Welcome to the next chapter of The Twin Dragons, but before starting. Let us answer some reviews:
altajir95: Thanks. Yes, this was more of a relaxing chapter for them, and a means for Xenovia and Mariah to become acclimated into the school. And Kazuki sure is doing a good thing for them in restoring it for both Asia and Mariah.
Darth Simp: That's going to be a hilarious reveal for him, seeing as Issei has had multiple chances at that and was either interrupted or didn't go along with it. It's going to be a pleasant thing for Koneko since it'd mean Kazuki will become her brother-in-law. Yes, that was a hilarious scene and it would be a good idea to have Rossweisse do that. I think it would be funnier if she also ended up walking inside of his room at the same time as Kazuki changes clothes, and sees him shirtless, then passes out. I believe the dynamic the two of them have with their dragon partners.
Guest: I had a similar thought since it'd be a shame for them to see a Church rundown like that. And I'd expect that to be her reaction to the idea of seeing Griselda regularly like that. Believe me, I am also looking forward to when all of them dress up as maids.
MCRasengan: Thanks. I'll make sure that it's enjoyable.
Summer Swimsuits Trouble!
[That's amazing!]
Kazuki couldn't help laughing lightly after hearing the energetic tone from Ravel, who could be seen as a 3D projection generated from a magic circle in front of him. He was making renovations to the Church behind him, but of course, he wasn't doing it alone.
"Alright, Asia-chan, I think that this should be the right shade of paint."
"Yes yes, this looks like the correct shade. I'm happy that we were able to do something like this."
Both Mariah and Asia were going through the paint the group gathered for the finishing touches when it came to that. The blondes looked to be having the time of their life in working together to restore the Church as all four of them went through what was and wasn't ruined. Of course, since the two weren't allowed to enter another Church, this abandoned one would end up being a haven for them.
Although, there was one person who still couldn't believe what she was doing.
"I wonder what Azazel-sama would think if he saw me doing this?"
Raynare asked herself as she returned, having gone deeper into the forest to collect whatever wood that the four of them would need.
It was still odd for a fallen angel, who was banished from Heaven to assist in renovating an abandoned Church, and thought that Azazel would laugh if he heard about this. But, she still thought that it was a good moment for her to bond with the friends she made. Again, it was ironic considering that all three were believers. But, here she was dressed in comfortable enough attire and helping them.
And the reason that Kazuki wasn't working at the moment was due to the girls telling him to take a break, due to him doing most of the work. It was around that time that Kazuki realized he hadn't talked to Ravel in quite some time and decided to call her.
[Kazu-sama, I think that it was amazing that you were capable of fighting against one of the Cadres from Grigori. I was wondering the reason that I hadn't heard from you in a while.] A somewhat sad tone could be heard from the young girl's voice, but she recovered and looked a bit flustered. [N-Not that I cared at all! I mean, you should find it a privilege to talk to the Phenex Clan's daughter.]
"And there's her cute tsundere mode," Kazuki found himself internally laughing hearing that comment from Ravel, and simply smiled. "I do think that it was a privilege that I was able to talk to you like this, Ravel-san."
[I-Is that so?] A happier tone could be heard from Ravel before she recovered. [Well, I'm aware that Kazu-sama, couldn't contact me since he was dealing with the situation regarding the missing Excaliburs. But, I was surprised to hear that all this happened in a short period! Most of all, I'm surprised to hear that Kazu-sama was able to achieve Balance Breaker despite having his Divine Dividing for almost over a month! And you could even beat Kokabiel into submission! Ahhh, all this sounds so amazing!]
"Yea, I still can't believe that I was able to achieve Balance Breaker like that."
[I wouldn't be surprised if you're one of the youngest Hakuryuukou to achieve Balance Breaker. Kazu-sama, I'm not doing anything particular since Riser-oniisama hasn't recovered since the last Rating Game. So, if possible, I was wondering if I could come back there. And if I could see your Balance Breaker and….]
Kazuki could see that Ravel was more and more interested in spending time with and getting to know him.
"I don't have any problem with that, Ravel-san," Kazuki replied much to her happiness, then an idea entered his head too. "I know the perfect time that you can come here. Our school is holding a Classroom Visit soon, where parents and middle school students could see our high school division. I don't think there would be a problem with you coming here with your parent to look around the school. Who knows, maybe you'd even be interested in becoming a student here."
[Yes!] Ravel replied without hesitation and realized that she sounded too energetic and recovered. [I mean, that'd be wonderful. I'm interested in attending school in the Human World after seeing Rias-sama and Sona-sama do the same thing. Plus, that would give me a lot more time to get to know a certain someone.]
Kazuki couldn't hear that last part as Ravel, but Ravel looked to be poking her fingers together shyly.
"That's cool. I'll tell Sona-senpai ahead of time."
[Thank you, Kazu-sama. I'll inform my mother about this, and see if she'll be able to accompany me there. I'm so excited for this Kazu-sama.]
Kazuki smiled after seeing the blatant excited look that could be seen on Ravel's face at the prospect of being a potential student at Kuoh Academy. Even the normal tsundere act that he would see from her from time to time was pushed aside, because of it.
"Well, there's still something that I need to do. And I wouldn't feel right if I left it to the others."
[Okay, Kazu-sama. We'll have more of a chance to talk when I see you again.]
Ravel replied without sounding mad or sad about him wanting to stop talking for the moment and considering it was her who called him when he was doing something too.
"Then, I'll see you soon, Ravel-san," Giving their final farewell, Kazuki and Ravel ceased communication. Seeing as he was finished talking to Ravel and taking a break, he stood up to his feet and stretched out his arms. "Good, now let's get back to work."
Standing to his feet, Kazuki started joining in on the renovation of the Church, which was going much better than he intended. And working with Asia, Raynare, and Mariah was a fun thing to do. It made Kazuki think about all the things that he could do with them all soon.
"By the way, Kazuki-kun."
Raynare called him out as she finished removing the final tree she cut down from dimensional storage, a thing he didn't think she could do. But, Kazuki walked forward and started working on preparing the wood for what he'd needed for making certain repairs.
"Hmm?"
"I think that it's kinda lame that our meeting place is the same as Rias' and the others at their club," Raynare said thinking back to all the times that their group met with theirs despite it not being their club. "I mean, it's meant to be their club, where they can meet and talk about things outside of normal school-related things."
"Is this just because you and Rias-san don't like each other?"
"That's beside the point."
Raynare replied to Mariah, who stopped doing what she was doing after hearing Raynare talking about the Occult Research Club.
"I can see what Raynare-san is talking about. I mean, we go to the Occult Research Club all the time to talk and discuss supernatural things. But, we're not members of the club, and it kinda feels as if we're just there from time to time," Kazuki stated understanding where Raynare was coming from to some degree, at least not in regards to what grudge she and Rias has. "But, the main solution to that issue would be to…."
"Form a club."
Raynare finished before Kazuki could, which was something that piqued the interest of Asia and Mariah.
"Forming our club, huh?"
"That sounds fun!"
Both Mariah and Asia sounded interested in the idea of making their club, with the latter sounding more into the idea of forming their club. It wasn't surprising as Asia would find anything new, which she could do with all of them and have fun.
"It sounds interesting forming a club. But, I would have to talk about it with Sona-senpai first, since she would let us form a new club if it benefits the school. I've seen a lot of students' ideas get rejected from time to time since it didn't have any benefits to Kuoh Academy."
"Well, I'm sure that Sona-san would make an exception if it was her favorite kouhai."
Raynare started thinking back to all the times that Sona acted differently around Kazuki compared to others.
"I doubt that. Sona-senpai takes her job as Student Council President seriously and won't even let her older sister intervene in anything regarding the school."
"Ah, I tend to forget that the serious younger sister has a childish older sister," Raynare replied, almost forgetting that Sona was related to one of the strongest female devils in the Underworld. And started becoming a little more anxious about that thought. "It's kinda frightening thinking that her sister has the power to erase this entire nation a hundred times over depending on her mood."
"Is it me? Or do you sound scared of her?"
Mariah asked.
"Well, I'm a fallen angel in the same school as her sister. I think that based on the description that Azazel-sama has given about Serafall-sama, being overprotective and that I should be careful. I mean, Sirzechs-sama isn't the kind of person who would target someone, because his sister doesn't get along with them. But, in regards when dealing with Serafall-sama, I might be killed from doing something as simple as disagreeing with her sister."
All of them could see that Raynare was caught in a panic at the thought of dealing with Serafall of all people, and it was something Kazuki nor Mariah could disagree with.
"You don't need to be so scared about it. I'll talk to Sona-senpai about us creating our club, and see how it'll turn out. I might have an idea of what club might end up giving her enough interest in accepting it, which would be beneficial to us and the school."
Kazuki had replied, thinking back to their previous conversation about making their club similar to that of the Occult Research Club. And there was one club that he couldn't recall ever being in Kuoh Academy and thought would be a good addition to the school life.
Agreeing with him, the group continued with the abandoned Church's renovations for a little bit more time and ate out before returning home.
"This is something quite serious."
Sona spoke sitting behind her desk, having received word about what happened from Rias moments after things concluded.
Inside the Student Council Room, the other members were doing their usual business, while their King/President and Queen/Vice President were thinking about what Rias told them. It concerned the new regular customer that Issei had been seeing for some time. Of course, this wasn't something that Sona and her peerage would need to concern themselves with.
However, in this situation, the customer wasn't someone who was allowed inside Kuoh Town due to the current situation regarding the factions. More so, considering the situation that their entire group faced following the time Kokabiel tried restarting the Great War.
"Our group finished dealing with Kokabiel. And dealing with him alone almost cost our lives, and the lives of all of Kuoh Town's residents."
Tsubaki started thinking about how much their group struggled in fighting against Kokabiel alone.
"You're right. If it wasn't for Kazuki-kun awakening Divine Dividing's Balance Breaker during that battle, then the situation would've turned out for the worse," Sona spoke, causing an irritated look to appear on Saji's face once Kazuki was mentioned like that. "Or, even if he didn't the Wendish Dragon likely would've handled it in the end in the end. Either way, I doubt this will end up being the same situation as with Kokabiel."
As both the King and Queen were thinking about the situation that occurred last night, there was a sudden knock on the door. Considering that it was still school time, Sona and the others stopped whatever supernatural they've been doing. Seeing that there wasn't anything suspicious, the President turned her attention to the person much closer to the door, and it was Reya.
"…."
Nodding her head, Reya walked to the door and opened it up to see the person there.
"Oh, Kazuki-kun."
Reya called up surprised but seemed to send a smile in his direction.
"Hey, Reya-san."
Kazuki stood there waving his hand as Reya allowed him to enter the Student Council Room as all the members looked surprised to see him there. Despite that, all he received was pleasant looks and greetings. At least some of them, Saji wasn't giving Kazuki less than an irritated look as he entered the Student Council Room. Seeing his entrance into the room caused a light smile to appear on Sona's face.
"Hello, Kazuki-kun. Is there something that I could do for you?"
Sona asked with a more generous tone, something most of the members of her peerage didn't hear quite often.
"Well, there are three things that I didn't get the chance to talk about yesterday for reasons," Kazuki said surprising Sona as she wondered what it was about, then started approaching her desk. "It's not private and it would be something quick to discuss. It might involve whatever you were talking about."
"I see. Well, then pull up a seat and we'll talk."
Sona suggested as she directed her hand to a nearby chair that wasn't being used.
He pulled up said chair, then positioned it right in front of Sona's desk as Tsubaki remained standing beside her Queen. Under normal circumstances, Tsubaki would move, but hearing that it wasn't private at all, she stood beside Sona, more out from being curious.
"Well, I'm sure the first thing that would be on your mind would be the fact that Azazel entered Kuoh Town as one of Nii-san's clients."
Kazuki brought up as Sona nodded her head.
"Yes, it was surprising to hear that the Grigori's Governor-General entered Kuoh to converse with one of our servants. Even going as far as to pretend to be one of your brother's newest clients to get closer to him. So, was it Hyoudou-kun or Raynare-san who mentioned it?"
"Technically, both. Nii-san mentioned it as soon as it happened, and Raynare-san mentioned it afterward," there was a recollection about the first time that he and Azazel met for the first time. "Well, it wouldn't be the first time that he did something like this. I mean, he did some here as soon as he was sure that Divine Dividing was housed in me and even approached me. So, as long as it's an interesting Sacred Gear involved, he'll do whatever it takes to see the owner for himself."
"That certainly matches everything that we know about him. But, his timing couldn't be the worse considering that it was after one of his own tried restarting the Great War. There's also the situation with the other fallen angels, as well as implanting one into our school. Ugh, I can tell that it might be troublesome dealing with him."
Sona placed a hand on her forehead, sighing at all the things that Azazel has done without considering what it'd lead to in the future. For someone like Sona, who loves doing things in an orderly and calm manner, all this sounds like one big mess for her.
"Well, Azazel is nothing like Kokabiel and doesn't want a war. Raynare-san even mentioned that Azazel wanted to discuss something. So, that's a plus," Kazuki tried giving Sona some peace of mind about the situation. "Besides, it could be a good time to have one considering that one of his leaders caused that situation. Depending on what happens, it might be possible to relieve some of the tension between the Three Factions."
"That's a good and rational point. But, it all depends on what Azazel does in this situation," Sona said placing one of her hands on the table, while the other rested underneath her chin. "So, that concludes the first thing that you wanted to talk about. Now, what's the second thing?"
"Well, I talked to Ravel-san the other day."
"Huh? Riser's younger sister?"
Sona was visibly surprised that Ravel was brought up in this conversation.
Of course, Sona was well aware that she and Kazuki had been talking since the engagement between Riser and Rias was called off. But, she couldn't think for an immediate reason that Ravel would be brought up at this point in combat. However, it didn't stop her from thinking as Kazuki continued with his point.
"Our Classroom Visits are coming up, right?"
"That is true. But, what would that…," Sona replied before realizing his meaning and where Kazuki was going in regards to this conversation. "I see. Ravel-san is interested in becoming a student here, correct?"
Sona realized the reason that Kazuki was bringing this up as soon as he mentioned the Classroom Visits, which is a perfect situation for someone to look at the school.
"That's right. She was interested in seeing what my Balance Breaker looked like and about getting more chances to experience the Human World. So, I suggested that she enroll in Kuoh Academy. But, before that, I wanted to give you a heads up and see if it'd be alright."
"There's no issue with that. I do believe that all people should have the chance to experience school life. If Ravel-san wants to come and experience that life, then as the Student Council President, I'll do my best for her."
Kazuki could see that Sona did love being the student council president, and giving the students the best kinds of the school experience. And if it meant that she could give someone else the same kind of school life that herself and Rias have, she'd do it. Sona's entire reason for being here was to give people equal experience, which was the dream she even told to Kazuki before.
"Thanks for that. I'll be sure to tell Ravel that she had the go-ahead to come here during the classroom visits."
"Yes. Well, that's the second thing that you wanted to talk about. So, what's the third?"
"I was interested in starting a club."
At that response, there was silence in the Student Council room as all Sona's peerage members all turned their attention toward the cause.
"D-Did Kazuki-kun just…?"
"Well, this is going to be something."
"I wonder what he's going to say."
Not one person from Sona's peerage members showed much of a positive or hopeful reaction after hearing that comment from Kazuki. Even Saji couldn't give a single hint of a reaction having heard that from Sona.
"I wonder what idea Kazuki-kun is going to come up with."
Tsubaki thought as she stood beside Sona.
Their King and Student Council President didn't give a single visible reaction from hearing the third thing that he'd wanted to talk to her about. Hearing that, Sona leaned forward as she linked her hands together and she looked at Kazuki with a more serious look.
"So, you want to start your club, Kazuki-kun?"
Sona's tone was much more serious matching the expression she was making in this instance.
Kazuki realized that this would be the kind of reaction that Sona would make considering that multiple people are attempting to make their clubs. So, it was her obligation to ensure that the right clubs would be allowed into the school for the students.
"I hope that you thought about the kind of club that you're attempting to make, Kazuki-kun. Because, even if it is you, I won't accept anything that won't benefit the students and school to some degree."
"Of course, I did. I wouldn't come to the Student Council President without giving the idea some thought. And I do think that it'll be beneficial to my group and the school itself."
"Then, I'll be happy to hear what this club idea is."
Sona returned to her usual demeanor, but she wasn't going to pull any punches when it comes to denying this idea if it wasn't something she'd agree to.
"Well, the idea that I came up with is," Kazuki seemed to almost pause for dramatic effect. But, it seemed to work as the King and Queen, as well as the other peerage members leaned in to listen to it. "The Newspaper Club."
"…."
[….]
At that idea, not a single person in the room could utter a single word.
"I see. So, a Newspaper Club."
Sona said thinking over the idea, but the general idea itself was something that she couldn't disagree with.
"That is a good idea for a club even without hearing anything else about the other details."
Tsubaki shared the same opinion on the matter as her King did.
"How come no one else thought about that idea?"
Reya found herself asking out loud.
"Don't know, probably since no one wanted to deal with the hassle of it."
Tsubasa replied.
"Well, I think that it would be interested seeing a Newspaper Club formed."
Momo added.
"I can see that a lot of your peerage members are into the idea. And all of them are right," Kazuki said agreeing with their comments as he continued. "There hasn't been a Newspaper Club formed in the school as much as I'm aware of. It would also be good for informing all the students of the school events and making them aware of the other activities around school too. I thought that it could assist in informing all the students about what's going on around school easier. There could also be a column that could give anonymous advice based around what all the students are going through in school or normal life."
"That sounds like an ingenious idea, Kazuki-kun. I'm sure that you worked out the other details too."
Sona, this time sounded much happier and was looking forward to seeing what kind of club this would turn out to be under Kazuki. It was almost surprising to her entire peerage about the complete 180 that their King had taken in a single conversation. Most realized that it wasn't just the fact that she was talking to Kazuki, but it was more, because of what he'd planned out for the students here.
"Well, I have an idea about the location where the Newspaper Club would be placed. I asked Rias-senpai ahead of time, and there's one room in the Old School Building big enough for the club and all the things that we'll need to make the school papers. I'm sure that you're aware of this, but despite being the Old School Building, there is an internet connection there much like the New School Building."
Kazuki explained to Sona all the things that he thought of for the Newspaper Club, and it was something that she listened to without losing focus. Throughout their conversation, she nodded her head multiple times seems to already agree in accepting his proposal.
"This is an excellent idea, Kazuki-kun," Sona said smiling at the idea. "Are you planning on implementing it now? Or at some other point?"
"I plan on starting the club once summer break ends, which isn't that far. I kinda wanted to finish things inside of the Kendo Club before starting a new club."
"It did sound as if you're planning on leaving the Kendo Club, Kazuki-kun. I'm aware that it's also for the same as us and Rias-san being a part of our clubs. But, is there any other reason for it?"
Tsubaki asked turning her attention to Kazuki.
"Well, it'd be kinda cheating if I remained in the kendo club at this point. I mean, I entered because I had wanted to learn more about swordplay. But, at this point, from the real-life experience and training, if I remained then the people there won't have their moment. Besides, me leaving might be for their benefit."
Sona and Tsubaki could understand his reasoning, because at this point, if Kazuki wanted to, then he could even dominate all Kendo Tournaments without much effort. He was trained for real combat and was strong enough to be considered superhuman for normal humans.
"I see. Well, I hope to see what this club would end up being in the end. I'll accept the Newspaper Club as one of our official clubs, and handle the paperwork from our end."
Sona smiled at Kazuki, showing the kind of warmness none of her peerage members would often witness.
"Thanks, Sona-senpai. I'll ensure that it won't disappoint you and your expectations."
"I know that. You've never been disappointed by expectations thus far."
Sona honestly stated much to Kazuki's and the others' surprise.
"Thanks," Kazuki replied smiling before standing up. "Well, I can tell that I had interrupted you all, while you were working on the business as the Student Council. So, I'll go and inform the others about this. So, I'll be seeing you all later."
Having finished his greeting, which Sona and the others (aside from Saji) returned as Kazuki exited from outside of the Student Council Room.
"Kazuki-kun came up with an amazing idea for a club."
"Yes, it'll not only be beneficial for his group, but also the entire school. And that's something that I can't help, but admire about him."
Tsubaki could see that more and more around Kazuki, Sona was revealing more genuine outside emotions such as happiness; something most wouldn't see expressed on her face sometimes. Seeing their King expression all these kinds of emotions out in the open like this was refreshing for them all. But, the same thing couldn't be said about Saji as he narrowed his eyes as multiple complex feelings about it welled up within him.
Having left, Kazuki informed Asia, Raynare, and Mariah about the situation regarding the Newspaper Club idea, the three of them being excited at the idea. It was soon after that he found out that Sirzechs and Grayfia arrived at the Occult Research Club. There would also be a meeting between the Three Factions would be held inside of the school too. Raynare herself was well aware of that to some degree.
Hearing that surprise, Kazuki, Asia, and Mariah were surprised to hear that the angel leaders would be coming to this meeting too. It meant that the three would be meeting those who have been leading Heaven since God's death during the Great War. Having the knowledge that the angels would in arriving in Kuoh Town caused all the believers' hearts to soar, but there were also some complex feelings behind them.
Near the end of school, it was revealed that Sirzechs and Grayfia would be spending the night at the Hyoudou Residence due to Issei's sudden suggestion. Of course, Rias ended up being embarrassed as Sirzechs talked to Issei's and Kazuki's parents about her. Seeing that occur right in front of him caused Kazuki to realize Raynare would have a field day seeing Rias' expression.
"No, no way…. I can't sleep together with Ise?"
Rias was stunned as she stood there dressed in her pajamas.
Once it was bedtime, Rias found herself standing in front of Sirzechs, who was dressed in normal sleepwear with a casual look on his face. Kazuki, Asia, and Grayfia found themselves standing on the sidelines watching as it all played out before them. As per Rias' routine, the crimson-haired was prepared to sleep with Issei, still surprised as she had her room and Asia with sharing one with Kazuki.
But, before she could enter the room, Sirzechs blocked kept Rias from entering Issei's bedroom.
"I wanted to borrow Issei-kun for the night, Rias. There is something that I wanted to talk to him about concerning the current events. So, please, Rias, it'll be for one night."
Sirzechs pleaded to place his hands together while smiling at his sister.
Different from her usual calm and serious demeanor, Rias was pouting almost like a princess, who was just told she couldn't have something. It was something new for Issei, Kazuki, and Asia, but based on the expression from Sirzechs and Grayfia, looked as if the two have dealt with this before. Issei himself started noticing that Rias has been clinging onto him more, even Akeno mentioned it once.
Even the students, like Motohama and Matsuda, started noticing the differences compared to before. Rias stood in the same position pouting at Sirzechs, who looked as casual as before. Both siblings stood there maintaining their expressions without moving from their position. As if relenting, at last, Rias was the first person to falter as a sad sigh escaped from her mouth.
"Ise…."
Rias uttered as she turned her attention over towards Issei, who seemed surprised about her reaction.
Without much hesitance, Rias wrapped her arms around Issei, pulling him into a hug, surprising and causing him to blush at the contact.
"Can you sleep alone tonight," Rias said as if she was ensuring that he'd be fine, but she was the person looking as if she'd be the one who couldn't sleep without him. "Are you alright with not being beside me? I'm alright, but you being beside me…."
It was endearing seeing Rias reacting like a normal girl at this moment, despite being an heiress.
"Ojou-sama, now let's return to our room for tonight," Grayfia interjected as a dutiful maid, placing her hand on Rias' shoulder. "Due to the situation, I'll be in your room as well. Well then, Sirzechs-sama goodnight."
Bowing her head, Grayfia started dragging Rias in the direction of her room, which she could be sharing with her for the night. As she was leaving, the crimson-haired heiress still looked at Issei with sadness clearly in her eyes as she was forced to her bedroom.
"Uh, Kazuki-san."
Asia said holding onto his arm while staring straight at him looking tired herself.
"Alright, we'll be going to bed, Asia-chan."
Kazuki replied placing a comforting hand on the blonde-haired girl's head, as she yawned and nodded her head.
"Before that, Kazuki-kun there's also something that I'd like to talk to you about too."
"Hmm, well, I don't mind. I mean, I could guess what this concerns," Kazuki agreed, not seeing a reason to deny the Maou, Lucifer's request. But, he turned his attention over to Asia, who looked sad at the thought of not being in the same bed as Kazuki. "Come on. Please, don't look like that, Asia-chan. I won't be that long talking to Sirzechs-sama. So, don't be afraid to fall asleep if you're tired."
"Okay."
Asia nodded her head, agreeing with Kazuki as she turned around and started heading inside their shared room.
"My, it seems as if Kazuki-kun was able to convince Asia-san well enough. Well, I suppose that Issei-kun couldn't deal with Ria-tan considering our father and I spoiled her a lot."
Sirzechs seemed impressed about how Kazuki handled that situation with Asia.
"Ugh, you might be ahead of me in handling women. But, I won't surrender the title of Harem King to you."
"I don't want it. If I find another girl who likes me, then it wouldn't mind having one though."
Kazuki replied scratching his head, as he seemed more into the idea of having a harem, but didn't come out and speak about it out loud.
"Well, just you wait. I'll be the first person between us who loses their v-card first."
Issei said turning around, raising his fist into the air determined as he started heading inside his bedroom.
"…right, the first."
Kazuki spoke in a low enough tone that Issei wouldn't hear him.
But, Sirzechs seemed to have noticed Kazuki's reaction to hearing that comment and turned a calculating look in his direction curiously.
"Hmm, Kazuki-kun have you…?"
Panicked, Kazuki turned his attention to Issei, who didn't appear to register their conversation, then turned back to Sirzechs. At that moment, he began waving his hands back and forth in front of him repeatedly as if to stop the Maou from speaking further. Kazuki didn't want to handle the hassle of his older brother of all people figuring out that he's not a virgin anymore.
Realizing his intentions, Sirzechs smiled and nodded his head, while giving Kazuki a thumbs up. Seeing that the room's owner entered the room, Sirzechs started following behind Issei, while the younger brother sighed out of relief.
"Well, that crisis was averted."
Kazuki thought as he entered the room too.
Despite being a Maou, Sirzechs found himself taking a seat on the futon prepared for guests without getting in it. Befitting one, he released a calm aura, while sitting down there in an elegant posture, while staring straight at the twins sitting on the bed. In contrast to the considerable power that Sirzechs contained inside him, it was a great surprise seeing him this casual.
"I heard you met Azazel," Sirzechs started as he pointed his finger at Issei, who still looked surprised. "And I am also well aware that Kazuki-kun has met Azazel before too. Despite what people might think about him, he's not the kind of person who's cause harm to others without a purpose."
"…Yes. But, he did look interested in my Boosted Gear. And I guess the same thing could be said about Kazuki's Divine Dividing. Azazel even mentioned something about wanting to see us again some next time."
"I see. Azazel has a strong interest in all Sacred Gears, the current thirteen Longinus are no exception to that. As a matter of fact, similar to you two, there are Longinus users and the potential one who have all been gathered alongside him in this era."
"…For what purpose?"
"When it comes to Azazel, you could only guess what's going on through his mind. But, Azazel has gathered the kind of powers able to affect Heaven, Underworld, and the Human World. If he had the intention of using all that power to cause something like Kokabiel, then it would've been worse. However, he doesn't like warlike Kokabiel does. It was because of that, that Grigori were the first ones to withdraw from the Great War in the past. There is also the fact that both the Heavenly Dragons of this era are housed inside of twin brothers. It wasn't odd for them to end up being born in the same region. But, inside the same woman's twins is quite peculiar."
Sirzechs' response caused them to realize that it was still odd that the two of them were the current users of both Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing.
"Well, I met Azazel before and it looks as if he's simply curious about the Sacred Gears as a whole. And because of God's death, I can see that things aren't operating to the same extent as when he was alive. Kokabiel himself mentioned that things related to Heaven aren't the same."
Kazuki surmised as Sirzechs nodded his head in agreement.
"Yes, but still we can't be too careful since Azazel has gathered powers able to bring down God," Sirzechs stated turning his attention over to Issei, who still looked worried. "Don't look so worried Issei-kun, I can guarantee you'll be safe under our care. Having the Sekiryuutei on our side hasn't happened before and there's also the fact that Rias tears you with more care than others. I've never seen Rias have so much fun, even in the Underworld. I am sure she must be having fun every day. I feel that it is thanks to you."
The more that Issei and Kazuki spoke with Sirzechs, the more that the two kept finding the Maou more and more endearing. If it wasn't shown more in the situation with Riser, he cared about Rias and his relatives compared to most of the pure-bloods who valued tradition.
"Issei Hyoudou-kun. Please, take care of my sister, of Rias, from now on too."
"Yes," Issei agreed without hesitation. "It's a given that I protect Buchou, no Rias Gremory-sama as her Pawn. I decided after the Riser incident that I'd do whatever it takes to protect her."
"Thanks. Oh yeah, Hyoudou Issei-kun. Is it all right for me to call you Ise-kun like my little sister does?"
"O-Of course! It's an honor!"
"I see. Then, Ise-kun, won't you call me by my name? Onii-san is fine as well."
"It's rude after all is what I feel, would calling you Sirzechs-sama be alright?"
"Then, let's do it that way. Yeah, however, it's a pity. I wanted to be called Onii-san by the legendary, Sekiryuutei. Meh, it will become that before long, so it should be fine with this for now."
"H-Huh…?"
Issei seemed confused about what Sirzechs meant about that, while Kazuki seemed to be wondering something to himself.
"I wonder if I should tell him. Meh, he wanted to be the Harem King, so he could figure it out himself."
Kazuki chose to let Issei come to that realization regarding Rias himself rather than him telling him.
"By the way Ise-kun."
"Y-Yes?"
"The Boosted Gear can transfer the increased power to someone else."
"Yes, that's true."
"The topic's different but you seem to like the big breasts of girls, right?"
"Yes! I love them!"
"I don't like where this is going."
Kazuki thought while wondering where Sirzechs was going with this. But, if it concerned breasts, then that meant nothing but weirdness.
"Even as her brother I think that Rias' breasts are bountiful," Sirzechs brought up as Issei nodded his head as if he was a child. And Kazuki wondered it was normal for him to mention his sister like that. "This is simply a thought. But, what would happen if you transferred the increased power from the Boosted Gear to Rias' breasts. Meh, don't worry about it."
At that casual comment, Issei felt as if he was introduced to an entirely new realm of possibilities as his mind felt as if it had just exploded from inspiration. As Issei was working out all the potential that Sirzechs' idea would lead to, and how come he never thought about that, Kazuki glanced at the Maou.
"You did that on purpose didn't you?"
Kazuki asked.
"It was an idea that came to mind after seeing what Ise-kun did in the previous battle," Sirzechs replied as he let out a jovial laugh. "Besides, Kazuki-kun, I had another thought."
"Please, don't let this be a perverted idea. I don't have a weird fetish like him."
"Oh, and here I thought you liked maids."
"…!"
At that Sirzechs' comment, Kazuki did a spit take as he looked panicked, causing the Maou to laugh at him.
"W-What would make you think that?"
Kazuki didn't want to reveal anything, but he was failing at managing that.
"I first thought about the time you'd glance at Lucina or Grayfia sometimes during the Rating Game between Rias and Riser," Kazuki felt his expression falling at Sirzechs' observational skills to notice something that not even he noticed himself. "And there were all the times that maids came in from time to time to give provide either drinks or snacks. So…."
"Alright, please stop."
Kazuki felt his mental strength depleting the more that Sirzechs spoke.
"Hahaha, there's nothing wrong with having certain desires, more so when you're a teenager and a dragon host at the same time. I do like seeing Grayfia dressed as a maid," Sirzechs spoke showing no sign of shame behind those words. "I heard that dragons are pure and honest creatures compared to other species. So, you should be able to accept that."
"Ugh, I know. But, I don't want to end up being seen like this person here," Kazuki replied pointing at Issei, looking as if he was undergoing some form of enlightenment. "More so, since I'm sure that erotic nature is something that runs in our family. But, does this have anything to do with what you were going to tell me?"
"Well, it was part of it," Sirzechs replied, still laughing as casual as before. "I had a thought about Divine Dividing too. So, I know that it halves power and adds that power on top of your power while weakening your target. Unlike Boosted Gear, the excess power is released through its light wings. And I thought could that excess power released be used for something else."
As soon as that thought entered Kazuki's mind, he did wonder if something like that is possible for him to make use of somehow. And the fact that Sirzechs could think about random-sounding ideas of that nature for Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing was incredible.
"Well, that's just something to think about," Sirzechs said waving his hand before slipping inside of his futon with a smile. "Goodnight, Ise-kun, Kazuki-kun."
Without warning, Sirzechs lied down, then turned his attention to the other side of the room as he closed his eyes and seemed to fall asleep.
"Goodnight, Sirzechs-san," Kazuki found himself speaking to Sirzechs more casually after that, before starting to leave Issei's bedroom. He turned to see that Issei was still thinking about Sirzechs' idea involving the Boosted Gear, then looked oddly at him. "Well, he'll tire himself out at some point. Goodnight, Nii-san."
Kazuki waved his hand as he left the room, and turned off the lights seeing as Issei looked too preoccupied to do so himself. He returned to his bedroom to find that Asia fell asleep ahead of him, then smiled at the thought as he did the same thing. As per usual, the blonde-haired girl snuggled up to him and wrapped her arms around her roommate.
It has been several days since Sirzechs came to Kuoh Town, and since then, he's been loving the time he could spend with his younger sister. Though it looked as if the town was being examined before the meeting between all Three Factions, it also seemed as if he was sightseeing. Sirzechs even looked to like spending time with Issei and the others; going to the gaming center, eating hamburgers, and going to shrines.
Despite being a taboo for creatures of darkness going to sacred places, the near absolute demonic powers of the Maou suppressed the holy power. Because of the time, the entire group was spending with Sirzechs, all of them became more acquainted with the Maou. During that time, Issei found himself still thinking about the suggestion of Sirzechs about using Boosted Gear on Rias' breasts.
However, even Issei realized that he couldn't come out with something like that and ask, which was surprising for Kazuki. Today, the Occult Research Club joined by Kazuki, Asia, Raynare, and Mariah found themselves walking towards the school pool. Before heading there, Kazuki noted that Asia, Mariah, and Xenovia were talking more to each other about their regular school lives.
"Hehehe, I wonder what Buchou and Akeno-san are going to look like."
Issei had his perverted fantasies starting to well up within his mind.
"Try not to drool up a second pool here, Nii-san."
Kazuki commented standing beside him, while Kiba laughed wryly.
All three males finished getting dressed in their swim trunks. However, unlike, Kazuki and Issei who wore normal swim trunks, Kiba was dressed in the school swimsuit, while holding the essential cap and goggles. Both of them were sure that the female students would have a nosebleed seeing Kiba dressed in this.
"Dear Grandfather in heaven. It's the beginning of summer and…ouch," Kazuki found himself smacking Issei at the back of his head. "Ouch! What was that for…?"
"That sounded like a prayer, and you're a devil," Kazuki reminded as Issei seemed too into the idea of seeing the swimsuit Rias and Akeno would be wearing to recall that. "I should've let you gotten a headache that probably would've taken your mind off of…."
"Hey, Ise. How does my swimsuit look?"
Issei turned around with excitement burning in his eyes to see the swimsuit Rias was wearing, consisting of small red fabric; showing too much of her white skin and breasts. Examining the beautiful crimson-haired heiress right in front of him dressed in that swimsuit caused all the fantasies in his head to burst alive.
"Ara ara. Buchou, you sure are fired up. Ufufu, you wanted to show it to Ise-kun," Akeno stated as she had walked up to them. "By the way Ise-kun, how does mine look?"
Their sole Pawn turned around about as fast as he did for Rias, causing the crimson-haired King to pout. Unlike Rias, Akeno's swimsuit was pure white, while being about as small in terms of fabric as hers. Issei was staring at both the King and Queen dressed in rather erotic swimwear as drool could be seen at the corners of his mouth.
"…."
Kazuki stared at the expression on his brother's face.
"K-Kazuki-san. I-I came after changing as well."
Asia called out as he turned to face the blonde-haired nun, who seemed to be fidgeting in place.
She was dressed in the normal female school swimsuit with her name written across her chest. Despite wearing the normal uniform, Asia still looked embarrassed and flustered as she stood in front of him. Kazuki wasn't even surprised since it'd be surprising seeing Asia dressed in a swimsuit that showed her skin at this point. Even then, she stood there waiting for his response.
"You look cute in that Asia-chan."
Kazuki honestly replied, causing her to smile and giggle.
"Ehehe, I am happy that Kazuki-san said that. Koneko-chan is wearing a school swimsuit as well."
Asia stated, presenting Koneko, who stood right beside wearing the cap on her head to ensure the pool water will not get in her hair much. As she stated, Koneko was dressed in the same school swimsuit with her name printed on her chest, but looking a little bashful too.
"Ah, Koneko-chan, you…."
"Oh, you look adorable, Koneko-chan!"
Issei called out before Kazuki could finish talking, causing a notable red to appear on her cheeks.
"…I can't say I like that obscene look that you're giving me, but whatever."
Koneko replied, but seemed to be looking aside from Issei for some reason.
"Well, I hope we aren't late in showing off what we bought."
"I never would've gotten the chance to wear a swimsuit, while working as an exorcist."
Two familiar voices could be heard near Kazuki, who turned his attention to find out that the two women were indifferent swimsuits compared to Rias and Akeno. Standing there almost posing was Raynare and Mariah (to a far lesser degree), showing off the swimsuits the two were wearing.
Raynare was dressed in a black swimsuit matching her fallen angel wings, it didn't show much compared to Rias' and Akeno's, but it still showed her slender and curvaceous build. And Mariah was dressed in a fashionable blue swimsuit, showing off her honed athletic and slender build. Kazuki found himself staring at the two women who're waiting for a response from him.
"Well~ Are you going to say something," Raynare asked as she looked forward wearing a seductive smile on her face. "Or did we leave you speechless?"
"This is the first time that I wore a swimsuit since being kicked out of the church. So, it would be nice to receive a little bit of a compliment."
Mariah looked to be fidgeting in the same position as Asia did.
At the same time, she tried not to laugh at the swimsuit her older brother was wearing as he stood there beside Issei. Kiba was also looking on not knowing how to feel while watching his sister looking for a response of some kind from one of his closest friends.
"I think that both of you look beautiful in those swimsuits."
Kazuki managed to reply, blushing at the sight of them in their swimsuits and from being unable to get the proper words out.
"Oh~ Are you sure there's no other description that you could give?"
"I doubt there's much that Kazuki-kun could mention about your swimsuit, Raynare-san."
Rias came out with the first insult directed at Raynare, causing the fallen angel to turn her attention over towards the crimson-haired heiress.
"Did I hear something from the tasteless princess," Raynare asked back as she and Rias started walking right up to one another. "I doubt that you of all people could speak about swimsuits. I think yours doesn't leave much for the imagination. Why are you trying so hard to get attention?"
Sparks started flying between them as Rias and Raynare glared at each other, giving off the kind of pressure that showed no one should get involved with them. Seconds passed, as the two women made a light "Humph" before turning from each other irritated. Once the calm and gentle atmosphere returned as Rias' attention returned over to her beloved Pawn.
"With that, Ise, sorry but," Rias said as she approached Koneko, then placed a hand on her shoulder as the Rook looked flustered. "Could you teach Koneko how to swim?"
"Koneko-chan can't swim," Issei asked and stated as he looked at his white-haired underclassmen who looked a little embarrassed once that was brought up. "Sure, I don't mind!"
Issei announced without showing hesitation and having no issue with assisting one of his friends and juniors (in terms of the school year) how to swim. He stepped up showing more of that upperclassman spirit rather than the far more perverted one he's shown thus far.
"Come on, Koneko-chan. I'll teach you how to swim. I don't doubt that you'll be swimming with no trouble at all. I even taught Kazuki how to swim when we were kids."
Issei announced as Kazuki was reminded about that time, where he was too scared to swim until his brother put a lot of effort into teaching him. It was among the instances in Kazuki's life where he was surprised about just the kind of person Issei grew into.
"Uh, Kazuki-san."
Kazuki felt Asia poking his arm in an attempt to gain his attention, causing him to turn and face her.
"Hmm, Asia-chan?"
"Um, I…can't swim either. So, can you teach me too?"
Asia's request wasn't surprising for him, considering that she lived most of her life in the Church, and learning to swim wouldn't be among their lessons.
"Sure, I don't mind," Kazuki replied much to her happiness, then he started petting her on the head. He looked to see that Issei and Koneko were getting started inside of the pool. "We can do it at the same time as Nii-san and Koneko-chan."
"Alright!"
Asia cheerfully replied as she started following behind him.
"Kazuki-kun, once you're finished, let's all play together."
Raynare called out as she and Mariah took a seat on the ground near the pool, but placed their feet inside of it as the cool temperature could be felt there.
"Alright," Kazuki replied before jumping into the pool causing the water to be sent upwards and seemed to splash the lower half of Asia's body. He turned around holding out his hands toward the blonde-haired nun who looked a little scared about the idea of swimming. "Come on, Asia-chan. I won't let anything happen to you. I'll never let a single thing happen to you."
"I know."
Asia still looked a little bit unsure, but believed in Kazuki and kneeled to make it easier for him to assist her into the pool. Seeing that, he placed his hands on Asia's waist, causing her to blush from the contact, but it didn't last as she was being lowered into the pool.
"…uhhh."
Asia felt her nerves raising as she felt herself floating in the cool water, and wrapped her arms around Kazuki in a worried. It wasn't surprising because this was an entirely new experience for her, but as promised he held onto her. Seeing the nervousness on her face, Kazuki placed a comforting hand on hers as she looked up to see that comforting look, which has supported her this far.
Kazuki smiled at her, and Asia smiled back, feeling confidence starting to well up inside of her. He soon began to teach Asia all the basics in swimming as he lead her back and forth across the pool, all while holding onto Asia's hands throughout the process. As Kazuki was assisting Asia in swimming, as Issei pointed out Koneko started to pick up on doing it after some time.
Everyone else looked to be playing around in the pool themselves, and Kazuki stood at one position as Asia was beginning to swim towards him. Seeing Koneko, who was younger than herself doing so on her own, Asia herself wanted to do the same thing.
"Huff, huff, huff," Asia used what she learned from Kazuki started swimming in his direction, finding it a little bit difficult considering she hasn't had much physical training. But, she managed to arrive right in front of Kazuki, feeling proud that she'd learned to swim. "Hah, Kazuki-san, thanks for…ahhh."
Asia was breathing a bit more as she fell forward a bit exhausted, but Kazuki managed to catch her in his arms, which afforded her much time to breathe. Being this close to him, and leaning on him caused Asia to feel her own heart start racing. It started bringing Asia admitted to Irina that she was in love with Kazuki too, but she hadn't told that him herself.
Asia was able to make these new memories here in Kuoh Town after that faithful encounter with Kazuki that time in town. And since then, her feelings for him started welling up within her chest to the point where it would almost threaten to overflow.
"Uh, Kazuki-san. There's something that I've been meaning to speak to you about."
Asia spoke as she kept herself from looking right at Kazuki, as he thought about what she could've wanted to talk to him about. Several ideas started coming to mind, but he wanted to hear them from her first.
"What is it, Asia-chan?"
"Uh, Kazuki-san. After Irina-chan and I had that discussion in the bath," Asia reminded him as Kazuki started to become more aware of what this was leading to. "There's something that I wanted to tell you, but I didn't dare to do that. But, I wanted to say that…."
"That."
"I…."
As Kazuki was waiting for an answer from Asia, there was a slight pause as he felt something touching him at his underfoot. It almost caused him to turn his attention to the cause of that sudden feeling.
"…lo…."
"Whoa!"
"Wah!"
Kazuki and Asia exclaimed.
Kazuki was pulled under the water, leaving Asia confused and surprised about what just happened right in front of her. She remained in the same position since Kazuki wasn't holding onto her so that she wouldn't be dragged down along with him.
Underwater, Kazuki was holding his breath and looked to find Raynare being the culprit in pulling him down in the first place. She looked as if she was having a good time based on her facial expression while pointing at him. He wore a blank expression as Raynare still looked to be laughing underwater without ever doing it. Kazuki was able to see Rias and Kiba swimming around without paying them any mind.
"This fallen angel here."
Kazuki felt a bit annoyed, but not mad at the fallen angel for doing that.
Taunting him, Raynare started swimming ahead of him, stirring Kazuki, and he started swimming after the fallen angel. They kept playing around underwater until he managed to catch her, then dragged her back to the surface by her waist.
"Pwuah!"
Kazuki breathed out as Raynare started laughing at that.
"You should've been paying more attention to your surroundings, Kazuki-kun~"
Raynare declared as she pointed at him.
"It wasn't that funny."
Kazuki replied, staring at Raynare and noticing Mariah jumping into the pool too, then started swimming towards them. She soon arrived near them, before turning her attention over to the black-haired fallen angel and looking a bit casual.
"Uh, Raynare-san. I think that you should take your advice."
Mariah mentioned as Kazuki looked in the same direction, where Asia was still standing.
"Huh, what do you mean about…?"
Raynare asked, but Mariah started whispering something into the fallen angel's ear.
Once Mariah was finished whispering whatever she told Raynare, the raven-haired girl looked a little panicked as she turned over to Asia. Realizing what she had done, the fallen angel rushed over towards the blonde-haired girl and started bowing her head.
"Ah, I'm sorry, Asia-chan. I didn't know that you were preparing to…."
Raynare looked panicked as she was apologizing to Asia, who looked up and gave a faint smile.
"That's fine, Raynare. I doubt that I would've been able to get it out anyway."
Asia tried reasoning with Raynare as she was still feeling guilty about messing up her confession.
"Well, that was a thing. I wasn't expecting to be pulled underwater as Asia-chan was going to…."
"I know, I was watching the entire thing," Mariah revealed as she turned her attention over to Kazuki with stars in her eyes. "I would've been the first time that I'd witness a confession happening right in front of me. So, I wanted to stand and watch without interrupting it. It was like the scene from a wonderful drama, where two loves who've met under unusual circumstances met each other and confessed in the end."
Kazuki was once again surprised to see that kind of reaction from Mariah, who seemed to be the most aware of normal teenage trends compared to Xenovia and Irina. It was surprising since both were raised in the Church as children, while Irina herself didn't start training until earlier on in life.
"You seem a little bit too into the idea of real-life dramas."
"Of course, there are a lot of wonderful moments in life that I want to experience and witness for myself in life," a sigh escaped from her mouth as she looked to the side. "So, being able to experience such things for me is a good thing."
"You mean, things like…this!"
Kazuki smiled mischievously at Mariah, then splashed water in Mariah's face, soaking her face and hair.
Mariah seemed to pause as she recovered from the water being splashed in her face, and a smile began gracing her face as she looked forward.
"Kazuki-kun, I hope that you're prepared to respond to this act of war."
"Of course, I am."
Mariah smiled, then splashed water at Kazuki, who ducked into the water to avoid it. But, the water continued to fly straight and ended up hitting Raynare right in the face. The fallen angel paused from surprise in that instance, turning her sights on Mariah.
"Whoops. I'm sorry, I was aiming at Kazuki…."
"I hope you prepared, Mariah! You've declared a Water War!"
"Oh?"
Mariah seemed amused as Raynare raised her hands in the air, then headed towards Mariah before sending an abundance of water at her. Like Kazuki, Mariah ducked underwater avoiding it, but at the same time, he came up and was hit by the water instead. Seeing her friends all start having a water fight watched Asia smile, then it dissolved with the four of them having what Raynare described as a Water War.
It lasted for several minutes before Kazuki came out of the water with Asia, who had fallen asleep as soon as she'd ended up on the mat placed under an umbrella. He smiled at the sleeping blonde as he placed a blanket over her so that she wouldn't catch a cold. Kazuki could see that Koneko was sitting in the shade reading a book. Issei sat down near the pool relishing in the peace, and Kiba was still swimming around.
"Well, this was quite fun."
Mariah said as she took a seat beside Kazuki.
"Yea, I love moments where we can have fun like normal high school students. And it won't be that long until the Three Factions' leaders come together here. So, we don't know what's going to happen with all that."
"I wonder if Gabriel-sama is going to come here too. I haven't seen her in a long time, and there's something that I want to confirm for myself."
Kazuki could tell that it concerned the death of God, meaning that she wanted to hear the truth from Gabriel and not a warmongering fallen angel.
"Yea, I'd be lying if I didn't want to meet Gabriel-sama and Michael-sama too."
"Well, I hope you're prepared because Gabriel-sama might end up taking your breath away."
Mariah commented as she titled her head to the side while looking at Kazuki.
At around the same time, Issei seemed to have been called over by Rias via her bat familiar, which was carrying around a bottle of sun oil.
"Ah, I'll be preparing myself for it," Kazuki replied before something else crossed his mind. "By the way, where is Xenovia?"
"Uh, I think she's still changing into her swimsuit. She hasn't worn one before, but she told us that she could do it herself."
"But, hasn't it been almost over twenty minutes since we came here?"
"Uh, huh."
Maria nervously smiled and nodded her head, realizing that Xenovia had been taking too much time inside of the woman changing room. She looked to see something surprising, then noticed that Kazuki was preparing to look in the same direction. Before Kazuki could do that, Mariah stopped him from turning around using his hand and caused him to stare right at her.
"Uh, what's wrong?"
"You might not want to turn around, Kazuki-kun."
"…," Kazuki was wondering the reason that Mariah didn't want him to turn around, and came up with one reason. "Either Rias-senpai or Akeno-senpai removed their tops in front of Nii-san, didn't they?"
"Good guess, it was Rias-senpai," Mariah said before catching something at the corner of her eyes. "Wait, I think that Akeno-senpai joined in too. And I think the two of them are starting to fight over Ise-san."
"That sounds about right."
Kazuki didn't sound too surprised about that as Rias and Akeno would often start arguing over Issei from time to time nowadays. Seeing that he wouldn't be turning around, Maria let go of his head but looked a little bit flushed having noticed he was looking at her for some time. It wasn't that long until both of them started feeling familiar auras starting to raise in the same spot.
Soon enough, a bunch of explosions from Rias' Power of Destruction and Akeno's lightning could be felt there, which caused Kazuki and Mariah to wear a blank look.
"Aaaaaaaah!"
Issei started running from the entire situation as Rias' and Akeno's bickering dissolved into a large-scale battle in this situation.
"Kazuki-kun, can you put up a barrier around this place," Mariah asked, before noticing that the destructive blasts and lightning started coming closer to them. She was worried as either attack could cause serious injuries if the people here were hit. "Also, can you defend us too?"
"Already on it."
Kazuki placed a barrier around the swimming pool area so that no other humans would notice it, and also one all-around their specific area.
"Ugh, this ruined the peaceful mood."
Raynare walked up sighing as Rias and Akeno started fighting near them.
Kazuki turned his attention to see that similar to Rias, she was carrying around a bottle of sun oil in her hands. A smile appeared on her face, then turned her attention to him looking seductive.
"So, Kazuki-kun, would you mind rubbing oil on me?"
Raynare asked sensually while smiling at him.
Kazuki paused, staring at the expression on Raynare's face as she was looking down at him. He thought about a potential reaction from her, having had previous experience in dealing with Kuroka. And there was one response he could give to throw her off.
"Alright, I'll do it."
Kazuki replied without much hesitation.
"H-Huh?"
Raynare was surprised and stumped about his response, not expecting Kazuki would give such a reply. He, then stood up to his feet taking the sun oil from off her hands and into his, while smiling.
"I wouldn't mind putting oil on Raynare-san's back. I don't know much about fallen angels, but I don't know if they are resistant to getting sunburn."
"R-Right."
Mariah was resisting the urge to laugh because Raynare was still so stumped that he agreed to put oil on her without hesitation. And it looked almost as if she was acting like a normal innocent girl, despite most fallen angels who're known for seducing men. Feeling her heart beating far faster at that moment, Raynare lied down on the mat she prepared for herself.
She undid her swimsuit top, making her back more clear, then began shivering as she felt Kazuki applying the oil on her with his hands. Mariah was enjoying the peach, at least in their area, while Rias and Akeno were tossing words at each other. It wasn't long until, the two women stopped and started looking for Issei; her brother, on the other hand, came out from the water wondering what had happened.
Once all that ended, Issei and Kazuki found themselves heading towards Kuoh Academy. At first, they intended to relax at the pool, but it ended up turning into a battlefield. At least, in regards to Issei, Kazuki loved the time he spent at the pool. As for, Issei, he looked almost more stressed and exhausted compared to the first time he arrived at the pool.
"Hah, it's hard work progressing into the Harem King."
Issei complained as he sighed.
"Huh, what did happen inside that changing room. I noticed that Koneko-chan was hauling you out of there."
Kazuki asked, recalling the time where Koneko carried Issei outside of the female changing room, with Rias, and Akeno behind her.
"Ugh, Xenovia came out wanting to have a child with me."
"What?"
Kazuki asked again, turning his head towards Issei with doubtful eyes.
"She had this idea that since she couldn't follow her original beliefs, Xenovia thought that she could become a mother. Xenovia also wanted to have a strong child with strong genes from the Sekiryuutei."
"That sounds suspiciously familiar."
Kazuki replied thinking back to Kuroka, as he imagined the nekomata laughing in his head.
"I almost ended up losing my virginity to Xenovia there. But, then Buchou, Akeno-san, and Koneko-chan knocked down the door," Issei said almost feeling half disappointed and half-glad at the same time. "If things continue at this point, then I'll be a virgin for the next hundred years at least."
"I wouldn't go that far. I'd say about for the next thirty years."
"You're a terrible younger brother. Aren't you supposed to be picking me up, not putting me down?"
Issei asked, turning his attention over towards his brother annoyed.
"Well, if you keep up this pace, then it might end up…," Kazuki looked forward and noticed a familiar silver-haired person, who wasn't Grayfia or Lucina. "…being that way."
"Huh, you look serious all of a sudden. What's…?"
"Is this is a good school, Kazuki Hyoudou, Issei Hyoudou?"
Leaning against the entrance leading into Kuoh Academy, was the silver-haired male, Vali, who turned his sights on the twin brothers. Kazuki thought Vali would end up being here because Azazel came here for the meeting of the Three Factions. However….
"I didn't think that I'd end up running into you this soon, Vali."
Kazuki started looking forward towards Vali who stood in front of both the brothers.
"Kazuki, how do you know this guy," Issei asked, then noticed that Ddraig started reacting to Vali's presence, as his left arm started aching. "But, I can see that he isn't a normal person."
"Right, we haven't met before, have we? At least, not in person, but this would be the second time," Vali replied, turning his attention towards the older brother. "My name is Vali. I am, the Dark Dragon, the Wendish Dragon."
At that, Issei became alert at this was the same person who defeated Kokabiel, the person all of them needed to team up against. Although he wasn't showing much fighting intent, Vali was letting out a dangerous presence, which caused Ddraig to give off signals in response to it. However, none of those singles was from fear, but from the desire to want to fight.
Kazuki was standing there prepared, but he knew that Vali wouldn't do something in clear view, and knew that it was a simple examination for him.
"If I were to do something magical here. I know that Kazuki can defend against it, but I do wonder about what the older brother would…."
"Boosted…."
Issei panicked and went into the offensive, but Kazuki summoned Divine Dividing. Not just simply stopping Issei from doing anything, but blocking Kiba and Xenovia, who sensed Vali's presence and tried moving forward.
"Kazuki-kun?"
"Kazuki."
Both Kiba and Xenovia were surprised about Kazuki stopping them from heading forward, but he shook his head, which told them not to do anything. Trusting him on this, both the blonde and blue-haired swordsmen stopped in their tracks as Kazuki caused Divine Dividing to vanish.
"You know, I don't think that most people would get your joke, Vali."
"Well, I was told that I was never good at making jokes," Vali stated as he turned his attention to everyone who'd started gathering there. People like Asia, Raynare, and Mariah, the first two were well aware of who Vali was. In the back heading to the front were both Rias and Akeno. "I think that it's fine to boast sometimes, but I think it's far more important to know the difference in strength. You people who couldn't win against someone as mediocre as Kokabiel, then you wouldn't stand a chance against me."
Vali's comment to them caused the people who fought hard to be capable of fighting against that monsters to be irritated and struck their pride.
"Issei Hyoudou, what rank do you think your strength is in this world," Vali asked turning his attention to him and Kazuki, both of them housed the Heavenly Dragons. "Countering from the top in the condition of your incomplete Balance Breaker, it'd be four digits between one-thousand and one-thousand five-hundred. No, considering that your base stats and considering the host of a pervert, it should be lower. Even the younger brother, could make it in the higher ranks considering his potential."
Kazuki couldn't tell Vali's reason for saying this, considering he didn't look like the type who would lord over people like this. Rias arrived unable to react or utter a single word in front of Vali, who could defeat all of them in an instant if he desired.
"There are a lot of strong people in this world," Vali said, turning his attention over towards Rias. "And even your older brother, Sirzechs Lucifer, the Crimson Satan wouldn't fit in the top ten rankings. However, the person taking the first place had been decided a long time ago, a fixed existence."
"So, you're not at the top?"
Issei asked, glaring at Vali, who shook his head.
"You'll come to realize who that person is. But, I'm sure that existence has come into contact with one of you two times," Vali said, turning his attention at Kazuki who noticed that, before turning his attention over towards Rias. "Issei Hyoudou is a valuable existence possessed by the Welsh Dragon. So, I believe that it would be better if he is raised well, Rias Gremory."
"Dark Dragon, what's the meaning of this? If you, who has ties with the fallen angels, then more contact than…."
"The Two Heavenly Dragons, the Welsh and Vanishing Dragon. In the past, no one related to their hosts wasn't able to live a normal life. That also includes the Wendish Dragon, who was linked to those two dragons since the time the three were firstborn," Rias did not have a single response to Vali, who seemed to ignore her comment, then turned around. "And I didn't come here to fight. I wanted to see this school since I didn't have the time to get a better look at it last time. Also, Raynare, Azazel wanted to have a conversation with you concerning something before the meeting."
"Right, Vali."
Raynare replied without showing fear, being used to the presence that Vali exuded at this point.
And without caring about the tense atmosphere that he caused, Vali started walking away from the group with his hands in his pocket. But, he took one final glance at Kazuki, who looked to be the main person among the group who garnered his attention. Once Vali was gone, that tenseness vanished to nothing as if it wasn't there at all, as Rias and the others thought a lot about those words.
"Vali does things like this too often. I think that he gets that from Azazel-sama."
Raynare commented as casual as usual, thinking of all the times that Azazel does and goes wherever he wants, even if it's in the middle of enemy territory.
As everyone else was thinking about the situation concerning Vali, Kazuki was thinking about the words that he'd told him about the person reigning over the number one ranking.
"Vali mentioned that the fixed existence met one of us two times. But, he looked at me as soon as he said that, accidentally or intentionally," Kazuki started thinking as there was one person who have been the most mysterious and unknown in his life. A black-haired girl, whose name he wasn't aware of, but met twice. "Could he be talking about Ophis-san?"
Kazuki was thinking about that being the most reasonable conclusion, while the others were worried about all the things that occurred today.
A/N: And there goes the next chapter of The Twin Dragons, people have been waiting for this chapter as I was preoccupied with the Last Amagiri and Team DUSK. This chapter, it was leading to all the things to happen in this volume. But, first, Kazuki seemed to be having a conversation with Ravel who gained a lot of interest in becoming a student at Kuoh Academy. Later on, he talked to Sona about forming his club for their group and then Sirzechs residing in their house for the night. Near the end of the chapter, it was the trouble around the pool and Vali arriving in front of Rias and co.
Issei's Harem: Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Xenovia, Lucia, Tsubasa, Kiyome, Aika, Elmenhilde, Yasaka, Kunou, Bennia, Roygun, Ingvild.
Kazuki's Harem: Sona, Raynare, Asia, Irina, Lucina, Mariah, Kuroka, Ophis, Rossweisse, Ravel, Le Fay, Gabriel, Jeanne, Lint, Tiamat, Lilith.