Becoming a Badass (High School DxD - Sacred Gearless Issei Hyoudou SI Chapter 5)

We ended up going through another barrier. Had that same film-like feeling pass over me.

Miko ran for a while, and I'm sure she was going much, much faster than a normal person or an Olympic runner, not that I have a reference for that. Gut feeling mostly.

We reached this mini stadium-like place, but with the stands made of wood on stone bases.

It looked like an exhibition stage with stair arrangement seats. The place was mostly packed full.

Miko reached a group of people near the elevated match arena in the middle.

One of them, a miko as well saw us, a look of relief came to her, as she rushed toward us. This miko looked younger than Miko, likely her junior. She had the standard miko outfit but with the pants in purple, black hair and... cat ears? Huh. My first catgirl. Neat.

"Miko-san! Where have you been?" The girl hissed at Miko.

"Sorry." Miko winced. "Something came up, Mimiko-chan."

"Hi! I'm something!" I waved excitedly at the catgirl. What? Sue me. She's pretty cute and I wanted to pet those ears. I jumped down from Miko's back, so I could stand beside her.

Mimiko took what look at me, and instantly her experssion fell to one of suspicion and annoyance.

Oh, guess I'm not petting those cat ears.

Alright, option two then.

"So where is Mimimiko?" I asked.

"Don't you start!" Miko said toward me with a lopsided smile, exasperated yet amused.

I smiled back innocently

"I didn't say anything. Also shouldn't you go and do what you're suppose to do?" I asked.

"Ah, right!" Miko said with wide eyes, before turning to Mimiko. "Mimiko-chan, please look after Issei while I talk to Saeki-sama."

"You know how she is about the rules." Mimiko said.

"Gotta try!" Miko said and rushed forward.

Looking at where Miko was heading, there seemed to be some big shot miko, talking to some senior people. Said important miko seemed, well, important because she looked like she was the one commanding the conversation with the old people around her.

I then turned to the match I felt it might be winding down. Not out of any expertise, but one combatant, the miko looked not tired or bothered at all (she wasn't even sweating), and the man, a kannushi who's middle aged, seemed exhausted.

Ah, the girl in the match must be the rival, Ayame.

"Whose that?" I asked.

"Scion of the noble Takahashi Clan, Takahashi Ayame." Mimiko replied, almost automatically, before scowling as if remember who she was talking to. "Issei, correct?" She asked, her tone filled with distrust. "From which clan do you hail?"

"Hyoudou, and it's not a clan. Just a normal family, by the way, what are the rules?" I asked pointing at the match.

"Huh?" Mimiko blinked at my sudden questioning.

"The rules. Tournament rules, Nee-san, what are they?" I insisted. There is a reason for this. Given that Miko was late, she was likely not going to be able to compete because of some bullshit rule.

So I need to bullshit some way for her to get in.

"I, um," Mimiko looked confused for a second, then sighed and shook her head. "The Selection of Appointment is a tournament between mikos and shinshokus," that is a Shinto priest. "Of all ranks from across Japan to display their skills and faith before Amaterasu-sama. Those most approved by her will be rewarded with being her Ladyship's next Appointed Priest on earth." She explained, deciding to humor me. "As for the rules, based on the number of points each contestant has, that determines the number of matches they can have. The point isn't to win, it's to impress Omikami-sama. Thus the more matches one competes in, the more chances they have to display their skill and faith to the goddess."

"Uh huh." I nodded. So exhibition tournament where fighting more is better than winning more. ...Kinda like the Chunin Exam Finals in Naruto. "So what determines the number of points you have to have more matches?"

"How well one did in the previous tournaments held in the last three years." Mimiko said.

"Cool. So like three tournaments preparatory, then the real deal this time." I said, and Mimiko nodded in confirmation. "And how many points does Miko-nee-chan has?"

"...Zero." Mimiko said looking down.

"Wha?" I blinked at that. "Did she always lose in her first matches in all the previous tournaments?" Okay, so Miko's like an under-underdog.

"She... never participated." Mimiko said with a sad sigh, then continued upon my disbelieved look. "Last year she injured herself training, thus couldn't compete. The year before she came down with a heavy fever after working an area struck by a tsunami, helping the survivors. And in the year before that..." Mimiko looked away in shame. "None of that matters!" She shook her head, before looking back at me in suspicion. "More importantly, if you are the reason why she was late this time, then please find a place to sit quiet and don't cause her any more problems." She said before she started looking for some place to dump me.

Hmm, knowing my anime tropes, I bet three years ago Miko missed the tournament because she was helping Kitty here for something or other.

Welp, Cat Miko's backstory can wait. I head toward the Head Priestess and Miko talking around something while the surrounding old guys or sycophants are whispering or scowling in disapproval at the unorthodoxness or whatever.

I ignore the catgirl miko's cry of surprise and shock upon looking back at me, and finding that I already left.

"Saeki Aoi-sama, please! At the very least I can still compete in one match!" Miko was saying to the Head Priestess with her head bowed and hands pressed together in prayer up high.

The Head Priestess was dressed in a very beautiful kimono in dark and light earthly brown, with a white haori over the kimono with elaborate designs. She also wore a shimenawa belt and necklace both decorated with jade beads and magatama. There was also the headdress that looked lika torii gate with a sun disk on her head. That really cemented who she was, the Priestess of Amaterasu-Omikami.

Her eyes fell at me for a moment, and... her hazel eyes were detached, yet held an odd warmth to them. A second later and she addressing Miko.

"You know the rules, Yamada Miko. You weren't here to add your name to the contestant list." She said in a neutral tone, that was harsh in how she was stating the facts of the matter, yet there was an undercurrent of sympathy to it. "However, while that could normally be excused if you have sufficient reason-"

"She does." I butted in, getting the eyes of the old people and the Head Priestess on me. Miko paled upon seeing me interrupting. Oi, have some faith in me, I'm not some asshole to throw you under a bridge. "I kinda got lost in the forests of the shrine, and the place was kinda scary with how quiet it was. I kept walking but couldn't get out, and ended up crying. Thankfully Miko-nee-chan found and rescued me. I probably would have starved there!" I said dramatically, even throwing my hands up to show how much of a big deal that was.

Miko was looking at me in new light and gratitude.

Head Priestess raised an eyebrow at me with slight amusement hidden in her eyes.

One of the elders present scoffed at my explanation.

"If that paltry reason is the only thing that delayed her, I don't see why we should bother letting her have a match." Old man complains. Other old men agreed like flocks of geese. Yes, yes, tradition, tradition, blah, blah, blah.

I kept my eyes on the Head Priestess Saeki.

"What is our role if not guide and protect Amaterasu's people upon whom her light sheds." Spoke Saeki, instantly quieting down the old folks nagging. "However," uh oh. "The simple matter is, there are no contestants for you to face in order to impress Lady Amaterasu, Yamada-san." Dun dun dun! "They have all been incapacitated, and anyone with points has already used up their matches. I'm afraid you were simply misfortunate once again Yamada-san."

Well, shit.

"What about her?" I immediately pointed to Ayame who just won her match.

Miko and Saeki looked toward Ayame who was preening at her victory, but trying to appear like she doesn't care.

Saeki turned to look at Miko with the barest of raised eyebrows.

"I accept!" Miko immediately said. "I would be completely fine with this match."

"Hmm..." Saeki wondered in thought. "I don't see any objection to it, but your opponent might reject your request."

"Eh?" Miko was thrown off. You can reject a match? "Reject a match? You can do that?!" Yo, I'm not from here so I'm surprised, but why are you surprised?

"Usually the challenger party that does so, are seen to be fearful or overwhelmed by their opponent, but in this case..." Head Priestess trailed off.

The reason didn't need to be said, Miko is the one who looks weak here, given that she didn't have a single match, and thus her challenge can be ignored. Also her opponent will likely seem magnanimous or merciful or some shit.

"Well, that's no reason not to try!" Miko hyped herself up.

Alright, I'm gonna do my part as well! Whatever that is! ...I'm the mascot character at this point, aren't I?

As the crowd died down, and Ayame approached the edge of the arena Head Priestess Saeki stepped up, walked up the stairs and stood before Ayame to address her.

"Takahashi Ayame," Saeki began. "Congratulations on your latest bout, once more you have preformed admirably in your bout, displaying qualities that would please our goddess in your skills and character."

"Thank you, Saeki-sama." Ayame gave a small bow.

"You have displayed enough merit for Amaterasu-sama to form an opinion on you, thus you could end your performance now." Saeki said plainly.

So this is polite speech for Ayame to consider other contestants that still want to have a chance to show off?

Ayame couldn't help but smile at the Head Priestess's words.

"I'm honored to have had the chance to show my merit, and await our Lady's judgement." She bowed again.

Saeki looked neutral, but I had the feeling she was annoyed. I mean, Ayame did kinda not notice the subtext. Then again was that obvious to most people, or did I notice because I knew beforehand?

"There is one last thing," Saeki said making Ayame blinked in surprise, before quickly regaining herself, trying to appear calm and collected. "There is one last contestant today that had yet to have the chance to prove herself before the goddess, will you give her that chance?" Saeki said while moving aside to show Miko who was standing on the floor around the arena.

Miko and Ayame locked eyes, one of determination and one of hidden annoyance.

"You," Ayame stepped forward to address Miko, while Saeki stood aside to let this play out on her own. "Who are you? What clan do you hail from?"

"I am Yamada Miko, fourth generation priest clan serving under Amaterasu-Omikami!" Miko declared.

"Fourth generation. Yamada." Ayame muttered under her breath as she tried to recall if she heard that name. "Hmm, I see." I don't think she recognizes Miko. Maybe Miko's family wasn't famous? "No."

"...Huh?" Miko blinked at the nonchalant answer.

"Your request for a match, I decline it." Ayame said disregarding Miko. "Its a shame but I suppose you were not fortunate to prove yourself before the goddess, but it would be too unfair to try and do so against me. Your courage is commendable, but you need to know your limits young one,"

"We're the same age." Miko said confused.

Ayame ignored her. "And not to reach beyond your grasp, lest your hand be felled." She finished, and began to turn away, as the matter was settled.

Alright, time to do what I do best!

"Then it is-" Head Priestess began.

"Wow! Amazing!" I shouted stopping Saeki from speaking and getting all the attention on me. Miko looked at me freaking out and worried. Ayame still had her back turned. "Takahashi-sama is so smart! Deny her greatest opponent the chance to even compete. Masterful strategist!"

"What?" Ayame was so dumbfounded by my sudden talk, she kind dropped her elegance mask, as she looked back at me making a commotion. "My greatest what?"

"I mean ensuring her victory by dominating everyone she could beat, and making the one person who would challenge her and have been waiting only to face her, a non-issue right away. Absolutely decisive strategy. Winning without even needing to fight, denying your biggest rival and blocking their chances of even preforming for the goddess. A three in one combo!"

"My what?" Ayame looked confused.

"Hey, you! Keep quiet!" Mimiko came from behind and grabbed me. "Ah, I'm sorry, everyone this is just a lost child and-"

"I mean!" I took Mimiko's hand away from my face and kept talking. "If you're tired that's completely understandable." I said with a shit eating grin. "If you had one last match and did badly in, that would sour your performance, that's understandable. Best to just end things while looking dignified. So," I gave a thumbs up. "Great job on your very smart move!"

Ayame looked at me with a silent expression, but there was definitely anger in those eyes.

Miko looked completely shocked and shit-scared that I messed things up.

And Saeki... actually cracked a smile.

The silence dragged out with Ayame staring intensely at me, likely trying to scary me, and me just grinning back with a thumbs up held out. Miko stared between us in trepidation.

After a while with no one daring to interject, Saeki cough.

"Well then, now that that's over-"

"Lady Saeki?" Ayame spoke with a restrained tone.

"Yes."

"I accept the last match." She said with a polite smile, her eyes were closed. And she was definitely emitting murderous intent. Aaaah, there's the eyebrow twitching. "Yamada Miko, isn't it?" She said turning to Miko. "I'm sure this honorable bout will be memorable, against my... greatest rival."

"...Bring it on." Miko said with a brazen smirk.

"Very well, it seems both shrine maidens are in agreement. Let the last match of the day commence, and for Amaterasu-sama to be delighted in your faithful performances." Saeki declared.

Mimiko in her shock at this turn of even let go of me.

Miko looked back at she climbed the stairs saw me, turn the thumbs up toward her, and sneakily gave me one back.

Saeki stood before the two mikos, saying some words or other. Likely pre-match normal referee warnings or something.

I looked around the stands on where I could sit. There was an area that had a hole of people. There was one person sitting in the middle with a lot of space given to them. A lot of chairs around them in all directions empty like a donut. They even had a mini-shrine roof with sheets obscuring them.

Seems like an important person. I'mma go sit next to them.