A new horizon

by Bellzador

Throughout my entire life, I have faced many battles, made wrong decisions, and carry with me too many failures. The option to disappear and forget everything may seem tempting, but I will continue moving forward. Even though what awaits me is uncertain, this is the path I have chosen to tread.

20. Chapter 20

blackdestroyer117: 👍

Trueopulence:

I'm sorry, yeah.

Sorry, yeah, Sorry, Yeah,

I know that I let you down

Is it too late to say I'm sorry now?

Miguelito030905: there is a spanish version in my profile

Some1call4MR-E: In the canon, Rossweisse is treated as a comic element, both in the novels and in the anime. But from my perspective, she is an excellent Valkyrie, a woman of principle who deserves respect. She's incredibly intelligent, beautiful, and has a lot of qualities that aren't exploited enough. It's a shame that the author reduces her to being just one more in the harem of a fap addict. So here I'll try to give her the respect she really deserves, because the character has a lot more potential than she's given.

And yes clearly the young valkyries are a parody to the bratty lefttards who think they're going to make the world better from Twitter, I'm glad you noticed that detail

I appreciate it infinitely, I could notice that many were not interested in this chapter, but the secret of why I did this is because the previous chapter was the calm before the storm, so what is coming will be much more intense! I really appreciate your ideas, in fact, they are very good and don't worry, there will be more good slice of life that I know you will like, even more when there are accepted rules in the supernatural world but in the human world they are unthinkable haha, I'm already imagining it. However, for the moment I plan to continue the story in the Nordic faction, later you'll find out why, believe me it will be an interesting plot twist that even you won't expect. Thanks again for your suggestions, I really appreciate them! by the way Trunks already presented himself to Issei's parents in chapter 12 an unexpected visit, if you want to read it.

Danish78: I appreciate it infinitely, I could notice that many were not interested in this chapter, but the secret of why I did this is because the previous chapter was the calm before the storm, so what is coming will be much more intense! I really appreciate your ideas, in fact, they are very good and don't worry, there will be more good slice of life that I know you will like, even more when there are accepted rules in the supernatural world but in the human world they are unthinkable haha, I'm already imagining it. However, for the moment I plan to continue the story in the Nordic faction, later you'll find out why, believe me it will be an interesting plot twist that even you won't expect. Thanks again for your suggestions, I really appreciate them! by the way Trunks already presented himself to Issei's parents in chapter 12 "an unexpected visit", if you want to read it.

CRUDEN: TY

Sophiamay: Not interest

---

Chapter 18: Meeting of the 3 factions.

What would we know as heaven?

Heaven represents a divine realm, a place of eternal peace where the righteous dwell after death. However, in Christianity, Heaven is more than just a destination; it is the manifestation of the Kingdom of God, a promise of salvation offered by the creator of everything to be in communion with Him.

Christians claim that God, in His infinite mercy, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to Earth to redeem humanity. His sacrifice on the cross was the price paid for the sins of all, thus opening the doors of the Kingdom of Heaven for those who believe in Him and follow His teachings.

Matthew 4:17

"From that time on, Jesus began to preach, saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'"

Matthew 5:3

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 13:31-32

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, when it grows, it is the largest of the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."

Matthew 13:44

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."

Very beautiful and poetic, isn't it? But what exactly is the Kingdom of Heaven?

Orderly written in parables and epistles, the Bible has been an exceptional tool to describe that mythical place, comparing it to a hidden treasure, a mustard seed that grows into a large tree, or a banquet prepared for the chosen ones. It wasn't just a sacred site but a spiritual reality, a state of communion with God that began on Earth and was perfected in eternity.

However, the truth was far from the idealized image in the sacred narratives. Elohim had fallen in that relentless war, leaving an impossible-to-fill void. His death brought chaos and imbalance, threatening to tear apart the delicate order of the entire world.

And yet, despite everything, the celestial faction remained standing, because its existence depended on something even more powerful: the faith of its followers. It was they who held the balance of the world, the last bastion against total ruin. But if their faith weakened, if doubt took hold of their hearts, everything would collapse, and chaos would be inevitable.

For this reason, Michael, despite not being prepared for the position, assumed the role of regent of the heavens to fix the situation. Aware that the fate of his faction depended on him, he worked tirelessly to preserve peace and order, relying on the refined system that Elohim had left behind, the one that allowed miracles to continue manifesting on Earth.

However, he needed more than just rules and structures. He needed a beacon of hope, a figure in which the believers could place their faith, a symbol that would guide humanity in times of uncertainty.

And so, the fable of Jesus of Nazareth was born.

He became the legend that desperate souls longed for, the hero of the story, the light in the midst of darkness.

Through that figure, that symbol, Michael focused all his efforts on keeping alive the legacy of his great father. Using the image of Jesus, he created ambiguous parables inspired by Elohim's divine teachings, shaping a lifestyle that men should follow to be in communion with God.

With great caution, he chose the prophets who would carry the message of the celestial faction to the world. Every word, every revelation, was calculated with luxury and detail, for he knew that in his mission there was no margin for error.

Today, although the system created by his father did not function at its full potential, he had managed to maintain a stable balance. The loss of believers had been significant over time, but still, the celestial faction prospered, consolidating its position as one of the largest and most powerful in the supernatural world.

The celestial firmament, once marked by sad memories and reduced to a place almost in ruins, was now inhabited by countless winged beings. Although their ranks still did not reach the magnanimity they had before the Great War, things were going well. In this place, an indescribable purity emanated, reinforcing the image of Paradise in its highest expression.

From his throne, the archangel contemplated his kingdom with a slight smile. The harmony and prosperity that reigned in his domain were proof that he was doing a good job. His father would be proud of him.

However, even in the purest of kingdoms, there were shadows that could not be ignored. The "Holy Inquisition," for example, where humans, in their misguided interpretation of faith, spilled blood in the "name of God." And more recently, the Sacred Sword Project, an error that weighed especially on him.

Although divine laws forbade him from interfering in human affairs, this time he had made an exception. When he discovered that Kokabiel had continued with that abominable experiment alongside Valper Galilei, he ordered the Vatican to intervene. But what he didn't expect was that they would send only two exorcists to solve such an atrocity. That irresponsible decision would not go unpunished; he would reprimand and punish those who made such a decision, for essentially, they had sent them as cannon fodder.

Those memories still tormented him, reminding him that even in Heaven, not everything was perfect. Perhaps that's why this possible alliance seemed so important to him: an opportunity to remedy, even if just a little, the mistakes of the past.

He decided to set those thoughts aside for a moment. He stood up from his throne and went to walk through the halls of Heaven, observing with satisfaction the angels and souls who passed by, busy with their duties. His steps led him to an observation point, a place he had recently visited frequently. However, he was not the only one. Smiling to himself, he decided to continue his way and climbed to the third floor of the building. And, just as he expected, there she was.

The archangel Gabriel.

The most beautiful angel in Heaven stood there, captivated, her gaze fixed on the firmament. From afar, it might have seemed like she was simply admiring the vastness of the horizon, but the archangel knew it wasn't the case.

"Are you still watching it?" he asked in a calm voice as he stood beside her.

Gabriel startled, turning her head a little frightened...

"I'm sorry, dear sister, it seems I scared you," he added with amusement, but also expectantly. "So, what's the deal?"

"W-well, I-I..." the blonde responded, regaining her composure and looking ahead again. "It's just... I can't stop looking at it."

The archangel directed his gaze to the same point she was looking at, fully understanding what she meant.

"You should be grateful to Odín-dono," he murmured, his eyes fixed on that image. "He allowed us to observe Asgard, and consequently, the boy. An incredible one, to put it that way."

Their eyes both shone with fascination as they focused on that world straight out of fairy tales. Although they couldn't observe everything between the realms as Heimdall or Odín did, thanks to the support of the Father of All, they could see what was happening in their faction, but what really caught their attention was not what the realm showed them.

They watched with great interest the young man, the one who, according to rumors, had appeared in the underworld as if he were a ball of fire. A being who, in the words of many, was an intruder coming from a different timeline, dimension, or whatever the hell it was...

Well, at this moment, he was being accompanied by Frigg, as he handled some small muppets to entertain the children. Gabriel couldn't help but laugh softly when she noticed the enthusiasm, but at the same time, the clumsiness of the future warrior. He seemed a bit uncomfortable, as if he wasn't quite sure how to interact with them, but at the same time, the dedication he put into treating them and making them laugh was quite endearing. Despite his serious demeanor and the hardness that emanated from his being, they could sense an almost untouched purity in his soul, as if he still held a spark of innocence amidst so much tragedy and death.

"He's an interesting boy," commented the Archangel with his characteristic smile, but suddenly his face changed to a more serious expression. "But the circumstances of his arrival are still suspicious, not to mention that his soul exudes something turbulent."

"I know, he's been through a lot," the Seraph responded with some sadness. "His heart and soul are very affected," she said, managing to calm herself a little and wiping away the tears that threatened to fall. "But it seems that in Asgard, he managed to alleviate some of that pain. He smiles a little more now," she commented, seeing him more at ease and a bit more social.

"I can tell he has much more peace of mind," said the leader of Heaven, smiling slightly. "Whatever it was that devastated his world, it must have been terrible. But he's overcoming it. I'm happy for him."

One of Michael's strengths, besides his power, was his wisdom. It wasn't as vast as that of Elohim or Odin, but it was considerable.

This same wisdom allowed him to understand that Trunks did not belong to this reality. A being with such colossal power, capable of rivaling and even surpassing the dragon gods hundreds or even millions of times, could not go unnoticed.

He couldn't comprehend how someone who was not a deity had achieved such terrifying levels of power.

The day he arrived in this reality, Gabriel entered a state of anxiety and almost ecstasy, as she could feel, even if momentarily, his energy, as well as his heart and soul. It was something so surreal to see and believe.

She fell to her knees and cried, moved by a pure soul, almost untouched by malice, although not exempt from negative emotions such as sadness and helplessness. But, without a doubt, very pure. She had never felt a soul like that, not even from the purest men who had ever held the title of Pope in the Vatican.

That was what sparked her interest. Although she maintained some skepticism about what her sister had told her, she didn't want to distrust her. However, what she described seemed like an exaggeration. Despite everything, curiosity was stronger, and she decided to meet with Odin. When she managed to get the Allfather to allow her to see what was happening in his faction regarding the young man, her surprise was immense. What Gabriel had said was true, and she was as impressed as her sister. It was then that she also decided to observe everything they could about the newcomer, up until today.

They didn't regret that decision at all.

"I hope he recovers from his emotional wounds soon," the Seraph said with sorrow, noticing that behind his calm face, there was great pain and sadness. "And may he find a new purpose to live."

The Archangel observed his sister reflectively.

"I hope so too," Michael replied, before preparing a transport circle. "I leave right now. I must deliver Ascalon to the Sekiryuutei before the meeting of the three factions."

That statement surprised the Seraph.

"I thought you'd give it to Trunks," she said with much curiosity, implying that she knew the boy's name.

"That was the original plan…" the Archangel mentioned, thinking for a moment. "But after giving it more thought, I decided it than the current Sekiryuutei it's a better option."

With that, the leader of Heaven took his leave, leaving Gabriel full of curiosity. However, she would delve into it later. For now, she had to keep observing the boy. She had to discover what issues framed such a pure soul as his.

If only Gabriel knew the story of Trunks and Mai, she would never stop crying. She, being one of the most sensitive beings in the world, wouldn't be able to bear the atrocities these two had lived through over the years. Times of darkness and death, where all lives were lost, with no distinction between men, women, and children, due to all the threats that came to their era. Only Trunks had been the pillar and beacon of hope for them all, although in the end, they all perished, making the time warrior feel like a mockery of the gods.

Gabriel wanted to comfort him, offer support and solace. But before that, she needed to truly understand the boy.

And she already had an idea of how to do it.

######################################################################

Mai and Trunks were having breakfast together while he told her everything that had happened the day before. However, for some reason Trunks couldn't quite understand, he had the feeling that she wasn't paying much attention.

"In summary, Odin-sama asked me to go to the human world" Trunks commented after finishing his raspberry juice while observing Mai.

Mai spread some butter on a slice of bread, already with blueberry jam. She moved automatically, until suddenly, upon hearing the last sentence, she stopped doing everything immediately.

"So, you're going to the human world then?" asked the former resistance leader, now with a slightly more interested tone—. Why did they want you to go? I don't see much sense in it...

Trunks sighed, feeling the pressure of having to repeat what he had already told her previously.

"Well, I already told you before, but don't worry, I can explain it again"

*Flashback*

The scene was intriguing. The leader of the Fallen Angel faction stood alongside the sovereign of Asgard in the palace's main hall, now completely devoid of any presence to ensure privacy.

The Saiyan observed the cadre closely, analyzing each of his gestures, expressions, and the flow of his energy. For someone with expert ki perception, Azazel's nature was confusing. It was not an evil aura, yet there was something murky about it, as if dark voids existed within his essence. If he had to describe it in simple words, he would say it was like a pond of swampy water in the middle of a coniferous forest: neither pure nor entirely corrupt, but something in between and difficult to decipher.

Trunks was unaware of the purpose of this unexpected meeting and did not understand why his presence was also required at that moment.

"I notice you've been staring at me for quite a while," Azazel commented in a relaxed and amused tone. "It seems you don't like me very much."

The warrior of the future maintained a serious gaze. That carefree and mocking attitude of the cadre was beginning to irritate him greatly.

"I've heard things about you," the Saiyan responded coldly. "Extremely unpleasant things."

"I can imagine," Azazel smirked arrogantly, shrugging as if the response held no importance to him. "Although, to be honest, it's not something that keeps me up at night."

The two remained locked in a silent duel of gazes, measuring each other without yielding ground—one with a serious and distrustful expression, the other with his usual air of mockery and disinterest. The tension was palpable, and Odin noticed it immediately; thus, he decided to intervene before the situation escalated further.

"I suppose this is a good moment for you to explain the reason for your visit, Azazel," Odin intervened firmly. "What is so important that you wish to discuss?"

The fallen one shifted his attention from the Saiyan to the Allfather with his characteristic nonchalant demeanor.

"Oh, of course," he replied with a slight smile. "In reality, this shouldn't surprise you. Soon, there will be a meeting between the three factions, but I assume you already knew that."

Odin sighed and looked at Trunks, who was surprised by the cadre's response. He said nothing and kept his attention on Azazel.

"However," Azazel continued while taking out a cigarette and placing it between his lips, "we need this young man to honor us with his illustrious presence."

The warrior of the future raised an eyebrow with suspicion.

"And why is it important that I attend this meeting?" Trunks asked, crossing his arms and arching a brow, clearly detecting the sarcastic tone in the fallen angel's words.

"Because we need your testimony about what happened with Kokabiel, Kenshi-kun," Azazel smiled nonchalantly. "As I mentioned earlier, we require all the details…"

The mere sound of that name made Trunks narrow his eyes. He perfectly remembered that repulsive and nauseating energy. If he had to compare him to someone, it would be Frieza or Black. He wasn't at their level of power, but his evil was of the same caliber. Eliminating him had been the best thing he could have done.

"Isn't it enough with the kids?" Trunks asked with distrust.

"We want to gather as many perspectives as possible," Azazel responded with a hint of seriousness, though without losing his playful demeanor. "And that includes yours, of course."

Trunks hesitated. He wasn't as concerned about the meeting itself as he was about leaving Asgard unprotected. The presence of the dragon goddess had deeply unsettled him; her intentions were too enigmatic, and something inside him told him he should stay, just in case she decided to appear again. And on top of that, attending this meeting also meant seeing Serafall again—something he would rather avoid at all costs.

Then he felt something on his shoulder—it was Odin's hand, offering him a knowing look.

"You still have doubts, and I understand," said the Allfather in a reassuring tone. "But think of it this way: perhaps your presence is more important than you realize."

Trunks had his reservations. In his judgment, there was no reason for him to be there. All he had done was help some defenseless youngsters escape from a homicidal maniac—nothing more. The rest involved complicated faction matters with which he had no connection. He couldn't understand how his testimony could be so useful, especially when there were already too many witnesses. Everything seemed confusing.

Moreover, the idea of getting involved in disputes and other matters that did not concern him at all only made him uncomfortable. To him, the most sensible thing was to stay out of it, far from these altercations, agreements, and political struggles that had nothing to do with him.

"What happened with Kokabiel doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things," he said seriously while looking at Azazel and Odin. "The guy was annihilated, and as a consequence, peace was restored."

Azazel let out a light chuckle, finding Trunks' response quite amusing. It was hilarious that a being with so much power could be so naive—if not outright foolish.

"You're wrong, Kenshi-kun. What happened with Kokabiel might be much more important than you think," the fallen angel replied with an enigmatic look. "Believe me, these events might be the prelude to something whose consequences we cannot even imagine. Sometimes, a single event, no matter how insignificant it seems, can trigger a chain reaction impossible to stop."

Trunks furrowed his brow, carefully analyzing Azazel's words. There was something in his tone that unsettled him. What exactly was he referring to? How serious could the impact of eliminating a single enemy be? Curiosity began to take root in his mind, sowing an uncomfortable unease, as memories of his world crossed his mind once again. Perhaps Azazel had a point—it was worth seriously considering his request.

"When will this meeting take place?"

"Tomorrow night," Azazel responded, unconcerned and smiling. Trunks found his mysterious demeanor somewhat irritating. "At Kuoh Academy, where you eliminated Kokabiel."

"Fine, I'll be there. But Mai won't," he clarified seriously, making his point clear. "She wasn't there that day; she has nothing to do with this. So, if you don't mind, I'll leave her out of it."

Trunks' words were sharp and threatening. This Mai must have been someone very important for Trunks to protect her so fiercely. The name sounded feminine, and from there, Azazel began to piece things together. What was she to him? A relative? A friend? A lover? Any could be an option. Only Odin and the rest of the Asgardians knew their relationship.

"Alright, I have no reason to refuse," the dark-haired man replied, dismissing the situation. "We only need your version of the events. That's all."

"Alright, so be it," Trunks replied seriously, staring at the fallen angel.

"Thanks for your cooperation," the fallen leader responded with satisfaction, looking at the three present. "I'll take my leave now. I need to inform the other leaders of your participation."

When Azazel finally left, silence took over the great hall. Trunks sighed, running a hand through his hair as he stared at the ground where, seconds before, a magic circle had appeared, used by Azazel to depart.

"I still don't understand why all this is necessary…" he murmured in annoyance, running a hand through his hair in an attempt to clear his mind and forget how tedious the matter was.

Odin, with his characteristic relaxed smile, patted him on the back.

"Don't overthink it, kid. Sometimes it's better to accept things as they come. You should try to get some rest."

Trunks might have ignored that simplistic response if not for one tiny detail: the idiotic grin now adorning the face of the ancient deity.

"After all… it seems you had quite the action with the most loyal of my bodyguards."

Trunks blinked in confusion for a moment until he finally put the pieces of the puzzle together. What initially seemed like a distasteful joke started to make sense. And, objectively speaking, the scene couldn't be interpreted any other way: he had entered a room carrying an unconscious woman in his arms and was now leaving the same room. Anyone who saw it would draw their own conclusions, and rumors would spread quickly.

"I only took her to one of the rooms because she was really tired!" he shouted with all his might as his face turned various shades of red. "DON'T CREATE UNNECESSARY MISUNDERSTANDINGS!"

"Ohohohohoho, makes sense. I mean, maybe someone else might get upset if this were to happen," Odin commented with a mischievous look while stroking his beard. "How do you think Mai-chan would take it?"

A chill ran down Trunks' spine at the mere thought of it.

"Y-yeah… I'd better take your advice… I'm actually getting sleepy," he replied quickly, letting out the most exaggerated yawn before immediately turning away. He wasn't about to give Odin any more chances to amuse himself at his expense.

The Allfather simply chuckled in satisfaction as he watched him flee the hall.

Trunks walked through the halls of the Asgardian fortress at a steady pace, though his mind was still occupied with his conversation with Azazel and Odin. He let out a heavy sigh. Deciding to take a detour, he unconsciously wandered into a more secluded corridor.

At that moment, he felt a ki that was all too familiar… faint, subtle, a little turbulent but unmistakable.

He stopped in front of an ornately carved wooden door. At this hour, Mai was surely fast asleep. For a moment, he hesitated to open it—he didn't want to disturb her—but something inside him urged him to see her. Maybe he just wanted to make sure she was okay.

He took a deep breath and timidly turned the doorknob.

The moonlight filtered through one of the windows of the vast room, illuminating the sleeping figure of the young woman. Mai rested peacefully on the bed, her dark hair spread across the pillow, and her relaxed face captivated him for a few seconds.

Maybe it was the effect of the drowsiness induced by Ophis' presence, or perhaps his mind was taking him back to the days when they fought together against Black. More than once, they had shared a room for strategic reasons (though they always slept on separate cots), ready to react instantly if the false god appeared. Those times forged a bond of trust between them, and now, as he watched her bathed in the moonlight, he couldn't help but feel an echo of those memories.

Her breathing was slow and steady, and a slight breeze stirred the strands of her bangs.

There was something about her that always left him breathless. He had always found her beautiful, but at that moment, wrapped in the soft silver light, her serene face and skin glowing under the night's radiance made her seem almost unreal. Her beauty wasn't that of a fairytale princess but that of a strong, determined woman, with a sweetness she rarely showed, yet he knew well.

He stood there in silence, not daring to break that fleeting moment. He gazed at her with the same reverence an artist has for their masterpiece, with the certainty that, before his eyes, he beheld the most exquisite and beautiful of all.

He could have spent the entire night watching her, but he realized that he, too, needed to rest. He didn't want to wake her, didn't want to disturb her sleep.

So, with one last glance, he carefully closed the door and walked away in silence, feeling that, for the first time all day, his heart was at peace.

*Flashback end*

After finishing his story (omitting the part where he watched her sleep in her room), Mai maintained a somewhat distant and detached expression as Trunks spoke. The indifference in her gaze was starting to make him uneasy. Something was off.

"I see…" Mai said without much emotion as she continued spreading butter on her slice of bread. "If it's something important you have to do, I don't see a problem with it."

Trunks blinked in surprise at her response. In other instances, she would have shown some concern, told him to be careful, or pointed out that something didn't seem right. But now, she simply gave a cold, almost indifferent answer. Her demeanor wasn't the same as usual, and Trunks couldn't help but wonder what had changed.

"Actually, I don't even know why you're telling me this," Mai added as if it were a mere formality while placing the freshly browned boar bacon on her slice of bread, paying more attention to her plate than to him. "If Odin-sama has entrusted you with something so important, why should I worry? There's no reason to doubt, is there?"

Trunks furrowed his brow, confused by the coldness in her words. There was something about the way she spoke, something in her tone, that wasn't the same as before. Mai had never been this distant with him, and her inexplicable indifference left him feeling unsettled.

"I-I thought it would be important to tell you," said the warrior from the future, still stunned.

Mai took a bite of her freshly made sandwich, taking her time to chew before responding.

"Well, it's not like we were close enough for you to tell me about everything that happens," she replied while sipping her orange juice. "We were just battle comrades, trying in vain to save a world that was already doomed. And as you can see, we failed miserably. So, in certain way, it's good for both of us. We can find another purpose, adapt better to this world, forge new… 'bonds.' "

Trunks felt a knot in his stomach upon hearing those words, as if something in the air had changed between them. The way Mai spoke—the lack of emotion, of warmth—made him think there was something much deeper happening, something he couldn't quite grasp.

The battle they had fought, the sacrifices they had made—it all seemed to be discarded by her with an indifference that unsettled him. Though she wasn't saying it outright, Trunks could sense something else in her tone—resignation, perhaps even pain.

But why did she seem so distant now? Why did it feel like everything they had shared, everything that had meant so much to him, suddenly meant nothing to her?

Mai continued chewing in silence while Trunks watched her with a growing sense of unease. There was something in her demeanor that he couldn't decipher. Her eyes, which once sparkled with curiosity or affection, now seemed dull, distant…

"Is… is everything okay?" he finally asked, his tone hesitant. His gaze met hers, searching for some clue, some answer. His voice wavered before he asked the real question. "D-Did I do something to upset you?"

Mai lifted her gaze slowly, as if even the effort of looking at him was a burden. There was no urgency in her movement, and the indifference on her face was palpable. Several tense seconds passed between them, the atmosphere thick with something unspoken but undeniably present. Trunks wondered if she was even listening to him, if she even cared.

Finally, Mai shook her head, but not with the quick certainty of someone who was truly at ease. Instead, it was sluggish, almost as if she wanted to avoid the conversation altogether. A slight smile appeared on her lips, but it wasn't the usual genuine smile he was familiar with. It was forced, calculated—a mere smirk that barely concealed the coldness in her eyes. There was nothing real about that expression, and Trunks couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

He watched in silence as Mai continued eating her breakfast as if nothing between them had changed. That empty smile of hers only deepened his confusion. A part of him started to wonder if he had truly made a mistake somewhere, if he had hurt her in a way he hadn't even realized.

"Don't worry, everything is fine," she responded with that fake smile. "Like I said, there's still a lot we haven't fully processed yet. That's why I think it's best for both of us to find our own paths separately."

Trunks swallowed dryly at her words.

Separately? Had he heard her right? He had never expected Mai to say something like that. It was as if she had already made the decision to walk away—as if there was no longer room for what they had shared. And even though he tried to understand why she had decided this, something inside him felt lost.

"Mai..." he whispered, his voice barely audible, as his eyes searched hers, trying to find some sign, some explanation for this sudden distance. But nothing in her expression helped him understand.

"Why are you telling me this?" The words caught in his throat. "After everything we've been through, do you really think this is for the best?"

Mai was about to respond, but before she could open her mouth, Trunks spoke first, unable to keep silent any longer.

"I know I'm clumsy in many ways, and that sometimes I don't understand everything that's going on, but..." The Saiyan's voice wavered, almost breaking. "I try to understand things, to improve, to be someone you can trust. I thought we promised that if something happened, we would tell each other. Please, have the trust to tell me. Tell me what's going on."

The sincerity in his words, the vulnerability Trunks displayed, made Mai hesitate for a moment, but something inside her stopped her from relenting.

She remembered how he had been so enraptured by Ophis, how he kissed her with passion and nearly took things further right in front of her eyes, as if no one else in the world existed in that moment. That image—of him succumbing so easily to that wretched serpent, of his body and soul responding instinctively to that impostor—was burned into her mind.

What hurt the most was that he hadn't been able to tell the difference.

She had believed that after everything they had been through together, he would have been able to recognize her essence, her ki, the way she moved, her gestures, her attitude. Mai had thought that, after all the time they had spent side by side, he should have known her well enough to tell that she would never give herself so easily.

She would never forget it.

She would never forgive him.

"Don't worry, it's nothing, don't be so melodramatic," she responded this time, trying to sound more natural, making an effort to smile to sound more convincing while waving her hand in the air, dismissing the issue. "You worry about small things... honestly, sometimes you can be so annoying."

Mai's words, although she tried to sound unconcerned, were like invisible knives stabbing Trunks' heart. The way she downplayed everything he felt, everything they had lived through, left him disoriented.

He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, struggling to maintain composure. Something was definitely wrong, and he needed to know what had happened. He couldn't stay with this uncertainty.

"I don't believe you," he said firmly, the pain behind his words evident as Mai looked at him, raising an eyebrow in response.

Before she could say anything else, Frigg's voice interrupted the tense moment. The goddess appeared suddenly, visibly exhausted, with a worried expression on her face.

"I'm glad I found you, dear," Frigg said with a tired tone, her face reflecting a mix of exhaustion and slight anxiety.

"Not now, Frigg-sama, I'm a bit..."

"Go," Mai interrupted. "It's important. Apparently, our dear hostess needs your help."

Trunks looked at Mai, not feeling up to it, but he couldn't ignore Frigg's urgent tone. Despite what was happening between them, something inside him told him he needed to answer the goddess' call.

"Alright, I'll go," Trunks replied with resignation.

He stood up quickly and began walking toward the exit, but before doing so, he looked one last time at Mai. The words he wanted to say stuck in his throat. There was something in her, something that was distancing him, but he couldn't understand what it was. Why that coldness? Why that distant attitude after everything they had shared?

Mai said nothing. She simply turned her back, biting her lip to keep her own feelings from betraying her, hiding the sadness and emptiness she felt. She knew she couldn't let herself be carried away by her emotions, that she couldn't weaken, but the image of Trunks with Ophis kept hitting her mind like a hive of furious bees.

Frigg observed the tension in the air between them, noticing the subtle nuances in their expressions and gestures. However, she decided not to intervene for the moment; there would be time to talk to Mai and figure out what was going on.

A slight weight of guilt began to settle in her chest. She hadn't considered that Mai might have feelings for Trunks when she sent one of her best Valkyries to have a date with him. Now, seeing the coldness in the young woman's gaze and the confusion in the Saiyan's eyes, she was starting to question whether her decision had been the right one."

######################################################################

Kuoh Academy: midnight

"Trunks arrived at Kuoh Academy through the rune that Odin had gifted him. He sighed slightly; he enjoyed the company of the mother goddess, but even for him, helping her entertain the children under her care had been excessive. He couldn't complain, as it had served as a distraction, but at the same time, he was glad that it was finally over.

He knew well that this meeting was of great importance, and although his presence wasn't strictly necessary, he completely understood the implications. The last thing he wanted was to say something inappropriate that could make the leaders uncomfortable and, in the worst-case scenario, jeopardize the peace agreement.

That was precisely why he had agreed to attend. If his mere presence could help the three factions reach an understanding, then he was willing to cooperate. Moreover, this meeting offered him an opportunity to take his mind off things. With everything that had happened with Mai, his mind was a mess, and perhaps focusing on this matter would help clear his thoughts, at least for a while.

He sharpened his gaze as he looked at the school building in front of him. Not only did the structure seem peculiar in this context, but he could also sense several presences inside, many of them clearly not human. Some stood out above the rest, probably the leaders of each faction. However, what really caught his attention were two auras in a nearby tower.

He immediately recognized one of them: Koneko, the small white-haired girl with the stoic expression from the Gremory group. The other, however, was completely unknown to him. He didn't recall ever interacting with that person, but their energy was… let's say, intriguing.

Despite the solemnity of the moment, a chill ran down his spine. An unsettling feeling settled in his chest, a silent warning that something wasn't quite right. It didn't seem related to the meeting itself, but to something else... something foreign but present.

Still, he decided to ignore it for the moment. He exhaled slowly, relaxing his muscles and clearing his mind. He couldn't afford distractions. With steady steps, he began making his way toward the building.

The leaders were gathered at the conference table, escorted by their closest allies and trusted figures. From the demons, Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan occupied their respective places; Azazel represented the fallen, while Michael attended on behalf of the angels. But this time, the archangel wasn't alone.

To the delight of the men present—especially Azazel—and to the mild displeasure of Serafall, Gabriel, the most beautiful seraphim of Heaven and the eternal "rival" of Maou Leviathan, had decided to accompany her brother as his personal escort. Her reasons were clear: she wanted to meet Trunks in person. The idea came to her when Azazel sent her a message confirming the warrior's participation in the meeting. She was immediately excited, and without giving Michael an option, she practically forced him to bring her along.

From her seat, Gabriel threw furtive glances at the door of the room, expecting Trunks to appear at any moment. She tried to be discreet, but her excitement was so obvious that Michael couldn't help but laugh internally at her clumsy attempt to hide it.

Not everyone shared her enthusiasm. Serafall, for her part, had mixed feelings about the arrival of the Saiyan. His presence awakened old fears and traumas that she had tried to bury for years. But beyond the fear, what truly consumed her was the anger.

She wanted to kill him with her own hands. She longed to see him fall, disappear from her sight forever. The irony of the situation was that when she had the chance to do so, when she could have ended everything with a single blast of pure energy, she decided to save him.

That act of compassion tormented her. She didn't understand why she had done it, she didn't understand why she had hesitated at that moment... She clenched her fists tightly under the table, trying to suppress the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to consume her. She couldn't afford to lose control, not now, not in front of the others.

"How much longer is that brat going to take?" Azazel asked, impatient at the delay. "He should be here by now."

"We must be patient," Michael replied with his characteristic serene smile. "Also, if he's late, it's your fault. You didn't give him the correct start time."

Azazel clicked his tongue, not bothering to hide his indifference. It was true, he had overlooked that small detail. The others watched him with amusement, enjoying the rare opportunity to poke fun at the fallen leader, who was usually too clever to fall into situations like this.

On the other hand, the Gremory entourage was delighted with Trunks' imminent arrival. For some reason, when he was near, they felt safer. Even Ddraig admitted that the blue-haired Saiyan was likable and recognized his immense power. Maybe, just maybe, with his guidance, Issei would finally become someone worthy of the Boosted Gear and not just a hopeless pervert.

The mentioned person shared that enthusiasm. Issei eagerly awaited Trunks' arrival, as he desperately wanted him to train him. He had already made all the necessary arrangements, getting his parents' permission for the warrior to stay at his house. He just hoped the meeting would end quickly so he could invite him and get to know him better.

Curiously, the Sitri entourage was also anticipating his arrival with some interest, though their leader adamantly refused to admit it. Still, she had something in mind: she owed Trunks an apology for the awkward situation in that anime store. In fact, she already had a plan to force her sister to apologize as well.

But in the end, they didn't have to wait much longer.

Click!"

"Finally, you're here," Azazel commented with a mocking smile, crossing his arms. "Punctuality is not your thing, is it?"

Trunks looked at him with a mix of disgust and patience but decided not to take the bait. It wasn't worth letting the leader of Grigori ruin the moment. Instead, he turned his attention to the leaders presiding over the meeting.

"Good evening, everyone. My sincerest apologies for the delay," he said with a slight bow, showing respect.

The leaders watched him in silence as the warrior from the future walked toward the table. They had to admit that the young man had manners, despite being someone who could turn them to dust in the blink of an eye.

"He's such a beautiful being!" the Seraph thought, deeply moved. Her heart raced. "It was one thing to observe him from paradise... but to see him in person..."

She had watched Trunks constantly from the sky, but now that he was before her, she could feel the aura surrounding him, leaving her breathless. She could sense it clearly: his soul was warm, pure... more than she had ever imagined.

The urge to approach him and hug him was overwhelming, but she held herself back. She couldn't let herself be carried away by emotion. She needed to maintain composure and preserve her professional image. Still, she couldn't help but smile sweetly at him when Trunks finally noticed her. To her delight, he returned the greeting, though with a slight look of confusion. This only reinforced her perception of him: a noble soul, but naturally distrustful.

"ANIKI!" Issei's voice echoed through the room as he quickly separated from his group to greet Trunks. "I'm glad you're here! At first, I wondered why I hadn't heard from you in so many days, but I'm glad to know you're okay."

The young Saiyan scratched his head, showing slight discomfort.

"I had some setbacks," he said, not exactly sure what explanation to give. "Sorry for leaving without notice."

"Bah, it's no problem!" Issei replied with an enthusiastic smile. "Once this meeting's over, we can catch up."

Trunks nodded with a small smile but soon noticed how the Gremory nobility was watching him with genuine warmth. The reception took him by surprise, but he sincerely appreciated it. Although, in Xenovia's case, he decided to avoid her gaze. Something about her gave him a sense of danger that he couldn't ignore.

"I'm happy to see you again, Trunks-san," Rias said, walking toward him with her characteristic refined air, moving elegantly.

"The same goes for you, Rias-san. It's a pleasure to see you again," the Saiyan replied respectfully, giving a slight bow. "And I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for what you did for me last time."

Rias smiled softly, her face reflecting sincerity that Trunks couldn't help but notice, and the warm, genuine tone of her voice made him feel more at ease.

"It was my pleasure, Trunks-san. I'm happy I could help you at that time," she responded with a smile that made her usually serious demeanor soften even more.

Before the conversation could continue, a light cough broke the moment. Trunks shifted his gaze toward the source of the sound and found Sirzechs Lucifer alongside... Serafall Leviathan. Trunks couldn't help but glance away from Serafall almost reflexively, trying to stay out of her line of sight at all costs.

"Welcome, Trunks," Sirzechs greeted with his characteristic calm tone, offering a smile that conveyed both courtesy and a hint of camaraderie. "It's an honor to have you here with us."

"Thank you, Sirzechs-sama. It's an honor for me to be here as well," the warrior from the future replied, smiling courteously.

"I'm glad to hear that. Please, choose the seat you prefer," Sirzechs said with a tranquil smile, giving Trunks the freedom to choose his place in the hall.

Trunks nodded and began walking along the edges of the elegant hall, noticing how Hakuryuukō's presence followed closely behind him. He could feel the intense and challenging gaze of the other, who, like him, didn't stop watching him. It was clear that the desire to face him still lingered in Vali. Trunks sensed that Hakuryuukō would look for any excuse to challenge him, since the last time they met, he had promised to kill him in a horrible way. Heh, poor naive kid...

When Trunks reached a distant and relatively quiet corner, he leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. He didn't want to draw attention, especially from Maō Leviathan. He knew he didn't want to repeat what happened in the cafeteria—the embarrassing and confusing scene that had left room for misunderstandings.

Serafall, though trying to keep calm, couldn't avoid growing unease. She watched him out of the corner of her eye, even when he was doing his best to stay out of her view. It was as if the desire to control the situation was stronger than her attempt to relax. Without realizing it, she gripped her scepter tightly under the table, her arm beginning to tremble. Although she wasn't aware of it, her body seemed to be preparing for any threat that might arise.

In fact, she had the urge to strike at the slightest provocation.

This reaction didn't go unnoticed by Gabriel, who immediately sensed the troubled emotions of someone who had proclaimed herself her rival. She couldn't understand why Serafall felt fear in front of such a wonderful being as the young man with blue hair. The purity of his soul, so evident, contrasted with the unease she felt from Maō, leaving her confused.

Once Trunks settled into his seat, Sirzechs, with a small smile, cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

"Perfect, now that we have Brief-dono with us, we can begin the meeting," the Red Satan cleared his throat a bit. "As we all know, the purpose of this meeting is to discuss the current situation and the possibilities for lasting peace between our factions," he said firmly and clearly, addressing everyone present. "We've had our differences in the past, but it's essential to find a path that benefits all."

Everyone paid attention to the Red Satan's words, but the atmosphere seemed tense. Many of those present exchanged glances, acknowledging the old grudges that had been in place for centuries. Azazel quickly noticed this and decided to intervene to try and relax the atmosphere.

"And here I thought this would be a boring meeting," he commented with his usual mocking smile, but, to his surprise, no one laughed, not even a little.

"This isn't the time for jokes," Michael quickly reprimanded the cadre. "What's at stake here is far more important than that."

Once that issue was clarified, Sirzechs proceeded to continue. The other leaders of the three factions were seated at the same table, but old grudges remained unresolved, remnants of the war that had almost triggered an apocalyptic catastrophe.

The leader of the celestial faction took the floor, recounting the events that occurred after God's death. Brief observed the sadness in Asia's eyes. Although she tried to maintain composure, her emotions were evident—a palpable pain that couldn't be ignored. There were no words of comfort, only an uncomfortable silence that overtook the room.

It was then that Azazel took the floor, clarifying that the actions of Raynare and her subordinates had not been orchestrated by him. He explained that he was aware of the hunting of Sacred Gear users and Raynare's ambition to climb the hierarchy. He also mentioned that the survivors responsible for the events related to the Sacred Sword project were being duly prosecuted.

Although his words were a necessary response, Azazel also included some comments that didn't seem to have much to do with the meeting. Perhaps he was doing it to justify his lack of leadership, or maybe he genuinely thought those matters were important. However, the mention of certain additional details only contributed to the feeling that the focus of the meeting was being diluted.

Or maybe not.

"That's why I'd like to hear what these three think, who don't belong to the main factions but whose power could affect the world," Azazel said enigmatically, resting his chin on his hands. "Sekiryuutei, Hakuryuukou, and... Brief. I'd like to know what you think about all of this."

"Hmp," Vali was the first to speak, his tone indifferent. "I don't care what happens, as long as there are strong opponents for me to face," he said with emphasis, looking at the future warrior. "Whether there's peace or war doesn't lose any sleep over me."

"Typical of you," Azazel commented as he turned his gaze to Issei. "And what about you, Sekiryuutei?"

"Eh!" Issei replied, visibly confused. "I couldn't answer such a complicated question right away."

From his seat, Trunks shook his head, exasperated by the ineptitude of his future disciple to respond. However, part of him felt relieved. At least Issei hadn't experienced the barbarity of war and had grown up in peace, something Trunks himself would have wanted in his youth.

"Let's put it this way," Azazel said, impatient to see Issei and Rias' reactions to his bold analogy. "If war breaks out because of us... you wouldn't be able to make love to Rias Gremory."

"EH?!" Rias' reaction was immediate. Her face turned bright red, clearly shocked by the comment. Her entourage was just as stunned, although Akeno slightly smiled, enjoying the spectacle.

Issei stood there, deep in thought, as if a great revelation had suddenly struck him. He couldn't stop imagining the beautiful scenario Azazel had just painted in his mind.

"Think about it—if we declare peace, the only thing you should worry about is spreading the species with your dear lady."

A gleam appeared in Issei's eyes, and his mind flew to the infinite possibilities of being close to Rias Gremory. The idea of being pressed up against her, having her so close... having her soft and huge oppais on his face, licking them, squeezing them, sucking them, and all sorts of dirty thoughts his perverted mind could conceive.

"SPREADING THE SPECIES?!" he exclaimed, completely bewildered.

"That's right, spreading the species."

Trunks looked on in disbelief at Issei's reaction. Although he had heard rumors about the Boosted Gear bearer, known for being an incorrigible pervert, seeing it firsthand was definitely not something he expected. He shook his head, seriously reconsidering the idea of training the brown-haired boy.

If he decided to train him, he knew he would have to be much stricter with him to try to correct his behavior, although he didn't see it being easy. But at least he would try.

"With peace, you could spend quality time with your dear lady," Azazel said playfully, enjoying the expression on Issei's face. "But with war, that would be impossible. As the next leader of her clan, it's her duty to step up to the battlefield to fight for the good of the underworld." Azazel had no qualms about playing with the emotions of others; his ability to manipulate and convince people rivaled that of the god of trickery himself. "And needless to say, you wouldn't be making babies with her anymore."

Issei's incredulous gaze met Rias' furious blush, who clearly hadn't expected the situation to take this turn. The Sekiryuutei was now pondering Azazel's question more attentively, weighing the possible pros and cons. Thanks to this, Hyōdō finally reached a satisfactory conclusion.

"I VOTE FOR PEACE! PEACE IS THE BEST!" He exclaimed enthusiastically, as a strange steam escaped from his nostrils. "WITH PEACE I CAN MAKE LOVE WITH BUCHŌ EVERY DAY!"

Most of those present looked at Issei with faces of disbelief, and Trunks couldn't help but bring a hand to his face, embarrassed by the brown-haired boy's behavior. It was like having a second Master Roshi by his side.

"Eh, Issei-kun, Sirzechs-sama is right in front of us," warned Kiba, realizing the magnitude of the blunder.

Issei froze when he heard Kiba, but Maō Lucifer looked more amused than ever, letting out a few laughs at the ridiculousness of the situation. As for Trunks, a thick drop of sweat slid down the back of his neck, keeping his hand on his face as he tried to forget what had just happened, a shame that was also observed by Rias, who wished the ground would swallow her whole at that moment.

"Would it really be right to train Issei?" Trunks wondered internally, still embarrassed by the spectacle caused by the brown-haired boy. He didn't want to be associated with a pervert just for taking him as a disciple…

"Anyway," Issei exclaimed, raising one of his fists with determination. "I'll only use my powers to protect my friends, only! I swear!"

At this declaration, Rias and the others smiled, which in turn made Trunks smile as well. He began to think that maybe training Issei wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.

"Well, well, interesting response, actually," Azazel commented, his gaze turning to Trunks. "Anyway, I'd like to hear what our unexpected visitor thinks."

"That's true," said the archangel Michael, addressing Trunks. "Trunks-dono comes from a different world than ours. Therefore, those present here are unaware of what customs are practiced in the world you come from, whether the concept of peace or war is similar or different to ours."

Michael already had an idea in mind, but his curiosity led him to want to hear directly from Trunks. The answer he would give would be an important piece in understanding his perspective.

All eyes were on him, which made him gulp, as he wasn't yet accustomed to being the center of attention. But he quickly calmed his thoughts. Meanwhile, Issei couldn't stop looking at Trunks with admiration in his eyes, eager to learn everything he could from him, which only added another layer of complexity to the already heavy atmosphere.

"I understand the importance of this meeting, and although my participation may seem... foreign, I commit to doing everything I can to resolve the differences in the best possible way. My goal is, above all, peace," he said in a serious tone, making it clear that he wouldn't take this lightly.

A silence fell over the room again, each of those present reflecting on the words of the Saiyan, especially the leaders of the factions. What seemed like a simple gesture of respect became a reminder that this young warrior could be an unpredictable force, and his presence could be the key to a more stable future or, perhaps, the trigger for new conflicts.

"There are just a few details I don't fully understand."

Murmurs quickly followed, everyone was expectant of what Trunks was about to ask.

"Please, explain yourself," asked Maō Lucifer, with a look that conveyed confusion.

"Alright," Trunks replied, his gaze becoming sharper. "It seems extremely hypocritical to me that Azazel-dono preaches peace and love as if he's a spiritual guru, as if it were a custom that, by the way, many of his followers do not share." He paused, glancing sideways at the young people nearby. "You must know what I mean, right?"

Azazel watched him in silence, as did the others present. However, Serafall tried to maintain composure, although she couldn't help but feel increasingly suffocated by the situation.

"Pitiful beast, how dare you play the role of the good guy?!"

"It's confusing to me," Trunks continued, challenging Azazel. "You are someone who puts peace above all else, who agrees that everyone should live happily and in harmony. However, what I can't understand is... why did you allow some of your subordinates to undermine the same peace plans that you had been crafting for so long?"

Azazel, without losing his composure, simply smiled faintly, while Trunks looked at him disapprovingly.

"Aniki," Issei interrupted, grateful for the empathy his future sensei was showing.

"Look at these two young people," Trunks exclaimed, pointing to Asia and Issei. "They were killed by a fallen angel who, as I understand it, was very devoted to you and followed your orders to the letter. If it weren't for Rias Gremory's intervention, they would be dead right now."

The fallen angel clicked his tongue, knowing that everything Trunks knew came from the father of everything the father of everything. Damn old degenerate!

"And not only them," Trunks continued, his voice filled with indignation. "Raynare killed many people simply for having something special inside them, something that could change the world for the better. And while I'm aware you didn't order those murders, the question remains the same: What did you do about it? You knew perfectly well that she and three others were killing people in cold blood. Why didn't you lift a finger to stop them?"

Azazel, instead of answering, remained silent, studying Trunks with a cold, calculating look, as if he were searching for a way to counter the strategy that the warrior from the future was deploying.

The other leaders, including Sirzechs, noticed the tension that had built up. Although Sirzechs knew something of Trunks' power, he wasn't prepared for what this young man was capable of showing. And what Trunks had revealed so far was only a fraction of what he could really do.

"Just as I thought, no answer. What a surprise!" Trunks exclaimed, a little impatient with the angel of sacrifices' mysticism. "Well, since you love letting your silence speak for you, I have no choice but to move on to a much more important topic. So important that you will be forced to speak, whether you want to or not," he said, turning his gaze toward the Maōs. "I assure you, sir, that the one who truly owes an explanation here is to the Maōs present. After all, the Kokabiel case was very well known."

"Stop beating around the bush, Kenshi-kun," Azazel grumbled, arms crossed, but this time without his usual arrogant smile. "What do you want to get at?"

"It's very simple, something you probably already know what I'm referring to, Azazel-dono," Trunks replied, grateful to see how the angel began to understand the gravity of the situation. Although he expected the desired effect, he was still eager to hear the 'great' explanation Azazel would have to give. "Why didn't you immediately stop that bastard Kokabiel? If you knew someone was conspiring behind your back to ruin the peace you so cherish, why was your response so mediocre? Why didn't you better coordinate your actions?"

This time, Trunks fixed his penetrating gaze on the Divine Dividing's bearer.

"Your mistakes were so many that you even sent this guy, who clearly did nothing, knowing that these poor kids were at the mercy of that genocidal maniac. And what was Vali's great justification for not intervening? Simply put, it was because he wanted to 'observe.'" The accused smiled cynically. "Was it really necessary to send someone who only cares about fighting? Why didn't you go yourself to fix things?"

"Well, looks like you've got a grudge against me," Vali replied, adopting a somewhat threatening stance, moving closer to the warrior from the future while his power began to manifest dangerously. "If you want, we can settle this right now. I have some unfinished business with you too."

Trunks observed him calmly, analyzing the movements of the Hakuryuukō. Issei watched the scene, feeling a bit sorry for Vali, but only a little, because he knew his friend wouldn't have any problem wiping the floor with him again, just as Ddraig had told him.

Fiz!

In the blink of an eye, Trunks vanished from everyone's sight. Vali wouldn't fall for the same trick twice, so he quickly turned and launched a punch charged with magic and demonic power. However, this time, he was in for a big surprise.

Trunks wasn't behind him.

"What…?"

His eyes opened in surprise, and the other leaders present were also stunned. The blue-haired warrior had appeared in front of the Hakuryuukō, who, upon turning, felt a firm hand on the back of his neck. At the same time, Trunks applied a pressure point. Vali was paralyzed.

He was in disbelief, once again at the mercy of this guy. Albion tried to intervene, but it was useless. The white dragon couldn't do anything to free him. Trunks watched the paralyzed boy with a cold, almost neutral look. He didn't want to go to these extremes, but Vali's eagerness for a fight was too dangerous. Whether he liked it or not, he had to calm him down, even if it had to be by force. This was neither the time nor the place for a fight.

Serafall watched the scene with growing unease. With each move Trunks made, she saw more similarities to the psychopathic monster that caused so much destruction during the Great War. She clearly remembered how helpless she had felt in front of that monster, and now this young man was transmitting a similar feeling. Trunks was like a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment.

She kept her gaze fixed on Vali until, finally, Trunks sighed in defeat. Then, he released his neck, and Vali quickly backed away from him, staring at the warrior from the future with disbelief. He placed a hand on his neck, as if he couldn't process that he had been completely dominated just a few seconds ago. It was too shocking for him.

"How…?"

[Vali, I had already told you. Don't mess with him] Albion's voice resonated in his mind, full of nervousness. [Nothing good will come of facing him.]

"I was just caught by surprise," Vali replied, unwilling to believe how easily Trunks had subdued him. Albion snorted angrily, clearly frustrated by his host's stubbornness. "Were you able to absorb his energy?"

[No, I couldn't] replied the dragon, surprising Vali. [His power is so colossal and dense that I couldn't absorb it.]

"You must be kidding," Vali replied, incredulously. It didn't matter who it was; everyone fell before the supreme ability of the Divine Dividing. This didn't make sense! "Are you saying this guy…?"

[That's right, Vali] the dragon replied, causing his host to be even more distressed. [My abilities don't work on him.]

Vali opened his eyes in shock. In front of him was a unique being, something that he truly should fear. This being was an anomaly in the natural balance of things, someone whose power surpassed everything he knew.

While the white dragon divided, the red one increased, but these abilities paled in comparison to Trunks' power.

"You're not the right opponent for me," he said calmly but seriously. He didn't want to sound arrogant, but he felt he had to make things clear once and for all. "So I would appreciate it if you stopped seeking a fight with me."

"What the hell are you saying?!" Vali asked, visibly irritated, not fully understanding Trunks' words.

"Stop looking for a fight here, this isn't the right time or place for it," Trunks responded seriously, crossing his arms and looking calmly but firmly at Vali. "They're trying to reach a peaceful agreement, don't ruin it."

Vali's anger overflowed, gritting his teeth and locking his defiant gaze onto Trunks'. The tension between them was palpable, and the air in the room grew thicker. Even Issei swallowed nervously, sensing the imminent danger.

"Calm down, Vali, it's not worth it," Azazel intervened, raising a hand to signal to stop the confrontation. He didn't want the meeting to go to waste. "The Hakuryuukou clicked his tongue in annoyance, feeling that Trunks' words were overwhelming him. "Well, since you think you're some kind of benevolent hero, almost brushing up against a Girl Scout complex, and suddenly get excited about learning about the supernatural world..." Azazel paused, clearing his throat. "Let me tell you that I also have a few weak points in your reasoning."

"What are you talking about?" Trunks, now fed up, set aside his mannerisms upon realizing Azazel was attacking him with the same irony he had used earlier.

"Haha, I'm very surprised that someone who prides himself on being so well-informed would ignore a crucial fact," Azazel replied, letting out a somewhat cynical laugh.

Trunks was about to demand an explanation, but before he could say anything, it was Sirzechs who spoke up.

"He's referring to the truce pact we signed at the end of the Great War," Sirzechs explained, addressing the blue-haired youth to clarify his doubts. "After the huge losses we suffered in the conflict, we decided to sign a peace treaty. An agreement not to attack each other among the three factions, in order to recover what we had lost during the war."

Serafall and Gabriel sighed as they remembered the dark times when the war had devastated their worlds. They had thought it was all over until that terrible threat disappeared. Peace seemed like a real possibility, but also a sign that, despite the tragedy, there might be a second chance for the factions. That's why they decided to sign the pact, knowing that the last thing they wanted was to continue the fighting.

"But, should you have waited for all of this to happen to make a decision?" Trunks asked, somewhat confused. "Innocents from all factions were at risk because of Kokabiel's actions. If any of those young people had died, the war would have probably started again, and the results would have been even more disastrous."

"We know, Trunks-dono," Michael replied, with a slight affliction in his tone. "The words you say are correct. The relationship between the three factions, even today, remains unstable."

"And that's why we're here," Gabriel said, flashing a charming smile as she turned back to the young man. "To smooth things over and prevent something like this from happening again."

Azazel looked intently at Trunks, with a serious expression that contrasted with his usual relaxed demeanor. There was something in his gaze that showed he was ready to lay all the cards on the table.

"Alright, we've clarified that, it was all very nice and touching, but now I want to talk about a subject that, undoubtedly, many are interested in. Especially because I see our visitor is quite a curious being," Azazel began, with a tone loaded with sarcasm, but with a hint of seriousness that left no room for doubt. "We're quite alike in this, I think deep down we can get along."

Trunks furrowed his brow, confused, as if he still didn't understand what Azazel was referring to.

"What are you talking about?" Trunks asked, irritated and not hiding his disbelief. The future warrior couldn't understand why Azazel had suddenly changed the tone of the conversation.

"Your arrival here wasn't exactly a peaceful stroll, Trunks," Azazel continued, crossing his arms and grinning arrogantly. "Your actions severely affected many ecosystems. You destroyed entire habitats, and that's not all. In your wake, several species of fauna were annihilated. Entire forests, rivers, and even mountains were altered by the energy of your presence."

Trunks looked at him in disbelief, as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. How could he be saying this? How dare he accuse him of such a disaster? Azazel, the same being who often seemed more interested in making jokes than giving lessons, now looked serious, almost severe.

"You're lying!" Trunks exclaimed, approaching the device threateningly. He couldn't accept this accusation just like that, especially coming from someone like Azazel, who often seemed more interested in making jokes than taking things seriously.

Azazel raised an eyebrow incredulously. With a calmness that contrasted greatly with the intensity of the situation, he pulled a small device from his pocket and activated it. In seconds, a hologram appeared before everyone's eyes. Trunks watched as scenes of what seemed to be the impact of his arrival were projected: enormous devastated areas, fallen trees, polluted rivers, and collapsed mountains.

"Lying?" Azazel let out a low laugh, full of irony. "I gathered all kinds of evidence." The cadre said while pressing a button on the device, and more images began to fill the meeting room. "And look, I know you're going to love this!"

The first image showed a vast stretch of land destroyed, covered in ashes and animal carcasses scattered across the ground. The next scene showed a forest area turned into a sea of flames, with species of flora and fauna extinguished by the fire. The rivers that had once flowed clean were now murky waters, unable to support life. The aftermath was evident.

Trunks, now pale and with his throat tight from the shock, watched the images in disbelief. Although he didn't want to admit it, the evidence Azazel was showing him couldn't be ignored.

"This is just part of it," Azazel continued. "There's more, much more. Let me show you the collateral damage you caused."

"But..." Trunks didn't know what to say. It wasn't easy to face the reality of his own actions. "I... didn't know this would happen. It wasn't my intention..."

Azazel stared at him, showing no sign of compassion, as the images kept passing on the screen.

"Tell that to the affected," Azazel replied indifferently. "Do you think you can repair the damage of your arrival just because you feel guilty and sad?"

Trunks began to hyperventilate, the images of destruction running through his head like a movie he couldn't stop. The destroyed ecosystems, the dead animals, the ravaged landscapes... It was not something he could ignore. He felt powerless in the face of the magnitude of the damage he had caused without intending to. He had never imagined his arrival would provoke such a catastrophic outcome.

Azazel watched Trunks with a mix of disdain and amusement, showing no sign of pity. The others were equally shocked, Issei was in the same situation, but couldn't help but feel a certain disgust toward the Angel of Sacrifices. Even though he could notice the inner struggle of the young warrior, he felt no remorse for exposing him to the cruel reality of what he had caused.

"'Are you going to stay silent now, or are you going to try to justify your actions with pathetic excuses?' Azazel asked challengingly, his eyes fixed on Trunks."

"The future warrior was speechless, staring at the images over and over, as if he wanted to escape them. Suddenly, he quickly turned his gaze to the other leaders, seeking an answer, a way out of the storm that ravaged his mind.

'Tell me one thing...' He swallowed hard, struggling to form the question. 'D-Did I kill... someone?'

Michael sighed slightly, looking at the young man with a somewhat understanding expression.

'The affected areas had little to no population,' the archangel explained calmly, 'but they were certainly rich ecosystems. We've investigated with Azazel to look for fatalities, but so far, there have been no results.'

Trunks' relief was immediate, but a new question arose, clouding his mind even further.

'And why did you hide this from me?' he said anxiously, unable to avoid the feeling that something didn't add up.

Sirzechs, maintaining his calm demeanor, responded serenely.

'Because we know it was an accident, and you weren't in a condition to face all of that at the time.'

Sirzechs, with a serious yet understanding look, took a step forward to address the troubled young man.

'Trunks, I know this is devastating for you, and I understand that you don't get why we hid this information from you,' the Red Satan began with a firm but calm voice. 'But we did it because we knew you weren't ready to confront it. We knew what happened was an accident, and that you had no control over the circumstances.'

Gabrielle, still in shock from the images that had just flashed before her eyes, couldn't help but feel a knot in her stomach. The scenes of massive destruction, the chaos Trunks had left in his wake, made her go silent, unsure of what to say. However, despite all the pain those images caused her, her trust in him didn't waver for a moment. She knew what Trunks represented. Not just for his strength, but for his character.

'It's true, we didn't hide the truth to put you in a more difficult position, but because at that moment we were focused on understanding the magnitude of the recent events,' Michael said in a compassionate tone. 'The affected areas, as Azazel mentioned, had low or no population. But that doesn't mean it wasn't important. The life in those ecosystems was lost, and the aftermath is deep. However, since we didn't find any fatalities, we believed the best course of action was to resolve the sacred sword project and then focus on solving this problem.'

Azazel, not wasting any time, spoke again.

'I suppose we've cleared that up, which brings us to ask: Why are you here, and what is your intention? Are you really the benefactor you love to boast about, or are your intentions something else?'

Almost every teenager in the room looked at Azazel furtively, the atmosphere thick with tension.

'Hey!' Issei said, annoyed by the fallen angel's accusation. 'Are you implying that Aniki came here to finish us all off?'

Azazel sighed heavily.

'In the grand scheme of things, that's a real possibility.'

'ENOUGH!'

Trunks' power erupted violently, and his ki soared with unexpected fury. Nearby glass shelves shattered under the pressure of his energy. Trunks' hair stood slightly, resembling the appearance of that being they'd rather forget, the being they feared. Silence filled the room once more.

'That a-appearance...' Serafall thought, trembling as she saw Trunks' power change suddenly, evoking memories of a monster from the past. Her mind went completely blank. 'It's him, it's him! He's going to kill us! I have to stop him, if not... he'll kill us all!'

Unable to control the fear consuming her, Serafall stood up shakily, her mind pulled back to the massacres committed by that beast. Anxiety began to take over her, and her ability to reason faded slowly.

'Serafall, you need to calm down!' Sirzechs exclaimed, noticing his sister's labored breathing. 'It's not who you think.'

Trunks, confused, looked at Sirzechs, not understanding what he meant. Who was that being they mentioned? What did all this mean?

Fully alert, Trunks watched in surprise as Serafall, standing up from her seat, drew her magic scepter. The tip of the scepter gleamed with immense energy, and Serafall's hands trembled, pointing directly at Trunks. If she fired that energy blast, the consequences would be devastating. The blast could destroy everyone in the room, and the collateral damage would be unpredictable.

"DON'T DO IT, SERAFALL!" Sirzechs yelled, trying to stop her, but his voice came too late.

"GET DOWN, EVERYONE!" Trunks shouted, realizing the gravity of the situation. Serafall's energy was dangerous, and if they didn't act quickly, she could destroy them all.

The tension in the room was palpable. The two groups, terrified by the magnitude of the impending attack, immediately reacted, diving to the floor to protect themselves. Issei tightly held onto Rias and Asia, trying to keep them as far from the impact zone as possible. Saji did the same with Sona and Tsubaki, shielding them with his body to minimize any risk.

"DISAPPEAR, DAMN MONSTER!" Serafall screamed, her voice trembling with panic as she fired the attack without hesitation. Her hand shook, but her determination was clear. She didn't care about the destruction it could cause; she was too terrified of what she saw.

The attack advanced quickly towards Trunks. Azazel jumped to the side, knowing he wouldn't escape unscathed if the attack exploded near him.

"Damn it! " Azazel cursed, watching how the Maou's energy advanced towards Trunks with unstoppable force.

"Sister! " Michael shouted, embracing Gabriel while extending his protective wings to form a shield. The two seraphim covered themselves with all their effort while watching the outcome with concern.

Gabriel, though remaining calm, couldn't help but look at Trunks with worry. She knew he was strong, maybe even more than she could imagine, but still, the result was uncertain for her.

Trunks watched the sphere of power approaching rapidly. Although he knew he could destroy it easily with a burst of ki, he also knew that would cause a massive explosion, erasing much of the area, and deflecting it into the sky could result in widespread destruction of the academy. He had to think quickly, or the consequences would be fatal.

The Gremory and Sitri peerage was completely terrified, feeling the Maō's power at its full expression. No one knew if they would make it out of that situation alive.

"I must suppress it" Trunks extended his hands toward the approaching power sphere.

To everyone's surprise, Trunks caught the sphere without difficulty, halting its advance with both hands. The grimace on his face showed the enormous effort he was exerting to prevent the energy from causing further destruction. As the pressure increased, Trunks made sure no one was harmed.

His ki began to wrap around him, intensifying to an impressive level. Those present were stunned to feel the magnitude of his power. Trunks was struggling to neutralize the attack without causing collateral damage.

Little by little, the sphere began to shrink, its pushing force decreasing as Trunks' ki unraveled the energy, dissipating it until it completely disappeared. When everything happened slowly, the teenagers were starting to get back on their feet.

The room was now silent; everyone was in shock, and the teenagers... what they had witnessed was insanity of another level.

"What the hell were you trying to do?" Trunks asked, a scowl of fury appearing on his face as he looked at how part of the hall had been cracked from the impact of the power he had stopped. 'Is your resentment towards me so strong that you don't care about putting the kids in danger? LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE! WHAT IS YOUR DAMN PROBLEM?!'

His fierce gaze was fixed on Serafall, who, despite the palpable fear she felt, did not take her eyes off the Saiyan. There was something in her expression that exuded hatred, something beyond logic or reason. A rage so deep it didn't even seem of this world.

"And what are you going to do about it, huh?! ARE YOU GOING TO KILL ME?! DO IT!, DO IT! SHOW YOUR TRUE FACE TO EVERYONE!

Trunks was so shocked by Serafall's uncontrolled fury that, as a reflex, he almost released her. His mind couldn't process what he had just heard, but something inside him was beginning to explode. He couldn't understand how someone could reach that level of desperation, how someone could hate him so deeply without knowing the whole truth.

"What the hell are you saying?" His voice trembled with rage, tightening his grip on the collar of the Maō's shirt. "Is it because of the chaos caused by my arrival that you're this hostile to me? I'VE GOT NEWS FOR YOU, YOU SHODDY MAŌ: I WASN'T EVEN AWARE OF WHAT HAPPENED" Trunks felt his fury growing, and his words came out with more intensity, "I ALWAYS GET MYSELF INVOLVED IN THESE DAMN SITUATIONS! AND EVEN THOUGH EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS IS NOT ALWAYS MY FAULT, I ALWAYS TRYING TO FIND A SOLUTION!"

Serafall, completely overwhelmed, was breathing heavily, almost hyperventilating with every word. Her eyes burned with blind fury, consumed by the emotion that dominated her completely.

(Naruto Shippuden OST – Burial)

"Of course, you're always the victim, always the one who suffers, FUCK YOU!" He shouted with all his strength, while his body trembled under the pressure of emotions. "I SHOULD HAVE KILLED YOU WHEN I FOUND YOU WOUNDED AND I WOULDN'T BE IN TROUBLE... "

Serafall's scream echoed in every corner, and the rage emanating from her felt like an electric shock. Trunks was so overcome with rage and confusion that he couldn't process her words. The situation had come to a head, Serafall could no longer speak. Her body trembled as tears fell from her eyes, but not from sadness, but from a pent-up rage that could only be expressed in hurtful words.

"AFTER ALL THE HORRIBLE THINGS YOU DONE, NOW YOU PLAY THE OFFENDED ONE! YOU HAVE NO FUCKING SHAME, YOU FUCKING MURDERER!" Serafall's voice was a whisper cracked with rage, but every word was infused with a fury so intense that Trunks had never seen it before.

The fury that burned in Serafall's chest was palpable, a hatred so searing that it seemed to consume her from the depths of her being. She couldn't stop thinking about what Trunks represented to her. That figure, that being who had brought chaos and destruction into her life, were branded in her thoughts.

Although her mind told her that Trunks was not that creature of the past, that he was not that monstrosity, something inside her refused to let go of the rage accumulated over millennia. All the suffering and pain of having kept it for so long exploded with uncontrolled fury against the young warrior, even though he was not to blame for anything.

"BECAUSE OF YOU...! BECAUSE OF YOU I LOST EVERYTHING... EVERYTHING!" Serafall's voice was breaking, more and more, unable to contain the sadness and rage of millennia ago. "My family, my friends, my master, my comrades... YOU TAKE EVERYTHING FROM ME!" Tears streamed down her face, but her fury did not diminish. "You are an animal, a sadistic and bloodthirsty beast, you had no mercy on anyone, not even old people, children or babies... I HOPE YOU DIE! I HOPE YOU DIE IN A HORRIBLE WAY AND THAT YOUR REMAINS BE DEVOURED BY RATS AND THAT YOUR SOUL SUFFERS FOR THE REMAINDER OF ETERNITY!"

Trunks froze, speechless, He did not expect such a thing from her. Time seemed to stand still as the Maō's words echoed in his mind, hitting him hard as if they were sharp stones. The only thing he could feel after those unfounded accusations was rage, absolute rage, yet the shock was tremendous.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!"

"That's enough, Serafall!" Sirzechs quickly intervened, stopping Trunks' momentum. Unconsciously, his ki had increased so much that the pressure he was exerting on the environment was beginning to endanger everyone present.

"Your reckless actions could spark a new war!" Sirzechs shouted, his tone grave and full of concern. "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!"

"ARE YOU FUCKING WITH ME?!" Serafall responded angrily, in a bold move she held Sirzechs' shoulders. "Did I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO SEES IT?! AT WHAT FUCKING POINT DID THEY THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO BRING THIS ABOMINATION HERE?!"

Sirzechs was starting to get irritated, his patience was on the verge of collapse.

"Think about it Sirzechs, we are all leaders, he kills us all and our worlds would be at his mercy, and yet knowing that, WHY DO YOU INTERVENE?!"

"WHY AM I INTERVENING?!" Already visibly upset, Sirzechs quickly grabbed Serafall by the neck and slammed her against the wall. "BECAUSE YOU ALMOST KILLED MY SISTER, YOU FUCKING LUNATIC!"

Sirzechs took a deep breath, released Serafall and massaged his temples, seeking to calm his fury and gather his thoughts.

"You should thank this... abomination, for acting in time. If he hadn't, my sister and all the guys around her would have died irretrievably, including Sona-san" Sirzechs' gaze hardened even more, and his tone became even more implacable. "If that had happened, I would have killed you on the spot, not caring in the least about making an enemy of the Sitri, not caring in the least if your clan decided to retaliate. I would not hesitate to take this to the ultimate consequences, I would not hesitate to take this to the ultimate consequences, I would not hesitate to wipe them out... "

His brother's cold words fell like a bucket of ice water on Rias Gremory. Although her brother could be annoying at times, she had always held him in high esteem. She had never seen that side of him, and it terrified her. She never thought Sirzechs would be able to go that far.

"Please, calm down, onii-sama!" Rias exclaimed, quickly approaching Sirzechs. Her tone was full of pleading, fear palpable in her voice, but her determination to stop the spiral of violence her brother could unleash was firm. "I understand you're angry, but this won't solve anything. You're not like this!"

Trunks, visibly calmer, approached Sirzechs, tapping him on the back in a compassionate manner, trying to get his attention.

"Your sister is right, Sirzechs-sama. You are a wise leader with good judgment. Don't let anger cloud your mind,' Trunks intervened with a calm and understanding tone, while placing a hand on Sirzechs' back in an attempt to convey his support. "Believe me, I know what it feels like to lose a loved one, and I understand your feelings. But as you said, fortunately, it didn't escalate. She is safe. There's no need to make impulsive decisions."

Sirzechs remained silent, his hand still on his temple, as the words of his sister and Trunks echoed in his mind. The fury that had driven him to act so drastically began to dissipate slowly. His breathing was still heavy, and his gaze, though less fierce, still reflected the intensity of the internal conflict. The sincere words of Rias and Trunks had managed to calm the storm he had unleashed.

'You know... A very wise goddess once told me that I don't have to tolerate insults or misdeeds from others. That it's not fair for me to pay for the traumas of others.' Trunks began, walking towards Serafall. His gaze was calm, devoid of fury or any other negative feelings… only indifference. "When that happened, I wondered what I did for you to hate me this much. And from what I've heard now, I'm starting to better understand the situation... "

Trunks sighed a little, recalling the incident in the cafeteria, and continued.

"You say that I'm the villain, the abominable monster who committed the worst imaginable crimes... Isn't that right?" Trunks spoke with a firm voice, his gaze sharp as a dagger. Then, he extended his arm and pointed around. "Well, take a good look at what you've done"

The chaos was evident. Cracks covered the walls, the floor was shattered, and several of those present had been turned to stone. The air still vibrated with Serafall's destructive energy.

"Look carefully at this disaster" Trunks continued, his voice heavy with harshness. "Now tell me... who is the real monster here?"

The words froze almost everyone present. Even Sona felt a sharp pain in her chest upon hearing Trunks' biting accusation towards her sister.

"You're a danger to those around you, you're unstable, and I hope that, when this meeting ends, Sirzechs-sama and the rest of the Maōs will take action and give you all the help you need"

Sirzechs, still struggling to regain his composure, looked at Trunks, feeling the pressure of his gaze. Although his own feelings were complex and hard to handle, Trunks' coldness and clarity couldn't be ignored. His accusation towards Serafall was painful, but Sirzechs couldn't say that it wasn't somewhat true. The Maou had reached a point where her emotional imbalance was a real danger to everyone around her.

"Don't worry, that will be done, Trunks-dono, " Sirzechs said with a grave tone after a long silence. Sirzechs directed his gaze to Serafall, who unconsciously swallowed. "You were about to create a catastrophe, not only did you almost kill my sister, but yours as well. We will definitely take care of this issue once this is over"

However, suddenly, several people in the room turned into stone statues, frozen in their positions, as if a spell had trapped them at that very instant.

Those who didn't appear to be affected were the leaders of the factions: Gabriel, the two celestial dragons, Rias, Asia, and Trunks. They all looked at each other with concern, realizing that something unusual was happening.

"Although I guess this is going to take a while... "

End of chapter.