Campione Threat Assessment #2
Issei Hyoudou
Excerpt #1
This is Chief of Staff Shemhazai with an important announcement to all division heads concerning the aftermath of the Governor General's participation in the emergency summit in Kyoto.
Previous missives have stated that the territory of Kuoh, contested between Japan's newly ascended Demon King, the Youkai Faction, and the Belial family of the 72 Pillars would remain untouched in future operations due to the possibility of sparking a conflict between the aforementioned parties and the likelihood that any discovered involvement of the Grigori might lead to one or more of them deciding to take offensive action.
This mandate was passed earlier this week with the approval of the Governor General, who had now issued a second decree following the emergency summit.
Kuoh had officially been decreed a neutral zone to be managed by the 7th Campione, Issei Hyoudou and his chosen staff in light of his recent achievements in preventing the rise of a high level Heretic God and opposing the schemes of Luo Hao, the 2nd Campione.
The Governor General would also like to remind all division chiefs that the following information is to be held at the most strict level of confidence and that spreading it to unauthorized personnel will lead to the highest level of punishment available.
Cocytus.
With that out of the way, I shall now summarize the intel passed to me by Lord Azazel as well as further directives to Cadre members who will be put in charge of handling further dealings in Japan.
1st - The 7th Campione, Issei Hyoudou, has triumphed over the Heretic God released by Luo Hao, whose identity hasn't still been confirmed by our operatives and will be one of the subjects of our diplomatic efforts in Kuoh.
2nd - With Kuoh's newly declared neutrality, an opening of the borders has been declared with all three factions having announced their intent to claim the territory through the establishing of diplomatic relations with the 7th Campione.
3rd - The Profiling Module of Issei Hyoudou has been updated with data obtained through our contacts in the History Compilation Committee, painting a clearer picture of the Campione's habits and vices which shall prove paramount to our efforts.
4th - The Governor General has decreed that the ones to lead this effort will be the 4th Seat of the Cadre, Kokabiel as well as 9th Seat, Penemue as well as a small entourage handpicked for this endeavor taking into account the personality and known habits of the target. Obtaining a pact of non-aggression with the Campione will be the primary goal. Establishing a working relationship beyond neutrality is secondary. Should the first two fail, then and only then will permission for elimination be given.
PS. Do not start a mess we'll be forced to clean up.
5th - The following intel is of paramount importance to the mission and will only be transmitted to the above mentioned Cadre. Issei Hyoudou, the 7th Campione, has recently displayed the ability to utilize a Sacred Gear, revealing himself to be the current holder of the Boosted Gear, and thus this generations' Red Dragon Emperor.
Information is being tightly regulated to avoid a confrontation between our faction and the budding Campione and thus in no way, shape, or form is the intel to be shared with members of the Vali Team or the White Dragon Emperor himself unless one wishes to spend the next two geological periods trapped in ice.
This brings our announcement to a close.
The Governor General will hold a strategic meeting upon his return so all high priority missions will be postponed until this matter is resolved.
Excerpt #2
We are dead!
So dead!
Dead man be we!
A cornucopia of pain and suffering awaits us!
We are so going to diiiiiiiiiie
…
Ahem.
My apologies, Sister Griselda. It would appear that my superiors are busy having a nervous breakdown concerning the nature of recent events and their significance for the future of the Church. While I myself share in their warranted concerns, the need for future communication between our high echelon continues to be of paramount concern.
But first, I would like to inquire as to the health of brother Dulio Gesualdo.
It is to my understanding that he and Signore Strada were both involved in a skirmish with Marquis Voban and Salvatore Doni and so would like to extend my well wishes to a speedy recovery and a prayer to all those who sadly passed away in the ensuing battle.
May they find peace in the Lord's embrace.
This missive also comes as a result of the… sensitive information that has been passed down to me by Lady Gabriel in relation to the 7th Campione and his revealed status… as well as the commands that has been passed down onto me that I must now accept as the will of God as a test not only for my faith but the heart of my family in community.
It is with a heavy heart that I must reveal to you that your ward and my daughter have been selected as the spearheads for the upcoming efforts to establish diplomatic relations with Issei Hyoudou.
Truly, in his infinite wisdom God must have seen fit to urge his faithful to cross paths with a troubled young man who would one day require our guidance and love!
Yes, this can't be anything other than our mission!
But to think our dear Irina would one day be amongst the chosen to appease the red wicked dragon!
Ahem…
My apologies, I was overcome with fervor.
It has been decided by Lady Gabriel that whether the Boosted Gear has come onto Issei Hyoudou's possession by design or by a quirk of fate, that a specialist and a group of diplomats would be sent to study him and figure out whether this was truly just a freak accident or if the Heaven System has indeed started overlapping with Pandora's Ritual of Usurpation.
The former is a forgivable offense.
The latter is a terrible disaster that spells greater worries for the future.
For this reason I have also contacted brother Ewald Cristaldi and requested that he unseal and transport the holy swords Excalibur Mimic and Excalibur Destruction for the purpose of ensuring our operatives' safety in the unstable territory now ruled by the 7th Campione.
As well as dealing with whatever danger may arise should they come in contact with enemies seeking to further tempt that young man down the path of damnation.
Due to the time sensitive nature of this mission, young Xenovia Quarta and my daughter, Irina Shidou will be reporting to Lady Gabriel's aide, Mirana Shatarova and begin preparations for their holy mission.
I wish you and your charge a good afternoon and pray that, for both our sakes, this mission proves successful.
Amen!
Excerpt #3
NOTICE - NOTICE - NOTICE
CODE BLUE - CODE BLUE - CODE BLUE
To all field operatives, know this.
As of two hours ago, Hyoudou Issei, age 15, sex male, species Campione, is now designated as VIP Status III by order of the Emperor and decree of heavenly authority.
As such, no actions are to be taken against this individual without explicit approval by the director herself or voted on by the four clan heads. No harm is permitted to come to this individual unless intervening risks the life of an unacceptable number of civilians. (See: Appendix 4)
No assistance shall be refused unless the action will violate a Guiding Precept.
See Dossier 07 for further details, photographs, and collection of all relevant identifying markers. Warning, mana signature has been confirmed to fluctuate wildly. Only Class D sensors or better may be used for supernatural identification.
By order of the Mother of the Nation, we are to monitor the town of Kuoh for foreign infiltration and subversion. CIA operatives will be assisting us in this mission, with two of their DG teams present to provide direct action support if needed. To make this clear, we will have American and American only allies on station. These individuals will be identified to the relevant operatives and all other foreign operatives are to be detained.
While we have been explicitly ordered not to interfere with supernatural activities of the town for some time now, that does excuse laxity. Already, agents from the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation have been apprehended. This is immensely less insulting than the fact that Yakuza were allowed to enter the town.
As of 0600 on [DATE REDACTED] all organized crime syndicates have been slated for liquidation in the area around Kuoh.
Repeat, all members of organized crime syndicates, of any origin, mundane or supernatural, political or economic, are to be liquidated before they interfere with, abuse, molest, detain, engage, or annoy the 7th Campione. The likelihood of widespread destruction is considered highly likely, as the 7th displays human standard morality when it comes to most criminality.
Meaning that we may end up with a super powered vigilante, unchecked by the necessity of depending on the life energy of their chosen town. Or one who could be driven to let go of such motivations should he come into contact with or be influenced by undesirable elements at such an early stage of his life.
The Department of Statistics and Analysis have relevant projections for all field agents to peruse. (See: Appendix 5-9)
A list of known entities within the Kuoh Neutral Zone, hereby dubbed KNZ for future documentation, will be added here. And an updated list of Campione adjacent individuals has been provided in the wake of Luo Hao's invasion of the country.
FOUR CORNERS IN ONE
Excerpt #4
Dear Lucretia.
I hope that this letter finds you in good health. I've heard from some of my contacts that you had recently returned from a healing sojourn following that disastrous bit of business with Melqart and Salvatore Doni, truly one couldn't expect a single bit of empathy from tyrants and heretics alike and even those who stand at the apex of their magic associations must learn to read the direction the wind blows and sail such traitorous waters for our own safety.
How is dear Ichirou?
I had heard that he and the family had come to visit you during your convalescence. Eager to mend a few bridges perhaps? Distant relatives are so hard to get in touch with nowadays, yet I'm sure that one as personable as you will find it easy enough to worm your way into their hearts.
How far along are you these days?
Grandchildren? Great Grandchildren soon on the way perhaps? One can never know with a witch, no?
Ah, but I jest.
Unfortunately, I must now move onto a piece of news that is far less optimistic. The rise of the 7th Campione in Japan threw an unexpected wrench into the investigation you tasked me with. The country is isolating itself from the supernatural community and even my friends within the old clans and the government are keeping quiet regarding information.
That makes things far more complicated.
The theft of the Palladium and the multiple heretic gods that have risen as a result were unforeseen complications, further exacerbated by the birth of a new Campione. Some of my divinations have confirmed that Heretic Goddess Athena was indeed released from her seal, but in such a fragmented state that any attempts to search for her can lead to my mind randomly being pulled across various visions.
Though they have become fewer with every attempt, leading me to the conclusion that the various aspects of Athena's legend are fighting amongst each other in order to return to their original form.
Unfortunately this leaves us with very few clues.
The organization behind these incidents obviously didn't expect their experiments in fragmentation to create a new Campione, and we can trust that they will likely attempt to either contact the remnants of Heretic Goddess Athena or seek out the 7th Campione for their own means.
Lord Alexander has been uncooperative, I'm afraid.
After his failed attempt to 'borrow' one of the Excalibur fragments went awry, the man went on a 'shopping spree', borrowing several key relics from museums across Europe, culminating in a heist in Mecca. Needless to say, he will be laying low while authorities attempt to apprehend him once again.
As of yesterday, one of my agents confirmed that he had compromised the Qabbah Stone and she then made her way from the city, as several of the Sharif have raised forces to conceal the theft. Her status as a Sharifa bought her a modicum of trust, despite her appearance, and, despite my instructions to the contrary, informed them of the Black Prince's location.
Suffice to say, it was most unusual when one's junior is more irate at their superior than the other way around, but actions have been taken to resolve this issue before a Jihad is declared on Alec.
Hopefully the latest addition to their group proves to be less troublesome than that cat burglar.
One final piece of news.
Concerning my apprentice, I would like it if you kept an eye out for her just in case. While I don't agree with her choice in the matter, I would like to believe that Le Fay won't be so foolish as to get mixed up with the wrong crowd. But she has always been loyal to Arthur and the man thinks more with his sword than with his head sometimes.
In theory, there are people who ought to have the common sense to prevent open war, but with men their 'swords' can often lead them astray. Unfortunately, it seems like the powers that be take that more seriously than a slightly derogatory truism.
Put bluntly, I do not wish to learn that le Fay has been claimed or sacrificed by a Demon King. That mess with the Marquis was bad enough and we could do without a repeat.
Arthur would most vociferously object, but, as he learned from his previous engagement with that Italian buffoon, sometimes the Campione simply do not care.
If you come across them during the monthly duel with Lord Salvatore I would appreciate it if you passed this message onto her.
'Beware the Witches' Clan. Beware their leader, who seeks the Holy Grail.'
Excerpt #5
MonkeyMan#2 - Hi, I am Goku.
BrotherSword - Bikou, must you start a conversation like that every time?
MonkeyMan#2 - I dunno what you mean, is there a better way?
BrotherSword - Perhaps you should try 'good morning' next time.
MonkeyMan#2 - Alright then, good morning.
BrotherSword - Good morning.
MonkeyMan#2 - I'm Goku.
BrotherSword - Bikou…
MonkeyMan#2 - Look man, ever since Kuroka left on that super top secret mission for Azazel, someone has to try and liven up the mood. It's bad enough that Vali barely checks the chat and all you do is post sword cleaning videos and action scene reviews.
BrotherSword - I find them to be very enjoyable, and they allow me to provide an expert opinion on the subject.
MonkeyMan#2 - Not when they end with you saying 'but I could still beat them' at the end of every review. Seriously, I think those matches you have with the italian weirdo have started getting to your brain.
WitchSister - Personally I find them to be very informative.
MonkeyMan#2 - You are biased.
WitchSister - Hmph, well then you are just mean.
BrotherSword - Moving on from that, was there any reason you started this conversation. I was in the middle of a spar.
WitchSister - Yes, and it was just getting good.
MonkeyMan#2 - How do you know that? Weren't you supposed to be across the globe right now?
WitchSister - I have my ways.
MonkeyMan#2 - You're just a brocon. You Euros like to keep it in the family, huh?
BrotherSword - The point, Bikou. If you please.
MonkeyMan#2 - Alright, so. I was trying to get a hold of Vali because I caught the Old Timer having a conversation when he was headed back. Apparently sister Cuilian got into a bit of a pickle releasing a Heretic in japan so she got put in timeout.
WitchSister - Wait, you can just put Campione in timeouts?
MonkeyMan#2 - If your name is Sun Wukong, yeah. Still, it's not just that. Apparently the Heretic she unsealed got beaten by some powerful guy in Japan, someone that the Old Timer referred to as a great dragon.
WitchSister - Wait… wasn't the 7th Campione supposed to be there.
MonkeyMan#2 - Well, guess Japan hit the jackpot since they probably got both a Campione and the Red Dragon. People there must be losing their collective shits over it right about now. In fact, I'm pretty sure the HCC confirmed the Campione saved one of the Gremory peerage. But I dunno what the Red Dragon got up to.
BrotherSword - How reliable is this information?
MonkeyMan#2 - It's gossip from the Old Timer, so it's either him messing around with people again or dead serious.
WitchSister - 50/50 then… and Kuroka hasn't answered the phone since she left… you two don't think…?
BrotherSword - The timing is suspicious, and out of the 4 of us she would know the lay of the land best. If Azazel were to have someone infiltrate Japan, then she would be the best pick.
MonkeyMan#2 - Which is why I was trying to get a hold of Vali. This kinda thing is what keeps yelling in the shower about. Fateful battle of his lifetime and whatnot. If there was only a 1% chance that the red dragon could be in japan, he should at least know right?
WitchSister - Do you want him to charge into Japan? Because that's how you get Vali to invade Japan. Azazel wouldn't be happy.
MonkeyMan#2 - I mean, when you put it like that…
BrotherSword - Well, at least Vali never bothered learning how to use a cellphone. He blew his up again last week.
HalfBloodEmperor - So what you're saying is my destined rival and a new Campione are both in Japan?
MANY PEOPLE TYPING…