Becoming a Badass (High School DxD - Sacred Gearless Issei Hyoudou SI Chapter 3)

The tour of the Ise Shrine consisted of the miko, Miko, taking us to all the famous locations while making some commentary.

"And that is the Main Sanctuary of Outer Shrine, the Divine Palace of the Geku, dedicated to Toyouke-hime! Goddess of Food!" Miko said enthusiastically.

And me added my own.

"And your favorite Goddess?" I slyly asked.

"And my favorite-Wah! Of course not! Not that Toyouke-hime isn't a great and revered deity, but my favorite is obviously Amaterasu Omikami-sama!" Miko corrected before narrowing her eyes at me. "Why did you think Toyouke-hime is my favorite?"

I pointedly looked behind before the area of the Geku, where there were shops, cafes and restaurants, then looked back at Miko.

"No reason, you just seemed happy to be here." I shrugged while wearing an innocent smile.

Miko blinked at my words, looked at where I stared, then back at me, then at the shrine of Toyouke-hime. She looked back at me with twitching eyes.

"No. Just because she's the deity of food, doesn't mean she's my favorite." Miko said back pouting. "I don't eat that much." Lie. I don't know why, but there was this deep instinct within me, that told me this was a lie. "And I exercise a lot anyways!" She crossed her arms, while closing her eyes and looking proud.

"What does food has to do with anything?" I tilted my head, holding back on laughing.

"Gak!" Miko was thrown off. "B-But you said!"

"What did I say? I just said you looked happy to be here." I smiled, like butter wouldn't melt in my mouth.

"Grrrrrr! Smartass brat. Next destination!" Miko pumped her hand in the air, and we moved on.


"Now, it was such a shame that we didn't catch the bus to the Inner Shrine, but wasn't that a nice walk? But there it is now, the Inner Shrine's entrance, the Naiku." Miko said smugly. "Really Issei, you didn't have to push yourself. Mama-san or I could have carried you for this walk. You would still have been seen as a big boy, you know. Are your feet okay?"

"Meh." I shrugged my shoulders. It was only a thirty minute walk.

"Eh?" Miko blinked in surprise. Sure she had spent that time entertaining my parents with a lot of trivia about shrine and stopping by some shops on the way so they could buy food or drinks, but it really wasn't that difficult of a walk.

"Issei regularly jogs around four or so miles every morning." Mom clarified with a proud smile.

"EH!? What? Aren't you ten? Are you human?" Miko overdramatically held an arm to her face while looking at me shocked.

"One, I'm eleven. Two... Heh." I cheekily smirked at her, because her implication was that walking the bit we just did was too much for her. Or maybe it used to be.

"Tsk." Miko's eyebrows twitched again.


"This is the famous Ujibashi Bridge! Said to separate the land of normal world from the divine realm of the Naiku where the Ise Shrine lays!" Miko said with genuine cheer, that I didn't feel like ruining her mood. Then she stopped at the side of one of the bridges rails, while looking at me with a mischievous smile. "But you know, they say the waters under the bridge represent the the mystical world of the Youkai, where the magical and the mundane intertwine. It's why there's an urban legend about it."

"An urban legend?" My dad asked nervously.

"Yes~!" She turned to me like I was the one who answered. "A legend about a scary old ogre that would come out and drag down naughty kids by their feet!" She said out loud all of a sudden, even raising her arms in the air.

""Heeek!"" My parents cried out in shock as they held each other.

"But of course it's just a story, you know." Miko quickly said looking a bit apologetic, then pouting upon seeing my non-reaction.

"There, there, Miko-onee-chan." I patted her arm.

"Huh?" Miko looked confused.

"Those stories are just things they tell kids to get them to behave, there's no need to be embarrassed that you fell for it." I said 'encouragingly'.

"I definitely didn't fall for it!" Miko pulled her hand away, while shouting.

"Miko." The voice of the old crone came from behind Miko.

It was the old lady that pushed her to give us the tour to begin with.

"AAAAH! THE OGRE IS HERE!" Miko jumped back in fright.

"Who the hell are you calling 'ogre'!" The old miko wacked Miko on the head before quickly looking at us with an apologetic smile. "Oh, I've heard that you all missed the bus and ended up walking here. This idiot should have just had you wait for a while. Please accept our apologetic free meal after the tour, and one free item from the gift shop."

"Ah, no, it really was nothing, plus we passed by the Okage Yokocho, so over all it was a lovely experience." Mom said right away to ease the situation.

And yeah, the old shops street was pretty nice. I'm sure Miko only had us stop there so she could enjoy the sweets there as well.

Huh... Likes food. Strong tomboy girl, who's a miko. Is she an anime protagonist? Wonder what the inciting incident of her anime plot will be?

"Ah, I see! That's good, that's good! Enjoy the rest of your tour." The old miko smiled in relief and gratitude.

"Dammit, Chiyo-obaa-sama, did you have to hit me so hard? I can do a good job when I put my mind to it." Miko said rubbing her head.

"Heh, we'll see about that tomorrow." The now named, Chiyo snorted.

"Tomorrow?" I asked. Let me guess, that's the start of Miko's anime pilot.

"Ah! It's um...!" Miko failed to come up with an explanation, while looking panic.

Okay, seriously calm the fuck down, you're just making yourself look more suspicious.

"There's gonna be a practice ceremony to see who will carry out the kagura this year." Chiyo easily offered and explanation.

"Yeah! That!" Miko quickly nodded.

Oi, seriously! Stop acting so suspicious!

"Oh, like some kind of dance tournament?" My dad asked.

"Can we come watch?" My mom jumped in, looking intrigued and excited.

"Uuumm..." And now Miko was panicking again.

"I'm afraid it's a private affair for mikos-in-training. We wouldn't want them to feel ashamed if they preformed in a subpar manner. Plus, you can all see our miko dancing for the kami in splendor at the next Autumn Grand Festival." Chiyo said enthusiastically.

Miko sighed in relief. Seriously. Stop looking suspicious.

"That sounds lovely, right, dear?" Mom asked, holding dad's arm.

"Yeah, I think maybe we can plan a trip by then. Maybe." Dad offered back. He wasn't gonna get another paid vacation this year, was he?

"Well, I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay." Chiyo smiled and gave a us a small bow, that was returned as she was on her way.

I waited until the old miko was well out of ear shot, as our group finished crossing the brigde, as we were now in the Naiku proper.

"So, 'ogre', huh?" I started, smiling toward Miko.

"Chocolate bar for your silence." Miko said right away, taking a chocolate bar from a hidden pocket.

"Wow, you're the best tour guide I've ever had!" I cheered, and accepted the bribe.

"She's the only tour guide you've ever had." My mom said in a dry tone, but I pretended I didn't hear anything. I see that you're not actually against me being bribed.


Eventually we continued our tour, seeing the rest of the site of the Inner Shrine, along visiting the mitarashi for cleansing. I suppose using the river water felt kinda... more spiritual than the water basin of the temizusha.

We finally headed to the Kaguraden Hall of the Inner Shrine that represented the home of the Amaterasu Omikami on earth.

...Well, the public area at least, in front of the shrine, the Honden. We didn't enter inside the shrine itself of course.

Regardless, mom, dad and I still made our prayers, and we just staying silent. Or rather I was, as my parents were finishing their prayer.

I... couldn't think of one to wish for. I mean, even that gods are real and all, what would I even say?

'Hey, I kinda feel listless. Can you give me something to do, or live for? Or grand me a purpose I'd be happy with?'

It just... felt weird to actually think or pray that to someone who would listen, since I, myself, don't know what the fuck I want outta life, or how to fix the malaise I was in.

"Hey Issei, you know, I used to pray at this shrine to make sure your mother could safely deliver you." My dad said outta nowhere, while keeping his eyes on the shrine, a gentle smile on his face.

Here it comes.

"Yeah?" I was curious. I knew this story of course. It was the only story that was noteworthy about Hyoudou Gorou. The one that really showed his character and how badass he was for a normal person.

I wanted to know how he saw that event from his perspective.

At the same time I felt an emotion squeeze my heart. Like the subject about to be discussed was too heavy, that I didn't bare to hear it as well.

But I pushed myself to listen all the same.

"Hmm," he nodded. "Before you were born..." Dad looked at mom, who had a melancholic smile, but nodded. He wrapped his arm around her waist and hugged her to his side. "Your mother and I tried to have kids, but..." She ended up miscarrying. "Sometimes what we wish for doesn't come true. Twice we lost..." Dad looked at me with a sad smile. "We almost had a child, but... didn't get the chance to know them." He didn't need to say it. I was a 'smart' kid after all. I understood.

"Oh..." I heard Miko standing some ways behind us let out a sound of surprise, covering her mouth with her hand. She stayed quiet, letting us have our moment.

"So, the day your mother entered the hospital a few days before we were expecting you, I was in a daze. I felt lost and I didn't know how to help my wife, or help you." Dad chuckled. "I think I went insane, because I left the hospital that day and just... ran."

"...Ran?" I blinked at that.

"All the way to here, the Ise Shrine." Dad said with that calm smile, as mom squeezed the hand hugged her.

I blinked at hearing that, almost like I couldn't believe it.

"Wait, ran... here. Like from Kuoh all the way here?" I asked once it registered what he said.

"Well..." He looked bashful. "There was also a lot of walking." He chuckled.

"Dad..." I was lost for words. "It took four hours with the bullet train to get here. On foot it would take..." I tried to calculate it, but I just couldn't. My mind felt heavy from just the emotional impact of what he told me.

"Three days." Dad nodded with finality, that gentle smile felt overwhelming. "Three days and a half to be precise. I barely had any food, except for some that a kind lady with a bright homely presence to her gave me on the way. I was living on coffee and water just to stay awake. I didn't sleep, I just rested my feet an hour or so each day, and by the time I reached the shrine my shoes were completely eaten through and torn to pieces. I didn't even realize I was barefoot in the snow till I finished the hyakudomairi." He chuckled bashfully at that.

My eyes widened, as I just... stared at my father. And the enormity of what he had accomplished.

Since gods exist, of course they would have heard his prayer. Even if they wanted to ignore it, they would have still heard it!

"...Oh shit, he's that Hyoudou." Miko whispered in shock behind us.

My head snapped back looking at her in shock. Almost as if I couldn't believe her words, that her recognition changed my dad's words from a story into reality.

And I could see it in her eyes, before she flinched away in shame at interrupting this family moment. Recognition.

She had stared at my parents with newfound respect and recognition.

"Dad..." I turned back to that my father and that damning, kind smile. "I..." I didn't know what to say.

What the fuck do you say to that?

"And do you know what I prayed for all this time?" Dad crouched down to place his hands on my shoulders. I could barely shake my head no, as I was paralyzed with just... everything he was telling me. "You. I prayed for you to be born safe and healthy. For your mother to have a safe delivery and be in good health and spirit. Just that."

"Dad, I'm..." My eyes stared to tear up. I wanted look away in shame that I was taking this life for granted. That I was whining about being born not special, being glad that I won't be involved in life or death magic battles, and then whining about not being involved in them. I told myself I'm not special and I was fine with that.

...But how can I dare say that now, when my dad when through so much to ensure I was here today?

"I didn't pray for a genius son. I didn't pray for a physically strong son. Or someone that would bring honor to the family or make me proud. You already do." Dad said, and mom kneeled down next to him, placing a hand on my head. "I just wished for you to be born safe and healthy. I prayed to meet you and my prayers were answered." I started crying. I looked down not because of the tears but because I started sobbing. "So Issei... I won't tell you that whatever you're going through to not feel bad and be happy, just that... I want you to know you're not alone."

"We're here for you, Issei." Mom said. "Whatever comes in the future, whatever you end up doing, we'll always be there for you."

"So never forget that. You were born into this world because you are wanted, because you are loved." Dad said.

"That is why, you're our Issei." Mom finished for him.

I cried out loud, unable to keep my voice in. I cried and hugged them, and felt their arms cover me. I cried and a storm of emotion that was locked out erupted out.

I cried... as even if I tried dampen it, the world was alive before me, and filled with color.

The world was alive as I am. This was my life and I have to live it.

My parents love was real. Their love was heavy. It was suffocating, having to reciprocate that love and expectation. Even if their expectation was for be to just be happy.

Yet I wouldn't give up that love for anything in the world.


"...Aaaaand this is the gift shop! Don't forget that you have one free item that you can purchase." Miko said enthusiastically as we entered the shop that was along the exit.

"Oh wow, that's a lot of things." Mom said.

"Are those... miko costumes?" Dad asked.

"Oh yeah, a lot of kids tend to want to imitate the mikos and priests of the shrine, so we had costumes made for them to cosplay as so they can play, or maybe inspire them to become real mikos or priests." Miko explained.

"...A lot of those are adult sized." I couldn't help but point out.

"Hahahaha, oh you know, some kids are really big. Aahahahahaha!" Miko laughed nervously while looked away.

I stared at Miko with a deadpan look. She kept nervously laughing and not meeting my eyes.

"Ah, well, we're... gonna look around." Dad suddenly said, furtively.

"Y-Yeah! Look dear, they have a lot of amulets here. Let's look closely at one to get for good luck." Mom quickly said.

And then they left to walk around the shop.

They left to get the miko outfit in secret. I thought while continuing to give Miko a dry look.

She kept sweating from anxiety and shame.

I sighed and looked away, letting the issue drop. It wasn't that important. Even if they were kinda skeevy for selling a sexy outfit of their uniform. Or is this a situation of 'better we do it ourselves and profit from it'.

"Hey, um..." Miko started to talk. "Was the trip... nice for you?" She said.

Well... at least she's trying to socialize with me after that heavy talk.

I still felt... listless about the future. I still didn't know what path to walk or if I wanted to try anything I didn't do in my past life. If maybe seriously trying to be an artist, to paint or play guitar would work or I'm destined to fail at that. Or even dare to go that route. Or if I should focus on just making a lot of money by exploiting future knowledge, or actually go for making a manga. Since I'm born in Japan and all.

But that storm of emotions... doesn't feel as bad, as insurmountable to deal with as it was before.

"Hey." I finally spoke to Miko.

"Ah! Um, yeah?" She jumped at me suddenly talking to her, when I was silent for a long while.

"I know... that throughout this trip I was giving you a hard time, but..." How to say this? "Your reactions were pretty entertaining."

"That's a shit apology." Miko deadpanned back.

I snorted and laughed at her reply.

"The thing is, the reason why this trip was fun for me, was because of you. Thank you, Miko-onee-chan." I said, thanking her genuinely. "If I ever had an older sister, I would have actually liked her to be like you."

"Tsk... It's not fair if you're actually that sincere." Miko crossed her arms, and looked away, a flush at her cheeks.

I chuckled at how cute she was being at the moment.

"Oh my," Mom's voice reached us. We looked to the side to see my parents have finished their shopping. "Looks like you two made up." She chuckled.

"Ah, I, uum," Miko looked bashful. "Sorry if I acted childishly, I'm still learning how to be a proper miko."

"Oh no, it's fine. I've never seen Issei so taken by another person, let alone another girl." Dad teased.

"Ooooh?" Now Miko had a smug look on her face. "So this is what they mean by boys pulling on the pigtails of the girls they like? Does little Issei-chan have a little crush on Onee-chan?"

"You know what dad, you're right. Let's leave this place. I don't wanna develop weird tastes when I grow up." I drily said back.

"When did I say that?" Dad blinked at that, while mom giggled.

"You know what, you're not cute after all! What the heck do you mean 'weird taste'? It's perfectly fine to have a miko fetish!" Miko cried out.

My parent guffawed.

"What the hell are you shouting in front of the customers!" Chiyo-obaa-san sudden appeared from the backroom of the shop, and wacked Miko on her head.

"Wah! Surprise Ogre!" Miko screamed in fright.

"The hell are you calling an 'Ogre', you brat!" Chiyo shouted back, and started lecturing Miko, much to my parent's and my amusement.


"Thank you for visiting the Ise Grand Shrine and we hope you will visit us again soon." Miko said to us in a dull, and just tired voice.

We were at the Naiku exit as we waited for the bus. It was visible and on its way to us.

"This was a lot of fun, Miko-chan. If we come again, can you please guide us once more." Mom smiled radiantly, her happy tone made it difficult for Miko to refuse.

"We really are thankful for your help today, Miko-chan. I hope we'll see you again next year." Dad said.

"Uh, um, thanks." Miko blushed at the compliments. "I'm not actually part of the tour guide group. This was more of a one-day-thing, Chiyo-baa-san forced on me as training, but if you visit again, I wouldn't mind touring your family again." She said with a smile, before looking at me and frowned. "..." She sighed.

I chuckled back.

"I hope to see you again, Miko-onee-chan." I said, having a small smile of gratitude.

"Yeah, yeah." Miko sighed and rubbed her hair, before just holding a palm toward me. "Alright here: Great and honorable Amaterasu-Ōmikami, who illuminates the heavens and earth, we stand humbly before you. With purity of heart and spirit, we ask for your divine blessings. May your light guide and protect Hyoudou Issei, bringing them peace, health, and prosperity. We offer our deepest gratitude for your nurturing warmth and the life you sustain. Please accept our sincere thanks and continue to grace us with your benevolence. There. A Miko prayer for you. Now shoo along, kid-" After Miko said that prayer she suddenly stopped and looked at me in surprise, blinking a few times, before staring at me closely.

Miko then bend down toward me, placing a hand on head as if checking me for injury.

"Is... something the matter?"

"Huh." Miko stood back up, holding her chin in thought. "You're really easy to bless."

"...What?"

"Isn't... that a good thing?" Mom asked.

"Huh?" Miko blinked as if forgetting my parents were there. "Oh, yeah, yeah, definitely. You know how some people you have to pray for them multiple times for good things to happen to them, and others just seem fine right away the moment someone wish them luck?"

My parents and I nodded.

"Yeah, it's basically like that. It just means people that have a hard time being bless is because their hearts tend to not accept the well wishes of others, while people that are easy to bless are those with a welcoming heart." Miko looked at me amused. "Was just surprised that such a troublemaker actually had such a cute side." She chuckled.

"Yeah, I'm not gonna change opinion of you, even if you flip the tsundere to the dere side. You sold my parents fetish miko outfits, there's nothing you can do to change your image for me. The sudden wholesome talk ain't gonna cut it." I said back.

My parents blushed and looked away at that.

"You are the worst child I ever had to look after!" Miko cried out.


Next day.

"Yo!" I waved in greeting.

"Wah!" Miko cried out, dropping her mop that she was using to clean some leaves from the temple stairs. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you guys have left this morning?"

"Yeeeeah." I chuckled and rubbed the back of my head. "So turns out there's a bit of a mess with my dad's scheduling, we missed the train, he called his office, and they are trying to work it out. Since this today is the weekend, we're here until tomorrow or we'll leave Monday morning."

"...Oh no."

"You get to have more time with me, Onee-chan!" I smiled wide and spread my arms as if going for a hug.

"Noooooooooo!"