Welcome to the next chapter of The Twin Dragons, but before starting. Let us answer some reviews:

altajir95: Thanks. Yeah, Kazuki showed off that he can fight without Balance Breaker, even up against the current Monkey King, Bikou. And he's beginning a personal investigation into Kuroka's former Master, in addition to Koneko's caretaker too.

David Garrido: I think you're mistaken.

Lorenzo Macchiavelli: I can see that there might be a lot that Odin could tell him about the previous half-Elf Sekiryuutei, who would have been seen as the strongest one.

Gremory Team vs. Sitri Team

It was the decisive day of the Occult Research Club (Gremory Team) versus the Student Council (Sitri Team) in the Rating Game Youth Tournament. It has been a day since their encounter with Kuroka and Bikou, where their group's Pawn and Sekiryuutei achieved Balance Breaker. Before the start of the match, the Gremory Group had received Azazel's advice about their current situation. As usual, despite his negative traits, Azazel gave them proper and useful advice for the Rating Game. There, their group learned of the dangers behind fighting a Technique-type opponent; more so, one could use a "Counter".

It would be a danger for their group, which consists of Power-types, differing from Kiba and Gasper, the former, a Technique-type and the latter a Support-type. Rias, Akeno, Issei, Koneko, and Xenovia each have a high amount of power, which, once countered, would strike them back and result in severe damage.

Just as the groups prepared themselves for the Rating Game, Kazuki and the others found themselves sitting in an area meant for the VIP meeting. Among them, it was Sirzechs, Azazel, and Odin, who were being protected by the Valkyrie; Rossweisse and Raynare stood right beside the Governor General. Upon seeing them, more so Kazuki entering the room, Rossweisse seemed to turn toward him and waved genuinely, which he returned.

"Ah, it appears as if the Hakuryuukou has come to join us," Odin turned around, noticing Kazuki's arrival, as well as those of his team. "I must admit that I have heard some rumors about the current Hakuryuukou being a talent that the Three Faction's leaders wanted to groom. At least, that's something that the Fallen Angel brat here has said after I asked."

"Well, I have received some aid from the current leaders, which I hope that I can return. If possible, I would like to do so through what I could do outside of being the Hakuryuukou."

Kazuki stated, with conviction behind those words, something which surprised Odin and Rossweisse.

"Ohoho, I haven't heard such words from someone aside from one of your predecessors," Odin said, rubbing his beard with an impressed tone. "I haven't met many Hakuryuukou who would say such things with honest words, full of conviction. If you want, I will introduce you to some lonely Valkyrie, like Rossweisse here."

At that comment, Rossweisse sent a questioning and hurt look toward Odin at the comment but then caused him to wear a wry smile.

"I appreciate it, but I would rather want to do that when the time comes. So, you don't have to go through unnecessary trouble on my account," Kazuki kindly stated. "But, if possible, then I wouldn't mind talking to Rossweisse-san. I'd heard your faction's magic is the most advanced, and I think it'd be interesting to learn about your culture too."

"I wouldn't mind that."

Rossweisse said, finding Kazuki's honest interest in such things to be rather endearing.

"Oh, it appears as if the Hakuryuukou is naturally a smooth talker."

"I can agree with that."

Both Odin and Azazel seemed to have shared the same sentiment as one another.

Although, some of the people in the room seemed to have caused them to stare at the duo with a complex look, both men being perverted.

Seeing as the Rating Game was starting, the people in the VIP room started taking their seats as it proceeded to commence.

This time around, their Rating Game battle would be taking place in the department store situated in Kuoh Town, something that both teams were familiar with. Same as before, with the match between Riser Phenex, Grayfia is acting as the arbiter. However, this time was a bit different.

[Everyone, I, the Queen of the Lucifer Group, Grayfia Lucifuge, will be acting as the role of arbiter of the Rating Game between the Gremory and Sitri Group. However, under special conditions and the suggestion of the King of the Leviathan Group. I'm joined by a co-arbiter and fellow Queen.]

[Hello everyone, I, the Queen of the Leviathan Group, Lucina Lucifuge. And I'll be acting as the co-arbiter for this Rating Game alongside my Senior Queen, Grayfia-sama.]

Lucina spoke beside Grayfia, speaking in a calm and serene tone, which showed that she entered the official mode. However, although she was acting calm on the outside, she was almost panicking and struggling to maintain the same demeanor the entire time. Guessing such a thing from her niece, Grayfia did her best to give as much of a calming look as she could.

For the people listening in and knowing them, it was surprising for Lucina to be acting as the co-arbiter for the match, and they were glad for her.

[In the name of my Master, Sirzechs Lucifer, joined with Lucina, I'll be watching over the battle between both of these families. It's a pleasure to be here. To get right to the main topic, the battlefield for today is the department store within the neighborhood of the school Kuoh Academy that Rias-sama and Sona-sama attend, which has been prepared within a separate space as the game field.]

[And in the name of my Master, Serafall Leviathan, joined with Grayfia-sama, I'll be watching over both families too.] Lucina introduced herself to the people viewing it, too, then went to where Grayfia had left off. [Both groups have been transported to their respective bases. Rias-sama's base is located on the second floor of the east side, and Sona-sama's base is located on the first floor of the west side. For Pawns to promote, please go to your opponent's bases.]

Rias' and Sona's sides continued listening in as the information was being handed off to both their teams while the Maou Queens kept explaining.

[This time, there will be special rules. Documents on this have been sent to each group, so please check them. A bottle of Phoenix Tears has been provided to each team—furthermore, the time to strategize before the battle is thirty minutes. Contact with the opponent during this time is forbidden. The game is scheduled to start after thirty minutes. Then, let the strategy time begin.]

At Grayfia's comment, the match officially started.

On the west side, where Rias and the others stood, their group started to strategize together, taking in what was happening.

"The battlefield is modeled on the department store near Kuoh Academy. So it's an indoor battle."

Rias stated as the group started taking in that realization for themselves.

Right in front of them, there was a map of the entire department store, with the members of the Gremory Group, who realized that their battle would be occurring in a more enclosed space rather than an open area. However, this was a location that their group was well aware of, being someplace the students frequented after school and even on their weekends or breaks. However, the current role for this Rating Game played against their group, which had more offensive power compared to the Sitri Team.

This time around, the rule was: Don't destroy the department store, which has become the battlefield.

"…I see. So, me, Buchou, Fuku Buchou, and Ise are at a disadvantage here," Xenovia pointed out while she kept on speaking. "We can't do attacks that affect a wide area."

Xenovia wields Durandal, which unleashes a great amount of destructive power from a single swing. Rias wields Destruction, which eliminates almost all forms of matter without resistance. Akeno wields lightning-based attacks, most often through the clouds she produced through demonic power. And Issei, who wields Boosted Gear while learning powerful flame demonic powers and Balance Breaker. Each of those attacks yields such a high amount of destructive power that it could destroy various areas.

"That is troublesome. A battle of large mass attacks has been mostly sealed," Akeno uttered the thing that the group realized in their minds. "Gasper-kun's eyes also won't be as effective. There are too many places to hide in the department store, and there are department store items that can obstruct his vision too. There are possibilities for surprise attacks in the dark, which is troubling. This sure is a disadvantageous battlefield for our special abilities. Because the Gremory Group's forte is battling showily, we've been completely sealed."

"No, Gasper's eyes couldn't be used from the start. There are restrictions on it here, which forbids the use of them," Rias stated, adding to those concerns. "The reason is clear and simple. Since he still can't control them yet. It has been judged as problematic if the entire game was spoiled by his Forbidden Balor View going out of control. Giving Ise's blood to Gasper is also prohibited. It seems that they've provided him with glasses meant to seal off his Sacred Gear developed by Azazel. He likes to prepare."

After Rias' comment, she handed Gasper the glasses, which he put on his face.

"So, then Gasper will be using his demonic and vampire powers?"

Issei asked, seeing as those were the sole things that Gasper had access to aside from his sacred gear.

"That's right. But, from the beginning, his time-stopping powers carried a lot of risks. Sona's side not only has the Counter-types that Azazel mentioned before, but Saji-kun's Sacred Gear can absorb the powers of others. So, I don't know what counterattacks will be used. But, as Akeno said before, there are several means that Sona's side can use to block Gasper's vision. If someone knows about such things, then it would become much harder to use in a Rating Game and actual combat."

As Rias said, Issei recalled the time that Vali mentioned and did such a thing to seal Gasper's Sacred Gear.

"…The Rating Game isn't something that can be won by simply having a lot of power. In such combat situations, it can change according to the battlefield and rulers. Such a battlefield, where Devils who lack strength can rely on their wisdom and rise higher, it became popular in the Underworld and other factions," Akeno pointed out with a calm expression. "This time, the rules might be disadvantageous, but if we can't overcome this, we won't be able to advance in the Rating Games from now on. Even a Pawn can take down a King; this is a basic rule in chess, an important Rating Game proverb too. In other words, it implies that anyone can win with the proper method."

As the group kept talking and fighting in an indoor building like this, Issei found himself feeling far more nervous about the things he heard.

"U-Uum, Buchou," Issei gained Rias' attention as the others seemed to turn their attention towards them. "While I desperately trained to attain Balance Breaker and raise my power, I didn't practice holding it back when fighting."

"I know," Rias stated, nodding her head in agreement. "This time, things came opposite from what we expected. However, the rules for this Rating Game may come close to being the worse for Ise. Your power is too enormous, which is bad considering the rules forbid up from destroying the building. But, there must be a large enough area for your Balance Breaker to be used. Until then, please hold back your power as much as possible. So, don't go firing out your Dragon Shot as much as possible. Please survive with just close combat. …I'm sorry for asking such a difficult thing."

"…Y-Yes. Rather, to be honest, I'm really worried," Issei stated, realizing Azazel's conversation about him being a Power-type, then started scratching his head in irritation. "Ugh, I feel as if something like this situation is more Kazuki's specialty."

After the same conversation about combat types concerning the Rating Games, Azazel had classified Kazuki as a Technique-type, closer to a Wizard-type. But, it wasn't him alone: Asia was a Support-type, closer to a Wizard-type. Maria was a Technique-type, the same as Kiba, but dwells into a Wizard or Support-type. And Raynare was a Technique-type but started pulling closer to a Power-type.

"As true as that might be, let's focus on what we can do," Rias stated as she looked at her teammates. "Even if we attack, the atrium of this department store is a problem. You can grasp the opponents' progress from both the first and second floors, which works for both parties."

"I've considered an attack from the parking garage as well, but they would be looking out for that too."

Akeno stated something Rias agreed with.

"It's the same for moving from the rooftop. Whether it be breaking through the center, from the rooftop, or the parking garage, we have to advance along these routes. Since we can't leave the department store itself."

"There should be cars inside of the parking garage as well. That's what I feel after seeing that they reproduced even the merchandise and merchandise shelves. They may have copied the cars that were parked there."

Both Rias and Akeno continued with their back-and-forth conversation, showing the kind of diligence suitable for a King and Queen. It was then that the most proactive person in terms of heading out quickly when needed came out with a suggestion.

"Buchou, I'll go to the rooftop and parking garage since the stairs are nearby."

Kiba suggested.

"Please do, Yuuto."

At that, with the speed of a Knight, Kiba left the area to do as permitted without wanting to lose time.

"Are the cars important somehow?"

Issei asked.

"If they plunge into the department with a car, it'd be serious, you know? Besides, we have to openly consider it possible that they'll be turned into bombs," Rias replied to Issei's honest question, though she placed a hand at her chin in thought. "Though, I doubt that someone like Sona would do something as reckless as driving inside the store's interior. It's also possible for someone to rest and hide inside those cars. Now that I think about it, we haven't seen the inside of the staff room. So, we should check that. Also, with or without Ise's Dress Break, the store has many clothing brands too.

Issei and the others could agree with that comment, but neither of them could guess what someone such as Sona would think. She was a brainy-type with the best grades in Kuoh Academy and held technique-types among her peerage compared to their power-types.

"You're cautious."

Issei said, surprised that Rias could think through such things.

"Of course," Rias said, nodded her head in agreement, then turned to Gasper. "Gasper, please change into bats and fly to every location in the department store. Once the Rating Game starts, you'll inform us about whatever is happening in the department store."

"R-Roger!"

At that, Gasper turned himself into bats, then began flying throughout the locations in the department store.

"Ise, I'll inform you about this before the Rating Game starts. But, since you attained Balance Breaker, the power of the eight Pawn pieces used to reincarnate you has been forcibly released," Rias informed him, something that caused him to recall that each one was sealed because Issei couldn't withstand the power. "With this, you might be able to completely use Ddraig's power, but your body still can't handle it. Ddraig should also save some power to ensure your body doesn't break. Be careful; if you make a mistake with using the Sekiryuutei's power, the host will end up losing their body."

"Yes! I'll be sufficiently careful, Buchou!"

Issei immediately agreed without hesitation.

From there, the group started making preparations or relaxing for the official beginning of the Rating Game, but the Gremory Group wasn't alone in that aspect. In the same location as the Sitri Group, Sona and the others among her peerage were standing around one another.

"Everyone, I hope that you've prepared yourselves for what happens in this Rating Game?"

Sona asked as she glanced forward at her servants, who, in turn, stared straight at their King, wearing a serious expressions on their faces.

[Yes, Kaichou, we're all prepared!]

Each of them replied with conviction.

"Good, the success of this Rating Game depends on how our plans proceeds," Sona replied, feeling the belief of her servants in themselves and the plan. "And it depends on Rias doing as I expected too. Knowing her, then she is thinking about the parking garage as a location we'll be interested in. In that case, because of the location, she will, without a doubt, send Kiba-kun and Xenovia-san. As for before and during the game, she'll use Gasper-kun's vampire powers rather than Forbidden Balor View. So, he'll be sent out to act as recon."

Sona stated out loud, realizing the ideas and plans going through Rias' mind in that instance, placing a hand right underneath her chin. But, even if Rias was attempting to get ahead of Sona, the black-haired heiress was well ahead of her childhood friend in that regard.

"But, we've prepared for that too," Tsubaki stated, pushing up her glass, then continued. "Koneko-san aside, it will be difficult for Gasper-kun to sense the presence of others. Even if Gasper-kun is a Reincarnated Devil, he's still a half-vampire, and their weaknesses still apply."

"Akeno-san will continue to remain beside Rias. Kiba-kun and Xenovia-san will be heading to the garage, which leaves Hyoudou-kun and Koneko-san," Sona stated, continuing to think. "Hyoudou-kun and Koneko-san are both Power-type fighters, but his powers are too overwhelming to be usable in a situation like this. Rias and the others are well aware that they can't access their true offense because the rules forbid the destruction of the department store. And the Balance Breaker for Boosted Gear unleashes overwhelming power, which could eliminate a mountain after firing off a Dragon Shot. All things considered, theirs a chance that the seal that Rias put on Hyoudou-kun was forcibly removed too."

"Uh, it seems as if we lucked out this time. I don't want to imagine how it would've turned out if we had to fight Issei-kun head-on," Reya stated, wearing an almost frightened look at the idea. "But, it does look as if the Rating Game rules went against them this time around."

"Yes," Sona said, seeming to be in thought about that herself. "Well, considering the mastermind behind both the Evil Pieces and Rating Game, then I could imagine this was intentional to test for developments. No matter, this doesn't change our plans in the slightest."

"Kaichou, I want you to know that I'll proceed with my side of the plan no matter what happens!"

Saji stated, showing the utmost confidence and determination for this plan, something which almost outshined the others around him.

"Yes, I know, Saji," Sona stated, showing a faint smile in one of the rare moments. "Everyone here has their responsibilities in this plan, but yours will be the most difficult to achieve. A plan like this wouldn't be possible if it wasn't because of the extra effort that you put into your training. I truly appreciate the effort that everyone here is putting into us achieving victory."

"Of course, Kaichou's dream is something that we all support! Isn't that right, guys?!"

Saji asked, with the same motivation.

[Right, Kaichou's dream is our dream!]

Around them, the members of Sona's Peerage, Tsubaki, Momo, Reya, Tomoe, Tsubasa, and Ruruko, all nodded their heads in agreement. She didn't need to doubt that her peerage shared the same ideals as herself about her dreams of building a school for Devils, no matter their status or birthright. Sona remembered the time that she'd told them, and their reactions weren't exactly what she thought they'd be. Of course, it was a surprise considering that it would be surprising for those who didn't know Sona and assumed her dream didn't match her personality.

But that lasted for a couple of minutes, and Sona found herself granted unrelenting support from the members of her peerage. Hearing such words from them almost caused a tear to form in Sona's eyes, but she maintained her composure so that it didn't affect her during the Rating Game.

"Alright, then, let's show Rias and her peerage our determination!"

[Right!]

At that, Sona and her peerage showed their determination for this match, each one determined to go through the strategies laid out this time.

As the Rating Game was coming closer and closer to starting, those sitting in the VIP room where Kazuki and the others looked on at the groups prepared.

"Hmm, it looks as if I could have a conversation with this generation's Sekiryuutei after all."

Odin uttered under his breath while rubbing his long beard.

It was the fact that he could see that Issei held some perverted desires in his mind based on what he saw in that instance. It seemed as if Rossweisse, who was standing near him, could sense that something of that kind of nature was going through Odin's head. She went through trials to become Odin's guard and lasted longer than other Valkyrie. But, at least in this incident, it led to something because she got to meet someone who showed an interest in the Norse Faction.

"So, Kazuki-kun, how do you think this Rating Game will go?"

Sirzechs asked, turning his attention from the screen for the moment.

"Hm, it's kind of hard to say because it hasn't started yet. But, in regards to who has the edge right now, then I'd say Sona-san had an edge in terms of strategies," Kazuki honestly replied. "Aside from the Rating Game's rules, going a limiter on Nii-san and the others whose attacks focus on wide-range destruction that destroys a wider area. Sona-san has seen them fighting before and knows about their combat capabilities, in addition to whatever Rias-senpai is planning. In terms of strategies, at least, Sona-san and her peerage have the edge. But, in terms of power alone, Rias-senpai and the others might have leeway because of that. So, depending on what happens, it could go either way. But, as it stands, Rias is underestimating Sona's mind a bit."

Listening to that honest and logical opinion, Sirzechs, Serafall, Azazel, and Odin all found themselves nodding in agreement, feeling respect for Kazuki.

"Yeah, that sounds about right. Sona and her group might not have the same raw power as them, but Serafall's little sister is making use of that mind of hers," Azazel pointed out, causing Serafall to appear giddier than usual as Sona was receiving praise. "Rather than Rias and her group, but it seems as if Sona is much closer to being a professional in the strategic part of the Rating Game."

"Haha, that's right. I'm glad that Kazuki-chan can see So-tan's true worth compared to those mean Old Devils," a happy tone came from Serafall, who appeared behind Kazuki. She then wrapped both her arms around him from behind, causing her breasts to be pressed against his back, surprising him and causing him to blush. "You're starting to become more and more ideal to date my So-tan."

"Uh, thanks?"

Kazuki couldn't utter anything aside from those words.

"You sure do have some luck, Kazuki. I don't think that there's anyone who could impress Serafall whenever it's related to her sister."

Azazel stated, rubbing his chin.

"Well, we'll have to see what those two Devil girls can do with their servants. It appears as if the Rating Game is all but beginning."

At Odin's comment, the people turned their attention toward the projection of the Rating Game.

[It is now time for the Rating Game to begin. Furthermore, the time limit for this game will be a blitz-style of three hours. Then without further ado, game start.]

Lucina's voice came on the announcements.

Issei made a surprised look at that comment, seeing as the Blitz-type Rating Game was the shortest among the others. But, it made sense for the reason that both sides were given so much time to come up with strategies and preparation time.

"Your instructions are just as we agreed upon. Ise and Koneko, and Yuuto and Xenovia will split into two groups. Ise and Koneko will advance through the store interior. Yuuto and Xenovia will advance via the parking garage," Rias stated as those two groups nodded their heads in agreement. Gasper will transform into bats and do surveillance and reporting inside the store. According to the condition of your progress, Akeno and I will go by the route of Ise's group."

Hearing such words, the members nodded their heads in agreement as each one recalled what their roles were.

"Now then, my cute servant devils! We won't lose again! This time, we'll win!"

Rias stated as Issei and the others responded with a tone full of fighting spirit.

[Yes!]

"Then, Xenovia, let's go."

"Yes, Kiba."

Both Kiba and Xenovia then dashed outside of the dining room and started heading towards the parking garage inside the department store.

"Koneko-chan, let's go."

"Yes."

Issei and

Issei and Koneko started leaving the dining room, going along with Rias' plan of using him as bait to distract the opposing time. At the same time, the offensive unit consisting of Kiba and Xenovia would then attack Sona, who would be distracted in dealing with Issei. As the sole Pawn in the group, Rias wanted Sona to think that they had intended to have Issei enter the base to promote to "Queen".

"Ise, good luck."

"Ufufu, I expect to see your cool side."

Hearing Rias' and Akeno's encouraging words, Issei and Koneko advanced through the department store. Both of them were progressing forward for almost five minutes without a single person in sight. Amid the two of them advancing, he looked to find that Koneko brought out her cat ears and tail, becoming immediately surprised about how cute she was. Koneko focused as she decided to use her hidden power to sense the location of their opponents, then pointed forward.

"…They're moving. There are two people straight ahead moving towards us."

"You can tell?"

"…yes," Koneko replied, nodding her head. "In this state, I can release a part of Senjutsu, letting him sense the flow of spirit fairly well. Naturally, I can't grasp the fine details of it, but…."

Based on what Issei could see and understand, it looked as if Koneko's cat ears were acting as sensors to aid in locating their opponents.

"…how long until we meet up with those guys who are heading towards us?"

"…at this pace, most likely within ten minutes."

From there, the two kept proceeding forward without hesitation, but Issei found himself in a state of concern while thinking about potential confrontations. It'd caused him to continue wearing a serious expression as the two kept on walking forward, something which caught Koneko's attention.

"…no. Ise-senpai wears a warrior face when it's important. Even though you usually have a lewd look…."

Issei was slightly surprised by what Koneko had just said, but he stopped as he noticed the new expression that was on her face.

"…above!"

Issei turned his head and saw someone coming straight towards them, using a purple line with a familiar girl from the Student Council riding on their back.

"Hyoudou! The first attack is ours!"

It was revealed to be Saji, who had prepared to launch his knee toward him, and Issei blocked the attack with his Boosted Gear. But, the combined weight and force of both of them broke Issei's stance, who quickly regained his balance, with force being transmitted through his Sacred Gear. After that, Saji stood in front of him, with the girl, now revealed to be Ruruko standing right beside him. It didn't take long for Issei to realize that several black snakes wrapped around his arm, noticing the same thing was wrapped around his right arm.

"Well, I did some training. The result of that is this. So, when I had stuck a line in the ceiling and rose to observe the store interior from above, I saw two people hiding under cover from further away. Since you didn't notice me, I used that brief chance to do a Tarzan attack."

Saji stated, wearing a confident smile.

Hearing such a thing, Issei nodded to himself, realizing he would've done the same thing if he was in his position, and he then declared with a confident expression.

"I also trained. I spent almost all my summer vacation being chased by a Dragon!"

Issei was filled with fighting spirit, realizing that he needed to push forward and get stronger so he could catch up to Vali, but he was stopped as he heard an announcement.

[One of Rias Gremory-Sama's Bishops has retired.]

After hearing that, Saji then grinned and answered the question that was on both of their minds.

"Gasper was caught."

"We were contacted and told that Gasper-kun's Sacred Gear was sealed according to the rules. As such, it was inevitable that he would use his Vampire powers instead. Kaichou told us that he would change into bats and observe the situation within the store. So we utilized our base."

At the expression that was on Issei's face, Saji continued his explanation.

"First, one of our members moves suspiciously at the Sitri base. Then, Gasper-kun, who was doing surveillance, would naturally be interested and follow them, you know? Then, when we showed more suspicious behavior, he would call the other bats he had launched and start to observe several of them. When all the many bats had gathered, that's when it happened. If something happens to the bats when all of them are gathered, they revert to Gasper's body. Near the place where the bats had assembled was garlic, a Vampire's greatest dislike. Our base is a grocery store located on the first floor of the west side. There were large quantities of garlic left there. It was easy to catch Gasper with that."

Issei's expression then started to clench his teeth slightly.

"It's pretty simple, right? But even if I say that this method of taking him out won't work again. Kaichou said that, no matter how much training he did, he still wouldn't be close to overcoming his aversion to garlic yet. It was a lucky coincidence that we had a base at such a location, but even so, a defeat is a defeat."

Issei started getting angrier by what he had heard, and he attempted to activate his Sacred Gear, but Ddraig stopped him.

[Partner, doubling is dangerous. Now that you're connected to that guy's Sacred Gear, you'll have part of your power stolen by him if you double.]

"That's right, Saji's Sacred Gear can suck in energy from the thing it is connected to. Now that my Sacred Gear and his Sacred Gear are connected, doubling is dangerous!"

[To detach this line, you have no other choice but to blow it away using the aftershocks from activating Balance Breaker.]

"Alright, Balance…."

"I won't let you!"

Before Issei could finish, the line attached to Boosted Gear was pulled by Saji, causing him to stop finishing that line. Seeing as Issei was sent stumbling forward, Saji moved forward to aim a kick straight at his upper body, which then sent him stumbling backward.

"Heh, even though I kicked quite seriously there. You also seem to not have done incomplete training."

Issei looked and noticed Saji smiling bitterly; he then started charging toward Saji with his freehand pulled back. Saji then threw another line towards him, but instead of aiming it towards Issei, it passed him and went towards a light in the store.

"Nimura! Put on the sunglasses we got at that store just before!"

Both Saji and his underclassmen then took sunglasses from their pockets and placed them on. At that moment, the store lighting then started shining brightly, blinding both Issei and Koneko with the light.

[They got you. He made a burst of light for just an instant by connecting his line to the light and sending demonic power into it.]

"Don't explain it so calmly, Ddraig! It's no good! I can't open my eyes," Issei received an attack to his abdomen, and he felt the impact before he could strengthen his defenses. He then felt an attack from his back and followed by an uppercut to his jaw, causing Issei to fall to the ground. "Guhah!"

After managing to regain their vision, Issei looked forward to finding Saji in front of him, pointing his hand straight at him. Saji fired off a magic bullet toward him, Issei quickly moved out of the way, but he looked back and noticed that it left a big hole in the ground.

"…Not bad, Saji."

"Hyoudou. I'm serious. I'm going to seriously defeat you, the Red Dragon Emperor."

Issei then looked forward and noticed the determined expression on Saji's face, who held out his hand and kept on firing off attack after attack. Issei started making a confused expression on his face at the tremendous force that was behind those attacks. He then looked forward and noticed that there was another line connected to his chest, and his eyes widened out of realization.

"Saji! You! Are you converting your life-force into demonic power!?"

"That's right. With my low demonic power, this is the only way for me to shoot powerful attacks. I convert my life-force into demonic power using my Sacred Gear's ability. It's just as you see. I'm risking my life, as it were."

"Do you intend to die…!?"

"Yeah, I intend to die," Saji declared without hesitation. "I intended to beat you to die. Do you understand our frustration, having our dream being laughed at? Do you understand our desperation as we believe in our dream? This battle is being broadcast across the entire Underworld. We have to show the seriousness of the Sitri group in front of those guys that laughed at us!"

Issei suddenly started remembering all the times that he placed his own life in danger for Rias. His attention was then caught over towards the battle between Koneko and Ruroko, with her holding her own against Koneko. But Koneko then launched her fist forward, with her fist slightly grazing Ruroko's cheek. Despite Koneko's attack not making full contact, she started feeling woozier from the shockwave it produced. Seeing an opening, Koneko aimed another one into her chest, where her fists were covered in a pale white aura.

"…!"

From the attack, Ruroko fell to her knees with a pained expression on her face.

"…I drove a fist clad with spirit energy into you. As the damage was also dealt to the blood vessels flowing inside you at the time, you won't be able to build up power anymore. Furthermore, the damage also pierced through your insides. You can't move anymore."

After seeing that, Issei remembered what Azazel had said about Koneko's fighting style.

[Koneko's true fighting style, which mixes Senjutsu and hand-to-hand combat, will certainly become a weapon. An attack that not only deals damage to the opponent's body but also to the blood vessels that circulate within their body will break the enemy's aura from its foundation. However, if she becomes consumed by power, she must stop using it immediately. Senjutsu can read and handle spirit energy, but it also takes in the malice and ill will that floats in the world. Koneko's sister became like that because she absorbed too much malice as well.]

"…Saji-senpai," Nimura started making an apologetic expression as she looked towards Saji, who'd returned the same expression as her boy began to disappear in a bluish-white light. "I'm sorry."

[One of Sona Sitri-Sama's Pawns has retired.]

After hearing the announcement, Koneko then declared with a confident expression.

"…I have become a hellcat. I won't lose!"

Issei smirked as he kept dodging Saji's attacks, but he looked forward and noticed that Saji was becoming more and more exhausted.

"…Ise-senpai, I'll help."

As Koneko was approaching him, Issei held his hand out and stopped her from moving.

"No, Koneko-chan. Please let me do this just between me and Saji."

"That's no good. This is a team battle. Let's work together."

"Yeah, it's just as you say, Koneko-chan. But, while he was fighting me, Saji didn't make any direct attacks on Koneko-chan. If he wanted to, he could've attached the line to Koneko-chan and sucked up your power. Why do you think he didn't do that even so?"

"…Sorry, Koneko-chan. I want to win against Hyoudou, against the Welsh Dragon one-on-one. I said this before, but our dream is serious. We'll build a school without discrimination in the Underworld. And I'll become a teacher! That's my dream. This battle is being broadcasted across the Underworld," Saji declared without hesitation, with his fighting spirit not fading. "That's why this has meaning. I, a Pawn! Will win against the Pawn, Issei Hyoudou, and the Sekiryuutei! I will defeat the Welsh Dragon! I'll win and say it boldly! That I will become a teacher!"

Issei looked and noticed there wasn't even the slightest bit of gloom or darkness in his eyes.

"And that's how it is. If I just ran away from his challenge, I'd be uncool, right? If I don't do it…. That's why I have to do it. Because I'm his friend, I have no choice but to fight him seriously. I have to do it! Otherwise, I won't be able to show my face to Buchou!"

Koneko only nodded her head in agreement and started stepping away from them.

""Thank you.""

After saying that in sync, Issei looked down at his Boosted Gear.

"But, why did Saji connect a line to not only my Sacred Gear but also me directly on my right arm?"

[He wants to prevent your Sacred Gear's doubling ability from being restored and then flowing into him at the same time as he sucks away your power. He knows that if he sucks away both your power and the Sacred Gear's power at the same time, his body won't be able to take it and will blow up. He plans to stop you from entering Balance Breaker.]

"…This is going nowhere, huh."

Saji then started gathering demonic power around his hand and started compressing it around his hand; he then started stating.

"With this, it won't affect the surrounding area, and it will destroy just your body."

Saji started breathing heavily; he then smiled and declared to Issei.

"I was jealous of you. You, the Master's and Senpai's pride. The Sekiryuutei, everyone knows about you. I'm the same Pawn as you, yet I have nothing. Nothing! That's why I'll obtain pride and self-confidence. I will kill you, the Sekiryuutei!"

Saji then launched his attack toward Issei, who was unable to block the attack with his Boosted Gear; once the attack made contact, it created a large smoke cloud. Saji looked forward toward the inside of the smoke cloud, along with Koneko. Once the cloud settled, Issei appeared within it, holding up his right arm, which was covered in a white gauntlet, the Dividing Gear, which let out the announcement [Divide!].

"My demonic bullet was halved!?"

"I was able to tentatively activate this power during my seclusion in the mountains. But, it has several conditions. First, the chances of activating it are less than ten percent. This is close to a gamble. Second. This also requires resolution. It's my life-force. Regardless of whether the activation succeeded or failed, my life-force is shaved off when I try to use it. It's a pretty scary gamble, isn't it?"

Issei said as the Dividing Gear started fading too.

"I know the feeling, Saji. Kazuki was always the smartest and most talented out of us, despite being the youngest brother. He was popular, and there wasn't a person or teacher in school who didn't think that he could become a big success in the future. But, unlike me, at first, he worked harder than anyone even though he used to be just a big crybaby," Issei said, laughing while breathing heavier from activating the Dividing Gear. "Because of that, he awakened Divine Dividing and Balance Breaker before I did. That's why I'll continue working hard and increasing my abilities so I can be someone who deserves to be known as the Sekiryuutei! "I can't stop at a place like this. Let's gooooooooo! Shine! Balance Breaaaaaaaaak!"

[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker]

An overwhelming red aura started surrounding Issei's body, with the Boosted Gear: Scale Mail armor surrounding his body, and he restarted his battle against Saji.

Elsewhere a while ago, both Kiba and Xenovia started walking around the multiple-story parking lot, and both of them continued walking forward. Both of them continued advancing, being cautious of sneak attacks from enemies.

Kiba then looked forward and noticed that there was a silhouette appeared in front of them. It was revealed to be Tsubaki Shinra, who was wielding a naginata; she then introduced herself.

"How do you do, Kiba Yuuto-kun, Xenovia-san? I knew that you would come here."

Two more figures appeared next to her, a female Knight named Meguri wielding a Japanese sword. And a tall female Rook named Tsubasa, who excelled in hand-to-hand combat. After hearing Tsubaki's demand, Kiba held his hand out and summoned a Holy Demonic Sword in his hand. At the same time, Xenovia unsheathed a sword, which she was carrying on her back.

[Rias Gremory-Sama's Bishop has retired.]

Both were slightly shocked by what they had just heard, but both of them kept their composure.

"How calm you are?"

"Yes, since I won't be able to endure if I don't get used to something like this."

Kiba was seething inside after the thought of Gasper losing before he could show the results of his training, but he remained calm.

"Geez, it's because he didn't train his body enough."

Despite Xenvoia seeming calm, she was more than shaken by Gasper being taken out of the Rating Game.

"But even so, they took out my cute Kouhai. I'll have to avenge him."

A sudden pressure started surrounding Xenovia's body; both of them then charged forward, both of their weapons in their hands. Both Kiba had clashed his Demon Sword against Tsubaki's naginata, while Xenovia clashed her sword against Meguri's Japanese sword.

"…A Holy Sword?!"

Xenovia smirked as Meguri noticed that she was wielding the Dragon Slayer Ascalon in her hand, which had its power increased after being combined with Issei's Boosted Gear. And both Kiba and Xenovia started slashing at their perspective opponents while, in turn, being wary of Yura, who was sitting on the sidelines. After switching from offense to defense, Xenovia made a hole in space, which started leaking a holy aura that started surrounding Ascalon.

"While keeping Durandal locked up in the space!? You're taking out only its holy aura!"

"Yeah, I have suggested an interesting way to use Durandal. I somehow managed to achieve it in my training. Now, I can use it more than sufficiently."

"Can you not release only Durandal's aura from the separate space? You could then clad it on Ascalon or a holy sword that Kiba creates."

And both Xenovia and Meguri continued clashing against each other, with sliver light sparks flying into the air. After gaining an opening, Xenovia fired off a slash of holy aura toward Meguri.

"Take this!"

The holy aura started flying toward Meguri, but Tsubasa then jumped in front of her with her hands held out.

"Reverse!"

Once it made contact, the holy aura then transformed into a demonic aura, and Tsubasa flicked away the attack. Xenovia tried her balance with Tsubasa charging towards him; Xenovia then regained her balance and dodged the attack. Though despite dodging it, the force of her attack blew away several cars with its force Kiba was more shocked by the fact that she turned the holy aura into demonic.

"Xenovia! Switch with me!"

After that, Kiba and Xenovia swapped opponents because their weapon was blended by nature and couldn't be altered. At the same time, Xenovia started clashing against Tsubaki, her Ascalon in her hand. Xenovia then found and opening and slashed downwards towards Tsubaki.

"With this, this match is decided!"

As Xenovia was slashing her sword downwards, Tsubaki held her hand out with a light appearing in front of her.

"Sacred Gear, Mirror Alice."

A huge ornate mirror appeared in front of Tsubaki, and Xenovia's attack started breaking the mirror on contact. A huge wave of power was generated from the mirror and attacked. With a bewildered expression on her face, Xenovia started spitting out a large amount of blood from her mouth.

"When this mirror is destroyed, the impact on it is doubled and returned to the opponent. I am a Counter-Type user. Kiba Yuuto-kun, it was a mistake to send the Power-type Xenovia-san against me."

"Gahah!"

Xenovia then fell onto the ground with a pained expression on her face and spitting out blood from his mouth. Kiba made a shocked expression on his face at what he had just seen and immediately went towards Xenovia.

"The only one remaining is Kiba Yuuto. You're the only one left."

As all three of them started approaching Kiba and an injured Xenovia, he then helped Xenovia up and ran away from them. He then placed Xenovia against the shadow of a car while getting out the medical supplies that he had gathered. He then started mending her injuries while thinking about the events that had happened and how Sona had predicted everything up to this point. As Kiba continued to treat her injuries, she grasped Kiba's hand.

"…Abandon me, Kiba. I'll disappear from this place anyway when I retire soon because of these injuries."

Kiba only ignored her request and continued treating her injuries.

"Yeah, I know that. But, you know, I promised that I wouldn't abandon an ally so easily."

"…How soft. You're just like Ise and Kazuki."

After hearing that, Kiba started smiling and stated.

"That makes me happy. Because part of me also thinks that I'd like to become like both of them."

Kiba then started remembering every single situation both of them were in and how they continued pushing forward despite how outmatched they were.

"Become like Ise and Kazuki? You mean become a pervert and obsessed with Maids?"

"That's at least Ise-kun's thing, and Kazuki doesn't show that. I want to obtain their guts and willpower."

"…That doesn't suit you best, though. It suits Mariah more."

"True. But, as long as I can move even a single finger, I won't fall!"

"…I see. Are you telling someone like me to move since I can still move a single finger? What a cruel guy."

"If I fall, I'll do what I have to do, even if I can move only a single millimeter or inch. Because otherwise, the regret of not doing anything would be so painful that I'd die!"

[Sona Sitri-Sama's first Pawn has retired.]

After hearing that announcement, they later started hearing footsteps coming towards them, and Kiba stood up and came from their hiding spot with Xenovia being supported.

"Have you resolved yourself?"

After preparing her naginata, Kiba only looked forward as a small tear in space started opening behind him, and the holy aura started flowing inside of Kiba. Kiba then shouted with a renewed spirit.

"Durandal Birth!"

Several Holy Demonic Swords surrounded by Durandal's holy aura started to spring out from the ground. The attacks then pierced through both Tsubasa and Meguri, with Tsubaki dodging each of the attacks and escaping. Xenovia smiled and started shining with a bright light.

"Kiba. That was a nice attack."

"Yeah, when you and I work together again, we can make more Holy Swords bloom."

Xenovia vanished away from the Rating Game; Kiba then started walking forward as the Holy Swords that were created started dissolving away to nothingness.

Both Issei and Saji were exchanging blows with each other, with Saji being ragged and slightly out of breath as his fist smashed against Issei's armor. Issei then pulled his fist back and launched it towards Saji, who wrapped his Absorption Lines around his arm and blocked the attack. Despite being sent flying by each attack, having his fists broken, and his legs trembling, he continued getting back up.

And every time Saji tried launching one of his lines toward Issei, they were immediately blown away by the aura that Issei had released. However, he noticed that the other lines wouldn't come off of his arm, despite being in his Scale Mail form. And despite his Scale Mail armor, Issei felt his mind and body start to shake.

"…I'll win…Today, I'll defeat you…I'll take the first step towards my dream…."

As he started saying that, Saji started spitting out blood from his mouth, with Issei remembering something during his training with Tannin.

[Kid. Listen carefully. The most fearful attack is a "Heavy Blow".]

[A Heavy Blow?]

[Yea, while competing in the Rating Games, there'll be various people fighting with various feelings. For the sake of one's desire. For the sake of a hobby. For the sake of one's family. For the sake of a woman. For the sake of wealth. And for the sake of a dream. Various thoughts and feelings are mixed. Among these, there are even people who have invested their lives into Rating Games. Among the participants in this hellish iron pot, there is an attack that must be feared the most. That is the "Heavy Blow".]

[Is that a special final move? Or a Sacred Gear? A magic technique?]

[No. Kid, grasp your fist. What is being grasped inside your hand there?]

[…I don't know.]

[It is filled with something: a dream or a soul. One's life is put into that fist. This is, above all, dangerous. If one has time to prepare for other attacks, this blow can be dealt with to a certain extent, one way or another. But, just that is not enough. The "Heavy Blow" reaches the core of the body. This is effective. It is frighteningly effective. Even in the Underworld, with its magic and science, the damage of that blow can't be expressed clearly. But, the ones who had been hit with this blow understand. Yeah, this is bad, they think. An opponent that can release this blow is an unmistakably genuine strong enemy. You must never go easy against them. If an opponent can release that blow even if he's of a lower level than you, that is a different story. If you receive that blow, the battle situation will change completely. It pierces you. No matter what defense you use against it, it will reach the core of your body.]

Issei finally understood what Tannin was telling him as Saji's attacks started bypassing his armor.

"I understand now, Ossan. Saji's blows were piercing me. They were passing through my armor and reaching my body!"

[This spirit. Is the "Prison Dragon" that sleeps in his Sacred Gear responding to Saji's feelings?]

"Dragon-Type Sacred Gears are scary, Ddraig. I couldn't understand what was happening!"

"Hyoudoooooooooooooooou!"

Despite grievous injuries, Saji kept punching Issei's Scale Mail, with Issei returning each of his attacks.

"Let me ask you one thing! What is it like!? Are your Master's breasts soft!? Is the rumor about them feeling like marshmallows true!? Is a woman's body seriously like pudding that doesn't collapse!?"

Saji launched his line towards a bench behind Issei and swung it with all of his strength, but Issei crossed his arms and protected himself.

"What were you thinking when you were rubbing her breasts!? Damn iiiiiiiiiiiiit!"

Saji released several lines towards the furniture store and started throwing a tone of large furniture towards Issei. Issei then pointed his hand towards the sky and started firing Dragon Shots toward them while restraining his power so he won't destroy everything. He later felt something smashing against his back; he looked and noticed that it was a dresser.

"I also want to rub them! I want to rub theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeem!"

Issei looked forward and noticed the tears of frustration coming from Saji's eyes.

"I haven't even seen breasts yet! You don't know how much I've prayed for nipples my entire life! And yet you get to see them as much as you liiiiiiiiiiiiike!"

Issei then launched his fist forward and knocked Saji down, who immediately stood back up to his feet.

"But, Hyoudou! It isn't breasts that I want the most! It's to be a teacher! A teacher! I will become a teacher! Can't I become a teacher!? Why do we have to be laughed at!?"

Issei looked forward and realized that he wasn't crying to him but to the High-Class Devils who berated and made fun of them because of their dream.

"We didn't declare our dream for the sake of being laughed at…!"

"I'm not laughing! It's impossible to be able to laugh at you when you're risking your life like this!"

Issei continued punching Saji and knocking him down, with him standing back up again and again while spitting out his broken teeth.

"Today! I will! Surpass you!"

Issei continued placing tens of blows on Saji's body, with his breath started to become faint and weak.

"Hyuh…Hyuh…"

Issei looked forward and noticed that Saji's face was swollen, his left eye completely closed shut, his fighting stance starting to become unsteady, and his fingers were bent in the wrong direction.

"Come, Saji. Come! Sajiiiiiiiiiiiii! You won't let it end here, right!? You don't intend to let it end like this, right!? Weren't you going to do the things that aren't possible for idiots like us and run swiftly forward!?"

The only thing that Saji had remaining was that strong look in his eyes, which Issei was immediately reminded of the first battle that he had with Raiser.

"You also trained desperately, right? I trained desperately as well."

Issei could feel the dreadful pressure being released from Saji's body; Issei then declared.

"Saji, I'm going to beat you."

Saji then punched Issei with his bent hand, but Issei dodged the attack with a small movement, and he punched forward, knocking Saji down and feeling good feedback from it. Despite losing consciousness, Saji grasped his right arm with both of his hands with a light surrounding his body and vanished.

[One of Sona Sitri-Sama's Pawn has retired.]

"Koneko-chan."

Issei opened up his Scale Mail's helmet revealing his face; he then looked down towards Koneko while forcing a smile.

"Could you hold my hand?"

"…Ise-senpai?"

"This is the first time I knocked down a friend. I understand it. I understand it, but…."

Koneko only nodded and gently grasped Issei's hand; Koneko then smiled and declared.

"You were cool. A senpai to be proud of."

After Issei's match against Saji was over, he broke open the door of a nearby vending machine and took out a bottle of water to quench his throat along with Koneko. But as Issei was drinking the water, he noticed that he had a slight shakiness going throughout his body. His mind then drifted to the other announcement that he had heard about one of Rias' Knights, which was taken out.

"Ise-senpai."

Issei then looked as Koneko started pointing at Saji's line, which was still attached to his arm, and he noticed that it was heading toward Sona's base. But they stopped as they heard Rias over their communication devices.

[Offense Team, can you hear? We're now advancing towards the enemy base as well.]

"Let's go."

Koneko then nodded in agreement to what Issei said, then started heading towards Sona's base, which was in the center of the base. They arrived at the central plaza, which was surrounded by several circular benches. And standing in front of them was Sona, along with her two Bishops, Reya Kusaka and Momo Hanakai, with the line being connected to them.

"How do you do, Issei Hydouou-kun, Koneko Toujou-san. I see, so that's the appearance of the Welsh Dragon. I do feel a terrible wave of power from you. It's only natural for everyone to consider it dangerous."

After a while, Tsubaki arrived with Kiba chasing after her from the opposite side, and he realized that the Knight who was taken out was Xenovia. Issei looked and noticed that Rias showed up with a slightly rigid expression on her face, along with Akeno.

"…Sona, you're quite bold. To have come right to the center."

"Haven't you, the King, also moved personally as well, Rias?"

"Yeah, since we've already reached the final stage," Rias stated, not denying Sona's counter comment. "Though, it seems to have turned out quite differently from what I expected…."

As Issei was thinking about how everything had played out, believing that Rias' plan was the most ideal for this Rating Game. However, Sona proved much more of an adversary than either of them thought and realized that their group played into the Sitri heiress' palm. As Kazuki thought in the VIP room, Rias and the others overlooked and underestimated Sona. Just then, Issei started feeling as if he was close to losing consciousness; his vision all but started becoming divided. And he finally fell on one of his knees while looking towards the ground.

"…Ise?"

Looking on with a worried expression on her face, Rias found herself walking to Issei. Koneko, who was standing beside him, placed a comforting hand on his chest. It caused the Gremory Heiress to retrieve the Phoenix Tear she'd kept on her. After seeing that, Sona smiled slightly.

"Even a Sacred Gear, such as Asia-san's Twilight Healing or the Phoenix Tears, would have an effect," Sona said, then continued speaking. "Rias, I saw the video records of how the battle with Raiser was finished. And then I understood from that that Hyoudou-kun is a boy that won't give up in battle, to the point of being frightening. For the sake of his comrades, for himself, and above all for Rias…."

Sona then continued her explanation further.

"We might not be able to defeat him by just damaging him. No matter how many times we knock him down, he'll just stand back up. To us, your so-called "guts and spirit" is just as astounding as the power of the Sekiryuutei. If you don't give up and keep on standing up, you'll believe that you'll eventually defeat your enemy. That willpower connects directly to the power of the Red Dragon Emperor and increases your power by several times as well. That is the greatest weapon for Hyoudou-kun."

Issei didn't respond, but he mentally agreed with Sona, considering that his "guts" and "spirit" was his redeeming qualities, all things considered.

"That's why we had no choice but to beat you with a different method."

Momo then held up a plastic bag filled with a red liquid, which looked like blood.

"It's your blood. You are a Reincarnated Devil that is a Human at your base. It's lethal if a Human loses half of the blood coursing through their body. You know that, right? The rule of the Rating Game. When a Devil reaches the point of being unable to fight during the game, they are forcibly transported to the Medical Room."

Issei's eyes then widened after what he had heard, he then realized Saji's plan from the beginning, and he started losing the strength in his body after seeing that Kiba summoned a Holy Demonic Dagger in his hand and threw it towards the line on Issei's arm, with a red liquid spilling on the ground.

"It's too late. You've already lost enough blood to be transported to the Medical Room."

Hearing those cold words, Rias started panicky, looking towards Issei while beginning to lose his patience after realizing how much Sona had outsmarted them.

"Sona. You…!"

"That's right. I used Saji's Absorption Line to suck out Hyoudou-kun's blood little by little until he ended up in a dangerous state. To continuously use a Sacred Gear, whose original ability is to suck out the energy of the target, to suck out blood instead, considerable training and precise control were necessary. But, Saji managed to accomplish it."

Issei remembered how much Saji was fighting against him with his fighting spirit, but also to stall for him.

"Hyoudou-kun. You're close to retiring from the Rating Game. You should be able to do one or two attacks now. The reason is blood loss. Your armor is solid. Your offensive power is great. However, when I searched for ways to defeat you, there were many. Even if we can't physically defeat you, the game rules will consider you unable to fight."

As Sona said those words, Issei then started noticing that he started losing more and more of his strength.

"Rias, what're you willing to bet on this Rating Game? I'm willing to risk my life. My dream is a difficult one, but I promised Kazuki-kun I'd succeed in it. If I don't destroy obstacles one by one, I can't cut open a path of solution," Sona then looked towards Rias and declared, with a determined expression on her face. "Rias, I will destroy your pride and estimation."

At what Sona had said, Rias made a sour expression on her face as she realized that despite having the power advantage, Sona was able to completely out-created several countermeasures against them. Sona then directed her attention toward Issei.

"Saji. He was always saying that he'd surpass you. To Saji, you are a fellow Pawn, a friend, and a rival he wants to surpass," Sona then continued her statement. "However, you have a legendary dragon inside you. With just that, he possessed an inferiority complex toward you. I wanted to convey to that child that he could fight while crying over such a thing. And that was conveyed to him. The line didn't disappear even when Saji was worn out. He filled it with that much intense feelings. I'll say this to you, who is about to disappear from this battlefield soon? Just as you were aiming only for the top, Saji was running toward the objective of defeating you. You aren't the only [Pawn] that has a dream and lives earnestly! The one who beat you was Saji Genshirou!"

[Today! I will! Surpass you!]

Issei then started recalling what Saji had said, and he started mustering up the strength that he had left to stand up. He then started gathering his aura around his entire body, and he directed his attention towards Rias' breasts.

"Before I retire…I think I'll disappear after I've fulfilled my worldly desires…." He'd started gathering his demonic power toward his brain while concentrating deeply and shouting. "Rise, my lust! Unleash my worldly desires!"

Everyone then started staring at Issei with a curious and odd expression on his face as they started hearing his declaration. It almost reminded some of them about the time that he created and unveiled the Dress Break move during their Rating Game against Riser Phenex.

"Spread out, the world of my dreams!"

A mysterious and invisible field then began expanding around them, with Issei being at the center of the field; this caused the women from both of their groups to feel an uncomfortable feeling on their skin, then started covering their bodies defensively. He then directed his attention towards Rias' breasts.

"Please let me hear your voice!"

[Ise, are you okay…? If you do such a strange thing, it'll affect your health….]

Issei smiled as he heard a cute-sounding voice from Rias, more specifically, her breasts, sounding as if it were a little girl's voice.

"Buchou, you're worried about me right now, aren't you? That I'll hurt my body by doing something strange…."

"Ise! H-How do you know that…?"

After hearing the astonished voice that came from Rias, he then directed his attention towards Sona's breasts.

"What are you thinking about right now?"

[Could he have developed a technique to hear the voice of people's hearts~? Sona, that's troubling~ He could find out your feeling about Kazu-chan~]

Issei lewdly smirked after hearing Sona's breasts, which sounded similar to Serafall's cheerful voice, which had slightly confused him.

"Sona-Kaichou, you thought that my new special technique could let me hear the voices of people's hearts, right? And you were thinking about your feeling about Kazuki?"

Sona then looked towards him with a wondering expression on her face; however, in noting her potential feelings for Kazuki being brought up, her face started turning bright red.

"Fufufu, that's not it. It's close, but that's not it. I wanted to hear it. The voice of chests! No! The voice of breasts!"

Issei then took a pose and called out his new technique with the usual expression on his face.

"My new technique, Bilingual! My new technique lets me hear the voice of breasts from women only! …Haa, haa. When I question them, the breasts tell the answer to me without lies! …Haa, haa. It's the strongest technique that lets me understand the heart of the opponent! Ugh, I don't have enough blood…"

Issei started feeling dizzy from the loss of blood, wondering about his thoughts and desires for breasts while he was training on the mountain with Tannin.

"Hey! Breasts of the Bishop Onee-san over there, what are you thinking!?"

After feeling danger to her body, Reya started covering her breasts with a creep-out expression on her face.

"No, don't listen!"

[Kiba-Kyun! I'm so happy to be standing on the same battlefield as Kiba-Kyun!]

Issei started twitching his eyes with an annoyed expression on his face; he then turned his attention toward the other Bishop.

"The breasts of the other Bishop Onee-san, what are you thinking!?"

He turned towards Momo, who crouched down with her head between her knees.

"Please stop it! It's disgusting!"

[Hyoudou is scary…. Even though he has such strong armor, why can I only see him as an ordinary pervert…?]

As a result of that, Issei fell to the ground where he stood and felt everyone's eyes beginning to twitch out of annoyance. Sona's eyes twitched slightly out of annoyance while Rias placed her hand on her forehead while sighing slightly.

"Rias…. This is a little…."

"I'm sorry…."

"I think it's a scary technique, but with this violation of privacy, won't female Devils no longer fight him from now on?"

"Yeah, we'll have to be severely careful now…."

"…a true pervert!"

[You ARE a pervert!]

Issei was revealing attack after attack from the woman's words, while Kiba looked on, incapable of thinking about anything in defense of his best friend. Reaching the limit, he just redirected his attention back over toward Sona and asked again.

"Kaichou's Breasts-san! Please tell me what kind of strategy you intend to use now!"

[This special barrier made by the two Bishops is a decoy~. Only my spirit has been placed in the barrier, and my body is just a holographic image~. Since my spirit has come here, it's possible to make the presence of my body disappear and make it look like my aura is inside the barrier~. My true body is on the roof~. It's a strategy to make you attack me inside the barrier and weaken you guys even a little~.]

Issei's eyes widened slightly out of shock, then relayed the information from Sona's breast to the others.

"Everyone, the Kaichou in that barrier is a decoy. She's just a hologram created by the two Bishops inside the barrier…. Their strategy is to make us waste time attacking the barrier here and weaken us even a little…. The real Kaichou is on the roof! It seems that only her spirit has been moved into the hologram…. That's also why Koneko-chan's enemy detection couldn't find the Kaichou on the roof. But, because her spirit came here, Bilingual also worked and let me hear the holographic breasts, is that it…?"

After saying that, Issei fell to his knees, with his consciousness becoming more and more fainter. He then looked to see that he started being covered in bright light, then cursed himself for not being able to at least promote to Queen and losing like this.

[Rias Gremory-Sama's Pawn has retired.]

In the VIP Room, the people watching the entire match seemed to have worn a dumbfounded expressions as they witnessed something unbelievable.

"…So this is the current Sekiryuutei?"

One of the spectators said, feeling exasperated.

Almost no one in the room uttered a single word, aside from one person, who found themselves laughing without caring about how they looked.

"Hahahahahahahaha," it was Azazel who was laughing as if he hadn't laughed in his entire life, then slapping his ankle uncontrollably. "Come on, what the hell is that?!"

Azazel, who was more than open to perverted things, couldn't believe what he was seeing right then and there. It was one thing to create a technique that allowed one to remove clothing, but it was another thing to create one to hear the voice of breasts. Both Sirzechs and Odin looked on with a confused and surprised expressions, taking in what was happening. Kazuki, on the other hand, placed a hand on his face while Asia, Raynare, and Mariah all felt exasperated by what was happening.

"Did Ise-kun somehow develop a technique to hear their thoughts?"

Sirzechs asked, placing a hand underneath his chin.

"No, I was afraid that this day might eventually come," Sirzechs turned his head to find Kazuki looking a sigh out of his mouth, not caring about who heard it. "He did it; he finally created a technique that allowed him to hear the voice of a woman's breasts."

"How vulgar!"

Rossweisse felt exasperated, having gained the worst opinion of Issei without having met him in person.

"Hm, Kazuki-kun, are you alright? You seem more flustered than irritated."

Sirzechs stated, looking towards Kazuki, whose cheeks were flushed.

"It's…something," Kazuki replied, placing a hand on his forehead, still with flushed cheeks. "Why the hell could I hear everything that Nii-san heard when using that perverted technique? Albion, if you're not too irritated, could you help me think."

[Ugh, that brother of yours. If I had to guess, it might have something to do with the fact that he took in the jewel of Divine Dividing. It was irregular enough that both of you were born with Ddraig and I, which is something that'd cause some irregularities itself. So, that must've formed a deeper connection between you two.]

Albion replied, causing Kazuki to believe that explanation as Issei did absorb the power of Divine Dividing, which is still a part of his.

"Ugh, well, I hope he enjoys this because I can tell that technique is getting banned too."

Kazuki said.

"Hohohoho, maybe you can develop a technique that turns women into your servants," after Odin's comment, Kazuki turned his attention over towards Odin, who was looking on with a perverted look. "Ohoho, I didn't think it would be possible that the well-mannered Hakuryuukou would have such a fetish for maids. If you're interested, I believe that our family in the Asgard has some fine maids."

"…."

Kazuki couldn't come up with a response as Odin laughed to himself from amusement while abashedly glaring at the Norse God.

"Well, Lucina sure is doing a good job as a co-arbiter alongside Grayfia," Sirzechs stated, wearing a calm look. "I wouldn't be surprised if she's allowed to do some alone."

"Hehe, that is the adorable Queen that I'm proud of."

"Even though you once spanked her for saying Gabriel-sama wasn't that bad. Or bit her hand," Sirzechs uttered under his breath with amusement. "But, her growth is something that all of us Maou look forward to. I mean, you did use an Unused Mutation Queen Piece on her. Though, I believe you fear that Lucina will become the same as Grayfia."

"An Unused Queen Mutation Piece?"

Kazuki seemed confused about that phrase.

"Oh, it's a unique function among the Evil Pieces that Ajuka added after creating them," Sirzechs replied while he leaned closer to talk to Kazuki. "It's an Evil Piece that develops along the King's growth. Serafall was holding onto that Queen Piece for a long time too. So, there's no telling what value it might have."

"Yes, if Lu-chan can overcome her timid nature, then you'll see what she's truly capable of."

Serafall seemed proud of Lucina, whose potential growth was something to behold.

"Sirzechs."

"Yes?"

Odin seemed to have called out Sirzechs, who turned his attention over towards the Norse God.

"About that kid who has the dragon Sacred Gear."

"You mean Hyoudou Issei-kun? He has the Sekiryuutei."

However, Odin shook his head and instead mentioned someone unexpected.

"No, I mean the Pawn of the Sitri family."

At Odin's comment, Sirzechs and Azazel appeared surprised as the Norse God sounded more interested in Saji rather than Issei, the Sekiryuutei. Kazuki, on the other hand, wore a smile on his face as Saji was getting more recognition than he could've ever expected.

"He's a good Devil. You should take good care of that one. He'll become stronger in the future," Odin stated as he stroked his beard. "The achievement of defeating the Sekiryuutei Kid is huge, which is the reason that Rating Games are fun. The weak change in the middle of a match. This is what a true match is."

Hearing such words caused Sirzechs and Azazel to smile at the potential growth of the previously unknown host of a Dragon. In witnessing the actions of her sister, Serafall couldn't help tearing up, and it started again after she heard those words.

Kiba, who watched what happened, made an irked expression. Despite their team having the advantage in terms of power and unique powers, Sona took full advantage of that. Rias' estimation was high because of those on her team, but it felt as if it would be lowered after this. Despite the situation, Rias remained calm and asked Koneko.

"Koneko, can you feel her spirit?"

"Yes. I couldn't detect it before, but now I sense Kaichou's spirit on the rooftop. I think that the barrier from before was a false illusion that made it look like Kaichou was inside it, and also a special decoy that made anyone unable to perceive the actual person's spirit and location."

Koneko answered as her cat ears started moving around timidly, trying to search for Sona's location. Kiba then pointed his Holy Demonic Sword toward Tsubaki.

"Now then, how shall we do this? As two blade users, shall we decide it by the blade?"

"That is also fine. In chess, when a Pawn is promoted, in most cases, they'd become Queen. However, the battle situation changes if they promote to Knight instead, depending on the setting. There are also a lot of differences between actual chess and the Rating Games, but this will be a good match."

Akeno then approached the remaining Bishop, with a golden aura beginning to crackle around her entire body like electricity. Her expression darkened after witnessing that Issei was defeated right in front of them, while there were tears in her eyes.

"…Even though I tried to show Ise-kun my determination… …Even though I'd tried to overcome it…by using this hateful power in front of him…," Akeno uttered in a dangerous tone. "I won't forgive you. Disappear."

Akeno unleashed a burst of lightning straight at Reya and Momo; the former held out her hand in an attempt to protect them from the onslaught.

"Reverse!"

Reya said out loud.

Her attempts at defending it against that with the special ability failed as both she and Momo were covered not in the thunder but Holy Lightning violently. Both of them were surrounded by a bright light and then vanished out of the Rating Game.

"It seems it was useless. She'd tried to reverse the thunder, but what I shot just now was lightning. Thunder and light. The reverse of the light portion wasn't enough to reverse it all."

[Two of Sona Sitri-Sama's Bishops had retired.]

"The power couldn't be overturned when the power being reversed was changed."

Akeno then directed her attention towards Tsubaki as she was battling against Kiba after sensing and then intending danger. She then started running away from the attack as Akeno fired off her Holy Lightning toward Tsubaki, who started dodging the attack. Kiba then charged toward her with his Knight's Godspeed while creating a Holy Demonic Sword and then stabbed her.

Tsubaki blocked the attack using her naginata, then took out a small bottle of Phoenix Tears and threw the bottle towards him while cutting it open with her weapon—the contents spilled onto Kiba's body, with Tsubaki holding her hand out.

"Reverse!"

Kiba's eyes then widened out of shock; he then transformed his Holy Demonic Sword into the water and splashed it onto his body. He became well aware of the nature behind the Phoenix's Tears creation and created this method would negate it.

"If an opening is made even just a little!"

Tsubaki then directed her weapon's blade toward Kiba; he then started making several Holy Demonic Swords that bloomed all around him. The swords then destroyed Tsubaki's naginata on contact.

"The current me has no openings."

Kiba released another Holy Demonic Sword at her, with Tsubaki summoning Mirror Alice and rebounding the attack towards him. Once the mirror broke, the impact then rebounded towards Kiba, who gritted his teeth; because of the attack, he then raised his hand towards the air.

"Petro, Basileus, Dionysius, Holy Mary. Please listen to my voice!"

"No way!? That's…!"

"In the name of the saints lodged in the holy blade, I release thee. Durandal!"

Tsubaki looked confused and stunned as Kiba uttered a familiar chant, then her fears became realized. Kiba took Durandal from its dimensional storage; he then pulled it out and made a slash toward her without Tsubaki being able to activate her Sacred Gear again.

"It was Xenovia's suggestion. That, in the case that she became unable to function and fight, she would transfer the sword's right of use to me since this sword is too good for her."

"However, your Holy Demonic aptitude is…."

"I had no past. Because of that, I saw hell, but…I'm different now. Thanks to attaining Balance Breaker, it seems I can also handle Durandal like this."

With the holy aura being released, Durandal became quiet and peaceful, different from the violent aura released when Xenovia was using it.

"Kuh! This is…! You can handle it better than Xenovia-san!?"

"…Xenovia has an aura temperament that desires power; Durandal may have also reacted to that. But I choose certainty over power. Ability over strength," Kiba slashed Durandal downwards and released a powerful aura towards Tsubaki. Despite being tamed in his hand, the floor was cut in half. "I thought that it was a stubborn steed that didn't listen to the words of its wielder, but it seems to be true. It cut more than I thought…. So controlling it is still difficult."

"This was outside of our calculations, Sona! Even more than Hyoudou-kun…! Their true Ace is…! The servant to pay attention to is…Kiba Yuuto!"

After saying those final words, Tsubaki was surrounded by a bright light and vanished from the Rating Game.

[Sona Sitri-Sama's Queen, retired.]

"It's because I aim to surpass Ise-kun, no, the Red Dragon Emperor," Kiba remembered the battle that he had fought against Riser Phenex, then the frustration that he felt after losing that battle. He battled with Kokabiel and how he couldn't enter the battle against Vali, then declared himself. "I'll also promise the same as you promised. I will never make my Master Rias Gremory cry again."

After losing her remaining pieces, the last one remaining was the King herself, Sona. After making it to the roof of the department store, with the sky being empty. Standing there in front of them was Sona, who smiled bitterly.

"Sona, why on the roof?"

"The King must survive until the end," Sona seriously replied. "That's the duty of the King. If the King is taken out, the game would be over, right?"

"…Yes, I didn't question the profoundness of that."

"Rias, Saji won against the Welsh Dragon. Neither Ise-kun nor you made any mistakes. Please don't make light of that child. You aren't the only ones that are desperate."

"Yes, I could sense it with my body. Now then, let's settle this, Sona."

Rias started walking towards Sona for a one-on-one battle, with Kiba looking towards them and declaring confidently.

"If I sense danger, I'll enter to help immediately. I won't listen to your selfishness."

"…."

Rias didn't respond to what Kiba had said, but she understood what he meant by that. As Rias was in front of Sona, an aura of water started gathering around Sona, and they started to take shape along with all of the water that was around the department store.

Without the slightest bit of hesitation, Rias fired off a barrage of Power of Destruction toward Sona, resembling a machine gun. Sona then created a wall of water and started blocking the attacks, but since she had an unlimited supply of water, she could block the attack.

"Now then, Rias. I shall thoroughly display my water techniques to you."

Sona then transformed large amounts of water into several hawks in the air, serpents that silvered on the ground, valiant lions, wolves that started herding together, and several large Dragons.

"Just as I wished for, Sona!"

After fearlessly declaring that Rias started piling compression of Power of Destruction power, and then both friends started their one-on-one battle.

[Resign confirmed. It is the victory of Rias Gremory-Sama.]

A/N: And there goes the next chapter of The Twin Dragons; well, this was a clear and cut chapter about the Rating Game between Rias and Sona. So, there's not much to say about what happened this time. I did mention some of the interactions between those in the VIP Room. I do wonder what would happen if Kazuki did make a special technique like that. It was something that was on my mind. However, that's a thought, and I wonder what you guys think about it.

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, Valerie.