Chapter 40: The Power to Protect

I was on my knees, wheezing for oxygen. My body aches like hell and I must have sweated enough to fill a bucket, but it's not enough. I can't let it end here, "P-please Second-shihou, maybe one more day can-"

"No." He denied firmly, arms crossing with stern features, "If you don't rest now, you can't fight at full strength for your Rating Game. Your training ends today."

My frustration got the better of me when I vented stress by punching the ground, spider cracks appearing on the small crater. I don't get it! I've constantly pushed my body to the limit until I felt like fainting, only for Second to heal me back so I can continue! I've exhausted my magic countless times! I've been nearly scorched by the fire giant clone's flames on our daily spars! I've trained underwater to further develop my lungs! But nothing worked! I still can't trigger my Balance Breaker!

I was even desperate enough to poke Miho's nipples like Issei did in canon! My eyes trailed down to glare at the offending gloves. I don't get it! I've tried everything I could think of! What more does Double Burst want from me!? If this is as far as I can go... then how am I gonna confess to Miho? She's already stronger than me now...

The pinkette crouched down and hugged me reassuringly, "Hanwei-sama, your true strength does not lie within your demonic magic, Sacred Gear, or your advance growth." She placed a hand on my heart, her soft eyes watching me with a gentle expression, "It lies within your immovable pride, the strength to push forward regardless of the overwhelming forces. I know for certain, you will one day achieve your Balance Breaker with this strength."

If only she knows what I'm trying to do. It helps, though I still feel disappointed in myself.

"Then kill." Second cut our mood with a not-so-nice answer. Our eyes darted to the Ultimate Rook in shock, "You want Balance Breaker? Then get rid of those soft feelings. I'm not saying it's bad but there are just some people in this world who don't deserve redemption."

"But I've been coming at you with the intention to kill everyday, it's not like I stand a chance without it."

"Not whenever you thought my vital spots were open. I let you come close to me on purpose to confirm that. Even against enemies far stronger than you, your kindness takes over at the very last second."

Somewhere in my mind, I knew his assessment was true. It stings, but true, "We don't know for sure whether that will work."

"Is that a problem when everything else we've done also didn't work."

"Then what do you suggest for me to do? Find some criminal and pierce his heart with my hand?"

He sighed, "I was hoping to not do this."

There was something about our teacher's posture which sent alarm signals in us. Miho and I got back into battle stance, the hair on our bodies stood up. We sensed his atmosphere changing into one that sent shivers down to our bones. This was unlike all our previous spars. Our heart rate quickened from anticipation and danger emanating from the powerful being.

"You're gonna hate me for this, but this is for your own good." He leveled us with a calm stare which scares us more than it should, "If you won't kill me, then I'll kill jou-chan."

"Wait! What do you-" Before I could blink, Second materialized directly in between Miho and me. In the moment, time felt as if it's been frozen while we couldn't do anything. No warning, no sound, no presence. I couldn't sense him coming at all, as if his entire existence melted into air. In that moment, for the first time in a long time, I was petrified in fear.

Igniting his hand, he ruthlessly jabbed into Miho's abdomen. She vomited blood before crashing into a cliff. A giant hand grappled my head before I had the chance to call out to my familiar, slamming me into the ground. My face was burning and the sound of the impact attacked my ears. He then kneed my gut and uppercut me before overhand punching me back to eat dirt.

"Double up x20!"

I aimed my feet to use Shunpo to launch away, quickly taking off the resistance bracelets so I can move better. I ducked under an incoming left hook with Tenkugan and rotated with Dream Sword, using the centripetal force to augment the Getsuga. But that was thwarted when he breathed out a literal sea of flames, forcing me back and engulfing me.

Buso could only block so much when my skin was being destroyed by third and fourth degree burns. This is so bad that it's not even funny, Second is seriously trying to kill us and I'm too tired to fight back! My vision blurred in red with all the blood coming out of me, I can barely stand at this point.

Miho's presence returned to my range as I could vaguely tell she's trying to fight back. Fire clashed against fire though it was painfully clear she's getting obliterated. The Ultimate Rook punched through everything and burned her whole, not even her fire-resistant skin can save her.

'Fuckfuckfuck! Gotta save up... enough magic... to teleport us out!'

The anguish on Miho's face tore me from the inside out, I just hope she could buy enough time to-

Second grabbed her hair and swung her body like a rag doll, smashing her into everything around them before hurling her in the direction opposite to me, "Is that all you got jou-chan!? What happened to serving and protecting the gaki! If you don't want him to die, then take his place!"

My breathed hitched when he faced me, a monstrous amount of fire surging right towards me. If I waste magic for another spell we'll be stuck here, but if I don't use Buso I'll die.

"Goddammit!" Compared to the heat, the headache felt ticklish. Second kept up the flames as my body began gradually charring to nothing, my consciousness was slipping with no oxygen left around me. Is this it? Am I... gon...na... die...

"Kyahahaha, come on everyone. Hurry up." I was going on an outing with my family, excitedly and energetically running ahead with the rest walking behind. Though it was just to eat lunch, I'm already starving.

"Aiyoh, please don't go so fast. I'm already old you know." Grandma admonished lightly, standing in front of the rest.

"Son, don't run on the streets. It's dangerous."

"Don't worry dad." I waved off his warning, not paying too much attention to what he said, "It's a green light and there aren't any cars."

The family shook their heads in exasperation, though grandma had a smile of mirth. A sound registered to my ears but I paid no attention to it, until I saw the looks of fear and desperation on their faces. Grandma quickly rushed to push me away. Surprised, I saw her silhouette shrinking as a light shone her figure away. Everything around me slowed as my body fell while my hand involuntarily reached out, but it was too short to make it.

"Hanwei-sama!"

My mind was brought back to reality as the image of my grandmother was replaced by Miho. She was in front of me, arms spread out and blocking Second's fire. In return, her body was being seared. Despite the excruciating pain she's going through, the salamander tried to smile, "I-it's okay, we will live and g-go home toge-"

Her body staggered, breaking down from the excessive heat.

'Again?'

Miho weakly smiled my way.

'Am I gotta let someone die to protect me again?'

Double Burst emerged on its own, fleetingly shinning black and white.

'I never want to experience that pain ever again.'

The gear shined again, this time longer and brighter.

'I didn't come this far so I can kill.'

Crimson and golden yellow overlapped the black and white.

'My power was meant to protect everything my friends and I believe in!'

Willing my body to move, I desperately begged for more to break past my limits. For my friends, for my pride, for everything I care about, and for Miho, the current me is not enough. Technique and finesse isn't enough, I need more! Please! Double Burst, you respond to my feelings and desire right!? The give me what I need to protect all of them! Give me what I need to win!

"ABSOLUTE UNRIVALED SPEED AND POWER!" My plea echoed through the wind, lights of four different colors illuminating the entire forest.

[Balance Breaker: Supra Burst]

Shrouding my usual combat clothes was the physical manifestation of my subspecies. The usual black and white gloves had crimson and gold covering up half of my fingers. My vest was adorned with accents of the new colors, representing the two halves of my gear. A black turtleneck partially zipped up under my white vest with similarly accented pants and shoes, two belts (one crimson and one gold) crisscrossing at the center. But the most distinguishable feature was the shades tinted both crimson and gold as eyewear, as well as the full yin yang symbol on my belt buckle. Dream sword holstered on my waist.

Miho also had a wardrobe upgrade gifted by Grayfia, now capable of switching clothes with magic. A deep pink sleeveless kimono decorated with dark blue flowers and light blue flames in the background, loose sleeves around her forearms, knee-length black leggings, a navy-blue hakama with white trimming on the bottoms, and combat sandals. Her low ponytail braided similarly to her teacher's which was held together with her hair clip. Her shoulders were open, kimono fitly fastening her breasts together, and the lower half was split open. Complemented with the deep red scale-like flames covering and embers licking around her body, it gave her a seducing yet highly dangerous appearance.

Bikou whistled, gleefully tapping his Ruyi Jingu Bang on his shoulder, "Are you really the same Aoi Arashi? Vali said you were around average High-class at best. And who's the hot girl?"

"My name is Miho, a fire spirit serving Hanwei-sama as his familiar."

"I don't suppose you would rather talk things out instead of trying to kill each other?"

"Don't even think about it nya." Kuroka glared at the battle-maniac youkai, "I already got Shirone back so let's just get out of here."

"He's just right in front of us, it would be a waste to run now. Besides, he has a way to find us, he'll keep stopping us until he gets your sister back."

The black nekoshou grinned, "You think I haven't thought of that? Sorry groper-chan, but you'll have to take a little nap nya."

"Please tell me that all of Khaos Brigade members are not calling me that."

"Okay, I won't tell you that nya~" Her face was full of innocence, smiling like she knows an important secret, "It's just all of the girls of Khaos Brigade are calling you that. Nighty night nya."

I grimaced, this is definitely putting a huge blow to my dignity. I would've complained if I hadn't noticed a black and purple mist permeating all around us. Wind and fire silently surged, flushing the poisonous mist away. Kuroka was befuddled by the fact that her plan was instantly ruined.

The monkey youkai burst out laughing, "Guess someone didn't pay attention to Vali's warning."

"Shut up nya!" She glowered in attempt to cover up her embarrassment before raising a hand to erect a barrier, "Fine, you want a fight nya? Then let's make it quick."

"Kuroka, why did you kidnap Koneko after so many years of abandoning her?"

"We had a little problem nya. As her sister, it's only right for me take her back after she came looking for me nya."

"Does Koneko want to go with you? Considering the situation right now, it's more than likely that you're kidnapping her."

"It doesn't matter nya. I'm taking her back where it's safer."

"And while we're at it, we might as well take you with us. Ophis will be happy with you as her present."

Sighing, Miho and I readied our stance. If I can't talk to them, then I'll show them, "So much for diplomacy."

"Say, quick question before we start: you are a reincarnated devil right?"

That sent confusion all over my mind. Why would he ask something so obvious? "Yeah, why?"

The youkais exchanged glances before looking back at me weirdly, "Just making sure."

"Alright Bikou, make it quick so we can-" Kuroka's eyes widened when she saw Koneko in my arms, her sight trailed down to her own arms where her little sister should be. Both of them were stupefied with their mouths hanging open, they couldn't sense what the fuck just happened aside from a brief crimson glow and that made the older nekoshou growled in displeasure, "You brat! How did you do that!?"

I took a few moments to catch my breath from using my new power. Risky, but Koneko's safety is our top priority, 'One.'

"Well whatever it was, looks like it took quite a bit out of you." Bikou evaluated yet his smirk grew in eagerness, "You can still keep going right?"

Once I set my kouhai someplace safe at a distance, I unfurled my wings and was ready to go, "Damn straight."

"Hanwei-sama, may I suggest we fight individually? I wish to test my abilities against a more equaled opponent."

"Can you win?"

Miho's unwavering eyes stared down at my own, answering with neither fear nor hesitation, "Yes."

That put a grin on a my face, "I'm counting on you. Hey Bikou, how about we move a little further for a one-on-one?"

"I'm starting to like you more and more. Fine by me." He called out his Jīndou Yún and rode at high speed, I followed him easily until we maintained a small distance from our allies, "I'll admit, not just anyone can get Vali's acknowledgement. I wanted to have a go with you ever since I saw how much damage he got."

"Half the reason he did is probably because Issei declared me as his rival." Magic surrounded my lens as Tenkugan emerged, "Bring it on."

He avoided eye contact, "Woah, not that easy. Vali said you got some kind of ocular power that distracts our thinking. But fortunately for me," The Monkey King descendant charged, "I don't need eyes to fight."

His staff was swung down, blocked by Dream Sword when I slid underneath him. Bikou made a quick turn, timely extending and retracting his weapon to hit me from a distance. I weaved around while throwing occasional Getsugas, until he propelled himself immediately towards me by extending his staff backwards. Leaning back from a right hook, I retaliated with a swift downward slash.

Tilting out of the way, Bikou kept up the assault with a horizontal swipe, using the momentum of his first swing to connect to a diagonal one. I calmly matched his timing, either dodging or countering with my sword. His cloud suddenly sped up, giving its rider a somersault to add more unpredictability. A storm of staff strikes came at me from all sides without pause. Left shoulder, right leg, head, elbow, ankle. All barely dodged while the cloud maneuvered Bikou away from my attacks.

"What's wrong Aoi Arashi? Don't tell me you only got lucky against Vali."

"There was luck involved but that's not it. I'm just readjusting back to normality again."

Unlike that mountain, the oxygen here feels abundant. My breathing is deep but steady with no hint of tiredness whatsoever, I was only warming up actually. The weightless sensation in my body is incredible. Above all else, my Tenkugan was upgraded from both training and Supra Burst. Achromatic x-ray vision combined with hyper processing prowess allowed me to see everything clearly to the smallest details.

Breathing, muscle tension, accumulated energy, intent, the staff's molecular structure, the cloud's internal air movements. Everything. Along with pseudo ki sensing, I can see what he'll do a few seconds later, I can feel when and where those attacks will land. Compared to Second's monstrous powers, this guy's GOT NOTHING!

I perfectly and perpendicularly palmed the incoming staff, catching him off guard. Getting close, I swiped upwards which was barely dodged in time before bring it down, finishing with a rotating slash with a Getsuga. Bikou bent his body backwards, rapidly extending and retracting multiple times for a flurry of thrusts, but I could tell them coming and nimbly dodged while closing in.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" That smirk on his face stretched further up as so did mine. Both of us upped our game. From a weaker opponent's perspective, I looked like I teleported to the youkai's back but in reality, my natural speed (along with my other stats) is bolstered enough to match Ichigo's bankai and his hyper-speed combat.

A white aura enveloped his body as Touki surged. He turned around in time as sword met staff, producing a shockwave booming across the forest and uprooting smaller trees. For whatever reason, Bikou met me literally eye to eye, we had an unspoken agreement to have fun in our fight. This may be stupid of me but I'll take a pass on placing him in a Genjutsu as good sport before he looked away. He probably already has a countermeasure for it anyway.

We flashed away from each other in pure speed, hitting each other with hit-and-run tactics. This occurred several more times, nimbly avoiding trees and rocks while clashing each other. My elbow to his abdomen was blocked with his weapon before I slapped it away, Dream Sword in my other hand followed with an upper slash. Bikou knocked my wrist away with his free hand, spinning around to hit me low but I went airborne for a roundhouse kick. His cloud lowered him down whereas his staff extended to hit my back.

"Futon: Shunpo (Wind release: Flash Step)"

My wings twitched, releasing out a small condensed gale and pushing my body away from the bash. The Monkey King attempted to slam me at a distance but I sidestepped with Shunpo, using it again to close in and fire a point-blank Getsuga. Sustaining mild injuries, the staff instantly retracted to smack my shoulder. My left wing pushed me out of its range, my right wing shoved me away from a downward smack, then I used both wings and feet to launch me forward.

"Nice spell." He flew backwards, into the sky as I chased after him with another Shunpo.

Blocking my sword, "It's enough to keep up with my Jīndou Yún."

I sped away again with another burst. Bikou started breaking out sweat as he barely countered in time, "Hey wait a second! Are you getting faster!?"

Futon: Shunpo didn't get a mere speed increase from my wind. By creating an air pocket the moment I'm about to speed up, I compress the air molecules together and use the elastic energy to propel me. The more steps I take, the faster I can go. On land, our feet can touch the ground; but in an aerial battle, speed and mobility reign supreme.

Three more blasts of Shunpo elevated my velocity to max, one final blast from my lower leg to accelerate my kick to his solar plexus. Pain and astonishment crossed his features as he was hurled back to the forest. The wind pressure generated from the blow ruffled my hair while he was sent crashing to the ground. A cloud of dust picked up but I could see the wound wasn't serious and it's already healing with senjutsu. I haven't sustained any big injuries but I'm starting to wear down and Bikou's too tough for me to deal a decisive blow.

The terrorist whirled his staff, blowing away the dust cloud. He was smirking, using the 'come on' gesture with his hand. Guess it's time to stop fooling around. Miniature wind blades similar to the ones surrounding Rasenshuriken gathered in between my fingers and locked onto my opponent.

"Futon: Shuriken Shinkuha (Wind release: Shuriken Vacuum Wave)"

Five blades were thrown at once. Bikou scoffed, "Seriously? From this distance, five isn't gonna-"

The five blades suddenly multiplied into five hundred.

"Oh crap!" His ride immediately kicked into high gear, dodging or blocking the rain of attacks yet some managed to nick his defense. I kept bombarding him with shurikens while my eyes analysed his movements, guiding him to a position where both his hands were busy stopping the onslaught. The moment he turned around a branch, I found my opening.

Flashing to his front, a Rasengan was compressed to the size of a large marble on my index finger. Supairarudoro coiled around the appendage, mixing into the Rasengan and created more streams as the sphere itself wildly fluctuates. Unlike my first wind drill, this one wrapped my entire arm up to below my elbow with a turbulent of swirling wind current. A dazzling light blue wind shined and hummed in power, both techniques melding together to form a far more powerful offensive spell. If my old spells were raging tornadoes, this one is a titanic hurricane.

"Futon: Taikyoku Rasengan (Wind release: Supreme Spiral Sphere)"

Drill met sternum, piercing through his Touki. The ambient flora including behind and in front of us, were all blown away. A scream of pain escaped from the youkai's throat for the first time since our fight started. He was blown away upon impact within a massive vortex, destroying the terrain itself and everything along the way at a speed that could even push back the Ultimate Rook. The air rumbled as the scenery was altered from luscious greenery to a desolate wasteland.

Hope Sirzechs will forgive me for accidentally vandalizing part of the Underworld.

"So groper-chan left me with a flaming lizard just to fight that idiot nya?" Affronted by Hanwei-sama's dismissal, Kuroka scanned Miho's newest battle attire and found it resembling to her own, "At least you have a good fashion sense. So you charm and fight at the same time too nya?"

"Do not place me on the same level as you, housecat. This attire was gifted to me by my master, I am not shameless as to allow people to witness my bare skin."

"Bras and panties are itchy nya. This is so much better nya."

Miho was very glad that her master gave his approval to her request, and even more so that he would not see the housecat's brazen behavior in person, "Are you really Koneko's elder sister? You are the polar opposite of her."

"As real as the blood flowing through our veins nya. Now how about you hand her over to me and you won't get hurt?"

"Your actions contradicts your words." The familiar narrowed her eyes in distaste, "An elder sister was born first in order to protect her younger siblings, yet you are doing the opposite."

"Maybe that's what it looks like to you." The nekoshou shrugged indifferently, "But you don't know how rotten devils and their society is nya. With Ophis as our leader, Khaos Brigade will create a new world where we can live peacefully together nya."

"And you still follow the descendant of Lucifer who lusts for opponents regardless of his safety. Koneko would never agree to such a dangerous organization."

"Vali is different nya." Kuroka scowled, anger and irritation hinted in her voice, "Khaos Brigade is better than what this place can offer."

"No one can defeat Ophis nya."

"In the future, you all will lose nya."

"You don't even have the power to stop me nya."

"Can you tell which is the real me nya?"

Multiple Kurokas appeared around the forest. Miho didn't bat an eyelash and noticed the subtle signs of illusions with her heat sensing, different from the one Hanwei-sama uses though.

"Ennetsu Ito (Blazing Threads)"

Dozens upon dozens of super heated tendrils emerged from the salamander's fingertips, slicing through the illusionary clones at insane speeds and precision to the point where they were cut down faster than they can regenerate. The long thin whips also set any ambient trees as well as part of the ground ablaze just by making the slightest contact. All without moving a muscle.

Kuroka jumped out of her hiding spot, clicking her tongue in annoyance at the burn she received on her left forearm.

Awakening. A unique form of heightened state bestowed to the four elemental spirits. While they are above average compared to dragons, they are still quite powerful, especially salamanders who are famous for their raw firepower. Miho has drawn in the very essence of fire itself from nature into her aura to remove the limiters in her body, amplifying her physical stats and reserves to extreme levels. Combined with Funkanekken, her flames have enhanced in both quality and quantity, enough to keep up with her master's Balance Breaker.

Furthermore during her training, the pinkette could not only sense intent but also heat. To her, she can feel the heat from bodies and attacks in the form of waves. Intensity, frequency, temperature. Each individual signature varies depending on emotion, stress or how much heat is produced for certain preparations. Miho can feel them coming, increasing her reaction time and completely avoiding the attack's range. If Hanwei-sama's sight is what gives him an advantage, then her sensitive sense of touch is just as developed.

"Of course. And even if I do not, the answer is simple. I simply need to fully incinerate them all at once."

"Lucky shot." Kuroka growled, charging up senjustu, "Fine, we can do this the hard way nya."

Bullets of nature energy were aimed at the salamander. Miho calmly negated the shots by deflecting them with her tendrils. After a few seconds of analyzing her pattern, Miho began moving her arms, swaying her threads faster and approaching the nekoshou. Using her cat-like reflexes, the youkai deftly jumped and avoided the lashes with her kimono fluttering around. Being a female, Miho was not impressed by the show.

A long range fight would drag out and reinforcements would soon arrive so Kuroka summoned more power and manipulated the earth. Pillars made of stone rushed in to impale Miho but her flames cleanly cut through them like butter. Diving into the fray, she danced through the multiple attacks, searing those that got too close until she noticed vibrations underneath her.

Miho twirled around a sprouting jagged of rock, repeating a couple more times before taking off into the air. Jets of fire ignited from her back and feet, giving her the speed to close in to Kuroka. Said nekoshou hurriedly conjured up a double layer of defensive wood and stone, buying enough time for her to get out of the way of those whips. That was until she saw a net of flames closing from behind while a dozen more intend to pierce through her front.

Demonic magic, senjutsu and youjutsu together perfectly blocked the flames. Rock pillars sprung to life from the ground, sturdy enough to endure at least a good few hits. Large fists of wood accompanied the onslaught as they surround Miho. The pinkette sensed the closest enemies and acted, severing and wrapping the wood fist before throwing it as a large combusted projectile at her enemy.

Kuroka glared in frustration, dodging out of the way as sweat trickled down. The fire is spreading and the nekoshou was starting to find it too hot for her liking. Flicking her hands, she summoned roots from below, all aimed to impale or capture the salamander. Said salamander soared upwards, moving through the arcing wood. It didn't let up, countless thick solid bark charged from all sides. Miho flew in circles before landing and sprinting on one of the larger roots, ducking and evading without much difficulty. Until the existing trees came to life and joined into the party.

"Katon: Shunpo (Fire release: Flash Step)"

The pinkette growled in irritation, accelerating her speed with a spark of fire which in turn burned the nearby attacks behind her. The degree of mobility and speed provided was the same but unlike the wind variant which stacks up velocity, her version releases flames as Miho speeds up, useful for scorching a lot of pursuers attempting to catch her when she needs to reach else where. Although the output isn't as much as her other techniques, it definitely gives her an opening to push through.

Her increased speed and mobility was a boon, allowing her to close the distance with the terrorist. Kuroka ducked under a tendril and jumped back for space since close combat wasn't her forte, something Miho noticed. Dispelling her technique, the familiar threw a palm strike to the chin but missed when Kuroka leaned her head back.

Hoping over a low kick, Miho proceeded with a forward thrust. Kuroka took a step back out of reach before aiming a punch to the head which was evaded by tilting, catching a retaliating swipe before sending a fast kick. The salamander's side was grazed but it didn't bother her, opting to thrust her opponent's abdomen. Batting at the forearm away, the youkai countered with a straight punch to the chest.

Smiling, Kuroka kept up the pace and kneed Miho's solar plexus, eliciting a grimace of pain. The salamander could feel senjutsu tearing her spirit from the inside as if her nerves were scorched. Kuroka was about to crash her fist into Miho's temple until the latter used Shunpo from her back to go low at the last moment and double palm struck the former's stomach.

Miho didn't spend getting beaten like a punching bag by Second for three weeks just to go down from one or two senjutsu hits. As Kuroka staggered back, the pinkette took the opportunity to wrap her hands in flames. Three types of energy flared in tandem once more but this time Miho was ready and slapped.

"Bakuenjin (Exploding Flame Array)"

An devastating explosion akin to a volcanic eruption rumbled through the air, puncturing through the barriers along with anything unfortunate enough caught in the radius. The surrounding temperature rose to the point where lesser opponents would burn their lungs just from breathing. Kuroka gritted her teeth from getting torched, feeling the vibrations all the way to her bones. She crashed through several trees before clawing the ground to stop with her body sizzling steam, the edges of her kimono ruined from the embers.

That powerful skill works by compressing fire and pressure inwards at a single point before unleashing it all at once. When stimulated by a trigger like palm striking something, the sudden impact would interfere the wild pressure buildup and cause it to violently explode. One of Second's better moves that he was proud off. It took a lot of patience, hard work and a few broken bones but it was absolutely worth it.

The black nekoshou was now vulnerable and displayed an opening. Miho capitalized the window of opportunity and ran towards her, only to realize it too late as a magic circle appeared to restrain her.

"You're good, but not good enough nya." Kuroka dusted the soot off and healed herself with senjutsu, entertained that her opponent is struggling in vain to escape, "So who are you really? Vali never said anything about a strong girl like you in that Gremory's peerage nya."

"I have already identified myself and my answer will not change. Why do you have a sudden interest?"

"It's not everyday I get to see a girl who is good in both long and close range, especially when you're a type of youkai who came out of nowhere with groper-chan."

Miho's scowl deepened, "Must you address Hanwei-sama with that demeaning nickname?"

"Oh ho." A cat-like smile stretched up her face, "Is somebody jealous? I'm trying to get Vali to birth strong children, are you doing the same with groper-chan nya?"

"Your judgement is questionable if you desire the homicidal Hakuryuukou as your mate." Miho blankly pointed out.

"In that case," Kuroka leaned her face, staring with an expression that promises to dish out more than physical pain, "how about I take your master for myself then? He is powerful and not bad-looking either nya."

Normally this is when Miho flared up in rage but now she was completely calm and silent, her eyes glowing ominously, "Is that how low you have fallen? Joining terrorists and kidnapping people? It is no surprise as to why Koneko feared you so much, it must be troublesome for her to have such an older sister."

This time, it was Kuroka's turn to scowl, "What do you know about me nya? You have a safe warm home and get to have fun without worrying about being weak. A domesticated lizard like you wouldn't know what it's like to survive in the outside world."

"I do know." The familiar answered back, her voice tinged with melancholy, "My parents were not combatants, I was born with slightly less than average. My hopes of achieving greatness and acknowledgement was arduous. I even took the wrong path sometimes. However," The image of her smiling master extending his hand appeared in her mind, "I have Hanwei-sama to show me the right way, it was him who allowed me to reach where I am now."

"Must be nice to have someone be there for you." Kuroka snorted, her anger dwindled to irritation, "But that's why I'm coming back to get Shirone, she doesn't belong with those devils. Besides, I'm the only one who can teach her to properly use her inherited powers nya. She won't be afraid of her lineage anymore once I show her."

"Do you wish to support Koneko or to have her support you from the feeling of loneliness and regret?"

"... You're not as fun as I thought. Time to pick up Shirone and that idiot so we can leave."

Kuroka walked past the salamander, not wanting to stay in the middle of a forest fire any longer. She was already sweating and her kimono is more obscene than ever. Until she felt heat spiking up again.

"If this is your method of amending your sin of abandoning Koneko, then you have gravely misunderstood one important detail." Deep red fire raced all over Miho's body, fighting back the magic circle, "Names are more than just identity, they represent your very being, they have power. Just as I have proudly received mine from Hanwei-sama, Koneko Toujou has received hers from Rias!"

Bakuenjin made a come back, this time exploding the salamander's entire body and freeing her from the constraint. Miho barely sustained damage from the blast, eyes hardened for round two, "Do not casually trample over her emotions. This 'Shirone' is no longer here, especially after what you have done."

Touki overflowed around Kuroka's body, absolutely livid by the pinkette's words, "Fine! If that's how you wanna do it, then I'm done playing nice nya!"

Both decided to get up close and personal. Touki and senjutsu amplifying Kuroka's lethality whereas Shunpo and flame-enhanced strikes aiding Miho's prowess, though the Ultimate-class stray devil is better among the two. Miho was tired and her Awakening won't last for much longer, straining her senses to make sure not to get hit again.

A fist rushed towards Miho's head but was knocked away before it could hit. The salamander slapped away a fist to the abdomen and palm struck the torso. Kuroka easily angled away, throwing an elbow up high and chained with a straight punch and spinning backfist. Miho maneuvered out of the way with her Shunpo albeit barely and attempted to retaliate with a thrust.

Said thrust was smacked away when a senjutsu blast pierced through. A fleeting wince crossed Miho's visage, her ki disrupted slightly. Kuroka smirked as she got the upper hand, realizing that she would win. Miho was getting pushed back by the nekoshou's assault but refused to yield.

The salamander ducked under a left hook and did a backhand slap which was blocked by a forearm. A punch to the jaw reached too close for Miho's liking before she stepped back from a kick to the stomach and spun around to jab Kuroka's solar plexus. The nekoshou didn't care as her defensive aura absorbed most of the damage, surprising her opponent with a fast root trapping a foot and gave a heavy dose of senjutsu to the torso.

Miho's scale-like flames around her body flickered out for a moment. Pain and exhaustion racing through her body, unable to fight back anymore and stayed on the defensive with Shunpo. Kuroka kept up the pressure, her strikes now nicking Miho as her speed and reflexes were declining as well.

"Is that all you got? For all your big talk, you can't separate me away from my sister nya!"

They were both wheezing and injured all over, more for Miho. The familiar put up a good fight but she was still not up to par with the SS-rank criminal... at least not without her strongest technique. Though with her ki frazzled and relatively less experience with it, she'll have to settle with the next best plan or risk destroying the entire forest.

From the distance between them, Kuroka leaped with intention to finish the fight. Once she reached halfway-

"Hoka Nagare (Surging Fire Flow)"

From Miho's feet, a spiraling pillar of fire rose and expanded, catching Kuroka off guard as a well as burning her. It's a defensive technique meant to shield Miho from attacks. The flames also rapidly spin in a specific manner to redirect any attack away from the salamander should the attack is too strong to block completely. Or in this case, slamming Kuroka with an upward stream of fire.

Fiery tendrils blended into the flames and ensnared Kuroka's limbs. Miho pulled the entire body before the nekoshou could recover and slammed both palms to her abdomen with two full powered Bakuenjin.

Kuroka's scream was drowned by the noise of the explosion. An explosion about half a kilometer wide carved out the ground and produced small puddles of lava, anything outside the range was either burning or withered from dehydration. The heat was intense enough to create a forceful updraft rising into the sky.

Groaning in pain, Kuroka slowly stood back up from her prone position though with wobbling. Her mind was starting to get foggy from the intense heat and the blast put a hole in her clothing, revealing a badly burnt skin on the targeted area along with less severe burns all over her body. Senjutsu went to work on healing but this time slower than before.

Miho coughed and nearly slumped to the ground, barely stopping her fall with her hands and knees. At the same moment her technique connected, Kuroka landed a blow to her chest. Her body twitched in pain while the affected lungs slowed her breathing. The deep colored fire reverted back to their paler shades, Funkanekken deactivated and her Awakening was almost over as well.

"I'll give you credit lizard but I'm not done just yet." Despite the bravado, the nekoshou still sustained heavy damage. If her senjutsu-infused punch didn't meet its mark in time, she would be hard pressed to continue fighting an opponent like Miho. Kuroka lifted a hand to finish her, until an earthquake occurred and the spacetime barrier she produced was shattered, "Oh what now nya!?"

I can feel the heat travelling from where Miho is fighting and my fight isn't exactly quiet either. I don't get it, where are the guards patrolling the area?

"You asshole! You almost crushed my chest!" Bikou was back, bleeding at the edges of his mouth but he's already healing, "Alright I don't get it."

"About what?"

"About your power that's what. In one month, you powered up to Ultimate-class which is supposed to be impossible. I get that you might be a potential Super Devil like the rumors say but not even Vali could get strong this fast. How'd you do it?"

"Torment sessions along with at least one near death situation per day from an overpowered Rook everyday for the past three weeks. I'm tired from his beat downs and really want to cut loose. No offense but since you're trying to kidnap my kouhai, I'm not sure how much I can hold back right now."

"Then you better expect the same from me." His touki skyrocketed, grinning intensely, "Vali's Divide ability makes it hard for me to enjoy at my best, but now I met someone who can give me that thrill."

Dream Sword barely stopped Ruyi Jingu Bang in time, pushing me as my feet dug the ground. Sliding my blade away, I flashed out only to find him immediately closing the gap. Bikou swiped his staff diagonally downwards at me before swinging it to my right shoulder. My body worked in overdrive to avoid his hits even with Shunpo, he's a lot faster than before.

A horizontal strike aimed at my side but I flipped over, grabbing the shaft to give him a roundhouse kick to the face. With dexterous hands, Bikou positioned away and shifted to grab his staff in a way to slam me to the floor like a hammer. Before that could happen, I sped out and maneuvered around the forest. Touki reinforced his weapon, giving it enough strength and speed to produce shockwaves as it extends towards me. Although I got out of the way, it still nicked my leg and I could feel my ki slightly torn. Supra Burst is giving me some resistance but I can't afford to take too many direct hits.

Deciding to take a page out of Ichigo's book, I flashed combined with Shunpo to maximize my speed, running around the youkai and creating several afterimages to confuse him. Bikou's attention was on the images without making eye contact, trying to figure out where's the real me. The real me overlapped with an image to slash his side. Bikou defended in time before I immediately flashed to the image on his other side and hurled a Getsuga at him.

Jīndou Yún carried him away to minimize the damage. The staff extended on both ends and rotated at high speed, dispelling all the images at once. I tried to slash downwards from behind him but the rear end extended to meet my blade, knocking me away. Then it darted to collide with my chest. Kaiten partially came out in front without needing me to spin yet the weapon repeatedly pummeled by retracting and extending at a very high rate, ramming me through trees.

Before I could recover, Bikou got behind me this time. I took a gamble and yanked the weapon in my open hand, ignoring the sensation similar to my nerves frying and landed a Getsuga to his torso at point blank range. He sustained a gash though still responsive enough to block a kick and swatted me flying. Grabbing a tree trunk and spinning back to him, we engaged in close combat once more.

Either he's getting stronger or I'm getting weaker because I'm having trouble to match him, my body is aching and my ki feels like shit. Kaiten flared up again to block a jab and was used as a diversion, wind shurikens launched the moment he's in view. Although I'm not good as the Uchihas, I manged to get some of the shurikens to bounce off each other to pelt him from all sides.

Bikou whacked most of them away by gyrating his staff but that's not what I'm aiming for. The numerous leaves and branches cut off were falling around him in midair, allowing me to use Senpu to disorient his five senses and I wasn't done yet. Forming a half tiger hand seal, I imagined myself as Sasuke and spewed.

"Katon: Goukakyu no Justu (Fire release: Great Fireball Jutsu)"

After training with two fire users for so long, I've gained a secondary affinity for fire. Although it's not Funkanekken level, it's still pretty damn hot. Taikyoku Rasengan was ready, I sped at the same time when Bikou blew away the flaming tornado and held out his Ruyi Jingu Bang.

The drill kept grinding against the unyielding weapon, cratering the ground beneath us. The vibration crawled up to my bones and Bikou's arms trembled from defending, until a huge explosion thundered which blasted us away.

I spread my wings to stop, accelerating my healing and breathing. That staff is annoyingly tough, do all of Sun Wukong descendants each have one of those? I don't know how much longer I can keep this-

Sensing danger, I Shunpo away as the staff crashed down to where I previously stood. Bikou flew down, battered but smiling. He flashed to my left and I barely blocked with Kaiten in time, forcing me back before smacking it (and by extension me) up to the sky. The youkai then flashed in front of me and thrust, breaking through Kaiten and struck me down to the ground.

A dust cloud kicked up as a small piece of crimson and gold defensive layer disintegrated. I haven't gotten any occasions to practice the Susanoo yet, but this is the best I got. My body hurts like hell since some senjutsu managed to slipped in but at least it's better than having it completely pierced through me.

"What was that?" Bikou descended, staring at me with curiosity and interest, "Another ability of your subspecies? Aside from that red light and your huge buff, I still haven't seen anything special."

"What? My magic wasn't good enough? Or you want to me pull a rabbit out of my hat without the hat?" My tone may be calm but talking alone was enough to hurt.

"If I remember it right, your original Balance Breaker was supposed to be a battle avatar or something. Aren't you gonna use it?" His carefree smile suddenly wavered, "Or judging by how weak your ki is, maybe you can't use it? Please tell me you can, I haven't had a good fight like this in a while."

Stabbing Dream Sword down as support, I stood my ground and glared defiantly. Even with everything I've inflicted on him, he still has enough gas to keep fighting. No choice, got to use it, "How about you come at me and find out?"

His smile widened, "Alright." Entering his stance, Bikou's energy escalated to the point his aura pulsed around him, "Let's finish this. To show my respect for you, I'll come with everything I got."

That amount of power definitely surpasses mine by a fair margin. The descendant of Sun Wukong tightened his grip and charged. Just as he's about to swing Ruyi Jingu Bang to my chest, I punched, 'Two.'

Golden aura enveloped my fist, distorting space with its ethereal might. Bikou's face contorted into shock, literally unable to dodge or move. As soon as my punch connected, he spat out blood and most of his ribs were broken. The impact created an earthquake around us and propelled him further than my telescopic range could reach. And going by how the spacetime barrier here was demolished, I'm guessing he must have been rocketed out of the forest at least.

The next thing happened was me collapsing on the ground, massaging my throbbing arm while groaning in agony. Supra Burst is extremely powerful but it takes a lot of me, doesn't help that my injured ki worsened from the usage. After a bit more massaging, I unsteadily flew back to where Miho is. There's still one more objective I need to accomplish.

Kuroka sensed my presence and glared, pointing at where her barrier is supposed to be, "Did you do that?"

"Yup." Miho was down, doubt she can keep fighting and I'm in the same boat. I slung her arm over my shoulder and supported her, "Are you okay?"

"In excruciating pain... but I will be fine." Miho breathed out, "Forgive me Hanwei-sama... I could not win."

"You fought bravely Miho, that's all I could ask from you. Thank you."

"Hey wait a second, where's Bikou nya?"

"Somewhere far away. Wounded but alive... probably."

"Probably!? What do you mean probably!?" Kuroka alternated her gaze between where her sister's and her partner's location, conflicted about who to find first. She took a step forward but winced in pain, she's taken a lot of damage. Her visage was showing fury like a feral cat backed into a corner, "You brats, now you've done it. I'm taking Shirone back whether you like it or not! You can't keep her away from me!"

"It doesn't matter whether we like it or not. Koneko is our friend, our comrade. You can't make her stay with you either."

"You think she'd be happy like this? Living in fear of our power for the rest of her life? Sooner or later Shirone needs to accept who we are, it's in our blood. Senjutsu has been a part of us since our ancestors obtained it."

"You may know what's best for Shirone, but you don't for Koneko. Whether she learns to overcome her fear of senjutsu or gain a different type of power is what who she is now."

"Are you saying you make that decision?"

"No."

"Then the Gremory?"

"No."

"THEN WHO!?"

"It's Koneko, it's her life and her choice. To you, she may still look like the small kitten you've known for so long, but she's been fighting. Fighting ever since she found happiness in Rias' peerage. Even against stronger enemies, she's never once relied on senjutsu and kept fighting to protect her friends while knowing the danger. We've seen her never backing down to the point all us fully acknowledged her strength. Whether she accepts or rejects senjustu, going with you or staying with us, is completely up to her to decide. She can choose whatever path she wants."

Kuroka locked eyes with us in silence, clenching her fists gritting her teeth.

Until we felt someone touching our backs, our ki repairing. We turned around and saw the little Rook, "Koneko? You're awake?"

"Yes, I heard your words senpai." Her features were sad but determined, "Nee-sama, I am grateful for everything you have done for me but I cannot go. Everyone has helped me and now I want to help them. I am still scared of senjustu but... if I can use it for good... then I will become a nekoshou different from nee-sama! I will use senjutsu to protect everyone!"

"Shirone..."

"Or you can come with us." Both nekoshous snapped at me flabbergasted, "Kuroka, I know the real reason why you killed your former master and so does Sirzechs-san. What if I say you can live in the Gremory Household peacefully? No more running, no more killing. You can still live with your little sister."

The older sister actually paused and looked at Koneko who was hopeful, visibly contemplating about it. Just one more push.

"Koneko misses you."

She bit her lower lip, still thinking until Bikou returned on his cloud with bleeding all over as if someone nearly mauled him to death, "Aaargh... Okay Arashi, you win. Doubt I can keep going like this. The only reason I'm still alive right now is because of a certain geezer I know." He then looked at his partner quizzically, "Never seen your face like that before, did I miss something?"

"... No." Energy erupted around Kuroka, replacing all traces of playfulness with the intention to kill, "I was just about to kill them and take Shirone."

I sighed, disappointed in failing to convince her. Guess Kuroka found her own place to call home, "Any chances you'll let us go?"

"As if nya! I'll bring your heads back as trophies."

Flexing my wrists, I noticed my ki is good enough for one last shot, "Miho, you thinking what I'm thinking."

The salamander smiled as Funkanekken returned, "By your command, Hanwei-sama."

"Then let's turn it up a notch."

We held our hands out and drew out our strongest techniques. A condensed wind sphere emerged, absorbing flames into the core before four blades followed to do the same. It spun faster and faster, radiating immense heat and light as if a small scarlet sun has appeared. Koneko stepped back and shielded her eyes, awed by the sheer heat and intensity. Not even the terrorists were spared from getting captivated. This is our combination technique, strong enough to wound Second himself.

""Shakuton: Sanshouo no Rasenshuriken (Scorch release: Salamander's Rasenshuriken)""

Flinging, the shuriken traveled fast enough to hit them dead on... until I caught sight of someone teleporting in front of the two and rescued them at the last second.

Seeing our technique was now without a purpose, Miho and I controlled the shuriken to minimize the damage. And by minimize, I mean reducing the forest in half only.

By the time the monstrous inferno abated, a few members each from the three factions arrived. They were injured for some reason. A devil stepped forward, "Aoi Arashi-sama, please forgive our incompetence. An intruder by the name of Arthur Pendragon infiltrated and we were unable to apprehend him."

Arthur!? As in the hero with Caliburn in Vali's team? He was here too? Before I could ask them anything, the guards in the back gave room to... Rias and the others.

We paled at the stern and furious look on the King's face, until it softened and she enveloped the three of us in a group hug, "You have some explaining to do, but the most important thing right now is that you are all safe."

Let's just hope she won't power-spank our asses for this.

Surtr Second entered a room where Souji was, both of them were supposed to report back to Sirzechs-no-danna about their students' progress, "Hey Souji, fast and early as always."

"No, it is just you are always-" The Knight was stunned, briefly staring at the Ultimate Rook's very swollen jaw, "Second, where did you get that injury? It has been a long time since I last saw you were hurt."

"This?" He rubbed the bandage gingerly, "Let's just say that Daisuke has more potential than I thought."

"One of your students? But he is not even Satan-class, what happened?"

The fire giant clone was starting to get worried. At this rate, he may really end up killing his students for good. If something big doesn't happen soon-

[Balance Breaker: Supra Burst]

Ah, there we go. Second was about to commend him until he saw the gaki somehow got in front of his face without him noticing and socked him right in the jaw. And so, he was sent flying through the mountain, though the punch itself hurts more than the mountain.

By the time Second got a hold of himself, he pushed his dislocated mandible back into its correct position and spat out blood, "Holy crap! How did he do that!?"

He didn't contemplate further, remembering that his students were still on the verge of death. Expelling flames, the Ultimate Rook broke the sound barrier and returned back to see Daisuke crawling in pain to the unconscious Miho. Without hesitation, he popped open half a dozen Phoenix Tears and healed them back.

"M-Miho!" The younger Rook looked like he was having a panic attack, cradling her in his arms and check for a heartbeat. Once he found one, he nearly broke into tears and hugged her close, "You're alive. You're okay. Thank goodness you're okay."

Second fidgeted, guilty from his drastic measures but it produced the desired results, "Um... uh... Sorry about all that. Can't blame you for losing your cool from seeing the girl you love almost die."

"Love?" Daisuke stiffened, whispering out the word barely loud enough for his teacher to hear, "I always knew I really like Miho, but love?"

Despite the atmosphere, Second couldn't help but deadpan at his male student's denseness, "You mean to tell me you never realized it yourself?"

He spluttered, "G-give me a break. It's my first love okay."

The pinkette stirred, blearily opening her eyes, "H-Hanwei-sama? That form...?"

Finally noticing his new power, Daisuke examined himself as Miho congratulated him. Coughing in his hand to regain their attention, "Way to go gaki, now both of you got new toys to play with. Good job you two. And well... this is where we say our goodbyes. I won't blame you for hating me but at least you won't see me again."

They exchanged glances before looking back at their teacher. Daisuke spoke first, "Shishou, you can be annoying, torturous, loud, arrogant, and your breath reeks of alcohol-"

"Get on with it gaki."

"But you're also fun to hang out with. You used more Phoenix Tears than I would like to count and also got us these training bracelets."

"You indulged in our selfishness and taught us so much as well. We are honored to have you as our teacher."

"Guess what we're trying to say is you're more than just a teacher to us, you're also our friend."

Both of them genuinely smiled in joy and gratitude, bowing their heads and spoke in unison, "Thank you for everything, Second-shishou."

Second's eyes widened, seeing Sirzechs' and Grayfia's image overlapping Daisuke and Miho. He was prepared to be hated from the very beginning, intending to use any method to get rid of the gaki's fear of killing. Being hated was nothing new to him, a lot of people did when he couldn't control his powers in the beginning. However, when he saw his students accepting him despite trying to kill them, it reminded him of the day when danna accepted him as part of his peerage. And he felt relieved at not being hated and he didn't why at first, a soothing warmth brewing inside.

An unintentional smile crossed his face. He couldn't convince Daisuke to kill though for some reason, it suited him much better.

"You know what Souji, I think I finally get why you decided to take on a student."

"Hm? What brought this on?"

"Oh nothing." Second scratched the back of his head, "Age must be catching up to me if I'm getting soft on some kids."

"We are still young by devil standards."

"Pfft, that's true." The Rook stifled a laugh, until he felt despair when a familiar murderous intent came from behind him. Turning around, he saw Grayfia with very scary eyes, "A-ane-san? Wh-what's wrong?"

"Second-sama, what is this I heard about you almost killing Hanwei-sama and Miho-sama? Especially when one of them is my student as well?"

Gulping, "Y-you know, that crow Azazel said it's fine and he'll take responsibility. I w-was just following his suggestion and didn't do anything wrong. Right Souji?" The Knight, with all his honor and speed, vanished from the scene to save his own ass.

'Bloody traitor!'

The Ultimate Queen approached closer to the trembling Ultimate Rook, powering up her demonic magic, "I think we need to have a serious discussion about educating the younger generation."

In the future, Surtr Second would vehemently deny with all his might that he screamed like a girl on that day.

Shooter312: Thanks. I'm thinking about a different Susanoo but haven't thought much of it yet.

petru95: Thanks. Rias character development will be something special to look forward to.

AN: Imagine Daisuke's and Miho's new battle attire as Boboiboy Supra from Boboiboy Movie 2 and Homura's valkyrie armor in Eden's Zero respectively. The moment I saw them, I knew they were perfect for my characters. But that's only in appearance, all the powers and abilities are all from me. A thorough explanation about Supra Burst will be on the next chapter. And I won't be back for a while because of exams. Hope you all like it. Please leave a review and tell me what you think.

Ja Ne