Welcome to the next chapter of DxD – The Last Amagiri, but before starting the story. Let's answer some reviews:
Altair95: Thanks. Claire was recalling all the previous good moments between her and her family before it came to an end. Yes, Kunou is now residing in the Amagiri Residence with Kensei, Alice, and Claire, it irritates Claire though. There are some people, most of which own sacred gears attacking various places around Japan, but this will lead to trouble in front of them. Minako has made her official appearance in the showiest manner possible. Thanks, and I will.
Meetings of the Old II
"So, this is Minako."
Standing in the garden located inside of the Amagiri Clan main shrine, Kensei sat down at the entrance as all his friends gathered together. It was minutes after the incident regarding the people who attacked the mall, almost all the criminals were captured aside from their leader who Kensei killed. Afterward, he informed Hisui and Maria to meet them at the main shrine. But, neither of them was expecting this at all.
Sitting beside Kensei smiling at all of them, while leaning her head against his shoulder was, in fact, Minako, also known under her title, Sakura-hime.
"Yep, my name is Minako Kushihashi," Minako said before playfully placing a hand on Kensei's head, causing him to wear an irritated. "I wanted to thank you all for taking good care of my Kensei. I don't know what he would do if I wasn't around to watch after him. He gets into so much trouble."
"You watching over me?! And don't forget that most of the trouble I got into was because of you."
"Huh? I don't know what trouble you're talking about."
Minako said playfully shrugging her shoulders.
"Uh, I don't know. How about the time you goaded several older teens at the summer festival we went to? And I ended up having beat up all of them?"
"But, that was personal. One of them intentionally knocked down one of my candied apples. Besides," Minako said teasingly as she poked his cheek. "It's not like Kensei wouldn't have stepped in even if I didn't say anything."
Having said those words, Kensei gave off a faint blush as he glanced to the side not wanting to meet the teasing smile being sent in his direction. Everyone stood in front of them watching as Kensei was being led around by the young woman sitting beside him.
"First, we got Kunou-san, then Minako-san ended up showing up as well."
Maria pointed out surprised about the fact that she ended up meeting both of Kensei's fiancées in a single day.
"Well, I never thought that I'd meet a celebrity."
Layla pointed out as she stared at Minako who seemed surprised about those words.
"Well, I know that I'm gaining stardom as things continue proceeding as they are at the moment, but I wouldn't say that I'm that famous yet," Minako said showing some humbleness behind her words despite being as popular as she is now. "My mother who's acting as my manager at the moment is scheduling places where I can perform in front of crowds. So, that's the startling line for me right now until I'm signed to an official record label. Although, I'm receiving some serious offers from several people."
"Ah, so this is the first fiancée that I've been hearing about."
Minako turned to see Hisui, who had her nekomata ears and tails standing close to her with an interesting look on her face. Feeling curious about her, she even stood up to her feet and stood right in front of Hisui wearing the same examining expression on their faces. It looked almost like a couple of minutes as Minako and Hisui looked to have gotten into a staring contest with one another.
"Do you want to know what I think?"
Minako asked.
"What?"
Hisui asked curiously not expecting Minako to speak up first.
"You're a serious cutey."
Minako replied happily surprising Hisui who wasn't expecting that kind of response from her. Hisui became more confused as Minako started petting her lovingly like a normal cat, causing the mewling sound to escape from Hisui's mouth as her ears and tails started twitching.
"This is one of the reasons that I love animal-based youkai. All the female ones that I've ever met are too cute."
Minako said lovingly as she continued petting Hisui.
"Nyaaa~"
Hisui meowed uncontrollably as her legs started buckling from the pleasurable sensation, which traveled across her body. All the people watching this began feeling complicated with blushed cheeks about what was happening right in front of their eyes as Zane averted his eyes.
"Minako knock it off."
Kensei said after seeing Minako doing that to Hisui who seemed to be at her limit at the moment.
"Awww~"
Minako sighed disappointingly as she let go of Hisui who seemed to have fallen to the ground almost like a puppet that had its strings cut.
"A-Alright, she has my vote. I never thought that I'd meet someone who'd do the same thing that I would've done."
Hisui managed to get those words out as she shakily held up a thumbs up.
"Well, if Hisui likes someone, then that further proves how trustworthy she is."
Maria noted laughing wryly as she noticed the state that Hisui was in at the moment, then she started returning to her usual demeanor.
"I didn't think that she'd make me like her this much in a single conversation," Hisui sighed as she started feeling a little insecure about the level of charisma that Minako showed. "Truly, you are the biggest competitor before me at the moment."
"Ah, I see, I see. You must like Kensei too," Minako said as if understanding the situation. "But, I really don't mind if you also become Kensei's fiancée too."
[Eh?!]
Everyone was surprised about the nonchalant response from Minako who waved her hand, which also matched the tone that left her mouth.
"What? Did you think that I'd be against Kensei having other fiancées aside from me? I mean he also has Kunou, who's just a cute little fox."
"D-Don't come near Kunou?"
Kunou replied as she defensively held up her arms recalling what Minako had done to Hisui, then noticed that she was giving her the same eyes as before.
"Poo," Minako pouted before continuing on with what she previously said. "Well, as I said, it doesn't matter how fiancées he has as long as it isn't forced or arranged. A lot of the future heirs are allowed to have multiple wives, so it doesn't matter that much to me. Besides, Kensei is the kind of person who attracts girls without even realizing it, so this makes it easier. He's kinda dense that way, know you."
"Come on."
Kensei uttered embarrassed as Minako continued bringing out things in front of them like that.
[Well, that's true.]
Everyone including Claire, Alice, and Lena (who barely knew him) joined in, agreeing what Minako informed them all about that fact. Almost all of them realized that was also an aspect that was a part of Kensei's personality as well. And hearing them admit that out loud in front of him was almost like a punch in the stomach.
"Don't agree with her!"
Kensei shouted as he stared at his friends who agreed with Minako.
Although he did have to admit that he was kinda dense about the feelings that woman had toward him, that part of him was lessening more and more as time passed.
"Ah, there's something that I'm curious about."
Claire said directing her attention toward Minako.
"Yes, Claire."
"It's about what you did back at the mall."
"Ah, you mean me kicking ass. Well, Kensei taught me some of the Amagiri-ryuu for…."
"No, not that. I meant that odd song that you sang, then that mysterious presence was released and your hair had turned from brown to that color."
Claire replied recalling the mysterious yet calming presence that Minako released during the mall after singing. It wasn't a normal song or spell since she learned about how Eastern magic from Shintoism works from Kensei and that song even caused Radueriel to react.
"Oh, that," Minako said before laughing lightly. "That wasn't nothing, but me using my sacred gear to change the color of my hair and eyes. It's not big deal."
"Eh?"
"Ah?"
[What?!]
Minako was surprised about everyone's reaction about her having a sacred gear, but Kensei didn't even give the slightest reaction meaning that it wasn't something new.
"What's so weird about me having a sacred gear. I'm sure a portion of the people in Japan as one whether they belong to one of the Japanese Clans or not."
"It's not that. Nii-san told us that the Five Principal Clans are strict about sacred gear users being born in their clans. He even said that they wouldn't hesitate to banish or kill those born with them."
Claire said still surprised about that.
It was true that among Japanese special power users, the Five Principal Clans were strict regarding the teaching of Shintoism. As such, almost none of their members would tolerate their members being born with sacred gears, a supernatural power that came from a Pagan God.
"Well, I won't go into much detail about it right now. But, I'm a special exception to that rule," Minako said seeming to understand Claire's words before pointing to her hair. "So, who wants to guess the hair and eye color of my parents?"
"What?"
Maria asked confused.
Everyone simply stared at Minako who seemed to be waiting for someone to give her a response of some kind. After hearing no one was going to respond to her question, she pouted and sighed.
"Fine, my mother had brown hair and eyes. And my dad had black hair and eyes," after realizing that no one was going to humor her, Minako gave them an answer. It was curious how hair and eyes ended up their current color if neither of her parents had anything that was close to the same color. "Well, I'm under the protection of a major goddess, which caused it to turn this color the moment I was born. Because of that, if someone from the Five Principal Clan tried killing me, then their link with the gods will go down by a wide margin."
Minako informed them, causing them to realize the reason that she hadn't been harmed in the slightest despite a sacred gear being disliked among her clan. But, if a god or goddess had them under their protection then it would mean that person was untouchable by all the Japanese Clans. Although, this begged the question of what goddess has Minako under their protection.
"Well, I didn't know that much about it when I was growing up. But, due to someone who Kensei's dad and mom have some connections to, I found out that it is named Empyreal Anthem. I can basically sing special songs which can cause special effects based on the songs that I come up with. It doesn't have much offense, but it does well with the powers that I inherited. Though it's more of a support type, I can also use a song that I made to disguise myself whenever I want to remain unnoticed out in the open."
"Well, that explains the reason that I couldn't sense your ki inside of the mall."
Kensei stated recalling that he could sense someone looking toward him, but he couldn't sense even the slightest hint of their ki. It was surprising since it normally takes someone of exceptional skill in hiding their presence, most of which would be someone more skilled in senjutsu.
"So, do you use your Empyreal Anthem to perform? Because, if that's the case then you're a cheater."
Lena asked bluntly causing them to stare at her surprised about that question.
"C-Come on, Lena," Zane said once again surprised about the sheer level of bluntness behind her words. "You need to learn to be more tactful."
"Well, trust me, if I did use my sacred gear to perform, then it wouldn't be weird to say that I could dominate the entire idol game at this point. If I did use it, then I'd definitely be punished by my mother and clan," Minako replied after shrugging her shoulders before looking more somber. "Besides, I wouldn't be able to look a certain someone in the eye if I fulfilled my dream like that."
Neither of them was able to understand the reason that Minako made that expression, but Kensei looked to have understood what it meant. But, she soon returned to her usual demeanor, which was a serious switch compared to before, but the atmosphere returned to her usual cheerful one.
"Wait, all this talk about sacred gears got me thinking," Alice said realizing after hearing Minako before turning to Kensei. "Kensei has there been anyone in the Amagiri Clan born with a sacred gear?"
"Huh, that's it. Of course, I heard anyone in the Human World can be born with sacred gears as long as they're a human. In the past, there were special power users among the Amagiri Clan also born with sacred gears, some kids in the same generation as me were born with one too," Kensei replied. "No one in the Amagiri Clan cares if one of their relatives are born with sacred gears since it can be sealed if it causes them trouble. Almost over five decades ago, one of the Clan Heads, Jushirou Amagiri was born with a Longinus, which was kinda ironic."
"What was ironic about it?"
Layla asked.
"It was Dimension Lost," Kensei revealed much to their surprise since it was in the same league as Annihilation Maker, which Alice owned. "It allowed him to generate a unique mist that transports things to different locations and block attacks. He researched its balance breaker, which produces pseudo-spaces, which allowed the clan to improve their barrier techniques."
"Well, that explains all of the barrier techniques that the Amagiri Clan had. Most of them were similar to the ones I was researching from Hagun Island, but a little better than them."
Zane replied recalling most of the special barrier techniques that he had gone through, which were developed by the Amagiri Clan and he had been researching.
"So, while we're on the subject of clans there's actually something that I wanted to tell you."
Minako pointed out as she glanced toward Kensei.
"Huh, what's that?"
"The Five Principal Clan wanted to talk to you."
The moment those words left her mouth, Kensei paused for a moment as he reacted, then his face turned into an irritated expression that neither of them has seen from him. Seeing that expression alone surprised everyone, as well as Alice, Claire, and Lena.
"That's the first time, I've ever seen him make that look."
Alice pointed out surprised.
[He looks irritated.]
Everyone said in unison as Kensei allowed an exasperated sigh to escape from his mouth.
"Ugh, what do those old geezers want from me?"
Kensei said after scratching his hair, still a little irritated.
"Well, you don't need to be worried. Kaa-chan went ahead to meet the current Kushihashi head, then contracted all the other Five Principal Clan heads to ensure that the current heirs will be the ones visiting you."
"Fine. I actually like those guys," Kensei sighed feeling some relief. "When will they come here?"
"It'll be tomorrow after school. So, we'll still have some time to get reacquainted."
Minako smiled as she took a seat right beside Kensei, then leaned her head on his shoulder smiling with the very same amount of enthusiasm as always. Although, Alice, Claire, Kunou, and Hisui (to some degree) felt a little bit threatened about Minako being around Kensei since she seemed to be much closer to him compared to them. In response to this, he didn't react to or push Minako off his shoulder since he was of course also happy to see her.
"Ahhh!"
"Ahhh!"
In the training room built near the Amagiri Residence, Kensei and Maria were going at it wielding their respective swords. He was wielding Kurogane and she crafted a holy sword in her hand, both blades were clashing against one another as sparks flew. The entire room was spacious enough for the both of them to move around as they desire without being restricted.
In this sparring session against one neither were getting serious and using their full strengths since it was meant to hone their skills. But, the movements and posture that Maria has been showing until now is a little different if it was compared to what she had done before.
Maria was still keeping up pace with Kensei the entire time having chosen to focus on training her speed among other things. But, she knew that if he used Shinsoku, then it wouldn't be odd if he could outpace her through their entire session. Although, she wouldn't be deterred even if that did, in fact, ended up happening in a more serious bout between both of them.
"Alright, let's do this."
Maria thought as she created several non-attributed holy swords in the air, then directed her attention toward him and launched the swords at him. In response to this, he started avoiding all the swords that were aimed at him by moving his head or body in another direction. But, that wasn't the end of it, despite missing their intended target, the swords altered their course and made more attempts at striking him. All the swords moved according to their creator's will akin to telekinesis without touching them.
"Ah, I see that Maria picked up something interesting."
Kensei admired in his head as he noticed she wasn't making the slightest gesture in manipulating all the swords move as she desired.
"Well, it's not surprising considering that Maria has been polishing her sacred gear for a long time. But…."
Kensei stopped as he held out his hand, then it started shining with the same blue light that he had shown inside of the mall. At that moment, three of the swords that were aimed toward him stopped before either of them could reach him. Maria looked confused about this as her swords seemed to have stopped moving not through her own powers, but by his.
"Well, it looks like he picked up something new."
Maria said as she held her holy sword in her hands, then proceeded to retake control over her swords and went into a head-on clash against him. Both their swords continued clashing against one another as Kensei avoided or stopped swords as they came toward him and sliced through them using Kurogane. Their entire sparring session continued for several minutes until the two of them stopped and sat on the ground.
"Well, that was a good training session. I wanted to thank you again for agreeing to this."
Maria said as she picked up the water bottle beside her, then took a drink that immediately refreshed her.
"No problem. I'm always up for helping out a friend."
Kensei replied as Kurogane was rested beside him as he also took a drink from his water bottle.
"I honestly thought that it'd be weird asking to learn some of your clan's own personal swordsmanship to improve mine. I was just that battle against Niðhöggr opened my eyes a bit and I needed to learn more about how to use a dragon slayer if I encountered a dragon again. Aside from that, I might also want to start thinking more about all the different kinds of attributes that I can add onto my swords and also getting Balance Breaker."
"Well, I'm sure that you can achieve that since sacred gears adapt and evolve based on their desire. So, to me anything possible as long as you believe it's possible."
"That's true."
Maria agreed as she leaned back.
"So, what was that thing that you used to take control over my swords?"
"Ah, that was similar to what you did to control them."
Kensei explained as he raised his hand, causing it to shine a blue light before Maria started noticing the water bottle starting to move too. It was then that it was floating in mid-air where his hand was positioned above it, then Maria came up with a single answer.
"Is that something like telekinesis?"
"You got it, but I'm still learning how to use it correctly," Kensei said as he caused the water bottle to land on the floor. "Sun-sensei told me that senjutsu similar yet different from the demonic and light powers that the devils and angels uses. It can't match their destructive powers, but the Sennin used it to develop different abilities and this is one of them. It's more advanced compared to the healing method, which is the reason that Sun-sensei told me that I shouldn't attempt it until mastering the fundamentals first. But, it looks like I can do this much at least. I am glad that I learned senjutsu with what I inherited from the Amagiri Clan."
"Well, I'm sure that you of all people should be able to pull it off. But, what made you want to learn it now?"
"In the fight against Niðhöggr when I was unable to use my sword after my arms got hit by his miasma. And I was thinking about what if a situation like that happened again. So, I can still use my swords without touching them."
Kensei explained recalling the time that he couldn't hold his sword without being treated beforehand and even in that situation, he couldn't use a sword for that long.
"Well, on the subject of clans. How would you compare to the clan heirs of the Five Principal Clans?"
He was surprised but not that much about the question that came from Maria. Kensei explained the situation that regarded the Five Principal Clans in case either of them ended up getting into a situation regarding them.
"Well, the main reason that those guys are number one among the Japanese Clans is because of the five Sacred Beasts belonging to their respective clans, which reigns over the five elements. For that reason even a Daiyoukai like Yasaka wouldn't mess with them due to their immense powers," Kensei explained as he started going down the Sacred Beasts. "The Kushihashi Clan has the Azure Dragon, Himejima has the Vermilion Bird, Nakiri has the Yellow Dragon, Shinra has the White Tiger, and Doumon has the Black Tortoise. In addition to the powers, which they inherited from their respective clans, the strongest among them inherits their Sacred Beast and their name."
Maria listened intently to his explanation regarding the five Principal Clans and their five Sacred Beasts.
"If I had to guess, then I think that I stand a fair chance against the current heirs to some degree. But, I never had the chance to spar with either of them," Kensei started before thinking of one person, in particular among the five that came to mind. "But, the truth is that one is someone I stand no chance against."
Maria was surprised after hearing that from Kensei. Although, it was common knowledge that there were people in the world stronger than him, but admitted there was someone with assurance about it.
"Who is this guy?"
"The current Ouryuu Nakiri who inherited the Yellow Dragon who is said to be the strongest one in history born of the Nakiri Clan, which is the highest among the five clans. It wouldn't be odd to say that he could give a proficient enough Longinus user a challenge," Kensei said before sighing. "Well, I don't plan on staying at the same level at all since he's one of the guys I want to fight. And I don't have that much of a problem in dealing with the current heirs compared to the elders and adults."
Maria could see the reason that Kensei wouldn't like the elders and adults who are toss aside or kill their members for something as simple as their sacred gear without a second thought. It was said what happened to the Amagiri Clan since his clan didn't treat their members like that, but got massacred.
"Their decisions in abandoning their members is going to cause more trouble to them," Kensei pointed out as he stood back to his feet. "The thing they fail to consider is that abandoning someone and calling them useless will come back to bite them at some point. Well, let's get back to it."
Kensei said as he reached for Kurogane, then it came into his hands.
"Amagiri-ryuu, Hiken – Metsuryuu-no-Tachi."
He activated the same dragon-slaying technique that he performed against Niðhöggr, which resulted in the same aura, which extended the length of his blade. After noticing this, Maria stood back up and made a holy sword that resembled more of a katana instead of a katana, a dragon slayer.
"I know that I asked you to help me make a proper dragon slayer, but isn't showing me a secret move like that," Maria wanted to be sure that Kensei was alright about this. "I mean teaching me about the Kenjutsu is one thing, but isn't this another thing?"
"Well, it's just one technique. I mean, if you want to learn more, then you could always…."
Shing!
"I was joking."
Kensei held up both his hands defensively as Maria pointed his sword at his throat while staring at him seriously.
"A heads up, Kensei. That isn't the kind of joke to tell a woman."
Maria pointed out as she removed her sword from his neck realizing that Kensei was referring to marriage, but it was a joke, which was more than enough reason for her to do that.
"Noted," Kensei said laughing lightly before recovering from it. "Well, this technique is something that could only be possible if you learned the Amagiri-ryuu's method. Since you're a sacred gear user, the most effective method is to learn through experiencing it."
"So, we're basically going to cross swords again?"
"That's correct."
Maria rolled her eyes at that simple suggestion but went along with it since it did make it easier and both of them went along with their sparring session.
Having finished that sparring session, Maria departed home to take a shower before relaxing, Kensei himself had decided to do the same since he worked up a sweat training. He found himself removing all the clothing he wore on the basket for their clothes and wrapped a towel around his waist. Inside the Amagiri Residence, there was a large bath build on the first floor, where multiple people could bathe, and was the first place to relax after training.
"Hah, I didn't see anyone in the house. So, if I'm right, then…?"
Kensei said as he walked inside the large bath and found out that he was correct.
"Kunou, you're ears and tails is sooo soft~"
"Iyah, Kunou doesn't want Minako-san touching her hair or tails!"
Kunou moaned as she felt Minako touching her ears and nine tails, causing a pleasurable sensation to spread all the way from those parts.
Walking inside the big bath, Kensei did, in fact, find Alice, Claire, Minako, and Kunou inside of the room wearing nothing but towels covering their important parts. Minako was washing Kunou's hair and nine tails, but the Kyuubi princess seemed to have been resisting the entire thing. Alice and Claire already seemed to have entered the big hot bath, loving the perfect temperature.
"Come on, aren't we fellow fiancées?"
"M-Minako-san is Kunou's greatest rival for Ken-nii."
"Ah, come on. I'm sure that Kensei wouldn't want us fighting."
"Kunou knows, this is personal."
Kensei sighed as he heard the usual interaction between Minako and Kunou.
"Oh, speaking of which…."
Minako said smiling before noticing that Kensei entered the bath too after hearing the sound of the door that was opened.
"My my, someone sure became brazen by entering the bath with women already inside."
"Well, Kensei has shared a bath with us for years. I'd be surprised if he didn't get used to it."
Alice replied as she turned herself around and leaned against the edge of the large bath still relishing the perfect temperature. She always did look the most relaxed and in peace whenever taking hot baths like this.
"If would make things more difficult if Nii-san couldn't get used to this much."
"Well, I'm happy that Kensei has gone through some serious growth since the last time that I saw him. Oh, it still feels like yesterday when he didn't fully understand what marriage was."
"Watch it."
Kensei said as he already started getting himself cleaned up, washing off all the dirt and sweat that accumulated from the sparring session. All the shampoo and bubbles that started covering his hair, he noted that there neither of the four women in the bath ceased what they were previously doing. It was true that he had gotten used to this kind of routine, but Kensei had started becoming more aware of women after becoming a teenager. From the time that he met Claire, Alice, and Hisui on Hagun Island, his feelings for the three started changing as he grew up; causing him to also realize things for Minako and Kunou.
As that realization started building up within his head and heart, which started beating much faster, he allowed a relieved sigh to escape from his mouth.
"Geez, now isn't the time to be thinking about that right now. A lot of things has been happening in a short time," Kensei thought before recalling the incident from this afternoon involving those people. "First, it was those guys from the mall, leaving those normal people aside. The entire town has a special barrier that informs us whenever someone with supernatural powers entire the town, but neither of us was informed about him passing through it. If I wasn't for the barrier too, I'd say that he passed through using some kind of teleportation magic. I don't know how they were able to enter without being detected, but I'm not letting anyone ruin Claire's…."
"Whatcha thinking about over here alone?"
Kensei felt Minako wrapping her arms around him from behind, causing him to feel her breasts too, although she wasn't as big as Alice.
"Nothing, it's nothing."
Kensei replied, attempting to ignore her attempts at teasing him.
"Well, whatever don't tell me," Minako said, but based on what Kensei knew about her, he could tell that she was pouting. "So, do you mind if I wash your back?"
"Huh, why?"
"Come on, why not? I used to wash your back all the time when we were kids," Minako asked before poking him in the cheek as she stared at him showing her pouted face. "I bet that you let Alice and Claire wash your back all the time, right? But, you won't let your childhood friend."
Poke! Poke! Poke! Poke!
Kensei felt Minako poking his cheek using her finger several times as he looked forward and sighed.
"Fine. Just stop poking me."
"Kay~"
Minako replied sounding happier at that moment, then started applying the soap on the towel that she held in her hand and started making it soapier. She did as she promised, then started washing his back, and as she did that Minako found herself touching his back, which was much more muscular compared to before.
"Well, it looks like someone has matured a lot more than in terms of some personality traits. I can tell that you've gained more of a muscular build than before from all the training."
"Of course, I did. If I didn't have both a strong enough body and stamina, then it wouldn't be able to fight for long against stronger people."
"Well, I'm sure that stamina will assist in other aspects of life."
"I feel like I know what you're talking about. And I'm not even going to go there."
Kensei stated with blushed cheeks more so after hearing the chuckling sound that was coming from Minako.
"Kunou won't let Minako-san get ahead of her!"
Kunou declares suddenly as she appeared beside Kensei holding a towel in her raised hands, almost appearing to forget about the fact that she was wearing a towel around her chest. He could clearly see that it was starting to even loosen up as Kunou started moving around erratically.
"C-Come on, calm down Kunou before your towel comes undone."
"But, Kunou doesn't mind if Ken-nii looks at her. So can Kunou watch Kensei's front?"
Kunou said innocently as she popped up right in front of him holding the towel, which caused he hear to almost skip a beat due to the cuteness behind it. Hearing that she's be focused on washing his front and Minako would be focused on his back, rousing his teenage hormones. Claire, who had been watching the entire situation began to pout after seeing Kunou and Minako preparing to wash Kensei.
"Well, instead of pouting. How about we join in?"
Alice suggested as she started shuffling around in the hot water before stepping outside holding a towel inside of her hands. Claire seemed to have flushed at those words but strongly nodded her head as she also picked up a towel. Kensei found himself in a situation where was having his front side, left side, right side, and back all being washed by four attractive young girls.
"For a guy who focused on training in martial arts, this situation is a situation that I'm almost unable to handle and maintain a calm mind," Kensei thought as he could feel his heart beating faster as he attempted to reign on all of his teenage hormones so that an important part, which Kunou was inches from reacting. "Come on, come on you need to clear your mind, or else you'll lose yourself."
Kensei tried controlling himself but having them pressed up against him like this was making it a little difficult for him. First, there were Alice and Minako who had more developed chests that started rubbing up against him, then there was Claire and Kunou who had their own appeal to them. Normally, he would have no trouble handling one of them, but all four women at the same moment. Minako seemed to have noticed that he was attempted to have some self-control over this and decided to tease him.
"My my, it looks as if Kensei is having a hard time. Kunou are you noticing some differences?"
"Huh, what part?"
Kunou asked cutely as Kensei flinched after hearing that, then twitched her mouth.
"Y-You can ignore what came out of her mouth, Kunou," Kensei said as he rubbed the top of her head, which the Kyuubi agreed to. "I-I sometimes hate the fact that she knows me this much. I really need to find a way to get this girl back for this somehow. But, it's surprising, if anyone, I thought that Hisui would have tried to do this first."
"I honestly thought that Kensei could attempt to run away from all this. I guess that you must've really gotten used to being around women," Kensei could practically hear the teasing voice inside Minako's voice, then later heard a rustling sound from behind him. "So, have you ever felt these before?"
Moments later, Kensei later felt Minako's uncovered breasts being pressed up against his back and later started feeling her hugging him from behind.
"M-Minako?"
"It's been a long time since the two of us see each other. So, I want to get in some more time like this," Minako whispered that last part in his ears causing his heart to again skip a beat at the sincerity behind it. "So, let's have some fun!"
"Wah?!"
Kensei felt Minako getting more into the hug from behind causing him to fall forward a bit, but then that caused a reaction due to the floor still being wet and the three other girls gathered around him.
[Waaaah?!]
The three of them screamed out loud caused by the sudden chain reaction, which caused all five of them to all fall towards the ground.
"S-Seriously, Minako."
Kensei said after recovering his bearings as he was preparing himself to stand back up from the ground. It was at that moment that he felt something in the palms of his hands.
Grope! Grope!
""Iyaaah!""
Accompanied by a familiar soft sensation originating from his hands, two familiar sounds were coming from beside him. In his left hand, it felt as if his fingers were sinking into an abundant softness that gave off the feeling of marshmallows; and in his right hand, were sinking into a softness not as big, but felt like pudding.
"…?"
Kensei gave an almost unknown expression as it didn't take long for Kensei to realize that was coming from Alice and Minako who had fallen on his chest. He didn't know what the reason behind all this was, but at the moment all the girls' towels were gone with both Alice and Minako were lying back on his chest, his hands on their breast.
Kunou and Claire also appeared to be lying on him as their developing chests came into were pressed upon him at the moment. And through some miracle, it looked as if his towel at least remained wrapped around him, but he hoped neither of them noticed the certain part of him being stimulated.
"I don't know how long I'll be able to endure this."
Kensei groans realizing that if things kept progressing like this, then it would be almost impossible for him to keep his self-control.
"Hello, Ken Ken~"
As if to add more issues to the situation, Hisui ended up entering the bathroom smiling and wearing a towel on her chest. After peering inside of the big bath, she looked and realized what was happening right before her eyes as the four girls were all on top of Kensei. Later on, Hisui started pouting accompanied by the hurt expression on her face as she seemed to start shaking.
"Come on, Ken Ken, why am suddenly I'm being left out of everything?"
Hisui had complained as she threw off her towel as well causing Kensei to get an undisclosed look at her slender figure and developing breasts that had been honed in training (because of him).
"Why is this happening to me now?"
Kensei quietly asked himself.
Everything soon somehow ended with them finishing their bath as everyone retreated to their individual rooms, in addition to Hisui retreated to the home she shared with Rui.
Tomorrow morning, after finishing up with their school activities, the meeting between him and the current heirs of the Five Principal Clans will be held inside of the Amagiri Clan Main Shrine's meeting room. The meeting room was a rather spacious room that gave off a more traditional feel and released a spiritual presence that caused all Claire's devil instincts to be stirred up.
Speaking of, Alice, Claire, Minako, and Kunou were all inside of the meeting room with him, because Minako was a member of one of their clans; as well as the three girls being urged into joining by Kensei. Kunou not wanting to bring shame to Urakyoto in front of the Five Principal Clans' heirs was dressed in proper attire. Kensei, Minako, Alice, and Claire were dressed in casual attire that appears too bad for this meeting.
"Huh, I wonder why Nii-san wanted us to join," Claire wondered since this meeting would be something that'd be more concerning to him and Minako. "Although, I can't say that I'm not interested in meeting the heirs too."
It didn't take long for the entrance leading inside of the meeting room to be opened, revealing a beautiful brown-haired woman with matching eyes wearing glasses and dressed in professional attire. After looking inside of the room and noticing Kensei sitting beside Minako she smiled pleasantly.
"Well, it appears as if the small boy from my memories has matured a lot. I hope that Minako hasn't caused you a lot of trouble. But, I doubt that."
"She wouldn't be Minako if she didn't cause some trouble, Kurumi-san."
Kensei replied as Minako's mother, Kurumi Kushihashi let out a slight laugh before taking the slightest glance at her daughter.
"Minako, I hope that you haven't caused too much trouble, though."
"It wasn't that bad."
"Shall I tell her about the incident in the mall?"
"I'd prefer that you didn't."
Both Kensei and Minako found themselves whispering to one another so that her mother wouldn't hear it, but she knew the two of them for too long not to realize they were hiding something.
"As much as I would love to catch up with you, Kensei-kun. I believe that it would be rude to your guests."
Having said those words, Kurumi moved aside as she allowed five figures to enter the Meeting Room, causing all their presence to be known to all the people inside of the room.
"I wonder when was the last time that I saw most of you."
Kensei said out loud as the five of them.
"Well, I believe that it was the time that you showed off in front of the Five Principal Clans' elders," the first one of them, a beautiful young woman with long hair said visibly amused. "It is great seeing that you're in good health."
She was a black-haired young woman with a rather voluptuous figure, her breasts looked to be the largest that all of them have seen thus far. She was dressed in formal attire that perfectly fit her with a base vermilion color. The heir of the Himejima Clan who inherited the Vermilion Bird, Suzaku Himejima.
"I wasn't surprised to hear that he was alive. Minako didn't doubt that either from the start."
Speaking next was a spectacle handsome young man with grayish short hair and yellow eyes dressed in formal attire that looks a deeper shape of blue. He is the heir of the Kushihashi Clan who inherited the Blue Dragon and Minako's older cousin, Seiryuu Kushihashi.
"I'd be disappointed if he ended up dying after he declared that he wanted to pick a fight with me. It looks as if you managed to become stronger than before."
Next was a handsome young man with a shaven head and gray eyes who looked almost akin to a gang member but dressed in an outfit that fit the mountaineering ascetic. He had a muscular build that looked to have been well trained from extensive training. The heir of the Shinra Clan who inherited the White Tiger, Byakko Shinra.
"Hello, I wanted to say that it was a pleasure to meet you, Kensei-san."
Bowing her head was a cute young girl who looks closer to his age, silver hair that has an ahoge and purple eye, dressed in yellow clothing which has turtle-esque features. The heir of the Doumon Clan who inherited the Black Tortoise, Genbu Doumon.
"Well, before we get this meeting started," Kensei said before pointing to the newer figure who he didn't know but gave off the same presence as the person he thought was going to be here. "I can already tell that he possesses the Yellow Dragon. So does that mean he's the current heir?"
"Ah, right," the young boy who looked closer to Claire's age said before nodding his head. "Yes, I am, in fact, the current heir of the Nakiri Clan. My name was originally Ryuuta Nakiri, but since I succeeded my cousin, my name was changed to Ouryuu Nakiri."
"So, what did he do to get his rights as Clan Head revoked when he was their greatest asset? I'm not trying to be rude, but I wanted at least one shot at fighting him before."
Kensei said honestly wondering the reason that someone who was hailed as the Strongest Ouryuu in History did to lose his position and sacred beast. Moments later all the five heirs started taking a seat right in front of Kensei, Kurumi, on the other hand, took a seat beside her daughter, Claire, Alice, and Kunou. As such, it left all six heirs from the most powerful Japanese Clans that houses the special power users.
"I believe that since you were busy handling your own situation so you wouldn't know," Suzaku started as she was wondering how she should explain. "It'll take a long time to explain in detail, but Nakagami-san caused some trouble for my cousin, Tobio who owns Canis Lykaon, and his friend, the current Hakuryuukou."
"Your cousin has that Longinus," Kensei said visibly surprised after hearing those words. "Well, that's a bit ironic since he was born into the Himejima Clan."
"How come?"
Claire found herself speaking those words without thinking.
"Well, one of the Totsuka-no-Tsurugi, the strongest among the four swords that attained divinity, Ame-no-Ohabari was used to behead Hinokagutsuchi, one of the gods that the Himejima Clan worships," Kensei explained as he turned to Claire. "I'm surprised that the current head allowed that. I'm also surprised to hear that he's also around the current Hakuryuukou. I'm kinda disappointed that I wasn't involved. But, I was dealing with some things too."
"A lot of things happened, but that was almost over three years ago and Tobio has been doing great with where he is now," Suzaku said before mentioning something that truly caught his attention. "I think that you'd be interested in meeting Tobio and Vali."
"I'm not really looking forward to a fight at the moment. I have a lot of stuff that I really need to do."
"Oh, even if Tobio awakened Balance Breaker from birth. And Vali is said to be the Strongest Hakuryuukou past, present, and future."
Suzaku seemed to speak in a teasing tone as if an attempt to rouse up his interests, which seemed to work as it stirred up his fighting instincts.
"Come on, I think that it would be best to focus on the current situations at hand instead of me wanting to battle a Longinus user who awakened Balance Breaker from birth. Or someone called the Strongest Hakuryuukou," all of the people in the room could hear that his intentions were faltering. "So, what was the reason all the Five Principal Clans' heirs wanted to see me at this moment?"
"I think that you had to deal with the same kind of trouble that we've been handling."
Byakko said as he crossed his arms.
"That would mean that…."
"Yes, those people who refer to themselves as 'shadows' also attacked various populated locations inside of all the territories under the watch of the Five Principal Clans. It was also reported that other small incidents occurred in other locations related to Shintoism."
"It was terrible, but I managed to defeat the people attacking our land. Unfortunately, I couldn't capture their leader, a special power user since he committed suicide."
"It was the same with the mind. But, he was a sacred gear user who tried taking down several people with him."
Genbu and Ouryuu replied recalling the incident regarding the people who referred to themselves as shadows.
"Yea, that sounded similar to what we went through the other day. A group of armed men broke into the mall and opened fire on everyone there. I don't what their intentions were aside from causing panic to ensue," Kensei said before recalling something. "Did the leaders there have a weird black jewel hanging around their neck?"
"I was going to ask that myself," Suzaku started laughing lightly before becoming more serious than before. "Yes, all of the people we've encountered all wore the same necklaces around their necks, which gave off an abnormal presence that wasn't pleasant."
"You're telling me. It felt almost as if our sacred beasts reacted to them as well after those things vanished. But, I could tell that it was at least the opposite of what we use, purification."
Byakko added as he recalled the odd reaction that came from the White Tiger he succeeded.
"That's the same feeling that I got after sensing it myself. It seemed to be darkness and corruption that I haven't sensed even from that Evil Dragon I stabbed in the head."
"Evil Dragon?"
"Not that important, but that was an insane weekend," Suzaku asked confused about that fact, but Kensei waved it off as nothing important at the moment. "So, what do those elders think about this situation?"
"Well, the situation is concerning for them since sacred gear and special power users revealing themselves out in open without caring about the repercussions. Our members had to erase the memories of the people who saw all the incidents firsthand. In addition to the research that we did on some of them."
"Let me guess," Kensei said before continuing. "Almost all the people involved were among those people who were destitute or caught in terrible situations in their lives."
"Yes, almost all the people apart of these shadows, or Hikage as one of the called themselves as are people who lost all hope in their lives. Among the leaders, it appears as if they're composed almost entirely of sacred gear or special power users from different places and not Japan, Suzaku stated. "But, it looks as if the Hikage is merely a faction working underneath people who refer to themselves as 'darkness' or the elders from each clan began to refer to them as Yami. And they're merely enticing them into committing these atrocities."
"So, there's someone out there remaining hidden, just letting their subordinates, the Hikage to run wild out in the open. But, without knowing what those necklaces are, there's almost no way of knowing what their objective is."
"You know, looking back, it's surprising hearing the child who'd pick a fight with anyone as long as they're strong thinking attentively like this," Seiryuu said joking ignoring the glare directed towards him by Kensei. "But, I believe that it's obviously someone who has an apparent grudge against us or the gods. I can guess that the words, 'the coming darkness will soon consume this entire nation'. After hearing these words after most of the leaders tried to or committed suicide, I don't think that neither of us is capable of taking that as a simple threat."
Almost all the five other Clan Heirs realized the seriousness of this situation if the people pulling the strings of the group called Hikage truly planning on involving the entire nation in their goals. Most of the territories that all their clans were responsible for we attacked by the same people. Even the thought of attacking the Five Principal Clans was insane in itself and those territories, in addition to the Amagiri Clans have special precautions to ensure that it wouldn't be a simple task. However, these people were able to bypass them.
"No, something like this already happened before a long time ago, didn't it," Kensei wondered to himself after he thought about the incidents involving the Five Principal Clans. The first thing that came to mind was the incident that occurred before the Amagiri Clan Massacre. "Someone was able to bypass the protective barriers all around Kibou Town, then the defenses around the main shrine and somehow took all the children. No, I have to think of it a lot longer, there's not enough evidence to compare the two incidents to one another."
"Well, the elders wanted the Five Principal Clans to reinstate their connection with the next Amagiri Clan Head as a result of this incident," Genbu stated as she glanced in the direction of Alice and Claire. "I also wanted to inform you that they're already well aware of them being here as well."
"I'd be surprised if they didn't."
Kensei noted realizing that the Five Principal Clans' elders and adults should've already been aware of almost all of the new addition in Kibou Town.
"I'm also sure they realize what I'll do if either of them thinks about laying a hand on any one of them. Especially, if they're thinking about going after these two."
Alice and Claire realized that Kensei was referring to them since the former was a Longinus user who could pose a dangerous threat; the latter was part of the 72 Pillars who was also the host of a powerful angel.
"Believe me, those guys understand that anyone under the Amagiri Clan's protection is untouchable," those were Byakko's words as he scratched the back of his head. "Especially, since there's no one capable of reining you in if those geezers or adults tried anything. I don't think that anyone overlooks that temper of yours."
"Well, I wouldn't say that."
Seiryuu said under his breath as he took a light glance toward Minako.
"True me, Kensei-kun, none of them plans on getting involved with anyone here."
Suzaku said in an attempt to reassure him, which he believed and understood.
"I heard special power users from the Five Principal Clans often used to fight against the people from Urakyoto."
Kunou spoke almost under her breath, but it was loud enough to for them to hear her words.
"Kunou-san?"
Claire found herself glancing toward the Kyuubi Princess.
"I understand how the elders view beings such as youkai," Suzaku said laughing lightly, not seeming to offend at all about those words from Kunou before bowing her head. "It won't be long until most of us assume the position as leaders of our respective clans. Ouryuu-kun still has some time before that happens due to the situation that his cousin caused, but he's learning through experience until then. And when that happens, we plan on ensuring that our clans chance to make sure that the same incidents don't occur again."
Though neither of them says anything about it, they shared the same opinions as Suzaku in that regard about the changing of their clan. Almost all the trouble that was caused three years prior was caused due to the elders' and adults' of their members who didn't inherit their powers. So, to prevent that from happening again they will need to ensure their members don't become the same as the people who caused that incident.
Having heard those words, Kensei glanced in the direction of Kunou, who seemed to be listening to her words.
"You should believe her Kunou. Suzaku isn't the kind of person to lie to someone else about things like this and is always earnest about the things she wants to do."
Kensei reassured Kunou who listened intently.
"Alright, Ken-nii," Kunou said before realizing what she had said out loud. "Kunou apologize for what she said. It was inappropriate for me to say that."
"It's fine. I think that it shows that you care deeply about the youkai who were harmed because of our members. I do vow that we'll ensure that nothing like that occurs again. No, I Suzaku Himejima, the Himejima Clan heir puts that on the name of the Vermilion Bird which I inherited."
Suzaku stood up from her seat, then kneeled in front of holding out her hand in an attempt to ensure that Kunou will believe her. Kunou could hear that her words were nothing less than sincere and honest, which was what she could understand that there was no reason to doubt her.
"Kunou will accept this and I apologize for doubting you."
Kunou said as she started shaking Suzaku's hand.
Seeing Suzaku and Kunou both shaking hands with one another, both the Himejima Heir and Kyuubi princess, Kensei allowed a slight smile to appear on his face. After that concluded their meeting continued from there about what their groups were going to do to handle this situation, then divulging into simple conversations between one another.
"That lasted longer than I thought."
Kensei stated taking a seat on the couch, leaning back in an attempt to get comfortable as Claire sat right beside him. Kunou was asleep right beside him with her head lying on his lap, causing him to place a hand comfortably on her head and brush against her fox ears.
"Well, it looks as if all of them were good people at least. It's a good thing that neither if they were influenced by their elders and adults," Claire said thinking back to what she could tell about them. "They have their own beliefs and goals after becoming the leaders of their respective clans, which can benefit others. Even their desires to be more on the side of the people from Urakyoto sounds like something they desire for the future."
Claire found herself hugging onto her legs as she seemed to lean back on the couch herself.
"Yea, that's all of them in a nutshell. Neither of them is bound by the old and outdated traditions of their clans, it is one of the reasons that I like those guys the most. But, it's still going to take a lot of effort into changing all their clan members who're still stuck in their old traditions. Of course, there are others from the younger generation, as well as some adults who share the same views as them."
"I can already see based on Minako that there some of them are more unique."
Claire said as she found herself leaning her head against Kensei's right shoulder and enjoying the moment.
"Speaking of, she went upstairs to look at the drawings that Alice had been doing for a long time," Kensei said in an amused tone. "I think that Minako would want Alice to design the covers of her CDs at some point. It wouldn't be weird considering her talent at designing art."
"I can see Alice-nee becoming famous in the future as an artist. But, knowing her, she wouldn't want to deal with all the attention from people and would rather remain anonymous," Claire laughed before glancing over towards Kensei who was remaining quiet for some time. "By the way, Nii-san. Why did you want Alice-nee and I there?"
"Hmm, are you talking about the meeting?"
Claire didn't respond, she merely nodded her head in agreement.
"Oh, come on," Kensei seemed to be amused about that comment. "I mean, since Hagun Island, the three of us has been like our own family. So, it wouldn't be weird for me to want both of you to join in a conversation since it also involves us and not me alone."
"R-Right."
Claire found herself blushing at those words after hearing those words from him, but smiled cheerfully beginning to nuzzle against him. Kensei after hearing that felt himself smiling as he took his other hand, then moved it around Claire as well.
"Can I ask another question?"
"Sure."
"Are you all planning something big for my birthday?"
"Eh?"
Kensei was stumped after hearing those words from Claire, not expecting to hear that question coming from her of all things. His being stumped about all that caused her to sit back up from her spot, then sent him a sly smile on her face as if she already figured something out.
"You refused the chance to fight against a Longinus user who had achieved Balance Breaker the moment that he was born. And a fight against someone regarded as being the Strongest Hakuryuukou past, present, and future," Claire surmised as she continued. "Then you rescheduled a fight against that person who inherited the Yellow Dragon, the strongest Sacred Beast. There were three potential opponents that you could've fought against, but you…ouch, ouch, ouch."
"Don't attempt to figure out a surprise. It wouldn't make it a surprise, miss know-it-all."
Kensei said as he pinched Claire's cheek.
"Y-You didn't need to pinch my cheek."
Claire stated as she started rubbing her cheek, which has gained a slightly red color.
"Look, we always plan something big for everyone's birthday. Because of that, we're going to become secretive to make it even more of a surprise than before. So, look forward to it, miss know-it-all, but don't attempt to figure out what we'll be planning. Got it?"
Kensei said as he placed a hand on her head, which caused Claire to give him a bright smile on her face.
"Okay~ But, if there was one thing that I wanted, then…."
Claire stated as she found herself touching her lips using her fingers, which had gone unnoticed by Kensei. But, she stopped after hearing a familiar signal that came from both their phones.
"Well, that's our cue."
Kensei said as Claire groaned at the spoiled moment.
Having fished out his Oracle Phone from his pocket, then found a message that showed several people passing the barrier leading into Kibou Town. It was closest to the area that the Amagiri Residence was near, meaning the two of them would need to handle it.
"Well, it has been a long time we handled something together like this."
"I'll text Alice that we'll handle it then. So, let's head out."
Kensei said as he gently stood up so that he wouldn't wake up of Kunou who had been resting on his lap.
After arriving close to the scene with Claire who was riding on top of Kensei's back since it was the quickest way there. As he was traveling in the location where the disturbance originated, he has located the individuals at that same location using their auras. Although, after doing so, Kensei found himself being confused about the thing that he could sense from them.
"That's weird."
"What?"
"Based on the auras that I'm sensing, it looks like six devils. I can tell that based on the qualities of their demonic power that they aren't purebloods," Kensei informed Claire surprising her after being surprised that the people in town were devils from the Underworld. "One of them seems to be a reincarnated devil, but it looks as if they in a state of panic. It doesn't even seem like the usual rouge devils that we encounter."
"Well, I'm sure that we'll find out who they are when we see them."
She stated as Kensei took a larger leap using Shinsoku after landed on top of an abandoned building located at a further distance from the other buildings. In the air, both of them found that there were five devils all dressed in a black cloth that kept their faces hidden from sight. And the person chasing after them seemed to be a woman dressed in magician's robes.
"I'll handle the two devils behind her. And you'll handle the rest behind them."
"Got it."
Having agreed, Kensei allowed Claire to get off his back, then she brought up her devil wings and remained afloat. At the same time, he brought out Kurogane and Claire created an angelic bow in her hands with a light arrow already prepared to be released.
"You're not going anywhere!"
"You'll never be able to escape!"
Both the devils who managed to counter the unknown woman, then gathered a great amount of demonic power in their hands prepared to fire. Moments after being released, Kensei landed in front of them with an aura coming from Kurogane as he sliced through both the demonic blasts.
"Who do you think you are?!"
One of them declared arrogantly, leaking out more hostility toward him.
"Well, this town is under my jurisdiction. So, shouldn't I be asking that question?"
Kensei asked as he sheathed Kurogane, but he was still leaking out pressure from his entire body, in the wake of this presence from him, both the devils started releasing more of their aura.
"Don't move."
He spoke to the woman standing behind him, which she agreed to with a single nob of her head. Both devils had gathered a large number of demonic bullets around them, but he didn't react to either of them.
"Fuutan."
Although he uttered that single chant, around him, he created air bullets around him that matched the number of the demonic bullets. It was a basic spell, but the spiritual power inside of them was greater than beforehand, then released them all. Having witnessed this, both the devils released their demonic powers, then Kensei released all of his wind bullets, thus canceling one another out.
Kensei later leaped forward toward the two devils who seemed to be surprised that their attacks were negated like that. After appearing in front of the first, he aimed a strong roundhouse kick, striking him at the kick, knocking him unconscious.
"You son of a…urgh!"
He was stopped as the bottom of Kurogane's sheath was thrust in his stomach causing bile to be spat out of his mouth before being knocked down on the ground. He was holding onto his stomach, then kneeled on the ground, groaning due to the pain.
"You're just a human!"
"You lowly life-form."
"Don't think that you'll…."
All three of the devils who were behind them were soon stopped after firing three light arrows, which had all their powers dimmed down. Instead of it killing them, the light power in the arrows caused them all to be lose their bearings and focus. After noting that, Kensei channeled wind inside of the sheathed Kurogane before he unleashed a wind slash that knocked them all off their feet.
"Alright, then who are you all?"
Kensei asked after sheathing Kurogane again, then started approaching the five downed devils.
In response to that, the five devils looked toward one another, then all of them released a demonic blast towards the ground generating a smokescreen. It wasn't long until both Kensei and Claire noticed a bright light that lit up the general vicinity. Once the smoke cleared, all five devils vanished from sight.
"A teleportation magic circle, huh. Well, I have their auras memorized, so I'll be able to sense them again if either of them come back," Kensei said before he turned around to face the female devil that he rescued. "So, what did these five chase you for?"
"W-Well…."
The woman said almost sounded exhausted at the moment, then Claire landed on the ground as she caused her light arrow to vanish. Kensei could see that the magician's robes that she was wearing were torn in several ways signifying that she has been through something.
"So, did you find out…?"
"…Claire?"
Claire stopped after hearing a familiar voice, her expression seemed to falter into one of surprise and shock.
"W-Wait, are you…?"
Claire seemed to have held her hand over her mouth in surprise.
"Claire, do you know her?"
"I'd honestly, be hurt if she forgot about me," the woman said she removed the hood that covered her face, which revealed a beautiful woman with dark blonde hair and grayish-blue eyes. "I am Evangeline Bellerose, a beautiful witch, and Queen better than her King."
"E-Eva-obachan!"
Claire without a single thought entering her head mind ran towards her mother's queen and the person she loved like an aunt. And finally, she wrapped her arms around her waist with tears of happiness streaming down her face after finally being reunited with someone from her original family.
"Geez, I'm not really in my best state so hugging me like this hurts a little," Evangeline said smiling lightly before she placed a hand comfortably on Claire's head. "But, I'll overlook it just this once."
Claire merely continued crying as she felt the familiar warmness and presence from her beloved aunt, which was the same as before. Kensei couldn't help smiling and feeling happy that Claire was able to reunite with someone from her mother's peerage. He started approaching the two of them so that he could give a proper introduction to Evangeline, but the second that he took a step toward them.
"…huh?"
Kensei felt an odd sensation from his instincts, but he couldn't figure out what that feeling came from. But, there was nothing or no one around them who had hostility directed toward them.
"What was that?"
He couldn't understand the cause for his instincts to be going off like that.
A/N: And there goes the next chapter of DxD – The Last Amagiri, Minako made her introduction to Alice, Claire, and the others with some of them already taking a liking to her. Kensei and Maria were later seen to be training with one another, where both of them are finding ways to improve themselves using varied methods related to them. Afterward, there was some bonding time with Kensei and the other girls inside of the Amagiri Residence's big bath.
I thought that it'd be cool to add in more details about the Sennin and how they had used senjutsu compared to youkai since there hasn't been much added about them, as well as being compatible with what Kensei inherited from the Amagiri Clan.
There was a meeting between Kensei and the Five Principal Clan heirs who inherited the five Sacred Beast. But, unlike some of the other members, he looks to have a closer relationship with them. He also heard about Tobio and Vali from Suzaku, but he set his desire to fight them aside since at that moment they're still preparing for Claire's birthday.
In the end, Claire was reunited with her mother's Queen, but Kensei had an odd feeling near the end.
Also, I have been thinking about it for a long time concerning adding Rossweisse inside Kensei's harem. I can see it working since considering what happened in the previous volume it would sound more likely that she'd head off to their group since she knows them and their group. And I can see them all working a lot more together. So, who wants to see Rossweisse added to the harem?
On an unrelated note, when I was thinking about Minako's Sacred Gear, it was around the same time that Nereid Kyrie was revealed since I thought that having a sacred gear based on songs would be unique.
Kensei's Harem: Alice, Claire, Hisui, Kunou, Yasaka, Lu Lingqi, Mirana, Sarah, Minako, Koneko, Kuroka, Ravel, Amaterasu, Brynhildr.