REVIVAL: A PROBLEM DEVIL

by SecretArtLotus

Finding himself in worlds unlike his own, entangling himself in the throes of Devils, Fallen Angels, Angels, Norse Gods, Sacred Gear Humans, and—Demon Lords? There is no stopping him from etching his name in history! Family. Friends. His loved ones will be behind him all the way! With ominous threats looming especially in Little Garden, what is behind the name of 'Sakamaki Izayoi?

3. ENTER THE 3rd-YEAR

Greetings, everyone. This is ArtLotus. This is the rewritten chapter 3.

This is the section where I reply to the questions or reviews.

TwinstarDragon: The power level for the baby between Izayoi and Serafall would be quite deadly. Unfortunately, I have not gotten that far yet. The idea is enlightening though. And Izayoi is a smooth criminal. He is just inviting trouble to himself and oozing charm whenever he goes when he meets girls.

TeruhashiKokom7: The author of Mondaiji tachi has returned to continue writing?! That's news to me! How can I see this? That's wonderful news!

Without any further ado, this is A Problem Devil.

Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!

[Disclaimer: I do not own any characters in both HDXD nor Mondaiji Tachi Ga Isekai Kara Kuru Sou Desu Yo? I only claimed the idea of the crossover.]

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[Highschool DxD X Mondaiji Tachi Ga Isekai Kara Kuru Sou Desu Yo?]

REVIVAL: A PROBLEM DEVIL

[ CHAPTER 3: ENTER THE 3rd-YEAR ]

"Please enter the Assembly Hall. Please be mindful of others inside. The entrance ceremony will start in 5 minutes."

"Once you enter the Assembly Hall, follow the division of your designated year and take your respective seats. It is advisable to not scurry around in the Assembly Hall. Including the primary and middle students!"

The pair of female teachers stood outside the Assembly Hall as they ushered students of all divisions through the doors. The students bowed their heads to them to greet them before entering. The Assembly Hall was separated into 4 sections to represent the 4 divisions; Primary School, Middle School, High School and College. One by one, students found their respective divisions and picked the available seats. The atmosphere inside the building was lively and could be heard outside through the doors. Some students outside the building were eyeing the noises that came up within the big hall.

Following a group of students towards the Assembly Hall, a certain blonde let his eyes roam around the environment around him before he bows his head to the teachers stationed near the opened double doors of the Assembly Hall. Once he stepped inside, he looked around before following a pair of female students who pointed at the division of seating at the far right of the Assembly Hall.

Third-Years

He approaches the available seats in front of him and duly chooses to sit at the center within the eighth row of seats. Since the ceremony has not started, he watches the students entering the Assembly Hall and finding their way to their seats according to their respective classes. Some asked for directions and some had followed the examples of others to their seats. He observed that the primary school and middle school students were the most energetic groups amongst the four divisions unlike High School and College. To control the excitement and overwhelming energy of those younger students, they were closely monitored by a designated number of teachers. In regards, a few teachers were also stationed near the High School and College divisions to keep order. He spent a good time looking around before eventually facing forward, in which he smiles in amusement. He stared ahead for a moment and shifted his attention towards the impressive size of the Assembly Hall, examining the details within the building to pass the time. He cupped both hands behind his head as a yawn escaped his mouth.

He had just arrived at the right time. Although he did not mind if he was the last student entering the hall and he would attract a lot of attention by doing so, he had already gotten a lot of looks from students as he entered the hall and sat down. Even right now, there were a lot of eyes turning to his direction and a lot of mouths gossiping about his appearance. But his mother reminded him that it never hurt him to go and arrive on time. Presumably before the allocated time of the school ceremony. She bears the same thought as him when it comes to the ceremonies. They did not want to be the ones who arrived the earliest and had to wait for the longest time for the event to start.

"The first school day of my 3rd Year…"

Without her. He unconsciously added in thought. It was a different feeling waking up at the start of the new school day without her. Normally, she would wake him up and teased that he was still a kid unless he graduated from high school. That this was the last year she would stop saying that he was a kid sometimes. She would also celebrate his first day of school with a healthy dose of vegetables for his breakfast. Today, he had just a couple of toasts with a side of dressing to start the day.

Momma's boy, sharp-tongued son, Izayoi-chan…

Those were names that she would frequently cycle according to her mood. He would never hear them again without looking back forlornly at the memories. But he had to contend that he had to face reality when she had passed away. It was surreal to have watched her go up and left on the hospital bed one day when he was visiting. It was after mid examinations last year that he found her sleeping peacefully. With a smile on her face.

There was no pulse shown on the electrocardiogram. Majority of people who lost loved ones fall into depreciation and mourn with anguish. They stopped doing whatever they did just to mourn for the deceased. They stopped working for a time. They would be trapped in the moment. Some are capable of moving on and carry the memories with a heavy heart. Others are not so lucky. They did not have any outlet to express their grief properly nor do they seem to want to move on, wanting only to stay in the past with the precious memories they shared with their loved ones who passed away. Whatever the case may be, it was not foreign to him. He did not know his biological mother nor father. He was an orphan. Until she came to him, and won the game that he started.

She also proposed a game. If she won, she would be her son. If he won, she would play with him for the rest of her life and provide a home for him. As a kid, the deal sounded too good to be true yet she had credibility when she had won his game. And so, he took upon her game. They left abroad for 2 years to explore the world. Their shenanigans across the world were some of his fondest memories. She was the only one that taught him values and love among many things. He was doubtful when it came to the topic of love. His past foster parents only made him feel weird. Even when the topic did not feel important to him, she taught him that it was important nonetheless.

"Everyone yearns for love. They yearned to be loved. They wanted to love. They seek out for love. Because loneliness is a disease. You can cope with loneliness but you can't escape it. You're really different, but you're also the same as the other humans in this world. When you can feel, then you're capable of feeling love among other things. You don't have to make that kind of face here… It's not an embarrassing subject to learn. What's there to feel embarrassed about? Oho~ My Izayoi-chan is feeling so embarrassed, so cute~ Hehe, why am I teaching you about love? —Because I love you, Izayoi-chan~"

After learning all there is about love from her through her advice and teasing through the years, he finally understood what love was.

—When Sakamaki Canaria passed away.

He understood just how much he cared for her. Loved her. After she was gone from his life. It did not take him long to realize what loving someone was and how it felt. Although it was bittersweet that he had to find out after her passing.

Her passing affected him deep within. So much so that he reminisced about their time together frequently. Before her burial and after her burial. All he did was reminisce about their shared past. He also dug up past video tapes about their worldwide trips and watched some. After all of that, he felt frustrated. That he could not do anything beyond watching his mother's life slipped away. But he accepted reality as it was. He then continued reminiscing.

All of the memories he shared with her through their trips as a duo until they decided to buy a house to live as a family of four. Why four? There were two other family members that he has that were the closest to her, next to him. However, they were studying elsewhere after she had passed away.

Unlike normal people, he did not mourn for her. For him, the deed was done. She was gone. He had accepted that pretty early on. It was difficult when he laid her coffin into the ground, and he was the only one left at her grave when everybody else was gone, even a certain crimson haired Satan made his appearance with his wife. After the two of them were gone, there was a certain black haired who appeared and accompanied him throughout his stay.

He was not heartless as he thought he was even when he showed no direct expressions towards her passing. The damage had been done inside. He felt a part of him was gone. At her grave, he shed a few tears. But that was it. Because while he felt empty, at the same time, he felt at peace.

Why?

Because she was smiling. On her hospital bed, and in her coffin…

The sight of her smiling showed him all that he needed to know about the life of Sakamaki Canaria. She lived her life to the fullest and as she was granted death, she smiled as she had fulfilled her purpose in life. He did not know if she had any regrets but if he could guess one of her regrets as he recalled the few dried tears on her cheeks, —she wanted to live longer for him and the others. To be a part of their futures. Recollections of her wishing; to live until she had grandchildren was one memory that stayed with him…

Although she could not fulfill that regret, he had understood her wish. When he has someone that he loves, he'll fulfill her wish. It was the least he could do for his mother.

She had done everything she could as an individual to care for him when no one wanted. She took the opportunity and she did not take it for granted at all. When his mind was warped and the world was not beautiful to him, she changed his view. She did what no one could do for him earlier on in his life. She cared for his well-being and nurtured his growth. Reminiscent of a mother. As a mother, she loved him.

Before her death, she had opened up about her intentions when she met him as an orphan. That she was only using him in the end for her plan. He did not know what kind of plan since she did not open up about that but he knew it was important to her. Although he did not care about her intentions back then. Because he could discern the truth behind her actions. Even when she was using him, she took care of him. She showed him the world. She taught him. She provided a home for him. She cared for him like a son.

She had changed him.

Hence, he did not feel too sad by her passing. Instead, it empowered him to move forward with his head held high.

Now, he is continuing with his life that was granted by his mother. It was because of her that he attended high school to begin with. He would not want to disappoint her when he was in the last year before graduating. He also did not want to stop at just high school. His mother had advised to continue his education when he was capable and to procure a job that satisfied him.

"Why would you do something half-assed in education? You have a brilliant mind, Izayoi-chan. Put it to good use for society. I understand you don't care much for the people in the society but you should care about the process. It's not so easy to venture into academics and build a future, you know? I dare you, Izayoi-chan!"

Yeah, he was roped into that by his mother when he was young.

He could not take back what he promised too, when he was far along in high school now.

And so, this is his life…

Izayoi blinked when the voices around him rose. He looked around, seeing that the majority of students had taken their seats. He looked to the podium, seeing a teacher preparing themselves to speak.

When the blonde paid attention to the teacher behind the podium, he did not pay heed to the majority of the students around him who were whispering to each other. However, he was not the only one who captured the most attention from the students in the Assembly Hall. There were four other students in particular that attracted attention in the Assembly Hall.

For the primary school students and middle school students, their expressions of wonder and awe were easily distinguishable than their upperclassmen. Their eyes glued to the four students in question. One was a white haired girl who sat behind the First-Year classes. The other was a light blonde young man with a mole under his left eye, sitting behind the Second-Year classes. The last two were sitting behind the Third-Year classes. One of them had black hair in a ponytail that reached all the way down to the floor. An orange ribbon trying it in place. To the primary school and middle school students, she was really beautiful to their eyes. Her smile made both the girls and boys smile. Then the other one has crimson hair that flows behind her. The colour drew their attention the most. Because they have not seen anyone with crimson hair before. The girls were looking with wonder since her hair was so pretty and her hair color matched well with her pretty face.

The other divisions such as the High School and College were also paying attention to the four students with less focus than their younger divisions. Because out of the five students that capture the attention the most in the Assembly Hall, there was only one that was given the most attention. It was his first appearance and enrollment at Kuoh Academy after all. They were not familiar with him at all, when they already were familiar with the other four students due to their looks and reputations.

His presence attracted the majority of attention from most females in all divisions. The younger female students who caught sight of him could not tear their eyes away. He was their ideal crush. His dashing good looks are what captured their hearts. The older female students did not feel the same way as they were a bit matured and knew their individual types that they liked, however they also liked what they saw no matter their preferences. He was an attractive specimen in their opinions as they gossip about him whilst stealing glances every now and then.

"We will now begin orientation. If everyone can be so kind as to be quiet, we can proceed accordingly." A male teacher spoke into the microphone behind the podium. He waited for a minute for everyone to behave before he coughed and spoke up. "Now then, I humbly welcome everyone to Kuoh Academy!"

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Time Skip

"Hence, this concludes the school ceremony and orientation for today."

The male teacher said as the High School and College divisions shared a collective sigh while the Primary School and Middle School division had begun to wake up after they had to wait in their seats for roughly an hour and a half.

"Afterwards, the teachers will organize each of you into your respective classes. Please do not go anywhere until then. When the classes have all been organized, all of the classes can go to their classes in the school building."

The teacher reminded the students as the responsible teachers began standing in a line in front of the divisions and started calling names from a clipboard held within their hands. As students of various divisions begin queuing in front of the teachers, the remaining students stretch out their joints to quell their stiff bodies. Including a certain blonde amongst the Third Year students.

Yawning, Izayoi closed his eyes to wait out for his name to be called as his peers started queuing one by one when their names had been called. The female students who sat near him had already joined the other students with the teachers in front of the stage. As he rested on his seat, a couple of students approached him.

"Um…Hello?"

"Hm?" Izayoi opens his eyes and turns his head to the left, looking at the group of primary students standing at the end of the row. Standing up, the blonde slowly walks out from the row of seats and crouches down in front of them. "Hello to yourselves. What did I do to have all of you here?" He greeted them with a smile.

"We...wanted to know your name."

"Can I ask why?"

"Because you have such cool hair!"

"And pretty eyes!"

"You look...handsome! That's what my mother said to my father."

Looking at all of them, Izayoi smiles and begins patting each one of them on their heads, making them flustered in surprise. "This is a warm welcome you've given. Thank you for the compliments." He responded which made them share a smile with one another. "Since you've made such a warm welcome, I have to respond somehow. The name's Sakamaki Izayoi." He introduced as the girls looked at him and nodded.

"Saka...maki…?" The black haired girl with a bobcat style haircut pronounced his family name slowly. The two girls behind her also pronounced it the same way as her.

"Iza...yoi?" The brunette with a small ponytail pronounced as she looked up at the blonde. Her big eyes looked expectantly at him if she had his name pronounced correctly.

"You're good to go." Izayoi smiled with a thumbs up at the four girls who cheered amongst them. "Now then, shouldn't you go? Your teachers may be worried if you stay here too long." He reminded them as each girl realises the urgency. Before they run off, they wave to the blonde with smiles on their faces.

"Bye, bye!"

"See you, Izayoi-onii!"

"Izayoi-nii! Bye!"

"See you later!"

Watching them go, the blonde witnessed the four of them arrive in front of their respective teacher who knelt down to address them with a smile, seemingly knowing their whereabouts. The female primary teacher stood up and turned to the direction of the blonde and promptly bowed to him. After she stood upright, she led the group of primary students outside the Assembly Hall. While the group of primary students followed their teacher diligently, the four girls in question wave to Izayoi with cheerful smiles. He stood up and waved to them with a smile while numerous students looked at him. His interaction with the younger students had their attention focused on him. The female students all around cannot help but adore the blonde for his gentle care towards the children. However, they had to snap out of their trances when their homeroom teachers started leading their classmates out of the Assembly Hall.

"Sakamaki Izayoi-san?"

At the call of his name, the blonde turns to his right to see a female teacher with a clipboard in her hands. Numerous students walked behind the teacher to exit the hall and two of them were bespectacled. One of the two glances at the blonde at the corner of her eye as she registered his name in her mind, feeling as if she had heard the name before. Unfortunately, she cannot recall it at the moment and she dismissed it in favor of her class exiting the hall. With her Queen, she walked away. Never sparing another glance at the blonde.

"Yes?"

"I am your homeroom teacher. Will you follow me to the teacher's office? We have a few matters to discuss including your transfer to a class." She explained as the blonde nodded in understanding. "We will finalize your placement to a class according to your Entrance Exam results."

"Got it. Care to show the way?" The blonde asked as the brunette teacher led the blonde towards the door nearest to them. Just as he started following her, the blonde glanced out of the corner of his eye when a speck of crimson entered his peripherals.

—Blue-green eyes met purple.

It was a brief moment before a black haired girl called out to the crimson-haired and she turned to the caller. She then turned back to the blonde however he was not to be seen and instead the opening of the door was the only thing that was shown of his supposed exit.

"Rias? We have to go. The class is already outside the building and are heading towards the class in the school building."

"Yes…" Rias answered before turning to her friend. "Let's go." The two of them started walking outside the Assembly Hall and hastily caught up to their class that had just reached the entrance of the school building. Just as they near their class, Rias glances to her right at that moment, and sees a speck of light blonde darting near the left side of the school building. "Who…" Her thoughts trail off before dismissing them in favor of focusing on the now. The crimson-haired had a feeling that she would meet him again.

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Time Skip

"I apologize for leaving you all on short notice in the Assembly Hall. I had to finalize the transfer of your new classmate. He is a transfer student, so he had to sit for the Entrance Exam a month ago. Considering he is a transfer student, I hope you can all treat him as your own for your final year. This is the Third Year before you graduate. So I will not tolerate any funny business in this class if I hear any of it from the other teachers. As your homeroom teacher, it is a part of my responsibility to take care of you and keep you all in line."

The homeroom teacher paused as she looked around the class. Her stern eyes scoured around her students before she coughed to continue.

"As you have been given prior to attending the first day, your Student Handbook must be kept on you. The Student Handbook contains various sections that will serve you all. You can refer to the rules, subjects, teachers, and it can also serve as a notebook for your writing needs. Do you understand?" Her question was responded to by a wave of collective yesses. "Alright. That is all I want to cover for now. Now then, I would like all of you to welcome your new classmate starting this new academic year." She turned towards the door. "You can come inside now, Sakamaki-kun."

As soon as she gave permission, the door to the classroom opened. The door closes and the individual walks up to stand in front of the class. "If you may, Sakamaki-kun."

"It's him…" A certain crimson-haired thought looking at the blonde transfer student. "Saka…maki…" Why does this name sound familiar to her? Each time she tried focusing on the name in her mind—it stayed foggy.

"The name's Sakamaki Izayoi. I see that I have attracted a pair of stinky eyes from the boys. I don't mind them. Others had tried beyond giving me stinky eyes. They had to be carried on a stretcher on their way to the hospital."

A smirk stretched across his face as Izayoi introduced himself to the class..

"Eeeek!"

Some of the boys who eyed him for taking attention away from the girls, gulped down. Their nervousness was apparent for all to see.

"Though! They were vulgar, brutal, and hedonistic in their approach. Hm, uncivilised and savages too. Yep, they were all of the above." Izayoi raised only one finger to emphasize his point.

"H-How many…?"

"Too many to count." Izayoi smiled.

"Eeek!"

"Teach—"

"He's right. That's one of the many complaints from his former teachers regarding his behaviour. Some called it self-defense. Some called it overkill. Fortunately, all those that crossed him had full recoveries and will be able to attend school normally with some corrections to their behaviour due to their confrontations with Sakamaki-kun." The homeroom teacher had read about those confrontations in the blonde's personal student file. The cases were mostly instigated by the bullies and they had admitted their wrongdoings in their reports. Hence, the blonde did not have a single charge pressed against him. The teacher was surprised at this, but she understood. After reading the reports of the confrontations, she was proud and impressed by his character. Violence aside, at the very least, he had corrected a bunch of bad apples in his previous school. There were always those kinds in any type of school in Japan.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, teach. Yeah, I've come across those types of people. But—I could be one of those people myself too…if—I don't like how you're looking at me." He smirked while looking straight at the group of guys who huddled up against each other with fear. "Vulgar, hedonistic…those are my traits if you don't follow the rules of usage and dosage guidelines when interacting with me, boys, and girls." He smiled amusingly at the boys before directing it towards the girls. "But you girls are delicate flowers, right? Why would you upset someone like me…"

"That's true!"

"Aw, he called me a delicate flower~"

"I mean, you kind of are…You won't let us paint your nails. Your nails are not that delicate…we can redo it and they will be fine with polish remover…"

"But! I think they're delicate, and so I must do it myself so they'll be extra pretty."

"Oh boy…"

"I don't mind that he's calling me a delicate flower. At least I got a compliment from someone, unlike my mom…"

"Oh, you poor tomboy…I mean, poor thing!"

"Hey, what do you mean by that?"

The girls reacted positively towards the blonde, while the boys were beside themselves with a touch of fear.

"He's…basically a juveni—"

"Don't finish that! He could hear us!"

"Yeah! He's still in front of the class…! Hello…! Shut it!"

"I don't have anything else to say other than it's nice to meet you all." He shrugged harmlessly with a laid back smile.

"Ara, ara…—What an interesting individual we have as our new classmate." Akeno spoke up, crossing her arms as she looked at the blonde.

"I could say the same to you." He looked at her and answered without hesitation. "Though I'd have to say I am quite lucky to be placed in a class with a number of beauties. Including yourself, teacher." He turned to the homeroom teacher who looked at him amused.

"Flattery will get you nowhere."

"Or it will get me everywhere." He responded sarcastically as the teacher shook her head at him while the class laughed with his answer.

"Sure...Anyway, you can take a seat, Sakamaki-kun. Preferably, not too far to the back. I'd have known your record in your previous school for sleeping in class."

"Why would you share my secret in front of the classroom, teach? There goes my first impression…and I've been working hard to have a somewhat decent start." The blonde raises his eyebrow in amusement as the teacher smiles.

"Okay… Besides your incidents against the bad apples in your previous school… Enlighten me on this fact, would you? The times you slept in your previous class, I failed to understand why you did not get punished most times because you would be missing out on schoolwork and the lessons. Strangely, there were not a lot of complaints from your former teachers about your sleeping behaviour except a few… At first, I thought you must have gotten help from your friends to complete those schoolwork yet that is not the case now is it?" The homeroom teacher asked as the students looked at the blonde in awe and surprise. "You've completed every single assignment given to you. Not a moment too late also. Especially assignments when you were sleeping in class yet you've completed them on time by the end of the class. You seem to have a knack of knowing when to wake up and completing your assignment without any help from your classmates. Your former teachers are surprised. Hence, they didn't give any form of punishment by the end of the year. However, at the start of the year, you'd be sitting outside of class due to your sleeping habits. Fortunately, you do not sleep every day of the school week or on every subject." She paused and nodded her head before smiling. "I do hope my subject will not be a bore to you, Sakamaki-kun."

"It depends. I cannot control the uncontrollable."

"You can control it by washing your face if you ever feel tired. That is the solution, right?" The teacher's deadpan look causes the class to burst into laughter and the blonde hovers his right hand over his heart, feigning a hurt look over his face.

"Ouch. You wound me so. Here I thought I'd be a good student and not skip class for anything."

"I find it hard to believe your sarcastic words when your sleeping habits can deter your learning process as skipping class will, Sakamaki-kun. You're here physically yet you're not paying attention to class, am I wrong?"

"You're right. But you might want to take a few reminders of my previous experiences, teach." The blonde answered as the teacher recalled his past experiences, in which she had explained to all of the students earlier. "I listened pretty well even when I'm not paying attention~"

"...Very well. We shall see if that is the case, Sakamaki-kun." The class looked over the two and was looking at the blonde student in awe. Neither one of them could comprehend that the blonde could assure the teacher of her doubts about him.

"That isn't a problem, teach. I do what I can to impress."

"Yes...Your past experiences speak for itself." The teacher crossed her arms as the whole class suppressed the urge to laugh at their conversation. "Ahem. As I mentioned, you can take your own seat now, Sakamaki-kun. Now, are there any available seats? I may have overlooked the number…" She looks over to the class and sees a seat available.

"There is one." Akeno spoke up. "It is right next to Rias's desk." She gestured to the desk next to her friend.

"Yes, thank you, Akeno. It's a good thing it is in the second row. It'll be easy to pay attention, isn't that right Sakamaki-kun?"

"Yes, it'll be easy all right." The blonde proceeded to walk towards the desk and pull the chair aside before sitting down. "To pay attention to the one right next to me." He answered as he turned his head to the right and connected his purple eyes with blue-green ones that looked surprised.

"Ara, ara. Pinning such attention towards Rias...You're a courageous man, Sakamaki-kun."

"What do you mean? I'm only commenting as such." The blonde feigned innocence. "Though is there jealousy hidden in your question? Should I pay just as much attention to you too?" He asked as his eyes shifted to Akeno's, who acted surprised at his gaze. Akeno registered his words a second later and she deliberately blushed.

"Oi, oi...Are you serious? He made both Rias-san and Akeno-san blush!?"

"Just like that?! He only stared at them!"

"No. He gave his undivided attention to them both. That's why Rias-san and Akeno-san reacted that way…Ooo…lucky them…"

"What's the difference between us and him?"

"Are you seriously asking that? Are. You. Seriously. Asking. That?"

"Ahaha…okay…okay…no need to use that look…!"

"Oh my...They are both beet red!"

"I wouldn't call that beet red…More like shy pink?"

"Sakamaki-kun's eyes must be breathtaking…Oo, I want him to gaze at me too…!"

"May I have your attention please? I would like some order in this class before the session is over." The teacher announced and the whole class went silent. "I will not address anything from what I saw and we will continue onwards. I'd like all of us to have a nice ice-breaking session as a way for us to get to know each other. To start with the session, I'd like everyone to introduce themselves along with their likes and dislikes. Can we start with the first row?"

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Time Skip

"I do believe we have concluded today's brief lesson along with completing a few sets of questions to test your understanding. Everyone has a good grasp on the lesson which is a good start for the academic year." The homeroom teacher announced as the students smiled at one another. "However, you have a long journey ahead of you before you graduate. This is only one subject and this was an easy topic." She added her two bits, causing the students to groan. "Not to worry, we have discussed a bit of what each subject entails in general. However, I'd advise that you finish all of the classes this week and seek out the teachers for suitable practice books for additional exercises. I've given you a couple of practice book titles earlier. So do be alert when purchasing them in the bookstore." The teacher paused. "We have also appointed our class representative and assistant class representative, Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima. Both of you have past experience holding these titles and I do believe there is no other that is suitable. Except for…" The homeroom teacher drifted her eyes towards the lone smiling blonde.

"Hence, I declined the offer. I've held the title for two years and I simply can't bear the responsibility it demands of me this year. I'd like to study in peace, teach."

"Surely…" The homeroom teacher answered suspiciously before dismissing it and addressing the class representative. "Rias-kun and Akeno-kun, I do believe I dare not to try to explain the responsibilities of what Sakamaki-kun spoke of?"

"Yes, we already know our respective responsibilities."

"You can be rest assured, we will do our best as our positions entail." Rias and Akeno answered to the teacher.

"Thank you, girls. Now then, this class period has concluded. Rias." When the teacher called her name, Rias stood up.

"Stand up." Rias spoke up as the rest of the class stood up. "Bow." She along with the whole class bows their heads towards the teacher.

"You're welcome. See you all on Thursday." The teacher bowed in return and smiled before exiting the classroom. When the homeroom teacher opened the door to exit, a female teacher with a long ponytail smiled at her. They both exchanged pleasantries before the homeroom teacher bid her farewell and walked away. The newly arrived teacher closed the door and stood in front of the class. She smiled at the class.

"Hello, everyone. I am your English teacher for today. I do believe everyone is ready to have fun learning English?"

---

Time Skip

"So, this concludes our lesson for today! Thank you for being kind students on the first day. Especially for those helping others acclimate to speaking the language fluently. It is alright to make mistakes because we can all learn to get better from them. Do not be upset at your mistakes and accept it as a part of your growth, alright? Do not worry, as far as the lessons go for today, all of you did very well. Yes, you made mistakes but those are minor mistakes that can be easily fixed. Be proud of your achievement today. All of you understand what I taught you and I am happy because of it." The English teacher smiled as the whole class showers her with appreciation. "You're welcome." Just as she responded, the bell rang outside the classroom. "It seems the recess bell is ringing. Then today's class is officially over." She said holding a whole batch of paper on top of her books close to her chest. "I will grade all of your short essays and pass them on Friday. Next lesson will take up a considerable amount of time but we will begin correcting your mistakes on the essays. If there is a mistake. Oh, I better not keep all of you waiting for recess. Rias?" She asked, turning to the crimson-haired. At the gesture, Rias stood up.

"Stand. Bow." The whole class stood and bowed to the English teacher who bowed back.

"See you." She bid before exiting the classroom as the sound of chatter resounded outside the classroom, whereas students began to walk through the hallway towards the cafeteria for recess. After the door was closed by the English teacher, the students started talking to one another before preparing to leave the classroom.

"Rias." Akeno stood beside the crimson-haired who nodded at her with a smile. "We mustn't be late. We have to go through a queue after this."

"I am aware." Rias nods, smiling.

"Excuse me, Sakamaki-kun?"

Both Rias and Akeno turned towards the group of their female classmates standing near the desk of the transfer student.

"Yes?" Izayoi asked, looking at all of them.

"Can we spend our recess with you?" The representative of the group asked with hopeful eyes while the others looked on in anticipation.

"Are you sure you should be spending your precious recess with me?" The blonde pocketed his right hand as he addressed the group of girls. "I may not be a good host to accommodate ladies like you."

Chuckles were shared amongst the group at his response before the brunette who was the representative of the group spoke up.

"We wanted to get to know you better as classmates. If you allow us." A chorus of nods was shared by her claim.

"...Are they invited?" He pointed towards the group of boys who were looking at them. "They seem interested in joining."

"No, we're not!" One of the boys exclaimed as he crossed his arms into a cross. "We're just listening! Yeah! That's all!"

"Yes, all of us are just listening."

"Don't mind us."

The group of girls stared at the boys in suspicion which caused the boys to slowly turn their faces elsewhere while whistling an innocent tune. Numerous beads of sweat fell on their necks as the girls kept their suspicious gaze on them for a tad too long before they turned to the blonde when they heard his voice.

"Okay. Since you offered, I'll take you up on it. Don't blame me if I'm a bad host."

"We won't!"

"Then care to lead the way?" Izayoi gestured forward as the group of girls accompanied him outside the classroom and towards the cafeteria. Inside the classroom, numerous students were gossiping about that debacle.

"I can't blame them for taking an interest in getting to know him better. I would too."

"Yeah, I can't blame them. He seems interesting."

A few girls gossip amongst themselves before they went out of the classroom to spend their recess with a destination in mind.

"What they said is right though." Standing at the back of the classroom, one of the boys in the group nodded at the girls' gossip. "He would make a good friend. He seems chill."

"Yet he gets all of the attention?"

"Can we blame him?" The person asked as all of his friends looked at him blankly. The person shakes his head and sighed. "Fine...We can blame him. Wait! What are we here for?! It's recess! Let's go!" At the wakeup call, all of them went straight out of the classroom, leaving only a few students left.

"It appears Sakamaki-kun is quite social. A few of our classmates asked for his aid in English class earlier and he accepted them all. Both boys and girls for that matter. He helped them without any issues and they could learn easily with his help. He is kind enough to provide defining examples for each one of them and they completed their essays on time." Akeno explained. "Truly, everyone is taken by him. Especially our female classmates." She smiled. "What do you think, Rias?" She turned to the crimson-haired and found she was looking down in thought. She clasps her hand on her shoulder which makes Rias look at her. "Rias? Are you alright? Whatever is the matter…?" Akeno looked at her with mild worry.

"...It's nothing for you to worry about." Rias smiled in assurance. "I had been thinking that's all."

"Can you spare the details?"

"Akeno…" Rias raised her brow as she looked pointedly.

"Do you expect me not to ask? This is our first day as Third Year students, Rias. You shouldn't even be thinking about anything that requires deep concentration now is it? Other than that, it is bizarre for me to see you act like this a second time. The first time was in the first class period. If you're in my shoes, will you not find it bizarre? As your friend, I cannot do anything but worry."

Rias looked at her for a moment.

"...I understand, and I apologize for making you worry." Rias apologized as Akeno shook her head with a smile. "We can talk about this over recess."

"Let's." Both girls proceeded to head towards the cafeteria.

---

"Ara, ara. What a surprise. Our classmates are just next to us." Akeno said as she and Rias sat on a semi full table after they had gotten their tray filled with their lunch needs. Both of them looked across the next table as a couple of their female classmates greeted them with smiles before drawing their attention towards the center of attention within the group of girls filling the table. "He is quite busy it seems. Yet he kindly entertains them." She said as she saw Izayoi answering towards the group of girls sitting near him. "Although it would be interesting to listen to them, I believe we have matters to discuss ourselves, yes?" Akeno turns to Rias who shakes her head. "We have a bit of privacy between us right now. So… care to let me know the details?"

"Alright, but we should eat first. We've already spent a portion of time getting the food, and we won't be finished if I tell you first."

"Understandable. Unfortunately, we may have to talk some other time since we have little time before recess is over." Akeno stated as Rias followed her line of sight, seeing the wall clock across the room, displaying the current time.

"Thank you for your consideration." Rias smiled as Akeno smiled back.

"Think nothing of it, Rias. However I do have one question."

"Yes?"

"Does your thoughts revolve around a certain transfer student of ours?" Akeno asked with a teasing tone as she watched Rias looking at her with a surprised expression.

"How do you…"

"My, I am only assuming, Rias. Do you think I cannot guess when I'm the one sitting next to you?" Akeno asked before turning to her food. "You've started thinking deeply after your encounter with a certain blonde. From there, I could see something was bothering you." She said before started eating as Rias looked at her briefly and mirrored the action. The two ate a good portion of their food while they watched their female classmates across their table. They saw them smiling and enjoying their time with their new classmate who all but entertained their questions about him after they had eaten their fill of lunch. They started asking questions about his ethnicity, wondering if he was a foreigner due to his looks. After that, they asked if they could touch his hair and he teased them if he should be wary of them due to their want. Some of them were embarrassed while the others could not help but giggle at their expense. The girls continued asking questions if he ever traveled the world. Rias perked her eyebrow as she heard the question before hearing his answer and she was interested to hear his journey. She heard a few countries were brought up in his travels, before recalling that he was born in Japan. She thought of his leisure to explore the world at a young age whereby others would not have the same opportunity. She wondered of his family background to enable him of this extravagant feat and one of the girls had asked him that specifically.

"My mother has a knack to make me learn all I can from her while we travel and simultaneously learn about the countries outside Japan."

The girls looked on in awe of his mother for giving the rare opportunity to her son by exploring international soil. The girls spoke to one another about their parents inability to allow them to travel abroad. They complained to one another yet they understood the reasonings of their parents. They shared a couple of laughs amongst the table as one of them mimicked their mother's stern face when they questioned about traveling abroad.

"She must be an adventurous mother."

A voice chimed in clearly through the laughter and everyone looked across their table. The voice belonged to none other than Rias Gremory. She connected eyes with Izayoi when she spoke. She did with a smile and he smiled in response.

"Yeah she was. At my expense however. I'd have to be the one watching her on occasions. A 10-year old child watching over an adult? Is that normal?" At this, Rias giggles behind her hand.

"No, I don't think that it is."

"My point exactly."

Rias smiled from the brief exchange between her and him. However, she realizes something amidst their exchange of words. Primarily his words. A frown replaced the smile and she looked across at her. "...Sakamaki-kun, you said your mother was an adventurous person. What do you mean...by that?" She chose her words carefully as the girls in between them looked towards the blonde who smiled at Rias. Each one of them looked concerned with each other as they deciphered their own thoughts around Rias's deduction. Yet, they remained silent and just waited.

"All of your doubts are true." Izayoi answered as he looked at each one of the girls before settling on Rias. He shakes his head whilst smiling forlornly. "She's not here anymore."

An unsettling atmosphere emanated around the table. It lasted for a while as everyone remained silent though they looked at the blonde with sympathy.

"I...am sorry for your loss." Rias broke the silence and offered her condolences. Her eyes looked directly at his.

Then, every girl around the table offered their own condolences with a few of them shedding tears.

"He...He lost his mother…" A certain black haired girl thought. Surprise could be heard within her thoughts. "He lost... his mother, just like…—mine." She concluded and she dabbed her fingers to the corner of her left eye, surprised to feel wetness. She discreetly glances at Rias who keeps her gaze at the blonde and Akeno brushes away the remnant of the unshed tear at the corner of her left eye.

"Hey, this is no place to shed tears now. What use are they if not dampening the whole cafeteria?" Izayoi questioned as the girls looked around the cafeteria, noticing a lot of students looking and peeking at them. In response, the girls glared at them causing everyone to resume their activities immediately. They then turned back to the blonde. "We could've discussed this in a different setting but it's better this way." He explained, causing the girls to look confused. "Sooner or later, you'll get to know either way. Anyway, I've answered your question and that gave me an opportunity. However, —the last thing I would want is for you to treat me differently. So brush the tears away and don't look at me any different, alright?" He asked as he offered napkins to the girls sitting near him who had already shed a few tears. "If you want to know, she left peacefully." He answered as the girls nodded in relief. "Lastly, I appreciate the condolences." He smiled at each one of the girls.

"...Alright, Izayoi-kun. We won't treat you any different. You can count on us!" One of the girls nods as the others follow with renewed vigor. All of them accepted his request. They understood that time is a factor in everyone's life and that their classmate's mother had fulfilled her time on earth. It was a good thing their classmate's mother had passed peacefully, it won't do them good to hear otherwise.

Suddenly, the academy bell rings behind them, signaling the end of recess.

"We'll see you in class, Izayoi-kun." The group's representative smiled before she and the others bid their farewells towards the blonde, exiting the cafeteria. Their absence leaves the blonde alone on the table.

"You're a remarkable individual, Sakamaki-kun." Rias spoke up as the blonde looked at her. "To muster the courage to share something like that, it is not easy for some. Yet, you can tell them, and you've only just met them today." Rias watches the blonde stand up.

"I've already accepted that she passed and moved on. It isn't worth being upset in their absence, it'll only do you more harm. It is worth it however to look back and learn from their absence."

Standing up from her seat, Rias asked a question.

"What did you learn?"

"I can live without her."

Izayoi responded with a smile.

At this, a smile grows on Rias's lips whilst Akeno's eyes widen. Akeno looked up at him from her sitting position.

"Though I'll always keep the memories of her. She'd drilled that reminder over the course of time we've spent."

"Did she? She must have been really doting towards you, Sakamaki-kun." Rias giggled.

"Unfortunately. But isn't your mother the same?" Izayoi replied as Rias stopped before she looked at him pointedly. "Oh? Did I hit a sensitive topic? A mother doting on her daughter?" He raised a brow. "I'd like to hear stories about those doting times if you feel so sensitive towards it."

"However, her mother is not that doting, Sakamaki-kun. Yet, Rias feels a bit sensitive about her younger self due to the close mother-daughter relationship. Do forgive her apprehension." Akeno explained standing up next to Rias who looked at her in surprise.

"Akeno!"

"Oh. So, she's spoiled as a child? I never thought about that considering you're the class representative."

"S-Spoiled?!"

"Mm, that can be applied." Akeno giggled as she saw the blonde move away from the table with his empty food tray. "Let me accompany you, Sakamaki-kun. We have a class to go to after all."

"I don't mind." He replied casually as Akeno followed the blonde towards the food tray disposal set near the queuing line.

"Akeno..." Looking at her friend walking alongside the blonde, Rias crossed her arms with narrowed eyes. Her right brow twitches a bit. "Sakamaki…" She murmured with mild irritation.

Suppressing the irritation, she sighed as she retrieved her empty food tray and looked back, only to see the two of them looking back at her, waiting.

"Aren't you going?" He asked with a smirk as Rias looked at him for a moment. "Do you want me to guide you?" He asked as Rias frowned in indignation.

"I am not spoiled!" She countered as she walked towards them.

"Could've fooled me. Your friend's verified it for me."

"Akeno…"

"Ara, ara. What is with the tone, Rias?"

---

Time Skip

After School

Looking out through the window nearest to him, Izayoi watches students walking out the entrance of the school building in masses. All of them relishing in the joy of after school, where they were free to rest their weary selves after a day of learning at home. Resting his hands behind his head, the blonde watches on as he sees his classmates walking out the building. His classmates talking animatedly to one another, likely undergoing talks of today. Then, the sounds of childish cheering and joyful shouts causes the blonde to shift his sights towards the group of parents waiting by the fountain and catching the parents embracing their children with smiles on their faces. Both primary school and middle school students were crowding the entrance as they all greeted their parents who came to pick them up. His eyes watching parents and children walking hand in hand towards the academy gates. He stayed in his seat and watched as he did not mind the time ticking away. Time passed by when the blonde stood up from his seat and shouldered his bag. He was the only one in the empty class. Passing by the front row of seats, he exited the classroom and proceeded towards the entrance of the building which also acts as an exit point.

As he walked, he recalled the amusing time spent with two of his classmates after recess ended. Rias and Akeno banter throughout the time they were walking back to the classroom for the next class. Their banter was solely on the topic of the crimson-haired's past as a child. As one chose to disagree of ever being a spoiled child while the other agrees wholeheartedly that she was a spoiled child. He was in between their banter and he involved himself into their conversation by citing his own view of a spoiled child, which left Rias beet red in embarrassment before she glared daggers at him. However, he also pointed towards Akeno with the same view and she did not comment on it yet her cheeks had been light pink. This reaction does not go unnoticed by both him and Rias. The latter of which commented on Akeno's past as a spoiled child herself and it brought a smile to her face. The three of them soon arrive at their classroom and their conversation ends with Izayoi commenting that she was no different than Akeno herself as a spoiled child, much to Akeno's happiness. Then, as Akeno opened the door for them, the whole class was greeted by the scene of a frowning Rias, pinching Izayoi's right cheek while he smiled amusingly at her.

After the teacher dismissed their lateness and told them to take their seats was when everything went normal albeit with Rias glaring at the blonde whenever he made eye contact with her, or she avoided his eyes with a puff of her cheeks, much to his amusement. The classes proceeded accordingly up until the final bell ringing, signifying the end of school for the day.

Looking up, Izayoi passed through the corridors of lockers and exited the building through the double doors. Just as he reached the fountain, a voice called out from behind him.

"Sakamaki-kun!"

Recognizing the voice, the blonde turns around to find Akeno walking out the entrance towards him. She held the handle of her bag in between her hands in front of her. A smile plastered on her lips.

"You haven't gone home yet?" Raising a brow, the blonde asked with an amusing smile.

"I have been required by the Student Council President at the Student Council. I attended her call and have been given a task which involves yourself, Sakamaki-kun."

"Oh? Why am I the exception?"

"In the records, you are the only transfer student currently in Kuoh Academy for this year. In regards, it is imperative for the Student Council to present a good impression and provide an exceptional showing of Kuoh Academy."

"Why aren't the Student Council gracing me with their presence if they wished to present a good impression? I believe they would take it upon themselves to showcase the distinguished reputation of Kuoh Academy."

"Unfortunately, they wanted to try a different tactic. The Student Council is not complete yet, and the Student Council President is busy with the recruitment process at the moment."

"By different tactics, they've picked you."

"Because I am a perfect candidate."

"Perfect seems to be an understatement." The blonde eyed her as Akeno smiles sultrily and approach him. She stopped inches from him and opened her eyes. Her eyes gained a glint of amusement.

"Oh? Do you really think so?"

"I believe so, Himejima. The Student Council is impressive to initiate a tactic like this. I have to give them props. They know how to pick a worthy candidate to be my tour guide.

"Thank you, Sakamaki-kun." Akeno smiled. "Since you have approved of the Student Council President's choosing, I shall be your designated tour guide of Kuoh Academy." She stepped back and bowed to him, allowing a fine sight of her voluptuous chest to the blonde. Standing upright, Akeno smiles at the blonde. "Shall we discuss your schedule to determine the tour? When are you available for this week, Sakamaki-kun?"

"I should ask you. I don't think this applies to me only. You need to be available to service yours truly." Izayoi smirked, pocketing his left hand. "It shouldn't be an inconvenience to you, right?"

At his question, her smile widens.

"Thank you for your consideration, Sakamaki-kun. However, can I relay the answer later this week? The latest would be either Wednesday or Thursday. By then, I'll relay it to you. Is that acceptable?"

"As long as it's convenient for you, and I get to be serviced by one of the Great Beauties of Kuoh Academy, I do not have any qualms."

"You have a way with words, Sakamaki-kun."

"Do I? Am I being credited by the Great Beauty of Kuoh Academy?"

"Yes, you are." Akeno giggled behind her hand. "Goodbye, Sakamaki-kun. Have a safe trip home. I will see you tomorrow."

"See you, Himejima." Izayoi replied, smiling before turning around and raising his hand to bid farewell. "See you, Gremory." He said over the air as Rias was shown to be walking up to Akeno. Surprise was shown in her expression. "You'd think I didn't notice your crimson hair?"

"Sakamaki-kun!"

The voice of Rias Gremory made him stop past the fountain and he turned halfway to look at both her and Akeno. Both of them shared a smile before they voiced out.

"Welcome to Kuoh Academy!"

At their declaration, the blonde smiles in response.

"Thanks. Though you don't have to call me by my family name. You can call me by my given name."

"Oh. Then, please address me the same, Izayoi-kun."

"You can address me by my given name also."

"Will do, Rias. Akeno." He sent a smile before he turned and resumed his journey home. When he walked past the academy gates, and disappeared out of view after he crossed the bridge beyond the academy gates.

Near the fountain, both Rias and Akeno watched where the blonde left.

"He is an interesting individual indeed, Rias-Buchou. He did not bat an eye to my sexual appeal, and instead he appreciates it. I didn't know he'd be this playful…" Akeno smiled sultrily. "On the other hand, he is such a tease…"

"I do agree. He is different…"

"He is unique, is what you're trying to say, Rias-Buchou?"

"Huh?"

"Do not tell me you did not recall the moment in the cafeteria? The two of you shared quite a moment together. I almost wanted to shake you awake."

"Akeno…"

"Ara, ara...The tone in your voice changed again, Rias-Buchou. What is the matter with you today? Considering this is only the first day, and yet you're acting differently than usual... Did this change come after Sakamaki Izayoi-kun's arrival? I wonder…?" Akeno wondered in the open as Rias looked at her pointedly. A distinct frown on the crimson-haired at her statement whereas the black haired allows a sly smile to cross her face. "I cannot help myself to wonder. Yet, I do believe what I have spoken to be the truth if what I saw can be any indication for you behaving differently."

Rias frowned at her friend before she averted her eyes away, her cheeks blossoming pink.

"Especially the slight skinship you had with each other…" Akeno spoke out her thoughts, recounting back to the crimson-haired heiress initiating skin contact in pinching the blonde's cheek prior to entering the classroom after recess was over. "If I wasn't aware of the Gremory ladies' habits over the years, this would be different and yet…" She giggled as she saw Rias averting her eyes with a cute blush. "Her reaction is spot-on."

"Akeno!" The sound of giggling assaulted Rias's ears as she glared at her. "He was overstepping his teasing!"

"Oh really? Is it really that embarrassing? I apologize. I was merely giddy."

"Giddy?" A suspicious gaze was sent in Akeno's direction.

"As I said, you do not have to mind. Anyway, I do wonder about a certain Student Council President today…" Akeno trailed off as she looked up at where the Student Council was located while Rias looked on in curiosity. "Apparently, Sona-kaichou is showing some interest in him."

"Sona? How so?"

"It may be the first time that I have been a tour guide yet I could have sworn she was a bit bothered by Izayoi-kun. It is true that she has not yet fully set up the Student Council and is in the middle of recruitment, but the situation is strange isn't it? She could have easily taken up the position to be a tour guide despite her predicament with the new Student Council." Akeno explained gazing upon the window of the Student Council along with Rias. The crimson-haired frowned at the new information.

"Does she know something about Sakamaki Izayoi-kun…?"

As her thoughts drifted towards her best friend, her eyes glanced up at the windows on the top floor. It was where the Student Council office was located.

Unbeknownst to her, a certain best friend of the crimson-haired Gremory was standing away from the exact windows at that very moment. Her gaze was directed beyond the school gates.

Where the blonde transfer student had been the last to leave.

"Sakamaki Izayoi…"

Her Queen had collected a bit of detail regarding him today, through his homeroom teacher. The reason for their inquiry would be a guise for their recruitment into the Student Council organization. They only learned a few things. One, he was capable of organizing albeit in his own way. Two, he was capable of taking up a leadership role if need be. He was the class representative for two years straight due to his former teachers' requests. The only bad thing was his record in getting students in the hospital. Bad students who were borderline juvenile in nature. Those students had disturbed the peace of the school and him. They came across him and they got what they instigated. A trip to the hospital. Luckily, the students did not sustain heavy injuries and were able to make a full recovery. The families of the students involved did not press charges against him, and some even appreciate his help in straightening out their sons.

Besides that, they also learned that he had only just transferred to Kuoh Academy this year because he had recently moved to Kuoh Town last year. While these details sounded unimportant, she was still determined to learn about him…

She had watched the blonde transfer student leave through the school gate. When he had just crossed, that was when he glanced at her. At the top floor of the school building, overlooking the front courtyard. She was still thinking about that moment which introduced a sharp frown on her face. Because it was a bit unsettling to her.

"Why did you transfer here? Why now? Is it really because you just moved last year…?"

Her mutterings were only heard by herself as she stood in the room alone. Her Queen was monitoring the hallways for any students that were still in their classrooms. The day operations were her and her peerage. Since it coincides with her Student Council duties during the day, she was responsible for securing Kuoh Academy and the activities within. Mischievous pranks are to be expected and late students coming out of the classrooms and libraries were some of the antics that had been observed ever since she was a First-Year student.

"Why did Nee-sama…say your name…?"

She remembered now where she heard his name before. She caught his name from when her sister slept and uttered his name. She found this out almost a year ago. She thought it was one of her sister's companions that shared her love for cosplay and anime. She did not know any houses by their names. Hence, she assumed it was her sister's companion.

She had put it at the back of her mind as it was her sister's business, and not hers. It was only until today that she heard the exact same name from the Assembly Hall. At first, the name stuck and she cannot get it out of her head. It got worse when she could not concentrate on her lesson one time. She repeated the name numerous times in her head and it was becoming an annoyance to her. This is when she recalled her sister, who at times was an annoyance to her even when her sister had good intentions. When she recalled her sister, that is when she recalled the memory.

Suddenly, his name was first priority. Because of its ties to her sister.

She did not know if the blonde was really the individual who knew her sister but she cannot dismiss the notion. Whenever something was related to her sister, she had to find out, especially individuals who befriended her sister. It was the least she could do as her younger sister.

She abandoned the action to ask about the name to her sister right now. Instead, She chose to find out the blonde transfer student who has the exact name. If he leads to a dead end, she will ask her elder sister about the name, Sakamaki Izayoi, and who is behind this name. Because one thing she remembered clearly was her sister looked happy in her sleep when she uttered his name…

---

Time Skip

Sakamaki Residence

Opening the door to his home, Sakamaki Izayoi goes to the kitchen where he puts his bag on top of the kitchen counter and gets the kettle near the sink and fills it up with water before putting it on the heating station where he switches on the device. Seeing the red indicator lit up on the corner of the kettle, he opens the fridge to retrieve a tiny tea bag. After closing the fridge, he prepared a teacup and put the tea bag inside the cup.

Leaving the kitchen, the blonde walked upstairs to freshen himself with a bath.

After roughly 7 minutes, the blonde came downstairs with a pair of matching black pajamas. Fetching the kettle that heated the water for about 3 minutes and had cooled over time, he poured the warm liquid into the teacup and put the kettle onto the counter. The blonde swiftly fetched his smartphone out of the confines of his bag and lifted the teacup by its handle before walking towards the living room and sitting upon the sofa facing the flat screen television. Sipping his tea before putting the teacup down onto the small table in front of him, he looked at his smartphone where a few messages popped into the front display.

"How was your first day, Izayoi-onii?"

"Hello, Iza-nii! Tell me about your first day! My first day was really great!"

He surveyed both messages which had popped into his notifications at 2:30PM.

Shaking his head at the messages, he opened the messaging app and started typing his response to the first message. He had given his word that he communicated with them from time to time. Given that today was his first day at a new academy institution, he understood the need of both recipients to message him about it.

---

At the same time…

Occult Research Club

Picking up the warm teacup by its handle, Rias sips the tea briefly before putting it back onto its saucer. She sat upon her designated chair behind her large desk within the main quarters of the old school building. A deep thoughtful expression on her face. Her brows furrowed as she tried recalling her memories in the recesses of her mind however it was to no avail. Sighing, she closed her eyes in defeat. The Gremory heiress leaned back against the chair to rest. Her efforts were fruitless. She cannot recall any specific memories of him.

The transfer student whose hair is blonde and eyes enchantingly purple, almost violet. A smile filled with confidence.

The moment when they exchanged eye contact for the first time, there was a burst of light clouding her mind—a distinct yet foreign memory appearing in her mind.

However, the memory revealed less than what was expected. A fragmented memory. From the fragmented memory, the Gremory heiress could only recall the setting was dark and a pair of purple eyes staring at her with light amusement. The memory brought a feeling of familiarity to her. After she received the memory, she snuck a few glances at the blonde in the first and second period of class, determining the identity of him. But her efforts did not bear any results whatsoever. Her mind was keen to block out the memories for unknown reasons. Frustrating as it may be, she will not let herself stress over it.

"I cannot control the uncontrollable…" She reminisced about his words. A fit of chuckle came out her mouth.

His words can be applied to her situation. Exactly. She cannot control her mind to her demands in this sort of debacle. Therefore, she will have to wait and see for the coming days. Soon enough, she will get her answer through him.

Rias did not mind his company throughout the whole day today. Even though she had been given a piece of memory related to him, it did not instill fear in her. Because somehow she had a feeling. Sakamaki Izayoi was not a dangerous person. Far from it, and she wanted to know.

Why was he familiar to her?

Due to the familiarity, it did not help that she could converse with him easily as if they had met before. When they have not, as far as she could recall. Surprisingly, they were able to hold conversations easily with one another. She deemed it bizarre but she did not dislike it. Through the short moments she spent with him including ones she had been at the receiving end of his teasing, she grew to like it. Hence, she enjoyed the first day today more so than expected. Then, she recalled she would meet him again tomorrow, and her small smile grew on her lips. She was looking forward to their next meeting.

"I will find out your identity soon enough, Sakamaki Izayoi-kun...Until then, I have a feeling tomorrow will be as enjoyable as today, if not more."

She mused to herself before lifting her teacup and sipping her tea. After she drinks half of the content, she looks up—only to greet a red insignia that is all too familiar to her. The insignia hovers above her desk and she watches the insignia conjure an image of her older sibling.

"Sirzechs?"

"It's good to see you, Rias." Sirzechs smiled seeing his younger sister. "There is no emergency here. I wanted to ask about your first day as a Third-Year student."

"Oh." Rias nods in realisation. "My first day...It went swimmingly, more so enjoyable."

"That's not the same answer you gave in previous years. May I inquire further?" Sirzechs raised his eyebrow as Rias nodded.

"It started in the first class period, where the teacher introduced a transfer student. His name is…" She trailed off before a sudden realization dawned on her face, causing Sirzechs to look at her with worry.

"Rias?"

Rias looked up at her older brother and she had discovered another alternative to solve her issue. With that, she shakes her head with a disarming smile.

"I'm alright. It was nothing."

"?" Sirzechs looked confused but he did not question her further.

Grateful her older brother did not inquire, Rias smiles and continues her retelling of her first day.

"...As I said, the teacher introduced a transfer student. His name was—Sakamaki Izayoi-kun."

At the name spoken by his sister, Sirzechs barely suppressed his surprise in time before his sister could catch his change in expression.

"…You enrolled into Kuoh Academy…? This is…"

Sakamaki Izayoi.

Kuoh Academy.

This combination was something he did not expect at all.

"He and his mother…They moved to Kuoh Town…?"

He knew of his last home and chose to put a teleportation circle near his neighbourhood. This time, he had handed the blonde a magical card that could call a teleportation circle for his own use. His wife had suggested the magic card for their esteemed guest as per their wager two years ago. It still stands even today.

He did not pay any mind to his current home since he could teleport to the Underworld without his intervention.

"Each time he teleported, I would know his last known location. Yet his last known location…would be at his previous home before his mother's passing. He never teleported to the Underworld ever since her passing…"

He understood now.

And so, he understood his decision on the matter. Yet, it still surprised him that the blonde had moved to Kuoh Town, and enrolled into Kuoh Academy. What prompted the move, he thought.

Sirzechs then remembered his sister who was still telling her story about the blonde. He listened in on her retelling. He did not miss a lot, as his sister mentioned that the blonde had an impressive history as a class representative at his previous school and his sarcastic banter with the homeroom teacher.

"The day started when he walked in. Just a while ago, everyone was getting a bit restless when our teacher did not enter yet. It was getting a bit late. To think we were having a transfer student to our class. His introduction was quite something…The girls were really happy…"

As Rias retold her day, she did not notice the meaningful smile on Sirzechs when he listened to his sister befriending the blonde transfer student. His smile widened when he heard the teasing his sister suffered at the hands of the blonde. Watching his sister retelling the story, a fond smile grows on his expression when he spotted the smile on her face throughout the story. She did not stop smiling just as she finished her story.

"...That is quite an interesting classmate you have there, Rias."

"He is. But I'll have to stop his teasing soon. It gets on my nerves." She puffed out her cheeks adorably. Her cute expression made Sirzechs capture her image through the use of the red magic insignia glowing subtly before dimming, signifying the image had been taken. He cannot resist taking pictures of his sister as she grew up. His efforts did not stop ever since he laid eyes on her when she was but a baby.

"Oh really? Yet you're retelling them fondly. I don't think that's the case, and you were a bit of a spoiled child when you were young~ Yes, there is no doubt that I do have vivid memories of that. You were just figuring out your childlike curiosity and childish needs! How could Okaa-sama, Otou-sama or even I shatter your happiness back then? Yes, how times have passed since then… Even if those times had passed, we can only recall it from time to time. Hence, Okaa-sama would occasionally retell some stories of my adorable little sister~ Surely, you must not forget?"

"Onii-sama!"

"Okaa-sama can justify that herself. She always keeps her stories in a diary. She has a separate diary for her youngest." Sirzechs smiled, having read some entries from the diary itself with his mother's permission. It was good to reminisce about his sister when she was only a toddler… His sister was really cute as a toddler~

"Well! Izayoi-kun doesn't need to know that!"

"Why?"

"He'll tease me endlessly…"

"Does he mean anything by it?"

"It didn't offend me as much the first time." Rias angrily pouted as Sirzechs' smile softened.

"You understand then. Anyway, it is good to see that your first day is doing really well with the addition of the transfer student. I do believe you'll spend good times with him?"

"Huh? Wh-What do you mean?" Rias turned back to her elder brother with wide eyes. At her reaction, Sirzechs raises his hand to dismiss her perplexing question.

"I don't mean anything by that. I'm just asking if you'll have good times with him. Today was an example of you having a good time and you spent it with him, is it not?"

"Well…" Rias drawled out and averted her eyes below.

Sirzechs chuckles. "Think nothing of it. This just means that you have found a good friend already in Sakamaki Izayoi-kun"

Rias slowly nods at his words.

"Anyway, is there anything you want to say, Rias? To Okaa-sama and Otou-sama? They are also wondering about your first day as a Third-Year student. Especially Okaa-sama."

"You can relay what I've said about my day today. I already told all of the details. I don't think I've missed anything. All in all, I am happy that I have gotten to enjoy the first day as a Third-Year." Rias responded as Sirzechs nodded. "...But before you go, Sirzechs. I wanted to ask for a favour." This was her opportunity.

"Favour? Anything for my sister."

"...Can you gather information about Sakamaki Izayoi-kun?"

"...What brought this on, Rias?" Sirzechs furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

"The reason why is I...I feel like I know him. Somewhere...somehow… But I can't remember anything significant about him when we first met."

"You're met him before…? Are you certain?" Sirzechs asked, feigning surprise at the information given.

Rias nodded in certainty. A glint of seriousness reflecting in her eyes.

"I am certain. Right now, I am trying to leisurely go about the day without forcing anything to remember him by. I know it's still pretty early to ask you about it and it's the first day of school. But it bothers me that I can't remember. I don't want to force anything and so if I have any resources about Izayoi-kun, I might be able to remember something. Can you help, Onii-sama? I understand you have to speak to Otou-sama about it too. He's the administrator and can get the information for you. —I know what you're going to say, why wouldn't I ask this of Otou-sama?" Rias looked at her brother who wore a knowing look on his face. She smiled sheepishly. "Since you're here, it's easier to ask you, isn't it?"

Sirzechs smiled. When she was small, she would always ask favors. When she started enrolling into middle school and high school, she did not ask any favors of him. It could also be attributed that she did not have any problems that she had to ask him all those years ago. Up until now. No matter how independent she had become, Sirzechs will always help his sister. Because she will always be his baby sister.

"But if I do gather, will you be able to remember him?"

"I...don't know if it'll be significant or not...—but I have to try to find out." Rias answered with a determined look.

"…I understand the situation, Rias. However, about Sakamaki Izayoi-kun...Does he remember you?"

"I haven't asked him yet...But I have a feeling we've met before…" Rias looked down in thought and she nodded in certainty.

"Alright, I will do what I can." Sirzechs answered, intending to help his younger sister recover her memories, whichever small it may be. He was not surprised that his sister had met the blonde before, even though they did meet. Only for a little while. He was surprised however, to find out that his sister did not remember their meeting together in the past.

"She was really tired at that time…Could that contribute to something…? —No matter, since she asked…I'll see this through."

His sister asked his help on this issue and he will give his aid. Despite this, he was also curious. He recalled what happened to the first meeting between the blonde and his sister. As the protective brother that saw much of his life in seeing his sister grow from the little cute baby that she had been to the woman she is now, he cursed himself that he could not prevent his sister's first kiss from being stolen… under his nose. It irks him till this day. Back to his sister's sudden loss of memory, Sirzechs thought about his blonde guest. It had been some time since he had visited the Underworld. Ever since his mother's passing, the blonde had not visited the Underworld, approximately 6 months or so. Before her passing, he would actively visit from time to time. But he understood that it was his decision. Ultimately, he would always be welcomed.

"Hmm…It is odd she did not remember. Since she cannot recall anything, he is not doing anything to jog her memories… Yes, he must be watching this passively. To see how it goes. Alright…"

"Thank you, Sirzechs." Rias smiled at the helping hand as Sirzechs dismissed her with a smile.

"You should get some rest for today. You can expect to receive what you wanted sometime this week. I will see you later, Rias."

Rias nodded and waved goodbye as Sirzechs cut the communication, causing the screen to dissipate and the insignia to disappear. Just as the insignia disappeared, a knock on the door lets Rias look at Akeno walking inside the main quarters with a white haired girl followed by a light blonde young man, a mole under his left eye. Both newcomers are within her circle. Her peerage.

Smiling, Rias gestures for them to sit by the couches in front of the desk. Lifting up the teacup and saucer, she looks at both of the newcomers.

"How was your first day? How did it go for both of you?"

---

Flashback…

"So it seems you've met my sister."

"She must be really tired. I couldn't wake her up. I had to carry her up to her room. Ironically, your wife waited for me inside when I walked in. On the other hand, you came here. Almost as if you two…"

"As if you didn't know…"

Sirzechs's wry smile as Izayoi shrugged his shoulders.

"Your sister didn't know. I don't think she would sleep out there."

"She was too tired. She wanted to leave right about now, but I'm glad she could at least rest at home for a bit before leaving. It'll be a while before I can see her again."

Sirzechs smiled at his sister sleeping comfortably with her blanket and comforter draped over her.

"Is she your only sibling?"

The blonde looked over his shoulder at the girl he just met, sleeping soundly.

"Yes. It seems like it was only yesterday when she was but a child crying over a piggyback ride. Now, she's attending high school. The time has really passed for her…"

"I understand the feeling. I have a few that are growing up right now. Though they're still children attending middle school."

"Siblings?"

"You could say that. They act like it."

"Mm. You must have been pretty busy around them."

"They like getting attention. I was the only one that could provide their entertainment besides my mother." Izayoi sighed.

"I have never seen them before."

"Oh, they moved away with a foster family taking care of them."

"…Oh."

"That's reality. Taking care of orphans in the past was not how I envisioned myself doing throughout my middle school years. But here we are. Fortunately, most of them have gotten a foster family. So there's a happy ending for ya."

"…I didn't think you would share something from your past so readily."

"You're sharing a lot of yours when you've invited me to this Underworld and to your home. A snippet into my past isn't gonna top what you shared with me."

Izayoi smiled as he walked out the door.

"What about your blazer? You're not keeping it?" Sirzechs looked at the crimson blazer folded neatly by the dresser near his sister's bed. "…Why did you put it there?"

"It serves as a nice memento. It's a nice location, isn't it? Anyway, I gotta bounce. Your wife has already prepared my clothing in the guest room."

"…Right…" Sirzechs narrowed his eyes at the blonde smiling nonchalantly. "Meet me at my office. I'll send you back."

"Noted."

The blonde responded before walking away, wearing the white collared tee.

"Oh, and Izayoi…You deliberately did not mention what happened between you and Rias."

"…How did that get out apparently?" The blonde stopped and looked over his shoulder. A teasing smile on his face.

"Boy, you…" Sirzechs' voice went deep for a time. His eyes glowed crimson.

"What's with the reaction? I'm innocent. It was a happy accident. She fell and I caught her just in time." The blonde voiced out as he turned his head back. "It just happened. —Don't tell me, you didn't see it? As the protective brother, you surely would have seen it. No blame is to be made between us. It's just a happy accident."

Sirzechs' eyes twitched at the happy accident.

"If you'll excuse me, Sirzechs. Oh, and I got Grayfia's message. Don't worry, I won't overstep my boundaries. Unless the young lady permits it." The blonde flourished his hand to the side and left the hallway towards the appointed guest room shown by Grayfia earlier when he brought the sleeping Rias up into her room.

Sirzechs stared at him leaving, the glow in his eyes faded before looking at the folded crimson blazer on his sister's dresser, it was the only article of clothing that the blonde left.

"…After what happened, I'm getting a bad feeling about this…—He stole Rias-tan's first kiss! S-She's only just entering high school! She couldn't have her first kiss unless she found the one she loves…"

A miniature Sirzechs reimagined in his thoughts, was kneeling down in despair at witnessing his sister's stolen first kiss.

"This is not what I had in mind...not at all. Did I…make a mistake bringing him here after all…?" An exasperated Sirzechs could be seen hanging by the door of his sister, contemplating about his decision in letting the blonde enigma into the Underworld. Now, his intentions regarding the blonde meeting his sister was supposed to be mutual and the only thing he wanted out of their meeting was friendship at the very least. As if he was a matchmaker to his sister. He sooner established a rule in the Underworld that no men would charm his sister into a relationship than be a matchmaker himself. That is how much he cares for his young sister. It is crucial that as a brother, he should protect her innocence! It was common knowledge. He should get rid of any bad influence around his sister, fearing it may corrupt her.

Unfortunately.

Fate has spoken.

—Sakamaki Izayoi had met with his sister, Rias Gremory.

Sirzech expected that they would meet. But not this soon. He had a few plans involving Sakamaki Izayoi. At first, he wanted to recruit him into his peerage due to his supernatural abilities that exceeded his expectations out of the water… He cannot describe the immense potential inside one human like him. He is only 15 years old now. He cannot predict what his future will look like if he is given proper training. His immense potential had him on the ropes to recruit him. But after what happened after their battle—his plan changed. Seeing as he could not recruit him into his peerage at the moment, he would indulge the boy's curiosities about the Underworld in the coming days. He had struck an odd type of friendship with the boy, where they could talk to each other as equals. Only a few other individuals mirror the newfound friendship he has with the boy. His friendship with the boy influenced him to allow the boy to explore the Underworld if he wants to and when time permits. He was not careless however to allow him free reign. Those scheduled visits would be with him if he was not busy or if he wanted to roam freely by himself, he would assign a few people to monitor his adventure. His time with the boy thus far allows him to delve a bit into the boy's behaviour and personality. He was confident that he did not have any ulterior motives. He was only a boy that possessed an ability unlike any other and he was thrust into a world that does not offer much in the Human World. He was living an ordinary life with his abilities hidden from the world. He was trapped. Hence, he offered him to explore the Underworld, where he could indulge his abilities and learn new things outside of the Human World. Instead of recruiting him strictly into his peerage, he could make him side with the Underworld. A proposition that would be brought up in the near future. Because he knows that the blonde will see through his efforts in spoiling him with new opportunities in the Underworld.

It was all for the Underworld. To have an individual like Sakamaki Izayoi in your ranks. He would not have to worry so much.

Though he would not be having any expectations when he would speak about his allegiance with the Underworld. He knows the blonde could make his own decision.

That would beg the question…

Why would he need Sakamaki Izayoi…?

The Underworld has seen peaceful days for a long time. There was no need to have a human like him to fight, or any of the Devils to fight. They were in a peaceful era. There were hardly any serious issues pertaining to the Old Satan Faction now.

But Sirzechs knew better than to believe that this would last indefinitely.

It was only a matter of time. When all of this would blow over. He wanted to be prepared for anything. At least, he wanted to protect the people that he loved and cared for. His position as one of the four Satans propels him to protect the Underworld as did his other Satans. It was a massive undertaking for the four Satans. But they were the strongest Devils in the Underworld. It was their duty. Unfortunately, he could not protect the Underworld and his family at the same time. His wife could protect his family and he knows his parents could fend for themselves while safeguarding the Gremory House. Yet, he was unsure about his sister. His sister was growing to be an independent figure in the future as she was the next heir to the Gremory House after his father. He knows her growing responsibility, and the numerous challenges she could face in the coming times. As the heir to the Gremory House, she could be made into a target automatically by unknown forces.

It was the unknown that made him continue to monitor a certain blonde after discovering him in the Human World when he was a child. He continued his life while getting updates from his assigned scouts and his peerage from time to time regarding the blonde throughout the years. A few of his peerage members know his interest in the blonde. They were interested in him too when they found out what made Sirzechs monitor his progress.

Since his first plan would be on hold for now, his second plan involving the blonde relates to his sister.

He wanted the boy to be a guardian for his sister throughout her journey. Period.

He was selfish about this, and yet he could not allow his sister to venture about without someone to look out for her. His sister and her growing peerage have not experienced war. Unlike him and the others who have ended a war that made their peaceful days they know today… and it cost them heavily as a result.

—Sakamaki Izayoi was a contingency unlike any other.

After his battle against the boy. Sirzechs was confident. Extremely so. He was the suitable candidate that Sirzechs wanted, to stay and protect his sister.

Against the unforeseeable future, the boy would be able to help and guide his sister and her peerage. To grow and learn.

How could Sirzechs Lucifer have this much confidence in a boy? Would he do as he confidently thought about all of these things that could or could not happen? These were all things that might never happen.

But Sirzechs knew better.

Sakamaki Izayoi is bored in the Human World. It was not as exciting. He was living. Yet it was not an entertaining life. The reason he broke apart the dam when he was only a matured child proved that. He sought something more. Any curiosity he had, he wanted to satisfy it. Any questions he had, he wanted to solve it. That does not even include his innate gift.

Sakamaki Izayoi is a walking enigma, and he will continue to be. He finds trouble, and the trouble finds him. Sirzechs could not predict his next action even when he knew his characteristics from yearly updates after his discovery of the boy, and their meeting today.

And now, Rias Gremory has met Sakamaki Izayoi. The first meeting was unprecedented, and they had their first contact. A kiss to seal their meeting.

"What will happen next?"

Sirzechs looked over his sleeping sister one last time. He ended up sighing and duly walked out the room, closing the door silently as he went.

To Be Continued...

---

This is the revised Chapter 3.

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Thank you for reading this chapter. I will see you all in the next chapter.

Ja'ne! ArtLotus out