Welcome to the next chapter of The Twin Dragons, but before starting. Let us answer some reviews:
Altair: Yeah, I can imagine that Sona blushing will always be one of the cutest things. I would be adding those interactions down the line. It's a shame neither of them was mentioned thus far, despite what was happening in more recent later volumes.
altair95: Thanks, and I'll continue doing just that.
Guest: I look forward to writing those moments since it'll be the most hilarious thing to imagine. And it'll be cute (or terrifying) seeing a jealous Ophis since I can't imagine that aside from Great Red, there isn't anyone in the world who would stop her.
nexusplayer: Yes, an update. And here's another one.
Gotenks486: Well, Lilith would share the same emotions and reactions as Ophis, meaning that she would be more attached to Kazuki on instinct.
Phantom Reader: I would say that Kazuki achieved better results since he awakened Balance Breaker first. It would be the same as Kiba, who was viewed as their Ace instead of Issei. He was also trained by the Strongest Exorcist and Dragon King. Well, I can imagine that Sona would join in on their training, as she does live in the same house, and the same thing could be said about Ravel. Kazuki did train with two powerful people under almost the same conditions and that would be another thing, more so considering what Issei creates next.
I'd say that, Kazuki was the first person to call Tiamat's dragon form beautiful before even seeing her in a human form. No doubt, considering that Ddraig lost almost half of her treasures, because of the fight against Albion. Yeah, I used that moment to show how strong Kazuki became from training. I based it on Murasama from Metal Gear: Rising Revengeance.
I mean, come on Grigori in itself is unethical and unsafe, look at how they train most of their Sacred Gear users, who're often humans. But, that would be a thing considering that Raynare was almost broken by it and undergoing an untested body modification surgery. Well, we'll have to wait and see how many wings she gained from the summer training, with that being a cute moment. It's surprising to find someone who was born into the Church and knows more about the outside world than someone who trained there. Well, she goes on several missions and it wouldn't be odd if she learned some things.
There were some interactions between Kazuki and Sona, with them having a good relationship built from their first and second years. It was also a good moment with Saji, who has been feeling that he's lacking when compared to Issei, who has been becoming stupid. I'm sure that is going to be hilarious since he wants them to have a relationship and Kuroka does that. Thanks, I'm glad to hear that you liked the chapter.
1. It was supposed to be limited to summer training. So, he can at least use the wings for flight. But, it would be awesome.
2. Well, some more hints about how she is, are going to be revealed at some point. I think that at least one person guessed who she was depending on the situation.
3. I would like to have an Isekai OC who was skilled at certain things on their own aside from whatever is gained from that world while being Otaku.
Dragons and Cats
At Koneko departed from the party sponsored by the Maou, having witnessed something that she never thought that she'd see there. Standing around, she witnessed a person's black cat familiar. If it was a normal familiar that belonged to a Devil, then Koneko wouldn't have paid it much mind. However, the presence that it released wasn't one that she could ever forget. An anxious feeling spread throughout Koneko as she stood in the elevator going down to the first floor.
"…."
Koneko couldn't stop her feet from tapping on the elevator floor repeatedly, incapable of holding herself back. It was unknown whether or not the black cat would still be there when the elevator doors opened. But, the fact that it was there in the first place meant that she was being led somewhere. However, none of that mattered right now at this moment.
DING!
As soon as the elevator doors opened, Koneko rushed outside of the doors before the two opened all the way.
"Watch it!"
"Hey!"
"Hey, watch where you're going?!"
It didn't matter whether or not Koneko was receiving some comments and complaints from the people around her from High-Class Devils. She just continued heading forward as the black cat seemed to continue leading Koneko in whatever direction it was headed.
"…I can't be…. But, I…couldn't have mistaken it for anyone else…. …it has to be here…."
Koneko said, unable to come to terms with the answer and chances in front of her. No matter what the result would end up being, she felt the utmost fear and anxiousness building up within herself. She realized that it was a bad decision, however, there was something within herself that was drawing Koneko over there. Koneko wasn't able to stop herself and simply continued without thinking about turning back.
Back outside the building, Issei and Rias, both of whom noticed that Koneko left the party in a rush followed behind her. However, neither of them was aware of the reason, Rias not knowing where Koneko went sent a red bat, her familiar out to locate her. It has been some time since the red bat started surveying the entire location from the air, leaving them there to wait. Seeing as Koneko had a head start, before either of them even left down the elevator, it was the easiest solution.
"As I thought, Koneko's behavior is abnormal."
"Yes. However, what was Koneko-chan following out here?"
Both Rias and Issei kept talking to one another about the oddness of Koneko's expression and actions thus far.
"I don't know. But, she hasn't been herself since the start of the summer training," Rias stated, finding herself all but looking forward and wondering about the Rook in question. "But, it's not like her to run off like this."
"Should we tell, Kiba and the others about this? I'll send my familiar back in case something happens, but let us first find Koneko before all that."
Rias stated, finding herself looking forward to finding that her red bat familiar was flying back towards them.
Holding out her hand, the red bat found itself perching on Rias' hand, then moved her arm much closer towards her ear. It then proceeded to explain what it found out about the exact direction that Koneko was heading in with an accurate explanation.
"It seems it found her," Rias said, as she continued listening in to the red bat. "In the forest? So she's gone to the forest surrounding the hotel?"
"Eh?! Why on earth did Koneko-chan head out there?"
"I don't know. But, as I said before, Koneko isn't the type to head out that far without a reason," Rias said, as her familiar floated off her hand and back into the air. "But, we'll find out soon enough. Let's go, Ise."
"Right, Buchou!"
As loyal as always, Issei followed behind Rias as the two continued heading in the same direction that Koneko was heading in. Both of them were headed deeper into the forest in the darkness of the night, being much easier for them to maneuver around from training, more so Issei, who gained survival skills in the mountain, now named Mount Ise with Tannin.
Soon enough, Issei and Rias found Koneko standing in what looked to be a clearing, where the black cat walked to where a familiar young woman was waiting around. Issei and Rias hid behind a tree's shadow, witnessing the cat nuzzling up to their owner, who returned the affection. Witnessing the black-haired young woman, Koneko wasn't able to hide the surprise and emotion on her face.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?"
It was revealed to be Kuroka, who was sitting there with her black cat familiar resting on her lap and receiving a head pat. Despite sounding so casual and nonchalant about the greeting, Koneko was shaking from the reunion with her older sister. Witnessing the similarities between them and the young Nekomata's reactions, neither Rias nor Issei needed many indications about Kuroka's and Koneko's relationship.
"…You…."
Koneko couldn't seem to gain the courage to say anything other than that as she was staring at her older sister, who abandoned her a long time ago.
"Hello, Shirone. It's me, your Onee-chan."
Kuroka stated, once again maintaining her usual casual air.
"Kuroka-neesama…."
And the conversation between them was more than enough of an indication of their relationship, which was a painful thing for Koneko.
"Onee-chan is impressed that you managed to come this far following after my familiar that snuck into that ol boring party, nya," Kuroka said, finding herself letting an impressed sound escape from her mouth. And then sent the black cat back to another location with a magic circle. "I was a little bit worried that my dear Shirone wouldn't have noticed her dear Onee-chan's invitation."
"…Nee-sama. What is this about?"
Koneko asked, the anger could be heard in her voice.
"Don't make such a scary face. I just had some minor business to take care of here. I heard that the Devils were holding a big party here, you know. That's why I was a little interested, nyan," Kuroka stated, waving her hand in a catlike manner and winking, something that Issei found adorable; something that caused Rias to pinch him but maintained discreetness. "Your precious Onee-chan wanted to see her adorable imouto. I also wanted to see the person who's going to be your future brother-in-law."
"…eh, who?"
Koneko looked confused instead of angry or frightened, tilting her head to the side.
"Kazuki-kun. I could sense from here that he's gotten much stronger over the summer break," Kuroka mewled a bit at the thought of seeing Kazuki after training over the summer break. "I'm sure that his body became far more developed from training too, nyaa!"
"…!"
Issei was preparing to voice out a complaint, but Rias held him back from doing so as much as possible, seeing it as the worst possible time.
"…," Koneko didn't give a single response about that and instead remained blank face at the thought of that. "…I actually might not have a problem with that."
"Hahahaha, could it be that you're a member of the Gremory group?"
A familiar voice came out, revealing himself to be Bikou landing a close distance from Kuroka, holding his staff in his hands with a jovial look. Surprising enough, he turned his attention over towards the tree that Issei and Rias were hiding behind with a joking look. Both looked worried that they were caught, but neither of them thought the three Youkai could sense their presence.
"You thought that Kuroka and I couldn't sense you, right," Bikou stated, turning his attention over toward them. "I regret to inform you that simply hiding your presence isn't enough. People, such as me and Kuroka who learned Senjutsu can detect you by the slightest change in the flow of your spirit."
At Bikou's comment, Issei and Rias realized that the two of them were caught, then decided to come out into the open without resistance. Witnessing them there caused a surprised look to appear on Koneko's face, not thinking that someone was following her.
"…Ise-senpai, Buchou."
"Yo, damn, Monkey-san. Is Vali doing well?"
"Hahahaha, pretty much. As for you…," at that, Bikou looked straight at Issei and could sense that the aura that was around him, was much denser compared to the last time the two encountered one another. "Heh, so you've become a little stronger, huh?"
"Eh?"
Issei seemed confused that Bikou could tell such a thing from their small interaction, making him whether or not, it was the same as what he did before.
"Didn't I tell you? I also have an interest in Senjutsu, and I know the flow of your spirit to a degree. The volume of aura that covers you has risen since we last met."
Bikou explained, making him think about the conversation that he had with Rias' mother after Koneko exhausted herself about the technique of the last Sennin. But, even then, Issei didn't know what Senjutsu was. However, it's a power that sparked fear in Koneko.
"By the way Buchou, what is Senjutsu? Is it different from demonic power and the magic used by Magicians?"
Issei asked, wanting to understand more about it.
"Yes. Senjutsu is, in fact far different from demonic power and magic. But, the biggest difference is that Senjutsu stresses the importance of something called a chakra, described as one's aura, the great original power flowing into one's spirit. In other words, one's aura then turns it into a constant current. It's similar yet different from demonic power and light power. Its direct destructive power can't rival either, but Senjutsu can make use of the unknown parts hidden within plants, animals, and living beings. If one learns Senjutsu, they excel at reading the exact flow of a person's spirit, their aura, grasping their movements from a far distance to a certain extent."
Rias explained something to Issei to understand it more and more.
"We can also control the flow of spirit, or Ki, reinforcing our bodies on an internal and external level. It's possible to disturb the spirits of surrounding trees, making them bloom or wither, nya," Kuroka meowed, letting out more of a dangerous presence as an act of intimidation. "Senjutsu can manipulate the flow of life after all. We can hurt a person by cutting off their life force. Because methods for repairing the disorder of one's life force are limited for even demonic power, this attack method almost always results in death, nyan~"
"Why are you two here? Is this a terrorist attack?"
Issei asked, with a strong tone.
However, at that question, Kuroka and Bikou looked as casual as usual without reacting at all with a serious look at Issei's question.
"No, we didn't come down here for such a thing. It's just that a standby order was issued by Underworld, right? Kuroka and I are just off-duty right now. Kuroka thought that your brother would be here and wanted to see him and her sister. Since she likely wouldn't return easily, I came along with her too. Okay?"
"Eh, what's up with your relationship with my little brother?"
Issei asked, once again confused about the relationship that Kazuki had with the Vali Team.
"Ah, because we each had a hand in training him when that Phenex guy, or whoever was causing some trouble. I think that we should get some thanks, since if it wasn't for us, then Kokabiel would've killed you all."
Bikou stated, revealing something that surprised their group, having not heard anything about that.
"Eh, I was wondering how he got that strong."
Issei seemed surprised about that.
"…."
Koneko didn't know what to think since that would explain the reason her sister mentioned such a thing about the change Kazuki would become her brother-in-law.
"Hm, I'm kinda disappointed though," Kuroka plainly said, shrugging her shoulders. "If you meet Kazuki-kun, then you'd expect that his big brother would be someone as good as him, or at the very least someone who would be I don't know cooler."
"Oi, I'm a good big brother! I have been since we were kids!"
"You're constantly jealous about him. And constantly calls him a bastard whenever any girl shows him attention for being well relatable."
"Ack!"
Issei felt an impact at his heart at that rational comment from Kuroka who laughed 'Nya, hahaha'. At that, neither Rias nor Koneko could defend him, considering all of that was true. Talking with Kuroka about that felt almost as if he were talking to Koneko herself, both sisters seeming to have a sharp tongues.
"Kuroka, let's go back. Since we can't participate in that party anyway, it's a waste to stay here."
"Yes, let's return. But, I'll take Shirone with me, nyan. Since I didn't bring her with me that time~"
"Arara, if you bring her back with you of your own accord, Vali might get angry, you know?"
"When they know that the same power as mine flows within her, both Ophis and Vali will be convinced, right?"
"Well, that may be so."
Kuroka and Bikou appeared to have been talking to one another about something like taking Koneko away from them while sounding casual about it. However, the white-haired girl in question looked to have started shuttering at that being mentioned. Seeing such a thing, Issei soon found himself stepping forward in an attempt to protect Koneko from them.
"This girl is an important friend among us of the Gremory group. I won't allow you to take her away."
Issei declared without hesitation.
"No no no, that's brave of you. But, do you intend on making me and Kuroka your opponents? This time, we are going to immediately leave once we take this girl. So, it'll be fine for you, right?"
Bikou spoke with confidence, knowing that Issei and Rias couldn't fight against himself and Kuroka, both of them being much stronger than them.
"This child is my servant. I won't let you put even a single finger on her."
Rias stated.
"Ara, what are you saying, nya~? She's my little sister. Don't you think that's more endearing than being called a High-Class Devil's servant," Kuroka said, showing a more serious look. "I have the right to love her. A High-Class Devil like you doesn't have that privilege."
At that comment, Rias seemed to have glared forward at Kuroka, who had begun to release an intense presence with an indescribable presence that surrounded them. Despite being outside in the forest, there was a sensation that almost touched Issei, Rias, and Koneko, all of whom could feel as if the older Nekoshou released her power.
"Since you're so troublesome, I'll kill you, nyan~"
Kuroka said, with the sensation being completed, and felt as if the entire space around them changed. It looked as if Rias understood what happened in that instance.
"…Kuroka, so you learned not only Senjutsu, Youjutsu, and Demonic power, but also the skill to control space?"
Rias asked, surprised that such a thing could be possible and meant that the threat that Kuroka could pose was much greater than she thought.
"I didn't go as far as learning how to control time, but I have fairly picked up on how to control space. If I use the essential barrier techniques, it's really easy to use. I covered this entire forest with a barrier and isolated it from the outside world, nyan~ Even if we do something flashy here, then the Devils outside won't be able to tell, let alone come in," Kuroka stated, leaking out a 'dangerous' aura. "You're going to get pleasantly killed here by us and say goodbye, nya~"
"You know the whole evil act doesn't suit you, Kuroka-san."
A sudden voice caught their attention, then landed down right in between the Bikou and Kuroka; and Issei, Rias, and Koneko. It was revealed to be Kazuki, who was prepared to fight against someone there. His arrival came as a big surprise for the people standing there.
"Eh, Kazuki?"
Issei looked surprised, not expecting that his younger brother would appear there.
"Hello, Kazuki-kun~"
Kuroka flirtatiously said, turning her attention over towards Kazuki, something that caused him to wave his hand in response to that. Kensei didn't know the reason that Kuroka was here all things considered, but he sensed that despite sounding threatening, there wasn't actual murderous intent. And that she adored Koneko more than the younger girl could know and wouldn't do something that'd terrify her.
"Oh, this is surprising. I didn't sense your arrival here."
Bikou said, not recalling sensing Kazuki's arrival here.
"I trained over the summer break with a human-shaped monster that taught me how to hide from even Senjutsu users. I spent almost hours playing hide-and-seek, while a Human and Dragon fired blasts at me in the middle of a forest," Kazuki replied, mentioning the training that he underwent with Vasco and Tiamat. "I thought something like this would happen and prepared ahead of time. I jumped into the barrier before Kuroka-san closed it shut. It's not perfect yet, but I hide my presence, while you and here were focused on them."
Kazuki explained still prepared to handle the situation right in front of them.
"Hehehe, is that so? You're right, it's a little bit harder to sense your presence compared to that of the Sekiryuutei and his King. It's turning into more and more of a personal party right here and now!"
Bikou continued speaking about the moment right there and now.
"Well, I regret to inform you that the so-called party might have to be canceled seeing as there's a former Dragon King and Ultimate-Class Devil right outside of the barrier. I was also assigned a security job at the party that was sponsored by the Maou and kinda want it to go right."
Kazuki informed as he maintained the same look as before.
"Eh, isn't it kinda mean tattling on the people that helped you train."
"I'm returning that favor and giving you the chance to leave before anyone else comes."
Issei and the others stood by as Kazuki and Bikou seemed to be having a back-and-forth with one another, with there being some tension between them. Kuroka simply stood on the sidelines and listened in the entire thing, as an amused look formed on her face. It seemed that she was having the best time watching Kazuki speak and act in this confident manner.
"Nyahaha, I love seeing Kazuki-kun like this~"
Kuroka meowed as she kept listening in.
"Kazuki, how are you connected with the Vali Team?"
Rias decided to ask in an attempt to figure out what happened here.
"Huh, didn't Azazel tell you?"
Kazuki asked confused, turning around to face the group of three.
"Tell us what?"
"Right, after the Three Factions came together and before the summer break. I told them about the relationship I had with the Vali Team. After that, I wanted to explain it to you guys, but Azazel told me that he was going to tell you after the summer training concluded. He looked serious enough for me to believe that."
[Ugh.]
Issei, Rias, and Koneko groaned after hearing that answer from Kazuki, causing him to believe not a single about the Vali Team was mentioned at all. Amid that, Kazuki found himself groaning and tilted his head to the side, with the actions of their supposed adviser being barely negligible in certain aspects.
"I think that we talked about not turning your back to an opponent," Bikou said, immediately going straight in for an attack aimed at Kazuki without hesitation using Ruyi Bang. He moved at a speed that Issei, Rias, or Koneko almost couldn't follow in that instance. "Extend, Ruyi Bang!"
Bikou extended the length of his staff, then swung it straight at Kazuki, who didn't almost didn't react to the attack aimed straight at him. Instead of bringing out Divine Dividing to maneuver around it, he instead leaped into the air and landed on top of the extended staff. He retrieved Centurion from his hip, then pulled the trigger, firing off six aura bullets at Bikou. Using the reflexes of a monkey, he avoided the small aura bullets fired at him, however, he looked to see that Kazuki was running straight at him without using losing balance.
"Tenka!"
He retrieved Tenka, the same as the other light swords from the Exorcists were modified to resemble a Dragon. Soon a blue light blade was produced from it, then leaped forward at high-speed. He aimed a precise slash at Bikou, just as he recovered from dodging the initial attack. Bikou's reflexes were enough to avoid that attack too, but a small number of strands were cut off.
"Hehe, that's good! Let's keep going!"
Bikou said, smiling at what Kazuki managed to accomplish thus far.
After returning Ruyi Bang to its original length, both he and Kazuki began clashing against one another, moving across the ground. Both of them displayed a high degree of speed and reflexes; the Youkai was showing himself as an expert in handling the staff in his hands, while Kazuki showed himself as an expert in handling the gun and sword. Neither of them showed much of an edge against one other, however, it looked as if the two were also testing one another out.
"Hahahaha, you sure have become stronger, leagues above the first time that we trained you! It seems as if the martial art that you learned from me paid off."
Bikou declared as he found Ruyi Bang being blocked by Tenka.
"I barely learned anything from you."
Kazuki replied, moving back then aimed a sharp kick straight at Bikou.
In response to that, Bikou leaped high into the air, being at a great distance from Kazuki, and then soon called out the name of something.
"Kintoun!"
He called out a golden cloud that caught him in mid-air, then began ascending higher into the air, while looking a bit casual sitting on top of it.
"Hehe, let's see how well you're able to maneuver in mid-air."
Bikou said, holding Ruyi Bang in his hands and resting it on his shoulder.
"I'm much faster than you on that cloud."
Kazuki declared, bringing out Divine Dividing, and went straight towards Bikou.
He released Tenka from his hands, then sheathed Centurion, and caused Tenka, as well as the other three light swords: Sekka, Hyouka, and Rokka. All four of the draconic swords floated around Kazuki without him needing to touch either of them. He released Tenka straight at Bikou, who'd kept sitting on top of the golden cloud, Kintoun, avoiding the first sword. Just as Bikou did that, Sekka, Hyouka, and Rokka followed suit, heading straight at him from various angles.
"Wow, this is an interesting trick."
Bikou said as he continued seeing the swords floating and attacking him from different angles, but the speed of the attacks wasn't something he avoided. At that moment, each of the four draconic swords released a dragon's aura straight at Bikou. Holding Ruyi Bang in his hand, Bikou swung around the staff, spinning it around and releasing an aura that blocked the dragon aura sent at him.
"Hehehe, that was a good one."
Bikou said as the collision of aura from all angles created a distraction.
He looked forward, finding Kazuki holding Byakuren in his hands, wreathed in a white aura, much stronger than the other swords he'd used. He swung down the katana in one motion, releasing a white slash straight at Bikou, who could sense that it wasn't an average technique. He avoided it at the last second, causing the slash to split apart whatever came into contact with it, from the trees and the ground. Not letting the change slide, Kazuki flew forward and covered his leg in an aura, and made contact with Bikou.
Surprisingly enough, that kick knocked Bikou off the golden cloud and toward the trees on the ground, but then he recovered laughing. He'd grabbed onto and swung off one of the tree branches, then back into the air as Kintoun returned for him.
"Hahahaha, that one was a good kick! I didn't expect that you'd be this strong without even using Divine Dividing to fight against me!"
Bikou declared, smiling wildly at that.
"It was a part of my training over the summer."
Kazuki pointed out.
"Damn, Kazuki sure became strong."
Issei stated, finding his younger brother performing rather well against Bikou without activating Divine Dividing at all. It was much different from what he'd seen from him thus far with all the previous opponents their group fought against thus far.
[It seems as if those trainers that Azazel and the others handpicked for your brother did their job. And I'm sure he did it without complaining about it.]
"Ugh!"
Hearing that made Issei think about all the times that he complained over the summer break when training with a former Dragon King. But, based on what Issei heard from Azazel, the people that trained Kazuki was as strong, if not much stronger than them. And the results showed as Kazuki and Bikou were going head-to-head against one another without either showing their actual strength. As the Dragon host and Monkey Youkai, fought against one another in mid-air, while maneuvering well enough in the skies above; Kuroka kept showing great interest in Kazuki and laughed to herself.
"Nya, Kazuki-kun sure has become much more of a confident hunk than he was before," Kuroka said, placing her hands on her cheeks, and giggling happily to herself; something that surprised, Rias and Issei since it looked as if she was disregarding them. "It almost makes me want to find someplace where we could be alone. I could've done that without altering Shirone, though. But, I couldn't help myself from wanting to see my adorable imouto. I can tell our adorable and strong kittens that their Otou-san was a badass at this moment."
"…."
"…."
Neither Issei nor Rias knew what to do in this instance, seeing as Kuroka was releasing a dangerous presence while continuing to fawn over Kazuki. But, Koneko knew how dangerous her older sister was and wasn't the kind of opponent that either of them could fight against. And Kazuki was preoccupied with fighting against the other one that was almost as dangerous as her sister.
"…Nee-sama. I'll go with you. So please overlook these two people!"
Koneko announced, catching her older sister's attention.
"What are you saying…."
Issei was preparing to speak up.
"What are saying!? Koneko! You're a servant of my group! I won't allow you to do as you please!"
Rias spoke up, speaking over Issei and moving to wrap her arms affectionately around Koneko from behind.
"…It's no good," Koneko shook her head in response to Rias' plea, but couldn't stop herself from shaking. "More than anyone, I understand Kuroka-neesama's powers best and she rivals that of an Ultimate-Class Devil. Neither Buchou nor Ise-senpai could match Kuroka-neesama. Kazuki-senpai is focused on fighting against the other one. I don't think that anyone here can capture my older sister, who excels in both Youjutsu and Senjutsu aside from knowing about demonic power."
"No, even so. I absolutely won't hand you over to that person! To this Nekomata that didn't try helping you once who cried so much!"
At Rias' declarations, there was a faint moment where Kuroka felt a pang in her chest. But, she didn't allow that to show in her facial experience at all. Throughout this entire thing, Kazuki was focusing on the conversation to see what was going through Kuroka's head right now.
"It's because a Youkai cannot help another Youkai. However, this time, I thought that it was fate that led me back toward my adorable sister. I can understand Shirone's powers much better than a red-haired Onee-san like you, who calls her a servant, you know?"
Kuroka stated, showing a casual expression throughout the entire thing.
"…No…I don't need that kind of power…. I don't need an evil power like that…. I don't need a power that brings misfortune to people like that…."
Koneko kept speaking as if Senjutsu and the others that she inherited were simply an evil power that changed her older sister in that kind of state. Amid that, Koneko trembled as Rias wrapped her arms around Koneko tighter in an attempt to grant some comfort.
"Kuroka…. You who have been blinded by power left a wound on this girl's heart that won't disappear for the rest of her life. After you killed your master and left, this child saw hell. When I first met her, there were no feelings left in her. Koneko was betrayed by you, who were her only family. She'd lost her future, and was despised and abused by Devils," Rias declared out loud as Koneko cried, while Kuroka listened in with an expressionless face. "All of the other Devils that she would need to be disposed of. …She saw many harsh things. That's why, I'll show her fun things and a new future! This girl is Koneko Toujou, the Rook of Rias Gremory's peerage. My important servant Devil! I won't let you put even a single finger on her!"
At that emotional speech, Issei felt himself tearing up and the same thing could be said about Koneko, who came to rethink the things she had experienced because of Rias and the others. Koneko was almost close to an emotional breakdown, because of that incident, but she was brought out of that after some time.
"…I don't want to go…. I'm Koneko Toujou. Kuroka-neesama, I don't want to go with you! I want to live with Rias-Buchou! To live with everyone else!"
Koneko declared that out loud without showing the same intention of going back to her older sister.
Having heard her younger sister's declaration, there was a faint reaction in Kuroka, which no one aside from the people who knew her could register. But, this wasn't the moment for the black-haired Nekoshou to show such an emotional response to them. A faint bitter smile could be seen on her face, different from what the three has seen from her thus far. And soon enough an aura different from what the three experienced before was released from Kuroka's body.
"Then, I could kill her and take you instead."
At that, Kuroka unleashed a thin mist that spread outwards moments after being unleashed into the world, which caused them to get into their respective stances. Issei could sense there was something more ominous about the mist surrounding them and prepared himself. However, it didn't seem to have an immediate effect on them, until he heard two sounds as if something else was on the ground behind them. He immediately turned around to find both Rias and Koneko on the ground.
"…this is."
Koneko said, feeling the poison's effects. However, Issei seemed confused about how the poison wasn't affecting him. He soon revealed his answer as Kuroka, who was sitting down on a tree top could be seen with an answer of her own about the poison's ineffectiveness on him.
"Hmm, so this mist doesn't work on you because you're the Sekiryuutei, huh? It's a kind of poison that could work on Devils and Youkai, nya~ Because the poison is thin, one suffers a little while as it spreads throughout one's body. I won't kill you quickly. I'll kill you all gradually, nyan~"
Kuroka spoke in a threatening tone.
At that, Rias pointed her hand at Kuroka and released a demonic power of Destruction, something that seemed to blow off the Nekoshou's head. However, it didn't seem as if it hit anything physical, as 'Kuroka' fell off the tree, and vanished.
"That was a good attack," Kuroka's voice could be heard echoing across the forest, but there wasn't an actual sign of where she was. "But it's useless, useless. I can easily make a clone of myself with the essentials of illusions using Youjutsu."
"…If you can't read the flow of spirit, you can't deal with the illusions used by skilled practitioners."
Koneko said, struggling to speak, because of the poison.
"Alright, since I'm the only one who can fight right now because I'm the Sekiryuutei, then I'll fight her," Issei said in a strong tone and brought out his left arm. "Boosted Gear!"
However, instead of seeing the usual light that would be seen from the Boosted Gear's jewel, there was nothing, aside from a vacant light. Answering his suspicions, Ddraig's voice came out.
[…Partner, the Sacred Gear won't move.]
What do you mean, Ddraig!? Why is it like this at such a crucial time!?
[The Sacred Gear has entered an ambiguous state.]
"Ambiguous!? Why had it become like that?"
[With that training, you reached a crossroads. I think the Sacred Gear will change with one more push, but I don't know whether that change will be a normal power-up or Balance Breaker.]
"In other words, my Sacred Gear has stopped before a crossroads, and is wavering between a normal power-up and Balance Breaker?"
[If you put it simply, yes. In a situation where the choices have multiplied, the Boosted Gear's system is confused about which option to follow.]
"So both the normal power-up and Balance Breaker look good to it?"
[Yeah. If it does the normal power-up, you may be able to achieve victory in a flash, but if a dramatic change isn't born inside of you, you won't be able to achieve Balance Breaker. But, remember this. Right now, you only have a chance to achieve Balance Breaker. The rest depends on you. There's a chance you might not be able to gain this state again whenever you want. It may be months or years before the chance comes again.]
Both Ddraig and Issei were sharing a conversation about the current state of the Boosted Gear, which came about from his training with Tannin. He didn't gain Balance Breaker during the summer, but it looked as if the training brought about this change after some time. However, it happened at a worse time.
"Arara, is Sekiryuutei-chan unable to activate his Sacred Gear? But, I'm going to shoot, nyan~"
Kuroka stated in a jovial tone, as Issei became more aggressive at that tone.
"Don't mess with me!"
Issei demanded as he charged forward.
"Since you're Kazuki-kun's older brother and future little brother-in-law. I'll take it easy on you."
Kuroka said, as one of her illusions appeared and released a demonic bullet straight at Issei, which made direct contact with Issei.
"Guh!"
Issei was blown backward from that attack and felt the power behind that attack.
"Buchou! Please don't move! The poison will spread through your body! Don't worry, an attack like this is noth…."
Just as Issei was going to speak, he received another attack that caused him to feel pain spread throughout him as a whole. He found himself being downed from that second attack and fell on his knee without hesitation, causing an illusion of Kuroka to appear near him.
"So weak. This is Kazuki-kun's older brother and rival? Did you drive away Vali?"
At that question from Kuroka, Issei found himself thinking about all the time how his weakness and lacking talents led to such things happening. Him being unable to fight against the Fallen Angels. Him being unable to fight Riser the first time. And then unable to fight against Kokabiel. Each of those times, he couldn't bring about a change let alone his power without something happening. But, same as those moments, Issei was going to surrender right there against the person who caused Koneko such pain.
"…I won't let you touch Buchou and Koneko-chaaaaaaaaan!"
Issei declared but found himself being struck by another demonic bullet that sent him to the ground and felt the pain from the impact.
"Damn it…," Issei was mortified at what he was doing in this instance, feeling as if the training he'd been through has been pointless. He couldn't fight against an opponent without being driven into a corner, something that he'd cursed himself for. And Kuroka wasn't even taking him seriously enough and was going easier on him, because of the fact Kazuki was his older brother. "You may be Koneko-chan's Onee-san, but…I won't forgive you for making Koneko-chan cry…."
"For such a weak guy like you to say such a thing…. I can tell that Shirone is serious about not coming with her precious Onee-chan. It's one thing if someone cooler or stronger said those lines, but if someone says that with nothing to back it up and bloodied, then girls will only drawback, nyan~ How disgusting."
"…Ise-senpai."
Koneko weakly called out, while glancing up at him.
"Koneko-chan…. Even though I have a legendary dragon lodged in my body, I can't do anything…. If I had gotten stronger those times, if I had displayed my dragon power, then Buchou wouldn't have looked sad. I'm a talentless and useless Devil without anything to back it up like Kazuki," Issei stated, feeling those weaknesses built up inside of himself beginning to come out. "All the previous Sekiryuutei achieved Balance Breaker in a short time. It might take me several months for me to get it. I understood that from the beginning. I already understood that from the very beginning. Even though I possess the power of the Sekiryuutei, it's wasted on me. Because I'm useless…I can't do anything for you, Koneko-chan. I thought I could at least become a shield for you, but…"
At that, Koneko shook her head and gained Issei's attention.
"…Ise-senpai isn't worthless. Did you know most of the previous Sekiryuutei were people who drowned and lost their heads in their power…. I think they were swallowed by the enormous power bestowed on them. My Onee-sama was the same. If someone has power but lives without kindness, then they'll lose control in the end. Kazuki-senpai and Ise-senpai were nice from the beginning without their powers. Even if your power is lacking a bit…. That's a wonderful thing…. You're sure the first among the previous Sekiryuutei to be a gentle one. That's why…."
Koneko started speaking sweetly and gently, something causing Issei to witness the cutest smile on Koneko's face.
"Please become a gentle Welsh Dragon."
Koneko said, causing Issei to look more at what he could do as the Sekiryuutei, rather than what all the previous ones and Kazuki before him could accomplish. And in that instance, Issei thought about something that might be the appropriate trigger based on the conversation he had with Azazel.
"Buchou. I think I understand a little what I was lacking in myself to attain Balance Breaker," Issei spoke, gaining a new understanding of Koneko's words and knowing this was the correct answer for him. "I'm probably going to need Buchou's power to attain Balance Breaker."
"…I understand! If you're fine with me, I'll lend you my power! So, what do I need to do?"
Rias said, feeling the poison's effects, but continued looking on strong in this instance.
"Please let me poke your breasts!"
Issei requested, staring at Rias with a serious expression and something that caused Koneko to glance straight back at him with a blank, stoic face.
"…," Rias looked stunned about what was happening right in front of herself, with her Pawn requesting that she'd show him her breasts. But, she understood from the first moments Issei fought for her in the Rating Game that it might be the best option for him. "…I understand. If I can realize your wish with that…."
"R-Really!? I can poke them!? I can press on Buchou's nipples with my fingers!? It's okay!?"
Issei asked, staring straight at Rias with a surprised look and almost didn't believe it for himself.
As if to make Issei believe she was serious, she pulled down the top portion of her dress, releasing the abundant breasts underneath, which giggled from the actions. Witnessing such a thing in front of himself, he almost felt a good amount of pleasure spreading throughout himself.
"H-Hey! What's your brother doing in the middle of a battlefield!?"
Bikou asked, astonished about what was happening right now.
"…."
Kazuki remained silent and didn't know how to respond to the situation right then and there.
"Kazuki! Please support me, while I poke Buchou's nipples!"
"…," Kazuki felt himself beginning to fume at what he heard in that instance, but then a calm breath escaped from his mouth. "Poke her nipples?! Poke her nipples?! Does your brain even ever process what you're going to say before saying it?! What are you trying to do in the middle of a battlefield!?"
"If I poke them, the possibility that I will attain Balance Breaker is high!"
"So, the training with a freaking former Dragon King was a waste!? You truly are an idiot!"
"Don't talk to your big brother like that!"
"I'm the mature one!"
As Kazuki and Issei were having their argument, Kuroka tilted her head to the side with the utmost confusion on her face.
"Hey, Bikou! Is that some kind of strategy? Rias Gremory has revealed her breasts and intends to do something with the Sekiryuutei."
"Don't ask me! The thought process of the Sekiryuutei is in a different dimension from us, you know!"
Kuroka and Bikou couldn't comprehend what was going through Issei's brain at that moment, neither was able to continue their fight, because of the blank in their heads. During this, Issei was in the process of attempting to poke Rias' nipples in an attempt to awaken Balance Breaker.
"Kazuki! I have a serious problem!"
"I swear to god if you ask me what I think you're going to…."
Kazuki was feeling himself beginning to lose it, rubbing his head from the frustration building up within himself.
"The right breast or the left breast! Which should I poke first!?"
Dooooon!
Kazuki fired off a strong aura bullet from Imperator, striking the wound beside Issei, without making contact with either Rias or Koneko, creating a large hole in the ground.
"You shot at me?!"
"Stop being an ass and get this over with! Ask Rias, she's the one going through all this crap for you, you useless pervert!"
Kazuki demanded, feeling himself reaching the limit of being frustrated.
"Buchou! What's your recommendation!?"
Issei asked, his fingers stopping in front of Rias.
"Geez! You idiot! In that case, you should just poke them both at the same time!"
"…!?"
At Rias' response, Issei almost felt emotional as tears began welling up in his eyes.
At that moment, he prepared himself and then found himself positioning his index fingers in front of the nipples of Rias' breasts. He inched his fingers closer, preparing for what would happen right then and there, causing him to touch the outer parts. His fingers then began digging deeper right into Rias' abundant and soft breasts as she felt a brand new sensation.
"…Iyan."
Rias let out a cute moan as she felt Issei's fingers digging into her nipples.
In that instance, Issei felt as if this moment triggered something deep within himself as if he experience the start of the universe right then and there.
[You attained it. You managed to attain it!]
Ddraig announced in an innocent tone while feeling as if something died within him at the same time.
[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!]
From the Boosted Gear, a greater mass of red aura started springing forth from him without hesitation and sign of even stopping.
"…You're the worst. What a lewd Sekiryuutei…."
Koneko said, with a serious and dead tone.
However, despite that, the red aura, took shape as the completed Scale Mail for the Sekiryuutei, something that released a magnificent power; blowing away the surrounding mist and creating a crater with him at the center.
"Balance Breaker, Boosted Gear Scale Mail! It's been achieved here by poking my master's breasts!"
Issei declared without shame, causing Ddraig and even Albion annoyance.
[Partner, congratulations. But, you're terrible. I'm going to genuinely cry soon.]
Ddraig praised Issei while tearing up at the same time.
"Yeah, thank you. And sorry for being perverted! So, how is my state?"
[You can maintain Balance Breaker for thirty minutes. I guess, the results of your training have come out. For the first Balance Breaker state of the weak you, that's a fairly good time limit.]
"How many times can I do my max doubling?"
[I think that each time will be used up within five minutes if you release it at the max. You can do it five times at the most. When you include your other movements, your sixth time would be the same as nothing. It's the same when you use the transfer ability too.]
"So if I use this power well, I can fight for fifteen minutes."
[You don't need that long. Look, stick out your hand, and try firing a Dragon Shot like usual.]
Ddraig informed as Issei followed the instructions of his longtime partner.
So, Issei pointed his hand right at Kuroka, who looked to have finished processing the entire situation which just happened in front of her. As instructed, Issei released an attack as he learned to release a Dragon Shot, the first technique he learned from the training he underwent. In that instance, a red flash was produced as he unleashed a massive Dragon Shot forward at Kuroka. She avoided the attack, but it continued sailing until it blasted through the barrier Kuroka set up and continued until it produced a massive explosion.
From the air, Kazuki looked forward to seeing the result of Issei's Dragon Shot.
"Wow, he didn't even double his power this time, but he removed Kuroka-san's spatial barrier and a mountain in a single shot."
Kazuki pointed out, as Issei found himself surprised about what he could accomplish.
[Impressive for him. But, a shameful thing for a Dragon, who's supposed to be a rival of mine!]
Albion said, feeling ashamed about what he witnessed then and there.
"Well, save that for later."
"Ahahahaha," Kuroka was laughing at what happened right in front of her and then went back into attack mode, holding out her hands together. "Ha! How interesting! Then, I'll also show you a mixed shot of Youjutsu and Senjutsu!"
At that, it looked as if Kuroka was fusing the powers originating from Senjutsu and Youjutsu into a single attack, meant to strike Issei. She then went forward, then launched it straight at Issei, who was donned in the Scale Mail of the Sekiryuutei. He felt the impact and power behind it, however, the Scale Mail didn't allow even the slightest damage to be transmitted to him.
"Is that all?"
Issei asked, causing Kuroka to appear surprised about the lack of damage.
"It didn't work!? No way. I built up a considerable amount of spiritual power!"
Kuroka thought that attack would have damaged him, but it didn't get passed the armor he'd donned.
Issei propelled himself forward straight at Kuroka, blasting demonic power from the jets on his back, granting him high speed to close the distance.
"Don't get carried away!"
Kuroka declared, releasing more blasts straight at Issei, however, none of them got passed the Scale Mail. Issei kept going without stopping, then aimed his fist forward straight at Kuroka who couldn't avoid the punch, and then prepared herself. However, Issei stopped the punch an inch in front of Kuroka's nose, resulting in an aftershock, which blew away the surrounding plants and grass.
"Don't make my cute Kouhai cry."
"…!"
Kuroka looked frightened as the power behind that punch would have been an immediate knockout.
"If you aim at Koneko-chan again, I won't stop my fist next time. You may be a woman and Koneko-chan's Onee-san, but you're my enemy!"
"…You damn brat!"
Kuroka recovered from the potential attack, but there was still terror as it seemed as if the pressure was released by the dragon power unleashed by the Scale Mail.
"Hyahahahahahahaha! This is getting interesting! Now there are two dragon bosses! It'd be a lie to say I'm not enjoying this," Bikou came down from the sky and landed beside Kuroka, holding Ruyi Bang in his hands. "I want to see what kind of power the Hakuryuukou could bring out after the training!"
"Let's see if you can make me."
Kazuki stated, landing on the ground beside Issei, holding Byakuren.
Rias and Koneko seemed to be recovering, while Bikou and Kuroka were preparing for another bout without the slightest hint of concern.
Just then, there was a sudden tear in space in-between the people who were preparing to fight for another round. A sword could be seen tearing through space, and then Arthur could be seen stepping outside the tear. Holding, the Strongest Holy Sword, Caliburn in his hands.
"That's far enough, Bikou, Kuroka. Aside from the former Dragon King, the Devils appear to be surrounding this area too," Arthur told Bikou and Kuroka, causing them to turn towards the spectacled young man. He then turned to find Kazuki standing there beside Issei. "Ah, it's good seeing you once again, Kazuki. I can tell that you've all but improved on the things you've learned."
"It's good to see you again, Arthur."
Kazuki returned to greeting, seeing that the fight was ending, and returned his weapons to their appropriate spots.
"Kazuki, who is this guy? And what's the deal with that sword in his hands?"
"His name is Arthur Pendragon, a descendant of King Arthur and Morgan Le Fay. And that sword in his hand is the Strongest Holy Sword, Caliburn, which can rend apart space," Kazuki explained, causing Rias and Koneko to realize the sensation released from the holy sword. "He's much superior to Kiba and Xenovia in swordsmanship, and he could cut through your armor as if it were paper. All of us could challenge him in a fight, but not do much."
"…kuh."
Issei found himself scared at the thought of that. But, then looked at the sword that was sheathed right at Arthur's hip with a curious look.
"Oh, you're interested in this sword, correct," hearing that comment from Arthur caused Issei some surprise as it wouldn't have been possible to tell where he was looking. "This is the final Excalibur that was recently found, the strongest of the seven Excalibur, Excalibur Ruler. I have a good deal of interest in the comrades on your side. If possible, can you please give my greetings to the Holy-Sword Demonic user, as well as the owners of Durandal and Almace? I'd like to face them some time as fellow swordsmen who wields such swords, you know? Also, I'd like to have another spar with Kazuki if possible to see how much he's progressed."
Hearing such a comment caused them to recall hearing something about that from the previous Exorcist Trio and hearing one of the Excalibur went missing. As well as his interest in meeting Kiba, Xenovia, and Mariah, but Arthur wasn't rude or threatening, instead looking like an honest gentleman.
"Now, let us return, Bikou, Kuroka. I can sense that several people are beginning to arrive on the scene," Arthur said, as the two energetic Youkai seemed to relent and decided to escape. He swung Caliburn again, opening a newer tear in space for them to escape. "Now then, let's retreat. If it makes you feel better Le Fay prepared snacks."
"Nyahaha, our Witch-chan is an adorable cook," Kuroka seemed satisfied with that, she went into the spatial tear with an energetic look, while dancing and turned herself around in a brisk manner. "So, Onee-sama needs to go for a bit, but she'll be sure to see her precious little sister again. Because we're the only real family we have in the world. And for Kazuki-kun, I'll see you later for a more private rendezvous~"
"…."
At that, Kazuki's face remained neutral, though his cheeks were turning red, and attempting to ignore the jealous look Issei was aiming at him. Once was said and done, Kuroka, Bikou, and Arthur left through the tear in space, which closed behind them.
"Hah, that was a big confusing moment."
Issei said, scratching his head from confusion.
"Issei Hyoudou, it seems as if you've achieved Balance Breaker at this moment!"
A booming voice could be heard from above, as Tannin could be seen floating in the air using his wings and he witnessed Issei's Scale Mail.
"Yes, and you wouldn't believe how. I…ugh!"
Issei found himself stopped from talking as Kazuki struck him with Byakuren's sheath, infused with magic power aimed at the weakest portion of the Scale Mail. After this, he found himself being downed on the ground from the impact, something that confused Tannin. Just then, more and more people started arriving on the scene to check up on the situation, such as the Gremory Group, who'd witnessed Issei in Scale Mail. Seeing that things turned into such an incident, the Maou-sponsored party was canceled.
After the High-Class Devils returned home, because of the incident, there, of course, was a meeting going on all about what happened. As the others returned, one such person being the Gremory Group, Kazuki wasn't in that same position. There, he was met with Sirzechs and Serafall, Michael and Gabriel, Azazel, and Shemhazai, as well as several higher-ups from the factions. As their security guard tasked to the sponsored event and someone who noticed the situation first.
"And so, after spotting the familiar under the control of Kuroka-san, I informed the other guards, as well as other combat-oriented people too. I didn't know what would happen and requested that the people would prepare for a potential attack without sparking a panic," Kazuki informed, speaking respectfully and professionally, a trait that caused Gabriel to happily smile. Each of the leaders listening to this was impressed by the amount of detail poured into the report. "After things were situated there, I left to see what was happening with Rias and Nii-san. And that ends the official report."
"What a wonderful report, Kazuki-kun."
Gabriel said, clapping her hands together happily, something causing him to feel flushed while causing Serafall to roll her eyes in response.
"I'm glad that we decided to have Kazuki-kun act as the security guard for this event. He handled the entire thing professionally and without sparking panic among the people."
Sirzechs added, linking his hands together.
"Hehe, I can see that my So-tan picked someone competent, but that's to be expected."
Serafall stated, crossing her arms while praising Sona at the same time.
"That's all well and good. I can see that the Hakuryuukou of this era is more competent compared to most others in such a situation," Shemhazai commented, causing Azazel to know what direction this was headed without ever needing to think. "But, I must say that the management of such an event was lacking in several areas. Our group of guests this time around were members of the Khaos Brigade's independent unit, the Vali Team, consisting of a descendant of Sun Wukong, Bikou, the Nekoshou, Kuroka, and the user of the Holy King Sword, Caliburn, Arthur Pendragon. All three people alone carry tremendous potential, but together it's a good thing the battle wasn't a more dangerous event. I must say that this…."
As Shemhazai continued speaking about the incident as if he were lecturing children or students, instead of a group of the highest powers among the Three Factions. Azazel leaned his head against his opened hand, with a blank and casual expression. He thought back to the report that he received from Issei about how he gained the Boosted Gear's Balance Breaker via poking breasts. Hearing such a thing went against several things that he'd witnessed from the Sekiryuutei and Longinus users in general.
He wasn't alone in that thought, as the others were thinking about the same thing, with Tannin, who was in a mini Dragon form listening to the report too. Each of them was looking forward to the progression of the Young Devils in the Rating Games, considering the Top 10 List hasn't changed in the last decade or longer.
Amid the conversation, the group found themselves turning around and found the door opening, revealing brand new figures standing there; an old man and a beautiful young woman.
"Hmm. So you youngsters can't greet an old man like me, huh?"
A one-eyed, white-bearded man wearing an old hat and rather luxurious clothing, consisting of a single robe and a walking staff that he didn't need. Besides him, was a silver-haired, aqua-eyed young woman dressed in armor, standing beside the old man as if acting as a guard. Kazuki could sense that two of them were strong people, in particular, the old man being guarded.
"Odin," Azazel spoke up surprised about the old man, now named Odin's appearance, and then turned around despite the man being a God. "Oh, oh, it's been a while, hasn't it, old geezer of the northern countryside?"
"It's been a while, Fallen Angel brat. It seems you've become intimate with the people you fought with for so long, but… Are you still thinking of something crafty?"
"Hah! Unlike countryside gods who honor old-fashioned bonds according to conventional practices or whatever else, we younger people are more flexible. Rather than sticking to troublesome hostile ways of thinking, we place more value on growth and progress."
"That's a loser's mindset appropriate for the weak. After all, you're a gathering of brats that lost their founding God and Maou."
Kazuki could see that Azazel and Odin were having their own back and forth with one another, something which the silver-haired warrior woman would see. But, neither of them was in the right position to do or say anything at all to the Governor-General or God.
"It's called becoming independent and standing on our own, geezer."
"Seeing a bunch of brats doing a play meeting like this, I can't help but laugh."
Odin said, with most people seeing that there wouldn't be any end to the conversation between them, something that caused Sirzechs to stand up.
"It's been a long time, King God of the North, Odin-dono."
Sirzechs greeted sounding polite.
"Sirzechs. I came here on the invitation you gave me to watch the games. However, you've also had it hard. The descendant of the original Lucifer is the host of the Wendish Dragon, one who could rival the Heavenly Dragons in terms of potential. Moreover, he became a terrorist. The future of devils isn't going to be easy," Odin said more sarcastically, while Sirzechs' expression didn't change. "By the way, Serafall. What's with that appearance?"
Odin turned his attention over towards Serafall, who despite the situation was dressed in a magical girl outfit, the kind of thing that Sona would feel irate about.
"Ara, Odin-sama! Don't you know? This is a magical girl's outfit~"
Serafall replied, posing in a sideways manner and holding a peace sign in front of her eye.
"Hmm. So this is what's popular among young people these days. Not bad at all. Yes, yes, quite nice."
Kazuki immediately noticed that Odin was more or less a pervert, as he was looking at Serafall in a manner that wouldn't be befitting an important god.
"Odin-sama, you mustn't do such indecent things! The reputation of Valhalla will cry!"
"Geez, you're so stuffy. That's why you can't get any heroes as a boyfriend."
At that immediate response from Odin, the female warrior seemed to have been hurt as she began tearing up in an instant. She then headed to a wall, where her fingers traced across the walls in sadness.
"A-At any rate, I'm an aged female warrior with a history of no boyfriends! I too want to have a boyfriend! Auuu!"
She sadly said, causing an immediate reaction from
"I'm sorry. This person is my current assistant, Rossweisse. Although she's quite beautiful, she's too stuffy. She can't get a man either."
At that, Odin appeared to have made things worse as the woman named Rossweisse became sadder, while she remained near the wall.
"Odin-sama, you shouldn't be rude to your people."
Gabriel stated, pouting face, something which caused Odin to rub his long beard that seemed to almost touch the ground. His attention was more aimed at Gabriel's soft-looking, abundant chest, something that the Seraph had seemed to be unaware of.
"My my my, I heard that Gabriel was the more beautiful woman in Heaven. But, it doesn't…."
"Aw, my apologies," Kazuki said, causing Odin's attention to be aimed square at him, which seemed to draw the old man's attention. Based on the conversation between the others and their reactions, he didn't appear to be the kind of god to care about being professional, at least in this situation. "I wasn't expecting to encounter Odin-sama, the Chief God of the Norse Faction, and a Valkyrie here."
"Oh, I see. You must be the current Hakuryuukou, Kazuki Hyoudou. I received a report that both of the Heavenly Dragons' hosts were twin brothers. I haven't heard of such a thing happening since those two were sealed in the Sacred Gears. And one of the most rational ones happened to have been born in our faction too," Odin's interest seemed to have been more focused on Kazuki rather than Gabriel, something that he intended on doing for the Seraph. At that, he proceeded to go on to the next part of the reason he was here. "I heard about it. Sirzechs, Serafall, your siblings are fighting against each other, right? Geez, making your precious younger sisters fight each other, even though they're childhood friends. You people are so bad. You are devils."
"If she can't break through this much, then her hopes for her future as a devil won't be born."
"It's already decided that my Sona-chan will win~"
Both Sirzechs and Serafall replied, with pride in their younger sisters, who would be the first people fighting in the Youth Tournament. Amid their conversation leading into the Rating Game and other things like that, Kazuki had found himself heading in the direction of the Valkyrie named Rossweisse.
"Excuse me. Are you alright?"
"Huh?"
Rossweisse, who was in the process of almost hugging onto the wall, found herself turning her attention over to the kind-looking Kazuki.
"I asked if you're alright. It looks as if your feelings were hurt."
Kazuki pointed out, speaking in a kind tone.
"Ugh, I'm fine. It's just that Odin-sama can be quite a handful sometimes. I'm Rossweisse."
"It's good to meet you, Rossweisse. My name is Kazuki Hyoudou."
Both of them greeted one another, with Kazuki and Rossweisse shaking hands with one another, wearing a respectful looks. Seeing as she returned to her usual demeanor, she began walking in the direction of Odin, to return to her duties.
It didn't take that long before the important meeting ended, with Azazel and Sirzechs finding themselves in a VIP, with Kazuki there too.
"Oh, Kazuki. I found the thing that you asked me about before."
Sirzechs said, holding a file in his hands, something that Kazuki took off Sirzechs' hands.
"Thanks. I apologize for asking about such an odd request."
"Oh, what's this about?"
Azazel asked, holding a glass of liquor in his hands.
"Before Sirzechs-sama for a file on the previous Master of Kuroka-san and who would have been the person that Koneko-chan was under the former care of."
Kazuki replied.
"Oh, did that Nekoshou catches someone's attention? I wouldn't blame you if that was the case, having a Nekoshou is a rare experience for most."
Azazel stated, having a joking expression.
"I met Kuroka-san. And she didn't have the presence of someone who fall to the dark path of Senjutsu, who took on the world's malice. So, I wanted to look at the report with fresh eyes and from a different perspective."
"My, you have become bold. You made such a comment like that in front of the current Lucifer with a confident look. If it were the original one, then your entire family and anyone related to would have been killed."
Azazel joked, drinking from the liquor.
"I doubt that Sirzechs-sama cares about that."
"He's right. Besides, I don't think that Kazuki-kun is the kind of person who would request such a thing without an actual reason. It's the reason that the other leaders didn't mind him acting as a security guard and something we wanted to ask him too," Sirzechs pointed out, not revealing the last part, and picked up a glass for himself. Just as Kazuki took a seat on the couch to read the file for himself. "Azazel, could I ask you one thing before the Rating Game Tournament starts?"
"What is it?"
"If you were facing Rias as an opponent, who would you remove from the Gremory group?"
Azazel didn't need to think about that question, considering that there was one person who maintained the entire group's formation, aside from the King herself. If Kazuki was asked the same question, then there wouldn't be a single doubt about that answer.
"Ise, of course. Everyone on Rias' team should feel it one way or another. Ise is the one person who maintains the tension and spirits of the family."
Since the beginning despite being the weakest or less talented among the group, Issei was an important person among the Gremory Group and maintained their courage. Above being the Sekiryuutei, he became an emotional pillar for them, which would fall apart without him. Kazuki and Azazel weren't the only ones aware of that, as Sona witnessed that for herself several times.
"…Sona will aim for that."
Sirzechs said, almost worried, being aware of how intelligent Sona was and that her dream wasn't something that someone lacking determination wouldn't strive for.
"Yeah, the problem is when they remove him. Will their willpower rise, or will it fall? Since they had yet to see Ise as the Sekiryuutei taken down right before their eyes."
At that comment Azazel and Sirzechs found themselves sharing a drink, thinking about the potential results for the Rating Game between Rias and Sona. Amid that, Kazuki kept reading through the files all about Kuroka, and her former master, compiled by Sirzechs.
A/N: And there goes the next chapter of The Twin Dragons, well, in this chapter, it was the confrontation with Issei, Rias, Koneko, and Kazuki against Bikou and Kuroka. I tried making it as original as possible, with a fight between Kazuki and Bikou, rather than Tannin, though the situation with Issei gaining Scale Mail and Koneko reuniting with her older sister. In the end, there was their encounter with both Odin and Rossweisse, while Kazuki is looking into Kuroka's former Master.
Issei's Harem: Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Xenovia, Lucia, Tsubasa, Kiyome, Aika, Elmenhilde, Yasaka, Kunou, Bennia, Roygun, Ingvild.
Kazuki's Harem: Sona, Raynare, Asia, Irina, Lucina, Mariah, Kuroka, Ophis, Rossweisse, Ravel, Le Fay, Gabriel, Jeanne, Lint, Tiamat, Lilith, Valerie.