Chapter 11: Training End

Day 4:

I woke up earlier than usual, feeling the cool morning air from the window and went to do my morning routines. Sun's barely up, I think everyone else is still asleep, the only reason I'm up is because I finished designing my new techniques last night and want to try learning them as soon as possible. Making my way down the stairs and going to get some Koko Krunch but instead of a dark, empty kitchen, I was greeted with the sight of a familiar redhead in her nightgown.

"Oh, Daisuke. Good morning, I didn't think anyone would be awake yet." Rias had her fake glasses on with a cup of coffee in one hand, looking pristine and royal as always like she's immune to bed hair. Papers were all over the table, looks like someone's been doing some research.

"Morning Rias." Grabbing a carton of milk from the fridge and the cereal, I sat opposite to her, "Working on tactics?"

"Yes. Grayfia has informed the battlefield would be the Kuoh Academy. The game will begin at the break of dawn."

Swallowing, "The battlefields aren't usually announced before the game. You think your brother has a hand in this? We got a home field advantage."

She looks irritated in response, "Probably. Riser may be arrogant, but he also receives formal education on battle simulations as well as experience. Onii-sama knows how big of an overwhelming disadvantage this is for me, and yet he insists on a Rating Game."

"This may look like a way to force you to marry the fire chicken, and I bet that's some of the elder devils motive. But Sirzechs-san actually wants to help you break out of your engagement. As a Maou, he can't show favoritism even if he really wants to."

"It doesn't feel like it." Rias sighed in exhaustion, "Onii-sama is one of them who arranged this marriage in the first place. If he truly wishes for my happiness, he wouldn't have supported it."

My eyes soften as I sympathize her. Taking some papers, I scanned the contents and noticed that it's a layout of the academy and some data on fire chicken's peerage, most of them uses fire in some way. At least there's still no major changes, as long as it stays this way, then my plan should work.

Except for one thing.

"Rias." I said slowly to gain her full attention, looking directly into her eyes, "What if I tell you that even if you loose the game, in the end, you'll not only gain freedom but something more, something you will forever cherish. What will you choose?"

She was stunned and looked at me with a blank face, "Is this about the future you know?"

I nodded. There's something significant in this world that has diverged from canon. Issei and Rias aren't as close as they were in the original timeline. No matter how I think about, I just couldn't figure out what, only that I know the reason is me. I might have stolen the chance for their love to blossom at this rate. That's why I need to know what Rias wants right now, does she want victory or does she want more.

"Daisuke, do you feel responsible for the changes you have made?"

I nodded again, but with hesitation.

Rias just smiled like I did something silly, "The me right now and the me from what you've seen are different, were those not your words? True, I may be curious to know what would that something be. But I already have what I cherished- everyone on my peerage. Your smiles were what brought me joy, what brought me strength. I want to win and share the glory with all of you, to show all devils the might of Rias Gremory and her peerage. What I choose is victory against Riser, so I can continue these happy days together, especially with you."

Her words sounded so genuine and sincere that it made my eyes widen in surprise. I chuckled, "If that is what you want, then your wish is my command." I stood up and made an exaggerated bow like a butler.

She giggled, "So, how is your training progressing? Are you perhaps making another ninja spell like your clones?."

"Yup. And by the way, they are modeled after ninja's from an anime I watched." I took another spoonful of cereal.

"Really?" She leaned in closer, inadvertently showing more of her cleavage, "What is it about?"

"You're really that interested, otaku-chan?" I smiled slyly.

She faltered a bit before giggling again, "So you do know about that. But if it is as interesting as that book you lent me, then I can't help myself. Very few of the animes I've watched can compare to that."

I sighed wistfully, "I know what you mean, who knows how many animes I've already missed. Say, you think Ajuka-san can built an interdimensional Wi-Fi that can connect to my world."

"If it is possible, then I demand that you marathon all the animes you know with me." Rias said pointedly.

...

The two of us burst out laughing.

Calming myself down, I just thought of something from remembering one of the animes, "Hey Rias, is it okay if I suggest something for the game? It won't affect fire chicken's strategies."

She raised an eyebrow, "Very well. Remember, don't spoil me on the details."

"Right. And one more thing, can you teach me how to use that charm magic like you did on Issei's parents?"

Tilting my head from Koneko's punch, I got into her guard and uppercut her stomach. She coughed saliva and got a roundhouse kick to the head before she could do anything else. Clone reeled his right fist to hit her back but she reoriented herself and jumped to the side. She went for a leg sweep but clone jumped and I aimed at her head again. Raising her right forearm to block it and grabbing my wrist, she pulled me in to slam my temple to the ground. Clone came from behind me to sucker punch her, but she ducked and kicked his chin, causing him to pop.

"You're getting better." She complimented, rubbing her stomach to sooth the pain, a wince visible in her features, "That hurts."

A hole with the shape of my face was prominent on the ground. I got up and dusted myself, "I'm a Rook too, I can dish out just as much as I can take them, especially with Buso."

"I heard from Akneo-senpai you can use wind magic. Are you going to incorporate that into your fighting style as well?"

"Yeah, but not now, still need to work out the kinks in my new techniques. I'll just keep improving my hand-to-hand combat until then."

I made a clone as she charged at us. Clone dodged left and hit her chin, I went in front but she kicked me back at the last second. Both of us took on Koneko at once and we exchanged a flurry of blows. We must be pushing her because she looks slightly strained to match the both of us. Eventually, she grabbed clone's hand and threw him at me. By the time we got up, her fist was already upon us as she punched through clone and hit my face, crashing me into a nearby tree.

"Ouch." The tree rattled as leaves fall. My back is in the trunk as splinters were blown to the ground "Guess you need to take me more seriously."

"Your movements are smoother and connects well, but you still need to do better to beat me." My fellow Rook said with some bruises.

"True, but you got more injuries compared to the first time. I can probably beat you if Rias let us use our Sacred Gears." I pried myself off with little success. My back was embedded in a way that my legs can't get a proper footing, "I think I'm stuck, a little help please?"

"Buchou doesn't want you to depend on your gears too much. They are powerful, but leaves us vulnerable if the enemy can counter them." She offered her hand to me. Though I could have sworn her eyes showed that she was entertained by my situation.

Taking it, she got me out in one pull. I dusted the remaining wood off as I remember the first month of my devil life. I did use Double Burst in most of my big fights. Without much training against powerful opponents, using my gear to increase my stats was my best option to level the playing field, "Good point. There might be some people who knows how to get around that."

I patted her head gratefully. Akeno's been asking for head pats everyday since day one, twice yesterday. Koneko saw me doing it and asked for some patting too. Though I think I heard her purring when I patted her last time as she leaned in to my hand which was immensely cute. I feel some suspicion form the girls' behaviors but shoved it aside for now and focused more on my training.

Suddenly, I got an idea that might or might not make the Nekoshou punch me in the balls. I moved my hand and scratched under her chin like I used to do with my pet cat. The result was instantaneous! She purred out loud and inclined her head to give my hand more room to scratch like a real cat.

'So fucking cute!'

Koneko was brought out of trance as she realized her actions, eyes snapped open in shock and embarrassment and immediately backed away, face red with a blush.

I snickered, "Let's get back to training."

The sun was setting behind the mountains, sky dyed in the usual orange hue. Kiba and I were done with our kenjutsu training and walking back with injuries, more so for me.

"Those joint strikes sting." Rubbing my wrists to alleviate the numbing pain, "I think you've hit some of my pressure points."

"That was my intention. Your accuracy and timing has improved considerably." Kiba complimented with a single injury on his left shoulder, "You were finally able to land a hit on me."

"Correction, my clone with his Tenkugan land a hit on you. I swear you're turning me into a walking piñata, if I didn't have Buso I would have holes right now." I grumbling in dissatisfaction. Sure I got the memory and momentary elation from my clone's memories but that doesn't change the fact I still need my Tenkugan (Sky Eye) to predict his movements, my base stats are still too low.

"This Tenkugan of yours..." He assessed me with a look, "... it can read the slightest muscle movements as if reading one's mind, quite a useful technique indeed. Were you inspired from the Shinigami anime?"

"Nah." Shaking my head, "It was based on a character from a ninja anime who knows kenjutsu."

"I see, so you adapted from that. I think the issue lies in looking too much at the opponent. One also needs to feel and anticipate with your sense of danger, let your body move how it wants to be."

My feet immediately stopped walking at that revelation, "Now that you mention it, maybe I was trying too hard without the Tenkugan. My body was tensed watching where your next attack would be." Clone always uses Tenkugan and I always use Buso in training, one relies on his eyes and the other to rely without it. Maybe due to all the memory influx, I've been unconsciously trying fight as if it's on 24/7.

"But that does not mean your form is not improving. In fact, you're stance is firmer with each time your clone disperses. Remember, swordplay is not much different than your fighting style, feel your sword as part of your body."

I nodded at that, storing it in my memory so I can correct my habits later. We met Issei, Koneko and Miho at the entrance, Issei's hair was partially black and blown back like it was puffed up in an afro. Suppressing my laugh, I asked "Hey, you okay?"

"Yeah." Issei said lethargically, "Got a surprise explosion from one of Miho's fireballs."

I looked back to my familiar, giving her a silent smile and thumbs up which made her beam in happiness, "Come on guys, let's have Asia check our injuries so we can get food. Wonder what's for dinner tonight?"

"Ah, Hanwei-sama." Miho called out to me with a nervous gaze, "I have matters to attend, please go to the dining room without me."

Before I could ask what it was, she ran inside to do who knows what. I turned back to the others, "Did something happen to her?"

"You'll find out soon." Koneko answered mysteriously before entering the mansion.

Okay, now I'm really curious, "Issei, Kiba, did you two notice anything strange, like she's feeling unwell or anything?"

"Nothing of that sort, she is actually improving during our training instead." Kiba replied with his own confusion.

"I agree with that." Issei pointed at his hair for emphasis, "She didn't say anything weird either, just training stuff with Koneko-chan."

"Well whatever it is, Koneko seems to know about it. As long as she doesn't unnecessarily hurt herself I guess it's fine." We trailed in after the girls to find Asia and did our usual routine.

One quick shower later, I went to the dining room to have dinner with everyone and help setting up the table. All of them were present except Akeno, Asia, and Miho. I can understand the first two since they do the cooking, but I haven't seen Miho since earlier. Guess I'll just save some food and heat it up for her later.

It wasn't long until Akeno and Asia in aprons came in with curry and miso soup. The aroma spread out and hit my nostrils, smells delicious as always. Sets of plates and bowls were placed on the table until I noticed we were one set short. To be more specific, Akeno arranged it so I wouldn't have a set.

"Akeno, don't I get any food?"

"Ara, ara, do you miss my cooking?" She looked amusingly at me like she knows something and I don't.

"It is delicious, so yeah. And there's also the fact that I can't cook yet."

"Thank you, but too bad. You will have a different serving tonight."

The kitchen door opened and, to my surprise, Miho appeared with an apron of her own and a plate of fried rice. She looked a bit tired and walked over to my seat and placed the cuisine on the table, "I hope you like it, Hanwei-sama."

I blinked and looked at the dish, and then back to her, "Is this... Chinese fried rice?"

"Y-yes." She stuttered out, "You mentioned that you like this meal and had it often. That's why I would like to prepare it for you."

"You didn't have to." I didn't know what else to say, it's been a while since I had food resembling from my own country. Most of my meals were local since I never had many chances to try Japanese food.

Miho shook her head, "I have always been in your care Hanwei-sama. I feel I should at least try something besides cleaning, that is my I asked the other girls to teach me."

"That's right. Miho-chan insisted on learning to please you, right Miho-chan?" Akeno grabbed her shoulders from behind while teasing Miho.

"Miho-san worked hard to make this." Asia chipped in.

"It was surprise, but she was insistent to learn." Rias added.

I wordlessly grabbed a spoonful of rice and tried it. Tastes slightly different from usual, probably because the ingredients came from Japan, but at the same time, it has the same tangy flavor. My lips curved upwards on its own and I gently patted her head, "Thank you Miho, it's delicious."

She smiled brightly, her eyes wide with joy and relief as I ignore Issei who was crying tears of jealously in my peripheral vision.

Day 7:

Kiba's bokken was swung downwards but I parried it at the last moment, using more force to push him back as clone's bokken went for his legs. He blocked it and turned to block my strike to his torso in one fluid movement. Kiba's suggestion a few days ago really helped as I anticipated his movements rather than predicting them.

Both of us, if you count clone as me, were enhancing our wooden swords with magic as Kiba started to take me more seriously. He went for my abdomen, making me lean back and retaliate. Kiba dodged and got into my guard, hitting my solar plexus with the pommel. The shock sent me staggering back and clone went for his back.

He twisted around to block it but clone has seen the move enough times to crouch down and knocked his right shoulder. Kiba just smiled in response and increased his speed, striking clone's neck which made him pop. His attention turned to me who was still seemingly recovering from the blow. He closed in to hit my head.

But immediately widen his eyes and moved his bokken to block a sudden strike from his left. Kiba's sudden rush made him do a chain move and struck my chest.

"Damn it! I almost had you!" I yelled in my downed position where I see the familiar tip to my neck.

"To be honest, that last attack could have seriously hurt me. But how did your speed suddenly increase? You were not using your Sacred Gear." Kiba panted as he offered his hand.

I got up, "It's a new technique of mine. Remember Shunpo?"

Kiba's face lighten up in recognition, "Ah, so you used a burst of magic at the soles of your feet?"

"Had to curve my feet inwards or it'll launch me upwards instead. Not that hard, it's kinda like water walking, just need to adjust it a little."

"Is it really necessary? This technique is useful, but Rooks are not known for their speed. Shouldn't you be making use more of your strength and endurance?"

"Trust me Kiba, there's a lot of things in this world you just can't tank. I'll work more on my Rook trait after the game."

Kiba gave it a thought before recalling something, "Oh, that's right." He walked to the base of tree where two swords were placed. He grabbed one of them and walked back, grinning widely, "It's ready."

My eyes widen a bit and I mimicked his grin, "Already? I thought you needed more time?"

"After listening to Bleach, I've found myself more and more interested to see the results, motivating me to finish it ahead of schedule."

"Kiba you're awesome! Give me give me give me!" I greedily grabbed the sword a gave it a look. The scabbard is plain black, along with the leather hilt. Unsheathing it, the blade was just as Kiba and I designed- an inner black portion with an outer white portion that acts as the edge, all in the shape of a standard khyber knife, with the backside of the tip slightly curving inwards. Magic is absorbed from the hilt, transmitting it the the black portion. The black and white portions interact to compress as much magic as possible, and discharge said magic through the tip. It's modeled after Ichigo's shikai as much as possible.

I turned to the forested area, the crazy grin still in place, "Kiba, you might want to step back."

Pointing the sword forward, I channeled as much magic as I could. The sword glowed light blue until the blade was completely enveloped. The light blinded me a little, but not deterring me in the least, "I've always wanted to do this!" Bringing it behind me, I swung it back forward with everything I got, "Getsuga Tensho!"

A light blue crescent wave of magic appeared, easily cutting through a couple dozen trees at high speed, causing them to fall unceremoniously onto the ground. I stared out in awe as a new path to the mountains bacame visible.

I heard clapping sounds behind me as Kiba gave a look of approval, "Quite impressive. With your improved swordsmanship and that technique, even I would need to start taking you seriously."

"Thank you Kiba, you made me achieved one of my childhood dreams." The sword was held upwards, my reflection staring at me as I stare at the sword.

"You're welcome. By the way, what will you name it?"

A name? Haven't thought about it actually, but I'm not calling it Zangetsu that's for certain. Zangetsu is more than just a sentient Zampakuto, he's Ichigo's partner and I have my own. Let's see... a sword that cuts a path to our dreams, "Dream Sword, that's what I'll name it."

"Dream Sword... a fine name."

Issei already has a considerate amount of training in magic control, he just needs to get more magic by using it in sparring. That's why Daisuke suggested that he should spar against Miho this time instead of continuing the usual lessons with Akeno-san. He really wasn't liking it though, Akeno-san's lessons are way better than getting burned. At least Asia is with him as support, she's been progressing well with barrier magic.

A green barrier stopped a flamethrower from hitting him in the face, "Issei focus!"

"Impossible! How am I suppose to focus on anything but that!" Daisuke was watching Issei spar this time. He really didn't get why he wanted to join us but there were bigger problems, in both good and bad at the same time. Daisuke asked Miho to change from her jersey to something much more irresistible. She was wearing nothing but a super short skirt and something that looks like a sports bra. He was really trying to concentrate but whenever Miho makes the slightest movements, her bountiful oppai jiggled, making his eyes keep drifting-

"Aah!" Issei barely ducked from a fireball that almost burned all his hair away. He already has enough problems with trying to get close to her already, but her oppai makes it even harder.

"Issei-san, I'm sorry, I wasn't fast enough." Issei turned around and saw that Asia was doing her best and yet here he is not doing the same, causing him to feel a mix of fear, excitement and guilt.

"Don't worry Asia, it's not your fault. I couldn't focus and-" Another barrier stopped the flames in time, "Miho! Can't you at least let me finish talking?"

"An opponent will not allow you any chances, focus Issei." Miho lectured.

Okay, he really needs to start concentrating. Mustering every ounce of will, Issei charged. Dodging left from some fireballs, Issei got close to engage her in close combat. She keeps twirling away from every punch and fire palmed him in the ribs. Just before he was sent away, a mini Dragon Shot was fired straight to her abdomen. Miho gritted in pain but managed blast one last flamethrower. The barrier did its job in keeping the flames away but he could still feel some heat.

Dropping down to his knees, Issei panted and sweated buckets. The flames died down and Daisuke was already handing him a bottle of water, granting him reprieve as he drank.

"Issei-san, are you okay?" Asia approached the Pawn and healed his burns.

"Y-yeah, I'll be fine Asia, thanks."

"Good job, I told Miho to let loose and you still managed to last this long, even with Asia's help."

"I'm starting to think you want to hurt me like Koneko-chan."

"If I was, I would have flatten you into paste with my fists instead, but that's not it. Issei, do you know why I asked Miho to change clothes and fight you?"

Issei furrowed his brows in thought, he already knew his friend has some reason. He is the kind of person who always does something for a reason. He took another good look at Miho, noticing her smooth flawless skin, big shapely ass, giant bouncing opp-

"Issei!"

"Sorry, got distracted. I mean Miho can compete with the Two Great Onee-samas in the looks department." He hastily defended himself.

"That's precisely my point."

What!? Is the lucky bastard trying to show off or something!?

"No, I'm not showing off."

Issei really needs to work on not showing his emotions.

"I'm saying, fire chicken's peerage are all beautiful girls. We'll be fighting them no matter what. I'm trying to make you to not get distracted like you did with Miho so you can fight at your best." Daisuke crossed his arms.

... As always, he has a point. It'll definitely be bad if gets one hit KO or something if he gets distracted. Issei's been training to get stronger physically, but he didn't think he would also need to train mentally. He's sorry for letting his libido control him all the time.

"Does that mean I can't be a pervert in front of them?" He asked timidly. He is a pervert by heart after all.

"No." Thankfully, Daisuke denies it, "You can perv on them, it's in your nature. Trying to make you stop being a pervert is like trying to stop a tiger from eating meat." That was a weird comparison, but accurate to Issei. "You just need to control yourself long enough until it's absolutely safe to do so. Sometimes emotions like lust or anger can cost us our lives. Remember Viser's acid breasts?"

Issei did and grimaced. He would have melted into a puddle of goo if Daisuke didn't save him.

"Remember your objectives and control your emotions, not the other way around. We still have 7 more days before the game, if you can do it by then, you'll be a force to be reckon with."

Daisuke gave him a confident smile, the same smile that's been helping him whenever he faces danger. It's always reassuring to have someone like Daisuke on our side. But that smile suddenly became a sad frown. Is he okay?

"Actually, there's something I want talk to you about. Both you and Asia." His voice was somber.

"What's wrong Hanwei-san?"

"Something bothering you."

Daisuke took a deep breath, "You know about my origins right?"

"Yeah, you're from another world." Is it something about the future?

"I was afraid back then, afraid of what you guys would do to me. But after saving Asia together, I knew I could trust you and became afraid that you all would reject me instead. It was stupid and I should have told you earlier. I told Rias so she could have better chances of winning, and when I think back, I wonder if Asia could have been saved in time had I said anything sooner."

Issei's eyes shot open. That's right, he could have told us sooner, could have stopped Asia from suffering from those fallen angels.

Daisuke bowed his heads to them, "I'm sorry Asia, if I could have been braver or even hinted about your death, then maybe you could have a choice in becoming a devil. I'm sorry Issei, I'm sorry for being a selfish coward."

Issei looked at Asia who was looking sadly at Daisuke, "Hanwei-san, you still did your hardest. You came to help me even when you did not know me personally. I should thank you instead, O Lord, please give- Kyah!"

All three of us were holding our heads in pain, "If it makes you feel any better, think of that headache as your punishment."

"But-"

"Daisuke." Issei interrupt him, for some reason he feels much more confident now, "You got killed trying to save me, and saved me from Freed, and helped me beat Raynare, and even nearly died again to let me and the others go ahead. I've always felt guilty because you had to come save my ass every time, you know."

It was true, no selfish coward could have done any of that. He had helped him many times and even now still helping him. Issei flashed him the best smile he could make, "You still told us right? Better late than never."

"We are always grateful to you and we will never hate you, please remember that Hanwei-san." Asia happily said.

Miho walked to Daisuke's back and placed her hand on his shoulder, giving him a kind and thankful smile.

Daisuke gains a relieved look, "Thanks guys."

For some reason, it feels like Daisuke became that much closer to us.

The weather was clear, no clouds in sight. The moon shined enough to give enough visibility in the dark. Not like I needed it though, night vision for the win. Miho and I went to the forested area opposite to where Issei and Asia are. This way, we won't interrupt each other's training.

"Sorry again about today, hope Issei's leering wasn't too bad." I sheepishly apologize. I know she's used to being stark naked back in the familiar forest, but asking a girl to wear so little in front of a pervert makes me feel bad.

"It was no trouble at all, his gaze was much less disturbing than the slimes. I would incinerate him if he intentionally touch me with ill intent." She said like it's a normal routine.

I sweat dropped at that. Hope Issei's self-preservation instincts gets better by then, "Alright, time to start. Power burst: Kage Bunshin no Jutsu." Six clones were produced. I'm behind schedule and really need to push it if I want to perfect my skills in time.

"You finish up water walking, you two get to leaf cutting, you two work on the new techniques, and you're gonna help me with the trump card. Miho, I'm gonna need your help as well."

"Hanwei-sama, I thought your trump card is opposite of my skill?"

"Originally yes, but I don't have much time left and need to adjust it. The stabilization core can't handle the much and keeps malfunctioning. The longest it could hold is five seconds."

"How may I help you then?"

...

"I see, that may help us achieve victory. Hanwei-sama, that is brilliant." Her face showed admiration.

"I wouldn't call it brilliant, more like improvising. Let's just hope we don't need it, it's not something I can completely control and fire chicken is Rias' target not mine. Let's try it out."

Clone and I made multiple sets to test out the magnitude. Apparently, all of them can hold out at the same amount of time which is non-existent, so that means my skills still lack in that department. And the more magic we put into it, the bigger the results. The last part is kinda obvious considering that's how most other techniques work but I have to be absolutely sure. The timing has to be perfect and I'm not sure whether fire chicken will fall for the same trick twice. Hopefully no one heard the commotion we're making.

"Do not worry Hanwei-sama. Even if somehow none of your plans work, I will come to your aid no matter the consequences. Our training has made me strong enough to challenge Kiba and Koneko." Miho exclaimed proudly with a smile, right hand placed on her chest.

Well, it is true she can give them a run for their money in an all out fight. Despite not being part of the peerage, she said it would bring me shame if she can't keep up with me and gave it her all. It doesn't really matter that she's growing slowly or not, her determination is already enough to make me proud. I understand her feelings considering her family and species, but there's just one tiny problem.

Feeling a lump in my throat, how am I gonna put this as delicate as possible?

"Um... Miho, about that..."

"Yes?" Her eyes were locked onto mine, making it even harder for me to break this to her.

"I can't let you participate." Okay, even I think I just sounded like an asshole.

Her smile was immediately gone, turning into a frown of sadness and betrayal, "Hanwei-sama, please give me a chance! I swear I will become stronger, I will never hold you back!"

Grabbing both her shoulders, I spoke as gently as possible, "Miho, please calm down. You're not weak, not at all. You would be an asset to our team, never forget that."

She managed to stop her outburst but still looks dejected, face down towards the ground, "If that is so, then why?"

"Miho, I trust you will watch my back and help me whenever I'm in trouble. You are my one and only familiar and that's a fact." Calming her down was necessary if I want her to fully understand my reason. After she nodded, I continued, "Rias' rating game will be broadcasted all over the Underworld, every devil will be witnessing the fights in live broadcast, displaying our strengths and weaknesses. You are no doubt strong, that's why I want you to be our ace in the hole for future Rating Games. Everyone will be expecting Rias' peerage members, not the familiars. Your powers will be an unknown, if we can get a surprise on them, we'll have an advantage against our opponents."

'Like Diodora.'

She reluctantly nodded her head, heart-brokenly agreed, "I... understand. I will obey your orders."

Oh come on Miho! This is hard for me too you know, "I'm really sorry, but if we're really backed into a corner, I'll call you for help. And this will be the only time. After this, I'll need your help in the rest of the big fights. You can bet that those will be much harder. So cheer up, okay?"

"Very well." She's still not cheered up.

I whacked my brain for anything that could help but got nothing. Turning my head to my clone, he just shrugged his shoulders and mouthed 'I don't know' with an equally distressed expression. Of all the plans I can come up with, making a girl happy is not one of them, "Please don't be sad, I'll do anything to make it up to you."

Her head perked up, "Anything?"

"Yes, anything."

Wasn't really sure what to expect really, maybe delicious food or something? But she just silently went and grabbed my right arm, stuffing it in between her breasts while laying her head on my shoulder. The familiar softness returned, but the smooth and fragrant hair was new. I can hear her inhale what I think most probably was my scent, her hot breathe tickling my neck, "Miho?"

"Can we stay like this for a while?"

"... Sure."

Day 10:

"Grggh!" I was pushed back because of blocking the lightning by slicing it with my Dream Sword. The remaining lightning that got past Buso zapped me, making my body twitch a little from the jolt to my cells.

"Ara, ara, I didn't know you were a masochist Daisuke-kun." Akeno smugly teased with a little too much happiness, "You can still stop if you want, I can be quite wild to you."

My training's been going smoothly. I'm catching up to Koneko and Kiba now, but it's not enough. This will be our only time to completely focus on training for a while. To everyone else, fire chicken's a big boss who needs to be beaten no matter what. But to me, he's nothing more than a stepping stone, a prologue to the real dangerous enemies we're going to face. That's why I'm sparring against the sadistic Queen herself.

Akeno has already helped me enough in my wind magic training and I greatly surprised her by asking for a spar. I want to test everything I have learned up until now against her. Taijutsu, kenjutsu, magic, everything. The only limiters right now were my weights and not using Double Burst. She was hesitant at first, but after getting Rias for approval, we were up in the air for an aerial battle.

Rias is supervising us in case I couldn't go any longer. I won't deny it, my pride was a bit wounded from that. It's not just her actually, everyone else was watching us. There was a few times I saw Kiba and Koneko sparring against Akeno, but they never won once. They put up good fights but still didn't win, and I'm not faring any better either.

"I know you are eager, but you are still not ready. Have you learned your lesson yet?" Akeno playfully lectured me.

Scowling in annoyance, I think she's provoking me more than stopping me.

And it's working.

Fine, if that's how you want to play it, then I'll try out the new move. Sheathing my sword back onto my waist, I concentrated magic onto my hands, controlling my breathing to guide the magic better. Light blue wind begin to circulate around my hands, this technique still takes a few seconds to initiate but Akeno hasn't made any moves to stop me.

Palms opened, fingers extended. My new move works by using the end of the middle finger as a tip to circulate wind as thin as possible, letting it travel to below my wrists. I combined wind and rotation to create a surgically precise attack like Sasuke's Chidori, forming a drill. I call it...

"Futon: Supairarudoro (Wind Release: Spiral Draw)!"

Wind howled as the spell emerged. Akeno gave an astonished look, "Ara, ara, you have been training well. What other secrets do you have for me?"

"Fight me, and see for yourself."

I flapped my wings and propelled forward while Akeno summoned more lightning at me. The drill completely negated it as I swipe my right hand, causing her to gasp in surprise. Taking the opening, I closed in and nicked her cheek. She regained her senses, using her speed to back away as I chase her with Shunpo. This is the first time I'm using multiple spells like this, better hurry.

We danced in the sky, lightning versus wind. She keeps directing her lightning to shoot me at multiple angels, making my Tenkugan work overtime. Free falling from a lightning above me, I canceled my spell and made a clone, connecting our feet, and used Shunpo together to double my speed, sending me above her before dispelling. Time to end this.

"Futon: Shinkuha (Wind Release: Vacuum Wave)!"

Compressing my fists in wind, I reeled them back and rained down sharp spherical wind towards Akeno, sending her crashing to the ground and making a dust cloud. I need another range technique without my sword, weaker but more spammable. After about a dozen or so, I became exhausted and stopped, breathing in and out large amounts of air. Wonder if that worked?

I barely leaned back in time from a lightning.

"Ufufu, you sure know how to impress a girl."

Behind me!? When did she-

"Aaaggh!" My back felt fried as I was blown away. I tried reorienting myself but got blown away in another direction. Maybe that last barrage wasn't such a good idea, I lost a lot of energy. Unsheathing Dream Sword, I swung to where I think she was but the result didn't change. This kept repeating until I crash landed onto the ground, face first.

My whole body ached and a green glow began emitting onto me. My vision swam as I vaguely noticed Akeno landing next to me with just few minor scratches.

"Too bad Daisuke-kun, it was a good try though."

I want to take a nap right now. But not before weakly declaring, "Expect... a rematch."

Day 14:

Akeno truly lives up to her title as the 'Ultimate Sadist', I couldn't land another hit on her again and she kept zapping my ass while giggling like a normal school girl. It was the day before the game, all of us were present and seated for a final debriefing. Rias, Akeno, and I were standing in front of everyone else.

"Everyone, in preparation for tomorrow's Rating Game, Daisuke, Akeno, and I made some battle attire."

"It's made so you guys can wear it under whatever you feel the most comfortable with. Check them out."

Each of them opened their boxes that contained black skintight full bodysuits, covering up to the wrists and ankles. There are versions for both genders but have the Gremory Clan symbol above the left breast.

"Through Daisuke's suggestion and Akeno's cloth manipulation, these battle attires are all light and flexible as it won't impede your movements."

"And it doesn't end there, these are all fireproofed." I informed with a shit eating grin, "They won't completely stop fire chicken's flames, but it's a different story for his peerage."

They looked impressed and eager.

"Incredible."

"... Nice."

"This is totally badass."

"The fabric feels smooth."

"If there are any last minute adjustments, please come and find me immediately." Akeno said.

"Everyone, listen well." Rias started with eyes sharp and tone full of seriousness, gaining everyone's attention, "Tomorrow will be our match against Riser, know that I am proud of having kind servants like all of you and grateful for supporting me. No matter what he throws at us, there is only one path we must take- victory! We will show him to not mess with us ever again!"

We all cheered. Tomorrow's the decisive match to determine Rias' future. And we're ready.

Guest-Questioner: Yo! Haven't seen you since chapter 1. Admit it, you like the shit I've been writing, you tsundere.

Guest: Not the trump card, not even close.

A.N.: I've updated Daisuke's skill set in my profile, and will keep updating as the story progress. This way, you guys will know his moves. You guys can PM me for questions if you want, I already got a few of them. I'll try to reply as soon as possible. Hope you all like it. Please leave a review and tell me what you think.

Ja Ne