Sekirei in the room wish they were in Akitsu's place instead.

'Oh fuck! My mark is making me feel so hot right now and begging me to be kissed again.' Benitsubasa shouted in her mind.

'Oh my! So this is how his aura feels after winging five Sekirei? No wonder many other Sekirei in the area nearly wet themselves with this aura near them. It feels like being wrapped in a blanket of fire that protects you from harm.' Kocho said as she analyzed the aura Issei was now radiating and how it was even larger than any other Ashikabi in the city.

'Shit! I want to jump him right now and ride him to next week! Does he have any idea how turned on I am right now?' Yahan asked herself as she felt weak being near the aura while Oriha wished to please her Destined One in bed and shower him in love and vice versa.

Eventually, the kiss ended with Issei seeing their reactions to the kiss. He was surprised as his heart and soul felt warmer and lighter for some reason.

'Is this what you meant when you said there are those who would heal my heart, Aphrodite? If that's the case, then you are right. My mind, heart, and soul are feeling freed from the fear I have in them.' Issei said as he felt the love of his Sekirei comfort him.

Issei then thanked Akitsu before he opened a portal in front of him and reached into it, pulling out a black box that seemed very special and protected since there were chains on it. Issei whispered some words in a language that even the Sekirei couldn't comprehend, as the chains were released from the box before Issei opened it.

"And now for the next item of business," Issei said as he revealed the contents of the box: a chess set.

However, one piece stood out among them all: The King Piece, which seemed to be more of a dragon. It had a golden crown and strange markings on it, similar to the Boosted Gear, before Issei picked it up and smiled at it.

"This is a very special gift that my brother, Y Ddraig Goch, the Dragon of Domination and partner who was a part of me before he saved my life, left for me," Issei said, as he revealed his Dragon wings, surprising the three new Sekirei before Issei spoke to them all.

"In six months, there will be a tournament filled with powerful people from all over the world, and I wish to enter this tournament and show the strength of my peerage and myself, so I want to ask you all a question," Issei said before asking the question.

"Do you wish to join my peerage?"

The five Sekirei were surprised by this, but Akitsu then walked towards her Ashikabi and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"If we accept this or not, then will you still be our Ashikabi?"

"Yes. I don't want to force you into this decision unless you wish to join my peerage. It's your choice, not mine." Issei said, making Akitsu smile once again before replying to him.

"Then allow me to be the first to join," Akitsu said before Issei smiled at her and pulled out a Bishop piece, holding it out to her.

"Akitsu, do you accept the position of becoming my Bishop and will fight by my side?" Issei asked, Akitsu's soul screaming at her to take the position before Akitsu nodded.

"I, Akitsu, the Ice Sekirei, accept this position and shall fight by your side, Issei Hyoudou, my Ashikabi, and savior," Akitsu said before the Bishop piece glowed as it then entered Akitsu's chest, causing Akitsu's eyes to widen before she rushed to the backyard until her aura exploded as her body began to transform into something else.

Akitsu's voice and ice covered the entire backyard as her body began to grow scales on her arms and legs, claws appearing sharpened and ready to slice through her foes. Her wings appeared on her face before solidifying as actual wings, and finally, her forehead bore the mark of the dragon symbol that was on the Bishop piece.

The other four Sekirei were shocked by this, but Akitsu came back, appearing as a dragon. She kissed Ashikabi's right cheek and rested her head on his chest.

"I am honored by this opportunity, and I am ready to stand by your side," Akitsu said before the other Sekirei accepted their positions. Benitsubasa became the first Rook, and the other three became the first three Pawns of the Diablo Dragons peerage.

The transformations of all five Sekirei caught the attention of some Sekirei and Ashikabi who saw the footage due to a certain Sekirei of Wisdom who was amazed by the transformations and her body feeling like she was standing near a flame that was so powerful it spread to the entire northern area of the city.

Kazehana and Uzume were shocked by this, as their marks began to resonate with the aura, while Miya and Homura felt differently from the aura from Issei's home. Homura felt like his flame was increasing in power and size due to the Flame Sekirei beginning to become more powerful and a bit heavy on top.

Miya may be the strongest Sekirei of all one hundred and eight, but her aura resonated with Issei's as if the heart within her desired to go to Issei and become his Ashikabi so they could heal each other. Miya also saw Takehito in front of her, and he told her that it was okay for her to heal and find someone who could truly love her as he did and someone who could truly understand her pain.

Karasuba at MBI Tower felt the powerful aura surge, which made her heart soar at the idea of fighting against Issei Hyoudou since she had to restrict herself from going to Issei and clashing with him as he was leaving MBI Tower due to her battle-maniac side wanting to fight with him right then and there. However, his aura was much higher now, and the fact that he was able to do something to the Sekirei that made them even stronger than before excited Karasuba to no end.

"Yes. Yes. This is what I wanted. An Ashikabi that can truly make me feel this way and can give me a battle worth fighting!" Karasuba said, feeling her heart desire for battle while Minaka watched this and sent the footage to Azazel.

{This is incredible. This is phenomenal and can help the Sekirei grow even stronger and help them exceed my expectations of how strong they could become now!}

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The boy will truly become the greatest Ashikabi in this game, and I have very little doubt that he'll lose the Sekirei Game." Minaka said, recalling Azazel putting down a bet that Issei would be the one to rise to the top.

"By the way, how is your associate doing with Yashima and the Dark Trio?"

{Sombra? Oh, he's taking excellent care of Yashima, and the Dark Trio are really enjoying their new Ashikabi and his training. It is such wonderful research that makes me excited for the future Azazel Cup!}

"I'm still invited, right?"

{Of course! What are best friends for?}

"Thank you. It will truly be an honor to see such a spectacle involving not only powerful beings from all over the world but also the Sekirei."

{Indeed. This Sekirei Game has taken a turn, and it's not even the second phase yet.}

"Indeed. That's why I'm glad you sent Issei my way; I knew he would be just the wild card I needed in the game. Someone to mess with the power play and possibly become the one to achieve my dream. The one who controls the fate of the Sekirei race and the one who stands as a God among men." Minaka said, excited about this development since Azazel told him about the pieces that Issei had and what they were capable of before the Game Master was excited to see them in action.

The Sekirei Plan was still in Phase One, but Minaka felt that it would soon change to Phases Two and Three.

Scene!

The powers of the Dragon Pieces are far more powerful than the Evil Pieces since they were created by Issei's power as a parting gift from Ddraig when he sacrificed himself and the past users to save Issei from death at Trihexa. This made Issei into a true Diablo Dragon, a combination of the powers of both a Devil and a Dragon.

Issei's pieces not only grant the powers of a Dragon to their host but also increase their powers with their Dragon Pieces.

The Pawns: The base form of the Pawns grants the user Promotion to become a Knight, Bishop, Rook, and Queen while the user's abilities are increased.

The Rooks: Originally, it only increased physical strength and durability, but now it increases all physical attributes, such as stamina and agility, along with the other two attributes, to make the user a powerful Paladin.

The Knights: Originally, only speed and mobility increased, enabling them to perform high-speed attacks and maneuvers. Their main weakness is their low defense, making them vulnerable to powerful attacks if they are not careful. However, thanks to the Dragon Pieces, not only increased speed and mobility but also reflexes and eyesight, so the Knights can be better protected against sneak attacks if the user is skilled in long-range weaponry.

The Bishops: Originally, the wielder gained enhanced magical abilities which they can use to conjure up a multitude of spells (offensive, healing, etc.), but the more powerful spells consume most of their magical power, which takes a long time to regain, forcing them to use their power carefully or risk becoming vulnerable to physical attacks. However, the Bishops of the Dragon Pieces not only do the same thing but also allow the user to replenish their mana much faster than most species and casters. Not only that, but their magic grows as the user trains to become stronger.

The Queen: The Queen allows the user to have all the powers of the last three pieces but also has a unique skill: Domination. It allows the users to project an aura of Domination that suppresses those who are weaker than the Queen. The Pawns can access the Queen as well, thanks to Promotion, but there is a catch. If the Queen Promotion is used, then the Pawns can only use it for a limited time due to how draining it is since it takes a lot of physical and magical energy to use it for long periods.

Lastly, the King: the Leader of the peerage who doesn't receive any benefits like the other pieces do, but instead, the user gains the title Dragon King that allows not only the user to give direct orders to the pieces.

Issei Hyoudou's Peerage:

King: Issei Hyoudou.

Queen:?

Bishop: Akitsu.

Bishop:?

Knight:?

Knight:?

Rook:?

Rook: Benitsubasa.

Pawns: Yahan, Kochō, and Oriha. Five pawns remain.

For those wondering why Ravel isn't in the peerage, that'll be explained in the next chapter. While sixteen Sekirei may take up the Peerage, Issei will add four to the flock. Santiago will also have some of the Sekirei since it'll be an enjoyable battle with two Kings who have the Sekirei at their side.

Let me know who should join both kings in a PM or review. See you next time!